ti. WOMONSPACE NEWS our voice in the lesbian community

IDENTITY POLITICS

..JANUARf 1995 :- identity politics are often perceived (and IDENTITY POLITICS, indeed, have acted) as political movements in the name of people who are the same, OR WHAT MAKES A rather than movements in the name of people who have been/ are being treated as if LESBIAN? they were the same and lesser. For example, by Catherine Gutwin out of the latter formula came a feminist movement (and I like to think that in the case There's a scene in Go Fish where a gang of of feminism this is starting to change) that lesbians abduct Daria and interrogate her took as universal a white, middle-class about the purity of her sexuality. "What female constituency, saying, "all women are makes you a lesbian?" they ask. like us. There is something essential that What makes a lesbian? It's a question binds us together as women ." What is that we've all run up against at one time or essence? There isn't one. Whatever can be another. Instead of 'lesbian', substitute proposed as essentially female, male, Native, 'woman', 'poor person', 'physically­ lesbian, gay, disabled, francophone, poor, fat, challenged person', 'mentally-challenged coloured, and so on can never be complete, person', 'gay man', 'African', 'fat person', will always be exclusive, and will always be 'transgendered person', 'Native', disputed. 'francophone', 'bisexual', or any other person Movements or organizations that believe who doesn't fit the mainstream. You now in and base themselves on sameness provoke have the question that any justice movemer:.t the response, "This ain't my revolution, faces in trying to define its constituency. It's honey," and rightly so. There is nothing that an impossible question to answer, and it speaks to us as strongly as our own describes the dilemma faced by identity experience, and if we can't relate it to the politics organizations that are trying to fight we're fighting, then we lose our justify their existence and avoid being motivation. exclusive. Lisa Kahaleole Chang Hall suggests in her Trying to answer the question in its own article "Bitches in Solitude: Identity Politics terms--on the assumption that there is suc.l-) and Lesbian Community" (Sisters, Sexperts, a thing as a "true" lesbian (woman, etc.... )-­ Queers: Beyond the Lesbian Nation. Ed. Arlene is a logistical trap. We fall into it because Stein. New York: Penguin, 1993.218-29) that

