~ -.cus- Montrose' Activity Center I,itis itK:al .. iould way, ltual- ciety NEW'S LE-TT E R diere ~- 1gen- oliti- ,f~v-/irj tlve-IMb/al( al(rI~Offeo/l(/I(<<'I('~of Iio«.,ftol( ntity lit of IDted March 1990 ". . Issue 19 nthe ove- ated, The Montrose Activity Center is a non profit 50lc3 organization whose purposes are to increase understanding of social, racial and sexual minorities, and to en- courage acceptance and tolerance of alternative lifestyles so that together the citizens of the City of Houston and the State of Texas may work in the spirit of peaceful cooperation to build abetter society. The organization acts as an umbrella to other organizations. MAC, PO Box 66684, Houston, TX 77266-6684. bout re is Gay/Lesbian Hispanics Unidos ~ Team Houston ~ Names Project Houston ',or,. ness Lesbian/Gay Pride Week ~ Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
Advances have been steady; although at times I Gays Gain Power it seems little has changed as gays stillface a- ank long uphill struggle for respectability y is by John Jacobs pioneers, at times it seems little has changed .. gay because his voting record is similar to points in gay politics. iys. from The San Francisco Examiner "When you are talking about a sexual Frank's gave a glimpse of how much more "S tonewallbrought the hard-line people the As the only gay mayor in Orange County, identity that is abhorrent to 90 percent of work is ahead out," he said. "Anita Bryant brought out the my Robert Gentry has made extraordinary (straight) Americans, that dampens my Writers of the memo, titled ''Tom Foley: young professional doctors and lawyers .. de- progress on gay rights from the heart of perception of our gains," said San Fran- Out of the Liberal Closet," assumed that . and AIDS has done dramatically more Reagan country. cisco lesbian activist Carole Migden, chair- being branded as gay could damage the than' anything I know of in creating a res He persuaded his colleagues on the women of the County Democratic Central career of even the most powerful politi- community." Laguna Beach City Council to adopt laws _ Committee. "It matters to have clout at the cian. And Democrats, includingFrank, were Despite evidence that gay politics still banning discrimination against gays or _ ballot box, but you always-have to watch put in the position of denying that theirnew has a long uphill struggle for respectabil- people who test positive for HIV, and he's your back. That doesn't count for me as a House leader is gay. ity, advances have been steady, especially working on a domestic-partners ordinance. lasting achievement" And, one gay activist conceded privately in the Midwest, where gay political efforts But when Gentry's companion of 15 Countered Rep. BarneyFrank,D-Mass., that he fears the incident could drive deeper have exploded out of the closet in the last years died of AIDS this year and a photo of one of two openly gay members of Con- into the closet gay members of Congress six to eight years. both appeared in the Orange County Reg - gress, "Weare making progress faster than concerned that their voting records might In Chicago, for example, a divided City ASiheootygaymayoriIlomngeCooniY~ - ideritiWtfiat i!iaDborrent to 90 percent ()f work IS aneau ou~"liesai(f~'''AnitaBryantbroughtout_, Robert Gentry has made extraordinary (straight) Americans, that dampens my Writers of the memo, titled ''Tom Foley: young professional doctors and lawyers .. progress on gay rights from the heart of perception of our gains," said San Fran- Out of the Liberal Closet," assumed that . and AIDS has done dramatically more Reagan country. cisco lesbian activist Carole Migden,chair- being branded as gay could damage the than anything I know of in creating a He persuaded his colleagues on the womenoftheCountyDemocraticCentral career of even the most powerful politi- community." Laguna Beach City Council to adopt laws Committee. "It matters to have clout at the cian, And Democrats, including Frank, were Despite evidence that gay politics still banning discrimination against gays or ballot box, but you always have to watch put in the position of denying that their new has a long uphill struggle for respectabil- people who test positive for HIV, and he's your back. That doesn't count for me as a House leader is gay. ity, advances have been steady, especially working on a domestic-partners ordinance. lasting achievement" And, one gay activist conceded privately in the Midwest, where gay political efforts But when Gentry's companion of 15 Countered Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., that he fears the incident could drive deeper have exploded out of the closet in the last years died of AIDS this year and a photo of one of two openly gay members of Con- into the closet gay members of Congress six to eight years. both appeared in the Orange County Reg - gress, "We are making progress faster than concerned that their voting records might In Chicago, for exam ple, a divided Ci ty ister, Gentry got what looked like a sympa- we thought, but slower than it should be. . be used to expose them. Council-with some members calling gays thy card in the mail. Someone had clipped . (Even so), the response of this country on Nevertheless, gay Los Angeles political "sissies" and "animals"-last September out the photo, drawn a red circle around his AIDS, is much more civilized than I thought consultant David Mixner maintains that rejected 26-21 a human rights ordinance lover and a line through him and scrawled it would be five years ago." "gay politics is the strongest it has ever that would have protected gay men and on the bottom, "One down and one to go." Yet, the uproar last week over a Repub- been." Mixner cited the 1969 Stonewall lesbians in housing and employment. It was a' reminder that even as gay lican National Committee memo insinuat- Inn riots in New York, the 1977 Anita But with the mayor's race in full swing, political power has spread across America ing that the new House majority leader, Bryant Florida crusade against gays and the council reversed itself three months in ways that would have astonished its Rep. Tom Foley of Washington, might be .the onslaught of AIDS as three turning see Gays Gain Power page 4 '\. Southeastern Conference 1990 _
lina) Jesse Helms would be running for It is all about living up to our possibilities By Jill C. McCoy u.s. Senate Passes ''The feeling we want to create here is office this year, and going around the as a people." like walking in to a gay community-the country slandering us, as a people, and As a means toward doing tnat; the Hate Crimes Statistic Act 2 wonder of realizing that there are things out slandering our good works," Pilkington Conference will focus on four days of The bill requires the us Department of Justice to "acquire data about cer- there for 'people like me.' It's not about added. ''They accuse us of being wasted education and recreation designed to help tain crimes which manifest evidence politics, or coming out; it's about learning, people, of not doing anything good for the people take positive things back to their of prejudice based on race, religion, and having fun, and just like Old Home communities, all sorts of erroneous things. homes. sexual orientation, or ethnicity." It's our job to prove they are wrong." Week." Registration fees for the Conference are Lesbian/Gay Pride 3 Raleigh, North Carolina will play host Pilkington said the Conference's theme, $80 per person, which includes admittance June 15-24 1990 Marcil 22-25 to the 1990 Southeastern "Working to Strengthen Our Southeastern to all activities over the four-day period. Conference for Lesbians and Gay Men, Communities", is a way for gay and lesbian The Conference will open Thursday, Calendar of Events 5 to 8 and Willie Pilkington, co-chair of the event, people to do something to stop the slander. March 22 with a candlelight vigil between The Invisible Electorate 10 was searching for words to explain what he "Our people are not going to accept this. the Radisson Plaza Hotel and the Raleigh The time is now to demand gay inclu- and other steering committee members are -The only story the community, at large Civic Center, which will be the central sion in election coverage' for 1990. This means working hard to organize hoping to bring about at this year's event knows about us is what is being spoken by location for activities. a vocal and visible presence in people who hate us, and who would rather "From its concept, it was wanting to do Directly following the vigil, the Names elections-and on the streets. something good for the Raleigh gay com- lie about us. This is the climate of the 90' s Project/National AIDS Memorial Quilt munity by bringing the most ideas and the that we're going to have to go in to." Display will open in the Raleigh Civic Partisan Politics 11 Many gay and lesbian activists began . best people in with this Conference. It has "With us strengthening our gay commu- Center, and run during the Conference. to work within the established politi- been a long time since the Conference has nities, the focus becomes real clear," Pilk- Volunteers have secured from 72 to 100 cal system of electoral politics (par- been-in the northern part of the Southeast- ington said. "We need to spread the story of 12-foot by 12-foot sections of the Quilt, ticularly within the Democratic Party), ern region," Pilkington said. what we are doing to strengthen the region which will cover the 30,000 square foot continuing the reformist or civil rights "One thought was that people like we live in, and we need to tell ourselves, if floor of the Civic Center main arena strategy for social change (United States Senator from North Caro- no one else, that it is all good. It is all rig hi. see Southeastern Conference page 4 Election March 13 Montrose Activity Center N E- W S LET T E R Page: 2 March 1990 --Mal U. S. Senate Passes Hate Crimes Statistics Act p~
Lawmakers Reject Anti-Gay Helms Amendment byW and I In an historic moment for the gay and or-down, gay-related issue. amendment. cic. M: lesbian community, the U.S. Senate voted "Today the U.S. Senate sent a strong The Helms amendment, overwhelm- Voting against the bill were Senators work 92 to 4 to pass. the Federal Hate Crime signal to the bigots and bashers in our ingly defeated by the Senate, stated, (1) William Armstrong (R-CO), Gordon tern 0 Statistics Act. Before voting for passage, country that violence against lesbians and The Homosexual movement threatens the Humphrey (R-NH) ,TrentLott(R-MS)and the D Senate lawmakers rejected, by 77-19, a gay men in as intolerable as violence against strength and the survival of the American Jesse Helms, formi move by Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) to racial, religioU.S. and ethnic minorities," family as tPe basic unit of society; (2) State Both Senators Lloyd Bentsen and Phil chang attach a four-part anti-gay amendment to said Urvashi Vaid, National Gay and Les- laws prohibiting sodomy should be en- Gramm of Texas voted for the bill. dates - . the bill. bian Task Force (NGL TF) executivedirec- forced; (3) The federal government should hoper The landslide vote marks the first time tor. "It marks the culmination of seven not provide discrimination protections on 'and g in the history of the Senate that the perva- years of work by the Task Force to gain a the basis of "sexual orientation;" and (4) for p sive problem of anti-gay and lesbian vio- political response to the enormoU.S. prob- School curriculums should not condone. statut lence has been addressed, the first time lem of anti-gay violence." homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle in of sei gay -positive legislation has passed the Sen- The bill requires the U.S. Department of American society. ...;.;:; :.::-- . the c( :::::~.::;;;;~;~:~::::":'" ate, and the first time the gay and lesbian m.S.tice to "acquire data about certain "Senator Simon and Hatch deserve whos community has defeated Helms on the up- crimes which manifest evidence of preju- considerable credit for passage of this bill," lectiv laws dice based on race, religion, sexual orien- said Peri Jude Radecic, NGL TF legislati ve ...... :.:.:::::: ~~~I~IIIII:i:l:i~~~(lIs.