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The Real Deal

The more I think about Heath Ledger, the more I respect the person he was—or was not, in some cases. First he chose to not take roles that didn't inspire him or that wouldn't challenge him. You see so many actors today that seem like they're trying to see just how many roles they can turn in—most of which they can phone in, if you know what I mean. So many actors today take roles strictly for the money and Heath Ledger did not do that—and for that I respect him immensely. His parents even told him once, "You've got to eat." Yet he decided not to sell out—to stay true to himself!
The other main reason is just a side note to the aforementioned reason. One of the roles he did take —playing a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain—was a role that helped the gay community tell their story. He did the gay community a huge favor in helping to define homosexuality. It opened a lot of eyes, and even though I would venture to say that a lot of straight, narrow-minded men never saw that film, it still had an impact on them they will never understand—yet now with his death, I will bet more and more homophobic men will go see that film, which will help the world evolve and understand. Acting is about revealing the human condition. Ledger succeeded at his craft while staying true to himself and not selling out like you see so many in Hollywood do these days. I wish there were more people like him—not to mention more actors! R.I.P.

Wes Whitsell
Dallas

Do The Write Thing

I am writing to say I loved Noël Alumit’s interview with author Robert Leleux [“Mommy Queerest,” Issue 10.25]. I read a glowing review [of Leleux’s new book, The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy] in the New York Times the week before that made me want to know more about the writer—I couldn’t have been happier to see that IN was on top of it with a wonderful profile by another talented gay writer, Noël Alumit! Great job. Thanks for staying ahead of the curve!

Joseph Benanati
Via Internet

Digging Dana

I’ve been reading Dana Miller’s column for years and think he brings an honesty and realness to the magazine each and every time. In the last issue [10.25], he talked about seeking out someone you respect and hearing their thoughts on the candidates. I couldn’t agree more with Dana’s suggestions. Though I don’t necessarily agree with the Davids’ [Geffen and Mixner] position (I’m a Hillary guy!), I do think it’s imperative we, the LGBT people, pull together and let our voices be heard this election. These last 8 years, we have sat idly by while the Bush administration has f--ked us every which way: gas prices, the war in Iraq, loss of fundamental rights, loss of national security. And it’s as if we have been lulled to sleep or something. We don’t get mad about these things; we don’t rise up. People die every single day over in the sand box of Iraq and we do nothing! This election cycle, I think it’s time for us to rise up and say, contrary to popular belief, we do care. We do care more about the presidency than we do about who wins American Idol. We do care and we will be heard. So I’d like to reiterate what Dana said: Go out, find someone you respect, and talk about the issues. It is only through this open discourse we’ll finally get the change our country so desperately needs.

Scott Colgin
Via Internet

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