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LESBIAN RIGHTS AWARDS DINNER Call Honoring Ivy Bottini Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon Maureen Steinberg Gayle Wilson Mistress of Ceremonies: Midge Costanza Sat Sept IS The Biltmore Hotel 540 N. San Vicente $35 per person Los Anseles, Calif. 90048 for reservation information contact (213) 659-9933 Southern California Women For Understanding 13033 Ventura Blvd. THE NEW YORK FEMINIST Studio City, CA. 91604 ART INSTITUTE (213)766-6811 an exciting and innovative school and resource center opening in the fall of 1979, will provide an intellectual and cultural community for women in the arts. We invite you to share our enthusiasm and help us to realize our goals. For more information write: New York Feminist Art Institute. P. O. Box 798. Canal Street Sta- AMCtLti tion, New York. N. Y. 10013. S COMMUNITY CHORUS 3rd flNNUfll PRGGNTRTION
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compo/6d«orrong6d«conduct0d»sung 1022 North Fairfax West Hollywood by women (213) 656-7740 , Saturday, June 30, 1979 8:00 p.m. Robert Frost Auditorium 4401 Elenda, Culver City All Tickets: $4.50 Available from all chorus members and Feminist stores. TICKET DISTRIBUTORS: SISTERHOOD BOOKSTORE. PAGE ONE BOOKS, GentleTbuch SOJOURNER BOOKSTORE, FEMINIST HORIZONS, APPLE ROOM, FEMINIST WICCA, WOMANYES Dps Training For childcare reservations and general information call: 478-8308 by Kay Falcone _there_ujilI be signing forlhedeof 213 828 1583 nojjjgmQQ turned, QUUQU for lock of funds TIDE PUBLICATIONS Vol. 9 No. 1 JULY/ AUGUST 1979 8706 Cadillac Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90034 PERSPECTIVES (213) 839-7254 4 Are Roles Really Dead? (Butch/Femme survey) Publishers 8 Gay Pride Day, Whose Birthday Is It? Jeanne Cordova and Sharon McDonald 10 Giving Lesbians The Business 12 Disco: Camping Into Oblivion Editorial Board 13 Column: Sharon McDonald Penny Grenoble, Sharon McDonald, Jeanne Cordova NATIONAL NEWS 1 Contributing Editors 14 NGTF Names Feminist — Lucia Valeska Cheri Lesh, Karen Kos 15 Gay March Controversy Continues 16 Assassin Convicted of Manslaughter Correspondents 16 Verdict Ignites Riots Lynne Shapiro, New York 17 Lesbians Back Feinstein, But Not Britt Jan Adams, San Francisco 18 Briggs Legacy in D.C. 18 Custody and Lesbian Mothers Circulation (National Sales) Barbara Gchrke Circulation (Subscriptions) Linda Brown 19 Majority Report, Gays week Fold Advertising Jeanne Cordova Promotions Sharon McDonald Office Manager/ Bookkeeper Paula Facinc EDITORIAL Production Barbara Gehrke 21 Support for Valeska • Who Owns Our Bars? Art & Design Achy Obejas Layout Ani.sls Sandy Tate, Jill Crawford, Gladys Benjamin, Beth Lucas, LETTERS Sue Cooke, 21 Dan White • Dykes Don't Preen • Tolerant. . .to a Point *** RIGHTS OF PASSAGE Cover Photo & Design by Jeanne Cordova 23 Los Angeles Gets Gay Rights Cover Photo: Sharon McDonald "in drag." *** SHORTCURRENTS 24 Prom Night • Carter Names Jill Schropp • Dyke in Who's Who • The Lesbian Tide is a radical feminist news magazine published six times a year by Mondanaro in Politics? TIDE PUBLICATIONS. The staff is open to women who wish to become involved in REVIEWS journalism or who see media as a vehicle for 26 Gay Report Tells AH • Sexual Fantasies Rated • Lavender Culture activism. *** EDITORIAL POLICY L.A. CALENDAR In the interest of fostering open communi- 29 Local events in the Los Angeles area. cation. The Lesbian Tide prints a variety of views from the lesbian, feminist, and gay communities. Our editorial perspective also includes coverage of other social change The Tide issues as they relate to women and gays. The Subscribe! Name views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Tide Publications nor Subscribe! Address The Editorial Board unless bylined as such. Subscribe! City *** Subscribe! SUBSCRIBERS: If you move you must Subscribe! State ZIP. notify us of your change of address as second Subscribe! class mail is not forwardable. Your expir- Subscribe! One year subscription (b issues): $7.50 individuals, $9 overseas ation dale now appears on your address label. Subscribe! & Canada, S10 institutions. Mailed in plain brown wrapper. Second Class Postage Paid at Los Angeles The Tide 8706 Cadillac Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034 CA. Butch Femme In the Board By Jeanne Cordova (The story which follows js Christine's, a politically moderate feminist and an activist of many years in the Women's and Gay 1 Movements. She is in her thirties and is self employed in a white collar professional occupation.) "When I went to a conference in 1978 of _the radical lesbian feminist community, the thing that fascinated me more than anything else was that there didn't seem to be any femmes! Everyone looked butch! A friend and I joked about being the only two femmes in the place. "One woman there told me she had dressed in 'Chic Dyke' so she could pass and be heard when she got up to speak. She said she usually wore earrings but had purposely left them at home. I would assume there must have been others who felt and acted the way she did, yet everyone was dressed in the butch uniform: boots, jeans, men's shirt or t- shirt, short hair, and aggressive behavior, constantly interrupting each other. "I don't think the butch unifqrm is sexist in itself, what's sexist is the attitude that
Are Roles By Jeanne Cordova*
This is the first in a two part series exploring roles in the lesbian com- munity. Over two hundred pages of inter- views were transcribed. We look forward to your response to what we consider an impor- lant issue for contemporary lesbians. In preparing this article, we interviewed a cross section of lesbians in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. We wanted to know about their experience with roles in their lives: were roles still operating, were there any significant changes in the way they see roles affecting their relationships, what the traditional butch/femme roles mean to them. During the interviews, patterns of responses emerged which suggested that we group the respondents into three categories: old-gay (women who are not feminists), radical lesbian feminists (who were staunch feminists before coming out), and a third group of mixed backgrounds. Our findings were alternately startling, humorous and ambiguous. 4 • Lesbian Tide Perspectives
LEFT: Alotna Ichinose Gruskoff BELOW: Majoie Canton
Photos from Emergence room & the Bedroom by Cynthia MacAdams comes out toward femmes in these environ- lesbian community. ments. My lover Judy and I had the same job "What happened at that conference was during that conference. She came in her sexist because they didn't know who I was butch uniform and got an enormous amount and so they were taking me on face value. I of respect, and was not challenged very much left the conference reminded of how it was on what she said. But when I spoke, the when I first came out. atmosphere of the group changed. I was "Six years ago when I was coming out, I wearing white women's pants and a yellow viewed being a lesbian as a freeing lifestyle. women's t-shirt. When I spoke, they weren't The first four lesbians I met were so much listening. They didn't hear me, and that made into the old world, role playing, that it was the me angry. most inhibiting environment I'd ever been in. "I wasn't too surprised because I had I made a joke about something and one encountered this before in my own more woman, who had decided I must be 'the politically moderate lesbian community. I femme,' said to my lover, 'Are you gonna let think it's no different from heterosexual her get away with that?' When I left their sexism. The only difference is that we lesbians house I was totally depressed. I told Judy that talk about equality a lot, but in reality, there is if this was what the lesbian lifestyle was all no equality. about then I didn't want it. "I don't wanf-to have to conform to a "In my community, the politically butch style to be heard. I don't want to have moderate, professional lesbian community, to struggle to be recognised because of how I roles are still alive. Some women who work in dress or because I don't express myself in an professional or traditional jobs like secretaries extremely aggressive fashion. I think our need to pass for straight, so the roles aren't as society wrongly values the male approach, clear on the surface as with women who are the male attitude, the male strength that men Continued on page 7 represent. And butches represent that in the
Really Dead? To Role or Not To Role? which results in a confused relationship. And Asked whether roles were good or bad, when you have confusion operating as a basic radical lesbians give role playing a cate- premise in a relationship. . .you're going (o gorical thumbs down. As one put it: "Because break up." most of us have put our energies into ex- The mixed background group was less panding our choices and opportunities as opinionated. As one individual explained, "If women, we aren't about to get into femme the role is overt and being acted out and it's roles. And with all of our basic contempt for consensual, I don't see anything wrong with men's violence, noisiness, brutality and in- it. If it works for you, good. If it's oppressive, competence, the worst insult is to be called it's bad." male-identified or butch. We struggle in our Confusion in Lesbian Nation lives with a full range of emotions and The old gays and the mixed group were behaviors within ourselves and our relation- readily able to define butch and femme right ships, often with both partners taking a'sser- down to the stylistic differences in their 'tiveness training and/or carpentry. We tend smoking habits. Radical lesbians, however, to dress androgynously, combining the com- appeared reluctant or hesitant and confused. fort and utility of 'men's' clothes with the One said she had no role but, "Yes, now that diversity of color and style available in you asked, I find myself attracted to the 'women's' clothes." stereotypical woman — long hair, etc." Old gays, on the other hand, see roles as Another denied the label of femme saying she stabilizing a relationship. As one old gay was not attracted to butches, but rather to femme asserted, "Roles are directly related "androgynous-looking women, you know, to the longevity of a relationship, and are flat chest, short hair, slim hipped, tall. . ." necessary to keep a good relationship going. A radical activist in a major city wrote When roles are undefined there tends to be Continued on page (, psychic, emotional and sexual confusion, Jul\/August«5 Roles continued. that butch/femme roles are dead in that What are We Talking About? One difference is clear, radical feminists radical feminist community, while another Our initial conclusion was that some of view roles as more complex. They spoke of woman from the same community said the the polarized opinion about role playing may concepts like androgyny, power, and mother- opposite, and described what she. means by be fueled more by a language barrier than by daughter phenomenon. Barbara Ruth from role playing: "I've seen couples in a bar actual behavioral differences. • • San Diego said, "It's simplistic to talk in where one is in a man's suit and the other is in To radical lesbians "dyke" means "any terms of butch and femme: Lesbian roles restricting feminine dress including spike lesbian" and is a compliment. To old gay have more to do with mother and child. The heels." Still another politically moderate women it means "a very hard butch" and is mother-daughter relationship is so much more lesbian cited the prevalence of "the butch an insult. To the mixed background group it interesting, so muchmore intense in terms of uniform" at a radical lesbian conference as can mean either, depending on who is using early patterning. A lot of what is ascribed to evidence of roleplaying in feminist circles. the term. Some radical lesbian feminists butch/femme is in fact mothers-daughter While old gays and some of the mixed group think "butch" is synonymous with "male," stuff." were quick to find ample evidence of role others define "butch" as "tough." But to old All interviewees however had one com- playing in feminist haunts, radical lesbians gays and those with mixed backgrounds, a monality: they blamed others for what roles generally believe, as one put it, that butch and butch is "a lesbian with a lot of male skills, they did have. Straight society, the "gay femme imply "historical curiosities." likes, dislikes. .." As one old gay femme put world", and the feminist community were Radical lesbians see hutches as "pre- it, "A butch is a woman who is interested in alternately at fault, and a few said they had a tending to act like men," while one old gay women like a woman would be interested in role "because my lover insists on one for butch sees herself as "being free enough to be women." , herself." who I am." A radical feminist who likes to To radical lesbians, "femme" is often an Femmes of all three groups were more work on cars denied the butch label and insulting term closely equated; with hetero- dissatisfied than butches< because the femme thinks of herself as "just someone who likes sexual. To old gays and the mixed back- role was "more confining" and, as one put it, to work on cars." Another woman refused the ground women a femme is "a lesbian with "Society doesn't value anything that's female, label of femme but later noted that her more traditionally feminine qualities." so who wants to identify with a dis-value?" "androgynous" lover wasn't interested in These differences in the usage of "butch" While some radical feminists felt negative talking with her about clothes, fashion, or and "femme" are symptomatic of the funda- about being butch for reasons already stated gossip. mental conceptual differences hetween our here, others defined and proudly announced Roles and Relationships three groups on the subject of roles. New and certain "butch" qualities like "knowing the Virtually all of the interviewees were radical lesbians think the butch/femme role difference between the distributor and the working on problems in their relationships. dichotomy is a heterosexual concept, while alternator." While old gays use the terms One woman details, "I do the laundry with old gays and those with exposure to different butch and femme as nouns, radical feminists more zeal than my partner. In fact, she lifestyles feel the terms represent a distinctly and some of the mixed background group see doesn't give a damn about it. Every once in a lesbian gestalt. them as styles to be donned when the occasion arises. As Shirl Buss of Los Angeles ex- while she'd have an attack of conscience, but One woman said she couldn't possibly be plains, "I go in and out of both roles. In my in real life she just wouldn't get around to it. a butch because "I'm short and have big work (carpenter) I'm into my butch side, at Finally we decided that we should do separate breasts." Yet another short, big breasted home the way I joke and play is more what I'd laundry, even though that is absurdly woman defined herself as a butch and said "a call swishy femme." inefficient." femme is useless and can't do anything." A Another couple reported they always nol-so-useless femme who holds a top Next issue we will continue our explor- argued about where to go on vacations, and administrative post in a government agency ation of butch/femme roles in the lesbian one of them wasn't happy that the other got to says a ""dyke" is a "real masculine truck community. We will include readers' re- make most of the decisions about this. They driver sort of butch." But a radical lesbian sponses as well as more individual interviews solved the problem "by alternation, first her who looks more like a housewife than a truck and analysis. • choice, then mine." driver proudly calls herself a "dyke." Finally, The laundry fanatic is a radical feminist one couple clearly defined themselves as who said she and her lover don't have roles, butch and femme, but a close friend of theirs *Penny Grenoble, Sharon McDonald, and they have "power imbalances." The vaca- called them both "feminine. . .definately not Paula Facine helped significantly in the tioners called their decision-making imbalance into roles." concept of these stories, the interviewing, a "butch/femme issue." transcribing and editing.
