I am extremely disappointed with the attitude of certain members of our community who currently want to give GLBT bars a pass on addressing issue of illegal drug use. This is nothing but regressive and destructive plague within the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (GLBT) community. The destructive element is the loss of dignity, and promoting death over life. Illegal drug use must be confronted where it is found.

I feel compelled to speak out on this issue because of the violence it promotes. We need to take the fight against drug abuse to our community and that includes GLBT bars. I would hope GLBT bar owners would support the effort to make the GLBT community a drug-free zone.

I have been told, the Chicago Police Department has an unwritten rule of not going into gay bars to pursue those who either sell or use illegal drugs on the premises. The fear from the Police Department is based on the fear of political opposition from within gay and lesbian community. I am sure the department would find a strong level of support from the community for such action.

Furthermore, I hope the Police Department will not be sidetracked by any bar owner who threatens a political response. ... In this time of pride and remembrance ... life is worth more than snorting crystal in the bathrooms of our GLBT bars. I am encouraged by work of Ald. Tom Tunney on this matter, and hope the alderman will continue to aggressively promote a GLBT community that is drug free.

Joe Murray

I was very glad to finally see an expose on the devastating effects on Crystal Meth on LGTBs [Windy City Times May 26, June 2]. The Tina Timebomb article will hopefully raise greater awareness of the myriad of problems that plague crystal meth users.

Pierre