extracted text

DV ICE
January, 1995

~~
~OO)IT®W

~IT®~g

Women: tli£ vu{nera6k se~
by Judith Mariasy and Marty Radlett
Reprinted from AIDS Watch Number 10, 1990

I

The first woman diagnosed with AIDS in Mexico was a
52-year-old housewife. Her only known 'risk' behaviour was
having unprotected sexual intercourse with her husband.
Many women in her position would not consider
themselves at risk for HIV - nor would many AIDS educators or
policy makers . However, worldwide, women make up an
increasing proportion of those infected with this virus. Two
million of the estimated six million people now infected with HIV
are women.
In New York AIDS is the leading cause of death among
women aged 25 to 40. In Brazil, the male-to-female ratio of HIV
infection was 116: 1in1984. It had fallen to 8: 1 by 1988. In the
Caribbean, the ratio of male-to-female infection was 6: 1 three
years ago. Now it is 2.5: l.
Equal numbers of men and women are infected in many
African countries. But small studies from some Central African
countries suggest that more than twice as many women are
infected as men. In Uganda, the first country in Africa to have
carried out a nationwide survey of seropositivity, the male-tofemale ratio of infection is 1.4: l.
Why is this? Undoubtedly some women have been
infected through blood transfusions given because of
complications in childbirth. Childbirth remains one of the great
life hazards for women; half a million women die each year from
pregnancy-related causes, 99 per cent of them in developing
countries. In Uganda in May 1988 three-quarters of all adult
blood transfusions were given to women, in most cases because of
Volume 13 Number 1

delivery complications.
Some contraception can also put women at risk: the
World Health Organization recommends that intrauterine devices
(IUDs) should not be used by women who for some reason are
particularly vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, including
HIV, because the IUD can cause inflammation which might
facilitate the entry of HIV into the bloodstream. Several studies
suggest that HIV might be more easily transmitted from men to
women than vice versa.
Some hazards can be avoided: by screening blood
supplies, by ensuring that women receive adequate antenatal care
and nutrition during pregnancy, and by increasing access to
condoms.
But there are other factors - economic, social and
psychological - which influence sexual attitudes and behaviours
and which put women at risk. They are less tangible and harder to
change.
The first international conference to look at the
implications of AIDS for mothers and children took place in
November 1989 - right at the end of the first decade of the AIDS
pandemic.
Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme
on AIDS , opened the conference by saying that its timing was
highly significant. "Does this reflect the relatively lower priority
which AIDS in mothers and children has thus far received?" he
asked.
AIDS forces societies, he said, "to ask if the status quo is
good enough ... In order to prevent HIV infection and reduce the
personal and social impact of HIV and AIDS among mothers and
children, it will be necessary to examine and to change the status
and role of women and children in our societies."
(continued on page 4)

Harland Sister Resources

2312 NW 39, OKC, OK 73112

§To SYBIL
Dear St. Sybil,
Recently I have noticed that very few people seem to call
themselves "Liberal" anymore. In fact when I hear it used these
days it usually sounds like a cuss word. What's going on? I have
always been proud to be a liberal: I think we are good people.
Am I the only one left? Please explain.
Fearfully,
Dizzy N. Dazed

Dear Dizzy,

"Liberal" Americans, reared on the Declaration of
Independence and hopelessly devoted to the Golden Rule, tend to
think that the world is on a steady course toward enlightenment,
which in turn will lead to peace, equality and justice for all. They
know that supposedly civilized humans are capable of terrible
things; holy wars galore, the Inquisition, slavery, genocide, the
Holocaust; but they believe that once the world recognizes
abhorrent behavior and disclaims it we can and will eradicate it.
The world of tomorrow will never be capable of such evils, they
think. Never again, they say. Step by step, injustice by injustice,
with reason and good will, the world is moving away from cruelty
and wickedness. The scouting motto is truly theirs ; they wish to
leave the earth a better place than they found it. They're sweet
people.
And there are still a great many Americans of the liberal
persuasion. The thing is, the word "liberal" has become tainted; it
has been given such a negative connotation that lots of people
won't admit to it.
Words are much more important than many people
realize. One group who has recognized this and which has lately
capitalized on it are the far-right, the ultra conservatives, the - let's
face it - the Republicans; the very people who have been
remarkably successful in turning "liberal" into a dirty word.
These folks just won a landslide victory in the elections,
nationally and locally, in large part by the unscrupulous and
indiscriminate use against their opponents (liberals just like you,
many of them) of a group of words generated by the
unSPEAKERable Newt Gingrich: Queer, Traitor, Commie,
Weird, Perverted, Liberal, etc. Word power: words are the tools
we think with, and the words we use inevitably shape our
thoughts. As an example, you don't run across the use of the word
"homosexual" too much in the gay and lesbian press; and you
hardly ever see the word "gay" in homophobic writings; reason:
"homosexual" over the years has developed negative overtones,
while "gay" has a very positive sound and feel to it. "Lesbian" is
iffy, you may have noticed that a lot of "gay" women have
embraced it but a lot don't like it at all. Whatever its connotation,
whether it is used proudly or pejoratively, "lesbian" is a poweiful
word. A word to watch for in the coming year, a term the Right is
conspiring to use, the great new bugaboo terminology designed to
change our perception of what we thought was a glory of
democracy. is "government" schools used in place of the ~
2 Her/and Voice
January, 1995

customary term, "public" schools. Righting columnists are using
the term matter-of-factl y, as if it were a neutral and widely
accepted synonym for "public" schools. Of course, "government"
schools conjures up images of coercive, Nazi-style indoctrination
camps rather than democratic equalizing places of learning
usually envisioned by thoughts of good old PS 69 or Classen
High. This is one tactic in the extreme right wing's puzzling but
manifest effort to do away with public schools. It has already
made its appearance in the Daily Oklahoman, which, goddess
help us, molds a considerable lot of opinion in Oklahoma, and is
quite representative of the press throughout the country, the myth
of "Liberal Media" notwithstanding.
Anyway, back to your question. No, you are not alone but, you certainly might think about getting yourself a new name
tag. Whatever you call yourself, keep on being a bleeding heart
liberal, and remember the First Rule of the Golden Rule is: It's
your turn.
Love and kisses,
Sybil

•••••••••••••••••••
~~IP~IT
~llirnLP~IT
~

Uiill LP~'IT

Herland is offering a community pantry
for lesbians in need. The pantry will
include the following:

<r- non-perishable food items:
<r-pet food
<r- household supplies.
The pantry will be open during
Herland's regular business hours,
Saturdays, 10-5 and Sundays, 1-5 The
system is simple -- if you need something
take it or if you can, leave something.

