‘Fag’

I sympathize with Eric Rofes’ objection (Letters, June 5) to your printing the word “fag” without quotation marks.

May I request that he show equal respect and sensitivity to those who cherish the standard and classic use of the English language, by placing quotation marks around the beautiful and poetic word “gay,” if he chooses to use it informally to denote homosexual.

BASIL LANGTON Los Angeles