ALGA Update : v.3:no.1(1996:Apr./May)
- Title
- ALGA Update : v.3:no.1(1996:Apr./May)
- Description
- The ALGA Update is a monthly publication by the Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance with a focus on local and national news stories of interest to the lesbian and gay communities.
- Date Issued
- 1996-04
- Relation
- The ALGA Update
-
ALGA Update : v.2:no.9(1995:Dec.)
-
ALGA Update : v.2:no.6(1995:Sept.)
-
ALGA Update : v.2:no.3(1995:Jun.)
- Rights
- Contact UCO Chambers Library's Digital Initiatives Working Group at diwg@uco.edu for the permission policy on the use, reproduction or distribution of this material.
- Contributor
- Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance
- Date
- 2025-04-25T19:55:08Z
- Date Available
- 2025-04-25T19:55:08Z
- Subject
- LGBTQ+ newsletters
- Gay pop culture
- Type
- Periodical
- extracted text
-
rillo -
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Volume 3, Number 1
ALGA Mourns Loss of Treasure
Queer Dinner Club
Thursday, May 2
Los lnsurgentes (Celia's)
3521 W. 15th
7:30 p.m.
Everyone Invited
Queer Dinner Club
Thursday, May 16
Italian Delights
10th at Georgia
7:30 p.m.
Everyone Invited
Gay Day At Disney
Walt Disney World, Florida
Saturday, June 1
Queer Dinner Club
Thursday, June 7
Los lnsurgentes (Celia's)
7:30 p.m.
Queer Dinner Club
Thursday, June 20
Italian Delights
7:30 p.m.
Everyone Invited
I
April-May 1996
ALGA Information Line: 373-5725
1996 Amarillo
Pride Picnic
Thompson Park
Saturday, June 22
1 p.m.
O'Brian Lane Kightliner
October 26, 1943 - April 16, 1996
On Tuesday, April 16, the Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance lost its treasure, O'Brian
Kightlinger. O'Brian was an activist in Amarillo's gay and lesbian community
(although he would always deny it). He was also a caring, compassionate , nonjudgmental person.
O'Brian the activist. I can't tell you how many times he would tell me, "John, I'm just
not an activist. I just don't have it in me." Yet, when we protested the Cracker Barrel,
he was there with signs. When we protested Rep. Warren Chisum, again, he was
there. For the past two years, he had attended the National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force "Creating Change" conference - a conference for gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered activists. And, more than that, he is the only Treasure that the
Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance has ever had. During months when the Alliance
could not afford to pay its phone bill, O'Brian would pay it. I never could understand
Continued on Page 2
Founder of UFMCC Visits Amarillo
by Kay C. Peck
Local congregants' pledges and gifts exceeding $15,000 ensured that
Metropolitan Community Church of Amarillo (MCCA) will not soon be forgotten by
the leadership of the world-wide Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community
Churches (UFMCC) . Local funds will be used to support purchase of a $3.8 million
complex in West Hollywood, Calif. The property will serve as both UFMCC
headquarters and the new home of the historic "mother church," MCC of Los
Angeles.
Rev. David Farrell, director of the UFMCC capital campaign, announced
that total pledges from the tiny congregation of MCCA (currently under 100
members) exceeded pledges made at the much larger Cathedral of Hope, the MCC
in Dallas.
Rev. Elder Troy Perry, founder of UFMCC, spoke at MCCA on March 20,
as part of his "Vision ... for the Next Generation" tour of selected MC Cs. MCCA's
pledges were taken as a part of Perry's special visit.
"I can't tell you what I felt when I saw the sign 'Metropolitan Community
Church' proudly standing in Amarillo, Texas," Perry said.
• .p~rry established the first MCC as a part of his dream to create a place
Continued on Page 2
What's l n s i d e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - News Briefs
Take Action
Overheard
2
3
4
News
Organizations
ALGA Membership Form
3
5
6
The ALGA UPDATE
Page2
"O'Brian" - Continuedfrom Front Page
"Perry" Continued from Front Page
what his definition of "activist" was, but
he'll always be an activist to me.
within established religion for gay men
and lesbians. Since the first meeting of
12 people in ·:3 Los Angeles living room,
UFMCC has grown to over 40,000 members world-wide and is recognized as
one of the world's fastest growing denominations.
O'Brian the compassionate. O'Brian had
to be one of the most compassionate
people I knew. Actually, I frequently
thought he was too compassionate. But
then, if everyone was too compassionate,
imagine the world we would live in. I
remember at the first "Creating Change"
conference, O'Brian went to a workshop
on transgendered issues. When I inquired why he would go to that workshop
(I ' m not sure he even knew any
transgendered people), he told me that it
was a topic that made him "very uncomfortable" and that he just didn't understand it. To most people, that would be a
reason to stay away from the workshop;
for O'Brian, it was the reason he should
attend. By attending the workshop, he
met transgendered people and attempted
to understand their concerns and issues.
O'Brian believed in compassion and justice for everyone. That's why he learned
to be as concerned about the rights of
transgendered people as he was for the
rights of gays and lesbians (and any other
minority).
:::>'Brian was never judgemental. O'Brian
jid not judge, which isn't to say he didn't
,ave opinions. He would frequently tell
11e, "John, what you need to do is .... " To
oe honest, there were times I was tired of
1im telling me what to do. Most of the
:ime, I ignored his advice (of course, he
gnored my advice, too). But that never
nattered to O'Brian. He loved you just
he same. His advice was offered with
ave, never as a commandment. I'm not
;ure I even fully appreciated his advice
mtil he was gone. I sat at his funeral
vishing I could hear him tell me what I
1eeded to do one more time ...
)'Brian was a friend. I knew I could tell
)'Brian anything . I knew I could depend
in him for anything .
No matter what
1appened, he would be there for me.
