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GAIWT

... reflecting life in the south

Vol. II No. 1 PUBLISHED IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE July, 1976

Carter Sidestep Dance, Picnic AccentMemphls Gay Plank, Rut Will Sign Iwo events are scheduled in Memphis during Week Gay Rights Bill that will bring gay people to— Former Georgia Governor gether in an atmosphere of u— and Democratic presidential nity and friendliness. frontrunner, Jimmy Carter, At noon Sunday, June 27, a has announced that he would gay picnic will be held at Au— sign the national Gay rights dubon Park. The gathering bill if elected president. will be at the southwest cor— Carter made the announcement ner of the park at Goodlett on May 21 while campaigning and Park Ave. The picnic is in . being sponsored by the Sexu— "I will certainly sign uality and Lesbianism Task — it," Carter said, "because I Force of the Memphis chapter don‘t want to single out ho— of NOW. The MCC Study Group of Memphis is also supporting mosexuals for special abuse the event. Everyone is in— or harrassment." vited; bring your own food. Carter‘s position on gay If it‘s raining,grab your rights has been unclear in waterproofs and come anyway. the past. Three weeks after # %. aB" 98 uCale A women‘sdance, also spon— making a positive statement, 5 ~ 4s sored by the S.&L. Task Force, Carter told. a reporter he willbe held at 8 p.m. on Sat— hadn‘t made up his mind" or Leségdn Mei-herAvvmilfljd urday, June 26. The dance will ‘Gay rights because he "didn‘t be held at the student center know how we could deal with Child Custody By Court at 3625 Mynders Avenue. Beer the issue of blackmail." A lesbianhas won custody Whitehead said the chil— will be provided, with dona— Despite Carter‘s current of her two children in a pre— dren‘s father has harrassed — tions appreciated. A live favorable position, the gay —cedent setting decision by a them by repeatedly trying to musical group is scheduled to rights issue will not be in— Portland, Maine court. Carol regain the children through play, and there will be taped cluded in the Democratic Par— Whitehead has fought a cus— the courts and by extra—legal music for dancing. The: dante ty Platform, according to the tody battle with her former means. To escape the harass— is for women only. National Gay Task Force. "It husband since 1971, when she ment she and her family moved is understood that Carter him— Front Page was awarded custody of the to Jacksonville, self called his staff in Wash— children after getting a di— ..she says the father,who calls ington and asked that the gay Hosts Benefit vorce. Ms. Whitehead a"sick " rights issue be included," the A fund—raising benefit for Maine Superior Court Jus— tried to kill her. Task Force said. However, Stu— tice Harry Classman said life GAIETY was held on Friday July art Eisenstadt, Carter‘s chief According to Ms, Whitehead, 11, 1976 at the Front Page, 267 at Ms. Whitehead‘s home "ap— father helped issues coordinator, objected pears to adequately meet the the children‘s South . The benefit on the grounds thatthis would social, psychological, physi— support them for one year af— raised $288.35 for the news— be a "divisive issue" within ter the divorce, but he stop—. paper. $ } cal and moral needs of these ped all. assistance in 1973 the party at a time when u— children." The children are Titled an "Extravaganza", nity is imperative. 10 and 7 years old. Shortly after moving back the program featured im Carter has said, "IL op— to Maine, the man tried to personators such as Loretta, pose all forms of dlscrlmlna- remove the children by means Sabrina Lea, Vickie Marie, tion against all individuals, NOW Opens of a Georgia custody paper. Melina, Dan Boudreaux Danny Boy including on Te paper was invalid in Maing (a male impersonator), with the basis of sexual orienta— Switchboard but the action prompted White, special appearances by Cass tion. As President I can as— head to contact an attorney. Miphaels and Ms. Tara Wells. sure you that all policies of The Maine Gay Task Force es— Special entertainment was pro— the federal government would In conjunction w1th Na— tablished a defense fund to vided in the way of production reflect this commitment to t10na1 Gay Pride Week, a Gay help pay legal expenses. numbers. Mr. Dennis was the ending all forms of discrimi— Switchboard: will be opened in A judge ordered her ex— Master of Ceremonies for the nation." Memphis on Friday, July 25. husband to stay away from the evening. The will be hand— California Governor Jerry children, but Whitehead was. Intermission activities in— Brown, the only Democratic led by volunteers trained in in constant fear that the fa— cluded a Banana eating contest presidential contender that crisis intervention by Pat ther might try to abduct the won by Ms.Donna Migdalski(eat— has not conceded Carter‘s vic— O‘Shaughnessy, director of the children without her knowl— ing 16 bananas) with second tory, signed into law last Memphis chapter of Help Now. edge. "IL have been a good place going to Mr. Bobby Rob— The switchboard will be in year a bill that repealed and loving mother," she said. erts (eating 15 bananas). Ms. operation from 7 p.m.to 1 California‘s sodomy laws. "The children are being used Migdalski won a $10.00 bar tab a.m. daily. The switchboard, The Rew Troy Perry, found— ‘as pawns in a war against me. courtesy of the Front Page. sponsored by the National Or— .er of the Metropolitan Commu— Commenting on her victory, Roberts received a year‘s sub— ganization of Women Sexuality nity Church, has announced Whitehead said the decision scription to GAIETY as well as and Lesbianism Task Force, his support of Carter. Perry "gives you faith in the sys— two free passes to the "Queen will be for information re— . cited Carter‘s "commitment to tem. It‘s a marvelous | kind of the Butterflies" pageant feral as well as crisis in— civil rights for all people" of Bicentennial present." courtesy of the "Butterfly tervention. as one reason for his support. Cabaret."

