VOLUME NINE, NO. 26—December 19, 1996—January 1, 1997—Issue 220 FREE wrs Give the People Light and they will find their own way. V The Wisconsin Light

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• • • • • • • • • December 19, 1996—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT-2 Denver Sued Over Domestic Partner Benefits Denver, CO-AP- Making good on a promise made earlier, two Denver residents have sued the city alleging that providing insurance benefits to same-sex partners of city employ- ees is an improper use of tax revenue. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, December 10th, against Denver by Paul Schaefer and Irene Tader, Fundamentalist Christians, who said they object to their property and sales taxes being used to pay for such benefits. They seek a Denver District Court order barring the expanded health benefits from going into effect in January. Their attorney, James Rouse, said the ordinance violates state laws governing insurance and illegally attempts to redefine family relationships "by casting a homosexual as a Francisco Boy Scouts Revise Gay Policy spouse." San tax dollars spent on that FrancisCo-AP- The Boy Scouts' San Francisco-area chapter has adopted a more leni- "As taxpayers they feel this is a bad move for the city because San are also concerned that the cost of ask, don't tell" policy towards Gays, a move that could return it nearly $500,000 won't be available for other things," Rouse said. "They ent "don't Denver altogether." annual funding. insurance may skyrocket or that insurance carriers may drop in spoke against the measure in September. The national Boy Scouts organization opposes Gay members and leaders. Schaefer had warned the city council when he will be tied up for three to four years," he The policy of the Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts does not call for expulsion unless "If you pass this, we'll take it to court and it the Scout or leader engages in public sexual conduct. said. The policy was passed in an August meeting and marked "confidential (and) not in- Black Churches Urged to Help Fight AIDS tended for public release." The San Francisco Examiner reported on the policy Tuesday, Oklahoma City-AP- Black churches must join forces to educate their communities about December 10th. the dangers of AIDS and the need to practice safe sex, Dr. Joycelyn Elders said Saturday. The Bay Area guidelines forbid Scout officials from investigating a member's or a leader's Elders, the former surgeon general, told a gathering at Mount Carmel Baptist Church that sexual orientation. one out of every 350 black men is infected with the HIV virus, compared to one of every "The Boy Scouts of America does not ask prospective members about their sexual prefer- 800 white men and one of every 650 Hispanic men. ence, nor do we check on the sexual orientation of boys who are already in scouting," the lo- Among women, one of every 1,000 black women is infected, compared to one of every cal council's policy says. 15,000 white women, she said. Barnes said each council is allowed to set policies independently. Besides education, Elders emphasized the use of condoms and providing clean needles to "We've communicated with the national office that this is our policy interpretation, (and) drug addicts as deterrents to transmitting the disease. they said, 'OK,'" he said. President Clinton appointed her to become the nation's top doctor, but fired her in 1994 A spokesman at Boy Scouts headquarters in Irving, Texas, said the national policy is un- after she was criticized for remarks about masturbation as an element of human sexuality. changed. Elders pointed to her willingness to speak about "unmentionables," which eventually got In 1992, the United Way cut off nearly $500,000 in annual funding to seven San Fran- her dismissed. cisco Bay area councils because of the Scouts' anti-Gay policies. Several major corporations "I said I felt masturbation was a normal part of human sexuality-- that 90 percent of men also cut off funding. masturbate, 80 percent of women masturbate and the rest lie," Elders said. Unidentified sources told The San Francisco Examiner that the Scouts were preparing a Elders denied she had encouraged teaching masturbation, as was widely reported, but had funding request for the United Way and that it had a good chance of being accepted. only acknowledged it as a means of preventing unsafe sex. School Board Wrestles With Gay Club Issue "Nobody needs to teach anybody the how to," she said. "God taught us how to." Anchorage, AK-AP- The question of whether a club for Gay and Lesbian students Court to Hear Gay Child Custody Case should be allowed at Dimond High School generated electronic mail from Outside to An- Raleigh, NC-AP- The state Supreme Court has agreed to hear a child custody case in chorage School Board members, and passionate testimony pro and con. But the board made Henderson County that involves the rights of same-sex parents. no change in district policy. The court on Friday, December 6, said it would accept the appeal of Carol Pulliam, who School district attorney Howard Trickey advised the board that it should allow the Di- wants custody of her two sons ages 8 and 11. mond High club, called the Gay/Straight Alliance, if it allows any student clubs not directly The state Court of Appeals in October returned the children to Pulliam's ex-husband, Fre- tied to academic offerings. derick Smith of Hendersonville, who is Gay. In a unanimous decision, the judges said there Trickey told the board federal law allows clubs to be banned if they're disruptive to edu- was no evidence that Smith exposed his sons to "improper influences" after his homosex- cation , but at the same time, the district has a legal obligation to prevent harassment, in- ual lover moved into Smith and his sons' home in 1994. cluding harassment of Gay and Lesbian students. Smith and Pulliam were divorced in 1991 in California. Smith moved to North Carolina Board member Kathi Gillespie, who had asked the board to discuss its clubs policy, said and had been the boys' primary custodian. His ex-wife moved to Kansas and she sued for she agrees the district can't exclude the Dimond club. But, she said, she still is concerned custody when Smith's male partner moved in with Smith. A trial judge in Henderson about the club and about possible influences of national pro-Gay groups on its agenda. County had ruled in favor of Pulliam. The federal law governing clubs gives districts that accept federal money two choices: They can limit high school clubs to those directly related to academics; or, if they decide to Judge Gives Talk Show Murder Up to 50 Years allow non-academic clubs, they cannot deny any club based on a group's philosophical, po- Pontiac, MI-AP- The man convicted of killing a Gay admirer who revealed a crush on litical or religious viewpoints. him on "The Jenny Jones Show" will serve at least 20 years in prison before he is eligible for parole, lawyers said. Domestic Partners Benefits Up For Vote in L.A. Judge Francis X. O'Brien on Wednesday, December 4, sentenced Jonathan Schmitz to 25 Los Angeles-AP- A proposed domestic partners benefit plan for the nation's second- to 50 years for murdering Scott Amedure. Defense lawyer James Burdick said he'll appeal. largest school district is scheduled to come up for a vote next month. Schmitz shot the 32-year-old Amedure to death three days after they attended the show's The Los Angeles Unified School District agreed Monday to postpone consideration of the taping on March 6, 1995. The show was not aired at the time but was played in court and proposal that has divided residents in the district and the board's first openly Gay president. televised as part of trial coverage. Jeff Horton supports the plan to extend health benefits to domestic partners of current em- The case, which drew international attention to the seamy side of daytime talk shows, was ployees. also tracked closely by groups concerned about anti-Gay violence. One Gay advocate who The Health and Welfare Benefits Committee has recommended implementing the plan, attended the trial said the sentence sent the right message because it was at the high end of expected to cost $3.7 million annually, in January 1998. The district's larger unions support what the judge could order. the plan. "I don't disagree with counsel that you are suffering some medical illness," O'Brien told But critics have been vocal. Schmitz. But, he added, "You still have to be accountable to society." At a meeting last week, a Right Wing resident gave his oft-repeated speech about Schmitz apologized before being sentenced. Lawyers for both sides said he will serve at "sodomites," which he tends to aim at Horton. Another person shouted that too many least 20 years in prison before he is eligible for parole. "homosexual programs" have been funded by the district. Amedure's family is suing "The Jenny Jones Show" and its owners and distributors _ Horton said the insurance proposal is long overdue, noting the city and county have al- Warner Bros. and Telepictures for $25 million, claiming negligence. ready approved similar measures. Game Over for Gay Programmer South Africa Grants Gay Equality San Francisco CA— For inserting unauthorized images of two men kissing in the new Johannesburg, South Africa-AP- A new constitution guaranteeing equal rights in South computer game SimCopter, Maxis, Inc. fired programmer Jacques Servin last week. The Africa and outlawing capital punishment finally won approval today from the Constitu- company has stated that it was not an anti-Gay act, but merely a standard response to the tional Court. "insertion of unauthorized material," in order to maintain Maxis's standard of "creating en- President Nelson Mandela signed the 150-page constitution, one of the most liberal in gaging software the whole family can enjoy." the world, into law on December 10--International Human Rights Day. In addition to the men kissing, Servin also inserted scantily clad men in some of the street The new constitution includes a Bill of Rights that protects Gay rights and guarantees scenes, noting that, "There was already a 'bimbo' in this game, but she was just a scantily equal rights for all, a far cry from the discrimination and repression of the apartheid era. clad woman. That one was authorized." Servin said that he did it in part to bring attention Mandela and his governing African National Congress have hailed the constitution as a to the larger issue of the total lack of Lesbian and Gay imagery in computer games. "Overt symbol of South Africa's new working democracy and a law for all its people, whatever gratuitous heterosexual content is present in many games," Servin noted, "but I can't think race, gender or sexual orientation. of a single example of Gay or Lesbian content." In prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, the new constitution opens the way for same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriages have already taken place unoffi- African-American Could Be New AIDS Czar cially in South Africa, but there has yet to be a court case to determine their legal status. Washington, D.C— According to White House officials, Phill Wilson, co-founder of the National Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, is the top contender as the new director Clinton Claims Progress in AIDS Fight of the AIDS Policy Council. Wilson was a director of public policy at AIDS Project Los Washington, DC-AP-Two days after the commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Angeles. Clinton administration pledged to keep pressing to stop the spread of the virus that causes Other possible candidates for the position include Pat Christen, director of the San Fran- AIDS. cisco AIDS Foundation, Michael Isbell, director of Gay Men's Health Crisis in New York "We'll continue to fight for better and more affordable prevention strategies, vaccines" and Jim Graham, executive director of Washington, D.C.'s Whitman-Walker Clinic. and other products that can fend off the HIV virus, Vice President Al Gore said Tuesday, Response to the speculation about the candidates has been mixed, while the Human Rights December 3`d, during a photo-taking session in the Oval Office. He was joined by admini- Campaign (HRC) has applauded Phill Wilson, other groups, such as ACT UP/DC have ex- stration officials who briefed President Clinton on progress in the AIDS fight. pressed the need for someone of higher prominence. Clinton, who deferred to Gore because of severe hoarseness, said only that he was pleased with progress made against AIDS during his first term and added, "I'm determined to keep Pope Condemns Same-Sex Marriage pressing until we get a vaccine and ultimately a cure." Vatican City-AP- In a clear reference to Gay marriages, Pope John Paul II said Thurs- The U.N. agency on AIDS reported last week that the global death toll from AIDS is ac- day, December 10th, that unions other than traditional male-female marriages threaten the celerating, with one-fourth of all deaths occurring within the past year. So far this year, 3.1 very foundations of society. million people have been infected with HIV. He said Roman Catholics must not remain indifferent in the face of attempts to change AIDS is now the fourth leading killer of American women ages 25-44, and two-thirds family law. were infected through sex. "In the last few years, with strong worry, we are witnessing ... a systematic disaffection toward the family, a disaffection that puts under discussion its perennial values," John Paul 6,000 To Get Expensive AIDS Treatment said. Tallahassee, FL-AP- The state's share of the federal AIDS Drug Assistance Program "With the pretext of giving attention of protecting the family and all families, one forgets will double next year but still won't be enough to give a new treatment that's both promising that there is a model loved and blessed by God; one denies the specific character of the and expensive to all who need it. conjugal relationship of man and woman, diminishing this indissolvable union," the pope The treatment costs at least $10,000 a year per patient. Those not covered by Medicaid or said in an address to bishops who head Church commissions on family matters in Latin private insurance or getting medication through some other specific program will be eligi- American. ble for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. "At the same time, one tries to introduce other forms of unions of couples contrary to the Florida's slice of the program will increase in April from $13 million to $26 million. initial plan of God for the human race. In this way," the pope added, " the rights of the But that probably won't be enough to cover Florida's AIDS expenses. Some estimates family are turned upside down, threatening society at its very foundations and threatening place the cost of all the state's AIDS programs at $58 million a year, if, as expected, word of the future." the funding spreads and more patients come forward. The Roman Catholic Church maintains that homosexual activity is sinful. An estimated 65,000 to 100,000 people in Florida have the virus that causes AIDS. The Vatican in the past has assailed efforts to legalize same-sex marriages. Until now, the best option for AIDS sufferers who couldn't afford protease inhibitors was There has been no specific mention of a recent Hawaii court ruling opening the way for to seek donations from drug companies under so-called compassionate-use programs. Gay marriages to be recognized there. December 19, 1996—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT--3 Hawaiian Judge Okays Same-Sex Marriage in the State; Decision Put on Hold Honolulu—Joseph Melillo believes that civil marriage that non-Gay couples can waiting six years to get married is long take for granted." enough. Other protections withheld from same-sex "That's an awfully long engagement," couples include access to family health cov- Melillo said Wednesday, December 4th, af- erage, immigration, divorce, and inheritance ter a judge put on hold his landmark order rights. Lesbians and Gay men also are de- of December 3rd, that the state of Hawaii nied protection for their children and may must allow same-sex marriages. lose custody when their partner dies. "If (same-sex) couples were allowed to Deputy Attorney General Rick Eichor said many and the decision were reversed, the he plans to appeal within 30 days Chang's (state) would be left with no remedy," said ruling that the state failed to show any com- Circuit Judge Kevin Chang in issuing a pelling state interest in denying same-sex stay, which will remain in effect until the couples the right to many. state Supreme Court issues another ruling. Because of that failure, the ban on same- "We kind of expected it, but we're not sex marriage is unconstitutional, the judge Gathered together to help A fundraiser happy with it," said Melillo, who sued along to help Dick Wagner's bid to become the first openly Gay County said in the first-ever American court ruling Executive in history was held at a private home in Madison on Friday with his partner, Pat Lagon, and two Les- December 6. Among those in attendance allowing same-sex marriage. He ordered the were (L-R) Sitting Dan Curd, Openly Gay Alderman Mike Verveer, Joyce Rose. Julia Belt bian couples. Donna Biddle. state to begin issuing Gay couples licenses. Standing: Margaret Mc Murry, Cynthia Cauthem, Dick Wagner and Denise Matyka. The primary for this race Ninia Baehr and Genora Dancel, two of The dispute prompted passage of a federal is in February and the general election is in April. the plaintiffs in the case, and who now live law that was signed by Pfesident Clinton in in Baltimore, stated their exuberance with the middle of the night. While the "Defense State Rep. Tammy Baldwin Announces Plans the ruling. of Marriage Act" (DOMA) does not ban "Our love made it possible for me and same-sex marriage, it does discriminate to Introduce Same-Sex Marriage Bill Genora to get through this long legal fight, against legally married Gay couples by re- Baehr said. "I'm looking forward to our stricting federal protections and benefits to Milwaukee—The decision in Hawaii to A bill barring same-sex marriages went love getting us to our wedding on a moun- heterosexual couples. permit same-sex marriages brought imme- nowhere in the last legislative session. tain slope in Maui," she said. In addition, 16 states have passed laws diate response. In Wisconsin, State Rep. Rep. Lorrain Seratti (R-Spread Eagle) has Hawaii Equal Rights Marriage Project denying recognition of same-sex marriages. Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison) praised the announced that she will again sponsor a bill attorney Dan Foley, who, along with Evan Eichor, in seeking the stay, argued that ruling as representing "a victory for families to prohibit same-sex marriages in Wiscon- Wolfson from the Lambda Legal Defense allowing couples to many immediately everywhere." sin and stipulate that same-sex marriages and Education Fund, represented the three would undermine the state's case. At a news conference held on the steps of performed in Hawaii or any other state couples, said the Supreme Court ruling "If hundreds, or even thousands, of Gay the state capitol in Madison, Baldwin would not be valid in Wisconsin. could come before the end of next year. marriages take place, the Supreme Court pledged to introduce legislation in the up- Marvin Munyon, president of the Far Lambda Executive Director Kevin Cath- probably won't even hear the appeal," he coming session to recognize same-sex mar- Right Wing Family Research Institute of cart said, "This victory is important progress said. riages in Wisconsin. Wisconsin denounced both the Hawaii deci- for the civil rights of Lesbians and Gay men Following a 20-minute hearing Wednes- The bill Baldwin plans to introduce would sion and the upcoming Baldwin bill and in Hawaii and throughout the country. Just day, Chang agreed with Eichor that the state allow same-sex couples to receive all the said his organization would work against it. as legal protections and recognition that would have a dilemma. spousal benefits that heterosexual couples "The institution of marriage has been come with civil marriage should be avail- Eichor also argued that the three couples currently receive, including hospital visita- between a man and a woman since the be- able to everyone regardless of race, religion, who sued for the right to many would suffer tion rights, family health insurance privi- ginning of time," Munyon said. and ethnicity, they should be available to no real harm if their right to many were de- leges, spousal inheritance and tax benefits. Cal Thomas, an ultra-conservative who everyone regardless of sex or sexual orien- layed. "Gay men and Lesbians want and deserve writes a syndicated column for the Mil- tation." Foley said he found that argument in- the right to protect their partners in the con- waukee Journal condemned Gay marriage Cathcart went on to note that only a gen- credulous. He said his clients already had text of legally recognized committed rela- and wrote about how tolerating Gays eration ago, marriage between whites and suffered from delays in the case. tionships. This is a simple matter of jus- brought about the "fall of the Roman Em- African-Americans was illegal in many Eichor's appeal will send the case back to tice," Baldwin said. pire." states. the Supreme Court, which in 1993 ruled Bills similar to Baldwin's have been in- "It would do both Munyon and Thomas Lambda Legal Director Beatrice Dohm that the state's ban on same-sex marriage is troduced in Nebraska and Texas. good," one Wisconsin Gay activist said, "if said, "Without civil marriage, Gay couples unconstitutional unless the state can show a Baldwin said that she did not expect her they would learn a little history instead of often face painful, difficult situations, like compelling interest in continuing it. bill to pass next year. But even introducing trying to make it up as they go along." being barred from the hospital bedside of a Melillo and the other two couples unsuc- the bill will help "educate citizens about Speaking about the Roman Empire, the partner in a medical emergency. Lesbian cessfully sought marriage licenses on De- anti-Gay discrimination," she said. activist said, "The Roman Empire lasted a and Gay Couples have had no access to the cember 17, 1990, and filed suit against the "Families are the cornerstone of our soci- lot longer than the US has been in existence. legal, economic, and political protections of state on May 1, 1991. ety," Baldwin said. "We all have a vested They must have been doing something interest in assuring that every family is af- right." Same-Sex Marriage Causes forded the same legal rights which serve to Court Ruling on promote family stability." St. Camillus Because the case does not immediately Nationwide Media Flurry impact same-sex couples in the United HIV/AIDS Ministry States, activists, while praising the ruling, Milwaukee—A media flurry followed said that "Judge Chang's ruling was S.C. urged a thoughtful and considered response Hawaii Circuit Court Judge Kevin contrary to public opinion, but it was by all. Offers Support to which he Chang's December 3rd ruling in the right decision. It is time for Hawaii "We hope that policy makers in Wiscon- found that the state had failed to show com- to move forward on this civil rights is- Women with couples sin will discuss and debate the issue of pelling evidence why same-sex sue. same sex marriage in a respectful and civil marriage. • `s should not be granted legal The December 11 edition of the Waco manner," said Scott Evertz, first vice presi- far from HIV/AIDS The "Baeher v. Miike" battle was Tribune Herald stated frankly that dent of the Log Cabin Club of Wisconsin. over, though. The next day a stay was or- "The fact that up to 80% of Americans Milwaukee—A Time to Share is a spiri- "Next session, legislators will have the with dered until the decision is appealed to the oppose Gay marriages is not the point. tuality retreat for women living opportunity to have a balanced debate on the HIV/AIDS sponsored by The St. Camillus state Supreme Court. The majority rules insofar as it does not issue of equal access to marriage," said. Regardless, the story hit the mainstream infringe upon the rights and freedoms HIV/AIDS Ministry. The retreat, to be held David Stacy, a founding member of Action January 17-18, 1997, will be presented by media in a big way. For example, it was granted to all Americans who must be Wisconsin. covered by the Milwaukee electronic media afforded equal treatment under the Beth Hancock of the Visiting Nurse Asso- Norah Cashin, president of Action Wis- ciation of Wisconsin, Sr. Diane Barabe, and the major print media as well. law." consin, said, "We can be proud of the work CBS • SET Ministry, and Kathryn O'Connor Kuhn Nationally, it was the lead story on Conservative Washington Post colum- that was done in this case and the dialogue "Evening News," with ample coverage on nist Jonathan Yardly, who has, in the of the St. Camillus HIV/AIDS Ministry. and extensive public education it fostered." The retreat is designed to help women both ABC and NBC. past, not supported Gay issues, wrote Juliet Brodie, the immediate past presi- Major newspapers throughout the country on December 9th, "If two people want living with HIV/AIDS explore the role of dent of Action Wisconsin cautioned that spirituality in their lives. Meditation, group carried the story. The following is a sam- to cohabit in a peaceful way under a "The fmal fate of same-sex marriages in sharing, music, art, ritual and preparing a pling: formal arrangement that causes no Hawaii will not be determined until the ap- meal together will be the tools of this jour- On December 5 th, the San Francisco harm to others, what right do the rest of • peal process is complete." ney of self-exploration and connection with Chronicle criticized opponents of us have to prevent them from doing Trial counsel in Hawaii anticipate that the stat- one another. same-sex marriage in an editorial so?" Hawaiian Supreme Court will take another Repre- • Participants will gather after 4:00 p.m. on ing that "the recent House of The December 7th issue of the Los An- year to consider the case. so-called Friday, January 17th, and conclude on Sat- sentatives vote on the geles Times in a "Community Essay" The Milwaukee-based Human Rights that urday, January 18th by 3:30 p.m. Overnight `Defense of Marriage Act' shows from Kirby Tepper, said, "By the time League (HRL) issued a press release an- die hard. Expect plenty Showboat was written (in the late accommodations are limited, so commuters old prejudices Baldwin's upcom- about the threat to West- '20s), the law on inter-racial marriage nouncing its support for are both welcome and needed. more bluster HRL asked "all Civilization." was changing, even though public ing same-sex marriage bill. For further information or to make a res- ern Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ervation, call The St. Camillus HIV/AIDS • lead editorial in the December 4th opinion had not. Isn't it interesting that The groups" in the state to "mount an effort of Ministry at (414) 259-4664. There is no fee edition of the Honolulu Advertiser countless people flock to see the show and take it for granted that the bad guys support" for Baldwin's bill. for participation, but enrollment is limited. are the ones who try to stop the mar- "It is only fair that committed same- Support Groups for Women riage between the African-American gender couples who live together, sleep to- The St. Camillus HIV/AIDS Ministry Action Wisconsin woman and the white man? Gay people gether, eat together, love each other, and sponsors support groups for women infected deserve the same application of the share every aspect of each other's lives, with HIV. The groups meet on the first and Meeting law." should have the same rights that married third Saturdays of each month from 10:00 • The Los Angeles Times Syndicate heterosexuals take for granted," said Marga- a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the second and 1997, the Action Wis- On January 18, featured an offensive and simplistic at- ret Flood, HRL co-chair. fourth Wednesdays of each month (no consin Board of Directors will convene its Scott D. Gunkel, HRL co-chair, strongly meeting December 25th), from 6:00 to 8:00 Northwest Wis- tack on same-sex marriage by Cal monthly meeting at the same column was carried urged the LGBT community to marshal the p.m. located at 505 Thomas. The consin AIDS Project Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. necessary resources "to take this fight to the The purpose of these groups is to provide 107, Eau Claire, in the Dewey St., S., Suite Thomas hauled out the old and very fmal victory." a safe place where confidential conversation p.m. All interested Wisconsin at 2:00 tired cliché about same-sex marriage "Our community should start saving TO- can take place and supportive connections to attend and contribute people are invited bringing the country "down the road to DAY" Gunkel said. can be made. the Lesbian, Gay, Bi- to the visibility of as was the case with Adverse reaction to both the decision in The groups are facilitated by staff and Transgendered community in destruction" sexual and "ancient Rome." Hawaii and the Baldwin bill was also im- trained volunteers of the St. Camillus this state. • The Chicago Tribune, for two weeks mediate. HIV/AIDS Ministry. For more information, contact Action Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, (R-Juneau), said he The groups meet at St. Camillus Cam- Madison, WI in a row, published columns by Mike Wisconsin, P.O. Box 342, dismissing Les- will propose a constitutional amendment pus—Court East, 10100 W. Bluemound 242-9781. Royko mocking and 53701, or call (608) Gay domestic violence. Royko declaring marriage in Wisconsin to be the Road. needs members, vol- bian and Action Wisconsin is well-known for his homophobic dia- union of one man and one woman. For more information and/or to register, unteers and additional Board members. "It's time for those in the majority to stand please call Kathryn O'Connor Kuhn at are interested in tribes. Contact them if you Editor's Note: The above compilation was up and say enough is enough," he said. (414) 259-4664. Transportation and child- improve the lives we have and working to made, in part, by the Gay and Lesbian Alli- "Where does this stop? Polygamy?" he care can be arranged if you provide at least the lives we hope to live. ance Against Defamation (GLAAD). asked. 48 hours advance notification. December 19, 1996—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT-4 its own. If "they" attempt it kill it, as "they" views on this issue. are wont to do, "they" will fail. Rest as- It would also be nice if people would express them- sured, love, as always, will rise again. selves to GE in hopes that the company, by including Editorial We Gay people know love like that. It's all its employees, will "bring good things to life." what we're all about: love born in us out of James A. Smith IV Same-Sex Marriage time and place. Churubusco, Indiana Give up Christmas? Not on your life. I'd The question of same-sex marriage is one that many in the LesBiGay community did not rather give up believing in magic and mys- want to confront now. Be that as it may, the issue is upon us. It is and probably will remain, tery and music itself. a hot topic for some time to come. It must be faced. While visiting Yellowstone Park in late While the word "marriage" has religious connotations, the same-sex marriage issue is not August one year, I stopped at the lodge. a religious question. If same-sex marriage became a reality tomorrow, no one would—or Everywhere I looked, there were Christmas should—compel any religious group to sanction it or any member of any clergy to perform decorations. I found out why when I read a it. sign. Deadlines We think that same-sex marriage is a legal question, a matter of equal rights under the "Christmas comes but twice a year, January 2nd Issue law. Upon marriage, heterosexual couples acquire certain rights and duties that are con- "Once at home and once out here." ferred by the state. We think same sex couples must be treated equally. That is fairness, that A waitress explained that the people who Articles Friday December 27th is justice. That is the American way. worked there during the summer wanted to Ads - December 30th We know that there are members of the LGBT community who will not wish to many. have Christmas together—so they did. I 5:00 p.m. That is their right. However, the legal rights contingent on marriage in our society must be thought then, and I think now, how won- available to all. derful that idea was. We sharply disagree with the "fall of Rome" cliche—a.k.a. "there goes the neighbor- Those who are wiser than I can let the January 16th Issue hood." We heard all of that and more when the bans against inter-racial marriage were be- Christmas go, but I will observe it with eve- ing broken down. Same-sex marriage will add stability to society, not the opposite. Besides, rything I have. In the end, I want them tc Articles—Jan. 10th it seems to us that banning marriage is a poor way to save it. say of me, as they did of Scrooge, "He knew Ads—Jan. 13th We strongly support Rep. Baldwin's bill on same-sex marriage. how to keep Christmas and he kept it well." 5:00 p.m. We strongly urge all fair-minded Democrats and Republicans to work together on passing the Baldwin bill. Same-marriage is not a partisan issue. It is an issue of civil rights that im pacts all of us in the LGBT community, both Republicans and Democrats and every other party as well. Caution We applaud the presence of a representative of Log Cabin Republicans at Rep. Baldwin's Letters The fact that someone's name appears in news conference along with those of a liberal bent. We urge liberal and conservative mem- this paper in no way implies sexual orien- bers of the community to work together on this bill. tation. We agree with the Human Rights League (HRL) that there will be tremendous forces ar- Use Condoms rayed against us on this issue. We should join HRL and Action Wisconsin to win our civil rights. TO THE EDITOR: Give the People Light and they Finally, we think that as Judge Chang said of Hawaii, no state, including Wisconsin, has In reply to Marcus ("Letter to the Editor, previous compelling reason to forbid same-sex marriage. issue of Wisconsin Light). An open relationship is will find their own way. We think that the arguments against same-sex marriage range from the ludicrous to the certainly a choice that you and your partner make af asinine to the self-serving. We think that the only reason for being against same-sex mar- ter considering the ramifications. Also, that your arc riage is homophobia that seeks to hide its banality behind a veil of religious cant. best fiends is a tremendous asset. The But remember, the first and last word in open rela- The Hotel Washington tionships is—CONDOMS. Wisconsin Richard Mence Santa left a large early Christmas present under Madison's tree, a soon to be rebuilt Hotel Milwaukee Washington. It's hard to overstate how excited the community is. Light Greg and Sherry Scheel are owed the thanks of the community for the fortitude they showed in waging an uphill battle to rebuild their hotel. Kudos also go out to Capitol Bank, Anti-AIDS Job openly Gay Mike Verveer and everyone who helped make a new Hotel Washington possible. Discrimination It has a been difficult for the Scheels. Not only was the Hotel Washington the center of Madison's Gay life, it was the center of their lives too. They have endured many TO THE EDITOR: frustrations, false starts, rumors and false hopes. They have endured these without public In light of the recent Hawaii decision concerning complaint but with grace, dignity and style. Throughout it all, the Scheels have kept same-sex marriages. I would like to express my focused on the goal and not on the problems associated with achieving it. thoughts on a similar high profile news story. It is said We commend the Scheels for planning a new building that has the same look as the old that the homosexual community is trying to get one did. The graceful architecture, balconies, parapets, style even the same color brick of "special tights" when this measure comes before Con- the Hotel Washington have all been retained. Undoubtedly they could have opted for a less gress. Well, let me explain what took place in my situation and then make a decision on whether expensive design. To their credit, they have not. Executive & Editoria. ')ffices They have presented Madison with more than a rebuilt hub of community life. They have "special rights" is the proper term to be used. given it a landmark that everyone can and should be proud of. I worked for General Electric Corporation in Ft. 1843 N. Palmer There is a lesson in all of this that some in our community would do to well to learn. As Wayne, Indiana, for over 16 years. I went to work Milwaukee, WI 53212 daily and gave GE untold hours of overtime, and with they did with their work on the Rodney Scheel house, Greg and Sherry Scheel have set an (414) 372-2773 example our community would do well to follow. They have shown us that fulfilling a countless emergency call-ins as a maintenance elec- dream isn't always easy, but with hard work it is nearly always possible. They deserve our tronics tech. LIGHT. FAX: (414) 372-1840 thanks for that too. In April of 1992, my other half and I were on vaca- tion in sunny Florida where I required emergency sur- Office Hours: gery for a ruptured esophagus. When I returned to Monday work, the attitudes toward me changed dramatically. -Friday-10:00 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Editor's Note Because of illness-related weight loss, rumors began 24-Hour Recording to spread that I had AIDS. From this very moment. I Publisher Give Up Christmas? started to get harassment in the form of vandalism to Jerry Johnson my vehicle and personal belongings. By Terry Boughner The stockings will be hung, of course. (The company supervisor in my work area insisted Executive Editor And so it is Christmas. Terry Sometime at night on Christmas Eve, I will that I provide the management detailed medical re- Boughner, Ph.D. Why go through it all again'? Why not just fill Jerry's and then go to bed. During the ports from my doctor whenever I was off Arts & Entertainment Editor forget from work it and let it pass? Or, if we must do night, he will get up and fill mine. In the for any type of illness.) Geno something, why not stick a few lights in the morning, we open them to see what "Santa" Soon, derogatory remarks began to appear all over front window (only a few), put up an SpotLight Editor artifi- has brought. the company walls and in the supervisor's office by cial tree, throw some Bill Meunier ornaments at it and let I love the magic of Christmas, the ineffa- methods such as spray paint and indelible marker. the holidays go by? My ble hush that seems to pervade Christmas "shop" was vandalized and my personal belongings Advertising Manager But I know the answer to those questions Eve, the most wonderful night of the year. It were destroyed by someone throwing an inky, oily Jerry Johnson almost as quickly as they flit through my is a night of miracles, they say, when any- substance all over the place. 372-2773 mind. I can't lift the holidays (Christmas in thing can happen, even the most fabulous Each and every time something like this happened, I my tradition) go by—not and suffer Columnists and Reporters terrible things that make up our hopes and dreams. would inform the Employee Relations Manager. Eaoh pangs of regret for the loss. Jason Alan, Glen Bishop, Kathryne For example, at midnight, they say, the time he would tell me "Not to worry about it." The truth of the matter—and I know Kingsbury Jason Jellison, Barbara Lightner, it animals talk. Old puss hasn't said anything This and much more went on for over two years. well—is that I love Christmas. It is Bill Meunier, Dusty Sass, Dr. Suzie Shovelit, an old; yet, I don't think, but then perhaps she has a Finally, in August, 1994, I was doused with a caustic dear and trusted friend, one that calls Carl Szatmary, me tc language that I don't understand. I think acid-based enamel from high above the plant's cat- it year after year. It is like the warm glow that just may be the case. walk. This sent me to the local hospital for chemical that comes after a couple of glasses of good I put a single candle in the window on burns on the upper torso. Associated Press wine. It makes my world all mellow again. that night. Afterward, I go outside and The Ft Wayne police were called in to investigate p I love Christmas. I love its music the old stand, looking up, watching for the sleigh this by paramedics who responded to the emergency. Copyright © carols (nothing new, thank you) sung in the 1996 and reindeer. No, I haven't seen anything A few days later, I was telephoned by a lawyer for GE traditional way (no innovations or By Novo Graphics, Ltd. yet, but that doesn't mean anything. There who stated that GE would relocate me to another fa- "creativity," please). I know those beautiful. THE are a lot of things I haven't seen. More im- cility. I quote him as saying, "You people like San WISCONSIN LIGHT is published biweekly by NOVO old songs all by heart. I want to hear therr GRAPHICS. LTD., with offices at 1843 N. Palmer. portantly, it's a custom I enjoy. Doing it Francisco, why don't we send you out there and you Milwaukee, WI 53212. Advertising and copy deadline is the as they always have been: warm, soothing, keeps open that niche inside me reserved for can start over with a clean slate." Thursday prior to publication. Opinions expressed by majestic, grand, appealing to the common writers in WISCONSIN LIGHT are not necessarily those of the little boy. As though I'd done something wrong! taste, not something known in concert halls. the publisher. editor, or our advertisers. Any reference I love to read the Nativity story in the The EEOC investigated and determined that there macre to any individual or organization should not be I love the lights, red, green, yellow, orange construed as an indication of the same's sexual or affection King James version of the bible. The lan- was a reasonable cause to believe that the and blue. They glow with such a soft seren- charge was orientation or preference. All copy, text, design, photos, and guage is incomparable, stately, full of maj- true and it was imperative for GE to eliminate the al- illustrations in advertisements are published with the ity. understanding that the advertiser is fully authorized and has esty, like a mighty organ in some great ca- leged unlawful employment practice because the I love a real tree, a balsam, big, fresh, in- secured proper written consent for the use of names. thedral church. Do I believe it actually hap- vestigation revealed that I "was subjected to severe pictures, or testimonials of any living person, and making the air redolent of the scent of pine. WISCONSIN LIGHT may lawfully publish and cause such pened: a real baby laid in a manger with and pervasive harassment over a two year period." (I know they're messy, but who cares? Life publication to be made; and the advertiser agrees by angels and shepherds and all the rest? No. I As of this writing, nothing has been done to rectify submitting ads to indemnify and save blameless the wasn't meant to resemble a freshly washed publication of any error that may be contained in said ad. believe it's a myth, but what is a myth but the situation. I have been told by fellow workers that I plate.) WISCONSIN LIGHT does not accept any responsibility fat the diaphanous garment often donned by am "persona non grata" by the company, and that my any claims made by advertisers. The entire contents of There will be large lights on the tree, the WISCONSIN LIGHT are © Copyrighted and protected truth. "safety cannot be guaranteed" if I return to work. old fashioned kind, and bubble lights too. under the Federal Copyright Act and International The truth, I think, is this—and it speaks to The point I am trying to make is that if a person Conventions. Reproduction of any portion of any issue will Every ornament, put away so carefully last not be permitted without express Lesbian and Gay people no matter of what who is, by all means, a loyal, productive and tax pay- written permi=sion of year, will be taken from its box and hung NOVO GRAPHICS, LTD. Legal venue is Milwaukee county, religious tradition. The Christmas story is ing employee, cannot go to work without experiencing Wisconsin. Printed in the U.S.A. were it was before. After that, the icicles the account of love born on the earth. such unwarranted treatment, what legal methods must be hung, one are strand at a time (Jerry Consider this. Love is not normal (sadly). in place to redress these and I have an situations? Subscribe to on-going argument about Love most often comes when it's least ex- The EEOC has to skirt the that). issue of being "Gay" and pected. Love follows its own rules, seldom hope that some other issue such as mine can be found. Wisconsin Light At last, we will stand back and say to taking the form society imagines or requires, This is not always the case. each other as we do every year, "This is the One Year-26 Issues seldom taking the form that "fits." I believe that the majority of Americans would see most beautiful tree we've ever had." First Class—$32.95 That is A few adore it. The majority, seeing it, the necessity of a bill such as the one (ENDA) brought among the traditions that I do not want to either ignore it or despise it and seek to put to the Senate floor by Senator Kennedy. Please write Third Class—$16.95 live without. A it down. But love has a will and power all your Congressional representatives and express your December 19, 1996—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT-5 denying that she and her brother were going to open up at the Main Street site. At that time the local Madison press was reporting that the Scheels were going to relocate to that site. A few people even de- manded that the Light print a retraction. "We knew what they (the Scheels) were going through," said Meunier. "They were on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows to keep their dream alive. We trusted what they told us. They are fine, honest people. The Scheels have kept us informed all along. They have an enormous respect for the legitimate Gay press." The Ride Is Over That roller coaster ride seems to have fi- nally ended. Madison's Capitol Bank has approved a $3.1 million dollar loan. The Scheels are using $1.1 million of their own funds and Madison Gas and Electric is in- vesting $300,000. Openly Gay Madison Alderman Mike Verveer who has fought for the Hotel, has introduced a Greg Scheel told The Wisconsin resolution for a $600,000 City July, of Madison TIF Plans For A Bigger Hotel Revealed that his financing package was loan. Verveer helped obtain Light the HUD $400,000 short." In September, waiver and the needed building "around permits and A Christmas Present For Madison said he had put his plans to rebuild he has worked hard to line up Scheel the votes "on hold." needed for the TIF loan. The Alderman told Madison—It's been called best Christmas nesses: About that time the City of Madison or- The Wisconsin Light that he was confident his present Madison's Gay community could Much of the extra space will be used to dered Scheel to fill in the hole left after the proposal would be approved. "I can't imagine why the City ask for. It's the announcement that Wis- meet new City codes and to provide greater debris from the old hotel had been cleared would not want to contribute to this consin's best known Gay landmark, the access for the differently abled. away and he laid off their remaining staff project. It means a lot of jobs for Madison." Hotel Washington, will be rebuilt after all. The new hotel will have double the num- which they had kept on the payroll as long The Hotel, center of Madison's Gay and ber of hotel rooms available for guests. Thanks to the perseverance of the Scheels, as they could after the fire. it appears as though those jobs will be filled Lesbian life, burned to the ground last Feb- Plans call for 44 rooms instead of the 22 Rumors and More Rumors ruary 18. Now a bigger hotel will rise from that were in the old Hotel. Greg Scheel told by end of next year. The Hotel Washington played such a big Asked how he felt about the rebuilding, the ashes. (See the full color architectural The Wisconsin Light that he is looking role in Madison's Gay life that the Scheels drawing of the plans on Page 28) into hiring a hotel management team such Greg Scheel told The Wisconsin Light, and their plans were the subject of numer- "Excited." That feeling is one that is un- Appropriately the ground breaking cere- as Excel, but has not made any decisions on ous rumors circulating through the commu- mony will be held on the first anniversary of that. doubtedly shared by the rest of Madison and nity. It was said that they had sold and/or much of Gay Wisconsin as well. the fire. With good weather, construction A Hard Fought Struggle leased the site to the gas station on the east- could be completed by Halloween, 1997. Just a few months ago, the Hotel was ern end of the site. Plans for The New thought to be dead. The Scheels were un- They were also rumored to be buying or Hotel Washington able to secure enough financing to rebuild renting the site of the former Going My Way The new Hotel Washington will have the and began looking into alternative sites. At bar on Main Street. The reality was that Oh, Christmas Tree same look and feel of the old one but with that time Greg Scheel told The Wisconsin none of these rumors were true. The photograph on our front page, some improvements. Light "It's much less expensive to buy or The Scheels did investigate the possibility The new Hotel Washington will include a rent an existing building that it is to put up a taken by a Wisconsin Light photog- of opening up a new complex at 111 W. rapher, fourth floor of hotel rooms. Greg Scheel, new one." shows the tree set up in Mil- Main Street and even applied for a license waukee's Red Arrow Park across from who owns the Hotel with his sister Sherry From the beginning, the Scheels faced an transfer that would have allowed them to Nelson Scheel, told The Wisconsin Light uphill battle. Because they had received a City Hall. open up two bars and a restaurant at that This year, the tree celebrates the that in addition to the added floor, the Hotel HUD loan, to remodel some apartments for site. In the end, they realized that their heart will expand to the East taking up the space low income residents, they needed a waiver city's sesquicentennial. The lighting was in and with their dream of a rebuilt ceremony took place on November now occupied by a gas station. from the federal Department of Housing and Hotel Washington. Scheel said he expects that all of the busi- Urban Development. The delays meant ris- 301'. The Wisconsin Cream City Chorus The Wisconsin Light SpotLight editor, sang at the nesses in the old hotel will reopen in the ing costs and that meant a need for more occasion. The Chorus is a Bill Meunier, was repeatedly questioned proud compliment to new one. The eastern expansion will pro- financing money. Wisconsin's Le- during one of his trips to Madison, after the BiGay community. vide some extra space for each those busi- That money was not forthcoming and in paper ran a story quoting Sherry Scheel

