LGBT History Project of the LGBT Center of Central PA
Located at Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections
http://archives.dickinson.edu/
Documents Online
Title: Gay Era (Lancaster, PA)
Date: June 1978
Location: LGBT-001 Joseph W. Burns Collection Periodicals Collection
Contact: LGBT History Project Archives & Special Collections Waidner-Spahr Library Dickinson College P.O. Box 1773 Carlisle, PA 17013
717-245-1399 [email protected]
serving “rural” Pennsylvania
JUNE 1978 vol. 4 no. 4 50$
GAY RIGHTS REPEALED IN WITCHITA & ST. PAUL GAYS BANNED IN ALLENTOWN GAY STUDENT CONFENCE GOD, COUNTRY & DECENCY (appearing together for the first and last time in this magazine) THE RETURN OF THE DISH DEMONS
COMING OUT
*AT HARVARD *AS AN OLD MAN (BACK COVER) In the News
over thier freedom of choice. Howev ALLENTOWN BATTLE CONTINUES: er, they should be cognizant of the GAYS BANNED FROM CITY FORUMS fact they must face the consequences of their activities. It's ironic By Dave Leas that they come to City Council in full view of the media and tell us ALLENTOWN, PA — Another wrench that if their employer knew they were has been thrown into the works of the homosexuals, they'd be fired." Citizen's Concerned for a Betther Frey, in the past, has insisted Community's (CCBC) efforts to pass that gay people are not discriminat a gay rights ordinance here. The ed against in the areas that are pro group's main opposition is a conserv tected under the proposed ordinance. ative organization called Citizens Organized for Decency (COD), composed MAYOR BARS GAYS mostly of church leaders and their Meanwhile, Mayor Frank Fischl followers. announced his intentions to bar such Three gay rights proponents were individuals and groups from partici among the speakers in a human rela pating in city-sponsored forums. Fischl maintained that he never auth tions workshop sponsored by the Al tions Commission Executive Director orized the Council of Youth workshop lentown Council of Youth on Tuesday, Robert Manley and Timothy llhrich, April 18. The following night, at City Information and Services Officer that had homosexuality as one of its the City Council meeting whe^e CCBC who is also Mayor Frank Fischl's topics, an authorization which the Council of Youth didn't feel it need was again asking for passage of the council advisor. They indicated that gay rights ordinance, parents of "the kids received a number of warn ed in the first place. those students who attended the ings that the topic of gay rights Council President Frey has since workshop demanded an explanation for would generate heat. But they chose insisted that gay rights is a "dead the program. The parents demanded to to go ahead with the agenda original issue." Frey released an opinion know why the 90 high school students ly presented." April 24 claiming that Allentown can who attended were subjected to a Uhrich added that "While we at not ban discrimination against gays. According to Asst. City Solicitor Jack one-sided view of homosexuality. tempted to discourage them, we did Dr. Frank McVeigh, a leader of not forbid them from including the Kaufman, "the city would be inviting COD asked city council to pass a topic as part of the workshop, which a lawsuit" if it goes beyond state resolution that would prevent any also reviewed the topics of preju guidelines. repetition of the gay rights work dice and discrimination, and marriage The information was based on the shop. Dr. McVeigh demanded that the as an alternative to college." assumption that a municipal Human staff of the Human Relations Commis Relations Commission cannot exceed sion, which recommended passage of FREY INVITES ANITA TO CITY the provision in the state law. Penn the gay rights ordinance, be directed On April 21, just two days after sylvania has no law protecting gay "to cease and desist from future ef the protest at the city council meet people from discrimination. Frey's forts to advocate homosexuality." ing, Council President Alton Frey Jr. opinion is contrary to the ruling of Mayor Frank Fischl has presently made a telephone call to H. Edward the Pennsylvania Human Relations refused to do so. Rowe, executive director of Protect Commission. McVeigh also called the Council America's Children. Frey disclosed Sanford Kahn, general counsel to of Youth workshop "a blot on the the information to the Evening Chron the state commission, has told Robert reputation of our community." The icle^ saying that he made an offer Manley, director of the Allentown funds for the workshop came from pro to bring Anita Bryant to Allentown Human Relations Commission, that mu ceeds from the Youth Council's con "to, personally, bring her viewpoints nicipalities could extend protection certs. Though the youth group did on homosexuality." against discrimination. not have the approval of Mayor Fis Frey was hoping that Bryant would The state law, Kahn explained, chl , the group planned the workshop pick up the tab for her appearance allows municipalities "to establish and decided that the subject of homo since the city could not legally pay the machinery to supplement the ef sexuality be discussed nonetheless. the fee. Rowe told Frey that his forts of the Pennsylvania Human Rela The Allentown Evening Chronicle "forement concerns involve scheduling tions Commission to deal with the e- called McVeigh's remarks "an insult to and an assessment of what the situa vils of discrimination." city's youth" in an April 20 editor tion is there in Allentown and wheth ial. The editorial stated in part er this (the Allentown visit) would CITY COUNCIL REFUSES SPEAKERS that "Nothing could be more ridicu be a worthwhile appearance." Since the controversy and Mayor lous than Dr. McVeigh's statement Council President Frey told the Fischl's effort to bar gay people that the Council of Youth's work EveningChronicle that he was promp from participating in city-sponsored shop Tuesday 'is a blot on the rep ted to invite Bryant because, "per forums, Council President Frey re utation of our community'... Those sonally, I feel this movement by the fused to recognize any speaker on the Council of Youth kids are not mind homosexuals in regressive, appalling issue of the gay rights ordinance. less lambs... (They) should be com and disgusting. Homosexuality vio Hope of introduction of the ordinance mended for having the courage to lates every principle of the Bible was further postponed when the city tackle one of the most widely ducked and all religions. solicitor gave his opinion stating issues facing our time, and not bur "It is my opinion," continued. ying its collective head in the sand.' that Frey's actions were perfectly Frey, "that homosexuals are not born, legal. Also present at the city council but are conditioned." As the GAY ERA goes to press, it meeting were Allentown Human Rela Frey added, "I do not quarrel is not known whether the practice has 3 been continued at the recent council meeting. It was also announced that Anita Bryant would not appear in Allentown due to yet another alleged threat on her life. POSTERS TO FOSTER AWARENESS
WASHINGTON, DC —Posters bearing the introspective message that 'Some one in Your Life is Gay" will be ap pearing soon aboard Metro buses and on downtown trash receptacles, ac photo by David Dahlquist cording to Doug Haller, coordinator Douglas Haller (l.l, GAA’s “Project Awareness” coordinator, leads discus for the Gay Activists Alliance's sion at a recent planning session. "Project Awareness" poster campaign. Featuring an open page from a "fam- UIIA*-’ ily"-sty1e photograph album with mounted snapshots of a wide variety poster is being fashioned in such attitudes about gays by means of of gay people in everday life situa a way that it will be appealing to mass advertising," Haller said. as many segments of the gay commun tions —including men and women, The introspective theme is de singles and couples, blacks and ity as possible —and may help to signed to stimulate the viewer's unite them," he said. whites, the old and the young— the own thoughts about their attitudes posters are an effort by GAA "to "It's a responsible statement towards gays, Haller explained. awaken the general public to the about being gay," he emphasized. "A "While aimed primarily at the heter- presence of gay people and to en lot of careful thought and study ogeneous non-gay community, the courage the formation of positive has gone into this campaign... We really labored over both the philo sophical and esthetic aspects of this poster." Careful consideration and lots of in the hard work have gone into the project since its inception in October 1976, Haller said. "We wanted this cam paign to reach the largest possible cross-section of the general public," he explained. "It had to be worked and reworked many times over to be as effective as possible. The re sult," he said, "is a group effort in the truest sense. It is totally an effort of the gay community it self. The artist is a member of GAA, and those people whose photographs are in the poster are all volunteers who have donated their face to the project. There are a lot of people who gave of their time and energy to make this poster a success." 41 N. GEORGE ST. j The path towards success is not YORK PA. yet free from obstacles, however.. Looming large is the spectre of fi nancing. “To put it simply," Haller MONthru SAT, 8:30...2 A.M. j said, "advertising is expensive." Haller says that posters with similar themes are being considered for the future, but that the success of this initial effort would deter
