extracted text

December, 1998

CIVIL

LIBERTIES AWARDS

The ACLU of Oklahoma honored the civil libertiesrelated achievements of number of outstanding individuals
in Oklahoma during the Bill of Rights Day Celebration held
on November 21, 1998.
Peggy Johnson and Terry Gatewood were co-recipients
of the ACLU of Oklahoma Human Rights Project Award.
Peggy Johnson, ACLU of Oklahoma cooperating attorney,
was honored for her role as the lawyer in the Maldonado case,
which resulted in the victoty of a Lesbian mother in a child
custody dispute. Oklahoma City activist Terry Gatewood
received the award for his tireless work on behalfgay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgendered persons.
TheAngieDeboCivilLibertarianofthe Year Award was
presented to Garvin Isaacs. Mr. Isaacs is the Oklahoma City
attorney whose dynamic advocacy was a key factor in the
release of Robert Lee Miller, Jr., who was sent to death row
for a crime he did not commit.
Sherri Finik, Director of Tulsa Reproductive Services
Clinic received the Reproductive Freedom Award. This facility has been under siege and suffered bombing damage on
numerous occasions. Ms. Finik is also the plaintiff in litigation challenging Oklahoma's restrictive regulations on abortion providers.
The Anti-Death Penalty/Prison Project Award was presented to Bud Welch, who lost his daughter Julie in the 1995
bombing of the Murrah building. Nevertheless, he has taken
his message against the death penalty across Oklahoma and
throughout the nation.
The Fran Morris Civil Liberties in Media Award was
received by Oklahoma Gazette Associate Editor Phil
Bacharach in recognition of his work as the writer of investigative stories about importanttopics such as the Robert Lee
Miller, Jr. case and the suspicious death of Federal Transfer
Center inmate Kenneth Michael Trentadue.
D

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WI.;:*!!

@3RL~~Q
~er

-Re-sottrce-s

~ (\&O.~
0

I··

We are hosting a

OPEN HOUSE

on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.
There will be refreshments,
entertainment and plenty of new
merchandise on sale.

I

Prices on holiday gift items and books
have been reduced to an
all time low.
Shoppers can browse to the music of
Peggy Johnson.
A donation of ~3 is suggested, but not
required to attend.
Come by for holiday cheer and visit
with friends.

New Year's Potluck
On Friday, Jan. 1, 2- 4 p.m.
We'll furnish the black-eyed peas (for
luck) and cabbage (for prosperity).
You bring a New Year's dish to share.
For further info, contact Jeri at
7--,5-5-4~ 16

Volwne 16 Number 12

Berland Sister Resources

2312 N.W. 39, OKC, OK 73112

REMAKING THE

HOLIDAYS

by Jeri Schaben

Do you sutler from the "holiday blues?" If so, could it be
because you're still buying into the '80s philosophy that "bigger
is better?"
I invite you to examine your holiday behavior and ask the
question, "Is there a better way?"
You may not be ready for "radical" holiday changes, but by
incorporating just one change into your lifestyle you may find a
substantial increase in holiday satisfaction.
JO Ways To Increase Holiday Satisfaction
1. Decide to neither give nor receive gifts and state your
intentions to family and friends.
2. If you feel you must give a gift, make a donation to a charity
in the gift receiver's name.
3. Give and accept used, or "white elephant," gifts.
4. If you do send greeting cards, add more than just a signature.
5. Make your own holiday greeting cards.
6. Ifyou enjoy holiday decorating, use what you have rather than
buying new decorations.
7. If spending any part of the holidays with your family is
unpleasant, don't.
8. Under no circumstances buy on credit.
9. Volunteer at a homeless shelter.
10. Don't forget to take time for yourself.
The first year I decided to go "giftless" was a wonderful,
freeing experience. Keeping a list of people to buy a gift for,
finding the time and energy to find the ''right" gift, and tossing
my hard earned money away on those gifts, is not conducive to
"quality holiday time." It's time we say ''no" to Madison A venue
and consumerism. Our lives mean more than acquiring or giving
the latest gadget from The Home Store. If we become willing, it's
still not too late to experience the last month of the year with true
warmth and joy rather than in a frenzy of plastic decorations,
O
rushed reunions and buy, buy, buyism.

