VOLUME NINE, NO. 14-July 4, 1996-July 17, 1996—Issue 208 (~RFC itow Give the People Light and they will find their own way. V The Wisconsin Light The Hotel Washington RISING FROM THE ASHES By Bill Meunier devastated. "1 will never forget that day," said openly (Madison) Plans to rebuild the Hotel Washington Gay Alderman Mike Verveer, "I just stood there crying Complex are proceeding ahead despite some glitches all day. " and the need to complete the packaging of $5,000,000 The effect of the fire went beyond losing some in financing. Some observers believe that the Hotel popular places to eat and drink. Over 100 people were could be rebuilt by the end of next summer at the latest. thrown out of work. Furthermore the Hotel's permanent Plans call for a larger complex that will look and feel residents including those occupying 10 low income very much like the old building did. As is often the case apartments lost all of their possessions. with large redevelopment projects this one has its share Work Started Immediately of hold ups and delays. Almost immediately, the owners Greg and Sherry The Wisconsin Light conducted interviews with Scheel went to work on rebuilding a bigger complex. many of the major players involved in gaining "There has never been any doubt that we would rebuild - government permits and in putting together a it," said Greg. "Its just too important to the community. complicated financing package. Everyone showed an But the Scheels had other concerns as well. They optimistic attitude. That's good news for Madison's were especially concerned with the welfare of their LesBiGay community and for the rest of the state as tenants and the people thrown out of work. well. Even though it took time away from the rebuilding Devastating Loss effort, the Scheels worked hard to help. For many years, the Complex served as the hub of Gay Financial help came in the form of fund raisers life in Madison. It included three popular Gay bars: throughout Wisconsin in addition to many individual Rod's, The New Bar and the Mier() Bar; an alternative donations to the "Hotel Washington Tenants Relief music club, Club De Wash, the Cafe Palms, an Fund" which the Scheels helped to organize. expresso cafe and a barbershop in addition to rooms for Greg Scheel says that he was overwhelmed by the permanent residents and the hotel itself. generosity. "You can't imagine how much that meant to When it burned down on February 18, 1996, us. Thanks to many people, the tenants have pretty Wisconsin's LesBiGay community lost one of its most much had all of their lost possessions replaced." endearing landmarks. The fire was reportedly caused Those first few months were difficult , but Scheel says by a live ash in an ashtray that had been emptied into a that he and Sherry were encouraged by the support they waste basket. Straight and Gay Madison was TURN TO HOTEL, PAGE 30 Alderman Verveer Defends the Right of All People to Use Madison's Parks Madison— On June 18th, the violated city ordinance or park The Alderman however was not Madison City Council, unanimously commission rules" swayed and refused to give in on the rejected an attempt to step up har- In September, 1995, Tim Bruwer, issue. "This isn't about public sex, assment of Gay men using Madison City Council President and Alder- we have already laws against that, area parks. The vote ended a nine person Dorothy Borchardt, two of this is about the fundamental right better than she does in this picture. A half scale version of the Lady Liberty never looked month battle over a proposed ordi- the more conservative members of of Gay men who this ordinance was of freedom draped in a Rainbow Flag was created for San Francisco's Pride cele- symbol nance that would have allowed the City Council sponsored the ordi- obviously aimed at, to use public bration which was held on Sunday June 30. Madison Police to banish people nance. property in a lawful manner. It is from its parks. Observers say that the real intent dangerous to have laws that allow Madison's New Harvest Foundation The Police Department requested of the ordinance was to harass Gay the Police or any governmental the new ordinance, contending that men who cruise in City Parks. agency to prohibit people from being Launches New Endowment it would combat sex, drug dealing, Under the original proposal any . in public areas." drinking and gambling in Madison Madison Police officer could with Opponents claimed that if the or- Madison—Madison's foundation for the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual parks. out a trial issue a citation and order dinance had passed there would community—the New Harvest Foundation—recently began a new era in its Many opponents said they felt it any individual