extracted text

Property of the Center

Triangle Community Center

TRIANGL

News&V~ws

Vol.7, No.8
August 1996

Free to Members and Subscribers

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

!WHATS HAPPENING IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
WED, JULY 31 New Haven Gay/Lesbian Community Center Planning meeting for
individuals and groups, New Haven Library 7-9. (203) 782-2000.
SUN, AUG 4:

Calendar

14

Sunday at the Center Tag Sale! Bring your stuff from 1 PM on. Sale
begins at 2 and will continue until the youth start showing up or all the stuff
is sold. Sale will be advertised in the Hour so expect "members outside of
the community" to show up. See Flyer.

SAT, AUG 10: TriangleKidsPoolParty,forgayandlesbianparentsandtheirkids. Info,
(203) 255-5520, (203) 323-6278.

Editors Desk

7 FRI. AUG 16: TCC Friendraiser at Len and Damian's in Shelton, 6-9 See inside for

Friendraiser

3

From the Board

5

FYI
Gaily Forward

7 WED, SEP 5: ThroughSun,Sep8,Boston-NY AIDSRide#2. Info,(212)242-RlDE.
6 WED, SEP 5: Through Sun, Sep 8, National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association

Letters

2

Point of View

4

TCC News

3

Trivia

6

Worth Repeating

8

TCC

directions.
SUN, AUG 18: TCC Time-OUT Picnic, Scalzi Park, Stamford 11 :30-4:30. Food, fun,
volleyball, silent auction. Rain Date Sunday Aug 25. See article below.
SUN, SEPT 1: No Sunday at the Center because of Labor Day holiday.

convention, Miami FL. Info, call (305) 538-9999.
SAT, SEPT 14: Triangle Kids Pool Party. (203) 255-5520, (203) 323-6278.
SAT, SEPT 21: TCC Friendraiser at Tom & Walter's home in Bridgeport, 6-9. Directions next month. Note it is a Saturday.
WED, SEPT 25: New Haven Town Meeting fornewly forming New Haven Gay/Lesbian
Community Center. 200 Orange St, New Haven, 7-9. (203) 782-2000.
For thE latEst updatE on What's HappEning In thE arEa
chEck our TCC homE pagE on thE lntErnEt.
http://mEmbErs.aol.com/tccEntEr

TIME-OUT PICNIC SUNDAY, AUGUST

Plans for the second annual TCC-sponsored "'Time-OUT
Picnic" are well underway. The picnic is set for Sunday, August
18th at Scalzi Park in Stamford (see directions) and is open to
the public. The picnic gets underway at 11 :30 and winds up
around 4:30.
The picnic is a post-Pride response to the wishes of many people
for a large scale event open to the community at large. Last
year's event-possibly the first public outdoor lesbigay event in
Fairfield County-had an attendance of nearly 100 people.
This year's picnic promises to be even bigger with more fun and
lots of food and sunshine.
A separate area of the park has been reserved expressly for the
picnic. The park offers a great picnic area as well as recreation
areas-like volleyball and tennis courts. A highlight of the
afternoon will be a Silent Auction of items donated for the
event--certificates for restaurants, videos and hair stylists, and
many, many other items and services just being offered.
Of course the afternoon will include lots of food-hamburgers
and hotdogs grilled to order, fresh corn on the cob, ice cold
drinks and whatever else you choose to bring.

August 1996

IB

WHAT To BRING

To help make this truly a community and family type picnic, guests are asked
to bring lawn chairs and blankets, sports equipment and a food item according
the following list:
Last name beginning
A to E: Appetizers
F to J: Non-alcoholic beverages
K to 0: Dessert
P to T: Salads
U to Z: Fruit
RESERVATIONS / TICKET PRICES

Advance reservations before August 16 are $10 each, $12 after. Children
under 12 and differently abled are half-price. To make reservations please call
Maria and Cindy at 203-595-9799.
VOLUNTEERS

To volunteer your help--there are lots of "'part-time" duties the day of the
picnic-please see the sign-up sheet posted at the Staffer's Desk at the Center
or contact Michael Pavlicin at 866-6993.