Published by: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312 N.W. 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Circulation: 1200

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. The Voice is printed on recycled paper.

MUSIC
l2~Vl~W
by Jill Garner

I haven't been able to buy any new music lately so I
decided to write a little about music in Oklahoma City. Someone
asked me recently how I know about so many events, concerts,
movies, etc. I find out about almost everything in the Gazette, so
if you're tired of staying home and watching TV, pick up the latest
Gazette to find something to do.
Speaking of the Gazette, I highly recommend Greg
Johnson's column. Greg reviews musicians and albums that with
the radio wasteland we have here in Oklahoma, you might not
hear about otherwise. I've discovered several new artists and
albums through Greg's column and he's definitely got an ear for
good music.
Greg Johnson also runs the Blue Door Concert Series in
Oklahoma City and in my opinion, it's by far the highlight of the
music scene here. I've been to some shows there with 30 people
or less and others with people packed to the rafters, but I've never
seen a bad show there. I've seen a lot of great shows there like
Cheryl Wheeler, Steve Forbert, Iain Matthews, Sara Hickman,
Jimmy LaFave, and Mary Reynolds and have loved every one of
them. I know many people grumble about the price of shows
there (generally $10 or $15) but to see such great musicians in that
intimate of a setting is a rare treat. I haven't been to a show there
that wouldn't have been worth twice what I paid. Johnson has
done a wonderful job at introducing a lot of singers and some of
the best songwriters in the business to the people of Oklahoma
City. Check the Gazette music listings for upcoming shows
there, or call 525-7472 for information.
Many of you may have been to Blockbuster Music by
now and know that you can listen to anything in the store that you
want to. I, for one, think that is just the coolest thing in the world.
And the Blockbuster at N .W. 23rd and Penn has one of the best
selections of folk and bluegrass that I've ever seen. However, I
like to support local businesses over multi-million dollar
corporations and Rainbow Records still remains my favorite
record store in Oklahoma City in terms of service and price. They
have a great selection of used CDs and one of the most varied
selections of new ones too. One of their greatest services is their
ability to order practically anything for you and generally have it
for you within a week Every year, they promise that if you order
something by December 22, they can have it for you for
Christmas. Who else can beat that? Someone told me recently
that if Blockbuster doesn't have a selection in their warehouse, it's
a 6-8 week wait to get your order.
I just heard about a new radio show also. At 10 pm on
Sunday evenings on 101.9, there's a new alternative country show
called "Country Over the Edge" with musicians such as Nanci
Griffith, Lucinda Williams, Jimmy LaFave, Kevin Welch, Kelly
Willis, Emmylou Harris, and Lyle Lovett receiving airplay. If

you like good country and folk music but hate most of the drivel
on the radio, this may be that oasis in the desert that you've been
hoping for. And don't forget about Different Roads on KCSC,
90.1 on Saturday evenings to hear folk and traditional music.
Oklahoma City does have some alternatives to the
mainstream, but you have to be a little more persistent in finding
them. However, I'm still bitter about the fact that Oklahoma City
has at least 15 movie theaters and they all show the same movies.
Even there though, Brixton Square is the bright spot on the
horizon, showing foreign films, and occasionally gay films and
happens to be the only theater in Oklahoma City showing the new
Woody Allen movie. Go figure. But if you're tired of the same
old movies, check out Brixton Square's schedule. It's worth the
drive and if we don't support them, then we deserve nothing but
Hollywood fluff movies. ~

GAY, LESB][AN, AND
B][SEXUAL SUPPORT AND
EDUCAT][ON PROV][DED
BY RED ROCK
Red Rock Mental Health Center in Oklahoma City is
currently facilitating support and educational/social groups for
gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth and adults. Support groups are
held weekly at Red Rock (4400 N. Lincoln Boulevard). For more
information on these groups, please call Betsy Murphy or Kim
Johnson at Red Rock at 425-0399. The groups are free and open
to the community, although some screening may be required to
ensure compatibility of participants.
In addition, educational/social activities are facilitated
weekly for both youth and adults. The youth group meets at
OASIS Resource Center (2135 N.W. 39th Street) every Sunday
evening. On January 1st, we will watch a movie and have pizza,
Dr. Russ Koch answers questions about gay and lesbian concerns
on the 8th, an HBO special, ''Why Am I Gay?" will be seen on the
15th, on the 22nd we will go to the Omniplex, and on the 29th we
will view a lesbian historical documentary of "Forbidden Love."
The Adult Educational/Social Group meets Thursday evenings at
the Triangle Association (2136 N.W. 39th). Terry Dennison from
Planned Parenthood will continue his relationship series on the
5th, Joan Foreman from R.A.I.N. will discuss volunteer
opportunities for working with people with HIV, we will watch
"The Wedding Banquet" and have pizza on the 19th, and view
''Forbidden Love" on the 26th with discussion afterwards .
Red Rock Mental Health Center also offers HIV/AIDS
prevention and education for the gay, lesbian, and bisexual
community, free referrals for counseling and substance use
treatment and individual and group therapy for individuals with
HIVIAIDS and their loved ones. For more information, call Betsy
Murphy or Kim Johnson at 425-0399. ~

