Heche crimes. (reader forum).

Thank you for printing the interview with Anne Heche ["The Agony and the Ecstasy of Anne Heche," November 6]. It confirms what I suspected: that Ellen is well rid of this crazy woman. Anne is acting her way through life, doing whatever she perceives as cool, bohemian, and self-indulgent. First she is straight, then she is a gay activist, then she is straight or bisexual. She is a childish opportunist capable of dumping one relationship for another on a whim. I am sorry her father abused her. That is an outrageous tragedy, but without serious therapy she will only cause misery for whoever is in her life. Now that I have read this interview, I have no further need to read anything else about her.

George Price, Tucson, Ariz.

Let me get this straight: First Anne believed God talked to her on a regular basis, and now apparently she thinks she is God. As a lesbian, I have been involved in two relationships with self-identified bisexual women, neither of whom went to such ridiculous extremes trying to prove herself to the gay community or acted so defensively when questioned about her sexuality. Both were comfortable and confident, traits I see Saint Anne trying in vain to emulate. The transparent attempts to come across as wise and selfless only increase my distaste for this woman. I hope her preachy sentiments aren't portrayed by other media sources to be representative of the GLBT community (especially bisexuals) as a whole. Anne, you've given enough "forthright honesty, love, compassion, and support." Now please stop, for our sake.

Angela Dirk, Grandview, Wash.

I read Anne Stockwell's interview with Anne Heche with dismay. I question whether Anne should have put her past relationship with Ellen back out for public comment in the way that she has with her book. Ellen deserves her privacy. But I don't think that justifies Stockwell's cynical line of questioning in the interview. I just wanted to say that the Anne I know was always honest in her relationship with the gay and lesbian community. Our politics always confused her a little because we do insist on the labels we wear and she doesn't, but she was on the front lines with us many, many times nonetheless. This newfound public ridicule of her is beneath The Advocate and the community.

Hilary Rosen, via the Internet President, Recording Industry Association of America

To Heche's credit, she has been forthcoming about her feelings. She has chosen not to be coy about her lesbianism but to be up-front and vocal about it. Just because she is not with Ellen does not negate the amazing work she has done, nor does it mean her feelings have changed toward the gay community. Show her the kindness and respect she has shown our community.

Richard LaDue, Boston, Mass.

After reading the fabulous interview with Ellen, I couldn't wait to read the interview with Anne. I ripped the plastic off the magazine as soon as I got it out of the mailbox, and all I have to say is "What?" Yes but no. Left but right. Up but down. Is this woman serious? I wouldn't judge her as crazy, but maybe I'm crazy. I believed her at the march on Washington when she said "This isn't a phase." If straight people want her, they can have her, with my blessings!

Jim Stoneburner, Hummelstown, Pa.

Heche portrays herself as this beacon of truth, telling us all that we need to live in love and truth, but she bristles at the mere hint her husband might have had some sort of gay romance of his own. Perhaps the truth still eludes her, because the only truth I found in the article is that Anne Heche is a great actress.

Robert Slatten, Miami, Fla.

Heche will be gay or straight if it means climbing the ladder of fame and fortune. Why did you put this fake lesbian on your cover?

Fran Freemonde, New York, N.Y.

I don't think I've ever read a more insensitive, unprofessional piece of journalism in my life! It could have at least been edited a bit to show that The Advocate wasn't completely biased in this situation. Anne Heche, although portrayed as crazy, was speaking "from love" about love and the natural beauty of just loving, whether male, female, etc.--with no labels! Although she now loves a man, it is still the same message. She is still a gay role model and could have been portrayed as such instead of as a psycho villain.

Gerald Stoddard, via the Internet

To anyone who has been around a compulsive liar, the pattern of Anne Heche's comments will seem sadly familiar. She uses the words "forthright honesty, love, compassion, and support" to put her own spin on her responses in the interview. The only adjectives that came to my mind while reading it were "embarrassingly shallow, manipulative, and desperately publicity-seeking." This is the only Advocate cover I've considered ripping off and throwing away.

Laurie Lackland, via the Internet

I beg of you: If you have any plans for Julie Cypher on the cover, don't do it.

Teri Rininger, Gray, Tenn.