)'Brian's memory will continue to live in
nany of us.
- ~-;it~,
resident,
1.marillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance
Representatives from throughout Amarillo's gay and lesbian community nearly filled the sanctuary of MCCA
during this rare opportunity to hear a
living legend. Perry's dynamic speaking
style gave those attending the Amarillo
service first-hand experience of the energy and dedication that enabled Perry
to establish the first "gay" church and to
lead the growth and development of
UFMCC.
Before directly addressing the
capital campaign which motivated his
tour, Perry spoke on the need for vision
and for the importance of communicating that vision. The inspiration of his own
dream for the future of UFMCC was
easily apparent in the success of pledges
received from those attending the Amarillo service.
"I promise to come back some
time when I'm not looking for money or a
vote," Rev. Elder Perry pledge to his
Amarillo audience.
"BIRDCAGE" SURPASSES
THE $100 MILLION MARK
LOS ANGELES, CA -- April 24, 1996 -For the first time in history, a film featuring
gay characters has broken the $100 million mark, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced
today. According to Variety, the United
Artist release "The Birdcage" the domestic box office gross topped $105 million.
"The success of 'The Birdcage' further
dispels the myth that gay-themed films
are box office poison," says Tamra King,
GLAAD's Entertainment Media Director,
"What audiences want to see when they
go to the movies are great stories with
characters they care about. Given the
right mixture, gay-themed films not only
do well, but they can produce blockbuster
figures."
Within its first six weeks of release, "The
l..\Tews
I-=:rie£s
Birdcage" has even surpassed the
highly successful major studio film
"Philadelphia," which grossed approximately $78 million domestically. "La
Cage Aux Foiles," the 1979 French film
on which "The Birdcage" is based,
grossed $17 million in the U.S.
Congress Overturns HIV
Military Policy
Congressional leaders repealled legislation that would have forced the Defense Department to discharge service
members who tested positive for HIV,
calling the move a historic step towards
fairness for people living with the virus.
"I don't remember the last time a bipartisan Congress moved so unequivocally to repeal a controversial measure," said Matt Coles, Director of the
ACLU's AIDS Project, which lobbied
heavily against the provision. "It marks
a historic shift in the movement to secure fairness and equality for people
with HIV. Bashing people with HIV and
AIDS is no longer a winning issue. In
fact, it can hurt you politically ."
The repeal, requested by the Clinton
Administration and the Pentagon, is
included in a major appropriations bill
that was hammered out after two-days
of intense negotiations between congressional leaders and the White House.
The compromise bill will soon be forwarded to the House and Senate, where
it is expected to pass easily.
The provision, which was sponsored by
Representative Robert K. Dornan (RCalif. ), required the military to discharge
The ALGA UPDATE is published monthly
by the Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance, P.O.
Box 9361, Amarillo, TX 79105-9361 . Anyone wishing to contribute, please call 3742907 and leave the information on the
machine, or mail information to the Editor.
Deadlines will be the 15th of the month for
the next month's issue .
I.____Th_e_A_L.,...G_A_U.....
P_D_A,....~.....
E--...----.-------------.,,,......__,,...,,..,,,_.,..~--,--,--P.,...a_g_e_3.,........,...,.........I
any service member who tested positive for the virus within six months,
including those who are able-bodied
and asymptomatic.
The ACLU's Coles also attributed the
measure's defeat to the leadership of
the Clinton Administration, which kept
pressure on C ongress tO repea I th e
ban. "Americans living with HIV can
take comfort that the White House is
committed to opposing measures that
single them out for discrimination."
Fox Offers Benefits
"We hope that anyone with information to
report will call us," said RobKnight, president of LAMBDA Services. "Anti-gay
brutality and discrimination has long been
invisible, mainly because it is among the
least reported of crimes," said Knight.
W"1pe O ut S mears; 'S p1"II
Ink' On Defamation
by Mark F. Johnson/GLAAD News Media
Director
As the voices of gays and lesbians have
become louder and more forceful over the
years, we should not lose sight of the ageold power of the pen. Perhaps that power is
now more appropriately accorded the personal computer, but you get my point.
Joining MGM/UA, DreamWorks,
Disney and hundreds of other entertainment organizations, Fox, Inc. has
announced that it will extend spousal
heath care benefits to employees'
Even in the age of sound bites and sit-ins,
same-sex partners. Now all major
writing is still an effective way of sending
studios offer same-sex partner bena message. Whether the letter or statement
efits. "It's the fair thing to do as far as
gets emailed, faxed or sent the old-fashcompensating all emioned way, if the
Important Phone Numbers
ployees equally" said
point is made effecTamra King, GLAAD's
tively, it will most
Senator Phil Gramm (R)
Entertainment Media
likely elicit a re202-224-2934
Director. "It sends a
sponse.
(FAX) 202-228-2856
very strong message
from the entertainment
Just recently, I sent
industry
that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) a letter to Peter
202-224-5922
everybody's families
Jennings, anchor of
(FAX) 202-224-0776
are valued on even
ABC's World News
terms."
Tonight, expressing
Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-13th)
GLAAD's disapVictims Assis202-225-3706
pointmentathis con(FAX)
202-225-3486
tinued
use ofthe term
tance Hotline
"practicing homoA new, non-profit, toll
Rep. Larry Combest (R-19th)
sexual" in referring
free hotline is no\/\
202-225-4005
to Father Barry
available to assist al
Stopfel, thenon-celivictims of anti-gay inci
(FAX) 202 -225 -9615
bate gay priest at the
dents and provide the,~======::;::======::..lcenter of the Episcowith a centralized source of informapal Church heresy proceedings. In the .
tion and documentation. The Gay &
letter, I called Jennings' attention to the
Lesbian Victims' Assistance Hotline
pejorative implications of the term.
