Archive for the ‘Letters’ Category

We heard from two subscribers on the same topic of this month. One stated his feelings clearly and in all caps:

I RESENT & FIND OFFENSIVE

THE FOLLOWING WORDS: QUEERS, HOMOS, NIGGERS, FAGS.

That same week I ran across an article by Jerry S. Maneker, a favorite blogger, entitled, Confronting Internalized Homophobia, where he writes “I feel very strongly that many LGBT people are seriously sabotaging the cause for full and equal civil rights by referring to themselves by the use of historically and current hateful epithets, using such terms as ‘Queer,’ ‘Dyke,’ ‘Fag,’ and other such demeaning and hateful words that have been historically used by their oppressors, and are still being used by their oppressors. [Such words are] doing tremendous harm to the struggle for, and the cause of acquiring, full and equal civil rights.”

Maneker goes on to write that when “gay people use self-denigrating and historically offensive epithets as self-identifiers … they are unwitting victims of a variation of the Stockholm Syndrome where, in this case, one helps provide the very ammunition that one’s abuser can and does use to maintain oppression.”

“There is a point when one has to own his/her dignity, demand the respect due, … demand full and equal civil and sacramental rights…. Those goals will not be realized as long as the group accepts its inferior status, and revels in it by referring to its members by the same terms used by the most virulent homophobes.”

That was enough for this editor. My belief that using such terms takes the power from them has been called into question. Hi Desert LGBT News will no long use the terms Queer, Homo, Lezzy, etc. to refer to LGBT people. I regret and apologize to those who found use of such terms offensive. Let us know how you feel about this topic.

- Mike Lipsitz, Editor & Publisher

Perhaps much of what Donald Krouse writes in the June issue (of his CALL TO ACTION column) may be valid, but there is one statement that I take exception to as to make me ignore anything else he writes. Why is it that the so many gays discriminate among themselves?

I am a gay Republican, and I do not appreciate being told there is no room for me in the party OF MY CHOICE. I have been a registered Republican since 1971, voted twice for Nixon, once for Ford, twice for Reagan, once for Bush, twice for Clinton, once for Gore, once for Kerry, and once for Obama (would have preferred another Clinton, but I couldn’t vote in the primary). Because I’m a Republican DOES NOT mean I go to the polls without my brain. I have always groaned at the idea that NO agenda deserves LGBT consideration other than LGBT issues.

I wouldn’t give two cents to any organization that outwardly treated anyone like I felt when I read Donald Krouse’s statement that, “It is time for (LGBT Republicans) to change party affiliation; otherwise we ask you to stay home June 8.” I was extremely insulted.

- Don Nelson

---

Dear Don,

Thanks for writing about June’s CALL TO ACTION column. I understand your concern with the comment. I might add that my draft submission of the column did not include the statement that offended you. Most of the time I present my copy and then it is edited. I have given approval for this but sometimes the comments become a bit more volatile than I would express.

I stand by most of the comments about the Republican Party doing nothing to support LGBT citizens and I believe that if there is a friendlier party it is the Democrats. I have to admit that sometimes I wonder if we’re just getting lip service from them. I agree there are more issues than just LGBT concerns, but Hi-Desert LGBT News has a specific focus and my column will continue to reflect on appropriate topics.

That said, I believe everyone should vote his or her conscience … that’s the right thing to do. Your offense at the suggestion to stay home is understandable.

Again, thanks for writing.

- Don Krouse

---

Like all editors, I often make revisions to items submitted for publication. That is not to say I always improve them. In hindsight, I recognize my revisions were heavy handed, partly out of my frustration with GOP homophobia and partly in an attempt to provoke a response. To that end, I suppose it was successful, but at too high a cost.

In his address at Joshua Tree Gay Pride, Nicole Murray Ramirez made the point that we cannot win our freedom as long as the Republican party is the enemy.

He suggests building bridges rather than burning them. Probably he is correct.

It is a fact, and not a matter of opinion, that the Republican Party is standing in the way of our freedom to marry and freedom to serve, and it is the GOP that does not want us protected on the job, at school, in the streets, nor while receiving medical care. For the time being at least, we still have the freedom to vote our conscious and my suggestion that gays who align themselves with our enemies stay home may be out of line. Without your feedback, it’s unlikely I would have come to such a conclusion. Thank you for that Don.

Now, if only you could help me understand what it is that attracts you to today’s Republican Party.

