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9-1-1975 Fifth rF eedom, 1975-09-01 The aM ttachine Society of the Niagara Frontier

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Recommended Citation The aM ttachine Society of the Niagara Frontier, "Fifth rF eedom, 1975-09-01" (1975). The Fifth Freedom. 27. http://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/fifthfreedom/27

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PUBLICATION OF THE BUFFALO GAY COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER 1975

CHRISTOPHER STREET '75' WU/** OF FLOWERS I S$N I%tik£L 4216 C|inton st- I i. ~fra3t& West Seneca < New York 14224 I

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tf Your favorite nightspot Htjl / 282 Aye. Buffalo, N.Y. |™P TO OUR READERS The sth Freedom did not publish an August issue as was planned due to a number of rea- sons, some of which were sea- sonal. Activities at the Cen- ter were minimal during the ME AND MY ARROW 6 summer and many contributors to the sth Freedom were either away on vacations or, if they REVIEW: LILY 7 were students, gone home for the summer. The staff decid- '75' ed it would be best to forego the August issue this year and PHOTO ESSAY 8 plan in advance to do the same thing in subsequent years. "SODOMY" WATCH 10 People who are present sub- scribers will have their sub- A NON-LOSS IS NOT A GAIN 11 scriptions extended one month to compensate for this year's 14 omission. Future subscrip- STRAIGHT RESEARCH ... tions will run for a period of one year with eleven publica- I WAS A CLOSET CUBBY 15 tions. Also it was decided to re- BICENTENNIAL CONFERENCE 16 structure the staff of the sth Freedom as a collective. The MILESTONES IN GAY 17 kinds of involvement and ef- RIGHTS fort that go into our magazine weren't being properly defined SHORT SHOTS 20 with a traditional editorial staff. Although this issue EDITORIAL/FROM OUR MAILBAG ... 4 contains an editorial written by past editor Dane Winters ENTERTAINMENT ... 12 POETRY ... 18 (which we were reluctant to change or delete because it CLASSIFIED ... 23 DIRECTORY ... 24 actually does represent a col- lective statement) future is- STH FREEDOM DISTRIBUTORS: Buffalo Area BookArt, 4 E. Chippewa, sues will be credited only to Everyone's Bookstore, 3102 Main St. - Norton- Bookstore, U.B. - THE STH FREEDOM COLLECTIVE and Yellowstone Books, Bailey Aye. Hibachi Room, 282 Delaware instead of editorials we will Amherst Club, 44 Almeda Aye.; Elsewhere- - Glad Day Books, Tro- have a column titled COLLEC- Toronto - Androgyny Bookstore, Montreal Terminus Baths, Toronto TIVELY SPEAKING. Roman Baths, Rochester,N.Y. - Bookstore, Wash.,D.C. Green & Yellow Bookstore, Jamestown,N.Y.- , . -

The STH FREEDOM welcomes your contributions: articles, Vol. 5, #7. Circulation 2000. Collective Staff: Benji, Greg poetry, comment, news, letters, Bodekor, Dorm Holley, Grant King, Heather Koeppel, Don Michaels, photos, artwork, etc. Send Jayme Spyridon, Mickie Williams, Dane Winters, John Yenson. your contributions to the Cover by Grant King. Contributors: Gloria, A. Earl Hershber- STH FREEDOM address, or bring ger, Brian MacArthur, S.O.S. Writer's Collective, Rick Seymour, them to the Gay Community Burton Weiss, Jim Zais. Address all material to STH FREEDOM, Services Center, 1350 Main St., Box 975, Ellicott Sta., Buffalo, N.Y. 14205. STH FREEDOM is Buffalo - (716) 881-5335. published at 1350 Main St., phone (716) 881-5335, and printed by October Graphics, 1207 Hertel Aye. Permission required for reproduction of material. DEADLINE: The 10th of each month.

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In trying to decide upon Ed with something that was bo- outside to draw attention to an appropriate focus for the thering mc very much when I of them. editorial this month's was casting about for direc- anger Fifth Freedom My was completely I found myself tions for this issue. It hap- dissipated by Brian's article, floundering around a pens that just among recently a good and in its place I myself diverse and assort- of find disturbing friend mine mentioned, with consumed with gratitude for ment of concerns, ideas and no malice intended on HIS part, the opportunity to be assoc- DOUBTS. that our Center is being re- iated, in a friendly and a I tended to my attribute ferred to by some critics as helping way, with vacillation and confusion to a the "chick- "chicken coop." Needless to ens" at our Center; and at the many things, including the say I was very upset and angry seasonal same time I feel so sorry for indolence of a long when I heard the remark, and those who cannot hot summer. I see beyond I just couldn't did much brooding and some their own sexual disorienta- get my head together as a gay name-calling of my own direct- tion enough to recognize and person much less the editor of ed to the stupid and/or sick appreciate the sensitivity and a gay magazine. I was clearly mentality that needs to sup- reality of the Brians who have thinking of myself as adrift port itself with attacking and found their way to in both the Center categories. destroying. and become a part of its im- What snapped mc out of my After I finished reading age . "midsummer mindlessness" or ME AND MY ARROW I sat back and As gratified as I am by whatever it was, happened when breathed a sigh of relief that Brian's contributions to the and read the I received arti- was like taking a gulp of Gay Center and the Free- cle Fifth in this issue called ME clean fresh air. If Brian dom I can't honestly say I'm AND MY ARROW. I have only met MacArthur and the other young now free of ALL the concerns the author a few times, and people like him are what is and uncertainties that were never really had a conversa- giving the Gay Community Ser- troubling mc. But least with at tion him, so I was taken vices Center the of with the good feeling by surprise look a his ar- (though I should chicken coop (and obviously ticle engendered in mc not been know) I can have I by what youth can be the look at the other he has only basis things more contributed to us. for that expression in our clearly and take a better ap- The author is 17 years context) I'd proach old then vote in fa- to dealing with them. which beautifully coincid- vor of putting a neon sign FROMOURMAILBAG •

Dear Dane: the article; it's always good which is a bar-discothecrue, Thanks for the to what July issue see my gay sisters and and that therefore if appropri- of sth Freedom. You people brothers are up to in other ate pressure is brought to are a doing great job. parts of the country. bear on the management in the I am happy to tell you Again, thanks for writing form of a boycott, perhaps that the and National Institute of sending along the article. this sexist treatment can be Mental Health has awarded my Sincerely, alleviated. research group do $83,000 to Elaine Noble As an extra added a 2 year investigation of con- attrac- State Represent- tion, as we were leaving the flict between gay people and ative, Mass. bar a waiter began to help counseling or control agencies one of us on coat. This is an important recogni- with our Dear Editor, When I said I could put on my tion of the need to discover jacket, A posh mid-town Toronto own he retorted, "Well, how the civil rights of Gays we're are abridged. gay club called the Quest, still gentlemen here." Do lesbians need Yours truly, Yonge near Charles Street, this? We would like to Mark Freedman has a discriminatory dress solicit code against women. While the aid of lesbians and gay • men dress as they please, men in boycotting the Quest wo- for Dear Ms. Williams: men may be kept out on the its sexist policies if you Thanks so much for the grounds that they are wearing are out on the town in Toronto. excellent article on mc in the jeans. The manager offered Sisters of Sappho July issue of Fifth Freedom. no explanation other than to • It was so encouraging to mc say "these are - the rules". A Dear sth Freedom and, I hope, to your readers on readers, waitress duty explained Jill Raymond, in "changing at some the last interested the that time in the past of the Lexington system". Maybe other skeptics a fight broke out Six, is still between some in jail. Over six will change their opinions women and since the last wearing jeans months the Lexington-£lue and get involved in the polit- that time the no-jeans-for- Grass Area has been to ical process from reading your women policy has been in exposed force. the farce of "speedy and due optimistic article. It is our understanding from a process of five I enjoyed seeing the waiter that weekends law". After rest many wo- months, and a three-week of your magazine as well as men frequent the upstairs, over- CONT. NEXT PG.

