How to Write Letters to the Editor for National Coming Out Day
The letters to the editor section of your local paper presents an ideal forum for getting your message to its readers, be they local citizens, members of congress or university administrators. More people read the letters to the editor section than almost any other part of the paper. It is one of the first pages many elected officials turn to. Letters to the editor show that an issue is of concern to the community and are excellent tools for education. Here are a few guidelines for getting your letter to the editor printed.
- Keep your letter short and to the point — 250 words maximum.
- Think about what your objective is when writing a letter to the editor. Writing on behalf of a state, local or campus organization will give your letter more weight. Writing as an individual citizen will show impression of citizen support for or opposition to an issue.
- Your letter should carry its most important message in the first paragraph.
- Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Editors like to call to confirm that the letter was actually written by the person whose name appears on the letter.
- Avoid rambling sentences and big words.
- Type the letter — double spaced, one page maximum.
- Limit the number of points you make, and stay on the same subject.
- Be as factual as possible without being dull.
- Localize your letter — explain how the issue will affect your area or personalize the letter by mentioning people in your own life or community who will be affected.
- Accentuate the positive. When you criticize, also propose a solution to the problem or a better alternative, if possible.
- Don't be disappointed if your letter does not get printed. Newspapers get many letters every day and can't print all of them. Most papers won't print the same writers over and over again. Therefore, if you have had a letter published recently, try to get a friend or member of your group to sign the next one. Have a number of activists submit a letter on the same topic at the same time. Editors are more likely to print letters on 'popular' issues.
- Make the letter timely. Your letter stands the best chance of getting printed when it responds to something recently printed in the that newspaper — such as a news story, column, editorial, advertisement, or another letter. You can use the reference to that item as a springboard for stating your case.
Your letter can support and expand on something already in the news, make a point that was omitted, or disagree with and correct misinformation in whatever form it appeared. You can also use events like Pride or National Coming Out Day as a hook.
Don't be afraid to ask for action — tell readers what you want them to do. This includes your elected representatives; you can be sure they read the letters to the editor. By putting their names in the letter and asking for action, such as a vote, co-sponsorship of a bill, an explanation, you get their attention fast.
Sample Letters to the Editor
(These do not necessarily reflect the views of HRC — only provided as examples)
Des Moines Register
Feb. 28, 2001
It is time Iowans speak up and stop allowing extremists and others who share their bigotry and prejudices to shape the tone and content of the debate over gay rights. The so-called "special rights" that state Senator Steve King and others like to hide behind are an insult to the reality of homosexuality and to the intelligence of the people of Iowa.
"Love the sinner but hate the sin" is just another way to justify one's own bigotry, for it places the need for change on the other person and never on one's self. Iowans need never fear the gay community that is a vital part of our lives. What we must fear and resist is the lack of leadership from those elected to lead.
If there is a threat to our quality of life from a "brain drain" there is also a threat if we allow a "morality drain" from those who cannot or will not stand up and enact moral and just laws for every citizen of Iowa.
— M. Babcock, Newton, Iowa 50208-3821
San Francisco Chronicle
Feb. 21, 2001
We take great exception to the not-too-subtle shots by Matier and Ross at Supervisor Mark Leno for his advocacy on behalf of the city's transgender community.
Beginning with the criticism of Leno's introduction of transgender medical care legislation ("A slam dunk for the 'Only in San Francisco' Award," Jan. 15) and continuing with their tongue-in-cheek tone in noting Leno's attendance at two transgender events ("Should be one big party"), Matier and Ross show the sort of insensitivity that regrettably is the norm when transgender issues are discussed.
Not very long ago, equal benefits for lesbian and gay people was considered just a wacky San Francisco idea. Because of the work of advocates on the Board of Supervisors, that is no longer the case.
We forcefully object when the struggle for transgender equality is belittled in your paper.
Paul M. Hogan
Chair, Alice B. Toklas Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Democratic Club
Jerry Threet
President, Harvey Milk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Democratic Club
Eddie Dobbins
President, Lesbians and Gays of African Descent for Democratic Action, San Francisco
If you send a letter to the editor, please be sure to let us know! Contact the National Coming Out Project at ncop@hrc.org.
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