PRO-CHOICE RALLY Dom of Speech Had Not Been Stomped On

DECEMBER, 1989

ARE YOU A If any of the above seems to fit, you may of it). want to attend Herland's newly-formed When the casket was carried up the CO-DEPENDENT? Co-dependents Anonymous group for steps to the capitol, it was led by Cindy B. New Group Forming wimmin which will meet at the Herland playing a kettle drum. Good visuals, good Resource Center every Tuesday beginning message! Have you wondered just what the term December 5 at 7 :30 p.m. The only require The rally was clearly a smashing success, co-dependent really means? The following ment for membership in CODA is a desire a rousing, effective achievement. Yet, it are just a few of the typical characteristics for healthy and loving relationships. • would have been as good or better if in the of a co-dependent: struggle to keep freedom of choice, free PRO-CHOICE RALLY dom of speech had not been stomped on. • I assume responsibility for others' feel I'm referring to the censoring of signs by ings and/or behaviors; i.e. It was my fault by Margaret C. rally organizers. In the effort to keep she yelled at me. women in control of our bodies, we should • I have difficulty expressing feelings; i.e. I The November 12 Rally for Choice at have been given control of our rally. The am happy, sad, angry, scared, lonely, hurt. the Oklahoma State Capitol sent a power argument that it was necessary to' control ful message to our legislature. Five thou •11 • I have difficulty in forming and/or main signs in order to keep out anti-choice signs sand strong, the pro-choice turnout was taining close relationships. is specious in the exrreme. The one piece more than 30 times larger than any crowd of relevant theater at the event should have • I tend to minimize, alter or even deny the the anti-abortionists have ever been able to been welcomed, not fought blindly, as it truth about how I feel. put together. People determined to keep was. Women's bodies, women's speech, • My self-esteem is bolstered by other the reproductive freedoms we now have women's thoughts, should all be free of / outer influences. came from all corners of the state to make outside control. their opinion known as forcibly as possi • I tend to judge everything I do, think or This is a problem which will probably ble. Several of our most-likely candidates say harshly-nothing done, said or always arise when a civil liberties position for governor in 1990 spoke at the rally, thought is "good enough." is embraced by people with no grounding thereby committing themselves to the pro • I am steadfastly loyal-even when the in feminist/progressive thought. As an choice position: Congressman Wes Wat loyalty is unjustified, and personally example, a local group promoting a dem kins, Speaker Steve Lewis and David Wal harmful. onstration against the V...earing of dead ters. Oklahoma Secretary of State Hannah animals seriously plans to try to keep out • I am extremely responsible- or extreme! y Atkins also spoke, and Rep. Freddye Wil of the demonstration anyone who they irresponsible. liams went out of her way to stop by and think looks too weird or radical; and also briefly address the crowd on her way to a The following are just a few of the patt plans total control of the signs carried by seminar. One of the few non-politicians erns of co-dependency: the demonstrators. This is an appalling who spoke was Vivian Ng of OU and the • My good feelings about who I am stem attitude to anyone who came to her/his AAUW. Ed Asner was the celebrity anti-fur position from an ever-expanding from being liked by you and/or receiv speaker of the day, and Cleta Deathearage ing approval from you. reverence for all life. through the civil Mitchell acted as emcee. rights, anti-war, equal rights and gay rights • My mental attention is focused on pleas The local chapter of NOW, Metro OKC struggles. ing you and/or protecting you and/or NOW, as well as contributing many of the In the most recent issue of On the Issues, manipulating you (to do it my way). most decorative, well-made and imagina Merle Hoffman makes the point this way: • My own hobbies and interests are put tive signs, staged a piece of theater prior to "In the struggle to win the 'hearts and aside. My time is spent sharing your the beginning of the festivities and again minds' of the American people, the pro interests and hobbies. during a musical interlude. To dramatize choice and women's movements must take • I am not aware of how I feel, I am aware the women who die every three minutes of care not to lose their souls." • of how you feel. illegal abortions worldwide, a wooden • My fear of rejection determines what I casket was carried to the rally, with Cindy say or do. R. dressed in black, a hanger and a red carnation on her chest (she was sometimes • My social circle diminishes as I involve in the casket, sometimes walking in front myself with you.