GIOVANNI’S ROOM
1426 SPRUCE STREET,PHILADELPHIA,PA.19102(215 ) 732-9612 The unusually heavy turnout climaxed WICHITA VOTES TO mine whether or not the project a long battle between the Citizens would be able to continue..."Aware for Human Rights and the Baptist- REPEAL ORDINANCE ness advertising will succeed or led Citizens Alert for Morality. fail depending upon its appeal to Rev. Richard Angwin, who led the WICHITA — "People won't be go ing back into any closets" cor™e^' the community as a whole —whether anti-gay forces, said the "landslide gay, non-gay, or both," Haller says. ed Robert Lewis, co-director of the victory" showed it was a'^mall group Homophile Alliance of Sedgewick, "Individual contributions from the of misguided politicians" on the City County, after this city's gay civil entire community are necessary Council that passed the ordinance in rights ordinance was repealed by a financially, and for the sake of 1974. St. Paul Mayor George Latimer involvement." supported the retention of the ordin five to one margin. The Alliance oraanized the campaiqn on behalf or Interest in the GAA poster cam ance, said that he still feels "every paign has come from as far away as retaining the city ordinance. Opposi human being deserves equal protection tion to the ordinance is mostly . Ohio and Maine. As a result of pre under the law." The mayor added, from fundamentalist Christian groups. vious articles on "Project Awarenesd' however, that he will "abide by the They organized themselves into Con that have appeared in the Blade, gay voters' decision." groups from many areas around the Citizens for Human Rights spokes- cerned Citizens for Community Stan- country have contacted GAA and have person Anderson challenged "voters' dafd0nly 44% of the eligible voters expressed interest in purchasing decisions" on the issue of individual turned out for the election. Exact posters for use in their own re rights. "We are disappointed in a spective communities. system that claims to be based on ly 47,246 voted to repeal the ordin ance while 10,005 voted to retain it. Haller says that souvenir posters equal rights for everyone and equal are available to donors of $5 or protection under the law, but which Lewis stated "We were very dis appointed that so many people turned more towards the project. Write _ puts those basic human rights to Project Awareness, c/o Gay Activists the vote without regard to individual out to vote against homosexuality. Alliance, Box 2554, Washington, D.C. rights," Anderson said. The National To the voters, the issue was moral 20013; or call 667-5139 for further Gay Task Force in New York issued a versus immoral. They bought the information on various fundraising statement expressing outrage "that a line that we would go out and molest activities. majority of misinformed voters have their children and they worried that we would turn Wichita into another — The Blade once again denied civil rights to a group of American citizens." San Fransisco. We were even more A-YEAR-OLD RIGHTS MEASURE The Citizens for Human Rights disappointed by the 56% that were charged that Rev. Angwin's group ran so apathetic that they didn't even REPEALED IN ST PAUL a campaign based on fear and misun bother to vote." While gay activists in Wichita ST PAUL — An "angry and hurt" derstanding. Citizens' spokesperson expressed disappointment in the e- gay community here has vowed not Anderson said that "fighting against fear, misinformation, against hatred lection results, Lewis said that to "stop fighting for our rights they felt good about what took place as human beings," after the voters ...well, that's a strategy that is outside of the voting booths. "Dur of St. Paul repealed the four year difficult to overcome." ing this campaign we've educated a old gay rights law by a nearly 2 — Gay Community News lot of the public and found the med to 1'margin. Craig Anderson, a ia out here to be very supportive.' spokesperson for the St. Paul Citi Lewis continued, "Before last year s zens for Human Rights, stated that Gay Pride Celebration there were no "we are not going away...this is open gay people here. Now that's all our city too. This vote demonstated changed. People are feeling ener that we must be open and honest a- bout who we are." Anderson expres sed disappointment and "outrage that the vote in St. Paul was so overwhelmingly against the rights law that has been on the books since 1974. , In complete, but unofficial re turns, the vote was 54,090 to repeal and 31,690 to keep the ordinance banning discrimination in housing, employment and public accomodatioju
Lancaster, Pa. TURQUOISE & HANDMADE JEWELRY HEAD ITEMS AND SUPPLIES
* Everyone Welcome Phone 392-9362 OPEN 10:30-5, Mon-Sat. 5 that harassment from his supervis ors threatened his mental health. gized and plan to get involved in Lewis, who resigned on the advice the Gay Liberation Movement." of his psychiatrist, has filed suit Gay activists involved in the in federal court against his super referendum campaign expect now to visors at the Kansas Department of turn some of their energy into or Social and Rehabilitation Services ganizing for this year's Gay Pride for $40,000, claiming he was dis Celebration. Some will be gearing criminated against for being gay. up for the Congressional elections, Lewis held the job since last where Congressman Dan Glickman (D) August, and was originally hired to is running for re-election. Glick work with families in which there man voted for an amendment that had been child abuse or neglect. would allow legal aid monies to be However, since gaining local prom spent in gay rights cases. His op inence as a spokesperson for the ponent has al reading begun using Homophile Alliance in their request this issue against him in the cam for a gay rights ordinance from paign. the city commission last summer, Lesbians and gay men in San Fran Lewis was changed to a job working SF City Supervisor Harvey Milk cisco and New York took to the only with adults. Lewis Claims that streets shortly after hearing of became known that he or she is gay. the transfer is the result of pres "They can't be fired for announcing the defeat in Wichita. In New York sure from county district court City several hundred people rallied judges who were concerned about a they are gay," Milk said, "and this at Sheridan Square protesting the possible impropriety in having a may ease more people out of the defeat of the Wichita bill and de gay man working with boys. closet." manding the passage of New York's Milk added that the measure gay rights bill — Intro 384. The — Gaysweek "simply gives protection to people." rally was sponsored by the Coali GAY RIGHTS IN "It may finally change the stereo tion for Lesbian and Gay Rights. types people attach to gays and It was reported that several hun SAN FRANCISCO this is monumental," said the Super dred people turned out for a spon SAN FRANCISCO - The ordinance visor. taneous demonstration in San Fran banning discrimination against gays cisco vowing to continue the fight — Gay Community News for human rights. in employment, housing and public accommodations needs only the Mayor's INTERVIEWING "1ALE LOVERS — Gay Community News signature before it takes effect NEW YORK - Dr. Charles Silver here. stein author of I HE JOY OF GAY SEX WICHITA, KS — Robert Lewis, 29, The Board of Supervisors gave and A FAMILY MATTER: A PARENT'S president of the Wichita Homophile final approval to the ordinance GUIDE TO HOMOSEXUALITY, has an Alliance, quit his job as a state on April 4 by a vote of 10 to 1, nounced that he has begun inter social worker on March 1, charging with no discussion. Mayor George viewing gay men for a new book for Moscone is expected to sign the gay male lovers. Silverstein ex ordinance within 30 days. When it plained that the book "will cover DANIEL G. SLOAN takes effect, San Francisco, where TELEPHONE (717) 486 3633 the history of gay relationships, officials say an estimated one in the nature of gay love, and both seven residents is gay, will be the the satisfactions and trials of 43rd city in the nation with such a gay love." law. Dr. Silverstein is planning Openly gay City Supervisor on