SURVEY QUESTIONS 1. Do you think roles are dead: in the old gay community: Yes No in the lesbian feminist community: Yes _.. ._. _ No within your own relationship(s): Yes . No 2. Within my own mind I identify as: Femme. Butch Neither Other 3. I define butch as ... 4. I define femme as ... 5. I think being butch or femme is: Good Not good All right Other 6. Politically T am a: Feminist Moderate feminist Radical feminist Not political Other 7. I was a lesbian before I became a feminist: Yes. No I am a lesbian now, but not a feminist
6 •Lesbian Tide Perspectives
Boardroom continued. . .
less traditionally employed or self-employed. But they're very much there.' Butch Speech "The butch's speech pattern is more direct, an almost aggressive approach. When I first noticed that Judy was taken more seriously than I, I started dressing the way she did. I wore sloppy or men's clothes and lowered my voice tone, and trained myself to talk differently — to state my conclusions first and my reasoning and process second. The speech part worked well and I've kept it, but I went back to the clothing I feel more comfortable in. •'1 think a butch perceives herself as strong, assertive, definite, competent, inde- pendent, and as having no desire to have a Natalie Barney and Romaine Brooks dependency relationship. She is a more closed individual, not as in touch with her emotions and not very anxious to have others body, what damn difference would it make? I you are. All you know, all I knew, was that I know what her emotions are. Emotional love making love to my lover because I feel didn't fit. displays represent some type of weakness to I'm participating in an active way to our "So unless a butch has totally come to her. . lovemaking. When you are the only one terms with herself, a process which means Femmes Pass being made love to you sometimes feel like an undoing years of conditioning, when a woman v "The femme's appearance can be sum- object, like you're being used. makes love to you you respond as a woman med up by saying that she passes easily as "I think we can't buy into heterosexual physiologically, but the process resurrects straight whether she wants^ to or not. Since models, we have to change things in our own that old dichotomy, that contradiction. femmes' clothes are what we see all around minds, that's where it has to happen." "This is why you find that the 'harder' the us in the stores, no-one would know she's a butch is, the more she is 'one way', or doesn't lesbian. We're not as concerned with making like her femme to make love to her. Whereas a statement with our appearance as butches (Author's note: Another interviewee also butches who are feminist tend to be a little arc. commented on sexual behavior. Marianne more integrated with their bodies as female Sexual Behavior Differences identifies herself as butch and as a lesbian and are more fluid about being made love to. "From my own experience and from feminist. She has been a lesbian for seven Femmes don't have this denial going on. they talking with butch women, it seems to me that years, is in her late twenties and works for a are more often in touch with their bodies as butches like to make love to other women but feminist institution.) female. they do not like, want, or enjoy having women "There are a lot of differences between "A long time ago when a femmc told me make love to them. They don't like to be butches and femmes in bed, even when the she wanted to make love to me a little war carressed, or sexually aroused except through roles overlap and each is making love to the. would go on inside my head. My brain says, i the excitement of arousing another woman. other equally. One difference is, at the Of course she does, if she wanted a man's For them giving up control seems to be the bottom line, I think butches are uncom- body she'd have stayed with her husband or key problem. They have a concept that fortable with their bodies as female. There is some other turkey. She's been with men weakness is involved. Being made love to denial going on. before so of course she's in a position to know may mean that she will get more emotional "Want to or not consciously, on a very the difference and know that she wants a than she is willing to be. After all, she might deep level many butches are confused about woman's body.' But nothing in me emotionally make a sound! And if they make sounds that the fact and don't like the reality that their believed this automatically. I had a block, indicates weakness! bodies are female. That is why you will,find* and still do, only much less so. "I don't like this because it inhibits me. that most butches readily take off their shirts "Maybe this non-belief is also a defense When I first tried to talk to Judy about it her and yet not their pants. Of course this is also projection against our own unwillingness to first response was, 'I am the way I am and conditioned male behavior. Men run around . come to grips with the butch mind-body you have to accept me this way.' So I got without their shirts, but never without their contradiction. Maybe if we really believed angry, but that didn't work. So I decided to let pants. Women, around the house or with our lovers want to make love to us, we'd have her have control, but at the same time touch friends, will take off their pants and throw on to hustle our ass into therapy or something! her and give myself some of those pleasures. I a long or loose shirt. I don't think this is too "On the other hand I've heard butches did this and she saw that nothing terrible hard to understand. Here you are growing up' say that they are more comfortable when a happened, but that my touching her increased this tiny child dyke subconsciously emulating butch makes love to them. I've slept with both my excitement beyond just her touching me. the male figures in your household for some butches and femmes and the difference is She also saw that 1 was enjoying myself, ten years and then you hit puberty and find night and day. When a woman makes love to rather than observing her reaction, a fear yourself taking on a body that clashes with me in a butch style it's.easier to give up which had bothered her. your self perception as a left-over tomboy.. control, it's more socially o.k., more per- "'I've been told that butch women don't It's enough to rattle your adolescent develop- sonally o.k. I don't feel as awkward, as even believe that their partner, a femmc, ment profoundly. Being an adolescent butch' embarrassed. And I do believe she really really wants to make love to them! I think that without feminism, that is, after you've dis- wants to. With a butch you don't have to give says something about how butches value covered that you are a woman, but before up control, it's taken. It's nice to have women. If I didn't want to love a woman, if it you've understood that you can be a woman someone else take the responsibility for didn't matter that her body is a woman's and not like boys, it's hard to know just what making your decision." • July/August • 7 Perspectives Gay Pride Day Whose Birthday is it? By Jeanne Cordova It was a sweltering but ordinary evening New York: Will I March, Or Won't I? mixed groups or male friends and many don't at the Stonewall bar. It was an oppressive but Radical feminists Lynne Shapiro, and ordinary police raid. It was the night of June march at all. One year we spent months Eleanor Cooper, former Lesbian Feminist negotiating with the Christopher St. Com- 25, 1969. Maybe it was the heat, maybe it Liberation spokeswoman, recount: "For was that one cop shoved the wrong "queen," mittee to have women at the front of the many New York lesbian feminists, the Chris- march, but other men coming to the march maybe one gay man had a migrane. Certainly topher Street* March is an annual conflict no one pre-meditated the riot that ignited that didn't respect the agreements made, and took between wanting to show lesbian visibility over the women's space. night. Certainly no one planned to punch a and wanting to avoid the male oppression so cop and begin the 20th Century's Gay Liber- "A second problem has been the post endemic to the march. From the firstmarches , march entertainment 'shows' starring misog- ation Movement. B,ut that's what happened. women have been greatly outnumbered by Ten years later the famous Stonewall ynistic female impersonators and even men and so we feel the same psychological straight women from the baths. We've tried riots are celebrated by a third of a million oppression of being overwhelmed by men gays in America and Europe. For the gay holding separate women's rallies (1976- that we experience in society. 1977), but these aren't well attended and community it is an honorable annual call to "In the early political marches, being arms. But to many lesbians it is an annual look small compared to the rallies sponsored outnumbered was easier to take, since most by the Christopher Street Committee. headache. men were from the political organizations The past decade has seen much debate "In 1978, we worked hard with the that gave lip-service to feminism. But when Committee to accommodate women into the over whether the omission oflesbians from a the marches turned into parades of the bars focal role in Gay Pride celebrations is the main rally. It worked well — lesbians were in (mid-seventies) we were outnumbered by prominent positions on the speakers list, and fault of gay men or lesbians themselves. hostile men in femme or macho drag. To Others feel lesbians' unwillingness to claim lesbian entertainers were abundant. But the protect ourselves, lesbian feminists have peace was broken when Grace Jones, a disco Stonewall as their own is no one's fault, it's tried to arrange to have a visible separatist just a misplaced birthday. "It's theirs and it singer, went back on her promise and sang the contingent in the" front of the march. This song "I Need A Man." Sing it she did, with was always theirs, never ours," remarks one hasn't worked because our numbers have lesbian offering a historical correction. part of her costume coming off during the been small, and many lesbians march with song. Lesbians left the rally feeling angry and
L _A.'I Biack lesbians in i973 Christopher Street parade, New York. 8 •Lesbian Tide Perspectives betrayed." And so the New York debate continues within each lesbian's psyche, "Will I march, or won't I?" L.F.L., the largest N.Y. lesbian organization, was discussing whether or not to endorse the 1979 march at press time. Whatever the decision this year or next, Eleanor Cooper concluded, "Lesbians need aggregate strength before we can participate on a powerful or even equal footing in the marches because we are so outnumbered. And unless the Christopher Street Com- mittee spends great effort in pre-march pub- licity to educate the men, our space will be taken over again." Los Angeles: I Won't The New York dilemma looks like a success story when compared with Los Angeles lesbians' attitude towards Chris- topher Street. Los Angeles is a city where gay leadership has long been con- centrated in the hands of gay men and organizations noted for their low feminist consciousness. The Christopher Street West Committee, at its height of lesbian participation, sat two non-feminist gay iden- tified women. Unlike New York, Los Angeles lesbians have never, until 1979, attempted a separate march. Indeed only 30% of the community ever even considers the question, "To March or Not To March?" In the early seventies, when Gay Pride meant marching and chanting about liber- ation, contingents of 300 and 400 lesbians did join the parade with some 200 other women scattered in other mixed male-female groupings. But the militant leaders of the gay male movement left and were replaced (1974- 1977) by the bar owners, businessmen and gay leaders who thought gay pride was a dart toss at an effigy of Anita Bryant on Holly- wood Blvd. Lesbian feminists stopped marching. The difficult years of 1977 and 1978 brought more lesbians into Christopher Street. But lesbians who dutifully marched to show strength against Bryant and Briggs left the rally immediately after the one or two lesbian speakers. This year Los Angeles radical lesbians together with feminist men planned separate celebrations. Whether their planning will generate a viable alternative or will suffer in the shadow of the. larger march as in New- York, remains to be seen. San Francisco: I Will Again it seems that the feminist con- sciousness of a city's gay male population One woman makes herself clear in the 1974 New York Christopher Street gay parade. determines what lesbians will say or do about "Gay Pride Day." Nowhere is this more true than in the famous San Francisco marches in which thousands of lesbians participate. wasn't so overwhelming." With its renowned diversity and acceptance In the final analysis Christopher Street San Franciscan lesbians have a less remains a sad but perhaps accurate barometer of differences, the San Francisco march has glowing opinion of Gay Pride Day in their not been taken over by the sexist sections of of the cold-war between the lesbian and gay city because many have struggled on the male movements. As Cooper summarised, the gay male community. One Los Angeles Planning Committee and within their own lesbian who went to the San Francisco "Until we get all lesbians in one tight con- organizations to make feminism more visible, tingent in the march and do massive con- parade was "shocked" by the Gay men in the the parade more acceptable. But the annual parade. "They didn't seem hostile or swag- sciousness raising with the men, Christopher birthday of the gay movement in S.F. con- Street will never be our avenue." • gering. They seemed smaller. At first I tinues to be celebrated by a massive militant wondered if the gay men in San Francisco march, followed by a rally with political *The Stonewall Bar was located on Chris- were smaller than men in L.A. Then I speakers and entertainment which is screened realized it was just that their male energy topher Street in New York, a "gay ghetto" for its sexist content. area like San Francisco's Castro Street. July/August • 9 Perspectives
il Giving Lesbians the Business
By P.A. accountability is fine, I believe in it. But free • The Feminist Such and Such a Bus Editor's note: P.A. is a lesbian lawyer living time, free services, accommodating "the ness calls and asks if I am available to hand; in New York. Well aware that her remarks Committee" is not my idea of respect. their collection cases. Sure, sez I, I ha\ might prove controversial, she prefaced At the risk of sounding like a capitalist experience in every aspect of collection (ii them with, "You can decide if the following (god forbid), or unsisterly (goddess forbid), I eluding taking a lot of abuse, being chased oi blasphemy should go into a feminist do have a couple of situations to narrate of buildings, threatened over the phone, etc. publication. . ." which have made me walk away shaking my I charge slightly less than the going fee. I'm head, Will We Ever Learn Department. When I pick up the phone and hear, bargain. Well, can I come down to their pla< "'Hello,.this is the Feminist This or That," I • State College calls me, Dept. of of business so The Committee can intervie put on a suit of protective armor, because I Women's Studies. They have heard my oft- me, and would 1 bring a resume? No, sez know I am going to be dealing with people presented legal speech, would I give it at their not really.. .I'd be happy to speak with one < who: 1) want something for nothing, 2) don't April conference? Sure, sez I, always glad to two people over the phone for 10 minutes < respect my time and services as a professional, be of help. Well, where can I be reached at so, and certainly answer any questions. B or 3) feel like I am an enemy. Sisters, every hour of the day for the next two weeks "my time and advice are my stock in trade schmisters. so that "The Committee" (feminist replace- and god knows it's tough to eek out a living I can't tell you what a problem 1 have with ment for the Trinity) can call me, tell me what this profession, without taking an hour fro 'feminist" approaches to my time, my work, they want me to talk about, and meet with me. my d,ay to be interviewed. Now, if they wou my services, my accountability. I mean, Well, sez I, I cannot be so reached. Further- like to come for a preliminary discussio. more, my phone contact has heard my speech bring along the papers for their case, I' before, and has already called it "excellent." charge a $25.00 consultation fee, (half wh. So since I understand that there is no hono- my colleagues charge) and I'll be happy 1 rarium for this speech, I am not available to discuss things with them at that time. LIVING write a new speech conforming to The Com- • The Lesbian Mime Theater Trour. WITH mittee's ideas; nor will I have time to meet comes to me and says that they need me 1 LESBIANS with The Committee and see how all of them protect their rights in a play that has just bee feel about me. Take it or leave it. ripped off by their ex-member and form<
I! > i
1 All Women's •! i i i i ROUND
August 4 You're invited! Line dances, folk, & round dances, square dances! and refreshments. $3 donation 8 pm Church in Ocean Park 235 Hill St., Santa Monica Childcare: 391-5442 no one turned away for lack of funds, no alcohol or drugs please, a benefit for BUILDING WOMEN, a newly formed non-profit women's con- struction collective. 10 • Lesbian Tide Perspectives
PASADENA* OMIT GAV-OWNED sister. Would I represent the nine remaining free again. Except this article. And then the members? Sure, sez I, happy to. Cut-rate of conference in April. And maybe that lecture now serving food. course, since they're sisters. Well, the com- tour. . .(Deep psychological patterns are pany has no money so can I do it for free? (By 3739 E. COLORADO BL. | tough to break.) PASAJENA.CA.-- 578-9701 the way, I said no.) Now, finally, after two years of doing a BEER-WINE-DINING • PANCINS • POOL • SUNDAV CHAMPAGJff BRUHOUMlM] • The lesbian-feminist who wants to law practice, I am starting to collect my KITCHEHHR5: SUN. 6:30-11 PM. barter my services for dope. absurdly low fees up front. But I have several _^ FRI-, SAI. 6:3d'\JUA. j • The Committee of anything. clients who haven't paid, and probably never • The "sister" who heard me speak at intend to. (One owes me $ 1200.) And I won't BUILDING WOMEN'PRESENTS: such and such a conference, who just wants to sue them because I know they can't afford to ask me "a few questions" over the telephone. pay. I like to pretend that this is wonderfully For free. Usually at 11:30 P.M. feminist of me, and it is, but on a deeper level • The feminist company who wants me (as my therapist will point out) people who to send in a resume. "What does she mean, continually cheat themselves out of what is she doesn't want to send a resume? What due them, who perform lots of services for about accountability? What does she mean free, or at their own expense, who are, excuse she doesn't want to barter? What about her the word but it is a common problem as I see poor sisters? What about the welfare mother?it, downwardly mobile, are probably a lot She sounds like a typical male lawyer, more than feminist. COFFEE HOUSE FOLK trying to get rich off our backs." etc, etc, etc. I am working on this thorny problem and- BLOCS FUN I have much better luck with feminists find it's just as easy to say "I charge $50 for a ROCK + ROLL who have been in business, who know how consultation" as to forget to say it, except ENTERTAINMENT hard it is to make a living, how important that it comes naturally NOT to say it. Here is every hour is. The client who writes me out a one instance where doing what comes 8:00 S>U. JULr 7 check as soon as the interview is over becomes naturally is not necessarily good for you. I "3.00 DONATION a friend for life. And I'll never do anything for am learning. • FOR CARPOOLS CALL ati-SHHJ
CHILDCARE PROVIDED - . .. BENEFIT Fng'BHILP^MT; WQMEH" AWOHAttfe COHSTRtJCTlQ^ •
For a Nuclear-Free Future
First solo LA concert in 4 years. Holly Near with J.T. Thomas Plus special guest speaker Dr. Rosalie Bertell / August 3&4 - 8pm Embassy Auditorium 847 South Grand, LA. $6.50 advance, $7.50 at door
August 4 Alliance for Survival ' Workshop Nuclear threat: What can I do? ' ' ' -
A portion of the proceeds of thisconcert will go,to the Alliance for Survival. Mail order tickets available now. Make checks payable to Women On Wheels Productions. box 27251. LA90027. You must enclose a self-addressed-stamped-envelope. 213/665-7535 Produced by Women On Wheels Productions Supported by the Alliance for Survival
July/August • 11 Perspectives T-shirts, Posters, Disco Novelties . . .