GAIETY — Page 2

At NOW Meeting Rebuked By Bishop

Lesbians Entertain, Inform Gay Asked to ‘Worship Elsewhere Some 80 women attended a as seen and broadcast by the program given by the Lesbian Louie Crew, college pro— wishop Sims says is "not dir— programs is both stereotypical fessor Task Force at the June 1 and founder of ected to his identity as a and presented in a way designed INTEGRITY, meeting of the Memphis chapter Gay Episcopal For— homosexual." Dr. Crew is ob— tobe condescendingly humorous. um, of the National Organization was publicly rebuked June taining legal counsel to at— However, NBC has apparently 4th by for Women. the head of the Epis— tend the occasion with him. decided to cash in on what it copal The special program con— Diocese of . Dr. Crew has been a com— may perceive as this year‘s Bishop sisted of several short plays Bennett Sims attacked municant of St. Luke‘s since gimick, and has declared that Dr. Crew ‘and dramatic readings. First for his alleged det— September of 1974 and Bishop it will concentrate on: up— ermination was a one—act play by Djuna to give his "views Sims has acknowledged that grading the media image of and grievances Barnes, "Gone to the Dogs." wide public Crew‘s communicant status is gays this coming year. It is ‘attention." Dr. The woman was played by John— Crew has been valid, At one meeting in the seeking stories of pay interest asked by his local nette Shane and the man by church to prescence of the Bishop, Dr. for possible programs. worship elsewhere. Mary Jo Cowart. Crew‘s priest, Fr. Cecil A. These is some progress in Despite warm support for Following this, Gwen Demian Cowan acknowledged, "I want — abolishing sodomy laws at the Dr. Crew from his read an original essay, un— former to kill him." At the next local and state levels. church in Orangeburg, titled but calledbythe author S. C., meeting, Fr. Cowan agreed to. The last news item concerned the elected board of laity a "dramatic piece," con— at be Crew‘s priest only if Grew the Task Force itself. Effort St. Luke Episcopal Church cerning the stereotype and in promised never to mention Fr. is being made to rechannel Ft. Valley, Ga., told Crew, roles problem. Cowan by name or allusion in energy from the consciousness ‘"We would all be pleased Last was a dramatization if anything he might write or raising groups to projects you would find some of Judy Grahn‘s prose poem, other say ." involving the community. One place of worship...." "The Psychoanalysis of Edward Bishop The church claims to re— project is a survey of mental Sims added that Crew‘s pub— the Dyke." The cast was: Edward. spect Crew‘s identity as a — health professionals to as— lic exposure of support — Bonnie Doctor from homosexual but does not wish certain their attitudes to— the South Carolina — Snoop McSwain, and Narrator church had to "endorse or promote" Dr. ward the gay lifestyle. Of served to "disrupt — Mary Jo Cowart. the peace Crew‘s efforst to help other 400 preliminary questionnaires and good orderof After the entertainment, a the church." gay people through INTEGRITY, sent out, 100 have been re— Dr. Crew has short report was given on the been summoned turned. Until.the matter is decided About half seem sym— to a consultation with Bishop progress of women‘s and gay the church of St. Paul in pathetic,and these people will Sims and liberation. the Standing Commit— be . Orangeburg, S.C., has invited interviewed in greater tee of the Diocese The Absug bill is still in of Atlanta depth. Dr. Crew to re—establish mem— for a "confrontation" that committee. It is not yet dad, bership there., The Orangeburg but has no companion bill in Navy Discharges church remembers Dr. Crew with the Senate. "great fondness" for his con— The EEOC has ruled that it tribution to their worship has no jurisdiction over job services and to his community EnsignBerg discrimination due ‘to sexual Plans Appeal as a "brilliant educator,." orientation. Ensign Vernon Berg IIL has that with an "other than hon— The confrontation with the Of the presidential candi— been ordered discharged im— orable discharge...I won‘t be Standing Committee and Bishop dates, Humphrey has the best mediately with an "other than able to get any veterans ben— Sims should take place around — record of support for the gay ‘honorable discharge" by the efits." The Navy has agreed the end of June. movement. Udall supports the United States Navy. An ad— to pay Berg 13 cents per mile Abzug bill. ministrative board recommend— for gas to his official place When asked his views on ed Berg‘s discharge on the of residence, which is in New Experiment Ends repeal of sodomy . laws, "Carter‘s basis of his Jersey. grin disappeared. It‘s not after a Naval Review. Although the local Navy just another Carter‘s grin Ensign Berg, in a tele— Chief of Staff has given Berg Bookstore Closes joke." the speaker said, "He phone interview with Gay Com— an "adverse fitness report" was obviously uncomfortable." munity News of , stated (meaning his work was unsatis— factory) the department head (This happened during a film— Gay/StaightMeet June 26 will be the last ing of the "Tomorrow" tele— of the Civilian Personnel of— day of business for the Mem— vision show.) Causes fice, where Berg had worked phis Community Bookshop; —The The National Gay Task Force frr the past eight months dis— store at 1907 Madison has been is hitting the media,especially agrees with the fitness re— San Arttonio Hassles operated for the past two and television. Coverage of gay— port. The department head Allocationof federal funds one half years by a collective oriented news is inadequate, plans to submit a written af— for a conference to foster of seven Memphians. The store and the image of gays ourselves fidavit affirming Berg‘s good gay/straight understanding is being closed because in— work record and has agreed to has resulted in pickets, be— creased expenses have made it defend Berg‘s job performance littling local news stories, economically unfeasable. At in public hearings. Gay and bomb threats that forced «this time there are no certain Bars in South Berg will appeal his dis— the conference to move from ‘plans to reopen elsewhere,but charge and fitness report to its original site. there is a possibility that Targets forMafia the Board for the Correction The funds were awarded to the Center for Dialogue, also of Military Records. He will Florida and Georgia police the Forward Foundation, a San housed at the store,will con— also go to the federal courts fear a "bloodbath" may be the Antonio minorityrights group. tinue to arrange programs in to challenge his dismissal on result of an effort by organ— The Commissioners Court of other locations. the grounds of being a homo— ized crime to take over the County,280 miles away, The bookshop cadllective was sexual. gay bars and discos in the blasted the use of "$50,000" active in many areas of com— Ensign Berg and his lover, South. The Advocate reports in Federal money to "promote munity political activity. Lawrence Gibson,also dismiss— that police sources have immorality." Only $5,000 had They tried to become involved ed from his position as a ci— named three men killed already been allocated. by providing progressive books. vilian Navy teacher, were in "execution—style killings." The conference did meet, leaving Virginia Beach, Vir— films and speakers for the These slayings were in At— despite the harrassment, on ginia shortly to return to community through the book— lanta,, and Fort Lauder— May 1 and attracted over 400 civilian life. Their plans store and Center for Dialogue. dale. One of the dead men was participants. Del Martin, are not definite but will in— Althpugh the shop itself reported to have owned ‘"Mother‘s Elaine Noble,and Karen DeCrow clude a national speaking cannot cdllective Place," a popular Atlanta were among the speakers. Those tour. feels that their goal was, in nightspot which the mob was picketing included a Baptist Since January 28, Ensign part, accomplished. There are attempting to take over. pastor running for state leg— Berg has fought the discharge those here in Memphis who will The police source told the islature onthe American Party through the Navy‘s review pro— not soon forget Cassee Cuker‘s Advocate that they have "re— ticket and a nun with a "STOP cesses. Berg‘s lawyer, E. Car— songs to getting to see Sappho ceived information that there ERA" button pinned to her rington Bogan of New York, Was A Right On Woman and may be an attempt underway by habit., When the pickets sat flew to Washington in an at— Amazon Odyssey sitting on the organized crime to take over down in violation of a muni— tempt to get a temporary re— shelf just waiting for the yay bars in the sarea. People cipal ordinance, conference straining order in the U.S. Lesbian—Feminist starving for — have told us that thers will officials called the police District Court, but Bogan was something better than a "Ms." tbe a lot of bloodshed." to disperse them. unable to do so. magazine. Page 3 — GAIETY