3

Her/and Voice

January, 1995

(continued from page 1)

Frequently, women have less power in their private lives
and personal relationships - making it less easy for them to protect
themselves against risks such as contracting HIV.
One Ugandan sociologist found that 30 per cent of the
women she interviewed felt they were at risk of contracting HIV
because they could not control the extra-marital affairs of their
partners.
In Puerto Rico, AIDS educators say that women grow up
being 'protected' from sexual knowledge. Gender segregation
begins early and continues until serious dating and marriage.
Cultural taboos inhibit a frank discussion of sexuality so that
sexual education for women is scanty and overlaid with the
expectation of virginity. The man is seen as the educator and
facilitator of a woman's sexual knowledge - in the context of a
relationship such as marriage.
Women may fear rejection, or even violence, if they ask
their husbands to use a condom. Some do not even know what to
do to protect themselves from HIV and believe that ineffective
methods - such as douching with vinegar after intercourse - will
suffice. Alternatively they deny that they are at risk because they
do not want to confront the possibility of their husband's
infidelity. Using condoms can be a denial of the mutual trust
assumed to be at the basis of long-term relationships.
For many women, identity and status are linked with
childbearing. In these circumstances, it can be socially and
personally difficult to practise abstinence.
The central issue, says Lucy Mugisha of the women's
NGO Action for Development in Uganda, "is the low status of
women - their lack of rights within marriage, their lack of rights to
property, their lack of education and, despite the economic
contribution they make, their lack of economic strength".
The low status begins in childhood. "A girl is a wife in
the home. She has to help the mother - fetching water, preparing
supper, bathing the little ones, if it is the season for weeding and
harvesting, she can be withdrawn from school. Despite all she
does, parents see girls not as assets but as liabilities. They say
'Why educate her when someone else will take her?'".
Poverty and a lack of education and skills drive millions
of women into prostitution. At a conference held in November
1989 by the Women and AIDS support network in Zimbabwe, six
ex-prostitutes described the factors which had influenced their
decision to take up prostitution. They included divorce, physical
disasters such as drought, economic dependency, lack of
alternative job opportunities, the inheritance structure and the
existence of a ready market for their services. Prostitution was a
solution to poverty and unemployment.
Young girls may be particularly at risk for HIV
infection. They have little access to information and in some
countries women can only receive contraceptive services when
they are married.
But the high rate of teenage pregnancy and abortion in

4 Her/and Voice

January, 1995

many countries shows that young women do have sex - often
without protection. Groups working with street children in Brazil
report that very young girls sometimes have babies without even
knowing how it happened.
In Zaire, one study reported that in the age group 15-30
four times as many young women as young men were infected
with HIV. Over the age of 35, twice as many men as women were
infected. This pattern reflects the fact that young women begin
sexual activity at an earlier age than men. Many have partners
who are several years older - and therefore more likely to have
been exposed to HIV.
In the UK, a survey of 150 16-21 year old women in
major cities found that, when having sex for the first time, many
were reluctant but did not have the power to resist. A frequent
explanation for allowing sex to occur was that "the time was
right" for an unavoidable rite of passage into the adult world.
Because they lack the power to control these encounters,
the young women also lack control over what happens about
protection. The researchers believe the government's AIDS
campaign ignores the unequal power relations in sexual
encounters between teenage boys and girls. Advertising
campaigns imply that protection is a simple matter of learning the
risks and making a choice about precautions. Instead, the sex
education girls receive should not just focus on mechanistic
reproductive approaches, but also talk about relationships.
Research has shown that young women who do receive
sex education are not likely to engage in sex any sooner or more
frequently than their uninformed peers, but they are more likely to
use contraceptives.
Not enough is understood about the course of HIV
disease in women, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and
treatment. In the United States, statistics show that women die on
average about 10 months after diagnosis, compared with 13
months for men.
Amanda Heggs, a British woman with AIDS living in
Denmark, had to lie to a hospital, saying that her partner was
bisexual, in order to get an HIV test after a long period of illness.
"no-one, except myself, had thought it possible that HIV could be
the source of my health problems." Gillian, another HIV-positive
UK woman, was sent to a psychiatrist for several months after
years of illness could not be combated. In the end, she had to raise
the possibility of HIV infection herself.
New research is needed to help women protect
themselves and to understand the course of HIV infection in
women. "AIDS is just the tip of the iceberg - of poverty, lack of
access to adequate health care, disenfranchisement and
discrimination," says Jonathan Mann. "The time has come not
just to say no to unwanted sex, or unprotected sex, or unwanted
conception - it is time to say no to inequality, to discrimination
and to lack of choices."
Judith Maria.ry is editor of WorldAIDS; Marty Radlett is author of the
Panos /nstitute's mini-dossier AIDS and Children: A family disease.

Dear St. Sybil and sisters,
While reading the December issue, especially
St. Sybil's response to I wanna Puque, I realized you all
missed the ONE great truth .. .about the recent election.
We all know that it was really about
backlash .. .the cry of an "endangered species" - the
WHITE, HETEROSEXUAL MALE. .. and they all
voted Republican.
The point is "they" wanted to show us ...the
right (sic) wing, liberal, bleeding heart heretical
misfits* (*queer, single parent, non-christian, prolibber, etc., ad paque) that there was still enough
testosterone in them ol' balls to stand-up ...one last
time, me thinks. Otherwise I loved your response - oh
yeah...about this Stock the Pantry thing ... No offense to
needy sisters .. .But...are you sure that's all it is!. .. A
PANTRY?!!?
You ended paragraph 6 of your reply with an
interrogatory, and a "maybe" in paragraph 7. Is
HERLAND aware of something the rest of us are only
beginning to suspect? If the Board decides on a
BOOKS for GUNS drive in 1995 ... the Truth will be
known.
G.M. Dix (See Six of One
by Rita Mae Brown)