VOLUME 6 NUMBER 12 • HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES • 2312 N.W. 39th, OKC, OK 73112 • (405) 521-9696 HSR-CALENDAR OF EDITORIAL POLICY! EVENTS-DECEMBER The HERLAND VOICE is offered as an CHRISTMAS & open forum for community discourse. Materia ls Dec. 5 • Co-dependents Anonymous princed hecein reflect che beliefs and opinions of HOLIDAY GIFTS (CODA) support group, Resource che authors of the articles or letters, and not AVAILABLE AT Center, 7:30 p.m. necessarily those of chc Neu•sletter or the HERLAND THIS YEAR! Dec. 6, 7, 8 • Feminist Book Fair Herland Board. Letters to the editor muse be signed by the sponsored by OU Women's Studies writer with full name. Letters will not be Games (Homophobia - similar to Program, Student Union, OU Campus. printed with name unless writer requests it. Scruples) For more information call 366-7469. Editing may he necessary for space or to atJoid Seasons Greeting Cards Dec. 7 • Incest Survivors Anonymous obscenity, lihel, or intJas ion of pritJacy, but ideas will nor be altered. Publication of all materials Satin Ties (ISA) 12-stepmeeting(women'sgroup), is ac the discretion of che editors. Anyone Socks Resource Center, 7:30 - 9 p.m. hatJing a complaint ahouc the content of chis Dec. 12 • Co-dependents Anonymous newsletter may conracr the editors at 52 l- 9696. Undies for that special woman in (CODA) support group, Resource Cen your life ter, 7:30 p.m. Audio Tapes (many women artists) Dec. 14 • Incest Survivors Anonymous Books (ISA) 12-step meeting (women's group), ------i Bumper Stickers that express you Resource Center, 7:30 - 9 p.m. ID ~E~ :nt~ be a-;riend of Harland. My minimum I donation of $12 allows me use of the Herland Library and Fanny packs Dec. 15 • Deadline for submissions to a 10% discount on store purchases over the next 12 months. (My $12 is enclosed.) newsletter. Gift Certificates are also available D YES' I want to help Herland with a donation to the for that hard-to-please woman in Dec. 16. Peggy Johnson at the Cantina del New Building Fund. I D $15 D $20 D $25 your life! ' , Paseo, p.m. Paseo, 3007 9 D $50 D $100 D $ __ •v ' Dec. 17 ·Board meeting, Resource Center, I D Bookstore volunteer D Building volunteer THE RESOURCE CENTER WILL BE 2p.m. I Name ------OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE FROM 1 ' 11 Address ______P.M. TO 6 P.M. FOR LAST-MINUTE Dec. 19 • Co-dependents Anonymous SHOPPING. (CODA) support group, Resource Cen City SL___ ZIP __ ter, 7:30 p.m. I Telephone Number: I I Mail to: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. Dec. 21 • Incest Survivors Anonymous I 2312 N.W. 39th (ISA) 12-step meeting (women's group), I Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Resource Center, 7:30 - 9 p.m. ------~-~ Dec. 26 • Co-dependents Anonymous PUBLISHED BY: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. (CODA) support group, Resource Cen 2312 NW 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. ter, 7:30 p.m. EXECUTIVE EDITOR: I Dec. 28 • Incest Survivors Anonymous Sondra Metzger (ISA) 12-step meeting {women's group), NATIONAL NEWS EDITOR: Resource Center, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Karen Lewis Dec. 31 • Sisters of Swing, downtown at CITY NEWS EDITOR: Opening Night, Liberty Bank. Check DISPLAY ADS: Sondra Metzger daily newspaper for time. business card or 1 /10 page . .. $ 15.00 TYPESETIING: Rhonda S. 1/4 page ...... $ 35.00 Dec. 31 • HSR NEW YEAR'S EVE 12 page ...... $ 60.00 CIRCULATION: 700 PARTY! Resource Center, 6 p.m. - full page ...... $100.00 GENERAL INFO (405) 521-9696 ???? (this will be a chemical-free party). CLASSIFIED ADS: ADVERTISING: 521-9696 first 10 words ...... $2.50 each additional word ...... $ .10 DEADLINE on all advertising and submissions is the 15th of each month. DISCOUNTS: available on advance SUBSCRIPTIONS to the HERLAND VOICE are prepaid orders only free upon request. 1 -3 months order ...... none 4 - 6 months ...... 10% 7 - 9 months ...... 15% 10 - 12 months ...... 20% PLEASE NOTE: There will be a minimal charge for typesetting done to any advertising.

