Letters to the editor

Clarity needed on ‘Abundance’
Just so the authors of “Abundance” are aware, the Bay Area Reporter is read by people other than those who live in highly political cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. [“LGBTQ Agenda: Liberal writers make pitch for ‘Abundance’ mindset at SF event,” online, March 27].

Elitist terms like “abundance of politics,” unless it's spelled out in crystal clear language in the book, can leave those in rural areas puzzled. Not that we aren't attuned to political lingo, it's just that when speaking to the masses via print, I always think it's important to present one's case/story in clear and concise terms. I'm sure the book will be well received and wish them the best.

Frank D. Treadway
Redding, California

Seeking info on late Castro biz owner
My name is Garth Zimmermann. I am a retired teacher in Wisconsin whose memoir "Coming Out at 50" is found in Kevin Jennings’ book "One Teacher in Ten in the New Millennium." My current writing project is a biography of Thomas Zalewski, who was the owner of Tommy's Plants on Castro Street for many years.

My interest in Zalewski began when I saw his obituary on the AIDS Memorial Instagram page. He grew up in rural Wisconsin in the 1960s, as did I. We both attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, although I graduated six years after he did. After that, the similarities end. Zalewski was brave, heading to San Francisco, being true to himself, opening a successful business before being one of the first victims of AIDS. I was deeply in the closet, but had a successful teaching career in three different school districts in Wisconsin.

I want to honor Zalewski’s memory as a pioneer in the gay community, who had the courage to be true to himself in the early 1970s when many of us, especially in Central Wisconsin, had never even heard of homosexuality. I am looking to interview people who knew Zalewski, gathering information for either an article or book based on the amount and quality of information I receive. Any experience, memory, photograph would be welcome.

Please contact me at [email protected]. I will contact you and begin gathering the information you share to honor his memory. Thank you.

Garth Zimmermann
Menasha, Wisconsin

Not thrilled with ‘Anora’
After it won multiple Oscars, I watched “Anora.” That is until I turned it off in a rage as the star called someone a “faggot ass bitch.” It was at least the fourth time this gratuitous slur was used. Really?!

Groovster and director Sean Parker purports to be all kumbaya with sex workers, but attacks the queers? (Last I checked, there were a few queer sex workers.) Our community is under relentless attack just now, and he decides to add to it with his aggressively het trash?

Not a single queer organization or leader challenged this highly visible slur. GLAAD can’t even respond to an email about it. Why not? Maybe the B.A.R. can ask the director and producers to justify this homophobic behavior. Artiness is not justification. This offense really ought not to go unchecked.

Dana Van Gorder
San Clemente, California

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