LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

[February 1st, 2006] Can the hero worship—we're all amazing

My name is Andrew Hyde. I am from Dayton, Ohio. I am 24 and was also on The Amazing Race, Season 3, right before Reichen [Lehmkuhl] was on. I was forwarded this article [Queer Window, WW, Jan. 18, 2006] online from fellow Race friends who also thought the article was over the top in its worship of a studly guy. It just bums me that many gay reality stars who have dedicated their lives to helping others are shadowed by a guy whose life is made out to be so hard.

I grew up Southern Baptist in the Midwest (Lexington, Ky.). I was hit in the head with rocks, called names, bullied and, as a high-school cheerleader, humiliated when the opposing team's crowd chanted "Faggot" as I performed on the field. So in the Air Force or simply a high schooler in a conservative environment, we have all been through the hardships of being gay. I am sorry, Reichen, all of us had to endure this.

Now I work full-time doing HIV testing and counseling and prevention education for young people. Like many other gay men and women out there who have devoted their lives for gay rights, fair treatment and the progression of our generation as a whole.

I would challenge this periodical to honor those in the trenches as opposed to calling someone with a one-line stint on Frasier "godlike." I blame this periodical, not Reichen, for this cheesy worship.

Andrew Hyde
Dayton, Ohio

SOMETIMES THE APPLE FALLS FAR FROM THE TREE

Many thanks to Willamette Week for continuing to educate its readers on just how rich Ted Wheeler is ["The Dilettante vs. the Disaster," WW, Jan. 18]. It would indeed be a shame if you wasted any of your time talking about all the great things that Ted Wheeler has done for our community. I agree that if someone is born into a wealthy family with conservative politics, they have no place in community service here in P-town. Shouldn't he be working at some fancy Manhattan investment bank instead? Geez! Who does this guy think he is?

As the campaign progresses, please resist the temptation to report that Ted does more than just write big checks to homeless shelters; he actually spends the night there as a volunteer. And since you rightly pointed out that his dad is a right-wing wacko who funds the likes of Bill Sizemore, we should definitely make sure not to utilize Ted's business skills to get our county back on track. Who cares if his own politics do not resemble his father's? While you're at it, Willamette Week, why not do a little digging into my own father's past as a racist agri-businessman who sold our cotton farm to a multinational corporation? I'm amazed that my environmentalist colleagues have let me work alongside them for so long!

Ashley Henry
Southeast 30th Avenue

Editor's Note: Henry is the environmental and economic-development program manager for the Oregon Business Association.