MTSU Students Organize to Fight Anti-Romo Backlash By)EFFELUS Daniel Webster, student spokesperson for the Managing &:iitor MTSU group. Spurred on by what they perceived to be a The prevailing anti-gay sentiment on the strong anti-gay backlash on their campus, a Murfreesboro campus is the result of an article group of lesbians and gay men at Middle which appeared in Sidelines, the ·student Tennessee State University have begun efforts newspaper, which purported to chronicle gay to organize an on-campus group called "MTSU life among the 13,000-member student body. Lambda Association.• But instead of presenting a balanced view of MTSU President Sam Ingram said the lesbian and gay life at MTSU, student Richie group's efforts to become a recognized stu­ Smith said the published account portrayed dent organization will probably be successful gay men as "obsessed with bathroom sex." as long as proper procedures are followed. The story, written by Sidelines staff writer "I do not see there being a problem with Tony Stinnett, told of university attempts to these students organizing. If they meet the curb sexual activity in restrooms by removing same conditions as anyone attempting to or­ the doors to restroom stalls in Keathley Univer­ ganize a new student group they will be ap­ sity Center and the Kirksey Old Main building proved," Ingram said. on campus. State colleges and universities which are Campus bathrooms have long been targeted governed by the State Board of Regents al­ for "tea room sex,• the story reported. That ready have guidelines for guaranteeing fair claim was backed up by examples of sexually­ treatment of lesbian and gay student groups. themed graffiti on the walls. In early 1980, federal District Coun Judge Stinnett's story, which brought a rash of Tom Wiseman issued a ruling giving official angry letters to the editor of the student paper, recognition to a similar group at Austin Peay followed a sting operation conducted last State University. Wiseman's ruling followed a summer by Murfreesboro City Police. The lengthy and costly court battle waged by les­ sting focused on sexual activity in the city's Old bian and gay students on the Clarksville cam­ Fort Park. pus who had been refused official status by Following the local media coverage, stu­ Michelle Shocked.called ·a complex and sophisticated talent • by Musician magazine, will join fellow then APSU-President Robert Riggs. dents began to discuss the possibility of form­ "politically correct" musician Billy Bragg and the 7-member Nicaraguan band Mancatal for a Nashville concert "I haven't been asked to pass judgment on ing support group for lesbian and gay stu­ appearance next week. other groups, so I see no reason to pass judg­ dents. ment on this group," Ingram said. "Actually, we had thought about it before all "We'd like to set in place lesbian and gay the media hype, but when it happened we support group, a place where lesbians and gay decided we should do something immedi­ Armistead Not Disciplined men are accepted and allowed to interact and ately," Smith said. BySfUARTBMN bers. Citizens who feel that a member has project a better public image than the one "Timewise, MTSU is back in 1982, not &:iitor violated one or more of the canons of the Code presented by the student newspaper,• said continued on page 4 Reports that the Nashville Board of Realtors can make a formal, written complaint to the has lodged a complaint against Metro Council Board, which will investigate through its Member George Armistead for his remarks Grievance Committee. about homosexuality and the Gay Cable Net­ Members found guilty of violating the Code Bragg, Shocked, Come to Nashville work are untrue, according to Grace Fair­ can be punished or expelled by the Board. • By DEBORAH BURKS Also appearing at The Cannery will be Mich­ banks, executive vice-president of the Board. Staff Writer elle Shocked. Shocked's recently released Armistead is a member of the Nashville

Several "politically correct" musicians from album Short Sha,p Shocked(Mercury) has gar­ Board of Realtors. .•:•:•:-:;:::::;=: ·············•:•,· · ·•· ❖ :::::❖ : ··························===.====:il:;:l!l:lfi······ ::r_;:_!:_ffff/iil! around the globe will be appearing at The nered some much-deserved recognition for Fairbanks said that the· Board of Realtors .,,••·,·•,·,· · •.•·.•···❖•••• Cannery on the evening of October 14. this east Texas folk singer. does have a code of ethics requiring members Billy Bragg, considered one of Britain's most The album contains an odds-and-ends as­ to adhere to a professional standard of con­ progressive musicians, will be the feature. sortment of political songs ranging from "Graf­ duct, which includes a prohibition against bias Bragg was a founding member of Red Wedge, fiti Limbo•, a song based on the police slaying and discrimination, but added that formal a group ofleft-wing musicians connected with of black New York grafitti artist named Michael grievances must be filed with the Board before the Britian's Labour party. He has been in the Stewart, to "When I Grow Up I Want to be an it can take action. United States recently with his "Save the Youth Old Woman", a kind of children's rhyme sati­ "This office does not investigate until a writ­ of America" tour, urging his audiences to reg­ rizing procreation. Through a voice some­ ten complaint is received,• Fairbanks said last ister and vote. where between those of Joni Mitchell and week, noting that all such grievances come The Democratic Left notes that Bragg be­ Rickie Lee Jones, the feminist, anarchist, lover across her desk. lieves "both the ballot and the barricades are and skateboard rider in Shocked can all be "There may have been telephone calls important strategic tools.• Activists from sev­ heard. complaining against Mr. Armistead," Fair­ eral action groups, including ACT UP (AIDS Mancatal, a seven-member Nicaraguan banks said, "But the Board has not received Coaltion to Unleash Power), were involved band, will also perform. The show starts at 9 any written complaints, and the Board can with this tour. Bragg has also toured with The PM. Advance tickets are available at Ticket­ only act if there is a written complaint.