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2 HSR, DECEMBER, 1989 NGLTF CALLS FOR The release of the report coincidently port. At the end of the 1987 legislative IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION came at the same time as a new Gallup Poll session, shortly after the March on Wash showing increasing acceptance of gays and ington, the bill suffe red its fifteenth con OF NEW MILITARY REPORT lesbians by the public. The poll, as secutive defeat. That year, the bill had reported on October 25 in the New York passed the House and won a majority in Washington, D.C. - A report ordered by Times , shows among other things that 71 the Senate, but was killed in committee. the Department of Defense (DoD) con percent of the people surveyed believe This unjust defeat triggered a massive cludes that the American military should homosexuals should have "equal rights in demonstration. Chants of more than 600 reexamine its homophobic policy and con terms of job opportunities." Sixty percent protestors rang throughout the State sider ending anti-gay and lesbian discrim said gays and lesbians would be appro House, and 14 people were arrested when ination. priate in the military. they chained themselves to seats inside the The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force The Gay and Lesbian Military Freedom Senate Gallery. (NGLTF), part of the Gay and Lesbian Project, co-founded by NGLTF, is a coali The power unleashed by this demon Military Freedom Project, has praised the tion of leading civil rights groups commit stration transformed the public percep report and called it a validation of what ted to securing equality in the Armed For tion of the community as a political force gays and lesbians have known for years: ces. Other members of the Project are the and brought the voice of the lesbian and Homosexuals are not welcome in the mil American Civil Liberties Union's Lesbi gay community at large to the Senate itary, are being severely discrimated against an/Gay Rights Project, the National Law House. In the years following the 1987 and are being evicted under malicious and yers Guild Military Law Task Force, the demonstration, street activism, in the punitive charges. National Organization for Women, the form of passionate rallies and angry pro The half-inch thick report, called "Non Women's Equality League, Lambda Legal tests, became a core part of the lobbying conforming Sexual Orientations and Mili Defense and Education Fund, and Citizen effort. tary Suitability," was commissioned by The high visibility tactics employed by the DoD and executed by the Defense Per Soldier. • organizations such as the Coalition for sonnel Security Research and Education Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights brought the Center (PERSEREC). Theodore R. Sar GAY RIGHTS VICTORY issue to the public eye. Extensive media bin, Ph.D., and Kenneth E. Karols, M.D., campaigns drew front-page headlines and Ph.D. authored the report. IN MASSACHUSETTS: secured gay rights endorsements from The unclassified study, dated December BUILDING MOMENTUM public figures and the local media. The 1988, surfaced recently in a New York FOR THE NATION encouraging effect of this publicity drew Times article after it was made available by new supporters out of the closet. Realizing members of Congress, in particular Reps. Passage of the Massachusetts lesbian the strength of our numbers, thousands of Gerry Studds (D-Mass./10) and Patricia and gay civil rights bill is perhaps the single people took action at the grassroots level, Schroeder (D-Colo./ 1 ). greatest victory for the gay rights move contributing to letter-writing campaigns The report urges the military to end its ment in 1989. Massachusetts joins Wis and constituent lobbying. ban on gays and lesbians. Citing changes in consin, becoming the second state in the In 1989, the gay rights bill became an American society's acceptance of homo nation to pass comprehensive civil rights unstoppable people's initijltive. A state sexuals, the report states the government legislation for gays and lesbians. Key to wide poll showed 68 percent support for will most likely be forced to reexamine its success in Massachusetts was a ground the bill among Massachusetts voters. Grass anti-gay policies. swell of public support that convinced roots activists, building on groundwork The Pentagon has since rejected the undecided legislators and overwhelmed already laid, garnered a majority support report, calling it wasteful, flawed, offen opponents. The Massachusetts victory is in both houses and overwhelmed power sive and exceeding its mandate. emblematic of a nationwide movement fully placed opponents. The visibilty of a Gay and lesbian activists were not sur that is building momentum to spark a unified gay community made the difference. prised that the military is now vehemently chain of gay rights victories in coming Public support will also be vital to pre distancing itself from its own commis years. serving the Massachusetts gay rights law. sioned report. The march on Washington for Lesbian Gay rights opponents are currently trying "The Pentagon brass believed it was hir and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987 to organize a last-ditch effort to place gay ing a group of 'yes men' to uphold a preju marked a turning point in the nationwide rights on a statewide referendum. If the diced policy," said Robert Bray, public gay rights movement. Never before had opponents succeed, the pro-gay rights information director. "It's the classic case the gay community wimessed its own majority will be crucial to defeating the of the emperor with no clothes -we