Charles Mitchell's perspective ("One Year Later," March 16, 1999) gives a
list of worthy goals, and advocates action over the closet, but overall,
he was disheartening. He detailed his comfortable gay-but-traditional
family life and advised "work with a smile" on gay civil rights issue. He
surmises that most of us will have a good year. As good as the last,
except for that day when he was whacked in the face with a 2-by-4 in what
was likely a hate crime

The opposite of "most" is "few." Everyone has the universal human right
not to be hit in the head, even if you are nontraditional--an outrageous
drag queen or a leather dyke--or working minimum-wage jobs. Social justice
does not only apply to particular tax brackets and dress codes.

Mitchell was catapulted into headlines and he met Maine's governor. But
what is he doing? Was his attacker ever caught? Is Maine closer to
regaining its civil rights law today than it was a year ago when he was
attacked? Would Mitchell still advise us to smile and be happy if his
lover or any of his three children were seriously injured or God forbid
killed in a bias crime? Mitchell's essay tells me nothing about these
issues.

Mitchell advises "realistic expectations," so I don't expect shrill
outrage from him. I do expect a more passionate appeal for justice from
someone who has so publicly admitted he has so much for which to be
thankful. Expecting more, sometimes, gets you more. Ask the Gallucios.