• Smiths, musicians well-known to many gays master. • The Board's Code, like those of other profes­ ans lesbians. sional, sets a standard of conduct for its mem- 2 Da:remmm•1-• Octobcr 7-13, 1988 EMBASSY TRAVEL We octoher specialize Mondays in personal Nashville CARES AIDS/ARC Support Group. 6:3~m. HIV Education Eiihts service. Support Group. 6pm. Family Support Group. 6:30pm. Info phone 385-1510. Lambda Group Sunday, October 9 615 383-1870 ~ Closed Alcoh9lics Anonymous meeting for gay men TN Toll Free 800 548-1031 ; Feminist Book Circle Meeting. Dis­ and lesbians, Unitarian Church. 8pm. 341S West End Ave, Suite 1 cussion of Over the Hill: Reflections on Nashville, TN 37203 MAGNET (Married and Gay Network) New group for married gay men. 1st & 3rd Mondays Ageism Between Women, by Baba Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm only. MCC-Nashville. 8pm. Info phone 320-0288. Cooper. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1808 Woodmont Blvd. 5-7pm. Free. Info phone 298-9931 . Tuesday, October 11 NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY Direct Action Protest nonrecognition of lesbian/gay relationships at Mariage Bureau, Howard School, 2nd Ave South. Info phone Penny Campbell, 297--4293, or Gary Bellamy, 885-2665. Family Celebration Music, food and dance. Sponsored by Nashville National Coming Out Day Committee. Gas Lite Lounge, 1671/2 8th Ave North, Nash­ ville. 7:30pm. $2 donation requested. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Info phone Gary Bellamy, 885-2665 or Thursdays Penny Campbell, 297--4293. r-----~------7 Nashville CARES HIV Support Group. 6:30pm. Info phone 385-1510. Altlraltlns (Alcoholics Anonymous) Closed meeting for lesbians and gay men, MCC-Nashville. Sunday, October 16 8pm. Pride Week '89 Committee Plan­ Lesbian Adult Chlldrtn of Alcoholics (ACOA) Meeting. 8pm. Info phone 385-4776 or 352-5823. ning meeting. 1401 Cedar. 1pm. Info phone 297--4293. Fridays Saxahollcs Anonymous Closed meeting, MCC­ Saturday, October 29 The write Nashville. 5pm. Alcoholics Anonymous Program study Croup Halloween Party Talent show and Meeting, Belmont United Methodist 7:3~m. raffle, follows Mortgage Meal. MCC­ Saturdays Nashvil le. 8:30pm. Dinner & party, $6. stuff. Nashville CARES · Party only, $3. Info phone 320-0288, AIDS/ARC Support Group. 4pm. 885-8202 or 391 -0222. Metropolitan Community Churcll-NnllYlll1 Mortgage Meal, all you can eat. 7:30pm. $5. Gay Clbl1 Natwerk Cablecas~ Viacom Channel Monday, October 31 35 (Community Access Television). 8pm. Free. HALLOWEEN Sundays Manna New Ufl Church Worship service, 11am. Info phone 833-8581 or 834-4491 . Matrapolllaa CNnn11lty Ch1rch•Nllhllll1 Jeff Ellis Worship services, 11am and ?pm. Info phone 320- 0288. I Managing Editor I I I I Your lll!lprolll event cai be listed free In Dites . Just drop a l)OSICard DI" letter lo .... !be 40422, Nasm'IHe, TN 37204--0422, DI' : Box 40422, Nashville, TN 37204-0422 • (615) 292-9623 phone 292-9623 and leave a message. Please Include Information about HIIE. locaUon, CXlSI, sponsor, and aoonlai person's namewllh L------~ address andAlr phone number for wrlllcallon. Volume l, Number 29 3 Sodomy Revision Attacked ByJEFFEUJS lators. We must convince them that this law Saturday, October 15 Managing Editor should be repealed. Recently proposed revisions in the Tennes­ "We cannot allow pandering to the homo­ Puttin' on the Hits see Criminal Code which would specifically phobic attitudes we might see in the months 9:30p.m. ban homosexual acts will likely be considered ahead." $3 cover in January by the judicial committees in both Weinberg said that In addition to lobbying chambers of the state legislature. efforts, attempts must be made to educate the When the legislature convenes for its 1989 public "about how unfair and discriminatory session in January, among proposals being this statute is.• Every Thursday Beer Blast 7-10pm considered in committee will be revisions in She predicted that the Commission's recom­ $3.00Cover $1.50 the state's Criminal Code recommended by a mendations will be the subject of much debate Free Draft Beer subcommittee of the Tennessee Sentencing in both the state house of representatives and wel~ liquor drinks Commission. senate. Among the recommendations is one which "The report is.filled with revisions and 1:1ro­ 1be woman~ cboic.e. all night, every night would eliminate heterosexual "crimes against posals that will wreak havoc. We're going to nature,• but would criminalize all sexual acts see a pretty strong public outcry that will keep the world's end restaurant RALPH'S- 1713 church street nashville, tn 37203 between two persons of the same sex. evedryone in the legislature busy during the 515 2nd AZ,1!?1Jue South 25C"r5682 615-329-3480 "We should be removing the sodomy statute next session,• Weinberg said. I from the criminal code, not revising the word­ Susan Kay, of the Vanderbilt Legal Cli~ic, ing,• said Hedy Weinberg of the American who last year spoke on the current sodomy Civil Liberties Union in Tennessee. statute's technicalities to an organizational Weinberg said the ACLU nationwide is meeting of the Tennessee Gay and Lesbian JUANITA'S CAP WEEK committed to the repeal of all sodomy laws and Task Force, refused to comment on the uanita's Tennessee's statute is likely to come under fire Commission's recommendations. Monday, October 10 in the coming months. "I haven't followed the changed recom­ thru Saturday, October 1S "We must begin mobilizing,• Weinberg said. mended by the commission, so I really have 1700 4th Avenue South 256-9681 Wear your Juanita's cap "Tennesseans must begin talking to their leg is- nothing at all to say about them,• Kay said. • & get Happy Hour prices. One-third Volunteer Contact Tracing Monday, October 10 ByJEFFELUS Like HIV testing in Tennessee, partner trac­ COLUMBUS DAY Managing Editor ing is done in such a way to ensure confiden­ State health officials report that one-third of tiality, Fortune said. the Tennesseans testing positive for AIDS in "When contacting partners we don't give the PAR1Y the past five months have asked authorities to name of the person who gave the information "Come Discover!" contact their sexual partners to tell them they or tell them when it may have occurred. Ini­ may have been exposed to the disease. tially; we simply explain that we may have FREE BUFFET 7 to 9 John Fortune, coordinator for AIDS some important information concerning their couseling and testing for the Tennessee De­ health," he explajned. