December-January 1978-9

Lesbian Organization of Toronto 342 Jarvis St. Toronto, Ont. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenin.as. 960-3249

omen Working With Women Against Alcohol

Amethyst Is a precious stone, lav· friends don't realize the problem of Why the difference? Nancy points ender Is colour, believed to have drinking and even encourage the to the lesbian bar scene as one properties which prevent lntoxica· habit. reason: there are virtually no tlon. The Greek root of the word, In the lesbian community alcohol­ alcohol-free social settings for Amethustos, means "not drunk." ism has reached near epidemic women to meet in. What's more proportions. A study conducted in being a woman and a lesbian in ~n San Francisco concluded that one often hostile world isn't easy. out of three gay people may be al­ Sometimes the shit is so heavy we coholic, compared with one out of feel like diving right into the beer ten of their straight counterparts. Alcoh?I - insidious, seductive, mug, let alone drinking from it. destructive - words we have heard Whatever the reasons, lesbians so often they begin to lose their are letting their drinking get out of meaning. Or do they? Not to the hand. Most don't believe they have a women who meet every Tuesday problem. The women of Amethyst night at Jarvis St. to talk about them· What's the counselling feel self-deception is the drinker's selves and their drinking - women Collective Up to These worst enemy Interestingly, they whose lives have turned around compare coming to grips with al­ since joining Amethyst. Each week Days? coholism with coming out as ales­ they get together to talk about their bian. Alcoholics experience the feelings, the difficulties getting same reluctance to cope with a through the previous week sober, LOOT's Counselling Collective major part of their lives and the and each other. They are a diverse has recently considered starting same fear of being dumped on if group of women and each came to self-help groups for women who they deal with it openly. And also, Amethyst to get a handle on her would like to gain increased self­ how do you know for sure that drinking. Bat their stories are re· awareness. Since most ccllective you're an alcoholic? Maybe it's just markably different, members do not as yet feel qualified a phase ... Nancy decided the time for action to start such a group, eight Anne says there is no way she had arrived after she experienced a concerned women on the collective could have stopped drinking (two series of blackouts. She would wake have agreed to participate in their sober years with a couple of sips) up some mornings, check to see if own self-help group, to gain without the women of Amethyst. All her car was in the garage, and experience for future use. of them insist they could never wonder how on earth she got home. They are also considering s.imply "go it alone." Amethyst pro­ Anne for years refused to believe orientation meetings for women vides a warm and supportive atmo­ she had a problem. In the end, a who would like to become involved sphere for lesbians who need that close friend laid it on the line - get with LOOT and the community, but extra strength to combat booze. If help or get out of my life. For Liz, feel insecure and uncertain about you think you drink too much, go to there was no single triggering event. what to do. Collective members one of the meetings. There will be She knew deep down that booze was would like to meet with new women no lecturing and no pressure. They distorting her feelings and the way at specifically arranged times and won't insi~t that you quit drinking, she related to people and that some­ places (outside the house) and but they will give you some insight thing had to be done about it. For explain to them what LOOT is all into alcoholism that you may not Karen, the truth hit more brutally. about; if they are interested, the col­ have now. You have nothing to lose, Breakdowns, hospitals, and suicide lective would bring them into the and these women can show you just attempts all pointed to the house. The hope is to reach and how much you have to gain. Tuesday crunching need to stop drinking. help as many lesbians as possible, nights, 7:30pm, at 342 Jarvis St. For Ironically, even Karen's doctors both those active and those not yet information call Nancy 537-5707, or never suspected that alcohol was at active in the lesbian community. Karen 961-1768. the root of the problem. So often our by Valerie Edwards New Year's Dance: drums (newly acquired) provide the "umph" that makes Mama Quilly ll's dearlibby and Mama Quilly II music eminently danceable. Maxine Walsh and Susan Marcus will add a September 