I Another American Revolution #

women, was created with publishing as its main goal. In 1953, the Mattachine Foundation became the Mattachine Socie— ty, when its national organization ended and splinter groups MrZZZ sprung up in several P lgfimgfl”W”, large cities. ”l'fguI/W The , the nation‘s only all—female CZ homosexual organization (until Radicalesbians) was created in San Francisco in 1955. The East Coast Organi— by Dennis Mainord zation came into being in 1963, followed by the North Ameri— can Homophile Organization. Others included the Homophile July 4, 1776. A group of men representing the thirteen Youth Movement (HYMN) and California‘s Committee for Homo— British colonies in America publicly declare that these col— sexual Freedom.. | onies "are, and or right ought to be, free and independent One of the more successful organizations for homosexuals states." —The stifling hand of oppression has gone too far. lwas STIR, the Society for Individual Rights, created in San The colonists, resenting among other things the fact that Francisco in 1964. With revenue obtained from dances, pic— they have to support British soldiers (reminders of the om— ‘nics and other projects, SIR opened a downtown San Francisco nipresent oppressor) decide to fight back. Taxation without office to assist gays. representation? British control of American trade? No! Probably the most widely read newspaper "reflecting our This is the beginning of a new type of person — the indepen— lifestyle" is the Advocate. Now available by subscription dent American! . and at newsstands all over the country (even Jackson, TN!), June 27—28, 1969. A group of homosexual men and women the Advocate began in 1967 as The Advocate, an publicly demand that'gay people deserve every freedom, every "unalienable right," including liberty and the pursuit of happiness, that heterosexual Americans take for granted. Once again, the stifling hand of oppression has gone too far. This time, it is the homosexuals,. who have decided to fight back. Unwarranted raids on gay bars? Discriminatory prac— tices against gay people? Continuous entrapment and harrass— . ment? Noi This is the beginning of a new type of homosexu— al — the fighting homosexual! During the course of the American Revolution and shortly The drafting of this gay declaration of independence took thereafter, there were groups that met to determine the type place at the , a bar located on of government that the new country should have. After the in Greenwish Village, on Friday night and Saturday morning, failure of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional June 27 and 28. police raided the bar, appar— Convention met and drew up the document that was to become ently for selling liquor without a license. The bar was the basis for the government and the entire legal system of closed down, the bartender was arrested, and most of the cus— the United States: the Constitution. tomers were released. Perhaps one should not go so far as to compare the Gay — One observer of the ensuing riots related his version of Liberation Front with the Constitutional Convention, but the what happened. He said that the patrons were permitted to GLF was a group that appeared in July of 1969, immediately ‘leave the bar one by one, but instead of leaving, many wait— after the , to attempt to determine the best ed outside on the street, As more gays were released, a way to keep gay activism alive. * crowd began to form. At first, the crowd was relatively They first met at a place called Alternate U., a school peaceful. But a shift in mood occurred when the paddywagon < that claimed to offer courses that could not be found else— rolled around to cart off the employees and several of the where,. Alternate U. designated one night a week as Gay more outspoken "queens." The paddywagon , left, followed Night. In time, the GLF moved to another location because shortly by three patrol cars loaded with prisoners. It was . of interference from non—homosexual radicals who attempted then that the crowd became violent. to direct the course of GLF. People began hurling money and objects at the police and One of the unique problems facing GLF was in determining the officers quickly locked themselves inside the bar. The its philosophy — would the GLF be concerned with oppression door was knocked open, closed after the police grabbed a gay of all minority groups or would it limit itself to homosexu— protestor, and then smashed open again. Someone managed to . al problems? How radical was the group to become? Would squirt some lighter fluid into the bar and set a match to the group label itself as gay leftists or left—wing gays? In it. Just then police reinforcements arrived. spite of disagreements over policy, the GLF emerged as a The riot . for that night was over. Inside, the bar was a powerful and successful organization — successful not only shambles. The mirrors, jukebox, cigarette machines and toi— in raising funds but also instrumental in the election of let were all smashed. Even the sinks were stuffed with pa— New York‘s Mayor Lindsay. Although GLF originiated in New per. The television was stolen and later discovered at the York, San Francisco and Berkeley were not far behind in cre— police station. The police could not have been the vandals. ating their own GLF groups. The Stonewall was open again Saturday night, but the pre— In December of 1969, the Gay. Activists Alliance, a group vailing mood was one of more confidence. The crowd did not breaking away from GLF, was formed. GAA policy was differ— contain itself inside the bar, but marched down the street ent from that of GLF in three areas. First, GAA decided to proclaiming "gay power." The Tactical Police Force (a SWAT use no violence except in cases of self—defense. Whereas team?) met the gay group and pushed them back down the other groups advocated abolition of the capitalist sys tem, street. One observer said, however, that several gays sim— GAA vowed to work for civil rights within the existing sys— ply walked around the block and returned another way. tem,. Finally, GAA stated that it was concerned with homo— Sunday night saw no violence, but again the gays were out sexual issues and would not ally itself with non—homosexual in force, in the park, on the steps, on the street, every— causes.. — where,. The Stonewall riots had ended, but was ready to begin in earnest.

Of course there were revolutionary groups formed before The Treaty of , signed in 1783, ended the American the events of 1776. The Sons of Liberty, along with certain Revolution. The thirteen colonies had obtained their goal — American merchant groups, are examples of organizations that independence from Great Britain. tried to foster a revolutionary spirit in the colonists. Two hundred years later, sadly, the Homosexual Revolution Thomas Paine urged revolution in his widely read pamphlets has not ended., The Homosexual Revolution will not end until Common Sense and The American Crisis when he called on "ye we all have won what we should have been granted in the be— that love mankind! —¥Ye that dare oppose not only the tyranny ginning — that which is rightfully ours: the freedom to live but the tyrant..." our lives as we see fit, freedom from discriminating laws, Before the events of 1969 took place, there were homosex— freedom from unscrupulous police harassment, and freedom ual organizations that had been formed. As early as 1950, from attitudes that relegate us to the position of second— the Mattachine Foundation was founded by a group of homosex— class citizens in a country where "everyone is equal." uals meeting in secret in Los Angeles. In 1952, also in Los Information taken in part from The Gay Militants, Donn Angeles, ONE, Inc., an organization for homosexual men and Teal, Stein and Day, New York, 1971.

GAIETY — Page 4. Prayers and Peanuts GAIETY Many presidential ‘candidates have said that the one major function of the President is to "set a tone" or "chart a Reflecting Gay Life in the South course‘! for the country to follow. This is eertainly true as the infamous regime of Richard Nixon so painfully illus—. Published monthly by the Gali Company trated. Presidents, Nixon included, often use religion as Mailing address: P. O. ‘ Box 3620, Memphis, TN 38103 an indicator of what we can expect from them. : Office: Suite 102, Crosstown Building, 33 N. Cleveland A lot of questions were raised about John Kennedy‘s Ca— tholicism. Could the Pope dictate policy to him? Events Editor-in-Chief..;...... Gary Poe Feature Editor...... Gary Salles « proved otherwise, but the question was a worthy one. Reli— Staff gion is fine as a personal belief, but no kind of religion Writers...... ~...... Martha Brummett, Buddy Haynes should dictate the policy of this country. The elements _ Dennis Mainord, Larry Laughlin Staff that make up America are too diverse. Artists...... Mary Jo Cowart, Jimm Shelton Despite Carter‘s positive attitude about the Gay rights bill, he has said, "I believe in the Bible, and the Bible‘ GAIETY welcomes manuscripts from its readers, but will states that homosexuality is a sin." Whose Bible? Troy not return unsolicited material unless accompanied by a Perry‘s? Henry ~Kissinger‘s"? Madeline O‘Hare‘s? The fact stamped, self—addressed envelope. GAIETY reserves the — is that almost. anything can be attributed to that complex right to edit material to fit space requirements and to Hebrew chronicle. Jimmy Carter would be President of a lot meet editorial standards., Views expressed in columns more than Baptists. Indeed, fundamentalist churches are and letters do not necessarily represent the attitude distinctly a minority in this country, and their adherence. and opinion of GAIETY. to a rigid interpretation of the Bible is considered out— dated and even ludicrous by millions. Jimmy Carter may sign Names and/or pictures of any person, organization, or a bill, but can he fairly govern a nation with at least 20 business appearing in GAIETY should not be interpreted million "sinners?" Not just homosexuals, but the vast ma—~ as an indication of the sexual preference of that per— jority in this country are "sinners" by fundamentalist stan— son, organization, or business, or of its members or em— dards . i > ployees. _ f The simple fact is that a rigid adherence to the Bible is inadequate at best as a philosophy for guiding this nation. Copyright © 1976. All rights reserved. Carter would do a lot better to adopt a humanist philosophy, one that would please and serve the people, not some ancient patriarchial god that so many reject. . Anniversary Waltz Carter is surely a better prospect for the Oval Office than Do—Nothing Ford or Six—gun Ronnie. But the implica— With the first anniversary of GAIETY, the time seems ap— tions of how his fundamentalist faith could influence major propriate to thank all of the people who have made the news— world decisions is frightening. Anyone for prayer? —LL paper possible. First of all I want to thank the Memphis Gay Community. Without the people of this community, GAIETY would not be needed, wanted, or published. You all showed Featuring More your support in a very tangible way on Friday night, June 11, "First Anniversary" That‘s quite an accomplishment! Many at the GAIETY benefit extravaganza. Thanks to everyone, we people said GAIETY would never make it. The Gay community raised $288.35. of Memphis was simply too apathetic to support a local paper. I also must thank the staff. That is to say the devoted — It had been tried before. ® few volunteers who have spent 1l—o—n—g hours putting the pa— However, all that was before Gary Poe. There was no real reason why a gay paper shouldn‘t go over in Memphis. Being per together. These people deserve a special laudit. a relative newcomer, he held no preconceived notions as to Finally, I must thank the one person who believed in what could or could not be done. So, with a single—minded GAIETY before anyone else ever did... she thought I was crazy, dedication Gary Poe created GAIETY,. His zeal and determina— but she believed in me. —GP < tion were infectious. People began to look forward to read— ing the next issue and were concerned when problems delayed publication .~ ¢" "og j Soon, more volunteers showed up to offer articles, poems, A Dangerous Precedent artwork, or just their time——anything to help. Throughout the year Gary pumped. his own money into GAIETY to keep it A recent ruling by a Federal Appeals Court in San Fran— alive. Now, one year later, advertising revenue is still cisco seems to have effectively negated the recent policy greatly needed.. It must if we are to meet costs and stay statement by the Civil Service Commission concerning their alive. No one at GAIETY receives any salary. It is a labor non—discriminating hiring practices toward gays. The ruling of love. stated that the advocacy of gay rights causes and public ad— Now I will be assisting Gary as the Feature Editor and mission of homosexuality constituted "flaunting" of homosex— also as an advertising representative. In the coming year I uality and can therefore be a just cause for dismissal from hope to utilize my experience as a journalism (major to give a civil service job. ‘the paper an even more professional look. Look for more The utter foolishness of this ruling is appalling. The timely Gay news, more interesting feature—articles, more court has effectively said that a gay person may work for regular columns and more probing editorials. the civil service and may not be discriminated against only Starting this month are Cass‘s Corner, about interesting so long as he remains in the closet...only as long as he people, places and things, and Making the Rounds, a monthly, does not work for political change within the system...only summary of what‘s going on at the bars. so long as he lies to his friends and to himself. In conclusion, GAIETY is your paper. It needs your sup— This is a case that has received almost no publicity, but port and your help. If you know something of interest to it is an important case because it could undo all of the Memphis‘ Gay Community, please share it with us by calling progress that we, as gay prople, have been fighting for over 726—4299 or dropping us a line to P.O. Box 3620, Memphis, the past eight years. It is certainly a case that bears 38103. watching. —GP Thanks and Have a ! —GS

