Okay, I get it, the current issues go WAY beyond marriage. They go to the individual humanity and dignity of every person.

What I have observed is that most discrimination comes from ignorance that leads to fear. Almost everyone I have talked to who is uneasy around transgendered people or the concept of being transgendered does not actually know a transgendered person. The same applies to the people I’ve met who want to deny basic human rights to people who are gay, or (at the other end of the spectrum) people who “hate” anyone who would vote for Mr. Trump. (By the way, have you seen the video about the guys who started out trying to make a mockumentary at Trump rallies and realized they have more in common with the attendees than not in common?)

But underneath every label, quality, or belief that makes me not the same as you, there is one truth: we ARE all alike. We all bleed when cut. We all feel emotions. We all need food, water, and a safe place to sleep. We want to protect our families. We want our children to feel safe. We are not so different, you and I, as we just want to live our lives in peace, not fear.

As a graduate of a fairly conservative state university, I think one of the greatist gifts a university can give to students is the opportunity to meet people from a variety of backgrounds and realize that it IS possible to live together peacefully, even if our disagreements are many. We don’t have to be besties, but you don’t have to fear me or hate me either.

Good luck, Jackson State. I wish you all the best in the continuous creation of of a community built on faith, love, and service.