LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Nipped in the Bud

May 23, 2005

To the Editor:

So, let me get this straight: it’s illegal for a guy to fondle another guy’s nipples at the West Side piers as of May 2005 (“Touch at Your Own Risk,” by Duncan Osborne, May 19-25).

Wow. Just think for a minute what that area was like 15 or 20 years ago, with dudes cruising the former parking lot that was there, especially after the sun went down, engaging in all types of “illicit” sexual activities galore. It’s also interesting that gay vehicular cruising still takes place in the industrial area of Zerega Avenue, in Castle Hill in the Bronx.

My, oh my, have times ever changed. Maybe it’s even time to re-elect Dave Dinkins!

Pete A. de Matteo

Jersey City

Widening the Focus Beyond 40

May 20, 2005

To the Editor:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people merit respect, understanding and support at every stage of life from childhood to old age, yet the unique challenges and opportunities we face in mid-life have all too frequently been overlooked by contemporary queer culture (“Focus on Middle-Aged Gays,” by Duncan Osborne, May 19-25).

The HIV Forum therefore deserves high praise for its recent forum on gay men and mid-life and Gay City News likewise merits kudos for covering the event.

I would encourage readers who would like to learn more about LGBT aging to contact the Lesbian and Gay Aging Issues Network (LGAIN) of the American Society on Aging. Founded in 1994, LGAIN brings together individuals from across the country to raise awareness about the concerns of LGBT people ages 50-plus and to advocate for improved resources and services for LGBT people in mid-life and old age.

LGAIN’s newsletter and conference presentations offer professionals who work with older adults a chance to learn about the unique needs of LGBT elders. And our home page offers all visitors access to an annotated directory of more than 400 websites dealing with LGBT aging, as well as a monthly news update and a list of recommended resources.

For more information on LGAIN, visit our home page at asaging.org/lgain or write to [email protected].

Gerard Koskovich

Lesbian & Gay Aging Issues Network

San Francisco

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