‘Unchristian’ Christian Ad

* As a mother with a gay son, I was saddened to see the full-page ad in the July 27 Times.

Having worked with the gay community for the past 18 years in the fight against AIDS, it saddens me to see this blatant homophobia.

I understand free speech and that this was a paid advertisement. Nevertheless, it serves only one purpose that I can see. That is to increase the already high levels of shame and societal isolation for the gay and lesbian individual.

Over the past decade, I have experienced an incredible outpouring of love and support from the gay community, and it would be wrong for me to let this piece of hate go unanswered. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t want my name associated with either Trent Lott or Reggie White, but what a vicious and unchristian ad.

I am reminded of a statement my mother uses. What can you expect from a pig but a grunt!

PEARL JEMISON-SMITH

Garden Grove

* Regarding the recent full-page ad on “changing” homosexuals: What a lot of nonsense! In addition to the opinions of esteemed biblical scholars Reggie White and Trent Lott, we are treated to every tired stereotype that ever oozed from under a rock about homosexuals.

The “truth” is that gays and lesbians are no more or less depraved, diseased, depressed or dysfunctional than our heterosexual friends--a fact easily confirmed by a quick perusal of the morning newspaper.

The most offensive aspect of the ad is its smarmy sincerity--”love ya, really mean it.”

News flash for the folks who brought us the ad--we already know and are secure in the “healing love of God.”

REBECCA CHADWICK

Costa Mesa