Richard Teerlink, Humanists of Utah member, had the following letter to the editor published in the Salt Lake Tribune on November 19, 1997:

In response to John C. Josephson's letter ("Homosexuals Should Not Teach," Forum, November 11, 1997), I would like to say that we gay teachers have always taught and we are not about to go away.

I have taught thousands of students in my career. In my A.P. biology and chemistry classes, I taught some of the very best. Upon my retirement this spring, I was honored to receive the Kearns High School K-crest award for my 30 years of dedicated service at that school. As a college student, I was a camp counselor for two summers for the Boy Scouts of America at Camp Steiner. Did I corrupt the morals of these young people? I think not, but you are encouraged to ask my students and their parents for their opinion.

We gay people make up roughly 2-10 percent of the human population. We are ubiquitous. You will find us in about the same proportions in every culture, race, church, family, nation, political party and, yes, even schools in Utah Valley. I find this to be strong evidence that sexual orientation has biological origins. It is ludicrous to me that someone believes that I have the power to change any person's sexual orientation.

Chances are some of your best coaches, teachers, principals, and scout leaders were and are gay. It's a fact. Get used to it.

Thank you for allowing me to tell my students after all those many years who I really am.

--Richard Teerlink
Letter to the Editor
Published in The Salt Lake Tribune
November 19, 1997