DISCLAIMER: I read the website and fully understand your policy on not publishing anonymous letters to the editor. Whether or not you choose to publish this is insignificant to me, but why I’m choosing to remain anonymous will become apparent as you read what I have to say. And please, for the love of God, if you even think you know who I am, don’t mention it to someone else. Please.

I’m writing to the editors of the New Trier News in order to articulate my strong disagreement with the sentiments expressed in the Staff Editorial article entitled “Give Credit Where Credit’s Due.” This article begins with a thesis: “New Trier is an inclusive institution,” and continues on by pointing out things such as the inclusion of a clause into syllabuses no one reads, the introduction of gender studies into the curriculum of the class that Trevians take the least seriously (health), and the introduction of unisex bathrooms. To be clear, none of these are bad ideas. However, with the exception of unisex bathrooms, I seriously doubt that these have made a substantial positive impact on any LGBTQ+ identifying Trevians. They certainly haven’t changed anything for me. As a closeted male bisexual, the implementation of these policies hasn’t changed the environment of New Trier for me. I would still not be comfortable coming out at New Trier. The article mentions that although there is homophobia at New Trier, many more Trevians are allies to the queer community. This might be true in some circles, but as a guy who participates in a sports team, rampant and casual homophobia is not the exception: it’s the norm. No action by the supposedly pro-LGBTQ+ administration has changed that. Even worse than their inaction is their self-congratulating. Thinking that their putting signs up that say “we accept everyone” has done nothing to curb my fear of exiting the closet. Their repeated assurances that what they are doing is even mildly impactful works to isolate me and presumably others like me; there is no supportive community at New Trier, because instead of working to create one, the administration acts as if they’ve already done so. The article also criticizes “those who seek to generalize the LGBTQ experience.” This is an odd criticism to me, considering the nature of the editorial, which actively generalizes the LGBTQ experience. For those already uncloseted or those who have never struggled with their sexuality, it may be hard to truly understand the struggle of somebody like me, and I understand that. But to completely gloss over the idea that people like me exist perpetuates the ignorance that makes New Trier what it is: an unsafe and uncomfortable place for many of its LGBTQ+ students.