Iraqi holocaust.

I was so moved and upset, reading about the "sexual cleansing" happening in Iraq ["Targeted by Death Squads," September 26]. Then I turned a couple of more pages of The Advocate to find that your magazine spent more time and energy on an eight-page pictorial spread of yet another self-promoting actor. I'm so proud to subscribe to a gay and lesbian magazine that's more interested reporting on a "straight" actor's career than the extermination of our gay brothers and sisters in Iraq. Nice work, folks.

JEFF ROBERTSON Garland, N.C.

Of course the Bush administration is responsible for the death of gay Iraqis, just as they are responsible for the entire mess in that country. They have tried to control the country with half measures, especially by not putting enough troops in the country to do the job. These shortcomings have resulted in chaos and a complete lack of law and order. Gays are usually the first ones to feel the brunt of a lack of law and control, especially in Muslim countries where Islamic fundamentalism is prevalent.

JAMES E. SNODGRASS Palm Springs, Calif.

I was sickened to read your story on gay Iraqis--yet another way the policies of George Bush have harmed the gay community. Tolerance's best hopes ride on a handful of key congressional races this fall, and this is the time for everyone who cares about gay rights to become a political activist, like it or not.

JEFF ROBERTSON Yellow Springs, Ohio