After reading Esmond Crooke's letter, "Annual Kiss-OUT event not worth news coverage," Feb. 17, I thought it came at an interesting time. The Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic (Thon) took place this weekend and after seeing the kids and their families, one cannot imagine what it would be like to live a life filled with struggle and pain. Clearly, no one would choose to live a life like that -- it is accepted as being biological, not a choice or punishment. Being gay is no different in that no one chooses to be that way. Why would a person choose to live a lifestyle in which rejection and struggle are so familiar? Thinking someone chooses to be gay is like thinking someone chooses to have a serious disease. It is not a choice; it is the hand that life has dealt you.

The Kiss-OUT recognized those who continuously fight opposition their lives have brought them, just as Thon recognizes the kids who strive to fight battles life has dealt them. So, unless you criticize The Daily Collegian for glorifying Thon by providing it space on the front page, you should realize no one willingly chooses a life filled with pain and personal strife.