Page 5 — GAIETY Mr. Rain Check Movie House Brings The Rain Check Memphis ‘The Baths‘ ILI Lounge will present the first annual Mr. Rain Check contest on Michael goes to Scotty‘s other times it shines with Sunday, June 27, at by Larry Laughlin 5 p.m. apartment to apologize and natural spontaniety. Robert Jerry Kimbrough, co—owner, says Saturday Night at the ends up relating an all too Aberdeen is adequate as the that the pageant "will not be Baths, already over one year common incident from Michael‘s central character but lacks just another beauty contest." «old, finally ran for one week childhood that taught him, the magnetism for which the The pageant will be hosted ‘at the Movie House on Poplar "suys don‘t touch other guys.!‘ role begs. Ellen Sheppart is by Ms. Tara Wells and enter— in May. Given the hype about, Michael is shaken by the mem— completely winning and natu— tainment will. feature the the Continental Baths (Bette ory and in response to a ral, and her warmth radiates ‘well—known Diana. A $3 cover Midler, ete.) and its sup— question from Scotty he con— from the screen. Don Scotti charge will include free .posed politically minded own— fesses that he loved his is a dream fulfilled: sensu— draft beer and set—ups. er, Steve Ostrow, it was nat— friend. al, sexy, subtle and warm. Judges (only one will be ural to expect little more For reasons she cannot un— If the movies can overcome local) will view three cate— than an elaborate commercial. derstand, Michael asks Tracey. a history of and gories of competition: swim— The Madison Avenue awaken— to stay away from his debut finally produce films about wear, casual wear, and "do ing to the marketing poten— at the Baths. real, loving, complex charac— your own thing." tial of the 1974 wave of bi— In the film, the show con— ters who are also gay, Don First place prize is $100; sexual/gay "chic‘, was bound sists of three female imper— Scotti may well become Ameri— second place is $50;and third to result in films capitali— sonators (received with much ca‘s first (really) gay super— place wins $15. There is an zing on the trend (already enthusiasm and applause from star. entry fee of $5. passe, it never seemed to the largely gay Memphis audi— reach Memphis, but does any— ence), a singer, and a sensu— thing?) ous choreographic number by A Very Natural Thing tried several nearly nude male dan— hard— maybe a little too hard. cers. A brief interlude snow— Saturday Night at the Baths ing a male couple making love succeeds a little better, but in a shower suggests what is. is still shy of satisfying going on elsewhere in the es— the urgent need for a truly tablishment. R fine film that expresses at With the show a success least one aspect of the gay and Michael relaxed, he and experience. Scotty end up on a quiet, ro— The film raises some poig— mantic terrace overlooking nant, meaningful issues but the neon New York night. fails to explore them with Here, finally, Michael opens any real depth. It up to his sexual feelings for around Michael Lawrence Scotty,. They kiss, but the (Robert Aberdeen), an attrac— film fails to show anything tive straight man who applies further, despite the fact that for a job as a pianist at the, there As a fairly explicit Continental Baths. It is his love scene in the beginning first encounter with the gay‘ of the film between Michael subculture and all the old and Tracey. ' fears and hypes are there. Given the thrust of the He~is somewhat reassured af— movie, this is inexcusable and Membersg¢ : of the ProVisional Theatre fise a minimum of props, ter meeting Scotty (Don Scot— frustrating. Perhaps the scene relying instead on their talent to convey the message. —t1), the emcee of the show. was avoided to prevent shock— Seotty is a lithe, sensual ing the sensibilities of the gay man who Michael feels pseudo—hip heterosexuals for could pass for straight." whom this movie appears to be AlternativeTheatre atM.S.U. Scotty shows an interest in. geared. (The marquee reads, meeting Michael ‘s lover, "You could forgive him if he ‘Tracey (Ellen Sheppard), and were with another woman, but By Buddy Haynes of the country, the jobless, invites them to a gallery. could you go. one step fur— The most exciting, electric the indigent. The courageous— opening attended by an artsy ther?") Of course, censor— theatre Memphis has seen in ness of these people was Village crowd observing pho— ship may be the reason, one quite some time occurred when clearly expressed through the tos of muscle—men. Tracey learns to expect that sort of the Provisional Theatre Com— script and the emotions: and Scotty have an immediate thing here in the Bible Belt. pany of Los Angeles visited "If you and I must fight rapport and linger while There are also several Memphis for a two night stand each other to exist, then we Michael leaves for some piano technical flaws. For instance, ‘~ at Memphis State University. cannot love each other very practice. Later the three of right at the most intense mo— Brought to the city by Univer— much." — them meet at Michael and Tra— ment between Michael and ‘sity Programs, the group per— "When I see other people cey‘s apartment and have a Scotty the sound boom appears formed two different pieces. suffer, I suffer. So when I — — happy, stoned good time. But and looms at the top of the Tuesday nightz June 15, they work to help them, I am work— when Scotty tries to approach screen! b created an America Piece and ing for myself." on the following night the Michael, he isn‘t able to The movie is still an ac— ——— The most disappointing group presented Voice of the cope with it. ceptable and entertaining at— thing about the performance r Slowly Michael becomes a tempt to portray a straight People. was the meager turn—out,., The This second production little more comfortable with man‘s gradual acceptance of group certainly deserved the the baths scene. The many the gay potential in his per— combined mime, dialogue, and standing ovation they re— folk musicto bring across the shots of the ever—packed sonality. Indeed, if middle, ceived from the audience;they dance. floors, the pool, and America ever accepts gayness point of the history of the deserved much more. the patios, make it clear in films it will be through country over two hundred years; This group of ten or so that women are welcome at the slick, glossy productions such not the glamorof the history, people not only love to per— Continental Baths. Michael as this one. f but rather the real story of form, but they love each — ‘even joins Scotty for a foot— At times the dialogue is the common American. There other — on stage as well as ball . match between the Bath trite and awkward; but, at was great emphasison the poor off. The feeling that they were just like one big happy staff and some members of the 19909»09»»»»»» $23 police department (!) which family came across so strongly that one would like to run up supplies the film with its The lower case Greek letter lambda is most hilarious moments. and join them in that love. a. scientific symbol for activism. That The next time Provisional .The fun ends when Michael is why it was chosen by the Gay Activ— Theatre of Los Angeles comes makes a remark about Scotty‘s ists Alliance. It was first used by op— first gay experience being to Memphis run....do not walk pressed Jews in Egyptian captivity as a to see them. To miss this the reason Scotty isn‘t "nor— secret symbol of unity. It has since mal." Tracey is as offended group is to miss some of the become a widely—adopted symbol of gay most exciting theatre brought as Scotty and she encourages pride. Michael to overcome his prej— to life in our city in a *~ udices. time.

