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Letters to the Editor

Published Thursday, 27-Nov-2003 in issue 831

“While the use of condoms is in fact a personal decision, the accepting of advertising from an organization that promotes what we know is dangerous and life threatening behavior seems to go against EVERYTHING that your editorials and social awareness stands for.”

Dear Editor,

As the responsible citizen that you are, in the GLBT community, I am astounded that your paper has taken advertising for companies that are producing BAREBACK porn videos.

The increased rate of HIV infection as well as other STD’s is on the rise and yet your newspaper, a MAJOR contributor to the GLBT community, The Center and numerous other HIV/AIDS organizations has permitted advertisers to solicit “actors/models” for BAREBACK films.

While the use of condoms is in fact a personal decision, the accepting of advertising from an organization that promotes what we know is dangerous and life threatening behavior seems to go against EVERYTHING that your editorials and social awareness stands for.

How about reviewing your position on accepting advertising when you know the ads promote harmful activities and serious consequences.

Thank you for your continued community efforts and support,

Philip M. Katcher

San Diego

“This is not the same sleepy Navy town of 20 years ago that people like to think it is. It is now an overpriced Navy town with great connections for meth and lots of San Diego guys who feel they are in L.A. but haven’t made the big time yet.”

Dear Editor,

I read with interest in your 11-13-03 issue the response the good Doctor [Doctor Beyond, “Life Beyond Therapy,” issue 829] gave to the letter written by Bad Attitude in Kensington.

I too have experienced the same reaction of arrogant, selfish, vacant, superficial people of the San Diego Gay Community since moving here 2 years ago.

Yes I have heard the same canned answer given in the column regarding projecting what you want to receive. That’s not the deal here. This is not the same sleepy Navy town of 20 years ago that people like to think it is. It is now an overpriced Navy town with great connections for meth and lots of San Diego guys who feel they are in L.A. but haven’t made the big time yet.

Bad Attitude in Kensington is not alone in his feelings. San Diego has become very clickish and closed to anyone new. You are tested and tried out before you are accepted by those that live here. Who needs it, if you want that approach, move to LA where you know that going in and you are mentally prepared for it.

Bottom line I think Dr. Beyond’s response was far too trite and without merit. It might be a good idea for those who have lived here for some time to do a reality check and take a look at how they project to new arrivals and learn some things from people who have relocated here from "big cities", like simple road courtesy, proper manners in public and HANG UP YOUR CELL PHONES!!! I don’t expect that this response will be reprinted in your publication but if so, all the better.

Name withheld

San Diego

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.