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Letters to the Editor

Published Thursday, 11-Jan-2007 in issue 994

“Quite frankly, if gays and lesbians cannot enjoy all the rights afforded to first-class citizens in this country, why should they be asked or expected to lay down their lives for the failed policies of the Bush-Cheney administration?”

Dear Editor:

Although he still believes that gays and lesbians serving openly in U.S. military would be “burdensome for our troops and commanders,” in an op/ed piece published in dailies around the country today (Thursday, Jan. 4) retired Army general John M. Shalikashvili appears graciously willing to concede that, because the military is stretched so thin by bad policy, it is now OK for these second-class citizens to give their lives to the war effort.

After all, gay and lesbians aren’t upsetting the status quo of 24 lesser nations including Israel and Britain, so how bad could it be.

After reading Shalikashvili’s ramblings, I don’t think he’s anymore sure about the point he’s attempting to make than he is about removing the disastrous don’t ask-don’t tell policy, which has cost the military scores of talented linguists who would have been invaluable in Iraq and Afghanistan and cost the taxpayers millions of dollars.

Quite frankly, if gays and lesbians cannot enjoy all the rights afforded to first-class citizens in this country, why should they be asked or expected to lay down their lives for the failed policies of the Bush-Cheney administration?

Lee A. Schoenbart

“Apparently it is okay to take a gay couples money, but it is not acceptable to show their affection on a kiss cam?”

Dear Editor:

I am a cameraman for many different venues from sports to whatever. I am very disappointed that after 15 years working as a camera person. I hear the same stereotypes of people echoed by many working in the business. The same stereotypes of gays can be heard almost every day and while many will automatically insert the word gay into the description of a person.

A recent example: While I was doing a professional sports event. Another Camera person described a Particular woman as a “300 pound lesbian”. She being a lesbian was totally unrelated to the story he told. I asked him if he described his male associates as “300 pound Heterosexuals”. He did not see the connection

In some stadiums and arenas, teams claim to be open to diversity. Yet, I have been told by all my directors to make sure I do not ever put a “Male Couple” on the stadium kiss Cam. Apparently it is okay to take a gay couples money, but it is not acceptable to show their affection on a kiss cam? Being a Camera operator at times can be very difficult for anyone who respects all people and cultures and does not discriminate against fans based on whether they are perceived to be Gay or Straight.

I cannot even repeat the language that is used by some camera people and directors when Cheerleaders are performing. Some cheerleaders are likened to hookers and topless dancers. To demean the skills of cheerleaders is more than just wrong, it perpetuates the stereotypes that women have been trying to overcome.

I am sometimes embarrassed for the sports industry and the lack of respect for those who are stereotyped as different or less important. If the comments of some of the production people were on tape. People would be outraged that some are still living in the dark ages when it comes to the respect of diversity and the talents of women.

Donald Iarussi

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.