Dec 17, 2004   | COMMENTS     

No tears shed over adult film suicide
Re “Rest in peace, Johnny Rahm” (op-ed by J.D. Cerna, Dec. 10)
J.D. Cerna wants us to share his guilt over the suicide of a porn star who died penniless. At the same time, he indicates he will continue to support the same industry he accuses of exploitation of its competent, informed, adult, consenting sex workers. Be still his bleeding heart. I suppose he’s also against animal cruelty, while still supporting circuses, zoos, eating meat and wearing leather. Boo-freaking-hoo!

A reader asked why it was necessary to mention adult video performer Johnny Rahm’s HIV status in a story reporting his suicide. If Rahm wasn’t closeted about his HIV status, why should this publication hide that fact, or would that be a buzzkill while watching one of his performances? It’s not uncommon for people with serious illnesses — cancer, emphysema, Lou Gehrig’s disease, hepatitis, AIDS — either out of hopelessness, desperation or profound depression, to kill themselves.