4 MAILBAG, cont. due decision, our "gutsy" sis- CONTEST!! ter faces thirteen more Mattachine used Gay Vis- months of confinement. She is ibility as the theme for the being kept in county jails 1975 Celebration and which are not equipped with fa- we found that people responded cilities for exercise, fresh to it in so many different air, recreation, and regular ways, depending on their indi- medical care. This is because vidual circumstances, that we these jails are usually re- realized the means of being oreaous served for short-term duration visibly gay are more numerous ■t/hunf and not prolonged than we had ever guessed. Peo- confinements. In short it would appear that ple suggested things that all gems & the district judge is attempt- gays, however anonymous they ' are, can do to be visibly gay. ing to break her will. Let's metals show her we support her fight There was such a serious custom made jewelry for justice. Write: Jill Ray- interest in this area of in- mond, Madison County Jail, creasing gay awareness in the with a gay motif Richmond, Kentucky 40475; or whole society that people have in gold or silver c/o Eddie A. Robinson, P.O. continued to bring it up over Box 1792, Lexington, Kentucky and over again. Actually it 40507, and I will see that she caught on most with those peo- pendants chokers receives your letters. Please ple who are in circumstances write now. She needs your sup- that prohibit them from gay ac- rings \\ ear rings port desperately. tivism. It seemed that the bracelets e c Eddie A. Robinson less people are able to come * - out, in the ways that were NOTE: The Lexington Six thought to be the only ways, mail orders welcomed have been subjeated to much the more they tuned in and FBI harassment for their turned on to being able to be tuesday- Saturday lesbian/feminist activism. visibly gay by positive efforts 11:30-6:00 • that involve no personal risk Dear Friends, and could be done with satis- 1053 elmwood aye. buffalo, n.y. and First, congratulations on faction anonymity at the 716-886-1300 the new format of the Fifth same time. Those who had no Freedom! Always enjoyed read- problem with any needs to re- ing it and now it's better main anonymous were enthused than ever. because they recognized a new dimension of visibility for I have visited the Center a few times and am impressed ALL gays. with the good things done Just what are these "Gay The sth there. I would like to ex- Visibility Ideas"? Freedom press a need I feel exists in was going to do an ar- the Gay Community and hope- ticle on them at this time, fully you - or someone will but the staff felt this was be interested in doing some-- something our readers, many of thing about it. In talking to whom are anonymous, might want think others like myself, I know to of themselves and there are a lot of people who then share their thoughts with are straight by all outward everyone. We decided we could signs and feel they have to do this by running a GAY VIS- stay that way. Yet these IBILITY CONTEST. people, during the day and People who submit ideas away from the home atmosphere, that can be published in fu- / / If wish to meet people with de- ture issues as "Gay Visibility * sires for brief sexual exper- Idea of the Month" will re- iences. No hang-ups or has- ceive a Lambda pin and a year sles. Just good feelings all subscription to the sth Free- around. dom. Your idea must be one For several years, I have that as many gays as possible tried to find an outlet along can use. We'd like nothing better than these lines with no luck. Can to have an idea a you or your readers - offer month for every future issue 883-7400 any advice?- we publish ad infinitum (or Keep up the good work. anyway until there is no more Annonymous through gay oppression left and no necessity need for ideas or sth Free- shop" doms. ) I /Itie oriental • Address entries to sth TO EXPRESS YOUR VIEWS, OPIN- Freedom, P.O. Box 975, Elli- IONS, ETC. WRITE TO: STH cott Station, Buffalo, New FREEDOM MAILBAG- BOX York 14205. am avenue - 975, 14'elmwood ELLICOTT STA. - BUFFALO // ri buffalo,n.y. 14205. PLEASE KEEP LETTERS it AS BRIEF AS POSSIBLE.

5 ME AND MY ARROW

same hell that I was going through. They made mc realize SELF-IDENTITY AND that the only way that I could find out for sure whether or not I was a homosexual was to THE SUPPORT GROUP come down to the Center and see for myself if that was really the way that I wanted BY BRIAN MAC ARTHUR to live my life, since doing so would expose mc to an or- ganized gay society. ing back four months, I see see When I began getting myself in them. I how acquainted gay scene much have since with the I learned I and realized that it wasn't out April came on 19th and what I had been led to be- realize how important it is (by straight society), for mc to have a support lieve I felt comfortable to know group. people I am seventeen years that like mc realized of what I was going through and age, and I believe that I have been a homosexual since could understand what it was eleven. like for mc. The support age I live in the helped suburban farming town of Elma, group mc cope with the an conservative intensity of the situation. obviously never place to live with no organ- I had been a member of any minority group before and ized gay scene whatsoever. one my Before coming out, I had gone this was of fears through coming out. All my life I what I believed were subjected "phases" in my sexual devel- had been to an anti- gay society that no opment when I thought that I I could longer tolerate. The support was a homosexual, but told group had helped mc when I Society ha? become myself that soon I would take so com- came out and it still feels plex that people an active sexual interest in who share good to know that have some- organized women. I did for awhile, I common goals have and body to talk to when I need into social groups and organ- enjoyed it very much, but felt izations within which more strongly attracted to them. they The more I read and ab- and members of my own sex. I can relate their views sorb from people about feeling those of didn't really feel as great share others. This good myself, more organization is know- about the I common a sexual or emotional attrac- feel a need to help others many of gay to ledge, and us in tion women. are going through what I society done a who realize the need for I had little read- went through. I very organization of gay people to ing on homosexuality, find it all of comforting to educate public about homo- homophobic know that the the which was propa- gay community provides social sexuality and remove those ganda, and was feeling so de- prejudices and stereotypes pressed that friends of mine and educational services to so many millions of began to mc its people, and would like to which ask "What's through ed- people hold against gays. As wrong?" Obviously, I couldn't see social reform people, we all feel more com- tell them what was "wrong" ucation about homosexuality it was simply that didn't- to the straight public be- fortable around those who I come widespread. These are share the same feelings as who or what I was. I had know not easy goals to reach. even though some lost my self-identity, and we do, and Organization people accept our sexuality thought that I had made a real and commun- among gays plays an for what it is, it is not mess of my life. My school ication essential role life, often talked about on an in- marks dropped drastically, in my for it is a big step for mc tellectual and open-minded which had never happened to mc Communications and before. I couldn't understand towards discovering myself. level. The most important thing to between gay myself and why others felt the relations soci- mc, all to and straight society as they above else, is ety way did towards people know I am. My a are not good enough. like mc. I even began getting who and what whole self-identity and my peace of So people continue to mis- physically at thought sick the mind are the most important understand that there is no that I might be a homosexual. They aspects of my life, for in typical homosexual. Things were going so badly that a so to see personalities world divided between fail that I called the Suicide Crisis and oppression, relationships Counseling people conformity of gays and in line. The cannot community are as var- themselves much I fit the "normal" the gay couldn't offer slot that has cut for and diversified as in they give mc society ied advice, but did mc. must be straight society. This was the center's number to call. I myself. a factor which, I must admit, After calling, I was very surprized mc very much when carefully counseled by Claude, LAMBDA PATCHES I came out, and every day of Benji, and Don over the tele- STURDY CLOTH GOLD LAMBDA my life I see how very little phone, who assured mc that I ON NAVY BLUE - AVAILABLE people know about what gay was not alone and that others AT THE CENTER society is really like. Look- like myself went through the

