The Oracle has been receiving incendiary comment letters from outraged anti-gay students. As an organization in charge of overseeing the just treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students, PRIDE will launch an anti-defamation campaign mainly targeted towards the flawed arguments and biased, erroneous information that students are using to excuse their homophobia.

Thanks to all of you who were concerned with this downpour of negative letters attacking our community several response letters have been printed. We must keep responding to anti-gay letters and voice our rejection of them by using unbiased, scientific and intelligent counter-arguments. We urge you to read the Oracle's "Letters to the Editor" section and watch for negative and unsupportive letters. If you are willing to write a response you can either e-mail it to us (usfpride@web.usf.edu) or directly to the Oracle at this address: opinion@zephyr.oracle.usf.edu. You can also turn in your letters at the Oracle's Office in Cooper Hall 472. 

Editorial, what started it all: Misleading Ads Harm Young Gays

Anti-Gay Letters
Oracle must stop publishing lies
Opinion: Gay Rights  Movement too Extreme
Rename The Oracle to fit pro-gay stance
Tolerance should be extended to everyone

Responses
Hatred of homosexuals fuels evil forces of bigotry 
Several organizations against homosexual reparative therapy 
Hostility toward gays serves to promote harmful propaganda 
First Amendment extends to everyone
Protest against hatred and intolerance
Oracle remains objective in opinions
Column a 'shoddy piece of writing'
Gay rights are not extremism
Letter lacks humanity, appropriateness
Homosexuality is a not treatable disease
Tolerance needed in community
USF Equal Opportunity Act addresses gay rights
Homosexuality not caused by gay literature

Coverage of Rally
300 rally against anti-gay group

02/17/00 Oracle must stop publishing lies
I am perplexed and disheartened at the recent rash of false information that has been flowing through The Oracle. From the uneducated criticisms of Student Government to Tuesday's editorial on homosexuality, we are being bombarded by fallacies that are being defended and supported by The Oracle staff.
I call upon The Oracle to get its facts in order before it publishes its articles. It lessens the credibility of the paper and the student body to expound falsehoods such as the "scientific fact" of genetic homosexuality and the inactivity of our Student Government.
In response to the anti-Focus on the Family article, I would like to submit the following information: Exodus International and NARTH International are organizations that have a successful track record for ridding people of their homosexual tendencies. Contact them on the Web to see their results. Also, Robert Spitzer of Columbia University has been trying to trace homosexuality to the genetic makeup of humans for years and has had no success.
The Oracle would do well to stick to reporting the news and refrain from commenting on things about which it is clearly uneducated.

Peter Murphy is a junior majoring in business administration.

02/18/00 Opinion: Gay Rights  Movement too Extreme
Recently I read a news article that stated that in Great Britain, 180 elementary schools have begun showing a video that actually encourages children to experiment with homosexuality. It is hard to believe parents would allow their children to be exposed to this kind of propaganda, but they are. I hope we would not allow a video such as this to enter American schools the way it has British schools. Unfortunately, people in America who disagree with extreme gay rights activism cannot publicly express their concern over the welfare of their children or communities without being labeled "homophobic." It is time people felt free to speak their minds.

During the past three decades, the status of homosexuality as a disorder has been stricken from the books of psychology. But can this really be so? The vast majority of human beings on earth are heterosexual. Estimates vary, but it is likely that less than 1 percent of Americans are homosexual. While it is possible homosexuality is inherited genetically, other studies point to deficiencies in a child's home environment. Experiments with mice have shown that when kept at high densities, mice develop aberrant sexual behaviors including homosexuality. So, it is possible that the stress of living under crowded conditions leads to sexual deviance. And while it is true that at least one other animal, the bonobo or pygmy chimpanzee, naturally engages in homosexual behavior, this fact cannot be used to argue that homosexuality is natural for us, too. After all, bonobos behave sexually with the opposite sex, the same sex and even youngsters of both sexes including their own offspring. This would be better described as pansexuality rather than homosexuality, and clearly humans are not pansexual. Homosexuality appears to be a disorder rather than an alternative lifestyle.

