Letters to LETTERS

In less than six months, two gay men were lynched with such brutality as to be reported in the national media. The two murders were strikingly similar but there was a notable difference. Matthew Shepard’s torture and murder in October received widespread media coverage and overwhelming public outcry. Billy Jack Gaither’s in February received relatively minor national attention. Of course most gay-bias violence does not even make the national news at all.

It appears we as a nation have in some sense become hardened to violence against gays much as we once grew accustomed to the decimation of Native Americans and the enslavement and lynching of African Americans. And sadly, being the religious nation we are has never delivered us from our sluggish national conscience toward minorities.

Gays constitute the third most frequent recipients of hate violence, yet have no hate crime protections in 29 states or on the federal level. There can be no good reason why our federal legislators do not pass the gay-protective Hate Crimes Prevention Act during this session. With at least 25% of American families containing a gay family member, the gay son or daughter we save may be our own.

Sincerely,

Douglas and Corey Marshall-Steele

Dear CAMP Rehoboth,

We are pleased to have in Salisbury on May 9, our guest artist, concert pianist Eric Hachinski. A recognized classical musician both in New York City and Toronto, Eric has offered to perform a fundraiser concert to benefit the Eastern Shore AIDS Foundation (ESAF). A reception will follow the concert, and a raffle contest will be held for "dinner for two" at Legend’s Restaurant.

You are invited to attend what promises to be a lovely evening. Eric possesses not only remarkable talent, but also the same philosophy as those of us at ESAF. The philosophy that sharing our talents is what builds a great cause. The cause, for ESAF, is finding those individuals who will administer the health care and education, as well as emotional nurturing to thousands of needy men and women. As a performing artist, Eric has found that playing for organizations such as ESAF helps meet human needs, as well as fulfill his musical passion. We feel confident in saying music literally gives its listeners more hope to live a better fuller, healthier happier life.

We hope you will come experience the joy of music in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall, on the Salisbury State University campus. Make your support a memorable occasion.

Ticket prices are $12 per person and $20 per couple. Since seats are limited, we suggest you pre-order to insure you will be able to attend. To order send a check payable to Eastern Shore Aids Foundation, Inc. to 209 Maryland Avenue, Suite 5, Salisbury, MD 21801.

For more information, call Laurie at ESAF, 410-749-1513.

Sincerely,

The ESAF Board of Directors

Dear Steve,

I just received unofficial word that this tall, bald poet who you know won the Baltimore ARTSCAPE poetry award. What that means is that they’ll publish his FIRST COLLECTION!! It also means that, at the awards ceremony this summer, CAMP Rehoboth will be mentioned as an early and ongoing supporter.

Sincerely,

Hiram Larew

CAMPnote: Recent works of Hiram Larew, the "unofficial" CAMP Poet Laureat, can be found on page 52 of this issue.

To the Editor,

We know Rehoboth is becoming a gay and lesbian hot spot. There are among us some transgender people as well, but we are having a bit of trouble connecting. We are hoping to get together and meet one another, and we are open to those with gender differences, female to males, male to females, friends and families. Your help in getting the word out is appreciated.

A new support/social group is forming in lower Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This is a brand new group, if you would like to help organize and/or just be supportive, or just attend meetings please let us know.

The goal support for trans folks, ftm, mtf, gender questioning, transitioning persons, trans supporters, SO’s, family and friends in a minimal structured environment. And to just get together to meet one another and support each other. If you are from this area or visit the beach, contact us at transppt@hotmail.com.

Thank you for helping to connect all of us in the sexual minority communities.

Sincerely,