Letters to the Editor

Judging books by their covers: Most yaoi manga isn't as extreme as the examples shown. Way to scare people into thinking all yaoi manga is two half-dog stepbrothers screwing. That's a small portion of it.

It's parents' responsibility to watch what their kids read. The covers of most of the yaoi manga have two men (sometimes posing together), which should alert the parents, likewise the big "mature content" label on the back. Most 18-plus manga is also covered in plastic wrap, so there are precautions. Parents just need to be more aware. That doesn't mean that yaoi manga is going out of business anytime.

Evan [last name withheld]

Via e-mail

Gay porn saved my marriage!: I'm writing in response to Eliza Strickland's article "Drawn Together" [Nov. 1], which I was recently linked to by a friend. I would like to congratulate Ms. Strickland for a wonderful, nonjudgmental article about the yaoi phenomenon.

This year marks my second venture into the world of yaoi and Y-Con, and I enjoyed reading all the different viewpoints and reactions to the event. For a lot of us ladies, the conference is really about being able to truly celebrate ourselves as sexual creatures, not just objects to be acted upon (like the traditional Harlequin romances tend to revolve around). As a married woman, I can solidly say that periodically being able to connect with the many other like-minded ladies energizes me — and ultimately has improved my relationship with my husband. I come home feeling empowered and ready to take on the world. Thanks for a wonderful article.

[Name withheld]

Via e-mail

Hysterics, not clerics, are the problem: I'm far more distressed by the mean-spirited, accusatory, and demeaning tone of the article ["The Double Life of John Leary," Oct. 25] than by any revelations about the deceased John Leary's imagined immorality. I say imagined because the actual facts in the article are few in number and scant in scope. Therefore, as is so popular these days, the reporter makes the truth a parenthetic afterthought to speculation, innuendo, and interjected drama. Were I to learn that a long-cherished friend had some sordid qualities previously unknown to me, I would want some time to digest the news, adjust my feelings, and think before acting ... lest I act inappropriately. I would expect any intelligent and sensitive person to do the same and would hope that others could respect that period and process of grieving. Instead of being honored for what seems to me to be reasonable reflection and pause, Martin Hamilton is instead vilified for not rushing to rescue victims that currently exist only in the imagination of the reporter and a few New College hysterics. It makes me wonder what real agenda is masquerading as concern for victims of abuse.

Donald Lynskey

Sun City, AZ

Bad man with good ideas: It is true that the recent revelation about the founder of New College has created a crisis for the leadership of New College while it considers how to handle this dysfunctional matter by possibly seeking an outside facilitator, as the good students, faculty, and staff try to get on with their roles with New College.

Over the last year my role with New College has evolved and I thank Jack Leary for founding such a wonderful institution for social change. Last year, "greening" meant for me choosing the shade of green for my living room. No more, and by the way, I did pick a nice one. Through meeting Martin Hamilton, president of New College, at a Hayes Valley neighborhood meeting on the issue of how the UC Berkeley site could be used best for the community, New College was able to acquire the old Casa Loma Hotel at Fell and Fillmore and create the Green Living Center/Casa Loma, its first student housing facility.

Understanding better the values of a "just, sacred, and sustainable world" is the mission of New College. I feel I understand the true legacy of Jack Leary.

David Dupree

New College Community Liaison

San Francisco