interviewing gay men who have L Harvey Milk stated that the law will had either a very satisfactory or ssloan be the "most stringent gay rights unsatisfactory love affair and GOUNTRY STORE law in the country." "This one has who feel they have some insight teeth," said Milk; "a person can AN ENTERPRISE OF (TS ASSOCIATES) into the strenghts and weaknesses SINCE 1976 go to court if his rights are vio of the love relationship. —J lated." Milk said he was “enthused" Confidential interviews are 39 PINE ROAD CARLISLE PENNSYLVANIA 17013 1 about the firing aspect of the bill. •r HunuAdf M l*» »«««• I® planned for a number of geographi Under the measure a person could cal areas. For futher information not be fired from a position if it contact Dr. Charles Silverstein, 233 W. 83rd St., New York, NY 10024, or by phone at 212-799-8574. — Gay Community News The TOWNHOUS GREENER ALTERNATIVE BOOKSELLERS ten north fourth sired PLANTS & PLANT reading, Pennsylvania 19601 telephone: (215) 373-0442 ACCESSORIES . . . a bookstore for people • feminist books • best sellers • posters • cr.ifts M9 N. PRINCE ST • jewelry • t-shirts LANCASTER Phone:397-4622 • feminist records • non-sexist children’s books & toys GAY STUDENTS HOLD 6 CONFERENCE by Jim Brooks WASHINGTON, DC — The Mid-Atlan tic Association of Gay Student Organ izations held its first annual Spring conference on the campus of the Amer- can University here from April 14- 15. The conference was attended by representatives of gay student organ izations in the mid-Atlantic region with some participants coming from as far away as Mississippi. The opening address by Charlotte Bunch, a leading theorist and editor of Quest magazine, stressed the re lationship among the various minor ity struggles in the United States. The same people and institutions are responsible for the oppression of women, gays, Blacks, and Chicanos, she said. Ms. Bunch pointed out that the right-wing attacks on wo men and gays are being used to build Men Sharing. They were conducted by flowers." (Lesbians...... _ can like roses a power base. members of the Washington-based Gay but never "1tiny . wild little flowers). A Friday night coffeehouse Men's Counseling Collective. The audience found the guides of Drs. featured the tai ants of poet Chasen Cathy Valentine, Paulette Young, George Henry and Berg!er on how to Gaver and singer/songwriter Pam Layng. and Silas White conducted an inform recognize a homosexual amusing. Gaver's poetry is rhythmic and high ative mini-course on Gay history. One of the final workshops featured ly theatrical, using such props as The course, called the Traveling Gay Dr. Franklin Kameny and Congressional rattles and flashing lighters. Ac History Show, was an adaptation of aid Gary Aldridge in "Politics: Inside companying herself on guitar, Pam their ten-week course that explores and Out." Dr. Kameny spoke on the as Layng sang on such themes as lost the lives of gay people from the dawn pects of city-wide politics, focusing love and her working relationship of civilization to the present. Val on Washington, DC as one of the more with Gaver. entine emphasized that the course is successful gay rights movements. He The keynote address on Saturday intended to be a political tool to emphasized that gays must speak to morning was given by Leonard Mat educate gay people and to make them the politicians as one voice. He at lovich. He addressed the issues of aware that they have always been an tributes the setback of gay rights racism and the damage done to gay intregal part of the world order. legislation in New York City to the people by societal conditioning. A As part of the course, excerpts from fact that New York gays are faction Vietnam War veteran he stated that the self-professed experts were pre al ized and and spend a major part of the fear of being exposed as gay was sented. One critic suggested that their energy fighting among themselves. much more traumatic than any fear Sappho could not have been a lesbian In contrast, Washington's gay factions ever encountered while in the war because she admired "tiny wild little (Continued on page 9 ) zone. Matlovich urged gays to be come involved in social change, You 1 are not responsible for how you en ter the world, but you are responsi- . ble for how you leave it." Noting much apathy in the gay community, ADULT Matlovich quoted Malcolm Boyd, When it comes time to send the gays to I the gas chambers, they will be in ( the discos getting in a last dance. Matlovich believes the answer BOOKSTORE . to overcoming oppression lies in I education, byt in order to educate the public, "We"ve got to tear down the closets or history will never record that we were here...It"s 10-1 Monday - Friday 10-8 Saturday not our vices they (homophobes) are afraid of, it's our virtues. They are terrified that there are good PEEP SHOWS | and wholesome gay people." , Matlovich commented on the prior- ! ities of American society, "Every check out low prices on medal I have is for killing, I have no medal for loving." Matlovich said that the gay movement is a move GIFTS BOOKS NOVELTIES FILMS ment based on love for all, as such it finds itself at odds with current American standards. After the keynote address, parti- cipents took part in a number of 1715 Whiteford Rd. workshops. These were on such sub jects as Meeting People and Women' York, PA. 17402 Opinion
The tide is turning — and scarcely in our favor. Ever since Anita Bryant began her crusade, little over a year ago, the climate has been, turning increasingly chilly for sexual politics . Managing Editor She and her various allies, such as Phyllis Harry H Long Schlafly ( of the anti-E.R.A.) have been gain News Editor ing ground. Timothy Price Not only has Dade County's ordinance gone by Business Manager the wayside, but so have several others which Dave Leas were called up for referendum since Anita showed Contributors This Issue the way. Jim Brooks Beginning in Miami and spreading outward, vi Beth Seaman olence against gays is going through an alarming Virginia Smith upswing. Format Design and Layout Supervision With its deadline looming ever closer, the Aries Creative Design Concepts E.R.A. looks like an impossibility as some states Printing actually rescind their ratification. Gay Era Printing Word of Life (see story this issue) and simi Photography lar rallies draw crowds of people in every city, Marlin McConnell while the recent Pennsylvania Gay Conference drew Proofreading only 250 from across the state. And lest we and Kenneth Gromling other organizations face the accusation once a- gain that we are too political, let us remind one The GAY ERA is published monthly and all that in this country at this time being (with the exception of August) by Gay is a political activity. Gay Era Publications, 332 N. Mulberry Especially if one wishes to remain alive and free. Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Phone: We cannot fall into the trap of believing that (717) 426-9811. as long as we have our Blueboys and our discos, we Single copy price: 50c have freedom enough. A ghetto is still a ghetto, 12 issue subscription: $5.00 no matter how posh the decor. Published on the 15th of the month; We wish Elaine Noble weren't so right in her submission deadline for all contents observation that when the boxcars are being load is the 5th of the month. Dated the ed (as with the Jews in Nazi Germany), most Gays following month. will be at their local discos trying to squeeze in the last dance. The official positions and policies Unfortunately, however, that's exactly where of the GAY ERA are contained only in they'll be; drinking screwdrivers no doubt. its editorials. Opinions put forth in The Gay community cannot seem to be able to individual articles are those of the wake up to the fact that, ludicrous as her state authors and do not necessarily reflect ments are, Anita Bryant is no joke. The escala the views of the publication. ting beatings and murders of our brothers and sisters at the hands of her followers is no All correspondence should be sent laughing matter. to: GAY ERA, 332 N. Mulberry St., (While we're on the subject of jokes and laugh- Lancaster, PA. 17603. ino, we wonder: what happens to the money made on the various Bryant novelty items? Does any of this money go to stopping Bryant or pushing leg islation in our favor? Or is it just another case of our being exploited, while our danger remains undiminshed?) This editorial has no conclusion or deep in sight to offer; it merely poses a question. With the political climate growing, as observed earli er, even chilier, what will the Gay community do? Merely turn its collective collar and wait for warmer weather? Or do we turn up the heat? — HL 8
