Open Letter to Christopher Street West

I know that your reputation and profits come from two all-important words: "Gay Pride." I urge you to consider moving beyond the spectacle of WeHo's Gay Pride weekend to contribute a true meaning to that two-word phrase: Use the profits and buy the Studs Theatre and turn it into a meaningful center for gay-themed arts- whether movies, theatre, dance, music, lectures, whatever.

Right now everything that is sordid about being gay happens in the confines of that rat-hole. I have no idea who owns it or how large a profit the owner makes from (a) the films and (b) the sex within. The place is an eye sore for West Hollywood. It represents everything that is downbeat about being gay. I am certainly not against encounters, sexual activities, whatever turns a man on. I am only wishing that such encounters happen in someone's home or bedroom or some private place and not in public where one has to pay admission to watch and/or participate.

West Hollywood thinks of itself as a haven and a support for gays, lesbians, transgenders, bisexuals, metrosexuals, straights and people of all ethnic, religious or social backgrounds. But what our little village lacks is a display of the talents of our citizens and like-minded people world-wide. I was not the first to suggest some sort of Gay Hall of Fame, nor will I be the last. Right now there are only occasional presentations at local or nearby theatres that are either gay-themed or gay-friendly (other than OutFest). But there is no permanent home. And there should be. The current refuge and occasional showpiece or art exhibit for gays and lesbians, et al, is in Hollywood and not where it rightly should be- West Hollywood.

It is high time to turn this magnet for trashy lust- the Studs Theatre- into something that truly represents gay achievement as a meaningful contribution to society today and throughout history. Nowhere is there a place dedicated to achievements by composers and musicians from Schubert to Bernstein to Michael Tilson Thomas, to writers and painters and sculptors from Michelangelo to Andy Warhol, to writers of best-selling novels and Tony-award winning theater to achievements in ballet and modern dance- nowhere where year-round exhibits and performances would find a more receptive audience than here in WeHo.

We need more than an annual weekend to celebrate Gay Pride. What we don't need is the garbage dump called "Studs" which leaves a rancid odor throughout town. So, Christopher Street- get the ball rolling. Use some of your profit dollars, ask for contributions, get the City Council to offer up some funds. Let's turn WeHo into a cultural center celebrating the contributions of gays and lesbians throughout history- something that can truly instill pride and not condemnation by those who see all gays like the depraved minority sneaking through the seats and aisles and rest rooms of the Studs Theatre.