Dear OITM: I was really happy to see Bisexuals included in the masthead of the V,l issue. It is important to acknowledge Bisexuals because they do exist and they are a part of our community, whether we choose to believe they exist or not. Many people think homosexuality doesn't or shouldn’t exist. To those people upset about seeing the word Bisexuals in the masthead: Aren’t you being just as closed-minded and preju- diced as people who choose not to ac- knowledge homosexuality at all? I’ve heard many arguments contend- ing that bisexuality doesn’t exist, that Bi- sexuals are just Lesbians and Gay men who are copping out, too afraid to come out, “on the fence” and can’t decide what they want, or that they use and benefit from Lesbian] Gay energy but they can fall back on to their hetero privileges when the going gets rough. I think all these sentiments are from basic insecurities in the Lesbian/Gay com- munity. I can understand that insecurity. The Gay/Lesbian community is strong and fragile at the same time. We have fought some tough battles, but it seems we are forever at risk of losing all we’ve struggled to attain. But I strongly believe that it is wrong to target Bisexuals and vent our frustrations on them. I think it is important also to be wary of the labels we use. For instance, how do we define “Lesbian?” Is she a woman who only has affairs with women? If so, what about Lesbians who have been married or loved men in their past? Are they not true Lesbians, or are they no longer the same people? Or what about a “Bisexual” who continually only has relationships with same-sex partners; when do they become Lesbians or Gay men? I tend to believe humans are all bisexual to some degree. It's just where we lie on the continuum. Some people feel the need to love others of their own gender, others the opposite, while still others don’t discriminate on the basis of gender. We need to accept that in order to have a peaceful coexistence. I can empathize with folks who feel more vulnerable when in a relationship with a Bisexual; fearing he or she may leave you for someone of the opposite sex seems like more of a blow. But can we rightfully judge them for our own insecurity? Don’t you think we should judge people as indi- viduals? If you know someone who appears to be undecided about their sexual orienta- tion, afraid to come out, or is not devoted to the movement, maybe those are issues he or she is struggling with, and they could probably use your support rather than your condemnation. Finally, I know several people who label themselves Bisexual in our community who are decided, out, and devoted to gay rights - namely myself. In any case, I feel that if we as Lesbians and Gay men want the respect and support from the people around us, we must be willing to be respectful and supportive of others in return. And after all, we are talking about loving someone, and if your heart’s in the right place, love is good no matter whom it’s aimed at. Sincerely, J.T., Burlington Dear OIT M : Thank you for including the word “bisexuals" on your masthead. I have been encouraged for forty years to make a choice, by both the men in my life and my lesbian friends, which would un- doubtedly make everyone except me feel more comfortable in my presence. It’ s been suggested that a few hours of therapy would $5.00 (U.S.$) GOLDEN THREADS a Contact publication for lesbians over 50 and women who love older women. Conodo ond U.S. Confideniiol, worm, reli- oble. For free information send seif-od- dressed envelope; (U.S. residents pleose stomp ii). Somple copy mdiied discreetly, PO. Box 3177, Burlington, VT 05401 June-July 1990 “fix it” and that not being able to choose a side is denial or dishonest. I choose mt to exclude from my life the albeit small number of gentle men who are at ease with their feminine sides nor the deeply beautiful women I know and love. I would have to psychologically destroy a large part of me to do so and what matters most to me these days is to live my life with integrity. As a bisexual it's true, I travel in both worlds while conforming to neither and I sometimes feel lonely and isolated. Yet something tells me deep inside that bisexu- ality can be a bridge between these two worlds when we are accepted for who and what we are. Could anything be more needed in these days of “troubled waters” (my respects to Paul Simon) than a few bridges now and then along the path upon which we all travel? Sincerely, Nancy Low, Bridport Dear OITM: This letter is to express my support for Out in the Mountains. As the minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, I be- lieve it is important to acknowledge the healthy diversity within our churches and within our larger community. It is impor- tant to the well-being of heterosexuals, homosexuals, and bisexuals alike that we learn to address our differing expressions of sexuality within acontextof understand- ing and respect. Out in the Mountains performs a valu- able public service in this regard by keep- ing us infonned of legislative initiatives pertaining to gaining full legal rights for gay and lesbian people, sharing informa- tion related to ongoing health issues, and providing a communications network for those who are otherwise “invisible” or marginalized by the mass media. As a minister concerned with the emotional and spiritual health of a large congregation, I am grateful for a resource that helps me to identify support services available to lesbians and gay men, and to make appropriate referrals when needed. I am glad that Out in the Mountains exists, and hope that its publication will continue. It is an asset to all who live in Vermont. Sincerely, The Rev. Gary Kowalski Burlington