Womonspace News is published by the Womonspace Social and Recreational Society of Edmonton. Weare a nonprofit organization. The newsletter is produced by, for, and about lesbians in ECmonton and the surrounding areas. Our purpose is to inform and entertain our members and any other interested lesbians. The opinions expressed in any issue of Womonspace News do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Directors or the Newsletter Committee. The events, organizations and establishments publicized are not necessarily supported by Womonspace. Womonspace News is produced on a volunteer basis by the Newsletter Committee. We welcome submissions. Material submitted becomes the property of WomoJlspace. We reserve the right to edit for length and content, and to refuse publicatio . Articles or letters to the editor may be sent to: Womonspace, basement, 9930-106 Street, Edmonton AB T5K IC7. Womonspace News"Seeks advertising that is lesbian-positive to help defer publication costs. Womonspace does not necessarily endorse products or services offered. We reserve the right to refuse ads. For rate infonnation, ~ .. d place an ad, please leave a message on the Lesbian Life Line: 425-0511. 2 WOMONSPACE NEWS lesbian activists often meld community with provisional rather than definitive and some idea of home. She distinguishes the complete. two ideas this way: community building for , What I do feel sure of (for now, anyway) political action is coalitional, bringing many is that while we resist lesbophobic different individuals together to achieve a stereotyping individually every day, we are goal or goals; whereas home is constituted more effective when we also resist together, by the people with whom our identities and that such cooperation-such an identity ovcrlap quite a lot, those with whom we fcel politicS movement--femme one day,nd a butch the next. You can wear oil crew­ Identity politics then, must always be a cut a long with a "Irt. concept somewhat in suspension: we act up ArieM Stein. In Out/Look. Winter 1985 as lesbians not because we've pinned down what "lesbian" means, not because there is some essential lesbian quality we all share, but because bigots and institutionalized bigotry act as if there is. Consequently, Hall r E E advocates that identity politics movements foster a more conscious sense of coalition: SUBMISSIONS short-term co-operation to achieve specific goals. Such an attitude is exemplified by the "irect action tactics of The Lesbian Avengers. WELCOME Some argue that focussing our energies Letters to the editor and other submissions on these sorts of tactics means abandoning are always welcome. Topics in upcoming policy and long term planning in social issues: movements, and that we will end up February-Lesbian teachers fighting the same battles over and over March-Partner abuse again, starting from scratch each time. I'm April-Singles not sure either that we can afford to lose our May-Lesbians and the law institutionalized bodies of resistance (GALA, NAC, and others), however non­ Contributors this issue: representative they must inevitably be. It's Catherine Gutwin, Rosa, Alison, Charity important, however, for those bodies to Laboucan, Lindy Pratch, Noreen Marshall, understand their work as strategic and L.J.D., Sheelagh, Leslie. WOMONSPACE NEWS 3 We're lesbians, you know?" Now just who THE BUTCH had been censoring my dreams anyway? Rosa How could I have deluded myself for SO long? I wasn't straight! But what was I? The gay nightclub was dark and I was Maybe I was a lesbian. The thought terrified nervous. The gay friend that I had come with me. I had never met a lesbian. I wondered was dancing. He had accused me of being what they were like; if they were anything at homophobic. I just hated it when people got all like me. the right impression about me so I had I finally met my first lesbian at my gay reluctantly come with him to this gay club to friend's birthday party. I was very intrigued prove him wrong. I clutched my bottle of by her and found her very interesting and beer even tighter. What was I doing here with attractive. By the next day I had convinced all these strange gays and lesbians? I'm not myself that I was totally in love with this one of them! So what if I had had an intimate womon. Whatl admired the most about her relationship with a womon. That was was the fact that she was so comfortable with different. We had both been straight and her lesbian identity. A week or so later I well, we just kind of fell in love. I was came out to my gay friend and around the positive that I could never feel that way same time I wrote and actually mailed a note about another womon again. to this lesbian confessing how I felt about her. I felt uncomfortable here knowing that I I told my gay friend that I was bisexual. was being sized up, knowing that womyn Somehow that seemed safer because I really were possibly undressing me with their eyes wasn't sure anyway. And besides the word and having unconsensual, imaginary sex "lesbian" always kind of got stuck in my with me. I felt like a big slab of tofu! My throat. You could have Heimlich Maneuvered worst fear was that some big, tattooed butch me all day and I would still have the word would sling me over her shoulder and take "lesbian" lodged in my throat like a fish bone. I me home with her. I averted my eyes so that just couldn't say it! However, after three or I could avoid any kind of eye-contact with four months I realized that my attraction to lesbians. I didn't want any of them to think womyn had always been very strong. I was that I was coming on to them . ... and probably always had been a lesbian. I was in the closet! How I got there totally Although I had been with men in the past, it mystified me. I mean after all, I was an adult. had been by default. I had never been attracted I had had visions of having a husband at to men on an emotional or spintual level and some pOint in my life. Never in my wildest now I was no longer attracted to them dreams had I imagined having a wife sexually either. I was definitely a lesbian. instead. I had had dreams (though fleeting) How could I not have known? of having children and of hearing the pitter­ Had I known that I would be happier, patter of little human feet. I never dreamed more creative, more in tune and at peace about going to the S.P.CA. with a lover; "But with myself by acknowledging the fact that I you don't understand, we need twelve cats. was a lesbian, I would have come out years 4 WOMONSPACE NEWS ago. As it was I struggled alone with the issue of my sexual orientation after my lover "BISEXUAL WOMEN left me. I never seriously considered the fact that I may have been a lesbian. "I've made AND THE LESBIAN love to a womon but I'm not a lesbian," I would tell myself over and over again. ''I'm COMMUNITY just open-minded." Alison I've been 'ou t' for over a year now. I have only one regret and that is that I must be The inclusion of bisexuality under the secretive about my identity as a lesbian with gay banner has been problematic for many certain people, especially those with whom I lesbians. As part of the ongoing dialogue, I work. I have worked long and hard to hope to alleviate a bit of the anxiety, and to establish myself in my career and I will not challenge the spirit of lesbian politics. Let's risk losing my financial independence. At remember that a focus on our similarities, times I think of how nice it would be to be rather than on our differences, can benefit totally honest about who I am without fear both the bi and gay communities. of repercussions. I get tired of having to run When I identify my bisexuality to every thought by my mental gay-editor so lesbians, I often encounter a somewhat that she can edit out any lesbian content that patronizing response. Here, we experience I may have thought of sharing verbally with one of our most common misunder­ someone who does not know about my standings. It will be suggested that my sexual orientation. daim to biseXUality is really only a stepping . . . The gay night dub was dark. I stone in my coming out process. When I am ordered another beer and I forced myself to finally honest with myself, I will be able to let my eyes sweep around the dub. My shake off my misidentification, and claim friend was still dancing but the dance floor my true lesbian sexuality. While it may be was packed and I couldn't see him true that some women, en route to anywhere. Just then they started to play one discovering their lesbianism. have of my favourite songs. I wanted to dance! It momentarily donned the bisexual was then that I sa" r-:-; it was the big. identification. this is not the same case for tattooed butch that I had feared for so long bisexual women. After much self­ and she was sitting alone at a table near the examination, I have concluded that I am a dance floor. My heart was pounding! It was bisexual woman. Difficult as it may be for time to face her and overcome my fear. As I the monosexual world to grasp the concept approached, she evaded my eyes. I stood of bisexuality, it would make it easier for all there, swallowed hard and asked her to concerned to respect and accept that sexual dance. She turned me down; she was identity. A lot of energy can otherwise get straight! wasted in challenge and defence. continutd on page 6

