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To the Editors:
I would just like to comment on some of the articles I have read recently concerning
gay people written by those who really believe that they are holier than thou
and find it necessary to constantly pass judgment.
I lost my son to complications from HIV/AIDS this past July in Atlanta, and
I certainly hope that those so upset about gay people or those parents who are
so heartless as to turn their backs on their grown children who are gay, will
never have to say good-bye like I did to an absolutely wonderful man and son.
The gay community was my son’s extended family, and it became mine. I
was shown so much kindness, love and support during my stay in Atlanta by all
of his friends — not to mention the entire Atlanta Medical Center staff.
I truly pity those who cannot look at what is inside a person instead of their
lifestyle. My heart goes out to all of those within the gay community who have
been disowned by their families.
There is no greater love than the unconditional love of a parent, and it is
so unfortunate that some are forced to miss this in their lives.
Panama City, Fla.
To the Editors:
As the brother of the late Barry “Johnny Rahm” Rogers, I felt compelled
to write you after reading the article in Southern Voice about his suicide.
(“Former gay sex film star commits suicide,” news, Nov. 19).
To those who knew Barry (“J.T.”), he’s remembered as a fun
person to be around. He could walk into a room filled with 1,000 people, and
walk out with 999 friends. I remember him as the big brother who protected and
comforted me during our childhood. I miss him terribly, and his passing has
left an unfillable void in my heart.
Your article alluded to the speculation that his role as Johnny Rahm factored
in his decision to end his life. After retrieving his personal belongings, and
spending countless hours reading his personal journal, I can say that nothing
in his writings offered the faintest hint that his on-camera role had anything
to do with his suicide.
His journals, as well as his suicide note, offered overwhelming evidence that
it was because he was turned down repeatedly by Social Security for disability
benefits.
Barry suffered for years from severe depression. He had also been diagnosed
with Hepatitis C. The Hep C treatments couldn’t begin until the depression
was under control, and that never came about.
He was depressed about his inability to be self-sufficient. He was depressed
due to his deteriorating health condition. He was depressed because he had nowhere
to call “home.”
There are several government entities that I hold responsible for his depression,
and subsequent death, but I do not think that his role as Johnny Rahm had anything
whatsoever to do with it.
To those who had the honor of calling J.T. “friend,” his loss is
felt tremendously, and I thank each of you for taking care of my brother during
his final weeks and months.
For us who had the privilege of calling him son, brother or cousin, his loss
is one that can never be replaced, and it will take a long time to get over
it.
To those who simply knew him as “Johnny Rahm,” you didn’t
know the true Barry/J.T., and the loss is yours.
Washburn, Tenn.
To the Editors:
I’m told that Bush rode to victory based on voters’ beliefs he shared
their “moral values.” Well, I have some questions for these godly
people:
Where are the “moral values” in a political party that would legitimize
through legislation a society that condones intolerance, bigotry, homophobia
and hate crimes?
I’m afraid that for all the talk, the far right in the Republican Party,
and this administration especially, know nothing about love. Their success is
built on intimidation and sowing fear, hatred, and confusion.
Pity they don’t truly believe the words of the Jesus they like to quote
when he said love for God and our neighbor are the greatest commandments.
I will give ...
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