LESBIAN ART
Lesbian Art Prints and Notecards
Free Catalog and free gift for mentioning Lesbian Tide!
Qrder From: DAYMOON DESIGNS, P.O. Box 5285-LT HI; Seattle, Washington 98105
510 n. hoover st. losangelet. cal. 90004 662-1534 #
susan talbot handcrafted batiks supplies and lessons
14K GOLD JEWELRY ww CUSTOM DESIGNED 0 0 BY WOMEN Camping into Oblivion? M R • Repairs, Stone Setting and Engraving By Flash Silvermoon free form music of the 60's and early 70's A K plus Although it was frequently sexist, there was i A Line of Feminist For roughly threb years disco muzak has- N S freedom of expression in those days. In th« T-Shirts / Visors / Socks been mainlined into our consciousnesses via radio, T.V., movies, and even Fesbian bars. early days of The Women's Movement we Call (213) 785-7397 DANA or ANDY The Mafia owns the juke box industry had circle dances; now we've been pro- and a great part of the record industry and grammed into having "our own" discc they have heavy investments in companies dances. that sell disco equipment to bars. The same Another reason disco is big business is men who put heroin, and now disco, in the because bar owners love it. Disco keeps ghettos control the music you hear when people dancing and sweating and buying you're relaxing with your sisters. drinks. In addition to poisoning our bodies GRA FFI T TEES There are many reasons why disco is so with alcohol and numbing our senses, this of easily bought and sold. We are in a depres- course means we are giving our money back sion and it's cheaper to buy expensive sound to the "man" who usually owns a big share in equipment from your local protection many lesbian bars. In the past few years mv mother rnBDe racketeer than to hire qualified musicians to Olivia Records and other women's record i play. Secondly, by using a constandy re- companies have come out with some very /me a lesbian peating rhythm and bass line accompanied danceable music such as BB K Roche, Linda /iF t. SEND HER THE W by meaningless and sexist lyrics, this formula Tillery, Baba Yaga, etc. And there have | W/LL SHE IAr\kE ME ONE Too? muzak is designed lyrically and musically to always been mainstream female musicians turn you off mentally. This is a very subtle who make good dance music such as Heart, form of mind control. Labelle, Nona Hendryx of Labelle, Patti STANDARD 1 -$5.95 <.1h.40.44.46> HUM H And to make sure we don't have time Smith, Rufus, Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, r-Vi.95(2».i('.14..16> Hoili available in R«l. Julie Driscoll (Tippetts), Maggie Bell, Tina Natural. VMm,.. Yi-IUm, I i Him-: BANBKl) to think about real problems, we are hit BOTTOM SCOOI'S-S7.95 m Pink, Vol. Win. during our "time off" in the bars. Turner, Ellen Mcllwaine, Merry Clayton, I I liluc.(1i)..14.1S)A!l MaJime Washable. Note the importance of the line dance in Joan Armatrading and Scarlet Rivera. They Sptvif) M/c. cnior, \;\ L-, & dcsh'i: Add Sl«a. 1 have men playing wi'th them but until we have |X>-LU>C MaiUhivk-m.ii lODAtin: disco bars. There is big money in creating a T-SHIRT INK LTD. I)FPI\ L.7 uniform society. The Nazi uniform society the variety in totally woman-made music, 1523 K. Lake St.. Minneapolis. MN 55407 was very dangerous for millions of people. these sisters are a very viable dance alterna- Compare this music and dance style to the tive to disco-jive. • 12 • Lesbian Tide Perspectives fora message thatl 4 " Sharon McDonald ^J^^
Mother Nature creaU-s everything ffom't«i?Sp5p? Moondaughter's ness "Itiiw is no "father nature" Mother Natute shows us th.if thf power of women is iimiUess
Emporium N.V.RESIDENTSflDDSALESTAX »jj 63C|1 WHITE MARE PRESTON HOLLOW, N.Y. 12469
)(vmatu/edL Not all relationships start out smoothly, microphone who was reading her life story ;- SO. CALIF'S WOMAHPDuFRtU MANUFACTURING CO. and for us lesbian feminists, politics are often and acting out all the parts. Whenever she got . 11336 RANCH i TO sr, E L MOWF.M 9I752 the waves that rock the boat. When I think of to a male character, her primary relationship 2I5-441-P862 all the energy I had to put into raising stood up and led the crowd in booing. By the T-SHIRTS • TANKS • FRtNCHCUTS-WORKSHtRTS Louise's consciousness about Feminist time we got there at 9 p.m. she was up to her SWEATSHIRTS-CUSTOM-CERAMICS- LEATHER Dating, Goddess only knows how I've put up sixth birthday party and the train set she JEWELRY- BttTTON5- RECORDS •W0ODW0RK- with it all. I could see it coming from the very never got. first day. "Wow, you two really missed something Midi ORDER ONLY "Hi, Sharon? This is Louise, from the earlier!" a woman sitting near us whispered Women Against Sexist Everything meeting. to me. "There was this 'great showing of Want to have dinner with me at the Emporium Marge Johnson's art!" tonight?" . "Who's Marge Johnson?" I asked, always "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!" I said coolly. I eager to be educated. Fe m i n is t was put off at her approach, of course. As "Wow, you haven't heard of Marge everyone knows, the proper Feminist Date Johnson? Oh wow. Marge Johnson was, like, begins when two or more women simul- the best artist.' like she killed herself in 1955 taneously ask each other out, participating because she couldn't stand being a house- equally in the decision making process, wife, you know, and she was probably a dyke, neither party buying into the Man's game by and like she made all these paintings that resorting to macho behavior like speaking male art critics won't recognize as great first. because they say, 'They're only paint by y An image of Louise in her new vest at last number so how great is that?" but. like, her week's meeting flashed through my mind, work is so full of female images and places and I decided to let her blunder pass. Maybe I where she purposely didn't go by the numbers! can educate this woman, I thought, my heart It was so heavy!" pounding with the excitement of the political I turned back to Louise to raise her task ahead. consciousness about Marge Johnson but she Although she had started off on the wrong was busy looking for an ashtray. I tried to foot, Louise had showed promise by obeying raise her consciousness on smoking, after all. Rule #1 of Feminist Dating: Get Thy Enter- men do it so it must be patriarchal, but she Matriarclvil Spiritual Center tainment at a Feminist Establishment. The muttered something very low consciousness Emporium's full name was Moondaughter and stomped olT. She corralled a member of Bloodwoman's Menstrual Sponge and Whole the ..Cooking Collective who reluctantly pro- Astrologers loirot jevve|f> Wheat Date Nut Bread Emporium, and it duced a small cunt shaped ashtray and said Femiiwries POONS "t-shirt; was a popular movement hangout for the six reproachfully, "Do you really want to put Crtrulles oils moensf: months that it operated. It served as a com- filthy ashes into this beautiful thing?" Louise bination restaurant, therapy center, theater, said something rude and the Collective 442 Lincoln' Blvd. meeting hall, menstrual sponge warehouse, member gave her a dirty look, the ashtray, Venice Ca. 90791 and crash pad for traveling dykes. On and five leaflets explaining how smoking is a weekends there was entertainment by local patriarchal institution used to keep women 213-399-3919 performers, who read from their journals in down. .- SAT to-^.-3O two-and-a-half-hour sets. Tonight was All Just as we were getting settled again and I catalog f.50 You Can Process Night, with continuous was telling Louise about Marge Johnson, I readings for 24 hours at no extra charge. noticed that she was looking at me oddly. The We arrived just as the Cooking Collective more she looked the more 1 lost my train of \ T-shirts Jewelry was dishing up the Savory Separatist Stew process. She had the most beautiful eyes. Leather (the meat was what had been separated) and She's going to need a lot of educating, 1 kept „ Vibrators generous helpings of Nukeless Noodle Sur- warning myself as I pushed my hair into place f. Ceramics prise, a casserole with a baked in anti-nuke and eased open one button. When she leaned .V Buttons leaflet. The Cooking Collective was very over and kissed me I decided I should start by Posters committed to their philosophy, "Don't just sharing literature with her — like the new- eat, educate!" lesbian sex manual I'd just bought,-for FEMINIST HORIZONS-The largest and We filled our plates and helped ourselves instance. most complete feminist gift store in the to the specialty of the house, the little That night we did our first skill sharing. I world! Open Tuesday through Saturday, individual cunt shaped whole wheat date nut guess it just goes to show that appearances 11-5 p.m. If you can't come to us, we'll bread loaves. Joining the others sitting on the can be deceiving. Louise turned oui to be very come to you. Send 25 cents for our mail cement floor in concentric circles, we com- well-educated, and as I said before, I'm order catalog to: 10586% West Pico Blvd. menced to get in touch with the woman at the always eager to be educated. • Los Angeles, C A 90064, (213) 836-7822. July/August* 13 National News MGTF N ames Feminist Aicia Va eska Lucia Valeska isn't exactly a household sexist oppression — heterosexuals don't issues. name in Lesbian Nation. But it will be soon want gays near children. But the other part is Valeska was asked for and gave NGTF a because on June 10 she was chosen to be the that historically we've been 'excused' from three year commitment. Her new job inter- new Co-Executive Director of the National responsibility for children, which makes for a rupts her doctoral program in American Gay Task Force. She succeeds Jean O'Leary general unconsciousness of children and their Studies, but she hopes to transfer, complete who held that position for the last four years, her dissertation "Lesbian Feminism: A Valeska brings to this well known and Radical Political Strategy for Political generally conservative organization a strong Change," and get her PhD in New York background in both the feminist and lesbian later this year. When asked how she, a desert feminist movements. , dyke, feels about the dramatic change in Valeska has been heavily involved with lifestyle in the Big Apple, Lucia paused. the Women's Studies Department at the Tongue in cheek she said, "I'm bi on the University of New Mexico where she taught issue. I will miss New Mexico, the open air, "Contemporary Feminist Theory & Lesbian with all my heart, and especially the lesbian Feminism," among other subjects. In 1975 community here. But (the move) is very she authored, "The Future of Female Sepa- exciting and very challenging." ratism," published in Quest She will be working with Co-Executive "Until now I've worked with all women, Director Charles Brydon of Seattle, an acti- but I have had a growing concern with the vist with a very conservative background. "I exploitation of lesbians and gay men, and think it's a hopeful statement that NGTF has lii: come gradually to the realization that the chosen two Co-Directors who come from goals of the gay and lesbian feminist move- radically different backgrounds and repre- ments cannot be met without a huge push in sent different interests and who can work the area of gay civil rights. The closet is still together on common goals." our biggest foe. The new Director's other interests arc "My candidacy for this job was contro- increasing working class, Third World, and versial given my separatist background. I no lesbian participation in NGTF. Currently longer call myself a separatist, not because only 16% of the general membership are I've changed my perspective about women, women, though 50% of the staff, director- but because of what the term represents to ship, and Board are lesbians. some peoplei The media thinks separatism is Valeska was one of the founders (1978) hatemongering. It's not a great mystical of the Albuquerque Chapter of the National power, either negatively or positively. It's a Lesbian Feminist Organization, and as a strategy that's appropriate in some instances current member she hopes NLFO and NGTF and not in others. will work well together in the future. "I feel "I have seen a real change in the feminist there's potential for a positive relationship consciousness in certain portions of the gay between NGTF and NLFO. I think the movement. It's because women withdrew ability of different organizations within the and formed the lesbian feminist movement gay and lesbian civil rights movements to that tilings have gotten better, so that a work together depends upon their ability to coalition effort is possible now that wasn't set down concrete and specific short range before. goals that they can work on together." i ' "NGTF has a conservative history, but it practices separatism itself by having a Lucia Valeska has spent the last 12 years Women's Caucus and a Third World Caucus. in New Mexico, and speaks from experience ! 1 when she says, "Gays who live outside of the i! The organization understands that oppressed groups need to have a separate, collective large urban centers with a lot of resources presence in the organization if it's to meet face very different situations than those in their needs. I think NGTF's hiring me is large cities. They need ways of staying in indicative of its willingness to represent the touch with each other, they need a different spectrum of the lesbian and gay communities. approach to dealing with harassment, and They're answering criticism in a constructive with political growth. I want NGTF to make way." outreach to all those outside of urban areas." At 39< Lucia Valeska is also a lesbian It was the International Women's Year Conference in Houston in 1977 that first mother of three teenagers, and the problems interested Valeska in working with NGTF. of lesbian mothers is of special concern to "I saw the Women's Caucus of NGTF pull her. She wants NGTF to "'coordinate all the off the Sexual Preference Resolution and diffuse uncoordinated efforts on behalf of make it happen in what was previous to this, a lesbian mothers across the country." She's hostile environment, and I was impressed. I talking about more than custody cases: saw lesbian feminists now doing the basic "There's a problem of alienation of lesbians groundwork — not radical but necessary and the gay male community from children in !! work — that has to be done for the success of general. Part of that comes from our hetero- the lesbian feminist movement." • 14 • Lesbian Tide National News March on Washington Youth Demand Dropped, NGTF Reconsiders