see strength in such numbers. As a result, repeal initiative. Gay issues are not new to the DoD stripped of its honor and integrity hundreds of thousands of demonstrators Massachusetts voters, most of whom have and the naked truth of bigotry revealed." brought home with them a new sense of realized that basic civil rights protections Peri]ude Radecic, NGLTF lobbyist and empowerment. The emerging strength of for lesbians and gay men are long overdue. representative to the Military Freedom the gay and lesbian community is changing The psychological and symbolic impact Project, said that credit for increased scrut the face of our struggle for equal rights. of passage of the bill in Massachusetts will iny of military policy should go to Con This year's Massachusetts victory dramati strengthen the fight for gay rights in other gressman Gerry Studds. Studds has worked cally illustrates this change. areas of the country, helping those states diligently to guarantee equality for gays In Massachusetts prior to 1987, a quiet, that are at a crossroads in their own civil and lesbians in the military, and was prim insider lobbying strategy kept the gay arily responsible for making the new report rights bill alive, but failed to convince key Concinued on next page public. legislators of its overwhelming public sup- HSA, DECEMBER, 1989 3 continual from previous page NEW REPORT rights struggles. Connecticut, California, HIGHLIGHTS Letters to the Editor New York, Iowa, and other states where gay rights legislation has nearly succeeded in the HOMOPHOBIC Dear Sisters, past will look to the popular support in Mass VIOLENCE achusetts as a source of inspiration. • This spring I am teaching a course called A new report from the Center for Sexism and Homophobia (Human Rela Democratic Renewal (CDR) ties the rising tions 5113) which may interest some of your MABEL HAMPTON tide of violence against gays and lesbians to readers who never expected to see such a course DIES far right and white supremacist organiza at the University of Oklahoma. Despite the tions that are using anti-gay bigotry to depressing title, this will not be a depressing New York-Black lesbian community attract new recruits. course, since it includes a celebration of gay activist Mabel Hampton died of pneumo The report is entitled Quarantines and and lesbian cultures and the rise of the gay civil nia at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital on Death: The Far Right's Homophobic Agenda. rights movement. October 26 at the age of 87. "Gay people have increasingly become the I am very happy about the way this course is She was one of the founders of the Les target of bigoted violence," explained coming together. It includes history, literature, bian Herstory Archives, and had donated Daniel Levitas, executive director of the videos, music, the daily newspapers, and many her books and artifacts about lesbian life. Atlanta-based CDR. "This report de many personal stories about diverse lesbian Hampton played a pioneering role in the scribes the theoretical framework of the and gay lives. battle for civil rights, women's and gay far right's homophobic agenda and out This is a graduate course, open to college liberation, and was honored by many lines the basic steps needed to confront graduates and others who are willing to do national black, gay and lesbian organiza anti-gay bigotry." graduate level work. If you want to participate tions for her inspiration. In the past The 40-page monograph was written by and are not an O.U. student, you can be decade, Hampton appeared in several film CDR research director Leonard Zeskind, admitted as a special student-call the admis and television programs documenting her and Mab Segrest. Zeskind is the author of sions office. To enroll in the course, ~(iu need a involvement in the Harlem Renaissance numerous background documents on card from the Human Relations office, 730 and in gay life before Stonewall. racist and anti-semitic movements. In Physical Sciences, 325-1756. It meets from Hampton was born in Winston-Salem, 1987, he received the Paul Tobenkin 6:00 - 8:40 p.m. on Tuesdays. North Carolina on May 2, 1902. She went Memorial Award for "fearless reporting in I'd be delighted to see some of the HSR to Greenwich Village when she was seven the struggle against bigotry" from the women in the seminar. and in her teens joined an all-women's Columbia University School of Journal dance troupe that performed in Coney ism. Segrest is a long-time lesbian activist Sisterly, Island. During the '40s and '50s she starred who is currently director of research and Barbara Hillyer in several productions at the Lafayette publications for North Carolinians Against Theater and was a dancer at the Garden of Racist and Religious Violence, based in P.S. I also teach a course called "Women's Studies Seminar" on Wednesday afternoons. Joy in Harlem. In 1937, Hampton met her Durham. She is the author of My Mama's life-partner, Lillian Foster. The two women Dead Squirrel: Lesbian Essays on Southern It's both graduate and undergraduate, and is a fine opportunity to read feminist books with were together until Foster's death in 1978. Culture (Firebrand, 1985). other women. Women's Studies will mail a Hampton took part in New York City's Quarantines and Death examines such Gay and Lesbian Pride March every year issues as why gay men and lesbians have copy of the spring course list upon request. and was the Grand Marshall in 1985. In a been targeted by far right groups, the 1988 interview with Kate Rushin in nature of homophobic violence, and the AN OPEN LETTER TO THE Sojourner, Hampton said, "When the gay ideology of the new right