Mr. Coats’ (Letters, Nov. 12) opinions are exactly why said support group is needed.

I grew up on Whidbey Island, in Coupeville, and always knew that if you were a gay kid growing up on the Island, you were doomed. I think the fact that there are teens brave enough to start a group like this is refreshing and gives me hope that the voice of people as bigoted as Mr. Coats will soon be replaced by a new voice on the Island; one of compassion and tolerance.

Amanda Smithers-Bentley

Seattle