NEW YORK'S OLDEST GAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 1981 ISMI* 122 GAGV Now Non-profit^ Tax Exempt After many years of frustration over determination before the end ofthe year, GAGV is a service organization, now off gay lib fliers. The other side of tfaat is forms and figures, federal non-profit leaving time for tax-deductible gifrs to more than ever. That means the com­ tfaat otfaers need to take tfae responsibil­ (501 (c) 3) application forms were filed be made in the 1981 tax year/* munity .Qeeds to recognize the kind of ity for the policital activism that should by the Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley, In time, the organization will also support that a service agency needs—we be done. GAGV is not doing it, and can*t Inc., this past August. The Board have the ability to purchase items are not a small clique of people running do it/' received two requests for further in- -without paying state sales tax and will formatiotr which were answered. Then, receive the same bulk postal rates as with speed that greatly surprised the churches and other non-profit organiza­ Board members, GAGV received its tions. tax-exempt status on Novetnber 25. The The determination involves a proba­ determination is retroactive to August, tionary period during which the organi­ and also includes the years 1973 through zation must show that it is publically 1976 (during which the total budget was supported. "All memberships and dona­ imder $5,000). A request must be made tions, large or small, help us to maintain to receive a determination on the our status as a publically funded services intervening years. organization, *' noted Vice President GAGV Members and donors may M.L. Wells. now deduct their contributions on their **This accentuates an issue that has income taxes. GAGV President Michael been brought up lately,** said Board Wennin said, ''We are lucky to get the member Elaine Smith. **That is, that Dignity-Integrity Folk Walk for C.R.O.P. The fi^s^ annual CROP Walk for town churches that participated. Hunger took place on Sunday afternoon, Rev. Bruce Hanson, pastor of St. October 18th with almost 100 walkers Luke's, was elated at the amount AtHhaOmy rtaamtwmdiy Fon 21 2b participating. Twelve of the walkers raised by his church. Said one long time s^gMtlMS te GAGV pnei a-r) E3afaie Smith, Mkfaael WeuidB, Maay were members of Dignity-Integrity/ parishioner of St. Luke's who sponsored K, Md VbM^DIScfaino Rochester, some of whom carried a sign a '*D-r* member, *'I was glad when Rev. stating "Dignity-Integrity and St. Luke's Bruce brought up the idea that you, Church Care.** The 3 hour, 10 mile trek youngsters do the walking for us. It sure was sponsored by several downtown helped both ways and he was so proud of Rochester churches and was part of an how well we all did!" Custody Case Has effort during *'Share the Harvest Week" This year's walk was an inspirational to millions of people, both at home and mix of people coming together for a abroad, who suffer from malnutrition, common purpose, that of fighting Broad Significance imdemourishment and outright starva­ hunger. Not only were there a dozen gay tion. people (at least a dozen that we know Lesbian mother Kathy Allgood is their penal codes or repeal state laws Over $3,225.00 was raised in the of!), some of whom found ac­ facing one of the most serious crises of that restrict private sexual behavior downtown walk with over $854.00 of that ceptance walking arm-in-arm or hand- her life. Now, several years after her between consenting adults. (Now a amoimt due to an alliance of Dignity- - in-hand, but there were joggers and divorce, her ex-husband has counter- reality achieved through the courts in Integrity folk (as walkers) and the hikers, a woman in a wheelchair who petitioned for full custody of her two New York State). morning congregation of St. Luke*s pushed herself the entire 10 mile route, children, Mark and David. During the State legislatures should enact legis­ Episcopal (as sponsors), many of whom and a woman whose son would not six years since the initial settlement, the lation that would prohibit the con­ are seniors unable to do the walking > The sponsor her but sponsored the family children's father has not made full use of sideration of sexual or affectional monies raised by the D-I/St. Lidce's beagle. Both dog and owner completed his visitation rights. Though he promised orientation as a factor in any judicial aUiance is believed to be the highest the 10 mile trip! two years ago never to use Kathy's determination of