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BOOK SHOP & CAFE Celebrating 20 Years of Women's Words 3416 University Ave. Madison, WI 53705 ph. (608) 232-2600 December 19, 1996—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT--8 lived for nothing else but to get up at 5:00 in World AIDS Day is a constant that shall the morning, go to church and brunch, and endure far past the New Year. Youth Column then, oh yes, then to return home in mid- For me, it is always evening. I find myself afternoon. always sitting by this fireplace, always sip- There they were, all wrapped in adorable ping this tea, always desperately in a strug- `Tis the Season: Ho, Ho, Ho—Or Bah, shiny wrappings. A teddy bear here, a knit gle to pen down what emotion or feeling I sweater there, a new He-Man toy over there. have. Humbug? Which One? (I know, my childhood is getting dated.) So, the question still remains. To Ho, Ho, We may have been poor (We were.), we Ho, or to Bah, Humbug? Well, I say . Commentary by Jason Alan kickoff for my holiday season. I was ecstatic may have been rich (I'm not sure about Editor's Note: Jason Alan is a columnist To Ho, Ho, Ho, or to Bah, Humbug, that is when I heard the news. that.), but my parents always did their best for Wisconsin Light. He can be reached for the question. However, then the holiday season turned a to insure a Happy New Year. comment at: J. Alan, c/o Wisconsin Light, It seems, as far as little dark. 1996. 1843 N. Palmer St., Milwaukee, WI 53212. Christmas is concerned, I On a personal note, the next news I would As time goes by, though, changes have find myself asking that receive was that my Grandfather was terri- occurred. question every year. Let's bly ill and needed to be rushed to the hos- This year, I have lost 3 relatives—and be- see, Jason, shall we have pital on Thanksgiving Day. Would this lieve me, 3 Pentecostal funerals is a bit a happy Christmas this make for a pleasant family dinner? I think much. I have now lost people to AIDS and year—or shall we have a not. many other friends to cancer. I, also, have • _ --7Pt,' rotten one? I seem never Soon enough, World AIDS Day came* had a few minor health incidents that have to be able to make up my mind on that one. around on December Vt. 1 have many kept my mortality in check, as if the grim Buy Your Next Vehicle from Call me old-fashioned or anything else friends with AIDS or HIV, not to mention reaper seemingly standing behind every for that matter (except Shirley)—but I was close acquaintances, and it has been very relative I know, hasn't. Us & We Will Donate $250 to raised to understand that the holiday season hard to recognize this day every year. For As I sit by the fireplace writing this, it is the Milwaukee AIDS Project applies to the period from Thanksgiving to me, World AIDS Day is a defining moment World AIDS Day. It is evening. For many New Year's. So, let us see what the holiday every year I live. on this planet, daily life will continue its • Rent-to-Purchase Program season brought us this year. In many respects, World AIDS Day is my normal course, and solitary remembrance of • Trade-ins Welcome Well, right about Thanksgiving I received holiday season. I suspect that perhaps it is World AIDS Day shall be filed away in fa- a pleasant phone call from my good friend also the holiday season, for many in this vor of their stock of shares, their fast cars, • Financing Welcome Jamie Nabozny. He called to make me community. It is interesting how life the next rung they can climb on the corpo- • Service Warranties Available aware that he had won his court settlement changes. rate ladder, that glass ceiling we supposedly against the Ashland School District (which When I was a boy, it was very difficult for all can break. (414) 282-9223 had permitted an inordinate amount of me to settle down during this time of year. 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EAT AT JUST US DAILY SPECIALS Friday Fish Fry Sundays (All Day) Holiday Special $1.50 All Rails, 750 Miller Tappers, $1 16-oz. Miller 5-10pm Tappers (all day) Also serving Mondays (8-Close) Buy 1 Dinner sandwiches, Weekly $1.75 Miller Brands Specials, Baked Fish, Tuesdays (8-Close) Pull Tabs Get 1 Dinner for 1/2 Price Appetizers, Soups, etc. JUST Wednesdays of equal or lesser value. Margarita Pitchers $3.50 (all day) $1 15% Gratuity added to gross check. Thursdays & Oft Imports (8-Close) Thursdays Offer good Monday & Tuesday Saturdays Food 6-8; $1.50 Rail Drinks, 8-Close thru December 30, 1996 6-8pm Fridays Sandwiches & Food 5-10; Alter Midnight Specials Appetizers Saturdays Open 7 Days • Serving Lunch & Dinner Food 6-8; Alter Midnight Specials We Do Parties & Monday-Friday Banquets 807 S. 5th Street • Milwaukee • 383.2233 2-4-1; Open 8pm Al and M Vag. Smurf Pee Always $1 124 N. Water Street WATCH THE PACKERS AT JUST US Sunday Drink Specials • Free Food at Half Time 347-1962 Free Specialty Shots for EVERY Packer Score • Fun, Fun, Fun EtSCards VISA' wetagat WINNER - Human Rights League Nat'l Comina Out Dav Award. NOV. 1996 December 19, 1996—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT-9 dren. Initial plans are being made to bring' Special Family Day in face painters, balloon sculptors, story tellers and crafters. Planned for One of the main activities will be the de- signing of a banner. "We are going to let PrideFest 1997 children draw the banner all day on Satur- day," said Berg. "On Sunday, it will be Milwaukee—PrideFest has announced its placed in the parade in front of the Lesbian first new feature for the 1997 festival— mothers, Gay fathers contingent." Family Day on Saturday, June 7. Parents are Parents are invited to send in additional invited to bring their children to the festival ideas for children's activities. Send your to play in the Children's Area and partici- ideas to: Theodore Berg, Family Activities pate in the special activities that are being Coordinator, PrideFest, P.O. Box 93852, planned from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Milwaukee, WI 53203 or Fax: (414) 272- To coordinate Family Day activities, 3391. Theodore Berg of Milwaukee has been re- cruited to the PrideFest Council. Berg had orginally contacted PrideFest to offer his services as a professional clown to entertain children. He was asked if he would like to line up a whole series of activities for chil- Taldng time off The members of the Alternative Business Association celebrated the holidays with a Christmas vina4M4r14r14MAM4MoinlvIa4M4M4M party at Cafe Melange on Wednesday December 11. Show above (L-R) Front row: Jim Bigger, Kelly Mc Nally, Alethea Banks Middle Row: Joseph Murrenus, Denis Mehalopoulos, Wayne Beatty, Mari Jo Pesch. Rick Finger Top Row: Larry Ksueger, Sheldon Schur and John Chartre Making a List and Checking it Twice Brings Peace, Joy and Love at This Time of Year Commentary by Ted Berg need to remember what is truly worthwhile. Huge, red-dressed Santas say, "If you're Here is part of my 1996 list: UHT ININC good, you'll get your desires." His staff of • For Being Gay. I think God for my •44*4404404: 444t44.4i044044404.4(4404:40 happy elves in commercials show us that genes and any other thing that caused love is an expensive gift: a fancy dinner or my Gayness. Some Gay people say that an exclusive fragrance named after someone they would be straight if it were possi- famous, for example. ble. My 23 years of Gay life has been YOU KNOW, MY PARENTS HAVE BEEN • For some of our commu- mainly joyful seasoned with despair, PRINKING COFFEE SINCE I WAS A nity, the holidays are not so loneliness, low self-worth at small KID, BUT THEY NEVER LET ON NOW pleasant. They are wrapped times in my life. But all the things that is! in the paper of dysfunc- I'm thankful for, are pinned on my be- INCREDIBLY Coot_ it tional families with con- ing Gay. I would not change even if I stricting bows of denial of could; who we are. The season of joy can be a bit • Friends. Milwaukee is a great place to sad with little sun, cold, and a gloomy live. In the three years this native of snow. Chicago has been here, I've developed Each December, I start a "List of Thankful a network of friends and support un- Things." It is so easy to get mixed up in the heard of in the big city. They envelope seasonal rush and commercialism that I me in love. It feels good; • For the Milwaukee AIDS Project Shoreline Dancers (MAP). I moved on Monday, called MAP on Tuesday, was interviewed on Dedicate a Quilt Wednesday and started volunteering on Thursday. The staff and volunteers Panel at Just Us have become dear to me. With dedica- tion, they deal with life-threatening dis- Milwaukee—It was December 7th. The ease, making life easier for their clients. Shoreline Dancers were holding their An- The education that I've received at nual Christmas Party, the first one at Just MAP has taken some of the fear of %Ago Mitt, SI., Us. The bar was bright with holiday lights, AIDS from me, a Gay man; seasonal music filled the air. It was a time • For My Employer. I work for a com- for fun, for merriment and cheer. munications company, Ameritech. It was a time, too, for a celebration of They have a group of volunteers called memory. the Telephone Pioneers of America. 1457 North Farwell Avenue At 8:00 p.m., the Shoreline Dancers During this year they have sponsored: a joined the overflow crowd in attendance at camping trip picnic, a movie night, a Milwaukee, WI 53202 the bar to dedicate their panel that will be Hallowe'en party and a Christmas added to the NAMES Project Memorial party for children affected or infected (414) 271-6036 Quilt that was seen, for the last time, in its with HIV/AIDS. In the future, there full expanse, in October in Washington, will be an Easter party. I had the honor D.C. of chairing this committee. The Amer- The Shoreline Quilt panel is dedicated to itech Corporation sponsored a water 1875 North the memories of their Shoreline members station at the AIDS Walk and our Humboldt • Milwaukee lost to AIDS. They are: walking employees raised thousands of 347.0344 Jeff Pierotti, Shoreline's original Dance dollars. Ma Bell does have a heart. and Artistic Director. It was Jeff who de- • For a Leather Club. A group of men Grill Hours signed the eye-catching costumes that are in leather have stolen my heart with Monday thru Thursday: 4-10 pm their caring me, who owns nothing Friday and Saturday: 4-11 pm the Shoreline signature wear; Friday Fish Fry - Cod or Catfish Ron Wetley, Shoreline's Music Master leather or even vinyl. The Oberons are Sunday Brunch from 11am-3pin and line dance extrodinaire. He, too, was a the guardian angels of children with plus full menu with dance group; grill open to 8 pm founding member of the AIDS. At their club nights fundraisers Carry-out Orders Available Franklin Morse, an original Shoreline they make raising money fun. I've even Your Eastside MasterCard/Visa Accepted member. He was very involved with the won a complete make-over. Most of my Ito Personal Checks upon Approval founding of Shoreline and with determining dear friends say I'd look good as a Alternative the by-laws and constitution of the group. blonde—Not! Our community some- Serving That evening, the Quilt panel was hung on times looks down on leather folk and Cajun, American & the wall of the restaurant at Just Us. It drag queens. It sometimes is easy be- measures 3'x6'. Barbara Hypes, who, ac- cause they are different. Accepting di- Mediterranean Cuisine cording to other Shoreline member, was versity is hard even in our community. largely responsible for organizing work on If we don't accept our diversity as the panel, described it. healthy, how can we go out and ask the The back, she said, is of stone-washed same of society as a whole? black denim. There are three sparkling red I've many more things on my list. It Pally Pining Speciale bibs, patterned after the Shoreline costumes wouldn't be healthy if I stopped there. With that Pierotti had designed for his Shoreline the list of thanks, I start a "Do Something Friday Fish Fry friends. There were boots of leather suede New List for 1997." This list causes and silhouettes of cowgirls and cowboys changes in my Thanks List. This list has got Fabulous Sunday Brunches with the names of Shoreline members on a person (one who was always picked last in them. Everyone, Hypes said, embroidered gym), oh, so butch. their own names. Hypes said that the panel I've become a clown and play Santa featuring Ab Fab Videos & Champie Specials took "several months" to produce. Claus—such a ham! Life is fun and being In the same room, there was a brightly Gay, we do it with a splash of color and Salads • Soups dressed tree. Laid out on tables at its bases beads. was a profusion of gaily wrapped packages. In closing, I've got a secret to tell you. All Sandwiches • Entrees These contained gifts contributed by the families are dysfunctional at times. My members and would be sold for $1 each. At family's dysfunctions have caused positive the same time, a stocking would be circu- changes in my life. They are doing the best lated among the party-goers to stuff it with they can with what they have. I can change Pally Prink Spel ls money. me. I can be affirming. I can accept who I Served 9pm to Midnight Following the dedication, the merriment am and rejoice in my creativity. began, the kind of good time, someone said So bring on commercialism, greed and Monday - 2-for-1 that Jeff, Ron and Franklin would have unattainable expectations. I know the secret Domestic Pints thoroughly enjoyed. It was generally agreed of the holiday, which is Peace, Joy, and that Just Us exceeded itself in a noble cause. Love. These gifts have no dollar amount at- Tuesday - 504 Off Everything The total amount gathered at the end of tached. When they reside in you, your list of the evening was $303, Hypes said. All pro- thanks and things to do will be filled with a Wednesday - Double Bubble ceeds from the gifts and the stocking would living to be envied and surrounded by peo- go to the NAMES Project to promote AIDS ple who you love. That is the true gift of the Thursday - Live Entertainment awareness so that there will be a cure. season. December 19 ,1996>—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT-10

