Editor’s note:
This letter contains examples of derogatory comments left for members of the Rainbow Alliance on their Myspace page. The comments are published as submitted.

Dear Editor,
I will first say that I’m writing this 50 percent to plug the Rainbow Alliance and 50 percent to plea for respect and support for the RA.
I was prompted to compile this as a response to messages and comments the group has received on our newly created Myspace page.
I can only hope that reading this will bring to light both the fact that yes, there are gay (gasp!) people at ETSU, and yes, they are bashed in some way, shape or form on a daily basis!
It’s sad though that now people are hiding behind the Internet to attack us! We have, as I said, received more than a few hateful and hurtful messages, including the following: sent with the subject line “White Power,” the body said this – “Do you like faggits? I dont. Go to Canada. Queers suck they all have aids.” (sic)
First off, let me say that the aspect of free health care is tempting, but that is a whole different story!
Another one said this, “90% of those ‘gay’ are gay because theyre too damn ugly/stupid/or socially retarded to ever be able to keep a member of the opposite sex. (too butch, too bitch i guess you’d say).” (sic)
Excuse me, have you ever seen Portia De Rossi? She is just an example of an exceptionally beautiful lesbian! Suze Orman, one of the most successful financial advisors ever, came out in 2007.
Stupid? Maybe, maybe not. There is something good about these messages though. I mean, hey, if we are ever in need of examples of what we are working against, and what our real mission is, we only have to go as far as our inbox.
Mud is easily washed away, thankfully, and we shall rise above such malicious attacks as these. We are going to stand firm in our mission, which is to provide a safe place for GLBT individuals, and the friends of, and advocate for the rights of GLBT on campus!
Now comes the plea part – if you are someone that identifies as GBLT then know that we are here, serving as a support group. Feel free to find us on Myspace and ask any questions or voice any concerns that you may have! We also have a Facebook page, just search Rainbow Alliance. If you are a GLBT friendly individual, then know that you and your support are equally welcome! Thank you for reading, and hopefully you don’t wish us off to Canada!
– Evan Baker

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