New York's oldest gay newspaper Issue No. 88 November 1978 mm^ This issue of the Empty Closet is exactly one half the size ojf our usual montMy publication. Disappointed? We NGTF's Voeller resigns are too. For the first time in the hist«y of the After five years of distinguished ser doct(n«te in developmental and evolution further meetings with high officials of the paper, there will be no pcrfitical survey of vice. Dr. Bruce Voeller has announced that ary biology from Rockefeller in 1961. He Administration. the candidates for election tiiis year. There he will resign as co-executive director of was associate professor at Rockefeller Ms. O'Leary, commenting on Voeller's were two film reviews assigned, neither of the National Gay Task Force effective when he joined the Gay Activists Alliance, resignation, said: "It will be very difficult which were written. There were, in fact, a January 1. eventually becoming its president. He, to replace Bruce Voeller. He has been an number of articles that were assigned and In announcing his decision to leave this along with Dr. Howard Brown and others, inspiration and a source of enormous that we never saw. post, Voeller explained that his experience founded the National Gay Task Force in creativity to this organization. I have never 1973, wheti he became its first executive enjoyed working with anyone more than It*s nearly impossible for us to put time at NGTF had been enormously exciting and director. with Bruce, and I am especially apprecia and energy into the production of a fulfilling, but that he now felt it was time to tive of his commitment -to feminism. 1 will monthly paper when we feel as though the **rest, write* and get on with my personal Since that time he has seen the miss him very much as my other half in this lesbian/gay community is unwilling to life.'* Dr. Voeller stressed that he planned organization grow firom an annual budget team. I am thankful that his advice and make even the smallest effort to help us. to remain active in the gay movement, of S70,000 to $300,000, a record of growth continuing speaking engagements around matched by few civil rights organizations. counsel will remain with us in the coming We understand that it is difficult to take the country. He will be available for special Membership is now approaching 10,000 years." Ms. O'Leary, who will remain in time out of a busy schedule or even out of a projects and counsel to the board and staff and the organization has a solid footing. her post as co-executive director, will be fairly sedate one. But in order for the of NGTF. involved in the search for a replacement for Empty Closet to grow and to be a periodical As executive director, Dr. Voeller was Woeller has become one ofthe nation's instrumental in the effort to persuade the Dr." Voeller, together with the NGTF board that we all look forward to seeing, everyone of directors. is going to have to give up a littie of that most prominent spokespeople fm> gay civil American Psychiatric Association to re precious time and make it the paper that rights since 1971, when he exchanged a move homosexuality from the mental Speaking for the NGTF board, co-chair serves the lesbian and gay community. career as associate professor of biology at disorder list in December 1973. He was persons Kay Whitiock and Charles Brydon the Rockefeller University in New York in primarily responsible for arranging fbr said, "We wish to express our profound We're sorry. And we hope that you arc order to devote full time to the gay introduction of the federal gay rights bill gratitude and love to Dr. Vo^er for the too, sorry enough to caH or wche and find movement. into Congress in 1974 and lobbied inten devotion and leadership he has given to out what yoa can do to make sure that sively for the legislation. Profoundly NGTF and the gay movement. We know future issues carry the news that you want VoeUer grew up in the small community affected by the women's movement, that Bruce's service is much more than a to see. oi Roseburg, Oregon. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Reed College, he earned his Voeller advocated and helped to implement summation of NGTF accmnplishments— a co-equal role for women at NGTF. In tiK3>se of us who have wofked oolsely with 1976, he became co-executive director of him appreciate the countiess tiioosands of NGTF along with Jean O'Leary, with whom hours he devoted behind-the-scenes, his he participated in a great many important thorough attention to detail. There is no projects. adequate way to express our respect for his Gay police to be hired On March 26, 1977 VoeUer and O'Uary wcM'k and our appreciation, both personal led the first delegation of gay leaders to the and organizational, fbr what he has given BOSTON—Openly gay police officers "But it is a myth that gays will receive a White House for discussions of the gay us. We wish him our very best, and we are will become a reality in two major U.S. terribly hostile reception," she said. "The rights issue with Presidential Assistant confident that he will continue to enjoy cities shortiy, if recent executive orders are needs of the city are that we need good Margaret Costanza, an hist
