Dear Editor:

I read Matt Moody’s review of “Androphilia by Jack Malebranche with some interest. It seemed Malebranche had some good ideas, and I was excited about possibly buying the book, even sharing it with a friend. When it comes to gender issues, I’m kind of middle of the road, not hyper-masculine or ultra-feminine. I agree with the author’s belief that the Gay Rights Movement is dominated by a feminine sensibility that damages gay men who don’t fit this mold. But there were red flags. The menacing picture of Malebranche brandishing a baseball bat for one thing. So I looked up the book’s website. After perusing it for a few minutes, I discovered that, much to my surprise, Mr. Malebranche is an avowed member of the Church of Satan. Like Gomer Pyle says, “Surprise surprise!” I thought your readers might like to know that. Also, in his bio, it is revealed that Mr. Macho, I mean, Mr. Malebranche, had many interesting forms of employment, including as a go go dancer. You go, boy! I mean, man. Sir? What do you want to be called Jack? Oh, yeah, right. Not gay. Oh well.

Leonard Baric

Dear Editor:

Don’t brush this off.

Don’t ignore it.

Don’t just flip past it and tell yourself, “Oh, whatever.”

The recent commentary titled, “The Tao Of Gay”, is ridiculously, shamelessly, and over the top in its offensiveness.

If any such derogatory and sweepingly stereotypical statements were made of women, blacks, hispanics, or homosexuals, and published by an equally well-known magazine or website, there would be an uproar.

I don’t know what made Mr. Thayer write such vile words about me, and frankly I don’t care. I have never acted badly towards any homosexual, i have never shunned the friendship of a homosexual, and I have never acted in the way I am described as here.

If you are saying to yourself, “he is one of the good ones”, then you are part of the problem here.

This was the worst part:

“[W]e can always venture downtown or to Pacific Beach to try to lasso up a straight guy whose curiosity (coupled with a few too many drinks) has gotten the better of him.”

This is tantamount to date rape.

Do you think language like this solves any problems your community is having?

Do you really think demonizing straight men will do any good for you in the long run?

You should all be ashamed of yourselves.

Ricardo Sarmiento