Reign of Tara. (reader forum).

I was disappointed with Andy Mangels's article "Lesbian Sex = Death?" [August 20]. He got many quotes from the creators of Buffy the Vampire Slayer but failed to adequately express the viewpoints of many of the fans who were dismayed by the negative gay image portrayed with Tara's death. Once again we are shown a lesbian dying after sex and her lover becoming evil or insane. I was not upset that Tara died, as death is common on that show, but with the manner in which it was presented.

Sonia Collazo, Los Angeles, Calif.

It was correct of you to point out the gay-phobic cliche embodied in Tara's death immediately after having lesbian sex with Willow. It would have been even better if you had also pointed out the bi-phobic cliche embodied in Marti Noxon's assurance that Willow will not suddenly turn bisexual and Joss Whedon's comment "We can't have Willow say, `Oh, cured now, I can go back to cock!' Willow is not going to be straddling that particular fence. She will just be gay."

I don't necessarily want Willow to announce she's bisexual just as she begins an exploration of her dark side, as that would reinforce other bi-phobic cliches. But I would like the producers to consider creating a positive bisexual character who is able to love and appreciate people with different types of genitalia. There are even fewer positive bisexual role models in the media than there are gay ones.

Kathryn Grannis, Los Angeles, Calif.

Is it just me, or hasn't "sex = death" always been a recurring theme in horror movies? I mean, how many hormonal teenagers were sliced apart by maniacs in the slasher films of the '80s? I have a question: Does motherhood = death? Because on the Buffy spin-off Angel, Darla stakes herself shortly after giving birth. If we look too closely, we'll probably end up finding that chocolate pudding = death somewhere. Judging art in a political space is always difficult, because if we keep making art that's politically correct, we'll end up with movies where the only acceptable villains or victims would be straight white men. Inclusion means inclusion. That means our characters will die, like all other characters.

Joseph Rampp, Baltimore, Md.

For the first time in many years, I am actually a bit ashamed of the lesbian community. I have been a huge fan of Buffy, and subsequently Joss Whedon, for six seasons now. I find it unbelievable that the death of Tara has caused such a negative backlash for the show's writers and producers. I applaud Whedon and his writers for being able to keep viewers shocked for six years.

The backlash is understandable--there is need for positive gay and lesbian characters on TV, and there are negative stereotypes these characters too often fall into. However, we should never rely on TV characters for good role models. Beyond that, we are looking way too deeply into all of this--Buffy is an extravagant show, and Tara's death was a jaw-dropping, heartbreaking event that defines what wonderful series writing is about. Keep up the good work, Mr. Whedon; this lesbian can't wait to see what's next.

Analese Alvarez, Oxnard, Calif.