I was particularly taken with a photograph in a past CVN issue depicting “Ice” Wangyot running in a track meet. This stunning photo captured a strong young woman in full stride, hands knifing through the air and a look of focused determination on her face.
Reading the terrific feature story on Ice some weeks later, I realized that despite her obvious physical attributes of strength and beauty, her strength of mind and character were her true blessings. I cannot imagine the courage required being true to yourself and your identity in a small town like Haines, where small things have a way of being magnified and anonymity is not an option. I felt like writing a letter to the editor then to thank Ice for her courage.
After reading the hateful letter from Wayne Lela regarding Ice’s story, with its prejudice poorly concealed by a thin veneer of pseudo-science, I regretted not following through on my impulse to write.
If I could say one thing to Ice, it would be thank you. Thank you for sharing your true self with the world; you make it a better place. And if I could say one thing to Wayne and anyone else who keeps the dark flames of prejudice alive, it would be to give that photo an honest look. If the poison you keep in your heart has not corrupted you past the point of return, you will have to admit that this is a picture of a beautiful young woman.
Carl Nash