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T NEWS & VIEWS
RAIN

DATE

In case of rain ("steady rain at 9 am") the picnic will be postponed until the following
Sunday, August 25th. (For questions about rain postponement, call 858-1827 the day of
the event only.)
DIRECTIONS

To

SCALZI PARK

From I-95 Southbound: Take Exit 7 (Atlantic Street, Rte. 137). Go straight off ramp
through first three traffic lights. At fourth light turn right onto Rte. 137 North
(Washington Blvd.). Follow Washington Blvd. through downtown Stamford for 1.3
miles. At traffic light, turn left onto Bridge Street. Just over the bridge, Scalzi Park will
be on the left.
From I-95 Northbound: Take Exit 7 (Greenwich Ave., Rte. 137). Go straight through
light at the end of exit ramp. At next traffic light, turn left onto Rte. 137 North
(Washington Blvd.). Follow Washington Blvd. through downtown Stamford for 1.3
miles. At traffic light, turn left onto Bridge Street. Just over the bridge, Scalzi Park will __
be on the left.
From Merritt Parkway: Take either Exit 34 (Rte. 104) going north or Exit 35 (Rte. 137)
going south and follow signs toward downtown Stamford. At the major intersection
where Rtes 104 and 137 join, proceed directly forward onto Summer Street (one-way
southbound). Just past Ridgeway Shopping Center, turn right onto Bridge Street. Scalzi
Park will be on the left.
There is plenty of parking. Picnic will be next to tables and volleyball area near the front
of the park.

LETTERS
HEARTS AND FLOWERS TO SAMMY
As this month's newsletter goes to press, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has just
been resoundingly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the measure
which, if passed, will deny Federal benefits to any same-gender couple which enter into
civil marriage. It also says that states are not obligated to honor any same-gender marriage
contracted by any other state. I am assuming that you the reader has heard a lot about
the Hawaii initiative on gay marriage and the full court press to forestall it. What you may
not know is how the Connecticut delegation voted.
First the good news. Hearts and flowers (and lots of heartfelt thank you notes) are
deserved by Samuel Gejdenson of the 2nd district, the only member from Connecticut to
vote against it. Talk about political courage. He does not exactly have a safe seat. Edward
Munster has tried twice before to win the seat, and came within 21 votes of <loin~ so in
1994- and is all set to try again. If Sammy is ever feeling down about how his consntuents
feel about he is doing his job all he needs do is drop in on a meeting of the New London
People's Forum to get a warm and tumultuous welcome.
Everyone else voted no. Chris Shays, who represents the district including TCC, was asked
a couple of weeks ago in Norwalk how he would vote on this measure and said publicly
he supported it. He did so in terms considerably softer than the harsh homophobic
statements of Henry Hyde, the bill's sponsor (does this man think he has no gay
constituents?), but his vote was the same as Hyde's. DeLauro also voted for the measure,
a move which should cause her friction from the large lesbian community in Stratford, as
well as that in New Haven itself. When it was pointed out that DeLauro madri was
responsible for the defeat of domestic partnership in New Haven, Rosa was defended with
the response that she has differed from her mother on many issues. But on support of
lesbian and gay families, like mother, like daughter.
The other two gentle ladies from Connecticut, Barbara Kennelly and Nancy Johnson, are
veteran politicians who have only quite recently become educated about gay and lesbian
issues, to say nothing about gay and lesbian lives. The only way Gary Franks would have
not voted for this measure is if he had an unavoidable absence.
- Marianne Seggerman
Editor's note: Up to now, Connecticut's congressional delegation has had a pretty good
record on sup_porong lcsbigay issues: all but Franks arc co-sponsors ofthe "Employment
Non-Discrimmation Act'' (ENDA), the national gay-nghts bill. Their defection on
DOMA, particularly that ofChris Shays who has made a point ofrcaching out to our local
lcsbigay community, is discnhartcning to say the least
As we go to press, DOMA has not yet come up for a vote in the Senate, though when it
docs it is sure to pass, and President Clinton has promised to sign it into law. In the Senate,
anumber ofgay-supportive senators indudintr, KcnncdyofMassachusctts and Connecticut's
Joe Lieberman arc working to modify the bill so that it indudes ENDA as an amendment.
Ifyou wish to write to your representatives to express your opinions on this or other issues,
we arc printin'f in this newsletter a list of their addresses and phone numbers, 111duding
fax and c-mai where available. This list should be used rather than the one published
several months ago, as it has their Washington offices. Clip it and keep it for reference.