(800-259-1536) is a 24-hour project
l also reminded him ofthe powerful voice
of LAMBDA Services Anti-Violence
that the press has and the tendency for
Project (AVP), located in El Paso, TX.
many to regard the media as sacrosanct in
The hotline is answered by trained
its role as news provider and opinionvolunteers who provide information
maker.
Therefore, I said, it is extremely
and referrals•to persons who have
important
that members of the media
experienced terrifying violence or
~hoose
words
and present information
more common anti-gay incidents,
K:arefully.
To
use
words that imply that
such as discrimination, harassment,
!homosexuality
is
a
choice and is someor vandalism. Callers may remain
is a misrepresenlliing
that
one
practices
anonymous and all information is kept
~ation.
strictly confidential.
Part of GLAAD's mission is to work with the
media to help foster a better understanding of
issues of sensitivity, inclusion and respect
with regard to the gay and lesbian community. However, it is very important when
porn· ti·ng out a "aux
pas to not add 1·nsult to
1,
presumed injury. Perhaps the other party really had no idea of the damage that they
inflicted and would have chosen to act or
speak differently had they known.
At least this is what Peter Jennings said to me
when he called me a day or two after receiving the letter.
He told me that he never meant any disrespect
to the gay community and had in fact only
used the term because he had heard it used
elsewhere and did not realize that it was
offensive. Jennings mentioned during our
brief but substantive conversation that he
always tried to make sure he used terminology that was not considered offensive to any
group and thanked me for my letter.
I was satisfied with our conversation and I
believe that Jennings is a friend to the gay and
lesbian community. At the very least, he
knows that we will not allow the broadcast of
false or inaccurate information, whether intentional or not, to go unchallenged or uncorrected.
There are times in the continuing struggle to
attain equality of rights for gays and lesbians
that a simple, fact-based, well-formulated
and persuasively argued letter can be the
most effective weapon, and sometimes the
only one necessary. To be an activist does not
necessarily mean that you carry a banner, get
arrested or call a press conference. Sometimes, a single voice that does not represent a
group or coalition has as much or more
impact. The fact that someone took the time
to write or call to protest a comment or action
is impressive. When our community talks,
more and more people Iisten---and actually
do something to satisfy our concerns.
The work performed by GLAAD and other
national gay and lesbian groups is important
in voicing the community's concerns and
perspectives. But remember that, as individuals, we can all be our own "little
GLAADs" and safeguard the dignity and
representation of our community from our
very own homes. Take every possible opportunity to challenge defamation.
The chances of being smeared will diminish
the more ink you spill.
The ALGA UPDATE
~®
by Rex Wockner
"It is nobody's business to tell somebody
when to be out or when not to be. Coming
out is a slow and difficult process for
some people. Until you've walked in the
other person's shoes, you just don't know.
I know some big stars who, if they came
out, would change the world overnight.
But I can't criticize them; I'm not living
their life."
--Actor/playwright Harvey Fierstein to
Boston's Bay Windows.
"Ughhhhh! You know there is a gay man
trapped in her body! She has learned how
to take gay skills and mass market them to
straight women."
--Playwright/actor Harvey Fierstein on
TV home/yard goddess Martha Stewart to
Chicago's Outlines
"[P]ressures from the more extreme
religious activists have pushed almost
every [Presidential] candidate to demagoguery, emphasizing vicious attacks on
gay men and women ostensibly based on
the teachings of Jesus Christ. An even
more disquieting claim is that AIDS is
God's punishment on someone who has
sinned and that the sufferers should be
treated accordingly .... Other Christians
and the general public must not condone,
even by silence, these obnoxious attitudes,
increasingly promoted among a few
demagogic religious and political leaders.
In addition to the direct punishment of
many American citizens, undisputed
acceptance of a premise that originates
within the religious community tends to
authenticate it among those who have
their own personal prejudices. We must
make it clear that a platform of 'I hate gay
men and women' is not a way to become
president of the United States."
--Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in
The Los Angeles Times.
"He is the only [presidential] candidate
that can say the words 'gay and lesbian'
without spitting."
--Candace Gingrich, lesbian sister of U.S.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich, on Bill
Clinton, during a recent university
appearance.
LPGA GOLFER COMES
OUT
by Rex Wockner
The Ladies Professional Golf Association has its first out lesbian player. Muffin Spencer-Devlin, 42, told Sports Illustrated this week that she plans to marry
her lover, musician/composer Lynda
Roth, in May.
"Coming out is like an incredibly
huge weight being lifted from my shoulders," Spencer-Devlin said . "No more
living in the shadows. No more lies.
"Could you imagine me hugging
and kissing my woman lover at the
conclusion of my last tournament win?
Well , [that's what you'll see] at my next
one."
Spencer-Devlin said she has no
intention of becoming an LPGA lesbian
spokeswoman. "I'm not anybody's
mouthpiece," she said.
LPGA President Vicki Fergon said
"not ... every player will be thrilled about
[the coming out] but we're a family and
we respect each other."
·rhe entertainment also promises to be
the biggest and loudest ever. The
Groobees, a local rock/pop band , will
be playing at the picnic. They have
just released a new CD and are very
excited about playing the Pride Picnic.
The Groobees are being preser~ed by
French & Com, !'1Y Realtors and
Hastings Books, Music & Video.
ALGA is currently looking for people to
help with the picnic.
ALGA needs
volunteers for the day of the picnic. If
you are interested in volunteering an
hour or two durnig the picnic, please
call John Hintz at home, 374-2907.
Please do not call after 11 p.m.
PARTY OF FIVE ACTOR
COMES OUT
by Rex Wockner
LOSANGELES-ActorMitchellAnderson, who plays Ross on the TV series
Party of Five, announced that he is gay
March 1O at the Gay and Lesbian
Alliance Against Defamation's Seventh
Annual Media Awards ceremony.