Mike Lipsitz, Editor
Comment to: HiDesertLGBTnews@aol.com

Sent: 2/2/2010 12:57 A.M. Pacific Standard Time

Subject: Hypocrisy

I wish JUST ONCE…one of these jerk-off’s could explain to me WHY they think it’s OK to continue to cite all the bible verses about fags but NEVER, EVER will acknowledge the hundreds of other bible passages which admonish heterosexuals for their behaviors.  I would like to specifically hear from Pastor Scott why he doesn’t stone his wife if she ever wears makeup or clothing made of different kinds of fabrics, etc.

Sent: 2/3/2010 8:08 A.M. Pacific Standard Time

Subject: Basin Politics

Had I realized how religious and conservative it is up here I NEVER would have bought up here.  I sort of expected it to be a bit like Idyllwild…artsy and quaint.  But I’m here now and I’m stuck here like it or not…so I try to make the best of it.

Sent: 2/4/2010 4:52 P.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Citizen of the Month

OK, next citizen of the Month can be a closeted gay teen. That would help fix it.

You wrote: “After some consideration, Laurie reasoned that because the honor was in recognition of the Pastor’s work on behalf of youth athletics, his views on homosexuality couldn’t fairly be used as a litmus test for qualification. It was logical and I agreed believing this explanation would appease the outrage. It was a miscalculation and the matter remained in play.”

I am surprised you thought teaching youth is somehow unrelated to views on homosexuality.  The very sports chosen to teach our children reflect the social and economic needs of the society.  He is a youth leader and boys don’t have a screen in their mind to limit their modeling to what the man says about playing a sport. Certainly, they’re going to detect his ideas about things other than sport and will be impressed by them.

Sent: 2/5/2010 11:22 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Message to Editor

There’s a point the kind Pastor, and others, forget. Jesus came to FULFILL the law. That to mean the law as described in the Old Testament was done away with when Jesus arrived on the scene.  Therefore, we are left to obey what Jesus taught and that is to “love” all without judgment (which by the way Christians are taught not to do).  There is no mention of homosexuality or the condemnation of such in the New Testament.  This is coming from the knowledge of a “recovering Mormon” of 21 years. 

Best Regards, MB

Sent: 2/6/2010 11:20 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Baptists

> Hi
> I just read the article about this pastor Scott person, and well I know
> the Baptists and I have NOT had any good experiences with them. I don’t trust
> them and wouldn’t have even had a cup of coffee with him, but that’s me.
> It does look like he had to back down somewhat from Baptist
> teachings.  I don’t speak to Priests or Pastors, unless I really have to, I don’t
> trust any Christians no matter what flavor they are are.
> I am a Practicing Nichiren Buddhist actually going to a World Peace Prayer 
> Tomorrow. I do admire your courage to at least talk to the person, you did way more
> than I would have.
> Nam Myoho renge  kyo

Sent: 2/7/2010 10:05 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Re: Baptists

Hey Mike
I did a check online about Scott Sedmak, he’s an American Baptist Church person versus the Southern Baptist people who are way worse. ABC is more lax in their view of gays, so they say, they are more liberal than the So Baps. I laughed out loud when I read Scott’s Facebook, I wish this guy would have stayed in Ashtabula, Ohio, and secondly I believe the man has sexual issues of his own.

Sent: 2/7/2010 9:59:50 A.M. Pacific Standard Time

Subject: Thoughts on a Morongo Valley Controversy

What you wrote did a great service for our small community. My compliments also to Pastor Scott for expressing his position without vitriol.

      I must say that the subtle way you chastised the LGBT community was warranted.  As is frequently the case, a story gets told to one person, passes to the next, and after a few more retellings the “facts” are suddenly far from factual. We are a mostly harmonious community and I like it that way. It is the better choice to confront any controversy head on and you’ve done that. I think this will all pass quickly now but I’m hoping there will be a lingering lesson for all to remember. I don’t think the majority of Morongo Valley knows any of this outside select circles.

     That Pastor Scott’s church and affiliates do not want me as a member is not troublesome. They have their ways and I accept their desire to live their lives as they choose. I don’t even object to their not wanting to touch anything that doesn’t fit into their rigid beliefs. It is ultimately their loss to limit knowledge about the diversity the world has to offer. How will their children grow up knowing that life isn’t just their block or church group in Morongo Valley? I will never sit quietly where there is preaching that demonizes any group because of who they are by birth.