WOMONSPACE NEWS 5 My girlfriend will get raised eyebrows Bisexual women have gifts that we can from other lesbians w hen I make my bisexual bring to the lesbian community. We suffer confession. They will lean forward, and in double discrimination; that from two hushed tones inquire of her if she really is monosexual worlds. We can share that okay with it? They think she must be very experience and bring our passion to the fight liberal-minded, knowing as they do, how for rights. When you welcome us into your bisexuals will bounce from the bed of a gay world you also make welcome again our woman, to the bed of a man, to the bed of lesbian lovers. When w' !z' e male partners, who knows what? Never mind that this and still maintain our contact with the assumption has reduced my sexuality to only women's community, it is a reminder to all sex. The real mistake is making bisexuality of the value there is in a woman-centred synonymous with promiscuity. That is not environment. Our ability to embrace both to say that some bisexual women are not women and men offers another vision of promiscuous. I am sure some are, just as how we all can be together. there surely are promiscuous lesbians and Bisexual women do understand woman­ promiscuous straight women. Promiscuity' identified sexuality. That is our common and sexual identity are not the same thing .' bond with our lesbian sisters. If we begin and distinguishing the difference will help to with our commonalities, both the lesbian and clear some of the misunderstanding. bisexual communities can benefit from an Some lesbians fear that including bisexual alliance. politiCS under the umbrella of gay politics will somehow dilute their fight for gay rights. I do appreciate that gay activists have fought long and hard, and it may seem <', TWO SPIRITED difficult to share the battle and the rewards Charity Laboucan with someone who seemingly will sleep with the enemy. But think about it for a moment. Assimilation, what does it mean? I am Lesbians have suffered discrimination learning about the federal government's because of their sexual identity. Does it make policy of assimilation. The government first sense for the lesbian community to then turn put us on reserves in order to use the around, discriminating against and resources of our land. Reserves were also excluding bisexual women because of their originally intended to accelerate the process sexual identity? What is the spirit of lesbian of our assimilation. Eventually we were politics, if it is not to free ourselves from expected to shed our Native languages, our , discrimination based on sexuality? customs, values and spiritual/ religious Bisexuality brings challenges to gay politiCS beliefs and become assimilated into larger that the gay and lesbian communities must society. Traditional tribal government power be able to embrace in order that they can was replaced by the Western democratic move forward and continue to grow and elective system. After this shift in power we fight. were ruled indirectly through our Band 6 WOMONSPACE NEWS Council. Under the Indian Act, which was heart beats and the singing of my language first adopted by Parliament in 1876, then last in the air. completely revised in 1951, the Band Council I have to integrate into the system, this has limited power. Under Section 81 of the world, this reality, in order to be a part of the Indian Act, Band Council powers are healing and education of my people. But defined-which is basically the power to sometimes I forget the teachings and lessons make bylaws. All Band Council legislation I' ve learned from my elders as I embrace this must adhere to the Indian Act. world of linear time and thought, and The reserve system failed as a means of money and power. I forget sometimes the assimilation mainly because Native people purpose of it all when I ache for the silence were kept separate from society. Keeping us of trees, and the time I have spent in silence together kept uS strong. In 1951 the Crown's with my grandmother. policy of assimilation became a policy of integration. In essence, the goal was still to absorb Native people into the larger system. f cour"" It I. extremely difficult to Ilk<: o""",,1f Assimilation-what does it mean to me? OIn a culture which thlnk5 you are a dI5oe35t. In my blood I feel the weight of age-old Chry5too. In Cherne Moraga and Gloria Anzaldua. oppression. I see my people struggling to ed ... This Bridge Called My Back. 1983 overcome the effects of internal colonialism and to become independent of entrenched paternalism. I see my people struggling to overcome the wrongs and heal and rise up. I am proud to be Native and to be a part of this fight. .. . sometimes I feel I am a warrior in these new times. Sometimes I am angry when I feel we are fighting a losing battle. Would you like to get into Sometimes I wonder where my place is in the Womon~pace Dance~ this world, when I see that man who walks drunk down the street muttering in Cree. for half price or FREE and Sometimes I feel strength surge through me, have the opportunity to knowing I am in a position to learn their rules and beat them at their own game. meet hundred~ of gorgeou~ Sometimes I am scared because when I look womynt' Call the volunteer in the mirror and ask what being an Indian means I cannot see the answer because my coordinator at 455-1573 hair is short and I have no accent and fit no to volunteer for the next stereotype. It's not easy to go boldly alone here in the city-feeling cut off from my Womon~pace dance. people. Hearing silence instead of combined WOMONSPACE NEWS 7 eALEN DAR OF EVENTS

