Date: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 07:51:53 -0600 (CST)
From: Deborah L Taylor <dtaylor%ksu.ksu.edu@KSUVM.KSU.EDU>


In case you missed it, in a recent letter to the editor in the Collegian a
student lamented having to constantly hear about Kevyn Jacobs always
talking about homosexuality.  This student is so upset over the idea of
having to read about homosexuality that when he reads it once a week
(Kevyn writes only on Monday), he thinks he sees it everyday in the
Collegian. He is clearly uncomfortable with this issue, as is evidenced in
his comment that we should not be subjected to hearing about Kevyn's
"sexual deviancy" every week.

This student is free to feel what he wants.  But I believe he needs to be
reminded of a few things.  First, with few exceptions, all other
editorials, letters, etc, in the Collegian are heterosexual-based.
Second, John Hart has written about anti-gay/anti-abortion/anti-free
thinking for at least two years now--is not Kevyn a healthy balance?
Third, his comment that Kevyn is a "sexual deviant" is the number one
reason Kevyn needs to continue talking about homosexuality.  If, after
all of the information Kevyn has provided about homosexuality, this guy
still chooses to call Kevyn a "deviant," then Kevyn has proof that he
needs to continue to talk about homosexuality.  Fourth, Kevyn was picked
by the Collegian to write on this topic, just as the other writers were
picked to address their topics.

The point I am making here is that I feel we should respond to irrational
comments such as this student's with rationale and with facts.  He is
clearly speaking with emotions; the thought of homosexuality scares him
to death.   And I am certain he is not alone.  I would hate to see our
community lose this opportunity to educate by not responding to this
student's remarks.  We don't have to be hateful or rude; we can be
informing and clear thinking.

My hope is that some of you will respond to this student's letter with a
letter of your own.  I would write one, but I have recently written a
guest editorial for the COllegian on this same topic and I don't want
everyone to think that I am the only opposition to homophobia.  I am not
asking you all to openly confess that you are gay or lesbian (there is no
need for that); I am asking that perhaps a few of you can respond to this
guy with clear thinking.

Thanks for your time,

Deb Taylor