A stimulating article
I’ve been reading some of the highly critical e-
mails Daniel Kusner received regarding his recent
article “‘Holy Hotties” (Dallas Voice, Sept. 12).
Isn’t it still true that an article that stimulates response (pro and con) is considered a successful article? Relax! You’re a success.
I am not writing to criticize you. In fact, I appreciated your questions concerning sexuality and spirituality and I applaud deMarco’s frank and honest replies.
(Now give Jason his chance as well. Better yet — interview them together in a longer piece and get the whole community talking.)
Although I can understand why some readers might be surprised (and even angered) by the article’s focus on Jason and deMarco’s sexuality, I found it both hopeful and exciting.
It is rare to see a Christian artist (with a wide non-LGBTQ following) speak with both wisdom and even eloquence about his sexual life as it really is.
We’ve all been reading with growing sadness the tragic data on the spread of HIV/AIDS among our young gay men, especially our young gay men of color.
I can’t help but think that getting our sexual Eves out of the closet and into the light might help in some small way to
slow down this awful plague.
Our young gay men have never really been told that their homosexuality is not a sickness to be healed nor a sin to be forgiven and certainly not something desperate or dirty that should leave us feeling guilty and ashamed.
Our sexuality, too, is another of God’s great gifts. When a leading Christian singer celebrates that gift in such a public way, that, too, is a gift.
DeMarco celebrated his sexual relationship with Jason.
And agree with him or not, it took both grace and courage to speak so frankly.
So, I write to thank him for his honesty and to thank you for asking the questions that most reporters are embarrassed or afraid to ask.
Mel White,
Lynchburg, Va.
Mel White is the author of “Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America,” and is presi dent and co-founder of Soulforce.