ii page 2/THE EMPTY CLOSET/November 1978 November 1978/THE BhSFTY CLOSBT/£ £ THE EMPTY CLOSET COLLECTIVE THINKING
Briggs Initiative in California. We will tions with gay periodicals. We have a great the Rochester Safe Energy Alliance fbr his continue to educate women to the issues respect fot the Native American struggle to MHherever political work is being done, differences and help each other grow. Each opposition to the construction of new They did involving lesbian rights, gay rights and survive and fbr th^ teachings about how I've usually seen people locked within indi^dual has a reaponsibility to deal with IFfTERS nuclear energy power plants in New York women's rights. people can live in harmony with the earth, We can walls ofthe role to play, the rules to follow, these differences instead of running away stete. Incidentally, I personally was very but we have nothing but contempt fbr to the and the "politically correct beliefs to hold. and discounting half the population. The Lastiy, the race for the D.A. seems in grateful to all of the women and men who patriarchs of any culture who wish to keep While politics are important, I think the day we start caring about our brothers and cover Briccs my opinion to rest on incumbent Larry worked so hard to make the Rally as great a women in traditional oppressive nrfes and foundation it is built on is usually more sisters will; also be the day we start caring Kurlander's record. He is on the board of be together Dear Editor, success as it was. who contribute to anti-gay oppression. important than all the nuts and bolts of the about ourselves. Sisters will stop oppress Second Malher Earth News has repeat the Crime Victims' Community Board, By Susan CoweO design. The Rally for Rights was a success ing other women by the institutionalized In the past four years the New supports liason work with the Rape Crisis Wamca^s Ttaaas has given serious and IN SISTERHOOD* edly refused to accept advertising for RFD, because we found the way for women and use of what "feminist" behavior and a gay male Country journal,
NOW SERVING DINNER FROM 6 UNTIL IO. \ called: ThisWnS(W\fyA f^^yfjira Gtaa^Thm^h Cisfp'^) Europcao-stylcd oAdvertizers! designer clothing Tti^ and ever/thin^eise -tixat >fou want. -Uus Cnrtettnas at: fbr men They support PauJc at Oxford, 244-4884 OpenTdayoAWOeK lo-io Mon-Fri 10-9, Sat 10-6 The Empty Qoset i •^^~"'^-'^^J^:^-iSl^^^ -:•: *,*ttfe^^r.v->^.~. ~.',.H9etMJtst6mise^ .•••«-,-.'^—-..tA^'>'->-S''\,,J)"H>.j,^- fage4/THE EMPTY CLOSET/November 1978 November 1978/THE EMPTY CLOSET/PtecS Review Say it loud...MatloYich is gay & proud By GEORGE MOHR to hear about our experiences as gay long ago been spent. Merle Miller will the public." people. One of the men present is in the start to write a book about him some time Matiovich recentiy moved from Wash- Pacing. "I am so nervous." More process of coming out to his family. in the next few monts. Although the iti^toA* D-C. to San Francisco because pacing. This is Leonard Matiovich before Leonard listens, asks questions and gives publisher is paying $130,000 for the book, "San Francisco has a healthier gay By DEBBIE MESSMER women? Do we continue with our passive honest with her can be frightening. Why? accept trust, we will remain in our he addresses the twelve hundred people counsel. He is concerned about his gay Matlovich estimates that his share will be enviroment." With 60,000 gay people role, or do we begin to relate to each other Fear of commitment, fear of acceptance, individual and protective cocoons. We can assembled for RGTF's Rally for Rights on brother and the quality of this man's life. It around $12,000. living in the area "there is a gay ethnic We can all remember the jokes and on more equal terms as women? fear of rejection. stay isolated and protected in that daric, September 23. Once at the podium, this is difficult to keep to the objective of the Recentiy, Lenny's expenses for his culture developing." Many formeriy run taunts