Dear Michael Andolina,
You wrote a letter in the Argus last Tuesday addressed to “frightened LGBTQ non-queers who advocate against ‘frightening’ the homophobes.” I think you are indirectly reacting to statements that I made at a meeting we both attended about the hate crimes. Your arguments revolved around hasty and offensive tactics, while my views advocated the education of others. I was not alone in my belief that it was most important to educate and teach tolerance to those who act ignorantly. I am proud of my position at that meeting; I do not want to frighten anyone on this campus. You can tell the whole campus that I hate to scare people, but don’t you dare call me frightened. According to you, nothing says ‘working towards equality’ like an angry make out session with another guy in front of Admissions. You claim that I “turn my back on” my fellow LGBTQ peers by disapproving of your guerilla tactics and imbecilic public displays of affection. Well, I say you’ve turned your back on dignity. I mean, really Michael, do you need ass so badly that you must organize a make out session under the guise of radical politics?
The friends I have made in my dorm last year, my fellow teammates on the Swimming/ Diving team, and my fellow residents of Hewitt 8 (those that I am an RA for) can all attest to my positive interactions with all people of any orientation. Maybe it’s my inner confidence or my ability to converse with people in an engaging manner, but overall I think it’s my true belief that it doesn’t matter if I’m gay—I don’t let my sexuality dictate my social interactions. I’m not scared of straight people because of a bully in high school or a judgmental parent. Your tendency to alienate others as you alienate yourself is counterintuitive to ending homophobia. Equality is NOT won by flaunting differences but by embracing the similarities we all share. Shame on you for attacking those that choose not to define themselves by who they fuck, but instead define themselves on a level where sexuality is merely one of many personal facets. This way of life is not “why hate is allowed to exist… and flourishes inside of our own community.” The reality is that all this talk and debate comes after the fact. Hate exists in the world, and it is our voices collectively that fight hardest to reverse that ignorance. Your written words in The Argus are proof that you wish merely to fight for your own ego rather than unite in the cause.
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