extracted text

do~HERLAND ~
DECEMBER 1990

TO THE EDITORS
I was both angered and saddened that a
partially nude portrait was published in the
November issue of the Herland Voice. I
cherish my right to choose with whom, where
and when I will view another person's private
parts. That right is abruptly taken away when
such a photo is published in a newsletter I
subscribe to with no warning on the cover.
I understand that my sensitivity in this
matter may not be popular or politically
correct. Nevertheless, I think that it is
important for those of us in the silent closeted
minority to express our feelings appropriately
and without shame, rather than just grumbling to ourselves in isolation.
Also, I would like to thank the courageous
few hard-working women who continue to
keep the bookstore and Voice a reality for us
all to enjoy. My anger about the photo has
jolted me into a much deeper awareness of
how important this connection with the
women's community really is for me. Therefore, I am making a commitment to myself
and Herland to send in $5.00 at the
beginning of each month (more if I can, less if
I can't) regardless of my circumstances. I can
afford it. I do not want to be without a Voice.
Darkstar

Druid's Song
Come,
Rejoice!
Crown the great oaks with mistletoe,
And for my hair 6ring holly;
My lim6s entwine with ivy,
and skyward name the fire.
'Jire to fire, returns the sun,
9 prophesy, 9 promise you.
Come, fear not,
And frolic joyfully,
Cele6rate the Solstice!

MOC
Winter Solstice 1983
VOLUME 7 NUMBER 12

•

CELESTIAL ADVICE
(The spirit of Sybil Ludington, Matron
Saint of the Invisible Woman, contacted
the "Voice" the other day. It seems that
Sybil has been receiving many soul-felt
appeals and ponderings from perplexed
sisters here below; and she asked if we
would give her a forum in which she
could respond to some of them.
Sybil, as almost no one in the world
knows, is a heroine of the American
Revolution. Like Paul Revere, she rode
her horse through the night to warn and
gather the revolutionaries to fight the
British. Her ride was two years later than
Revere's; it was about five times longer;
she completed her ride though it took all
night, while he was captured after about
ten miles. Sybil was 16 years old when she
made her not-so-famous ride on her horse
Star. Listen my Children, and you shall
hear, of the Midnight Ride of Sybil
Ludington . . .
Anyway, of course we told Sybil we
would be delighted to afford her a forum,
and herewith is her first column):

Dear Saint Sybil:
During all of the election hype recently I heard a lot about Right to Work, but
I don't really understand what the term
means. At first I thought it was a
women's issue, like, the right to work at
whatever a job a woman wants to; and I
thought Yeah, Right On, I like that!
Then I heard some people say it really
means the Right to Work for Less, and
of course I thought Oh No, that doesn't
sound good at all ... So Sybil, please tell
me just what they do mean when they
talk about Right to Work!
Thanking you in advance, I am,
Your Friend & Fan,
Eliza Domuch.
Dear Eliza:
I agree that Right to Work is a strange
and misleading term; my friend George
Orwell, Patron Saint of the Pentagon, the
White House, and The Daily Oklahoman,
is quite impressed and amused by it.
I like to compare "Right to Work" to a
mother's Right to Change Diapers; or, to
a teenager's Right to Take Out the Trash;

HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES

•

ICE

or, to a soldier's Right to Peel Potatoes.
We already have the right to work; the
issue is what we will work at and how
much or little the pay will be. People in
Oklahoma pushing for "Right to Work"
say that Oklahoma is losing new businesses to surrounding states which have
"Right to Work"; and people in Oklahoma against ".R ight to Work" point out
that wages in those surrouding states are
considerably lower than wages in Oklahoma. People against "Right to Work"
also say that it allows some_ folks to get a
free ride - to have the benefits of
belonging to a union and having a union
work for them, without paying the dues
necessary to support the union's work.
Perhaps this is why Clayton Williams,
unsuccessful candidate for Governor of
Texas, is for Right to Work; the millionaire Williams paid no Federal taxes at all
in 1986. How's that for a classic free ride?
Right to Work reminds me of another
Right from long ago. In Feudal days there
was a Droit du Seigneur, which not-tooloosely translates as Right of the Lord of
the Manor. This gave the Feudal Lord the
right to "de-flower" all of the local girls
prior to their wedding night. It's true, I
promise. I wouldn't make up something
like that!
And so this seems to me to be a really
good analogy to Right to Work: In both
Right to Work and Droit du Seigneur,
you have on the one hand a boss getting
the benefit, and on the other hand, a
peasant getting screwed.
Hopes this helps.
Fondly,
Sybil

Dear Sybil:
Here it is December already, and I'd
like to know: where you are, do you
celebrate Christmas, Chanukkah, or the
Winter Solstice?
Cordially,
Clara D. Pression
Dear Clara:
Where I am we celebrate everything that
comes our way. Dance every day, little
sister; even Eternity is too short not to.
Affectionately,
Sybil

2312 N.W. 39th, OKC, OK 73112

•

(405) 521-9696

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aboard the S.S. Dolphin IV! A deposit
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Imagine a vacation of luxurious comfort ...
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but having the time of your life. Imagine funfilled days moving into romantic evenings on
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Rates do not include alcoholic beverages, soft
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Bask in brilliant sunlight, swim and
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FEBRUARY

11-15, 1991

4 NIGHT
SUMMER BAHAMAS CRUISE
TULY

22-26, 1991

From Miami to Key West, Nassau and Blue Lagoon
1. Large, outside with double bed

$1,095
1,025

2. Large, outside with two lower beds
3. Outside with two lower -beds

975

4. Inside with double bed

975

5. Inside with two lower beds

900

6. Outside with upper and lower beds

800

To charge by phone or for more information about

our cruises, hotel, air and transfer packages, call
toll-free 800-631-6277 or 415-655-0364.

7. Inside with two lower beds

695

Payment Schedule

595

$200 Jcpo1>1t pc1 pcrM)n; ,'JQ~ .. un I st t1f following mom h: 30% on 1~ l
l>econd momh; b.ilancc on 1st of thud month

February 19?1

$42

34

35

3

3

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18

Gratuities
International departure rax
Fuel Surcharge

HSR DECEMBER 1990

fuly19'1!

$4 1

Port Tax

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Making your dreams come trne

2

All rates are based on double occupancy. If
you're travelin.g alone and wish to share a
room, Olivia will be happy to arrange a roomshare. Single travelers who wish to room
alone, add 100%.

8. Inside with upper and lower beds
ADDITIONAL FEES

Please make checks payable to Olivia Records and
mail to 4400 Market Street, Oakland, CA, 94608.
Installment payment schedule will be sent to you
upon receipt of your deposit check.

Thirty specially-trained women from
Olivia will join the cruise staff and sec to it
that your every wish is fulfilled. You can just
relax . We'll take you to paradise and you'll
never want to go home again.

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- Any cruise m:iy h..: cancdl eJ by the cruise line or Olivia RetorJ~ 1!
urcumsL,mce~ ~IJ demand . Should such occu1, full refund~ will he
m.i \le.
- CJncdlat1on refu nd will he 1 ~sucd ONLY IF canccll 1n1' pa~stn,i.:cr
provides Ohv1.1 wnh J rcpl.1ccmcnt pali"'-n~cr
- C:mcell:ninn fei: per

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- Olivia s non ~ ly n~ ... omm.:111.ls p:1s~cngers protect thLm:;dvc ~ ai.:ain~t
penalty fee:. by purdrn~m g c:rn ce!lauon/1ravd msu r:1nce . Forms JIC
availahle through Olivia C n uses

-

HERLAND FALL
RETREAT MOON
RITUAL REVISITED
by Virginia Reese-Jimenez
There were around 135 wimmin at
Herland Sister Resources' semi-annual
retreat located at Arrowhead State park
this year. It was my first all wimmin's
event and was something I had long been
hungering for. There were workshops on
lesbians and the law (wills); using sound
for hearing; tie-dying whatever isn't nailed
down, the Blues; a spades tournament; an
"open mike" on Saturday evening· a
regional singer, Cruz Devon; a con~ert
and more.
Like the good Pagan that I am I wanted
to share my (somewhat limited) knowledge of the Goddess with others ... so I
signed up to do a Full Moon Ritual. I had
my box full of materials in the car and had
thought over some ideas.
On the way to Arrowhead, however, I
had second thoughts and decided to blow
off the ritual. Imagine my surprise and
delight when I saw that 27 people had
already signed up for it ... more than any
other workshop by far (I hate to brag but
it's true).
'
Well, I had to get serious and actually
plan something. As I spoke with different
wimmin at the retreat, it became clear that
this ritual was suppose.d to happen. Several
wimmin offere help with altar objects
.
.
.
'
incense, music and enthusiasm. I ended
up performing a quiet ritual in my bunk
to get centered and plan it: my first public
appearance as a high priestess. One
womin suggested we use the campfire area
for the ritual. It was perfect with a low
stone circle surrounding a fire pit. From
the air it would look like this:

participated in this ceremony. We had
some trouble getting the fire going, but
finally it began to blaze. I quickly got
skyclad, put on my ankle jingles and began
jumping, running and howling around the
campfire ... to mixed reactions.
I had hoped everyone would be so
inspired that they would all join me, but
most sat or stood and talked. Several
others were moved and did join the dance.
We whirled and spun in the open field
feeling our freedom and Her love.
For me, the sharing of the sacraments
was the most powerful part of the ritual. I
felt as if time were suspended and we were
connected to generations of wimmin as we
raised our cakes and wine high to the Full
Moon Mother Goddess for Her blessings.
To paraphrase Chicago: This is only the
beginning of what I want to feel forever.
Blessed Be.
Reprinted from the Festive
Circles Update, Oct. 1990,
with permission.

This is what you should do: lo11e the earth
and the animals, despise riches, gi11e alms
to e11eryone that asks, stand up for the
stupid and crazy, de11ote your income and
labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not
concerning God, ha11e patience and
indulgence toward the people, take off
your hat to nothing known or unknown or
to any man or number of men . . . reexamine all you ha11e been told at school
or church or in any book, dismiss what
insults your own soul, and your 11ery flesh
shall be a great poem.
... Walt Whitman

SHOP AT HERLAND!
Nice,

huh?

BOOKS, CALENDARS, GIFfS,
POSTERS, RECORDS, TAPES
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full page .... .. .... . ..... $100.00

The ritual was scheduled for Sunday at
midnight, right after the dance. I had
cookies, crackers and cranberry juice for
our "cakes and wine." We set up the altar
ahead of time and gathered firewood. I
imaginged a group of wimmin dancing
naked around a blazing fire under the Full
Moon.ooooooouuuuuu!
As it turned out, around 35 wimmin

CLASSIAED ADS:
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each additional word • • •.•••••• S .10

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PLEASE NOTE: Tharo Will IN • minimal
charge for typesetting done 10 any
advertising.
·
Leave message tor Ginger at HSR,
(521-WMYNJ to place an ad.

NLC GARAGE SALE A
SUCCESS: THANKS TO
SISTERS AND BROTHERS
WHO CARE
The National Lesbian Conference-Gulf
Region sends a big THANK YOU to all the
women and men who supported this
worthy cause recently with their donations
to the NLC garage sale.
The success of the National Lesbian
Conference, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia
April 24-28, 1991, depends on the
support of local lesbian and gay communities across the United States, and the
Oklahoma City community is doing a
commendable job. Through the efforts of
local NLC organizers and the support of
the community the garage sale brought
regional funds over the $1,000 mark.
The funds generated by the garage sale
and other fundraising events are being
used to send regional delegates to NLC
planning committee meetings in Atlanta
prior to the conference. They will also be
used to help pay the way for lesbians of
poverty who live in the gulf region who
want to attend the national conference in
April, but who cannot afford it without
financial assistance. One third of regional
funds goes to the national office to pay
facilities, organizing and other expenses.
A special thanks goes out to our
brothers whose awareness and gratitude of
their sisters' support throughout the
AIDS epidemic has prompted them to
donate to a national event which celebrates
their lesbian sisters.
Anyone wishing to donate a dollar or
more to support the NLC may do so by
making their check or money order out to:
NLC-Gulf Region, and sending it to:
Karen Lewis; NLC-Gulf Region; 1932
N.W. 37th Street: Oklahoma City, OK
73118 or NLC; P.O. Box 1999, Decatur,
Ga 30031. The goal of regional fundraising efforts is $10,000.
•

.4

~ASIS

~

~

CHRISTMAS i!J."t
CARNIVAL f§ffe
This year's Oasis Christmas Carnival will be held on Wednesday,
December 12. The theme for this
year's event is "BABES IN TOYLAND;" and will be held at Angles.
Booths, Arts & Crafts and lots of fun.

HSR DECEMBER 1990 3

NATIONAL LESBIAN
CONFERENCE
WORKSHOPS
The National Lesbian Conference is
seeking proposals to fill 400 to 500 slots
for workshops and panels in both traditional and non-traditional formats. These
workshops will be held at the Conference
in Atlanta, April 24-28, 1991. Over
5,000 lesbians are expected to participate.
The participation of Lesbians of Color,
Lesbians with Disabilities and Old Lesbians is especially encouraged.
Suggested topics include: visibility,
legal rights, spirituality, battering, health,
SIM, mental health, custody, ageism,
racism, incest survival, separatism, AIDS,
heterophobia, electoral politics, classism,
anti-semitism, ableism, addition, homophobia, cross-age, cross-class and crossrace coupling, etc. Workshops and panels
are 1 hour and 1 ~ hour periods.
If you wish to present, facilitate or
organize sessions on any of these concerns, please send the NLC: a one-page
description of your proposed session and
a short bio on yourself and your experience. Address: NLC, P.O. Box 1999,
•
Decatur, GA 30031.

