LAVENDER TIMES Throughout 1992, _The New York Times_ has upped the quality and quantity of its gay stories. Prominent coverage was given to the Oregon anti-gay initiative, continuing witch hunts against gays and lesbians in the military, the Boy Scouts' anti-gay policies and many other issues. Cultural reporting frequently deals with gay themes in film, theatre and TV. Lifestyle stories are increasingly lesbian- and gay-inclusive. Only the foreign desk still ignores gay issues. Just weeks before the election the Sunday _New York Times Magazine_ explored the gay community's growing political clout in a coverstory titled, "Gay Politics Goes Mainstream," by openly gay reporter Jeffrey Schmalz. Editorials attacked Republican gay-bashing and supported NYC's gay-inclusive school cirriculum, while gay & lesbian OP-Ed voices ranged from rabble-rouser Michaelangelo Signorile, to gay conservative Marvin Liebman, and a first-person account of lesbian motherhood. About a year ago, Arthur Sulzberger Jr. became the new publisher of the _Times_. Tell him you've noticed the improvements (also due to executive editor Max Frankel and managing editor Joseph Lelyveld). Also mention the need for better foreign coverage. Arthur Sulberger Jr., Publisher _The New York Times_ 229 W. 43rd Street New York, NY 10036