~:::',:: tation, or ethnicity." director. "They were unrelenting in their I~:l~::::::···.;..·;·.. righ~ ed notes ''This bill in the beginning of the slip-. commitmentto include gays and lesbians Or pery slope downward for homophobic in this landmark legislation." the gs March brings us an important election skinhead bigots, violent racists, anti-sem- NGL TF was instrumental in forming a _"11.ii'i#j; ;;::::;:::::;:::::::::::::::;::::::::::;.:. :::::::::.:. .Starting a New Decade Ban on discrimination minori ::ill~~~~!!~~:::i::!;:i:i:i:ii!::j:j:j!!:!ii!~::!!!!!!!1f.111!;:; tolerate from Frontiers in the Courtrooms Thej A new year and a new decade are now upon us. It is difficult sion inl National Lesbian and Gay Law Association causes ABA to I for our community to look back on the '80s except in tribute to means I add Discrimination Protections for Lesbians and Gay Men in those who are no longer with us. There is scarcely a gay or les- and visl Courtrooms bian household that has not been touched by the untimely death ~"I.IJ~ the strJ The National Lesbian and Gay Law Association held a press If you would like to get a free copy or from AIDS of those who are near and dear. Half a generation of groups contribute to help pay for this newsletter, I our finest men are either dead or dying. conference on Tuesday, January 16, 1990 in front of the District Campai of Columbia Courthouse to announce the inclusion of a ban you may do so in a tax deductible gift to the . j How do you count the loss? Is it in smiles we will never see and above address: But It i laughs that we will never hear again? Or is it in words that will against antigay discrimination in the court systems. media a never be spoken or written? Perhaps it is loves that will never be Successful lobbying by the National Lesbian and Gay Law minori loved or pictures that will never be painted. It is all the things that Association (NLGLA) caused the American Bar Association Name loudly i might have been .... For our community, a decade of death is (ABA) to include a ban against discrimination based on sexual And itf behind us arid the new decade shows little promise of much that orientation in its draft Model Code of Judicial Conduct. Specific journali is better. Still, those of us who have survived have become protection in the code mearis that lesbians and gay men can wayblJ Address stronger and more compassionate for the experience. We move expect and demand fair treatment in the judicial system. fight. forward because we refuse to stand still or, worse, to be pushed The code applies to judges throughout the country and gay glq back into the closets from which we came. subjects them to discipline if they violate its ethical canons. It elector.! City Will the '90s again be gay? Much of that depends on you! The will now send an explicit message to judges that they will be AfI winds of change are blowing. As a community, we have become held personally accountable if they discriminate against gay papers people. politically and financially powerful. H we continue to unite and State ZIP phobia form coalitions with others, maybe-just maybe-this decade will In 1988 Judge Jack Hampton told newspaper reporters in candi bring to fruition the life-long dreams of social and sexual equality Dallas, Texas that he had given a lighter sentence to convicted bigoted murderers because their victims were gay. He blamed the that we have long pursued. Home Phone Use your money and your mind to create change. Then use victims for their Own murders. NLGLA cited this and other ~7e~ your voice and your vote to implement it. We live in a political outrageous examplesof anti-gaydiscrimination by judges when torial. 1 society. A wasted vote is as unforgivable as unsafe sex. Think it testified before the ABA Committee on Ethics and Profes- Work Phone coveragl, about it! Then do something about it! 1990 is a major election sionalResponsibility. Judge Hampton has since been censured well-or: year.A. by theTexas Judicial Commission on Ethics.A. commur Montrose Activity Center NEW S LET T E R March 1990 Page: 3 Relationship Houston Lesbian/Gay Pride '90 flnancial claim P.o. 541993 77254-1993 Q: I plan to live with a man in the Box Houston.Texas very near future and am wondering what steps we should take in order to make sure Message Center: 490-4484 that neither has a financial claim on the other should we ever decide to split up? Presents A: You should have a written agree- ment, signed by both of you, that may be very simple or very complicated depend- 11/ ~ ~ ing on your circumstances. But, the agree- ment should cover the following points: ,. -/I~~' • \ 'Y a description of your relationship ....•~ as a partnership that is not subject to statu- 11/ tory or case-law provisions relating to A • • ~ marriage .. /1/ 'Y a descriptionon how property ac- tee \\\ 1// quired during the relationship should be ~. owned (that is, equally or in separate • ~ names.) 'Y a decision on how debts' incurred ~A~ • /II'! • for the benefit of the relationship or to pay for property acquired in the names of both parties to the relationship will be treated. 'Y a decision on how property ac- quired during the relationship should be di- vided if you ever decide to end the relation- ship. is 'Y a listing of the property owned prior to the relationship that shall remain the sole property of one or the other. . 'Y a breach of contract clause that THE SECOND ANNUAL obliges the party who does not live to the the agreement to pay any legal cost re- quired to get the other party to meet his or ~t th her obligations agreed upon in the written In agreement. I l:::II::fiL:z: • VI, ship. ~; .•. a listing of the property owned prior to the relationship that shall remain the sole property of one or the other. . ..•• a breach of contract clause that /11 THE SECOND ANNUAL obliges the party who does not live to the ~ the agreement to pay any legal cost re- quired to get the other party to meet his or : her obligations agreed upon in the written Ith agreement. n TV nix ad by Marc Stein from Gay Community News Against the backdrop of the Walt FOR A I D· 5 B ALL Whitman Bridge, a young gay man says "Hey, I just found out that Walt Whitman A MASQUERADE BENEFITTING: AIDS FOUt"DATION/STONE SOUP ;e, was gay ... you know, the guy they named BERING FOUNDATION • OMEGA H-OUSE .0 PWA ASSISTANCE FUND d the bridge after. I wish I had known that ,te when I was in high school. Back then, I got PWA COALITION • HOUSTON LESBIAN/GAY PRIDEWEEK '90 at hassled all the time by the other kids, 'cause le I'm gay-and the teachers, they just stood W around and didn't say anything." Millions of viewers almost got to see this 30-second public service announce- ·SUNDAY, MARCH 11 .3-7 RM. ment (PSA) which was produced by the Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force (pLGTF). However, in what PLGTF Ex- 2401 SAN JACINTO In the Ballroom at Rich's ecutive Director Rita Addessa and co-chair Larry Gross have labeled broadcast cen- TICKETS:$12 Advance/$15 Door sorship, every local station pulled the plug CASH BAR MASK REQUIRED (Semi-tormal Affire, Please) ~y on the spot Stations said that the PSA ,m "makes a statement" and "seems like en- TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT: ce couragement [of a] lifestyle." The stations, Mark Anthony's Hair Salon; We Deliver Videos; ry also claimed that Whitman's estate could House of Coleman; Club Body Center; Rich's; I' file suit, that assertions of Whitman's In Midtowne Spa; Als Formal Wear (Weslayan as homosexuality require "substantiation" and n- that Whitman isn't alive to defend himself. location); Inklings Bookshop; leather By Boots; in Some stations have aired other PLGTF Printex Plus; Pot Pie Pizzaria; Bering Community f' PSAs that dealt with anti-gay discrimina- Service Foundation; Oh Boy leather Goods; fr tion and Lesbian and Gay Pride Month. Union Jack; The Ruggles Grill; Charlie's ,It Gross said the station's refusal to air the fa spot "continues a pattern in the media of Restaurant; lobo Bookshop; ~d silencing our community, denial, and the & The Bead Artigiani. I 'r- erasure of our existence . . . . We expect AN HLGPW'90 I s broadcasters to live up to their responsibili- PRODUCTION ties to the communities they serve." Montrose Activity Center NEW S LET T E R Page: 4 March 1990 Ma. ~ Southeastern Conference for .lesbians and gays from page 1 Washington Sisters, and several other art- with less life threatening concepts, and sexuals back in school and adjusted to their ''That means a whole lot of material," ists, Pilkington said. range from various gay-related business lifestyles. Ms. Hunter will speak about the said Quilt committee moderator Sally Workshops will be offered throughout topics, developing community resources, schools' programs and how others may get Nelson. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings in discussing traditional Church concepts of involved in serving lesbian and gay youth. Nelson commented that she hopes the 50 minute time blocks, including two se- Homosexuality to workshops entitled "These are all ordinary people who NAMES Project exhibit will bring out a ries of 12 and 11 workshops dealing with 'Leathersex 101: Everything you wanted decided to stand up and do something to crowd of its own. the subject of AiDS and Sodomy Laws. to know but were afraid to ask.' make a change," Pilkington said. "They Abby Rubenfeld, co-chair for the Na- Friday and Saturday will hold a two day "It's real obvious every damn thing we weren't. special, just\. determined that things series of workshops, entertainment, speak- do is overshadowed by the Sodomy Laws," tional Association of Lesbian and Gay should be different: That is what we want to ers, and the opening of a Community Pilkington said. "No matter how good, Lawyers, will talk Friday morning about emphasize for this Conference. We're going ¥arketplace at 8 AM each morning. how smart, how wealthy, or how poor we her strategies to repeal sodomy laws in the to need ourselves to look around our com- ''The Community Marketplace is kind are, those laws hang over our heads like a South, as well as offer one of the work- munities and see what there is, then chip in of like a flea market, where you get to see death trap." shops dealing with sodomy law enforce- to make our communities change for the vendors from all over the country, and I do "Even though we are doing a lot of good ment Ms. Rubenfeld lives in Nashville, better." mean all over the country, show their wares. work, these laws are part of our region. At TN. Whereas early registrations are running We have room for 100 vendors, on one side this Conference we want to focus on these Allen Berube, author of Coming Out high for this time of year, Pilkington said of the Civic Center, and they will be there laws, and develop a strategy to get rid of Under Fire, will present a talk Friday after- he had no real numbers on how many Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning." Sodomy Laws in our states. If we do that, noon on the research for his book, which attendees to expect. Pilkington explained. we have done the ultimate good for our details the stories of lesbians and gays in "We expect at least 400 people, but we Entertainment will take several forms generation," Pilkington said the military during World War II, and how may get as many people as there are on our over the Conference, with several profes- The series of AIDS workshops will the wartime atmosphere allowed for the mailing list, which is 10,000," he said. sional acts highlighted in a concert series include several workshops dealing with first major changes in attitudes about "The important thing is to register early so Friday and Saturday nights, as well as an treatment, care provider burnout, respon- homosexuals in the U.S. Mr. Berube cur- we can