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ■ • • • • • • • • • • •••• partment of Health and Environment, called After telephone contact is made with a part- • • the partner tracing "an important tool" in the ner, Fortune said an appointment is made to • CELEBRATE! state's fight against the disease. further "discuss what's going on.• He stressed • "It is possible to find people in the commu­ that counseling plays a vital role in the process. • •Your next step nity who are infected, but don't know about it,• "We tell them about testing and about the • •The anniversary of the Fortune said. disease itself and try to give them other re- • What's~ March on Washington • Fortune explained that the partner tracing sources to contact for information or counsel- • • • program is "non-threatening and non-fright­ ing, • Fortune said. • • Direct action at the • ening, • given the guidelines used to administer Once the partner is contacted, any identify­ • Marriage Bureau • the program. ing information is destroyed. • • • •Our history-making your • Since May, when the program went into "When we contact people we try to be as • • effect under federal guidelines, about 50 non-threatening as possible and we won't give • year in Nashville • people have been contacted and told they are any information to anyone but the person in • • • •Our lives as • at risk of having the human immunodeficiency question,• Fortune said. "We don't leave a note • lesbians and gay men • virus (HIV), widely believed to be the cause of saying, 'The AIDS man called.'" • next • • • Friends and lovers full-blown AIDS. Federal guidelines, which went into effect • • After persons who have tested positive for on May 1, provides a direct correlation be­ •Your commitments • HIV infection are contacted, they are coun­ tween AIDS funding and a requirement that •Your relationships • seled on the methods of informing past sexual state programs begin tracing sexual partners or step? • •Yourself • partners. people who have shared needles who test • "We stay away from anything about guilt in HIV-positive. The program was already in • this situation," Fortune said. "We might do a place in some Tennessee testing sites, but is Same-sex couples needed: • little role playing even. We try to help the continuing to be implemented in still others • person decide how to tell their partner(s) across the state. Friends, lovers, comrades, • themselves.• Dr. Sandee Potter, executive director of for direct action at the Family Celebration! If requested, state health officials will con­ Nashville CARES, a local AIDS services organi­ Marriage Bureau, tact the partner. zation, said she was still uncertain of the Howard School. "We attempt to contact them, based on in­ program's effectiveness. NATIONAL Tuesday, October 11. formation given us by patients. If possible, we "I'm still processing my opinion on the COMING OUT DAY get them to come in for testing and counsel­ program and if it is being administered cor­ · For information call ing,• Fortune said. "If there are infected people rectly," Potter said. "One of my concerns is that Penny at 297-4293 out there it helps to give them information people may give information on a certain Tuesday, October 11 or Gary at 889-2665. about how to protect themselves and others.• number of their sexual partners, but not all ." 7:30 p.m. In the five months since partner tracing Potter said cases of anonymous sex among began, patients who test HIV-positive have gay men might hurt the program's overall suc­ Gas Lite Lounge • given authorities the names of 68 sexual part­ cess, but said she would take a "wait and see" • $2 donation requested • ners who are at risk. The number of patients attitude before forming an opinion. • Music, Food & Dancing • does not equal the number of partners re­ "If it gets people to start thinking, then I • • • ■CO► • ported. Fortune said one patient reported 14 think it's a worthwhile program. Maybe it w il l • • contacts over an extended period of time. prompt some to practice safer sex,• she said. • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4 DaTe October 7-13, 1988 ~---n-n---~ ·:.:!!!! Lambda 1 to sway public opinion. Already in the works Jfffiowle rm keeping step with political times. It lags far are plans for AIDS education workshops, .. ,oURTHABsoimi behind in acceptance of new social issues,• counseling sessions and a proposal for a les- ALLISON AND BECK Webster said. bian/gay hotline for members of the MTSU •MONDAY - SATURDAY John Weaver, another of the students in- community. 5 PM - 7 PM 50¢ DRAFT volved in organizing MTSU Lambda, said the •This kind of organization would be a better mood on campus has changed little since he atmosphere than a bar for young gay people to 10 PM -11 PM 50¢ DRAFT PERSONAL NUTRITIONISTS first attended the school in 1977. get together,• Webster said. "Bars can be over­ REGISTERED DIETITIANS •SUNDAY EXTRAVAGANZA "There have been some changes in morals whelming and frightening. An organization and a lot of people are much more accepting like this would be a more appropriate, more 1 PM - 7 PM 75¢ CANS than in the past," Weaver said, indicating that affirming setting.• 3 PM - 5 PM 50¢ DRAFT a fear of AIDS has influenced the opinion of The students have until mid-October to many people. submit their constitution to appropriate cam- •SHOWS TUE, FRI, & SAT "There is a definite need for this type of ' pus authorities who will then rule on the pro­ organization," Weaver said. posal. The constitution must bear the names 1612 EIGHTEENTH AVENUE SOUTH, A of -HALLOWEEN '88 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37212 According to the students, MTSU Lambda­ five charter members to be eligible for recogni­ A MOST SPOOKTACULAR EVENT (615) 386-9745 if approved by campus officials-could help tion from the university. • Mills Famous Reverse. Calendar Sale The earlier you buy, the more you save. Shop now while the selection is best October 15% off November 1 0% off all pictorial calendars in stock. Not good with other discounts. MILLS BOOK Since 1892, Nashville's full service bookstores. Tl1t5 IS 1ltE:' eEGINNIMG 1817 21st Ave South Brentwood Place Belle Meade Plaza 0~1,u~ ~~RIET' SlORES 383-5520 377-0460 383-7002 Gt.o&M. ICAL . 01"'5fEA I".> UPON LJ':, !

