Letters

Public Sex an American Concern

At the centre of both articles lies the fairly tired Kramer vs. Sex Panic controversy from south of the border. It is important to affirm that the consuming topics of the United States are not our own.

It is time to draw upon our own resources, quote thinkers who are participants in developments in Canadian Gay Culture. New Yorker Larry Kramer, is entirely concerned with American social phenomenon -- which is not a context transferable in whole to Canada. It would seem strange indeed for American publications to quote Svend Robinson, addressing Canadian affairs as though applicable to American gays. Yet, we accept foreign commentary out of context.

Social change, increasing rights, and protections in Canada are worthy examples to American activists -- if they knew or cared. There is potential advantage and usefulness, evidence that political courage -- as in gays in our military -- does not result in calamity. Ought not the one in front do the leading? Have we some responsibility?

In "defining freedom," more lucid answers can be drawn from countries where substantial experience with it exists. Forums on social pogress at EuroPride in Stockholm surely has very much more to offer than the best of American thinkers. Gay culture and sexual expression has s solid decade of the influence of full citizenship in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands. The EuroPride Web Site is tantalizing! Why not take inspiration from the best?

Stephen McManus
Vancouver, BC