Dear Green Monkey,
.. .if I may call you by your first names ...
Thank you for your letter. It is unnecessary for me to
be addressed as Her Honorableness, but I did like it.
We enjoyed your letter too, but I think you mean "left"
wing, not "right".
Anyway, let's guard against paranoia here,
things are bad enough without that. (I know, just
because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to
getcha). We are running a Money for Books drive in
'95; you bring the money, we'll trade for books.
Actually, in the long run books are a stouter, more
potent weapon in a revolution than guns, aren't they?
Keep those cards and letters coming in,
Love,
Sybil

5

Her/and Voice

January, 1995

Lesbian-only counseling, group or individual. Contact Jo L. Soske, MEd/MHR/ICADC/LPC at 321 -0134 for more information.
DESIGN CONTEST!!! Pride Network, Inc. has announced a design contest to pick the logo for the 1995 Pride T-Shirts. In addition
to the design being used on the shirts, a $100 cash prize will be awarded to the winning designer. The logo design must reflect 1995's
theme, "Pride: From Silence to Celebration", which was selected by the National Pride Committee. Entries should be mailed to PNI at
P.O. Box 12415, OKC, OK 73157-2415, prior to January 15, 1995. Contest participants may submit as many design ideas as they like,
but each entry must be accompanied by a $5 entry fee, payable by check or money order to PNI.
ACADYKES! The next acadyke potluck will be on January 21 in Norman at Shari Clifton and Carolyn Mahin's home, 1716 Caddell
Lane, Norman. Call for directions at 366-6354. We'll be doing another reading selected by Vivien.
CALLING ALL TOOTERS AND BANGERS!! Wouldn't you like to see OKC have a marching band of its own for the Gay Pride
March in June, 1995? We are having our first organizational meeting January 8, 1995 at 2 p.m. Call 794-3035 for address and
directions. We are by no means professional (most of us have not played since high school), but we intend to make a big noise and have
a lot of fun!

A~

Yt/IL

L a. . . ., . .~,

.,,..,_,.w#<"'...ia;"&.ol~~

•

.,,.~.

r; /NVITG"O lo:

Se..t11""1oy Y~1 I ,Nlzsss
S"nday lli/h Mv.1

~'
~.

WeJ11ekla~

$!kJp111,
/():k:J~,M·

LtJw .MaH y,'a:Jp1'1,

; HOLY TRINITY

Ecumenical Catholic Church
I

2328 N. Mac:Attbur

PhJFu (405} 7SS-83Sl

Nancy Schneider M.s. w.
· ~ G'hu:adJO<:Ud UJ~
individual,
couple, and
group therapy
2233 W. UNDSEY
SUITE 109
NORMAN, OK 73069

Rebecca R. Cohn, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology
Individual,
Couples & Famny
Therapy

Norman, OK
321-2148

(405) 364-2545
PAGER: (405) 791-8792

r: .:·• ·•.

~)'StlC

~ :!'< . • ':'.'" • .

MEMBER

Sarah J. Rucker
Cenified Massage Therapist
Therapeutic Musage
Sports Massage

By Appointment Only
(405) 1143-4210

6 Her/and Voice

January, 1995

Trigger Point Therapy

Rellexology

· fOR€S~ tR€aSUR€S
I ·.·. ,. .. .........~ . ~

~!ll.tf!t
. .

_ kathileen Qankm

- natasha Q1ce
{405) 447:5111

-

fine aJlts • antiques ,
-.
.
• Plahts • q1~ts c .
·~

-

hauta(fe pl.\u_ .-1961

w. lmos~·~

nolllJlan,-ok 73069

Doc Herland wishes you a New Year that is Joyous and Peaceful and Glad and Gay

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

\Vednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

..-------........-------..-------.------""'T'"'------------.....------·
·
1 .. , , .,
2
3
4
5
:.Q:•:· ·L!.?·.

~--~,::~X:

~

NEW YEAR'S

New Year's
Day

-~--~'Jo.'•
DAY

~
10

Band
Oreanizine

I.A

'.
r1ar"1n
Luther Kin£'

1929 - 1968

..

Board
Meet..inEI
4:30 pm

OKC

13

14

20

21A Ctil d 811!1C
.

dL

2 FJR'I

15

8 - to DI
Clark
Memorial UMC
5808 NW 23rd

12

He et.in ts

Call 405/
794-3035
for
direct.ions

le£f£fyJohnson
Concert in
the Parlor

Library
7r:>m

HOLIDAY

8Pride

6

Cleveland
County
NOW
at. the
Norman
Public

Joan Baez
Born f94f

ALICE PAUL
f885 - f977

17

16
M. L. Kine
Holiday
Parade
& March

18

Dykes:
Call

PECCY
JOHNSON

OKC NOW
at the
Harvey House
6:30 p.m.

24

22

TEACHERS
MEETING
7 r:>m at
Her land

JANIS
JOPLIN
f943 - f970

25

al Medina's
in t..he Paseo
9:30-Midni£1ht.

27

405/

366-6354
for 11eelin£1
details.
In Norman

28

Roe v. Wade
1973
Elizabeth
Blackwell
f82f - f 9f0

29

An£1ela Davis
Born f 944

30

From the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, as
reported by Ms. Magazine: The S & L bailout alone
could finance Aid to Families with Dependent
Children in all SO states for five years.
Jackie
Robinson
f9f9 - f972

Ms. Heal thnote:
Going for a mammogram?
Avoid
wearing antiperspirant that day.
Aluminum, the
active ingredient in most antiperspirants, may
interfere with br~ast imaging.

HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.

