It was with a sense of both irony and disappointment that I read in the May 9 FLS of Maurice Sendak's death printed on the same page as the news of North Carolina's passing an amendment defining marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

Then, on May 10, the lead FLS news story was President Obama's declaration of his support for same-sex marriage and the lead editorial a tribute to Maurice Sendak, the much-loved and respected writer of "Where the Wild Things Are," as well as many other wonderful books for children.

Again, irony and disappointment.

Why? Because Mr. Sendak was openly gay, living with his partner for 50 years and mourning that partner's death by writing his final book. Why not mention that fact (as did The Washington Post's obit of May 9)?

Mr. Sendak was a gifted writer, loyal partner, and by all accounts a decent human being. Sad that so many would deny him the same rights enjoyed by his straight brethren.

It's disappointing also that the FLS chose to ignore or hide this aspect of Mr. Sendak's life and thereby pass up an opportunity to highlight the positive contributions made by gay men and women who are still denied basic civil rights.

Marianne Filice

Spotsylvania