that were used as put-downs^ in Women are taught to send out signals Consider how many times you've warm space alone. This will limit our nervous energy is transformed into words meeting because Lenny becomes an instant court battle to regain^ his military status, down sections of the city are being restored high school if two girls were colse friends and then wait for others to respond to walked into the bar only to see 50 or mcn'e influence, our loving, our caring, but it that are as piercing ans as precise as friend, interested in you and your life. has increased. "The ACLU dropped the by the gay community, with increasing or defended each other against harrass them. We are taught not to act on our women all standing around and say does keep us from getting hurt. Eventual gunfire. In listening, it almost seems as "We are a moral and virtuous people. case because another negative ruling by housing costs resulting. For this reason, ment—"Lesbefrlends, hohohol" Those feelings, not to express our wants and "Hello". How many times have you stood ly, we must come out of that safe space and though you are receiving orders from a drill We must flaunt our virtues. That is wat the Supreme Court would hurt the gay "anti gay feelings are devdoping" espe taunts were pretty frightening to those of needs in and from a reli^onship. If we in the bar wishing you could get up the relate to others. Because if we don't we sergeant. This is the only vestige left after they are afraid of. It's not true that gay movement." He now has ah attorney who cially among other minorities as they are us who knew that we loved other women. cannot honestiy express ourselves, how nerve to go over to^ woman and introduce can't experience what other women have to twelve years of military service. His time people are promiscuous" because a one has donated his time but Matiovich is too poor to afford h November 197S>THE EMPIY CLOSHT/PBge 7 P^Ke 6nrH£ EMPTY CLOSET/November 1978 SstchMSterectivist IBHILILIB^IIll IB^D^IBH) Scahill talces post in Denver In August of this year Integrity, a Integrity will hold its nationai conven open to dialogue. Rochester become the daaaiflad Ada for our ''Bulletin fl[oard" For the first time in Rochester—the national Episcopal gay organization, held tion at the same time in Denver and will tie home of the first combined chapter of cost $3.00 for 25 words or less, and .10 for ROCHESTER WOMEN'S COMMUNITY its fourth national convention in Minnea in directiy to the issues at stake at that Dignity/Integrity. Scahill ran the'group for each additional word. Payment should CHORUS. Furst meeting Sunday, Oct. 29. polis, Minnesota, and new officers were conference. two years until the group decided to elect accompany your order. Our office is not 3:00 pm.. for info, call 232-2707 or installed to serve during the 1979 calendar Scahill, 24, is a bom and bred officers. presentiy able to receive ^tnail refrfies or 473-8422. All women welcome—no year. Kevin Scahill, a gay activist in Rochesterian. He is well known in this city When asked about his plans fat the telephone responses to these advertise auctions. A safe, supportive atmosphere Rochester for the past four years, was for his association with the Gay Alliance of future, Scahill said that he had no plans to ments, so please include your mail address where women can create and enjoy music elected vice president. the Genesee VaUey (GAGV). In 1976 he return to Rochester, explaning "that 24 or telephone number in your ad if response together. Scahill will serve his term in Denver, served as assistant to lobbyist Ted Aldrich years in one place is long enough." Eariier is wanted. Contact our ad manager for Colorado, and his primary responsibilities and became president of the Rochester Gay this year he visited San Diego and liked ft rates for display ads. The Eaipty Oaaet will be to coordinate activities leading up to Task Force (an affOiate group oi GAGV) well enough to consider moving there next reserves the right to refiise any ad whicfa and including Integrity participation in the from 1975-1976. He also served on the year. does not comply with our policy. Submit National Convention of the Episcopal board of directors cf GAGV during that His future plans for his relationship ads to the Emply Closet, 248 Monroe Ave., X. Church, which wiil be held in that city in time. with Integrity include running for vice Rochester, N.Y. 14607 the winter of 1979. The major issue of the In 1975 he attended the third national president again next year, if John Law three week convention is the passage of a convention of Dignity, a gay Catholic rence, current president decides to run ruling which would allow the ordination of organization in Boston, and was inspired to again. If not, Scahill intends to try to fill "avowed and practicing homosexuals." In start a chapter in Rochester. In 1976 Scahill that position. an interview with the Eaapty Cloaet, Scahill left the Roman Calholic Church because he This month: Indicated that, while Integrity hopes fcx* felt that h^ was "beating his head against blanket approval of the |Mx>position, they the walL'' He stated that the attitude of the will be satisfied with a postponement of churdi is that "we have all the answers, we Support from Rizzo? 