guarantee space." • 22 ongoing community stage offering a series sible reporting of AIDS in the media, rural rently lives in San Francisco. For more information or for a registra- of professional and non-professional acts health care, and host representatives from, Ambrose Sims, first openly gay police- tion form contact SECLGM '90 at Box Marc throughout Friday and Saturday. among others, the Whitman Walker Clinic man in the South, will talk Saturday morn- 28863, Raleigh, NC 27611-8863, or call 1- the 0 now ''The Community Stage will have co- in Washington, D.C., the National AIDS ing on coming out in a sensitive job, as well 919-833-1209.A uled ...... •...... :.:.:.:.:.:.:.: ..... , as suggest ideas on how to organize at a :;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;::;::::::.;.:-:-:.;.:.:.:.: ...... ,..:. medians, poets, musicians, a group of Texas Network, and the National Interfaith AIDS AIDS two-step dancers, clog and line dance teams, Network. local level. He lives in Miami Beach, FL. a leather fashion show, and a whole bunch ''The AIDS workshops and the Names Joyce Hunter, director of the Harvey of other community-based entertainment Project Quilt complement each other," Milk High School in New York City, will "from across the region," Pilkington said. Pilkington said "One will act as an emo- talk Saturday afternoon. Milk High School Evening entertainment will feature inter- tional outlet and other will show people is a fully accredited public high school for national musician and entertainer Lynn how to deal with AIDS." gay and lesbian youth, and has proven to be Lavner, Ohio-based recording artists The Many of the workshops, he noted deal a successful program to get teenage homo- ., -'T~.xr-~~O~•~1tl_Q.OUlP-:• r ~ manager. "One state we had not had as a routinely prevent them from entering the _'noril"'tt.~hl_1\"tnn,pcu"\t~~·_~,...arnp. on,p ul'ith {"'nl1ntru_~_nd \1,.ith~~~nritu-C...1P-~.-rn_nc.e._o:u_ide_~ ~ _ gnoot Fnaay ana satutuay. ngmners, UlewnftmaJrWIDJ{erCnm lanUrUle-.:fOu~alllIuaymOJII- ut' in Washington, D.C., the National AIDS ing on coming out in a sensitive job, as well now "The Community Stage will have co- uled medians, poets, musicians, a group of Texas Network, and the National Interfaith AIDS as suggest ideas on how to organize at a local level. He lives in Miami Beach, FL. AIDS two-step dancers, clog and line dance teams, Network. cone Joyce Hunter, director of the Harvey a leather fashion show, and a whole bunch "The AIDS workshops and the Names Sir, of other community-based entertainment Project Quilt complement each other," Milk High School in New York City, will wnte l - from across the region," Pilkington said. Pilkington said. "One will act as an emo- talk Saturday afternoon. Milk High School ca11~ Evening entertainment will feature inter- tional outlet and other will show people is a fully accredited public high school for national musician and entertainer Lynn how to deal with AIDS." gay and lesbian youth, and has proven to be Lavner, Ohio-based recording artists The Many of the workshops, he noted deal a successful program to get teenage homo- manager. "One state we had not had as a routinely prevent them from entering the Gays gain power priority - Minnesota - became one, with country and with security-clearance guide- (lesbian legislator) Karen Wilson as co- lines that bar them from certain jobs. At chair. We came in a very strong second continued from page 1 Washington-based lobbying group. state and county levels, gays often have later, approving the same ordinance 28-17. ~ Nearly 30 openly gay officials there. Lavender was one stripe of the rain- major problems in child custody fights and Mayor Eugene Sawyer, aware of the im- have been elected throughout the nation, bow." in qualifying as foster parents. portance of the gay vote, "prayed" with including two members of Congress, Frank Despite these gains, 25 states and the Many gay activists see an absence of some key allies on the council. "But I and Rep. Gerry Studds, both from Massa- District of Columbia still have sodomy effective gay leadership, in part because of laws that criminalize some gay sex, mak- the toll of AIDS and in part because of the didn't use the Bible. I used this," Sawyer chusetts. Dozens more have been appointed \. said after the vote, picking up a copy of the to powerful local or state boards and com- ing it a felony in 15 of those states. Some of perceived "cost" of coming out. city budget missions. these laws are titled "crimes against na- Not do the various gay groups always 29 Sawyer had discovered what other big- ~ A sophisticated gay lobby has ture," "sexual psychopaths" and "deviant work together smoothly. city politicians and champions of gay rights grown up in Washington, which - coupled sexual conduct." Church groups and con- Dr. Bruce Voeller, a pioneer gay leader like Mayor Agnos in San Francisco, Kathy with a gay political action committee that servative politicians often team up to fight and research scientist, said gay groups, Whitmire in Houston and Marion Barry in contributed more than $300,000 to mem- repeal efforts. unlike the black civil rights groups in the Washington, D.C., have also learned-that bers of Congress last year - has access to A national poll conducted by Teichner 1940s and '50s haven't agreed on a legal in the words of San Francisco Board of key politicians and policy-makers. Associates for The Examiner found that strategy to advance their cause, including Supervisors President Harry Britt, "along ~ A group called Gay and Lesbian nearly one of five voters would not vote for which case to pick to push forward to the with environmentalists and minorities, we Democrats of America now lists some 70 a gay candidate. Supreme Court. are part of the changing face of urban gay and lesbian political clubs as members, And only one state, Wisconsin [also "Too often," he said, there is a parochi- politics." a huge increase in just a few years, said its Massachusetts], has a gay rights law, alism and turf-war aspect to this that we ''The mayor of Baltimore, for example, director, Chris Riddiough. adopted in 1982. When a similar bill passed need to outgrow. will meet with gay officials and talk about ~ No politician who has supported the California Legislature in 1983, Gov. "Weare so busy putting brush out fires the gay agenda," Britt said. gay rights proposals has suffered at the Deukmejian vetoed it. that we haven't done the long-range plan- Signs of progress polls, according to political consultant Gay rights groups in Connecticut and ning. We need a lO-year plan and 20-year Because the one-man, one-vote 1964 Mixner. Massachusetts hoped to pass similar gay plan, and we don'thave it." Supreme Court ruling shifted political ~ The 1988 Democratic National rights bills this year But the Connecticut The AIDS epidemic has raised a host of power from rural areas to the cities, where Convention in Atlanta included 98 openly House defeated the bill 79-71 in March, problems involving insurance, death bene- more gays and lesbians live, urban politi- gay delegates or alternates, a 30 percent and one proposed by Massachusetts wasn't fits, bereavement leave, hospital visitation cians in state legislatures and in Congress increase over 1984. Many were energized expected to pass, despite its reputation as rights, confidentiality of test results, and . have become increasingly responsive to by the Rev. Jesse Jackson's presidential the most liberal state in the nation. statewide initiative campaigns calling for their gay constituencies. campaign. Jackson was the first major "This is an Irish-Catholic-dominated quarantines or other restrictions aimed at Other signs of progress: candidate to explicitly seek the gay vote state and the Catholic Church has a very people with AIDS. ~ Nearly 80 communities now have and the only one who consistently visited strong hold over the state Legislature," The disease has diverted resources from some form of anti-discrimination ordinance AIDS clinics. said lobbyist Arlene Isaacson, co-chair of other gay civil rights issues and has forced that includes sexual orientation, compared "The gay community became a resource the Boston Gay and Lesbian Caucus. gays and lesbians to better define how with none 20 years ago, according to the for us everywhere we went in the country," Nationally, gays still face problems with government can help them. the military, with immigration officials who National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, a said Gerald Austin, Jackson's campaign see Gays Gain Pow~r page 10 Montrose Activity Center NEW S LET T E R March 1990 Page: 5 Golden International Correspon- Alliance Threads by Gene Harrington "The days of the $500,000 AIDS death Faced with a staggering AIDS caseload should be over" lamented an Alliance The Fourth Annual Golden Threads dents Needed and mounting criticism of its lack of re- consultant Besides dismissing HIV infec- Celebration will take place on June 22-24, Paz y Liberacion (peace & Liberation), sponse, Harris County'set up a quasi-pub- tion as a pre-wake waiting game and dis- 1990 at the Holiday Inn in Provincetown, a twelve year old publication dedicated to lic entity to coordinate local AIDS policy torting AIDS health care costs, the state- Massachusetts. Lesbians from allover the promoting the lesbian & gay movement in and develop an adequate funding plan. Un- ment indicates a monetary concern which United States, many from Canada and other Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle fortunately the Greater Houston AIDS had obviously distorted the Alliance per- countries, will converge in Provincetown East, needs two volunteers to help answer Alliance has been hampered since its.in- ception of government's role in society. to celebrate what they are and their age, correspondence from Latin America (in ception by charges of insensitivity and Aside from blindly assuming coopera- whatever that is. Spanish) and from Asia (in English). Also conflicts of interest. Its recent proposal, tion from private physicians, cynically The highlight of the celebration will be needed is a volunteer to handle correspon- which would place the burden or indigent expecting insured AIDS patients to acqui- a banquet, followed by the internationally dence with people in USA prisons. health care on the backs of persons with esce, and distorting the Alliance's role in known folk singer and Lesbian entertainer, Many writers are lonely and need a AIDS with private insurance coverage, is the private sector, the plan is constitution- Alix Dobkin. The evening's festi vities will concerned response. PyL also offers a free so unrealistic that questions have now arisen ally suspect. conclude will dancing. The evening's fes- penpal service so you would be making up about the basic competence of the Alliance's Put into the simplest terms, the funding tivities will conclude with dancing. During ads for correspondents. A few hours a board and executive staff. The publicized, plan is based on the implicit "blame the the weekend, rap sessions will be offered. month would be fine. Call John Hubert, but as yet unwritten, plan envisions private victim" philosophy which singles out per- In existence since 1985, Golden Threads Editor, 523-6381 or write Box 66450, businesses contracting with the Alliance sons with AIDS as the basic source of is a worldwide network of Lesbians over Houston, TX 77266-6450 for more for an insurance coverage that would funding for a societal responsibility that 50, and women who are interested in older information)" "entice" employees with AIDS to utilize women-no Lesbian is excluded. A contact traditionally is shared by the entire com- the county's public hospital and clinic. munity. Since 80% to 90% of the county publication, Golden Threads, is published Montrose Activity Center Thus, the county's cost for indigent AIDS four times a year. It lists many self-descrip- AIDS patients are gay men, the dispropor- care would be offset by the profits realized tionate affect the plan poses for one of the tions of Lesbians, resources, book reviews For more information please contact PM, from these privately insured AIDS patients. most vulnerable sectors of society is fright- and an editorial, which addresses the inter- Christine Burton, Golden Threads, Box 5W Under the guise of innovation and cost ening. Forcing all AIDS patients into a ests and concerns of the older Lesbian. 