I hardly know where to start in reference to the letter (Mirror, July 14) of T.J. Brown.

“Gays taking over the library.” Is this what you call it when a group reserves a meeting room? Do you also call it “taking over” when the folks with spinning wheels reserve and use a room? If you don’t like who’s using the room, don’t go. The rooms are available to all of us.

The myth of gays “recruiting” young people was disapproved decades ago.

I’ve lived in Federal Way with my partner for over 20 years. Just like you, I pay taxes. I don’t think what Tyler Young (opinion, July 10) is trying to accomplish could be called pandering. Sounds like social networking to me.

Mr. Young stated: “The city doesn’t embrace gay culture and it’s obvious why. Images of gays and lesbians on the news or in movies are awful stereotypes that portray the worst attention seekers and carelessly sexual fools. That isn’t how the majority of gays act, and creating this group will be a benefit for Federal Way.”

I couldn’t agree more!

Interesting that the Fremont festival doesn’t draw the same ire as the gay pride parade. People of all stripes have those that are flamboyant and well, free-spirited. Should all straight people be judged by how they act at the Fremont festival? Naked bicycle riders and all? Neither should all gay and lesbians be judged by how those more flamboyant folks are.

I think most people know by now that gays and lesbians are very ordinary people living very ordinary lives. We take care of our homes and our yards and help our neighbors. We volunteer in the community and raise children and dogs and roses. We are not villains or perverts.

If you can’t manage acceptance, how about a little tolerance? Remember, the Bible says to “love one another.” I think that might tie in to treating others with dignity and respect — not hate.

Catherine North, Federal Way