Weekly Events Groups

~ GLCCE (Gay and Lesbian Community ~ The Gay and Lesbian Infoline: 988-4018. Centre), 104, 11745 Jasper Avenue is open ~ Lesbian Life Line: 425-0511. Monday to Friday from 7-10 pm and Wednesday from 1-4 pm. Peer counselling, drop-in and library. Phone 488-3234. December Events Saturday, December 31 ~ Les/Bi/Gay Formerly GALOC) Social and ~ Womonspace New Year's Eve Dance at political student group at the University of Bonnie Doon Hall. For details phone 425-ffill. Alberta. Mondays, 6-7 pm in Heritage Lounge, Athabasca Hall. Phone 988-4166. January Events ~ Adamant Eve. Feminist radio program Thursday, January 5 broadcast on CJSR, FM 885, at the Univer­ ~ Womonspace Drop-In. Lesbians and sity of Alberta. Thursdays from ~ pm. bisexual women are invited for re£reshments and talk, 9930-106 Street, 7:30-9 pm. ~ Gaywire. A lesbian and gay radio show from CJSR, FM 885. Thursdays from 6-7 pm. Sunday, January 8 ~ Womonspace News Newsletter Meeting ~ Lesbian and Gay Badminton. Thursdays, at Boystown, 10116-124 Street, at noon. 7-9 pm, Oliver School, 10210-117 Street. $1.00. • Womonspace General Meeting. ~ Northern Titans (bowling for lesbians Basement, 9930-106 Street, 7:30 pm. and gays). Saturdays, 5:15 pm at Lynnwood Bowl, 16127-118 Avenue. January 11 and 12 • Go Fish at the Princ~ Theatre. Wednesday ~ Pink Triangle Youth Group meets at 9:30 pm, Thursday at 7:00 pm. every Saturday, 7:30-10 pm at GLCCE. For lesbians and gays 16 to 21 years old. Friday, January 13 ~ Queer Volunteer Appreciation Party ~ Metropolitan Community Church. (Volunteers working for ANY Weekly worship, Sundays at 7:15 pm. organization) 7-9 pm at GLCCE. Address is 10086 MacDonald Drive. Sunday, January 15 ~ SOLO (Singles Only Lesbian Organization) Social Club for lesbians and ~ Team Edmonton Skating Party at the bisexual women (over 18) meets every week Legislature (back lawn). Free. for a variety of social functions. Call 447-4776.