By Jeanne Cordova Last February a Philadelphia Conference that there will be: a lesbian contingent at the called for an October 14 gay march on the front of the march, lesbians in core planning nation's capital. Since that time the call-to- and speaking positions, full public financial march has become controversial. Several disclosure, 3rd world visibility, childcare, core issues, including the date and the age-of- legal fiscal protection for themselves and the consent demand, will be hotly debated at the march, deletion of the demand to lower the July 6-8 Planning Conference in Houston. age of consent, and finally, a privacy D.C. Dubious, NGTF Troubled guarantee to all who give their names to The Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, March sponsored travel agencies. which included Washington, D.C. represen- Karen De Crow, former President of tatives, voted to oppose the October 14 date. NOW and currently a board member of the Activist Susan McGrievey calls upon "nay- However these delegates were later instructed Gay Rights Lobby, says she was not aware sayers" to support the march. to go to-Houston and cooperate if there is the lobby voted against the event. The march unified support for the march. is a "good idea" she says, and plans to attend. Workers Party (SWP) and the Revolutionary Others not endorsing include The National No Consent on Age-of-Consent Socialist League (RSL). Gay Task Force, The National Gay Rights Since the Philadelphia Conference many Frank Kameny, veteran D.C. gay lobby- Lobby, Metropolitan Community Church, have argued that the Youth Demand be ist, and Morris Kight, well known West Dignity, and Integrity. A joint statement dropped and on June 1 the National Steering Coast grassroots organizer, are also not released by GRNL and MCC says, "We Committee confirmed the march has officially endorsing the march. Kight favors spring have decided that this particular action at this dropped the demand to lower the age of 1981, a date which would give ample point in time is not a priority for us." In a May consent. A demand calling for no discrimi- organizing time and hopefully would find statement NGTF said it would not endorse nation against young people at school, job, more legislators willing to talk with gay because, "We are troubled by the process and home, has been substituted. National lobbyists. used in planning and organizing (it). We Steering Committee member Steve Shiflett Old Guard vs. New Guard? believe that this planning process may limit also noted the Houston Conference delegates Referring to the organizations which have the success of the march." But at their June were empowered to make final decisions on voted not to endorse the march, Southern Board meeting they reconsidered their, this demand. Shiflett said, "a lot of things California Representative Don Amador position. Co-executive Director-elect Lucia (such as) the date, the tone and tenor of the says, "If the old guard doesn't come along, Valeska reported, "We are now looking for march. . .might be up for change (in and continues to reject the new leaders, ways we can endorse the march." Women's Houston)." they'll get left behind." Speaking for the Caucus member Jackie St. Joan says NGTF Harvey Out of Context march, San Francisco activist Gwcnn Craig will go to Houston looking for assurances Lesbian author and activist Del Martin disagrees with Del Martin. "We must do it," thinks the October 14 march is hot well says Craig. "It's the time to link up with timed. In a recent interview she explained brothers and sisters from across the country." that the ERA march, which brought 100,000 Susan McGrievey, active in the Los Angeles to DC, was motivated by a demand to Women's Outreach Committee for the march, extend the ERA deadline. She noted that agrees with Craig. "I would have preferred Harvey Milk's much heralded call-to-march more lead time to plan, but/like it or not, we has been taken out of its historical context. are stuck with October 14," she said. "The "Harvey called for the march immediately press will be in Washington to greet us following the Tri-Citiesdefeat(spring '78), at regardless of the naysayers. Those who do a time when we had to do something not endorse the march will only accomplish dramatic," she said. Martin cautions that their prophecy that it won't be as big as we all NOW also had a well established national want it to be." Western activists say their network, while the gay movement is what major job is arranging transportation to she terms "more of a loose network with a Washington and Amador reports that 2,000 lot of squabbles about leadership." train seats have already been booked. National Lesbian Feminist Organi- While debate continues, supporters have zation Treasurer Kate McQueen accuses met in Massachusetts, Michigan, New the Philadelphia Conference of being remi- Jersey, Syracuse, Phoenix, San Francisco, niscent of the Anti-War Movement. "The Atlanta, and Los Angeles. prevalent attitude there was that our (wom- A Third World Conference has been en's) concerns will be taken care of after the scheduled to coincide with the National revolution,'" she said. McQueen also "re- March in Washington. For more information sents" that that Conference was, in her write: Billy Jones, Box 548. Columbia, MD. words, dominated by members of the Socialist (301)596-5865.
l>e! Martin sayi the gay moveRiciii iids ioo many leadership squabbles. July/August* 15 National News Assassin Convicted of Manslaughter Dan White. . .former Viet Nam vet, junk food as an excuse for murder, the Harvey Milk's replacement, Superviso policeman, fireman, City Supervisor, mar- defense claimed that sweets agitated White's Harry Britt, called the verdict itself "insane' ried father and owner of a mortgaged house. melancholia and caused a chemical imbalance saying "our system of justice has failed us." Dan White, ail-American boy. Dan White, in his brain. White's "genetically caused A spokesman for Hostess Bakeries called assassin, will do three years with good melancholia" (the words of one defense the now infamous 'Twinkie Defense' behavior, for the murders of George Moscone psychiatrist), similar explanations by other "ridiculous." and Harvey Milk. psychiatrists, and a jury which "ruled out The jury did not agree with these senti- San Francisco politicians as well as les- first degree murder early in the trial," suc- ments of outrage. In an interview after the bians and gays across the country were ceeded in rendering a verdict usually given to trial, jury foreman George Minstzer said the outraged at a May 21 verdict that Dan White drunk drivers who run over pedestrians. first degree murder conviction sought by was guilty of "voluntary manslaughter." He Mayor Surprised Prosecutor Thomas Norman was never will be sentenced June 19 and faces a San Francisco Mayor Diane Feinstein seriously considered. "There was an intent to maximum of eight years, parole in three. publically questioned the plea of "diminished kill, but the killing was done out of a passion At his trial, there was no question of capacity" and said she thought it was "in that was aroused, given the stress he was whether or not White walked into the offices some cases unevenly applied." Her press under." of Mayor Moscone of San Francisco and secretary, Mel Wax, cited a case in which a Given the stress they were under, San Harvey Milk and shot them both with his own Northern California "vampire killer" was Franciscan gays voluntarily took to the service revolver. However, a tape recorded sentenced to the gas chamber even though streets that night to express their depression. • confession of those murders only elicited "this guy was certainly nuts." sympathy from a jury who took 36 hours to agree with White's attorney, Douglas Schmidt. The confessor, according to Schmidt, had a "diminished mental capacity at the time of his crimes." The seven woman Verdict Ignites and five man jury found White incapable of premeditation, deliberation or the harboring By Jan Adams of malice, the three grounds needed to prove The San Francisco gay community re- were gay women and men who sought to first degree murder. acted With disbelief that later erupted in interpose themselves between police and The evidence used to prove White was violence May 21, in the aftermath of Dan rioters. In general, the police were in control "diminished" were circumstances that the White's murder trial. of their ranks, using their charges and tear gas average gay and straight are expected to deal The lenient verdict against White triggered to disperse, rather than assault the gays. with as part of ordinary life. White lost a job a night of rioting by a predominantly gay The police restraint ended later however, he wanted very much, he blamed others male crowd of some 5,000 which gathered at when many that were present at City Hall {Moscone and Milk) for this loss, he was the Civic Center Plaza. From the beginning, returned to the Castro area where all had heavily in debt, seemed depressed about his the mood was ugly, as demonstrators seemed remained quiet. At; 12:30 police swooped future and he ate junk food, specifically to dare their leaders to turn them from into this area (the gay ghetto) screaming Twinkies and Cokes. In the firstknow n use of expressing their fury violently. Lesbian femi- "motherfucking faggots, sick cocksuckers" nist Sally Gearhart and Supervisor Carol and "seig heil." They charged into the Ele- Ruth Silver momentarily sidetracked the phant Walk, a gay bar, nightsticks drawn. A crowd but neither could prevail over chants large crowd gathered and an ugly scene was of "He got away with murder" and "Civil averted only because Deputy Police Chief Shopping in rights or civil war." Attempting to speak to Kevin Mullen pulled back his men. Mullen the crowd with a bullhorn, Silver was struck was taunted as "coward" by his fellow San Francisco? on the upper lip with a rock. The injury sent officers, who later termed his action her to a hospital for brief medical attention. "Mullen's Retreat." Mayor Dianne Feinstein appeared for a few In the aftermath of the violence, San seconds on the balcony of City Hall, but drew Francisco Chief of Police Charles Gain took savage boos and cries of "dump Dianne." full responsibility for the actions of his The violence continued with demonstra- officers that night. Gail and Audrey welcome you to tors pulling the ornamental ironwork off the Many citizens present felt that the police City Hall doors and breaking windows. Next, had waited much too long to intervene in the A CUT Above CASTRO a fire was started in the basement and three melee that left 59 officers and 60 civilians police cars in front of the building were set injured. PERMANENT CURls AN«J hENNAS ablaze. After police moved the rioters away Following the riots the Police Officers' 641-1700 from the building, nine more patrol cars were Association gave Chief Gain a 1,081 to 22 1504 CASTRO, CORNER of 24-rk ST. torched. By midnight, police charged in an vote of no confidence for his restraint. They effort to break up the crowd. Newspaper called for his resignation, but Mayor Feinstein vending machines and windows were broken expressed support for Gain and said he as rioters dispersed through the downtown shouldn't be fired. area. The next night a "Birthday Party for To this reporter, who graduated from Harvey Milk", organized by Lesbians and Berkeley in the 60's with a minor in riots, it Gays Against the Death Penalty, came off seemed to be a pretty tame affair. Only one peacefully as planned. Some 320 lesbians third 'of the crowd were actually fighting. and gay men served as monitors for the crowd When an Opera House audience poured out of 4,000 while city officials wisely kept into the scene at 11 p.m., many stood by as police out of sight. Gradually the alert wari- curious observers, feeling little hostility from ness of the gay crowd melted into dancing and the crowd. Many of the same demonstrators relaxed exhaustion. • 16 • Lesbian Tide lational News
Lesbians Vacation! Back Feinstein, But Not Britt
By Jan Adams Eight months after the disruptions of the order to give lesbians a voice in city politics. San Francisco gay political community by The Caucus believes San Francisco gays W3LL0W the shootings of George Moscone and need to work in coalition with all women and Harvey Milk, one important lesbian group with people of color to secure their ends. says it will not back Harry Britt, Milk's Keep Diane successor, as Supervisor in the November Many of the same lesbian leaders also elections. But the Lesbian Caucus, com- support moderate Democrat Feinstein for posed of known leaders such as Del Martin, mayor this fall as a lesser evil over the Phyllis Lyon, Sally Gearhart and Anne reactionary challenger Quentin Kopp. Britt Kronenberg, will support Mayor Diane has strongly echoed the "Dump Diane" BEAUTIFUL Feinstein despite the "Dump Diane" cam- sentiments loudly voiced in the gay male SECLUDED RETREAT paign many gays have mounted against her. community. Despite the fact that Feinstein The Caucus will back Kay Pachtner, a sought gay approval by demanding charges straight feminist with ten years' experience in against police who invaded the lesbian bar Hot Tub Sauna consumer advocate and housing issues, in- Peg's Place, the anti-Feinstein campaign stead of Britt Pachtner, a political newcomer, arose from a perception that her adminis- Pool last year gained an amazing 48% of the vote tration has permitted police harassment of in her race for San Francisco's treasurer. gays. Some lesbians also feel the. "Dump Tensions Between Lesbians and Gays Diane" campaign includes a goodly dose of Tennis Court The Caucus claims Britt is "running for ordinary woman hating. gay leader, not for supervisor", and Phyllis In addition to Pachtner, gay ex-airman 60 miles north of San Francisco Lyon says, "We're not looking for a mediocre Leonard Matlovitch and progressive gay and Oakland gay supervisor, we are looking for a good leader Howard Wallace, will also run against supervisor." Lyon's endorsement, seconded Britt in District Five next fall. • by many other lesbian leaders of this city, Late News: Carole Migden, lesbian ad- Available to Groups & Individuals reflects the tensions between lesbians and ministrator of Berkeley's Pacific Center, has 7 Days a Week much of the gay male community since Britt entered the District 5 race. Anne Kronenberg, $15 Per Day Per Person. was appointed to succeed Milk. aide to the late Harvey Milk, and Lesbian After the killings, gay leaders, including Caucus member, will be her campaign Britt, agreed to back Milk's assistant Anne manager. Support for Migden now splits the Call or Write for Further Information Kronenberg for the job, because they wanted unanimous caucus support for Pachtner. and Brochure. someone progressive, as well as gay. Britt The caucus feels Migden has no background broke the unity of that coalition by accepting in Dist 5, but Kronenberg says it's important (707)944-8173 6517 Dry Creek Rd. the appointment, an action considered un- to have a lesbian feminist office holder. The Napa, CA 94558 principled and sexist by many lesbians. Pacific Center is a gay mental health The Lesbian Caucus then formed, in institution. COME TO A CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN JULY 27-29 SAN FRANCISCO WOMEN'S BUILDING CALIFIA FEE— $50 REGULAR, *i*0 LOW INCOME Summer 79 $20 CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND UNDER AUGUST 27- SEPTEMBER 3 CAMP CIELO, SAMTA BARBARA FEE— ?105 REGULAR $80 LOW INCOME $1*0 CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND UNDER — ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED—REGISTER EARLY IIII — IF YOU NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, CALL US