6 REVIEW

to retire and feeling time was running out for him. Linda, L I LV the woman married 17 years won- ders aloud what happened to the romance and excitement of by DONN HOLLEY their first days together. Something had happened to her I rarely watch televi- Harry - his cleverness, and sion. Its typical violence especially his romance, were and hackneyed plot lines are gone. Nonetheless, the scene not nearly as disturbing to mc ends on a happy note, and one as its stereotyped, heterosex- is left with the hope that ist propaganda. Almost every Harry's romance is not dead show and certainly every com- after all. mercial expound on the roles The most moving story, we are supposed to fulfull. however, was the third, a Being gay I have little inter- fairy tale about a clown named est in those roles, so televi- Lorraine. It perhaps defines sion holds little for mc. most clearly the issues Lily Nonetheless, there are a few raises in the other two stor- entertainment events that ap- ies. The tale tells the life pear only on television, and story of a clown born to a at these times I consent to "normal" couple living in Dull sit through the indocrination City, where no one ever has of commercials. One of these any fun. It follows her life all too infrequent events was excerpts as birth- starring with such a "Lily", a special the three stories, but none day party with a special guest- Lily Tomlin, which was aired could be called a mere humor- an accountant to explain cred- ous sketch. Each had a cer- July 25th. its and debits (marvelous fun I had known Lily Tomlin tain depth with a greater pur- inhabitants of Dull Laugh- pose just making one for the as a gifted comedian on than City). Her friends have a In, on records, and on a cou- laugh. good time, but she only wishes pTe seen. The first a parody of of specials I had I was to throw the birthday cake in had not seen her recently, how- a True Confessions story. Lily explained recently, someone's face. After several ever, and I was delighted to that, until becomes con- were only two such incidents, she find that she has aquired there kinds of more and more lonely as about ones she siderable depth as a social magazines women grows up, until she meets an- Most "good - spoke critic. comedians com- about women" that Together budgets, cur- other clown. Lor- ment on society and its foi- of "meatloaf, and raine and the other clown go and ones wo- bles; few do it with the com- tains" about "bad to a very special party, only passion, spoke "lurid, exuberence, and love men" that of for clowns. Unfortunately the that Lily Tomlin does. Her seamy, pulsing affairs." Women party by the police, out is raided social consciousness attacks read both to find which illegal to have such they for it is the roles and stereotypes that type were, but escape fun in Dull City. She is sent scream at you from the commer- seemed impossible. Even "bad to jail, and then sent to be interrupt women" saw the errors of their cials which her show, Dull City compassion and came back to "meat- "Re-educated" into yet she shows for ways society. Slowly loaf, budgets, and curtains." Lorraine is the people who have become taught to forget clown Lily's her prisoners of those roles. story follows one of ways set through and then she is free. The show had a couple of the "bad women" a mar- met clown riage She is by her features common to many comedy- that's no longer satis- and for a time they variety fying, and friends shows satire on a to a new job the in- she clown - and think is lost, but a commercial, a song satire, evitable affair with her boss. and a question and answer session woman is always a clown, she In Lily's story the out- soon regains her sense with Edith Ann, Lily's lovable wits both husband and boss, re- of fun. It to cap- if somewhat devilish s*s year jecting both. But that's is difficult old character. Lily's creativ- Lily's happy ending, not ture on paper the poignancy and sensitivity ity was evident in these sket- True Confession's. of this story. blend of ches although they were not un- In another sketch, Lily It was a perfect humor. On like similar features on other follows the exploits of Bobbi warmth, pathos, and shows. What followed, however, at top of everything, it had a Germaine, singer-organist almost was very untypical of even the Starlight It message - an universal the Lounge. was there best variety shows. There disturbingly real to life, al- one at that. While were parallels to life, were three separate story- though not very funny. But obvious gay apply to anyone at- skits which were disturbing in there is very little that is it could their show of warmth, humor, defeated peo- tempting to free themselves funny about the a pathos (something that is near- ple who often inhabit bars. from the oppression of lar- ly always lacking the typ- The action revolved around ger culture into which they do in minorities, ical comedy-variety show), and two situations a couple ar- not fit - racial social consciousness. The guing on their -17th wedding amount of humor varied among anniversary, and a man forced CONT. P. 22

7 CHRISTOPHER STREET '75

8 PHOTO ESSAY Gore Vidal, in Esquire, May '75: "The law against 'SODOMY" WATCH... sodomy goes back fourteen hundred years to the Em- peror Justinian, who felt N.Y. REPEAL FAILS AS MAINE GOES, that there should be such After agonizing delays a law because, as every- bill A1220 - consensual sodomy SO GOES THE one knew, sodomy was a repeal - came up for debate in principal cause of earth- the N.Y. State Assembly, Mon- NATION . . . quake ." day June 30, De- evening 1975. Let's hope so, because bate lasted for two nearly Maine has just become the elev- roll hours, at which time a enth state union to call in the de- REFERENDUM DIES vote began. By the time consensual the call reached criminalize sex be- roll Al22o's havior. Through a revised The Coaliton of Christian sponsor William Passanante criminal code that passed both Citizens' attempt to thwart (D. )- The vote - the House and the Senate California's recently passed going- badly (30 with law was so Yes, little opposition, consenting consenting sex has failed. 72 No), that he moved to recom- petition sex acts between adults are no The C.C.C. drive to mit the bill to committee in force longer penalized. The law re- a state wide voter ref- order to keep it alive for erendum the fell tains sanctions against engag- on new law, next year's legislative ses- short of the necessary 312,404 sion. Thus, two-thirds ing another person in sex only through threat, valid signatures. assembly was clearly force or or of the "impairing person's recorded on their votes another for ability to be aware of the cir- our issue. The Western New cumstances by administering THE OTHERS: York record delegation went on drugs or other intoxicants." FOR- Izard, Eve In to Maine, as follows: In another section, rape is no addition and AGAINST- Frem- Washington and California, Daly; Hoyt, longer defined by gender, mean- ming, Greco, Gorski, Graber, these states have also repeal- ing of course that rape protec- Griffin, and Murphy; NO VOTE- ed their sodomy laws: Colo- tion applies to men as well as Walsh and Tills. rado, Connecticut, Delaware, women. The new code goes into dismal showing Hawaii, North Dako- Al22o's effect on March 1976. (The Illinois, culminated agonizing year 1, ta, New Mexico, and an Advocate, July 16.) Ohio for legislation affecting Oregon. gays. Between the Senate and the Assembly there were no less than 6 bills that would WASHINGTON BE- have affected the status of the consensual sodomy laws in COMES THE 12TH our favor. In addition there state to repeal its consensual were 7 bills filed between the sodomy statutes. Accomplished two houses that would have pro- through reform of the state's See America* vided civil rights protection criminal code, it created far and in employment in education- more controversy within the Find a friend. al institutions' practices, state legislature than that of based sexual on orientation; the effort in Maine. Sponsors two bills to grant job protec- of the bill had to resort to tion for those with a viola- parliamentary maneuvering by or tion misdemeanor criminal including the sodomy provi- record State (N.Y. laws dis- a package of reforms, criminatory gays fall sions in to with- it became that these when apparent in two categories); plus, would be that would have the measure defeated a bill favor- Supporters ably loitering on its own. fear altered the law that next year's may on engaging in sexual session "deviate see effort by opponents and an to intercourse", repealed the get sodomy back law cross-dress- the statutes loitering on the law ing. on books. The revised to take interesting law stands effect on An bill, that July 1976. (The for the most 1, Advocate, part got over- July 30.) looked, was filed in the Assem- bly. It would have prohibited banking organizations from "re- fusing to open or maintain A.M.A. BREAKS joint accounts because parties seeking to open and maintain THE ICE such account are of same or The American Medical As- different sex, or are or are sociation has gone on record not related by blood or mar- in support of "repeal of laws riage . " which classify as criminal any A1220 was the only bill form of noncommercial sexual AVAILABLE AT YOUR the lot that moved conduct between consenting of beyond BAR-BOOK STORE* the committee level. adults in private saving only FAVORITE protect BATH*OR MAIL ORDER* those portions which SEND minors, public decorum, or $5.00 + 50< POSTAGE the mentally incompetent." TO ABOVE ADDRESS

