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| LIGA Contra el SIDA - SoFla. League Against AIDS www.leagueagainstaids.org |
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR...
We always welcome your comments, suggestions, applause and criticisms at Ambiente, and
hope that thru them we can provide a better, more informative and focused product to you,
our readers...
Herb Sosa
Editor-In-Chief, Ambiente.us
herb@ambiente.us
MAY 2008
COMMENT -
California Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Same-Sex Marriage
For those opposing Gays right to marry.... Get Over it!
Everyone has the RIGHT to chose whomever they want to share their lives with. This is not only about giving
the right to marry, but to also be able to include your life partner in decisions concerning one another,
insurance, inheritance, etc.
The gay community should be able to enjoy the same rights heterosexuals have enjoyed for a long time.
These people protesting consider themselves better than gays! Please, think with your own brain, do not let
these religious leaders???? dictate how you should think and act.
A person just by being born gay, (yes, being gay is NOT a chosen way of life) already has a much harder life
ahead of them, most of the rest of us are bigots and hypocrites and are always ready to dismiss what is
different or not known. Just for the record: AIDS is not reserved for gays or lesbians. It is a fact that the
heterosexual community is just as much as risk as the gay one.
And for those who think the forefathers were so perfect, just because they did not address the gay issue
within the realms of the Constitution, do not forget that in those times the Church instilled fear for anything
and to everyone that was not in tune with what was in their best interest.
It is a historical fact that a lot of our patriots were homosexuals. Take Abraham Lincoln for example.
That fact did not make him any less brilliant, caring or a good politician.
For the religious crowd: practice what you preach: LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
T. Penichet
Miami, Florida
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
One Gay Voice: Why I Cannot Support Obama
As many democrats are buzzing about the current nominee campaign, I feel like no one is paying enough
attention to the gay vote. The candidates and the press seem to be staying away from the topic of "Gay
Marriage," even though it is still a hot topic for debate and an area where "CHANGE" is needed. (Mr. Obama, I
am talking to you.) I am okay with the exclusion of this topic this time around, but I am not okay with a possible
First Lady saying she is "finally proud to be an American," just because her husband is a contender for the
Democratic nomination.
In the United States, gay men and women grow up with so many challenges. Our society is generally taught
that "being gay" is wrong, weird, illegal, shameful and even demonic in some parts. Sadly, many gay teens
turn to suicide or are shunned by their families and thrown out onto the streets. I believe that someone is
born gay and that we do not choose the lifestyle. At least, I didn't have a choice. I am who I am. Yes, being
born gay can be more painful and challenging than being born left handed, but I know some left handed gay
men and women - they must have it really hard. It would seem that a gay, left-handed black woman that's
also a little person must have it super hard in this world - perhaps the worst. The level to which a person can
take this is tremendous. Bottom line is, we all have our crosses to carry.
It is my experience that in this country, it is still acceptable to discriminate against, make fun of and even shun
members of the gay community. The gay community is one of the last segments of our society where it is
still legal and "okay" to regard them as second-class citizens. I have hope that one-day everyone will truly
become equal and gay men and women will be given all of the same rights as everyone else. Mr. Obama,
will you change the laws against gay marriage? Can I count on you for that?
Now, in my life, I have worked hard to get where I am. I grew up in Buffalo, NY in a typical middle class family.
My father, now retired, is a Vietnam vet and worked hard as an employee of General Motors. He held a good
paying job with benefits that would be incredibly hard to come by in this era. It started off well, but my life
became colored with many disadvantages, simply because I was born to be attracted to the same sex. While
I am not flamboyant, I guess it was sometimes obvious to fellow classmates and neighborhood kids that I
was different. I was teased, picked on, beaten and even bashed at times. Events like these are traumatic for
all kids. When I got older I graduated from college and went on to graduate school. I paid for my education by
myself with loans, work-study and some parental help. I received no special handout because I am gay.
Since graduating, I have lived in Manhattan and Los Angeles – two great and competitive American cities. I
have been fortunate enough to work with some of the brightest companies and interface with some of the
most prominent businessmen and businesswomen today. Throughout my career, I must admit that at times
I have been a victim of discrimination, social profiling and harassment at work because I do not fit a "certain"
corporate mold. Determined to succeed, I have not let anything stop me from moving forward. I am lucky to
be in America where I can pursue my dreams.
When Michelle Obama exclaimed that she is "finally proud to be an American," I cringed immensely. She just
now woke up? Michelle Obama and her husband have gone to the best schools in the country, earn
phenomenal incomes and have a chance to take over the White House and she is just now "PROUD?" I
realize that minorities such as African-Americans sometimes do have a tough time winning acceptance and
fighting prejudice, but they are not alone in the fight. I have a serious problem with her sloppy comment and I
cannot get past it. Yes, it is true that I may sometimes get angry with my government, become disgusted by
certain oppressive segments of our society and feel depressed about the discrimination of gays in America.