Observations by Dave Leas aline Murray O'Hair. Wyrtzen is still the circus ring Jack Wyrtzen Photos by Marlin McConnell leader and explains his observation about homosexuality. "I don't know LANCASTER, PA — I had never at as I almost fall off the bleacher why we even bother to call them as Marlin starts snapping the camera. tended a "Born Again" religious rally homosexuals. The Bible doesn't call before and when the announcements Enough, Enough! them homosexuals. The Bible calls It's time to be saved as the Col were made for the Word of Life's "God, them adulterers, sinners, repro Country and Decency" rally at Franklin legians disperse through the crowd. bates..." What was he saying? "When Little children are plucked from the & Marshall's gym in Lancaster, the op you leave here today, you will be portunity arose. Besides, there wasn't audience and marched to the front. either part of the problem or part It must the the new fad to be saved an admission fee to help with their of the solution." worldwide crusade. Alleluia! at the age of eight. I hum to my My lover, Marlin, warned me that I ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS self, "Plastic Jesus on the Dash board of My Car". Time to get out. was in for the treat of my life. I It's time for Anita Bryant on the wanted to go anyhow, even if it was screen. Her face is projected on just to see what the enemy is up to. the center with religious pictures On Sunday, May 7, we went and bought on the left and right. The music The whole event was frightening a roll of film for the camera and new strikes up her version of "The Bat to say the least. Here there were ap batteries for the trusty tape record tle Hymn of the Republic" and the proximately 700 people attending a er. Collegians join in on the chorus. At rally in Lancaster. In April, 250 The gym was decked with more Red, one point, as the projectionist is gay people show their faces at a con White and 31ue than could be assem changing slides, Christ on the Cross ference for the state of Pennsylvan bled for the 4th of July. The 100 is transposed over Anita's face. ia. I was angry that we can still Collegians, all students of the Word Almost Enough! sit around and call them a bunch of of Life Bible Institute in New York, Those big blue boxes start to re crazies hoping that will make them were like walking American Flags. volve. Two 12 foot green plastic go away. Though they are in fact The stage was set. Three huge Statues of Liberty turn to face us. crazy, especially when you see them projection screens at the top and two There are lights in the crowns and falling for this nonsense and hand 15 foot blue felt boxes at either end the torches are flickering with the ing their money over asking for more, of the stage sitting on round cylin aid of police car beacons under the we are viewed as sinners who are ders decorated with stars and stripes. red plastic flames. I catch myself doomed to everlasting Hell. What were they for? We didn't have the slightlest idea. "May we proudly present the 100 Collegians as they sing for God, Country and Decency. Let's give them a big hand." Applause. Out they came carrying flags singing "America, America..." The screen flashes with the words of the Devil: E.R.A., Gay Rights, Abortion, and the lack of prayer in public schools. When they were through,the flags were hung on those big blue boxes. So that's what they were for! The singers continue singing and proceed with "This Land is Your Land", "Ragged Old Flag", and end with "Red, White and Blue". Here come the Collegians with the collec tion buckets. Everyone forks over. Jack Wyrtzen starts his old-fash ion sermon. My tape breaks as he starts in on the "homosexuals." Just as well, since you can probably ima gine the fire and brimstone falling from the ceiling. I look around the audience and suddenly feel out of place. We're not wearing coats and ties, there is only one other person with a beard, and my God, my hair is the longest out of 700. I just had it cut last week. We sat through the personal testimon ies, which were followed by more at tacks on E.R.A., Gay Rights and Mad- the other. How can a non-Christian be Patriotic? After all, our curren cy is printed with the words In God We Trust" and "One Nation Under God" is in the Pledge of Allegiance. We know how and when that happened. It happened in my lifetime. They cannot be ignored. I don t know the answer of how to combat their propaganda of lies. I do know that we aren't going to get anywhere by brushing them off as people who are misguided. They vocalize about "God, Country and Decency" and we are automatically "Irreverent, Trai tors and Degenerates". When will we finally have had enough and bang those closet doors to the beat of "America, The Land of the Brave".
They are shrewd indeed. They have managed to take three areas (reli gion, nationalism and morality) and lump them together. Intheirview, . Christianity & Patriotism are one in the same. These subjects are treat ed as supermarket specials where you get three gods for the.price of one. You cannot have one without
CONFERENCE Flynn of the University of Maryland, made many elected officials cautious are able to sublimate most differences. and Jeff Meyer of Johns Hopkins Uni when approaching the gay rights is versity, and Jim Brooks, of The Am sue. This will be even more criti erican University were named to cal depending on the results of the guide the association through the referendum elections (to abolish Summer until elections could be held with votes P Furthermore, rights move equal rights for homosexuals) in in the Fall. . ments tend to follow the same evolu- Wichita, St. Paul, and Eugene, Ore The Mid-Atlantic Association of tSarJ patterns leading to more con- gon. Most mail that comes to repre Gay Student Organizations was formed sentatives comes from parents who in the Fall of 1977 as a central co are genuinely concerned that their ordinating body for all gay student ant to California Senator Alan Crans children will catch or learn homo organizations in the mid-Atlantic ton, dealt with Federal JPY rights sexuality. Aldridge said that a region. The dual purpose of the or massive education project must be ganization is to coordinate effective "s : sthat used to neutralize these fears. One use of available resources to serve way to start this education project, the largest possible number of people Aldridge suggested, is for every and to assist in the formation of saving, "The civil rights movement qay person to introduce her/himselt gay student organizations on campuses to a next door neighbor. More gays where there are none. For more in need to come out, especially those formation write to: MAAGSO, Box 193, in responsible and respected posi- Eagle Station, The American Univer problems, as most representatives sity, Washington, DC 20016. believe that they have no gay con 1 Toil owing the conference, Carolyn stituency. The Miami defeat has HP I'M SUSANNA DRIVEL AUDI call HER M Y EM ER.YTHIN6 s------\&NG.j------'
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WHAT!? proach, we can show others our view points in a way that will honey coat the pill so even those who are not of our persuasion will still see the point and laugh. If we give people Editor, GAY ERA, the right information, we can make I am writing in reference to the Geniemen: them laugh with us at the expense of May '78 issue, in particular the out (And I assume your are!) Bryant and others who use their free rageous and offensive cover coupled Amidst the polemics of the current dom of speech to sow hatred. People with the negative piece of journal Anita Bryant controversy, I suggest don't like to be duped; when they ism entitled "Pride '78" by Harry that there are three options open realize what happened, they will Long. to us: a) do nothing lest we fail, share with their friends whom we The cover of the Gay Era, "Homos b) encourage someone else to do our might never otherwise be able to at Hojo's - The Pride '78 Conference," fighting for us, or finally c)bestir reach, the latest joke about...... was in my opinion totally out of place ourselves to action of some kind. I But I need the help of many. If on a gay publication; it could be ex intend to do the last but if I fight, any of your readers see a cartoon pected in the local newspapers - but, . I like to do so in my own way; how anywhere on the state of gay life in in a gay publication serving "rural" ever, I am willing to involve others generalor on Bryant and her cohorts Pennsylvania? I think it was totally of the first two categories who in particular, please send me a copy out of place. "Homos at Hojo's" may might wish to get involved, even if — either the original or a photo bring laughter in a bar, but it from the sidelines. copy with (please, sob please) the struck me as extremely self-oppresive Now, there are two things that name and address of the source, clear on the cover of our publication. any tyrant fears: freedom of thought ly