On Gays, the Police Force, Public Service

I do want to say that while I believe Grobeson’s story 100%, I do not think the entire L.A. Police Department should be condemned. While I agree with Grobeson that “there are people who become police officers because they like bullying . . . beating up on people,” I truly believe that most men and women who join the force want to help others and their community.

I think I can understand that the in-house pressure could keep basically honest people from standing up behind some who are harassed as Grobeson was, even though I would hope people could be stronger than that.

As we speed toward the ‘90s, I’m sure it is not too hard to find chauvinistic or racist attitudes still at work on the police force. If some people cannot get past those old and tired beliefs, it would be almost fruitless to expect these men with their macho swaggering to adjust to gay people in their midst.

However, I think they have to adjust. It is very hard to be an individual in a society where everything and everybody is grouped and labeled faster than instant rice. Everyone, be they gay men and women or cops, should be taken each on their own abilities and personas.

CHARLIE ANDREWS

West Hollywood