BlBL/OBITS
Besides books for lending, Berland receives numerous publications from organizations of interest. We receive the magazine
New Age regularly and newsletters from Oklahoma (Tulsa and
Lawton), Arkansas, Texas, California, New York, Connecticut,
even Canada. All current issues are kept on the coffee table or
slant shelves in the front room, and back issues are filed by
category (health, politics, ethnic, spiritual) or title in the library
room. Always ask if you are wanting information from a
particular region.
Also the library has several lesbian/gay directories (national
and international) in case a certain address is needed when
planning to travel. Any current information of workshops
concerts, seminars, opportunities, etc. is posted on the bulletin
boards or the back of the front door. New publication notices are
posted on the door in the library. Watch for new information
constantly!

Page 2 Her/and Voice December, 1998

A note of interest is that our own newsletter, The Voice is
archived by some other organizations, even Cornell University.
We have been publishing a newsletter for about fifteen years and
have been keeping copies for our file. It was recently discovered
that a few issues are missing and we are asking that all readers
check their own files to help us in getting copies to complete ours.
Please contact the library clerk or any board member if you have
issues from 1984, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991 , 1992, or 1996
(selected issues).
0

My Favorite Things
(sung to the tune ofMy Favorite Things)

Big dykes with small dogs and butches with kittens;
Diesels in tall boots with chains on their mittens;
Femmes in their lipstick with rings in their nose;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
Men who can cook and make great apple strudels;
Women who think and can sure use their noodles;
Some who like dressing in black leather clothes;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
Men in tight dresses with gold lame sashes;
Makeup and high heels and long false eyelashes;
Men who have muscles and men who wear hose;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
REFRAIN: When the right wing spews its hatred
And it makes me sad,
I simply remember the gays that I know
And then I don't/eel so bad
Doctors and nurses and students and teachers,
Soldiers and singers and actors and preachers;
Lawyers who fight in the courts with our foes;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
Nieces and uncles and sisters and brothers;
Parents who live with significant others;
Brave sons and daughters who let their love show;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
Young politicians with courage and vision;
Leaders with guts who can make a decision;
Those in the closets and those on the go;
These are a few of the gays that I know.
REFRAIN: First Anita, now it's Limbaugh,
It just makes you mad,
But always remember the gays that you know
And then you won 't feel so bad ..
Editor's Note - These lyrics came to us through the Internet.
The original author is unknown to us - if anyone knows the
source please send that information to Her/and
O

GLBT IN OKC

SCHOOLS

by Joe Quigley

Beginning in March 1997, the District [Oklahoma City
School District] was asked to conduct inservices for staff on the
existence and needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
students. The request came as a result ofreports of harassment,
both verbal and physical that had happened in some schools and
the reading of reports on teen suicides. The district was not only
reluctant to do this but equated anything lesbian and gay related
with a political agenda.
I went to the School Board's public meeting on two occasions
presenting the possibility of potential litigation if a student were
to be severely harassed with the district not only doing nothing to
control harassment, but going so far as to refuse information. The
district was told about potential court cases whose decisions would
force the district to do the right thing.
Basically the district's best friends were those trying to
prevent litigations. The district was being asked to do the right
thing for the wrong reason if they wouldn't do it for the right
reason.
This past summer, the district was informed by its lawyers
that court decisions now render the district liable for same-sex
sexual harassment was ignored. I had not been lying to them.
One of the strongest opponents of dealing with gay and
lesbian "issues" now has the assignment of giving sexual harassment inservices to teachers, and this is a statement .he made.
"Recently there have been same-sex sexual harassment complaints, and more and more we have to realize that among our
children there are some who have not determined, folly, their
sexuality, and there are some of our children that may be gay.
Regardless ofwhat you thing, let me tell you one thing that IS an
imperative, those children must be protected. If we don't pay
attention and protect those children, we are in violation of their
rights under Title IX and we could be liable. "
GLBT kids can now fight back. They do not have to put~
with it anymore, and the district cannot ignore them.

