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Letters
to the Editor
Tributes
to Nelson
Thank you for the article featuring
the work of Nelson Vergel. I know Nelson personally.
We met through my partner. Therefore, this might sound
a little biased. However, in the short time that I’ve
known Nelson, he has drawn extreme inspiration and respect.
One
thing Nelson would never tell you is that he has a heart
“the size of Texas.” The wellness center he
talked about in the article is up and running because
of Nelson. He has picked up the tab so many times, I
don’t know if the center will ever be able to repay
him for all that he has given unconditionally, not to
mention financially.
He
also has surrounded himself with people who are optimistic,
hopeful, and positive about being POSITIVE. It seems
to me that he has a daily mission to continuously enlighten
colleagues (and friends) with the newest information
he learns from his contacts, travels, and experience.
Men and women, gay and straight. Infected and non-reactive.
His vision is inspirational for all of us.
My
lover is positive and the director of physical training
for the wellness center. Nelson hired Rob [Heber] when
the center first opened. And I doubt Rob would have
stayed at the center and continued with his love and
devotion for the center and his clients if it were not
for Nelson. Through thick and thin Nelson has kept the
fire burning.
Nelson has definitely made a mark in my life and in
our community. Bravo to a man who has planted a legacy
and watched it grow.
—Caleb L. Barajas
(via the Internet)
As
a memeber of the board of directors of the Body Positive
Wellness Center, let me just say THANK YOU for the incredible
article in [the March] issue on Nelson Vergel. He is
such a great man, and a great visionary and support
for the wellness center.
OutSmart
continues to support so many local organizations. As
I also serve as president of Bayou City Boys Club, as
well as vice president of Halloween Magic, I salute
you and your continued success. Thank you again for
your help.
—J. Allen Glander
(via the Internet)
Dock
Dr. Laura
I am tired of hearing about Dr.
Laura Schlessinger. Yes, she has a right to her views
but so do we.
So
let’s express our views in a more practical and
productive manner. We all know that for most of the
parties involved, the Dr. Laura show is about two things:
ratings and money. No ratings and no money, no show.
It’s that simple.
Here is a thought: a letter-writing campaign to all
potential companies that might buy advertising time
slots, asking them to pledge in writing not to advertise
in these three time slots: one hour before the show’s
air time; during the show; and one hour after the show
has aired.
Of
course, ask the gay and gay-friendly communities to
boycott the stations that air the show during those
same time slots so as not to add to the ratings. But
for three hours this would make a major difference on
the ratings. If the ratings drop, so do the prices on
the advertising slots. And even if the show continues
to air, maybe it would be put on the late-night lineup
instead of prime time.
Maybe
there are problems with this idea, but it could be an
effective plan of action if all the groups pulled together.
1. With a lack of big paying advertisers for three hours
of every day the show airs, the money won’t be
there.
2. Paramount, as well as the stations and the shows
and their sponsors before and after Dr. Laura’s,
will feel the impact. And in turn add to the pressure
from the shows that air before and after Dr. Laura’s
show.
3. It would be a peaceful protest on our part that would
hit the hardest where it hurts the most: ratings and
money for three hours of each day the show airs.
Of
course it will take a lot of fast moving and the efforts
of the national and local organizations. But I feel
it could be done.
—Ray Logan
(via the Internet )
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