indicated. If others will help in After having read With Downcast for others, and ridicule for him or the collecting, this will free my Gays by Andrew Hodges and David Hut- herself. Freedom of thought might time for contacting sources to ar ter (Pink Triangle Press, 1977), I lead to someone actually doubting range for the rights to reprint; your suggest it for the staff of the Gay the wisdom of the whims of the great readers need not directly involve Era. leader; ridicule may strike at the themselves except for a few seconds "The ultimate success of all forms leader's own glorious self-concept, of their time and the cost of a stamp of oppression is our self-oppression. and might eventually develop into a ed envelope. Is that too much, es Self-oppression is achieved when the preference for another to assume the pecially when they might enjoy them gay person has adopted and internal mantle. By her devotion to half selves also? ized straight people's definition truths, use of innuendo, and actual So friends, clip this letter and of what is good and bad." So begins refusal to face facts, our opponent the book. It continues, "In as much keep the address. Better still, pass has shown her contempt not only for the info along to everyone else you as we are agents of our own oppres us but also for others — something sion, so we have the power to over know who might be willing to help. that will disgust people once they Thanks, and thank yourself too. come it." Being a confirmed book realize they have been taken in. freak, Harry Long, please read it Since Bryant and her ilk refuse even Royal 1 Windsong and try again. to seek the light, I suggest we turn Box 35, Boalsburg Your overview of the conference the heat of public opinion back upon PA 16827 was extremely negative and it appears them directly. there were not redeeming factors to How to do this, I suggest, may be the conference with perhaps the ex easy — and even fun! Who hasn't ception of the "plethora of new young doubled up in glee from time to time faces." Hopefully your self-oppressed over the apt humor of some cartoon or state will not "rub off" on these other portrayal that seemingly cap new young "RECRUITS." tures the essence of some of life's Well, there was more to the Pride inconsistencies or idiosyncrasies? '78 conference than reported by the But where are they when you want to Gay Era staff, but since Mr. Long show them to a friend? If your read states that gay conferences are be ers will help, I propose to collect ing held "left and right"...... perhaps their favorite cartoons into an an * i we will see a more accurate view in thology of gay humor which would sum The National Edition upcoming issues of the Gay Era. Includes listings for the marize our views for future reference. entire U.S. as well as Sam Wilson By combining the visiual impact of the Canada. Published Lancaster, PA cartoon with the in-a-nut-shell ap- November and May: $5 third class mail, $6 first class mail; outside North America $7.
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400 NO. (SECOND 6T. HARRISBURG, PA. I the experience of age on the grounds that it is not progressive, or is an authoritarian trip, or is a parents trip, etc. The new left has many of its roots in the youth movement of the 1960's and has never put any kind of prior ity on attracting older people to COMING the ranks. Those of us who joined anyway for our own reasons were ac cepted largely to the extent that we did not act like people in our 30's, 40's and 50's. The most common , ' develops into the crippling distinc- reaction I have had over the past tions between race, sex, nations,etc. ten years is along the line of, "You could be seen as a don't look like you're 40," or "You demand on my part young don't act like you're 40." I have people 'gotta' start getting it on always accepted this with the same cont. from back cover with me to satisfy my personal and "pride" that I imagine black people few occasions where I have gotten sexual needs. I am very aware that felt in the late 1940's and 50's past that addiction and turned to love cannot be demanded and am.a- who were trying to "pass" as whites wards my age-mates, I have found ^ware that working through the is and were told by white friends that them ogling the young and avoiding sues involved in this problem will "I never think about you as being me. I can only say that struggling take far longer than my particular black." The necessity to live out against this tendency in ourselves heart and desires will last. So this kind of denial of self has ob is the first task for us older due to my particular circumstances viously severely limited the number people in raising this issue with I am rejecting the solution of get of oldies in the new left. young people or the society as a ting into a study group, collective, There are, of course, many older whole. In fact, it was only be or affinity group and then demand people who have long careers in left cause I personally had finally got ing that we struggle over how they activites dating back to the 1920's ten very close to the point of might satisfy me. and 30's. I can recall my own saying that I would rather have no Rather, I am working to gain a "youth-oriented" reaction to these sex at all than have it as a fix modest level of personal content people when I first began to meet for my youth addiction that I was ment while having a full and pro them in the 1960's at different able to take the steps I took at ductive life involving my work and meetings, conferences, and rallies. the conference. my children, but without a steady, I viewed them as being either Another concrete reason why I personal, intimate relationship that burnt out old war-horses or the don't have much success with peop combines work, living, and loving last remnants of a failed movement. le my own age is that there are so without the easy fluid series of I felt I had nothing much to learn damn few of us in leftist/alterna sensual encounters that are avail from them since they had obviously tive lifestyle circles. For examp able to those who are priveledged failed to bring about the revolu le, there were only five or six old to have bodies that are young. (In tion and it was now time for bright er men at the conference which had other words, I'm finally understand new faces with our "whole new" ap been billed as preparation for ing what Freud meant by sublimation.) proach to take over and achieve vic building a new society. Whatever Further, I am moving toward the tory. Later I can recall feeling a the reasons for this, the situation Puritan/Marxist goal of study and lot of positive feelings of empathy at the conference was the usual organizing around this issue so and repsect for some old Wobblies as one in movement activities... a few that things will be better in the I heard them tell their stories of older people embedded in a sea of future for others. the struggles around the time of youth. The conference was highly This leads to the second, or World War I. But I was seeing these successful in bringing together organizing aspect of the age-oppres people as walking history books, gay men to discuss leftist class sion that I experience. This aspect rather than co-participants in a politics, but it clrealy reflected centers around the fact that when struggle. the exceptional level of ageism that ever I am in conferences, rap groups, But now I am beginning to exper is present in both the new left and working relationships, political ience my own feeling of being burnt the gay men's movement. formations, etc., struggling over out and having failed to realize my But even if there were a lot of issues around both theory and prac dreams of victory. I see my young older people in the movement, one of tice, I become aware that I have colleagues madly consulting the the ideals that we all speak of in worked at some of these issues for "old masters" like Marx, Lenin, etc., relationship to socialism and com 20 years longer than the rest of the and vigorously competing among them munism is to not have to.split our people present. That is, I have ex selves for intellectual correctness work life off from our living sit perience. Not answers. Not final — partly, I am sure, as a valid uation and our loving situation. judgements. But experience. And ex search for sol id direction, but part Yet the demand that I not expect to perience counts for something. It ly, also, as a grasping at straws to form personal/sexual relationshops is true that sometimes experience cover up their own emerging feelings with younger people has the result will say, "The wheel cannot be in of frustrated failure. How nice it that the people I live with and the vented" and thus block progress in would be if all of us with differ people I work with are not the peop seeking to find that thing that will