HELP

Still

NEEDED

My name is Jill Rohrbacker and I am currently a graduate
student working on my Ph.D. in Family Relations and Child
Development at Oklahoma State University. My dissertation is
focusing on studying family relationships and parenting styles in
lesbian headed households.
You may recall from the August newsletter that I was seeking
20 couples of whom at least one member has brought a child into
the current relationship from a previous relationship (i.e. a
previous heterosexual relationship, an adoption, etc.). Thanks to
your assistance, I have been able to interview 15 couples but still
need five more to complete my data. The child or children do
need to still be living at home.
Participants will be asked to participate in three areas: The
completion of a questionnaire packet, a personal interview with
each individual and an interview with the couple. These interviews will concentrate on the family dynamic and parenting
styles of the participants and will not cover topics with sensitive
aspects of personal behavior such as drug use, sexual behavior, or
use of alcohol.
As a member of the lesbian community lam very aware of the
degrees of"outness" we all experience therefore every effort will
be made to insure confidentialinty. Psuedonames will be used in
any discussions and written materials dealing with interviews.
If you are interested in participating in this study, please call
me (feel free to call collect) at (405)377-2068.
D
The Voice is published by: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312
N.W. 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
The Voice is offered as an open forum for community discourse.
Articles reflect the opinions of the author and not necessarily those
of Herland Sister Resources. Unsolicited articles and letters to the
editor are welcomed and must be signed by the writer with full name
and address. Upon request, letters or articles may be printed under
a pseudonym or anonymously.
Subscriptions to The Voice are free upon request although a
donation is requested to meet publication and distribution costs.

------------------------------------------Keep My Voice Coming!
.
.
Monthly publication and distribution of the Voice is Herland's largest monthly expense. A donation of$12 or more is requested to
cover the cost of sending your monthly copy of the Voice , but we'll be happy to send the Voice even if you can't send a contribution right
now. Just let us know you want to receive the Voice.

City_ _ _ _ _ ___:.__ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~

_ _ _ _ __

State.

Zip_ _ _ __

_ _My contribution of $12 or _ __ is enclosed.
_ _ Keep the Voice coming! Maybe I can contribute later.
Return to: Berland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39, OKC, OK 73112
Her/and Voice December. 1998 P3.!!e 3

•

I

~tPPLU~BING

r

I

844-1951
"FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS"

405-528-1018

FAX 405-528-1035

Peggy C. Johnson

REBECCA R. COHN, Ph.D.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Attorney At Law

Associated with
Parr, Friend and Johnson

2200 Classen Blvd., Suite 650
Oklahoma City, OK 73106-5609

"'~strc _

321-2148
P.O. Box 5119
Norman, Okla. 73070

Individual - Couples
Family Therapy, Retreats

THE LAW OFFICE OF SANDY INGRAHAM
@ TURTLE CREEK

fOR€St tQ€c\SUR€S
• inunu A oils • candla • imports

ASSOCIATE

t ~lals Ir;

Campus Comer

atonA • j~lri
• uNq\K &. unuaiaa1 gtf's
t J.-1 ap auppliu

NANCY NESSER, J.D.