3177, Burlington, VT 05401-0031.A management, the Alliance seriously pro- public hospital system, regardless of indi- poses a funding mechanism that would gent status, is akin to quarantine and segre- have insured persons with AIDS pay for gation. (Obviously, the outcry when the New Program Targets indigent AIDS costs in lieu of county tax Alliance recently segregated the county dollars. indigent AIDS caseload from other county The plan, publicized before even being patients did little to sensitize them.) A plan Young Activists discussed with the alliance's medical of treatment for persons with AIDS, and committee, ignores the interests of private the funding mechanism for such, which is A new education and training program 14 through July 15, with students having physicians, the wishes of persons with inherently different and inferior would for young lesbian and gay activists has full access to the resources of the Bay Area AIDS, and raises basic questions of legal- violate established principles of equal been launched by the California-based Criti- gay/lesbiancommunity including the 1990 ity. Additionally, the plan highlights con- protection. cal Literacy Institute in the first national Lesbian and Gay Freedom Celebration, tinuing questions concerning the Alliance's Would the Alliance's board, under other .--L'~ _ effort to locate and encourage the next The International Lesbian and Gay' Film code of ethics. .I.'O..~••-,-".•..•_~.a.t:*'" •••~•..,...oA ...".-! l. _ • ii4 poses a funding mechanism that w~uld PUU11VnU:SP~1al-~ys[em,regm:Oless ot mdi- have insured persons with AIDS pay for ge~t status, IS.akin to quarantine and segre- indige t AIDS . li f gauon. (Obviously, the outcry when the Ne-w- Program Targets n costs in eu 0 county ,lancetax All' recently segregated the county d 11 oars. . . In. diigent AI DS caseload from other county . The plan, ~ubhC1Zed before even being patients did little to sensitize them.) A plan Young Activists dlscus.sed ~Ith the a~liance's me~ical of treatment for persons with AIDS, and com,!u.ttee, Ignore~ the Interests of pnvate the funding mechanism for such, which is A new education and training program 14 through July 15, with students having physicians, t~e wls~es of ~rsons with inherently different and inferior would for young lesbian and gay activists has full access to the resources of the Bay Area :'lDS, a~~ raises basic ques~on~ of legal- violate established principles of equal been launched by the California-based Criti- gay/lesbiancommunity including the 1990 ity. Additionally, the plan highlights con- protection. cal Literacy Institute in the first national Lesbian and Gay Freedom Celebration, tinuing questions concerning the Alliance' s Would the All' 'sbo d d h o lance s ar, un erot er od th effort to locate and encourage the next The International Lesbian and Gay Film ceo f e ICS. circumstances,.. senously propose under- generation of gay and lesbian leaders. The Festival and the Sixth International AIDS The Plan isn't viable. writing county indigent child care costs by New Pacific Academy for Lesbian and Conference. Any hope for the plan's success requires inducing pregnant insured women into the Gay Community Service Activism will While no tuition is required of partici- cooperation from private physicians and county hospital system? Obviously what open in June 1990, with a one-month inten- pants, New Pacific is soliciting donations privately insured AIDS patients to ensure would be ludicrous for pregnant women sive training program at the University of to help defray travel costs. "We hope that adequate medical personnel and' a suffi- would be acceptable for HIV infected indi- California campus in Berkeley, California. gay and lesbian community organizations cient pool of paying patients. The recent viduals according to the Alliance. Fortu- The goal of the program, dubbed "Basic will assist us by recommending promising short history of the now defunct Houston ' nately, common sense and the constitution Training," is to provide young lesbians and young activists and subsidizing their trans- AIDS Hospital clearly indicates that nei- disagree. gay men with the knowledge, practical portation to Berkeley," said Executive ther the ~octors nor the patients will be The plan appears so flawed that it poses g skills and peer support necessary for effec- Director Luke Adams. Adams and Jones forthcommg. little real danger of being implemented. tive leadership in the 1990's. hope to assemble a student body fully rep- If AIDS specialists were unwilling to Ironically, then, the proposal poses a greater Initial funding of the program has been resentative of the diverse gay and lesbian join the plush private AIDS hospital, they threat to the Alliance's credibility than to provided by an anonymous donor and New communities. According to Cleve Jones, most assuredly will find less incentive to' the security of persons with AIDS. Besides Pacific expects to cover-all costs for par- responsible for program planning, "We join a public clinic that does not even have its obvious shortcomings, the plan high- tep ticipants except travel expenses. Room, want these young people to leave our pro- access to public transportation and is al- lights conflict of interest charges which ~lp, board and course materials will be pro- gram with a complete understanding of the cal ready at 300% of it's patient capacity. have clung to the Alliance since its incep- ; vided without charge. The 1990 "Basic issues affecting the many different seg- el- (Ironically the county's own AIDS spe- tion. In this instance, the board consultant Training" will be offered to 200 young ments of our population. " Adams and Jones en cialist balked at joining this clinic.) initiating this funding proposal is also the 137 people, 18 to 30 years old, with demon- have opened an office in San Francisco and strated commitment to social service or begun assembling a staff to coordinate the And private AIDS patients, even under Ex~cutive Director of the entil?' that the political activism benefiting the gay and 1990 "Basic Training." Young people in- the duress the Alliance proposes, would Alliance proposes to contract w~th for the lesbian community. The student body will terested in enrolling in the summer program have ev~n greater reason to decline the s~stem. As .the.spouse of the chief execu- be half men and half women, with 50% of .should write to New Pacific and request an proposal. Expecting persons with a life uve of a major msur~ce co~pany, she h~s the students drawn from communities of application form. All applications must be threatening illness with private insurance ~so def~nded questionable Insurance poli- color. Students will be offered a wide range postmarked no later than April 16, 1990. coverage to accept health care at a county cies while atte"!ptmg to sti~e AII?S pro- of lectures and workshops presented by Anyone interested in presenting a lecture hospital is at best naive. testors. Bad ethics makes paid policy, some of the gay and lesbian community's or workshop during the summer program Additionally, for its success the plan's I.f Houston is ever g~ing to .meet the most accomplished activists, academics and should contact Cleve Jones directly at the adoption would require a governmental basic h~ltl~ care needs of Its ~rowm~ AIDS artists, balancing theoretical information NAMES Project, Box 14573, San body to meddle in private employment population It needs a mechanI~m. which not with practical skills building. Francisco, CA 94114. Volunteers inter- relationships while attempting to regulate only under~tands the .economlc Iss~es, but Founded by veteran activist Cleve Jones ested in office support work for the pro- "acceptable" health care costs for private also the basic human mterests and rights of and youth organizer Luke Adams, New gram should contact Donna Ozawa at New patients. those affected. One should not have to add that self interest has no place in this gov- Pacific is governed by a Board of Directors Pacific Academy, 2338 Market Street, San ernment decision making. Unfortunately, and an Advisory Board composed of activ- Francisco, CA 94114 orcall415- 252-1690. Gene Harrington is a law professor at with AIDS in Houston, it must be added ists from throughout the United States. The All donations and in-kind contributions are Texas Southern University and has served with emphasis) v 1990 "Basic Training" will run from June tax -deductible.X on the TexasLegislativeAIDSTaskForce.l. Montrose Activity Center NEW S LET T E R March 1990 Page: 6 -~ SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY - Lesbian Incest Survivors (LISA), 4:00 PM, Lesbian Therapy Group, Therapy group ad- The Support Group for Gay and Lesbian WOIl meets at Inklings, 1846 Richmond, call Sherry dressing relationships and issues surrounding Codependents Anonymous, This.is a discus- worn , for more details 527-8712 being a lesbian and a woman, Sharon Stone 'and sion group for the gay and lesbian community have Associates, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, 3935 Wes- with issues related to codependency. No mem- adde J theimer, Suite 360, call 623-6081 for informa- bershiprequired., 6:30 PM, Montrose Counsel- 6:00 411 tion ing Center, Round Room, 900 Lovett, call Sharon 405C Adult Children of Alcoholics, 7:30 PM, Church J. at 893-0514 for information. mv of Religious Science, North Houston, call 350- Lesbian Partners of Incest Survivors, Profes- Driv 9378 for information sionally facilitated, Montrose Counseling Cen- J WOII I' Lone Star Symphonic Band, Rehearsal Night, ter, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, 900 Lovett, call 529- worn "r I~~ 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, 1919 Decatur, for infor- 0037 forinformation strau mation call 862-5058 Wilde 'n' Stein, discussion,"- news, features and at Sc, opinion on issues in the gay and lesbian commu- Be~ nity, join Deborah Bell and Jack Valinski, 9:00 frieq PM to 11:00 PM, KPFf, 90.1 FM, call 526- 144~ 4000 for information WOI; ·l\~ PMj 528~ Set' for~ "r I~I~ for ii SUNDAY MONDAY' TU"E S DA Y - -.. ------a 4 5 6 7 The Women's Group, S.K. Bardwell from the Political Seminar, Will cover various political Houston Police Bureau will be the guest speaker, party rules covering the convention delegate Gay I 'Women Making a Difference in Houston'. selection process, how to participate and how to Metrl Reporter Bardwell will convey the history and organize a precinct convention. Knowledge- Gray evolution of the Houston Post's series 'Women able individuals from several local and state - Ie in Fear' published last October. Many of us organizations will give short presentations a, were s, 10:00 AM, at First Unitarian Universal- 7:00 PM, Multi-service Center, 1475 W. Gray, ~ ist Church, 5210 Fannin, at Southrnore, call call Dennis 741-7401 for information ! Ii I i' 529-7329 for information Wilde 'n' Stein, special discussion about gay ~!!!:14 Mothers' Support Web, A social gathering of and lesbian people running for poliltical office, inotherslpartners and their children, together Ray Hill will talk about his race and Annise with womyninterested in supporting their needs Parker will talk about the election process and' (childcare ect.), to find others with common how to get involved in it, 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, r interests and childrearing philosophies so that. KPFf, 90.1 FM, call 526-4000 for information womyn can spin mutually supportive webs., 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, First Unitarian Universal- ist Church, 2nd