8 WOMONSPACE NEWS Thursday, January 19 evening, Deni and Marguerite had affirmed ... Butler Decision Queer Academy, 4-29 their love in a holy union ceremony at Humanities, University of Alberta, 4 pm. Metropolitan Community Church. December 9 was the date specially chosen by the Saturday, January 21 couple, because it marked their thirteenth ... Womonspace Dance-Mixed; Men & anniversary together. Women! Bring your gay friends. Bonnie Doon Hall, 9240-93 Street, 8 pm-l am. It was heart-warming to see so many members of the brides' families there in Sunday, January 22 attendance, many of them coming from ... Ani DiFranco at Myer Horowitz Theatre, outside Edmonton. Deni and Marguerite University of Alberta, 8:00 pm. Ticketmaster. have two children, now in their early twenties,

and they presented a toast to II our parents, January 29 and 30 the brides." Friends and family members ... The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the . sh~red stories about the couple. Deni joked a Desert at the Princess Theatre. Sunday at lot, but she shyly screened kisses behind her 7:00 pm, Monday at 9:30 pm. cowboy hat. The first dance looked traditional enough February Events from a distance, with Deni in her western tuxedo and Marguerite in a stunning cream Thursday, February 2 wedding gown. Then the women from the ... Womonspace Dro~In. Refreshments and ~ 9930-106 Street, 7:30-9 pm. wedding party joined them on the floor. We witnessed some fine two-stepping, like Sunday, February 5 you'd see at any wedding dance at a hall in ... Womonspace News Newsletter Meeting, the country, only there were no men Boystown, noon. Deadline for submissions dancing. Marguerite's daughter danced with for March issue. Topic: Partner Abuse. her grandmother, Deni danced with her mother, and Marguerite paired with Oeni's grandmother. In a little while, the men joined in, and the party was in full swing. I feel fortunate to have witnessed this JUST MARRIED event. It is the first same-sex wedding I have Lindy Pratch attended, and it has left me with a joyous feeling. The celebration consolidated a sense Women dancing with other women is not of family for the participants, and gave hope an unusual occurrence at the Riverdale Hall. for the future. Not only the future for Deni At tables nearby, however, there were males and Marguerite--may it be a long and happy of all ages, from a small child to elderly men. life together-but also the future for lesbians Soon, the men joined the women on the in our society. There is a place for us in this dance floor. The occasion was the wedding world, if we have the courage to take it. reception of two women. Earlier in the WOMONSPACE NEWS 9 Policies, both of which specifically POLICE LIAISON include sexual orientation as a protected Noreen Marshall ground; • selecting and acquiring for the police In 1992, the Edmonton Police Service and library videos, books, and other the gay and lesbian community of materials on the lesbian and gay Edmonton formed a Liaison Committee to community; promote a positive atmosphere of • working with the police, Edmonton understanding and mutual respect that more Parks and Recreation, and the Glenora effectively meets the needs of our Community League to resolve conflicts community by addressing the underlying arising over use of city parks; issues that result in misunderstanding, • resolving reported cases of mistrust, and apprehension. inappropriate police reaction to The Edmonton Police Service is members of the gay and lesbian committed to the fair and equitable community; treatment of all citizens including lesbians, • contacting and liaising with police gay men, bisexuals, transsexuals, services, gay or lesbian police officers transvestites and transgenderists without and liaison committees in Winnipeg, bias, discrimination or harassment. Toronto, and Otta"V'a; and The focus of the Committee is to: • making a presentation to the provincial • promote effective two-way Review Panel on the Alberta Human communication; Rights Commission and the Individual • promote two-way education and Rights Protection Act. awareness; The Liaison Committee held a Town Hall • identify and resolve crime and safety meeting in November of 1994. It was very concerns; and well attended by lesbians and gays. Over the • increase police awareness of gay past year, much of the committee's efforts culture and diverse lifestyles. have been directed at sensitizing members of It is critical that problems and the Edmonton Police Force to the reality of community concerns be identified and the gay and lesbian community. Many brought forward to the Committee so that suggestions from the audience focused on they be resolved as quickly as possible. what the community now needs to do. Over the past year, the Committee has If you are the victim of a hate crime, tackled a number of tasks including; domestic violence or any other matter • developing a pilot course for the police requiring police assistance, you should call on awareness of gay and lesbian culture the usual police phone numbers in your and conducting a training session for telephone book. more than twenty senior officers; If you are not satisfied that the treatment • reviewing the Edmonton Police Service you receive is appropriate or if you have a Harassment and Employment Equity complaint against a police officer, you should 10 WOMONSPACE NEWS call 424-7248, pager: 293. Please leave your name and telephone number and a police Barbara member of the Liaison Committee will return L.I·D. your call. Service is available 24 hours. All calls will be treated in confidence by gay­ I brought my coffee to the table positive officers. and sot down under the Michigan sun If you require support or assistance in Tits in the breeze, totally relaxed approaching the Police Service, please call Til I sow her. Liz Massiah at 489-7998 or Murray Billett at 482-7421. She was learning a line dance Community members of the Liaison A Rash of breast as her denim Committee have also assisted lesbian and gay shirt caressed her body police officers in forming a discussion/ The music stopped and so support group. In addition to Edmonton did she - I remembered to breathe. police officers, the group includes members of the RCMP.1f you are a gay or lesbian The music started again - the whole officer or if you know one who might be number right through - and so interested in the group, please call Murray did she. or Liz at the numbers above. Again, She was with 200 womyn confidentiality is assured. But she was dancing alone.

