Letters to the Editor	Letters Archive

Conned by... Con

Without a doubt, The Guide is the premiere publication of its category, and I look forward to reading my issue each month.

I have replied to numerous ads for helping prisoners, with the understanding that nothing much of substance will come of such efforts, much less any thought of a relationship.

Of course, It is impossible for The Guide to determine if even one of the advertisers is in anyway legit, so no one could hold The Guide responsible for what happens to those who reply to such ads in hope of substantial results.

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However, one inmate has caused The Guide to respond editorially in

the past to a reader's complaint. [He] has cost correspondents thousands of dollars (my contribution was over $2000) with his "pay restitution of $1500 and I'll get out on 30 days" con game.

Look at his ad, copy enclosed, and compare to the real facts about him, retrieved from the internet (www.dcor. state.ga.us), also enclosed. When one responds, he sends the enclosed photo, nothing like his picture from www.dcor.state.ga.us.

You would be doing your readers a service by refusing to accept ads from this scumbag.

D.W.
Cathedral City, California

Thank you for recognizing that we cannot verify that all the ages, weights, and levels of attractiveness professed in the personals-- by prisoners and non-prisoners alike-- are indeed true. We have always encouraged readers to exercise caution when sending valuables to any unknown person. And we have frequently noted that the internet offers ways to verify the claims of the incarcerated (and others, too). You are also right that we've received previous complaints about this advertiser who indeed appears to be a very dishonest boy; his ad has been discontinued and marked not eligible for renewal.

Readers, please keep in mind that no prisons allow prisoners to take out-of-state bus trips to visit their gay lovers on the weekend, so do not send money expecting it to be used thusly. Nor will restitution (nor "paying off my lawyer's fees") buy freedom for those in prison. Sending money to prisoners can be an act of kindness (for it allows access to the little luxuries served up in the institution's canteen), but expecting more from your charity is foolhardy.

Gray Power!

Great editorial on life beyond 20-something ["Aging Gaily," May 2006, available at www.guidemag.com].

It was a nice piece: upbeat, positive, and realistic too!

P. C.
Boston, Massachusetts

Keeping the Faith

My best wishes as a new chapter begins for The Guide [as Pink Triangle Press takes the helm].

This month marks 37 years since the Stonewall Rebellion, and I can't help but ponder how the movement flowered and now has turned into weeds: gay marriage, hate crime laws, and gays in the military.

My admiration and appreciation for your work-- and all those at The Guide-- who are helping to keep the spirit of gay liberation going.

Bill Dobbs
New York, New York

Wants Sex Writer's Address

I would like to correspond with the gentleman from Texas who wrote the story "Officer Blows Two Soldiers" [Sex Histories, May 2006, available at www.guidemag.com]. Perhaps you could forward my letter to Boyd McDonald who could forward it on to the gentleman in question.

B.A.
Madison, Wisconsin

Alas, Boyd McDonald died in September, 1993. His inimitably edited "Sex Histories" stand as lasting tribute to his conviction that some men have gotten much from their homosexuality and thus have much to give back.