Letters to the Editor	Letters Archive

China Visitors Warned

Bill Andriette's report about many uncertainties and problems surrounding the new U.S. Homeland Security waiver of restriction for HIV-positive foreigners was insightful and important to any HIV-positive traveler entering the USA ["A Gift That Bars the Door," January 2008].

However, the mention of China's similar lifting of its exclusion policy may be problematic or even dubious. During my August 2007 trip, I clearly recall HIV/AIDS to be among the check-list items on the in-flight health declarations form which is required by all passengers before landing in Beijing.

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Although your statement may well be factual, the Chinese Customs and Immigrations practice at check point may be another matter entirely. I would advise caution for any HIV-positive person planning a visit to the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Jim Weigle
Columbus, Ohio

Appreciates History Coverage

I was really pleased to read the article on the history of Boston ["Pilgrims' Progress," November 2007] Great job. I would personally add that the best part of Boston today is the many people working for our cause, many of whom I've been lucky enough to meet

I also should say that I liked reading about Mitzel's experience with them filming a re-make of The Women near his great bookstore ("Filmdom's Fascination," November 2007, available at Guidemag.com). He asks, Why can't they do a male version? I can tell you when Don Schneider and friends did an all male version of The Women for a Tangents/HIC benefit in the mid '60s that it was a great success. It was at the Embassy Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles (ironically, a former Methodist Church). Don Slater was "detained" by the police for not having a permit, but an attorney got him out, and I don't think a charge was ever made, but then the city decided that people didn't need a permit/ license or whatever. Another Don Slater effort that changed things.

Billy Glover
Bossier City, Louisiana

The Real Trick

Thanks for your February 2008 editorial "A Valentine's Message".

My husband and I have been together for 30 years, and what you said in the editorial rang very true for our experience over the years.

If love were sex, all relationships would be short-term.

The real trick in long-term relationships, I think, is finding the courage to be honest enough and trusting enough with the other person your committed to, to try out the entire gay sexual experience and still stay in love with the person you are with. It's not easy but it is well worth the bumps in the road.

George Smart
Quincy, Massachusetts

Top, Not Gay

I started my communication with The Guide several years ago with the purpose of contacting a 20-40 year-old woman from the U.S. or Canada. However, I received letters only from males, not from a woman. Despite that in my advert it is plain: "I'm Top Man, But No a Gay," males continue to write me. How can I contact a girl?

All my best for you in 2008.

Joel
Cuba

What we have here, is a failure to communicate, Joel. In modern Gayland, being the fucker (as opposed to the fuckee) does not mean that you're not gay; indeed, if you like sticking your dick in guys, that pretty much wins you admission to the club. Of course, in some cultures, penetrating (as opposed to being penetrated) preserves ones masculinity, and if masculinity is believed to be antithetical to gayness, then, yes, a "top" might not be "gay." In articles about cultural divides, we've reported on how odd to Anglo ears sounds the Colombian expression, Soy tan macho que me cojo otro hombre ("I'm so butch I fuck other guys"). It makes a certain amount of sense, but as noted, you'll find most U.S. and Canada guys thinking a "top" up for "gay" sex.

Back to your question; if you don't want gay guys answering your ad, best not to place it in a gay magazine; surely you know that magazines for girls seeking top guys, oops, straight, guys exist?