LETTERS one

the distinction between right and wrong, it simply makes being in the wrong slightly less offensive”. | am nota victim. | do not appreciate being portrayed as one. | am in control of my life. Heterosexuals do not control my life. | am a member of the homo- sapiens population. | do not consider myself to be wrong, nor do | consider myself to be offensive, least ofallas offensiveas the insecure, self-acclaimed young and old heterosexual males and females who practise verbal or physical homosexual bashing.

In the portion referred to as Campus Comment, there was a lot of reference made toward the attitudes of Islanders. |’m sickand tired of everyone laying the blame on PEI. People’s attitudes concerning homosexuality are no different here than they are throughout North America. Do you people really believe that homosexuals have it so great in other parts of our country or in the US? If you do, you are wrong. Why do people always have to change the focus by shifting the blame? It is not PEI that is verbally or physically bashing homosexuals. It is the heterosexuals who have insecurities about their own sexuality who bash. This is done in an effort to reaffirm their heterosexuality. Homosexuals are aware that those who speak the loudest against homosexuality are the ones who are the most insecure about their own sexual identities. “You” heterosexuals who bash are a dead giveaway.

As you may have noticed | have not used terms such as gay, queer etc. The reason: if | must be referred to in accordance with my sexuality, | prefer to be referred to as a homosexual male. As far as I'm concerned, the words gay, queer or other words chosen to describe homosexuality do not suggest or demand any respect. | demand respect, not becausel am homosexual, but just because! am.

Last but not least, | resent that all the pictures used to depict homosexual couples were ones which suggested the intention of a forthcoming sexual act. Do you not have access to pictures of homosexual couples who weren’t sucking face? Is it any wonder that the heterosexual community dwells on homosexual promiscuity? In case you are wondering, homosexual couples do more than just have sex. | often wonder if publications such as yours assist or defeat homosexuals’ attempts at equality. As the saying reads, the highway to hell is paved with good intentions.

| do not have much concern about whether heterosexuals think that printing articles about homosexuality is a waste of paper. Heterosexuals have to realize that homosexuals are forced to live in a predominant heterosexual milieu every day of their lives. We are reminded of this fact by having our sexuality thrown in our faces every day of our lives, even by those who call us their friends. When heterosexuals are in the spotlight 99% of the time, what is the big deal if the topic of homosexuality Uses up some space and paper on occasion? Do “you” think your egos will survive? I, a homosexual who has attended this University (UPEl), for the last five years, have paid my tuition and am entitled to have my voice heard. | have never used any of the precious space or paper in the X.PRESS before. | now expect to have every word which I have submitted to the X.PRESS printed. Sincerely; One Homosexual

Feel free to let us know what is on your mind. You can e-mail us at xpress@stul.cs.upei.ca, or drop a letter off in our mailbox, room 06 Main

Dear John and Jane:

In regard to the serious nature in your attempt to answer the recent letter from N.F. who said he was a homosexual and feeling evil because of it, | would propose a better answer than watching the Hollywood movie, Philadelphia. Perhaps if N.F. is listening (or anyone for that matter) and feeling awkward about sexuality, the best help | could give would be to call AIDS PE! (566-2437). Sure, they are not a gay community group, but the issues of homosexuality acceptance and AIDS awareness do overlap. Also, they would know more about gay help meetings, and the like. |ama volunteer of AIDS PEI and honestly can tell you their open and caring atmosphere is not only offered to homosexuals but to heterosexuals as well; thus, there is no need to be frightened to enter because people will call you a queer, because they might just as well call you straight. Or, if you feel AIDS PEI is just too far out there, | am an untrained volunteer, but | will listen, or go with you to AIDS PEI, whatever, just find someone to talk to that won't tell you to go seea movie. Call me if you need help.

Kenneth (436-5745)

Drugs, drugs, drugs

It has come to my attention in recent semesters that the drug problem on campus has become quite a problem. In the past few weekends that | have been over to Blanchard Hall | have been offered every type of drug that you can think of besides needles. Many times these drugs are given away or sold really cheap, which is sometimes tempting. In my opinion there should be a full investigation into the drug problem on. campus. What surprised me a great deal was the fact that the drug problem was also bad in the women’s residence, maybe almost as badas in Blanchard. These are just my thoughts and observations, but | would like to see some type of article on this topic if at all possible. Thanks. Don’t even think of putting my name anywhere near this as shit could hit the fan, thanks. Ya just gotta love those run-on sentences they really come in handy when you're in a hurry.

a 4

- Ce . Rue A Ka ae

Oe os ~~ [xpress march twenty-second 1994 page || |