A faint smile was all that gave away her pleasure That and every single movement very man should own at leaet one dress­ of her body. Eand so should lesbians. Jane Adam5 Spahr. 1988. She was more than dancing this womon. quoted In leigh W. Rutledge. The Gay Decades. 1992 She was off in her own world Enjoying her body's sensuality Her shirt and skirt clung and relaxed from her as she moved Pure sensuality The music stopped and so did she I remembered to breathe. Classifieds Roommate Wanted Downtown House, $250 (incl. utilities) plus DO. Marlene or Berni. 428-9454.

WOMONSPACE NEWS 11 negatives; personal letters, diaries and NEW ARCHIVAL papers; films, Videotapes and audiotapes; artworks, buttons, t-shirts and other COLLECTION memorabilia. With these donated items the Gay and The past few years have seen a dramatic Lesbian Archives of Edmonton plans to increase in the activity and awareness of the · organize an exhibit during PrideWeek 1995. gay and lesbian community in Edmonton. After the exhibit, all items will be donated to Landmark events such as the election of the City of Edmonton Archives which has openly gay and lesbian city councillors, the agreed to house the collection. Future access Delwin Vriend court challenge, along with to these materials will be processed through the impact of the AIDS epidemic, have . the Gay and Lesbian Community Centre of focused attention on a segment of Edmonton (GLCCE). Edmonton's population which has become If you have questions or information increasingly visible, vocal and organized. about individuals or groups that may have It is important that records of these events collections, please write to the address be preserved. It is doubly important that below. You can also help by making these materials be gathered and placed in a monetary contributions that will help pay for single location where they can be easily postage, storage materials and exhibit costs. accessed and protected. This is the goal of Cheques should be made to the Gay and the Gay and Lesbian Archives of Edmonton. Lesbian Community Centre of Edmonton. Individuals and groups in Edmonton and Please specify that your contribution should surrounding areas are called upon to donate go for the care and maintenance of the Gay historical records and memorabilia that will and Lesbian Archives collection. give present and future generations a glimpse of the rich and vibrant history of this Gay and Lesbian Archives of Edmonton city's gay and lesbian community. Archival materials can include: records of organiza­ Box 1852 Edmonton AB T5K 2P2 tions, active or defunct, operating in or call Allen MacDonald at (403) 488-5469. Edmonton and surrounding area; posters, books and periodicals; photographs, slides and

1') WOMONSPACE NEWS Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe by BETWEEN THE John Boswell, 1994

COVERS New For Children: At the Edmonton Public One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dads by Library Johnny Valentine, 1994 Two Moms, the Zark, and Me by Johnny Lindy Pratch Valentine, 1993 New Fiction: How Would You FeellfYour Dad Was Gay? by Flashpoint by Katherine V. Forrest, 1994 Ann Heron and Meredith Maran, 1994 My Sweet Untraceable You by Sandra Scoppettone, 1994 Art and Lies: A Piece for Three Voices and a "1t'5 th05e two new girl5 on the block. Harold. 50mething about the way they walk. by Jeanette Winterson, 1994 Bawd 50mething about the way they talk .. . Ghost Motel by Jackie Manthome, 1994 ~omething about the way they look ... at each other ... Harold. I could 5Wear they're The Case of the Good-For-Nothing Girlfriend by L.obane5el" Mabel Maney, 1994 Holly Hughe5, Loul5e to Harold. The Penguin Book of Lesbian Short Stories, 1993 -The Well of Hornlne55," In Don 5hewey. ed., Out Front, 1988 Lavender Mansions: 40 Contemporary Lesbian and Gay Short Stories, 1994 The Last Generation: Prose and Poetry by Cherrie Moraga, 1993