Even with the discrimination and abuse I have experienced, I have always been proud to be a citizen of the
United States of America, a free country where change can happen and dreams do come true. I have always
felt an incredibly deep gratitude to God for being born on U.S. soil into the American culture . I know that I am
lucky. We are all so blessed to be living in this great country, which is rich and abundant with opportunity and
freedom.
I do not have time to wait for Obama's "CHANGE" to occur - if it ever will. There is too much to get done now. I
am voting for Hillary Clinton because I know that she has always been a proud American citizen and she will
fight hard for everyone with her experience, hope and good old-fashioned American pride and spirit.
American pride and spirit - feelings we desperately need more of these days.
James Strzalkowski
Los Angeles, CA
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Mayra Lazara Dole's, Trans-Forming Homophobia
Dear Editor,
Mayra Lazara Dole's, Trans-Forming Homophobia, is a necessary article. Since moving to Southwest Florida,
I have notices a lot of homophobia (but not on campus). SWFL is the most conservative region in a state that
elected Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist in succession. When Jim Davis was running as a Democrat against
Crist, Davis never advertised in SWFL because it would have been a waste of money. I see quite a few out
people here, but also a sharp undertone against homosexuals. I think that many people condemn
homosexuals just so they have someone to condemn; some group they can feel morally superior to. Mayra
addressed the matter of some people's desire for moral authority directly--without claiming moral authority for
herself.
Cuba was indeed known for its red-light district; unfortunately it still is. Sex tourism by Americans to Cuba still
goes on. The gross double standard of praising men who have multiple partners while chastising women
who do the same shows a severe removal from reality in American cultures. It's insane that it's considered
proper for a man to take his son to a prostitute so his son can become "a man" while that same man will
condemn that prostitute for being a prostitute.
In both Classical and Norse mythology we find diverse examples of homosexuality. Hermes was sometimes
considered bisexual. In Norse mythology the villain god is Loki. Loki is selfish and plays a lot of practical
jokes, but his biggest sin is the fact that he is both transsexual and transgendered. Loki once transformed
himself into a female horse and gave birth to an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir which became Odin's
personal ride. It's mighty interesting--or hypocritical--that Odin (the boss god) was willing to ride Loki's baby
while allowing Loki to be persecuted for bisexuality.
I enjoyed this column. Good luck to Mayra on her new release, Down to the Bone.
Ian Morris
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Mayra Lazara Dole's articles...
To The Editor:
I absolutely love Mayra Lazara Dole's articles! The last one, on homophobia, is as informative as it is
entertaining. Her first article compelled me to read her novel, “Down To The Bone�, which I have
recommended to all my friends.
Thank you, Mayra Lazara, for addressing pertinent issues that deeply affect all of us!
Carmen Guerra
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Mayra Lazara Dole's article...
Dear Herb Sosa,
I thought Mayra Lazara Dole's article, "Trans-Forming Homophobia," was fabulous. She is so right about what
should be done in middle schools. It will be difficult, because of narrow-minded school boards and parents
and because of teachers who are afraid of losing their jobs, but it should be done. Thank you for publishing
this important article.
Rosemary Brosnan
New York, NY
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Mayra Lazara Dole...
To the Editor,
I found Mayra Dole's recent article on the contributions of homosexual and transgender individuals throughout
human history to be provocative and important. I hope it will help develop a widespread consciousness
among parents, educators, curriculum committees and other citizens of good will that it is high time school
curricula directly addressed this subject in a responsible manner. I, for one, have always believed we can all
co-exist peacefully and productively if we only knew more about all people who make up human society and,
thus, gained more compassion and respect for one another. We all deserve enlightened approaches to
educating our youth for this still-new century, if we're truly to see peace on earth.
Sincerely,
Janell Walden Agyeman
Miami, FL
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Steve Ralls article on Rep. Saly Kern...
Dear Steve,
I have just read your article for Ambiente Magagzine. Thank you for an insightful and accurate account of Sally
Kern's remarks, and the subsequent events surrounding them. Rev. Loyce Newton-Edwards and company
were amazing in both the content of their remarks and the civility of their unified response.
My husband and I were present for the rally at the capitol, and were very encouraged by what we saw. We are
members of PFLAG Norman and St. Stephen's United Methodist Church of Norman, an inclusive church. We
are so pleased with the direct, yet reconciling, remarks that were made.
I hope that you will continue to write articles that highlight the fact that God and bigotry are mutually exclusive,
and that God creates and loves all of His children. My concern is that GLBT individuals and those who love
them will turn away from religion, because all that they hear through the media is religious right hatred.
Thank you for shedding light on the fact that many of us in the church support and encourage all people.