Now gay activists want to have the right to get married and the right to adopt children. They claim that denying them these rights is discrimination. But marriage is an ancient tradition found in every culture around the world. In few places is marriage between members of the same sex condoned. And yet, gays want to impose this on our culture. People may love anyone they choose, but marriage is absurd unless it is between a man and a woman who are not already related.

As for adoption, it has been shown that having both male and female parents present in the home is very important to the healthy development of a child. In cases of necessary divorce or a parent's death, the breakup of a family is inevitable and must be addressed. But why forcibly send children into homes that are already broken from the start? It just does not seem fair to the children.

So, what are we to do about gay rights extremism? My suggestion is that we acknowledge that all people deserve fair treatment. But we should also ask exactly what we mean by fair treatment. We should ask ourselves whether we should ignore the evidence that points to homosexuality being a sexual disorder rather than a simple lifestyle choice. And then we should ask exactly how many of the demands of this minority we wish to meet when the foundations of our culture appear to be at risk.

Gaddy Bergmann is graduate student in the biology department.

02/21/00 Rename The Oracle to fit pro-gay stance
"Given the constant pro-homosexual bent of The Oracle staff, I wish to propose that all the gay and lesbian activists who now rule and drool over this paper, please stop trying to be "subtle" and rename The Oracle something more representative of what you are misusing it for. Here are several ideas I have in mind that I'm sure will help clarify matters immensely.
My favorite new name for The Oracle is, as my title implies, The USF Fag Rag. It's snappy, catchy and it really pretty much hits things on the head. Or maybe you'd prefer The Daily Homo Liar. Hey, that's pretty darn accurate, don't you think? Given how many lies you all love to invent and publish about how wonderful it is to be a fag or a lesbian. (Poor little "persecuted" fags and lesbians!) It makes me wonder if I could sneak some Web cams into the bathrooms over there and sell the output to gay and lesbian Web sites as a live feed.
Personally, I'm still waiting for you to start endorsing bestiality.
From what I hear though, many Christian groups are traumatizing all kinds of young teen "bestial-love" types these days because they are telling them that it's wrong and this is destroying their delicate little self-images. Some of the little zooites are even killing themselves - probably because of all the "social pressures" that have been put up against their perfectly "normal" little "alternative lifestyles."
(Not that there could in any way be anything remotely wrong with their "behavior" itself, of course! It's probably just genetic.)
You know, I hope you will keep publishing more pro-homo stuff and screw up the lives of many, many more impressionable young teens to help justify your own terrible self-loathing."

Mark Chase is a graduate student in the department of electrical engineering.

03/01/00 Tolerance should be extended to everyone
I was slightly amused and saddened when I read the many letters that attacked the opinions of those who are not pro-homosexual. 
In case I had missed some important facts in reading the articles by Bergmann, Chase and Murphy, I found the Feb. 18 copy of The Oracle and reread Gaddy Bergmann's column to see if I had missed any points, because it was "obvious" he had a "faulty" opinion. After reviewing it again, I still agree with what he said. 
Just because someone believes that homosexuality is wrong and is a psychological problem, it does not mean they hate and fear homosexuals. 
I do not condone this behavior, yet I have had friends in high school and friends now who are openly homosexual. I am perfectly content with the way God has designed me and have no qualms about fellowshipping with those who are homosexuals. I love them for who they are. 
As a Christian, the group everyone seems to be labeling as "homophobic," I cannot and will not say that homosexuality is normal and right, but I will continue to love those who feel that it is necessary to have same-sex relations. 
To those of you who would like some scientific proof of the other side of the issue, I ask you to consider our own physiological structure. I am refraining from explaining this further because I think you know what I am getting at. 
Also, consider Darwin's theory of natural selection. Homosexuality does not help humans in our endeavor to reproduce. 
This goes against postulate number four that states the ones who survive live to reproduce. There have also been studies done on the hypothalamus of homosexual cadavers and of identical twins that refute the claim that homosexuality is genetic.
Finally, to you who are preaching tolerance, which is tacit approval of something, I invite you to open your heart and tolerate those who do not see this issue as you do. 
We will not give approval to something that goes against our moral standards and convictions. We will listen to what you have to say, please examine and listen to us.