child custody or amount raised among all of the down­ lesbianism is court, that promise has msitation rights. now been broken and lesbianism has If you've missed all of these efforts become the major issue in the petition. on behalf of the gay commtmity, maybe Kathy, Wendy, Mark and David are a you caught the young man countering ^family well-known to the Rochester negative feelings some hold toward conummity. Perhaps you've seen them lesbians and gay n^en on the Jack on television talking about their atypical- Kinnicutt Opinion Program. That was ly structtsred but strong and happy Mark, calling in on his own to state his family. Perhaps you were with them on views. the March on Washington in 1979. Mark and David are adamantly Maybe you followed Kathy's journey to opposed to living with their father; they Houston in 1977 when she was an openly have lived happily with their mother for lesbian representative to the Intemation* six years. Kathy and Wendy have al Women's Year Conference. Ifyou did, provided two positive adult role models then you are aware tfaat Kadiy's efforts and have given great respect to their faelped win approval of tfae foUowing sons' endeavors to become assertive, resolutions: compassionate, capable men. The Congress, state and U>cal legis­ famdyj right now, is composed of four latures should, enact legislation to students, all receiving good grades at eliminate discrimirtatitm am the bdais tfaeir respective schools. It's a family of sexual and affectional prefermrtae where Mark's and David's interest in in areas including but not limited to sports, band and chorus are applauded employmttnt, housing, public ac- by Kathy and Wendy while David and conttfunlations, credit, pitblic faciU- Mark encourage their parents in their ties, government furtding and the efforts to broaden their career choices. A Dmsky^ Majm^ lMb» ami military. weekly duty roster hangs on the kitchen LfaM. Sttue lagislatures should reform continumd on page two ^ ---0- Pace 2 THE BMPTY CLOSET December 1981 December^ 1_981 THE EMPTY CLOSET Page 3 The Dorr Collection THE Place for Women What do we leave Artistic Fiow*r ArrangemMitt in Rocliester Fine Plants/Gut Flowers Disco Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. by Arnold W. Pegish ourchikiren? By Rosemary Cahill aomeone who is "too fat?" Of course it is good that we love our Godly and loving fauman^ beings. The • Have I closed my mind and heart to Phone 473-6310 kids and want to help leave them a better only thing we don't have is a family to Hie old cliche Admotushes us against someone wfao is "too old?" 741 MonrcMi Avsniie (cor. Rutgers St.] world than we had, with less persecution^ fight for. judging a book by its cover* Like most • Have 1 closed my mind and heart to VISA and MastorCharge acoaptod better jobs, education and (^>porttmities. Yes, brothers and sisters, that is our cliches, it is trutf. Whetfaer or not tfaey someone who is "too young?" 278 Allen St., Rocfaastar 325-9342 So we fight for the rigfat tfaat should have great sin: We don't care enoi^h about adtnit it, everyone wants to be loved by • Have I closed my mind and heart to been oturs and will be otu* children's. each other to make it a good fight. Anita one special person. A lot of otherwise someone who is physically challenged? A great challenge for all minorities Bryant is gone or confessed her evil nice people are walking around without • Have I closed my mind and heart to except the minority called gay, none of. ways, the Moral Majority isn't doing too lovers because they faave failed to see aomeone wfao has emotional problems? us have children that we partictdarly well. We are safe for a ^i^e. Safe and beyond tfae snqxirficialities. • Have I closed my mind and heart to Metropolitan Community Church wish to be a member of the gay minority. second-class at best. I ask you, is Please dqii't mistmderstand me; I'm someone wfao is "all skin and bones?" That does not mean we aee uidiappy — second-class good enough for you? If you iu>t referring to incompatible personality • Have I closed my mind and heart to SERVING THE ROCHESTER AREA GAY COMMUNITY but it is not a heritage we would welcome shotdd have a child who is gay, is that traits. Certainly we can all love many someone wfao faas too mudi or too litde REV. WILLIE WHITE, MINISTER people witfaout being **in love." No one faair? and wish upon them as if we were Jews good enough for your child? SERVICES can explain tfae cfaemscal miracle of of Hispanics. • As long as tfaere are laws against na • Have I closed my mind and faeart to 7:30 p.m.