To the editors:

Re "Queer Protests Ineffective" by Patrick C. Crosetto (Letter, Oct. 19): Crosetto incorrectly characterizes both homosexuals and the gay rights movement. He states, in reference to proposed national "hate crime" legislation, that "no one group should be given special privileges." Granting homosexuals the right to hold a job is not a special privilege. Granting homosexuals the right to marry is not a special privilege. Granting homosexuals the right to visit their terminally ill partners in the hospital is not a special privilege. Granting homosexuals the right to a life free of discrimination is hardly a special privilege.

Crosetto also underestimates the importance of non-violent social protest. He warns that public demonstrations such as Harvard's gathering on National Coming Out Day only "hurt [homosexuals'] chances for public acceptance." But people's prejudices don't go away on their own. Throughout our history, most notably during the Civil Rights movement, public demonstrations have been the catalyst for the promotion of equality and the breakdown of discrimination.

The way to "reduce these hate crimes from happening" is not for homosexuals to hide "behind closed doors," but through education and awareness. No matter how "morally reprehensible and wrong" certain people perceive homosexuality to be, all Americans, whether gay, straight or bisexual, are entitled to equal protection, freedom of expression and a life without discrimination. ALEXIS J. LOEB '02   Oct. 20, 1998