By Nicholas P. Ray
Arizona Daily Wildcat
February 18, 1998

Drag coverage unbiased

To the editor:

I am writing to compliment the Wildcat's coverage of gay, lesbian and bisexual awareness week, particularly the female illusionist show ("Show time" Feb. 12). To those involved in the planning, it was exciting to see a fabulous show and a crowd who obviously enjoyed themselves. The courtesy with which the performers were treated made a positive statement about the attitude of UA students.

It is not easy for many people to address issues surrounding sexual orientation, but the presence of these performers demonstrated vividly that nobody need be ashamed of their orientation. The week was meant as a celebration of the diversity and talent within the gay, lesbian and bisexual community, and as such, it succeeded. Furthermore, it provided an opportunity for all of us to examine our own prejudices. Such events, and unbiased media coverage of them, can only help to build a sense of acceptance.

My only disappointment came from the comments of two UA students. I would suggest that to call the performances a "nauseating freak show" is naive and narrow-minded. A freak show involves forced participation for another's gain. This clearly wasn't the situation on the mall; indeed it goes without saying that the four guys had a great time on stage, entertaining us all and opening a few eyes and minds in the process.

Another student is happy to let her gay friends "do what they want," but apparently not here. I take that to mean being gay publicly and on campus is a step too far. Why on earth should such fun be restricted to the proverbial closet? As a potential future educator, will her tolerance of queer students be limited to "that's fine, provided I don't have to see it or hear about?" I wonder how many of her gay friends questioned her commitment to open-mindedness when they read these comments?

However, if seeing this show, and the week's other events, helps one close-minded homophobe reassess his or her view, or shows one questioning student that there is a supportive community out here, then it will have served an even grander purpose than was the intent of the organizers. I applaud Heidi and Juan, who worked so hard to put the week together and hope the majority of the campus continues to support the Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Association and every other club or organization that celebrates the diversity that is so central to our community and the world beyond.

Nicholas P. Ray
Program Coordinator
Non-matriculating graduate student