I have lived in NE Tacoma for the past 11 years. Prior to that, I lived in Federal Way since 1979.

I have read the Federal Way Mirror for years and have always felt that the paper does an excellent job of representing both sides of an issue. The facts are always more important than an individual’s opinion or viewpoint.

Tyler Young (opinion, July 10) discussed in a rational manner the limitations and experiences he has had living as part of a culture, in the City of Federal Way. Our country, and government, has made great strides in ensuring that our citizens do not feel discriminated against based on race, gender or sexual orientation.

The letter published on July 14, written by T.J. Brown, was obviously motivated by hostility toward Tyler Young based on Tyler’s sexual orientation. These types of attitudes have been the basis for many hate crimes. T.J. Brown’s opinion that Tyler should “just get out of Federal Way and don’t come back” is so angry, and his helpful suggestions to Tyler are so childish, that I don’t believe T.J. Brown cared to address Tyler’s concerns. He merely wanted to ridicule him. The fact that the Federal Way Mirror gave him a venue to do so is very disheartening.

My children have learned in their elementary school to celebrate people’s differences and to show tolerance for alternate points of view. I wish the adults in our community could behave as role models for the next generation.

Tammy Birgen, NE Tacoma