2312 N.\V. 39th Street
Oklahoma Cit.y, Oklahoma 73112
405/ 521-9696
Winter Hours: Saturdays 10 - 5: Sundays t - 5

NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage

PAID
2312 N.W. 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
RETURN POST AGE GUARANTEED

Oklahoma City, Okla.
Permit No.861



DV ICE
January, 1995

~~
~OO)IT®W

~IT®~g

Women: tli£ vu{nera6k se~
by Judith Mariasy and Marty Radlett
Reprinted from AIDS Watch Number 10, 1990

I

The first woman diagnosed with AIDS in Mexico was a
52-year-old housewife. Her only known 'risk' behaviour was
having unprotected sexual intercourse with her husband.
Many women in her position would not consider
themselves at risk for HIV - nor would many AIDS educators or
policy makers . However, worldwide, women make up an
increasing proportion of those infected with this virus. Two
million of the estimated six million people now infected with HIV
are women.
In New York AIDS is the leading cause of death among
women aged 25 to 40. In Brazil, the male-to-female ratio of HIV
infection was 116: 1in1984. It had fallen to 8: 1 by 1988. In the
Caribbean, the ratio of male-to-female infection was 6: 1 three
years ago. Now it is 2.5: l.
Equal numbers of men and women are infected in many
African countries. But small studies from some Central African
countries suggest that more than twice as many women are
infected as men. In Uganda, the first country in Africa to have
carried out a nationwide survey of seropositivity, the male-tofemale ratio of infection is 1.4: l.
Why is this? Undoubtedly some women have been
infected through blood transfusions given because of
complications in childbirth. Childbirth remains one of the great
life hazards for women; half a million women die each year from
pregnancy-related causes, 99 per cent of them in developing
countries. In Uganda in May 1988 three-quarters of all adult
blood transfusions were given to women, in most cases because of
Volume 13 Number 1

delivery complications.
Some contraception can also put women at risk: the
World Health Organization recommends that intrauterine devices
(IUDs) should not be used by women who for some reason are
particularly vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, including
HIV, because the IUD can cause inflammation which might
facilitate the entry of HIV into the bloodstream. Several studies
suggest that HIV might be more easily transmitted from men to
women than vice versa.
Some hazards can be avoided: by screening blood
supplies, by ensuring that women receive adequate antenatal care
and nutrition during pregnancy, and by increasing access to
condoms.
But there are other factors - economic, social and
psychological - which influence sexual attitudes and behaviours
and which put women at risk. They are less tangible and harder to
change.
The first international conference to look at the
implications of AIDS for mothers and children took place in
November 1989 - right at the end of the first decade of the AIDS
pandemic.
Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme
on AIDS , opened the conference by saying that its timing was
highly significant. "Does this reflect the relatively lower priority
which AIDS in mothers and children has thus far received?" he
asked.
AIDS forces societies, he said, "to ask if the status quo is
good enough ... In order to prevent HIV infection and reduce the
personal and social impact of HIV and AIDS among mothers and
children, it will be necessary to examine and to change the status
and role of women and children in our societies."
(continued on page 4)

Harland Sister Resources

2312 NW 39, OKC, OK 73112

§To SYBIL
Dear St. Sybil,
Recently I have noticed that very few people seem to call
themselves "Liberal" anymore. In fact when I hear it used these
days it usually sounds like a cuss word. What's going on? I have
always been proud to be a liberal: I think we are good people.
Am I the only one left? Please explain.
Fearfully,
Dizzy N. Dazed

Dear Dizzy,

"Liberal" Americans, reared on the Declaration of
Independence and hopelessly devoted to the Golden Rule, tend to
think that the world is on a steady course toward enlightenment,
which in turn will lead to peace, equality and justice for all. They
know that supposedly civilized humans are capable of terrible
things; holy wars galore, the Inquisition, slavery, genocide, the
Holocaust; but they believe that once the world recognizes
abhorrent behavior and disclaims it we can and will eradicate it.
The world of tomorrow will never be capable of such evils, they
think. Never again, they say. Step by step, injustice by injustice,
with reason and good will, the world is moving away from cruelty
and wickedness. The scouting motto is truly theirs ; they wish to
leave the earth a better place than they found it. They're sweet
people.
And there are still a great many Americans of the liberal
persuasion. The thing is, the word "liberal" has become tainted; it
has been given such a negative connotation that lots of people
won't admit to it.
Words are much more important than many people
realize. One group who has recognized this and which has lately
capitalized on it are the far-right, the ultra conservatives, the - let's
face it - the Republicans; the very people who have been
remarkably successful in turning "liberal" into a dirty word.
These folks just won a landslide victory in the elections,
nationally and locally, in large part by the unscrupulous and
indiscriminate use against their opponents (liberals just like you,
many of them) of a group of words generated by the
unSPEAKERable Newt Gingrich: Queer, Traitor, Commie,
Weird, Perverted, Liberal, etc. Word power: words are the tools
we think with, and the words we use inevitably shape our
thoughts. As an example, you don't run across the use of the word
"homosexual" too much in the gay and lesbian press; and you
hardly ever see the word "gay" in homophobic writings; reason:
"homosexual" over the years has developed negative overtones,
while "gay" has a very positive sound and feel to it. "Lesbian" is
iffy, you may have noticed that a lot of "gay" women have
embraced it but a lot don't like it at all. Whatever its connotation,
whether it is used proudly or pejoratively, "lesbian" is a poweiful
word. A word to watch for in the coming year, a term the Right is
conspiring to use, the great new bugaboo terminology designed to
change our perception of what we thought was a glory of
democracy. is "government" schools used in place of the ~
2 Her/and Voice
January, 1995

customary term, "public" schools. Righting columnists are using
the term matter-of-factl y, as if it were a neutral and widely
accepted synonym for "public" schools. Of course, "government"
schools conjures up images of coercive, Nazi-style indoctrination
camps rather than democratic equalizing places of learning
usually envisioned by thoughts of good old PS 69 or Classen
High. This is one tactic in the extreme right wing's puzzling but
manifest effort to do away with public schools. It has already
made its appearance in the Daily Oklahoman, which, goddess
help us, molds a considerable lot of opinion in Oklahoma, and is
quite representative of the press throughout the country, the myth
of "Liberal Media" notwithstanding.
Anyway, back to your question. No, you are not alone but, you certainly might think about getting yourself a new name
tag. Whatever you call yourself, keep on being a bleeding heart
liberal, and remember the First Rule of the Golden Rule is: It's
your turn.
Love and kisses,
Sybil

•••••••••••••••••••
~~IP~IT
~llirnLP~IT
~

Uiill LP~'IT

Herland is offering a community pantry
for lesbians in need. The pantry will
include the following:

<r- non-perishable food items:
<r-pet food
<r- household supplies.
The pantry will be open during
Herland's regular business hours,
Saturdays, 10-5 and Sundays, 1-5 The
system is simple -- if you need something
take it or if you can, leave something.