Velyn Wu is a sophomore majoring in chemistry.

Response Letters

02/23/00 Hatred of homosexuals fuels evil forces of bigotry 
It is with great dismay that I have seen such hateful letters in The Oracle directed at our lesbian, gay and bisexual sisters and brothers.
Although I salute The Oracle for allowing all points of view to be heard, I feel Monday's issue went too far. A student used denigrating terms in his letter to the editor, and if similar terms were used in a discussion of race, instead of homosexuality, the letter would not have been printed because it would have been considered to be in poor taste.
A person does not choose to be gay. A person does not choose to be straight. You are who you are. A person's sexual orientation is inborn. 
Why would someone choose to be gay? Considering the fact that so much hate, intolerance and bigotry still exist in the world, who would make such a decision? 
The state of Florida (and USF) has no policy or state law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Someone at USF could be fired for being gay, regardless of his or her performance on the job. Again, why would someone choose to be gay?
There are a few "Christian" ministry groups that claim to heal gay people in order to rid them of their homosexuality. Some of the groups get them to repress their desires and some go so far as to encourage them to marry and have children. 
However, all of these groups have one thing in common: They take a person (usually a teen-ager, but at times a grown adult) who is going through the delicate stages of accepting her or his homosexuality and plant fear into their minds and souls. Many of those who participate in these ministries end up having self-esteem problems or try committing suicide. After all, they've become convinced there is something innately wrong with them now. 
Even if those who participate in these organizations end up suppressing their desires, they are still gay. They're just in the closet for good. 
A good friend of mine joined one of those organizations about 10 years ago. He is now married and has three beautiful children. However, he is still gay! He still likes men! He gave in to the pressure of the organization and is living a fake, repressed life. He is on antidepressants and has attempted suicide numerous times. Is he really better off now? 
USF is an excellent school. I have great professors and, as a graduate teaching assistant, I teach 45 outstanding students. I am concerned about my grades and about the performance of my students. I don't worry about whether any one of my professors or students is gay. 
The far-right fundamentalists should spend less time disapproving of people's sexual orientation and more time learning how to be less closed-minded and judgmental. 
Two people of the same sex can have a loving, committed relationship and that relationship is even more blessed when it has the support of a supportive family, good friends and a tolerant society. Let's stop trying to fix "what ain't broke" and start uniting ourselves against the evil forces of homophobia and bigotry.

Paul Werner is a graduate student in foreign language education.

02/23/00 Several organizations against homosexual reparative therapy 
How curious that Peter Murphy accuses The Oracle of playing fast and loose with the facts about homosexuality and the "ex-gay" groups such as NARTH International and Exodus International. Since he asks for facts, here are a few. 
These groups' major beliefs, such as that of homosexuality as a disorder, people become gay because of "disturbances in their early lives" and gays and lesbians can convert to heterosexuality through reparative therapy, contradict statements made by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association of Social Workers, the American Psychiatric Association and American Psychological Association. 
NARTH membership is currently at 850. The APA alone consists of 132,000 members. 
There is no published scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of reparative therapy as a treatment to change one's sexual orientation. 
Not one study on the use of reparative therapy has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. 
Two of Exodus International's founders, Micheal Bussee and Gary Cooper, have criticized their own organization and other ministries for gays as fraudulent, stating the Exodus program was "ineffective ... not one person was healed." 
The ex-gay ministries measure sexual behavior, not sexual orientation.

Gerald A. Notaro is a university librarian.