Anderson had been asked by a reContinued on Last Page
"I applaud Muffin," she said.
LPGA commissioner Jim Ritts said:
"I don't have any concerns about this. I
know there are still individuals who have
problems with diversity, but we've come
so far as a society that I don't see this as
a topic that really moves people."
Books, music and more.
for the lesbian, gay and
feminist communities.
Spencer-Devlin has won three
LPGA tournaments in her 18 years on
tour.
Amarillo Pride Picnic
Saturday, June 22
Thompson Park
The 6th annual ALGA Amarillo Gay &
Lesbian Pride Picnic is Saturday, June
22 at Thompson Park. This year promises to be the even larger than last
years, including an all new MCC Carnival and live entertainment. The picnic
will begin at 1 p.m.
MCC has built all new booths for this
years picnic. One committee member
said, "We want this to be bigger and
better every year."
1846 Richmond Ave.
Houston, Texas 77098
CALL TOLL-FREE
800-9J1•JJ69
Open Tuesday - Sundiy
Pfflonalized mail order sen,ic~.
IN HOUSTON: (713) 521-3369
The ALGA UPDATE
Student Organizations
Lambdas of West Texas A&M
(inactive)
Box WT 335, Canyon, TX 79016
Pink Triangles Student Group
(inactive)
Amarillo College
Contact Rob Mills, 371-5300
Religious Organizations
Metropolitan Community Church
2123 S Polk,
Office hours M-F 9 AM 1 PM 372-4557
Sunday Services 10:30 AM & 6 PM
Children's Sunday school during service
Monday 12 Noon, Brown Bag Prayer
Wednesday 7 PM, Discussion Group
St Andrews Episcopal Church
1601 S. Georgia, Father Bill Nix
376-6316
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
4901 Cornell
Sundays, 11 am (Summers, 10 am)
355-9351
Services
Family Support Services
Domestic violence, rape crisis, counseling
services. Fees charged on a sliding scale.
900 S. Lincoln
372-3202
1-800-749-9026 hotline/helpline
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
1734 14th St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20009
(202) 332-6483
National Gay & Lesbian Teen Hotline
1-800-347-8336
Open 6 PM to 11 PM Central Time
Northwest Texas Public Services
D.J. Wyatt Community Health Ctr.
351-7220
Panhandle AIDS Support Organization
(PASO)
604 W. 8th, 37.2-1050
J-800-388-4879 Hotline/Crisis number
Parents & Friends of Lesbians/Gays
(P-FLAG), Amarillo Chapter
Parents and friends, you have a support
group, too!
Page 5
The Pavilion
Northwest Texas Healthcare System
intensive Outpatient Program/Addictive
Disorders
354-1835
Shepherd House (call PASO)
MWF 11 :30 - 1:30
Home cooked meal services for
HJV/AJDS individuals
Sisters (Women's Discussion Group)
MCC 2123 S Polk
Every Sunday 7 PM
Speak Out! Human Rights
Campaign Fund information
1-800-777-HRCF
Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas
P.O. Box 2579
Austin, TX 78768
(512) 474-LGRL
People For The American Way
2000 M Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036
Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians
& Gays (P-FLAG)
Travis McBride 358-4810
Texas Human Rights Foundation
(Gay/lesbian legal issues)
1-800-82 8-6417
Gay Friendly
Businesses/Organizations
Amarillo Bowl
4100 Woljlin
352-5681
B & E Coffeehouse
coffee, espresso, latte, beer, wine,
sandwiches
3806 W 6th
351-0084
Hastings Books, Music and Video
2001 S Georgia - Gay/Lesbian book
section & magazines
4301 W 45th - Lambda book section
Italian Delights, Inc.
2710 W 10th Ave
Queer Dinner Club (QDC) meets 7:30
PM on the third Thursday of the month.
Everyone is welcome!
Valley Lodge Family Motel &
The Hole Thing Donut Shop
PO Box 304 - Main Street
Red River NM 87558
Reservations: 1-800-951-2262
information: (505) 754 2218
Gay Owned Businesses
French & Co. Realtors
Paul D. French, Owner
4200 Ridgecrest, Suite A-5
356-9086
Bars
Alexander's Lounge
1219 W 10th Ave
372-7414
The Ritz
322 W 10th Ave
372-9382
Sassy's
309 W6thAve
374-3029
The Classifieds
519 E. 10th St.
374-2435
This listing is a service of the
Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance.
Please send corrections/additions
to ALGA Update, P.O. Box 9361,
Amarillo, TX 79105-9361.
Page 6
The ALGA UP,,
Continued /om page 4
porter how it feels to be a straight man
playing a gay role. When he came to
the podium as a presenter, Anderson
said he needed to correct the reporter's
assumption : He is a gay man playing a
gay role, he sai0
"The crowd v
1ild and g;;
him a
sustained sta11o ing ovatio ,," said
GLAAD Managing Director William
Waybourn . "He was the highlight of the
evening and w::is swarmed afterward .
... It was a scene of high drama."
Anderson's publicist has since been
inundated with inquiries from the mainstream media, Waybourn said .
.
1996 Pride Pi,cnic
Saturday, June 22·
Thompson Park
lp.m.
Including
MCC Carnival
Welcome Inklings
ALGA welcomes Inklings of Houston
as an advertiser. Please see their
advertisement on page 4 and mention
the ALGA Update when placing an
order!
TE
and
The Groobees*
*Presented by French & Company Realtors and Hastings Books. Music & video
ALGA seeks to provide an organization that will encourage healthy acceptance of our lifestyle both within our
community and the population at large. Our annual budget is funded solely by your membership fees.
Membership guarantees reduced rates for future ALGA-sponsored events. Those same fees pay for printing
and mailing of this newsletter, sponsors the annual ALGA Gay Pride Picnic, camping trips, future workshops
and our information line costs. All mailings are discreet.