DIRECTORY OF PROFESSIONALS

General Practice of Law Twenty Years Experience

Good Friends and Good times A good time was had by all at Fannies annual Christmas party on Thomas E. Martin attorney at law 765-9413 Saturday December 14. The popular Milwaukee bar was packed with holiday revelers for its annual "Aggressive, Competent, Professional" Holiday bash. Fannies is located at 200 E. Washington. similar lights to those in the government Move Toward Same- proposal, but those contracts do not carry the weight of law. BRENDA LEWISON Sex Marriage Has Dutch society, renowned for its tolerance ATTORNEY toward homosexuals, has a thriving Gay community and Lesbians and Gays are wel- Labor Wide Support in come in the military. 5027..West COMMITMENT Employment RINGS On Tuesday, a judge in Honolulu ordered North Avenue oEsIGnieD FOR Holland Hawaii to begin issuing Gay couples mar- Milwaukee, WI Discrimination THE TWO OF riage licenses --the first such ruling by a YOU IN AN Hague, Netherlands— In what The judge in the United States. 53208 EASN AND. significant recog- Tenant's Rights RELAXED would be a step toward The ruling was put on hold for a year just marriages, Dutch govern- ENVIRONMENT. nizing Gay the a day later while Hawaii authorities appeal couples almost ment plans to give same-sex the ruling. 414-453.3925 1- 14-22 .5-') 101or 1 -6 00-5oliturie justice identical rights as married people, a President Clinton has signed a federal law ministry spokeswoman said Thursday, De- that says the U.S. government will not rec- cember 5th. ognize same-sex marriages and allows For a A proposed new law will allow same-sex states to refuse to recognize such unions li- couples register their relationship with to censed in other states. team their local municipality in a legally-binding process, spokeswoman Liesbeth Rensman Kathleen A. Neville MS, MSW approach said. Bay Area Lesbians Psychotherapist to all The only major difference is that the reg- Lakeshore Clinic istered same-sex couples will not be al- See Hawaii as State 3970 N. Oakland, Suite 502 your lowed to adopt children, Rensman added. Shorewood, Wisconsin 53211 The arrangement is still being referred to as that Understands mental health a "registration" and not a marriage. 414 . 332 . 3331 The proposal has broad backing in par- questions liament and is expected to become law in Civil Rights January Rensman • 1998, said. San Francisco—Deborah Oakley-Melvin turn But a prominent Gay organization says it Denis I. Jackson PHD to and Denise Ratliff have new reasons to be will not stop campaigning until they gain PS. happy they're going to spend the holidays in Psychotherapist the adoption right too. paradise. enough," Psychiatric Services "This is not said Sjoerd Beumer Though a judge's ruling Tuesday, Decem- Licensed Psychologist of the Dutch Federation for the Integration ber 4th that Hawaii must issue marriage li- Michael Nagy, M.D. of Homosexuality. censes to same-sex couples didn't clear all Relational and Individual Therapy Patrick Griffin, CICSW, BCD Under proposed changes to Dutch family 3601 - 30th Avenue, obstacles, but it certainly gave the San Kenosha, WI 53144 law, "It will be all right for one person to 230 W. Wells Suite 309 414-657-5200 Francisco couple optimism. Milwaukee, WI 53203 adopt a child hut people in a Gay relation- "If we hurry, can we do it before ship cannot," Beumer added. (they) (414)276-8669 have the appeal?" Oakley-Melvin asked A recent Dutch High Court ruling rejected jokingly. a Lesbian woman's application to adopt her The couple, both 43 and publishers of a child. partner's Lesbian newspaper, have taken part Registration will give the couple the same in two 'political marriages"--a mass ceremony pension, social security and inheritance at the 1993 Gay march on Washington, D.C., GRILLO rights as a married couple and will enforce and at San Francisco's first public alimony domestic 6c0i web site: http://kspace.com payments if a couple splits. partners ceremony last spring. ALI146 Many Gay couples already sign (414) "I'm looking forward to a real wedding," HAIR STUDIO 332-3989 "partnership contracts" which include she said. Music for Corporate or Kate Kendell, a Gay activist lawyer in San 7004 West National Avenue other Francisco, also said Hawaii had become sa- Special Events cred ground. Milwaukee r-imTECH SUPPORT Ark "I think it will feel as if I'm standing on (414) 774-8356 WINDOWS 95 the soil of a state that actually gets it, that INTERNET S' UPGRADES Lesbian and Gay families should be sup- Quick, affordable computer ported, not feared or isolated," Kendell said. technical support. Kendell, legal director of the National AUTO-HOME-HEALTH Center on Lesbian Rights. flies to Hawaii Portrait NEAL BRENARD Saturday for a working vacation with her BUSINESS INSURANCE 272-2151 partner, Sandy. Photography "It's actually much the same feeling I had David Matta www.execpc.com/-nbrenard when I moved to San Francisco from Utah," L she said. BWO Insurance Group, LLC Business • Personal Office: (414) 768-8100 Passports OUTSTANDING Old Photographs Fax: (414) 768-8110 f Copied & Restored Theatrical NTimothy Jack H. Smith Kuehnete Pets Paintings, Prints Sculpture, Buying or selling... Antiques Foreettexto Studea Purchased & Sold 7405 West Harwood Ave. your Real Estate Estate Wauwatosa, WI Sales Broker should Appraisal Services 476-3777 (414) 265-1305 understand your lifestyle and goals. A REALTOR THAT KNOWS YOUR LIFESTYLE! C BREUSCHER A Call Jack today! Cheryl Fuchs Gold Medal Award Winner E L President's Club Member Realtor Over $4.5 Million in '95 Productions (414) 964-9000. L OFFICE: 608-238-2272 T HOME: 608-256-4400 (414) 283-1452 T D FAX: 608-255-9944 E-Mail to: [email protected] Federated A Y or visit my web page at: Realty Group Inc. 1 5317 Old Middleton Road • Madison, WI 53715 http:\\www.execpc.com\-jhsmith December 19 , 1996—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT-11 A CHRISTMAS ROSE EtRE BLOOMING