02/23/00 Hostility toward gays serves to promote harmful propaganda 
This is in response to Mark Chase's letter in Monday's edition of The Oracle. Mark, although I experienced much of the same homophobia you seem to be experiencing when I was a young teen and in my early 20s, in my 30s my views on gays changed. 
I actually spoke with some gay people and asked them questions about being gay. Additionally, I read a bit about the issue. Here's what I learned. 
Why would a human being choose to be ostracized by his or her community, family and friends? The answer is that sexuality is a very powerful force and that attraction is predetermined. 
All the gay people I spoke with believe sexuality is genetically programmed. Very early in life gay people know they are gay. 
Moral forces are very strong, however, and I believe many gays choose to live a lie. It is notable that the suicide rate among gays is much, much higher than that of straights. I believe these tragedies occur largely because of people like yourself, whose anger and hatred constrains others from expressing the spirit in their choices. 
It is surely ridiculous to believe impressionable young teens will "become gay" from reading about the gay issue. Even as an "impressionable young man," I was not attracted to men. I was much more "susceptible" to gay hatred propaganda. From my own perspective, I think even if it were morally correct to be gay, I would still be straight. 
So why take the risk of defending gays? Why take the risk of being branded as "one of them?" Because I believe hatred toward the gay community is just as evil as any other type of hatred, be it racism or sexism. 
As a Jew, I do belong to a community that has received prejudice over the years. It is notable that long ago Jews were thought to be evil by Christians because we were bankers. Now even Christians are bankers. 
Maybe this new inquisition will dissolve if enough of the straight community protests.

Benjamin Gilbert is a graduate student in the department of business.

02/24/00 First Amendment extends to everyone
My history as an Oracle reader spans almost 30 years, both as a student and presently as a faculty member. Various social issues have been addressed through the years, including civil rights for minorities, women's equality issues and, recently, issues related to sexual preference. Acting as an open forum for such issues, The Oracle has rightfully provided a useful service to the USF community.
Mark Chase is well within his First Amendment rights to express his opinions regarding issues related to sexual preference. And indeed he has exercised them in a public forum.
While I have not personally noted any excessive treatment of the subject, Mr. Chase's concern is that the extent of The Oracle's coverage reflects a certain obsession on the part of the staff for which Mr. Chase was kind enough to assign their sexual preference to suit his arguments.
As in any open forum, there is bound to be disagreement. Many may find Mr. Chase's comments to be somewhat offensive; some might argue the letter should not have been printed in the first place. I disagree, again based on First Amendment principles.
I would assert that Mr. Chase has in fact provided a useful service to the USF community.
Recall the reaction of fair-minded people when reading the ranting of a white racist in reaction to a changing world where people of color might actually be treated with dignity.
Recall the reaction of justice-minded people when reading the whining of the male sexist, appalled that women had the audacity to expect equal pay for equal work, work which was outside the sacred domain of the man's kitchen.
Indeed, Mr. Chase becomes a part of this tradition. His homophobic behavior is so sadly comical that most intelligent individuals will dismiss his viewpoint as foolish.
People of compassion will most likely see this world view for what it is: A fading behavior held by those who have limited capacities to understand and feel. For this, we should thank Mr. Chase.

William E. Lee III is the director of the biomedical engineering program.

02/24/00 Protest against hatred and intolerance
It has been brought to my attention that certain students (in ignorance) hate homosexuals and those who care about them. Mark Chase has provided the newspaper with such a bigoted stance. When I spoke to The Oracle staff, they kindly apologized for the use of his horrific letter.
I cannot remember the last time I have been so disturbed by someone's thoughts. This human being has made a vicious attempt to promote hate. In doing so, he has degraded himself and others by using condescending, violent and offensive language. He fails to realize that lives are destroyed through the oppression of any peoples. I feel tremendously sorry for Mr. Chase because he will probably never know what it is like to have love and the dream for true equality in his heart.
On a more positive note, I would like to invite any of you who feel the same to join me at a rally to stand up against prejudice in our community. The message we want to send is that we love and value diversity in our community. Through tolerance and acceptance we can reject prejudice and fear in our society.
Also, there will be a number of members of the religious community expressing their tolerant beliefs on the issue of sexual orientation. The rally will be held this Saturday at the University of Tampa from noon to 1 p.m.

Nicole Fotovat is a USF student.