BAN ON COURTROOM
DISCRIMINATION
AGAINST LESBIANS
AND GAYS
Successful lobbying by the National
Lesbian and Gay Law Association (NLGLA)
caused the American Bar Association (ABA)
to include a ban against discrimination based
on sexual orientation in its Model Code of
Judicial Conduct. The code applies to many
judges throughout the country and subjects
them to discipline if they violate its ethical
canons.
Specific protection in the code means that
lesbians and gay men can expect and demand
fair treatment in the judicial system. It also
sends an explicit message to judges that they
will be held personally accountable if they
discriminate against gay people.
The Code now states: "A judge shall not,
in the performance of judicial duties, by
word or conduct manifest bias or prejudice,
including but not limited to bias or prejudice based upon race, sex, religion, national
origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or
socioeconomic status, and shall not permit
staff court officials and others subject to the
judge's direction and control to do so." •
4

HSR DECEMBER 1990

GAV GAMES IV
"Unity '94" is the theme of Gay Games
IV, which will be held in New York City from
June 25 -July 4, 1994; coinciding with both
the 25th Anniversary of the Stonewall
Rebellion in New York City and the world's
largest Gay Pride parade. All told, 500,000
people are expected to attend the celebration. The "Voice" will be keeping our readers
informed as plans progress. For our readers
in the New York City area, volunteer committees are already beginning to meet. Also,
Unity '94 memberships are now availableYearly memberships at $25 include quarterly
newsletter; Special memberships at $100
include newsletter and NY in '94 t-shirt; and
Priority memberships at $250 include the
newsletter, t-shirt and priority consideration
for all events.
Sports at the games will include aquatics,
badminton, basketball, billiards, bowling,
croquet, cycling, darts, fencing, field hockey,
figure skating, golf. gymnastics, marathon,
martial arts, physique, powerlifting, racewalking, racquetball, rugby, soccer, softball,
squash, table tennis, tennis, touch football,
track/field, triathlon, volleyball, and
wrestling.
•

LESBIAN & GAY
FILM FESTIVAL
INVESTIGATION
The National Endowment for the Arts
(NEA) disclosed in October that it had
conducted an investigation of a 1990 grant
made to Frameline, the national lesbian and
gay media arts organization that presents the
annual San Francisco International Lesbian
and Gay Film Festival. The NEA began its
investigation of the organization's use of
federal funds on July 5, 1990, after allegations from conservative Congressmen and
religious groups that the grant was being
used to fund obscene work.
This investigation is the first to be undertaken by the NEA to determine if a grantee
had violated the Helms amendment of the
1990 NEA appropriations bill. The amendment states that NEA funds may not be used
to promote homoerotic materials which
"when taken as a whole, do not have serious
literary, artistic, political or scientific value."
Frameline was exonerated by the NEA
after its review determined that the Festival
presented works of artisic integrity. An NEA
official concluded that "the festival was
considered to be one of the premiere ones in
the world."
The San Francisco International Lesbian
& Gay Film Festial presents films and videos
by lesbian and gay artists to annual audiences
of over 25,000.
•

NATIONAL LESBIAN
CONFERENCE
REGIONAL MEETING
PRODUCTIVE
Eureka Springs, AR-N.C-Gulf Region
met here Nov. 2-4 to continue regional
preparations for the National Lesbian Conference coming up in April in Atlanta, GA.
On Saturday, in a small white clapboard
church, amid the bright fall colors and an
atmosphere remeniscent of a small New England town, 24 lesbians, representing the four
regional states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas
and Louisana met to raise consciousness, educate, and sensitize themselves to each other's
needs and dreams. Workshops on lesbian battering, lesbiaphobia, and racism were presented.
Although at times laden with emotion, empathic open and honest communication allowed
the safety of relating experiences which brought
some women to tears. The last workshop of the
day offered a coming together that ended in
self-affirmations and a group hug-and a feeling of understanding, empowerment and hope.
In keeping with the lighter aspects of NLC
objectives-fun-Saturday evening conference participants were treated to a performance
by Missouri singer/songwriter Cruz Devon.
followed by a dance in the church sanctuary.
Sunday a.m. the women gathered again, this
time at the Piedmont House, a bed and breakfast
where most of the conference participants had
stayed and enjoyed the good food and hospitality of innkeepers Rose and Becky. Discussion at
this meeting focused on the future national
conference, fundraising, the next regional conference, and the election of the permanent
regional delegate to the national steering committee, Julie Brown of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Also announced at this regional meeting was
the election of Maria Tahenakos from Oklahoma City, to the National Steering Committee
constituency seat for Lesbians of Poverty. This
seat represents all lesbians of poverty across the
United States. Lesbians of poverty are asked to
contact Maria at 405-525-7996 if they have an
issue they wish to have brought to the National
Lesbian Conference Steering Committee.
The next regional meeting is scheduled for
Jan. 25 - 27, 1991, in Dallas, TX. Workshops
which are to be presented include Lesbian
Mothers, Incest, and more on Lesbian Battering. A discussion on homophobia and racism
will be held on Friday evening, Jan. 25 . Workshops will be held on Saturday, followed by a
debriefing and discussion. Sunday morning,
there will be a business and planning meeting.
For information on the Dallas meeting call
Kathy at 214-941-0375 or Julie at 501-5652111 or Karen at 405-528-3151. Lesbians of
Color and lesbians with disabilities, as well as
any women interested in the future of the
lesbian nation, are encouraged to attend.
•

NLC-Gulf' Re9ion
prtftMt

011'

a

~ ~)?~~

't4l

and Pot Luck Dinntr Gatherin~
S ~jtSLUJ.
~~ J J _ ~~ • -'5 more If you canaonauon.
1~s~ il ~ou can't
.--- .6rin~ ~ur favorite dish to share __..

at ~trland Sidlr Raoc.rus, 1312 NW 39th
on .Saiurda~J, Dumber IS, 6:30p.m. 'til ?
for mol'"Q info

call .628-3151

T~ational

_Dhian Conference

II

Office: 1649 McLendon NE. Atlanta. GA 30307
Mailing Address: P.O. Box: 1999. Decatur, GA 30031
(404) 373-0000

DIVERSITY* SOLIDARITY* EMPOWERMENT
APRIL 24-28, 1990 - ATLANTA, GEORGI A

•

TrYNoice

'

THIS CONFERENCE IS FOR, BY AND ABOUT LESBIANS AND IS OPEN ONLY TO WOMEN

CONFERENCE

PLENARY SESSIONS

The 1deaof a nat1onal lesb1anconference to develop
a nat1ona11esb1an agenda has been around for some years
and a topic of conversat1on among d1fferent groups of
lesbians.
·
The dec1s1on to make th1s conference more than a
topic of conversat1on was in1t1ated by a few gassroots
organizers who had worked w1th the 1987 March on
Washington for Lesb1an and Gay R1ghts.
From that beg1nn1ng effort, over 1,000 lesbtans
have been 1nvolved tn a planntng process that has gone on
for the past 3 years. The purpose 1s to br1ng together a
dtverse group of 5,0001nsp1red1esb1ans for workshops,
plenary sessions, strategy meetings and cultural events
to create a national lesb1an agenda, bu11d Olr grassroots
structures and have fun.

Plenaries w111 provide for our total com1ng
together to address the major issues as we have def tned
them. All plenary sessions w111 be held at the Atlanta
Civic Center, which is the only facil1ty which can hJld
5,000 of us. The major Issues we have defined are:

WORKSHOPS

- V1olence at all levels Including lntrapersonal,
Interpersonal, inter-group, International
- Ageism: agatnst the old, against the yo~g
- Power: personal and polltical

RELATED EVENTS
These events w111 take place al 1over the Atlanta
commuilty and w111 include dance, theater, parties,
athletic events, dimers, readings, ect. These events
are deslgied for the conference participants and w111 be
produced by groups and Individuals other than the
conference plaming staff.

"D1vers1ty-Solldar1ty-Empowerment· ts the
theme of the conference and workshops wi 11 encompass the
theme and exp 1ore the var1 ed perspect Ives. The creat1v1 ty
brought to the theme will provide experiences for part1c1pants that wi 11 broaden, exciteandmobll1ze forch(J"lge JOB FAIR
and act ton. Part1c1patton is the desire for all Involved.
If yoo have ever wanted to know about the g-eat
CAUCUSES
vcr1ety of sk111s and Jobs avat lable to women, thts ts
your opportuntty. Hundreds of tradeswomen, bustness
Th1s is the ttme for specific groups to develop owners a"ld professionals w111 be on hand to discuss the
their agendas for the National Lesbian Agenda. wtlether necessary preparation and rewards posstble tn thetr
they be rac1a1 or ethnic groups, polttical groups, age areas. If you have thought about changing your career
groups, creative arts groups, professional groups, dis- here Is chance to get some concrete Information from
abled groups, rel ig1ous groups, experience groups, ect the source.

FILM FESTIVAL

MARKET PLACE

Lesbian films have reached a high level of sophistication over the past decade, and we celebrate this crt
form by bringtng you the best new and classic films.

1-U'ldreds of craftswomen will be sel 11ng the tr
wcres, both deccrattve and functional. 1'1any one of a
kind items (J"ld special orders.

NAT I ONAL LESBIAN CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE AP PLICATION

REGISTRATION FEES
Determine according to income arid circumstances. No
woman will be excluded because of inability to pay.

address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
city _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
state:_ _ _ _ _ __... i p, _ _ _ _ _ __
phone<am). _ _ _ _ _ _ (pm). _ _ _ _ __
I am a Woman of Color (]yes (]no
I am a disabled woman ( J yes ( J no
I am a deaf woman ( ] yes ( ] no
I am a woman over 50 ( ] yes [ J no
I am a lesbian (]yes (]no
I do t-.OT want my name on a mailing list ( l
SERVICES:
Accessibility:
I have the following special needs:

INCOME
unemployed/no income
to $5,000
$5,001 - $10,000
$10,001 - 20,000
$20,001 - 30,000
$30,001 - 40,000
over $40,00 I

FEE

ENCLOSED

0
$ 25
$ 80

$100
$150
$200
$250 or more

TRAVEL FUND AND ASS I STANCE*
To apply for travel fund, please indicate below:
I can drive and take
others.
I need a ride ( J yes. Number of people ______
I can contribute $
I need $_ _ _ __
I am part of a Cost-Sharing Group ( l
(please submit all applications together)
*The deadline 1s March 15, 1991.

Community Housing
Translation: I can volunteer to do [ ]
! need ( J
Language: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

I would like community housing? (lyes [ l no
I would like housing with:(names)

Sign1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Oral _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Child Care: (for children up to age 10)
name
age
special needs

(please send forms together for shared housing)
Please check all that apply:
[ l wheelchair access [ J no smoking [ J I smoke
[ J no cats [ l no dogs [ l all female household
[ J bed only
( J floor sleep1ng
[]I have other allergies/needs re: housing (specify)
Nights needed:
[ ] Tues. 23 ( ] Wed. 24th [ l Thur. 25th
[]Fri. 26th [ ] Sat. 26th [ ] Sun. 28th

- I am enclosing$
as a contribution to assist other women In travel.

Atlanta area women are opening their yards for tents.
Are you planning to camp? []yes [ l no
If so, how many?------

- I live In the Atlanta area and can provide
housing for
participants.

Please submit all applications by
March 3 I, 1991.

-111ve In the Atlanta area and can provide
camping space for
tents.
- I can volunteer my skills as a - - - - - - - - - - a n d will be available
(dates>-----------------------

Make all checks and money orders payable to i'LC.
Mail to: NLC
P.O. Box 1999
Decatur, GA 3003 I
Comments and Concerns: Please use back of form

HEALTH WATCH
According to Surgeon General Antonia
Novello, the Virginia Slims Woman is
catching up with the Marlboro Man. Lung
cancer is now the leading cause of cancer
deaths among women as well as among
men; and smokers who don't develop
lung cancer usually develop other lung
diseases. Women's deaths from emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis have
climbed 67% in the last decade.
Smoking also affects women more than
men as it has been identified as a co-factor
in the development of cervical cancer.
Cells in the cervix are similar to those of
the lungs and esophagus. "For every
cigarette a woman smokes, her cervix
smokes ten," said Alex Ferenczy, professor of pathology and obstetrics and gynecology at McGill University in Montreal.
Carcinogens from cigarettes show up in
cervical secretions in ten times the concentration they do in blood.
Cervical cancer has been linked to the
human papilloma virus, which is sexually
transmitted. Some forms of the virus
produce genital warts. Ferenczy believes
smoking allows HPV to cause cancer. He
advises women who have had abnormal
pap smears to quit smoking.
•

WOMEN'S HEALTH
RESEARCH

ELECTIONS
Congratulations to Bernest Cain, who
handily won reelection to the State Senate;
and to all of those who worked so hard for
him. Walking a district door-to-door in
snow is not a whole lot of fun; but lots of
people did it. Senator Cain's opponent,
encouraged perhaps by a truly vile editorial
in the Daily Oklahoman, waged a vicious,
gay-bashing campaign, but it didn't work.
Another good friend of the progressive
community who also won reelection is Linda
Larason.
And here's to Ann Richards, who came
from way behind in the polls, to beat Claytie
Williams for Governor of Texas. She did it
on a lot less money than her opponent spent,
•
but then she's a lot smarter, too.

PRO-CHOICE
MEASURES WIN BIG
Oregon voters rejected by a 2 - 1 margin
a measure which would have restricted
almost all abortions in the state.
The law would have banned abortions
except in cases of rape or incest or to prevent a woman's death. A second
measure that would have required doctors
to notify a parent at least two days before
performing an abortion on a minor was
also defeated, by a smaller margin.
In Nevada, voters approved a measure
to protect abortion rights. The measure
prohibits any change in the state's abortion
rights law except by direct vote of the
people.
•

Spending on women's health care
issues has been just 13% of the budget for
the National Institute of Health (NIH),
according to U.S. Representative Olympia Snowe {R-ME) and many of its most
famous and useful studies, such as the one
suggesting that an aspirin a day keeps a
heart attack away, were done on thousands of men only. Therefore they cannot
be reliably extrapolated to apply also to
women.
However, the situation may be improving. An Office of Research on Women's
Health was created at the NIH this
summer. This office will try to increase
representation of women in clinical research and promote research in areas of
concern to women. Also, at the end of
August NIH announced that scientists
applying for federal funds will have to
provide "compelling justification" for
not using women in equal numbers in
clinical research.
•

FOR RENT: 2 Garage Apartments, furnished. $100 deposit, $150
per month. Call 525-8524.
HSR DECEMBER 1990

5

ACLU FILING SUIT

0

Games Galore,
THE PLACE TO BE ~
For an Insane and SOBER
Celebration
8:00 p.m. til it's over!
<>

<;::;,.