-------------------------------------- ---We are happy to provide the ALGA UPDATE to people who cannot afford to purchase a subscription ; however,
we ask that anyone who can afford to subscribe, do so to keep the exchange of information flowing , our
community informed, and allow for more activities in the future.
$50 Silver membership (3 year membership, and 36 issues)
□ $35 Household annual membership for 2 adults (with 12 issues)
□ $25 Individual annual membership (with 12 issues)
□ $10 Student/PWA/Low Income membership (with 12 issues)
□
Name(s):
Address:
State/Zip:
Date:
Phone:
Please make all checks payable to ALGA
PO Box 9361, Amarillo, TX 79105-9361
-
rillo -
+ sbia
I
~ce
Volume 3, Number 1
ALGA Mourns Loss of Treasure
Queer Dinner Club
Thursday, May 2
Los lnsurgentes (Celia's)
3521 W. 15th
7:30 p.m.
Everyone Invited
Queer Dinner Club
Thursday, May 16
Italian Delights
10th at Georgia
7:30 p.m.
Everyone Invited
Gay Day At Disney
Walt Disney World, Florida
Saturday, June 1
Queer Dinner Club
Thursday, June 7
Los lnsurgentes (Celia's)
7:30 p.m.
Queer Dinner Club
Thursday, June 20
Italian Delights
7:30 p.m.
Everyone Invited
I
April-May 1996
ALGA Information Line: 373-5725
1996 Amarillo
Pride Picnic
Thompson Park
Saturday, June 22
1 p.m.
O'Brian Lane Kightliner
October 26, 1943 - April 16, 1996
On Tuesday, April 16, the Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance lost its treasure, O'Brian
Kightlinger. O'Brian was an activist in Amarillo's gay and lesbian community
(although he would always deny it). He was also a caring, compassionate , nonjudgmental person.
O'Brian the activist. I can't tell you how many times he would tell me, "John, I'm just
not an activist. I just don't have it in me." Yet, when we protested the Cracker Barrel,
he was there with signs. When we protested Rep. Warren Chisum, again, he was
there. For the past two years, he had attended the National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force "Creating Change" conference - a conference for gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered activists. And, more than that, he is the only Treasure that the
Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance has ever had. During months when the Alliance
could not afford to pay its phone bill, O'Brian would pay it. I never could understand
Continued on Page 2
Founder of UFMCC Visits Amarillo
by Kay C. Peck
Local congregants' pledges and gifts exceeding $15,000 ensured that
Metropolitan Community Church of Amarillo (MCCA) will not soon be forgotten by
the leadership of the world-wide Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community
Churches (UFMCC) . Local funds will be used to support purchase of a $3.8 million
complex in West Hollywood, Calif. The property will serve as both UFMCC
headquarters and the new home of the historic "mother church," MCC of Los
Angeles.
Rev. David Farrell, director of the UFMCC capital campaign, announced
that total pledges from the tiny congregation of MCCA (currently under 100
members) exceeded pledges made at the much larger Cathedral of Hope, the MCC
in Dallas.
Rev. Elder Troy Perry, founder of UFMCC, spoke at MCCA on March 20,
as part of his "Vision ... for the Next Generation" tour of selected MC Cs. MCCA's
pledges were taken as a part of Perry's special visit.
"I can't tell you what I felt when I saw the sign 'Metropolitan Community
Church' proudly standing in Amarillo, Texas," Perry said.
• .p~rry established the first MCC as a part of his dream to create a place
Continued on Page 2
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"O'Brian" - Continuedfrom Front Page
"Perry" Continued from Front Page
what his definition of "activist" was, but
he'll always be an activist to me.
within established religion for gay men
and lesbians. Since the first meeting of
12 people in ·:3 Los Angeles living room,
UFMCC has grown to over 40,000 members world-wide and is recognized as
one of the world's fastest growing denominations.
O'Brian the compassionate. O'Brian had
to be one of the most compassionate
people I knew. Actually, I frequently
thought he was too compassionate. But
then, if everyone was too compassionate,
imagine the world we would live in. I
remember at the first "Creating Change"
conference, O'Brian went to a workshop
on transgendered issues. When I inquired why he would go to that workshop
(I ' m not sure he even knew any
transgendered people), he told me that it
was a topic that made him "very uncomfortable" and that he just didn't understand it. To most people, that would be a
reason to stay away from the workshop;
for O'Brian, it was the reason he should
attend. By attending the workshop, he
met transgendered people and attempted
to understand their concerns and issues.
O'Brian believed in compassion and justice for everyone. That's why he learned
to be as concerned about the rights of
transgendered people as he was for the
rights of gays and lesbians (and any other
minority).
:::>'Brian was never judgemental. O'Brian
jid not judge, which isn't to say he didn't
,ave opinions. He would frequently tell
11e, "John, what you need to do is .... " To
oe honest, there were times I was tired of
1im telling me what to do. Most of the
:ime, I ignored his advice (of course, he
gnored my advice, too). But that never
nattered to O'Brian. He loved you just
he same. His advice was offered with
ave, never as a commandment. I'm not
;ure I even fully appreciated his advice
mtil he was gone. I sat at his funeral
vishing I could hear him tell me what I
1eeded to do one more time ...
)'Brian was a friend. I knew I could tell
)'Brian anything . I knew I could depend
in him for anything .
No matter what
1appened, he would be there for me.
)'Brian's memory will continue to live in
nany of us.
- ~-;it~,
resident,
1.marillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance
Representatives from throughout Amarillo's gay and lesbian community nearly filled the sanctuary of MCCA
during this rare opportunity to hear a
living legend. Perry's dynamic speaking
style gave those attending the Amarillo
service first-hand experience of the energy and dedication that enabled Perry
to establish the first "gay" church and to
lead the growth and development of
UFMCC.