ent age and experience levels could le who are available to love with. allow the wagons to roll forward. talk openly to each other about Thus age must be recognized as But then at other times experience such experiences as failing hopes, another factor that blocks us from can say, "The wheel has already been setting long term goals, fear of be becoming the unity that we seek. invented" and thus make unnecessary ing put off on the sidelines, living This demand that the young relate further efforts at re-invention. through peaks and valleys of politi to the young, and the old to the old,; There is no formula to tell for sure cal cycles, use and misuse of the seems to be simply an extension of at the time whether experience is ory, rewards and punishments of fac the competitive stratification of helping or hurting progress, but tional fights, etc. Such discussions our capitalist, masculine society surely the American society as a might lead to collaboration among that starts out by telling first whole and the new left in particular us rather than setting us off into graders that they ought not to play has gone way overboard in rejecting camps of the active, the semi-re- tired, the old-liners, the burnt out, etc. 14 To put all this another way, at , F\R. Ccxsocx least I get feeling very wise. Like having dealt for 25 years with numer gxA lex -Wxa- cnocxzxTL
enter -» Bits ’n' Pieces
"have abused sociological findings. ed by the National Institute of Mental Health. It was based on extensive in SOCIOLOGISTS DEFEND GAYS Conclusions drawn by people mis using such findings are being used terviews with more than 1500 gay men AGAINST 'ONSLAUGHT' and women who resided primarily in to harm individual members of sex WASHINGTON, DC — The American ual minorities and the sociological the Chicago and San Francisco areas. The researchers conclude that gay Sociological Association, an 8,000 profession cannot tolerate such member organization in the United life is not as sex-obsessed, anxiety- distortions." ridden or trouble prone as it is gener States and Canada, has announced a The Sociologists' Gay Caucus, ally believed by the straight popula policy commitment to "erasing anti which initiated the move to change homosexual sentimebts." Dr. Russell the national organization's policy, tion. The two Indiana University re Dynes, Executive Officer of the has compiled data showing that re searchers found, in fact, that many Association, announced the result search on homosexuality has been gay couples seem to be happier than ran of a ballot of the members of the inhibited by sociology and insti domly selected straight couples. Association's Executive Council tutions funding research. The Bell and Weinberg state that their which put the organization on re group said it has "clear evidence" study found that, just as heterosex cord "condemning all attepmts to that some universities discourage uals cannot be stereotyped in any man prevent" gays from gaining equal dissertations on the subject of ner, neither can gays. The two authors rights. The Council declared that sexuality and sexual minorities. say, in the introduction of their up the sociology of homosexuality is The Caucus charged that both coming book, Homosexualities, "our a "legitimate and important field faculty members and students at hope is that, at the very least, it of study" which should now receive many universities are advised to will become increasingly clear to the "special encouragement because of "stay away" from research into reader that there is no such thing the social stigma placed upon homo sexual minorities and sexuality as the homosexual." sexual ity" because such is likely to harm The action of the sociologist's their careers. PENTAGON ASKS END TO organization followed a number of MEN-ONLY COMBAT DUTY recently passed reolutions which — Gay Community News denounced campaigns against gay WASHINGTON, DC — The Defense right ordinances. The Executive KINSEY STUDY FINDS Department has asked Congress to Council took issue with the use of GAYS BETTER ADJUSTED end the ban against women in sociological concepts and research combat roles. A bill already used in those campaigns — concepts INIANA — A ten-year study on homo passed by the House of Represen and research which it found were sexuality to be released shortly con tatives and now before the Senate "distorted" and part of an "ugly cludes that many gay men and women may should eliminate the Women's Army onslaught" against gay rights. be better adjusted and happier than Corps (WAC) and end all differences Laud Humphreys, a leader of the their heterosexual counterparts. of treatment in the military based Sociologists' Gay Cuacus, said that The new study by the Kinsey Insti on sex, except for certain combat groups like Save Our Children, tute was headed by psychologists Alan duties. The New York Times reports (the Anita Bryant campaign organi Bell and Martin Weinberg and was fund that the Pentagon wants to accel- zation in Dade County, Florida) 19 fly combat planes in the Air Force five years, including early sllents erate the role of women in the and to serve on destroyers and air and talkies, contemporary produc military because of increasing craft carriers in the Navy, as well tions, foreign and American ftlsm personnel shortages due to the end as be a part of infantry units in of the baby-boom. A Defense De the Army. — Gaysweek tions, foreign and American films, partment official is quoted as tel documentaries, underground works and ling the Times there will be a 15% THE CELLULOID CLOSET television shows. drop of 18 year old males by the The program, which will continue mid 1980's, and a 25% drop in the WASHINGTON, DC — The American through July 6, will survey the me 1990's. The official adds "We Film Institute Theater at the Kennedy dia and examine its treatment of shouldn't be depriving women of Center will present an extensive six-’ homosexuality in films. It follows these jobs that they're qualified week retrospective entitled "The a similar program presented by the to do and want to do." Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in British Film Institute in London If Congress passes the proposed the Cinema." More than 40 films will last year. legislation, women will be able to be shown spanning the past seventy- The American Film Institute Theater is located in the Hall of States at the Kennedy Center. Box office hours are from noon to 9 p.m. daily. For ticket information call (202) 785-4601. WOMAN NAMED MARINE GENERAL WASHINGTON, DC — President Car Bartenders: ter has nominated Col. Margaret Brewer to be the first woman general of the Marine Corps. The nomination of Brewer, who helped break down the John & Chet sex discrimination barriers in that arm of the service, is subject to Senate approval. The proposed promotion accompan Tklly-Ho ied word that Brewer would also be named the director of information, or official spokesperson, for the Marine Corps headquarters in Wash Tavern ington. 201 WEST ORANGE ST. The marines are the last of the LANCASTER, PA. armed services to elevate a woman to general's or admiral's rank. 299-0661 — Gay Community News CANADIAN GAY REFUSED BOSTON —After a meeting with members of the National Gay Task Force, the US Public Health Service has adopted the position of the American Psychiatric Association and Something is Blooming at will no longer define homosexual persons as either "sex deviants" or "psychopathic personalities." The Public Health Service stated on fact April 4 that is will inform all its officers of the policy change. Lancaster's only On April 6, just two days after the announced change, a gay Canadian Silk Flower Shop citizen was refused entrance into this country because of his sexu ality. Serve Savard of Montreal was Shop Hours coming into this country with an Daily 10-6 American citizen, Iolo Carew, a res Friday 10'9 ident of Somerville, Mass. At the Saturday 10-4 border crossing at Highgate Springs, Vermont, Savard was questioned by an Immigration officer and refused ad Watch for the Grand Opening of our mittance because he is gay. According to Carew, the officer, 2nd store at 25 N. Prince St. S.J.Roth, read the policy against admittance of anybody who can be described as a "sex deviate" or as 702 having "psychopathic disorders." Despite a long discussion between Roth, Carew, and Savard, the officer would not allow the Canadian citizen (717)394-0220 to enter this country. Carew told ______J Gay Community News that Roth merely stated "It's the law." says there is not the slightest indi 20 EXPLORER SCOUTS BARRED cation that being raised by a lesbian Harmen says, for example, that mother influences the child toward women with large dining room tables AS GAYS becoming gay. According to the doctor, have a need to accomplish something; the children are choosing toys and be those with