0

c lJ
<)

*Herland is an alcohol-free space

HEY! WANT TO GET OFF THOSE
OBNOXIOUS JUNK MAIL LISTS?
Here's how you do it. Just write to: Mail Preference Service; Direct Marketing
Association, P.O. Box 3861, 11 West 42nd, NYC, NY 10163-3861.

CODA MEETS
AT HERLAND
Codependents Anonymous, a 12-step
self-help group, meets at Herland every
Friday night from 6:30 - 8:00.
Codependency has been defined as "a
pattern of painful dependence on compulsive behaviors and an on approval from
others in an attempt to find safety, selfworth, and identity." This definition came
out of the First National Conference on
Codependency held in Scottsdale, Arizona
in September, 1989.
According to many experts in the field
of addiction, codependency is at the root
of all addictions.
This women-only CoDA group is open
to any woman wishing to help herself
change old, self-defeating behavior patterns. For more information call Karen at
528-3151.
•
6

HSR DECEMBER 1990

Rally at the Capitol
e
e
e

To ..•

~'

STOP the U.S. Troop Build-up.
NEGOTIATE Peaceful Solutions.
AVOID War.
Sunday, Dec. 16
Gather: 1 :30 p.m.
Rally: 2 to 3 p.m.
State Capitol Steps

Bring Poster.. Signe and 8M1nera
Sign GIANT letters to Pre1ldtnt Bush and Key Congrua Ludera.
Allin Location: lnalde

FOR

Peace in the Mid-East
Spon•ar•d by B•nedlcllne P•K• Hou1e.
C.11: 524-5577

In what is believed to be the first antigay violence case brought against employees of the U.S. Government, the
American Civil Liberties Union's Lesbian
and Gay Rights Project and the New York
CLU filed suit in November 1990 against
three agents of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency who are accused of viciously beating two gay men.
The suit, which seeks $1.5 million in
damages, comes at a time when violence
against lesbians and gay men has increased
tremendously in New York City and
across the country. The case is being
brought against an agency that is an arm
of the U.S. Justice Department, which
was charged this year by Congress with
collecting statistics on hate-motivated
crimes. The suit charges that two Manhattan residents were brutally assaulted by
three DEA agents following a minor traffic incident. During the beating, the
agents repeatedly called the victims "faggots" and made other derisive comments.
Specifically, the ACLU and NYCLU are
charging that the agents' unwarranted
physical and verbal attacks - in addition
to false imprisonment and false arrest violated the couple's fourth and Fifth
Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.
This is a particularly deplorable incident of anti-gay violence," said William
B. Rubenstein, the Director of the
ACLU's national Lesbian and Gay Rights
Project. "How can we expect to curb the
tide of hatred in our society when our
government's own agents are contributing
to it?"
Norman Siegel, the Executive Director
of the NYCLU, agreed that this case is
particularly important because it involves
government agents. "We are drawing the
line with this case," he said. "We hope to
send an unequivocal message to law enforcement officials that acts of homophobia and bigotry will not be tolerated any
longer."

THE DINNER PARTY
- CORRECTION
Don't book your flight to DC just yet
to see Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party".
We reported in the Voice that it would
soon be on display at the University of
the District of Columbia. Unfortunately,
this is no longer the case. So much controversy was engendered by its proposed
installment at UDC that Judy Chicago has
withdrawn her offer to donate it to the
school. Let us hope that it will someday
find a permanent home.

APPROVAL OF FUNDING
FOR NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT FOR
THE ARTS
The U.S. Senate, on October 24, approved a $170 million, one-year appropriation for the National Endowment for
the Arts (NEA) after defeating attempts
by Sen. Jesse Helms to ban funding of
sexually explicit art. Helms was successful
only in passing an amendment that forbids funding of material that "denigrates"
religion.
However, the National Gay & Lesbian
Task Force's lobbyist greeted the bill's
passage with trepidation, saying the final
legislation will have an "intimidating"
effect on artists.
Sensing defeat of most of his measures,
Helms said on the floor of the Senate, "I
say to all of the arts community and
homosexuals who may be upset ... What
is past is prologue. You ain't seen nothing
yet."
The bill now goes to conference committee to work out minor differences with
the House version. Lobbyists are confident they can get the Helm's religion rider
dropped then.
•

DOMESTIC
PARTNERS

MID-EAST PEACE RALLY
SET FOR DECEMBER 16

Unmarried and gay couples in longterm relationships are eligible for subsidized student housing at Stanford University. Such housing has been available to
married students, and on a case by case
basis to couples.
The new policy was announced in October. It will allow the domestic partners
of students to also have access to university libraries, athletic facilitise, and they
may purchase medical care at the campus
health center.
A long-term relationship is defined as
involving couples who have "a mutual
commitment similar to that of marriage
. . . and share the necessities of life and
responsibility for their common welfare."

A public rally for peace in the Middle East is
scheduled for Sunday, December 16, from two
to three p.m., on the south steps of the State
Capitol. Organized by the staff of Oklahoma
City's Benedictine Peace House, the rally will
include speakers sharing concerns from a
variety of perspectives, including religious and
academic, women and men, and multi-racial.
"We oppose combat to resolve the Persian
Gulf crisis, because we believe there will be no
winners in a war,'' said Peace House staff
member and Vietnam veteran Nathaniel Batchelder. "Iraq would be destroyed of course, but
so would Kuwait and possibly Jordan which is
trying to stay neutral. Some 20,000 Americans
and perhaps half a million Iraquis would be
killed, and Arab hostility toward the United
States and Israel would be inflamed. A permanent U.S. presence in the Mid-East will probably be required to "keep the peace" and the
U.S.taxP.ayers' bill will be hundreds of billions
of dollars."
"President Bush's demand for unconditional
withdrawal appears to commit the U.S. to a war
which is neither just nor in the national
interest,'' Batchelder said. He said Iraq's goal of
a sea port on the Persian Gulf coulc be traded
for withdrawal from Kuwait and assurances
deemed necessary by the United Nations regarding Iraq's nuclear and chemical weapons
capability.
A resolution opposing the U.S. troop buildup was passed by the National Council of
Churches, which speaks for 32 member denominations representing some 42 million Americans, according to Batchelder. "Resolutions
opposing war to resolve the crisis have come
from the leadership of numerous U.S. religious
denominations," he said. "The purpose of this
rally is to show national leadership that many
Oklahomans also believe the Persian Gulf crisis
should be resolved without combat.''
"Bring signs and posters to the Capitol south
steps starting at 1:30 p.m. for the 2 p.m. rally,"
Batchelder said. More information or a free
copy of the monthly newspaper, Oklahoma
Peace Strategy, are available by calling the
•
Benedictine Peace House at 524-5577.

·~~
BE A PART OF HERLAND
Herland is the collective effort of the
women of Oklahoma. You can be a part of
creating and sustaining this very special
community we call Herland. Join a committee, volunteer to work in the resource
center, or make .a contribution to help
meet the monthly expenses. Herland will
be what you make it.
YES, I want to help Herland continue
to grow.

P-FLAG TO BENEFIT
FROM CFC CAMPAIGN
The Federation of Parents and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG) is a certified participating organization of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for Fall,
1990, according to Paulette Goodman,
Federation President. The campaign provides the -opportunity for federal employees to support independent charitable organizations with payroll deduction
gifts. The number to use to designate PFLAG is "0863".
" CFC is an important source of funding for the Federation , and we urge all our
friends who are federal employees to use
this opportun ity to support P-FLAG, "
said Ms. Goodman. Gifts are tax deductible.
P-FLAG is a national network of volunteer support groups for families, providing information, counseling, and telephone helpline services to promote understanding between lesbians and gay men
and their families and friends and to educate the public about homosexuality. •

D I'm interested in working on a committe. Please have the committee
chair call me.
D I'd like to volunteer at Herland.
Please have the volunteer coordinator call me with more information.
D Here'smycontributionof _ _ __
to help support Herland.
Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Phone - - - - - - - - - - - Address-----------City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

State/ZIP - - - - - - - - - - -

PUBLISHED BY: Herland Sister
Resources, Inc. 2312 NW 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE:
Margaret Cox, Deborah Fox, Pat
Reaves
CIRCULATION: 750
GENERAL INFO: (405) 521-9696 (leave
message I
SUBSCRIPTIONS to the Her/and Voice
are free upon request.

CHRISTMAS OPEN
HOUSE SHOW AND SALE
Saturday, December 8
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2912 N. Robinson.
Guatemalan weavings and fabrics,
Mexican pottery, crafts, and carvings,
Nicaraguan coffee, stickers, buttons,
T-shirts, and other "Peace House"
goodies.
HSR DECEMBER 1990 7

I

Edwina V. Johnson, D.D.S.
"Catering to Cowards needing Tender Care"
in Comprehensive Dentistry

Kay Killgore, M.Ed.

5009 North Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 103
(405) 840-5410

Woman to Woman Counseling

Night & Sunday practice by appt. only
Emergencies welcome
Insurance accepted

1010 N.W. 45ih
Oklah·oma City, Oklahoma 73118
(405) 524-1062

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COUNSELOR
2912 N. Classen, Suite 1 0 2 , - - - - 0klahoma City, Oklahoma 73106,_ __
Telephone: (405) 556-4105

1011 N.W. 43rd St.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73118
Comprehensive Dental Care

Sam L. Nicolosi, D.V.M.

Office Hours By Appointment

Debra K. Brouming, R.Ph, D.D.S.
5009 N. Pennsylvania, Suite 103
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 843-3281

NICOLOSI ANIMAL HOSPITAL
COUPON

by Appointment
Phone (405) 947-5545

4015 N.W. 23rd
Oklahoma City

(405) 557-0903

COUPON

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10°/o OFF ANY DENTAL VISIT
. WITH THIS COUPON!
EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 1990

TREAT YOURSELF TO THE "TOUCH OF GOLD."

Treat your special someone, too, for $10 off her Massage! ·

848-5429

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HEALTHFUL • STRESS RELIEVING MASSAGE
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Melanie ~- McKiddy
MASSAGE THERAPIST
360-6945

"Portable"
massage
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for your
convenience.

BEST and WOODY

SHIRLEY M. HUNTER, M.Ed.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Emphasis on the problems of gay people.
PENN PARK OFFICE COMPLEX e SUITE 102
5009 N. PENNSYLVANIA e OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73112

366-0923

Marilyn Best & Coleen Woody
1518 N.W 29th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106
(405) 525-2174

GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW
including but not limited to
WILLS • CONTRACTS • DIVORCE
BANKRUPTCY • ADOPTION

HELEN HOLGATE
Certified Alcoholism & Drug Abuse.
Cou,nselor



do~HERLAND ~
DECEMBER 1990

TO THE EDITORS
I was both angered and saddened that a
partially nude portrait was published in the
November issue of the Herland Voice. I
cherish my right to choose with whom, where
and when I will view another person's private
parts. That right is abruptly taken away when
such a photo is published in a newsletter I
subscribe to with no warning on the cover.
I understand that my sensitivity in this
matter may not be popular or politically
correct. Nevertheless, I think that it is
important for those of us in the silent closeted
minority to express our feelings appropriately
and without shame, rather than just grumbling to ourselves in isolation.
Also, I would like to thank the courageous
few hard-working women who continue to
keep the bookstore and Voice a reality for us
all to enjoy. My anger about the photo has
jolted me into a much deeper awareness of
how important this connection with the
women's community really is for me. Therefore, I am making a commitment to myself
and Herland to send in $5.00 at the
beginning of each month (more if I can, less if
I can't) regardless of my circumstances. I can
afford it. I do not want to be without a Voice.
Darkstar

Druid's Song
Come,
Rejoice!
Crown the great oaks with mistletoe,
And for my hair 6ring holly;
My lim6s entwine with ivy,
and skyward name the fire.
'Jire to fire, returns the sun,
9 prophesy, 9 promise you.
Come, fear not,
And frolic joyfully,
Cele6rate the Solstice!