4 Saturday 9pm-2am—Lesbian Re the Genesee Valley Board Meeting. decision, leaving an "open door" at future 15 Wednesday 8pm—Lesbian Re don't want change." He feels that the source Center Women's Coffee conventions. PHILADELPfflA—The outspoken may source Center open meeting; Gay Episcopal church is more progressive and the question of gay rights in this major house. Call 244-9030 for information. or of this city, Frank Rizzo, has announced Northeast dty. He did not take a stand on Alliance, 715 Monroe Avenue. 5 Sunday 4:00 pm—Dignity/Inte that he supports "civil rights fbr homosex the bill defeated in 1975. Gay rights 18 Saturday 10pm-2am—Gay Bro grity business meeting; St. Luke's uals." Speaking to reporters alter an advocates believed at the time that Rizzo Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. therhood coffee house, call 244-8640 nouncing that he would campaign to would have vetoed that measure had it 5 Sunday 10am—Lesbian Lines for information. Protection for gays change the City Charter, Mayor Rizzo been favorably voted upon. 18 Saturday 9pm-2am—Lesbian Re Collective Brunch. Call 244-9030 for ByJIMMARKO Coles added he feels the Berkeley City stated, "I want everybody to have their According to Bill Wood, quoted in the source Center Women's Coffee information. Council's action is a definite statement civil rights, induding homosexuals." Philadelphia Dafly News, Rizzo's recent 7 Tuesday 7:30pm—Empty Closet house. Call 244-9030 for location. BERKELEY, CA—The City Council against the anti-gay school workers' Pro A spokesperson for Rizzo, a former statements would not bring a flood of planning meeting for December 19 Sunday — Dignity/Integrity here has unanimously approved the tough position 6 in the city. "It shows that people police officer, said after the news confer support for the mayor from the gay issue; 248 Monroe Avenue. Thanksgiving potiuck dinner after est and most comprehensive gay rights bill in Berkeley do not approve of the Briggs ence that the mayor would not push for community. Wood noted that many gay 8 Wednesday 7:30pm—Gay Bro mass; St. Lukes, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. in the country. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, the Initiative and are against the discrimina specific legislation banning discrimination people in Philadelphia were upset with therhood Pot Luck Dinner; Gay 21 Tuesday 8poa—Peer Counseling nine member Council voted unanimously tion of gay people," Coles said. against gays. A bill introduced in the Rizzo, who made an anti-gay slur when Alliance, 715 Monroe Avenue. Bring Inservice; Gay Alliance, 715 Monroe for the second time to enact the ordinance There are now 32 cities in the country Philadelphia City Council in 1975, which discussing his political enemies. Rizzo was a dish. Ave. which forbids discrimination on the basis of with gay rights ordinances. Four counties would have banned discrimination against widely quoted as saying that he would 11 Saturday 9pm-2am—Lesbian Re 2i Wednesday 7:30pm—Gay bro sexual indentation in a broad range of have also passed anti-discrimination mea gays in housing, jobs and public accommo make " Attila the Hun look like a faggot" in source Center Women's Coffee therhood meeting about VD; Gay areas. sures. dations, was defeated. getting back at his detractors. house. Call 244-9030 for location. Alliance, 715 Monroe Avenue. The new measure is far stronger than In general elections this fall, the city of Another measure is being prepared by Gay business person Wood also stated llSaturday—Dignity/Integrity Day 25 Saturday 9pm-2am—Lesbian Re the anti-discrimination Ikw now on the Seattle, Wash., will decide the fate of the Gay Businessperson's Group of Phila that the mayor used "old terms" like "dvil of Recollection Retreat at House of source Center Women's Coffee books in San Francisco. Both measures existing anti-discrimination measures. The