10 A NON-LOSS IS NOT A GAIN On June 30th of this year At this time next year ten percent of the New York our country will be two hun- A. Earl Hershberger State population nearly lost a dred years old and our move- repeal of the consensual sod- ment, dating from the Stone- We have pleaded, cajoled and omy statute. By the time the wall Riots, will be seven begged long enough. I for one roll call got to the bill's years old and that is old am tired of being a criminal sponsor (Passanante - D., Man- enough, on-both counts, for every time I express my love. hattan) it was obvious that it some changes to be effected. I am disgusted with a system was doomed to defeat. At this If the idea of "militan- that refuses to hire mc for a point Passanante recommitted cy" scares you maybe you had job that I could fill and for the bill to committee. Because better read something else which I spent several years of the incomplete roll-call because that's what I'm going training, just because of my the inevitable defeat was to be talking about. For too sexual preference. I am fed avoided. This, however, is long we have worked within the up with words like pervert, far from a victory. (If the system, have been polite (even fag, degenerate, queer, and bill reaches the floor again when trying to be forceful) to all of the other expletives this vote does not count.) politicians on all levels. hurled at mc because I prefer Our opponents, however, Our only real visibility has to be "out" and honest with can view this as a marginal been a few parades every year people rather than be the hypo- setback for gay rights, as it and an occasional rally on crite they want mc to be is. The Christian/capitalists different State-house and fed- a problem they must deal with- see gays as a threat to their eral front staircases. There in their minds. alleged manhood. For hundreds has been no sustained, co-or- We could win. We could of years the J-C tradition, a dinated effort at continued win if we could literally tradition strengthening the confrontation. (One or two pour more effort into our capitalist societies, has ig- lobbyists does NOT make a move- plans. We could win if we nored the needs and human ment effort. could make plans and stick to rights of a minority that Imagine, if you can, half them. The leaders of the constantly reappears in every of the people in a New York movement are going to have to new generation. This minority, City parade continuing their formulate those plans and the which cuts across every ethnic march to Albany. When they gays in the bars, at the dan- and social, economic and frag- arrive they break into groups ces and elsewhere are going to mented religious line, has of ten or twenty and confront have to implement them. lam been banned, tortured, and every legislator in her (his) going to work as hard as I can, even executed for their desire office. The effort would be in as many ways as I feel cap- and need, to love some one of timed so our arrival would co- able , for the improvement of the same sex. (N.B.- If this incide with the appearance of conditions for myself and all sounds like a build up for the repeal bill and a rights gays. some form of positive treat- bill on the floors of the As- I am tired of being a and isement on communism - FORGET sembly Senate. The impact criminal. What about you? IT! The 3 C's capitalism, of such a move would be enor- Christianity, and- mous. properly communism, And, if orches- The New York State Coa- The origin- trated and planned • are ALL anti-gay. for, it lition of Gay Organizations al commune-ism as envisioned could happen, next year. And (NYSCGO) is planning its et been we could, by Marx, al, has NEVER finally, get some Fall Conference for the week practised because pop- positive (sic?) and, of media coverage. end of October 4-6. The main growth pre-condi- You say ulation and marching and con- topic of, concern will be tioned societal attitudes, frontation are not your style? NYSCGO s legislative efforts quite probably never will be Then how about the slightly for the coming '76 session practised on this planet.) (?) more insidious testicular of the N.Y. Legislature. Our enemies only want to approach? (Yes, that word is Rochester will be hosting produce - and consume gay based on an old favorite - the conference. Details will love is sharing. They-want to testicles!) be available in the near be best - we want to be our- You grab them where it future selves. They must continually hurts and squeeeeeeze, slowly. win - gay love is the ability At least you'll get their to (accept) compromise. They attention. The approach is, struggle on their self-made of course, similar to popular ADULT piles to reach the top and beliefs about political prac- stay there we, however, can tices - get something on the BOOK STORE ignore the heap,- the "rat-race" other guy and use it. (e.g. and choose our own path. They Does a certain politician con- with paranoid frenzy, try to stantly visit your restaurant films destroy those who are differ- with someone other than their ent gay love welcomes diff- spouse? Can your accounting novelties erence- . And they call US firm prove that a certain anti- aueer? gay politico is hedging on her action magazines A-1220 is dead for all (his) taxes? Is a Senator (WE TAKE TRADE-INS) apparent purposes but we are voting favorably on an issue not. For too long we have let that involves a company she the "good people" the (he) an 2783 NIAGARA FALLS BLVD. of world has interest in? etc.) NEAR ELLICOTT CREEK PK. walk all over us. Too often If this latter method we have taken our lumps and sounds like "No-more-Mister- OPEN 10 TO 10 CALL 691-9862 said, "maybe next year". Nice-guy" you are so right. I I PROTECTING YOURSELF I C^^

fend themselves. I I Wγ J f J the center presents I rvyll ■ THE GAY RADIO WAVES Tfc3^^\ikl Im stonewall nation V J?/ i^^vSftl lußft STONEWALL NATION is a weekly program on W8F0,88.7 FM every W ■ M i§3»Si nHL Thursday 10:30 to 11pm. Recent shows have included news of 40BVV Wii WW3H lyHKr gay life and liberation, info on the move to change repressive ffink I &Vn laws in Albany, reports on anti-gay activities by University « I campus security, music recorded in concert at the Gay Center * <^*'

I i:t iim,miirn

The theatre experience begins at the CENTER A WAjililM) r* I 3s lv* vi Sept. 24&25 at 7pm with an open audition I '\ law/rrl |Nw ,, , i J vT| * for a theatre group which will perform JfMfl P'l^** *," S ffly I y W^mjO\r/y periodically at the CENTER. Each person is \ en O asked to submit a resume and perform a 3-5 \ ■ Vli 1\ ■ ' ■ mm. monologue and a song. There is also \ \ Sμ 1\ , \rjYV a need for P eople to work on the many e\ 2tt rlPi technical aspects of each production. /L* «j 1/ Experience is not necessary but will be "ro£Lv[\ Vn© / helpful. If you have any questions, * + please call the Center at 881-5335. pressed. To be normal we must fit into those stereotypes we STRAIGHT RESEARCH... all know too well: dressing like a "lady", doing "woman's work", having a boyfriend, old WHERE IT CAN GO (FROM HERE) man, or husband. But what hap- pens to women who strive to be by S.O.S. WRITER'S COLLECTIVE themselves and in so doing re- ject these stereotypes? Even more to the point, happens who McAul- what to a woman When Dr. Elizabeth questionable. chooses to love another woman ey from the Gender Reassign- Another weakness the in instead of a man? Certainly ment at Hos- study the Clinic Children's is that lesbian con- she is rejecting the most sa- pital first Cen- sultant for the wo- contacted the study is a cred of society's traditions ter and arranged to meet with man who has no contact with and the societal pressures of the Sisters Sappho we were ex- lesbian community except result making to "a women" and that from such a pecting have a discussion for few she ad- bending", to lack choice can be "mind on the clinic's program for mits a of conscious- have to be a man to love ness "You female transsexuals. Instead, regarding the political woman", society tells implications being a us. we found ourselves suddenly of a les- With no social support from being solicited to participate bian in this society. Certain- families, friends, churches, comparative ly no one woman can repre- in a study between be or government is it any wonder female transsexuals and les- sentative of our community but some might begin buy several women to bians. lesbians with some in- what is constantly being volvement the After our meeting with Dr. in community shoved down their throats? It would be satisfactory. McAuley we were left with many more is not so absurd to think that most unanswered questions about the The serious flaw in this kind ostracism research of social purpose and format of the this is that it does could lead someone to a gender not study. Therefore, we sched- deal with the social and reassignment program. (We do, political les- uled a meeting with Dr. £r- context in which however, want to make it clear and transsexuals hardt who is supervising the bians female that we do not feel that every- of this generation have study. It seems that the pur- been one who identifies as a female pose of the research is to de- raised. Dr. McAuley described transsexual is a les- a female closet termine differences de- transsexual's life- ) in the that of bian. velopmental patterns of les- style as a woman who When we stop to consider bians, female transsexuals, "lives as a man, dresses as a that the majority of women man, has a and heterosexuals. According man's occupation that Dr. McAuley termed trans- to Dr. Erhardt she wants to and a female partner." Many sexuals (those women who have compare each of these groups of the lesbians in the room be- actually been counselled to "the norm". But what is came confused because that is through the gender reassign- of identify normal? According to Dr. Er- how some us our- ment program) are between the hardt normal behavior is that selves. When asked to elabor- ages of 15 and 24, the whole which is most typical or aver- ate her definition she said issue even out- that becomes more age. The more you differ from female transsexuals are rageous. This is certainly a the stereotype of a "tradition- women who are "uncomfortable critical period of struggle in and al female" the less "normal" with their bodies" who one's search for sexual iden- feel to you are. This definition of they want be men. Nei- tity. Dr. McAuley is under normal involves value judge- ther Dr. McAuley nor Dr. Er- the impression that the gender ments we cannot accept. What hardt could give concrete rea- clinic is the only alternative happens to individuality and sons as to why these women other than a mental institu- want to men creativity? be and why they tion. But what kind of an al- Another problem with the might feel uncomfortable with ternative is this? It is a study it has no hetero- their lives as females. But potentially is that do drastic, irrevers- group. If the purpose we not feel this is a which sexual question which can or should ible alternative does to compare lesbians, not to is female be evaded so easily. allow a woman grapple transsexuals and heterosexuals What woman with a whole variety of feel- any sense. in this soci- ings may this doesn't make ety has not at some point she have about her In response to this objection in sexual identity as a woman. her life wanted or at least Dr. Erhardt said she would use considered the advantages Even with all the pro- data on of blems we can see in the re- heterosexuals which being a man? We've been has been obtained through search, there is a possibility pre- taught that being strong and vious studies done by other re- qualities of positive returns for the assertive are exclu- community. searchers. On the face of it sive to men. young lesbian The most this might sound When a important benefit to reasonable girl exhibits these qualities lesbians but some of the data she was she is labelled "tomboy". is that there is a real lack to a of research referring was gathered by The label itself, that can be used observing the development "torn-Boy" is court testimony of indicative of society's view in in support young children. to of lesbian Since Who is say of strong young girls — in mothers. re- that these children were nec- some way they must boys. search done by lesbians about essarily be lesbians heterosexual?l More- As time goes on it is no long- is considered invalid over, comparing two dif- legal proceedings, she is er "cute" to be a and in the ex- ferent of tomboy perience kinds data: one ob- we are labelled aggressive that these doctors by actually observing bring to their work could pro- tained bitches. A woman pumping gas vide solid data that would be the development of young child- is considered odd. "What is ren, the other obtained by ask- she trying to prove?" "Why acceptable to the courts. As ing adults about their past. can't she take a normal job?" This methodology is rather is the usual attitude ex- CONT. P. 22

