Los Angeles City Elections
In response to “Three Gay Leaders to Seek Council Seat in 13th District,” Jan. 22:
As a lesbian, I look forward to a time when the term “coming out” is an acronym. At this time, however, it is not, and the candor and honesty of lesbians and gay men seeking positions of leadership is essential.
One’s identity as a lesbian or a gay man is not an issue when the candidate is accurate and open about who they are. Anything less is dishonesty.
As a 14-year resident of the 13th District I am very, very proud that three gay candidates are running for the City Council seat.
The horror of Seaman Allen Schindler’s murder in Japan and the recent brutal assault of a Laguna Beach man (believed to be gay) are the result of the toxic environment created by the closet.
The closet is not the last vestige of eroding homophobia, it is the mortar holding it firm. Openness is not simply important--it is essential. Hopefully, it is no longer the litmus test. The 13th District council race makes it a fait accompli .
ANN BRADLEY
Los Angeles
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