floor, 5210 Fannin, call Nancy TEAM at 529-3362 for information. L- Montrose Activity Center NEW S LET T E R March 1990 Page: 7 WEDNESDAY FRIDA Y SATURDAY Women's Hour, Although 'music' isn't part of the name anymore, -Friday Feature, Coffee House So- The Support Group for Gay and Lesbian Codependents Anony- women's music is still an integral part of the show. Claire and Yoshiko cials, An Alternative Gathering mous, This is a discussion group for the gay and lesbian community have always played music by, for, and about women. Now they have PW Arty for PW As PW Arcs and with issues related to codependency. No membership required., Round added interviews, news stories, and a Women's Calendar to their form, Friends at, 7:00 PM, Bering Care Room, 5:00 PM, Montrose Counseling Center, 900 Lovett, round 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, KTRU-FM, 91.7 FM, for information call 527- Center, 1440 Harold, call 520-7070 room, call Sharon J. at 893-0514 for information 4050 for information HATCH, Houston Area Teens Concerned with Homosexuality, mV/AIDS Support Group, 7:00 PM, Unity Church, 2929 Unity Breakthrough, Womyn's Music, support group for teenagers, 7:30 PM, 5210 Fannin, at First Unitarian Drive, call 782-1090 for information KPFT 90.1 FM with Pokey Anderson Universalist Church, call 526-1571 for information Women Against Violence Everywhere, WAVE, Violence against and Cherry wer, 8:00 AM to 11:00 DlgnitylHouston Mass, social hour follows, 7:30 PM, Dignity Cen- women must stop! to help plan rally scheduled for July and other AM, KPFT 90.1 FM ter, 3217 Fannin, for information at528-0111 strategies, 7:00 PM, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5210 Fannin, Shop Elsewhere Campaign, Asking people to shop other than at Southmore, Call Jacsun Shah for information, 529-7329 Randall's because of the company's blatant discriminatory policy in Bering Spiritual Support Group, for HIV + persons, their family and matters concerning AIDS, Gays and Lesbians. They refuse to have a friends. Potluck dinner at 6:45, discussion group follows at, 7:30 PM, written non-discrimination policy. ActUP Houston and the Houston 1440 Harold, Call 526-1017 for information . Gay and Lesbian Politca1 Caucus, at 12 Noon, South Shepherd and Women's Therapy Group, with special emphasis on Spirituality, 7:30 Westheirner, Call 521-1000 for information PM to 8:45 PM, 1807 Lexington, For information call Joyce Gayles at After Hours, Discussions about Gay and Lesbian community, Mid- 528-4863 night to 4:00 AM, KPFT 90.1 FM Self Healing and Stress Reduction Class, 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM, Center for a Positive Lifestyle, 1505 Nevada at Commonwealth, call 523-4241 for information. WED·NESDA Y THURSDAY FRIDA Y SATURDAY 1 2 3 The Other Economic Summit, TOES, Meets Car Wash, Team Houston, 7:30 PM, Heaven, Pride Awards Nominations, last day for com- before the governmental economic summit to Pacific at Grant, call 520-TEAM for informa- munity groups to have nominations for this present alternative recommendations for eco- tion year's Pride Awards, mailing address, Box nomic policy that benefit the people and the 542258, Houston, TX, 77254-2258, call 520- planet not the bureaucracy and corporations, 8902 for information 7:00 PM, The Firehouse, 1413 W estheirner, call Prentiss Riddle 668-7974 Texas Size Auction, many items including a weekend for two at Lyle's Deck, tickets to Cats, dinner to several fine restaurants and more, Team Houston, 7:30 PM, Missouri Street Sta- tion, 1117 Missouri, call 520-TEAM for infor- mation Al"tIJj)-"_611J;~tL't.•.••__·L_2£t.nU_ .••".~_h.••...--lLA. Texas Size Auction, many items including a weekend for two at Lyle's Deck, tickets to Cats, dinner to several fme restaurants and more, Team Houston, 7:30 PM, Missouri Street Sta- tion, 1117 Missouri, call 520-TEAM for infor- mation ActUP Houston, 7:30 PM at the, Multi-service Center, 1475 W Gray 7 8 9 '10 Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, 7:30.PM, Free Sculpture Lecture, Local sculpture Diana Absentee Voting, Last day to vote absentee, see Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W Weeks will demonstrate and discuss artistic story on page 4, 49 San Jancito, call County Gray, for information call 521-1000 conceptualization, 7:00 PM, Montrose Library, Clerk Office at 221-6411 for information 4100 Montrose, for information call Diana Weeks at 523-2802 r------,;:,Y\lliiJ;'II!rf'!illiil!Jiif!! I Name: _ Unfortunately, this newsletter must pay for itself. MAC needs Ie your fmancial help to preserve this community resource. Please con- Organization: _ sider becoming a MAC supporter by making a donation in one of the I categories listed below. I> Address: _ I LEVEL AMOUNT BENEFIT IH City: _ o Booster $20 Listing in Newsletter 1\ o Contributor $60 3 Listing in Newsletter Ii Supporter $120 6 Listing in Newsletter State,zw: ------o I_ Underwriter: I Home Phone: _ o Individual $180 12Listing in Newsletter ILL o Business $300 12Listing in Newsletter 1/> o Patron $1000 > Work Phone: 0 B" $SOOO I.••.•.•••.•••• L ~ enetactor ..I::::::::::~./"'.'. Montrose Activity Center N E ..W S LET T E R Page: 8 March 1990 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 11 FULLMOON 12 13 14 The Women's Group, Lita Fike, poet, educa- American Gay Atheists, regular monthly Election, For state representatives, county rep- Women's Network, Lesbians and the Law - tor, occupational therapist and member of the meeting, 7:30 PM, 4 Chelsea Place, call 862- resentatives, United States representatives, How can we use the legal system to meet our Women's Group will bring to us, sine qua non, 3283 for information Governor, etc., 7:00AM to 7:00 PM, check city needs? Connie Moore and Debra Hunt will join information entitled 'Recruiting Your Health newspapers for your polling place, call 224- Women's Network to discuss legal issues which Care Partner'. This is based on empirical expe- 1919 for information impact our lives as women, especially lesbians. riences in Women's lives., 10:00 AM, at First Gay Fathers, 8:00 PM, Dignity Center, 3217 Bring your friends and your questions., Mon- Unitarian Universalist Church, 5210 Fannin, at Fannin, for information call 522-6766 trose Counseling Center, 7:00 f>Mto 9:00 PM, Southmore, call 529-7329 for information 900 Lovett Blvd. 2nd floor, for information call Wilde on' Stein, join us for election coverage, 529-0037 Masque for AIDS Ball, special benefit for: 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, KPFT, 90.1 FM, call AIDS Foundation/Stone Soup, Bering Founda- 526-4000 for information GaylLesbianJ.:lispanics Unidos(GLHU), 7:30 tion, Omega House, PWA Assistance Fund and PM, Dignity Center, 3217 Fannin, call 880- HL/GPC, Sponsored by Lesbian/Gay Pride GLHU for information Week, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Rich's, 2401 San Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, board Jacinto, 1215 .00, tickets available at many loca- meeting, 7:30 PM, 900 Lovett, for information tions including: Inklings, Lobo, call 490-4484 call 521-1000 for information this space available call 529-1223 for more information 18 19 20 21 The Women's Group, Gloria Guardiola, along rMontr;;;eActivitYCent;'- Boardmeet-I Wilde on' Stein, Linda Morales joins us in Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, 7:30 PM, time activist and business woman in our com- I ing, public is welcome, 7:00 PM, Metro- I discussion about minorities in the gay and les- Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W munity will challenge us with 'Breaking Down I politan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West I bian community as she talks about AMIGA and Gray, for information call 521-1000 Hispanic Stereotypes.' Another forum for us to LGray, call 529-1223 for infor:tion _ -.J her involvement in 21.06 case, 9:00 PM to celebrate our commonalities and differences., 11:00 PM, KPFT, 90.1 FM, call 526-4000 for 10:00 AM, at First Unitarian Universalist information Church, 5210 Fannin, at Southmore, call 529- Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defama- tion, organization meeting, 7:00 PM, to be Kundalinl Yoga,a monthly class of Yoga for 7329 for information announced, call 523-6109 for information Life by Satya Khalsa, an introductory level Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, class is ofered onat the AIDS Foundation of discussion on Religion and Homosexuality, Strengtheing the Body Through Nutritional Houston, 7:00 to 8:30 PM, 3927 Essex Lane, Ministering to the Gay Community, Grace Support, by Lorna Jean Arnold, a nutritional call 623-6796 for information Lutheran Church, 2:00 PM, 2515 Waugh, call consultant with the Wellness Center, her dis- 952-2525 for information cussion will focus on alternative methods of enhancing the immune system through concen- Lesbians Over Age Fifty (WAF), 2:00 PM, trates of Whole Food Extracts."Everything you Autry House, 6265 S. Main put into your body either strengthens or weak- AMIGA de Houston, holds its business meet- ens your system," states Ms. Arnold. The pres- ine.' with notJ~~d_i_nn~r--S.Jll\....nu Q.ft1J __.c.!)£\ ~.-_._._...... Hisp~c Stereo~s.' Anotherforum for us to I Gray, call 529-1223 for information I her involvem~t in 21.06 case, 9:00 PM to --T'-----_~~n.•__~.~_=_...=~---._ouv celebrate our commonalities and differences., L .-J 11:00 PM, KPFf, 90.1 FM, call 526-4000 for 10:00 AM, at First. Unitarian Universalist Gay and LesbIan' Aliiance AgaInst Derama- information Church, 5210 Fanrun, at Southmore, call 529- . .. . 7'00 PM be Kundallnl Yoga,a monthly class of Yoga for I' !_I' • non, organization meettng,. , to 7329 ror mrormanon announced, call 523-6109 for information Life by Satya Khalsa, an introductory level Parents and Friends or Lesbians and Gays, class is ofered onat the AIDS Foundation of discussion on Religion and Homosexuality, Strengtheing the Body Through Nutri.t~onal Houston, 7:00 to 8:30 PM, 3927 Essex Lane, Ministering to the Gay Community, Grace Support, by Lorna Jean Arnold. a nutritional call 623-6796 for information Lutheran Church 2:00 PM 2515 Waugh call consultant with the Wellness Center, her dis- 952-2525 for information ' 'cussion will focus on alternative methods of • enhancing the immune system through concen- Lesbians Over Age Flr~ (LOAF), 2:00 PM, tratesof Whole Food Extracts."Everything you Autry House, 6265 S. Mam put into your body either strengthens or weak- AMIGA de Houston, holds its business meet- ens your system," states Ms. Arnold. The pres- ing, with potluck dinner, 5:00 PM, Call 520- entation should "encourate people to listen to 5667 for information. themessages theirbody gives them sothat areas of nutritional need can be indentifies and ad- dressed." Presented by the AIDS Foundation Houston, at the Montrose Library, 4100 Mon- trose, call 623:6796 for information 25 26 NEWMOON 27 28 The Women's Group, Jacsun and Iris present Gay Fathers, 8:00 PM, Dignty Center, 3217 Lesbian/Gay Pride 1990 Meeting, Planning 'Exploring Feminist Ethics'. When we name Fannin, for information call 522-6766 for the 1990 events, 7:00 PM, Dignity Center, ourselves as 'Feminists', what does that mean 3217 Fannin tous individually and what can others expect of Women's Network, Women in Recovery - A us? There will be time for open group discus- panel.of recovering women will share their sion about and for creating our ethics as femi- experiences of healing with the help of 12-step nist, 10:00 AM, at First Unitarian Universalist programs. How do they work, how dothey help, Church, 5210 Fannin, at Southmore, call 529- and how do feminists resolve the philosophical 7329 for information conflicts which can arise?, Montrose Counsel- American Gay Atheists Brunch, 11:30 AM, ing Center, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 900 Lovett tobe announced, call 862-3283 for information Blvd. 2nd floor, for information call 529-0037 supporters of the MAC NEWSLETIER Karen J. Hanson RAY HILL Houston Area ACSW, CSW-ACP For as long as you