02/24/00 Oracle remains objective in opinions
Well, I was so relieved to finally be led into the light on the publishing informational shams of The Oracle. What a mockery of print media they are.
I have never read such buffoonery in my entire life. Last time I checked, all forms of media were subject to and strictly adhered to the First Amendment; therefore, I think it is within any newspaper's right to publish any article or letter or editorial as long as it is informational and written well.
I believe The Oracle to be extremely objective in its opinions and its selections of articles to print. I have read almost all of its issues in the past five years, and every side of many issues has always been presented, and quite professionally I might add.
In addition, I find it highly ironic that Peter Murphy finds qualms and mentions two issues - the article on genetic homosexuality and the "uneducated criticisms" of the Student Government - yet only focuses on one and completely disregards the other point with which he seems to have a fault.
I was so glad to know that Robert Spitzer at Columbia University had the last word on homosexuality and genetics. How foolish of me to think that this country had hundreds of doctors, sociologists, psychologists and so on who have studied and are still studying this issue and cannot come to one conclusive answer - although, most of the hands point to homosexuality being genetically inherent.
Hence, isn't this the pot calling the kettle black when Mr. Murphy states that The Oracle is "commenting on things about which it is clearly uneducated?" Uh-huh.
I would like to thank Mr. Murphy for providing information on the two organizations that are focused on "ridding people" of these "homosexual tendencies." I guess all those case studies and focus groups based on conversion therapy were all a waste, since it is proven that conversion techniques, nine times out of 10, do not work and lead to more problems, including suicide.
We work and study on a university campus that is based on open thinking and discussion, so I am in no means knocking what Peter Murphy has to say, but I would highly suggest that more attention be paid to the evidence before it is negatively commented on.
The Oracle should continue its excellent methods of reporting and commenting because as far as I am concerned, they have never been guilty of shoving ideas and opinions down students' throats and have always made it a point to bring the outside world into our university and help expand the minds of some students ingrained with ignorance and falsehood from within the four walls of their stagnant high schools.

Fadi Akhtar is a graduate student in the department of English.

02/24/00 Column a 'shoddy piece of writing'
I was shocked when I read Gaddy Bergmann's guest column in Friday's Oracle. I wasn't shocked or angered by his views, he has a right to express them after all. But after having read the article from a somewhat objective viewpoint, I can't believe such a shoddy piece of writing was allowed to be printed.
While I'll admit it is a good example of rhetoric, it should be taken with a grain of salt and examined for its flaws. For example, although the writer cites new evidence for his views, he doesn't say where this "evidence" comes from. Also, his logic is faulty and he makes claims that do not necessarily follow what he has written. It is saddening to know that people can be so prejudiced that it affects their ability to write something that makes sense. I've read strong arguments by anti-homosexual writers, but Gaddy Bergmann's leaves me at a loss for words.

Thane Montaner is a freshman majoring in philosophy and history.

02/24/00 Gay rights are not extremism
Maybe the 180 elementary schools in Great Britain are trying to teach children tolerance and there is nothing wrong with being different. This is something children in the United States are not being taught at school or home. Every second of every day in the United States some child or adult is unfairly crucified, in some cases literally, for being different. In the United States everyone who is not in the majority has had to fight at one time or another for basic human rights.
On the topic of marriage, why was marriage such a big deal in ancient times - because you had to keep track of what children belonged to what family and how the inheritance was to be split up? Today we have genetic testing for that. There is nothing extreme about the rights homosexuals are asking for, they want what most everyone wants - to fall in love, get married and start a family. What's so extreme about that? Yes, everyone deserves the right to speak their mind, but when you say something homophobic you are going to be called homophobic. Believing or hypocritically preaching that someone does not deserve the same rights you have as a heterosexual, because they are homosexual, is a phobia. Whom someone is attracted to or has sex with does not define their character any more than skin color or gender.
On the topic of adoption, many heterosexual people do not need to adopt children; they just have them without supervision, guidance or training. The homosexual and heterosexual families that want to adopt children are not just handed kids and sent on their merry way, as people who can have their own children.
These families' lives are picked through with a fine-tooth comb. They have to be able to support these children not only financially, but emotionally. People who can have their own children do not have to prove they can support them in any capacity and many of them do not. That is why there are so many children looking for homes. I close using some of guest columnist Gaddy Bergmann's thoughts from my own point of view:
"So what are we to do about (xenophobic) rights extremism? My suggestion is that we acknowledge that all people deserve fair treatment. But we should also ask exactly what we mean by fair treatment. We should ask ourselves whether we should ignore the evidence that points to (xenophobia as a mental) disorder rather than a simple lifestyle choice. And then we should ask exactly how many of the demands of this (majority) we wish to meet when the foundations of our culture (are steep in bigotry and hopefully) appear to be at risk" of crumbling and opening eyes glued shut by an irrational fear of the strange or different.
The United States is a melting pot and we, the people, add different things to this stone soup. This is our culture and it feeds us all, so stop spiking the soup with hate.