Before directly addressing the
capital campaign which motivated his
tour, Perry spoke on the need for vision
and for the importance of communicating that vision. The inspiration of his own
dream for the future of UFMCC was
easily apparent in the success of pledges
received from those attending the Amarillo service.
"I promise to come back some
time when I'm not looking for money or a
vote," Rev. Elder Perry pledge to his
Amarillo audience.
"BIRDCAGE" SURPASSES
THE $100 MILLION MARK
LOS ANGELES, CA -- April 24, 1996 -For the first time in history, a film featuring
gay characters has broken the $100 million mark, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced
today. According to Variety, the United
Artist release "The Birdcage" the domestic box office gross topped $105 million.
"The success of 'The Birdcage' further
dispels the myth that gay-themed films
are box office poison," says Tamra King,
GLAAD's Entertainment Media Director,
"What audiences want to see when they
go to the movies are great stories with
characters they care about. Given the
right mixture, gay-themed films not only
do well, but they can produce blockbuster
figures."
Within its first six weeks of release, "The
l..\Tews
I-=:rie£s
Birdcage" has even surpassed the
highly successful major studio film
"Philadelphia," which grossed approximately $78 million domestically. "La
Cage Aux Foiles," the 1979 French film
on which "The Birdcage" is based,
grossed $17 million in the U.S.
Congress Overturns HIV
Military Policy
Congressional leaders repealled legislation that would have forced the Defense Department to discharge service
members who tested positive for HIV,
calling the move a historic step towards
fairness for people living with the virus.
"I don't remember the last time a bipartisan Congress moved so unequivocally to repeal a controversial measure," said Matt Coles, Director of the
ACLU's AIDS Project, which lobbied
heavily against the provision. "It marks
a historic shift in the movement to secure fairness and equality for people
with HIV. Bashing people with HIV and
AIDS is no longer a winning issue. In
fact, it can hurt you politically ."
The repeal, requested by the Clinton
Administration and the Pentagon, is
included in a major appropriations bill
that was hammered out after two-days
of intense negotiations between congressional leaders and the White House.
The compromise bill will soon be forwarded to the House and Senate, where
it is expected to pass easily.
The provision, which was sponsored by
Representative Robert K. Dornan (RCalif. ), required the military to discharge
The ALGA UPDATE is published monthly
by the Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance, P.O.
Box 9361, Amarillo, TX 79105-9361 . Anyone wishing to contribute, please call 3742907 and leave the information on the
machine, or mail information to the Editor.
Deadlines will be the 15th of the month for
the next month's issue .
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any service member who tested positive for the virus within six months,
including those who are able-bodied
and asymptomatic.
The ACLU's Coles also attributed the
measure's defeat to the leadership of
the Clinton Administration, which kept
pressure on C ongress tO repea I th e
ban. "Americans living with HIV can
take comfort that the White House is
committed to opposing measures that
single them out for discrimination."
Fox Offers Benefits
"We hope that anyone with information to
report will call us," said RobKnight, president of LAMBDA Services. "Anti-gay
brutality and discrimination has long been
invisible, mainly because it is among the
least reported of crimes," said Knight.
W"1pe O ut S mears; 'S p1"II
Ink' On Defamation
by Mark F. Johnson/GLAAD News Media
Director
As the voices of gays and lesbians have
become louder and more forceful over the
years, we should not lose sight of the ageold power of the pen. Perhaps that power is
now more appropriately accorded the personal computer, but you get my point.
Joining MGM/UA, DreamWorks,
Disney and hundreds of other entertainment organizations, Fox, Inc. has
announced that it will extend spousal
heath care benefits to employees'
Even in the age of sound bites and sit-ins,
same-sex partners. Now all major
writing is still an effective way of sending
studios offer same-sex partner bena message. Whether the letter or statement
efits. "It's the fair thing to do as far as
gets emailed, faxed or sent the old-fashcompensating all emioned way, if the
Important Phone Numbers
ployees equally" said
point is made effecTamra King, GLAAD's
tively, it will most
Senator Phil Gramm (R)
Entertainment Media
likely elicit a re202-224-2934
Director. "It sends a
sponse.
(FAX) 202-228-2856
very strong message
from the entertainment
Just recently, I sent
industry
that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) a letter to Peter
202-224-5922
everybody's families
Jennings, anchor of
(FAX) 202-224-0776
are valued on even
ABC's World News
terms."
Tonight, expressing
Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-13th)
GLAAD's disapVictims Assis202-225-3706
pointmentathis con(FAX)
202-225-3486
tinued
use ofthe term
tance Hotline
"practicing homoA new, non-profit, toll
Rep. Larry Combest (R-19th)
sexual" in referring
free hotline is no\/\
202-225-4005
to Father Barry
available to assist al
Stopfel, thenon-celivictims of anti-gay inci
(FAX) 202 -225 -9615
bate gay priest at the
dents and provide the,~======::;::======::..lcenter of the Episcowith a centralized source of informapal Church heresy proceedings. In the .
tion and documentation. The Gay &
letter, I called Jennings' attention to the
Lesbian Victims' Assistance Hotline
pejorative implications of the term.
(800-259-1536) is a 24-hour project
l also reminded him ofthe powerful voice
of LAMBDA Services Anti-Violence
that the press has and the tendency for
Project (AVP), located in El Paso, TX.
many to regard the media as sacrosanct in
The hotline is answered by trained
its role as news provider and opinionvolunteers who provide information
maker.
Therefore, I said, it is extremely
and referrals•to persons who have
important
that members of the media
experienced terrifying violence or
~hoose
words
and present information
more common anti-gay incidents,
K:arefully.
To
use
words that imply that
such as discrimination, harassment,
!homosexuality
is
a
choice and is someor vandalism. Callers may remain
is a misrepresenlliing
that
one
practices
anonymous and all information is kept
~ation.
strictly confidential.
