Jenna Major's letter (October 18) "Straight girls, leave pride to PRIDE!" states that anyone who does not identify as GLBTQ (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Queer) should not be writing about GLBTQ issues. I strongly disagree.
Her statements suggest that the GLBTQ community is exclusive, and that straight allies can not take part in the steps toward equality for GLBTQ individuals.
Kitty Campbell's article "Coming out to Create Change" (October 4) was an excellent article that successfully and thoroughly examined what it means for a GLBTQ individual to come out. Why should it matter if Ms. Campbell is straight?
Ms. Major completely misses the point of Brook Taylor's article, "Straight Girl Goes Gay" (October 4). I was there that weekend and Brook was simply telling her experience as a straight ally at PRIDE Fest. Writing "Lesbionic" was not intended to be derogatory to lesbians, it was funny to me, and I am not exactly straight either.
As one of the Outreach Coordinators of UNCG PRIDE!, I believe it is important to include straight allies, not exclude them in fighting for equality for GLBTQ individuals. That includes bringing forth awareness of the issues like Ms. Campbell did and taking part in GLBTQ events like Ms. Taylor did.
PRIDE! stands for Proudly Representing Individuality Diversity and Equality and that means welcoming straight allies in our movement. To exclude straight allies would only be hypocritical of the GLBTQ community and its movement for equality.
Samantha Korb
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