Readerforum.

Oh, Ricky!

Congratulations on a very fair article on Ricky Martin ["Cross Appeal," July 6]. However, it was distressing to me that you did not address the link between the desire to out Martin and xenophobia. Some people, fearing the latinization he represents, may try to smear his image by outing him.

Emillio Guerra, North Miami Beach. Fla. While I'm generally pleased with what I find in the pages of The Advocate, I was somewhat disappointed to pick up the latest issue to see Martin on the cover. The craze generated over his supposedly unknown sexuality is asinine to begin with, but when one of the most respectable gay publications places him on the cover to fuel that craze, things have sunk to an even lower low. The article served no purpose other than to stir up the hopes and hormones of gay men who want to be able to say he is gay, and for what reason?

Michael O'Sullivan, Chicago, Ill.

Martin may be a new face to most Anglos, but not to me. Anyone who reads travel magazines should recognize his beaming smile from the Puerto Rican tourism ads he's been gracing. As to his sexuality, who cares? He's got good looks and a vibrant persona--that doesn't necessarily make him gay. I think it's great that a mainstream star doesn't make his personal life tabloid fodder. Keep that front door locked and your private life yours, Ricky. And if he is straight, some of my gay brethren will need to practice what they preach: acceptance!

Bruce Enlow, Atlanta, Ga.

Scenario 1: Martin declares his homosexuality, killing his teen-girl fan base's collective dream of being Ricky's sweetie but retaining his gay male following. Scenario 2: Martin continues to give his (un)straight answer, keeping alive the hopes of every teenage girl while fueling his gay male following's collective fantasy of turning a straight boy gay. Considering Martin is Latin and the idea of a fluid sexuality is much more readily accepted in many Latin (and European) countries, my personal guess is that lover boy is quite comfortable with his bisexuality. But, hey, if I were him, I'd continue to keep my mouth shut and go for the girls.

Lauren Wissot, New York, N Y.

Baths don't kill people

While I agree with Gabriel Rotello that baths and sex clubs probably are hot spots for AIDS infection and increasing the current epidemic [Last Word, July 6], I have to wonder what would happen if a similar study to the one he proposes were carried out in gay bars around the country or at circuit parties or at gay political rallies. If these venues are found to be hot spots of AIDS infection, should they be closed down too? I'd argue that the six-month window provided by the detuned ELISA is still quite a long time and limits certainty as to where the infection might have occurred. While I think the initiative proponents are misguided, I'm sure I don't want Rotello's proposal to be carried to its logical conclusion.

Andrew P. Stuart, via the Internet

Most safe-sex advocates such as Rotello focus primarily on viral transmission, as they should. But what has been entirely ignored in this discussion is that sex should occur in a physically safe environment. When one invites a virtual stronger into one's home, the risk of robbery, assault, or murder is very real. HIV transmission can occur regardless of the venue where the sexual activity takes place. That said, bathhouses can provide a physically safe environment for sex. Assault and other forms of violence are so rare in these venues as to be nonexistent. If the counterargument to this view is that we should all know our partners well before inviting them over for a quick roll in the hay, then the real issue becomes whether we have the right to engage in casual sex.

Brad Jacobsen, San Diego, Calif.

Going to the chapel

In your issue regarding same-sex ceremonies and the Methodist Church ["A Church Divided," July 6], you indicated that Jimmy Creech had performed another ceremony April 24 in Raleigh, N.C. The ceremony was actually held in Chapel Hill at Binkley Memorial Baptist Church. Binkley paid a high price for allowing us to hold our ceremony in its sanctuary, as did Creech. Fred Phelps picked Binkley as the site of his picket just three weeks after the ceremony. We know this may seem like a trivial detail, but many people supported us, and we want credit to go where it is deserved.

Larry Ellis and Jim Raymer via the Internet

Vacation plans

Thank you for your excellent cover story "Trouble in Paradise" [July 20]. It is important that gays know where we are not wanted or safe. It is also important that we know where we are welcome and where our investment in a good vacation is appreciated.

Richard Kirk, New York, N.Y.

When visiting Caribbean nations, it is imperative to remain "conservative" in appearance and behavior. These places are full of right-wing religious fanatics, corrupt police, and just plain ignorant people who have no qualms letting you know how they feel about your sexual orientation. I've heard stories of suspected gay travelers in Jamaica literally being chased, beaten, and robbed while being called "batty boy," the island equivalent of "fag."

Chad Kaiser, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

When I returned to the United States from a trip to Asia recently, a customs agent pulled an envelope from my briefcase and asked if he could open it. I agreed, knowing it was an Advocate. After thumbing through the magazine, the agent asked, "Do you have any other pornography with you?" I was then taken to a side room and thoroughly searched. After releasing me, the agent evidently put me on a "watch" list. The next five times I returned to the U.S., I was pulled aside and searched. This procedure has since slowed after my attorney sent an objection to U.S. Customs. In all my many travels, no other country has made me feel more like a criminal than the United States. I now make a point of having The Advocate in my briefcase whenever I return home!

Don Powell, Studio City, Calif.