15, 1978: A quickly as­ nice touch on New Year's with their dear libby ; sembled group of women, known conga drums. for the last couple of months my lover has generically as "The band," The women perform some original been feeling very listless and out of sorts. i impressed 250 lesbians at a benefit material, but most of their songs are suggested ex-lax but that didn't go over dance. December 30, 1978: The well-known rock and blues tunes. too well . she says her life has no purpose same five women, with over 40 prac­ They don't pretend to have any pol­ or meaning, that something is missing. tices under their belts, will unfold at itical message, although Susan Cole well, last night she found the missing St. Paul's Centre as Mama Quilly II, a claims her "life mission is to take piece. she wants to have a baby! great women's rhythm 'n blues/rock 'n the violence out of rock and rol I"). mother, what should i do, libby? i love roll band. The group is anchored by They simply love good music, and this woman, but a baby? i'm not ready for pianist/vocalist Susan Cole, whose have adopted a perfectionist the responsibility: i don't want the re­ voice is well-suited to the blues. approach to it. They intend to stay sponsibility. not only that, it means get­ Linda Robitaille, a professional together after the New Year's dance ting some man involved. yuk. musician for 12 years, and Anne, an to perform locally. Don't miss Mama irresponsible hedonist acoustic guitarist, back up Cole with Quilly II at LOOT's gala New Year's some fine harmony. Donna celebration! dear hedy; Marchand's bass, and Linda Jain's first of all , becoming pregnant does not necessarily have to involve a man. for more on this check amazon quarterly, and have a drink and chat, and this vol.2, issue 3, 'radical reproduction' (also Travel - New York could be more promising if you are on your own. reprinted in the lesbian reader) . now in If you're thinking of going to New dealing with your other problem, have a Another club you might like to try, York for a few days you will defin­ is the Sahara (Manhattan). This bar talk with your lover. tell her you aren't itely want to check out some of the prepared yet to accept the responsiblity is 95% female, with a bar and a bars there. The number of clubs for lounge on the main floor, and a bar and fulltime commitment a child entails. women in New York is one of the volunteer yourselves for some overnight and a dance floor upstairs. The at­ largest, compared to other major mosphere is quite nice, and gets a babysitting assignments, even some centers around the world. weekend ones (the mother will love you) . good crowd. casual, with a down to earth crowd, There are a number of other clubs if by this time she hasn't changed her who are quite easy to meet. The mind, get her a kitten . for women In New York. If you'd like single person, 1 wouia recommena to find out more about these bars, or the Duchess, which is a small, all clubs in other cities you may be send all letters to dear libby, c/ o loot, 342 women's bar (males and straights visiting, you can call me, Isabel, at jarvis; toronto, ont. all letters confidential. screened out at the door) right in 265-2001, or drop us a line at Greenwich Village. The dress is Mercury Travel, 404 King St. E., casual , with a down to earth crowd, Toronto, M5A 1 L4. who are quite easy to meet. The dance floor is quite small though, so by Isabel if you're looking for a place to go dancing - Nitelife (formerly known books for, by, and about w.omen as La Femme and also in the Village) has a very large dance floor, but you non-sexist children's books may want to go to this bar with 2 women's records, posters, buttons friend or group of friends. The setup Christmas Dance is such that the dance floor takes up most of the space with a single line December 16 TORONTO 922-8744 of tables and chairs running around 8:30-3am the outside of the room, making it difficult to "get around." There is a Children's Christmas WOMEN'S separate bar area, where you can sit Party BOOKSTORE December 17, 2-Spm FREE, everybody welcome. 85 Harbord Street Merry Christmas Please reserve. Toronto, Ontario Cast But One Shadow & & Winter Love Happy New Year Celebrate Han Suyin ...... $2.50 New Year's Word is Out from the management & staff at H. & C . Adair ...... $8.95 AT EVE'S True to Life Adventure Stories Judy Grahn, editor...... $5. 