Dear Editor:

Thank you for your concise article about the Democratic candidates and their stances on gay and lesbian issues. It provided information I was grateful to receive. However, I disapprove of the editorial comment that the two top candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama (he has my vote) are shameful because they, at this time, choose to endorse a separate-but-equal policy on civil unions “in order to win an election”. They are not the shameful ones in my opinion!

Please think holistically. For a moment consider the big picture. It is no more shameful for these candidates to take this road right now than it is for an editor to make such slanted and hasty comments. Indeed many gays and lesbians, myself included, want to have equal rights however many of us are willing to be a part of the big picture as the consciousness of this country evolves. We must be willing let the seeds recently planted grow and we are to nurture them rather than to splash around short sighted editorial comments that trample on them. I do not expect any of the Democratic candidates to move full on into full support for gay marriage AT THIS TIME - and they all have my admiration for moving as far forward as they have while working to get elected in a country full of bigots and religious zealots and after 8 years of atrocities. It is our DUTY to nurture the seeds planted now instead of trying to make them look to be weeds in our gay gardens. My god - it is vital to have someone like Barack Obama as our leader - it’s as vital as it is to be patient now!

Think eight years down the road after he is elected. What will be on the political table then? We may have seen evolution happen! Why are you not willing to allow some time for the evolution of this country to take place? As a popular gay and lesbian publication - to communicate holistically (meaning seeing the big picture and the whole) is your duty and to want instant gratification is not. Please consider my words. I would have forwarded the article on if it were not for the shameful editorial comments!

JoAnne Smith

Dear Editor:

I agree with your assessment that Todd Gloria is the clear frontrunner for District 3 in 2008. I’m glad that nearly 70% of your readers agree as well!

Todd has paid his dues by working in the neighborhoods of District 3 every day for the last seven years. As a native San Diegan with roots in this district, he knows what residents need. With his experience in government and his community activism, he knows how to get things done. Since my initial meeting of Todd, I have been eager to see the continuous strides he is making for us and our extended community, as well.

I think the LGBT community is rightfully rallying around Todd’s candidacy. He’s our best chance to keep one of our own on the City Council.

Sally Hall

Dear Editor:

I just wanted to write to express my support of Stephen Whitburn for the City Council seat in District 3. It is very early in the race, and I agree with the editor’s comments in “Let ‘em duke it out a few rounds” – we are still pre-primary, and I think it is important to give equal voice and consideration to all candidates in any public forum. I have known Stephen Whitburn for close to five years and during this time, have always known him to be extremely professional, thoughtful on issues, well-spoken, and full of integrity. Additionally, he has a plethora of experience in the non-profit as well as the business and political arenas, all of which are important when running a city. I encourage voters to look closely at Whitburn’s tireless efforts and achievements on behalf of our community.

Molly Moran

Dear Editor:

In Response to “The Tao of Gay” by Gary Thayer it’s no wonder that rampant narcissism on a sociopathic level runs thru the adult gay male community.

What I have found for myself in Men who are “serial daters” is that they have the emotional aptitude of a 12-year old which in turn manifests itself in all spectrums of dysfunction from Co-Dependency, Addiction, Internalized Homophobia, Compulsive Lying, Greed-Driven, Predatory ideology on younger, weaker, unaware gay men struggling to find their place in the GLBT community and not really having that many self-respecting peers from which to adopt and adapt from.

This whole shameless form of self-deception and deluded denial of the human spirit really needs to come to an end if we as a community are to move forward and empower ourselves. I ask you. “Do you believe yourself when you talk?” cause’ I’m not buying it.

Robert W. Fuller

Dear Editor:

I know many of the Sisters and their entourage personally. I know them to be intelligent, well spoken, lighthearted, level-headed men, most of whom are involved out of a deep sense of service to community. The local Sisters are part of a bigger group that goes way back in our struggle for equality, and have served admirably. It isn’t always easy or popular to disagree with “gay” icons, but in this case, I believe that their participation in demonstrating against BattleCry, as a group, is out of place. If this was at a Gay event, such as Pride, and the target(s) of their counter demonstrations were at “our” venue, then I would be whole heartedly behind their loud, irreverant, and bright presence, and do they EVER have stage presence. LOL! It seems to me that a less flamboyant representation of our community might be more effective. The mainstream media, like it or not, will have a field day with the visuals. The problem, for me at least, lies in the use of outfits that parody some segments of mainstream religions. I am Wicca, and would not like any group making light of my beliefs, simply to make a point. A more reasonable approach might be to encourage 10,000 LGBT people to gather and offer their mere presence as a reminder that we are all worthy, and valid, and equal. I am proud of our community’s diversity, but it isn’t necessary to be antagonistic, and I am concerned that the people from BattleCry will take it that way, no matter how softly the Sisters tread.

Steve Sallis