Continued from Page 1 Louie heard the screen door squeak open and then close again. He pushed himself from "And Louie loves you, which makes a tragedy of this. You still date Audrey McGee and, I the railing and turned to see Aunt Jesse, a tall woman of regal bearing despite her 70 years. hear, you intend to many her." He made no reply. "That is true, is it not?" she insisted. She was dressed as usual, in a calf-length black dress, its severity relieved only by the little "Yes. No. I don' know," he stammered. "That's what my father wants." rose pin she always wore. "Do you love her?" The pin was a thing of exquisite beauty consisting of a rose "No." fashioned from a single ruby with leaves and stem of gold. "Have you told your parents anything, anything at all about any of this?" Where she had gotten it, no one knew and Aunt Jesse never "No. They don't know anything." He looked at her with pleading eyes. "Please, Aunt said, but she was never seen without it. She called it her talis- Jesse, they can't know . . ." man. No one, not even Louie, knew why. She interrupted him. "So then you are indeed a dishonest person as I have said, perfectly Louie smiled in greeting. They talked a little about the beau- willing to let true love go by committing acts of gross dishonesty, hiding from your parents, tiful weather until across the street, she spied Aleksei Martsoff using Audrey to hide yourself. Incredible. Disgusting. How am I to believe you when you walking past. say you love Louie? Perhaps you are tieing about that, too." Aleksei was Louie's age, but shorter than Louie with a gymnast's solid build. He was "No! No. Oh God, Aunt Jesse. I love him. I do. Don't do this to me, please. Try and un- light complected with light brown hair, and lively eyes that were a sapphire shade of blue. derstand." All this bespoke his Russian ancestry, as his name implied. Aleksei was more outgoing, ir- "Don't bring God into this. God is a God of love. She has nothing to do with dishonesty repressible some said, with a lopsided smile that gave him a school boy's cocky charm. and moral cowardice." "Hi, Aunt Jesse," Aleksei said with a smile and a wave. He came over to the porch. Aleksei stood and left the table. For a moment, she thought he would leave, but he turned She knew he was only being polite. It was obvious from the look in his eyes that Louie, as back. "And if that love costs me my family, my friends, everyone, is that what's expected, always, had his full attention. Excusing herself, she went back into the house. The two Aunt Jesse? Tell me," he pleaded. Does God, do you expect that of me?" young men were scarcely aware that she had gone. "What is expected of you, Aleksei," she replied quietly, "is that you will take responsibil- A short while later, Louie came back in. Aunt Jesse was tidying up the parlor. When she ity for yourself before God and all mankind." She got from her chair. "And I will tell you heard his footsteps, she stopped what she was doing and looked when he approached. this." "He's going to the Halloween dance," Louie said, flopping into the nearest available chair. "What?" "Oh?" She did not want to seem too curious. Her fingers sought the rose pin. "Aleksei, in every life there grows one rose, one single, "With Audrey McGee," Louie added. "Folks say he'll many her. That's what his father perfect rose. Pluck it, Aleksei, no matter what the price. If you do it will abundantly perfume wants." your life. Disdain it, and you will regret it all your days." Aleksei's father was the town's physician and had been mayor for the past 14 years. A He looked at her with pleading, uncomprehending and tear-filled eyes before he turned heavy-set, strong-willed, blustery man, he had definite ideas when it came to his only son. and fled. The boy would many "some good town girl," settle down, and live out his life as husband In the next weeks, Aleksei avoided Louie. When Louie tried to see him, Aleksei angrily and father the way all "real" men do. pushed him away. At night, when the old house was still, Aunt Jesse lay in her bed and Aunt Jesse had heard the mayor say all that uncounted times before. Though she'd kept heard Louie's pain-racked sobs. In ways that Louie would not have understood, Aunt Jesse her counsel, in ways no one would understand, she'd always known that the mayor was knew that Aleksei was crying too. wrong about his son. The town's young women of "single estate," might call him "Sexy "Must there be tears?" she pleaded as she lay sleepless in her bed. "Must they hurt so Aleksei," but she knew that all their longing was in vein. None of them would ever have much?" Her fingers sought the rose pin and, feeling its warmth, was reassured. Soon, she his heart. drifted off to sleep. Several times she'd wondered if she should not tell Louie what she knew, but each time In most years, the town had a white Christmas, but not this year it seemed. Instead, the had decided against it. Young people, she believed, must work out their own salvation. land lay bleak and drear beneath a glowering sky. Yet the ancient holiday would be no less This was especially true in matters appertaining to the heart. But now, as she saw Louie bright for that. By Christmas Eve lights glowed in every window. sitting there, looking like some miserable little bird driven to earth by a fierce storm, she In Aleksei's house the mayor sat slumped in his favorite chair. He maintained he was ex- wondered if she should not rethink her position. hausted from stringing all those lights. Still, he had enough energy to tell his wife, Marian, The days went by. November's cold, biting winds trum- how to dress the tree. peted across the mountains like wild gods heralding the "Where's Aleksei?" the Mayor asked. winter that would soon arrive. At a kitchen window, Aunt "In his room." She brushed back a strand of gray hair. Jesse watched as Louie and Aleksei clad in heavy coats and "He should be helping you." He watched as she stood on tip-toes to hang a ball. There old jeans, worked in the yard getting her famed American were dozens more ornaments to put on the tree. Beauty roses ready to weather the season's blast. "I know. But you know how he's been lately? All out of sorts." She saw the joy they took with each other, the fun they The Mayor chuckled and shifted his considerable weight in the chair. "Probably had some had, the smiles they gave each other that would light up rooms. Once, not too long ago, little tiff with Audrey." when they didn't know she was about, she had seen them in a deep embrace, kissing as any "You know that?" Marian had never said anything, but she had reason to believe that young lovers would. Aleksei's dark mood had nothing to do with Audrey at all. She had not been shocked by what she'd seen happen between the two young men. In her "Of course," the mayor replied. "Aleksei tells me everything, just like everyone in town mind their obvious love was of such radiant beauty that she could only compare it to a rose does. I'm the mayor. It is, may I say, one of the burdens of my high office that I'm always window full of dawn's first light. Something like that was sacred, partaking of that which the first to know about everything." was ineffably sublime. "I see." She was doubtful. But she was upset. Aleksei was still dating Audrey. It was only the previous Saturday Shortly, they heard Aleksei thunder down the stairs. The closet door evening that he'd taken her to the movies. Though, as usual, Louie had said nothing about in the front hall opened. There was a clatter of coat hangers and they the pain he felt, she could easily tell from his sad demeanor, if nothing else, that his poor heard him go out, slamming the front door behind him. heart was in tatters. "He didn't close the closet door," Marian said, as she fastened a She turned abruptly from the kitchen window. With the fingers of one hand, she touched little glass angel to a bough. She wasn't particularly concerned. the rose pin and was confirmed in her thought. Yes, something must be done! "Oh, don't worry about it," the mayor chided. "You can close it It was Friday morning, the day after Thanksgiving. Aunt Jesse arose early that morning later. Aleksei had other things on his mind. He's off to Audrey's, I'll and made a phone call. Later, when Louie came down, she told him that she felt a bit bet, to patch things up. In an hour, we'll see 'em in church, sitting to- poorly. Nothing, to be worried about, but she would appreciate his going to get her a little gether all lovey-dovey." "snake bite," as the local corn liquor was called. She would put a tablespoon of it in her tea. The mayor was wrong. Aleksei wasn't on his way to Audrey's. He had another destina- It would settle her stomach, she said. tion in mind. . Louie gave her a skeptical look. He didn't like snake bite and he didn't think it cured Jimmy Wiskennan and Mary Ann Allen came along walking hand in hand. Aleksei anything. Nevertheless, he agreed to drive up into the hills to Zeb's to get her some of the knew them both. They were to be married in the spring. fiery brew. "Hey Aleksei," Jimmy asked in a friendly way. "What're you doing walking all by your- From a window in the front parlor, she watched him get into his car and drive away. It self? Where's Louie?" would be at least an hour before he returned, time enough, she prayed, to say what had to be "Why should I know where he is?" Aleksei shot back. Fear gripped him. Did they know? said. "Why should I care where th' hell Louie is?" he demanded angrily. As she turned from the window, one hand went to the rose pin. "Please help me be an ac- The couple was taken aback by the unexpected outburst. "Well, Merry Christmas to you, cusing angel," she said to herself. In response, the little pin glowed with warmth. too," Jimmy said sarcastically. He and Mary Ann walked on, shaking their heads over the Fortified by what she had felt from her little talisman, she went to angry outburst. the kitchen. By the time that Aleksei arrived, coming at her call, there "What's wrong with him?" Jimmy asked Mary Ann. "All I did was ask him about Louie. was water boiling for tea and good, strong coffee brewing on the Those two, they're never apart." stove. "Don't be dense," Mary Ann gently chided. "It's a lover's quarrel. Can't you tell or She greeted him in her formal way, seating him at the kitchen ta- didn't you know about them?" ble. From a shelf above the stove, she took her favorite cups, the ones "Sure. Everybody does. They're Gay. So what?" with red roses painted on the sides, and put them on the table. There In the meantime, Aleksei trudged on until he came to the bridge over the ice-filled Cas- was coffee for Aleksei and tea for herself. tleman River. Unbeknownst to his parents or anyone else, Aleksei had been to the bridge, Aleksei drank some of his coffee, grimacing at the taste. The stuff was like his mother late at night, three times before. Each time he had stopped in the middle to stare down into made, strong as acid. Only Louie, he thought, made coffee the way he liked it. the dark water rushing by. The other times, he had turned away. This time would be differ- Aunt Jesse disliked small talk and rarely engaged in it, preferring always to come directly ent. This time, he had decided, he would fling himself over the rail. It was the coward's way to the point. "I want you to stop seeing Louie. In fact, after this, I do not want you to darken out. He knew that. But in his pain and blind despair, he could see no other way to go. this house again." He went out on it, a miserable, lonely figure silhouetted in a single street light's feeble He had raised his cup half way to his lips. He stopped, looking at her in wonder and glow. Beneath his feet, the torrent that would soon receive him in its icy embrace, ran dark alarm. "But why?" He lowered the cup to its saucer. and deep. "Because you are a dishonest person, one thoroughly lacking in even the vaguest sem- Aleksei came to the middle and stopped. He had just undone the blance of integrity. Someone like you does not belong around decent folk." top button of his coat when a cloud of snow swirled up the deck of He looked at her, stunned. "Aunt Jesse," he protested, "that's not true. I'm not dishonest the bridge. Within the cloud, the flakes glittered like diamonds as about anything." they danced in the wind. She fixed him with an imperious stare. "No? Then tell me, you love Louie, do you not?" Snow? There's no snow around, he thought, and none's been He hesitated. His fingers were trembling, his palms were sweating, his stomach had tight- forecast for tonight. ened into knots. He watched with wondering eyes as the cloud went by him. As it With one hand, she held her cup and sipped some tea. Her other hand was on the pin to did, he heard a clinking sound, as if something had been dropped feel its reassuring warmth. "Well, do you?" she demanded. "Answer me." on the bridge. When the cloud had gone, he looked and looked again. There was no mis- Under her withering gaze, he could not deny it. "Yes." Bad as it tasted, he wanted some taking it. Lying on the deck of the bridge was Aunt Jesse's little rose pin. It had to be hers. coffee, but his fingers were trembling so much that he could not trust himself to hold the There couldn't be two pins like that, he thought, not here in town, not anywhere. She must cup. have lost it. Aleksei had loved Louie in high school and in the little community college that they'd Aleksei knelt and stretched out his hand to pick it up. To his surprise, he found that the both attended. He loved Louie with the whole of his being—but no one must ever know pin was far too hot to touch. He tried again, and a third time, but each time the pin seemed what he could not admit even to himself: that he, Aleksei Martsoff, the mayor's son, had hotter than before. been born Gay. He was puzzled, but suddenly he remembered. Pluck the rose, Aunt Jesse had said, no Now the truth was out. Aleksei lowered his head to bury his face in his hands. The old matter what the price. "Louie." The name came unbidden to his lips. "One rose, one love. lady knew he was crying and was encouraged by that. The abscess on his soul had been Pluck it no matter what the price. Take responsibility before God and all mankind. That's lanced, now the pus must be drained and healing begun. She touched the rose pin and felt what she meant." its warmth. Once more he reached for the pin. This time, he was determined to touch it no matter what When Aleksei looked up, his face was wet with tears. "Yes, yes, yes," he said through his the cost; even if it burned clear through his hand, but that didn't happen. When he picked it sobs. "Yes, I love him very much, Aunt Jesse. I am so in love with him. No one can know up, he felt only a gentle, comforting warmth. how much." Please see Christmas Rose page 12 December 19, 1996—January 1,1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT-12 4n015v*Mtvv*Ps CHRISTMAS ROSE Continued from page 11 "Louie. Louie," he cried aloud. "Oh, Louie." He knelt on the bridge, back bent, head down, clutching the pin as hot tears coursed down his cheeks. "I love you, Louie," he sobbed. "I love you. I love you. It's a good love, Louie, good an' true. And Louie, I promise you, I'm gonna do what I what I must to have our love, to make you really mine." The little rose pin glowed even more warmly in his hand and a healing peace seemed to pervade his ravaged soul. Aleksei left the bridge and went to the church, mining all the way. In the sanctuary, Can- dles burned brightly, the chancel was banked with pine. Over all, the organ played softly, a ttott4ott4ettediwokk,e04taiktokkito medley of carols whose music and words all knew by heart. He stood at the foot of the aisle and saw his parents up ahead. As they made their way to their pew up front, the mayor, as usual, nodded grandly to this one and to that. Aleksei started after them. His strong legs quivered. His gut was tied up in knots, but the little pin GREAT ESCAPES that he clutched in the palm gave him comfort. It pulsed with a gentle, somehow reassuring warmth that brought courage to his heart. Key West - Provincetown On the aisle, to his right, sat When he was about half way down the aisle, he stopped. San Francisco - Palm Springs Louie and beside him, Aunt Jesse. He turned his head to see Louie looking back. Love r our free cat filled his big, soft eyes. Up front, Aleksei's mother was taking her seat. His father hesitated, looking back with a from questioning expression at his boyishly handsome son. For a long moment, father and son stared hard at each other. 1-800-8-ALY San Diego- "Come, sit with me, my son," his father seemed to say. San Francisco life that I will not "No, Father, I cannot." Aleksei's look replied. "There is a love in my Packages confess that love openly and honestly to give up, father, not for you, not for anyone. I will from then, father, can I quit living a lie." LeArtl, to the entire world because only - Milwaukee Did his father understand what his son was trying to tell him? No, but Aleksei could not $399 Call for our care. active per person + tax "May I sit down?" Aleksei asked Louie. But he didn't get the chance to sit, for just then free catalog of introit, "Adeste Fideles," and, as the choir in flowing scarlet vacations for gay men there came the great triumphant and le4lians. robes, swept up the aisle, everybody stood. A tear glistened on Louie's cheek as he moved over a little. Aleksei stood staunchly beside RINSON ADVENTURES"' GIFT him, and then as the ancient carol rose in all of its majestic beauty, Aleksei took Louie's hand and with a soft and loving smile, gently squeezed it. CERTIFICATES "I love you, Louie" Aleksei said. "And I want to marry you:" There was a huge lump in Louie's throat. All he could do was smile and nod. the Alps! AVAILABLE glistened on The music filled the little church. Huge tears of joy Call for our free catalog Louie's cheeks. Aunt Jesse, who had seen it all, took out her handker- of active vacations for chief, the one with just a trace of scent, and daubed her eye. In her gay men and lesbians. heart, there was peace. Beside her true and honest love was blooming like one perfect rose sent from Heaven's hall. 1-800-8-ALYSON Oh how Louie and Aleksei sang that night. Not well since neither of Nuirecticns them could carry a tune. Though they were off-key, they were off-key 515 Glenview Avenue together. As Aunt Jesse thought, that made perfect sense. Wauwatosa, WI 53213 Toward the end of the service, Aleksei remembered something. He dug into his pocket, intending to retrieve the rose pin and return it to Aunt Jesse after church let out, but it (414) 774-2174 • (800) 797-2770 wasn't there. For a moment, he thought he had lost it. However, when he looked, he saw, much to his surprise, that it was were it had always been—pinned to Aunt Jesse's black dress. In questioning wonder, Aleksei looked over at Aunt Jesse. She returned the look with an uncharacteristic twinkle in her eye. With one hand she patted the little pin as if, by that Quaint, country Bed & Breakfast situated on 30 private acres, gesture she was trying to tell Aleksei something—or, perhaps, to welcome it home. "Aunt Jesse's magic," Aleksei whispered in Louie's ear. centrally located in picturesque Door County. "She's an angel," Louie whispered back, with a knowing gleam in his soft amber eyes. Aleksei was not about to dispute that. When the benediction had been given, the congregation left the church to fmd snowflakes dancing in the hushed and silent night. The people marveled. The weather forecast had been OPENING 4 NEW SUITES IN THE wrong. It was going to be a white Christmas after all. "Jesse Baumgartner, you knew about this," Mayor Martsoff thundered, pointing to Alek- BARN ON FEBRUARY 1ST sei and Louie now standing on the walk. They were holding hands and waiting for Aunt Jesse. "You know everything and you knew those two were queers. Why didn't you put a stop to it? And, may I ask, why didn't you tell me?" He put one puffy hand on his ample All suites include: Double whirlpool, fireplace, private chest. "I am totally, bodaciously horrified! You can tell my son he is not welcome anymore in my house. I am ashamed , ashamed of him, and ashamed of you, too!" bath, entertainment center, balconies and breakfast delivery Aunt Jesse reared herself up to her full six feet and fixed him with an icy stare. "It is I who am ashamed, ashamed of you, ashamed that you are such a hard-hearted ,small-minded per- to your room. son. With that, she turned on her heel and went off down the walk, into the snow-filled night. Heated Pool, Hiking Her long, black coat swayed at her heels, the ostrich feather in her hat bobbed and swayed as she walked. Though the mayor couldn't see it, the rose pin glowed. Trails, Cross-Country "Guess she told you," Ward Kelp, the town's gadfly, said through a sly chuckle. "Hell, Mayor, anybody in town coulda told you 'bout them two boys. They's been stuck on one an- Skiing and Sauna on other for years. Can't hide love, now can yu?" The mayor hruumphed and stalked off. His long-suffering wife followed in his wake. premises. Marian was concerned about how Audrey would take all this, but she needn't have wor- ried. Audrey had suspected for a long time that Aleksei was Gay. She had always enjoyed going out with him. He was fun to be with (when he wasn't boring her to death talking For a reservation or color brochure, about Louie), but she had never had any intention of marrying him. She wanted to go to law Chanticleer please call Bryon & Darrin at: school, and she went. Eventually, she became a lawyer and was elected to Congress. GUEST HOUSE (414) 746-0334 Aunt Jesse lived for ten years more. During that time, she saw the love that had bloomed that Christmas Eve, send up flower after flower, a steady procession of beauty that was de- votion and commitment, as glittering as the gold rings Louie and Aleksei wore. 4072 Cherry Road (CTH HH) • Sturgeon Bay (Door County) • WI 54235 And the town? Well, as Jimmy and Ward had both said, everybody had long known about the two young men. When it came out in the open, people simply shrugged and went on about their business. The two men lived peacefully, worked hard and minded their own business. Come & See the Eagles "Wouldn't it be nice if everybody tended to their knitting and tended to business like those two do." Cora McCune said to Grace Wagner. Grace was the town busy-body, a person who had the appearance of a fish recently de- Best Skiing in the Midwest prived of its guts. "Humph," she sniffed. "Their relationship—or whatever you call it— endangers the very foundations of marriage itself." at Devil's Head "Can't save marriage by stopping it," Cora replied. "Don't make no sense." Grace went off in a huff. Even Aleksei's parents finally came around. The following May, on a fine spring day when the dandelions bloomed upon the hills, they invited Aleksei and Louie to dinner. "So whata you call him?" the mayor asked his son, with a glance at Louie. W ' "Louie's my husband," came the quiet, firm reply. lef "So that makes you . . ." He stopped, not knowing what word his son would use to de- scribe himself in this relationship. "Aleksei's my husband," Louie replied. The Mayor considered that for a moment. He didn't understand this same-sex business, Prairie Garden Bed Fe Breakfast but what the hell. Maybe Marian was right. Was it really all that important to understand? "So, you two gonna vote for me?" W13172 Hwy 188, Lodi, WI 53555 "Of course," they replied together. Todd 89 Dennis, Inn Keepers "Good. Let's have a drink." (608) 592-5187 .1-800-380-8427 Outdoor Spa, Fantastic Breakfasts, Farm Animals 1/2 hr. North of Madison May your cup be overflowing , May your home be full of Rooms Starting at $55 cheer, May your board be truly groaning, May your COME & STAY 2 OR MORE NIGHTS & loved ones all be near RECEIVE A GIFT VALUED AT $20 Happy Holidays from Please present this ad to receive your gift. The Wisconsin Light Offer expires May 1, 1997 THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT- 13

Santa Is Wearing Lavender Steve Kelso Christmas Miracles in Gay Wisconsin Coming to By Bill Meunier Milwaukee And they say there is no Santa Claus. Milwaukee—In his interview in THEY obviously don't know about Wis- Wisconsin Light, supermodel Steve consin's Gay and Lesbian Community. Kelso, said he would like to come to At Mama Roux's dozens of customers Wisconsin. Kelso will get his wish. kicked in to send bartender Jasmine Sponsored by Designing Men, Kelso home to visit her terminally ill mother in will be North Dakota. coming to Milwaukee on Janu- ary 11, 1997 in a benefit for the Cream For nearly two months, members of the City Foundation. Milwaukee's Oberon Leather Club have Kelso will be appearing at the store been holding fund raisers to raise money to sign his calendars, posters and for children with AIDS. other articles. The time and other de- Meanwhile in Madison, Manoeuvres has tails have yet to be announced. De- been holding a Toys For Tots Drive that signing Men is located at 1200 S. 1st has netted dozens for presents for needy Street. children. For more information, call Designing In Green Bay, Sass has been holding a Men at (414) 389-1200. holding a holiday drive for needy children. The Sass effort will be capped off with a remarked "Divine looked like gala holiday show on Saturday, Decem- Madonna in her ninth month." No one ber 21. It also includes a great contest. laughed harder than Divine herself. It For 50 cents a guess, was that kind of customers try to evening. figure out how many holiday lights are In a final pitch Carol, who decorating the bar. All of the money is did a spar- kling job of keeping things donated to the kids. moving, im- plored the crowd to tip her Manoeuvres, The Wisconsin Light and The girl has a lot of friends. Customers at Milwaukee's Mama Roux bar took up a secret collection and with donations for the homeless. A large Simply Divine teamed up to raise money presented bartender Jasmine with a very spmial surprise during that bar's fabulous Christmas party. Her gift is a bowl was brought out and circulated for Madison's homeless at a gala fund- trip to North Dakota so that she can visit her dying mother. "This is what Christmas is all about," said Bar through the crowd. By the time the bowl raiser held at the bar on Sunday, Decem- Manager, Joe Si Claire. "In just two hours on a weeknight. without any raffles, or special promotion or made its way back it was overflowing ber 15. anything, our customers kicked in enough money to get her home for the holidays. We were talking about with' cash. Carol's gesture and the crowd's Over 20 businesses including some selling buttons that said 'Get Nelly out of town' but the customers who were there said we didn't need buttons re- sponse was typical of the evening when from Milwaukee donated prizes for raffle we just needed to ask." Needless to say there wasn't a dry eye in the house as the shocked Jasmine received her Gay and Lesbian Madison pitched in to drawings sponsored by The present from Santa Claus. Hey! may be this is why they call that place "The little bar with the big heart" Merry Wisconsin help those in need. Light. A packed house paid $5.00 Christmas Jasmine. a An Encore? head to enjoy a star packed show pro- Clayton will again offer holiday cheer to circus." At closing time when the crowd began duced by "Simply Divine." Nearly $1,700 those with nowhere to go on Christmas These and other efforts to help the less filing out, one patron was overheard say- was raised. Eve. fortunate shatters the image that some ing "That was great, the show, the raffles, Plus, a straight-owned Milwaukee busi- And it isn't just C'est Le Vie either. hold of our Gay community. Perhaps we everything. I wonder what they do for an ness, the Crock and Keg, donated over Many, if not most, of Wisconsin's Gay are not the cynical, self absorbed com- encore." 200 pounds of sausage to Madison's and Lesbian establishments will be open munity that some seem to think we are. Don't worry, Ed, Bill and Divine are al- meal programs for the homeless. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Perhaps there is a Santa Claus after all, ready talking about that. Christmas Eve at C'est Le Vie offering holiday cheer to those who don't but instead of wearing red he's wearing C'est Le Vie in Milwaukee will be hold- have families they can go to—or who lavender. ing its annual Christmas Eve party. John would like to get away from the "family A "Simply Divine" Fund Raiser" Manoeuvres and "The Wisconsin Light" Raise $1700 For Madison's Homeless By Bill Meunier New Madison Record? implored the crowd to buy more tickets. BOOT CAMP SALOON Milwaukee--On Sunday evening, De- The end result of this combined effort And buy they did. cember 15, Manoeuvres, The Wisconsin was what some local observers said was Fittingly before the final drawing of the MILWAUKEE'S Light and Simply Divine teamed up to the most successful bar fund raiser in evening for a first run "Evita" movie LEATHER / LEVI BAR raise money for Wisconsin's homeless at Gay Madison history. poster donated by movie buff and Wis- a Wisconsin Light SpotLight party. At the end of the night, Bill and Divine consin Light publisher, Jerry Johnson, 209 E. National Manoeuvres in Madison donated the were hugging each other, while Manoeu- and two gift certificates from the Madison Milwaukee, WI space and the door cover. Simply Divine vres' owner, Ed, stood by and just kept Rep, Divine, did her rendition of "Don't 414-643-6900 donated her considerable talents and saying "I am ecstatic." Cry For Me Argentina." organized a first-rate show. Wisconsin He wasn't alone. After the last note It brought the house down. When Carol Light Spotlight Editor, Bill Meunier solic- from the final number had receded, the ited and collected prizes and organized Emcee for the evening, Carol, announced raffles. that the total raised was over well over Big Crowd $1,500. tie Illanagetneut & Reserved tables were sold out well in Great Show, Great Audience advance, but that didn't stop scores of The excited crowd went wild and the gptaff of Or *ration Usti people from paying $5.00 to be part of party was on. When Manoeuvres DJ the crowd sitting on the bar or standing in extrordinaire Tony started up the tunes, STATION 2 you aub pours a btrp an area where they had to watch the many couldn't wait for the tables to be show on a monitor. cleared off the dance floor. They simply 1534 WEST GRANT Alptagon. The crowd bought hundreds of raffle used them and the chairs surrounding ji)appp ji)otibap tickets and won dozens of prizes donated them as mini dance floors to celebrate. MILWAUKEE • 383-5755 OPEN: 6pm Wednesday - Saturday by business from Milwaukee and Madi- One observer said "I've don't think I and 1 hour before any scheduled Packer Game. BRING IN son. have ever seen a bar crowd as excited as THIS AD & Fabulous Show this one was. And the end of the evening GET YOUR They cheered Simply Divine, a.k.a. Big was an incredible sight, a fabulous end to SECOND Daddy, a.k.a. Brian Fermite, as she a wonderful evening. " He added, "I just DRINK FREE! opened the show with a hot number. can't say enough about Divine and Ed, COME AND HELP US CELEBRATE . . . They went wild when Sister George did they are wonderful to work with." "I'm Telling You" from the musical Dream Raffles A Hit DEC 22 C.) Watch the Packers Tear the Horns off the Vikings Girls." They cheered as Mrs. Claus Dozens of raffle prizes donated by the made a special surprise appearance Miller Brewing Company, Clowning DEC 24 & 25 Open at lam roller blading around the stage digging in Around, the Madison Repertory Theater, her sleigh and throwing presents out to We Are Family, Manoeuvres, the Sham- DEC 27 Help-root the Badgers to a Copper Bowl Victory the crowd. rock Bar, The Wisconsin Light, Soap DEC 28 a' 8pm. Come join us for some Holiday Cheer The Snow Queen also paid a visit as Opera, and Milwaukee's In Between Bar, did many other of Madison's best per- Just Us Bar, Boot Camp Saloon, Crock DEC 31 Open Around-the-Clock with Drink Specials, formers including Kitty Ligore and Cass and Keg, and Afterwords Books among Party Favors, and Food at Midnight Marie Domino. All told 10 of Madison's others helped push the total upwards. finest put on one of the best shows of the Before each half hour drawing, Carol JAN 1 3pm-? Psychic Readings with Monica & Friends year. SECTION December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-14 THE SPOTLIGHT

largest dance A Rainbow Christmas We Are Family, Madison's new Gay boutique and coffee shop has lots of gift ideas Dancing up a storm Our camera caught this stunning shot of dancers at La Cage, Milwaukee's fine at La Cage. to help you fill your Christmas list. The shop is located at 524 E. Wilson a few feet away from Manoeuvres. bar. On Jan 5 Dance Dance Dance closes. Watch issue for details of our January 7 Madonna party the difference between the living and the "Seasons Greetings" is a Comedy That dead? Michael Lord The play ends as the house guest is car- Tries, But Just Isn't Funny ried out after being shot. The last line of Featuring the production comes from the spinster Gallery puppet show Reviewed by Bill Meunier and adults alike. When the who invited him. She shouts "I don't but the The performers were for the most part finally starts it is genuinely funny, care." By this point neither did most of Recent Works of out as good, the set was appropriately decorated laughs it evokes are soon snuffed those in the audience as shown by the reason begins and the direction was fine, but the play is the presenter without much lukewarm applause that greeted the final Luis Roldan This an- the thing. That's why the Madison Rep's calling his helper cruel names. fade out. wrecks the production of Season's Greetings is gers another character who Give credit to the cast especially Cath- Milwaukee—The Michael H. Lord Gal- disbe- less than the sum of its parts. Simply put, set. The audience sits in stunned erine Lynn Davis, Tony Dobrowolski, and lery is featuring an exhibition of the recent Alan Ayuckbourn's comedy is not funny. lieving silence. Colleen Burns for doing their best with paintings of Luis Roldan. The exhibition Ayuckbourn is a prolific writer. All told Other situations simply aren't funny un- will run to January 11, 1997. he has produced over 50 scripts since In his most recent paints, Roldan ex- 1959. This is one script that should have plores the relationship between color and been left on the shelf. pure abstraction in the series titled The play revolves around eight relatives "Sabrosito Ya." A word not easily trans- and one invited guest who spend Christ- lated, Sabrosito Ya exemplifies dualities mas eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day such as security and danger, beauty and together in England. ugliness. It also conveys the chaos that is There is no plot. Rather there is a se- created when these dualities co-exist. ries of vignettes containing little if any- With color and non-representational ab- thing to laugh about. straction, Roldan seeks to depict energy The problem with Ayckbourn's script is created through conflict. that it doesn't contain some of the basic Roldan was born in Colombia. He has elements of good humor. First and fore- shown extensively throughout the coun- most, the characters are so overdrawn try, where his works have been acquired that with a couple of exceptions they are for public and private collections. Roldan fairly pathetic. Laughing at some of them has resided in Milwaukee since 1982. His would be akin to laughing at someone fal- paintings can be found in the collection of ling out of a wheel chair. the Milwaukee Art Museum, as well as Second, the situations are not realistic. other institutions in the United States. Who would believe that after a one minute Winter Group Show introduction, a housewife would have sex The Winter Group Show features work under a Christmas tree in her own house by such photographers as Jan Groover, while her husband, children and relatives Clarence John Laughlin, Henri Cartier- slept upstairs? I certainly know that het- Bresson, and Susan Johann. erosexuals are capable of debauchery, A serious discussion- Clive (Thomas Green V and Phyllis, (Colleen Bums) discuss English literature and The Lord Gallery also features works, but this was unbelievable. traindrivers in this scene from the Madison Reps "Season's Greetings." both old and new, by Milwaukee photog- Even more unbelievable was her hus- raphers Torn Bamberger, Steven Foster, of good band's refusal to believe what had hap- der any circumstances. What is so funny what they were given. No amount J.P. Atterbury, and Eugene Von Bruench- In the pened and ignoring what he had seen with (especially given today's headlines) about acting can make up for the script. enhein. as you his own eyes. giving children real guns at Christmas and end you feel as sorry for the actors The Michael H. Lord Gallery is located they por- Third the few laughs that do exist are then urging them to go the gravel pit for a did for some of the characters at 420 E. Wisconsin Ave., in the Pfister often stifled by the cruelty the characters "shoot out?" trayed. Hotel. Gallery hours are Monday through through show towards each other. One of the What is hilarious about a man being Season's Greetings continues Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. subplots was The presentation of an an- shot and mistaken for dead by a doctor December 31st at the Mitchell Theater in nual puppet show hated by the children who says he is such a loser he can't tell Vilas Hall on the UW-Madison campus.

