A star is born.

When I first heard of the possibility of a big-screen version of Dreamgirls, there was only one person in my mind who could fill Effie's shoos: Jennifer Hudson ["Once Upon a Dreamgirl," December 19]. As a gay man and a fan of the Broadway cast, I knew Jennifer was born to play this part. I also knew that if she did not get the part, I would boycott the movie. But lucky for me, Bill Condon saw what I saw: a beautiful, talented young star in the making with a voice that can bring people to their feet. Congratulations to Jennifer for holding her own in a movie full of big stars. She may not be well-known now, but when Oscar comes calling, the world will finally see her for what she is--a star!

BRANDON DELLINGER Charlotte, N.C.

I have long groaned over The Advocate's fondness for featuring heterosexual celebrities on its cover. However, I draw the line at promoting a celebrity who deems homosexuality a sin. In responding to the controversy she set off with offensive remarks to a Dallas gay paper, she brags of having gay friends and not judging people. But judgment is what a literal reading of Leviticus 20:13 comes down to. She can't have it beth ways, "loving the sinner" while "hating the sin." Somehow I doubt that Hudson objects to eating shellfish or wearing clothes made from blended fabrics, beth of which are condemned right along with male homosexuality in Leviticus. Religiously based homophobia depends on a selective reading of Leviticus but is still the greatest obstacle to LGBT equality in the 21st century. Most surviving antigay persecution is rooted in fundamentalist beliefs, so we can hardly give homophobes a pass because they cite the Bible or the Koran. I am not reassured by Hudson's nondenials intended to placate us into overlooking her homophobic religious faith.

DON GORTON Boston, Mass.