The voice in the wilderness.

Watch Gay Cable Network/

ALLEGRO BRILLIANTE , Nashville Choreogro/)h~ Balanclun, Mwic-Petc llyich Tchaikovsky Saturday, October 8 This favorite is artanged for two principals and an ensemble. It is spirited, musical and Balanchine at his best. · ROMANCE (a world premiere) Bp.m. • Choreog,-aj>hy-V&Ctoria Simon Mwic-Antonin Duorjak GCN Special Report Part Two Ms. Simon, respected nationally as a fine choreographer, has the distinction of being one of the few individuals Republican Convention r

GAY CABLE NETWORK Nashville Dare Volume 1, Number 29 •••••••••••••••••••••• 5 • • Poison May Fight AIDS • Liberation Book Club • Ha.nds On Massage Clinic By STUART BMN drug would not kill unattached viruses, it • • • P.O. Box453 • STRESS MANAGEMENT Editor might bind itself to them, keeping them from • South Norwalk, CT 06856 • You're Worth It! Scientists at the National Institutes of Health infecting healthy cells. • • (NIH) have suggested that an altered form of a Researchers chemically altered the poison • • ■ powerful natural poison may seek and kill by replacing the part of its molecular structure • The only national • Roxanne Isham HIV-infected cells. that guides it to its target cell with a portion of • • 758-7458 The discovery may lead to a new method of a protein [called "CD4"] that attaches to a pro­ • gay & lesbian book club . • therapy that could Iunit the spread of the virus tein found on HIV-infected cells. •••••••••••••••••••••• within the bodies of those who carry the virus, Quantities of the "designer poison" were according tb a report published in the British then produced by grafting the poison into cells MURFREESBORO ROAD journal Nature. of the bacteria E. col~ which reproduced itself EI.ECfROLYSIS CUNIC The poison, pseudomonas exotaxin A, is so and the drug with it. Common Woman Permanent Hair Removal strong that an amount the size of a salt grain In experiments, the .QrUg killed infected Bookstore Free Consultation could kill a human, the article said. The poison white blood cells without harming healthy C402) 464-6309 Iocllvklual Desposable Probes is produced by a soil bacteria. ones. Mastercard & Visa Patricia McCaffrey Researchers say that the drug ignores unin­ Researchers must still determine whether Mention this ad and we'll pay postage. Electrologist, R.E. fected cells in test-tube experiments. the drug can reach all infected cells in a human (615) 300-7630 "We're encouraged... by the low amount of body. They cautioned that it will be some time drug which is effective,• said NIH researcher before it is known whether the drug can be Bernard Moss. effective in humans. The drug works by killing infected cells "There is a long jump from the test tube to before they can produce more viruses. the patient," said Harvard Medical School's There is evidence to suggest that, though the Martin Hirsch. • Judy Eron, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker NEW FALL CAST Every Saturday Jim Siebold, PhD 10 pm-1 am Amazing Amazon Licensed Cllnlcal Psychologist The Amazon Trail. Lee Lynch. Tallahassee: Naiad, 50¢ draft 1988. 200 pages. $8.95, paper. Thu & Sun 7 pm -11 pm By SHERRE DRYDEN EnJertainment &:litor Individual and If you're ready for a little light reading with Winter hours a serious message, this collection of Lee Couple Counseling 1 pm-3am Lynch's syndicated columns is a good choice. 329-1656 Just warn your roommate that you're likely 1071,ft lflJ-Ma~ cftJati 256-9131 to start giggling uncontrollably at some point. In fact, you might consider setting aside some time to read passages aloud and share the 25-CENT DRAFf giggles. derisive. Wednesday 7 pm - 11 pm The Amazon Trail(the column has the same In "Cravat Caveat• Lynch takes a semi-light­ name) assembles 37 of Lynch's essays, ar­ hearted look at the old question of femme/ BEER BUST ranged in categories like "Gay Lit," "Gay Rites" butch role-playing: Saturday 4 pm - 8·pm and"TheGeographyofGay."The"amazon"in "I love wearing ties. If I had the money, I'd Sunday 3 pm - 7 pm the title might lead men to pass Lynch by, but probably dress like something out of GQ. Girl­ many of the essays are just as pertinent for men friend is delighted when I wear my brown as for women. leather flight jacket and tweed snap-brim cap.• 2311 Franklin Road, Nashville • 269-5318 • Open 3 pm - 1 am The first, "Becoming Her" is the sad/happy/ In "Second Hand Posh" she discusses the funny story of Lynch's transformation from late genesis of that lesbian tradition, the thrift shop: .·.·.·•:-:.;.:.;.:-:,: 50's baby butch to "Her," the first full -grown "The next phase in my thrift-store career was lesbian professional Lynch encountered: generational. In the mid and late '60's we pinko "This slight, dapper woman with short salt­ queer effete snobs created a market for those and-pepper hair and the plain stamp pf lesbian army surplus items that became our wardrob­ in every line of her face, every move of her bes." iiAw-■1--11 body, was In Publishing. Oh my, she was And from "Nude Newspapers and Dyke =:=:=::::::::::: :::::::_!:_;:_i:.!: i,i,i,_!_:,:.,:1,,_:_,_.. i,l,i,i,i,,,::,:=,:;_!,!_i,!_i. perfect ... I've become Her at last, the future I Dimples," which addresses the difference )ff:(L,.-.. -.-.-.-·· chose thirty years ago.• between being out and Being Out: In many cases, it is the glimpse of an earlier "Amongst the guilt trips from the dentist, vet time, of Being Gay in the sixties, that makes and ObGyn, lay a gay newspaper. . .I looked The Amazon Trail particularly interesting. In over my shoulder to see who might have "A Place For Us: Gay Bars" Lynch moves from noticed this accusing envoy. It was probably a discussion of why gay bars are important to the month's copy of Sissies Speak Out, or -,=.-:.:,,\::::::.. '·:'.\. a nostalgic description of her first bar, the worse, Raging Bulldagger Rag. Even if it was .. :·:'· ··:. :southe~n:ffiµipe,ae Ologgers·-iroffl: Atlao.ta. · Swing Rendezvous in Greenwich Village. the more discreet OG&IHQMRPC, the head­ Somehow, knowing that Andy Williams' lines had done me in with the postal service.