Books About Gay Families

Susan Carpenter McMillan’s ignorance and homophobia shine through with her article, “Put Rainbow Back in the Closet” (Column Right, Jan. 31). It’s quite obvious that she knows little about homosexuality, let alone the books she believes should be banned from public schools. If she would take a little time to read the books she wants to ban, she would know that all three books she mentioned say nothing about sex or what homosexuals do in bed. If she would take time to read the latest hate crime statistics in Los Angeles, she would also find out that gay men and lesbians were killed, beaten and harassed more than any other group of people in the city. If McMillan watched or read the news recently, she would also see the reality of a bunch of teen-agers beating one gay man beyond recognition in Laguna Beach.

As a teacher, almost everyday I see verbal as well as physical harassment of boys who hang around girls or who do not like sports, often called “faggots” or “sissies”. I also see girls who are laughed at and ridiculed because they play with boys or are tougher than other girls. This has nothing to do with sex but everything to do with prejudice, hate and intolerance of others. It is indeed quite necessary that books and teaching of tolerance and respect for all people including gays and lesbians should be taught to all students.

MARK SATTERLEE

Los Angeles