1011 S. HUDSON AVENUE ^£AUFIA LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90019 COMMUNITY (213) 933-1U96 or (213) 761-3011 July/August • 17 National News Mothers Briggs Legacy in D.C. A NEW BRAND OF By Sasha G. Lewis icans represented an organizable voting SF.XUAL HARASSMENT block. IIIJ hkM(liii£ "Hk.-L.-iivi: Trial lac- The Briggs Initiative is dead, but its 1 legacy lives on! A piece of legislation is Several attempts have been made in the tic.'" Mom's Apple Pic, the newsleiterofthe quietly being drafted in the District of past to develop this constituency, but none I cshiiin Mollies'- Naiiun.il Di-lcnsc ]-und. Columbia that would prevent federal funding were successful. CV, however, was welcomed ivpuilcJ lliis handv tip- "A ir.eliier wirte us of any school teaching that homosexuality is into the New Right's bosom on Dec. 1. 1978. :ViV:ili\ ;iK>i;I ;i (••! ot Christian Voice (see Lesbian Tide May/June maintains, however, that CV "stands alone" hei --ex life. Tlii- mother pi:l ;: -.[up in ij-• i — by 1979), which boasts a $1 million budget, a and is not a front, per se, of the New Right. ivinj'W.a wi a I:IOIK! who had turned .i couple District of Columbia lobbyist, and 100,000 Regardless of official or unofficial links. CV • >l'links v.nh tin- lavvu-i. I'lie liu-iiil didn't members. appears to be the answer to the New Right's •>:iv :t word, hut hoi prest-ixc \:\ the courtroom prayers. vMi- e:ii)u -h in make the man euremeh Inocuous Beginning CV, unlike other New Right groups, is uiici)i;!l.)!t,ible ,-iiid elfeeiiveh changed his More than 6 months after its introduction basing its growth, said by Zone to be about line ui' q<.u-sLiiiniii!i " l:i)i moio new.s arui in the nation's capital, Christian Voice had 5,000 per month, on outreach through the iisctiil iiilumi.iiion. you cm -ub.enbeforS5, no telephone listing in D.C, nor had it done nation's Christian media. It has prepared, as chicks pjvaMe to I.MNDI. lit* 21567, its first • anti-gay mass an example, a half hour show featuring an SC;KIIL-. \VA 'WI I 1. mailing . To many gay observers, it interview with Sen. Jepsen and the Chaplain almost seemed as if CV had become the General of Rhodesia. It is also preparing 60- mouse that roared. Its single achievement second TV spots with its Congressional had been some promotional spots on the advisors for airing on network television. BRITISH DOCTORS OK A.I. syndicated T.V. program P.T.L. (Praise the CV is an outgrowth of the Pasadena- liiM.th Mi-dical -V -.ocMlioii ha-, ad- Lord), and some non-gay programming on based Christian Cause, formerly led by Rev. levin's lil.it it is nn: iilkiliu\il U) lit'lp other Christian media. Robert Grant, now a CV director. Grant's s have hahie-. bv aiiifii'iiil mscm* But the mouse is in fact a time bomb operation, an arm of the tax-exempt Christian • Kit:• >:• 1 h«_ \-.-,oei;siiun's (.'final I".iuc;il ticking out a measured pace not only against American Liberties League, had originally (.'nrr.iiiniee \\:t-. asked in make a deeisiur, un gay rights, but an entire host of liberal been chartered to feed starving children in the the iiiaiK-i aiiei :i I*>ndi>i'. iivivcoioyis- ^ concerns running the gamut from abortion to Phillipines, but soon turned to morality cam- ill.it he had helped ;it leitsi M\ lesbian U.S. relations with Rhodesia, Panama, and paigns, most notably the California anti-gay children b> ih-.-. infilled l'he Taiwan. initiative sponsored by John Briggs. loll the qiicsluii: ,>: a:'tii'ii.i.il 1 Said Rev. Richard Zone, CV's operations Other operatives of the CV team include iuiu-K M ilu iii-ii^tuin t
PUBLISHED EVERY OTHER WEEK 25t
Vol. IX, No- 9,
H motwtab • copyngnr 1976 TheWomen*s Newspaper Ofl fights mMNVd
Majority Report, Gaysweek Fold
New York's Majority Report, the second never got our ad policy together. People don't for the past 3 issues, "We have a feeling of oldest continuous feminist newspaper in the realize that we can't confine our advertising concern and dismay at having to suspend United States, is close to terminating its to nice little women's book stores. Unfor- publication," Fisher said, "and we're trying operations. According to the paper's editor, tunate as it may be, we have to go out and get to get our financial feet back on the ground." Karen Barrett, many factors are involved in people like Clairol to advertise in our paper. The staff of Majority Report hopes to this decision, but the number one factor is People here were reluctant to see the paper as put out a few more issues, one of which will economic. "For the last eight years, the a business." be called, "The Best of Majority Report," paper has been operating at a loss," she said. The paper also, ran into difficulty in which will be an anthology of previously "$30,000 in debts are owed to creditors. getting cash donations. "Feminists are not published articles. Typesetting equipment is hot paid for. Re- very generous with their money," Barrett At the present time, the paper is up for cently our office landlord has evicted us and explained. "Women generally don't have sale. Anyone wishing to discuss the situation placed a new lock on the door. We are now much money to give." of the paper is advised to reach Karen Barrett operating out of private homes. Our filesar e Gaysweek, the three year old New York in New York City. If a buyer is not found, the in another location." based newspaper, has also temporarily sus- files of the paper, which include archives of Barrett said the reasons for the paper's pended publication because of financial ten years of the women's movement, is current difficulties involve such facts as problems. The associate editor, Michael scheduled to be donated to the Schlesinger ''there are not enough skilled people to put Fisher, said that Alan Bell, the publisher Library. • the paper out for little or no salary. New York with drew himself on May 3, and that the (reprintedfrom Gay Community News, with is a lousy place for volunteerism. Nobody paper had been unable to meet printing bills additions) really has the time to give here. Also, we IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN A FILM ABOUT LESBIAN MOTHERS AND CHILD CUSTODY 16 mm COLOR DOCUMENTARY, 52 MIN. AVAILABLE NOW FOR SALE OR RENTAL Iris Fihr Box 5353A Berkeley, CA 94705 PRICES FOR SALE: S55O. RENTAL: S6O. "/ know of no special problems that the Lesbian mother has except that she is constantly oppressed by the attitudes of our society and has to deal with that with her children." • BERNICEAUGENBRAUN, M.S.W., FROM THE FILM
July/August* 19 Editorial
ULA4 ' :*j As" The Tide Turns It was a dark and stormy night. Inside the offices of Tide Publications things were looking grim. Bg sat slumped over her exacto blade, a faraway look in her eye. Penny flipped through the pages of a tattered dictionary, looking up "finished" over and over again. Paula listlessly added zero plus zero on the office calculator. And those are the staff optimists. From under the layout table, the sound of muffled sobs could be heard. Sharon was huddled there wrapped in a plain brown wrapper. Sue stumbled from one desk to the next, uselessly snapping the shutter of a camera empty of film, while Star whispered When things get tight, deadlines loom, and everything goes wrong, we can always count on the names of expired subscribers in a ghostly Sharon McDonald (left) to go to pieces. Steady as a nuclear reactor, she's the first to spot a rasp. typo, the last to notice that a picture's upside down ("I Have no eye for design"), and can edit copy standing on her head, in the shower, and making love.. .simultaneously. Our Features Jeanne, unable to lift so much as a Editor, she's the one who keeps the Tide somewhere between The National Enquirer and The cigarette, flipped through file after file after Wall Street Journal. file with unseeing eyes. Karen sat with 30 Penny Grenoble, (Center) Editor Extraordinaire, is the only one among us who actually pounds of gay newspapers on her lap, unable knows the meaning of the five syllable words the rest of the staff uses. She is a filmmaker, to shuffle through them to her favorites. Even writer, teacher, and endless font of cheerful criticism. The irritating thing is, she's usually Cheri could not come up with a spiritually right enlightening metaphor. In New York, Lynne Don't let Jeanne Cordova's innocent smile fool you (right). This woman could squeeze a had lost the will to correspond, and Jan in San controversial quote out of a piece of white bread, find a "lesbian angle" in a carpet layers' Francisco lay vanquished underneath her convention, and write 12 pages on a yes-or-no question. Around the Tide she pushes her program by barking, biting.. .and begging. Jeanne is the founder, Managing Editor, and News mailbox. - .. Editor. "Last Minute" Cordova is an annoyingly thorough investigative reporter whose Yes, dear friends, it is The End. The end unique brand of cliche ("You can't lead a dead stone out of the water with a horse,") is an of our eighth year, that is. HAPPY inspiration to us all. BIRTHDAY, LESBIAN TIDE! r mmmmm
Kami Kos (left) wanders in once a week to watch people type copy and catch up on her sleep in cditorijl meetings. f'aul:i I acinc (right) h the tide's, vcrj own. frustrated bookkeeper. Between typing copy and writing checks she When not brandishing her exacto blade at Tide layout, our fearless photographer Sue finds time to fall in love with every woman who Cooke (left) is alive and kicking, both in and out of karate class. walks through the office door. Barbara (Bg) Gehrke (center) heads the non-Catholic Caucus at the Tide. On Production Day, "Lightning Hands" Gehrke turns out finished pages faster than Lily turns out one- Cheri Lesh covers ''the witch beat" with liners. At home, Bg takes the Benign Neglect Award for the most original way to murder supernatural skill and daring. On the personal houseplants, the Santa Monica Speed Tan Award, and the Fine Old Things Award for her side, she says she is involved in "a meaningless history of classic old cars. relationship" with gossip-monger Stona Ferrett. Starlyn Howard's smiling (right) because she knows more about you than your lover does. Having recently learned to drive, Cheri can be As Keeper of the Subs, Star can tell you who you've lived with, who they've lived with, and the considered more dangerous than ever! domestic histories of a thousand other sisters. She'll tell all for a small fee. 20 • Lesbian Tide TID1-: SUPPORTS NGTF CHOICK The Lesbian Tide hctnily mlnrst.1.- I Letters appointment ol L.L:^-i:i \ aleska as (\ F\ecuti\e Dirtictiii nt the National da\ TOLERANT. . .TO A POINT DYKES DON'T PREEN 1 I-OICL (,-ee .sUi: y this issue). \VV assume Dear Sisters, Dear Editors, the choice of a woman with a sinmji lesbiai The Robin Morgan interview in which I would like to respond to two letters to feminisi. and even -cparau-i baekiuoiiiut she talks about Begin and Sadat's would-be the editor published in your May/Jyne issue. means ihat N(iTI-"s Women'?. C'uuai- i- forgotten past political ties was thoughtful. I 1 The first, signed Ginny Ray, expressing beuii irsfiuenlial and. ilial the Nfill Hnau personally felt that men as a species are fairly disdain for the term dyke, is exemplary of a itself ha- made ;JII e\en strun^ei eommiiinen corrupt and accept the political and corporate prevalent attitude in our community. While I In feminism. Adduiunall}. we are plensei flip flops in themselves and their rivals as a logistically understand her connection made wilh ilio selection of someone who says she is way of life. Maybe wimin who question such between dyke and male-identification, I be concerned abmii i'.i;tssr
referendums last spring, this state passed a INTERNATIONAL iaw identical to California's Briggslnitiative. CITIES Lesbians and gays in nine foreign coun- Now the ACLU and Gay Rights Advocates The City Council of Richmond, Virginia tries will celebrate the 1 Oth anniversary of (CA) are challenging the constitutionality of is now hearing a civil rightsordinanc e which the Gay Movement. Canada will hold the 7th this law, alleging that firing teachers for being includes gays, and the Santa Clara County annual congress of gay men and lesbians at gay or advocating gay rights produces "a (CA) Human Rights Commission sent their the University of Ottowa Law School June chilling effect" on their right to exercise Board of Supervisors a gay rights ordinance 27-July 2 and Swedes will march through freedom of speech, association and religion for consideration. Stockholm on September 1. To attend (belonging to gay churches). Anonymous Sweden's festivities (August 26 to Septem- affidavits will be filed, and an injunction CAMPUS ber 2) write: RFSL, P.O. Box #15148, against enforcement, as well as declaration of Student groups continue under seige as S-104 65, Stockholm, Sweden. Marches will unconstitutionality, is sought. ACLU and gays sue Texas A&M University for this also take place in Italy, Germany, England, GRA expect "a very long battle." school's refusal to grant official recognition the Netherlands, Finland, Australia and Meanwhile the Gay Task Force of Illinois of their group. Gay Rights Advocates and the New Zealand. reports four pro-gay bills that remained stalled National Gay Task Force are helping legally India's first gay paper, Gay Scene, has in committees and can not be considered in this case. Tampa, FL gays are outraged begun publication out of Calcutta, and in again until 1981. having learned that their University Presi- Auckland, New Zealand custom agents The good news conies again from Cali- dent, Robert Thomas, secretly taped a Gay seized copies of the Spartacus International fornia where the Supreme Court ruled that Awareness evening there. The Wayne State Gay Guide calling it "indecent". This privately owned public utilities cannot deny University Coalition pf Law Students for decision is being appealed. jobs on the basis of sexual orientation. Gay & Lesbian Rights has become the first Victories came also in Texas and Arizona recognized gay organization at a Michigan NATIONAL where anti-gay amendments to foster law school, and Harvard Law School has The federal gay rights bill now before the parent/home and appropriations bills were also gone on record prohibiting law firms 96th Congress has 44 sponsors, but little defeated. The Oregon bill to protect gays