• ·~wrrt&!filfli~lllf,l~!lilI!li(- song "The Good Life" was adopted by gays, or Some may argue that issues like role playing that The Ace of Spades was a Provincetown and coming out are devalued by irreverence, lesbian bar in the sixties ("The Notorious Ace that we shouldn't ourselves take un-seriously of Spades") bridges the gap between what we the very things we struggle to have taken know about lesbian and gay history and seriously by society at large. But Lynch doesn't today's culture. And it is the knowledge that ridicule those who take these issues seriously, ·---·,,.,.· <:J1@m~ail there is, indeed, a past that helps validate the just as she refuses to be ridiculed for her own 2dor.... 1 H@w Hetti( $. ·pffifl.Uw. present. lifestyle. Lynch not only makes being a gay teen-ager Instead, she demonstrates that it is possible in 1959 seem like fun (when it really must have to use humor, and by laughing at ourselves been more like hell), but she also makes the defuse the destructive situations that can arise -~~:::1iii:1i11BIL hard questions of 1988 seem answerable. She when lesbians (or gay men) find themselves has the ability to make fun of us without being on opposing sides. • :~!!§lt~l~~l~1111~lll~lilil!i!l;tt!~l1 Dare October 7-13, 1988

Growing Out of Room By DEBORAH BURKS society and, most importantly, ourselves. closet confines and defines our happiness - Staff Writer Secondly, "small" is a key descriptive in we as gay men and lesbians can never be c1oa•at (klaz' it) n. [L. claudere, defining a closet. Have you ever found a closet happy if we continue concealing who we are. to clo se] 1. a small room or cupboard big enough for its purpose? Well, I've certainly The third feature of this definition is interest­ for c lothes, s upplies, etc. 2. a never had one spacious enough for my ing: the verb transit form of closet implies a small room for conferences or meet­ clothes, or my linens, or my life. Our "closets" temporary situation. For example, we closet The Lesbian and Gay Newspaper ings. -: v. t. to close up in a small are indeed small. for a meeting. This does not mean permanent From the Heart of the American South room for confidential talk. My closet was never big enough to hold all residency, but rather a temporary state. October 7-13, 1988 the lies which were necessary to conceal and I'm tired of all the excuses people use for Volume 1, Number 29 Considering Webster's definitions, a closet "protect" myself. It grew too crowded in there staying in the closet. I understand the need for doesn't sound like a suitable place to spend with all the shame and fear. Questions like a closet may be necessary for some people at Publisher & Editor Stuart Bivin one's life. Based on my o-:wn experience, I can "What will happen if my mother finds out?" or some given time, but the time comes when we verify this. "Will I lose my job because I'm a dyke?" occu­ all have to move outside the closet's confines. Managing Editor Yet, as we all know, many gay men and pied too much space and little was left for me. Next Tuesday as we celebrate National C.Om­ Jeft'Ellis lesbians do live there - "in the closet.• So after several years of this crowded ar­ ing Out Dayweare given a unique opportunity Entcrt2irunent Editor I'm struck by several aspects of this defini­ rangement, I moved out of that closet. I finally to take our next step in emerging from the Sherre Dryden tion of a closet, those descriptions which also realized how unnecessary and damaging it is closet. Use this day to start your move - or to

Staff Writers apply to the "closet" constructs we gay men to live there. I decided that there is nothing continue - forward. Deborah Burks and lesbians use to protect ourselves. First of wrong with me - the wrong is with a society You'll be happier. JoeMan>hl all, closet is derived from a Latin word, mean­ which encourages us to deny who we are and I'll bet my pink triangle on it! JaanStul'lls ing to close. That's exactly what we do by thus live in the closet. Let's use closets for what they are meant­ Contributing Writers choosing to live in the closet- we are dosed Closets restrict our growth as individuals to store things, instead of people's lives. • Carole Cunningham off from other gay men and lesbians, the rest of and as a community. The smallness of the Harrison Hicks Patrick Hills

Advertising Sales Coordinator AnnTaylor Cami ng Out with a. Vengeance (615) 352-5823 By JEFF ELLIS while I plotted my revenge. Robert didn't catch on, so next Tuesday I'm The Dare logo was designed by Rusel Brown. . Managing /Iditor _ The following morning I pointed out the gonna tell him that I saw what he did and I With National C.Oming Out Day fast ap­ physical demands of retail display work and think he's an asshole. Dare copy is set in Garamond, with proaching, and after much urging to "take my how most people think decorators are sissies. He does a good job and we need him to Aachen Bold heads and Helvetica Condensed Light subheads. next step,• I find myself in a quandary of sorts. "But I could beat the hell out of anyone,• I continue to do so. But I think it's time that What's your next step when everyone told him. "Even while choosing just the right Robert realized that we are everywhere. Dare is published weekly by knows already? colors for a room." And some of us are the boss. • Pyramid Light & Power Box 40422, Nashville, TN 37204-0422 My family knows, my friends know, my (615) 292-9623 employer knows, my co-workers know, my neighbors know, my childhood Sunday Subscription rate: $31.20 per year. Please phone (615) 352-5823 School teacher knows. Hell, every~dy for advertising rates and information. knows! So what do I do? ff Then something happened Monday that ~ostmastcr: send address changes to: prompted me to decide what my next step is Circulation Department I Lost It at the Movies Dare going to be. Box 40422 In my day job(being Dares managing editor Excerpted by permission from Testimonies:A Collec­ Nashville, 1N 37204-0422 is certainly