      I was raised in a staunchly Catholic family, Catholic school educated through grade school, and went to an all boys high school run by the Jesuits.  Because the Catholic Church has such an ardent stance against LGBTs I am no longer a Catholic. You can imagine the period of time when I felt great bitterness for being so rejected because I really did not choose to be excluded. The Jesuits insisted on the importance of critical thinking. That is something that I find lacking in large segments of society. I think this story shows how people on both sides can allow themselves to be led by others without thinking things through.

     We all have so much experience in being degraded as humans that we have so much to say in return.  I guess the “master race” of fundamentalist Christians, Muslims, Talibans, Catholics etc., will keep us on the defensive during our lives. Hopefully, through efforts like yours, another generation of LGBTs will just be accepted as different rather than evil and sinful. We’ve seen all the “master races” implode under the weight of their own pride. I have no doubt that the false prophets of today will end up the same. Then the rest can spend more time loving our neighbors instead of vilifying them.

Sincerely, Don

Sent: 2/9/2010 7:55 P.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Constitution vs. Bible

Don’t you just love the ignorance?  AND don’t you love being lumped with adulterers, drug addicts and murderers.  YES…we’re all sinners.  What low-level idiots like Pastor Scott forget is that there’s a constitution which trumps the bible every time.  The only way we’re ever going to lessen the effect of churches is to work with the IRS to revoke nonprofit status for work in politics. 

Sent: 2/9/2010 10:55 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Message to Editor

Your article regarding Pastor Scott (not to be confused with (YV Church of Religious Science) minister, Rev. Ron Scott) was very interesting. It is great that you are helping to raise consciousness of how people’s attitudes impact folks. It is to Pastor Scott’s credit that he was willing to talk and express compassion (love the sinner, hate the sin) but as long as he is an evangelical Protestant, he will not be able to accept the fact that God made some people with an inborn attraction to the same sex. 

      I was once an Evangelical Protestant. Once I realized that I needed to accept revelation from other sources (including Divinely mediated direct personal revelation) I had to leave that camp and break out of that closed theological system to give myself some breathing room without discarding the Bible as a venerable sacred text.

     The Bible is written from this perspective as well. It speaks of those men who “leave the natural use of women and burn in their lust for one another” etc. True evangelical Protestants cannot accept other sources of truth such as science or reason as a basis for moral guidance, only revelation as contained in the Bible.  But humanity has become more enlightened since the Bible was written. We have overcome our views that slavery or viewing women as inferior to men are acceptable (both of which were accepted by New Testament writers).  God has always revealed the totality of truth to humanity; however, cultural blinders limit our ability to receive the whole truth. One can only speak the truth with love and pray that those who are ready can receive it. But sometimes we need to be confronted with the results of our spiritual myopia before we can do something about it.

Regards, Terry

Sent: 2/14/2010 12:06 P.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Re: Hi-Desert LGBT News – February 2010 Issue

I really enjoyed the article ‘Homosexual Panic vs. Panicked Homosexuals’

Awesome… and thank you so much for your work.  Leo

Sent: 2/14/2010 8:08 P.M. Pacific Standard Time

Subject: Communication

Mike dear heart…your meeting with Pastor Scott was absolutely GREAT! 

When one has a misconception about someone the best thing to do is talk face to face. 

Maryan

Sent: 2/15/2010 6:20 P.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: COMMENTS

YET ANOTHER SO-CALLED REVEREND THINKS ONLY JESUS FREAKS CAN GO TO SO-CALLED HEAVEN.    AS AN ATHEIST, YEARS AGO I SENT $5 TO EACH ‘REVEREND” DESIGNATING ME AND MY CAT ‘FUR FUR’ AS ORDAINED MINISTERS!!!!!!  RELIGION IS NOT THE ANSWER, IT IS THE PROBLEM!!!!!!!!   RELIGION IS SHEER NONSENSE AND ONLY BRINGS MISERY AND MADNESS TO BELIEVERS WHO DO TERRIBLE THINGS IN THE NAME OF THEIR RELIGION.  JIM

Sent: 2/15/2010 8:09 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Content

Hi Mike,

      … I wanted to write and tell you of my reaction to the latest issue of the newsletter.  Let me say first that I have been very happy to see the newsletter appear in this community and it has done a lot to create a feeling of warm family.  I very much liked the positive LGBTQI focus.  

      What seems to me like a shift in focus toward religion is mysterious.  Something has shifted and it feels like this newsletter is moving away from being a friendly neighborhood love letter toward being a de facto mouthpiece for local Christian ministers.