an average-sized table MANKATO, MN — Two members of having in ways consistent with their just want to be friendly. An oval the Explorer scouts, Scott Ford, 17 biological sex. table is said to be a tip-off that and Scott Vance, 16, have been ex its owner needs to help others. pelled from their local post after HONGISTO DISPUTE The sexually-oriented person they admitted they were gay. reportedly avoids glass-top tables Ford and Vance appealed their CLEVELAND — Richard Hongisto, a of all kinds, loves heavy-textured dismissal to the director of public longtime gay rights supporter, was sofas such as velvet, prefers dif relations for the Boy Scouts of suspended indefinitely as police ferent kinds of wall paper on each America in New Brunswick, NJ. chief of this city by Mayor Dennis wall in the living room, fills that Their expulsion was then upheld at Kucinich. Hongisto, the former room with plants and really dislikes the national level. Sheriff of San Francisco County (CA), fireplaces. "I think the public should be and accused the Mayor of trying to informed that there is discrimina stall police investigations into GAY ATHEISTS FORM tion against gays," Ford said. municipal corruption. "Most people aren't willing to talk The Mayor suspended the Chief NEW ORGANIZATION about it. Whatever can happen here because Hongisto "failed to pro SAN FRANCISCO — Gay Atheists, a can happen anywhere." duce corroboration of the charges." new organization founded to counter Hongisto has been pushing his dis — Gaysweek recent attempts to infringe church/ pute with the Mayor since his dis state separation, held its first for missal. He accused Kucinich of being ANITA DISPLAY REMOVED mal meeting in February, and elected "Nixonian," and is planning to re a board of directors. GA is a non IN MISUNDERSTANDING main in Cleveland to press his profit and non-political educational demands for "an honest and respected" PHILADELPHIA — An apparent misun organization of gay women and men derstanding over support for Anita chief to take his place. brought together to expose the at Bryant caused a food store to revise — Gay Community News tempts of organized religion to vic its advertising, and dramatized the timize gays. clout of a gay market. FURNITURE AS A SEXUAL The platform statement, adopted in A window display at The Fruit PERSONALITY PROFILE February, states that seperation of Lady (18th & Walnut Sts.) contained church and state is lost when "tax an autographed book of Bryant's sur- Many people believe you are what exempt churches circulate initiative ronded by oranges. A nearby black you eat. Now a psychologist is sug and referendum petitions... hardcore board said: "Join Us In Our Salute gesting you are how you decorate... evangelists are placed upon police to Anita Bryant" with a middle finger Doctor M.H. Harmen, in her book vice-squads... evangelicals use the drawn underneath. Psycho-Decorating, has studied the airwaves to attck gays and other mi "The problem was that people just decorating patterns of 100 women, norities... and religious fanatics saw our oranges and the slogan, and and has found a direct connection attempt to alter the Constitution not the finger put-down," explained between a woman's taste in furniture to fit their brand of religion." co-owner Phyllis Brodsky. "I love and her personality, including her While GA reportedly does not op- gays, they keep me alive, and I don't sex interests. want to offend anyone." However, several customers and passersby complained, and after only two days the display was removed. Chef Richard Hackett, whose copy of Anita Bryant's Family Cookbook spurned the controversy, said: h0b- viously, any shop on Walnut Street would only do this in jest. If you'd laugh her out of existence, the whole world would be a lot better off." — Gay News SAN DIEGO — This must rate as one of the most unusual souvenirs left behind by the late king of rock and roll... A publication called The Reader has published a small "for sale1l_ad stating "Rectal thermometer used by Elvis Presley. $40 or best uouv V\ac.e. ux offer." GAY MOTHERS RAISE OK KIDS NEW YORK — Psychiatrist Richard Green and a team___ of_ researchers at the State University of New York studying children being raised by les bian mothers say that, so far, the CHESTER INN children are developing along identi cal paths to children raised by heter- AT6LO9TIC345C1TX 1 osexul parents. The samples include 21 children ranging in age from 5 to 14. Dr. Green naire, even though answered anony paid $5 each as an entry fee to 21 mously or not at all, might harm the Naked City Nudist Camp and some students psychologically. The spent about 10 minutes inside. They pose the rights of gays who seek reportedly then returned to the personal religious experience, the newspaper, with the help of the New York Civil Liberties Union, sued front desk and demanded refunds. platform statement notes that re When their refund demands were re ligion is based mainly on fear and but was ruled against in the US Court of Appeals for the Second jected, they both pulled guns, the cruelty to others. Circuit. The Supreme Court upheld police say. It was not clear where An informational pamphlet, which they had stashed their weapons. also contains the platform statement, the lower court decision without is available on request. Gay Athe comment. LONDON GAY NEWS ists can be contacted at Box 14142, The survey asked students db San Francisco, CA 94114. questions on homosexuality, mastur LOSES APPEAL bation, premartial sex, contra — Gaysweek ception and other matters. LONDON — Gay News has lost its appeal against conviction under the STUDENT SURVEY — Gay Community News centuries old Blasphemous Libel law BANNED in Britain. The court of Criminal NUDE ROBBERS CAUGHT Appeal turned down the appeals by WASHINGTON, DC - The US Supreme the paper and editor Denis Lemon on Court has let stand a lower court WITH THE GOODS all grounds. decision upholding a ban against a ROSELAWN, IL — Two nude men were Lord Justice Roskill delivered the survey of student sexual attitudes arrested on armed robbery charges af decision of the three justices, up by a New York City high school news- ter they allegedly drew guns and de holding the fines against the paper and editor Lemon. The justices also PaPThe survey was banned in 1976> by manded refunds at a local nudist col ony. granted court costs to anti-gay cru school officials at Stuyvesant High. Police report that the two men sader Mary Whitehouse, the person They maintained who brought the suit against the paper. A prison sentence hanging over Lemon's head was dismissed. Open Gay News may now appeal the deci sion against it to the House of Every Lords. The paper has decided to leave Sunday that decision up to its readers and the general public. "The case must 8-2am be certified as of public interest," the editors said, "before leave to appeal to the Lords can be obtained. We can now only fight on with your renewed support and we would urge you to let us have your views." — Gay Community News STUDY: SPEECH SHOWS SEX BIAS SANTA BARBARA, CA — A study of male-female conversations recorded in coffee shops, drugstores and private homes in Santa Barbara, California, conducted by Professors Candice West and Don Zimmerman, found that in con versations studied "46 out of 48 in terruptions were made by males to altidand’5 females." Zimmerman and West say, "In every conversation, the male interrupted the female more frequently than vice RdNCH versa." The professors added that fe males showed a greater tendency to ward silence, "especially... after IO /Miles West of York the men had interrupted them." The two researchers say that much Off Rt. 30 of the male-to-female talk they re corded resembled the high-handed con PH:(7l7)-225-4479 versation style adults often use with children, with the male playing the adult. NOBLE FAILS TO GAIN ENDORSEMENT BROOKLINE, MA — The Citizens for Participation in Political Action (CPPAX) has failed to endorse any candidate for governor or U.S. Sen ator in this year's election. The liberal group was expected to give its endorsment to State Rep. Elaine 22 Noble in her bid to qain the Demo cratic nomination to run against incumbent Senator Edward Brooke. The decision of the group not to endorse Noble is seen by political observers as a setback in her cam paign. — Gay Community News GAY RIGHT ADVOCATES SAN FRANSISCO — The Playboy Foun dation has recently announced that a grant will be going to Gay Rights Advocates, a San Fransisco-based pub lic intrest law firm that serves the gay community. According to the Ad vocates, the grant will permit GRA to continue several important litiga tion and educational projects. A major effort will be the creation of fES GflW.THAT 15 EARTH. "Sf KUaw/N -GChl a national recource center for briefs, THROU&HOUT THE 6ALAXY. pleadings, and other legal documents rict of Columbia Law Review Commis age and the other partner is no more relevant to homosexuality and the sion. The changes in the code have than five years older. law. been forwarded to Congress for ac Gay Rights Advocates, a nonprofit tion. Passage of the bill, without — Gay Community News California corporation, is the first modifications, could come by Septem public intrest law firm in the West ber. Congressional staffers report HAWAII GAY BILL working exclusively with the gay edly have warned that the code could DEFEATED, 4-2 community. Offices are located at run into some legislative trouble. 