MOC
Winter Solstice 1983
VOLUME 7 NUMBER 12

•

CELESTIAL ADVICE
(The spirit of Sybil Ludington, Matron
Saint of the Invisible Woman, contacted
the "Voice" the other day. It seems that
Sybil has been receiving many soul-felt
appeals and ponderings from perplexed
sisters here below; and she asked if we
would give her a forum in which she
could respond to some of them.
Sybil, as almost no one in the world
knows, is a heroine of the American
Revolution. Like Paul Revere, she rode
her horse through the night to warn and
gather the revolutionaries to fight the
British. Her ride was two years later than
Revere's; it was about five times longer;
she completed her ride though it took all
night, while he was captured after about
ten miles. Sybil was 16 years old when she
made her not-so-famous ride on her horse
Star. Listen my Children, and you shall
hear, of the Midnight Ride of Sybil
Ludington . . .
Anyway, of course we told Sybil we
would be delighted to afford her a forum,
and herewith is her first column):

Dear Saint Sybil:
During all of the election hype recently I heard a lot about Right to Work, but
I don't really understand what the term
means. At first I thought it was a
women's issue, like, the right to work at
whatever a job a woman wants to; and I
thought Yeah, Right On, I like that!
Then I heard some people say it really
means the Right to Work for Less, and
of course I thought Oh No, that doesn't
sound good at all ... So Sybil, please tell
me just what they do mean when they
talk about Right to Work!
Thanking you in advance, I am,
Your Friend & Fan,
Eliza Domuch.
Dear Eliza:
I agree that Right to Work is a strange
and misleading term; my friend George
Orwell, Patron Saint of the Pentagon, the
White House, and The Daily Oklahoman,
is quite impressed and amused by it.
I like to compare "Right to Work" to a
mother's Right to Change Diapers; or, to
a teenager's Right to Take Out the Trash;

HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES

•

ICE

or, to a soldier's Right to Peel Potatoes.
We already have the right to work; the
issue is what we will work at and how
much or little the pay will be. People in
Oklahoma pushing for "Right to Work"
say that Oklahoma is losing new businesses to surrounding states which have
"Right to Work"; and people in Oklahoma against ".R ight to Work" point out
that wages in those surrouding states are
considerably lower than wages in Oklahoma. People against "Right to Work"
also say that it allows some_ folks to get a
free ride - to have the benefits of
belonging to a union and having a union
work for them, without paying the dues
necessary to support the union's work.
Perhaps this is why Clayton Williams,
unsuccessful candidate for Governor of
Texas, is for Right to Work; the millionaire Williams paid no Federal taxes at all
in 1986. How's that for a classic free ride?
Right to Work reminds me of another
Right from long ago. In Feudal days there
was a Droit du Seigneur, which not-tooloosely translates as Right of the Lord of
the Manor. This gave the Feudal Lord the
right to "de-flower" all of the local girls
prior to their wedding night. It's true, I
promise. I wouldn't make up something
like that!
And so this seems to me to be a really
good analogy to Right to Work: In both
Right to Work and Droit du Seigneur,
you have on the one hand a boss getting
the benefit, and on the other hand, a
peasant getting screwed.
Hopes this helps.
Fondly,
Sybil

Dear Sybil:
Here it is December already, and I'd
like to know: where you are, do you
celebrate Christmas, Chanukkah, or the
Winter Solstice?
Cordially,
Clara D. Pression
Dear Clara:
Where I am we celebrate everything that
comes our way. Dance every day, little
sister; even Eternity is too short not to.
Affectionately,
Sybil

2312 N.W. 39th, OKC, OK 73112

•

(405) 521-9696

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-

HERLAND FALL
RETREAT MOON
RITUAL REVISITED
by Virginia Reese-Jimenez
There were around 135 wimmin at
Herland Sister Resources' semi-annual
retreat located at Arrowhead State park
this year. It was my first all wimmin's
event and was something I had long been
hungering for. There were workshops on
lesbians and the law (wills); using sound
for hearing; tie-dying whatever isn't nailed
down, the Blues; a spades tournament; an
"open mike" on Saturday evening· a
regional singer, Cruz Devon; a con~ert
and more.
Like the good Pagan that I am I wanted
to share my (somewhat limited) knowledge of the Goddess with others ... so I
signed up to do a Full Moon Ritual. I had
my box full of materials in the car and had
thought over some ideas.
On the way to Arrowhead, however, I
had second thoughts and decided to blow
off the ritual. Imagine my surprise and
delight when I saw that 27 people had
already signed up for it ... more than any
other workshop by far (I hate to brag but
it's true).
'
Well, I had to get serious and actually
plan something. As I spoke with different
wimmin at the retreat, it became clear that
this ritual was suppose.d to happen. Several
wimmin offere help with altar objects
.
.
.
'
incense, music and enthusiasm. I ended
up performing a quiet ritual in my bunk
to get centered and plan it: my first public
appearance as a high priestess. One
womin suggested we use the campfire area
for the ritual. It was perfect with a low
stone circle surrounding a fire pit. From
the air it would look like this:

participated in this ceremony. We had
some trouble getting the fire going, but
finally it began to blaze. I quickly got
skyclad, put on my ankle jingles and began
jumping, running and howling around the
campfire ... to mixed reactions.
I had hoped everyone would be so
inspired that they would all join me, but
most sat or stood and talked. Several
others were moved and did join the dance.
We whirled and spun in the open field
feeling our freedom and Her love.
For me, the sharing of the sacraments
was the most powerful part of the ritual. I
felt as if time were suspended and we were
connected to generations of wimmin as we
raised our cakes and wine high to the Full
Moon Mother Goddess for Her blessings.
To paraphrase Chicago: This is only the
beginning of what I want to feel forever.
Blessed Be.
Reprinted from the Festive
Circles Update, Oct. 1990,
with permission.

This is what you should do: lo11e the earth
and the animals, despise riches, gi11e alms
to e11eryone that asks, stand up for the
stupid and crazy, de11ote your income and
labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not
concerning God, ha11e patience and
indulgence toward the people, take off
your hat to nothing known or unknown or
to any man or number of men . . . reexamine all you ha11e been told at school
or church or in any book, dismiss what
insults your own soul, and your 11ery flesh
shall be a great poem.
... Walt Whitman

SHOP AT HERLAND!
Nice,

huh?

BOOKS, CALENDARS, GIFfS,
POSTERS, RECORDS, TAPES
GIFT CERTIFICATES
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business card or 1110 page ••• S 15.00

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The ritual was scheduled for Sunday at
midnight, right after the dance. I had
cookies, crackers and cranberry juice for
our "cakes and wine." We set up the altar
ahead of time and gathered firewood. I
imaginged a group of wimmin dancing
naked around a blazing fire under the Full
Moon.ooooooouuuuuu!
As it turned out, around 35 wimmin

CLASSIAED ADS:
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PLEASE NOTE: Tharo Will IN • minimal
charge for typesetting done 10 any
advertising.
·
Leave message tor Ginger at HSR,
(521-WMYNJ to place an ad.

NLC GARAGE SALE A
SUCCESS: THANKS TO
SISTERS AND BROTHERS
WHO CARE
The National Lesbian Conference-Gulf
Region sends a big THANK YOU to all the
women and men who supported this
worthy cause recently with their donations
to the NLC garage sale.
The success of the National Lesbian
Conference, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia
April 24-28, 1991, depends on the
support of local lesbian and gay communities across the United States, and the
Oklahoma City community is doing a
commendable job. Through the efforts of
local NLC organizers and the support of
the community the garage sale brought
regional funds over the $1,000 mark.
The funds generated by the garage sale
and other fundraising events are being
used to send regional delegates to NLC
planning committee meetings in Atlanta
prior to the conference. They will also be
used to help pay the way for lesbians of
poverty who live in the gulf region who
want to attend the national conference in
April, but who cannot afford it without
financial assistance. One third of regional
funds goes to the national office to pay
facilities, organizing and other expenses.
A special thanks goes out to our
brothers whose awareness and gratitude of
their sisters' support throughout the
AIDS epidemic has prompted them to
donate to a national event which celebrates
their lesbian sisters.
Anyone wishing to donate a dollar or
more to support the NLC may do so by
making their check or money order out to:
NLC-Gulf Region, and sending it to:
Karen Lewis; NLC-Gulf Region; 1932
N.W. 37th Street: Oklahoma City, OK
73118 or NLC; P.O. Box 1999, Decatur,
Ga 30031. The goal of regional fundraising efforts is $10,000.
•

.4

~ASIS

~

~

CHRISTMAS i!J."t
CARNIVAL f§ffe
This year's Oasis Christmas Carnival will be held on Wednesday,
December 12. The theme for this
year's event is "BABES IN TOYLAND;" and will be held at Angles.
Booths, Arts & Crafts and lots of fun.

HSR DECEMBER 1990 3

NATIONAL LESBIAN
CONFERENCE
WORKSHOPS
The National Lesbian Conference is
seeking proposals to fill 400 to 500 slots
for workshops and panels in both traditional and non-traditional formats. These
workshops will be held at the Conference
in Atlanta, April 24-28, 1991. Over
5,000 lesbians are expected to participate.
The participation of Lesbians of Color,
Lesbians with Disabilities and Old Lesbians is especially encouraged.
Suggested topics include: visibility,
legal rights, spirituality, battering, health,
SIM, mental health, custody, ageism,
racism, incest survival, separatism, AIDS,
heterophobia, electoral politics, classism,
anti-semitism, ableism, addition, homophobia, cross-age, cross-class and crossrace coupling, etc. Workshops and panels
are 1 hour and 1 ~ hour periods.
If you wish to present, facilitate or
organize sessions on any of these concerns, please send the NLC: a one-page
description of your proposed session and
a short bio on yourself and your experience. Address: NLC, P.O. Box 1999,
•
Decatur, GA 30031.

BAN ON COURTROOM
DISCRIMINATION
AGAINST LESBIANS
AND GAYS
Successful lobbying by the National
Lesbian and Gay Law Association (NLGLA)
caused the American Bar Association (ABA)
to include a ban against discrimination based
on sexual orientation in its Model Code of
Judicial Conduct. The code applies to many
judges throughout the country and subjects
them to discipline if they violate its ethical
canons.
Specific protection in the code means that
lesbians and gay men can expect and demand
fair treatment in the judicial system. It also
sends an explicit message to judges that they
will be held personally accountable if they
discriminate against gay people.
The Code now states: "A judge shall not,
in the performance of judicial duties, by
word or conduct manifest bias or prejudice,
including but not limited to bias or prejudice based upon race, sex, religion, national
origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or
socioeconomic status, and shall not permit
staff court officials and others subject to the
judge's direction and control to do so." •
4

HSR DECEMBER 1990

GAV GAMES IV
"Unity '94" is the theme of Gay Games
IV, which will be held in New York City from
June 25 -July 4, 1994; coinciding with both
the 25th Anniversary of the Stonewall
Rebellion in New York City and the world's
largest Gay Pride parade. All told, 500,000
people are expected to attend the celebration. The "Voice" will be keeping our readers
informed as plans progress. For our readers
in the New York City area, volunteer committees are already beginning to meet. Also,
Unity '94 memberships are now availableYearly memberships at $25 include quarterly
newsletter; Special memberships at $100
include newsletter and NY in '94 t-shirt; and
Priority memberships at $250 include the
newsletter, t-shirt and priority consideration
for all events.
Sports at the games will include aquatics,
badminton, basketball, billiards, bowling,
croquet, cycling, darts, fencing, field hockey,
figure skating, golf. gymnastics, marathon,
martial arts, physique, powerlifting, racewalking, racquetball, rugby, soccer, softball,
squash, table tennis, tennis, touch football,
track/field, triathlon, volleyball, and
wrestling.
•

LESBIAN & GAY
FILM FESTIVAL
INVESTIGATION
The National Endowment for the Arts
(NEA) disclosed in October that it had
conducted an investigation of a 1990 grant
made to Frameline, the national lesbian and
gay media arts organization that presents the
annual San Francisco International Lesbian
and Gay Film Festival. The NEA began its
investigation of the organization's use of
federal funds on July 5, 1990, after allegations from conservative Congressmen and
religious groups that the grant was being
used to fund obscene work.
This investigation is the first to be undertaken by the NEA to determine if a grantee
had violated the Helms amendment of the
1990 NEA appropriations bill. The amendment states that NEA funds may not be used
to promote homoerotic materials which
"when taken as a whole, do not have serious
literary, artistic, political or scientific value."
Frameline was exonerated by the NEA
after its review determined that the Festival
presented works of artisic integrity. An NEA
official concluded that "the festival was
considered to be one of the premiere ones in
the world."
The San Francisco International Lesbian
& Gay Film Festial presents films and videos
by lesbian and gay artists to annual audiences
of over 25,000.
•

NATIONAL LESBIAN
CONFERENCE
REGIONAL MEETING
PRODUCTIVE
Eureka Springs, AR-N.C-Gulf Region
met here Nov. 2-4 to continue regional
preparations for the National Lesbian Conference coming up in April in Atlanta, GA.
On Saturday, in a small white clapboard
church, amid the bright fall colors and an
atmosphere remeniscent of a small New England town, 24 lesbians, representing the four
regional states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas
and Louisana met to raise consciousness, educate, and sensitize themselves to each other's
needs and dreams. Workshops on lesbian battering, lesbiaphobia, and racism were presented.
Although at times laden with emotion, empathic open and honest communication allowed
the safety of relating experiences which brought
some women to tears. The last workshop of the
day offered a coming together that ended in
self-affirmations and a group hug-and a feeling of understanding, empowerment and hope.
In keeping with the lighter aspects of NLC
objectives-fun-Saturday evening conference participants were treated to a performance
by Missouri singer/songwriter Cruz Devon.
followed by a dance in the church sanctuary.
Sunday a.m. the women gathered again, this
time at the Piedmont House, a bed and breakfast
where most of the conference participants had
stayed and enjoyed the good food and hospitality of innkeepers Rose and Becky. Discussion at
this meeting focused on the future national
conference, fundraising, the next regional conference, and the election of the permanent
regional delegate to the national steering committee, Julie Brown of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Also announced at this regional meeting was
the election of Maria Tahenakos from Oklahoma City, to the National Steering Committee
constituency seat for Lesbians of Poverty. This
seat represents all lesbians of poverty across the
United States. Lesbians of poverty are asked to
contact Maria at 405-525-7996 if they have an
issue they wish to have brought to the National
Lesbian Conference Steering Committee.
The next regional meeting is scheduled for
Jan. 25 - 27, 1991, in Dallas, TX. Workshops
which are to be presented include Lesbian
Mothers, Incest, and more on Lesbian Battering. A discussion on homophobia and racism
will be held on Friday evening, Jan. 25 . Workshops will be held on Saturday, followed by a
debriefing and discussion. Sunday morning,
there will be a business and planning meeting.
For information on the Dallas meeting call
Kathy at 214-941-0375 or Julie at 501-5652111 or Karen at 405-528-3151. Lesbians of
Color and lesbians with disabilities, as well as
any women interested in the future of the
lesbian nation, are encouraged to attend.
•

NLC-Gulf' Re9ion
prtftMt

011'

a

~ ~)?~~

't4l

and Pot Luck Dinntr Gatherin~
S ~jtSLUJ.
~~ J J _ ~~ • -'5 more If you canaonauon.
1~s~ il ~ou can't
.--- .6rin~ ~ur favorite dish to share __..

at ~trland Sidlr Raoc.rus, 1312 NW 39th
on .Saiurda~J, Dumber IS, 6:30p.m. 'til ?
for mol'"Q info

call .628-3151

T~ational

_Dhian Conference

II

Office: 1649 McLendon NE. Atlanta. GA 30307
Mailing Address: P.O. Box: 1999. Decatur, GA 30031
(404) 373-0000

DIVERSITY* SOLIDARITY* EMPOWERMENT
APRIL 24-28, 1990 - ATLANTA, GEORGI A

•

TrYNoice

'

THIS CONFERENCE IS FOR, BY AND ABOUT LESBIANS AND IS OPEN ONLY TO WOMEN

CONFERENCE

PLENARY SESSIONS

The 1deaof a nat1onal lesb1anconference to develop
a nat1ona11esb1an agenda has been around for some years
and a topic of conversat1on among d1fferent groups of
lesbians.
·
The dec1s1on to make th1s conference more than a
topic of conversat1on was in1t1ated by a few gassroots
organizers who had worked w1th the 1987 March on
Washington for Lesb1an and Gay R1ghts.
From that beg1nn1ng effort, over 1,000 lesbtans
have been 1nvolved tn a planntng process that has gone on
for the past 3 years. The purpose 1s to br1ng together a
dtverse group of 5,0001nsp1red1esb1ans for workshops,
plenary sessions, strategy meetings and cultural events
to create a national lesb1an agenda, bu11d Olr grassroots
structures and have fun.