GAIETY — Page 6

by Rona Baresit To Joe S.: I still don‘t Beauregard: A Manifesto T he Making of Brendon To all of you who were believe you sat out front of white—fence—picketed churches. waiting for my scintilating the Rain Check honking your "...free at last, free at For his mother, he was a solo expose ~ on the popper racket horn i last, think God Almighty, I‘m act. For his father, he swept here in "Big M" I apologize. To Richard L.: Again I free at last." — old negro pool room floors when not The part of my column last acquiesce to your demands, as spiritual . wiping beersweat from formica month dealing with that sub— always; however I can‘t yet As a child, Brendon Beau, countertops. , ject was omitted as a‘ matter duplicate your generous offer regard shrouded himself in a Thrice elected king of the of editorial discretion. I€ of "civility", ergo: my con— soft pink illusion as ethereal (the high— seems that there is currently tinued absence. Discretion is as crep myrtle turned to cot— est honor primary schoolers a good deal of discussion as the better part of valor. ton candy trees by a dizzy can bestow on one of their to the safety of the so—called So long for now.....Coming summer sun. For his grand— own kind) and twice coronated: "legal" poppers. So, rather next month: Going Gay at mother, he sang promises in (someone decided he had been than appear to "endorse" the School . ; : king long enough,) he had more sale or use of any one prod— well dear,I +114 gold stars than anyone else. uct, the piece was cut. So god not To fl He kept them: Inviolate... be it. That‘s why I‘m the f whe { le horn __ & When newly a man,with only: columnist and G. P. is the RT wri} ser youl a. $89 a child‘s knowledge,he — grasped editor. for glaring greens and reds: grow up, I want A brighter world. Cavorting Lurking In The Swamp to be brsr/ine substantivegave way to pleasure,onecarousing, a morethat It seems that at the be— Jill SJohnsto exerted new muscles, leading ginning of every . summer word ‘to new definitions about him— goes around that Michelle self. Rollins is going to open a And the word "man." Confi— . Last year it was all dants preferred to ignore the very fun, the bar even had a changes knowledge necessitates name (The Warehouse) and ("Let‘s talk of pleasanter Michelle went along with the things.") Although unable to joke. However, then as now, talk about it, he soon became there is no truth whatsoever quite proficient at doingit. to the story. Innocence breeds self—righte—, However, it is confirmed ousness ... that Gene Brown is planning Wailing; then yowling; then on opening a bar in the mid— purring jukeboxes soon became town area, to be called "The a fixture in his new world — Back Door." He has told me the only one he could om. Hit that he already has financing a button,you getasong. There and that he will be the man— were men, too, rolly—polly men aging partner inthe operation. wearing patent leather blurbs As of our last conversation, of whiteness on their feet he did not have a specific (overcast by reflections of location, but he was hopeful hugging—too—tight— pink—poly— that he would be open some— estered rumps.) Their sleek,: time in the fall. Wouldn‘t it smooth lovers with Jaguar be a hoot if Gene got the old godies: Copyrighted walks, store on Cleveland and we had talks, smiles,wiles...in this — the Entree, the Front Page and world, there were those who the Back Door all in a row? lit cigarettes and those who Congratulations to the Butterf had cigarettes lit. Period. ownersof the Butterfly Cabaret, Since he enjoyed doing both, formerly B. J.‘s, The Patch, he soon just lit his own... etc. Reliable sources tell me Cabareyt Until tired of being fondled they wish to change the appeal by old men with fat wives and of the bar to attract more one anda half cars bought and as well as women and paid for; tired of predator they are putting in much time turned little boy, hand in and $$$ toward this end. If I forbidden places, pleading ig— might be alloweda suggestion, norance or alcohol; tired of I think the first thing they screaming . queens masking should do is fix up the out— ‘bitterness with affectionlike side so that is doesn‘t look lemon drops, all too sugary... like the "black hole of Cal— Tired of not being able to cutta." Well, much luck ladies! take, to have given.. Tired of Floating Tidbits watching eyes take to groping crotchesstrokes, withdartingswift,backsubtleand From what I hear, the Cos— forth, up and down. ‘(Tired of mopolitan Health Spa on Men— being a solo, unendingly a— denbhall is the closest thing lone, unutterably alone.....) to the Club Baths Memphis has wine drunk,hope in dregs, the ever had. Fu wouldn‘t believe full—bodied bouquet of romance the action that goes on in long since dissipated,; stale— their steam—room! I know one ness permeating, crippling, guy who has met his last "three maiming... boyfriends" there. (He‘s much Until finally left to too suave to use a limiting crawling down well—worn foot— word like ‘lovers‘.) paths, taking refuge at noc— Congratulations to Corky Sunday $.25 Beer NoCover Charge turnal waystations, trapped ir and Miss McWherter. Memphis‘ a maze and bathed in the cold, loss will be Atlanta‘s etc. cold reality of a neon sign To Ray Jean: I know I keep Tuesday Beer Bust $2.00 9—12

i carving want ads in the sky, to print something promising %m he moved to Minneapolis and nice about you,and believe me, [c( | became an accountant. Death en I think of something I 3s.F ot d is its own reward. £ ;

Page 7 — GAIETY

: GAIETY takes a humorous look at who you know

ass ‘Ray Jean Regfi1y Rbna) f : The Dynamic Duo get ready Did you say that Phyllis for their first customer. resigned?

0 ooil GAIETY has the. At least Danielle was SEE HOLBROOK ‘S STATEMENT sexiest editors } never a misfit.

