Show LGBT teens they are supported

To the editor:

I am a write-in candidate for the Sept. 8 school board election. I've talked a lot about the struggle of those in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. I haven't talked about something that's important to me and many of my peers. The issue is LGBT+ bullying in our schools. LGBT+ issues have made major gains in this country for adults, but what about teenagers? I'm talking about the LGBT+ teenagers who are bullied, oppressed and depressed. Our P.A.R.R.T. classes that aim to rid our schools of bullying don't mention the horrors of homophobia for teenagers. The LGBT+ teens who are bullied don't speak up and the faculty don't care to listen.

It's true I can't take office if you vote for me, so I ask the people to not write my name, but instead write in LGBT. By voting and writing in LGBT it could send a message to LGBT teenagers that they are loved and supported by Cedar Rapids. I ask Monica Vernon, Pat Murphy, Rob Hogg and any other candidate or public figure that represent Cedar Rapids and Iowa to announce their support for LGBT+ teenagers who are bullied.

Matthew Haile

Cedar Rapids