Heather Wrigley (“Fit to Print,” Nov. 10) is quite right that The Daily Universe should decide for itself what is newsworthy, and I do not take offense to her view that the handcart trek was not newsworthy. However, certain things within the column offended me deeply.
Wrigley labeled the analogy of pioneers to the struggle for LGBT rights as “offensive” and said it twisted “sacred LDS history and symbols to suit a political agenda.” First, neither she nor the LDS church owns the heritage of the pioneers. My ancestors crossed the plains with the saints, as did many of the ancestors of my gay and straight friends who supported this event. This is our heritage too.
Second, the analogy to the pioneers is not offensive. The saints crossed the country to escape persecution and to find the freedom to live and worship freely according to their own conscience. Likewise, the LGBT community suffers from immense discrimination, inequality and violence. We, like the pioneers, want nothing more than to live our lives according to the dictates of our own conscience.
This event was not about gaining political points, starting a media frenzy or trying to get the LDS church to change its core doctrines, but about fostering communication and understanding on a divisive issue. There is no need, or place, for this division when the barriers can easily be broken down through honest and sincere dialogue. Unfortunately, columns like Wrigley’s, with its content and tone, only work to further divide.
Isaac Higham
Logan
Feeds 
"This event was not about gaining political points, starting a media frenzy or trying to get the LDS church to change its core doctrines, but about fostering communication and understanding on a divisive issue."
On the contrary, it was a staged event that was ALL about gaining political points and an event which they hoped would start a media frenzy. And they would like nothing better than to have the LDS church change its core doctrines to fit their behavior which is in direct opposition to God's plan of happiness. If you choose to see things differently, that is of course your choice. But I think most people see the stunt for exactly what it was and to equate their "struggle"???? with that of the saints who were worshiping God according to his commandments is not only offensive, but it is blatantly wrong. And I've yet to see a prophet of God lead any of these Gays on a trek anywhere -- except toward repentance. I do believe it was Brigham Young who led the saints on their trek out west. Could you please tell me which prophet, seer and revelator was leading these trekkers on their mini march?
"And they would like nothing better than to have the LDS church change its core doctrines to fit their behavior which is in direct opposition to God's plan of happiness."
Don't presume to know my intentions or those of my peers. We don't care one iota about changing your doctrines, don't be so full of yourself! We seek nothing more than equal protection of the laws in all 50 states granted by our God inspired Constitution. If we can soften the hearts of our family and friends to lessen the divisiveness along the way, that is a bonus. We are not after your church, get over it.
"We don't care one iota about changing your doctrines..... We are not after your church....”
If you don't care about changing the doctrines, then why focus on the LDS church instead of all Christian churches which teach the same thing about homosexuals?
You referred to the LDS church as "your church" -- does that mean it is not your church too? If not, and you're this offended by the original post above, why would you choose to attend BYU - an LDS church sponsored school? If you are not a student of BYU and are not a member of the LDS church, I wonder why you would spend your time reading the newspaper of BYU. If you're a former student, perhaps you should spend you time trying doing something which will reach a greater audience. This newspaper has a limited circulation and you're not likely to change many minds -- especially when you're a bit nasty in your response.
Now please take your own advice and "get over yourself.” You're beginning to sound like a troll.
I do not know what the intent of the trekkers was, nor will I conjecture. However, I do not see their choice of demonstration as offensive. It seems only reasonable for a group making a political demonstration to reach into regional history for something that most people can easily relate to.
I do not support the LGBT movement, but I do agree with Mr. Higham on one point: there is no need for such barriers and animosity.