Published by: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312 N.W. 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Circulation: 1200

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. The Voice is printed on recycled paper.

MUSIC
l2~Vl~W
by Jill Garner

I haven't been able to buy any new music lately so I
decided to write a little about music in Oklahoma City. Someone
asked me recently how I know about so many events, concerts,
movies, etc. I find out about almost everything in the Gazette, so
if you're tired of staying home and watching TV, pick up the latest
Gazette to find something to do.
Speaking of the Gazette, I highly recommend Greg
Johnson's column. Greg reviews musicians and albums that with
the radio wasteland we have here in Oklahoma, you might not
hear about otherwise. I've discovered several new artists and
albums through Greg's column and he's definitely got an ear for
good music.
Greg Johnson also runs the Blue Door Concert Series in
Oklahoma City and in my opinion, it's by far the highlight of the
music scene here. I've been to some shows there with 30 people
or less and others with people packed to the rafters, but I've never
seen a bad show there. I've seen a lot of great shows there like
Cheryl Wheeler, Steve Forbert, Iain Matthews, Sara Hickman,
Jimmy LaFave, and Mary Reynolds and have loved every one of
them. I know many people grumble about the price of shows
there (generally $10 or $15) but to see such great musicians in that
intimate of a setting is a rare treat. I haven't been to a show there
that wouldn't have been worth twice what I paid. Johnson has
done a wonderful job at introducing a lot of singers and some of
the best songwriters in the business to the people of Oklahoma
City. Check the Gazette music listings for upcoming shows
there, or call 525-7472 for information.
Many of you may have been to Blockbuster Music by
now and know that you can listen to anything in the store that you
want to. I, for one, think that is just the coolest thing in the world.
And the Blockbuster at N .W. 23rd and Penn has one of the best
selections of folk and bluegrass that I've ever seen. However, I
like to support local businesses over multi-million dollar
corporations and Rainbow Records still remains my favorite
record store in Oklahoma City in terms of service and price. They
have a great selection of used CDs and one of the most varied
selections of new ones too. One of their greatest services is their
ability to order practically anything for you and generally have it
for you within a week Every year, they promise that if you order
something by December 22, they can have it for you for
Christmas. Who else can beat that? Someone told me recently
that if Blockbuster doesn't have a selection in their warehouse, it's
a 6-8 week wait to get your order.
I just heard about a new radio show also. At 10 pm on
Sunday evenings on 101.9, there's a new alternative country show
called "Country Over the Edge" with musicians such as Nanci
Griffith, Lucinda Williams, Jimmy LaFave, Kevin Welch, Kelly
Willis, Emmylou Harris, and Lyle Lovett receiving airplay. If

you like good country and folk music but hate most of the drivel
on the radio, this may be that oasis in the desert that you've been
hoping for. And don't forget about Different Roads on KCSC,
90.1 on Saturday evenings to hear folk and traditional music.
Oklahoma City does have some alternatives to the
mainstream, but you have to be a little more persistent in finding
them. However, I'm still bitter about the fact that Oklahoma City
has at least 15 movie theaters and they all show the same movies.
Even there though, Brixton Square is the bright spot on the
horizon, showing foreign films, and occasionally gay films and
happens to be the only theater in Oklahoma City showing the new
Woody Allen movie. Go figure. But if you're tired of the same
old movies, check out Brixton Square's schedule. It's worth the
drive and if we don't support them, then we deserve nothing but
Hollywood fluff movies. ~

GAY, LESB][AN, AND
B][SEXUAL SUPPORT AND
EDUCAT][ON PROV][DED
BY RED ROCK
Red Rock Mental Health Center in Oklahoma City is
currently facilitating support and educational/social groups for
gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth and adults. Support groups are
held weekly at Red Rock (4400 N. Lincoln Boulevard). For more
information on these groups, please call Betsy Murphy or Kim
Johnson at Red Rock at 425-0399. The groups are free and open
to the community, although some screening may be required to
ensure compatibility of participants.
In addition, educational/social activities are facilitated
weekly for both youth and adults. The youth group meets at
OASIS Resource Center (2135 N.W. 39th Street) every Sunday
evening. On January 1st, we will watch a movie and have pizza,
Dr. Russ Koch answers questions about gay and lesbian concerns
on the 8th, an HBO special, ''Why Am I Gay?" will be seen on the
15th, on the 22nd we will go to the Omniplex, and on the 29th we
will view a lesbian historical documentary of "Forbidden Love."
The Adult Educational/Social Group meets Thursday evenings at
the Triangle Association (2136 N.W. 39th). Terry Dennison from
Planned Parenthood will continue his relationship series on the
5th, Joan Foreman from R.A.I.N. will discuss volunteer
opportunities for working with people with HIV, we will watch
"The Wedding Banquet" and have pizza on the 19th, and view
''Forbidden Love" on the 26th with discussion afterwards .
Red Rock Mental Health Center also offers HIV/AIDS
prevention and education for the gay, lesbian, and bisexual
community, free referrals for counseling and substance use
treatment and individual and group therapy for individuals with
HIVIAIDS and their loved ones. For more information, call Betsy
Murphy or Kim Johnson at 425-0399. ~