Part of GLAAD's mission is to work with the
media to help foster a better understanding of
issues of sensitivity, inclusion and respect
with regard to the gay and lesbian community. However, it is very important when
porn· ti·ng out a "aux
pas to not add 1·nsult to
1,
presumed injury. Perhaps the other party really had no idea of the damage that they
inflicted and would have chosen to act or
speak differently had they known.
At least this is what Peter Jennings said to me
when he called me a day or two after receiving the letter.
He told me that he never meant any disrespect
to the gay community and had in fact only
used the term because he had heard it used
elsewhere and did not realize that it was
offensive. Jennings mentioned during our
brief but substantive conversation that he
always tried to make sure he used terminology that was not considered offensive to any
group and thanked me for my letter.
I was satisfied with our conversation and I
believe that Jennings is a friend to the gay and
lesbian community. At the very least, he
knows that we will not allow the broadcast of
false or inaccurate information, whether intentional or not, to go unchallenged or uncorrected.
There are times in the continuing struggle to
attain equality of rights for gays and lesbians
that a simple, fact-based, well-formulated
and persuasively argued letter can be the
most effective weapon, and sometimes the
only one necessary. To be an activist does not
necessarily mean that you carry a banner, get
arrested or call a press conference. Sometimes, a single voice that does not represent a
group or coalition has as much or more
impact. The fact that someone took the time
to write or call to protest a comment or action
is impressive. When our community talks,
more and more people Iisten---and actually
do something to satisfy our concerns.
The work performed by GLAAD and other
national gay and lesbian groups is important
in voicing the community's concerns and
perspectives. But remember that, as individuals, we can all be our own "little
GLAADs" and safeguard the dignity and
representation of our community from our
very own homes. Take every possible opportunity to challenge defamation.
The chances of being smeared will diminish
the more ink you spill.
The ALGA UPDATE
~®
by Rex Wockner
"It is nobody's business to tell somebody
when to be out or when not to be. Coming
out is a slow and difficult process for
some people. Until you've walked in the
other person's shoes, you just don't know.
I know some big stars who, if they came
out, would change the world overnight.
But I can't criticize them; I'm not living
their life."
--Actor/playwright Harvey Fierstein to
Boston's Bay Windows.
"Ughhhhh! You know there is a gay man
trapped in her body! She has learned how
to take gay skills and mass market them to
straight women."
--Playwright/actor Harvey Fierstein on
TV home/yard goddess Martha Stewart to
Chicago's Outlines
"[P]ressures from the more extreme
religious activists have pushed almost
every [Presidential] candidate to demagoguery, emphasizing vicious attacks on
gay men and women ostensibly based on
the teachings of Jesus Christ. An even
more disquieting claim is that AIDS is
God's punishment on someone who has
sinned and that the sufferers should be
treated accordingly .... Other Christians
and the general public must not condone,
even by silence, these obnoxious attitudes,
increasingly promoted among a few
demagogic religious and political leaders.
In addition to the direct punishment of
many American citizens, undisputed
acceptance of a premise that originates
within the religious community tends to
authenticate it among those who have
their own personal prejudices. We must
make it clear that a platform of 'I hate gay
men and women' is not a way to become
president of the United States."
--Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in
The Los Angeles Times.
"He is the only [presidential] candidate
that can say the words 'gay and lesbian'
without spitting."
--Candace Gingrich, lesbian sister of U.S.
House Speaker Newt Gingrich, on Bill
Clinton, during a recent university
appearance.
LPGA GOLFER COMES
OUT
by Rex Wockner
The Ladies Professional Golf Association has its first out lesbian player. Muffin Spencer-Devlin, 42, told Sports Illustrated this week that she plans to marry
her lover, musician/composer Lynda
Roth, in May.
"Coming out is like an incredibly
huge weight being lifted from my shoulders," Spencer-Devlin said . "No more
living in the shadows. No more lies.
"Could you imagine me hugging
and kissing my woman lover at the
conclusion of my last tournament win?
Well , [that's what you'll see] at my next
one."
Spencer-Devlin said she has no
intention of becoming an LPGA lesbian
spokeswoman. "I'm not anybody's
mouthpiece," she said.
LPGA President Vicki Fergon said
"not ... every player will be thrilled about
[the coming out] but we're a family and
we respect each other."
·rhe entertainment also promises to be
the biggest and loudest ever. The
Groobees, a local rock/pop band , will
be playing at the picnic. They have
just released a new CD and are very
excited about playing the Pride Picnic.
The Groobees are being preser~ed by
French & Com, !'1Y Realtors and
Hastings Books, Music & Video.
ALGA is currently looking for people to
help with the picnic.
ALGA needs
volunteers for the day of the picnic. If
you are interested in volunteering an
hour or two durnig the picnic, please
call John Hintz at home, 374-2907.
Please do not call after 11 p.m.
PARTY OF FIVE ACTOR
COMES OUT
by Rex Wockner
LOSANGELES-ActorMitchellAnderson, who plays Ross on the TV series
Party of Five, announced that he is gay
March 1O at the Gay and Lesbian
Alliance Against Defamation's Seventh
Annual Media Awards ceremony.
Anderson had been asked by a reContinued on Last Page
"I applaud Muffin," she said.
LPGA commissioner Jim Ritts said:
"I don't have any concerns about this. I
know there are still individuals who have
problems with diversity, but we've come
so far as a society that I don't see this as
a topic that really moves people."
Books, music and more.
for the lesbian, gay and
feminist communities.
Spencer-Devlin has won three
LPGA tournaments in her 18 years on
tour.
Amarillo Pride Picnic
Saturday, June 22
Thompson Park
The 6th annual ALGA Amarillo Gay &
Lesbian Pride Picnic is Saturday, June
22 at Thompson Park. This year promises to be the even larger than last
years, including an all new MCC Carnival and live entertainment. The picnic
will begin at 1 p.m.
