AIDS and the Movies

I am amazed by Richard Stehr’s letter about my article on “Silverlake Life: The View From Here.” In the course of my interview with him, Peter Friedman makes especial note of the fact that Tom Joslin’s openness about his own sexuality helped bring Friedman out of the closet. Why then should there be any question as to the sex of Friedman’s lover?

Perhaps Stehr finds the notion of gay men speaking about themselves freely and easily something of a novelty. Regarding his query as to whether “only a homosexual would make this kind of film,” the answer is yes.

DAVID EHRENSTEIN

Los Angeles