Column on purses hurtful to gays

Re Why I’m packin’ some hot new leather, Wandering Mind, May 2

I was disappointed to see in your column the unfortunate remark that being seen wearing a purse would have you be perceived as “seriously gay.” I understand that the article was meant to be light-hearted and the poke at the gay stereotype was supposed to be humorous; however, it still perpetuates the idea that being gay (if only in appearance) is a negative thing.

Although deceptively harmless, this kind of comment is what continues to breed homophobia in our society. Using homosexuality as a punch-line perpetuates the idea that discriminating against members of the LGBT community is OK. As well, jokes of this type help create a negative self-image for gay youth, leading them to believe that their natural impulses are wrong or deserving of being mocked.

Words are powerful tools and I should hope you will be more considerate with how you use them in the future.

Kyle Golemba
Stratford