which discriminate from using its placement hope of passage. v remains before the legislature there, the office to contact and hire students. Gay Notified he was fired "in view of your Eugene City Council voted unanimous applicants to Harvard Law are also now free homosexuality," clerk John Calzada has endorsement of it. to apply openly. become the first person to challenge the FBI's dismissal of gays. The FBI claims it is exempt from the non-discriminatory guide- lines other federal agencies say they follow. The Justice Department recently issued a statement saying it does not dismiss em- L.A. Passes Gay Bill ployees for being gay. Calzada's case is legally strong because he did not resign, but Los Angeles has become the largest city ter of- the ACLU had literally "had dinner forced his employer to fire him. in the country to enact gay rights legislation. over this issue" with Council people for On October 17 a Denver U.S. District On June 1 Mayor Tom Bradley signed into years. Judge will hear the case of Roger Rich who is law an ordinance prohibiting discrimination Although activists are happy that the long suing the U.S. Army for dismissing him for based on sexual orientation in employment, fight has paid off, and understand the Council being gay. Rich, a nurse, is seeking reinstate- housing, business, credit, and public accom- wanted to avoid the controversy publicity has ment and punitive damages. modations, facilities and services. Religious brought other cities, many are less than organizations are exempt. The law which pleased with the legislation itself. "Our input became effective July 1, made L.A. the 44th into the drafting and final passage was zilch" STATES city in America with similar legislation, and explained Kight, who says corporations will provides for actual damages, court cost, have little trouble with a "light" $200 fine. The good news projected this spring has attorneys' fees, and $200 minimum fine. turned bad. Massachusetts and Connecticut Kight believes the lack of publicity means have defeated gay rights bills, and Nevada many of that city's estimated half- million The unpublicizcd move took gay activists, gays will not know they can now save their has passed the "fiercest" anti-gay legislation as well as some City Council members, by enacted in recent times. jobs and apartments. Kight and lesbians are surprise. During the 40 minute debate a few also upset because the bill defines homo- In the closing hours of their spring session Bible-toters voiced the usual un-Christian the Nevada House agreed with the Senate sexuals in part as, "an individual having a concerns, but as Councilman Robert Farrell self image not associated with one's bio- that gays convicted of oral or anal sex acts said, "The battle has already been waged should be subject to 1 -6 prison terms, and a over this issue." He was referring to the logical maleness or. . .femaleness." Calling fine of $5,000. In the wake of this decision defeat of the Briggs Initiative of last year. The this definition sexist, activist Jeanne Cordova activists arc calling for lesbians and gays to Council approved 13-2. said, "I don't recognize my self image in that definition." boycott this state. Many are already boy- Although the surprise legislation was cotting because Nevada refuses to pass the drafted by pro-gay City Attorney Burt Pines, The measure was sponsored by Council ERA. activist Morris Kight noted "the state had President Joel Wachs and Councilwoman A lengthy federal court case that will have been set for this (passage)" by many years of Peggy Stevenson. Voting against were Robert a major effect on the future of gay rights has gay activism. The Stonewall Democratic Wilkinson (San Fernando Valley) and John begun in Oklahoma. While national atten- Club, the Municipal Elections Committee of Gibson (San Pedro). tion was fixed on the Tri-Cities anti-gay L.A. (MECLA), and the Gay Rights Chap- July/August • 23 Shortcurrents
CARTER APPOINTS LESBIAN STEINEM STILL MILITARY UPGRADE President Carter has named Seattle lesbian PUSHING FEMINISM In 1976 an amnesty bill became law that Jill Schropp to the newly reorganized Na- Gloria Steinem flew into Los Angeles allows gays who received less than honorable tional Advisory Council on Women. Most of recently to be the keynote speaker at the discharges because they are homosexual to the Committee had resigned earlier this year Fourth Annual Women in Planning and upgrade their discharges and be eligible for in protest against the removal of Bella Abzug Government Conference held at the Univer- all benefits. BUT YOU MUST ACT as its chair. Schropp, a private real estate sity of Southern California. Steinem joked at QUICKLY. The law is only operable until investor, was campaign manager of Citizens a packed luncheon about the macho mystiques Jan. 1,1980. For more information, contact: to Retain Fair Employment, a group that that men might create about menstruation if it Legal Services of the Gay Community Ser- successfully fought off repeal of Seattle's gay were part of their biological function: "Hey vices Center, 1213 N. Highland Ave., rights law last November. man, you're lookin' good." "Yeah man, I'm Hollywood, CA 90038, (213) 464-7400, on the rag." Ext. 246; or Bill Smith (Atty. on Veterans IN AGAIN, OUT AGAIN Although the theme of the conference was Rights), 2212 Sunset BL, Los Angeles, CA When Joan Clark, an employee of the United "If Women Planned the World", Steinem 90026, (213) 413-4430; or American Civil Methodist Board of Global Ministries, wrote concentrated on a more narrow sphere, telling Liberties Union Gay Rights Chapter, 633 a report on homophobia within the church the women present not to be distracted from Shatto Place, Los Angeles, CA 90005, andicame out publically, she was fired by the feminism. "The revolution is not yet com- (213) HOMOSEX, or Veterans Rights ministry's personnel board. The Women's plete, and until it is we cannot afford to be Groups in your area. Division of the Board voted to reverse that humanists; men will have to take care of decision, but four days later reversed their themselves." own stand and fired Clark again. HOW'S THIS FOR YOUR YEARBOOK? MONTANA GAYS STANDING UP A 17 year old Sioux Falls, South,Dakota MONDANARO TO TAKE TO PRESSURE High School student and his male lover THE PLUNGE? Lambda Alliance of Montana State Univer- recently stepped out of the closet and into the Josette Mondanaro, the California State sity at Bozeman has been trying with mixed prom. The student, who wished to remain Drug Abuse Director and an open lesbian success to integrate local dance bars. Police anonymous, had received threats when it who last year fought her highly questionable have not followed up on leads on assailants became ,known he planned to bring a male firing by Gov. Jerry Brown and won (Lesbian who attacked the group last February. Al- date to the prom, but they proved idle. The Tide, March/April 1978), leaves her post in liance president Jodi Leslie said, "I don't couple danced both fast and slow dances July. Questioned at a recent gay awards know why our lifestyle makes people want to while some couples "seemed to bump into dinner about her future plans, Mondanaro punch us out, but we want to stop it now." the pair on purpose." Most other students admitted that she wanted to "plunge into Despite threats and abuse, Leslie says, took the attitude expressed by student Lisa politics!" "Rural Montana lesbians and gays are alive Goettsch, "I don't think it's any big deal and and well and coming out" I'm not going to let it ruin my prom." LESBIAN NAMED TO WHO'S WHO Who's Who in American Women, the re- knowned register of "important" women, has never been popular reading for lesbian femi- nists. But the new 1979-80 11th Edition is more relevant now that it includes lesbian activist Jeanne Cordova. Cited arc her history as founder/publisher of The Lesbian Tide, and core roles in the establishment and organization of the 1971 and 1973 National Lesbian Conferences, the National Lesbian Feminist Organization, and the New Al- liance for Gay Equality. "I'm proud to be listed as a lesbian in this book," Cordova stated. RUNNING OUT OF THE CLOSET One of the most well attended workshops at tiie National Women's Running Conference in Cleveland in May was "Lesbianism and Women in Sports." For information on the North American Network or Women Run- ners: Phoebe Jones (National Coordinator), (216) 566-9873, or Sylvia Gentile (West Coast Coordinator), (2.13) 855-6934 or 396- 7146, or Sylvia Gentile c/o L.A. Women The jokes seem to be on the boys these days as women's humor moves away from self-deprecation L Running, 1001 B Pier Ave., Santa Monica, . Conuc Judy Carter (left) teaches men how to spell c-1-i-t-o-r-i-s, "since they can't find it, at least they! CA 90405. More news: out front gay runners can spell it." Lotus Weinstock (right) says, "In order to be the kind of woman strong enough to live! have now been accepted for membership by with a man, you have to be the kind of woman who's too strong for most men to live with "I the Amateur Athletic Union. The runners Weinstock's favorite song? "Help Me Fake it Through the Night" Both appeared at an ACLU were sponsored by the San Francisco gay Vomen^sRightsBenefit and are regulars at The Comedy Store in Hollywood. club, Front Runners. 24 • Lesbian Tide Shortcurrents
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Pope Dolly Partonski, alias Katie O'Brien of Denver, had Catholics and non-Catholics alike down n their knees with laughter as the first woman Pope. Comic O'Brien and lesbian poet Chocola aters, also of Denver, toured the West Coast reeentlv.
GAYS STILL "NOT FAMILY" cause security problems and detract from the SINISTER WISDOM POSTER by A New York judge has ruled that Stanley issue of free speech, according to The Tee Corinne, 17"x22", $3.50 Saul cannot inherit the co-op apartment in Advocate. Robison reportedly was "'heart- ONE YEAR (4 issues) $7.50 which he had lived with his lover, Phillip Perl, broken." SAMPLE ISSUE $3.00 for 10 years until Perl's death at age 50 last Box 30541, Lincoln, Ne. 68503 September. Housing Judge Ferdinand Pelle- CLAIM AGAINST S.F. POLICE grino staled, "The court has been unable to Two lesbians have filed a claim against the find any authority that holds that homo- San Francisco Police Dept. for damages for sexuals living together constitute a family alleged beatings and harassment after they unit," were exiting a women's disco bar. The claim asks for $200,000 each for Sue Davis and IT'S POSSIBLE Shirley Wilson. Wages Due Lesbians is Lesbian foster mothers are badly needed for working closely with the women. Donations young lesbians in San Francisco. Contact to their legal battle can be sent to: Sue and Susie Williams (415) 239-2900 of the Alter- Shirley Legal Fund, Box 14512, San Fran- native Family Planning Servicps Placement cisco, CA94114. There is a Agency, or Francis Terziev(415)558-5163 at the Department of Social Services. pressing matter DUMPED EVANGELIST Quality DUMPS EVANGELIST Service Evangelist James Robison has been having problems these days. First, Dallas TV Carry In 1147 SOUTH station WFAA removed his weekly television & Save! show from the air because of complaints about Robison's anti-gay statements. The ALVARADO Dallas Gay Political Caucus and the Na- LATEST MODELS LARGEST SELECTION tional Gay Task Force had requested equal TV—STEREO time, and WFAA decided to can Robison VIDEO RECORDER instead. DISCOUNT PRICES As if that weren't enough, Robison then 5209 Sunset Blvd. CENTER PRESS had to withdraw his invitation to Anita We accept BankAnwrlcarxt/VISA and Matietcharge Bryant to sing at his June 5 "Freedom of Open 10am to 7pm 381-7825 Speech" rally because her presence could GAY OWNED AND OPERATED July/August • 25 Reviews SISTERHOOD seem to have an aversion to sex with anyone BOOKSTORE they already know. Sexual Another statistic that's hard to swallow is that all four groups have "cross preference Feminist Books encounters," meaning we all may sleep and Fantasies march one line, but straights fantasize gay, Resource Center and gays fantasize straight. . .frequently. Rated Straights have more in common with each By Jeanne Cordova other than any other combination of the four Homosexuality In Perspective, by Virginia groups. Both genders would like to: sleep Johnson and William Masters. Little, Brown with someone else, have forced sex, and & Co. 1979. $17.50. "observe sexual activity." The only difference Well! When I read in Time Magazine between them is that while the men would like that Masters and Johnson said lesbians like to have an orgv, their wives fancy a "chance "forced sex," naturally I had to investigate. encounter" with someone other than them. But when I opened Homosexuality In Per- And here's validation for lesbian sepa- 1351 Westwood Boulevard spective and sawthecharton page 178 which ratists! Masters and Johnson also verify that compares the top five sexual fantasies of with the exception of itheir focus on anatomy, Los Angeles, Galif. 90024 gay men's top fantasies are identical to (213)477-7300 straight and gay women and men, I was even further mortified. "Sadistic imagery" is the straight men's. fifth most popular lesbian fantasy. "Forced Dykes & De Sade? OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK sexual encounters" is just # 1! Lesbians must come from another planet Well now that you're all upset, you will be because three of our five fantasies are not pleased to know that while straights of both shared by any other group. It seems we genders and gay men get off on "replacement dream up things like "idyllic encounters with Books V of established partner," lesbians are the only established partners," "recall past sexual ones who fantasize about our "established" experience," and as mentioned have "sadistic Such. . . lovers. imagery." But to summarize further; gay men, 4t Both men and women are apparently the seems, are pre-occupied with "imagery of subject of our "sadistic content" and the sexual anatomy," but then that's no surprise. fantasies involve vengeance upon the repro- They also rate "forced sexual encounters" ductive 'organs in both cases. Yet our vic- second and, like straights of both genders, timized men are faceless (all men, any man?),
Our general bookstore has the IF YOU BELIEVE largest organized religion is the worst lesbian- enemy of gay women and men feminist we will send you a free copy of GALA Review PBEE section in Orange published by Gay Atheist League of America County — Write: CALA, P.O.Box 14142, San francisco CA 94114 ON as your support 42 N. Lake grows, so will Lake Ave.Ta our women's section! SOJOURNED open 7 days Sun & Mon 10-5 GAIA'S Tues-Sat 10-8 GUIDE lesbian owned & operated 1979
BOOKS, GIFTS,