323 "tllhlk Shel

Norman, OK 73069

Naluha Rice (405) 447-.511 l

Harland Sister Resources
2312 N.W. 39
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Address Service Requested

ROUTE 2. BOX 369-8

TELEPHONE (405) 964-2072

McloUD, OKLAHOMA 74851
FAX (405) 964-2058
email - n1nesser@aol.com

NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage

PAID
Oklahoma City, OK
Permit No. 861



December, 1998

CIVIL

LIBERTIES AWARDS

The ACLU of Oklahoma honored the civil libertiesrelated achievements of number of outstanding individuals
in Oklahoma during the Bill of Rights Day Celebration held
on November 21, 1998.
Peggy Johnson and Terry Gatewood were co-recipients
of the ACLU of Oklahoma Human Rights Project Award.
Peggy Johnson, ACLU of Oklahoma cooperating attorney,
was honored for her role as the lawyer in the Maldonado case,
which resulted in the victoty of a Lesbian mother in a child
custody dispute. Oklahoma City activist Terry Gatewood
received the award for his tireless work on behalfgay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgendered persons.
TheAngieDeboCivilLibertarianofthe Year Award was
presented to Garvin Isaacs. Mr. Isaacs is the Oklahoma City
attorney whose dynamic advocacy was a key factor in the
release of Robert Lee Miller, Jr., who was sent to death row
for a crime he did not commit.
Sherri Finik, Director of Tulsa Reproductive Services
Clinic received the Reproductive Freedom Award. This facility has been under siege and suffered bombing damage on
numerous occasions. Ms. Finik is also the plaintiff in litigation challenging Oklahoma's restrictive regulations on abortion providers.
The Anti-Death Penalty/Prison Project Award was presented to Bud Welch, who lost his daughter Julie in the 1995
bombing of the Murrah building. Nevertheless, he has taken
his message against the death penalty across Oklahoma and
throughout the nation.
The Fran Morris Civil Liberties in Media Award was
received by Oklahoma Gazette Associate Editor Phil
Bacharach in recognition of his work as the writer of investigative stories about importanttopics such as the Robert Lee
Miller, Jr. case and the suspicious death of Federal Transfer
Center inmate Kenneth Michael Trentadue.
D

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WI.;:*!!

@3RL~~Q
~er

-Re-sottrce-s

~ (\&O.~
0

I··

We are hosting a

OPEN HOUSE

on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.
There will be refreshments,
entertainment and plenty of new
merchandise on sale.

I

Prices on holiday gift items and books
have been reduced to an
all time low.
Shoppers can browse to the music of
Peggy Johnson.
A donation of ~3 is suggested, but not
required to attend.
Come by for holiday cheer and visit
with friends.

New Year's Potluck
On Friday, Jan. 1, 2- 4 p.m.
We'll furnish the black-eyed peas (for
luck) and cabbage (for prosperity).
You bring a New Year's dish to share.
For further info, contact Jeri at
7--,5-5-4~ 16

Volwne 16 Number 12

Berland Sister Resources

2312 N.W. 39, OKC, OK 73112

REMAKING THE

HOLIDAYS

by Jeri Schaben

Do you sutler from the "holiday blues?" If so, could it be
because you're still buying into the '80s philosophy that "bigger
is better?"
I invite you to examine your holiday behavior and ask the
question, "Is there a better way?"
You may not be ready for "radical" holiday changes, but by
incorporating just one change into your lifestyle you may find a
substantial increase in holiday satisfaction.
JO Ways To Increase Holiday Satisfaction
1. Decide to neither give nor receive gifts and state your
intentions to family and friends.
2. If you feel you must give a gift, make a donation to a charity
in the gift receiver's name.
3. Give and accept used, or "white elephant," gifts.
4. If you do send greeting cards, add more than just a signature.
5. Make your own holiday greeting cards.
6. Ifyou enjoy holiday decorating, use what you have rather than
buying new decorations.
7. If spending any part of the holidays with your family is
unpleasant, don't.
8. Under no circumstances buy on credit.
9. Volunteer at a homeless shelter.
10. Don't forget to take time for yourself.
The first year I decided to go "giftless" was a wonderful,
freeing experience. Keeping a list of people to buy a gift for,
finding the time and energy to find the ''right" gift, and tossing
my hard earned money away on those gifts, is not conducive to
"quality holiday time." It's time we say ''no" to Madison A venue
and consumerism. Our lives mean more than acquiring or giving
the latest gadget from The Home Store. If we become willing, it's
still not too late to experience the last month of the year with true
warmth and joy rather than in a frenzy of plastic decorations,
O
rushed reunions and buy, buy, buyism.