Highest regards,
Leslie Bohon-Bothwell (proud sister and mother of gay men)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
We always welcome your comments, suggestions, applause and criticisms at Ambiente, and
hope that thru them we can provide a better, more informative and focused product to you,
our readers...
Herb Sosa
Editor-In-Chief, Ambiente.us
herb@ambiente.us
MAY 2008
COMMENT -
California Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Same-Sex Marriage
For those opposing Gays right to marry.... Get Over it!
Everyone has the RIGHT to chose whomever they want to share their lives with. This is not only about giving
the right to marry, but to also be able to include your life partner in decisions concerning one another,
insurance, inheritance, etc.
The gay community should be able to enjoy the same rights heterosexuals have enjoyed for a long time.
These people protesting consider themselves better than gays! Please, think with your own brain, do not let
these religious leaders???? dictate how you should think and act.
A person just by being born gay, (yes, being gay is NOT a chosen way of life) already has a much harder life
ahead of them, most of the rest of us are bigots and hypocrites and are always ready to dismiss what is
different or not known. Just for the record: AIDS is not reserved for gays or lesbians. It is a fact that the
heterosexual community is just as much as risk as the gay one.
And for those who think the forefathers were so perfect, just because they did not address the gay issue
within the realms of the Constitution, do not forget that in those times the Church instilled fear for anything
and to everyone that was not in tune with what was in their best interest.
It is a historical fact that a lot of our patriots were homosexuals. Take Abraham Lincoln for example.
That fact did not make him any less brilliant, caring or a good politician.
For the religious crowd: practice what you preach: LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
T. Penichet
Miami, Florida
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
One Gay Voice: Why I Cannot Support Obama
As many democrats are buzzing about the current nominee campaign, I feel like no one is paying enough
attention to the gay vote. The candidates and the press seem to be staying away from the topic of "Gay
Marriage," even though it is still a hot topic for debate and an area where "CHANGE" is needed. (Mr. Obama, I
am talking to you.) I am okay with the exclusion of this topic this time around, but I am not okay with a possible
First Lady saying she is "finally proud to be an American," just because her husband is a contender for the
Democratic nomination.
In the United States, gay men and women grow up with so many challenges. Our society is generally taught
that "being gay" is wrong, weird, illegal, shameful and even demonic in some parts. Sadly, many gay teens
turn to suicide or are shunned by their families and thrown out onto the streets. I believe that someone is
born gay and that we do not choose the lifestyle. At least, I didn't have a choice. I am who I am. Yes, being
born gay can be more painful and challenging than being born left handed, but I know some left handed gay
men and women - they must have it really hard. It would seem that a gay, left-handed black woman that's
also a little person must have it super hard in this world - perhaps the worst. The level to which a person can
take this is tremendous. Bottom line is, we all have our crosses to carry.
It is my experience that in this country, it is still acceptable to discriminate against, make fun of and even shun
members of the gay community. The gay community is one of the last segments of our society where it is
still legal and "okay" to regard them as second-class citizens. I have hope that one-day everyone will truly
become equal and gay men and women will be given all of the same rights as everyone else. Mr. Obama,
will you change the laws against gay marriage? Can I count on you for that?
Now, in my life, I have worked hard to get where I am. I grew up in Buffalo, NY in a typical middle class family.
My father, now retired, is a Vietnam vet and worked hard as an employee of General Motors. He held a good
paying job with benefits that would be incredibly hard to come by in this era. It started off well, but my life
became colored with many disadvantages, simply because I was born to be attracted to the same sex. While
I am not flamboyant, I guess it was sometimes obvious to fellow classmates and neighborhood kids that I
was different. I was teased, picked on, beaten and even bashed at times. Events like these are traumatic for
all kids. When I got older I graduated from college and went on to graduate school. I paid for my education by
myself with loans, work-study and some parental help. I received no special handout because I am gay.
Since graduating, I have lived in Manhattan and Los Angeles – two great and competitive American cities. I
have been fortunate enough to work with some of the brightest companies and interface with some of the
most prominent businessmen and businesswomen today. Throughout my career, I must admit that at times
I have been a victim of discrimination, social profiling and harassment at work because I do not fit a "certain"
corporate mold. Determined to succeed, I have not let anything stop me from moving forward. I am lucky to
be in America where I can pursue my dreams.
When Michelle Obama exclaimed that she is "finally proud to be an American," I cringed immensely. She just
now woke up? Michelle Obama and her husband have gone to the best schools in the country, earn
phenomenal incomes and have a chance to take over the White House and she is just now "PROUD?" I
realize that minorities such as African-Americans sometimes do have a tough time winning acceptance and
fighting prejudice, but they are not alone in the fight. I have a serious problem with her sloppy comment and I
cannot get past it. Yes, it is true that I may sometimes get angry with my government, become disgusted by
certain oppressive segments of our society and feel depressed about the discrimination of gays in America.
