Below is an opinion submitted by Westport RTM member Adam Drake.

I was recently elected to Westport’s Representative Town Meeting to help steward a town I love. Westport is a town that prides itself on thoughtfulness, decency, and civic engagement. That is why I was deeply disheartened to read a recent letter circulated by one of my fellow RTM members, a letter that employed harmful and misleading rhetoric about LGBTQ people in our schools and community.

In today’s political climate, and more so than perhaps ever before, what we say and how we say it are vitally important particularly when coming from elected officials. Language helps shape not only policy discussions, but the emotional and moral climate of a town. My colleague used terms such as a “proclivity,” and “alternative lifestyle,” to frame sexual orientation, and indicated there was an inherent risk to students because of one’s homosexuality. These words and phrases are more than just an expression of personal opinion. They are incredibly harmful and revive long disproven narratives that have historically been used to exclude, marginalize, and stigmatize LGBTQ individuals.

It is important to be clear about what this kind of language gets wrong.

Living your life being openly gay is not the same as being inappropriate. Existing authentically in the world is not synonymous with sharing sexual behavior. After all, we do not accuse heterosexual teachers, coaches, or administrators of impropriety simply because their identities are visible, their spouses attend school events, or their families are a part of the community. Applying a different standard to LGBTQ educators and staff is simply inequitable and unjust.

What I find equally troubling is my colleague’s suggestion that LGBTQ adults in school settings represent an increased risk or liability. This antiquated idea has been repeatedly rejected by decades of research, legal precedent, and recognized professional standards for educators. Sexual orientation is not correlated with misconduct, nor is it a predictor of harm. For anyone – an elected official or not – to state otherwise perpetuates fear rather than safety, and stigma rather than care.

At the center of my colleague’s statement was a concern for student comfort and well-being, both of which matter deeply. However, protecting students requires evidence-based reasoning, not simple insinuation. This requires us to listen to the full range of voices in our community, including the many students, families, and alumni in Westport who have consistently spoken about the positive impact of inclusive environments on their lives. When young people feel seen and accepted, they are more likely to thrive, not less.

Westport has long held itself out as a town that values education, empathy, and fairness – a reputation that did not happen by accident. This position was built through generations of residents choosing to widen the circle of belonging rather than reducing it, and by responding to differences with curiosity rather than fear.

As a newly elected RTM member representing District 3, I believe we have a responsibility to uphold those values not only in policy, but in our words. Disagreement is healthy in a democracy, but harmful framing is not. As a town, it’s in our best interest to debate how best to support students, families, and educators. But those conversations must start from a shared commitment to dignity, accuracy, and mutual respect.

Despite the harmful words, I remain hopeful. I believe the Westport I know, a town that welcomes difference and understands that inclusion strengthens rather than weakens community, still holds true. These moments are difficult, but they also offer us an opportunity to reaffirm our values and lead with clarity and compassion.

That is the Westport I ran to represent. And it is the Westport I still believe in.

Adam Drake
RTM District 3
Westport