BlBL/OBITS
Besides books for lending, Berland receives numerous publications from organizations of interest. We receive the magazine
New Age regularly and newsletters from Oklahoma (Tulsa and
Lawton), Arkansas, Texas, California, New York, Connecticut,
even Canada. All current issues are kept on the coffee table or
slant shelves in the front room, and back issues are filed by
category (health, politics, ethnic, spiritual) or title in the library
room. Always ask if you are wanting information from a
particular region.
Also the library has several lesbian/gay directories (national
and international) in case a certain address is needed when
planning to travel. Any current information of workshops
concerts, seminars, opportunities, etc. is posted on the bulletin
boards or the back of the front door. New publication notices are
posted on the door in the library. Watch for new information
constantly!

Page 2 Her/and Voice December, 1998

A note of interest is that our own newsletter, The Voice is
archived by some other organizations, even Cornell University.
We have been publishing a newsletter for about fifteen years and
have been keeping copies for our file. It was recently discovered
that a few issues are missing and we are asking that all readers
check their own files to help us in getting copies to complete ours.
Please contact the library clerk or any board member if you have
issues from 1984, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991 , 1992, or 1996
(selected issues).
0

My Favorite Things
(sung to the tune ofMy Favorite Things)

Big dykes with small dogs and butches with kittens;
Diesels in tall boots with chains on their mittens;
Femmes in their lipstick with rings in their nose;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
Men who can cook and make great apple strudels;
Women who think and can sure use their noodles;
Some who like dressing in black leather clothes;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
Men in tight dresses with gold lame sashes;
Makeup and high heels and long false eyelashes;
Men who have muscles and men who wear hose;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
REFRAIN: When the right wing spews its hatred
And it makes me sad,
I simply remember the gays that I know
And then I don't/eel so bad
Doctors and nurses and students and teachers,
Soldiers and singers and actors and preachers;
Lawyers who fight in the courts with our foes;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
Nieces and uncles and sisters and brothers;
Parents who live with significant others;
Brave sons and daughters who let their love show;
These are a Jew of the gays that I know.
Young politicians with courage and vision;
Leaders with guts who can make a decision;
Those in the closets and those on the go;
These are a few of the gays that I know.
REFRAIN: First Anita, now it's Limbaugh,
It just makes you mad,
But always remember the gays that you know
And then you won 't feel so bad ..
Editor's Note - These lyrics came to us through the Internet.
The original author is unknown to us - if anyone knows the
source please send that information to Her/and
O

GLBT IN OKC

SCHOOLS

by Joe Quigley

Beginning in March 1997, the District [Oklahoma City
School District] was asked to conduct inservices for staff on the
existence and needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
students. The request came as a result ofreports of harassment,
both verbal and physical that had happened in some schools and
the reading of reports on teen suicides. The district was not only
reluctant to do this but equated anything lesbian and gay related
with a political agenda.
I went to the School Board's public meeting on two occasions
presenting the possibility of potential litigation if a student were
to be severely harassed with the district not only doing nothing to
control harassment, but going so far as to refuse information. The
district was told about potential court cases whose decisions would
force the district to do the right thing.
Basically the district's best friends were those trying to
prevent litigations. The district was being asked to do the right
thing for the wrong reason if they wouldn't do it for the right
reason.
This past summer, the district was informed by its lawyers
that court decisions now render the district liable for same-sex
sexual harassment was ignored. I had not been lying to them.
One of the strongest opponents of dealing with gay and
lesbian "issues" now has the assignment of giving sexual harassment inservices to teachers, and this is a statement .he made.
"Recently there have been same-sex sexual harassment complaints, and more and more we have to realize that among our
children there are some who have not determined, folly, their
sexuality, and there are some of our children that may be gay.
Regardless ofwhat you thing, let me tell you one thing that IS an
imperative, those children must be protected. If we don't pay
attention and protect those children, we are in violation of their
rights under Title IX and we could be liable. "
GLBT kids can now fight back. They do not have to put~
with it anymore, and the district cannot ignore them.