delphia. Bill Wood of the GBG has said rights" and "homosexuals" when discus Prayer, 428 Mt. Vernon. house. Call 244-9030 for location. were drafted by attorney- Matt Coles, a City Council of New York may aiso deal that no Council member has agreed to sing the issue of rights. "I don't think he 14 Tuesday 8 pm—Gay Alliance of Hastings College of Law professor. with an anti-discrimination measure. Intro sponsor the proposed measure. would ever say, "I'm for gay rights'," Coles told GCN that the Berkeley 384 is now in committee. —from GCN Rizzo's clarified support is reportedly Wood told the Daily Newa. measure "applies to just about every the first public statement by the mayor on —from GCN thing." The ordinance forbids discrimina tion against gays in housing, employment, Sipple case use of city facilities and services, credit, education, and services ftom retail outlets. moved ADONIS Coles pointed out that unlike any other gay rights measure, the Berkeley ordi SAN FRANCISCO—Oliver Sipple, cre 92 North St. nance "provides a direct right of action for dited with saving former President Gerald Ford's life when he deflected a gun aimed Cl)c Rathskeller the victim." Enforcement procedures can c-,-«Jt**. ^ at Ford in 1975, has moved his suit against Rochester, NY 14604 ii ft, - »•. •l be conducted through small claims and civil court cases. several newspapers to the California Supreme Court. Sipple. who has stated (716)325-9754 According to Coles, violators of the new MfEIm SU^oehester that his homosexuality is no one's business law, which takes effect in thirty days, could but his own, has sued the San Frandooo open 24 hours a day Sauna Baths be forced to pay up to $400 in damages, as Qiroiilcle and a number of other papers for seven days a week well as attorneys' fees and other court printing the fact that he was gay, after the Lockers costs. Ford incident. no membership charge Less sweeping gay rights ordinances Sipple was dubbed the *'(jay Hero" by Private Rooms have been overturned in a number of a number of papers after he deflected the American cities in the past year and a half gun held by Sara Jane Moore outside the after anti-gay persons and organizations St. Francis Hotel. forced initiatives |and referenda on the RATES SPECIALS Two years ago a Superior Court Judge 8am-4pm Daily issues; Californians are facing a vote on an Sun.-Thurs. 4pm-dam anti-gay initiative in November. stopped Sipple from serving summonses to Rooms $ 2.50 Rooms $3.50 out-of-state newspapers. A State Court of Locicers $ 1.75 Lockers $2.00 Attorney Coles told GCN that he Appeals agre^ with that ruling. expects an effort by some organization to Sipple is asking $15 million in the suit call for a referendum on the gay rights which charges an invasion of privacy. Fri.&Sat. ordinance in Berkeley. "I would be Rooms $ 4.25 STLDENTS surprized if it got on the ballot and shocked -—from GCN Lockers $ 3.00 Lockere $ 1.25 anytime if it were defeated," he said. Daryl Clemens DIGNiTY-INTEGRITY/ROCHESrER and 49 Tyitt MOMH — 17 SSMHI ftoliMi^ Sivaal -* KodwNi, New Vavli -MSM Alan Clark announce GAY CHRBTIAMS their BOMAN CATHOUC-ElnSOOPAXiAN Associated Private Practice AN ECUMENICAL CmOANIZATION The ALL PeR80lO.WBL00lfK Hazeiwood Counseling Center for Family and Alternative ROMAN CATHOLIC LITURGY Dandng Nightly! every Sunday, 5pm, and Counseling &.Therapy Coffee Hour, 6pm. St Luke's Xlhurch (side entr.) 400 Norton Street 17 South Pitzhugh Street Rochester, NY Monday Rathskeller nite PASTORAL PEER COUNSELING 467-4432 a tor t, so ontU dosing! won. REFERRAL TO PASTORAL PEER COUNSELORS DURING SUMMER^CALL 244-8640 or 244^9030. Referrals welcomed I .^ TSfi Empty Qoset Ar\5-wer5 ^^. _ f ' •> A very importSj^t. Qx/Q^-t-ion NOVEMBER 1978 In OTder t,o picK vp wr cop/ attJrie W^.y sli<^ld I subscribe -to tJ\e l:)ar W en^ up spendim enoucfln Empty C^S^^^^"^^^^ I c;an ni=TTey in ^ne ni4Kb ^ w twcryedrs Issue 88 Free and inv^ returrv'tJ:^ next mglat. Instead -ttxe paper win "becfelwered'tpyo^i' An interview with home m a c°T\fidenUal Leonard Matlovich plain brovm envelope... page 4 and yov will nave ^e satis-factpn of Unpwind ^l\g:fc. you aire SupporUTirr tl^^^y ommvmty.. ^ "Lesbefrlends" wniGh means you!^ A look at friendships in the lesbian community Piea'se send me aone year subscription \P the Empty Closet pages Ul issues). Enclosed •find $6.<^CcheGK T money ord^rl Name: __ Address; ___ stj^et "S^ "Z^ All subscriptions sent ina sealed Tm Empty Clpset plus a calendar of events brown envelope. 7i5 Monroe Avenue •V a—iSF-i iagi^Mai>irttwie'»i»*ii*<***«^«^*'*"**'**''^-*"''—' •*'^-