Dear friend,

I am sorry for the mass-e-mailing, but I have received so many comforting and supporting e-mails that I simply couldn't respond to everyone individually. I truly feel honored to be part of a community that cares so much about its members. The events last week have left me with a storm of emotions, ranging from gratitude to anger to fear.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out to me. Many of you made remarks about courage and strength. I am doing the best I can to muster both of those attributes, but the reality is, I am afraid. In addition to being afraid for myself personally, I am afraid simply knowing that people could hate anyone so much. I am also afraid by the fact that in 2004, words in favor of equality and diversity are inflammatory.

Finally, I am afraid that what has happened to me (a white woman) has overshadowed the larger problem. That is, people of color, minority religious groups, women, gays and lesbians are too often targets for hate speech. Please stay with me in the fight against bigotry.

Yours in friendship,