Wow, this is some story. When I first saw the viral speech, I assumed it would touch at least a few hearts and maybe things would get a little better in Minot.

Reading about the hate that Evan's simple plea to humanity and decency stirred up ... is stunning. I've spent time in Minot connected to my hobby of raising and running english pointers in bird-dog field trials, so I know it's a very conservative community. But to see this level of naked hate uncovered — to see threats of death, arson, and violence — is a visceral reminder of the depths of cultural homophobia. It all feels especially personal to me, living in a rural area where sentiment is quite similar to sentiment in Minot.