can Remember He has been out front NOW Individuals, Couples 713-364-3843 making a difference Families, Groups Box 66554 Box 66351, Houston, TX 77266-6351 Women's Issues Houston, Texas 77266 713-523-6969 ""'!I:,ii ~; 41 to-l Montrose Activity Center NEWSLETTER March 1990 . Page: 9 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY AHEAD 15 16 17 APRIL 12-15 ActUP Houston, 7:30 PM at the, Multi-service Breakthrough, Womyn's Music, KPFT 90.1 Casino and Auction, Loan Star United Sport Second Annual Gulf Coast Women's Festi- Center, 1475 W Gray FM with Pokey Anderson and Cherry Wolf. At Association, 7:00 PM, EJ's, 2514 Ralph, call val, in Gulfport, MS, call 60 1-896-6453 or 601- Sensuality/Sexuality Class, this class will 8:30 AM a special interview with Patrica Hynes 621-4270 for information 896-3196 for information explore the fun and excitement of safe, sensu- ecofeminest and aurthor of EarthRight, how on .Body Electric School of Massage, open to all ous sex through lively discussion and game- a personal level one can take positive steps on men, regardless of age, size, HIV status, and APRIL 13-15 playing. Ti' s purpose is to help eliminate many the envoriment, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, KPFT preference. This experience is about male bond- National Women's Recovery Roundup, afirst of the fears and uncertainties regarding 90.1 FM ing and creating community. It also is about mv of its kind to celebrate women's recovery in all transmission and promote safer sexuality in the Montrose Activity Center Newsletter, Dead- reclaiming our sexuality in a positive, nurturing ,12-step program, Multi-Service Center, 1475 90s,7:00 to 8:30 PM at the AIDS Foundation, line for April, Montrose Activity Center, Box environment., 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 3703 VI Gray, $35.00, call 868-3919 for information 3927 Essex Lane, call 623-6796 for inforaation 66684, Houston, TX 77266-6684, or call 529- Yoakum, Suite 204, $195.00, Call Dipam at 1223. 520-6853 for information MAY 18-19 Nutrition and mv Infection, AIDS Founda- tion Huston sponsors a presentation by Richard Lesbians in the 90s, 'Speaking Out,' third Elbin, Director of Dietary Services at HCA annual, Texas Lesbian Conference" call 512- Belle Park Hospital, discussing the major 828-1761 compoents of nutritional health as well as the particular nutrition concerns for the HIV posi- JUNE 20-24 tive individual. Topics will include nutritional Sixth International Conference on AIDS, intake, eating patterns, supplements, food con- Theme will be "AIDS in the Nineties: From tamination, fluids, food drugs, stress and excer- Science to Public Policy." Box 1505, San Fran- ise, plus an opportunity for questions, 11:00 cisco, CA 94143, for information call 415-550- AM to 1:00 PM at Montrose Library, 4100 0880 Montrose, call 623-6796 for information 22 23 24 JULY,18-22 The Third International Lesbian and Gay March 22-25, 1990, Southeastern Conference, Health Conference and Eighth National AIDS the oldest regional conference in the nation is Forum, Co-sponsored by the National Lesbian now in its 15th year. Workshops already sched- >, and Gay Health Foundation and The George uled on 'Sodomy Laws' and 'The Effect of Washington University. For more information: AIDS on Society.' Also covered will be topics NLGHF Programming Committee, 1683 R concerning the conference theme: Working to Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009 Strengthen our Southeastern Co, Raleigh, NC, write Box 28863, Raleigh, NC, 27611-8863, or call 919-833-1209 OCTOBER 6-7 Second Lavender Law Conference, This see- ondnational gathering oflesbian and gay attor- neys, legal workers, law students and activists will feature a special focus on sodomy laws in the Southeast., in Atlanta, For information call • Abby Rubenfeld at 615-269-6778 -rvrum-,\:.o-:)-punsorco uy me '"'" now in its 15th year. Workshops already sched- and Gay Health Foundation and The George uled on 'Sodomy Laws' and 'The Effect of Washington University. For more information: AIDS on Society.' Also covered will be topics NLGHF Programming Committee, 1683 R concerning the conference theme: Working to Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009 . Strengthen our Southeastern Co, Raleigh, NC, write Box 28863, Raleigh, NC, 27611-8863, or OCTOBER 6-7 call 919-833-1209 Second Lavender Law Conference, This see- ondnational gathering oflesbian and gay attor- neys, legal workers, law students and activists will feature a special focus on sodomy laws in the Southeast., in Atlanta, For information call « Abby Rubenfeld at 615-269-6778 29 30 31 Laurie Freelove, formerly with 2 Nice Girls, now with 50 Worda for Snow, 9:30 PM, The Showbar, 5605 Washington Ave, tickets at the door, call 868-9542 The following underwriters have helped support the Jim Hickson cost of the M AC NEWSLETTER Keystroke Printex Plus Donald Skipwith 713-524-4365 at Homage "Your Full Service Printer and Copy Center" Attorney FAX (713) 524-7587 2204 Louisiana 650-3300 I March 28, 9 PM 1617 West Alabama Geo "Jim" Crary, Jr. I I Hotline 785-9258 Houston, TX 77006 Owner .. I ------~I Montrose Activity Center NEW S LETTER Page: 10 March 1990 Gays Gain Power The Invisible Electorate from page 4 "In the past few years, the gay commu- By Stephen H. Miller views on gay and lesbian issues in its ''There was always a notion in the late nity has been very narrow in its interest., It from GLAAD Newsletter summary of each candidate's positions. '70s and early '80s," said Larry Bush, a tends to be active around gay issues almost The unabashed failure of the media, After GLAAD organized a letterwriting former journalist for the gay press and now exclusively," said Jim Harvey, a black gay with only a few exceptions, to report on gay campaign directed at iheNew York Times, a speech writer and advisor to Mayor Agnos, activist and potential City Council candi- candidates and issues (excluding AIDS) it ran one solitary article on the gay elector- "that gays wanted nothing more than for date in Washington. should come as no surprise. The same ate. mayors to sign gay pride declarations, for "I don't think you win political battles media which ignored the 1987 National 4. The existence of credible (though government to bless them and say, 'You're by being single-minded. You win by coa- . March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay ultimately unsuscessful) races by gay can- me OK.' lescing with other groups ... If there is a call Rights (the nation's largest-ever civil rights didates. Many New Yorkers, including gays vet) "Now, we need very concrete things - for a demonstration or a letter-writing demonstration) just don't get why gays and and lesbians, never learned that two openly ing early release of new anti-AIDS drugs, campaign or testimony on nongay issues, lesbians should be covered as a "real" gay candidates ran for City Council: Tom mer! presumptive disability for Social Security, the gaycommunity representatives areofien minority. Duane in Chelsea, and Dave Taylor on the \ provisions for the handicapped to get hous- ' not to be found" Perhaps the clearest example of the Upper West Side (Note: in other parts of as a: ing or protection for a lover in a will:' "Creating real coalitions," agreed gay media's blind spot to our issues could be New York State, two openly gay candi- tory Added longtime San Francisco gay Los Angeles attorney Thomas F. Coleman, seen in immediate post-election coverage. dates ran and won: Tim Mains in Roches- oW leader Jim Foster. "Gay politics has done a who has pushed domestic partners legisla- The news media provided its usual "com- ter, and Keith St.John in Albany). With the 180-degree turn since 1979. It's gone from tion there, "means we work on their issues prehensive" roundup of which blocks of exception of the Village Voice, these getting the government off our backs to and they work on ours, as opposed to fake voters went for which candidates. These campaigns were virtually ignored in terms getting the government to cooperate. collations, where ... we don't recipro- roundups were quick to analyze the various of serious coverage, although the Times ''That's a very significant change. The cate." minority and interest groups that coalesced did endorse Duane and note that he's gay. people we need in leadership today are Different goals to give David Dinkins his victory in the 5. Giuliani's alienation of the gay grant writers, lobbyists, people who create National gay leader Virginia Apuzzo, mayoral race-except for one group, that community. An August 19th story in the cooperative relationships with government New York Gov. Mario Cuomo's top ad- is. The Daily News alone, among the city's New York Times on problems in the Giuli- The people we needed 10-20 years ago viser on gay and lesbian issues, agreed. media, included gay voters in its break- ani campaign reported that the Republican were those who could slap government "If the lesbian and gay community down of how various groups voted: 64% of candidate had lost support among Jewish q J across the face. " achieved immigration reform, a lesbian the gay vote went to Dinkins, who won the voters and women, but ignored his prob- v~ Foster cited longtime activist Cleve and gay federal civil rights bill, an anti-gay election by less than two percentage points. lems with the gay community. The Wash- shil Jones as an example of a gay leader whose violence bill, funding and federal commit- Dinkins, by the way, was supported by ington Post did a much better job on this political evolution mirrored the times, who ment to comprehensively address the prob- all the city's gay and lesbian democratic story. pd moved "from anarchy to community, from lem of HIV infection, even after all those clubs (again, only noted by theDaily News) 6. The Times again. A several part the streets to the AIDS quilt" .victories," said Apuzzo, "would we have and by all the city's lesbian and gay papers . series of articles on how reform of the New "There was always a ever challenged the system in a fundamen- Even New York Newsday, generally York City Charter would affect minority tal way? I'm not sure the answer is yes. considered to be "liberal," succeeded in communities ignored you-know-who. This notion in the late '70s and "Look at the AIDS example. Yes, we making the lesbian and gay electorate despite the fact that spokespeople from early '80s," said Larry Bush, need adequate funding, but the larger issue invisible. Newsday' s cover story on Nov. lesbian and gay political groups testified at the charter reform hearings, along with a former journalist for the is health care in America. AIDS highlights 9th, "With the Numbers So Close, Every the gross deficiencies, the discrimination. Constituency Mattered," included every black, Hispanic and Asian-American " Qa.v~nt:es:s:~a.dn_nnw~a~<:.neech nf t_hQ Ii.tnpnl!!lln hpDo hh c!..uc.tporn " ITl~inr OT011n £'\f-,,--"l:\t~~hl~l!li:Q....;.Tp-Ul~ Ui4i:!