Michael Huffington

* Re “Ex-GOP Hopeful Huffington Says He Is a Homosexual,” Dec. 6:

It took courage for Michael Huffington to go public with his long-standing sexual orientation, and the grace with which Arianna Huffington praised his good qualities as a father to their daughters may help the religious right understand that it is society’s ill-informed rejection that is responsible for so many gays trying to live a lie, hoping against hope to force a “cure.” Pretending to be heterosexual does not make it so, but it does create misery for an ever-widening circle of loved ones, and it does result in a high suicide rate for gay adolescents.

Huffington is taking the next logical step by questioning his Republican credentials. I would encourage Arianna, too, to reconsider her alliance with the party of exclusion. The Democrats would be pleased to welcome such a talented intellectual. They have room for everybody.

DIANA STRAIN

San Diego

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* So Huffington admits that he is now a homosexual, but he is not gay. Does this mean that he doesn’t go in “drag” on Halloween, or does it mean that he is above being just a vulgar, common garden-variety type of gay person?

As a “gay person,” I take umbrage at this snobbery and believe that this attitude was one of the reasons he never had a chance in his run for the Senate. He came across as an elitist.

He also thinks that he may now be a Democrat. I am sure the GOP is glad to hear that.

Possibly a little judicious counseling for Huffington would help him straighten out his confusion about his sexual identity and his political one as well. It may also make him a better candidate in the future, should he decide to run again.

MARC LEGER

Los Angeles

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* I don’t mind that Huffington admitted that he was gay, but to admit that he was a Democrat! And I thought all Democrats were born that way.

Now, I know that some people say that being a Democrat is simply a political orientation, but I say it is a lifestyle, and I am sick and tired of those people trying to shove their lifestyle down our throats. I wonder if anyone runs a clinic for people who want to change their political orientation.

RICHARD SHOWSTACK

Newport Beach