Open letter to Ambassador Allan Katz and the Board of American Public Square
Open letter to American Public Square
Dear Ambassador Allan Katz and Board Members of American Public Square:
Thank you for cancelling American Public Square’s planned town hall, “Exploring Gender and Identities.” As father of three beautiful adult children: one gay, one transgender, and one bisexual, I am concerned about the increase in violence against LGBTQ persons— as well as the rise in hostile rhetoric and laws targeted at making life more difficult, or even impossible for them.
With such hostility on the rise, it makes sense to evaluate which events will contribute to reasoned discourse and greater understanding and acceptance, and which events are likely to deepen polarization and make public life less safe for people.
More diverse voices needed in town hall
While “Exploring Gender and Identities” was described as a discussion of gender identity in the context of anti-LGBTQ legislation, no local lawmakers were invited to discuss their concerns and rationale for targeting LGBTQ people. Instead, all three of the panelists critical of transgender people were lesbians— making the panel much less diverse than the discussion warrants.
LGBTQ people did not bring about this legislation, so it’s unfair to make them the only ones discussing it— especially by a group which in ten years of town halls has never addressed any LGBTQ issue.
Most critically: how can we discuss LGBTQ issues in the context of restrictive laws if those responsible for the laws aren’t invited to speak to their concerns?
Let’s get it right next time
I appreciate your commitment to getting this right. With these concerns in mind, here are some parameters for a vigorous public discussion of laws targeting LGBTQ people:
Make the topic about legislation restricting LGBTQ people instead of singling out a minority within a minority to defend themselves.
Invite local legislators responsible for writing laws which target LGBTQ people to discuss their concerns with the public.
Bring in national and local experts supportive of LGBTQ people, who can speak to the concerns of the legislators and answer questions from the public.
I share American Public Square’s optimism in describing this important conversation as postponed and not cancelled. Broadening the topic to the appropriate scope and inviting lawmakers who are advancing restrictions on LGBTQ people could make for an event where both critics and supporters of LGBTQ people would feel that their concerns are being heard.
Thank you,
Fred Kaffenberger
Kansas City, MO
CC: Supporters and Friends of APS, Justice Horn, Anthony Strickland MD, Alex Pearson
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