Communist Closet Classics
Thank you for your recent coverage of the film Coming Out ["Gay Video," September OutSmart], the only gay-themed feature film ever to emerge out of communist East Germany. We would like your readers to know that Coming Out is but one of dozens of rare films from the former East Germany that are now available on video in North America. Many of these productions-women's films, children's films, "banned" films, science fiction, etc.-are virtually unknown outside the Eastern Block countries, yet are acknowledged classics.
-Keith Stone
IceStorm International
Northampton, Mass.
(via the Internet)

Editor's Note: For more information on these East German videos, contact IceStorm International by mail at 78 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060; by phone at 413/587-9334; or visit www.icestorm-video.com.

No License to Be Transgender?
Recently, a transgendered friend of mine attempted to go and get her driver's license renewed. After looking at her birth certificate and then looking up at her, they informed her that she would have to take her makeup off before they could proceed. If she were to take off her makeup, she would still appear to be a woman. Well, needless to say, after a bunch of drama, she left the DPS with no license and no dignity. I am outraged. • Now, I personally went to the DPS, hung over, with tons of my normal MAC glitter and makeup. Now, I was not dressed as a female, but I still had lots of makeup on. I didn't know that they would be taking my picture; I thought that they would just use my old one. Well, they didn't have any problem with it and took the picture! • Why me and not her? I think it's rather obvious! Now, what am I asking of you? Who can she get in touch with? Debra Danburg? Annise Parker? As you can tell, I take this personally! My friends are not to be treated this way and I am seeking revenge! If you have ANY suggestions, please offer them to me and I will pass it on to her.
Jay A. Bomberger
(via the Internet)

You Know You Want to Quit
I just wanted to thank you and Dr. Fan for publishing Dr. Fan's article on the negative health effects of smoking ["You Know You Want to Quit," by Dr. Susan Fan, OutSmart Back-to-Health issue, August]. We are just beginning to explore the smoking patterns of the gay and lesbian community, and the statistics are beginning to show that the percentage of smokers in the gay and lesbian community is significantly higher than in the general population. It is becoming quite clear that the healthcare goals of our community need to include smoking cessation programs to improve the quality and length of our lives.

I would like to let the GLBT and HIV community know that we are conducting a smoking cessation study at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center which may be able to help people break their dependence on cigarettes. We are especially proud to have already enrolled a large number of people from the GLBT and HIV community of Houston. If anyone is interested in participating in the study they may e-mail me or call from the information listed below.
-David S. Genac, Ph.D.
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
dgenac@mdanderson.org or 713/745-2386