Plenaries w111 provide for our total com1ng
together to address the major issues as we have def tned
them. All plenary sessions w111 be held at the Atlanta
Civic Center, which is the only facil1ty which can hJld
5,000 of us. The major Issues we have defined are:

WORKSHOPS

- V1olence at all levels Including lntrapersonal,
Interpersonal, inter-group, International
- Ageism: agatnst the old, against the yo~g
- Power: personal and polltical

RELATED EVENTS
These events w111 take place al 1over the Atlanta
commuilty and w111 include dance, theater, parties,
athletic events, dimers, readings, ect. These events
are deslgied for the conference participants and w111 be
produced by groups and Individuals other than the
conference plaming staff.

"D1vers1ty-Solldar1ty-Empowerment· ts the
theme of the conference and workshops wi 11 encompass the
theme and exp 1ore the var1 ed perspect Ives. The creat1v1 ty
brought to the theme will provide experiences for part1c1pants that wi 11 broaden, exciteandmobll1ze forch(J"lge JOB FAIR
and act ton. Part1c1patton is the desire for all Involved.
If yoo have ever wanted to know about the g-eat
CAUCUSES
vcr1ety of sk111s and Jobs avat lable to women, thts ts
your opportuntty. Hundreds of tradeswomen, bustness
Th1s is the ttme for specific groups to develop owners a"ld professionals w111 be on hand to discuss the
their agendas for the National Lesbian Agenda. wtlether necessary preparation and rewards posstble tn thetr
they be rac1a1 or ethnic groups, polttical groups, age areas. If you have thought about changing your career
groups, creative arts groups, professional groups, dis- here Is chance to get some concrete Information from
abled groups, rel ig1ous groups, experience groups, ect the source.

FILM FESTIVAL

MARKET PLACE

Lesbian films have reached a high level of sophistication over the past decade, and we celebrate this crt
form by bringtng you the best new and classic films.

1-U'ldreds of craftswomen will be sel 11ng the tr
wcres, both deccrattve and functional. 1'1any one of a
kind items (J"ld special orders.

NAT I ONAL LESBIAN CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE AP PLICATION

REGISTRATION FEES
Determine according to income arid circumstances. No
woman will be excluded because of inability to pay.

address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
city _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
state:_ _ _ _ _ __... i p, _ _ _ _ _ __
phone<am). _ _ _ _ _ _ (pm). _ _ _ _ __
I am a Woman of Color (]yes (]no
I am a disabled woman ( J yes ( J no
I am a deaf woman ( ] yes ( ] no
I am a woman over 50 ( ] yes [ J no
I am a lesbian (]yes (]no
I do t-.OT want my name on a mailing list ( l
SERVICES:
Accessibility:
I have the following special needs:

INCOME
unemployed/no income
to $5,000
$5,001 - $10,000
$10,001 - 20,000
$20,001 - 30,000
$30,001 - 40,000
over $40,00 I

FEE

ENCLOSED

0
$ 25
$ 80

$100
$150
$200
$250 or more

TRAVEL FUND AND ASS I STANCE*
To apply for travel fund, please indicate below:
I can drive and take
others.
I need a ride ( J yes. Number of people ______
I can contribute $
I need $_ _ _ __
I am part of a Cost-Sharing Group ( l
(please submit all applications together)
*The deadline 1s March 15, 1991.

Community Housing
Translation: I can volunteer to do [ ]
! need ( J
Language: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

I would like community housing? (lyes [ l no
I would like housing with:(names)

Sign1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Oral _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Child Care: (for children up to age 10)
name
age
special needs

(please send forms together for shared housing)
Please check all that apply:
[ l wheelchair access [ J no smoking [ J I smoke
[ J no cats [ l no dogs [ l all female household
[ J bed only
( J floor sleep1ng
[]I have other allergies/needs re: housing (specify)
Nights needed:
[ ] Tues. 23 ( ] Wed. 24th [ l Thur. 25th
[]Fri. 26th [ ] Sat. 26th [ ] Sun. 28th

- I am enclosing$
as a contribution to assist other women In travel.

Atlanta area women are opening their yards for tents.
Are you planning to camp? []yes [ l no
If so, how many?------

- I live In the Atlanta area and can provide
housing for
participants.

Please submit all applications by
March 3 I, 1991.

-111ve In the Atlanta area and can provide
camping space for
tents.
- I can volunteer my skills as a - - - - - - - - - - a n d will be available
(dates>-----------------------

Make all checks and money orders payable to i'LC.
Mail to: NLC
P.O. Box 1999
Decatur, GA 3003 I
Comments and Concerns: Please use back of form

HEALTH WATCH
According to Surgeon General Antonia
Novello, the Virginia Slims Woman is
catching up with the Marlboro Man. Lung
cancer is now the leading cause of cancer
deaths among women as well as among
men; and smokers who don't develop
lung cancer usually develop other lung
diseases. Women's deaths from emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis have
climbed 67% in the last decade.
Smoking also affects women more than
men as it has been identified as a co-factor
in the development of cervical cancer.
Cells in the cervix are similar to those of
the lungs and esophagus. "For every
cigarette a woman smokes, her cervix
smokes ten," said Alex Ferenczy, professor of pathology and obstetrics and gynecology at McGill University in Montreal.
Carcinogens from cigarettes show up in
cervical secretions in ten times the concentration they do in blood.
Cervical cancer has been linked to the
human papilloma virus, which is sexually
transmitted. Some forms of the virus
produce genital warts. Ferenczy believes
smoking allows HPV to cause cancer. He
advises women who have had abnormal
pap smears to quit smoking.
•

WOMEN'S HEALTH
RESEARCH

ELECTIONS
Congratulations to Bernest Cain, who
handily won reelection to the State Senate;
and to all of those who worked so hard for
him. Walking a district door-to-door in
snow is not a whole lot of fun; but lots of
people did it. Senator Cain's opponent,
encouraged perhaps by a truly vile editorial
in the Daily Oklahoman, waged a vicious,
gay-bashing campaign, but it didn't work.
Another good friend of the progressive
community who also won reelection is Linda
Larason.
And here's to Ann Richards, who came
from way behind in the polls, to beat Claytie
Williams for Governor of Texas. She did it
on a lot less money than her opponent spent,
•
but then she's a lot smarter, too.

PRO-CHOICE
MEASURES WIN BIG
Oregon voters rejected by a 2 - 1 margin
a measure which would have restricted
almost all abortions in the state.
The law would have banned abortions
except in cases of rape or incest or to prevent a woman's death. A second
measure that would have required doctors
to notify a parent at least two days before
performing an abortion on a minor was
also defeated, by a smaller margin.
In Nevada, voters approved a measure
to protect abortion rights. The measure
prohibits any change in the state's abortion
rights law except by direct vote of the
people.
•

Spending on women's health care
issues has been just 13% of the budget for
the National Institute of Health (NIH),
according to U.S. Representative Olympia Snowe {R-ME) and many of its most
famous and useful studies, such as the one
suggesting that an aspirin a day keeps a
heart attack away, were done on thousands of men only. Therefore they cannot
be reliably extrapolated to apply also to
women.
However, the situation may be improving. An Office of Research on Women's
Health was created at the NIH this
summer. This office will try to increase
representation of women in clinical research and promote research in areas of
concern to women. Also, at the end of
August NIH announced that scientists
applying for federal funds will have to
provide "compelling justification" for
not using women in equal numbers in
clinical research.
•

FOR RENT: 2 Garage Apartments, furnished. $100 deposit, $150
per month. Call 525-8524.
HSR DECEMBER 1990

5

ACLU FILING SUIT

0

Games Galore,
THE PLACE TO BE ~
For an Insane and SOBER
Celebration
8:00 p.m. til it's over!
<>

<;::;,.

0

c lJ
<)

*Herland is an alcohol-free space

HEY! WANT TO GET OFF THOSE
OBNOXIOUS JUNK MAIL LISTS?
Here's how you do it. Just write to: Mail Preference Service; Direct Marketing
Association, P.O. Box 3861, 11 West 42nd, NYC, NY 10163-3861.

CODA MEETS
AT HERLAND
Codependents Anonymous, a 12-step
self-help group, meets at Herland every
Friday night from 6:30 - 8:00.
Codependency has been defined as "a
pattern of painful dependence on compulsive behaviors and an on approval from
others in an attempt to find safety, selfworth, and identity." This definition came
out of the First National Conference on
Codependency held in Scottsdale, Arizona
in September, 1989.
According to many experts in the field
of addiction, codependency is at the root
of all addictions.
This women-only CoDA group is open
to any woman wishing to help herself
change old, self-defeating behavior patterns. For more information call Karen at
528-3151.
•
6

HSR DECEMBER 1990

Rally at the Capitol
e
e
e

To ..•

~'

STOP the U.S. Troop Build-up.
NEGOTIATE Peaceful Solutions.
AVOID War.
Sunday, Dec. 16
Gather: 1 :30 p.m.
Rally: 2 to 3 p.m.
State Capitol Steps

Bring Poster.. Signe and 8M1nera
Sign GIANT letters to Pre1ldtnt Bush and Key Congrua Ludera.
Allin Location: lnalde

FOR

Peace in the Mid-East
Spon•ar•d by B•nedlcllne P•K• Hou1e.
C.11: 524-5577

In what is believed to be the first antigay violence case brought against employees of the U.S. Government, the
American Civil Liberties Union's Lesbian
and Gay Rights Project and the New York
CLU filed suit in November 1990 against
three agents of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency who are accused of viciously beating two gay men.
The suit, which seeks $1.5 million in
damages, comes at a time when violence
against lesbians and gay men has increased
tremendously in New York City and
across the country. The case is being
brought against an agency that is an arm
of the U.S. Justice Department, which
was charged this year by Congress with
collecting statistics on hate-motivated
crimes. The suit charges that two Manhattan residents were brutally assaulted by
three DEA agents following a minor traffic incident. During the beating, the
agents repeatedly called the victims "faggots" and made other derisive comments.
Specifically, the ACLU and NYCLU are
charging that the agents' unwarranted
physical and verbal attacks - in addition
to false imprisonment and false arrest violated the couple's fourth and Fifth
Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.
This is a particularly deplorable incident of anti-gay violence," said William
B. Rubenstein, the Director of the
ACLU's national Lesbian and Gay Rights
Project. "How can we expect to curb the
tide of hatred in our society when our
government's own agents are contributing
to it?"
Norman Siegel, the Executive Director
of the NYCLU, agreed that this case is
particularly important because it involves
government agents. "We are drawing the
line with this case," he said. "We hope to
send an unequivocal message to law enforcement officials that acts of homophobia and bigotry will not be tolerated any
longer."

THE DINNER PARTY
- CORRECTION
Don't book your flight to DC just yet
to see Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party".
We reported in the Voice that it would
soon be on display at the University of
the District of Columbia. Unfortunately,
this is no longer the case. So much controversy was engendered by its proposed
installment at UDC that Judy Chicago has
withdrawn her offer to donate it to the
school. Let us hope that it will someday
find a permanent home.

APPROVAL OF FUNDING
FOR NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT FOR
THE ARTS
The U.S. Senate, on October 24, approved a $170 million, one-year appropriation for the National Endowment for
the Arts (NEA) after defeating attempts
by Sen. Jesse Helms to ban funding of
sexually explicit art. Helms was successful
only in passing an amendment that forbids funding of material that "denigrates"
religion.
However, the National Gay & Lesbian
Task Force's lobbyist greeted the bill's
passage with trepidation, saying the final
legislation will have an "intimidating"
effect on artists.
Sensing defeat of most of his measures,
Helms said on the floor of the Senate, "I
say to all of the arts community and
homosexuals who may be upset ... What
is past is prologue. You ain't seen nothing
yet."
The bill now goes to conference committee to work out minor differences with
the House version. Lobbyists are confident they can get the Helm's religion rider
dropped then.
•

DOMESTIC
PARTNERS

MID-EAST PEACE RALLY
SET FOR DECEMBER 16

Unmarried and gay couples in longterm relationships are eligible for subsidized student housing at Stanford University. Such housing has been available to
married students, and on a case by case
basis to couples.
The new policy was announced in October. It will allow the domestic partners
of students to also have access to university libraries, athletic facilitise, and they
may purchase medical care at the campus
health center.
A long-term relationship is defined as
involving couples who have "a mutual
commitment similar to that of marriage
. . . and share the necessities of life and
responsibility for their common welfare."

