Letter to the mayor

Mayor Haslam:

I am writing as a Knoxville citizen, educator, father, and church member in support of the "Come Out Knoxville" march this Saturday. Knoxville needs this event to remind us that members of the gay community are valuable citizens, taxpayers, friends, and family members who fully deserve our support.

As a college student in Clarksville, Tennessee I saw firsthand the price that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people pay for being different in a conservative Tennessee community. I have friends who were run down by vehicles, insulted on a daily basis, and shunned by friends and family because they refused to hide the fact that they were gay. That was twenty years ago—I'd like to think things have changed.

You have led Knoxville in a new direction toward downtown revitalization, neighborhood development, and empowerment zone redevelopment. We are seeing our city reawaken to its full potential. I hope you will continue that leadership by embracing the city's gay residents who work toward the same goals, pay the same taxes, and vote for the same leaders. Let it be known that you are a mayor for all Knoxvillians.

Sincerely,

Todd Duren