Gay Bio—Chemist Discusses Medical Aspects of "POPPERS" ., mis ccs. It has seemed to me for some time that somebody should very pale yellow and smells sort of like apricots. 1t write a paper about poppers—amyl nitrate—for the gay commun— takes some fairly sophisticated ~lab equipment to make it ity. Nobody has done it, so here goes. I know quite a bit that pure, so most of what‘s available, including the am— about the subject: I‘m Ph.D.—style biochemist and gay. My pules, smells pretty strong. And, amyl breaks down with‘ sources include the British and United States Pharmocopias, ‘time; a way to prevent this is to store it in the freezer. ‘Another some chemical papers, and lots of in—and—out—of—lab experi— way of testing purity is to see how small a hit it takes ence. I do not claim to be an authority in medicine or phar— to get you off———the smaller the better. The next macology, but I have read a lot of papers in those areas too. question about safety is "How much do you use over a short So, you Docs out there, if I write something that‘s wrong, period of time (an evening, say)?" Moderation is important please correct me. Or, better yet, write an article about with amyl as it is with any drug. If it is used in super— amyl from your gay medical perspective. excess (it takes a lot), amyl nitrite causes a temporary What amyl nitrate is should be understood at the onset. blood condition called methemoblobinemia, which is pretty It is a member of a group of chemicals called "alkyl ni— much like carbon monoxide poisoning. tripesg" These chemicals are made by treating any alkyl al— Now, how‘s your health? If you have a heart condition you‘re pretty stupid cohol with sodium nitrate and sulfuric acid. > Alkyl alcohols to use a heart stimulant right? After all that include methanol (Sterno),ethanol (the most popular drug in scary stuff, I‘d like to comment th;t as a drug, amyl nitrite earth), alcohol (Rubbing alcohol) and isoamyl alcohol may be safer than aspirin. It would certainly be (whence poppers). Medically, isoamyl nitrite was invented harder ‘to kill yourself with it. And by the way, those headaches in the late days of Victoriana and became the miracle drug the next morning are due to Ehe im— purities in the for the treatment of angina pectoris,sort of a charley—horse amyl you used. As I said, the less it stinks? the easier of the heart muscle. They did some pretty strange things in. it will be on your head. the process of testing it as a drug (as they generally do). In closing, I would like to make it clear that I am in no The only recorded death due to amyl that I‘ve read about was way advocating the use of amyl nitrite except at doctor‘s that of an English lady whose doctor injected her with a orders., It is a controlled substance, and therefore illegal couple of cce‘s of the stuff (one must assume that she died to use otherwise. But there are some products being adver— happy) . How poppers became connected with sex is anybody‘s tised and sold as various kinds of "aromas‘"‘ which,. people guess. : The physiological effect of inhaling amyl comes from seem to be using as poppers which are "legal". I‘ll call the fact that it dilates the peripheral blood vessels (skin, «them pseudo—poppers. What these chemicals are are proably. for instance). The inhalee feels warm all over, his (men use other alkyl nitrites besides isoamyl nitrite (one of them it more) heart goes faster to compensate for the slight drop says "butyl nitrite" on the bottle). Now, the dirtiest, in blocd pressure, and (L suspect) he (or she) forgets about least pure,"street" liquid is proably safer than these pseudo— everything else except the most Urgent Matter At Hand. poppers. Sniffing this stuff is no safer than sniffing glue The usual question that my gay friends ask me about amyl (glue fumes attack your liver,pseudo—poppershit your nerves). is, "Is it safe?". Well, there are several considerations ~The only reason that these chemicals are "legal" is that the to be taken into account with regard to drug safety, There Food and Drug Administration never imagined that people is, of course, the question whether any drugs are safe. How— would breathe them for a rush (the FDA doesn‘t control paint ever, there are much more able proponents of natural heal th thinner either). It is a matter of fact that you can get a around than myself; that‘s not really the topic of this: rush off any toxic gas. And besides all that, if you‘re in— article. One important consideration about safety is, "How to having your apartment smell like a locker room, isn‘t it pure is it?" The stuff in the ampules bought via pharmacies a lot more interesting to do it the natural way? So please, ‘is required by the FDA to be 95% pure. One way to evaluate gay brothers and sisters, if you must use them, use these purity is by the aroma. The stronger the smell of dirty pseudo—poppers only as a room perfume, (Reprinted from Gay socks, the less pure. Super — pure amyl nitrite is a very, Community News, May 15, 1976)

GAIETY — Page 8 GAIETY

SpotlightCH Chri Cases Ask anyone, "Who is Chris— imagine this fantastic talent h tine?" and unless they‘re running around Pine Bluff, blind, deaf,dumb,or just plain Arkansas (a few gracious years Welcome to Cass‘*"s‘ Corner. stupid, they know; often even ‘ago) all blue and green eyes, It‘s just a little cross— if they‘re stralght especxflly no wig, and a bandanna in his ‘roads in my life where I meet if they‘re a policeman. hair? Imagine the local root the most interesting people. Chris usually makes his beer stand,quietand peaceful, Have you ever been to MCC? home at the Entree Nuit. He when a red convertible drives I had my first experience rec— strays to other bars occa— in (top down, naturally). A. ently and I was really bowled sionally, but not for long. loud voice screams, "Anybody over. You know how a lot of "Ed Gamble opened the En— wanna f##k a sissy?" churches are.. . Well, this was tree in 1968 and: I became sort People are always wonder— ‘Mess with me all you want to so different. At 6 p.m. Sun— of a permanent fixture. As ing what to make of Chris. He —— but mess with my money or day, they had their pot luck long as the Entree exists, I zan be witty and sad in just my man and you‘re really in dinner. The food...well, you will always call it home. I one statement. He is an im— for trouble." just wouldn‘t believe it—all get letters and cards addressed. personator, not a . One thing I have found out sorts of vegetable, meat and to me there. Once in a while, He is always thereto help the about Chris over the years is salad dishes. Yes, even des— people will come in from an— right purposes. If he likes that he is really a very deep serts for those of us who are other part of the country and you, you know it. If he does person with an opinion about so. big "it doesn‘t make any say So—and—so said to ask for not like you, you really know everything. I difference any more (tact— Christine. It‘s nice." it. "If a person wants to be— fully, no‘ ‘names mentioned come a profesimal impersonator, Most people don‘t know a One of lis favorite sayings here.) Memphis is not the place to whole lot about Chris. Can you (a little out of context) is MCC holds special activ— do it." ities too. Monday the group "When I‘m doing drag it‘s went to see JAWS. not that I think I‘m a woman, Mercy} The very first ‘cause I‘m not. I try to look time the fish attacked (re— and dress like one, but I‘m ‘member the girl?) someone always trying to put the "lady" touched me from behind. There Making The Rounds with Gary Salles image across.L mean,how would I sat with Coke in one hand it lookif I got out there and and popcorn in the other. . The most newsworthy item on downstairs and remodeling shook udders and ass to "Lady Well, the Coke hit the floor the bar circuit this month is some this summer while plan— Bump?" I‘d look like an ele— and the people five rows back the extension of beer—selling ning on opening the upstairs phant giving. birth. I‘m fat got free popcorn. until 3 a.m. A recently a— (for real) in the fall, serv— and I try to play it up. But After that, every time I dopted policy of the Alcoholic ‘ing mixed drinks and varied I try to reach all of the heard "that music," I sat Beverages Commission now per— entertainment. Also, a spe— audience. everything down on the floor mits the selling of beer in cial bicentennial celebration . "In May of 1975 with the and grabbed the nearest hand. any establishment until 3a.m. Friday, July 2 featuring free. little incident at George‘s, Once it was Dee Dyke, once it Previously only those estab, draft, set—ups and a Mexican I thought my days of doing was Rik, and then there was lishments with liquor 1li— Buffet 9—11 p.m. shows were over.Now I realize this straight guy who sat censes could serve beer until GEORGE!‘!S THEATRE LOUNGE: I have more time to get myself down in the wrong row. that time, putting undue re— 1786 Madison, continues to ready. — It was also in this I had a lot of fun, but the straints to competition on pack them infor their Wednes— period of time that I realized movie was so effective that I those establishments who only day evening and Sunday after— how badly ~impersonators were wouldn‘t even wash dishes served beer. noon Beer Busts featuring some ~ treated in this city. Drag when I got home. The .BUMERFLY CABARET: 1320 of the finest female imperso— — queens are cheap, but honey, Did you: know theres a lit Poplar(formerly B.J.‘s) Friday nation anywhere in the south. talent isn‘t." ‘tle spice shop at 19 North June 19th saw the grand open— Closed on Mondays,George‘s is Chris succeeds on stage. Cooper in the Earth Shoes ing of Jeanette Edwards—& Dot ‘available for private parties, Last year he won fourth run— Building? You can buy spices Thompson‘s Butterfly. With offering complete beverage and ner—up in the Miss Gay Mid— and teas there in any amount free show and free draft,ap— catering services,. f South, first runner—up in Miss ‘..at a fraction of what you:‘ proximately 100 persons had THE PSYCH—OUT: 76 N. Cleve—. Gay Memphis, fourth runner—up would pay st another store. a very good time. For the land. Ms. Sharon Wray main— in Miss Gay Tennessee, and It‘s called Maggie‘s Pharm. early crowd the Butterfly will tains the P.0.‘s popularity ‘first runner—upin Miss Entree Maggie is a real sweet girl open at 12 noon Saturday and with occasional "theme par— Nuit. (a real one!) who will even Sunday. Sundays from 2 ties" such as "50‘s Night", One thing Chris discusses blend special spices, herbs draft. beer will be 25 cents etc. Also‘ featuring "Pitcher with no one is his age. and pot — pourris for you. and this Sunday, the 27th Night" on Wednesdays, with 72 "Whatever age the person Go by and see Maggie. Tell there will be dancing with oz. pitchers of draft for I‘m with wants me to be, is her you read about her in. music being provided by a live $1.50, Although catering to a how old I am." GAIETY, band. On Tuesdays there will large female crowd, the P.0. Chris thinks impersonators If you fruits like vege— «be a —Beer Bust & Show for is always friendly and draws have the right to be a little tables, theres a real neat $2.00. Fridays and Saturdays —— an especially cruisy crowd on bitchy sometimes."We have to, special market in the Curb the show starts at 10 p.m. ‘Saturday afternoons. it‘s our only defense." Market at Poplar and Cleve— The ENTREE NUIT: 265 S. Chris loves Memphis, but land. It‘s located in the Cleveland. Memphis‘ oldest THE RAIN CHECK II:; 112 sometimes gets fed upwith it. backrow of the market and is Gay bar has recently remod— , Jackson Ave. The hottest ‘"They tear down 25 or 30 identified by a cardboard eled and continues to be a ‘disco—bar in Memphis on week— beautiful landmarks to pave sign printed in crayon saying popular spot for those enjoy— ends is changing its weekly way for the expressway. But Baretta‘s Farm Grown Vege— ing a quieter congenial atmo— ‘fare to include on Tuesdays then the zoo won‘t move. The tables. sphere and the shuffleboard and Thursdays. FREE draft zoo is so funky that even the This family grows all of table is usually active in the »From 9—10 p.m. and 4 price monkeys go to the Parkway ‘the produce they sell and early evenings. bring it to the market. The Beer and set—ups from 10—11 House." lady is real friendly. We The FRONT PAGE: 267 S. p.m. This Sunday, June 27th What would Chris do if he sat and talked for an hour. Cleveland. The scene of much will see the Mr. Raincheck had unlimited cash to open a — The prices are cheaper than ‘activity and renewed interest Contest with 10 contestants business?He has several ideas most others in the Market or lately as Jimmy Shankle (af— competing in Swimwear, Jeans, For one, Chris would like to anywhere else. Open only on fectionately known to. most as and Whatever (?). Emceed by — open a gay department store Tuesday, Thursday and Satur— "Jucie") becomes the sole Tara Wells & Guest Starring like the one he saw in San day, they spend the other days owner. Now opening at 4 p.m. Memphis‘ own favorite Diana Francisco last year.Theyoffer . at seven days a week, F.P. will Ross, the first place winner every possible style of clothing. stay open‘til 3 a.m. on week— will recieve $100. The R.C. Christine. Almost an in— Meet you next month, same ends and whenever the crowd opens nightly at 9 p.m. and stitution in Memphis. You may time, same corner...153 warrants during the week. stays open on weekends until like him, love him, or hate Love and Lashes...CASS Jucie plans on expanding the the crowd leaves. him. But you can‘t ignore him.

