Dear Maneater editorial board,

A friend (a member of your staff, in fact, who shall remain unnamed) recently sent me an article by Emma Woodhouse (“Grindr lovin’, had me aghast,” March 2, 2012). In this article, Ms. Woodhouse stereotypes the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities to the point of extreme insult. As a student journalist, a LGBTQ activist and someone who loves and cherishes members of the University of Missouri LGBTQ community, I was profoundly offended by the article.

Some of my best friends, people who supported me and loved me when I was deeply depressed while coming out as gay, attend your university and no doubt read this article. When my loved ones, the people who were there for me when my own family wasn’t, are attacked and shamed in such a public and mocking manner, I refuse to remain silent. While serious, thoughtful critiques of Grindr and similar services are needed, a mocking article by a heterosexual woman are not in the least bit helpful or productive. Also, aside from Ms. Woodhouse’s thoughtless critique of Grindr, the first two paragraphs of the article are offensive enough to elicit a response from myself and other members of the LGBTQ community.

Our ethics as student journalists call on us to be a voice for the voiceless. I am shocked any publication claiming to be “the voice of MU” would dare publish an article that is, quite frankly, rubbish. The voice of the MU students I know, my former classmates and teammates, would be better served by a publication that does not mock its readers’ sexual orientations. Regardless of whether this was willful malice or negligent editorial oversight, your entire staff ought to be ashamed this article was ever published.

The Maneater/MOVE Magazine has a responsibility to its readership for swift and immediate action. I demand the article in question be removed from MOVE’s website, and a full apology be published in the next print issue of The Maneater in a prominent place that will not be overlooked by readers. I would also demand an immediate review of Ms. Woodhouse’s place at MOVE, followed by her dismissal from the staff. Someone willing to publish such an open mockery of gay men, and the LGBTQ community as a whole, should have no place on the staff of an MU publication. Additionally, I would ask the people who allowed this article to be published seriously consider their judgment in the matter.

This sophomoric attempt at humor at the sexual habits of some people was nothing but offensive and disgustingly stereotypical. If people are going to mock the LGBTQ community, and publications are going to give them a platform to do so, at least come up with some new jokes.

Regards,
Connor McFarland
Friend and ally of the University of Missouri LGBTQ community
mcfarland.connor@gmail.com