As Stupid Does
Since The Herald probably won't publish my (admittedly long-winded) letter in response to Peter Duffy's enraging article, I'll post it here.
To the editor:
I am writing to offer Peter Duffy an explanation as to why "in some quarters, [his] name and the term "homophobia" are synonymous". The reason, Mr.Duffy, is because you are homophobic. Quite obviously so.
"It takes me a little while to feel at ease...because Daniel MacKay is gay, and I am not." Are you uncomfortable sitting down to chat with heterosexual women? They, too, are attracted to men!
You proceed to pepper your article with generalized statements about the "Rainbow Community" in Halifax (which you then bafflingly admit you have "studiously avoided"). As a gay man, I am part of many communities. As a person, I am part of many communities. I am a Haligonian. I am an actor. I am a brother and a son. I am a husband. I am a friend, I am a musician. I am gay. I am a part of many communities, as are you. I do not refer to your community as "the straight journalists", because it is needlessly specific, divisive, and silly.
I take exception with your article not only because it smacks of ignorance, but because you are trying too hard to prove you aren't ignorant, and in doing so end up sounding sterile, clinical and condescending. Want to "understand the gay world?" Don't try so hard. People are people. It is indeed that simple.
Stewart Legere