August 1996

ADDRESSES OF
CONNECTICUT
SENATORS AND
REPRESENTATIVES
It is recommended that, when you write to
Congress on legislation, you use the Washington addresses below, rather than the local addresses found in your phone book.
The Honorable Christopher J. Dodd
444 Senate Russell Office Bldg (SROB)
Washington, DC 20510-0702
phone: 202-224-2823
fax: 202-224-1083
e-mail sen_dodd@dodd.senate.gov
The Honorable Joseph I. Lieberman
316 Senate Hart Office Bldg (SHOB)
Washington, DC 20510-0703
phone: 202-224-4041
fax: 202-224-9750
e-mail lieberman@lieberman.dc.senate.gov
First District (Hartford)
The Honorable Barbara B. Kennelly
201 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0701
phone: 202-225-2265
fax: 202-225-1031
Second District (Norwich)
The Honorable Sam Gejdenson
2416 Rayburn House Office Bldg (RHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0702
phone: 202-225-2076
fax:. 202-225-4977
e-mail bozrah@hr.house.gov
Third District (New Haven)
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
436 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0703
phone: 202-225-3661
fax: 202-225-4890
Fourth District (Bridgeport)
The Honorable Christopher Shays
1502 Longworth House Office Bldg
(LHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0704
phone: 202-225-5541
fax: 202-225-9629
e-mail cshays@hr.house.gov
Fifth District (Waterbury)
The Honorable Gary Franks
133 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0705
phone: 202-225-3822
fax: 202-225-5085
Sixth District (New Britain)
The Honorable Nancy L. Johnson
343 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0705
phone: 202-225-4476
fax: 202-225-4488

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T NEWS & VIEWS
AUGUST TCC

TCCNEWS
"A SUMMER GARDEN

FRIENDRAISER
BRING YOUR FRIENDS TO LEN

&

DAMIAN'S

A little bit about Friend.raisers: Friendraisers are
,m important part of the social life at TCC. Originally,
they were conceived as end-of-week happy hours, with
buffet and cash bar, and were held at a local public
house. The name was chosen to contrast this event
with the many fundraisers that TCC was having, to
give the fledgling organization a sound financial base.
The point of a friendraiser was not to make money, but
make friends, and to introduce new people to the TCC
community. The admission donation was set low, just
enough to cover expenses, and all were encouraged to
invite their lesbigay friends and help the Center grow.
Friendraisers have continued regularly, every month,
for over five years now. They have evolved with time.
Now most are held at members' homes, where the
atmosphere is enhanced by the ambiance of the host or
hosts. Members enjoy a: hot buffet meal (costs are
reimbursed by the Center) and a variety of beverages
for every taste Often the friendraisers are held on
Saturdays instead of Fridays, to make it easier for the
hosts to prepare. And the atmosphere has shifted from
that of commercial happy hour to an informal party at
a friend's home.
But the original idea of the friendraiser remains: The
friendraisers are not only for you to meet old friends
and meet new ones. They are also opportunities for
you to bring your friends who are not part ofTCC and
introduce them to the group. An opportunity for all
ofTCC to make new friends and to grow in membership.
If you would like to host a friendraiser, or would like
more information about what it entails, contact the
Membership Committee's Marianne Seggerman, (203)
222-8294.
The next TCC Fricndraiser_will be held at Len and
Damien's home, 25 Mulberry Lane, Shelton, on Friday, Aug. 16, 6-9 pm. A buffet meal will be provided;
if you wish, bring a bottle (alcoholic or otherwise) to
share. All are welcome; bring your friends. A voluntary contribution of $8 members, $10 non-members
wilJ be colJected to cover expenses.
Directions:
From I95:
Take 95 north to exit 27A (route 25 and route 8).
Continue on the highway until the road splits. Bear to
the right (route 8) and take the first exit after the
highway splits (exit 8 - route 108). At the end of the
exit ramp make a left. Continue to the traffic light and
make a left at the light onto route 108 north. Continue
on 108 to a stop sign. Continue on 108 north
approximately 3 miles from the stop sign and make the
next right onto Bayberry Lane. Continue on Bayberry
lane until it ends and make a left onto Mulberry lane.
The house is on the right (gray house).
From the Merritt:
Take the Merritt north to exit 51. At the end of the exit
ramp make a left at the light onto route 108 north.
Continue on 108 to a stop sign. Continue on 108
north approximately 3 miles from the stop sign and
make the next right onto Bayberry Lane. Continue on
Bayberry lane until it ends and make a left onto
Mulberry Lane. The house is on the right (gray house).