CARDS Lesbian bars and clubs, publications, groups book- stores and resources plus much, much more. This BY, FOR & ABOUT sixth edition: all U.S.A. & Canada (700 North American cities) plus Western Europe. Handy WOMEN travel size. $7.00 only from: GAIA'S GUIDE THE MAGIC SPELLER BOOKSTORE 538 Redondo Ave. (TD), 316 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York CANNERY VILLAGE Long Beach, CA 10001. (Mail order only, includes firstclas s postage 506 3IST STREET and guaranteed discretion.) Also on sale at all Gay, Feminist and Alternative bookstores. NEWPORT BEACH (Corner of 6th & Redondo) CALIFORNIA 92663 213/433-5384 673 - 8400 Tues. - Sat. lOam to 6pm
26 • Lesbian Tide Reviews the new while women partners are "personally feminist identified." It might not be disappointing that we dream of exercising negative power over press men sexually, but it will be disturbing to read that we think of victimizations with "our sisters" also. Masters and Johnson say their book is not given to theorizing about the implications of their findings.Wh y do lesbians have "sadistic imagery"? The only clue their book provides, SPINSTERS, and I have heard lesbians speak of this (in private of course), is that there is a theme of revenge. The woman receiving our "sadistic INK content" is a past or current subject who we feel has wronged us. Where men might play Announces the publication out their anger or jealousies by slugging someone or ruining them financially, we are . of • regulated, in sexist society, to devising secret fantasy tortures. Then too, men are often Give Me Your much more willing to 'punch-and-forget,' Good Ear where lesbians may carry a grudge or hurt to a novel by Maureen Brady our graves (ah, we recognize, . .perhaps it is $4.50 us!). I have to close here with these specu-, Re-constituting lations as they are all I can fantasize about at enjoy sex much like everyone else' demystify the moment. Homosexuality In Perspective us and will aid much positive reform, legal The World: will certainly stand as a cornerstone of and social. The Poetry and Vision of Adrienne Rich research on gays. Some of its conclusions, Scientists, Bible-toters, and gay activists a monograph by Judith McDaniel like that gays can be easily converted to will be referring to and arguing about this $1.50 heterosexuality if they really want to be, book for many years to come. So the knowl- 40% discount to bookstores on orders of 5 or wore provide fodder for the Anita Bryant Minis- edgeable lesbian might do well to read it and Make checks payable to: tries. Other facts such as 'gays fantasize and SPINSTERS, INK, RD 1. ARGYLE, NY 12809 arm herself. (IM.Y. State Residents add local sales tax)
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Send $5.95 for 1 issue, or $15 for a year subscription (3 issues) to: be Gay Payne Publications 1651 Cosmo St. #329 Los Angeles, Ca., 90028 Send 2 5£ to receive catalog. (212) 255-8097 Name Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop Address- 15 Christopher Street, New York City 10014 City -State- _Zip_
July/ August • 27 however, to contrast the difference between unique to homosexuals. Hopefully, this book gay males and lesbians. Throughout the book will help gay men and lesbians to understand Gay it is evident that we have few things in each other better through a greater awareness common other than same gender sexual of feelings, attitudes, needs, desires, on both preference. This is probably more a reflection sides. Report of "the state of affairs between men and For the seasoned gay person, the book is women generally in society than anything not surprising in its findings, serving to mainly confirm what we already knew about Tells All ourselves — for example: the existence of an ongoing monogamy v.s. non-monogamy con- flict; the lack of lesbian role models; lesbians By Starlyn Howard placing more importance on emotion than The Gay Report, by Karla Jay and Allen gay males, etc. The book is careful to point Young. Summit Books, New York. 1979. out that these findings arc not to be taken as S14.95 absolute generalities but to be considered in the context of the many varied and diverse experiences that are very apparent in the At last, a study of gay male and lesbian survey. sexuality of Kinseyian significance and One outstanding difference between gay scope! The Gay Report is the most com- men and lesbians is that of those who prehensive in-depth study of gay sexuality answered the -survey. 80% of the lesbians to date, ft is not a sex manual or a hetero- said they currently have a lover and 54% of sexual writer's bird's-eye view of "what those the gay men said they did not currently have a people do." There are no quick thrills for lover. This is really quite a dramatic differ- curious straights here. ence, one not adequately addressed by the This is a serious undertaking by two well authors. known and respected gay authors, Karla Jay Hopefully, this book will be for, hetero- and Allan Young. It is based on question- sexuals more than just an opportunity to naires from 4,329 gay males and 962 voyeuristically discover what it is we do in lesbians, staggering in dimension if at times bed. It^could prove very useful for parents, tedious in its statistical presentation. The therapists, arid others who are , sincerely graphs and charts can be a little much to wade interested to come to a better understanding through, but then this is a scientific endeavor of the homosexual experience and lifestyle. requiring such methods. There are some aspects of the book which The experiences, attitudes and feelings of could be potentially embarrassing to the gay the people surveyed, told in their own words, movement, such as the chapters entitled makes the book well worth the reader's lime. "The Specialized Tastes of a Few Lesbians" There is sexually explicit information but and "Erotic Variations of Some Gay Men." also much more about our attitudes, feelings, However, perhaps it is to the authors' credit culture, politics, relationships, our lives in that they did not attempt to whitewash the general. study and make it more socially acceptable The experiences reflect much diversity, a by leaving some of the more kinky variations point we have been making to the straight out altogether. world for a long time. Gays are different, The. book will perhaps be most important individuals who cannot be seen as a collection to the newly discovered gay person just of convenient stereotypes. coming out, at that crucial point when knowing The format of the book interweaves the you are not alone is so essential. Hopefully, gay male experience and the lesbian ex- the information here will help in the process perience alternated chapter by chapter, a of self-acceptance and make coming out a Co-author of The Gay Report, Karla Jay. very successful technique. It does tend, less painful experience than it used to bt. • Pleasure, Plays & Pulp Sappho By Debra Dragovich out to be just plain boring); and a polemical anthology that were written by women. There Lavender Culture, edited by Karla Jay and discussion of "phantasy." is really not much that is new. Olivia Records Allen Young. Jove/Harcourt, Brace, Jova- However, the book's coverage of the arts is mentioned more than once and there is the novich, 1978. $2.50 paperback. makes up for this one-sided exploration of requisite piece on separatism by Charlotte As the editors stress, the purpose of this • sex. "Gay Theatre: Gays in the Marketplace Bunche. work is not only to illustrate the diversity of vs. Gays for Themselves," is an excellent "Some Pulp Sappho," however, I found gay culture ("gay men on the one hand and history of gay theatre. "Images of Gays in interesting as an exploration of lesbian pulp lesbians on the other"), but to teach women Rock Music," and "Closets in the Museum: novels; and "Three for the Price of One: and men about each other's "cultures." Homophobia and Art History," were two Notes from a Gay Black Feminist," was, for Certainly, some women would want to other enlightening pieces. Though authored me, an educational and non-rhetorical piece skip over some sections of this book. The part by men, these articles were cognizant of on one black lesbian's involvement in the on Sex and the Pursuit of Pleasure, for lesbians; our achievements and/or exclusion women's and gay movements. example, is a huge disappointment: two from these areas. The articles in this collection are at times articles on the baths (though I did enjoy The problem is, if a woman has done any thought-provoking, at times rehashing. As reading Rita Mae Brown's lively "spy story" amount of reading of women's or lesbian documentation, however, it is a good attempt on her foray into a men's bath); a forum on publications she will have already read a at corralling the opinions and experiences of sadomasochism (a kinky subject that turned good proportion of the articles in this a wide-ranging culture. • 28 •Lesbian Tide fields. For information contact Bobbi Hecht, 1413 5th St., Santa Monica 90401, 451-1636. NEW GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OPENS: In Long Beach, staffed by volun- teers, the center offers peer counseling, referrals for job placement, housing,-medical and legal aid. Hotline Number 43 2-8 GAY; welfare advocacy; rap groups; consciousness raising groups; and women's outreach pro- gram. Open Monday through Friday 9 to 3 p.m. Call 437-4111, 601, Pacific Ave., Long Beach. 10TH ANNUAL GAY PRIDE PARADE: Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Grace Montanez Davis will be grand marshal of the annual Gay Pride Parade on July 1st. The Parade o will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 1st, down § Santa Monica Blvd., in the La Cienega- "| Robertson area, and will be accompanied by a two-day long Festival June 30th and July Susan Greenspan (left), her partner (unknown) and Alexis Kautter (right) start summer early 1st. For more information: Parade 980- at the Womonspace Street Fair in Venice, California. 3074, Festival 838-3807. f " SINGING, POETRY, TALK AND DANCING: in a program sponsored by a L.A. Calendar coalition of gay/lesbian groups, Tuesday, July 3rd at 8:00 p.m. at Baces Hall, 1528 N. REGULAR EVENTS Vermont, Hollywood. Bay area poet Pat RADICAL THERAPY: Open group, Parker, local singer/performers Sylvia, Sue IMRU GAY RADIO: KPFK 90.7 FM Womonspace, 237 Hill St., Santa Monica; Fink and Joelyn Grippo and disco dance every Sunday, 8:30 p.m. every Thursday 7:00 p.m. $2.00 donation for following the program. Proceeds to benefit SPELL CASTING CLASS: Every Sunday unemployed, $5.00 for employed, but no the campaign to free Dessie Woods, a black 3-5 p;m. Feminist Wicca, 442 Lincoln Blvd., womon turned away for lack of funds. Call woman now serving a 22 year sentence in $3.00 donation. Call 399-3919. 396-0054. Georgia for shooting a white man who tried to LESBIANS OF COLOR: Alcoholism "ANNU'S IN OUR IMAGE": Clayworks, rape and kill her. $5.00 at the door, for Center for Women, 1147 S. Alvarado, L= A. every Thursday 7 to 10p.m. Feminist Wicca, advance tickets, call Roberta, 936-6293. Every Sunday 5:00 p.m. Call 869-4730. 442 Lincoln Blvd., Call 399-3919. WOMAN WRITERS: The Woman's BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM: Evening ALL WOMEN'S DANCE AND COFFEE Building has open mike readings for women services, every Friday 8:30 p.m. at 6000 W. HOUSE: Sponsored by Building Women, to read their works, first Sunday of every Pico Blvd., Call 559-0320. Jetts Cafe and Art Haus, 964 W. Manchester month, 7:00 p.m. Call 221-6161. POT LUCK DINNER: At Womonspace, Ave., Saturday, July 7th at 8:00 p.m. $3.00 LESBIAN RAP: Every Sunday 8:00 p.m. 237 Hill St., Santa Monica, every third donation. Call 391-5442, Women's Center, Cal State Northridge, 9428 Friday of the month, 7:00 p.m. $1.00 dona- Etiwanda. Call Women's Center 855-2780, tion, however no womon turned away for lack ACLU GAY RIGHTS CHAPTER: Gen- or Marybeth 838-3469. of funds. eral meeting is on July 11th at 7:30 p.m. BATTERED WOMEN'S LEGAL NEW GAY COMMUNITY CENTER 5670 Wilshire Blvd., Call 46676739, COUNSELING: Open Mondays 3 to 6 OPENS: Serving the San Bernardino- Speaker: Peggy Stevenson. p.m. and Tuesdays 6 to 9 p.m. Call Riverside metropolitan area. It began opera- GAY PRIDE: Festival. Booms, Speeches. 392-8383. tion on April 11, 1979. The center is spon- "Police Repression Then and Now." July LESBIAN RAP: Every Monday at Women's sored by The Professional Advisory Council, 14th at L.A. City College, Call 467-8822 or Resource Center, Cal State L.A. 11:30 to an organization of gay business and profes- 934-0855 Diane Brand. 1:00 p.m. sional people. The only available service as yet is a Hotline operating Wednesday through L.A. NOW LESBIAN AND SEXUALITY ALTERNATIVE TO A.A.: Not for those Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. TASK FORCE: Monthly Program meetings who need detoxification or therapy. A creative Call (714) 824-7618. are on July 20th and August 17th at 8:00 dialogue, feminist support on the part alcohol PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF GAYS: p.m. 6363 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 310 Call plays in our lives, open to all women, facili- Hotline Numbers: Long Beach 427-4347, 655-3331. tated by Betty Shoemaker. At Womonspace, Valley 343-4275, Orange County (714) ACLU GAY RIGHTS CHAPTER: Gen- 237 Hill St., Santa Monica, every Monday at 964-4392, Hollywood 851-6949, L.A. 7:00 p.m. Call 484-9988. 472-8952. eral meeting is on August 1st at 7:30 p.m. 5670 Wilshire Blvd.,'Call 466-6739. BATTERED WOMON'S LEGAL CLINIG LAMMAS SABBATT THANKSGIVING: Womonspace. 237 Hill St., Santa Monica. SPECIAL EVENTS Feminist Wicca, 442 Lincoln Blvd., August Every Tuesday 6:00 p.m. Call 392-8383. 2nd, 6:30 p.m. $3.00 donation, Call ABORTION RIGHTS MOVEMENT: NEW GAY RESTAURANT OPENED: 399-3919. Meets every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Feminist 95% lesbian customers! The Daily Double, WOMEN'S BUILDING OPEN HOUSE: Women's Health Center, 1027 Crenshaw 3739 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, Call Saturday, August 25th at 12:00 noon, educa- Blvd., Call 936-7219. 578-9701. tional programs, meet faculty and former SELF HELP CLINIC: Every Wednesday GAY B.A.'S: Santa Monica recently ac- students, enjoy slide show, tour, and re- 7:30 p.m. Feminist Women's Health Center, credited International College oilers bachelor's freshments. 