_ snokesoeonle.who.rhe.Dzae» .did ouote. across the face." achlevea-immigration reform, a lesbian gay vole wennOOtnklDs, wflo won ~ ~amrwom1!n~DUngtrorea'ms ptOo- = Foster cited longtime activist Cleve and gay federal civil rights bill, an anti-gay election by less than two percentage points. lems with the gay community. The Wash- Jones as an example of a gay leader whose violence bill, funding and federal commit- Dinkins, by the way, was supported by ington Post did a much better job on this political evolution mirrored the times, who ment to comprehensively address the prob- all the city's gay and lesbian democratic story. moved "from anarchy to community, from lem of HIV infection, even after all those clubs (again,only notedbytheDailyNews) 6. The Times again. A several part the the streets to the AIDS quilt" .victories," said Apuzzo, "would we have and by all the city's lesbian and gay papers . series of articles on how reform of the New "There was always a ever challenged the system in a fundamen- Even New York Newsday, generally York City Charter would affect minority tal way? I'm not sure the answer is yes. considered to be "liberal," succeeded in communities ignored you-know-who. This ob: notion in the late '70s and "Look at the AIDS example. Yes, we making the lesbian and gay electorate despite the fact that spokespeople from the need adequate funding, but the larger issue invisible. Newsday's cover story on Nov. lesbian and gay political groups testified at qu early '80s," said Larry Bush, hei is health care in America. AIDS highlights 9th, "With the Numbers So Close, Every the charter reform hearings, along with ag• a former journalist for the the gross deficiencies, the discrimination. Constituency Mattered," included every black, Hispanic and Asian-American gay press and now a speech .. of the American health system." major group of voters: blacks, Jews, His- spokespeople who the Times did quote. writer and advisor to Mayor However, Bamey Frank; the gay con- panics, white liberals, younger voters, past 7. Finally, with the exception of the gressmen, sees it as "left romanticism" to Democratic and past Republican voters, Village Voice (which has a large number of 1 Agnos, "that gays wanted suggest that gay activists should carry the the wealthy, voters over age 50, voters openly gay editors and reporters), the pro- bYI nothing more than for may- banner for other social causes or disadvan- outside Manhattan, blue-collar workers, gressive press wasn't much better. A post frd taged groups. professional and managerial workers, etc., primary story in The Nation titled "Gotham ors to sign gay pride decla- "Most people," said Frank, "get involved but blatantly left us out. Rainbow" noted that in New York City's rations, for government to in politics to defend their own interests. Here are a few other stories that the Democratic mayoral primary David Dink- ~ bless them and say, 'You're You hope it will be as broadly defmed as media, for the most part, missed or misre- ins won more than 90% of the black vote, possible ... But if the assertion is that gays ported: more than 50% of the Hispanic vote and OK." and lesbians have an obligation to be radi- 1. Dinkins' appearance at the Les- more than 25% of the Jewish and white Future of gay politics cal social reformers and restructure Ameri- bian and Gay Community Services Center, Catholic vote. Unreported was the fact that As gay leaders assess their progress and can society, that's nonsense." which was attended by a standing-room gays and lesbians were also part of the plot their future, some worry whether gay Yet others say that how the gay commu- only throng. Dinkins gave an impassioned Dinkins coalition and that Dinkins received politics will become "just another special- nity has responded to the greatest medical speech affirming his support of gay issues. over 60% of their vote. interest group" politics, in Bush's words, crisis of the 20th century has political The papers ignored the rally. WABC aired The pattern is clear; the media as a or "return to its origins as a social change implications far beyond "special interests." tape of Dinkins outside the Center, but the whole simply refused to validate our exis- movement." "We have created institutions for deal- voice-over reported simply that Dinkins tence as a legitimate "minority" group. Does it, for example, use domestic part- ing with the sick and dying," Mixer said, had been campaigning "in Greenwich Vil- This was made explicit when GLAAD ners legislation just to make a statement "that are revolutionary and will benefit lage." asked Newsday how they would have about legitimizing gay relationships? Or society for years to come."A. 2. Dinkins' appearance, two days covered the campaigns of the first blacks does it broaden its political reach and talk before the election, at the Human Rights for the Council, or the first Hispanic candi- about benefits for the extended famil y,gay Campaign Fund's annual dinner at the dates, from districts with large minority and straight Having successfully educated Election Day Waldorf-Astoria. WABC showed a brief populations. Would so little recognition its own community about AIDS, can it then clip of Dinkins shaking hands with Elie have been given to the historic importance take the same skills and apply them to Wiesel (with whom he shared the podium), of these races? Notwithstanding a solitary black or Hispanic drug abusers? March 13 while the voice-over stated "Dinkins article on gay voter clout that appeared in Or, at a time when the AIDS crisis has courted the important Jewish vote at a July, Newsday's political editor Thomas pushed other issue off the table, should polls open. human rights dinner in midtown!" The Curan told GLAAD that he doesn't con- white male gay organizations demand every New York Times covered the event but sider gays to be a minority constituency in dime possible for AIDS research in Wash- failed to mention that HRCF is a gay or- the way that racial and religious groups are. ington' D.C.? But when that conflicts with, 7 AM to 7PM ganization (although an Op-Ed piece later A letter from Newsday editorial writer in the week did). Joseph Dolman was more to the point say, a strapped city budget and an infant for more information mortality rate higher than some Third World 3. Candidates' positions on our is- "being gay is not directly analogous to countries, black gays who know most of call 521-1000 sues (primary coverage). Of the city's dai- being Hispanic or black .... Gays and straights often live in the same neighbor- the babies who die are black tend to get lies, the Daily News alone provided the hoods, attend the same schools and exist as - annoyed. or 224-1919 Democratic and Republican candidates' Montrose Activity Center NEW S LET T E R March 1990 Page: 11 Partisan Politics: Looking at Gay and Lesbian Life by Warren J. Blumenfeld was the longtime lover and companion of dential hopeful Hubert Humphrey at- and Diane Raymond writer Gertrude Stein.) Members of this tempted to delay Foster's speech and were Many gay and lesbian activists began to group and the many others soon to follow against.a proposed Gay Rights plank. .•.. work within the established political sys- were keenly aware of the strong anti-gay (Jim Foster's address was actually the tem of electoral politics (particularl y within forces in the country and worked to counter second time an openly gay person appeared the Democratic Party), continuing the re- them within the established political proc- in front of a political convention on the formist or civil rights strategy for social ess. issue of gay and lesbian rights. The first change. People began to work for candi- At the 1972 Democratic Party Conven- occurred in February 1970atthePeaceand . dates sensitive to their personal issues and tion held in Miami, Florida, Jim Foster, Freedom Party State 'Convention in Long hoped for the time when more open lesbian then chairperson of the Society for Indi vid- Beach, California, where Harry Hay called 'and gay candidates could themselves run ual Rights and founder of the Alice B. from the floor for the creation of a gay for public office. They also lobbied for Toklas Gay Democratic Club, formally caucus and helped to draft a seven-point statutes protecting individuals on the basis presented the first open gay rights address gay rights plank which was read to the full of sexual orientation. On the other side of to that party. It was covered live on national membership of the party.) the coin, they began to expose politicians TV and read, in part: At the 1976 Democratic Presidential :..j)::: ..ilil!I!lfi!IIII'illllr.I'I~lliil!I:!:I:::I::11111;;;; whose policies were contrary to their col- We do not come to you pleading your Convention, no speaker was given permis- lective interest and worked to overturn understanding or begging your tolerance. sion to address the delegates on issues of laws and ordinances denying them equal We come to you affirming our pride in our gay and lesbian rights, though there were rights. lifestyle, affirming the validity to seek and three openly gay and lesbians delegates. One form this new force would take was maintain meaningful emotional relation- To insure that they had more clout at the the gay and lesbian Democratic club. These ships, and affirming our right to participate next convention, the organization Gay Vote clubs arose out of the need to channel and in the life of this country on an equal basis 1980 came into being with the goal of coordinate activities and to pull more people with every citizen ... there are millions of pushing for a gay and lesbian rights agenda into the political process. The first of these gay brothers and sisters who will say to the during the national presidential conven- was the Alice B. Toklas Gay Democratic Democratic Party, "We are here. We will tions of 1980. Though having very little Club of San Francisco in 1971. (Toklas not be still. We will not go away until the influence at the Republican Party Conven- ultimate goal of gay liberation is realized, tion (helping to elect only two openly gay the goal that all people live in the peace, delegates, both of whom were committed economic equals .... The issues that freedom, and dignity of who we are." to John Anderson's campaign), they fared separate gays and straights aren't nearly We do not come to you much better at the Democratic Party Con- as profound as those that separate other vention held in New York City. They were groups from the mainstream." (Ed.: this pleading your understand- instrumental in the election of seventy- comment is as racist as it is wrong.) ing or begging your toler- seven gay and lesbian delegates, alterna- What can we do? In 1990,everymem- ance, We come to you af- tives, and permanent committee people, ber of the U.S. House of Representatives and also helped to establish the gay and will be up for reelection, along with many firming our pride in our life- lesbian caucus at the convention. Also, for Senators (including our arch enemv Jesse sf v lp. ~ffinn.ln(Lthp--v..!.lliditv_ the first time, a gay rights plank was i!!.- toroe-sml~we-wrrnlUrgo away untrnne-----.ntluence acme Repulllican Party Conven- ultimate goal of gay libe~atio~ is realized, tion (helping to elect only two openly gay the goal that all people live 10 the peace, delegates, both of whom were committed economic equals .... The issues that freedom, and dignity of who we are." to John Anderson's campaign), they fared ili, separate gays and straights aren't nearly We do not come to you much better at the Democratic Party Con- as profound as those that separate other I . vention held in New York City. They were groups from the mainstream." (Ed.: this p eading your understand- instrumental in the election of seventy- comment is as racist as it is wrong.) ing or begging your toler- seven gay and lesbian delegates, altema- What can we do? In 1990, every mem- ance. We come to ou af- tives, and permanent co~mittee people, ber of the U.S. House of Representatives .. .. y. and also helped to establish the gay and will be up for reelection, along with many firming our pnde m our life- lesbian caucus at the convention. Also, for Senators (including our arch enemy Jesse style, affirming the validity the firs~ time, a gay rights p~ w~ in- Helms), several Governors and holders . '. eluded 10 the 1980 Democratic Presiden- of many local offices across the nation. to seek and mamtam mean- tial Platform and written into the Charter No longer can we tolerate being rele- ingful emotional relation- and By-Laws governing the National gated to third-class "issue-group" status hi d ffi Democratic Party. S IpS, an a irrrung our I th 1980 1 tf th 1 in political reporting. Gay people are . . •. n e p a orm, e equa protec- historically one of the most discrimi- nght to participate m the tion clause focused on ending discrimina- nated against minorities, and the only life of this country on an tion, especially in the area of immigration. minority toward which prejudice is still .. . . The language read: tolerated