I have never met Ruth Gould (letter, Nov. 23 Herald, Page B4), yet she knows that her contributions to society are of greater value than mine.

My community is the lesbian community of central Seattle. So I will list their contributions instead of mine.

We have served in silence while nursing your sons back to health from the ravages of war since the birth of our nation.
Our economic structure is shaped like an hour glass. The top echelon is made up of highly educated professionals and business owners. The middle class is virtually nonexistent. The largest number exist in the lower economic strata.

Seattle Women's Ensemble, The Women Who Clog Too Much, and Laura Love all entertain on a national basis. Laura has entertained throughout the United States and Canada, at Carnegie Hall and for the returning troops of Desert Storm.

My community is very family oriented. Whether our children come to us through the natural process, artificial insemination or adoption, our parenting skills are equal to the society from which we came (this has been documented by DSHS).

My community has always contributed to society in meaningful ways. We are a diverse community looking to the future with pride.

Sheila L Richardson
Bellingham WA