Page 9 — GALIETY

Gay Student Association Formed At Memphis State

by Gary Salles A second need to be ful— go much further, sponsoring ber Qf‘thergflgtionRT Cay Task There are over 75,000 gay filled by the GSA at Memphis consciousness—raising (CR) Force and the Gay Activist people in the . Memphis—Metro State is that of social con— meetings "to discover our i— Alliance. 1 envision our im— area. Only about 2500of these tact. The possibilities for dentity asgay men(and. women) , mediate political involvement: people go "out to the «bars" developing a genuine, human «to recognize our oppression in in the form of collective regularly. What are the rest relationship are inhibited,if a straight society, and to support for the University‘s of these people doing? Where not actually prohibited, by seek a collective solution to Affirmative Action program, do they. go? How do they func—. the traditional gay meeting mutual problems. We as: gays In conclusion, although the: tion in this society? places. The GSA will offer an must redefine ourselves in‘ our GSA is primarily concerned This fall Memphis State alternative to the bars. Al— own terms, from our own heads with Gay students, the support University will take a giant though the space has not been ‘and experiences, becauge no of every person in the Gay step on behalf of all gay agreed upon yet, it will be a political philosophy designed community is needed if the people in © the area and look comfortable, relaxing place, by white heterosexual men can GSA is to be a viable organi— into these questions. How? © where gay people can be free be adequate for us." zation. It is not trying to Through two organizations: The to be themselvesand meet each As a public service to the ' compete with any baror social M. S.U. Gay. Student Association other with dignity and re— school we willhave a speakers organization. We hope to be (GSA) and the Memphis Area . spect. We hope to — offer a panel of volunteers who will an exciting alternative. Gy Initiative Council (MAGIC) variety .of > coffee—houses, go into a class when — invited If you are a gay student ._ This year marks the eighth dances, a student lounge, and to educate straight people or have questions about your anniversary of the famous library. We hope to take oc— about who we are and why we sexuality, contact the M.S.U. "Stonewall Riots" in New York. ‘casional — outings together demand our liberation. Gay Student Association, cur— For those too many people who away from the campus environ— And finally, GSA will be a rently operating under the don‘t know, the ment. * political organization. It auspices of University Programs, was a sleazy little bar on For many members, these will not, however, demand po— Room 412, University Center, Christopher Street in the area first two needs are all they litical activism from anyone Memphis State University, known as . expect or want the group to not so inclined. To this end 38152, or contact Gary Salles It was. described by the Mat— meet. However, the GSA will the GSA will be a charter.mem— c/o GAIETY at 726—4299. tachine Society of New York (MSNY) as "....more than just a gay gathering place. It catered largely to a group of people who are not welcome in, or cannot afford,other places of homosexual social gathering. "...When it was mided, they fought for it,... the most tol— erantand broadminded gay place in town." Yes, for the first time gay people fought back against oppression. Since then, the event has become known as the official beginning of the Gay Liberation Movement. It is therefore significant that Memphis State publicly acknowledge its involvement in the fight for freedom of all people, including gays, in conjunction with Gay Pride Week in Memphis. There are several reasons for the formation of a Gay Student Association. The first and most important is support for its members. Gay people are bombarded with the propa— ganda of a straight culture telling them that they are "sick," "inferior," "unfor— tunate victims," "a faggot," and so on. How many of you went through school thinking you were sick and that you were the only one who liked "fooling around" with others of your own sex? There have always been other gays around, why didn‘t you see them?

