Controversy Over ACT UP Film

I did not support ACT UP’s demonstration at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York in 1989. I believe ACT UP goes too far in its efforts to draw attention to the homophobia directed toward gays and lesbians. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of bigotry out there. And the Catholic Church is one of the main sources.

I find charges by the Catholic Church that KCET’s action encourages hatemongers to be a bit disingenuous since the Catholic Church’s consistent refusal to treat gays and lesbians with respect and dignity is one of the major causes of the homophobia and gay-bashing in America today. For the Catholic Church to claim that KCET is encouraging crimes of hate is for the pot to call the kettle black.

The campaign of vengeance against KCET for the exercise of the right of free speech in a pluralistic society is unworthy of an organization that claims the respect of a large segment of the American population. I am sending an extra contribution to KCET.

JAMES L. BOONE

Irvine