and the far right CAMPAIGN FOR CHOICE: movement really came out, I said, "Here it regarding homosexuality, AIDS and civil comes! Here it comes! Whoopie! ... Peo rights. It is available for $5 (including pos As a participant in the Rally for Choice ple should come out of the closet and stay tage and handling) from CDR, P.O. Box held at the Oklahoma State Capitol on out. Try to fight to do whatever you can to 50469, Atlanta, Ga 30302. A discount of Novembr 12, I am writing to express my deep make our life a beautiful life to live." 15% is available on orders of 10 or more. concerns about the manner in which the rally Hampton is survived by hundreds and The Center for Democratic Renewal, was conducted. hundreds of loving friends. formerly known as the National Anti-Klan As I approached the rally site, I became A funeral mass was held at St. Augustine Network, was founded 10 years ago as the aware that signs were being collected at the Church in the Bronx on October 31, 1989. nation's principal clearing house for infor entrance to the area. If the sign was acceptable Donations in her memory can be sent to mation on community-based responses to to the rally organizers, then it could be the Lesbian Herstory Educational Foun hate group activity and bigoted violence. It retrieved. If it was not acceptable, it could not dation, Inc., P.O. Box 1258, NY, NY is a non-profit organization with offices in be retrieved until after the rally. Silencing the 100116, and to Senior Action in A Gay Kansas City, MO, Seattle, WA, and voices of women is not the way to achieve our Environment, 208 W. 13th St., NY, NY Atlanta, GA. The CDR implements pro goals. Surely there is room enough for the 10011. • grams of research, training, public educa expression of all. From Gay Communir:y News, NO

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paid advertisement Continued from previous page IRIS GLEN The dances were comical due to the fact that 99% of the women in attend about his daughters and his desire that they FEMINIST CAMP: ance were from cities and were abso have the right to choose. All the women who A Personal Testimony lutely clueless as to how one goes about spoke were well down in the agenda. At no "dancing" to banjos, harmonicas, jugs time in the rally did we pay tribute to the many by B. G. Canis and what have you. Most of us had to women who have died trying to exercise their try to recall our 3rd grade gym class for right to choice. The one speaker who talked As I entered Washington, D.C., in the square dancing. By the look of about choice and abortion as feminist issues, the midst of Friday afternoon rush hour things, none of our memories extended Dr. Vivian Ng, was appartently asked to cut traffic after 25 solid hours of driving, back quite that far. her speech short by the M. C. We never heard and proceeded to get lost for five hours, The weekdays were much quieter and the voices of women forced to make the diffi I was so delirious with fatigue that turn less structured. The number of women cult choice of abortion whether legal or illegal. ing around and heading back to Okla at the camp during any given weekday Once again the voices of women were silenced. homa seemed a viable and attractive dwindled to 30 - 40, as compared to The issue of reproductive freedom involves option. Fortunately, I stuck with it and about 150 on the weekends. There was more than the right to legal abortions. It is the eventually found my way. little doubt that most of us preferred right to control our reproductive capacity. My mission was to reach the Iris Glen the weekdays. The only structured activ Reproductive freedom includes the guarantee Feminist Camp sometime before its ity that occurred during the week was a of no forced sterilization and the freedom to conclusion 11 days in the future. series of evening discussions entitled live as a lesbian or gay male without discrimi I had arranged to work at the camp as "The Essentials of Feminism." Because nation. These voices were also excluded from a chef for one or two meals each day in there were almost no structured activi the rally. The only Native Americans on the exchange for a $50 discount off the reg ties during the week, we were able to platform were the dancers. Surely, Native istration fee. The camp ran for a span of spend a lot of time at the waterfront Americans can do more than dance. In this 11 days encompassing two weekends. and more time getting to know one event as in others focusing on women's con On Friday nights there were camp fires another on a more personal level. , cerns, the work and energy of lesbians was and sing-alongs. On the first Friday So, what made this women's gather critical to its success. Yet, their voices were night we were treated to stories told by a ing different from some of the others silenced as well. To the public, there were no professional storyteller followed by I've been to? Without a doubt, it was lesbians there. sing-alongs (feminist-style) lead by the the closeness, the pervasive sense of I firmly believe we hold the moral high Washington Feminist Chorus (whom, if community. You couldn't have avoided ground with the pro-choice position. The belief you've never heard them you should). it even if you tried. Many of us bonded that individuals have the right to make per Saturdays and Sundays offered a choice with one another quite strongly. We sonal choices free from government interfer of over 7 5 different workshops and dis didn't simply exchange pleasantries and ence is a part of the fabric of our way of life. cussion groups. While there I learned head off on our merry ways; we com People of all different races, creeds, ages, and