14 men going on. It still wasn't easy. IAWASCLOSETCUBBY I feel relatively secure writing all this down for a said told by GLORIA I yeah. Then they Gay newspaper because I trust mc it wasn't possible. I that many Lesbians have gone asked why. They said "it just through similar experiences isn't." My sister offered the and can relate to what I went that reason if God had meant through. I think it is impor- mc to be a boy, He would have tant to share this with other made mc one. women so we For several don't feel like years I freaks for having had feelings thought about this and prayed of wanting to be men or having to God so that I would wake up feelings and fantasies we were next the morning as a boy. I males. I certainly would not would try to convince myself want to be relating this same that i_f I really believed it story to a psychiatrist, psych- would happen, that it actually ologist, or staff person in a would. And I would try to gender re-assignment clinic, Ever can since I remember psyche myself into believing particularly if I was not se- I wanted to be a boy. My sis- that I would wake up the next cure in a female identity. and used as ter, cousins I to morning a boy. But I knew And I will never be secure in watch the Mickey Mouse Club I never really thought it a identity as long would female as and we each picked out a char- happen. Sometimes I I face situations in our soc- acter that we were. I actu- would feel that the reason it iety such as being called sir, ally identified with Cubby, actually didn't happen was be- sonny, being to as but that cause related knowing wouldn't be I didn't have faith it either "one of the guys" or as accepted I told the others I would. an "unusual woman" by men (eg. wanted to be Karen. When my In junior high school I "I never saw a woman lift a male cousins and I played sol- ladder before"; "That's a dier I fantasized being a male man's job." Translate: you soldier. When I got older I must be a strange woman to be played out some male fantasies lifting a ladder, or you must by myself. I had a little want to be a man or you football I played with in my shouldn't be doing these backyard, imagining myself as things if you're a real woman). a male football star. Other Being told you're acting LIKE acted times I out scenes as a A MAN can surely shake you up. detective, investigating There can be a very thin line crimes and dating women. I between acting like a man and also had a make-believe law of- thinking you're a man. I fice in my cellar under the wouldn't want a shrink of any name of Douglas Grant. I sort to be drawing the lines love would take notes on law from a was in with a girl in my between Lesbian and transexual law dictionary my family had, class. I had elaborate fan- in mc. and prepared a defense for tasies about her and mc, with someone accused of murder. myself as a male. I fanta- I played out sized our first date, walking Sometimes The S.O.S. Mothers' De- the male role playing her home, talking to her and in with fense Fund is pleased to an- other girls the street. our first kiss. This on worked nounce its of When I was a I was a into other dates, telling her contribution doctor, $215.00 to Gay Community male doctor. When we loved and being the dressed I her, her boy- Center, which has been the up as a wedding party with friend. I fantasized making the base of operations and old out and our gowns I had, I always with her eventually given the best older and us invaluable support. played groom or man. both being getting Check future Fifth In playing I was married. I had sexual fan- Freedoms house, the for further announcements. husband. Sometimes I would go tasies of mc sleeping with down to my cellar by myself her. and put on makeshift ties I didn't think of these (belts from a duster, raincoat, feelings as Lesbian feelings. or anything available), and I never told her how I felt NORTH BUFFALO would play out fantasies. about her i.e. I never acted I wore my hair behind my on my feelings. Now I have community ears (as a boy would) and fantasies about meeting her at would sometimes be mistaken a Lesbian conference and sleep- for a boy. A friend's grand- ing with her. FOOD CO-OP father always asked mc if I It wasn't until I was 20 3225 Main at Winspear was Arthur's boyfriend or his that I identified myself as a Lesbian. I had been having girlfriend. I got embarrassed community controlled, around the time of class pic- Lesbian fantasies for 6 to 9 A tures in school because I felt months before I came out. anti- profit, I was the only girl that When I came out it was with inexpensive, looked like a boy. the knowledge that there were alternative source around Once my mother and sister other Lesbians who of food, asked liked being Gay, and who gave mc if I wanted them to invites cut my hair (it was already mc support as a Lesbian. I your organizations pretty short), call mc George knew there were membership and input! and send mc to school as a boy. and social events for gay wo-

15 BICENTENNIAL CONFERENCE . . . «WE'RE READY FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS» by JIM ZAIS combined in explosive inter- ing for community services, actions among us, and we were funding for research, the mil- Those were good days, but all changed. itary, the Federal Communica- they were difficult, too. They It is only now that we tions Commission, taxation for were exciting because anything can look back and learn. Some- singles, tax-exempt status, really new is exciting, but times our egos were too big. federal employment and immigra- they were also stormy, intense Sometimes our disagreements tion policies. The focus will political times when every ac- were petty. Other times we be on the impact of the feder- tion seemed to take on an im- acted bravely and showed true al government on the lives of portance far beyond its worth. compassion. It's all there in America's 2 0 million gay women The intensity was persistent the history of the movement and men, and ways to deal with it never let up. The group - and yet that history cannot re- that enormous impact. voted, and to some of us it place our own individual eval- I think we're right. I was as if the whole future of uations of our actions. think the gay movement has the gay movement of America de- After some deliberation reached a new stage of matur- pended on the outcome of a sin- my new friends here in Wash- ity. The response to the idea gle vote. And who can say ington have concluded (and I of the conference has been that it did not? agree) that the time has come very encouraging. Gay people The strain and the nour- for a new test of what we have from throughout the country ishment of the post-Stonewall learned. Can we assemble to- are saying, "Yes, it's time period were enormous for those gether as a national move- for something like this." of us who argued, pushed, de- ment? Can we minimize ego What happens after the bated, marched, lobbied, sang aggrandizement and communicate conference is another matter. and cried our way through it. with each other? Can we res- First things first. We meet Those were costly days but pect differences in perspec- each other, we talk, we share also indelibly instructive tives, priorities and strate- experiences and we learn. ones. We came out of that per- gies? Mostly we begin to respect iod far less naive about the Gays have joined together each other, to appreciate one depth of homophobia in Amer- in national forums before and another's expertise, and go on ican society. the record of these events is to build the type of community My own involvement began mixed. The Bicentennial Con- we want, with the type of val- in Buffalo in late 1970 and ference on Gays and the Fed- ues we want that community to the impact on mc was enormous. eral Government (Oct. 10-13) have. I first sought out the Matta- will be different, however. be a chine Society not because I It will conference, not a • was outraged by anything anti- convention of roll calls and (Jim Zais is a former gay saw (I resolutions. The emphasis ■president Mattachine who that I have since throughout of learned that we seldom storm the planning of the now lives in Washington, D.C. out of the closet), nor did I conference has been on infor- and is a member of the Gay Ac- particularly believe that gay mation-sharing . tivists Alliance of Washington. of rights had to be furthered in With the help compet- He is coordinating GAA/DC's Bi- Buffalo. because ent panelists and speakers centennial Conference, which I came I was from a lonely teenager in his twen- many fields (yes, some of will be attended by some ties anxious to know where the them non-gay) the conference people in the Buffalo area. action was but unaware of gay will explore such issues as If you would like registration activism. federal prisons, privacy, edu- materials for the Conference, Others shared these exper- cation, health, civil rights drop by the Gay Community Cen- iences with mc. Sometimes to- legislation, libraries, fund- ter. ) gether, sometimes against each other, we allowed the tenor of the times to overwhelm us. The personal and the political

Conference registration is m J 1 PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 3801 N. Ocean Blvd. open to anyone who desires | tZ/fe' Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 33308 to attend. However, the FOR THE | PHONE (305) 566-4376 /-1?5 total number of regis- COMMUNITY trants is limited, so you I are encouraged to register I m early. The registration I DISCRETION ASSURED fee is $6.50 per person if EMPLOYMENT you register before Sep- I tember 15th and $12 after 1 OPPORTUNITIES that date. To register G= and to obtain more infor- = for information write: KRISS 1 mation write: Bicenten- nial Conference, GAA/DC, 1 Box62,Lewiston,N.Y. 14092 1 M ~ or~ H Box 2554, Washington,D.C. I 264 Main West, Suite 201, 1 20013 phone (202) or 544- Hamilton,Ontario,Canada 1 Enjoy the Florida Fun and Sun in a friendly, -8042. I H [Now celebrating informal atmosphere. Comfortable rooms and apart- ments. Your hosts arePete and Ed.