Leila Dalaughter is majoring in microbiology.

02/24/00 Letter lacks humanity, appropriateness
This is in response to Mark Chase's "Rename The Oracle to fit pro-gay stance" letter. I enjoy reading The Oracle every day, especially letters to the editor that intelligently state the writer's point, whether I agree with it or not.
However, this letter was an exception. I didn't enjoy it and it wasn't intelligent. It was vulgar and inappropriate. Suddenly, I didn't feel like eating breakfast anymore. I would like to point out that I have never seen The Oracle writers show the hatred I read in this letter.
My admiration goes out to people who can make others feel good about who they are. The sly change from talking about homosexuality to bestiality in Chase's letter was offensive to me, even as a heterosexual. It implied that homosexuals don't have morals, or in fact, aren't even human. This letter actually made me wonder if Chase is human.
I cannot even begin to understand why he felt he needed to demean not only gays and lesbians, but also The Oracle writers, to make his point. The usual explanation for derogatory language is self-loathing, so it's ironic that he accuses The Oracle staff of self-hatred when he's the one using the hateful language.
I hope The Oracle can be used by everyone, whatever their view. The Oracle's publishing of that letter attests to their professionalism and the care taken to show all sides of an issue.
However, I hope people will express these views in a non-debasing manner so that this process is less painful. I would like to keep my appetite the next time I read The Oracle.

Mary Alice Groves is a freshman majoring in music and international studies.

02/24/00 Homosexuality is a not treatable disease

When I read the letter written by Peter Murphy in Thursday's Oracle, I was shocked by the misinformation it contained. He claims that reparative therapy programs, such as Exodus International and NARTH International, are successful in "ridding" people of their homosexual "tendencies." This could not be anymore off track.
There has recently been an article published, endorsed partly by the American Psychological Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and many other distinguished organizations, that speaks out against this kind of "treatment." According to the article, "477,000 health professionals have all taken the position that homosexuality is not a mental disorder and there is not need for a cure." They further state that homosexuality is merely a facet of one's identity.
The only thing reparative therapy groups succeed in is further isolating youth who are questioning their sexuality. Gay teens are five times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts, and tend to struggle much more during adolescence.
These groups perpetuate the myth that homosexuality is a disorder that needs to be corrected and cause the questioning youth to have guilt and anxiety about their sexual orientation.
Hopefully this cleared up some misconceptions one may have on reparative therapy and homosexuality.

Joshua Bramer is a junior majoring in management information systems.