to water ski (by some stretch of the municated, laughed together, played lifestyles share this belief. Let's recognize and imagination); sail; whittle; identify var jokes on and teased one another, walked celebrate that diversity and build on our com ious flora and fauna, including mush together through the woods arms ent mon belief. Silencing the voices of women will rooms indigenous to the east coast; per wined, gave one another Il)assages, went not move us toward a world in which our rights form therapeutic massage; identify stars, skinny-dipping in the moonlight, then will be fully recognized. constellations and planets in the sum slept on the dock under the stars. At the Oklahoma City rally, the crowd was mer sky; lash together logs to make I had forgotten what it's like to be on estimated to have 5,000 participants. Wouldn't furniture and perform outdoor survival the same wave length with someone, to it have been a truly spectacular event to have skills. I reacquainted myself with kayak be unable to stop laughing. It's been a celebrated the diversity among the women and ing, canoeing, swimming and wind while. Perhaps the contrast seemed so men there. We would have truly made the surfing. great because since I moved to Okla point that choice is an issue supported by The Girl Scout camp we rented for homa about three years ago, I've only Americans of all sorts and we would have the occasion was on the South River, an been on the same wavelength with some moved a little closer to a world where the rights inland extension of the Chesapeake one once. Close friendships demand of all are equally protected. Bay. The boats and all equipment for good communication. Although it's water sports of various types were there tempting to blame my hectic schedule Sincerely, for the asking. Also, there were miles of for my lack of bonding with people Pat Reeves trails throughout the camp to explore. I here, in actuality, that's only a very found it a real treat to once again see small part of it. Every time I go back to expanses of plush green woods and true the east coast and each time make sev mountains. Apparently, I had forgotten eral new friends, I'm reminded of the just how beautiful the east coast is, tremendous regional differences in com because I was quite awestruck by the munication styles that result in such a surroundings. Saturday nights consisted chasm that spanning it becomes quite of crabfests followed by dances; one a difficult. Sarcasm was once again the square dance, the other a country west predominant form of humor and was ern dance (forgive me if I don't see the appreciated as an art form rather than difference). Continued on next page HSR, DECEMBER, 1989 5 Continued from previous page work exchange, performed a massive turned to sheer excitement and joy when I cleanup as slowly as possible and found learned of Davidson's release on a wim taken literally at the camp. It was min's music label. refreshing to have my sarcastic humor every possible way to delay our depar ture, including one last "memorial With songs that encompass Davidson's not taken as evidence that I'm a bitch wide range of ability this new production (the fact that I'm a bitch and sarcastic is swim." I ended up spending two days more than I had planned, the last one in includes styles as diverse as rock-n-roll entirely coincidental). Most of the women there were pro D.C., before reluctantly heading back and spiritual/gospel that make for top quality listening pleasure for the woman fessionals of one sort or another; all home and getting into town the morning were feminists; most were politically I was scheduled to move. When I called centered woman. It has even surpassed my active, or at the very least, politically to report my safe arrival in Oklahoma, high expectations. astute, and all but four that I knew of which an inordinate number of people Of the eleven tracks making up the were lesbians. A few were in the process seemed to be concerned about, work, Davidson wrote the lyrics and music of coming out. Most people there were two of us were already planning trips to for six. "What'm I Gonna Do," with a soft single, as is typical on the east coast at see one another, which neither of us can reggae back beat, speaks of a lack of direc any given point in time, where a long afford. tion in one's life and the ultimate need to term relationship typically lasts a year Without a doubt, Washington, D.C., seek guidance from a Higher Power. Reg or two. There's not that pressure to and the surrounding area offers more gae gives way to blues with "Song For My have to be part of a couple, at least in activities for lesbians and gay men than Father" in which the artist sings about and part because there's a myriad of things I've ever seen in any other city, includ to her dead father, of their less than har to do as a single person without being ing New York and the San Francisco monious relationship and the "gifts" with ostracized because of it. Bay Area. If you ever get the chance to which he left her. "Tonight I'll Dream That Surprisingly, the camp was totally go to the Iris Glen Feminist Camp ... You Care" is a slow bluesy tune about chemical free, especially surprising since grab it! • loving someone who may never ~eturn the we're talking about the east coast here. love, yet the hope of a future relationship Unfortunately, lesbian and gay social still lives. Rock-n-roll is the envelope in activities everywhere seem to require which "Killer Without a Heart" is tightly chemicals as a rule; mostly alcohol. wrapped. The lyrics speak bluntly of the This camp was a refreshing break from sadness and tragedy of death, and symbol having