16 MILESTONES IN GAY RIGHTS

lovers he said "A homosexual public (and highly publicized) CIVIL SERVICE woman can have a picture of hearing in a year the woman she loves on her ago. Despite prophecies of desk and a homosexual man can This move terminated the doom by conservatives quoting have one of the man he loves." administrative processing of the texts of Ecclesiastes and According to Frank Kam- the case, and means final is- a 1973 letter from Richard eny, president of Mattachine suance of Tabler's Secret- Nixon, the Civil Service Comm- Society of Washington, the level security clearance. ission has issued a promulga- new regulations "throw the bur- Some other current, pending tion forbidding discrimination den on the government to prove cases seem to be in process of against gays based on the "mor- disqualification, rather than being closed out, favorably to ality" of their sexual orien- on the employee to prove qual- the gay clearance holders/ap- tation. ification." Kameny, who has plicants. The new regulations and worked on this area of Gay Kameny was also author- guidelines remove "immoral" Civil Rights since his own dis- itatively informed that there from the list of "suitability missal from his job as astron- has been a de facto reversal disqualifications" for federal omer for the U.S. Army Map Ser- of the Defense Department's jobs. Homosexuality had pre- vice because he was gay, feels policy of automatic denial of viously been prima facie evi- that the revision is "basic- security clearances to homosex- dence of unsuitability on the ally what I and others uals in industrial security grounds have that "criminal, infa- been working for over many clearance cases (which com- mous, dishonest, immoral, or years." prise the overwhelming major- notoriously disgraceful con- ity of all clearance cases). duct" was forbidden. While the policy change is in- The phrase "infamous con- formal and not written, its duct" remains, but according outer delineations be the must de- to Commissions guidelines termined and it there is still refers to "Such things as THE N.E.A. much "dust to settle", it is incest, child abuse, bestial- clear that the persistently ity, self-mutilation, and sim- Los Angeles, Ca. - denied but nonetheless real ilar acts..." The guidelines The National Education As- per se denial of clearances to specifically state that homo- sociation (NEA) adopted homosexuals is at an end, and sexuality by itself cannot be an expanded gay rights we can expect a far more ra- used as grounds for disqualif- resolution, which is to tional approach to these mat- ication. be added to the NEA's re- ters hereafter, in the indus- The new regulations came vised Code of Ethics of trial security clearance con- as a result of the case of the Education Profession, text. for Society Individual Rights forbids any NEA member While the Industrial Se- and Hickerson vs. Hampton. In from discriminating curity Clearance Review Pro- October 1973, a federal judge against other people on gram of the Defense Department ruled that there must be a the basis of sexual or- accounts for most security "specific rational connection" ientation. In addition, clearances or "nexus" between issued in the coun- a person's some NEA members formed try (some million are in homosexuality and his ability a steering of 2% committee effect at any one time), and to perform job, for to a his it delegates to act as though the implications of the be a factor in his employabil- resource on gay rights Tabler victory ity. information. The steer- and the de fac- to change in policy are When the Civil Service ing committee's address great, Commission's General Counsel is: 106 Pinehurst, #4, all security problems are not solved thereby. Anthony Mondello was question- Florence, Ky. 41042. number of governmental ed on specifics as to what (The Advocate, August A type of behavior would be al- 13.) agencies (notably, but not lowed, he made the following only, the State Department) re- statements: quire clearances for their "If a heterosexual guy is U.S. Civil Service employees offensive in amorous gestures, (this is independent of and making unwanted and repeated not affected by the recently sexual overtures during the PENTAGON changed Civil Service suitabil- business day, he can be gotten ity regulations), and the rid 0f... Homosexual advances Armed Services require clear- would be treated in the same In an unexpected surren- ances of many servicepeople. way as heterosexual ones". der, on July 31, 1975, the Pen- While the action taken in the The wearing of an earring, tagon phoned Dr. Franklin E. Tabler case and in others Gay Liberation buttons or Lamb- Kameny, Personal Counsel for which will follow will serve das "are all protected by the Otis Francis Tabler, Jr., a as an informal precedent, computer First Amendment and could not scientist in Los An- there will probably continue come under any 'notoriously geles, and informed him that to be problems in these other disgraceful' prohibition." the Defense Department was contexts. There is clear in- "...A homosexual can talk a- withdrawing its pending appeal dication of a relaxation in bout his or her love life and before its own Appeal Board, some instances, but not in 'life style to the same extent from the favorable determina- others, so we are not "out of heterosexuals can." tion issued by its Examiner the woods" yet. (News Release S. from Regarding photographs of Richard Farr, on December Mattachine-Washington, D.C.) 17, 1974, following a four day #

17 POETRY

Sentences For Not Yet

He has not fallen m love with mc. He is no longer a boy. He does not have luxurious blond hair. He is slowly losing what hair he has. His beauty does not hurt to behold. He is slightly effeminate. Most of my friends will not like him. Many of my friends, to my surprise, already like him. He is not my type. We hardly know one another. I like him. He is lively, he is not cruel. He is careful not to be cruel. I hope he is not too careful. He has a good sense of humor. He likes mc. Last night he said he liked mc very much. The other day he said he was not in love with mc. Last night he said he could fall in love with mc. I said nothing. I have not fallen in love with him. I like him very much. He is a fairly good cook. He has the gift to become an excellent cook. He needs somebody to cook for who cares that he become an excellent cook. He is smarter than he looks. He usually looks pretty good. Yet he is not my type. He does not have a magnificent body. He is not voluptuous. (Nor is he a boy.) He is too pale, too quick to anger, trying too hard to prove too many

(Lately I have been spending most of my time with people who are not my type.) He surprises mc pleasantly several times a day. He likes to look at mc. I did not look much at him in bed last night. (I was not unbearably aroused by what I could have seen more of.) On the other hand, I did not look with half-shut eyes at anybody else. We made love together, I did not masturbate or dream. I came sooner than I thought I would. I did not come too soon. I was sure when I came there is something about him I could fall in love with. I have not yet fallen in love with him. (This is the first day in months I have written not only about myself.) He is not a healthy animal. He thinks people in love should be "faithful" to one another. He is probably too possessive. He may be mad. We are doubtless incompatible. These are revolutionary times. BY BURTON WEISS

Plain Words, Friday Afternoon, Without Regret Buffalo For My Lover Ran into him an hour ago, just my type, for the second time Too comfortable, and although too busy acting hot at first — plain in this unredeemed world to see he soon turned as if at home, and cold, nervously,— with too little time, even before and we had begun. too much joy to recollect, He just to feel alone (or when dis- could "not go on," enchanted, too obsessed was "too up-tight and guilt," with plotting to regain he'd found, "would overwhelm." our usual, comfortably nervous, For he could neither do it again tone), too comfortable, that is, "that way" since now he "knew" to forge an explanation mc some, we'd— talked, he couldn't be more comfortably (or joyfully) my own "impersonal" — nor would than: "Lately I've been he come home with mc too comfortable — too comfortably for conversation, a comfort- nervous, that is; able bed or meal since too nervously how could he know— joyful, I mean — to write poems, he'd "want to know more." too comfortable, that is, without We were stuck. (Surely the nerves (or nerve) to make there wasn't any way my old, unsettled, poems." to know mc less -- though surely I wished, more hotly than before.) Said he'd "have to take a rain-check." But how is that? Summer Campus Rain-checks are for future dates. You come in Lunch Poem out of the rain because there is a future, while we had only neither/nor.

That flashy orange butterfly, like this nearly naked boy I wouldn't mind having (in class) next term or the two holes Stretched on the grass now the sun is burning near the famous tea-room, high into my cheeks, distract grounded (and no longer wide-eyed, like an over-fed, absent walk — God bless a light meter, counting the student body! faces) hoping — at 2 p.m. rapidly to heal in back to work, what is left of sun, talking my mind slip- without fear ping obsessively on to no one . . . Shabbos is and around a couple of almost here. Perhaps awkward phrases with back home the cooks which to commence Part Two have thoughtfully teased an immense of a Day of Revising Old Poems. cucumber, say, and sweet tomatoes and tiny crook-neck squash from our lovely garden and I shall soon enjoy again the taste of growing things and the thick company of friends.