New Non-Fiction: Conduct Unbecoming: Gays and Lesbians in the U.S. Military by Randy Shilts, 1993 Coming Out of the Blue: British Police Officers Talk About Their Lives in "The Job" as Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals by Marc E. Burke, 1993 Created Equal: Why Gay Rights Matter to America by Michael Nave and Robert Dawidoff, 1994

WOMONSPACE NEWS 13 my nature and my duty / It is the HEATHER BISHOP womanhood in me." The choir was also great accompanying In Harmony with EVM Heather with "Sheik Shaboom", an Sheelagh imaginative song with an infectious beat. The album's title track is a warm, mellow Heather Bishop has just released a country song that anyone who's craved to smooth, tight new album and legions of her be back home can relate to. "Waitin' for you fans heard some of the best tracks at an Mama" is more intense, an energetic rock/ Edmonton concert on November 26. country piece about a desperate need for an Daydream Me Home is a well-produced absent lover. disc that illuminates Heather's eclectic song Daydream Me Home is an uncomplicated writing and singing ability. Its songs cover a album that focuses on love, honesty and range styles, from "Waitin' for you Mama", strength of spirit. Heather speaks and sings with its rocky guitar riffs, and the jazzy openly of her lesbianism in a way that "Dream Line Special", through to "The directly addresses society's homophobia. Galaxy I Lighten Up", a Pythonesque-like And so this concert was a shot in the arm for poke at those who drive us crazy and the . all who are angered by the Rosanne Skokes rest of us who tend to take life just a little too . and narrow-minded Tories (and some seriously. Then there's the hilarious "If you Liberals) of the world. Leave me Darlin"', a tribute to this age of co­ Thanks to Heather and Edmonton Vocal dependent relationships ("If only I could Minority for a great perf 'rMance, and Tom read your mind II' d know how I feel ... If Hutchinson of the Garneau Theatre who you leave me darlin', can I come too?"). provided free space for this concert. Heather's fans were given a special treat at this concert when she was joined by Edmonton Vocal Minority for some songs. The choir's presence was perfectly balanced against Heather's lead vocals, and EVM' 8 background vocals and harmonies delighted the audience. In particular, Kim Baryluk's "Warrior" was powerfully presented. A feminist song that draws on Native tradition, "Warrior" speaks of loss of innocence, the constructive . use of anger, and the mobilization of political power. Heather sang this anthem Gloria Stelnem, Revolution from Within, 1992 with passion, as did the choir ... "I can and will fight I I can and will a warrior bel It is

14 WOMONSPACE NEWS BOOK ROUNDUP! Ever find yourself wondering where you got that copy of Lesbian Nation that's sitting on your bookshelf? Well, check again and see if it belongs to the Womonspace library. Lesbian Nation, and the other books listed below, have all taken an extended leave from the library and it's time for them to come home. You can return your borrowed books at the next W omonspace dance, drop-in or general meeting.

Rich Rewards Lesbian Nation: The Feminist Solution The Ruins of Isis Old Dyke Tales Sudden Death The Demeter Flower Amateur City Kindred Spirit: Anthology of Gays and Daughters of Copper Woman Lesbians Daughters of a Coral Dawn Trash Dreams and Swords Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses Lesbian Passion Say Jesus and Come toMe The Well of Loneliness Orlando: A Biography Rocking the Cradle: Lesbian Mothers: The Coming Out Stories A Challenge in Family Living .4 Woman's Touch: An Anthology of Lesbian The Art of Sensual Massage Eroticism and Sensuality Herland Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence Anna's Country Ripening: An Almanac of Lesbian Lore Loving Someone Gay and Vision Tottie: A Tale of the Sixties Shoulder to Shoulder: A Documentary Give Me Your Good Ear Mrs. Porter's Letter Lesbians, Women and Society The Burnton Widows Gay: What You Should Know About Inland Passage Homosexuality Desert of the Heart

WOMONSPACE NEWS 15 Saturday, Janu;:;lry 21 8:00 pm-1 am Bonnie Doon Hall 9240-93 Street

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