__ Youare There are approximately 2300, gay people on the M.S.U. campus. The majority of these Invited are still cowering in their closets.Only infrequently can to a a straight person be sensi— tive enough to the gay ex— [ Celebration perience to be able to give genuinely positive,accepting, ree DraftBeen, Setups,Food non—judgemental support. Gay people must do this for them— Triday. } uly 2.1976 941pw, $2.00 BeerB a; t selves and groups can be a vehicle for doing this. Mem— Tuesdays, 7—12p.m. bers can feel that if they become a target of gay oppres— sion the group will come to their aid. 36 74

GAIETY — Page 10

Renee Williams Claims Title as Miss George‘s | 19.76

by Gary Salles __ Congratulations are in or— der to Miss Renee Williams, winner of the 1976 Miss George‘s title, and to all the contes— tants and staff of George‘s for presenting one of .the most entertaining and well ized pageants Memphis has seen in several years. This year‘s event,hosted by a casual Don Resegnall, co— owner and business manager of George‘s featured eight loc— al beauties: (1) Miss Tracy Lee, (2) Miss Stellina, (3) Miss Laura Lee Love, (4) Miss Tamika, (5) Miss Jo Ann, (6) Miss Shelby Harper, (7) Miss: . Renee Williams, and (8) Miss Meredith Hutton. With emphasis on the actual competition, the number of Left:. A very happy Miss Renee'Williams, Miss George‘s ‘76 and her second alternate, Miss guest entertainers was kept Meredith Hutton. Right: Renee does her award — winning " Woman Can‘t Live by Bread Alone." to a minimum, providing a va— riety of talent during the none of the judges were noti—. stead directly to the aud— Renees casual wear consis— interludes in the contest. fied of their selection until ience. Congratulations and a ted of a smartly styled Khaki Among the performers were Miss the afternoon of the contest. plus for professionalism in jumpsuit of 100% cotton, ac— George‘s1l975, Belle Starr who Thos‘e chosen were: Ms. Anita Memphis. cenfted with a visor and a repeated her talent number Kaminsky,a nurse at LeBonheur In addition to her title, bicycle bag of blue and tan from the previous pageant: a Children‘s Hospital; Mr.Jerry Renee also won the award for leather and tan — back medley of Broadway show tunes; D. Cagle, manager of a local best talent with her bitchy pumps. For evening wear Renee the exciting Miss Michelle "beauty boutique;‘"" Miss Dixie rendition of "Woman Can‘t Live chose a flowing peach jersey Danielle with her exotic cos— Dolly, well known in Memphis‘ By Bread Alone"‘ by the Honey— gown with an empire waist, tumes; and finally from Gay social circles; Mr. Al combs and the moving "I Pro— covered by a pink chiffon Florida, the beautiful Miss Reid,and Ms., Héen Washington, mise To Wait My Love," by duster accented at the collar Sheila Sexton (better known former dancer with Issac Hayes Martha Reeves and the Van— by pink ostrich feathers and as Mr. Tommy Toussaint to some) and president of the Helen dellas. highlighted by gold acces— and the Pantomaniacs,a duo of Washington Dance School. In an exclusive interview sories. virile, young dancers who ac— When asked what the. single Renee, also known as Randy Presenting the trophies to company Miss Sexton in her re— most important quality was Williams a graduate student Miss Jo Ann (First Alternate), view of Broadway musicalhits .. they were looking for in Miss at Memphis State said that she Miss Meredith Hutton (Second Judging this year‘s contest George‘s ‘76, most commented owed her style directly to Alternate), and the 1976 Miss were five regular patrons of that they were looking for Kitty Litter and Lily White. Georges‘s was Miss Belle Starr, George‘s, each a professional "the most convincing male ‘Acheiving her first title in Miss ~George‘s 1975. In ad— . in their own field. To in— portraying a female" and for three years of female imper— dition to her trophy Renee sure complete impartiality their talent "asa performer." sonation, Renee considered also received $100.00 and her Ms. Washington stated she was giving it all up until she saw ‘entry fee to the 1976 Miss: looking for the contestant who these two and "found herself." Tennessee Pageant. £4 1318 R4 was the "most feminine, sexy, lady—like and congenial per— son." The diversity of the talent competition provided one of the most interesting shows I have ever seen. The perfor— mances ranged from Stellina‘s hilariously grotesque role of "King Kong" to perennially favorite tear—jerkers, such as Laura‘s ‘"My Way," and "Are you Lonely?" Another over— whelming audience pleaser was +Jo Ann‘s "Do You Know Where You‘re Going To?" and her ever popular ‘"Corner of the Sky" from the musical Pippin. It is interesting to note that this year many of the contes—

tants avoided a common pitfall . Michelle Danielie kept crowd in pageants and did not per— ‘excited between competition. form "for the judges" but in—

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Page 11 — GAIETY Canada Cleanup m SCORE BOARD +0+0+009 ® Brings Bar Raids Rik, You know that the way to You ought to go on —I love you, Bitch. 5/11/75. my heart is through a can of Johnny:and take out that full—page An effort to "cleanup CGan— shaving cream. ad. But pay for the others ada" for the Summer Olympic Roger, Leaving much unsaid, first. Games in Montreal has resulted which for now,may be the bet— Richard, really. Me vicious? in increased police harrass— ter way, Jimm S. Happy Birthday, Phillip! Love,: ment against gay bars and Rona really does bare it. She IWayne. baths in recent weeks. Phyllis, It‘s so nice to know was wall—to—wall and Jimm was About 142 people have been» tree—top—tall. that you took the job as Eefl someone yéfi love or (7) arrested in bath raids in, Sabrina and Chuck‘s campaign JRM— They say it takes two To" how you reel. .Put an ad in Ottawa and Montreal. In two director? —Michelle tango...IL guess you‘re just a this space for only $2.00. bar raids the police suppos— faster learner than I. Call GAIETY at 726—GAYY(4299) edly looking for drugs, enter—. On the good ship lolli—glub.. ed with guns and rifles. Denis LeBlanc, President Is it true Jimm‘s theme song of Gays of Ottawa, said, "We is "I wish I were an Oscar know.....from remarks made by . Mayer weiner?" policemen during the raid.... that this is a concerted, ‘Is it true when Loretta went national effort aimed at to Pickwick she returned and ‘cleaning up‘. Canada for the became manager of her ex— Olympic Games." LeBlanc said lover‘s ex—bar???? But I‘ve that the effort is not di— seen her driving a new cougar. rected at gay groups alone, sgnce leftist groups and other Is it true that "Pierce" organizations "which might asked Ms. "A" to marry her? 8" LoggerSantaBootsRosa . ‘demonstrate" at the Games are in 2 delicious also being harrassed. Phyllis owns a piece of the colors: Gay groups such as the 27 sidewalk? member National Gay Rights and Workboot—Brown Coalition, are planning pro— Congratulations to GAIETY on Standard Sizes ‘tests at the national level. your first year. May you en— List $46.00 | A picket by Gays of Ottawa joy continued success. Your Only $34.95! was held in front of police friend, Mike from Dallas. California residents headquarters. LeBlanc said add local sales tax that "we are not a disruptive Remember the Alamo Mail orders to : or subversive element" and that there were no plans to LEATHER FOREVER Is it true that between 1738 Polk Street, Ruby Slipper Department quarrel with or disrupt the ‘Phillip and Michelle, Chuck San Francisco 94109 / Phone 885—5773 Olymgic Games . Still available: Our Giant Catalogue No. 3: $2.50 coulen‘t take it? (Outside U.S. & Canada: $3.50) (Refunded on 1st purchase over $25.) p Please include 15% for postage and handling. "The liberation of homo— BankAmericard, Master Charge, American Express, Diners, Carte Blanche: . Gary C. from MCC — I‘m glad please give account number & expiration date. Phone orders welcome. sexuals can only be the work I met you and thanks for the of homosexuals themselves." "experience" in Arkansas. —Kurt Hiller, 1921 hoy

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GAIETY — Page 12

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June 27 1976

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