Chase Hunter, Adult film superstar, is shown with Club 94 owner, Bobby Lyons (far right) and friends during his recent visit to the popular stop in Kenosha. Hunter, who made his name in such videos as "Basic Plumb- ing„" "The Chase is On," and "Ilold Me Again," was recently interviewed in the most recent issue of Manshots. In the interview, Hunter said that he is a Ohio native, but lives, now in Florida. Unlike some of the men who per- form in Gay videos, Hunter is proudly Gay. He went to his first Gay bar at age 18, and learned "Oh, my gosh! There's a bunch of 'em (Gay men) out there!" Hunter describes himself as "basically conservative" and "relationship oriented." He was introduced to making videos by his then partner, Tony DiAngelo, who he met while they were both competing in the Mr. Gay Columbus, Ohio Contest (DiAngelo won). Hunter says he "loves live performing." That's obvious from the pictures above. THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION December 5, 1996 to December 18, 1996- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-15 Milwaukee Rep's "Inspecting Carol" is a Rich Recipe for Laughs Ui on Film Reviewed By Bill Meunier tion. The troupe becomes convinced that 1,00000.0.00.00000.00.00 Take a warped view of The Christmas he is an undercover Inspector from the Carol, add in a heaping portion of lam- N EA. poons aimed at the theater, the holidays, Taking advantage of the situation is political radicalism and the National En- Larry Vauxball , the actor to whom the dowment for the Arts, fold in a good script company has given the role of Scrooge. and mix together with a fine cast and you Vauxball is somewhat of a problem. The have the recipe for the Milwaukee Reper- previous year he attempted to perform his tory Theater's laugh riot, Inspecting role in Spanish as protest to the oppres- Carol. sion in Central America. Vauxball wants to rewrite Dickens and Charles Dickens would spin in put some political punch into the Eng- his grave, if he could see what the lishman's Christmas classic. Working incompetent, financially strapped through Wellacre, Vauxball manages to theater company featured in this cow Zorah Bloch, the troupe's artistic di- hilarious spoof does to his rector into making changes that turn The Christmas classic. Christmas Carol into political street theater. Charles Dickens would spin in his Naturally the real NEA Inspector arrives grave, if he knew what the incompetent, just in time to see the final dress re- financially strapped theater company hearsal of the most unusual, and funniest featured in this hilarious spoof does to his production of The Christmas Carol Christmas classic. known to man. The play is set in a small Midwestern In lesser hands, this play would not theater. The company is busy getting work nearly as well. But this cast handled ready for its annual production of The the script deftly. Christmas Carol otherwise known as Angela lannone is brilliant as Zorah "the cash cow." Block, Peter Silbert is a delight playing The problem is that the troupe's sub- the oddball Vauxball, and Lee Ernst is scriber base is down by half and its badly wonderful as Wellacre. Their perform- needed National Endowment for the Arts ances were ably supported by fine work grant is being held up due to questions put in by a fine cast. Director J. R. Sulli- about its artistic ability. The NEA has van has done a great job in wringing sent a letter informing the company that it every last ounce of humor out of the play. will be sending an inspector. Inspecting Carol is playing at the Rep's Enter one, totally inept and messed up Powerhouse Theater. Its run will continue actor, Wayne Wellacre. Wellacre is going through December 31. It's well worth from theater to theater seeking an audi- seeing. Dale Gutzman's 'Holiday Punch' Set to Deflate Some Pretentious Balloons Milwaukee—Once again this winter, Holiday Punch 96 begins and ends producer/director Dale Gutzman will with the Presidential election. Attention present one of Milwaukee's oldest and is also given to the mud slinging of some IOW best loved holiday traditions, Holiday of the local races. Punch. This is a slightly askew revue of The show has fun with the Skylight's Restored and Reissued Helmut Berger (Right) and Fabio Testi (Left) star in the Graden of Finzi comedy and music that was begun at winter musical My Fair Lady, by merg- Continis. A restored print of the 1971 Oscar winner for Best Foreign film will be showing at the Skylight Theater in the seventies. It ing it with the '96 fad of horror and su- Milwaukee's Downer Theater beginning on Christmas day. has played every Christmas since. pernatural and presenting "My Fair Creator Dale Gutzman looks at the Frankie" (A musical Frankenstein). `Jerry McGuire' Shows Tom Cruise at hype and hypertension of the holiday A tribute is given to the Marcus Cen- season. He pokes fun at the big news ter's huge success with Phantom of the the Top of His Acting Career stories of the year and mocks the year's Opera by presenting a Christmas An- fads and fashions. Gutzman and his tal- drew Lloyd Webber musical parody Reviewed by Bill Meunier typical "buddy picture" syndrome as the ented company do parodies of the big done on roller skates and called "Deers." Jerry McGuire, is a funny film, a two help each other confront inner as well entertainment hits of the year and, of Sketches poke fun at Independence graceful film, a film about joining the hu- as outer demons. With McGuire's help, course, there is a liberal dose of tradi- Day, Twister and The Hunchback of man race. Tidwell becomes a first team star, with tional holiday songs. Notre Dame. Tom Cruise plays the title character, Tidwell's help, McGuire opens himself to Each year the show has been differ- A Christmas choir falls apart during a Jerry McGuire, a sports agent who hates intimacy. ent, and yet the mood of the evening—a candlelight concert. A hard look is taken what he has to do to remain successful. kind of anything-can-happen craziness— at those who escape Christmas by tak- McGuire issues a memorandum at a is always the same. Audiences have ing winter cruises. Sports Agents' Conference decrying the made Holiday Punch as much a part of TV talk shows are lampooned when inhumanity of the industry that has made Christmas in Milwaukee as "The Nut- the Hamlet family airs their dirty laundry him successful. His missive receives cracker" and A Christmas Carol. on national TV. The cast performs the much applause and earns him a pink slip very latest dance craze, "The lraqirana." a week later. New Books at No one in Milwaukee escapes the po- McGuire tries to retain as many of his tency of Holiday Punch. The song, "I clients as he can. He succeeds in keep- AfterWords took My Harp to the Party," includes ref- ing just one, an Arizona Cardinal wide re- erences to local wife abuse by judges, ceiver, Rod Tidwell, ably played by Cuba show hosts, and city Lesbian Fiction egotistical radio talk Gooding Jr. Joined by Dorothy Boyd, an organizers and businessmen. former employer who Inner Circle by Claire McNab, Naiad Pb accountant from his Here is, indeed, a show that has wrote, McGuire sets $10.95 believes in what he —or against—everyone. to Lesbian Non-Fiction something for out to bring some sanity and humanity Punch plays at Vogel Hall of management. Ceremonies of the Heart: Celebrating Holiday the business of sports Marcus Center for the Performing a whirl of ac- Lesbian Unions edited by Becky Butler, the In his prime, McGuire is on Fridays and Saturdays, Decem- airport to airport with Seal Press Pb $16.95 Arts tivity traveling from and 28. All shows begin Gay Fiction ber 20, 21, 27 a cell phone permanently attached to his p.m. Tickets are $16. of the trappings of Pagan's Father by Michael Arditti, Soho at 8:00 ear. Now stripped will be two special New Year's must start over with only Boyd Press HC $24.00 There power, he shows at 8:00 and 10:15 p.m. Tick- Gay Non-Fiction Eve and Tidwell to help are $22. McGuire puts all his intensity into Showtune: A Memoir by Jerry Herman ets While For tickets, call the Marcus Center Box his profession, ignoring his personal rela- with Marilyn Stasio, Donald Fine Books Office at (414) 273-7206. tionships, Tidwell puts his focus on family HC $24.95 and friends while taking a tough as nails, chip on his shoulder approach to football. Together the two set off on an often funny journey to find the right mix of hard and The two are very ably supported by soft in their personal and public lives. Zellweger, the single mother accountant, Tidwell has placed all his hopes in who Cruise marries ("out of loyalty"), McGuire. Mc Guire in turn has his future Jonathan Lipnicki, her scene stealing car- riding on Tidwell. "Have fun playing the rot topped son, Bonnie Hunt, her sarcastic game," he tells his sullen client who wants sister and Jay Mohr, the snake oily agent a $10 million four year contract but is of- who fires Cruise and then conspires to fered $1.7 million for three years. keep him down. For his part Tidwell tells Mc Guire to Cameron Crowe who wrote and directed lighten up on the home front. The two of Jerry McGuire has done an outstanding them become more than client and agent, job. His script is feel good but without they become friends as they pursue their sugary sappy emotion. It is funny without joint yet individual dreams. being offensive. It is realistic without be- Cruise and Gooding play off of each ing overly harsh. perfectly in what may be Cruise's best Crowe points out the excesses in sports performance ever. The handsome actor without hammering away at them and effectively shows a good number of emo- while showing the good things at the tions ranging from rage to indifference, same time. His script offers a fresh look from affection to nonchalance. not just at sports, but at life in general Gooding is equally good in his role as a without leaning on clichés. player who learns that arrogance can Jerry McGuire is not a sports film, as have a high price. much as it is a film about friendship, per- The interplay between the McGuire and sonal growth, loyalty and real heroes. Ensemble rehearses for "Little Egypt" The play runs at the Boulevard Theatre. The Boulevard Tidwell characters rises well above the Don't miss it. 2252 S. Kinnickinnic in Milwaukee, from December 19 to January 12th. December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-16 THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION A '4 IVr' •Pt ' 111111111 4 4 d pi1 r ;

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Lavish costumes - Charles Berling and Fanny Ardant (center) star in the critically acclaimed award winning Preacher's Wife." An Angel from Heaven - Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington star in "The French film. "Ridicule." Blayac (Fanny Ardant). de Malavoy soon Rating $$$$$ (scale $ to $$$$$$) `The Preacher's Wife' Is a Pleasant Film, learns that becoming the favorite of a Ridicule opens on Christmas Day at courtesans has more than its share of Milwaukee's Oriental Theater. - But Lacks the Sparkle of the Original costs, perhaps more than offsetting as its benefits. Reviewed by Glenn Bishop ryone lives happily ever after. With great relish and grand flourish, Glenn was first introduced to a little While certainly entertaining, Glenn left Leconte and writer Remi Waterhouse 1947 black & white Christmas classic, the cinema feeling like something was satirizes this decadent, corrupt society. The Bishop's Wife a yule...opps, a year missing: the pre-requisite lump in the Yet amidst their obvious abhorrence of ago. A curious little film, The Bishop's throat. Christmas movies are supposed the inherent viciousness and the absurd- Wife starred David Niven as a Bishop to have that big tear-jerking moment, ity of the petty court intrigues, so too is seeking, perhaps misguidedly, to erect a aren't they? Even Jingle All the Way their fascination (dare Glenn say admira- magnificent cathedral. had a big payoff moment. tion) for their splendid, genteel savagery. The ever dashing Cary Grant played the (And while we're on Jingle All the Way, Production values by production de- angel sent to help him during his moment Glenn would like to say that he has got- signer Ivan Maussion and cinematogra- of crisis and the ever adorable Loretta ten enough harassment for liking that pher Thierry Arbogast are admittedly Young played Niven's adorable if dis- film, thank you very much.) fabulous. The shimmering opulence of gruntled wife. Somehow, somewhere in the updating the court is presented in sharp contrast to In Hollywood's most sensible fashion process, much of the earlier film's magic the desperate poverty experienced by de (why create original films when re-makes has been lost in bringing the story into Malavoy's peasants. and sequels are so much simpler?), The the 90's. Courtney Vance is wonderfully Similarly fabulous is Leconte's hand- Preacher's Wife, an updated remake, warm and human as Henry Biggs but some cast. Charles Berling, in his screen now serves as a star-vehicle for pop diva here his character has been shuffled off debut, makes for an appealing hero, hon- Whitney Houston with the ever dazzling to a mere supporting player. Instead of est and sincere yet not without faults. Denzel Washington doing Cary Grant an angel, what Henry seems to need Jean Rochefort makes for a amusing, duty as the angel Dudley. The results, most is a wife who stops comparing him sympathetic de Bellegarde. As de Belle- shall we say, are mixed. to good ol' dad, a decent vacation and garde's beautiful young, willful daughter The Bishop's Wife itself seems a enough money to put his current church Mathilde, Judith Godreche makes a wor- variation on a theme from that most into a proper state of repairs. thy opponent to Fanny Ardant's deli- Christmasy of all Christmas films: It's a Whitney Houston is simply not a very ciously vicious Madame de Blayac. 121 W MAIN Wonderful Life. David Niven's Bishop is good actress and lacks the necessary All that glitters is not gold, an old adage basically a good man but tempted. Does warmth as Julia. While Whitney has a perhaps but one well served by Leconte MADISON, WI great voice (think of those soundtrack he forego his principles to get his cathe- and company in the glittering Ridicule. 608-257-5.455 dral built? A troubled man of the cloth, sales!) and has a great and pleasing Highly recommended! he prays for guidance. smile, too often it feels just a tad calcu- Enter the angel Dudley (Cary Grant). lated. Glenn also found her vocal gym- !!!!!!1!!!1!!1!!!!1!!!1!!1!!!!!1!!!!!!!!191!!!!ITIMMI!!!!!!!!ITIPI!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!1!!!!!1!!!!!!!!IRPIRPMPITIMIRM!!!!!!!!!!!1!!/ David Niven is a bit dubious, especially nastics a bit wearying. when Dudley seems to be showing off his Denzel Washington's Dudley on the wings to his wife. After all, just who's an- other hand is sensational, all but stealing New Year's gel is this? the film. Dressed in a smart grey suit, Niven's counterpart, Henry Biggs grey fedora and a dazzling white smile, (Courtney B. Vance) is basically a good Washington's Dudley is an angel filled Dinner Cabaret man but overwhelmed, overwhelmed with with awe and wonder and has a generous innocence, even if he may lack Grant's work, with duty, with responsibilities, with - ME problems. Sure, there's a cathedral in the roguish charm. His Dudley is all too hu- Reminiscent of "Manhattan picture but here it is the dream of slimy man, his great joy at finally, at long last Joe Hamilton (Gregory Himes) who all returning to earth all too touching. Transfer" comes the but strong-arms the poor beleaguered Fine too was the supporting cast with a Henry Biggs into supporting his fabulous hilarious Jennifer Lewis particularly scor- musical-theatrical Troupe uptown project. ing as Julia's blunt mother Marguerite Henry's wife is irate, her fabled father and an adorable Justin Pierre Edmund as wouldn't do such a thing! Henry prays for the adorable Jeremiah. "BOY, GIRL, guidance. When all is said and done, Glenn =IS Enter the angel Dudley (Denzel Wash- couldn't help but think that while The Er..! ington). Henry is a bit dubious, especially Preacer's Wife was pleasant, lacked a when Dudley seems to be showing off his certain'enchantment. Curious, Glenn felt, BOY, GIRL" wings to his wife Julia (Whitney Hous- that it was not any of the human charac- ton). ters who seemed to discover the real In proper Yuletide fashion, when The meaning of Christmas in The Preacher's Dinner, Tax, Tip, Music/Show, Favors Preacher's Wife is all wrapped up, all is Wife, but rather it was the angel Dudley. forgiven (and in this case forgotten by at Rating: $$$ (scale $ to $$$$$$) Appetizers & Champagne ' least all of the adult characters) and eve- $28 per person `Ridicule' Presents an Opulent Picture of Pre-Revolutionary France Music/Show, Dancing, Favors Reviewed by Glenn Bishop ety. With rueful satisfaction, he urinates The elegance and the decadence of the on the helpless old man. Midnight Appetizers & Champagne French aristocracy immediately prior to Into this glittering, brittle world of exqui- the French revolution has been well sitely dressed courtiers and courtesans documented. Their souls, if indeed they comes Ponceudon de Malavoy (Charles $11 per person - = had souls, they hid. Souls hidden behind Berling), a good and honest young man glittering fabrics, hidden behind mam- determined to seek assistance from the moth, hideous powdered wigs, hidden King to drain the swamp that is causing FROM THE AWARD WINNING KITCHEN behind wit, words that would wound as if so much death amongst the peasants of audience with the re- New York Strip =E. razor sharp, miniature blades. his region. Seeking = = Such is the world of Ridicule, a bril- cently deceased man, he is told he can f liantly vicious costume drama directed by be recognized by his widow. Baked Orange Roughy Patrice Leconte (Monsieur Hire and The A man of worth is worth nothing unless Roast Duck Hairdresser's Husband). quick (and preferably viciously) witted. Not content with simply crafting a typi- To reach King Louis, de Malavoy must or Shrimp Florentine cal piece of costume drama, Leconte first learn the rules of the game. Fortui- = immediately alerts the viewer that wit and tously de Malavoy is prerequisitely apt witticisms, regardless how brilliant, will with a bon mot readily available and soon =MS prove to be no laughing matter. becomes befriended by the veteran of CALL with RESERVATION & order As the film opens, it is 1783, six years such parlor war, Marquis de Bellegarde prior to the revolution. In years previous, (Jean Rochefort). CAFE MELANGE = = an aristocrat was nicknamed "Monsieur Marquis de Bellegarde, a chronicler of Stumblebum" following a mis-step by that all witticisms which cross his path pro- (414) 291-9889 generation's most celebrated wit, Count vides de Malavoy with an introduction de Blayac. Now the revenge-seeking into court life. His youth, good looks and 720 N. Old World Third Street • Milwaukee = aristocrat confronts the aged, ancient sharp tongue soon catches the eye of one WF!, man responsible for his exile from soci- of the king's mistresses, one Madame de 1161 DEW THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-17 Two Milwaukeeans Attend the World Premiere of "Evita" in Los Angeles Milwaukee—The Galano Club's Garth along with her very pregnant partner Julie Wangemann, won two tickets to the world Cypher, who is due to give birth in Janu- premier of Evita in Los Angeles. The ary. screening was held in the Shrine Audito- Wangemann reported that not long af- rium on Saturday, December 14th. ter that the film started, the audience Wangemann was one of 25 winners in went berserk as each star's name ap- the Evita Movie World Premiere Contest peared on the screen. C'E51LA VIE 231 S. 2nd Milwaukee • 276-8890 the Official Madonna Fan Club was run- The Film ning. The gasses were FedExed on De- "I've read many glowing movie reviews cember 10 from Disney Studios in Cali- regarding Evita," Wangemann said, fornia. "including Madonna's performance in this presents our Wangemann said that when he re- film. The soundtrack to the film is glori- ceived the news that he had won, he "was ous with strong singing performances by in shock." He said he'd been a member of Antonio Banderas and Madonna, but I 22ND ANNUAL the Fan Club for 10 years and had never was curious to see how they translated won a contest that the Club had spon- from the on-stage production to film. sored. To my relief they translated intact and On Thursday, December 12th, Wange- with a style and power that the Broadway CHRISTMAS mann and his partner, Roy, headed for soundtrack could not match. L.A. to attend the world premiere of Evita This sixty million dollar movie is glam- scheduled for December 14th. orous and paints 1940's Argentina in dark Evita, which everyone is raving about, tones that evoke a sense of mystery. It is EVE PARTY has its world premiere in Los Angeles truly a beautiful looking movie, grand in and New York to qualify for the Academy scale and feeling, like any production of E Awards. Evita I've seen on the stage. This movie As Wangemann reports, the Premiere stands on its own. HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT was held at the Los Angeles Shrine Antonio Banderas as the narrator (Che Auditorium which is across the street Guevera) is stunning both in presence 9pm - until from the University of Southern California and in his singing. This is a part that campus. The Auditorium has been the could either break or make the movie and site for numerous Oscar and Grammy he stands up to the demands of the role. telecasts and will hold the Oscars again From rock to soft ballads Banderas Buffet, Open Bar for this years' awards. brings a playfulness, sexuality, and en- Wangemann and his partner checked ergy to the role of Che who follows Evita 9pm - until ? out the place on Friday, finding that what from small town girl to First Lady of Ar- Madonna's Fan Club president had told gentina. them was true. This event going to be an Jonathan Pryce as Juan Peron, brings 7‘e t9eciae,t4 & Staa efAe44 all out Hollywood premiere. his extensive stage experience to the role The bleachers were set up, the front of the Argentine President, seduced by entrance to the Auditorium was draped in Evita and pushed and prodded to reach Euvrepae a &CU, Weetltet ektatateut a huge scarlet banner with the word for the Presidency and make Evita the "Evita" written in gold. A red carpet was First Lady. being laid for the guests and 125 news Madonna as Evita? Many were skepti- organizations were setting up their cal about her playing this strong and de- & cz ciftliet Weect .e..er/r equipment in anticipation of the following manding role. Most of Hollywood viewed night. this performance as being her last Wangemann says that the following chance in the Hollywood star game. Did afternoon as he and Roy dressed in their she make it? Yes, with flying colors. tuxedos he was "as nervous as Madonna This is a new Madonna. The Material NEW YEAR'S must have been." Girl has grown up and she is now a "I knew from talking to her Fan Club woman. Madonna, with extensive voice president that the likelihood of meeting lessons, has a powerful singing range Madonna would not be possible. None- and depth of performance that she has `S theless, I was hoping to at least catch a never given. This is not the MTV Ma- EVE glimpse of her." donna mugging for the camera. A Hollywood Gala This is a Madonna who is sure of her- The event at the Shrine was nothing like self and pulls out all the stops to portray I've ever seen. Thousands of people Evita as a woman who was a saint to PARTY FAVORS & BUFFET jammed the street hoping to catch a some and a monster to others. glimpse of some favorite star. Giant Not unlike Madonna herself, this Evita 1am searchlights swept back and forth across is arrogant, pushy and demanding and at the sky. Limos were backed up for the same time poignant. Madonna has blocks, while the crowd in the bleacher never acted better and I believe this will Male Dancers & Female Impersonation section roared to the echo as each star be the signature role of her career. passed their way. Whether the public thinks so is another Wangemann and his partner, along thing. Evita will be a hard sell to the with other contest winners, were ushered movie going public. It took 20 years for EVERY FRIDAY into the theater first and watched the rest this film to be made. The last successful of the festivities on a large closed circuit Hollywood musical was Grease. TV screen. The entire movie is musical with little When Madonna entered the bleacher additional dialogue. Will the public be TABITHA & THE "GIRLS" area from her limo with Carlos Leon on able to sit through a 2 hour plus film her arm, the roar of the crowd was deaf- about an Argentine dictator and his ma- ening. Even in the auditorium one could nipulative wife? Only time will tell, but no 11pm hear them cheer. matter what Madonna and the rest of the Madonna was dressed in a 40's style cast have scored a total knockout. Performers Wanted magenta gown designed by Givenchy de- Editor's Note: Wisconsin Light will be signer John Galliano with a matching 40's sponsoring the Milwaukee premiere of veiled hat. It was truly spectacular. It Evita. seemed to take her forever to enter the auditorium. With every step down the red EVERY SATURDAY carpet, she was stopped by a reporter to Afterwords Events answer inane questions regarding her daughter or how she was feeling at the Thursday, December 19th 11pm Showtime moment. However, Madonna handled it Lesbian Book Club - 7:00 p.m. well and when she entered the auditorium Four Figures in Time Come watch some of Milwaukee's Best the audience inside went wild as well. Patricia Grossman Wangemann and his partner were Tuesday, December 24th Gay Young Strippers Keeping Gay Money seated in the lower section of the balcony Christmas Eve actually the best which, he said, was Finished Christmas shopping? film. He pointed out that place to view the Stop in for a relaxing cappuccino or some in the "Community" place to show the Shrine is a carnivorous Holiday Nog. 6,300 people with the bal- a film. It seats Enjoy some last minute Holiday Specials. seats alone. cony holding 3,600 Store hours are 9am-5pm. And There She Was! Once Madonna entered the auditorium L.! EPAYS Wangemann said that he lost track of her December 25th Closed. until she started walking down the aisle CHRISTMAS next to where he was. MERRY "She smiled as she walked past our Tuesday, December 31st WITH "ALVIN" seats." Wangemann said, "and sat down New Year's Eve about ten rows from us. She was flanked Store hours are 10am-5pm. by bodyguards, but I finally got to see the 2-8pm object of my obsession for so many years. The only thing that struck me upon Wednesday, January 1 st Closed •)- seeing her up close was how tiny she is. I Beer Bust "Madness" expected this larger than life woman and Happy New Year instead she is quite small and petite." Thursday, January 9th Soon other stars gathered in the area Gay & Lesbian Writer's Group Ham & Hard Rolls $1 and within ten minutes Wangemann and 7:00 p.m. his partner were sitting in the midst of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, Monday, January, 13th Bloody Mary's $2 Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Tim Rice. Afterword's Book Club - 7:30 p.m. The Gay community was represented Boys Like Us by Patrick Merla by Greg Louganis and Melissa Etheridge December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-18 THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION hero or heroine is left to cope with a cru- cial loss, such as love, Suber noted. But buoyant populist Capra, after forc- ing audiences through Bailey's nightmare of how lousy the world would have been without him, didn't abandon us. George would emerge content, darn it, and so would we. There are measures of the movie's im- pact beyond audience loyalty. There are the calendars and books spun off by ac- tors in the film (sparking a legal battle with Republic Pictures, which is reas- serting its ownership rights). Also noteworthy was an abortive at- tempt by Comedy Central to create a parody of the film, a plan that fell apart when sister division Republic--both are under parent company Viacom--objected. Tom Capra thinks his father would have been amused by a spoof. But that doesn't mean he didn't take It's a Wonderful Life very seriously. The filmmaker, who died A great time was had by all at the Shoreline Christmas party held at Just Us on Saturday, December 7. The party included the liMicati on of an AIDS Quilt panel. The in 1991 at the age of 94, deemed the film popular award winning South Side bar is known for its mix of Lesbians and Gay men. It's located at 807 S. Fifth Street in Milwaukee. his masterwork. "It was his favorite," Tom Capra said. wasted, Kuntz said. "He really thought that he just put eve- _At Age 50, 'It's A Wonderful Life" Is Still "We also would like to feel that we're rything into it." being watched over by a guardian angel. "All his films were about the worth of a Pure Schmaltz And We Love It! That's a wonderful thought. ... And, fi- single person, about how much one per- nally, we also would love to have a happy son can change the world," said the son. By Lynn Elber Jimmy Stewart is an incredibly likable ending, where everybody is redeemed," "He believed that. And why not? He was Los Angeles--The film's hero is a lanky performer, and in this film, he's a person he said. one of those people." chump, a man unable to escape the grip who's done nothing but good throughout The movie's joyful conclusion, with a It's A Wonderful Life will have a rare of the hick town he disdains. There's no his entire life," said Jonathan Kuntz of the rebom Bailey in the arms of family and theatrical showing at sex and little violence in the story, unless UCLA School of Theater, Film and Tele- friends, is exceptional for a memorable Milwaukee's Times you count Clarence the angel biting a vision. film, said Howard Suber, Kuntz's col- Cinema. Its one week run begins Friday, cop. Audiences can identify with Stewart's league at UCLA. December 20 and ends Thursday, De- But talk about hit movies: After 50 Bailey, and with the spiritual crisis he In most ensuring movies, such as cember 26. The Times Cinema is located years, It's a Wonderful Life has yet to suffers over the life he perceives as Gone With the Wind or Casablanca, the at 60 and Vliet. outstay its holiday welcome. As sure as egg nog and overspending, the Frank Capra film is woven into America's yule- tide experience. We feel George Bailey's pain, again and again. We despair at the fate that keeps him from fulfilling his dreams of DISCOVER WISCONSIN'S GAY adventure, but salute as George self- lessly aids his family, friends and com- ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX! munity. 4 Different Places to Party, We ache with nostalgia for a small- 40-town America of innocence and fellow- Dance or Relax r ship we're unlikely to have known and 7 Bars 2 Dance Floors which, we suspect, may have existed only in a Capra-created universe. 4 Sound Systems In other words, we wallow shamelessly and tearfully in the operatic tragedy and Video Food redemption of suicidal George Bailey, Games Dancing Everyman, forced by an angel to recog- nize the value of his life--and to show us the value of ours. Frank Capra made you pay for those happy endings," the film's star, Jimmy Stewart, has been quoted as saying. And we have done so, gladly. Even the 51 minutes of commercials that NBC stuffed in last year's exclusive TV broadcast of It's a Wonderful Life and which could accompany this year's December 21 airing, can't keep us away. Lawsuits swirling around the picture, thwarted parodies and a small flood of merchandise tied to the 50th anniversary X-MAS PARTY aren't deterrents, either. And why? Motive and opportunity. - Opportunity first. In the 1970s, a cleri- cal error allowed the studio copyright to Sunday, Dec. 22 • 8pm lapse, and a number of television stations seized the chance to run the Christmas- Santa's Gift Bag • Buffet • themed movie tor free each holiday sea- Drink Specials son. George Bailey's story--the good man who can't shirk his responsibility to the family business, the girl (Donna Reed) who loves him, or the town he keeps from the clutches of greedy NEW Mr. Potter (Lionel YEAR'S EVE Barrymore)--became as familiar as Dick- ens' A Christmas Carol. Capra "loved the fact it went into the Gourmet Buffet & Complimentary Champagne public domain," says his son, Tom. "It became this exorbitant hit and much more popular than it ever could have Party Favors, 9-1 1:45pm possibly been before." "He always said, 'Thank God those Top 10 Video Countdown . Top 10 fools let the copyright lapse,' otherwise no Dance Countdown one might ever have seen it." That may have been an exaggeration, Ring in 1997 at Midnight but it's certainly true that It's a Wonder- ful Life outgrew its modest beginnings. Although the 1946 film received five "Soak 'Em Up" Buffet at 5am Academy Award nominations, including best picture and best actor for Stewart, its box-office performance and reviews were ''';'ackluster. When it debuted, the New Yorker magazine dismissed it as "baby talk" (and has relented only reluctantly: A 1977 New Yorker piece said, "In its own icky, bittersweet way, it's terribly effective"). It echoed other Capra films in exploring the fight of the idealistic individual against a cynical, greedy villain, but the theme that resonated with Depression audiences proved less persuasive to postwar Amer- ica. 801 - 807 South 2nd Street • Milwaukee • 383-8330 Contemporary movie fans have proven more open-minded, and film scholars un- derstand why: It's a Wonderful Life is a "-superbly crafted film with much to offer. THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-19 ANGELS OF HOPE CHRISTMAS "Boys To The World," "A Christmas' Wish from the Goddess," "The Gay Ho- EVE SERVICE tel," and my favorite, "Chickenhawk is Angels of Hope, MCC, will be holding a Coming to Town" are only a few of the ti- GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS Christmas Eve service at 7:00 p.m. at their tles. Always irreverent, they are fun to building at 614 Forest St., in Green Bay. For hear, providing that (to me) necessary more information, please call (414) 432- "lift" from tradition at this time of year. 0830. The other night, I had a party and played Go-Go Boys 5 PM at the Maple Avenue Mennonite X-mas Songs. It was a big hit. It's being MILWAUKEE Church . All Lesbians and Lesbian friendly .‘13PLET()N played, too, at one of the bars I go to, and everyone womyn are welcome. likes it there as well. In an effort to reach even more Lesbians, GRAPEVINE HOSTS WINTER I recommend it highly, either the Network will be alternating its regular "FARM BOYS" AUTHOR TO for your- POTLUCK DECEMBER 22 self, or as a gift to a Lesbian first Sunday of the month discussion meet- or Gay Grapevine, a Milwaukee area Lesbian READ FROM HIS BOOK friend. I bought mine at group ings with programs. For more information on Milwaukee's De- will be Will Fellows, author of Farm Boys: Lives signing Men, 1200 S. 1 holding its Winter Potluck at the Falk WALN call (414) 297-9412. st Street. Check it Park Pavilion on Sunday December 22. of Gay Men from the Rural Midwest out. In keeping with the Holiday Season, the (University of Wisconsin Press, 1996), will event will include a White Elephant Gift Ex- NIADISON read from and autograph his new book at Present Music change. All attendees are invited to wrap 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 9th, at Barnes those & Novle, 4625 Michaels Drive, Appleton. little household trinkets and objects that GLB ALUMNI COUNCIL TO have somehow managed to avoid a rummage For more information, call (414) 830-6960. Brings a Musical sale. HOLD ANNUAL MEETING The White Elephant Gift Exchange is a real The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Alumni "Go-Go Boys Epiphany to the hoot. Some people have been known to try Council of the Wisconsin Alumni Associa- and sneak out without their- uhm-er-present. tion will be holding its annual meeting on X-mas Songs" To help bring variety to the table, please January 13th, at the new Martin and Florence Cabot Theater bring a dish that begins with the same letter Below Alumni Center located at 650 N. Should as Lake Street. If you are interested in attending be on All your last name. Milwaukee—With incredible contrasts any of the meetings or would like to be Falk Park is located at 2013 W. Rawson on from lyric solo cello to a phalanx of per- the South placed LGBT Gift Lists side of the street. Doors open at on the mailing list, please call (608) cussionists, Present Music's "New Year- 4:00 with dinner served at 5:00. For more 262-5895. Reviewed by New Music II" program has something to information contact Julie at 778-1269. Louie Chan SAGE-DANE COUNTY MEETS If you're like me, you love Christmas satisfy the soul of any music lover who SAGE-Dane County will meet on Friday, music, especially the old-time favorites-- walks through the doors of the Cabot BUSINESS ASSOCIATION TO January 3 d at 3:30 p.m. for High Tea and and you think you'll never tire of them. I Theater on Saturday, January 4th. PUBLISH GUIDE Talk at Monty's Blue Plate Diner on At- don't get tired hearing them, rendition af- The Cabot Theater is located in the The Alternative Business Association has wood Avenue, across from the Barrymore ter rendition, over and over again. Broadway Theater Center in Milwaukee's announced that it will publish a Resource Theater. But, now and again, I would like some- Historic Third Ward. Guide for the Greater Milwaukee area in the SHAKE IT UP GATHERING thing different. Like me, you know, differ- The 8:00 p.m. program will feature a early part of 1997. The guide will consist of Shake It Up, an event-oriented GLBT & ent. Every time I hear "don we now our chorus of the area's finest singers in listings of all Gay and Lesbian friendly busi- friends "Pride/Gaggle/Group," will gather Gay apparel"from "Deck the Halls," I find Morton Feldman's delicate and mystical "Rothko nesses, service providers and organizations in on Saturday, January 4'h, to feed the ducks myself wishing the word "Gay" in the lyr- Chapel," conducted by UWM the greater Milwaukee area. at the pond in Vilas Zoo, then to Clasen's ics really meant what I'd like it to mean. Music Chair Sharon Hansen; "Seven Anyone who wishes to have a listing Bakery in Middleton and to the Old Feed Well, my wish has been granted. Tunes Heard in China" for solo cello, should contact ABA before December 31, Mill, 114 Cramer St., in Mazomanie for Just the other day, I stopped in to De- composed by Bright Sheng and played by 1996. For more information call PO Box 65, lunch. Meet at the pond in the Zoo at 10:00 signing Men. I was looking for some rain- Paul Gmeinder; "A Doll's House Story" by Milwaukee, WI 53201 or call (414) 389- i.m. bow pins, and I happened upon a new CD Hungarian composer Istvan Marta that 1200. Shake It Up will gather on Saturday, put out by Ring Records called The Go- features the choreography of UWM Pro- January 4th at 7:30 p.m. for a video movie at Go Boys Gay Apparel X-mas Songs. I fessor of Dance Ed Burgess performed 4701 Judy Lane. You bring the movie. We couldn't resist. I bought it, took it home by a corps of seven dancers; and "The ,kt KESI-I decide among ourselves which ones that and played it. Somewhat to my surprise, Paha Sapa Give-Back," a powerful per- taking have been brought the group will see that it's good, very good. cussion-driven polemic on the of The music is arranged, directed and the Black Hills, composed by former Mil- WALN OFFERS NEW PROGRAM night. The video need not have a Gay theme. The video seen performed by Georges Montalba, Jr., a waukeean Jerome Kitzke, in his most The Waukesha Area Lesbian Network last time, November 23rd, was Three Days of the Condor, which man with a beautifully clear voice that ambitious work to date. (WALN) will be offering a free presentation performance $20 most of the group had never seen. has just the right touch of impishness to Tickets to this are for on how to prepare income taxes tailored to it. He sings 14 of the old Christmas premium seats and $14 for general ad- meet Lesbian family needs. tunes, but with decidedly different and (to mission seating. Limited student seats The presentation, given by Carol Van Duser GREEN BAN my Gay sensibilities), very appealing are available for $7.50. Order in advance CPA, will be on Sunday January 5 from 4 to words. by calling (414) 271-0711, 401 44M415W4Mgitil4M4511401 1)*VgrM415TIOTIAtirl4MOMPIT*M413 0,14iMOV MILWAUKEE'S ULTIMATE .t. I HOLIDAY SOCIAL 0 1 GATHERING PLACE t I Spend Pennies on the Dollar & Cheer for Our t I Wisconsin Badgers! 1 COPPER BOWL PARTY y 7 Sunday, December 27 • 7pm •€-- Free Tom & Jerry Drinks on Christmas Eve • 11pm-1:30am W I Open All Night New Year's Eve & New Year's Day 1 -- $$$$ Balloon Drop New Year's Eve $$$$ 1 I with our Holiday Sherbert Punch €--- (fT) cf 0 Happy Holidays from , 1 5 Curt Chris, Craig, Doug, James, Noel, Pat & Tom I IN BETWEEN — 625 South 2nd Street — Milwaukee — 273-2693 — Lottery Approved Viciatilier4ottipetZwt4e4ekkotiiiedilialiiekkekkotakeZciediiittkiedtotaki* Watiiott THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-20 1579 S. 2nd Street • 672-5580 YOU'RE INVITED