3

Her/and Voice

January, 1995

(continued from page 1)

Frequently, women have less power in their private lives
and personal relationships - making it less easy for them to protect
themselves against risks such as contracting HIV.
One Ugandan sociologist found that 30 per cent of the
women she interviewed felt they were at risk of contracting HIV
because they could not control the extra-marital affairs of their
partners.
In Puerto Rico, AIDS educators say that women grow up
being 'protected' from sexual knowledge. Gender segregation
begins early and continues until serious dating and marriage.
Cultural taboos inhibit a frank discussion of sexuality so that
sexual education for women is scanty and overlaid with the
expectation of virginity. The man is seen as the educator and
facilitator of a woman's sexual knowledge - in the context of a
relationship such as marriage.
Women may fear rejection, or even violence, if they ask
their husbands to use a condom. Some do not even know what to
do to protect themselves from HIV and believe that ineffective
methods - such as douching with vinegar after intercourse - will
suffice. Alternatively they deny that they are at risk because they
do not want to confront the possibility of their husband's
infidelity. Using condoms can be a denial of the mutual trust
assumed to be at the basis of long-term relationships.
For many women, identity and status are linked with
childbearing. In these circumstances, it can be socially and
personally difficult to practise abstinence.
The central issue, says Lucy Mugisha of the women's
NGO Action for Development in Uganda, "is the low status of
women - their lack of rights within marriage, their lack of rights to
property, their lack of education and, despite the economic
contribution they make, their lack of economic strength".
The low status begins in childhood. "A girl is a wife in
the home. She has to help the mother - fetching water, preparing
supper, bathing the little ones, if it is the season for weeding and
harvesting, she can be withdrawn from school. Despite all she
does, parents see girls not as assets but as liabilities. They say
'Why educate her when someone else will take her?'".
Poverty and a lack of education and skills drive millions
of women into prostitution. At a conference held in November
1989 by the Women and AIDS support network in Zimbabwe, six
ex-prostitutes described the factors which had influenced their
decision to take up prostitution. They included divorce, physical
disasters such as drought, economic dependency, lack of
alternative job opportunities, the inheritance structure and the
existence of a ready market for their services. Prostitution was a
solution to poverty and unemployment.
Young girls may be particularly at risk for HIV
infection. They have little access to information and in some
countries women can only receive contraceptive services when
they are married.
But the high rate of teenage pregnancy and abortion in

4 Her/and Voice

January, 1995

many countries shows that young women do have sex - often
without protection. Groups working with street children in Brazil
report that very young girls sometimes have babies without even
knowing how it happened.
In Zaire, one study reported that in the age group 15-30
four times as many young women as young men were infected
with HIV. Over the age of 35, twice as many men as women were
infected. This pattern reflects the fact that young women begin
sexual activity at an earlier age than men. Many have partners
who are several years older - and therefore more likely to have
been exposed to HIV.
In the UK, a survey of 150 16-21 year old women in
major cities found that, when having sex for the first time, many
were reluctant but did not have the power to resist. A frequent
explanation for allowing sex to occur was that "the time was
right" for an unavoidable rite of passage into the adult world.
Because they lack the power to control these encounters,
the young women also lack control over what happens about
protection. The researchers believe the government's AIDS
campaign ignores the unequal power relations in sexual
encounters between teenage boys and girls. Advertising
campaigns imply that protection is a simple matter of learning the
risks and making a choice about precautions. Instead, the sex
education girls receive should not just focus on mechanistic
reproductive approaches, but also talk about relationships.
Research has shown that young women who do receive
sex education are not likely to engage in sex any sooner or more
frequently than their uninformed peers, but they are more likely to
use contraceptives.
Not enough is understood about the course of HIV
disease in women, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and
treatment. In the United States, statistics show that women die on
average about 10 months after diagnosis, compared with 13
months for men.
Amanda Heggs, a British woman with AIDS living in
Denmark, had to lie to a hospital, saying that her partner was
bisexual, in order to get an HIV test after a long period of illness.
"no-one, except myself, had thought it possible that HIV could be
the source of my health problems." Gillian, another HIV-positive
UK woman, was sent to a psychiatrist for several months after
years of illness could not be combated. In the end, she had to raise
the possibility of HIV infection herself.
New research is needed to help women protect
themselves and to understand the course of HIV infection in
women. "AIDS is just the tip of the iceberg - of poverty, lack of
access to adequate health care, disenfranchisement and
discrimination," says Jonathan Mann. "The time has come not
just to say no to unwanted sex, or unprotected sex, or unwanted
conception - it is time to say no to inequality, to discrimination
and to lack of choices."
Judith Maria.ry is editor of WorldAIDS; Marty Radlett is author of the
Panos /nstitute's mini-dossier AIDS and Children: A family disease.

Dear St. Sybil and sisters,
While reading the December issue, especially
St. Sybil's response to I wanna Puque, I realized you all
missed the ONE great truth .. .about the recent election.
We all know that it was really about
backlash .. .the cry of an "endangered species" - the
WHITE, HETEROSEXUAL MALE. .. and they all
voted Republican.
The point is "they" wanted to show us ...the
right (sic) wing, liberal, bleeding heart heretical
misfits* (*queer, single parent, non-christian, prolibber, etc., ad paque) that there was still enough
testosterone in them ol' balls to stand-up ...one last
time, me thinks. Otherwise I loved your response - oh
yeah...about this Stock the Pantry thing ... No offense to
needy sisters .. .But...are you sure that's all it is!. .. A
PANTRY?!!?
You ended paragraph 6 of your reply with an
interrogatory, and a "maybe" in paragraph 7. Is
HERLAND aware of something the rest of us are only
beginning to suspect? If the Board decides on a
BOOKS for GUNS drive in 1995 ... the Truth will be
known.
G.M. Dix (See Six of One
by Rita Mae Brown)