not my primary source of support), Then she said (not breaking her rhythm since tion of Lesbian Cominy Out Stories, ed. by Sarah Holmes, I have two assistants in each of my store's three we all know timing is everything), "Here's one Dare and the Dan logo arc trademarks of Boston: Alyson Publications, 1988, $7.95, paper. I haven't seen before - 'Dykes unite'." There Pyramid Light & Power locations. for its newspaper. Because of how my job functions, I rotate By JEWELLE GOMEZ was that profound silence again, as if the Entire contents and design of Dare among the three locations, spending two to My grandmother, Lydia, and my mother, frames of my life had ground to a halt. We were Copyright 1988 by Pyramid Light & Power. Dolores, were both talking to me from their in a freeze-frame and options played them­ All rights reserved · four days in one location during a two-week Reproduction, either in wh,;,le or in part, period. bathroom stalls in the Times Square movie selves out in my head in rapid succession: Say is strictly prohibited without the I'm very lucky to have assistants who, theatre. I was washing butter from my hands at nothing? Say something? Say what? express written consent of the publisher. though heterosexual, are very affirming of my the sink and didn't think it at all odd. The I laughed and said, "Yeah, but have you seen people in my family are always talking; con­ the rubber stamp on my desk at home?" Publication of the name, sexual orientation and who are very close photograph or other likeness of any friends. versation is a life force in our existence. My "No," said my mother with a slight bit of person or organization in Dare is not Then along came Robert. great-grandmother, Grace, would narrate her puzzlement. "What does it say?" to be construed as any indication of the life story from 7 a.m ..until we went to bed at "I saw it," my grandmother called out from sexual, religious or political He's new. And a jerk. And homophobic. orientation, practice or beliefs of I realized that the other day when I hap­ night. The only break was when we were her stall. "It says: 'Lesbian Money!'" such person or members of such organization. pened upon Robert making not-so-veiled ref­ reading or the reverential periods when we sat "What?" erences to my orientation, demonstrating his looking out of our tenement windows, observ­ "Lesbian Money," Lydia repeated. The opinions of this newspaper · "I just stamp it on my big bills,• I said tenta­ arc expressed only in editorials. distaste for my lifestyle with an appropriately ing the neighborhood, which we naturally Any views expressed in any stereotypical limp-wristed gesture. talked about later. tively, and we all screamed with laughter. The advertisement, signed column, When I walked up, catching Robert off­ So it was not odd that Lydia and Dolores other woman at the sinks tried to pretend we letter, article or cartoon talked non-stop from their stalls, oblivious to didn't exist. arc those of the author, artist, speaker guard, he was rather non-plussed. And obvi­ or writer, and do not necessarily ously scared senseless that I had seen his everyone except us. I hadn't expected it to Since then there has been little discussion. reflect the positions of Dare, actions. He began to chatter incessantly, quite happen there, though. I hadn't really expected There have been some moments of awkward­ Pyramid Light & Power, staff members an "it" to happen at all. To be a lesbian was part ness, usually in social situations where they or supporters. unlike his usual lack of conversational ability. He thought, I think, that by this diversionary of who I was, like being left-handed - even feel uncertain. Although we have not explored Dare is an institutional member of the tactic I would translate his actions as being when I'd slept with men. When my great­ the "it," the shift in o~r relationship is clear. Gay and Lesbian Press Association. about someone else or I would just forget that grandmother asked me in the last days of her When I go home it is with my lover and she is I was mad and that I wanted to beat the shit out life if I would be marrying my college boy­ received as such. I was lucky. My family was of him. friend I said yes, knowing I would not, know­ as relieved as I to finally know who I was. So, for the remainder of the afternoon, I let ing I was a lesbian. Jewelle Gomez has written book reviews for Belles Robert sweat it out. Literally and figuratively. I Lettres, The Village Voice, and The NcW York Times. She made him move two bedroom groupings and My mother had started reading the gratfitti GAY AND LESBIAN is the author of two collections of poetry and aforthcom­ change two monstrously heavy dining rooms, written on the wall of the bathroom stall. We PRESS ASSOCIA110N hooted at each of her dramatic renderings. ing vampire novel, The Gilda Stories. Volume 1, Number 29 DIR"e~------~ 7 fmmlmD-- Gay Matching With over six years of matching Nashville CARES. More Mail, But Not Enough for gay men, we offer: One in Teen is written by a 17-year-old high school Asaresultofhislies, hismotherfoundouthe Won't you care, too? student. Because he is aminor, hewifl use apseudonym. is gay. This forced him to tell his mother the • Discreet mailings. By PATRICK HIIJ.S truth about his sexual orientation. He was • Assured confidentiality. Contributing Writer caught by surprise by her discovery of his lies • Detailed Application form. Hey! Well, I got a sudden spurt of mail a few and was not in the best condition to defend her • No fees over $20. weeks ago - a sudden spurt being three letters. accusations. In case you're keeping count, that's a total of By the same token, his mother was angry • Guaranteed satisfaction. five. that he had lied to her and was not in a good • Local matches in your area. Nashville Council on AIDS Resources, Unfortunately, due to school and other ob­ state of mind to learn that her son is gay. Education and Services ligations, response time is quite slow. How­ My advice? Be prepared. It works for Boy Call for a free brochure and application Box 25107, Nashville, TN 37202 ever, I'm working on it. So, if you've written Scouts, so it can work for you perhaps. Be Education call 385-AIDS and have not heard from me, I apologize. prepared to answer your parents' questions [£fl)(i])[fil!)