Holiday Cameo Show and Customer Ap- SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 preciation Night beginning at 10 PM. 304 Eau 10% JUST US HOLIDAY GALA The Trading Post is located at Claire. The Just Us Divas will be out in force to Claire Street in Eau spread some holiday cheer (and a few other things as well) at the popular bars SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 CLUB Fond du Lac FREE Holiday Show. 4223 West Where Neighbors Meet Lead by Diva Sandy Beach, the Just Us Milwaukee, WI 53216 troupe including Starr E. Nite, Mona, Joey SAGE HOSTS FREE BUFFET AT Black, and Eartha Quakes, will take to JUST US IN MILWAUKEE (414) 447-0190 the stage at 10:00. Those fine folks who make up SAGE, In addition to the fab entertainment, the Senior Action In A Gay Environment want CELEBRATE bar is offering some specials. 12 oz everyone to come to their annual holiday Miller tappers are just 75 cents, 16 oz buffet at Just Us, 807 S. 5th St, Milwau- Celebrate the Miller taps are only $1.00. Plus Miller kee. bottles are just $2.00 and there will be Dinner begins at 1:00, but you MUST NEW shot specials as well. make a reservation by calling 271-0378 Wew Year between December 5 and December 17. SASS HOLDS SHOW TO BENEFIT PARTY AT with Us YEAR'S THE KIDS AT CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS Sass located at 840 S. Broadway in THIS IS IT Green Bay will hold is special Toys for Joe, June and the entire staff will be on Food Christmas Show at 1:30. Your $3.00 nand at This Is It to welcome you to their At Milwaukee's cover will be donated to children. annual Christmas party. There'll be food, Party Favors The show includes Brad, Lesha, Elsie, good cheer, and fun galore. Kelly Jo, Becky, Katrina, Christian and The festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. and Surprises South Side Kevira Nicole. continue through the evening. And don't forget to enter Sass "Guess This Is It is located at 418 E. Wells St. How Many Lights We Have" contest. All in Milwaukee. Come to Our NekAorhood the money is donated to the kids. LA CAGE HOLIDAY PARTY Gay Bar HOLIDAY SHOW AT THE TRADING George, Corey, and their wonderful First POST IN EAU CLAIRE staff are all set to help you liven up your The Trading Post will be holding its holiday season with their annual Holiday bash. Anniversary Party Favors BestD Gallery to The party which begins at 8:00 will in- clude a Santa's Gift Bag for those in at- Exhibit the Art of tendance, a buffet, drink specials and of Party course plenty of great dance music. Free Champagne La Cage is located at the corner of S. Marion Banks 2nd and National Yanuary 18 Milwaukee—The art of Marlon Banks will be featured in a one-man show Cocktail Hour opening Friday, January 31`1, at the BestD CHRISTMAS EVE Mon-Fri, 3-7pm Gallery. According to the artist, the show TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 will be entitled "Marlon Banks: The Sto- Daily Specials ryteller." 9pm-Close "Over the last several years," Banks CEST' LE VIE BUFFET said, "I've had opportunities which have It's a Milwaukee tradition. The annual allowed for a number of career changes. Christmas Eve Cest' Le Vie party. This I've gone from being a commercial artist year the fete will include a free buffet, for The Milwaukee Journal in the mid- entertainment and an open bar for all of '80s to a tour as a soldier in the regular those in attendance. army which I completed at the end of This is John Clayton's way of thanking 1990. his customers for another wonderful year "Today," Banks continued, "my career of their support and taking care of those APPY NEW YEA focuses on the three R's (reading, writing, who want to spend Christmas with their arithmetic), as a middle school teacher in chosen family. AT JU,ST US Madison, Wisconsin." Cest Le Vie is located at 231 S. Second JOIN TH1E Pio,gTY Banks was a long-time resident of Mil- Street, Milwaukee. The party begins at wa u kee. 9:00 PM. Dancing Stet‘at 000, en until 4a* "Throughout these stages," Banks con- tinued, "I've also been able to continue NAPALESE CHRISTMAS PARTY FREEPOOD. AT! aViraca my development as an artist. The popular Napalese Lounge located "I am anxious to continue this growth at 515 S. Broadway in Green Bay will process as an artist as begin graduate host a fabulous Christmas Eve party be- START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT JANUARY 1st SPECIALS studies this summer in the UW-Madison, ginning at 9 PM. The event includes a Masters of Art Program," Banks said. buffet lunch. Santa will be arriving at Speaking of his work, Banks said: "As 10:00 with surprises as he makes his an artist, sometimes I'm expected to limit world wide rounds. myself to certain types of images be- $2 All Dome0c Beers chaARagne & OJ $1.75 cause of the simple fact that my skin is SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 Black. I try to ignore limiting expectations $2 Shots4if Doctors Milekappers $1.75 by addressing this concern with mult- IN BETWEEN BADGER cultural images. "As I get older I also see it more and BOWL PARTY $2 Shots of Cueryp Bloody Mary $1.75 more my purpose to be that of a recorder. The Packers won't be playing today, but As a recorder I can define myself by fo- you can still get your football fix by at- O cusing on the positive things we do as tending In Between's Copper Bowl Party. Black people, instead of waiting or hoping Cheer our Badgers onto victory as they CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT: January 19th at to be defined positively by someone else. take on Utah in the Copper Bowl Classic. This is why I try to always record the In Between will have plenty of surprises, JUST US. Ask Bartender for Details beauty of being in the minority. drink specials and a free shot with every score. "I like to do this for my own personal Badger 801 S. 5th Street • Milwaukee • 383.2233 balance of negative mass media record- In Between is located at 625 S. Second ings of African-Americans which have St., in Milwaukee. become customary. "My art makes me feel good about my- TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Friday Fish Thursdays & self and allows me to feel that I can do Fry Saturdays anything. Still, whatever the motivation NEW YEAR'S EVE!! behind my work, I'm always most com- From Superior to Kenosha, from 5-10pm 6-8pm fortable in being described as just a sto- Green Bay to Madison and Milwaukee, Also serving • ryteller. JUST Sandwiches & all of the bars will be having their usual The public is invited to view the exhibit New Year's Eve bashes. In Wiscons;n, sandwiches, Appetizers and meet the artist at an opening recep- the bars can be open all night. Some will Weekly Specials, tion on Friday, January 3`d, from 6:00 to stay open, others will not, but regard- We Do Parties & 9:00 p.m. at the BestD Gallery. less, they'll be serving food in the wee Baked Fish, Banquets The Gallery is located on the first floor hours to sop up the booze. Appetizers, Soups, of the BestD Clinic, 1240 E. Brady Street, Have a wonderful time. Wisconsin has in Milwaukee's lower East Side. Please some of the best Lesbian and Gay bars etc. use the side entrance. in the country. You're can have a great Gallery hours are Monday through time. Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and But---- TVS' Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to Please play safe. Name a desig- 5:00 p.m. nated driver—and use condoms If For information on the exhibit or the that "certain someone" comes along. opening reception, please call (414) 272- ' 2144. WINNER - Human Rights League Nat'l Coming Out Day Award, Nov. 1996 THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-21 TUES, DEC 31 - 7PM - ? 74e #71,e9Itzf Z.* NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE D), 10PM TILL CLOSE By Dusty Sass finish her dinner and head out to After- Whew, things have gotten so hectic that Words Bookshop and to Designing Men FABULOUS MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP I don't know if I am coming or going. for some last minute Christmas shopping. With all of the great parties and special All that shopping will make me ready for PARTY FAVORS shows, it's a good thing the Holidays only a nice treat at Brew Bar. This is a new come around once a year, I mean once is Coffee Shop at 1457 N. Farwell. It's a clearly enough. real nice place and the Gay couple who HATS, HORNS, ETC. The Cream City Chorus Concert was own it are super friendly. wonderful and so were the Christmas On Saturday, December 21st, you can parties at Mama Roux, Fannies, B's The find me at Just Us for their fabulous Holi- WED, JAN 1 1997 - OPEN AT 4PM Boot Camp and In Between. I am sure day Show featuring many of my favorite that other parties in other places were performers including the ever popular NEW equally fun, but these were the only ones I MONA. We put her name in caps and YEAR'S DAY was able to get to. bold because a few issues ago, we I must also mention the Holiday Gala printed her name as Monc. Hey you try 5CX TAPS Benefit for MAP (the Milwaukee AIDS -eading what someone scribbled on a c Project) held at the Milwaukee Repertory piece of paper at 3:00 in the morning. Moi $1.50 RAILS Theater (a.k.a. "The Milwaukee Rep.) It was sleepy and couldn't find her glasses. was wonderful! I haven't eaten that good Speaking of 3:00 in the morning did you $2 JUICE DRINKS in months! And who could resist all of the know that the East Side's favorite Pizza tempting items: from escargot (snails, for place, Pizza Shuttle is open until 4:00 those of you who are not gourmets as mei a.m.? What a great alternative place for OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE, 7 is) to caviar (little fish eggs). a late night snack or meal. PM-? (Honestly, people do eat the strangest Sunday, December 22nd, is the final things. Once, when moi was in Hong Packer game of the season and I'll be Kong, she was served this long slithery watching it at In Between. After the COMING TO FANNIES IN JANUARY, 1997 beast (dead), which she later found out game it will be off to La Cage for their had, when alive been'some kind of ven- annual Christmas party. It will be real WE'LL BE OPEN MONDAYS BEGINNING JAN. 6 omous reptile. But I digress) blast. George says that Santa is going to COME SUPPORT OUR MONDAY NIGHT BASKETBALL TEAM Some of Milwaukee's finest restaurants come early and leave a whole mess of gift donated their time and food. bags to be given to those who are in at- THURSDAY NIGHT POOL LEAGUE STARTS JAN. 9 too. (Thank you The open bar was nice tendance. Plus they are going to have a 3 PEOPLE PER TEAM • SIGN UP NOW Miller and Skyy Vodka very much.) buffet and plenty of drink specials. nd The play, Inspecting Carol, was very No matter how busy December 22 is WATCH FOR OUR PAJAMA PARTY funny and the desserts that followed the going to be —and it will be busy for these BEST EVER SUPER BOWL PARTY performance were heavenly. legs of mine (maybe I should switch from Kudos to the MAP staff and to Cliff He- heels to flats), I'm going to have plenty of ise and his committee for putting together time and energy to stop in at This Is It. 200 E. Washington . Milwaukee, IM . 414 what I hope will become an annual high- The bar is very festive. Joe has outdone . 613 . 9633 light on my social calendar—and every- himself with decorations this year. It's a one else's as well. must-see. The Christmas party starts at But enough of that. On to the future and 3:00 p.m. and goes till ? the future, as they say, lies ahead. Of course there are some fine events on Thursday, December 19 , I am going Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and anrtio to take a friend out to Mike and Anna's. many bars are going to be open to be "For the Best Seats If you've never eaten at this fine restau- sure that those who don't have a family to in Town . . ." rant you don't know what you are missing. go home to, come celebrate with some ID's REQUIRED Every day there is a new menu to take Holiday cheer with their Gay family); advantage of the choicest and freshest FANNIES HAS ALWAYS BEEN OPEN TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY Then on Friday, December 27 , .1 will 40V items in the local markets. That's why the start out at Mama Roux for one of their food is always fabulous. fabulous fish fries. This is the only Gay Friday, December 20th, I'll be enjoying fish fry I know of where you get a choice one of those fabulous M & M Club Fish of cod or catfishNregular or Cajun. And fries in M&M's Glass Menagerie. For Chef Thad expertly prepares it in the those of you out-state and those visiting midst of a wonderful friend atmosphere. our city who may not be familiar with the Saturday, December 28 , I will be over Glass Menagerie, it is a glassed-in res- at Just Us for some line dancing. I can taurant made for romance. The food is NEVER get that line straight. superb, the lighting is subdued. All you On Sunday, December 29th, I'll be at can wish for in addition, if you're there In Between to cheer on our Wisconsin with your honey is for a little snow fall. Badgers as they play in the Copper Bowl. Since moi doesn't have a honey After all that I am going to rest up for THIS (anyone interested, apply NOW!) she will the big event on New Year's Eve. As I am sure you know, just about every bar is going to have a New Year's Eve bash. I Company Offers plan to make as many of them as I can. Just pick me up from underneath that ta- New Search Engine ble, put me in a cab and send me home. If you are planning on doing some for GLBT Sites heavy partying, remember to drink re- W YE sponsibly, take a bus or a cab as you go from place to place, or make sure you on the Web have a designated driver you can trust Los Angeles—BoxTop Interactive and go to a bar with a buffet so you can (www.boxtop.com), one of the country's soak up some of the alcohol. We want leading interactive entertainment firms, you to be around for all the fun events in has soft-launched the company's first 1997. original content project. Outbox As this is my last column of 1996, I do (www.outbox.com) is a web site for the want to thank all of the wonderful people Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender who have shown me around, been sup- communities that features a comprehen- portive and helped to spread the word and sive search index for news and informa- about our "SpotLight" section, time them all, tion. space don't permit me to name The Outbox's mission is to make sense of but two in particular, Jerry Johnson, New Year's Eve Lives At Light Publisher and Terry the Internet with a fresh, creative ap- Wisconsin Light editor proach that reflects the character of the Boughner The Wisconsin This Is It! community it is designed to serve. Out- deserve special mention, their faith and box.com aims to expand the presence of confidence have been a big boost. the GLBT community via the Internet and So that's it for this year and what a year extend it to those who may otherwise feel its been. See our next issue for our big Welcome 1997 removed from it. An ambitious project, recap of the most memorable social mo- the site aims to achieve these goals by ments of 1996. And look for bigger and developing unique serviceds including better things in 1997. There are a few At This Is It! public affairs, online outreach and origi- "little" surprises in store. nal entertainment areas on the site. Party Hats, Confetti, Fun Galore With Outbox provides a user-friendly, com- 1 506 North 3rd Street • Superior, WI prehensive search engine for the more PEAL Akeo. Friends Old and New than 1,100 sites currently catalogued and indexed. The free service will continue to search for and index new sites that offer vital information and links to the GLBT community online. HAPPY NEW YEAR Outbox features include "The Com- (715) 394-2580 mons," an interactive area which offers message boards and chat rooms to dish, Thursday - Karaoke FROM JOE, JUNE AND STAFF discuss and debate on a variety of topics; Friday & Saturday - DJ and "INSites," which features commen- tary, site reviews and perspectives on the Sunday - Request Night Web. 418 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee (414) 278-9192 December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-22 THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION

1875 North Humboldt • Milwaukee 347.0344 I Grill Hours Monday thru Thursday: 4-10 pm Friday and Saturday: 4-11 pm Friday Fish Fry — Cod or Catfish Sunday Brunch from 11 am-3pm plus full menu with grill open to 8 pm Carry-out Orders Available MasterCard/Visa Accepted "Au Your Eastsicle Personal Checks upon Approval Alternative

GRILL

%Imo %oux far and grill and its staff would like to thank our patrons for their generous support and loyally over the past year. Tour generosity has enabled us to show that we truly are "The little bar with the big heart."

Remember some of our events this year like The Possum Queen, Mud Wrestling, 70's Parties, AIDS Walk Wisconsin July 4 Amendment 2 Party, Cook outs, Children With AIDS Party, Muscular Dystrophy support, Christmc Visits With Santa, Election Night PFLAG's Christmas Party and Jasmine's trip home 'Please join us in toasting the old gear and welcoming the promise of the 9 ero Tear gem Wear's eye.

Party Favors Midnight Champagne Breakfast Buffet at 2:00 AM

e wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 1997

See ya at the Party

Joe, Pat, Jasmine, Jeanne, Thad, Robin, Steve, Doug and David

Located in the Wilson Hotel 150 S. Blair Street, Madison • 608.258.9918 • Fax 608.258.9007 E-Mail [email protected] (Look Soon for Our Website) MANOEUVRES New Year's Eve At Manoeuvres and the MAD Bar Midnight Champagne, Balloon Drops, Hats, Horns, Buffet, Dancing Celebrate 1997 Open All Night

Thank you for Your Support the Past Two Years We look forward to serving you for many years to come

A BIG Thanks to Simply Divine and Cast and All of You for Breaking a Benefit Record for the Homeless Shelter on December 15, 1996 $1, 700 Was Taken in That Night Thanks to Your Support of the Toy Drive and Food Drive. We Couldn't Have Done it Without Your Help Your Support Made Many Families Have a Warmer and Happier Holiday—Ed Grunewald

OPEN A fabulous show, a worthy cause a packed bar and great fun who could ask for more? The Wisconsin Light 9PM TO SpotLight Party at Manoeuvres in Madison on Sunday, December 15, raised nearly $1,700 for Madison's CLOSE, MON-SAT homeless shelters. Shown above are some of the many fabulous performers who turned MAD out to help the needy. 5PM TO CLOSE Also shown are two handsome raffle ticket salesmen. Now we know why those tickets sold so well! Much SUNDAY credit goes to Simply Divine who organized and produced the show, the performers and to Manoeuvres owner. • d Ed, DJ Tony, Manager Charlie and the rest of the staff. It was a first class, first rate evening. BAR THE SPOTLIGHT SECTION December 19, 1996 to January 1, 1997- THE WISCONSIN LIGHT-23 41, Girl must be seen to be believed! The mat photo books featuring stunning black Books for the Holiday Season That Will daring coffee table book for the daring and white photography of the male nude Lesbian household. by such photographers as Clifford Baker, Guarantee You or a Friend, a Good Read Long associated with photography of Andrew Melick and Mark Brickell. At thy.e male nude, Tom Bianchi turns his $16.95 these books make for delightful Reviewed by Glenn Bishop camera upon women, beautifully and Richard Avedon gifts! Faithful readers of Wisconsin Light will interpret the Versace sensitively capturing their relationships: remember that Glenn offered up sugges- Man, a man without a tie in, Men With between friends, between lovers, between tions for those perfect videos to place un- Ties (Abbeville HC $75.00). mother and daughter in Among Women der the tree or to stuff that special stuff- Nothing says lovin' like somethin' from (St. Martin's Press HC $40.00). L ing. So popular was that feature that the oven, so what better gift than a cook Celebrity biographies make for fasci- Glenn has been similarly asked to pro- book? This holiday season there is quite nating tattle-tale reading and this holiday We Have pose a similar list of gift books for those a choice. The most lavish entry is Feast season there a few that especially caught Gay men and Lesbians near and dear. for Life by Linda Bartlett and Gretchen Glenn's eye. Calling all "Show Queens". EXPANDED The most spectacular gift book this Jordan (Collins HC $35.00). Featuring Just released is Showtune: A Memoir by to serve you. better_ over 100 celebrities and chefs sharing Christmas (or for any in Glenn's recent Jerry Herman (Donald Fine HC $24.95). Come in memory) is the new, comprehensive col- their favorite recipes, Feast for Life is an Here for the first time is the true story be- and see beautiful book and a benefit to lection of photographs by Herb Ritts, sim- absolutely hind the man responsible for such fabu- our HUGE new ply titled, Work (Bulfinch HC $125.00). In Pediatric AIDS Foundation and lous musicals as Hello Dolly!. Mame and addition to a superb selection of his justi- Diffa/Chicago. La Cage Aux Folles. addition_ Then fiably legendary nudes , Work features Another benefit cookbook, Food for Everyone still seems to love Lucy. Lu- celeb pics ranging from Madonna and Life ...and Other Dishes (Cleis Press Pb cille Ball, that is. Eagerly awaited since CHECK RuPaul to K. D. Lang and Cindy Craw- $14.95) edited by Lawrence Schimel of- the surprise announcement is last year is ford. fers the personal, often comic glimpses Lucy's actual memoirs Love, Lucy OUT Photographer John Gettings used the into the lives of Gay and Lesbian celebri- (Putnam HC $24.95). Equally lovable is Stonewall 25 celebration in 1994 to cap- ties through their recipes. Tom Bianchi, drag diva RuPaul whose best-selling our 14 foot Chili ture portraits of Lesbian and Gay couples. tennis legend Martina Navratilova's and autobiography Lettin It All Hang Out Pepper- Later, Gettings recorded comments from porn-star Alden Shaw are amongst those (Hyperion Pb $10.95) is now available in selected couples of their lives and their including their favorite foods. paperback. love and put them into a marvelous new The Lesbian coffee table need not be Certain to send chills down the spines of book, Couples (University Press of New bare any longer with a nice selection of many Gay and Lesbian readers is The England HC $25.00). pictorial works available this Christmas. Accidental Activist (Scribner HC The name Gianni Versace brings to Damn Fine Art (Cassell HC $29.95) ed- $23.00), a personal and political memoir mind fabulous images of style and ited by Cherry Smyth is a lavishly illus- by Candace Gingrich, who had the mis- beauty. Two extraordinary coffee table trated book featuring the first in-depth fortune to grow up the half-sister to the books more than bears this out. study of contemporary Lesbian Art. most newt or newts, Newt Gingrich and Do Not Disturb (Abbeville HC $75.00) Nothing But the Girl (Freedom Edi- lived to tell. offers a revealing look at Versace at tions HC $29.95) edited by Jill Posener No Gay man's coffee table need go bare home: the lakeside villa near Como, the and Lesbian sex expert Susie Bright is the (?!?) this holiday season as many fabu- baroque palazzo in Milan and the Art first exploration of Lesbian erotic photog- lous books featuring the artistic male *** 1/2 Deco fantasy in Miami. Such top photog- raphy. Sexy, funny, occasionally shock- nude are available. Dennis Getto ing but always exciting, Nothing But the raphers as Bruce Weber, Herb Ritts and Next to Herb Ritt's Work, this season's Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel stand-out book, Douglas Clothier (HC $65.00) comes from the folks that publish Provocateur magazine, Alluvial. Filled with stunning duotones of the male nude, Epteeiretaeamatt 9aide this glorious oversized book is sure to be welcome under the tree. Perhaps the hottest name in young male photography is Bel Ami and in Bel APPLETON LAKE MILLS MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE Ami: Intimate Friends (Bruno Gmunder Rascals Bar & Grill Cross Roads Bar Continued Continued Pb $39.95), Bel Ami depicts young men 702 E. Wisconsin W6642 Hwy B of stunning beauty and perfection in all of Appleton, WI 54991 Lake Mills, WI 53551 Club 219 Triangle their enduring narcissism and playfulness. 954-9262 648-8457 219 S. 2nd St. 134 E. National In delightful innocent poses, these youths Milwaukee, WI 53204 Milw, WI 53204 with the bodies of men are shown to be The Pivot Club 271-3732 383-9412 FINE MEXICAN 4815 W. Prospect MADISON eagerly interested in pleasure and willing 1100 Club Walkers Point Cafe anything. Not to be missed. Appleton, WI 54915 A Room of One's to try CUISINE 1100 S. 1st St. 1106 S. First St. photographed in 730-0440 Own Book store The men Dean Keefer Milw, WI 53204 Milw, WI 53204 Pb $39.95) 317 W. Johnson Exposed (Bruno Gmunder 7 DAYS A WEEK 647-9950 384-7999 steeled bodies. DOOR COUNTY Madison, WI 53703 are virile, strong men with exhibiting 734 South 5th Street 257-7888 Fannies Exposed captures these men Black Smith Inn Zippers 200 E. Washington their full, sensual beauty whether amid PO Box 220 Geraldine's 819 S 2nd St. Milw, WI 53204 wild nature or surrounded by industrial 645-9888 Baileys Harbor, WI 3052 E. Washington Milw, Wi 53204 643-9633 settings. Corner of 5th & National, across 839-9222 Madison, WI 53704 645-8330 For that tiny coffee table or as a mar- 241-9335 In Between from the Milwaukee Ballet Chanticleer Guest velous stocking stuffer, there comes from 625 S. 2nd St RACINE House Manoeuvres Bruno Gmunder a series of smaller for- Milw, WI 53204 4072 Cherry Rd 150 S. Blair 273-2693 JoDees Sturgeon Bay 54234 Madison, WI 54703 2139 Racine St. 746-0334 258-9918 Just Us Racine, WI 53403 807 S. 5th St. Praire Garden 634-9804 Milw, WI 53204 EAU CLAIRE Bed & Breakfast 383-2233 What About Me? The Trading Co. W13172 Hwy 188 600 6th St. 304 Eau Claire St. Lodi, Wi 53555 Kathy's Nut Hut Racine, WI 53403 Eau, Claire WI 1-803-380-8427 1500 W. Scott 632-0171 Milw, WI 53204 838-9494 R Place 647-2673 ROCKFORD The Wolfs's Den 121 W. Main Street 302 E Madison Madison, WI 53703 La Cage EauClaire, WI 54703 257-5455 801 S 2nd St. The Office Milw, WI 52304 513 E. State St. 832-9237 The Shamrock 383-8300 Rockford, IL, 61104 117 W Main St. 815-965-0344 GREEN BAY Madison, WI 53703 La Perla Restaurant Located in the Wilsor001 Phone: 608.258.9006 734 S. Fifth St. Brandy's II 255-5029 SHEBOYGAN 524 East WilsomStreek; Fax: 608.258.9007 Milw, WI 53204 1126 Main St Sunprint Cafe E-mail: wafam9006©aol.corn 645-9888 Blue Lite Madison, WI 537d ‘c, Green Bay, WI 54301 638 State Street 1029 N. 8th St. 437-3917 Mama Roux Madison, WI 53703 Sheboygan, 53081 255-1 1875 N. Humboldt Club Cheeks 457-1636 Milw, WI 53212 232 S. Broadway MILWAUKEE 347-0344 Green Bay, WI 54303 STEVENS POINT Coming Soon - Our Own Website 430-9854 Afterwords Books M & M Club 124 N. Water The Platwood Club for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Napalese Lounge 2710 N. Murray Designed Milw, WI 53202 701 Highway 10W 515 S. Broadway Milw, WI 53211 Stevens Point, 54481 963-9089 347-1962 / Green Bay, WI 54303 341-8862 432-9646 B's Rene's Cozy Corner Sass 1579 S 2nd St 3500 W Park Hill SUPERIOR 840 S. Broadway Milw, WI 53204 Milw, WI 53208 672-5580 JT's Bar Green Bay, WI 54304 933-RENE 1506 N 3rd St. HOLIDAYSALE 437-7277 Ball Game S. Water St. Docks Superior WI 54880 Za's/Java's 196 S. 2nd 354 E. National 391 2580 1106 Main St. Milw, WI 53204 Milw, WI 53204 273-7474 The Main Club Green Bay, WI 54301 25-9676 1813 N 3rd 435-5476 Boot Camp Saloon Superior, WI 54880 Station 2 OFF E. National 35% 392-1756 UP TO KENOSHA Milw, WI 53204 1534 W. Grant Featuring Premium coffee, espresso, cappucino and latte 643-0900 Milw, WI 53204 Trio Club Club 94 383-5755 820 Tower novelties, 9001 120th Ave with window seating. Pridewear, jewelry, cards, Cafe Melange Superior, WI 54880 Kenosha, WI 53140 10% Club 392-5373 artwork by local Gay artisans. 857-9958 720 N. Old World St. 4223 W. Fon Du Lac clothes, leather, crafts & Milw, WI 53203 Milw, WI 53216 291-9889 WAUSAU LA CROSSE 447-0910 VISA' Owned & Operated by Cavalier Lounge Cest La Vie This Is It The Mad Hatter Manoeuvres & Mad Bar 114 N 5th St. 231 S. 2 St 418 E. Wells 320 Washington checks welcomed. La Crosse, WI 54601 Milwaukee WI 53204 Milw, WI 53202 Wausau, WI 54401 & personal 782-9061 276-8890 278-9192 842-3225 December 19, 1996—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT-24 *13V*1141rVWWWV4tia4rOVOVIgr LiN In 'Beautiful Thing," We See in Gay Films, We Have Created Our Own Genre By Juliet Brodie Most of Beautiful Thing's key plot ele- FORME EIMMONIPT Not just from 6IFTS When young teen Ste (Scott Neal) takes his ments are known to us by now. shirt off to get a back rub from schoolmate our own lives, but from the big (and small) Jamie (Glen Berry), we know that we are screens as well: the tentative flirting, the first Give a gift. that gives back to all of us getting to "the good parts" of this sweet story purchase of a Gay magazine, the ostracism at of first Gay love. Watching him overcome his school, the first trip to a Gay bar, the storm 44tatetteauttakierViotrtke4cor4otautoZiotater shyness and shame as he bares his back— that coming out at home can be, and the first which is mottled with scars inflicted by his love that makes it all worthwhile. O abusive brother and father—and readies him- We have our own genre, and who could ask self to receive the balm of peppermint lotion for a better one than "Coming Out by Finding 'a Gay PEOPLE'S GIVE AN at the sweet hands of young Jamie, we know True Love?" why this film about two East London boys Even the ending of Beautiful Thing is AMUNION, INC. falling in live is titled Beautiful Thing. somewhat predictable, although this does not ENDURING It's lucky that love is the universal lan- diminish its beauty or power in any way. guage, because most American viewers will Some formulas just work. OVER 25 YEARS OF have a hard time understanding almost half At a key juncture m their affair, Jamie GIFT TO the dialogue, delivered in thick English ac- chases the distraught Ste down to the apart- SERVICE TO THE cents by an ensemble of excellent actors. ment complex courtyard. He catches up to COMMUNITY But scenes like the peppermint scene en- him; the neighbors rush to the balcony over- YOUR sure that they will have no trouble grasping looking the late afternoon scene. They can't the tenderness, sensuality, and redemption hear the lovers' dialogue (though, of course, GPU HOTLINE captured by this charming story of two boys we can), but they watch as the two boys fi- FAVORITE who start out as neighbors and end up as nally hold each other and start dancing to- clumsy, but ultimately inspiring lovers. gether to one of "The Mamas and the Papas" GPU LIBRARY & GAY CHARITY Beautiful Thing is a charming, if some- greatest hits, "Dream a Little Dream With ARCHIVES what unremarkable film. The movie actually Me." plays as somewhat formulaic. But is there Dreamy. really a "formula" for Gay movies already? Race, gender, sexual orientation and class SPONSOR - QUEER TV Maybe so. all spin to the free love music in the urban Could it be that Gay-themed movies are sun. The mother looks over at her beloved actually common enough now (at least to Gay son. He's becoming a man and he holds the Donations are Tax audiences), that we have created our own man he loves in his arms. Deductible genre? It's a beautiful thing. GPU G/L Community Center Trust Fund AlisonBechdel P.O. Box 1686 ToWatch Out for by P.O. Box 208 Milwaukee, WI 53201

WE WERE LTUERS OUR LAST HI, WE. 1 HAFIA EAT I 00/S Milwaukee, WI 53201 INFO LINE: 414-643-1652 SEAV.STER AT SANTA GNI:THEN AND RUN. GoT AN IMFDR- Go -To WK. I GRAD TONIGHT-. THAT APPOINT- v.4.4E.N SYCNEv v/E.FTTry TANI LttruRF HAD Building Fund Endowment Fund The SCHOOL, I FouoWED HER EAST. HOW wA5 -MCCOY SHoP NEWT ArThE CL, THIS AD DONATED GOD, WE isED THE NASTIEST N , REA** - By LITTLE APARTMENT... BER BOOT CAMP SALOON Trouble ‘ 1. With Sydney Give to YOUR ©I9% By Aosow BEcaiDiS Lesbian & Gay

NO, IN SERIOUS. MIT MULTIPLE .SCLERoCiS WELL, NO... Nor Sfif IS FoR REAL. I vE BEEN ISNT THAT SOME KIND NECESSARILY. DINI COME Community SU5PIcLoU5 rot A WHILE, CC DEGENERATIVE 111Ey GAVE AC HorlETNAT BUT I GENT .4eoiriv 71104G LIKE .#4cp‘ A BUNCH OF NIGHT. TELLYDVT,t1 I KNEW Mu" Egt. UP PARALYZ0 INFORM1'I 01,1 • FoR SURE . IN A WHEELCHAIR? 1-1; A • 4 1 '1 r lf " A v

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YEAH. NOT EXACTLY YEAH, WELL. LooK,TH is JUST 150T WHAT AN SLIPPoIRTNE BuT GI4EN SEE V.F..RKWG. 'Acc, DON'T ASSHOLE! WE SE ALL Dog( AWFut. FINALLY CHALLINGE ME Fitall THINGS...SHE GAL >WNW SHOWED I'M MOSI.I6 OUT IF WAS A SHOCK! UE OFFICE

Cream City Foundation Box 204 Milwaukee, WI 53201 265-0880 TURN) oUr 111E), 'P AND 14 HERE IS My DILIGENT 014, wcul I BEING CO4TAWIty 511RRalNDED RpAval EVEN 111FORIT/NG SuN LEar -f3A1.1! STAFF. liOPELESI !...ARKAFlotACS, AM TRIPPINE, By 6°0E5 / eRwEIAG IDEAS, mE, WIS. NE TbGerwER .9,./CE AS )ttl CAN SEE. EVERY° NE, OUT THAT I EIDEMS, A,DMAMIISICE-5-rol1C WIN SHipkv My FIRST S;-•A4R- - MEET DER NEW INTOW, ANJA I ACTUALLY GET 14IRLDPOJ(AN)1:1)51AND if?, JUS-rcoc 4.1. Keeping the Spirit of Community Alive 1D/AS SHov.IED tJP - ,. TO Wm( HERE! ( : . ., lipp. r 4 ::..,,, .- 7,-- =-Th, 0 . --,,rmla I, c. ,,, II Throughout the Year ..... c., g 4)c' 11 ,_------.v _,- -'•-7, , . . • 10,14- -''' P :R1. -1 - ere SHE JUST , ---2.91,- i - IS , '0) ' AmpippiED)6(1?5/ARED i)c Z=- - . -:...... •s. .. 1, ..1b q4/ 1 ME, SICK 4.1 A STRAP i City?! CAN'T c.9 oir Iff 4 .:o l . , - I AKA SW Willi THIS WON, AW! y, _.....,- ( :..,4 ,14 :.... s .,-____ ._ HOW.