August 1996

PARTY'' SUCCESS
Over ninety people attended the July Friendraiser held at Marion Castle, the Shippan
Point home of Jay Kobrin and Gordon Micunis A wonderful summer evening literally the calm before the storm of Hurricane Bertha's Saturday rain-was enjoyed
around the gardens and swimming pool and inside the ballroom. Our hosts deserve
special thanks for sharing such an incredible setting and welcoming us to their home
for this summer get-together.
The Friendraiser was a tremendous success. Most important is the number of people
that attended and made the evening fun and interesting. We welcomed new members
to our community from such far away points as Ireland and St. Louis. The basic intent
of the monthly Friendraisers is .to meet new people and to welcome them to the
Community Center. But also, financially, the event raised $700 for TCC.
A buffet dinner of roast chicken and summer salads, open bar, coffee and desserts were
provided by the Special Events Committee, with the expert help ofTCC friends Paul
Piccuito and Marge Foster. Thanks also to Andy Rubenstein for his piano
accompaniment to the evening. - MP
(The next Friendraiser is scheduled for August 16, at the home of Damian Kane and
Len Horey in Shelton - see article in this newsletter for details.)
LESBIAN L1T GROUP D1scussEs ODD GIRLS
On Tues., Sept. 3, the Lesbian Literature Reading Group will discuss Odd Girls And
Twilight Lovers by Lillian Faderman.
If you'd like to support women-owned businesses, this and other future books that
the group will be reading can be ordered from Bloodroot (203) 576-9168. Copies
may also be available in the TCC Library.
Interested persons can contact Karen at (203) 3 71-8487 for more info. A $3 donation
per person from those participating will help support the Center.
PARENTING WORKSHOP WILL BE OFFERED AT TCC
There will be a two-session workshop offered in September or October (dates to be
announced later) for gay and lesbian parents as well as those considering parenthood
either through donor insemination or adoption.
Gay and lesbian families are faced with significant legal issues and challenging
relationship and parenting issues. This workshop will address couple dynamics and
processes parenting, internal/external homophobia, the roles and interaction of the
co-parents, the role and impact of extended families and families of choice, legalities
around insemination and adoption, co-parenting and legal ties to the child or children,
guardianship and power of attorney, the status of second parent adoptions in
Connecticut, and other issues. There will be two sessions, one and a half hours each,
one evening a week for two weeks.
The workshop will be given by Michelle C. Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D., M.F.T. who holds
a doctorate in psychology and is a Connecticut licensed marriage and family therapist,
and Victoria T. Ferrara, Attorney At Law, who is a partner with the WestP?rt-based
law firm of Sherwood, Garlick, Cowell, Diviney and Atwood, P.C. M!Chelle and
Victoria have an 18-month old son and are the co-founders of Connecticut Kids and
Families, an organization for gay and lesbian parents and their children.
For more information and dates, see the next issue of this newsletter, or call Michelle
or Victoria at (203) 256-8414.