540 Castro St., San Fransisco, CA The proposed code went before the HONOLULU — An anti-discrimina 94114, (415)863-3622. Senate and the House District Commit tion bill proposed by House Judici tees where hearings began in April. ary Committee Chairman Richard Gar — Gay Community News The code can be revised by Congress cia, was defeated yesterday in a at any point along the legislative 4-2 vote by the committee. The bill CHANGES IN DC process. proposed to ban "discrimination in employment and housing on grounds of WASHINGTON, DC - A new crime The code would repeal the exsist ing sodomy law and set the age of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, code, which includes legalizing ho consent at 16, except where one part religion, color, ancestry, or polit mosexual acts between consenting ad ical consideration." The vote was ults has been approved by the Dist- ner is between 11 and 15 years of
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4 uNique expeROce testified at the hearing, mostly in ommendations for further government 23 favor of the bill. action on gay rights in Canada. In a carefully worded letter, held with only six members of the — Gaysweek 14 member committee present at the Trudeau stated that the "Royal Cana dian Mounted Police, the Dept, of March 10 meeting. CANADA'S SLOW PROCESS A hearing on the bill had been External Affairs and the Dept, of Ottawa — In a letter to the held by the committee on February National Defence have found that National Gay Rights Coalition, Prime 23. The hearing lasted until 4 am, homosexuals are targeted for black and was attended by over 200 people, Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau has mail to a greater extent than heter stated that he expects the Canadian osexuals. . .there is no government including a vocal group of.Mormons Human Rights Commission to make rec who opposed the bill. 63 witnesses policy, either overt or covert, to discriminate against homosexuals." The prime Minister added, however, that the Armed Forces ...have found that due to the special character of the Forces, individuals who are found to be homosexual are given discharges which do not cite speci fic reasons for release, in order to avoid harassment and for their own benefit." Trudeau added in his letter to the Coalition that he and his col WHEN YOU leagues "feel strongly that the Fed eral Government must make every effort to eliminate prejudiced atti tudes towards homosexuals, but you SUBSCRIBE will appreciate thatthis can be a very slow process." That's right! Subscribers to the GAY ERA during this spec — Gay Community News ial offer will get a free classified every month during their subscription period. That's 12 free classifieds or more if you subscribe for longer than a year. This offer is no? limited to new subscribers only. Even if you already sub scribe, all you have to do to take advantage of us is ex tend you subscription early. But hurry, because we 11 with draw this offer as soon as we think up a new gimmick to sell subscriptions.cX-Hntinns. Act today and dondon't t forget to include your CIAWICK first classifed ad. BOOK OF POEMS Small anthology of Gay Poetry. $1.25 includes postage. Local writers fea tured. Write c/o Gay Era, 332 N. Mul berry St., Lancaster, PA 17603
Can use young man for 1-2 days per week for indoor cleaning and some outdoor work such as painting, etc Box A, Leola, PA 17540 or 717-656- 7220.
49-year-old WM, 160 lbs., 5'10", white hair, bl eyes, interested in 12 isues- $5.00 music, politics, movies, plays, books, chess, and physical fitness would like to meet men who enjoy the GAY ERA art and are articulate, politically 332 N. Mulberry Street liberal, and in good physical shape Lancaster, Penn. 17603 but not muscle bound. Write Wesley Thomas, 1115 River House, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or PH: 717-232-5487.
• Top NYC Model/Masseur/Escort 24, | travels. Photosets - $12, Samp. - $5. I ■ Also gay mags, books, male order. I narne_ J Catalogue - $1 +SASE. Marc Sanders I add res I 247 E. 81 St., NYC 10028, #4C or call I I 212-288-4970 I apt. no. |------I I FOR SALE: '65 Chevy SW. Runs. For I I cheap temporary transportation. $75. I I Call 717-426-9811. Ask for Dave Leas. I zip | WANTED: Metal wall shelves for stor- I Any amounts tn excess will be con.tdered donations, greatly needed and appreciated. | age in GAY,ERA'S press room. Call I ■ 717-426-9811. Ask for Marlin. COMING OUT COMING OUT AS AN OLD MAN A funning thing happened to me to wards the end of the recent Faggots and Class Struggle Conference held in Oregon last year...I came out as an old man. The act of standing up alongside of several other of my brotherold men and facing a lot of young people to proclaim both our solidarity and differences in rela tion to them was, for me, the end point in a rather long process. For the last year or so I had been bothered by nagging questions about my age difference in relation to the people I live with and work with and that morning I had been lying in my sleeping bag trying to figure out just where I stood in relation to the rest of the people at the con ference. I finally decided to get up and go down to camp and find one of the other four or five older men among the 130 participants and say "Hey! I'm old, and you're old... Let's talk." Doing this ended a per iod of hiding, repression, shame, and fear not unlike that which pre ceded my coming out as a gay per son years before. I would like to share with others some of my experiences at this point, I would like this to lead to further study and analysis by myself and others about how age intersects with economics, sexual, sex-preference and other class variables to create the clearly oppressive gulch between the young and the old that I experienced at the conference as well as gener ally throughout our society. In par ticular, I want my newfound pride to lead to a little organizing since I see organizing as the best manifes those years. Now I find myself close tions about father/child, teacher/ tation of consciousness and pride to being excluded from those very student, therapist/client. These among the oppressed. relationships by the community which scripts get very complicated, but the I want to say immediately that I chose to join because my body and bottom line is that younger people when I use the word "oppressed", I mind are old. cannot believe and respond to my ef am not feeling sorry for myself. It I say "close to" because the fact forts to express my weakness and need was before I came out that I was is that I seem to be remarkably well to be nurtured, which is always as feeling sorry for myself. But that preserved for an old man, and I some deep as theirs. was a private feeling...nurtured times have the expreience of having My experience tells me that this within me and revealed to others on people attracted to me because they is similar for middle-class men in ly in brief, distorted, indirect think I'm in my early 30's. Every both the straight and gay worlds, flashes. Now I feel quiet, content, thing is fine with my body and love with there being a bit more ageism angry and triumphant. making until'they find out I'm real among gay men. I do not know about So far I can put my fingers on ly 46. Then the idea of relating the differences for older women and two inter-related aspects of this with an old man blows them away. This people in different economic classes. age oppression that I am involved is a good indication of the powerful The easiest response to all this in. One is personal and the other is role that illusion plays in creating is to ask why I don't get together organizational. The personal as and maintaing personal relationships. with people my own age. One impor pect is particularly ironic for me Then there are those who clearly tant reason is, of course, that I since I came out as a gay person 10 recognize that I'm older and are at lave been as infected with youth years ago at the late age of 36 so tracted to me for just that reason. worship as everybody else. On the that I could finally enjoy the But these relationships inevitably (Continued on page 13 ) loving/sensual and sexual relation get hogged down in mutual expecta ships with men that I had missed all