MCC has built all new booths for this
years picnic. One committee member
said, "We want this to be bigger and
better every year."
1846 Richmond Ave.
Houston, Texas 77098
CALL TOLL-FREE
800-9J1•JJ69
Open Tuesday - Sundiy
Pfflonalized mail order sen,ic~.
IN HOUSTON: (713) 521-3369
The ALGA UPDATE
Student Organizations
Lambdas of West Texas A&M
(inactive)
Box WT 335, Canyon, TX 79016
Pink Triangles Student Group
(inactive)
Amarillo College
Contact Rob Mills, 371-5300
Religious Organizations
Metropolitan Community Church
2123 S Polk,
Office hours M-F 9 AM 1 PM 372-4557
Sunday Services 10:30 AM & 6 PM
Children's Sunday school during service
Monday 12 Noon, Brown Bag Prayer
Wednesday 7 PM, Discussion Group
St Andrews Episcopal Church
1601 S. Georgia, Father Bill Nix
376-6316
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
4901 Cornell
Sundays, 11 am (Summers, 10 am)
355-9351
Services
Family Support Services
Domestic violence, rape crisis, counseling
services. Fees charged on a sliding scale.
900 S. Lincoln
372-3202
1-800-749-9026 hotline/helpline
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
1734 14th St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20009
(202) 332-6483
National Gay & Lesbian Teen Hotline
1-800-347-8336
Open 6 PM to 11 PM Central Time
Northwest Texas Public Services
D.J. Wyatt Community Health Ctr.
351-7220
Panhandle AIDS Support Organization
(PASO)
604 W. 8th, 37.2-1050
J-800-388-4879 Hotline/Crisis number
Parents & Friends of Lesbians/Gays
(P-FLAG), Amarillo Chapter
Parents and friends, you have a support
group, too!
Page 5
The Pavilion
Northwest Texas Healthcare System
intensive Outpatient Program/Addictive
Disorders
354-1835
Shepherd House (call PASO)
MWF 11 :30 - 1:30
Home cooked meal services for
HJV/AJDS individuals
Sisters (Women's Discussion Group)
MCC 2123 S Polk
Every Sunday 7 PM
Speak Out! Human Rights
Campaign Fund information
1-800-777-HRCF
Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas
P.O. Box 2579
Austin, TX 78768
(512) 474-LGRL
People For The American Way
2000 M Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036
Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians
& Gays (P-FLAG)
Travis McBride 358-4810
Texas Human Rights Foundation
(Gay/lesbian legal issues)
1-800-82 8-6417
Gay Friendly
Businesses/Organizations
Amarillo Bowl
4100 Woljlin
352-5681
B & E Coffeehouse
coffee, espresso, latte, beer, wine,
sandwiches
3806 W 6th
351-0084
Hastings Books, Music and Video
2001 S Georgia - Gay/Lesbian book
section & magazines
4301 W 45th - Lambda book section
Italian Delights, Inc.
2710 W 10th Ave
Queer Dinner Club (QDC) meets 7:30
PM on the third Thursday of the month.
Everyone is welcome!
Valley Lodge Family Motel &
The Hole Thing Donut Shop
PO Box 304 - Main Street
Red River NM 87558
Reservations: 1-800-951-2262
information: (505) 754 2218
Gay Owned Businesses
French & Co. Realtors
Paul D. French, Owner
4200 Ridgecrest, Suite A-5
356-9086
Bars
Alexander's Lounge
1219 W 10th Ave
372-7414
The Ritz
322 W 10th Ave
372-9382
Sassy's
309 W6thAve
374-3029
The Classifieds
519 E. 10th St.
374-2435
This listing is a service of the
Amarillo Lesbian/Gay Alliance.
Please send corrections/additions
to ALGA Update, P.O. Box 9361,
Amarillo, TX 79105-9361.
Page 6
The ALGA UP,,
Continued /om page 4
porter how it feels to be a straight man
playing a gay role. When he came to
the podium as a presenter, Anderson
said he needed to correct the reporter's
assumption : He is a gay man playing a
gay role, he sai0
"The crowd v
1ild and g;;
him a
sustained sta11o ing ovatio ,," said
GLAAD Managing Director William
Waybourn . "He was the highlight of the
evening and w::is swarmed afterward .
... It was a scene of high drama."
Anderson's publicist has since been
inundated with inquiries from the mainstream media, Waybourn said .
.
1996 Pride Pi,cnic
Saturday, June 22·
Thompson Park
lp.m.
Including
MCC Carnival
Welcome Inklings
ALGA welcomes Inklings of Houston
as an advertiser. Please see their
advertisement on page 4 and mention
the ALGA Update when placing an
order!
TE
and
The Groobees*
*Presented by French & Company Realtors and Hastings Books. Music & video
ALGA seeks to provide an organization that will encourage healthy acceptance of our lifestyle both within our
community and the population at large. Our annual budget is funded solely by your membership fees.
Membership guarantees reduced rates for future ALGA-sponsored events. Those same fees pay for printing
and mailing of this newsletter, sponsors the annual ALGA Gay Pride Picnic, camping trips, future workshops
and our information line costs. All mailings are discreet.
-------------------------------------- ---We are happy to provide the ALGA UPDATE to people who cannot afford to purchase a subscription ; however,
we ask that anyone who can afford to subscribe, do so to keep the exchange of information flowing , our
community informed, and allow for more activities in the future.
$50 Silver membership (3 year membership, and 36 issues)
□ $35 Household annual membership for 2 adults (with 12 issues)
□ $25 Individual annual membership (with 12 issues)
□ $10 Student/PWA/Low Income membership (with 12 issues)
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Phone:
Please make all checks payable to ALGA
PO Box 9361, Amarillo, TX 79105-9361
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