02/25/00 Tolerance needed in community

The brochure for the "Love Won Out" conference presented by Focus on the Family says many things to which I would like to respond. First is the statement that "more and more teens today are openly struggling with feelings of homosexuality." This statement is true, but it is twofold. It is wonderful that because of the work of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Liberation Movement and society's slowly increasing acceptance of non-heterosexual sexualities, more and more teens are OPENLY coming to terms with their sexual and/or affectional orientation or preference. However, as stated by Focus in the Family, these teens are STRUGGLING with feelings of homosexuality because they are demonized every day by a still tragically homophobic and heterosexist society. These societal ills still plague every institution across our nation, just as racism and classism do. Although it is no longer considered appropriate by most Americans to be openly racist, most of us still are every single day in subtle or institutionalized ways.
But make no mistake - homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism are branches of the same diseased tree called patriarchy and sexism. The ex-gay movement's philosophy is based implicitly on a hierarchical structure in which God is a heterosexual male, and heterosexual men, created in the image of this god, are superior to women, children and non-heterosexual males. My creator is a being who surpasses human constructs of sexuality or gender.
Those who would seek to try to change or prevent homosexuality, bisexuality or gender nonconformity in our children must take a much overdue look at their own internalized bigotry, hate and ignorance and overcome it! My family did - any family or individual can and MUST for the sake of all youth.
The reality is that not everyone is heterosexual or gender conforming. The fact is that same-gender-loving people and gender-variant people have existed since the beginning of humanity in every time, place and culture. We are not often taught this fact, but it is nonetheless a fact. Homosexuality and gender nonconformity are not modern phenomena. They are not, as some would have you believe, an American phenomena, a Western phenomena, a white phenomena or a middle- or upper-class phenomena. But instead, variety in sexualities and gender expression are human universals that more often than not are concealed, downplayed or assimilated into patriarchal, sexist and therefore heterosexist societies.
So, as the "Love Won Out" brochure states, "no wonder so many young people struggle with their sexual identity." It is not because of a "valueless pop culture" as the brochure states, but rather because of the patriarchal, sexist, homophobic and heterosexist culture they grew up in!
No one's sexual identity or gender identity is a mental disorder. It is a gift from the creator like every other aspect of their being, which must be nurtured in healthy ways. My life and my friends' lives are not lives of "empty longing" as the brochure states. Instead, they are lives full of honesty, love, compassion, concern, fellowship, a sense of community and a sense of justice.
Stop the bigotry, child abuse and psychological terrorism of the "Love Won Out" conference and the ex-gay movement! It cannot be tolerated in a just and compassionate community!

RJ Thompson is a youth organizer for Equality Florida

02/29/00 USF Equal Opportunity Act addresses gay rights

In the "Grinding Thoughts" section of Thursday's Oracle, the question was posed, "Should USF include a clause in its Equal Opportunity statement making it illegal to discriminate based on a person's sexual orientation?"
The following is submitted for the information of The Oracle's readers. Two USF Equal Opportunity statements address gays' and lesbians' rights; they do not make it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation, but they prohibit harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The first statement stipulates that, "harassment is prohibited whether on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical handicap, marital status or veteran status" (1999-2000 Student Handbook, Page 36).
The second statement stipulates that, "Discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation ... have no place at USF. Although, at this time, there is no state or federal law which specifically prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, the Florida Legislature has enacted the State Hate Crime Act which provides for enhanced penalties for any felony or misdemeanor evidencing prejudice based on sexual orientation."
In addition, the university currently maintains rules and policies which govern the conduct of all members of the university community. To the extent that any rules and policies are violated, the University will vigorously support all actions necessary to achieve conformance with its rules and policies" (1999-2000 Student Handbook, Page 64).
Any person who believes he or she has been subjected to discrimination in violation of the above Equal Opportunity statements should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Affairs (974-3906) or the Division of Human Resources (974-5708) for appropriate action.

Edouard L. Piou is the assistant vice president for Equal Opportunity Affairs.

03/01/00 Homosexuality not caused by gay literature
It was with horror that I read the content of Mark ChaseÕs Feb. 21 letter containing accusations that gay and lesbian activists were liars and implying that homosexuality was in some way "bestial." Let me please have this opportunity to set the facts straight. It is not "pro-homo stuff" that screws up the lives of impressionable young teens, but it is writing like that of Mark Chase, which does this job so well. How would he feel if one day he were told the feelings he had felt all his life were actually wrong and even beastlike?
Homosexuality is not something that can be caused by reading pro-homosexual literature; it is not a disease; and it is not something that is chosen. It is a natural, innate tendency over which the homosexual has no control.
Homosexuals may not like being gay or may be perfectly at peace with their feelings, but either way, writing to accuse homosexuals of bestial feelings does more to screw up the lives of young homosexuals than any writing that truthfully helps teen-agers deal with their natural feelings and emotions.
The only reason gay and lesbian activists need to be so prominent (another criticism often pushed at such activists) is because of the views of those Mark Chases out there.
It is my dearest hope that maybe one day the United States will become the society it was intended to be - free from all prejudice - where people can live their lives how they choose, according to their natural feelings and without fear, persecution or judgment.

Matthew Blackett is a sophomore majoring in geography.