A public rally for peace in the Middle East is
scheduled for Sunday, December 16, from two
to three p.m., on the south steps of the State
Capitol. Organized by the staff of Oklahoma
City's Benedictine Peace House, the rally will
include speakers sharing concerns from a
variety of perspectives, including religious and
academic, women and men, and multi-racial.
"We oppose combat to resolve the Persian
Gulf crisis, because we believe there will be no
winners in a war,'' said Peace House staff
member and Vietnam veteran Nathaniel Batchelder. "Iraq would be destroyed of course, but
so would Kuwait and possibly Jordan which is
trying to stay neutral. Some 20,000 Americans
and perhaps half a million Iraquis would be
killed, and Arab hostility toward the United
States and Israel would be inflamed. A permanent U.S. presence in the Mid-East will probably be required to "keep the peace" and the
U.S.taxP.ayers' bill will be hundreds of billions
of dollars."
"President Bush's demand for unconditional
withdrawal appears to commit the U.S. to a war
which is neither just nor in the national
interest,'' Batchelder said. He said Iraq's goal of
a sea port on the Persian Gulf coulc be traded
for withdrawal from Kuwait and assurances
deemed necessary by the United Nations regarding Iraq's nuclear and chemical weapons
capability.
A resolution opposing the U.S. troop buildup was passed by the National Council of
Churches, which speaks for 32 member denominations representing some 42 million Americans, according to Batchelder. "Resolutions
opposing war to resolve the crisis have come
from the leadership of numerous U.S. religious
denominations," he said. "The purpose of this
rally is to show national leadership that many
Oklahomans also believe the Persian Gulf crisis
should be resolved without combat.''
"Bring signs and posters to the Capitol south
steps starting at 1:30 p.m. for the 2 p.m. rally,"
Batchelder said. More information or a free
copy of the monthly newspaper, Oklahoma
Peace Strategy, are available by calling the
•
Benedictine Peace House at 524-5577.

·~~
BE A PART OF HERLAND
Herland is the collective effort of the
women of Oklahoma. You can be a part of
creating and sustaining this very special
community we call Herland. Join a committee, volunteer to work in the resource
center, or make .a contribution to help
meet the monthly expenses. Herland will
be what you make it.
YES, I want to help Herland continue
to grow.

P-FLAG TO BENEFIT
FROM CFC CAMPAIGN
The Federation of Parents and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG) is a certified participating organization of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for Fall,
1990, according to Paulette Goodman,
Federation President. The campaign provides the -opportunity for federal employees to support independent charitable organizations with payroll deduction
gifts. The number to use to designate PFLAG is "0863".
" CFC is an important source of funding for the Federation , and we urge all our
friends who are federal employees to use
this opportun ity to support P-FLAG, "
said Ms. Goodman. Gifts are tax deductible.
P-FLAG is a national network of volunteer support groups for families, providing information, counseling, and telephone helpline services to promote understanding between lesbians and gay men
and their families and friends and to educate the public about homosexuality. •

D I'm interested in working on a committe. Please have the committee
chair call me.
D I'd like to volunteer at Herland.
Please have the volunteer coordinator call me with more information.
D Here'smycontributionof _ _ __
to help support Herland.
Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Phone - - - - - - - - - - - Address-----------City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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PUBLISHED BY: Herland Sister
Resources, Inc. 2312 NW 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE:
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CIRCULATION: 750
GENERAL INFO: (405) 521-9696 (leave
message I
SUBSCRIPTIONS to the Her/and Voice
are free upon request.

CHRISTMAS OPEN
HOUSE SHOW AND SALE
Saturday, December 8
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2912 N. Robinson.
Guatemalan weavings and fabrics,
Mexican pottery, crafts, and carvings,
Nicaraguan coffee, stickers, buttons,
T-shirts, and other "Peace House"
goodies.
HSR DECEMBER 1990 7

I

Edwina V. Johnson, D.D.S.
"Catering to Cowards needing Tender Care"
in Comprehensive Dentistry

Kay Killgore, M.Ed.

5009 North Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 103
(405) 840-5410

Woman to Woman Counseling

Night & Sunday practice by appt. only
Emergencies welcome
Insurance accepted

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COUNSELOR
2912 N. Classen, Suite 1 0 2 , - - - - 0klahoma City, Oklahoma 73106,_ __
Telephone: (405) 556-4105

1011 N.W. 43rd St.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73118
Comprehensive Dental Care

Sam L. Nicolosi, D.V.M.

Office Hours By Appointment

Debra K. Brouming, R.Ph, D.D.S.
5009 N. Pennsylvania, Suite 103
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 843-3281

NICOLOSI ANIMAL HOSPITAL
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Phone (405) 947-5545

4015 N.W. 23rd
Oklahoma City

(405) 557-0903

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10°/o OFF ANY DENTAL VISIT
. WITH THIS COUPON!
EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 1990

TREAT YOURSELF TO THE "TOUCH OF GOLD."

Treat your special someone, too, for $10 off her Massage! ·

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HEALTHFUL • STRESS RELIEVING MASSAGE
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MASSAGE THERAPIST
360-6945

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for your
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BEST and WOODY

SHIRLEY M. HUNTER, M.Ed.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Emphasis on the problems of gay people.
PENN PARK OFFICE COMPLEX e SUITE 102
5009 N. PENNSYLVANIA e OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73112

366-0923

Marilyn Best & Coleen Woody
1518 N.W 29th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106
(405) 525-2174

GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW
including but not limited to
WILLS • CONTRACTS • DIVORCE
BANKRUPTCY • ADOPTION

HELEN HOLGATE
Certified Alcoholism & Drug Abuse.
Cou,nselor



do~HERLAND ~
DECEMBER 1990

TO THE EDITORS
I was both angered and saddened that a
partially nude portrait was published in the
November issue of the Herland Voice. I
cherish my right to choose with whom, where
and when I will view another person's private
parts. That right is abruptly taken away when
such a photo is published in a newsletter I
subscribe to with no warning on the cover.
I understand that my sensitivity in this
matter may not be popular or politically
correct. Nevertheless, I think that it is
important for those of us in the silent closeted
minority to express our feelings appropriately
and without shame, rather than just grumbling to ourselves in isolation.
Also, I would like to thank the courageous
few hard-working women who continue to
keep the bookstore and Voice a reality for us
all to enjoy. My anger about the photo has
jolted me into a much deeper awareness of
how important this connection with the
women's community really is for me. Therefore, I am making a commitment to myself
and Herland to send in $5.00 at the
beginning of each month (more if I can, less if
I can't) regardless of my circumstances. I can
afford it. I do not want to be without a Voice.
Darkstar

Druid's Song
Come,
Rejoice!
Crown the great oaks with mistletoe,
And for my hair 6ring holly;
My lim6s entwine with ivy,
and skyward name the fire.
'Jire to fire, returns the sun,
9 prophesy, 9 promise you.
Come, fear not,
And frolic joyfully,
Cele6rate the Solstice!

MOC
Winter Solstice 1983
VOLUME 7 NUMBER 12

•

CELESTIAL ADVICE
(The spirit of Sybil Ludington, Matron
Saint of the Invisible Woman, contacted
the "Voice" the other day. It seems that
Sybil has been receiving many soul-felt
appeals and ponderings from perplexed
sisters here below; and she asked if we
would give her a forum in which she
could respond to some of them.
Sybil, as almost no one in the world
knows, is a heroine of the American
Revolution. Like Paul Revere, she rode
her horse through the night to warn and
gather the revolutionaries to fight the
British. Her ride was two years later than
Revere's; it was about five times longer;
she completed her ride though it took all
night, while he was captured after about
ten miles. Sybil was 16 years old when she
made her not-so-famous ride on her horse
Star. Listen my Children, and you shall
hear, of the Midnight Ride of Sybil
Ludington . . .
Anyway, of course we told Sybil we
would be delighted to afford her a forum,
and herewith is her first column):

Dear Saint Sybil:
During all of the election hype recently I heard a lot about Right to Work, but
I don't really understand what the term
means. At first I thought it was a
women's issue, like, the right to work at
whatever a job a woman wants to; and I
thought Yeah, Right On, I like that!
Then I heard some people say it really
means the Right to Work for Less, and
of course I thought Oh No, that doesn't
sound good at all ... So Sybil, please tell
me just what they do mean when they
talk about Right to Work!
Thanking you in advance, I am,
Your Friend & Fan,
Eliza Domuch.
Dear Eliza:
I agree that Right to Work is a strange
and misleading term; my friend George
Orwell, Patron Saint of the Pentagon, the
White House, and The Daily Oklahoman,
is quite impressed and amused by it.
I like to compare "Right to Work" to a
mother's Right to Change Diapers; or, to
a teenager's Right to Take Out the Trash;

HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES

•

ICE

or, to a soldier's Right to Peel Potatoes.
We already have the right to work; the
issue is what we will work at and how
much or little the pay will be. People in
Oklahoma pushing for "Right to Work"
say that Oklahoma is losing new businesses to surrounding states which have
"Right to Work"; and people in Oklahoma against ".R ight to Work" point out
that wages in those surrouding states are
considerably lower than wages in Oklahoma. People against "Right to Work"
also say that it allows some_ folks to get a
free ride - to have the benefits of
belonging to a union and having a union
work for them, without paying the dues
necessary to support the union's work.
Perhaps this is why Clayton Williams,
unsuccessful candidate for Governor of
Texas, is for Right to Work; the millionaire Williams paid no Federal taxes at all
in 1986. How's that for a classic free ride?
Right to Work reminds me of another
Right from long ago. In Feudal days there
was a Droit du Seigneur, which not-tooloosely translates as Right of the Lord of
the Manor. This gave the Feudal Lord the
right to "de-flower" all of the local girls
prior to their wedding night. It's true, I
promise. I wouldn't make up something
like that!
And so this seems to me to be a really
good analogy to Right to Work: In both
Right to Work and Droit du Seigneur,
you have on the one hand a boss getting
the benefit, and on the other hand, a
peasant getting screwed.
Hopes this helps.
Fondly,
Sybil

Dear Sybil:
Here it is December already, and I'd
like to know: where you are, do you
celebrate Christmas, Chanukkah, or the
Winter Solstice?
Cordially,
Clara D. Pression
Dear Clara:
Where I am we celebrate everything that
comes our way. Dance every day, little
sister; even Eternity is too short not to.
Affectionately,
Sybil

2312 N.W. 39th, OKC, OK 73112

•

(405) 521-9696

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HSR DECEMBER 1990

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-

HERLAND FALL
RETREAT MOON
RITUAL REVISITED
by Virginia Reese-Jimenez
There were around 135 wimmin at
Herland Sister Resources' semi-annual
retreat located at Arrowhead State park
this year. It was my first all wimmin's
event and was something I had long been
hungering for. There were workshops on
lesbians and the law (wills); using sound
for hearing; tie-dying whatever isn't nailed
down, the Blues; a spades tournament; an
"open mike" on Saturday evening· a
regional singer, Cruz Devon; a con~ert
and more.
Like the good Pagan that I am I wanted
to share my (somewhat limited) knowledge of the Goddess with others ... so I
signed up to do a Full Moon Ritual. I had
my box full of materials in the car and had
thought over some ideas.
On the way to Arrowhead, however, I
had second thoughts and decided to blow
off the ritual. Imagine my surprise and
delight when I saw that 27 people had
already signed up for it ... more than any
other workshop by far (I hate to brag but
it's true).
'
Well, I had to get serious and actually
plan something. As I spoke with different
wimmin at the retreat, it became clear that
this ritual was suppose.d to happen. Several
wimmin offere help with altar objects
.
.
.
'
incense, music and enthusiasm. I ended
up performing a quiet ritual in my bunk
to get centered and plan it: my first public
appearance as a high priestess. One
womin suggested we use the campfire area
for the ritual. It was perfect with a low
stone circle surrounding a fire pit. From
the air it would look like this:

participated in this ceremony. We had
some trouble getting the fire going, but
finally it began to blaze. I quickly got
skyclad, put on my ankle jingles and began
jumping, running and howling around the
campfire ... to mixed reactions.
I had hoped everyone would be so
inspired that they would all join me, but
most sat or stood and talked. Several
others were moved and did join the dance.
We whirled and spun in the open field
feeling our freedom and Her love.
For me, the sharing of the sacraments
was the most powerful part of the ritual. I
felt as if time were suspended and we were
connected to generations of wimmin as we
raised our cakes and wine high to the Full
Moon Mother Goddess for Her blessings.
To paraphrase Chicago: This is only the
beginning of what I want to feel forever.
Blessed Be.
Reprinted from the Festive
Circles Update, Oct. 1990,
with permission.

This is what you should do: lo11e the earth
and the animals, despise riches, gi11e alms
to e11eryone that asks, stand up for the
stupid and crazy, de11ote your income and
labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not
concerning God, ha11e patience and
indulgence toward the people, take off
your hat to nothing known or unknown or
to any man or number of men . . . reexamine all you ha11e been told at school
or church or in any book, dismiss what
insults your own soul, and your 11ery flesh
shall be a great poem.
... Walt Whitman

SHOP AT HERLAND!
Nice,

huh?