The Wisconsin Community Fund (WCF) is the leading fund Turn your LIFE INSURANCE into CASH,1\01/11 for social change and justice in our state. For 15 years we have supported organizations fighting for Your NEEDS must be met NOW. CASH\01/ the rights of Gays and Lesbians, African Americans, the Your DREAMS must be fulfilled NOW. disabled, the homeless, and many others. Your contribution to us this season will HIV-Challenged CA9.1101/ help all of these communities. Call for FREE Brochure and Video CASH,\OW Come join us December 27 at First Unitarian Church when we celebrate the African holidays of Kwanzaa with a special 800.650-3333 festival of socially-conscious films. CASHNOW A Kwanzaa Brunch and Educational Program will follow on December 29. We cane 7fe 16tdeutadat CASHNOW. For more information call John Adekoje at (414) 449-0608, or write to: Viatical Settlements, Inc. CASHNOW WCF Milwaukee Office 3617 North 48th Street Founding Member FP Member NAPWA Milwaukee, WI 53216 December 19, 1996-January 1, 1997-WISCONSIN LIGHT-25

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Nabozny left the high school in his junior About the only option, Kelly said in a Superior, WI—In an update to previous adults have come to him with their own year and earned an equivalency diploma in telephone interview, would be for Nabozny stories, Jamie Nabozny, 21, who won a high school horror stories, he said. spring of 1994. to return and complete the class work. $900,000 settlement from the Ashland, "This wasn't just something that hap- He won the settlement November 20, Nabozny said Lambda Legal Defense and Wisconsin school district after suffering pened to me because I was in Ashland, 1996, over what he contended were years of Education Fund, organization that supported years of Gay bashing, still dreams of gradu- Wisconsin," he said. harassment from other students while he him through his lawsuit, may stage an un- ating from Ashland High School. Nabozny said not everyone who has con- attended middle school and high school in official spring graduation ceremony in But a top administrator of the school dis- tacted him is Gay. Some are shy, had weight Ashland. He accused school officials of Ashland for him and other Gay and Lesbian trict said it won't happen unless Nabozny problems or other differences that made failing to stop the Gay bashing. students from Wisconsin who dropped out returns and finishes class work first. them targets. The settlement came hours after a federal school because of harassment. "For whatever reason, they don't fit in, court jury found that three school adminis- The ceremony would not be at the same they're different," Nabozny said. trators violated his rights, although it found time as any high school graduation this Nabozny, who is preparing for college, the district as a whole was not guilty of dis- spring, Nabozny said. GORY OZGY said he also found support during the court crimination. "I don't want to take away from any of the case. The school district has denied Nabozny's other kids," he said. 24-Hr. Relief Town police officers and even those who request for either a diploma or a ceremony. The harassment started when he entered once harassed him, and the parents of his Stephen Kelly, Ashland district adminis- Ashland Middle School in 1988 until he attackers, came forward in court to verify trator, said Nabozny did not meet the re- dropped out of Ashland High School in what happened, he said. quirements for necessary class hours to re- 1993. 1-900-745-2398 "There's been a tremendous amount of ceive a diploma and the school has no plans After filing his lawsuit, Nabozny said he support from people in town," he said. "I to issue one. discovered that he wasn't alone in facing 1-800-721-8664 haven't had one negative response whatso- "We treat everybody the same and if you harassment at school. He said he has re- ever," don't attend the school, you don't get a di- ceived hundreds of letters, and e-mail con- ploma," Kelly said. $2-4/Min. 18+ Nabozny spoke recently at Boston's Am- tacts from around the world. Kids and herst College. He said he is glad others 404411 MAN The Original USA Gay Party Line 1-0N-1 WITH KINKY LEATHER STUDS 1-268-404E546 HOT-AS-HELL ROUGH GROUP SEX GROUP ACTION, BACKROOMS ONE-ON-ONE, LOCAL DATING IsMs1/4$1.0t$ LIVE! MC/VISA OR AMEX: 1-800-575-4088 24 Hours KINKY SLAVEBOYS: 1-900-745-3459 18 + Yrs • S2 00-3 09111m HOT COUPLES: 1-9 745-3120

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We are afraid of the most doing better." —all con- immense grief and disaster, one cation and information systems—no en stellated because it is a mysterious and fatal illness almost unimaginable in mean- to conceive and take deavor appears to have been overlooked. ingful human experiences. As these vital and we are afraid of contracting it. Being hold of fully. In this article, I will attempt to At this particular placing in time and his- groupings become sundered by AIDS, how terrified, we would rather not get involved. explore AIDS in an enlarged sense and fur- tory, we are led to believe that we have ef- can any individual suppose that So we shun people with AIDS, marginalize ther uncover he/she some new (or perhaps over- fected exceptional accomplishments in every could maneuver around the disease? and condemn and isolate them—people looked) meanings for us to consider. department of our lives (hygiene included!). AIDS is a pandemic that transcends with AIDS. And not "those AIDS people." As I contemplate this "—AIDS And we are mostly highly gratified as we communities, cultures, race, nations, conti- An Added Cross disease, struggling for freely express, in self-laudatory terms, our nents. Within People with AIDS have an added cross to belongs to these patterns, we face pa- sense, sanity and reason, accomplishments. As we have advanced so ralysis in our attempts to formulate the "me" bear: they are ill, with no hope of an even- I each and recognize foremost that impressively in all departments of endeavor, vs "not me" terms that, in so many areas we tual cure and live in rejection. For myself, I every hu- AIDS belongs to each have we still overlooked anything? facilely implement to demarcate our lives have been abandoned and rejected by my man being, and every human being, Amongst all of our grand and glorious and to ensure safe and sacrosanct identities own family and even friends of long stand- no exceptions anywhere, no excep- achievements, have we somehow fashioned for ourselves. ing. I experience isolation that grips me in any time—no mitigating for ourselves tions, any- a zone of deficit? I aver that AIDS is a Message an every tightening ring. I am deeply con- circumstances, either. we have indeed, and that the appearance of To restate: We all suffer from AIDS. And cerned that others are not and will not be where, any Here, the whole human AIDS specifically and compellingly directs this brings me to the next point. AIDS is forced to withstand this same heartbreaking time." race stands, pivoted at the our attention to that deficit. I propose that more than a virus. AIDS is more than a dis- experience. end and beginning of a we have failed to substantively advance our ease. AIDS is also a message. It is a relent- It is now wonder that AIDS sufferers need essential core humanity. less message, like a pit bull that refuses to a strong platform of support. What then, can CLASSIFIEDS I am addressing caring, compassion, giv- release its bite. we do to correct this drastic wrong; to ap- ing comfort and holding the strings of un- Deep within, I know that we are being proach AIDS for what it is, a very serious derstanding as foundation elements of our urged to evolve as humans beyond the level disease that requires compassionate care? lar eft humanity. of "averages." I am over and over moved Once we have understood the facts about Accomodations And I am further addressing the need of and overwhelmed by the steady dignity and AIDS, then we need to understand the peo- these elements to be fecundated by real in- courage maintained by AIDS patients and ple with AIDS, change our responses and volvement and participation. This means the their caregivers throughout welcome them into our hearts and lives. Inn at Pine Ridge a process of —B&B esp for womyn. Hot tub, taking hold of a disease which we all share cruel physical, emotional and mental disin- This requires an opening of our hearts to sauna, veg brim& Hike, x-ski, rest Near Eau Claire. in and suffer from. I am herewith stating, tegration—and all the while, being helpless caring, love, compassion, community—in By res. (715) 984-2272. flatly, that we ALL are AIDS sufferers, and onlookers to the events occurring to and deeds of involvement and participation, not Chanticleer Guest House—located on 30 privatt in many cases, this includes those still un- within them. as a mere sentimental nod. acres in picturesque Door County, Wt. Suites int born. Not in more than a century's time All too frequently, this process is com- There is another reason for fitting our- dude: double whirlpool, fireplace:, private bath, ent have we had a phenomenal appearance of pounded by poverty, isolation and aban- selves to accompany these people that is tertainment center, breakfast to room. For reservat disease, suffering and death with the power donment by family and friends. Such are the we may share in their special gifts and tion or color brochure, call Bryon and Darrin at to encompass every corner and outreach of circumstances we assign to our heroes. Per- strength. As we involve with these people, (414) 746-0111 the globe. sons with AIDS are heroes in our midst. we are sharing not just in their pain, but in a What Is AIDS Attempting Are we paying attention to them? For, if not, treasure which is rightly theirs. To Teach Us? we are missing the message. I would like to point out that there is no BOCK' buffo\ ement One of the things AIDS is attempting to We cannot afford to miss the message. such thing as a typical AIDS patient. They teach us is that it is unequivocally and These days, as I, myself, move into the dis- are individuals, each with a richly woven Penis and Nipple Enlargement graphically forcing us to realize our very ease process, I am reminded of my life part- tapestry of life narrative. They are posi- real interconnectedness, one Custom vacuum pumps or surgical. Gain 1-3 to another, one ner and also my closest friend of 25 years tioned squarely face-to-face with death. `o the whole of us, the whole of us to one. inches. Permanent, safe. Enhance erection. For FREE standing. Both have preceded me in the dis- "Why me?" is the most frequently asked At a very immediate level, we brodnues: Dr. Joel }Caplan, (312) 409-1950. Latest recognize ease process. Both are dead. question. This question is one which is re- that, in this pandemic, we are either enliugemait info. 1-900-976-PUMP ($2.95/m) affected I am deeply grateful to both of them for served for those going through the process. or infected. That allows for no measurable their request to me for care and companion- It is patently shameful that there are people or discernible dividing line between us. ship through their difficult days of living who detachedly consider and claim that they At other levels, also not removed, AIDS and dying. I am, moreover, deeply grateful hold in hand the key of insight to this exis- 11111=11111111 reveals the very manifold and intricate inter- for their showing me how it is done. I am tential question. actions and exchanges that take place be- now impelled to live and, most likely, die of Apathy Towards People with AIDS HIV/AIDS Prevention Educator tween and among us, many on very intimate AIDS. From the very depths of my being I About four or five years ago, I began to The Northwest Wisconsin AIDS Project, AIDS terms. In no similar manner do we stand in thank both Charlie and Mike. They were my notice a trend occurring, a drifting away Resource Center of Wisconsin, is seeking an the same relationship to our pet dogs, cats, teachers and healers alike. from compassion and concern toward AIDS HIV/AIDS Prevention Educator to work within cage birds, or to a garden toad, for that AIDS as Challenge and Opportunity and AIDS sufferers. I have observed it in NOWAP's thirteen county service region of northwest matter. Thus far, I have presented AIDS as a dis- statement such as: "These AIDS people Wisconsin. Position is responsible for working with: We are, as human beings, expressing as ease and as a message. More importantly, I need to take personal responsibility for their youth at risk of HIV infection; incarcerated youth; an organic body, giving and getting some- am proposing that AIDS is a challenge and disease3," or "What did he expect, being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender youth and thing from each other. Here I am contem- opportunity for each and every one alive. such a whore, " or "He/She brought it on adults; incarcerated adults and correctional facility plating more than the exchanging of a virus, The following scenario comprises a him/herself and has no one else to blame." staff, and Native American Communities. Qualifica- a disease pathogen. Through and by way of commo9nly held misperception and mis- Also disturbing is the mounting trend of tions include: B.S. in Social Work or health-related our vast and intricate web of exchanges and conception about AIDS: trivializing and minimizing the disease. field; knowledge of computers and database systems interactions, we are imparting and receiving Cancer patients, Alzheimer's sufferers, Probably most alarming have been expres- and excellent written/oral communication skills. Reli- loss, suffering, despair—all neatly knitted heart disease patients, people with multiple sions of romanticizing death and dying. able transportation is a must. into a network of death and dying. sclerosis and diabetics, have an easy time To my sensibilities, none of the above ab- Send letter of introduction and resume by Friday, compared to those with AIDS. Society does stractions contribute to either compassionate January 17, 1997 to: not feel the same about AIDS as it does or realistic responses to AIDS. I have been Northwest Wisconsin AIDS Project, ATTN.: about other diseases. reprimanded by friends for grieving the loss Director, P.O. Box 11, Eau Claire, WI 54702- Cancer is, in a sense, an okay disease. of loved ones with the reminder of an im- 0011. Movin,2, Services True, we are somewhat embarrassed by perative to "heal" instead. NOWAP is an equal opportunity employer. people's misfortune and seek to spend our Should we ever "shut up shop" on an- Moving leisure time with the fit and healthy "like other's grief and pain? FOR SALE Moving? One item or everything, careful, experienced. ourselves." But AIDS—AIDS is so very One acquaintance stated to me after the insured. Call (414) 479-0595 or 230-9916. different! loss of my friend, Mike, that "He has be- Want to sell two beds. One waterbed, excellent con- Nice people don't get AIDS (Let's forget come so spiritual that nothing bothers him." dition, king-size, mahogany frame, large canopy, mir- Organizations hemophiliacs and intrauterine infections). He reiterated the same statement a little over rors. $500 or will consider best offer. Also, king-size But everyone knows you get AIDS by hav- a year later upon recognizing my continuing futon sofa bed, excellent condition. $500. Call (414) ing the wrong sort of sex, or sex with the grief. 744-0887. GALANO CLUB. A social club serving the wrong sort of people. I ask: And this is being spiritual??? I un- Vett recovering Gay and Lesbian community. The other way you get it is from needles, derstand the highest spiritual expression to Housinu/Rent Regularly scheduled AA, NA, Al-Anon, ACOA dirty needles, shared by dirty and already be the unfolding of compassion. Compas- and other 12-step meetings. Open nightly. 2408 sion, among other N. Farwell Avenue, (414) 276- 6936. invisible people. "AIDS people" are simply things, I propose is a ten- not respectable. Of course, saying that in 172 W. Wilber Ave. (37008), Milwaukee 53207. 3 Please See AIDS, Page 28 bdmi, 'A bath, all appL C.A. 1500 sq. ft, in impecca- ble condition. Country setting in the city. Flexible 11111111=11111111111 owner needs a tenant after the 1" of the year. $900 month. (414) 281-8873. GWM, 36, 5'10", 190 lb., br hair/eyes. Looking for friendship/relationship. I'm handicapped/w speech Madison Police Department impediment Am mobile. Will relocate. Am social Sleeping Room for Rent drinker and smoker. Call Mark at (414) 253-0921. c 231 South 2nd Street (Above C'est La Vie) WANTED New Paint & Carpets * Very Clean Public Notices The Madison Police Department is seeking mature-minded men and women who possess Call (414) 291-9600 integrity, and self-confidence. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as a Wisconsin Light seeking writers to cover local news desire to work with the community are essential. We are currently accepting applications for in Madison, the Fox Valley and Northern Wisconsin. Police Officer, with an expected hire date in the Summer of 1997. No prior law enforcement CLASSIFIEDS Call Jerry or Terri (414) 372-2772. experience or training is required! Successful past applicants have typically had significant - - educational and/or life experience. Many have previously worked in teaching, social work, a CLASSIFIED ORDERS: Completely fill out this form and mail to WISCONSIN LIGHT, 1843 N. business, or a variety of other professions. Palmer, Milwaukee, WI 53212. RATES ARE $2 for each line. Each line can contain up to 42 characters, (including spaces). Indicate if you would like a BOLD HEADLINE of up to three words above your ad for an additional $2.50. Also REWARD indicate classification under which your ad is to be run. A career with the Madison Police Department is both challenging and rewarding. We are an DEADLINE for placing a classified ad in WISCONSIN LIGHT is noon Wednesday prior to innovative organization, proud of our diversity and that of the community we serve. publication. If you mail your ad we must receive it on or before Wednesday. NO CREDIT or BILLING SERVICES are offered, and we DO NOT accept any classifieds on the phone for placements or Annual Salary: $28,787 increases to $32,009 after six months with an excellent benefit renewals. package. (Salary figures as of January, 1995).

NAME ADDRESS PHONE Educational Incentive: Base of $41,059 after 42 months with undergraduate degree. To Madison Police Department CITY STATE ZIP CODE Apply: PLEASE CHECK THE ISSUE[S] IN WIIICLI YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR AD TO APPEAR. 211 S. Carroll Street, Madison, WI 53703 Or Call: (608) 266-4379 or (608) 266-4022 JAN. 2_ JAN. 16 JAN. 30 FEB. 13 FEB. 27 MAR. 13 MAR. 27 An Equal Opportunity Employer December 19, 1996—January 1, 1997—WISCONSIN LIGHT-28 Oft cess in many other campaigns as well. LCR-WI has found time and again that demonstrating our loyalty to the Republican Party has, at the very least, gained us access to GOP elected officials, and often encour- ages them to take more supportive positions or to take leadership roles on our issues. This is merely a fringe benefit, however. The vast majority of LCR members are loyal Republicans (including most of those who opposed endorsing Dole). We truly believe that the government that governs best is the government that governs least. We strongly support reducing the size of government and reducing taxes and get- ting government out of our lives. Unfortunately, however, some in the Re- publican Party do not immediately recognize this. They believe the lies spread by the Fundamentalist Christians who claim that we are a Democrat front group bent on making the Republican Party more liberal. The rational Republicans are soon disa- vowed of this notion when they see the work of LCR. Thus, our ability to get into the arena has had a far greater impact than merely screaming outside of the door of the arena, and I hope that LCR will continue to follow this course of action. Rising from the ashes The "new" Hotel Washington will have the same look and feel of the old one as this architectural drawing shows. The new building will be larger, have an additional story and take up the space currently being used by a gas station to the East. For details on the new hotel see our story on page 5. AIDS of the Hotel Washington fire. Our congratulations to the Scheels for Ground breaking for the new structure will be held on February 18, the first anniversary Continued from page 27 winning their hard fought effort to rebuild what many consider to be the most endearing landmark in Gay Wisconsin. Republicans. der pain, long with a willingness to assume None of this would have been possible, another's suffering as ones own. The pain after all, if LCR had not endorsed Dole's we permit is what deepens the cup. Spiritu- campaign. Why would Dole have allowed ality, it seems to me, is something other his senior policy adviser to meet with LCR than modest personal improvements accom- Dole Endorsement officials if LCR had refused to endorse panied by enhanced self-comfortability. All Dole? He would have assumed nothing this, moreover, upheld by certain savants in Commentary by James McFarland fore the election) was the real impact the reference to a vague, self-selected higher LCR endorsement had on the Dole cam- could be gained by this, as LCR members As has been reported previously in this would have demonstrated that they could power of some sort. newspaper, the endorsement of Bob Dole by paign. The great teachers of humanity have all While the impact LCR had on Dole and not be loyal Republicans. the Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) was by By demonstrating that we are loyal Re- stated that before one can come into the no means unanimous. Some members both his campaign is meaningless now that light, the heart must be thoroughly broken Dole's political career is over, it is a symbol publicans, LCR gained the trust of the Dole nationally and within the Wisconsin chapter campaign and gave Dole a reason to reach open again and again. We must recognize did not feel that Bob Dole's record on Les- of what LCR can achieve by choosing to that our challenge is our opportunity. If we work within the Republican Party instead of out further with his supportive positions. bian/Gay issues was supportive enough to Some critics of LCR have labeled us "Uncle take hold of AIDS as our disease and carry warrant an endorsement. simply protesting from the outside. out a healing work by involvement and par- When the LCR national convention de- Toms" for following this course of action. In addition, LCR has taken much criti- (Frankly, I wonder if these people have ticipation, we will elevate our human status cism from outside of the organization for bated the issue of endorsing Dole, many of a full octave or two at the least. the proponents of endorsement cited the im: even read the book Uncle Tom's Cabin deciding to endorse Dole. since if they had, they would never use that We are being offered the chance of being What most people have missed, however, portance of, as LCR Executive Director better people by being people doing better. Rich Tafel puts it, remaining in the arena. term in a derogatory fashion, and I consider (mostly because the news broke too late for it a compliment to be called an "Uncle If we fail to take hold of this crisis, we, as the Gay media in Wisconsin to carry it he- Only then would LCR have an impact on humanity, will be the car in the ditch. the Dole campaign in the months ahead. Tom"--but I digress.) While this course of action may not be Editor's Note: The above article first ap- Of course, there were other reasons for peared in Client News, a publication of the As it Faces Religious endorsing Dole. When, contrary to what suitable for some, here we have concrete evidence of the results it can achieve. AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin and is has been stated in this newspaper in a prior used with the permission of the author. Hatred, PFLAG issue, Bob Dole's campaign publicly re- And this course of action has found suc- quested LCR's endorsement at the begin Holds its First ning of the Republican National Convention (which was reported by much of the main- The United Presents... Holiday Party stream media), an historic occasion took a place. Commentary by Ted Berg Never before had a Republican candidate Madison's Milwaukee—The Religious Right cele- for President asked for LCR's endorsement, brates the birth of the Prince of Peace with much less that of any other Gay group. shouts of hatred for Gays. After receiving this request -for our en- Meanwhile, in a Milwaukee Gay bar, a dorsement, and after seeing an incredibly mother says, "When someone says some- inclusive convention which was completely thing against Gay people, I tell them my son free of Gay-bashing, many LCR members Only Gay, is Gay and he is the nicest person you could felt that a refusal to endorse Dole would se- ever want to meet." verely set back LCR. What kind of message While blue-faced preachers yell warnings would that have sent to future Presidential of "Gay agendas," two people plan a Gay candidates? "It agenda that consists of visiting all their Future candidates might feel there would Lesbian, friends' Gay children when they visit San be no reason to stop Gay-bashing at future Francisco. conventions since LCR would refuse to en- The Religious Right says that Gay people dorse the candidate anyhow. will destroy America if they get what they Some in LCR did not feel that this was call "special ri ght[." enough and wanted clearer statements from In the meantime, a group Bisexual of people in Dole. on Lesbian/Gay issues. The majority, Milwaukee gather to celebrate diversity. however, disagreed, and chose to work On December l 5th, PFLAG (Parents and within the Dole campaign to cause him to Friends of Lesbians and Gays), held its enunciate his position on Lesbian/Gay is- holiday party at Mama Roux's. The group sues in a positive fashion. of approximately 40 people enjoyed the mu- New Year's The result was an incredibly important sic of Lu Shanti and Steve Polifka. meeting between Rich Tafel, Bob Kabel (the Like most people of our community, I had President of the LCR Board of Directors), heard of PFLAG. They were the ones at the and Sheila Burke, one of Dole's top policy Italian restaurant at PrideFest. They've advisors. Burke told Tafel and Kabel that marched with us in the Parade. At the party, December 996 Dole would retain a Clinton administration 31, Eve Party I saw people who cared about me, a Gay policy banning 9:00 pm. - 3: 0 am. man. discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation against civilian em- Madison Some were outgoing, some weren't. Some ivic ployees of the Federal Government. V laughed, others were serious. In 1973, when Cen er Burke also reiterated Dole's support for I came out, there were (and, sad to say, are), full funding for important AIDS programs horror stories of family rejection and of peo- such as the Ryan White Care Act and ple denying their children because they were funding to ensure patient access to break- Gay. What I experienced at PFLAG's party Pink Party Tickets may be purchased at through AIDS drugs such as the new prote- Package made me feel very special. With people like ase inhibitors. 9:00 pm. - 3:30 am. these outlets: these, the horror stories are fewer. With Not only was Dole willing to inform LCR Hors d'oeuvres and jazz in the Starlight their love, the healing of the wounds caused A Room of One's Own of his position on these issues, but he was Room, and late night dance party In the by the horror stories can happen. willing to make these positions public, Spotlight Room. Afterwords Bookstore (Milw.) PFLAG has no bull horns to trumpet as the Dole campaign approved an LCR Admission $30, or Two for $50. AIDS Support Network (MASN) themselves, but they heal our community press release concerning the historic meeting Reservations Required - Art House Cafe - Border's with accepting love, one son, one daughter Reply by December (unfortunately, the press release missed the 26, 1996. Column One (State St.) at a time. One member of PFLAG told me deadlines of publications in Wisconsin, but how she and her whole family, including an Community Pharmacy - Greenbush Dar it was carried by The Washington Blade). infant in a stroller, had marched with Dance Party Home Environment her The importance of this goes Gay son. beyond the 10:30 pm. - 3:30 am. Mother Fool's Coffee House Dole campaign. Frankly, Dole's positions Another member of PFLAG, said she Dancing In the Spotlight Room with dj Orange Tree Imports - Out To Lunch on these issues constitute the standard loved her Gay son, but wouldn't see equality Tony Rltschard and jazz in the Starlight against which all future Republican Presi- in her lifetime. Her remark made me more Room. ... or contact The United to dential candidates will be judged. charge by phone determined than ever to press on with the Admission $10. Moreover, it sets a standard for all Re- cause. (608) 255-8582 publican candidates considering their posi- This was PFLAG's first holiday party, and Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight! tions on non-discrimination issues and the first time for many of the members in a AIDS funding: if it was good enough for JO. Gay bar. Their experience, all agreed, was Proceeds to benefit The United — Pane County's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Social Service Agency conservatives like Bob Dole and Jack positive, as was mine with them. 14 West Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703 Kemp, then it must be good enough for all

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