LETTERS

FROM OUR READERS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

have not seen this delay in serologic response to syphilis in over 500 gay men with syphilis treated at the Denver Public Health Department over the last six years. One point is inescapable that there are a number of people with syphilis who do not have HIV infection and vice versa.

Finally, Mr. Smith is troubled by the "antagonism" of the medical community. We at Denver Public Health are extremely interested in the relationship of syphilis and HIV infection. As noted, HIV infection may impair the immune response to syphilis infection and lead to earlier complications. Conversely, the genital ulcers caused by syphilis may enhance transmission of HIV infection, and infection with the syphilis spirochete may be one of many immunist imulatory co-factors which facilitate progression of asymptomatic HIV infection to overt AIDS.

The question is not: "Can AIDS be another form of syphilis?" It definitely is not! Rather, it is: "What influence does HIV infection have on the serologic response, natural history, clinical manifestations and treatment of syphilis?" We hope to approach these questions in studies at the Denver Metro STD

Clinic.

-Louis M. Polish, M.D., Infectious Disease Fellow;

John M. Douglas, M.D., Assistant Director, Denver Disease Control Service;

David L. Cohn, M.D., Director, Denver Disease Control Service.

Gay Soldier Speaks Out

To The Editor: I have been a reader of TWN for over a year now, and I think you have a fine newspaper. Keep up the good work.

I am glad that you covered, although scantily, the recent court decision concerning gays in the Army. Your February 17th issue, however, presents a cover cartoon on that subject which is less than complimentary to the present-day Army. First of all, maggot is a Marine term and not used in the Army. Secondly, a drill sergeant never is allowed to hit a recruit soldier. Apparently the misdrawn stripes on the soldier's arm are intended to indicate a position of NCO rank. The two stripes are meaningless.

I am a gay soldier presently serving in an Army reserve unit here in Dade County, and I can say that this sort of behavior is practically

MARCH 9, 1988 THE WEEKLY NEWS◆

unknown. The gay soldier will see and receive hostility if he "comes out" and makes his lifestyle known. Remember, we are in a straight world fraught with homophobia. However, I have successfully gotten through 20 years in the service, gone to several training schools and have served in five units during those 20 years. By and large, if you are suspect but do your work and keep your nose clean, you will have few difficulties. The burden now rests on the gay soldier: Keep it clean, simple and non-. controversial.

I would like to see more articles on this matter and possibly to hear from some other gay soldiers in the weekend warrior service writing their feelings on the matter. I am sorry that I still cannot sign my name. Although the door is open for gays in the military, the welcome mat is still not rolled out.

John, Miami

Public Sex Embarrasses

To The Editor: Speaking as a gay man and as a moral human being, I must say it is embarrassing and disheartening for me to turn on the news in the Bay Area and hear about gays engaging in sexual acts in park washrooms, bar parking lots, etc., etc. The straight community hears about this kind of story and remembers it. This kind of conduct fuels more hatred and serves to alienate more straight people than

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PAGE 13

anything else I can think of. Granted, it is a very small number of gays who act this irresponsibly, but the actions of those few are magnified to the point where many people who do not know many gays believe that this is common or accepted gay behavior. I, for one, do not believe that it is. All of our concerned, dedicated and community-conscious brothers and sisters who are working so hard to demonstrate to everyone that gays are not morally bankrupt scum are easily upstaged by a single report of sexual impropriety.

Those of us who are offended by such behavior in public can do something about it. Gay problems require gay solutions. If you come across this kind of activity in a public place, do not just leave. Let them know that you do not think it is right. Little children should not witness gay or straight sexual activity. I am not against holding hands or kissing in public, but open oral sex puts an unwanted mark on the reputation and good name of each one of us.

Guys, take it behind closed doors, or your actions may prompt some sick gay basher to hurt an innocent brother!

Tim McNulty, Spring Hill, Fla. No Enthusiasm Over Jackson

To The Editor: Jesse Jackson's press coverage in the gay community constantly stresses the fact that Jackson was the only presidential candidate to speak at the rally following the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Seldom mentioned is the fact that, unfortunately, Jackson was the only candidate invited to speak.

Just as some gays are irritated that Jackson has started referring to the march as the "March on AIDS," those of us who were there remember that, at the rally itself, AIDS was the only gay-related issue which Jackson addressed specifically. His message seemed to be: "I showed up. Therefore, you should support me."

Pardon me if I fail to share the supposed gay enthusiasm over Jackson's candidacy. Dean Yoshioka, Washington, D.C.

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