Letters to LETTERS

This summer, double-barreled gay-bashing in our media certainly compels our response.

In June, on national TV, Republican Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott compared homosexuality to alcoholism and sex addiction. As if that were not unenlightened enough, Republican Dick Armey jumped into the fray and allowed that, yup, the Bible supports Lott's views.

Excuse us, please, but when we want biblical exegesis we find it more helpful to go to our clergy than to our political leaders. Bible lessons from Congress? You must be kidding!

Then in July the Family Research Council spearheaded a "homosexuals can change" ad campaign in major newspapers. The upshot of the ads was that gay people cannot be Christians unless they first become heterosexuals, but through prayer and counseling sexual orientation can be altered.

Aside from the effrontery, the only problem is that no scientific study has found validity in "transformational ministries." Most research has found sexual orientation to be genetic or at least in place by age 3 or 4. That's hardly volitional and strongly suggests immutability.

Here's a thought! Wouldn't it be great if reason and intelligence could prevail in future discussions about gay people?

Douglas & Corey Marshall-Steele

Dear Friends:

Many thanks to all our friends who helped us celebrate our 25th anniversary on Sunday, July 26. Even though we specifically asked them not to, they came loaded with gifts, cards and best wishes which we very much appreciate. We want to especially thank Sue and crew at Aurora Grill for the great buffet, and Dave from Harlow's for his efficient, friendly bartending.

We are still overwhelmed by, and grateful for, the outpouring of love and good wishes. We thought it would be a simple little cocktail party observance of the day, but it's heartwarming to know that the gay and lesbian community feels so strongly about long term relationships. We hope many more couples will make public their milestone anniversaries. Let the world know it doesn't have a monopoly on long, happy marriages and shared lives.

Along with our joy, we are saddened that several dear friends of ours, who also would have been celebrating 25th anniversaries, are no longer with us. We remember and celebrate the time we had with them.

Our congratulations go out to Ms. Marchant and Ms. Crawford, two friends who will soon celebrate 50 years together - 50!! Can't wait for that party! Congratulations also to Steve Elkins and Murray Archibald on their upcoming 20th. We are expecting a REALLY BIG DO at SUNDANCE 98.

Again, many thanks and much love to all,

Bob Long and Bill Lytle, Rehoboth Beach

Greetings All!

First, I'd like to thank you so much for producing such a great magazine. I really enjoyed reading it when I lived in the area, and now that I don't, your website is a true lifesaver! Please keep up the good work!

You mention at the end of your Sundance article that if anyone is interested in being a sponsor or a host to let you know. Well I certainly would love to sponsor the event in any way I can, so please do send any info in reference to such.

As far as hosting, I am in need of it as well! I live in New York City now, and have lost touch with many of my friends who frequent Rehoboth, so lining up somewhere to stay has become quite the hassleCespecially Labor Day weekend.

So if any of you have suggestions or resources that I may not have considered, please let me know. I'd really be interested in a nice share for that weekend. I'm low maintenance, neat, clean, fun, and I can cook, too!

Again, thanks so much for all your hard work. If you are ever wondering if it's worth it, you can call me and I will heap praises on you all!

Warmest Regards,

Brian Hendricks