HELP

Still

NEEDED

My name is Jill Rohrbacker and I am currently a graduate
student working on my Ph.D. in Family Relations and Child
Development at Oklahoma State University. My dissertation is
focusing on studying family relationships and parenting styles in
lesbian headed households.
You may recall from the August newsletter that I was seeking
20 couples of whom at least one member has brought a child into
the current relationship from a previous relationship (i.e. a
previous heterosexual relationship, an adoption, etc.). Thanks to
your assistance, I have been able to interview 15 couples but still
need five more to complete my data. The child or children do
need to still be living at home.
Participants will be asked to participate in three areas: The
completion of a questionnaire packet, a personal interview with
each individual and an interview with the couple. These interviews will concentrate on the family dynamic and parenting
styles of the participants and will not cover topics with sensitive
aspects of personal behavior such as drug use, sexual behavior, or
use of alcohol.
As a member of the lesbian community lam very aware of the
degrees of"outness" we all experience therefore every effort will
be made to insure confidentialinty. Psuedonames will be used in
any discussions and written materials dealing with interviews.
If you are interested in participating in this study, please call
me (feel free to call collect) at (405)377-2068.
D
The Voice is published by: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312
N.W. 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
The Voice is offered as an open forum for community discourse.
Articles reflect the opinions of the author and not necessarily those
of Herland Sister Resources. Unsolicited articles and letters to the
editor are welcomed and must be signed by the writer with full name
and address. Upon request, letters or articles may be printed under
a pseudonym or anonymously.
Subscriptions to The Voice are free upon request although a
donation is requested to meet publication and distribution costs.

------------------------------------------Keep My Voice Coming!
.
.
Monthly publication and distribution of the Voice is Herland's largest monthly expense. A donation of$12 or more is requested to
cover the cost of sending your monthly copy of the Voice , but we'll be happy to send the Voice even if you can't send a contribution right
now. Just let us know you want to receive the Voice.

City_ _ _ _ _ ___:.__ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~

_ _ _ _ __

State.

Zip_ _ _ __

_ _My contribution of $12 or _ __ is enclosed.
_ _ Keep the Voice coming! Maybe I can contribute later.
Return to: Berland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39, OKC, OK 73112
Her/and Voice December. 1998 P3.!!e 3

•

I

~tPPLU~BING

r

I

844-1951
"FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS"

405-528-1018

FAX 405-528-1035

Peggy C. Johnson

REBECCA R. COHN, Ph.D.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Attorney At Law

Associated with
Parr, Friend and Johnson

2200 Classen Blvd., Suite 650
Oklahoma City, OK 73106-5609

"'~strc _

321-2148
P.O. Box 5119
Norman, Okla. 73070

Individual - Couples
Family Therapy, Retreats

THE LAW OFFICE OF SANDY INGRAHAM
@ TURTLE CREEK

fOR€St tQ€c\SUR€S
• inunu A oils • candla • imports

ASSOCIATE

t ~lals Ir;

Campus Comer

atonA • j~lri
• uNq\K &. unuaiaa1 gtf's
t J.-1 ap auppliu

NANCY NESSER, J.D.

323 "tllhlk Shel

Norman, OK 73069

Naluha Rice (405) 447-.511 l

Harland Sister Resources
2312 N.W. 39
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Address Service Requested

ROUTE 2. BOX 369-8

TELEPHONE (405) 964-2072

McloUD, OKLAHOMA 74851
FAX (405) 964-2058
email - n1nesser@aol.com

NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage

PAID
Oklahoma City, OK
Permit No. 861