95 Eve's December 31 , $12.50 Gayellow Pages Doors open at 8 (Gay directory for US and Canada\ 793 Gerrard St. E. (Only 200 tickets) ...... $6.50 463-5268 It was suggested that individuals General Meeting put out a certain amount each, as the dance would certainly bring in any cash outlay. Volunteer workers The general meeting was held planned. On December 1, for for the benefit were solicited. Sunday, November 26 at 4pm. example, the drop-in will feature Business included committee " Dyke-0" (would you believe a In addition to committee reports, reports and announcements from lesbian version of bingo?). The com­ several women made announce­ individual members. mittee thinks that this approach is ments concerning outside activities. The Co-ordinating Committee working well; people are energetic A meeting was to be held on asked for input from the members and more new women are coming November 30 to help organize a present concerning the New Year's out. The atmosphere of the drop-ins protest regarding the trial of The Dance, Saturday, December 30 at St. was discussed. Did people want Body Politic. The.GllSe\goes to court Paul's. Many felt that not holding " another party" or a quieter time for January 2. Since state repression of the dance on New Year's Eve itself talking? The point was made that gay people involves both men and would not be the same. However, there is a conversation room women, women were urged to parti­ the problem of booking a place had upstairs for quiet talking as well as cipate and not let the protest be­ already made this a moot point. the kitchen (for not so quiet talk?); it come a strictly gay male event. A The Newsletter Committee should be left to the individual to protest against the lack of funding reported that the December and participate as she wishes. for the Women's Counselling January newsletters would be com­ The conference committee is Referral and Education Centre was mentioned, although details were bined because of the holidays. Also making good progress, but feels the question was raised about the pinched for money. They explained not known. Another announcement was made about a forum dealing policy of using the mailing list for that they had divided into three sub­ LOOT business other than the news­ groups: agenda, publicity and fi­ with sexual harrassment on the job letter itself. Someone remembered nance. They have put out a question­ to be held December 6 at the St. that this issue had been discussed naire to gather agenda ideas and are Lawrence Centre. Finally, the about a year ago by both the Task thinking about several approaches meeting was informed of a solidarity Force and a general meeting, with to publicity. They have asked that benefit that will be held for women the resulting policy being that any women pre-register when they turn fighting INCO. This will be on Friday official LOOT use of the list would in their questionnaire so that more December 8, at the OISE auditorium, be permitted, but that no outside money will be on hand. (The question­ 8pm and there will be a $2.00 cover group or individual should ever have naires have been mailed and are al­ charge. Disappointment was expressed access to the list. The current so available under the LOOT bulletin general meeting concurred with this board). The committee also asked if that the clean-up scheduled before the meeting did not take place. policy. some 9f the money needed to put on There will be a clean-up at the Dec­ The Friday night drop-ins are the Lesbian Conference Benefit ember 22 drop-in, so the house will now getting good turnouts, (December 9) could be advanced be nice for the Christmas dinner the according to the Drop-in Committee. from LOOT. It was not known if the next day. Each Friday a different event is budget would allow for such or not. The next general meeting will be ~anuary 28. There will be no meeting in December. There will also be a Upcoming Events: brunch ($2.00) starting at 1pm with the meeting starting at 3:30pm. the house will be 25% of gross pro­ Christmas Dinner fits, with 50% expected for ex­ penses. The Drop-in Collective brings you Delivery of larger items will be Carol Singalong an old-fashioned Christmas dinner. made anywhere in the city for $5.00. Come and enjoy a traditional dinner, Anybody with anything to contribute complet~ with turkey, tree trimming, (all those clothes you don't wear, the There will be a Christmas Carol carol singing and eggnog! The tree things you never use), please do so. Singalong Night at 342 Jarvis on trimming begins at 5:30pm with Karen will pick up anything you Sunday, December 17 at 7:30pm. dinner at 7:30pm. Both vegetarian donate if you can't bring it yourself. You are invited to come out and sing and traditional dishes will be served. For donation pick-up information, well-known and lesser known carols If you wish Christmas 'spirits', bring Call Karen 961-1768, a 24-hour line (such as " Gay Gems of Day") and your own. Tickets are $4.00 and