to deal with the sloppy, uncon ically of the thoughtlessness of,our soci trolled drunkard. Only a few women ety's attitude toward those who are dying were vegetarians, which is typical of the of AIDS. In "Everything to Me," the artist east coast where people eat whatever is uses the blues to sing of the deep love for convenient. This was no problem as all the person she must leave to pursue her of our meals were buffet style and, music career. The words speak of the based on the response we got, seemed power of love and commitment during to meet everyone's needs. such a separation. A spiritual/gospel beat The Feminist Institute, a non-profit supports the lyrics for "Heaven Bound," organization founded by Caroline Sparks BREAKING ALL THE which describe the sadness of receiving and Jackie Gentry, sponsored the event word of the death of someone who helped as they have since 1979. I was particu RULES: A REVIEW raise you. Then the comfort found in realizing that person's faith was such that larly fortunate in that I was given a pri by Karen Lewis vate verson of "A Feminist Tour of the she would not want you to mourn - Capitol" since the woman I became Dianne Davidson, a recent addition to because she's happy, she's "heaven-bound." closest to at the camp is the guide for this Olivia Records' repertoire of wimmin's Davidson rounds out the production tour. This is a new feature offered by the music-making talent, has produced a tape with three rock-n-roll tunes: "Trouble Institute. It entails a walking tour of ful of thoughtful, feelingful and thought Again," "So Lucky," "Keep My Love downtown Washington and an update provoking, feeling-provoking music in Light Burnin';" a rhythm and blues tune on the bleak past and present of women "Breaking All The Rules" -her first "Built For Comfort," and a very soulf Jl in politics, which I'm sure comes as a release on a wimmin's music label. rendition of "Song of Burnadette" -each huge surprise to all of us. Some of the This reviewer first became acquainted written by different artists. more notable landmarks covered by the with Davidson's music in the early 70's Already popular with women who are tour include Congress, the Supreme when she mainstreamed an album titled familiar with her music in other parts of Court, Library of Congress and the "Backwoods Woman." At the time, this the country, Dianne Davidson promises to Sewall-Beaumont House. album was purchased solely because of the become a much-loved artist in the trac'i As is typical when you're having a cover photograph which greatly intrigued tion of wimmin's music in south cent1 al great time, hours passed quickly. We all me. Upon hearing the contents I was America as well. "Breaking All The dreaded having to leave. Those of us overwhelmed by the feeling with which Rules" -a worthwhile addition to any who were left on the last day, mostly this young artist interpreted her music woman-loving woman's music library- is staff members and a few of us doing and with the meaningful lyrics in the four available at Herland, and will make a cher tracks she had written. The fondness with ished Christmas gift for that special woman which I still listen to this early production in your life.

6 HSR, DECEMBER, 1989 r

Many thanks to the women who spent five ested in new lesbian research, scholarship, hours at the Resource Center getting the publications, conferences, ideas, etc., out November newsletter ready to mail .. . . getting someone a pet for Christmas, make of Minneapolis. The staff has committed sure the receiver wants it first and save themselves to producing a tri-annual news the garage sale was a big success! Thanks to yourself and the pet a lot of grief .. .. letter, with the first issue being January those who donated items and to those who 1990. If you're interested in receiving donated their time .... there is a newsletter available for Asian Matrices, write Matrices, Women's Studies lesbians living in the U.S. It's called Dept., University of Minnesota, Minnea there's a new magazine on the market for Anamika. This newsletter is for Indian, polis, MN 55455 ... . female bikers called Harley Women . It is a Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Afghani, Sri Lan bi-monthly magazine published by two kan, Bhutanese, Nepalese and Burmese "A Quick and Easy Guide to Socially women that is FOR women and not lesbians. For more info, write Anamika, Responsible Supermarket Shopping" is a ABOUT women. Let me add that this is a Box 652 Van Bruut Station, Brooklyn, NY pocket-sized guide which ranks nearly magazine for ALL women and does not cater 11215 .. .. 1400 brand-name products on ten social to any specific type of woman other than issues: women's advancement, minority those who are interesed in motorcycles. Sub the mistake a lot of politicians make is advancement, animal testing, nuclear scriptions are $12. If you are interested, write forgetting they have been appointed and power, environment, South Africa, charit c/o Asphalt Angels, P.O. Box Harley Women, think they have been anointed .. .. able giving, community outreach, defense 864, Addison, IL 60101 .... contracts and social disclosure. To receive two corrections to items in past news a copy, send $4.95 to CEP, 30 Irving Pl., letters: the phone number for our volun New York, NY 10003. Thanks to OK the bi-annual Conference for Catholic teer coordinator, Pam T., is 631-3575. NOW for the info . .. . Lesbians (CCL) will be held over Memorial I The correct address to send donations to 'II Day Weekend, 1990, in Estes Park, CO. help Lillian Graham in her court battle Margaret C. is still working on forming a CCL is an international organization for