In his letter "LBGT bulletin boards offensive to some" (SN 3/18), Owen Weber states that he does not "have a problem with gay people" but later describes a picture of two men kissing as "disturbing." Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines homophobia as "irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals."

Two men kissing is clearly a part of homosexuality; therefore, finding such an image disturbing is homophobic.

If people found a visual representation of same-sex affection so disturbing that they tore it down, how would they react to same-sex affection in real life? Would they react to the sight of two men holding hands or two women kissing with verbal abuse or physical violence? The message that the tearing down of the fliers sends to LBGT people is "Don't express affection in public - or else."

Weber argues that PRISM disrespected his desire not "to have to see a disturbing picture in the building where I live." There is a difference between respecting people's individuality and catering to the sensibilities of prejudiced people.

I do not believe that interracial couples should not express affection in public because doing so makes racists uncomfortable, and I think the same principle applies to LBGT people.

Paul Fagan
interdisciplinary humanities senior