Dear Editor:

I was saddened when I read about the cancellation of December Nights, the free holiday festival at Balboa Park, due to the lack of funds needed to put on this event. I know many of us in the community have enjoyed the festival and it has really helped put me in the holiday spirit for many years. I am writing because I think it would a great if the LGBT community and the establishments we frequent and support with our hard earned dollars would come together to sponsor this year’s event. We often look for the city to support our activities, I think it would be a wonderful gesture if we came together and saved with event and rather than trying to make it a “LGBT” event, we merely provide the needed support and let that speak volumes about our community.

Regards,

Don Wallar

Dear Editor:

I was wondering if other San Diego Pride goers were as outraged as I was to be handed out a leaflet during this years parade entitled, “I was Gay?”

I checked out their website and was shocked to see in what they believe. In their own words:

“We firmly believe no one is born ‘gay;’ that unnatural homosexual attractions tragically develop early on in the childhood; and by biblically dealing with the root cause(s) of one’s same-sex attractions, homosexuality can be completely overcome – just as drug addiction, alcoholism or any other sinful behavior. Men and women can then move on to healthy heterosexuality – as part of God’s perfect design and plan for man and woman. “

I am certainly a believer in free speech, but sincerely hope that others at the Parade who received this leaflet from one of the marchers, felt as sickened by this religious hatred and intolerance as I did.

As a community what may we do to stop this hatred and bigotry? I must add it was wonderful to see so many true “religious organizations” out in full support of our community at the Parade.

Sincerely,

Brian

University Heights

Dear Editor:

Due to the staging area lineup for the 2004 GLBT Pride Parade, a group of Marriage Equality supporters were fortunate enough to be lined up beside several influential and seemingly Gay friendly politicians this past Saturday. Parked directly across the street from us were Congressman Susan Davis, Senator Dede Alpert, County Supervisor, Mayoral Candidate Ron Roberts and City Attorney Candidate Mike Aguirre.

This accidental meeting allowed a great opportunity to visit with the public servants regarding an issue which should be near and dear to all in our community: the legal protection afforded by marriage. Here are the disappointing and somewhat surprising results:

Without exception, Alpert, Davis, and Roberts very clearly stated they DO NOT support gay marriage as we are asking for it. In addition, although all stated they are against a federal ban on marriage, they all feel it is a issue for the states and not the federal government. Attorney Candidate Aguirre stated that based upon first amendment rights of free association he feels it is inevitable gay marriage will be allowed by the courts in time.

Common sense dictates this is a federal issue. Wednesday’s overwhelming blow to justice in Missouri is a perfect example. It can not be acceptable or permissible to discriminate against someone in Arkansas, Missouri or Mississippi but not in Massachusetts or California. Federal protection is the only option. Common sense also dictates our community needs to look closely at wolves in sheep’s clothing. To be in our parade used to mean you supported us.

To the politicians: I state that if you are against allowing our community, your fellow Americans, your fellow tax payers and fellow law abiding citizens the exact same legal protections afforded non-gay couples: you are against the very fabric of our existence and therefore against us. This is a very clear issue: To discriminate or not. All citizens are equal or they are not. We, your voters will no longer be pacified with promises, token protections or people in our parade, seemingly supporting us and yet against our very existence and safety. You want our votes, you want our money for your campaigns and you want our tax dollars. I say, EARN IT. Do what is right and fair. Stop the 2nd class, pacify us with tokens status you have forced us to accept. We will no longer tolerate it. Your jobs are on the line as we fight for legal protection. If you are against us you do not deserve our vote. You deserve our very best efforts to remove you from your job. Support us or don’t, but don’t show up at our parade and try to deceive us.

Your past support of our community was appreciated because it was all we could get, but it was not enough. We are no longer willing to be mollified. Stop discriminating against us once and for all.

Final thought: For any heterosexual readers who may be chewing on the issue: My husband and I were married in San Francisco on February 15, 2004. Since that time, has your own marriage or relationship with your spouse in any way been diminished or detracted from in any way? Please, embody what America is built upon and protect all it’s citizens, not just the ones you agree with.

Dave Rodriguez Moore