not to remain in or have been nothing to prevent the development with a special event commemorating the kick-off of its new was directed at Gay men. As one re-enter any Madison park for six Police from disbursing lawful gath- endowment fund. person put it, "Does anyone really months. erings of groups whose political Over 100 people gathered on June 5th at Madison's Olbrich Gardens to think the cops would just kick a Openly Gay Alderman, Mike leanings the individual officer may celebrate the accomplishments of the Foundation, which has awarded more drug dealer out of the park and not Verveer, led the fight against what not have agreed with. than 5160,000 in grants to dozens of LGB community organizations since its arrest him? he described as "an unconstitutional Madison Gay and Lesbian leaders founding in 1984. The proposed ordinance, "The swipe at everyone's civil rights and expressed concern about the possi- The New Harvest of Art, an art show and auction, was the centerpiece of the Unlawful Trespass Into Parks" Or- liberties." bility that a homophobic police offi- event, which raised about $10,000 for the Foundation. The festivities also dinance would have authorized the Verveer was attacked by Madi- cer could indiscriminately ban Les- signified a brand new look for the organization, exemplified by the unveiling Police "to prohibit a person from son's conservative newspaper The bians and Gays from using the of a new logo. remaining in a city park after that Wisconsin State Journal, which parks. Audience members greeted the premiere of a new, highly professional video person has created a disturbance, accused Verveer of supporting pub- TURN TO PARKS, PAGE 30 with vigorous applause. The state-of-the-art video uses the testimony of the exposed his/her person, or otherwise lic Gay sex. organization's founders and beneficiaries of its grants to detail the Foundation's impact on the community. TURN TO NEW HARVEST, PAGE 30 Journal Journal In the Spotlight Section State Pages 12 to 26 A Proud And Magic Time In Madison Wisconsin Complete, Detailed Coverage of Madison's MAGIC Picnic & Pride Weekend Events on July 19 to July 21 Out On Film: Movie Reviews The Hunchback of Notre Dame Striptease The Phenomenon Stealing Beauty Interviews with the Director and Producer of the Summer Blockbuster "Independence Day" The Statewide Entertainment Calendar SpotLight Party Information The Night Light Column You're Invited To Events Around Wisconsin The Picture Page A Living Rainbow Flag was formed in front of the State Capitol in June. The Flag will reassemble fand march in Madison's Pride Parade on Sunday July 21. For up to date information, detailed and complete information on all the activities taking place during Madison's The Entertainment Directory And More! MAGIC Picnic/Pride Weekend, see our Entertainment Section, The SpotLight pages 12 to 25. r July 4, 1996—July 17, 1996—WISCONSIN LIGHT-2 Gay Pride in La Belle France Paris, France-AP- Hot pink tulle floated through the air and vinyl clad bikers revved their News Briefs engines as tens of thousands joined the annual "Gay Pride" parade in the French capital Satur- day, June 15. NYPD Band Played in Gay Pride Parade A moderate rain did not appear to dampen the spirit of the marchers, many in elaborate New York-NY-AP-The New York Police Department marching band joined Sunday's, June costumes, who danced energetically and cheered on others on decorated floats. 30th, Gay Pride Parade, the Daily News reported. The Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) Lesbian and Gay Pride, a group which promotes community activities and social tolerance, filed a federal discrimination suit in April charging their organization is treated differently organized the parade to foster homosexual rights and greater social benefits, such as state- from other NYPD organizations. recognized same-sex marriages. The suit said GOAL's request for the marching band had been denied every year. The group The floats included one with a Disney theme, with men and women dressed up as well- has been told their paperwork was lost or given other excuses. known characters such as Cinderella and Mary Poppins dancing to techno versions of old clas- "We're treating GOAL as we would any other organization," police spokeswoman Marilyn sic movie themes. Mode told the Daily News. "Commissioner Safir believes everyone has equal protection under "Solidarity" and "visibility" where slogans shouted out to dancers and spectators at the pa- the law." rade, which started off slowly from the Left Bank of the Seine and ended across the river. Mode said the only requirement for the band's participation is that GOAL members march in "I'm here simply because I am Gay," said Julien Roger, 22.