by Church and State. equal baSIS WIth every em- We must affirm the dignity of all people The time is now to demand gay inclu- zen ••. there are millions of and the right of each individual to have sion in election coverage for 1990. This gay brothers and i t h ~q~l ~ccess to an~ participation in the ;.;.;.;.;.;.;.:.:.: means working hard to organize a vocal S S ers W 0 instttuuons and services of our society. All cratic. clubs and maximize their impact. and visible presence in elections-and on will say to the Democratic groupsmustbeprotectedfromdiscrimina- The National Association of Gay and Les- the streets (and supporting efforts by Party, "We are here. We will t~on bas~d. on race, color, religion, na- bian Democratic Clubs was established in groups such as the National Visibility . tional origin, language, age, sex or sexual Washington, D.C. in June 1982 to help Campaign for the Lesbian and Gay Vote). not be stIll. orientation. This includes specifically the make the gay and lesbian community a But it also means demanding that the One of the leading forces who helped right offoreign citizens to enter this coun- permanent part of the American electoral media give us the same coverage as other Foster gain a position at the 1972 conven- try. Appropriate legislative and adminis- political process. minority groups receive, and protesting tion was George McGovern, who was the trative actions to achieve these goals should Not all gay activists are on the left of the loudly and continually when they don't Party's presidential candidate. Gays were be undertaken. political spectrum. For example, one group, And it means pressuring gay and lesbian instrumental in helping secure McGovern's Another precedent was set at the 1980 Concerned Americans for Individual Rights journalists to fight for coverage the same strong showing in the nationwide primary Democratic Convention. As a purely sym- (CAIR), was organized in the spring of way black and Hispanic journalists must election of 1972. For example, they col- bolic action, the lesbian and gay caucus at 1984 to influence policy in the Republican fight. Working together, we can demand lected over one-third of the nothern Cali- the convention nominated a vice-presiden- Platform of the party's National Conven- gay glasnost and bring the "invisible fornia signatures needed ~p place tal candidate. They chose Melvin Boozer, tion that year. Most of its small member- electorate" out of the closet McGovern's name atop that state's pri- a thirty-five-year-old black gay activist ship is made up of Republicans or Liber- A final note. There is one story all the mary ballot The technique was simple: who was at that time an alternative delegate tarians whose goal is to counteract the papers did cover: the sickening homo- gay civil rights activists went into the bars from Washington, D.C., and president of hostility toward homosexuality by the phobia of New Jersey gubernatorial and registered everyone to vote, then had the D.C. chapter of the Gay Activists Alli- party's "New Right" wing and to provide a candidate Jim Courter. Not only were his them sign a McGovern petition to have his ance. As millions of TV viewers watched, place for gays to organize. Their approach bigoted campaign tactics widely reported, name placed on the ballot. Gays also proved he addressed the Convention and raised the is not primarily legalistic 'or com bati ve, but they were also uniformly condemned, to be effective fundraisers to help fill issue of lesbian and gay rights. rather they use education to improve the and even elicited aNew York Times edi- McGovern's political coffers. After the momentum gained during the "public image" of the homosexual. In part torial. However, almost none of this Even with McGovern's support, though, 1980 political season, many gay and les- CAIR's Statement of Purpose reads: coverage quoted any of the Garden State's the 1972 Democratic Party Presidential bian political activists felt that a national It has long been evident that moderate- well-organized gay/lesbian political Platformdidnotincludeagayrightsagenda. organization was needed to encourage , to-conservative gay and lesbians need a community.s, Rumors abounded that backers of presi- communication between local gay Demo- Continued on page 12 \ Montrose Activity Center N E"W S LETTER Page: 12 March 1990 From Partisan Politics page 11 grass-roots nature of the gay and lesbian Conclusion lack job protections, rights to child cus- national organization through which they movements,no nationallyrecognized lead- Gay historian and political theorist tody, or are not "out" to their families, it is can express their views. Despite the per- ersemerged,unlikeothermovements.There Dennis Altman tells the story of a San simply not possible to engage in political sistence of negative stereotypes. the vast were and are, however, well-known per- Francisco Gay Pride March in 1981 in activism. Further, political activity should majority of homosexual Americans are sonalities who wield a good deal of influ- which he overheard two gay men com- not be construed in an overly narrow way, decent. productive. law-abiding citizens ence,including movementpioneers suchas plaining about the presence of so many that any open affirmation of homosexual- who contribute substantially to the better- Harry Hay, Frank Karneny, Morris Kight, overtly political slogans. This story sug- ityin a predominantly heterosexual society .".>~ ment of their communities. In common Del Martin, Phyllis Lyon, and Barbara gests that, though gay and lesbian people is a political act. Finally, the fact that there with heterosexual Americans. we share Gittings; organization leaders such as Jean' have been politically active in a variety of are so manyopenly lesbian and gay organi- the traditional values on which this coun- O'Leary aridBruce Voeller (first chairper- contexts, many others do not make politi- zations, political groups, and serviceagen- try was founded. including patriotism. re- sons of the National Gay and Lesbian Task cal activity a high priority in their lives. In- cies testifies to the success of these politi- ligiousfaith.personal and economicfree- Force) and Virginia (Ginny) Apuzzo (for- deed, if it is true that one out of every ten cal struggles. Indeed, the sense of identity dom, and hard work. merNGLTF chairperson); elected officials people is gay, then it is likely that only a and community which has grown out of Until now. we have been unrepresented such as Harry Britt and, before his assassi- very small percentage of gay people are this movement, though taken for granted , _ by the gay extremists. and misrepresented nation, Harvey Milk; Elaine Noble, Gerry actively and visibly political. todayby some, is a radical change from the by the religious right. It is time to speak/or Studds, and Barney Frank in Massachu- But at the same time, one should note early days prior to the homophile move- . ourselves. We will present an accurate setts, and Karen Clark in Minnesota; writ- that this is probably true in all minority ment where gay people felt alone, isolated, picture oj gay Americans. reflecting the ers such as James Baldwin, Jane Rule, communities in which a small fraction of and starved for culture. many positive contributions that we make Arthur Bell, Rita Mae Brown, Sally themembersofthegroupareactivist Being Though gay people may disagree about to society. By this means we will break Gearhart, Edmund White, Larry Kramer, politically active requires that one be able political strategies for liberation, there is down the prejudices' that oppress homo- and Armistead Maupin; poets like Allen to undertake certain sorts of risks, for the nonetheless a gay and lesbian identity, or, sexuals in our nation today. Ginsberg, Audre Lourde, and Adrienne politicalarena isfirst and foremost a public as sociologists refer to it, a "consciousness Aspressurepoliticsstrategiesincreased, Rich; entertainers such as Robin Tyler and one. For many gay and lesbian people who ofkind."A. The Human Rights Campaign Fund-a HollyNear; scholars such as John Boswell, 'gay- and lesbian-organized and operated John D'Emilio, and Jonathan Katz; and Political Action Committee (PAct-=-was founder of the Metropolitan Community " QUOTABLES ~ created to raise and distribute money for Church, Reverend Troy Perry. politicians sensitive to the needs of lesbi- By the mid-1970s a grassroots network C· , ' d to hid f t didat ti htlv i 1 to f ilitat . ountry singer k. d.lang says she 11keep her androgynous look, thank ans and gays an .ne p e ea can es was gym p ace ac 1 e communi- . . ." ., perceived as homophobic. In addition, the cation and coordinate activities. Lesbians you, even If that does rpean fewer record sales. The country Industry IS Fund supports lobbyists in Washington,' and gays had not only attained "minority" traditional regarding the looks and roles of men and women," lang says. D.C. to push the Congress on AIDS-re- status, but also were well on their way to But "it would be detrimental for me to compromise. I sing because of the lated issues. . . constituting a genuine political. ~onsti~- way I am. I don't want to endanger my soul and my voice because of my Any substantIal list of openly gay and ency. 'In the area of pressure polities, their ph . all k It ld' t b rth .t " H h ik hai d si 'd lesbian elected officials would have been voice was becoming louder. The voice ~SIC 00 S.. "w~u n e wo , 1. ow t e sp y- aire singer e- virtuallyimpossibleatthetimeoftheStone- wouldbesorelytested scnbes her look. I like to pretend I m a farmer and sort of dress for chores wall demonstrations. Due mainly to the in the 1980s. ~ ... always ready to feed the cow~, drive the tractor, fix the truck."A. rF;;iisti;g-Of~~u;i;y-e~;n~s-~-l. .. I : . in the MAC NEWSLETIER I~l'l ~ ~ I .,.a _ .~ "a.? .~ •• •• f:::~I"'\:id Fund supports lobbyists in Washington,' and gays had not only attamed "mmonty" U4u.lUV1l4. U;'Cdlu.lllC UI~ .VV"'~.dlIU .v.~~V. lll~ll 411U WVllU::ll, Ull1g~ D.C. to push the Congress on AIDS-re- status, but also were well on their way to But "it would be detrimental for me to compromise. I sing because of the lated issues. constituting a genuine political constitu- way Iam. Idon't want to endanger my soul and my voice because of my Any substantial list of openly gay and ency. In the area of pressure politics, their physical looks. It wouldn't be worth it." How the spiky-haired singer de- P lesbian elected officials would have been voice was becoming louder. The voice R scribes her look: "I like to pretend I'm a farmer and sort of dress for chores virtually impossible at the time of the Stone- would be sorely teSted~. . . wall demonstrations. Due mainly to the in the 1980s. " ' . .. always ready to feed the cows, drive the tractor, fix the truck.'tx 1 •• - - -"- - - - _ ••• ------" - - -"... .'~ - -·:....iii1 •••• b I ------I1..-~---.-;.-· 1- • p I Free listing of community events 0 " in the MAC NEWSLETTER d~ ><~ ~o« E-"'~ y ~!;;~~~ b ~~Po.!;;~ i~ CALENDllll p... ~ zVl 0 tl THE PURPOSE OF THIS NEWSLETIER IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE o~ ::c:~ COMMUNITY.IFYOUARE PARTOF ANY COMMUNITYORGANIZATION, PLEASE z Po. o LET US KNOW WHEN MEETINGS, FUNDRAISERS AND SPECIAL EVENTS ARE II HAPPENING. WE WILL THEN INCLUDE THEM IN THIS NEWSLETIER. AT PRES- o ENT WE ARE PRINTING 2000 COPIES AND MAILING 1000 TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE ASKED TO BE PUT ON THE LIST. YOU CAN GET LISTINGS IN THE P NEWSLETIER BY MAILING TO THE ADDRESS ON THE RIGHT. il '.. Issue Deadline Issue Deadline April March 16 July June 15 ,4 ~ May ...... •...... ApriI16' August.. July 17 June ..; ~ May 18 September August 16 E ONE TIME 0 CONTINUING 0 I DATE: _ v t DAY OF THE WEEK: _ I EVENT: ~------,a DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: _ ] Cf} ~ G) ~ ~ ~ ;::l ~ ••• ~ 00 0' ~ I:: . ~ G) Q) •.....• ( ~ ~ I ~ CI'.J ~E-t~~ e 2 .t:: E-t ~ r- 0 ~ SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: -'-- __ --,- Q) 'u~...~l ><:r--'=u