Some expect us to bow to bigots in order to achieve our goals. I don't know about "breathing easier" as there are plenty more where they came from.

Two of my friends were specifically named targets in the letter (that's how I found this article). This is just a momentary victory against a tide that sometimes seems like it will never stop

The strangest one was the threat to "rape me to make me a man".

I hope your friends stay safe. The one thing we have on our side is most are cowards and make threats but don't have the backbone to follow through.

One friend who was targeted runs a "fortunate families" group, a grassroots Catholic organization that takes in LGBT youths who have been kicked out by their parents. The other target is actually not LGBT nor particularly vocal on his advocacy for LGBT rights, but just seems to have pissed off the psychopath for supporting state recognition of gay marriage.

It's horrifying that someone would say that to you, and I'm very sorry you had to deal with that.

Of course, I had to report it (I was in college at the time). Do tell your friends to take it seriously and to keep records of anything strange. It may be nothing, but it could be useful.

HS and college were "interesting", even my first jobs were too, but not like the former.

as a dyke, never understood the idea. Memphis sisters& brothers, keep safe.