Dear Green Monkey,
.. .if I may call you by your first names ...
Thank you for your letter. It is unnecessary for me to
be addressed as Her Honorableness, but I did like it.
We enjoyed your letter too, but I think you mean "left"
wing, not "right".
Anyway, let's guard against paranoia here,
things are bad enough without that. (I know, just
because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to
getcha). We are running a Money for Books drive in
'95; you bring the money, we'll trade for books.
Actually, in the long run books are a stouter, more
potent weapon in a revolution than guns, aren't they?
Keep those cards and letters coming in,
Love,
Sybil

5

Her/and Voice

January, 1995

Lesbian-only counseling, group or individual. Contact Jo L. Soske, MEd/MHR/ICADC/LPC at 321 -0134 for more information.
DESIGN CONTEST!!! Pride Network, Inc. has announced a design contest to pick the logo for the 1995 Pride T-Shirts. In addition
to the design being used on the shirts, a $100 cash prize will be awarded to the winning designer. The logo design must reflect 1995's
theme, "Pride: From Silence to Celebration", which was selected by the National Pride Committee. Entries should be mailed to PNI at
P.O. Box 12415, OKC, OK 73157-2415, prior to January 15, 1995. Contest participants may submit as many design ideas as they like,
but each entry must be accompanied by a $5 entry fee, payable by check or money order to PNI.
ACADYKES! The next acadyke potluck will be on January 21 in Norman at Shari Clifton and Carolyn Mahin's home, 1716 Caddell
Lane, Norman. Call for directions at 366-6354. We'll be doing another reading selected by Vivien.
CALLING ALL TOOTERS AND BANGERS!! Wouldn't you like to see OKC have a marching band of its own for the Gay Pride
March in June, 1995? We are having our first organizational meeting January 8, 1995 at 2 p.m. Call 794-3035 for address and
directions. We are by no means professional (most of us have not played since high school), but we intend to make a big noise and have
a lot of fun!

A~

Yt/IL

L a. . . ., . .~,

.,,..,_,.w#<"'...ia;"&.ol~~

•

.,,.~.

r; /NVITG"O lo:

Se..t11""1oy Y~1 I ,Nlzsss
S"nday lli/h Mv.1

~'
~.

WeJ11ekla~

$!kJp111,
/():k:J~,M·

LtJw .MaH y,'a:Jp1'1,

; HOLY TRINITY

Ecumenical Catholic Church
I

2328 N. Mac:Attbur

PhJFu (405} 7SS-83Sl

Nancy Schneider M.s. w.
· ~ G'hu:adJO<:Ud UJ~
individual,
couple, and
group therapy
2233 W. UNDSEY
SUITE 109
NORMAN, OK 73069

Rebecca R. Cohn, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology
Individual,
Couples & Famny
Therapy

Norman, OK
321-2148

(405) 364-2545
PAGER: (405) 791-8792

r: .:·• ·•.

~)'StlC

~ :!'< . • ':'.'" • .

MEMBER

Sarah J. Rucker
Cenified Massage Therapist
Therapeutic Musage
Sports Massage

By Appointment Only
(405) 1143-4210

6 Her/and Voice

January, 1995

Trigger Point Therapy

Rellexology

· fOR€S~ tR€aSUR€S
I ·.·. ,. .. .........~ . ~

~!ll.tf!t
. .

_ kathileen Qankm

- natasha Q1ce
{405) 447:5111

-

fine aJlts • antiques ,
-.
.
• Plahts • q1~ts c .
·~

-

hauta(fe pl.\u_ .-1961

w. lmos~·~

nolllJlan,-ok 73069

Doc Herland wishes you a New Year that is Joyous and Peaceful and Glad and Gay

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

\Vednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

..-------........-------..-------.------""'T'"'------------.....------·
·
1 .. , , .,
2
3
4
5
:.Q:•:· ·L!.?·.

~--~,::~X:

~

NEW YEAR'S

New Year's
Day

-~--~'Jo.'•
DAY

~
10

Band
Oreanizine

I.A

'.
r1ar"1n
Luther Kin£'

1929 - 1968

..

Board
Meet..inEI
4:30 pm

OKC

13

14

20

21A Ctil d 811!1C
.

dL

2 FJR'I

15

8 - to DI
Clark
Memorial UMC
5808 NW 23rd

12

He et.in ts

Call 405/
794-3035
for
direct.ions

le£f£fyJohnson
Concert in
the Parlor

Library
7r:>m

HOLIDAY

8Pride

6

Cleveland
County
NOW
at. the
Norman
Public

Joan Baez
Born f94f

ALICE PAUL
f885 - f977

17

16
M. L. Kine
Holiday
Parade
& March

18

Dykes:
Call

PECCY
JOHNSON

OKC NOW
at the
Harvey House
6:30 p.m.

24

22

TEACHERS
MEETING
7 r:>m at
Her land

JANIS
JOPLIN
f943 - f970

25

al Medina's
in t..he Paseo
9:30-Midni£1ht.

27

405/

366-6354
for 11eelin£1
details.
In Norman

28

Roe v. Wade
1973
Elizabeth
Blackwell
f82f - f 9f0

29

An£1ela Davis
Born f 944

30

From the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, as
reported by Ms. Magazine: The S & L bailout alone
could finance Aid to Families with Dependent
Children in all SO states for five years.
Jackie
Robinson
f9f9 - f972

Ms. Heal thnote:
Going for a mammogram?
Avoid
wearing antiperspirant that day.
Aluminum, the
active ingredient in most antiperspirants, may
interfere with br~ast imaging.

HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.

2312 N.\V. 39th Street
Oklahoma Cit.y, Oklahoma 73112
405/ 521-9696
Winter Hours: Saturdays 10 - 5: Sundays t - 5

NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage

PAID
2312 N.W. 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
RETURN POST AGE GUARANTEED

Oklahoma City, Okla.
Permit No.861