The letter to the editor of Sept. 21, 1992, by Mr. Gramling addresses some concerns that I'm sure many members of the University community share. Gramling suggests that the call for the University to end the conflict between Penn State's non-discrimination policy and the Department of Defense's barring lesbian, gay and bisexual persons from the military comes from the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance, rather than from some other independent study group, namely, Penn State About Face. While this position is certainly plausible given LGBSA's previous positions, it is, in fact, inaccurate.

Many of LGBSA's members -- most of them, I would venture to say -- support About Face's goals for one reason or another. Some of us ground that belief in our conviction that the Department of Defense's discriminatory policy is immoral and unjust. Others of us are fundamentally opposed to the military, while others are offended by the relation of military funding to education at our university. Importantly, some of us couldn't care less about the issue and offer none of our energy to About Face.

As an aside, all of you who share Gramling's concerns should also know that the membership of About Face is far from monolithic -- believe it or not, there are heterosexual members who are concerned about the conflict that ROTC represents for the University.

As far as your other concerns go, Gramling, I find nothing new under the sun: your splitting hairs between "legally condoning" and nondiscrimination sounds as familiar as any other panicked, right-wing response to underrepresented groups' activities. Any Straight Talk or other educational program provided by the LGBSA, Campus Life, the Office of the Vice-Provost for Underrepresented Groups or any other number of PSU organizations can offer a forum in which you can discuss your other concerns about homosexuality (and, I assume, bisexuality.)

Yes, the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Student Alliance is dedicated to the well-being of our communities in and around Penn State. Yes, as an organization, we are concerned with any discrepancies between the University's policy and practice, which ROTC certainly represents. Penn State's About Face, however, is an entirely independent organization; the LGSBA has its own concerns and responsibilities outside of those connected to ROTC. Call our office if you are still confused about where we stand or what we represent. Or come to a meeting -- they're open to everyone, irrespective of sexual orientation.