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The ritual was scheduled for Sunday at
midnight, right after the dance. I had
cookies, crackers and cranberry juice for
our "cakes and wine." We set up the altar
ahead of time and gathered firewood. I
imaginged a group of wimmin dancing
naked around a blazing fire under the Full
Moon.ooooooouuuuuu!
As it turned out, around 35 wimmin

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Leave message tor Ginger at HSR,
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NLC GARAGE SALE A
SUCCESS: THANKS TO
SISTERS AND BROTHERS
WHO CARE
The National Lesbian Conference-Gulf
Region sends a big THANK YOU to all the
women and men who supported this
worthy cause recently with their donations
to the NLC garage sale.
The success of the National Lesbian
Conference, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia
April 24-28, 1991, depends on the
support of local lesbian and gay communities across the United States, and the
Oklahoma City community is doing a
commendable job. Through the efforts of
local NLC organizers and the support of
the community the garage sale brought
regional funds over the $1,000 mark.
The funds generated by the garage sale
and other fundraising events are being
used to send regional delegates to NLC
planning committee meetings in Atlanta
prior to the conference. They will also be
used to help pay the way for lesbians of
poverty who live in the gulf region who
want to attend the national conference in
April, but who cannot afford it without
financial assistance. One third of regional
funds goes to the national office to pay
facilities, organizing and other expenses.
A special thanks goes out to our
brothers whose awareness and gratitude of
their sisters' support throughout the
AIDS epidemic has prompted them to
donate to a national event which celebrates
their lesbian sisters.
Anyone wishing to donate a dollar or
more to support the NLC may do so by
making their check or money order out to:
NLC-Gulf Region, and sending it to:
Karen Lewis; NLC-Gulf Region; 1932
N.W. 37th Street: Oklahoma City, OK
73118 or NLC; P.O. Box 1999, Decatur,
Ga 30031. The goal of regional fundraising efforts is $10,000.
•

.4

~ASIS

~

~

CHRISTMAS i!J."t
CARNIVAL f§ffe
This year's Oasis Christmas Carnival will be held on Wednesday,
December 12. The theme for this
year's event is "BABES IN TOYLAND;" and will be held at Angles.
Booths, Arts & Crafts and lots of fun.

HSR DECEMBER 1990 3

NATIONAL LESBIAN
CONFERENCE
WORKSHOPS
The National Lesbian Conference is
seeking proposals to fill 400 to 500 slots
for workshops and panels in both traditional and non-traditional formats. These
workshops will be held at the Conference
in Atlanta, April 24-28, 1991. Over
5,000 lesbians are expected to participate.
The participation of Lesbians of Color,
Lesbians with Disabilities and Old Lesbians is especially encouraged.
Suggested topics include: visibility,
legal rights, spirituality, battering, health,
SIM, mental health, custody, ageism,
racism, incest survival, separatism, AIDS,
heterophobia, electoral politics, classism,
anti-semitism, ableism, addition, homophobia, cross-age, cross-class and crossrace coupling, etc. Workshops and panels
are 1 hour and 1 ~ hour periods.
If you wish to present, facilitate or
organize sessions on any of these concerns, please send the NLC: a one-page
description of your proposed session and
a short bio on yourself and your experience. Address: NLC, P.O. Box 1999,
•
Decatur, GA 30031.

BAN ON COURTROOM
DISCRIMINATION
AGAINST LESBIANS
AND GAYS
Successful lobbying by the National
Lesbian and Gay Law Association (NLGLA)
caused the American Bar Association (ABA)
to include a ban against discrimination based
on sexual orientation in its Model Code of
Judicial Conduct. The code applies to many
judges throughout the country and subjects
them to discipline if they violate its ethical
canons.
Specific protection in the code means that
lesbians and gay men can expect and demand
fair treatment in the judicial system. It also
sends an explicit message to judges that they
will be held personally accountable if they
discriminate against gay people.
The Code now states: "A judge shall not,
in the performance of judicial duties, by
word or conduct manifest bias or prejudice,
including but not limited to bias or prejudice based upon race, sex, religion, national
origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or
socioeconomic status, and shall not permit
staff court officials and others subject to the
judge's direction and control to do so." •
4

HSR DECEMBER 1990

GAV GAMES IV
"Unity '94" is the theme of Gay Games
IV, which will be held in New York City from
June 25 -July 4, 1994; coinciding with both
the 25th Anniversary of the Stonewall
Rebellion in New York City and the world's
largest Gay Pride parade. All told, 500,000
people are expected to attend the celebration. The "Voice" will be keeping our readers
informed as plans progress. For our readers
in the New York City area, volunteer committees are already beginning to meet. Also,
Unity '94 memberships are now availableYearly memberships at $25 include quarterly
newsletter; Special memberships at $100
include newsletter and NY in '94 t-shirt; and
Priority memberships at $250 include the
newsletter, t-shirt and priority consideration
for all events.
Sports at the games will include aquatics,
badminton, basketball, billiards, bowling,
croquet, cycling, darts, fencing, field hockey,
figure skating, golf. gymnastics, marathon,
martial arts, physique, powerlifting, racewalking, racquetball, rugby, soccer, softball,
squash, table tennis, tennis, touch football,
track/field, triathlon, volleyball, and
wrestling.
•

LESBIAN & GAY
FILM FESTIVAL
INVESTIGATION
The National Endowment for the Arts
(NEA) disclosed in October that it had
conducted an investigation of a 1990 grant
made to Frameline, the national lesbian and
gay media arts organization that presents the
annual San Francisco International Lesbian
and Gay Film Festival. The NEA began its
investigation of the organization's use of
federal funds on July 5, 1990, after allegations from conservative Congressmen and
religious groups that the grant was being
used to fund obscene work.
This investigation is the first to be undertaken by the NEA to determine if a grantee
had violated the Helms amendment of the
1990 NEA appropriations bill. The amendment states that NEA funds may not be used
to promote homoerotic materials which
"when taken as a whole, do not have serious
literary, artistic, political or scientific value."
Frameline was exonerated by the NEA
after its review determined that the Festival
presented works of artisic integrity. An NEA
official concluded that "the festival was
considered to be one of the premiere ones in
the world."
The San Francisco International Lesbian
& Gay Film Festial presents films and videos
by lesbian and gay artists to annual audiences
of over 25,000.
•

NATIONAL LESBIAN
CONFERENCE
REGIONAL MEETING
PRODUCTIVE
Eureka Springs, AR-N.C-Gulf Region
met here Nov. 2-4 to continue regional
preparations for the National Lesbian Conference coming up in April in Atlanta, GA.
On Saturday, in a small white clapboard
church, amid the bright fall colors and an
atmosphere remeniscent of a small New England town, 24 lesbians, representing the four
regional states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas
and Louisana met to raise consciousness, educate, and sensitize themselves to each other's
needs and dreams. Workshops on lesbian battering, lesbiaphobia, and racism were presented.
Although at times laden with emotion, empathic open and honest communication allowed
the safety of relating experiences which brought
some women to tears. The last workshop of the
day offered a coming together that ended in
self-affirmations and a group hug-and a feeling of understanding, empowerment and hope.
In keeping with the lighter aspects of NLC
objectives-fun-Saturday evening conference participants were treated to a performance
by Missouri singer/songwriter Cruz Devon.
followed by a dance in the church sanctuary.
Sunday a.m. the women gathered again, this
time at the Piedmont House, a bed and breakfast
where most of the conference participants had
stayed and enjoyed the good food and hospitality of innkeepers Rose and Becky. Discussion at
this meeting focused on the future national
conference, fundraising, the next regional conference, and the election of the permanent
regional delegate to the national steering committee, Julie Brown of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Also announced at this regional meeting was
the election of Maria Tahenakos from Oklahoma City, to the National Steering Committee
constituency seat for Lesbians of Poverty. This
seat represents all lesbians of poverty across the
United States. Lesbians of poverty are asked to
contact Maria at 405-525-7996 if they have an
issue they wish to have brought to the National
Lesbian Conference Steering Committee.
The next regional meeting is scheduled for
Jan. 25 - 27, 1991, in Dallas, TX. Workshops
which are to be presented include Lesbian
Mothers, Incest, and more on Lesbian Battering. A discussion on homophobia and racism
will be held on Friday evening, Jan. 25 . Workshops will be held on Saturday, followed by a
debriefing and discussion. Sunday morning,
there will be a business and planning meeting.
For information on the Dallas meeting call
Kathy at 214-941-0375 or Julie at 501-5652111 or Karen at 405-528-3151. Lesbians of
Color and lesbians with disabilities, as well as
any women interested in the future of the
lesbian nation, are encouraged to attend.
•

NLC-Gulf' Re9ion
prtftMt

011'

a

~ ~)?~~

't4l

and Pot Luck Dinntr Gatherin~
S ~jtSLUJ.
~~ J J _ ~~ • -'5 more If you canaonauon.
1~s~ il ~ou can't
.--- .6rin~ ~ur favorite dish to share __..

at ~trland Sidlr Raoc.rus, 1312 NW 39th
on .Saiurda~J, Dumber IS, 6:30p.m. 'til ?
for mol'"Q info

call .628-3151

T~ational

_Dhian Conference

II

Office: 1649 McLendon NE. Atlanta. GA 30307
Mailing Address: P.O. Box: 1999. Decatur, GA 30031
(404) 373-0000

DIVERSITY* SOLIDARITY* EMPOWERMENT
APRIL 24-28, 1990 - ATLANTA, GEORGI A

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TrYNoice

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THIS CONFERENCE IS FOR, BY AND ABOUT LESBIANS AND IS OPEN ONLY TO WOMEN

CONFERENCE

PLENARY SESSIONS

The 1deaof a nat1onal lesb1anconference to develop
a nat1ona11esb1an agenda has been around for some years
and a topic of conversat1on among d1fferent groups of
lesbians.
·
The dec1s1on to make th1s conference more than a
topic of conversat1on was in1t1ated by a few gassroots
organizers who had worked w1th the 1987 March on
Washington for Lesb1an and Gay R1ghts.
From that beg1nn1ng effort, over 1,000 lesbtans
have been 1nvolved tn a planntng process that has gone on
for the past 3 years. The purpose 1s to br1ng together a
dtverse group of 5,0001nsp1red1esb1ans for workshops,
plenary sessions, strategy meetings and cultural events
to create a national lesb1an agenda, bu11d Olr grassroots
structures and have fun.

Plenaries w111 provide for our total com1ng
together to address the major issues as we have def tned
them. All plenary sessions w111 be held at the Atlanta
Civic Center, which is the only facil1ty which can hJld
5,000 of us. The major Issues we have defined are:

WORKSHOPS

- V1olence at all levels Including lntrapersonal,
Interpersonal, inter-group, International
- Ageism: agatnst the old, against the yo~g
- Power: personal and polltical

RELATED EVENTS
These events w111 take place al 1over the Atlanta
commuilty and w111 include dance, theater, parties,
athletic events, dimers, readings, ect. These events
are deslgied for the conference participants and w111 be
produced by groups and Individuals other than the
conference plaming staff.

"D1vers1ty-Solldar1ty-Empowerment· ts the
theme of the conference and workshops wi 11 encompass the
theme and exp 1ore the var1 ed perspect Ives. The creat1v1 ty
brought to the theme will provide experiences for part1c1pants that wi 11 broaden, exciteandmobll1ze forch(J"lge JOB FAIR
and act ton. Part1c1patton is the desire for all Involved.
If yoo have ever wanted to know about the g-eat
CAUCUSES
vcr1ety of sk111s and Jobs avat lable to women, thts ts
your opportuntty. Hundreds of tradeswomen, bustness
Th1s is the ttme for specific groups to develop owners a"ld professionals w111 be on hand to discuss the
their agendas for the National Lesbian Agenda. wtlether necessary preparation and rewards posstble tn thetr
they be rac1a1 or ethnic groups, polttical groups, age areas. If you have thought about changing your career
groups, creative arts groups, professional groups, dis- here Is chance to get some concrete Information from
abled groups, rel ig1ous groups, experience groups, ect the source.

FILM FESTIVAL

MARKET PLACE

Lesbian films have reached a high level of sophistication over the past decade, and we celebrate this crt
form by bringtng you the best new and classic films.

1-U'ldreds of craftswomen will be sel 11ng the tr
wcres, both deccrattve and functional. 1'1any one of a
kind items (J"ld special orders.

NAT I ONAL LESBIAN CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE AP PLICATION

REGISTRATION FEES
Determine according to income arid circumstances. No
woman will be excluded because of inability to pay.

address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
city _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
state:_ _ _ _ _ __... i p, _ _ _ _ _ __
phone<am). _ _ _ _ _ _ (pm). _ _ _ _ __
I am a Woman of Color (]yes (]no
I am a disabled woman ( J yes ( J no
I am a deaf woman ( ] yes ( ] no
I am a woman over 50 ( ] yes [ J no
I am a lesbian (]yes (]no
I do t-.OT want my name on a mailing list ( l
SERVICES:
Accessibility:
I have the following special needs:

INCOME
unemployed/no income
to $5,000
$5,001 - $10,000
$10,001 - 20,000
$20,001 - 30,000
$30,001 - 40,000
over $40,00 I

FEE

ENCLOSED

0
$ 25
$ 80

$100
$150
$200
$250 or more

TRAVEL FUND AND ASS I STANCE*
To apply for travel fund, please indicate below:
I can drive and take
others.
I need a ride ( J yes. Number of people ______
I can contribute $
I need $_ _ _ __
I am part of a Cost-Sharing Group ( l
(please submit all applications together)
*The deadline 1s March 15, 1991.

Community Housing
Translation: I can volunteer to do [ ]
! need ( J
Language: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

I would like community housing? (lyes [ l no
I would like housing with:(names)

Sign1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Oral _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Child Care: (for children up to age 10)
name
age
special needs

(please send forms together for shared housing)
Please check all that apply:
[ l wheelchair access [ J no smoking [ J I smoke
[ J no cats [ l no dogs [ l all female household
[ J bed only
( J floor sleep1ng
[]I have other allergies/needs re: housing (specify)
Nights needed:
[ ] Tues. 23 ( ] Wed. 24th [ l Thur. 25th
[]Fri. 26th [ ] Sat. 26th [ ] Sun. 28th

- I am enclosing$
as a contribution to assist other women In travel.

Atlanta area women are opening their yards for tents.
Are you planning to camp? []yes [ l no
If so, how many?------

- I live In the Atlanta area and can provide
housing for
participants.

Please submit all applications by
March 3 I, 1991.

