GLT » Letters to the Editor

editorial

Letters to the Editor

Published Thursday, 11-Dec-2008 in issue 1094

“The most recent meeting described by Nicole is, of course, well intended, but it’s only the first step.”

Dear Editor:

The Center needs to follow up with the sheriff’s department regarding plans for future transgender sensitivity training.

AJ Davis, formerly of The Center, Nicole, Jennifer Miller from the TCC and myself met with officers at the George F. Bailey Detention Center back in 2005 after a trans woman died while in custody of the sheriff’s department. The officers acted concerned and fielded our suggestions, which included transgender sensitivity training and education. Three years later, the department is involved in yet another incident in which a trans person was harassed while in custody. If we (myself included) followed up – perhaps this unfortunate incident could have been avoided.

The most recent meeting described by Nicole is, of course, well intended, but it’s only the first step. The sheriff’s department should be required to report back about its progress. This requires continuous follow-up by The Center or trans leaders. Otherwise, once again, the sheriff’s department gets off with an evening of sincere apologies and a nice little write-up in the gay paper.

Russell O’Brien

Former editor, Gay & Lesbian Times

www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=13633

“As a result, if we boycott the theatre, we are in effect boycotting movies such as Milk and Brokeback Mountain, which is basically robbing those film makers of their livelihood, and preventing those films from being successful.”

Dear Editor:

Many people in our community have called for a boycott of the Landmark Theatre in Hillcrest, and all other theatres owned by their parent company, Cinemark, because the CEO of the company gave $9999 to the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign. While a boycott is definitely a great way to send a message to corporations and their officers about their actions, I believe that this boycott will do our community more harm then good. Currently, Landmark Hillcrest is the only theatre in San Diego County to show the acclaimed documentary, Milk. The same held true when Brokeback Mountain was out. Your only alternative choice to see Milk is to drive to Irvine, and I doubt many San Diego GLBT residents will do so just to boycott Landmark. As a result, if we boycott the theatre, we are in effect boycotting movies such as Milk and Brokeback Mountain, which is basically robbing those film makers of their livelihood, and preventing those films from being successful. If we are to get our positive messages out to mainstream society, in such a way as Brokeback Mountain did, we must support films like Milk, even if it means attending a theatre such as Landmark.

Rob Klaproth

Letters Policy

The Gay & Lesbian Times welcomes comments from all readers. Letters to the editor longer than 500 words will not be accepted. Send e-mail to editor@uptownpub.com; fax (619) 299-3430; or mail to PO Box 34624, San Diego, CA 92163. To be printed, letters must include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

All letters containing subject matter that refers to the content of the Gay & Lesbian Times are published unedited. Letters that are unrelated to the content of the publication will be published at the discretion of the editorial staff.