      What the vast majority of Christian ministers say about us is not news. Scott summed it up like a thousand sorry other bigots have by lumping us into the same category with murderers, adulterers, and whatever sort of predator he and the religious right care to dream up.

      …If I want to know how depraved the Christians think I am, there are a million online sources for their hate speech.  If I want to read about how tolerant Gerhardt thinks he is, I can read his column in the Star.  Please put a notice in the newsletter for Buddhist Sunday school, but commentary from a Christian minister on that fact ? well ? I just don’t see the relevance to LGBTQI issues and interests.

      I don’t want a newsletter that makes me cringe at the thought of what hate speech about my community I might encounter inside the next issue. It hurts me that my local LGBTQI newsletter is full of the words of bigots, even when it is presented in the name of “fair journalism.”  I don’t want a local GLBTQI newsletter that doubles as a de facto mouthpiece for local religious leaders no matter how tolerant of us they tell us they are ;  )

     Waiting for the day the focus shifts back into more friendly and relevant territory.

I am, your friend

Sent: 2/15/2010 8:45 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Fwd: Content
Scott,

more feedback

Mike
Hi Desert LGBT News.com

From: address@withheld.com
To: HiDesertLGBTNews@aol.com
Sent: 2/15/2010 10:19 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Fwd: Content

Mike,

Wow, this person is one who I wish I could show my heart to. 

Maybe someday I will have that chance.

Thanks. Scott

Sent: 2/16/2010 8:53 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Newsletter

Wow Mike!  What a great newsletter.

I just wanted to say thank you, especially for your article about Pastor Scott.

Being so far away, it’s really nice to get GLBT news from home.  

I really miss YV.

 Thanks again for all your great work on the newsletter.

As a graphic artist and writer myself, I know how time consuming it is.

With much appreciation, Bill

Sent: 3/4/2010 10:23 A.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subject: Balanced & Fair

Thanks Mike – great article about the church and Pastor Scott interview. 

It was very balanced and fair. The whole issue looks great.  Lee

Dear Hi-Desert LGBT News:

I’m sure you’re aware there’s a bit of opposition to some of the direction that Hi-Desert LGBT News has taken and what that means as far as the makeup of Out & About. Some of the content is too radical.

Out & About men aren’t interested in taking sides on causes or concerning themselves with gay teens, lesbians, or homophobes. Many are willing to give that up to live in a small town where those issues are dealt with one-on-one as needed. That stuff should be left to professionals on big city publications.

It’s not wrong, but protests, controversy, finger-pointing, and editorializing may not be what folks came here for. They see that as hub-bub and really don’t care. Many are happy to live quietly, maybe even remain in the closet for sake of job or family.

Sincerely,
Read-No-Evil

Editor’s Reply:

Dear Read-No-Evil,

Until now, my feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve been blissfully unaware of any opposition to my coverage of local LGBT issues and appreciate learning your feelings.

When you refer to the kind of group Out & About’s men prefer, it tells me I’ve not sufficiently distinguished Hi-Desert LGBT News from Out & About.

In more than a year editing the Out & About Newsletter, I became increasingly aware of the potential for a publication targeted to a wider audience and with a broader focus on local LGBT issues.

At the same time, I found limiting coverage to the details of potluck socials left me unfulfilled. Understandable considering I hold a Bachelor of Journalism degree with emphasis in print media from one of the top two schools in the U.S. I’ve been a beat reporter on a city daily, and worked on Madison Avenue as a copy writer.

I remain loyal to Out & About and respect group consensus. As editor for Out & About I tried expanding coverage and increasing readership.

Consequently, I was reminded of the group’s narrow social focus and asked to cease.

Finding it unstimulating to work within such constraints I opted to exercise my First Amendment Right and independently launched the Hi-Desert LGBT News without use of group funds or resources. I remain available to Out & About, but am not its mouthpiece.

Concerning gay teens, lesbians & homophobes, I don’t create the issues; I report on them and I do so with a bias favoring respect and equality for LGBT folk. Anyone who prefers to remain unaware of such issues can exercise their free will to turn the page. My responsibility is to those who want to be informed.

My aim is to provide a forum for LGBT community networking, keep the community informed, and promote our civil equality.

The effort is working. Subscriptions have increased over 30% since launch, and community involvement continues to expand. I think this is good for all of us and hope it will not be viewed as a threat to Out & About.

Sincerely, Mike Lipsitz, Editor