-111ve In the Atlanta area and can provide
camping space for
tents.
- I can volunteer my skills as a - - - - - - - - - - a n d will be available
(dates>-----------------------

Make all checks and money orders payable to i'LC.
Mail to: NLC
P.O. Box 1999
Decatur, GA 3003 I
Comments and Concerns: Please use back of form

HEALTH WATCH
According to Surgeon General Antonia
Novello, the Virginia Slims Woman is
catching up with the Marlboro Man. Lung
cancer is now the leading cause of cancer
deaths among women as well as among
men; and smokers who don't develop
lung cancer usually develop other lung
diseases. Women's deaths from emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis have
climbed 67% in the last decade.
Smoking also affects women more than
men as it has been identified as a co-factor
in the development of cervical cancer.
Cells in the cervix are similar to those of
the lungs and esophagus. "For every
cigarette a woman smokes, her cervix
smokes ten," said Alex Ferenczy, professor of pathology and obstetrics and gynecology at McGill University in Montreal.
Carcinogens from cigarettes show up in
cervical secretions in ten times the concentration they do in blood.
Cervical cancer has been linked to the
human papilloma virus, which is sexually
transmitted. Some forms of the virus
produce genital warts. Ferenczy believes
smoking allows HPV to cause cancer. He
advises women who have had abnormal
pap smears to quit smoking.
•

WOMEN'S HEALTH
RESEARCH

ELECTIONS
Congratulations to Bernest Cain, who
handily won reelection to the State Senate;
and to all of those who worked so hard for
him. Walking a district door-to-door in
snow is not a whole lot of fun; but lots of
people did it. Senator Cain's opponent,
encouraged perhaps by a truly vile editorial
in the Daily Oklahoman, waged a vicious,
gay-bashing campaign, but it didn't work.
Another good friend of the progressive
community who also won reelection is Linda
Larason.
And here's to Ann Richards, who came
from way behind in the polls, to beat Claytie
Williams for Governor of Texas. She did it
on a lot less money than her opponent spent,
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but then she's a lot smarter, too.

PRO-CHOICE
MEASURES WIN BIG
Oregon voters rejected by a 2 - 1 margin
a measure which would have restricted
almost all abortions in the state.
The law would have banned abortions
except in cases of rape or incest or to prevent a woman's death. A second
measure that would have required doctors
to notify a parent at least two days before
performing an abortion on a minor was
also defeated, by a smaller margin.
In Nevada, voters approved a measure
to protect abortion rights. The measure
prohibits any change in the state's abortion
rights law except by direct vote of the
people.
•

Spending on women's health care
issues has been just 13% of the budget for
the National Institute of Health (NIH),
according to U.S. Representative Olympia Snowe {R-ME) and many of its most
famous and useful studies, such as the one
suggesting that an aspirin a day keeps a
heart attack away, were done on thousands of men only. Therefore they cannot
be reliably extrapolated to apply also to
women.
However, the situation may be improving. An Office of Research on Women's
Health was created at the NIH this
summer. This office will try to increase
representation of women in clinical research and promote research in areas of
concern to women. Also, at the end of
August NIH announced that scientists
applying for federal funds will have to
provide "compelling justification" for
not using women in equal numbers in
clinical research.
•

FOR RENT: 2 Garage Apartments, furnished. $100 deposit, $150
per month. Call 525-8524.
HSR DECEMBER 1990

5

ACLU FILING SUIT

0

Games Galore,
THE PLACE TO BE ~
For an Insane and SOBER
Celebration
8:00 p.m. til it's over!
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*Herland is an alcohol-free space

HEY! WANT TO GET OFF THOSE
OBNOXIOUS JUNK MAIL LISTS?
Here's how you do it. Just write to: Mail Preference Service; Direct Marketing
Association, P.O. Box 3861, 11 West 42nd, NYC, NY 10163-3861.

CODA MEETS
AT HERLAND
Codependents Anonymous, a 12-step
self-help group, meets at Herland every
Friday night from 6:30 - 8:00.
Codependency has been defined as "a
pattern of painful dependence on compulsive behaviors and an on approval from
others in an attempt to find safety, selfworth, and identity." This definition came
out of the First National Conference on
Codependency held in Scottsdale, Arizona
in September, 1989.
According to many experts in the field
of addiction, codependency is at the root
of all addictions.
This women-only CoDA group is open
to any woman wishing to help herself
change old, self-defeating behavior patterns. For more information call Karen at
528-3151.
•
6

HSR DECEMBER 1990

Rally at the Capitol
e
e
e

To ..•

~'

STOP the U.S. Troop Build-up.
NEGOTIATE Peaceful Solutions.
AVOID War.
Sunday, Dec. 16
Gather: 1 :30 p.m.
Rally: 2 to 3 p.m.
State Capitol Steps

Bring Poster.. Signe and 8M1nera
Sign GIANT letters to Pre1ldtnt Bush and Key Congrua Ludera.
Allin Location: lnalde

FOR

Peace in the Mid-East
Spon•ar•d by B•nedlcllne P•K• Hou1e.
C.11: 524-5577

In what is believed to be the first antigay violence case brought against employees of the U.S. Government, the
American Civil Liberties Union's Lesbian
and Gay Rights Project and the New York
CLU filed suit in November 1990 against
three agents of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency who are accused of viciously beating two gay men.
The suit, which seeks $1.5 million in
damages, comes at a time when violence
against lesbians and gay men has increased
tremendously in New York City and
across the country. The case is being
brought against an agency that is an arm
of the U.S. Justice Department, which
was charged this year by Congress with
collecting statistics on hate-motivated
crimes. The suit charges that two Manhattan residents were brutally assaulted by
three DEA agents following a minor traffic incident. During the beating, the
agents repeatedly called the victims "faggots" and made other derisive comments.
Specifically, the ACLU and NYCLU are
charging that the agents' unwarranted
physical and verbal attacks - in addition
to false imprisonment and false arrest violated the couple's fourth and Fifth
Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.
This is a particularly deplorable incident of anti-gay violence," said William
B. Rubenstein, the Director of the
ACLU's national Lesbian and Gay Rights
Project. "How can we expect to curb the
tide of hatred in our society when our
government's own agents are contributing
to it?"
Norman Siegel, the Executive Director
of the NYCLU, agreed that this case is
particularly important because it involves
government agents. "We are drawing the
line with this case," he said. "We hope to
send an unequivocal message to law enforcement officials that acts of homophobia and bigotry will not be tolerated any
longer."

THE DINNER PARTY
- CORRECTION
Don't book your flight to DC just yet
to see Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party".
We reported in the Voice that it would
soon be on display at the University of
the District of Columbia. Unfortunately,
this is no longer the case. So much controversy was engendered by its proposed
installment at UDC that Judy Chicago has
withdrawn her offer to donate it to the
school. Let us hope that it will someday
find a permanent home.

APPROVAL OF FUNDING
FOR NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT FOR
THE ARTS
The U.S. Senate, on October 24, approved a $170 million, one-year appropriation for the National Endowment for
the Arts (NEA) after defeating attempts
by Sen. Jesse Helms to ban funding of
sexually explicit art. Helms was successful
only in passing an amendment that forbids funding of material that "denigrates"
religion.
However, the National Gay & Lesbian
Task Force's lobbyist greeted the bill's
passage with trepidation, saying the final
legislation will have an "intimidating"
effect on artists.
Sensing defeat of most of his measures,
Helms said on the floor of the Senate, "I
say to all of the arts community and
homosexuals who may be upset ... What
is past is prologue. You ain't seen nothing
yet."
The bill now goes to conference committee to work out minor differences with
the House version. Lobbyists are confident they can get the Helm's religion rider
dropped then.
•

DOMESTIC
PARTNERS

MID-EAST PEACE RALLY
SET FOR DECEMBER 16

Unmarried and gay couples in longterm relationships are eligible for subsidized student housing at Stanford University. Such housing has been available to
married students, and on a case by case
basis to couples.
The new policy was announced in October. It will allow the domestic partners
of students to also have access to university libraries, athletic facilitise, and they
may purchase medical care at the campus
health center.
A long-term relationship is defined as
involving couples who have "a mutual
commitment similar to that of marriage
. . . and share the necessities of life and
responsibility for their common welfare."

A public rally for peace in the Middle East is
scheduled for Sunday, December 16, from two
to three p.m., on the south steps of the State
Capitol. Organized by the staff of Oklahoma
City's Benedictine Peace House, the rally will
include speakers sharing concerns from a
variety of perspectives, including religious and
academic, women and men, and multi-racial.
"We oppose combat to resolve the Persian
Gulf crisis, because we believe there will be no
winners in a war,'' said Peace House staff
member and Vietnam veteran Nathaniel Batchelder. "Iraq would be destroyed of course, but
so would Kuwait and possibly Jordan which is
trying to stay neutral. Some 20,000 Americans
and perhaps half a million Iraquis would be
killed, and Arab hostility toward the United
States and Israel would be inflamed. A permanent U.S. presence in the Mid-East will probably be required to "keep the peace" and the
U.S.taxP.ayers' bill will be hundreds of billions
of dollars."
"President Bush's demand for unconditional
withdrawal appears to commit the U.S. to a war
which is neither just nor in the national
interest,'' Batchelder said. He said Iraq's goal of
a sea port on the Persian Gulf coulc be traded
for withdrawal from Kuwait and assurances
deemed necessary by the United Nations regarding Iraq's nuclear and chemical weapons
capability.
A resolution opposing the U.S. troop buildup was passed by the National Council of
Churches, which speaks for 32 member denominations representing some 42 million Americans, according to Batchelder. "Resolutions
opposing war to resolve the crisis have come
from the leadership of numerous U.S. religious
denominations," he said. "The purpose of this
rally is to show national leadership that many
Oklahomans also believe the Persian Gulf crisis
should be resolved without combat.''
"Bring signs and posters to the Capitol south
steps starting at 1:30 p.m. for the 2 p.m. rally,"
Batchelder said. More information or a free
copy of the monthly newspaper, Oklahoma
Peace Strategy, are available by calling the
•
Benedictine Peace House at 524-5577.

·~~
BE A PART OF HERLAND
Herland is the collective effort of the
women of Oklahoma. You can be a part of
creating and sustaining this very special
community we call Herland. Join a committee, volunteer to work in the resource
center, or make .a contribution to help
meet the monthly expenses. Herland will
be what you make it.
YES, I want to help Herland continue
to grow.

P-FLAG TO BENEFIT
FROM CFC CAMPAIGN
The Federation of Parents and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG) is a certified participating organization of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for Fall,
1990, according to Paulette Goodman,
Federation President. The campaign provides the -opportunity for federal employees to support independent charitable organizations with payroll deduction
gifts. The number to use to designate PFLAG is "0863".
" CFC is an important source of funding for the Federation , and we urge all our
friends who are federal employees to use
this opportun ity to support P-FLAG, "
said Ms. Goodman. Gifts are tax deductible.
P-FLAG is a national network of volunteer support groups for families, providing information, counseling, and telephone helpline services to promote understanding between lesbians and gay men
and their families and friends and to educate the public about homosexuality. •

D I'm interested in working on a committe. Please have the committee
chair call me.
D I'd like to volunteer at Herland.
Please have the volunteer coordinator call me with more information.
D Here'smycontributionof _ _ __
to help support Herland.
Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Phone - - - - - - - - - - - Address-----------City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

State/ZIP - - - - - - - - - - -

PUBLISHED BY: Herland Sister
Resources, Inc. 2312 NW 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE:
Margaret Cox, Deborah Fox, Pat
Reaves
CIRCULATION: 750
GENERAL INFO: (405) 521-9696 (leave
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SUBSCRIPTIONS to the Her/and Voice
are free upon request.

CHRISTMAS OPEN
HOUSE SHOW AND SALE
Saturday, December 8
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2912 N. Robinson.
Guatemalan weavings and fabrics,
Mexican pottery, crafts, and carvings,
Nicaraguan coffee, stickers, buttons,
T-shirts, and other "Peace House"
goodies.
HSR DECEMBER 1990 7

I

Edwina V. Johnson, D.D.S.
"Catering to Cowards needing Tender Care"
in Comprehensive Dentistry

Kay Killgore, M.Ed.

5009 North Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 103
(405) 840-5410

Woman to Woman Counseling

Night & Sunday practice by appt. only
Emergencies welcome
Insurance accepted

1010 N.W. 45ih
Oklah·oma City, Oklahoma 73118
(405) 524-1062

•1•1t:W

~usie

fr

outhwell,

M. Ed.

Lowest Prices On
Unique Crystal Jewelry,
Books and Prints

COUNSELOR
2912 N. Classen, Suite 1 0 2 , - - - - 0klahoma City, Oklahoma 73106,_ __
Telephone: (405) 556-4105

1011 N.W. 43rd St.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73118
Comprehensive Dental Care

Sam L. Nicolosi, D.V.M.

Office Hours By Appointment

Debra K. Brouming, R.Ph, D.D.S.
5009 N. Pennsylvania, Suite 103
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 843-3281

NICOLOSI ANIMAL HOSPITAL
COUPON

by Appointment
Phone (405) 947-5545

4015 N.W. 23rd
Oklahoma City

(405) 557-0903

COUPON

COUPON

10°/o OFF ANY DENTAL VISIT
. WITH THIS COUPON!
EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 1990

TREAT YOURSELF TO THE "TOUCH OF GOLD."

Treat your special someone, too, for $10 off her Massage! ·

848-5429

ooucfi of Qold
HEALTHFUL • STRESS RELIEVING MASSAGE
Special
discounts

available
to all
Herland
readers 1

6y

Melanie ~- McKiddy
MASSAGE THERAPIST
360-6945

"Portable"
massage
table
available
for your
convenience.

BEST and WOODY

SHIRLEY M. HUNTER, M.Ed.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Emphasis on the problems of gay people.
PENN PARK OFFICE COMPLEX e SUITE 102
5009 N. PENNSYLVANIA e OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73112

366-0923

Marilyn Best & Coleen Woody
1518 N.W 29th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106
(405) 525-2174

GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW
including but not limited to
WILLS • CONTRACTS • DIVORCE
BANKRUPTCY • ADOPTION

HELEN HOLGATE
Certified Alcoholism & Drug Abuse.
Cou,nselor