1727 No. Spring St.. L.A. Call 1112 Crenshaw Blvd.. Call 936-6293. degrees in gay studies and other liberal arts 221-6161. • July/August • 29 Classified Ads RATES: $5 per inch, $10 minimum for INTEGRITY WELCOMES YOU: an orga- Business, Conferences & Professional Ser- nization for lesbians and gay men of Epis- vices ads. $5 minimum for Personal ads. 1 copalians and their friends. Worship, inch = 7 lines, 44 spaces per line. program, social events. Chapters in major cities^ Sample publication free on request. susan nestor Personal: individual solicitations, pen pals, requests, etc. Write J.C. Lawrence, 10 Mercier Avenue, Dorchester, MASS 02124. ^*V*/ l/A'/ •• Business: where product or service is sold or CO'XiCp pc ;rk c-aMorn.0 9I3O3 job is offered. AA & AT MEMBERS: International gay Conferences: events, festivals, etc., which meeting directory includes groups in 32 fofs>ic in & domes ir. ;i5 bb4-5983 charge registration. states, 5 foreign countries. Also Al-Anon Professional Services: private business or and Other Facilities lists, and "The Homo- practice. sexual Alcoholic" pamphlet. Write Nancy Tucker, P.O. Box 4623, Arlington, VA ifa Wanen 4 Clinic PERSONALS 22204. . • - COMPLETE GYNECOLOGICAL SERVICES HAVE YOU LEFT your heart in San Fran- ENERGETIC YOUNG WOMAN interested cisco? Keep track of our perspective on ip part time work doing typing (manuscripts, local & national news. Extensive calendar copy for publications). My skills include 1213) 450-219! of women's events, book/movie reviews. typing, copy, manuscripts, etc. Bookkeep- Subscribe to PLEXUS, Bay Area Women's ing: A/R, A/P, Bank recs., sales analysis, Newspaper, 2600 Dwight Way, Room 209, general office work and management. Call Berkeley, CA 94704. 17 11 OCEAN PARK BOULEVARD Paula wk (213) 839-7254, Even. (213) SANTA MONICA. CA. 9O4O5 466-2047. THE WOMEN'S POSITIVE SEARCH & DIS- COVERY GROUP offers services by mail to We need other lesbians to join our estab- the displaced, disenchanted, misguided or lished rural communes. Here women and just plain curious through enjoyable, easy men (primarily hetero) live and work in a aptitude testing. Discover your talents and ADVERTISING RATES gentle culture dedicated to equality, non- skills now — expertly, efficiently and Wide Tall sexism, and the good life. Government is reasonably. Testing is donei in your own Back cover 7 1/2" 10" $H0 participative; income is shared. A wide surroundings at your leisure. There are no Inside front 7 1/2" 10" 100 tolerance of diversity allows us to be open. correct answers. These scientifically pre- Inside back 7 1/2" 10" 100 We need and want the support of women pared authenticated tests are to find the Full page 7 1/2" 10" 90 who share our lesbian & feminist perspec- real you, so there's no proving anything to tive. Write: Margaret, Federation of Egali- anyone — yet, what a boost to your self- 2/3 page 4 3/4" 10" 75 tarian Communities, L-2, Twin Oaks esteem. When you return the completed Half page 7 1/2" 5" 60 Community, Louisa, VA 23093. tests, we promptly score them and send 1/3 page 4 3/4" 5" 45 you a comprehensive conffdential report. —or— 2 1/4" 10" 45 TO THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED: How should Send $10 to WPSDG, Box 702, Selbyville, Smaller ads are $5 per column inch: I know why the Editorial Department and DE 19975. A small investment for a large 9"ad 2 1/4" 9" 45 the Photo Department and Louise can't get discovery. That discovery of course, is you! 8" ad 2 1/4" 8" 40 their act together? Que sera sera. — S. 7" ad 2 1/4" 7" 35 McDonald THE~WOMEN'S WRITER'jTcENTER: is ah independent institute offering a year-long 6" ad 2 1/4" 6" 30 CAT LOVERS: I have two cats to give away program in feminist writing workshops and 5" ad 2 1/4" 5" 25 that need good homes. A calico female two literature courses. The Center is now 4" ad 2 1/4" 4" 20 years old (Sappho) and a half Siamese male accepting applications for its fifth to begin 3" ad 2 1/4" 3" 15 one year old (Oliver). Both have nails, and September, 1979. Visiting Faculty include 2" ad 2 1/4" 2" 10 should have the freedom of outdoors and Judy Grahn, Maxine Kumin, Mary Gordon, also enjoy the comfort of the house. Call Irene Klepfisz, and Grace Paley. Resident Paula: wk. (213) 839-7254, eves. (213) Faculty: Rachel DeVries, Mary Beth Rccs, Discounts (on 4" or larger): 466-2047. Rita Speicher. For information, write: WWC, 6 insertions (one year) 20% discount Williams Hall, Cazenovia College, Caze- 3 insertions (six months).... 10% discount LESBIAN COUPLE or single lesbian wish- novia, NY 13135. Advance payment of 50% required. ing to become a mother: gay male would DEADLINES like to become a donor by artificial insemi- JOBS-CETA: The Gay Community Services Send camera ready copy and check made nation and also a father. I will pay all Center has job openings for Los Angeles expenses, support during pregnancy, and payable to Tide Publications by the 15th of residents. Earn while you learn hew skills of course child support. PJease call Neal as a counselor, cook, receptionist, car- the month preceding publication: (213)658-5087. penter, fork lift operator, gardener, office Jan/Feb issue Dec 15 worker, shipping, etc., etc. You can check March/Apr issue Feb 15 BUSINESS your eligibility by calling GCSC City CET/> May/June issue Apr IS Title I office at (213) 464-7400. GCSC, a FREE LESBIAN BOOKLIST: 12 pages, in- July/Aug issue June IS non profit social service agency is located cluding novels, poetry, lives, politics, at 1213 N. Highland in Hollywood. Ar Sept/Oct Aug 15 religion, and music. Send business size Nov/Dec issue Oct 15 equal opportunity, affirmative action envelope (9 inch), self addressed and employer. Early ad confirmation will help insure better stamped, to Womanbooks, Dept, LTL, 201 • placement West 92nd St., New York City 10025. Also CUSTOM LAYOUT available is a monthly list of new books by DID YOU MISS SOME HERSTORY We can layout your ad for you for a nominal and about women (all subjects); send SASE Now you can own 4 years of it for only $ 10 fee. Call (213) 839-7254 or send copy and to Dept. LTM. Visit us when you're in New Get 19 issues of The Lesbian Tide ('75, '76 York City! instructions. '77, '78) for $10. A very special gift fo TIDE PUBLICATIONS FOR SALE: Printing/stationery centers. friends or lovers. Order now from TIDI 8706 CADILLAC AVE. $2500 down (sec), 2 months expenses PUBLICATIONS. 8706 Cadillac Ave. LOS ANGELES, CA 90034 paid, owners fully trained. (213) 726-7086. Los Angeles, CA 90034. 30 • Lesbian Tide JOB: Sales Representative needed: Can GAIA'S GUIDE-1979 FOR WOMEN: MARY ELLEN CAGNEY (Locksmith): Locks you hustle? We're looking for ambitious, Lesbian bars and clubs, publications, groups,, installed & serviced, combinations changed, energetic women to sell Alix Dobkin's Ad- bookstores and resources plus much, much master keying, keys made, 4148 W. Ave., ventures in Women's Music to local more. This 6th edition: all USA & Canada 42, LA. CA90065, (213) 255-5641. Police bookstores for commission on sale. More permit. books to follow! Write: Tomato Publica- (700 North American cities) plus Western tions, Preston Hollow, New York 12469. Europe. Handy travel size. $7 only from: Gaia's Guide (TD), 316 5th Ave., New "Our program is a growing FEMINARY: a lesbian and feminist journal York, NY 10001. (Mail order includes 1st experience for staff and par- focusing on the experience of women in class postage & guaranteed discretion.) Also ticipants together, and im- the South. Send news, essays, poetry, on sale at all gay, feminist, and alternative short prose, humor, and graphics to PO plemented in an atmosphere Box 954, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Published bookstores. of sisterhood, supportiveness, 3 times a year. Subscriptions: $5 yr. for BIRTHDAY COMING UP: Now you can sharing. This program is the individuals; $10 yr. for institutions. order a special Gift Subscription to The unique energy of women WOMAN TO WOMAN Feminist Bookcenter: Lesbian Tide for your friends or lover. Send working with women for 2023 East Colfax, Denver, Colorado. We $7.50 and her name, address, etc., and we women." have books covering political theory, her- will send out a special letter notifying her of story, lesbianism, health, and more, as well your gift. All subscriptions & letters mailed as children's books and a large selection of in plain brown envelope. Send to TIDE ALCOHOLISM poetry and fiction. We also sell posters, PUBLICATIONS/GIFT SUB, 8706 CENTER buttons, t-shirts, records and even men- Cadillac Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034. strual sponges. We serve as a womanspace FOR WOMEN and womancenter, providing referrals to CONFERENCES women who may need help or information. 1147 south alvarado In addition, we sponsor monthly coffee- COLORADO LESBIANS: will hold a three Ios angeles, ca. houses. If you would like any info on day statewide lesbian conference in Sept. 90006 feminism in Denver, come see us! Exact date not set yet, but there will be. speakers, workshops, entertainment & (213) 381-7805 CORDLESS VIBRATORS: Plastic body, "C" 1 exhibits. Denver lesbian community will battery operated, Mini 4 /2-inch, $5.00; 7- house attending women. For info write: a safe environment . .to grow inch, $7; 10-inch $9; Super 12-inch, Colorado Lesbians, P.O. Box 18767, in self esteem and confidence $10.50; Deluxe 2-speed 8-inch, $8; Deluxe Denver, Col. 80218. multi-speed 8-inch, $15; multi-speed no discrimination as to race, Benwa, $12. Add 50C shipping. No CODs. ~~ PR6FESSION"AL"SERV7CES religion, sexual preference, re- Satisfaction guaranteed. RH Fashions, . covery home, non-residential Dept. T., Box 804, Hicksville, N.Y. 11801. Mary J. Madsen (attorney): General prac- services, sliding fee scale, tradi- tice. One-issue & do-it-yourself consulta- tional-innovative treatment SCULPTURE: self development through tions $15. Free legal pamphlets. 99 S. techniques. sculpture with Annu, M.A. Ongoing work- Raymond Ave., Ste. 502, Pasadena, CA shop focusing on goddess images of the 91105.(213)795-0179. past and internal images of the present. Thursdays 7-10 pm at The Feminist Wicca, Teresa De Crescenzo, M.S.W. (therapy): WOMEN'S CHOICE CLINIC 442 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291. $5 counseling for lesbians, children & adoles- Complete Gynecological Services per session + materials. Call: 399-3919 or cents. Sliding scale fee. 6399 Wilshire Pregnancy Screening Blvd. Suite 1007, Los Angeles, CA 90048. V.D. Screening Pap (Cancer! Smear* 455-1464. Abortions Vaginal Infections (213)653-3496. After Care Urinary Infections Birth Control Sickle Cell Test THERAPISTS: To be listed in the National Counseling Routine Gvn Exams Directory of Alternative, Radical and Femi- Betty Berzon, Ph.D. (therapy): lesbian cou- ples, individuals & groups. 6399 Wilshire For iitlorinaiion anil appointment call nist Therapists, send business size SASE FEMINIST WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTER to Pat Henry/Judy Browder, P.O. Box 2064, Blvd., Suite 1007, Los Angeles, CA 90048. (L.A.) (213) 936-6293 University Station, Lawrence, KS 66045 by (213) 653-2912. By appointment. July 1,1 979. Linda Barrone, MFCC (therapy): individual SOJOURNER: The New England Woman's relationships & groups, feminist therapy for Journal of News, Opinions, and the Arts. An lesbians. 1640 5th St., Suite 220, Santa open forum for the ideas and concerns of Monica, CA 90401. (213) 393-9194. all women — reviews, profiles, viewpoints, news. $5 yr. (12 issues), $9/two yrs. So- Barbara Price (attorney): family law, child journer, 143 Albany; St., Cambridge, MA custody/visitation, alternative living agree-? 02139. ments, small business law for women, en- tertainment law including copyright, LESBIAN "Conrad" WANTED: Artists, we publishing, contracts, and performance need a political cartoonist. Please call or agreements. 1714 Stockton St., San Fran- write: Lesbian Tide, 8706 Cadillac Ave., cisco, CA 94133. (415) 433-6790. Center for L.A., CA90034. (213) 839-7254. We pay — a little! Majorie Rushforth (attorney): specializing Feminist Therapy in feminist and lesbian issues, civil and GAY WOMEN write/meet with confiden- criminal. Penthouse Law Suite, 505. City Individual and Group Counseling tiality through The Wishing Well Maga- Parkway West, Orange, CA 92668. (714) Body Work zine ($3 ppd.). Offering two, 3-lsland 937-0610 wk. or (714) 540-2186 hm. Healing Massage Hawaiian Tours: Sept. '79 & Feb. '80) Brochure/Info: P.O. Box 664, Novato, CA Dorothy Morris Compton (attorney): di- Workshops 94947. vorce, child custody, sex discrimination, Consultants personal injury, business. Union Tower Bldg., Suite 840, 21515 Hawthorne Blvd., We work with women, men & families LAYOUT ARTISTS: wanted work with the Torrance, CA 90503 (213) 316-0160. of .iil lift: stylo*. Therapists who iden- Lesbian Tide on Production Day. We offer tify as lesbian, bisexual & heterosexual Terry"~WolveTton: Blue Moon Astrological aio on our statf. good company, hot lunch and $10 for the Services. Birth charts, counseling, couples, day. We need your skills. Please call (213) astrological tarot. Womyn only. Call for {213)393-9194 839-7254. July/August • 31 NOW IN PAPERBACK!
Produced in Cooperation with Women of the National Gay Task Force Ginny Vida, Editor, NGTF Media Director Foreword by Rita Mae Brown Winner, 1978 Gay Book Award - Task Force on Gay Liberation, American Library Assn. 320 Pages, 90 illustrations Prentice-Hall, January 1979 (paperback ed.) ONLY $6.95 including postage and handling!
"Our Right To Love is about public education and us. The "We finally have a book that speaks to our needs and not handsome, 9x14, 320 page, picture-filled documentary our 'shoulds.' Our Right To Love . . . will do much more speaks tastefully and knowledgeably about every facet of than merely bring us out of the closet and onto the coffee- our lives. If someone had told me there exists a book with table." articles about sex, courtship, and custody, about civil — Reg Kahney, rights, music, and love, that I and my mother would both Ms. Magazine find inspiring, I would have said, "impossible." But Our "This book is for everybody; for lesbians; for male homo- Right To Love exists for us now. It's clear and simple, short sexuals, for parents of gays; for Anita Bryant; for the on rhetoric, long on top quality writing, emotional and clergy; for psychologists; for the sophisticated and the un- above all, very very proud." sophisticated;«and for librarians and libraries." — Jeanne Cordova, — Charity Eva Runden, The Lesbian Tide Library Journal ". . . Our Right To Love is an invaluable work, informative "If this becomes the most popular lesbian book of the ana charming . . . This book should be shared with every- decade it will be because it is also the best book of its genre one, gay and straight." . . . unquestionably a book that every person should read." — Pat M. Kuras, — Charles Silverstein and Gay Community News George Whitmore, "This joyous work will b,e the bible of the lesbian world for SIECUS Report years to come." "... a thick volume that merits serious attention ... — Marjorie Morgan, Lesbian readers are sure to find support and information New Gay Life here. 'Straight' readers can experience insight and under- "The bibliographies and lists alone make this book worth standing." having. The articles make it a necessary addition to every' — Publishers Weekly community." — Terri Poppe, Off Our Backs
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