(“The Franchising of Pride,” issue 10.07) hit the nail on the head. I haven't been to a Pride parade since 1992, and I could never put it into words why. Your article did it for me so succinctly and eloquently. If anything, these franchises should be called the anti-pride parades. Thank you for saying what needed to be said.

Christopher Morley
via Internet

The dual interview with Margaret Cho and John Amaechi (“True Colors Shining Through,” issue 10.08) was the highlight of the terrific Pride issue of your magazine. I’ve been a fan of Cho’s for years but was unfamiliar with Amaechi, who really comes off like a decent guy with a sense of purpose. I’m glad someone like him was chosen as the Pride grand marshall after so many disappointing selections during the past few years.

Rick Sites
via Internet

Your Gay Pride issue is excellent and filled with so many interesting articles. I especially appreciated Michael Liberatore’s article (“Acting Up,” issue 10.08) on getting involved in the fight for gay rights and finding his voice. It’s one of the strongest articles I’ve yet read on the awakening of the gay consciousness minus the preachiness that often mars this sort of editorial. I’ve heard so many people talk about how gay activism is dead. I hope this is wrong and I hope your magazine encourages your readers to continue fighting. Thank you for offering inspiration in this fine article.

Steven Poole
Los Angeles

In an age of ever-shrinking newspapers, it is gratifying to see IN L.A. continue to grow and improve with every issue. The most recent Gay Pride issue (issue 10.08) was no exception, filled from cover to cover with trenchant news, insightful essays and fun entertainment items. I was proud, indeed, to be included with comments in Michael Kearns' excellent piece on the meaning of Gay Spirit and excerpts from my touring photo exhibit, "Fellow Travelers: Liberation Portraits." A community can only be as vital and inspired as the media which reflects it. IN L.A. not only holds up that essential mirror, but burnishes it to a luster with each and every issue. I, for one, am a most thankful reader.          

Mark Thompson
Los Angeles

I am writing to express appreciation for the article (“Three Cheers for the Lavender Graduation at CSULB,” issue 10.08). Evan More’s article about our inaugural graduation celebration for LGBT and ally students at California State University, Long Beach was carefully researched, informative, yet concise, and sensitively written. The LGBT Resource Center at CSULB has made significant efforts to connect the university with the local LGBT community this past year, and we are so grateful to IN magazine for assisting us with this goal.  

Kirstyn Yuk Sim Chun, Psy.D.
LGBT Resource Center Faculty Co-Advisor