In his letter of February 7, Dan Ketchen brought up some valid questions about LGSA which I would like to address. Mr. Ketchen first questions how the Collegian arrived at the number 3,000, referring to the number of lesbian and gay students at the University. This number comes from the most exhaustive research ever done on human sexuality -- the famous Kinsey studies, which I am sure any well-informed student has at least heard of. The studies concluded that approximately 10 percent of the American population is homosexual. That would mean that there are actually well over 3,500 lesbian and gay students at University Park alone, not to mention the 3,000 plus lesbian and gay students from the Commonwealth Campuses. Indeed, LGSA represents over 6,000 University students, one of the largest minorities at Penn State, as well as the least recognized.

The number of students who attend LGSA meetings is inconsequential. A large number of lesbians and gays are 'in the closet' because of the hostile, homophobic atmosphere here. Nevertheless, their needs and concerns must also be addressed by this University. I can assure you that the average number of students attending an LGSA meeting is at least as large -- if not larger than the number who attend Academic Assembly or PSU Veteran's Organization meetings. This fact does not diminish the importance of USAB representation for these groups.

No one should have to face harassment for being gay, black, or Polish, for that matter. But 'harassment' does not only entail being called a 'fag -- it includes physical violence as well as threats. When was the last time your life was threatened for having Polish heritage?

Insults and taunts do hurt, and they should not be tolerated at this University. Gay people who are out of the closet are no more 'ashamed' of being gay than blacks are of being black, or you are of being Polish.

Whether or not Mr. Ketchen finds homosexuality personally repulsive has no significance to any argument. Perhaps he should question why he finds it repulsive. We often fear the unknown, and unfortunately a lot of people at this University do not know anything about homosexuality except for the stereotypes perpetrated by our society. This is what brings about the hatred caused by homophobia.

Mr. Ketchen and a lot of other people would be surprised if they realized that many of their friends and classmates are lesbians and gays who may or may not be out of the closet.

If a person realizes that she or he is intolerant towards fellow human beings, they should do something about it. Pattee has many good books regarding homosexuality, or you can call or visit the LGSA office or call the Gay/Lesbian Switchboard. The rampant intolerance towards lesbians and gays on this campus is just one of the many reasons LGSA needs its seat on USAB.