19 Mao-sturbation The American Society of Onanists (ASO, pronounced "ah-so") has issued the following statement: With great sadness we note the counter-revolutionary position on masturbation SHORTSHOTS taken by the Peking government, which accord- ing to Agence France-Presse - has issued- a Paul Newman manual for teenagers saying, among other on his relationship -with Robert Redford: "I'd things, that "masturbation by men and women like to go steady if.he'll have mc... For my results in over-stimulation of the brain, diz- birthday Redford gave mc a Porsche. The only ziness, insomnia, general weakness and the trouble was, it had hit a telegraph pole at erosion of the revolutionary will." We find 90 miles an hour - sideways. It had no trans- precisely the opposite to be the case: mas- mission, no clutch and no seats. I had it turbation has always been one of the corner- compacted and returned to him." stones of revolution. Ways suggested for avoiding masturbation Add the Navy also strike us as unrealistic. These include "hard study of the works of Marx, Lenin and to the current crop-of gay discharge battles. Mao Tse tung," physical and First, Air Force Leonard exercise wearing Sgt. Matlovich chal- loose-fitting underclothes. lenged his discharge for then homosexuality; Now we ask you what sort of followed Army WACs Barbara Randolph and revolutionary Debbie wears underclothes? (WIN magazine, July 31) Watson: and now, 23 year veteran Gary Hess, commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves, is being discharged for his involvement in gay Dr. Comes Out rights. A widowed father of 4 children, Hess is fighting (Atlanta, Ga.) The chief psychiatrist at the Navy's discharge attempts and Emory is to all University Medical School has come out determined fight the way into the publicly via a federal courts, if necessary. front-page interview in the May 12 Atlantic Journal. Dr. Stuart Strenger, Marines 33, stated, "There comes a point in most peo- Join the Act ple's lives when the discomfort in denying what The Washington Star-News reports that you are is greater than the risks involved in about 10 percent of an entire company of 57 of- coming out." Only a month before, friends, col- ficers and enlisted women at Camp Elmore have leagues and his ex-wife were told. "I want my either been discharged, released or investi- (3-year-old) daughter to know," he said. "I gated in connection with homosexual activities. don't want her finding out from someone else A spokesperson from Atlantic Fleet Marine Head- (G.P.U. News, July '75) " quarters confirmed the story, saying that five women were given either honorable or general Another discharges, two were released on "expiration Kissinger Visit of their enlistments," and two other cases of Covering Henry Kissinger's recent trip to "suspected lesbianism" are "being investigated." Milwaukee, UPI had this to report on the extent (The Advocate, July 30) of Kissinger's interests: "The Secretary of State will throw out the first baseball for the John-Boy's Big Brother major league's Ail-Star game here tonight. He will be on hand for presentation of the most In an episode of "The Waltons" earlier valuable player award and will visit the win- this season, John-Boy's big-brother-at-college ning team's locker room after the game." was portrayed by Michael Kearns. Who is Mic- hael Kearns? None other than the since openly Gay Teachers Win Rights gay author of a book called The Happy Hustler, which reveals Kearns' - past as a male prosti- in , as the S. F. board of educa- tute. Needless to say television execs were tion voted to include gays in its a affirmative bit unnerved. After all, isn't "The Waltons" job action resolution. The action came as a supposed to be the epitome 'apple , of the Fnic result of efforts by the Gay Teachers Coali- image!? tion and the Bay Area Gay Liberation group. In response to opposition, Board President Marion Barry reported on community reactions Find the Lambda to a similar resolution adopted in 1972 by the Washington, D.C. Board: resolu- This is a photo of School "The tion was met with a limited amount of commun- Pres. Gerald Ford ity opposition. The of the and daughter passage resolution Susan. has not resulted in any problems the Much to our sur- within public school system." (The Advocate, prise, we spotted July 16) gay liberation's own symbol. If your What's Happening at the White House? letter is among the first 10 we receive At President Ford's birthday party in the telling us where White House, none other than Geraldine (Flip the lambda is loca- Wilson in drag) showed up as a guest of honor. ted in the photo, Flitting about in a white nurse outfit, Ger- we'll send you a aldine reportedly had the other guests in FREE lambda pin - "stitches." Referring to Ford's earlier phys- in gold or silver ical check-up, Geraldine informed: "We held (State your prefer- it in the White House. He wouldn't come over ence) . to my place."

20 VERBALOPPRESSION HEPATITIS FORUM BY MICKIE WILLIAMS PLANNED...

There has been a recent increase in the incidence of infectious forms of hepatitis, especially in the gay commun- ity. There is a great deal of inaccurate and misleading in- formation on the subject, due partially to major advances in the last 5 to 10 years which are just beginning to become widely known. Dr. Moti Tiku and Karl Beutner, who are part About two nights ago I was no time do I feel that my be- of a major study of hepatitis taken to task by a friend for havior acted on my appearance being conducted here in Buf- using the phrase "fucking to the extent that I looked like falo, will be at the SUNDAY, balls" to describe a woman's a dog. In addition, the term SEPTEMBER 21ST MATTACHINE MEET- attitude. It was, she said, is rarely applied to the male ING, BPM AT THE CENTER, to sexist to assume that a wo- of the species unless he is gay. discuss recent developments in man's initiative would come The term "bastard" is more fre- the understanding of the dis- from the male genitals. I was, quently used when speaking of ease, how it is spread, how to to say the least, extremely men. Why? I believe it has detect it, its seriousness in pissed off. I felt that she something to do with the sexist the gay community, and will was attacking mc unnecessarily- nature of this society. A wo- answer any additional ques- she knew I hadn't had that mean- man is put down by a reference tions you have. The principle ing in mind at all. Besides, to her physical appearance be- way to detect hepatitis (B I raged inwardly, she used cause that is stressed as a fe- form) is by blood test, and sexist words and phrases all male's most important attrib- testing will be part of the the time. After a few minutes ute. However, for a man, the program for those who request I began to calm down and then worst possible thing that could it. IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE see that my friend was right. happen is that he fail to be THE DISEASE, GIVE IT TO OTHERS, I might have said that the recognized as another man's le- YET HAVE NO SYMPTOMS OTHER woman had "nerve" instead and gitimate heir because that ex- THAN A POSITIVE BLOOD TEST. still have conveyed my mean- cludes him from inheriting the Come to the Mattachine meeting, ing. I started to think about status, property and power of learn more about this disease, the words we use to describe his father. and be tested. Strict confi- things or people that anger or My theory was that it is dentiality will be maintained. hurt us. necessary to omit from one's It seems to mc that "hu- vocabulary those words whose man liberation" is mov- literal meaning is really sexist, Dr. C.Q. of ing to the many racist, classist, or Wolf the forefront in otherwise Lindsley F. Kimball Re- peoples' consciousness. Mem- oppressive. But my friends be- bers of gan to search Institute has an- oppressed groups are point out holes in my nounced results of a sci- beginning to together to theory. Words, they said, band entific study which shows fight a common enemy: oppres- change their meanings. "Bitch" that homosexuals are sig- massing of strength for example not used sion. This is to mean nificantly more prone female to only came after each group dog any longer. And be carriers of hepatitis started to realize that fight- what about words like "faggot" than heterosexuals. He Ing for its own individual goals of which the literal transla- suggested the infection and tion is stick even winning some of them a of wood. When might be linked to "prom- wasn't enough. enter picture? Suddenly unity does culture the iscuity" but declined to (for example, of the black became a necessary next step one say whether the virus to obtaining each terms for a white person what was might be transmitted shouting for freedom. And of "honky") What about words- like through sexual relations course, - of "prick" word as the number groups or "cock"? What or just close contact demanding their rights mult- does one use to describe a with an infected individ- iplied, other voices began "bitch" instead of that one? Pittsburgh Gay speaking out they wanted ual. their Can we afford to spend time News (Source: GPU piece of the pie- too! all News, And creating substitutes? July '75) of the groups started talking I would enjoy being able about verbal oppression. to say that I have the answers But the words seem to to these questions. I don't. stick. we lot Somehow can all man- I realize that it takes a GAY COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER age to raise our consciousnesses of energy to deal with what 1350 MAIN STREET internally but people throw the might be considered a trivial word "bitch" 881-5335 around like it was issue. Nevertheless, I can't Information, legal and going out of style tomorrow. shake the feeling that we are medical referrals, counseling, Now, I must admit that there neglecting something important. have been times social activites. when I've be- If we can't or won't stop using HOURS: haved in an exceedingly oppressive offen- terms, what does MON-FRI 2-10PM, SAT-SUN 1-6PM sive manner. But frankly, at that say about our thoughts?