~~tf Foi:..information on individual or group should they discover you've been hiding 1-800-633-6969 cou~seling call 385-151 0 You'll be hearing from me soon. Toll free - 24 I.ours Today, at his request, I am going to tell you something from them. a little about the thoughts and troubles of one While I am very excited about having re­ of the gay teenagers I have met recently. He is ceived five letter so far, I would like to see a lot black and has only come out to his mother and more. I know you are out there! So write! , a few people among the lesbian and gay It has been at least two weeks - probably community. longer- since I've gotten any mail and it's sort His friends do not know he is gay. Some of of discouraging. I've made a move to advertise cf?ef.r el c:Jh[[ his friends may suspect that he is gay, but don't the group in the Nashville Youth Network's know for sure. Among his friends and class­ Student Informer newspaper and my own mates, he feels it is necessary to hide his sexual school's newspaper. Hopefully, these will be FLORIST orientation in order to be accepted and not better targeted to teenagers. lose his friends. And I bet my principal will just love seeing • Unique Fresh-cut and Custom Silk Flower Arrangements • He is probably not ready to face the possible an ad for lesbian and gay teenagers in her • Award-winning Designers • consequences of coming out in high school. school's paper. ~ • Balloon Bouquets • Fruit and Gourmet Baskets • One problem he faces - as all of us have, at I will tell you the outcome of this adventure one time or another - occurs when he goes in my next column in two weeks. Also, I don't out with a guy or does something else "gay": want to see an empty post office box any ~ •Wed833~8"5"55hvil~• ,: Lying. longer, so write me about the group I am Lying often becomes necessary to eliminate forming for lesbian and gay teenagers at P.O. any possible suspicions about what he is Box 158002, Nashville, 37215-8002. • 4825 Trousdale (at Blackman) doing. This can be a very risky habit.

Every Tuesday, 11:30 pm Talent Contest $50 Winner * --Starring Alexis Spaulding Dear Dare, that is such a tum-off for the Dare reviewer? The panning of the premier broadcast ofthe And why should we be expected to look more Every Wednesday, all night Gay Cable Network in Nashville and the gen­ favorably on those segments featuring •Mr. 50-Cent Draft, $1 Bottles erally low-key attention paid to the local ef­ Hotlanta• than those dealing with struggles forts to bring the cable series here (p. 9 in Dare) against discrimination? If one's residence or Free Admission deserve comment. The impression left by the geographical region were to determine our in­ article was that the Gay Cable Network should terests, what is the Dare reviewer saying about Every Thursday, 11 :30 pm be judged solely by its artistic merit, by its the readers judgment and values? "professional• production values and by the Finally, the joy of turning on the TV and New Fall Cast degree of local content of its programming. watching the local producers and other sup­ Alexis Spaulding, Shelly Stone, This approach trivialized the real meaning and porters so thoroughly turn back George· Monica Munro and a guest importance of GCN by completely ignoring Armistead's pathetic efforts to stop GCN marks the political step forward the broadcast implies the turning point in gay liberation organizing as well as the efforts of its local producers, for me O have lived here for 18 months). Can Every Friday and Saturday Krzysztof Krakoviak and Diane Easter. One there now be any doubt that we are a strong Non-stop Dancing with Eddie Denson Sunday, October 9 would think that the effort to bring the cable proud movement in this city? Or that we have broadcast here deserved some attention as a political power? Gay Nashvillians be advised: STARS'BB news story apart from the content ofthe videos the political victory broughtto us by the organ­ themselves. Yet this organizing effort, the izers of the Gay Cable Network - by discredit­ work that went into it and the struggles in­ ing bigotry in the pages of the Tennessean and * FINALS volved were omitted from the story com­ on all the TV channels (for several nights in a pletely. I know that a lot of hard work and row!) is historic. Armistead was elected as an Starring ALEXIS SPAULDING sacrifice went into that effort which for the first at-large candidate with great backing and he Show at 11 time will bring gay broadcasts - produced by was no matct;i for us. I don't care if the •camer• $1000 in prizes gay people - to Nashville. History was made awork was rudimentary and amateurish" - last week, yet Dare was content to describe there was nothing out of focus about our local events as merely "Better than Nothing.• organizers or the significance of their work. Mr. Warehouse• October 16 / Miss Tennessee-at-Large October 23 The assertions that gay political develop­ We owe them a little more thanks than that. We Miss USA and her Southern Court October 30 ments in New York would be oflittle interest to should never trivialize political and social Nashvillians border on the Natavistic. We are a breakthroughs by giving an unbalanced Black and White: A Night of Fright October 31 national movement and indeed the first show amount of attention to relatively minor consid­ did feature stories from the South. I, for one, erations like form or regional locus. am interested in New York street children who Sincerely, - • * might be gay, or the progress ofthe ant-bias bill Gerry Scoppettuolo WAREHOUSE 28 •2529 Franklin Road •385-9689 in New York. What is there about New York Nashville October 7-13, 1988

• Reliable female to share 2BR / 2BA apt. Honest and Announcements reliable need only call. After 6 pm 366-1041.

