Lettersto the Editor

Dear OITM,

Just read the April issue and see that you will be coveringthe Gay
Games — yeah!!

I competed in the 1990 Games in Vancouver and it was amazing!
Wanted to let you know that ‘ll be competing in the Cycling
Events (off road race, time trial, criterium, and circut race). Look
forward to seeing you there!

Fh/‘I50 McAlexarIder
Montpelier

To the Editor,

I picked up a copy of this month’s issue of OITM at a metaphysical
store in Barre, and was deeply touched by the articles. I became
angry and frustrated at the challanges people who lead
“altemative” lifestyles - not just gays, lesbians and bisexuals, but
also those of us who choose any non—traditional path.

Even though I happen to be heterosexual, I too choose to stand up
for the right for my fellow brothers and sisters to live in a manner
that makes their lives happier. Isn’t that the whole point of living?

I applaud all of you for taking a stand for the cause. I am grateful
that there are others being true to themselves and doing their part
to make life esier for those to come.
V

Peace to you my friends. I look forward to serving you and the
Alliance.

With Love,

Stephanie Ferrotto
Georges Mills, NH

Dear Editor,

I'd like to talk about something that effects our community, and
the human community as a whole; HIV transmission. I have
heard recently from a number of people about their experiences of
being infected with HIV by people who they were sexual with
who did not disclose their HIV+ status prior to the sexual ‘activity.

There are so many aspects to this issue. Whether or not to disclose
when one is HIV+, when and to whom; these are very charged
questions. I would like to present a position, mainly for the sake
of bringing the issue more into the area of public discussion, but
also because I believe this. I propose that anyone who is HIV+
has a responsibility to inform anyone they are going to be sexual
with prior to sexual activity, gen if the sex is "safe." The
alternative is what we have now; people infecting others. I think
if one knows one is HIV+ it is tantamount to murder to put

June 1994

another person at risk. No ifs ands or buts. I understand that
people are afraid of the possible rejection that can come with
disclosure, and that for some people being alone feels intolerable.
I don't think those feelings justify putting another person at risk,
ever.

Another very important aspect of this issue is that each of us is
responsible for our own safety. Anytime one is going to be sexual
with a partner whose HIV status is not known with certainty to be
negative, it is worse than folly, but possible suicide, not to take
every known precaution.

I believe that some states have enacted legislation making it a
criminal offense to knowingly transmit HIV. The Vermont
legislature has not passed or, to my knowledge even discussed,
such legislation. It is possible that in the not too distant future this
debate will come to the Vermont legislature, at which point there
may be people who will want strong punitive measures as
consequence for knowingly infecting someone.

I believe we humans can take responsibility for ending this
epidemic which we are all so sick of. The way to end it is for each
person with HIV to be absolutely committed to not infecting
anyone else, no matter what. ’

I am not suggesting that any judgment be passed on anyone. There
is no blame for being infected with I-lIV. There is just the human
condition, complete with love, fear, passion, joy, and suffering.
We are not, however, powerless to choose our direction, our
behavior, or our destiny. There are people who are too wounded to
care about themselves much less anyone else. That is a sad thing,
for everyone deserves love. However, we cannot afford, as a gay
community, as a human community, to accept destructive acts that
are ultimately murderous, no matter what the motivation for the
behavior.

Walter I. Zeichner
Burlington

Dear Editor,

Unlike letter to editor writer, Carol Cohen in May ’94 issue I don’t
shop at Onion River Coop.

For that materI have not dealt with Ed Kaufman of Lang
Associates on page 19 (in that same issue) they have a light,
delightful ad: Remember the First Time? How great it Felt.

I suggest to Carol to lighten up. Feel more. Think less. Too much
political correctness makes one dull and reactive.

Sincerely,

Howard W. Johneon
Lyndonville