21 MODERN GAY LITERATURE AGAIN- LILY, cont. women who wish to escape op- by Hershberger pressive roles, anyone attempt- Al ing to live their own lives. Two things come out in Lily Tomlin's work Due to clerical, IBMistic the past, had a reputation of her strong dislike of roles- and a or human failure(s) it appears being easy "A's" I firmly be- society that one to that Modern Gay Literature that marking, forces con- lieve as a sys- form; and a corresponding will not be offered at the tem of measuring growth, love is of, and confidence in- University this coming semes- Ido not to in, the necessary. intend dividual who trancends ter. THIS IS ERRONEOUS, false arbitrarily grade people. A those roles and enforced conformity. even. system of grading using peer She puts her work The literature course could be herself in - commentary substituted is she had will be offered as a 2nd sec- for the traditional it obvious has to method. fight for her own individual- Whatever grading system is tion of the Art and Anarchy ity. She has won, and love used it must be understood that I course (CF 490). her dearly for it. The course will meet once grades are a contract between a week, Tuesday, from 7-10 pm. the students and the instruc- The format will, generally, tor. Projects will be re- RESEARCH, cont. follow standard literature quired. The syllabus will be di- course procedures. The course both researchers vided between social-political recognize is being offered through Tol- this need and see their re- areas and fictional writings. stoy College. search positive contribu- certain Some of the materials covered as a I feel that a tion, it is hoped that they amount of must will be Weinburg's Society and information be would do more specific presented to aid those the Healthy Homosexual, towards people research for in of who have taken lit LeGuin's Left Hand of use defense not courses Darkness, lesbian and That Certain Summer and mothers. to update, as much as pos- others. Erhardt sible, the information about Additional information Dr. recognizes that we are entering a period public reception of the works can be obtained by visiting of conservative backlash and studied, authors' backgrounds Tolstoy College at 264 Win- repression. For this reason and public statements, etc. spear or calling Al Hershberg- she has assured us that her da- Although the colleges have, in er. ta will be coded to protect in- dividual identity and kept un- der lock and key. Since it is research data rather than clin- ical data it cannot be sub- poenaed . In the total evaluation custom tailoring in suede and leather of this research we find both clothing bags sandals accessory items positive and negative aspects. - - - The question that remains is how will this research eventu- ally be used? What if their research should prove that at ailetitotout \tathtu the crucial age of 3 and 6 77 Allen Street • Buffalo, New York 14202 months Sally (horrors) chooses 882 -5633 a truck instead of a doll then she'll grow up to be a diesel dyke! There are no guarantees featuring : imported candies that good intentions on the part of Dr. Erhardt will pro- herbal teas and imported bulk coffee tect the lesbian community from the "aversion freaks". However, this information in the proper hands could pro- vide quite a boost to our baby The QzeeqftelcL $tneet Vettaimaiit dykette population.

closed mond^^^k^^^ rneais DOOKSTORC HAS SOMETHING FOR XOU ■Albums Jewelry 9; ( coffee house:fn\ J^Cp •Books -T shirts -Periodicals -and more

22 $1 for, 10 words or less. 10$ each add ! word. Payment in advance. (PUaiISJSOIMIIiII) Send to sth Freedom, P.O. Box 975, Ellieott Sta., Buffalo N.Y. 14205.

GAY EPISCOPALIAN? A Cau- HAND-DESIGNED cards, gifts, Gay na- GAY MEN WANTED to partici- cus is forming to plan for the tal charts for any occasion. - General Convention Grant King, pate in a study of gay iden- in 1976. 886-3164. tity. objectives Your ideas are Write: Our are: needed. 1) to learn more how Caucus, P.O. Box 1631, Coo- about • people come out; 2) to lidge, Az. 85228, call use or COPIES of papers, pictures, this imformation for counsel- John, 874-6231. porn s*s to 15 inches, made in ing purposes. Contact Prof. • fine detail on professional Tom Weinburg at Buffalo State A B Dick machine. Bound mater- College or 862-5411 NICE YOUNG MAN Attica 862-6213 in Area ial capability. 12* individ- and leave message. would like to meet other gays. ual down to 9<= quantity. Jim Phone 591-1195, ask for Mark. at Oakwood Electronics, 14 W. Oakwood Place, 836-8295 or • • 837-7216. Show your sth Free- DALE: Less than a lover, more GAY BOOKS, PAPERS, ALBUMS, dom for 10% discount. than a friend. Benji. POSTERS, ETC. - The Green and Yellow Bookworm 31-B Main St. Jamestown, N.Y. -Hours: Tue. • NEEDY GAY wants TV set despar- • Sat. 10-5; Fri. Eve. 9. - 'til ately. Call THE ADVOCATE: touching your Send for free order 832-5656. mail list: lifestyle! Subscriptions P.O. Box on 981. sale now at the Gay Community • Services Center ROOMMATE WANTED for large 1350 Main West St. (Nr. Utica) - • apartment. - 881-5335. APPLIANCE REPAIRS to Side $45 per month rotisser- plus utilities. ies, fans, hairdryers, lamps, Call Dorm at etc. Also the Center or 885-4326. • some radio-TV & PROFESSIONAL amplifier work. PHOTOGRAPHER Oakwood Elec- seeks to tronics Sales • average good looking & Repair, 14 W. Buffalo area guys photo Oakwood Place betw. HOUSE- for Main & AND APARTMENT-CLEANING. sessions. Arrangements are Parkside Zoo. 836-8295 if no Honest, thorough, and reason- strictly ans. 837-7216. able. confidential. Call Grant King, 886-3164. Jim, 886-1494. GAY VETS... YOUR HELP NEEDED The Veterans Committee of the National Gay Task Force is asking that gay vet- erans help in gathering mat- erial to be used in the de- fense of several people who face discharge because of sexual orientation. Notarized affidavits are needed that include: time in birth charts for gays a specialty service, branch, awards, rank, and medals (information found i 531 7666 or write T. Cook on DD form 214), type of sep- UtftHl 225 Albany Aye. eration; a statement that you Toronto, MSR 3C7 were gay in the service, that it did not interfere with OUR your duties; you were never threatened with blackmail; ranks of gay people you know now or knew while in the ser- ADVERTISERS vice . Affidavits will be used to assist in the case of T/Sgt. Leonard Matlovich and HELP THEM AND US - LET others. - Affidavits should be THEM KNOW YOU SAW THEIR sent to William M. Brown, Vet- erans Committee, National Gay AD IN THE FIFTH FREEDOM! Task Force, 80 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y.• 10011. HIPRI BUFFALO OF THE NIAGARA FRONTIER Box 975 Ellicott Sta.,Buffalo,N.Y. 14205 Center located at 1350 Main (at Utica) 716-881-5335/2to 10pm Meets the first and third Sunday of the month at Bpm SISTERS OF SAPPHO-same information as above. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Bpm MONTREAL ASSOCIATION HOMOPHILE DE MONTREAL-GAY MONTREAL ASSOCIATION 3664 rue Ste-Famille, Box 694 Station N.Montreal PO H2X3N4 514-288-1101 , SERVICE D ORIENTATION HOMOPHILE-MONTREAL HOMOPHILE COUNSELLING 3664 rue Ste-Famille, 514-843-4902 NEW YORK CITY MATTACHINE SOCIETY OF NEW YORK 59 Christopher Street,N.Y. 10014

GAY ACTIVIST ALLIANCE we're Box 2, Village Sta.,N.Y.,N.Y. 10014 LESBIAN FEMINIST LIBERATION watching P.O. Box 243 Village Sta.,N.Y.,N.Y. 10014 ROCHESTER to see if GAY BROTHERHOOD Meets 7:3opm Sundays,7l4 Monroe Aye., Rochester 14607. Office your staffed evenings and some days. 716-244-8640 LESBIAN RESOURCE CENTER watching Has open house every Friday evenings at 7:3opm. Discussion, beverages, informal rap sessions, orientation at office. 2nd floor, Genesee CO-OP 713 Monroe Aye. Open other weeknights 7-9pm. Phone 716-244-9030. Mail Box 8594, Rochester N.Y. 14627 subscribe SYRACUSE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY GAY STUDENT SERVICES Mens Rap Group, Wed. BPM at 103 College Place - 423-2081 GAY CITIZENS ALLIANCE P.0.80x 57, Elmwood Sta. - 1530 South Aye. - Syracuse 13207 send to: LESBIAN FEMINISTS OF SYRACUSE FIFTH FREEDOM 113 Concord Place. Meets Wednesdays at 7:3opm 472-3753 P.O. BOX 975 BUFFALO, N.Y. 14205 TORONTO TORONTO GAY ALLIANCE TOWARD EQUALITY(GATE) subscription rates/lyear 193 Carlton St. Toronto MSA 2K7. 416-961-9389 mailed in plain envelope COMMUNITY HOMOPHILE ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO(CHAT) $5 for non-members 223 Church St. (3rd floor) 862-1544 (24hr. emergency services) Social Centre: 201 Church St. 862-1169 _ $3 for members of MSNF THE WOMENS PLACE § LESBIAN COLLECTIVE $7.50 first-class 137 George St. 416-363-8021 JAMESTOWN name THE GREEN AND YELLOW BOOKWORM An exclusively gay bookstore, 31-B South Main St. address city state zip For other listings for cities throughout the world call the Gay Center 881-5335/2 to 10pm daily.