• Gay or lesbian teenagers who would like to meet •GWF needs roommate. Smyrna area BR+ bath $200/ others and are interested in forming a support group in mth+ 1/2. util. M/F dependable must like animal s. 459- Nashville: write Box 158002, Nashville 37215-0082. 7614 All correspondence held in strictest confidence.

• Missed a Dare? Back issues mailed to you (e xcept V1 Personals #2 and V1 #4) Send $1.50 with name and address to Dare, Box 40422, Nashville, TN 37204 • GWM, 27. 5'8', 140. Very attractive. Smart. Creative. Witty. Student. Seeks similar high caliber guy to love. • Married and gay! Support group forming. 320-0288 DARE ORA WER 20 Dare or write MCC/MAGNET, 13115th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203 • Romantic GWM bind/gm, 5'2' seeks akindred is accepting applications for writers. GWM satyr for lasting relationship. Prefer masculine •New: business notes - a 1/'32. page notice display ad w/mustache. Beard is a plus. Only serious need reply. Learn the ins and outs of at a special introductory rate . Let the community know Tired of the single scene? Then write DAREDRAWER community-oriented journalism. you're there for pennies per reader. Ann Taylor, Dare 19. Advertising Sales Coordinator, 352-5823. .~ Become one of the best. • Same-sex couples needed. Friends, lovers, comrades for di reel action at Marriage Bureau, Howard School. Roommates Tuesday, Oct. 11. For info call Penny 297-4293 or Phone 615 292-9623 Gary 889-2665. • Mature lesbian needed to share 3BR house with 2 or write: other people. Belmont area. $180 + utils./month. 383- All ads run two consocutive weeks and cost 6540. •$10 for up ID 100 characters .. Dare •$20 for up ID 200 characters " ... I •$30 for up ID 300 characters Box 40422 •and soon. 8 I • Male roommate wanted, furnished bedroom, utilities We rese,ve the right to edit ads for length. and ID reject any'ad. Sexually explicit or furnished . $50 aweek. Ask for James, 366-0145. Non­ · exploilative ads will not be aa:eptoo. No ad will be \c;epted without sign at ure and I advance payment in full. ~ . smoker. Response drawers are available if you do not wish ID use your own ao'!!ress. I To respond to a response drawer ad, write lo: ~ /JareOawer I . • Male roommate wanted. Furnished or unfurnished Box 40422 bedroom, no pets, utilities furnished $50.00 a week, Nashville, 1N 37204-0422 : ffi)-0 Ads received by noon Wednesdays will run thefoll owing Friday. Harding Mall area. 331 -0381. Questions? Phone 292·9623 or 352-5823 for information. I L ______------~

Saturday, Oct. 8, is the last day to register to I) ADDRESS______JI ~ vote in the Nov. 8 general election. If you've ·~l:I ______ZIP____ ' fl E PHONE (Day) ______(Evening)______II never been registered, or if you haven't voted 1::1 I ?ertijy that I am the person named above. No ad will be accepted without signature. ::I d, in the last four years, f:= Signed______)) 1:: Do you want a blind drawer number? □Yes. Add $5 per two-week period. JI ~ Vote or if you've moved in ~:: . Run this ad for □ 2 weeks □4 weeks □ 6 weeks □_ weeks :fl • the last four years, ■:=: This ad costs □$10 □$20 □$30 □$_ for 2 weeks $. __ ?. II ------+ response drawer charge $ 5.00 JI you must register by OFFICE USE ONL v BOLD CAPS 11=·1 , :; h $ 5 00 Ij I_____ 0_____ + C arge . f. f; v_____ R_____ = Subtotal $--II S Saturday, Oct. 8. A._____ M_____ It ) x number of two -week periods __ :l1 Ii .______, TOTAL COST $. __ ?· You can register any I) Please enclose check or money order for total amount, payable to Dare. r• ~eekday at _th~ Elec­ II Send to : Dare, Box 40422, Nashville, TN 37204-0422 ]I tion Comrruss1on at Ii Ads received by noon Tuesday will run the following Friday. fl the Ii Please print one character per box. A character is any letter, numeral, space or punctuati on mark. IJ Howard School on E We rese rve the right to edit for length. fl 2nd Avenue South :: :-:::·•·-·:: :-:-:-: •••:❖:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: •:•:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:,:-:-:•···•:-:•:• : •:•: • :• :• :•:•:•·❖ :-:•:• :❖ • • least [phone 259-6031], or · phone Deborah Burks [298-9931] for more you information. Special registration sessions will be held at Ralph's can Thursday, October 6 and at the Ware­ do. house, Friday, Oct. 7 .

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