Even with the discrimination and abuse I have experienced, I have always been proud to be a citizen of the
United States of America, a free country where change can happen and dreams do come true. I have always
felt an incredibly deep gratitude to God for being born on U.S. soil into the American culture . I know that I am
lucky. We are all so blessed to be living in this great country, which is rich and abundant with opportunity and
freedom.
I do not have time to wait for Obama's "CHANGE" to occur - if it ever will. There is too much to get done now. I
am voting for Hillary Clinton because I know that she has always been a proud American citizen and she will
fight hard for everyone with her experience, hope and good old-fashioned American pride and spirit.
American pride and spirit - feelings we desperately need more of these days.
James Strzalkowski
Los Angeles, CA
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Mayra Lazara Dole's, Trans-Forming Homophobia
Dear Editor,
Mayra Lazara Dole's, Trans-Forming Homophobia, is a necessary article. Since moving to Southwest Florida,
I have notices a lot of homophobia (but not on campus). SWFL is the most conservative region in a state that
elected Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist in succession. When Jim Davis was running as a Democrat against
Crist, Davis never advertised in SWFL because it would have been a waste of money. I see quite a few out
people here, but also a sharp undertone against homosexuals. I think that many people condemn
homosexuals just so they have someone to condemn; some group they can feel morally superior to. Mayra
addressed the matter of some people's desire for moral authority directly--without claiming moral authority for
herself.
Cuba was indeed known for its red-light district; unfortunately it still is. Sex tourism by Americans to Cuba still
goes on. The gross double standard of praising men who have multiple partners while chastising women
who do the same shows a severe removal from reality in American cultures. It's insane that it's considered
proper for a man to take his son to a prostitute so his son can become "a man" while that same man will
condemn that prostitute for being a prostitute.
In both Classical and Norse mythology we find diverse examples of homosexuality. Hermes was sometimes
considered bisexual. In Norse mythology the villain god is Loki. Loki is selfish and plays a lot of practical
jokes, but his biggest sin is the fact that he is both transsexual and transgendered. Loki once transformed
himself into a female horse and gave birth to an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir which became Odin's
personal ride. It's mighty interesting--or hypocritical--that Odin (the boss god) was willing to ride Loki's baby
while allowing Loki to be persecuted for bisexuality.
I enjoyed this column. Good luck to Mayra on her new release, Down to the Bone.
Ian Morris
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Mayra Lazara Dole's articles...
To The Editor:
I absolutely love Mayra Lazara Dole's articles! The last one, on homophobia, is as informative as it is
entertaining. Her first article compelled me to read her novel, “Down To The Bone�, which I have
recommended to all my friends.
Thank you, Mayra Lazara, for addressing pertinent issues that deeply affect all of us!
Carmen Guerra
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Mayra Lazara Dole's article...
Dear Herb Sosa,
I thought Mayra Lazara Dole's article, "Trans-Forming Homophobia," was fabulous. She is so right about what
should be done in middle schools. It will be difficult, because of narrow-minded school boards and parents
and because of teachers who are afraid of losing their jobs, but it should be done. Thank you for publishing
this important article.
Rosemary Brosnan
New York, NY
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Mayra Lazara Dole...
To the Editor,
I found Mayra Dole's recent article on the contributions of homosexual and transgender individuals throughout
human history to be provocative and important. I hope it will help develop a widespread consciousness
among parents, educators, curriculum committees and other citizens of good will that it is high time school
curricula directly addressed this subject in a responsible manner. I, for one, have always believed we can all
co-exist peacefully and productively if we only knew more about all people who make up human society and,
thus, gained more compassion and respect for one another. We all deserve enlightened approaches to
educating our youth for this still-new century, if we're truly to see peace on earth.
Sincerely,
Janell Walden Agyeman
Miami, FL
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT -
Steve Ralls article on Rep. Saly Kern...
Dear Steve,
I have just read your article for Ambiente Magagzine. Thank you for an insightful and accurate account of Sally
Kern's remarks, and the subsequent events surrounding them. Rev. Loyce Newton-Edwards and company
were amazing in both the content of their remarks and the civility of their unified response.
My husband and I were present for the rally at the capitol, and were very encouraged by what we saw. We are
members of PFLAG Norman and St. Stephen's United Methodist Church of Norman, an inclusive church. We
are so pleased with the direct, yet reconciling, remarks that were made.
I hope that you will continue to write articles that highlight the fact that God and bigotry are mutually exclusive,
and that God creates and loves all of His children. My concern is that GLBT individuals and those who love
them will turn away from religion, because all that they hear through the media is religious right hatred.
Thank you for shedding light on the fact that many of us in the church support and encourage all people.
Highest regards,
Leslie Bohon-Bothwell (proud sister and mother of gay men)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------