with American Airlines is: Tulsa NOW, consciousness raising group that will start women who recognize the importance of P.O. Box 471902, Tulsa, OK 74147-1902. in January. If you feel you would like to be the Catholic tradition in shaping their Please annotate that the donation is for more aware of feminist issues, this is for lives, and who seek to develop a spiritual Lillian Graham. Sorry for the inconven you. Call 528-0604 for more info ... . life which enhances and affirms their ience, Pam and Tulsa NOW .. . . lesbian identity. CCL provides a source of 'tis the season, and like everyone else, Her friendship and support for women seeking Olivia Records has started a Home Market land has a wish list, too: security bars for a spiritual and social community; nurtures ing Division. This means that women the windows, someone to pay off the and shapes the faith and spirituality of everywhere will be able to have an "Olivia mortgage, plywood for shelving, 25¢ pos Catholic lesbians; advocates women's and Party" in their own home. If you are inter tage stamps, someone to buy the old build lesbian rights in the church and society; ested in having an Olivia Party in your ing on NW 19th and Blackwelder, more and offers a place where lesbians stand 1 home, contact Olivia Records, Inc., Home volunteers, a new roof, new plumbing, together to love well at prayer and at play. Marketing Division, 4400 Market St., storm windows, a computer and a copy of If you are interested in CCL, you can get Oakland, CA 94608 .... The Voice in every home. If anyone out more information by writing to CCL, P.O. there would like to help make any of the Box 606, Contract Station 2, Denver, CO another newsletter: Matrices is a nonprofit, above wishes come true, please CALL! .... 80206 .... networking resource for lesbians inter- to all our readers: you have made it possi if you read the article about the Iris Glen ble through the later part of this decade for Feminist Camp and want to know more us to be here for you in whatever way we about it, here's the address and phone: The can. You have contributed time, energy, Feminist Institute, Inc., P.O. Box 30563, materials, talent, money and sometimes Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 951-9040. shoulders to cry on when times got rough, Thanks, B.G.! .... and we cannot adequately express how much all that has meant to us. In return, we the OKC Animal Shelter is once again hav promise to continue to do our best to ing a pet annex in North Park Mall for the make life a little better for you and to be holidays. This has been a very successful there when you need us. As we enter a new event for the Animal Shelter with many year and new decade, we look forward to animals being adopted out to good homes your continued support and to being ready each year. The hours of operation will be to help in whatever way we can. May you from 1 p.m. until mall closing time, have a wonderful holiday season, and may Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 24 the new year bring with it good health, through Dec 23. If you're thinking about prosperity and much warm sistership. •

HSR, DECEMBER, 1989 7 TREAT YOURSEL T TO THE "TOUCH OF GOLD." Trest your special someone, too, for $10 off her massage!

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HERLAND NEEDS YOU! 4801 N. Classen (405) 842-7577 Suite 147 Oklahoma City, OKJ3118 What does Herland Sister Resources (405) 872-8673 iv ' mean to you? Many of you have passed through the doors of both our old location and now our new home on 39th Street.HSR has affected all of us in . · .. HELP!!! one way or another: through new friend ships, sisterhood, love, caring and sup Herland needs you now more than ever. Herland's monthly bills: port. We've grown through the years Mortgage $260 and will continue to do so with support Utilities from all of you. Gas We always are in need of volunteers $ 40 Sewage to either staff the center or work on the $ 38 Electric building. We have several committees $ 25 Insurance that need volunteers, including the $ 7b Newsletter printing & postage Resource Center committee, Fundrais (This cost is defrayed somewhat ing, Programming, Library, Newsletter by paid advertising) $200 and Volunteer Committee. The con $638 tinued success of HSR depends on TOTAL EXPENSES people getting involved and making a Herland extends sincere thanks to those precious few who have sustained difference in our community. We must her through regular donations. all work together to ensure our place in Herland's new location has caused her expenses to almost triple. With fewer society. donations coming in due to difficult economic times for everyone Herland is Think about this and your involve left perched precariously close to extinction. This potentially disasterous ment with HSR, because without your financial situation can be alleviated if Herland's 700+ newsletter subscribers help we could be another statistic like donated just $1 a month. Please ask yourself if Her land is worth the price of 2 the Bookstore in San Antonio and Cokes or a pack of cigarettes a month to you. If so, please let us hear from you Several others across the United States. via the form below. In these depressed economic times in PLEASE HELP! Oklahoma it is difficult to make ends Thank you! meet and HSR fully understands that. Many of you see us in a new location, but we too have needs. YES! I WILL HELP. I AM SENDING MY DONATION OF$.____ ~ We know many of you give faithfully of your time, talent and money, and we NAME ______are very appreciative of your continued ADDRESS ______support. We cannot survive without CITY STATE ZIP you. •

8 HSR, DECEMBER, 1989