serv.ice. sample some Xmas refreshments. may be purchased from Pat Hugh And if you too have ideas about Also, anyone wanting to get a start (967-4660) or at the drop-ins by Dec. ways to make more use of the house on singing carols should come to 20. Hurry to get yours because only or help pay the bills, as well as serve 432 Jarvis, Thursdays, 5 to 6pm. a limited number (50) will be avail­ the community, solidify them and able. Saturday, December 23 342 bring them to a Task Force meeting. Jarvis St. ' House functions are not just up to committees; every lesbian can revitalize LOOT with ideas. LET OUR Redistribution Event FINGERS DO THE A rummage sale will be held at Swap Meet WORKING 342 Jarvis St. on Saturday, AT December 16, from 10am to 4pm. Be­ The LOOT drop-in is sponsoring a sides clothing, furniture, appliances swap meet Friday December 8. already repaired (eg. blenders), and Bring anything you don't need and odds and ends of all sorts, there will swap for something you do. 8pm at /~;~;~ be home baking. Fund-raising for 342 Jarvis St. Announcements THE NEWSLITTER COMMITIEE wou ld like FIREWEED likes to dance the Good 01 ' Way! GATE DANCE Saturday December 2, for to thank everyone who helped make our Dance to the music of the 50 's and 60 's on lesbians and gay men . 9:30 pm , licensed , benefit on November 11 a success , both fi ­ January 20 , 1979. Entry $1 .00 Sponsored food . At the 519 Church Community Centre. nancially and !unwise. by the Fireweed Collective . Come in costume For more information call 964-0148 . Next and bring your favourite ol ' rock and roll dance. Valentine 's Day . THE DEADLINE for the February newsletter record and support FIREWEED : A WOMEN 'S (no January issue) is January 28 . To submit CULTURAL AND LITERARY JOURNAL. a classified ad ($2) . announcements or articles , call Karen at 363 -4549 or leave it in THE ARTEMIS CONNECTION. Purpose : to Classified Ads the LOOT office . promote mutual support among sisters in areas of need - material , spiritual . or SOLSTICE PARTY : December 21 . Celebrate psychological. With the realization that many Will do posters and water colour illustra­ the winter solstice with World (Women lesbian women have little cash , but many re­ tions $7 .50 an hour . For information call Owned Rural Land Development) at 519 sources , Artemis is offering to organize and Lillith 921-6927 . Church St. . 8:30 pm , women only . There facilitate a bartering service for skills will be dancing and a cash bar (youve got to (student or expert) . needed items , Precision hair-cuts styled by Erving . Call try out " Lavender Menace " !). Admission information . etc . Call Artemis Pallas 964- 463-4322 . $1 .50 . 8375. Typesetters needed. Typing skills useful , THE LESBIAN MOTHERS DEFENCE FUND THANK YOU from Pat Hugh to the women experience not necessary. Call Amy or Gay AND GAY YOUTH TORONTO are holding a who came to the November 25 party to help at PinkType , 368-0715 . Christmas Benefit Dance on Saturday . her recoup the money lost at the Newsletter December 16 at 519 Church St , 9 pm . Ad ­ Benefit . A substantial portion of the loss was For sale: Hanimex , 35 SL 1.7 Lens 55mm ; vance tickets at Toronto Women 's Bookstore reg:lined . Sigma-Z 28 mm lens ; Soligor 135mm lens ; and Glad Day Books . flash gun and case . $350 or best offer. ANNIVERSARY-OF-THE-RAID PARTY : The Natalie 463-4322 . A BIG THANK YOU to the 9 women who Body Pol itic fund-raising bash , December turned up for the winterize clean -up day . 30 . Plus Support the Body Politic Rally , Dyke Do's Haircuts $5 , Call Karen 961 - Let's keep it clean and see more volunteers January 3, 8 PM . For more information call 1768. in the new year. 923 -GAYS . Dyke Van with driver for hire cheap . Call Calendar 961-1768 . Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10 11 121 13 14 15 *Rummage sale 16 *Task *Drop-in 10-4pm Force 8:00 L.M .D.F. 7:30 Movie Benefit 9pm *Counselling *Drop-in *Xmas 17 18 19 1 20 21 22 23 Collective, 7pm 8pm sing *Xmas Solstice party Decorating 7:30 Dinner J ' 8:30pm BYOD t 24 No 26 27 28 29 N.Y.E. 30 XMAS! Task No Drop-in Party l Force St. Paul's No 31 *Task 2 3 5 6 General Force *Drop-in l Meeting ! 7:30pm 8:00 ' ' 10 - 13 7 Si *Fund 11 *Drop-in Raising ! 8:00 mtg . Movie

14 15-r *Task 161 17 19 20 *Newsletter *Counselling ' *Drop-in *Fireweed Force mtg .7:30 Dance 7:30 i 8:00 7:00 ' 8:00 21 22 23 i 24 25 *Drop-in 26 27 8:00 ' ! ' story telling i night - 2 *Brunch 1:00 28 29 •rask 31 General mtg . Force 3:30 7:30 -- •Events occurring at 342 Jarvis St. Alcohol group every Tuesday, 7:30 at 342 Jarvis St. tBring your Own Decorations Counselling Collective is now operating a phone-line on Thursday nights.