I realize that E.J. Graff apparently slept through part of the Gay Presidential Debate she nonetheless decided to write about (it was nearing 11, past my bedtime, so I won't be able to give you details), but has she slept through the first part of the twenty-first-century as well? It’s insulting to the LGBTQ community to demean the issues of civil liberties that we care so deeply about and say, “these are [not] the most important issues of the day” and "Please, let them talk about something besides marriage." They are important to me, and I am not at all grateful that most of the candidates danced and ducked the questions with a “big wink and nod.”

Her tasteless dismissal of Dennis Kucinich as a “pixie,” when he was the one and only candidate in the debate to unequivocally support the rights of everyone in the LGBTQ community, is offensive to everyone who has worked, often at their own peril, to bring these issues to a public forum. We are past the point where we have to settle for the “elect-able candidate.” We got Don’t Ask Don’t Tell the last time we did that, a mistake we don’t have to make again.

The recent Community Marketing Inc. survey found that 92.5 percent of gay men and 91 percent of lesbians voted in the 2004 presidential race--9 out of 122 million. More than enough to make our collective voice, especially in a democratic primary, one to listen to. It’s way past time to acquiesce to "not ready for marriage" or “let the States decide” from the candidates. I can, and will, ask for the rights I deserve, while Ms. Graff naps through the most meaningful period in LGBTQ history.

Ed Johnson
American Humanist Association

Washington, DC

As a gay woman I am insulted by this article. Melissa Etheridge has done more for gay rights than this sorry excuse of a writer will or ever do in her lifetime. As for the "M" question, I think it needs to be discussed in every gay and or human rights discussion. And like the previous letter I too will not be subscribing to this publication, if this is the quality of writers you employ.

Jill Lyons

Burlington, KY

As an avid Air America reader I thought I would finally get around to reviewing The Nation's website and consider subscribing.

I must say that after reading your article and Mr. Kim's I as a gay man do not believe I should bother becoming a supporter. In one day, the two of you insulted the work of millions of LGBT Americans' fight for marriage equality. Mr. Graff, in your opening paragraph you felt the need to include this statement:

"Please," one woman groaned, "let them talk about something besides marriage." Not that there's anything wrong with that. We're all in favor of full marriage rights.

Wow. That sounds like a statement some white privileged liberal would say about African-Americans... Oh, let's not talk about racism again. (Yeah, let's!)

How do you honestly think that makes us feel? Do you really think that most gay Americans consider marriage rights as the only issue that we support or fight for? How naïve.

Yes, gay groups focus on marriage rights. That's what unites this community. However, as individuals can you really imply that we don't care about issues such as the economic disparities among the classes?

I'm tired of you anti-gay-support progressives that believe we should ignore our rights of equality because we're not considering the plight of humankind in America. Hogwash. I paid almost $50K in taxes last year and I have been with my partner for over fifteen years. We actively support numerous groups and charities and I'll be dammed if I'm going to support some repressed progressive that supports social programs but fights to suppress my rights. Yes, sir, I do what is right for America, but I will fight for my equality, too.

Jim Williams

Cleveland, OH