1 996 JUNE PRIDE APPEAL UPDATE
Thanks to a number of generous donors, TCC's annual June Pride Fund Raising
Appeal has raised $1,210 to date. Unfortunately this is only 80% of the budgeted goal
of $1,500 for this year's appeal. We still hope to see success in meeting this fairly
reasonable goal, as we've been able to do in the past.
The June Appeal is a crucial fund raising project in meeting the annual budget needs
of the Center. The donations received are utilized to pay such basic expenses as the
operations costs of the Center - rent, utilities and insurance. Whenever the Fund
Raising Committee, or any other committee, does not meet the planned income for
a project or special event, the Center's budget is impacted.
Whether you use the Center or simply care about its future, your financial contribution is necessary. If you have not already given to this year's fund raising appeal, please
do so now. Simply return a check or pledge an amount to be billed to you. (Attn:
Fund Raising Committee, TCC, PO Box 4062, Norwalk, CT 06855)
Working together we can make this a 100% success ... $1,500! : MP
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T NEWS A VIEWS
programming all day. W28AJ channel 28 West Haven CT has it weekdays 8 to 9 am,
6 to 8 pm and 11 pm to 1 am. At 6 pm you can see Direct Line with NET founder
and president Paul Weyrich, who coined the phrase "Moral Majority'' while working
for his pal the Rev Jerry Falwell in the 1970s. For those in northern Fairfield County
there is an all-religious right TV station, WTBY channel 54 Poughkeepsie, operated
by Santa Ana, California-based Trinity Broadcasting. Right-wing lawyer Jay
Sekulow has a weekly Friday night show. It's on 24 hours a day.
Many of my friends have asked why I persist in listening to or viewing these
broadcasts.
During the Second World War, the great movie maker Frank Capra produced a series
of motion pictures entitled "Know Your Enemy" so that the people in this country
knew why they were fighting, knew the evil that the Axis side really was trying to
perpetrate on the world. And I feel today it is essential to "Know Your Enemy." Since
these are the people electing candidates as "stealth candidates," candidates who don't
reveal their agenda of intolerance and repression until after they're elected to the
school board, or the state house, or congress, or the presidency. But you can hear their
hate talk and learn their true agendas if you tune in the right broadcasts.
A key ingredient of successful propaganda is that it is believable, and that the speakers
seem rational, so as to gain the confidence of the majority of people.
Hitler did not say he was going to take over Europe and then the world, as he was
rearming on a massive scale for that purpose in the 1930s.
On May 21,1935 he said: "The blood shed on the Eurofean continent in the course
of the last 300 years bears no proportion to the nationa result... . In the end France
has remained France, Germany Germany, Poland Poland, and Italy Italy .. .. If these
states had applied merely a fraction of their sacrifices to wiser purposes the success
would have certainly have been greater and more permanent ... The principal effect
of every war is to destroy the flower of the nation ...Germany needs peace and deserves
peace!"
The speaker? Obviously a completely rational man, a man who understands the folly
of war, understands the need for peace. The speaker? Adolf Hitler. (Quoted in
William Shirer's Rise and Fall Of The Third Reich, p 285 of the Touchstone books
edition.)
Any listener would hear this and say "This is a completely rational man, a man of
peace, a man who understands the true result of war." Right?
Just like Ralph Reed of the Christian Coalition, when asked by Yale students in New
Haven of the Christian Coalition's position on gays, said "Why it's one of complete
tolerance and understanding." Right?
I must also say before concluding that the American people very much sat in judgment
of the German people after the 12-year era ofNazi darkness . We said to the Germans:
"How could you have allowed this to happen?" But remember, it didn't happen the
first day Adolf Hitler became chancellor. It happened in incremental, tiny steps. The
mass killings in the camps didn't take place until nearly a decade after Hitler's
takeover.
What were the German people guilty of? The Germans, as far as 1 can understand,
are guilty of this : they allowed words of hatred to go unanswered. Words of hatred
are a call to action.
They were under tremendous economic duress, looking for a tough guy to fix their
economic problems. They got one. And they held their noses, and didn't respond,
and said things like, "Once they're in power, they'll have to forget this radical stuff
and act responsibly."
But today, in the 1990s, we must remember the quote, "All that is needed for evil
to triumph is for good men to say and do nothing."
Remember the words of those apprehended after the young gay man was thrown off
a bridge in Bangor, Maine more than 15 years ago. Those apprehended said, no one
in authority, in school, in church, in government, no one anywhere, said it was wrong
to bash gays.
This is why we must be aware of what is being said, track it, and respond. The lessons
for not doing so can be found by studying the history of this western civilization, and
going back no more than 70 years.
The first amendment protects the right of the hate-mongers to speak. We cannot
allow censorship. But it carries a tremendous responsibility, as the Germans found
out. Silence equals death!
We must tell the story of the right-wing hate mongers, expose them to the light, and
do it in the best and most effective way: using their own words and citing their own
deeds.
Michael Collins, TCCpublicity chair, is writing a book on the history ofbroadcasting.

August 1996

for. the Port•a• ottics seemed i.otcrminablc... Wait a minute, wh.at?s wrong
with this picture?
The fact that we had ~ to be
proud ofand WCt'C able.to gather together
tQ show qu, pride was JnQ~ imP<>rtant
e dabl.pand
~~,the guy
s
sweatshirts
'ti fleece. us too
badly. The aowd on Cnrisropher Street
• :y frle.n41Y, and ~ t.imc spait
•

nl1J.l4~10t1tnc

tquicldy,

th
lyQftacky_
jokes
me. And,
best of all, the cost of
was offset
(albeit mo4esdy) by the eight pennies I
found while marcllingdoWll Fjftb,Avenue
So, the day ··wa, half full of good things,
l'ather than half empty from the negative
aspects.
The same applies to TCC. .It is cenai.oly
easier to corp.plain about what we don~t
have or do than it is tofucus on where we
have come from and what we have accom- '
plished. Sure, lots of things could be
unproved, and we .can~t afford to rest on
our laurels fi:)r even a minute. Yet, if we
focus on our strengths and pull. together,
we can accomplish a great deal more. We
have to be thankful that we have TCC and
have to strive to keep itg<>iilg. Fill the cup
half way, and someone will surely come
along·to fill itthe.rcst of the·way.
Tb.is monthly column is c011tributcd on a
rotating basis by the varf()t1$ members of
the TCC board ofdir«tors.

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T NEWS & VIEWS

===

GAILY FORWARD

THE DANGER OF DISNEY

--->
---

by Roger Hooverman

When I heard that the Southern Baptists had voted to boycott Disney,
my first reaction was to run out and buy a Disney video. I would also
have started boycotting the Baptist Church, but as a practicing atheist
I never set foot inside a church anyway, except for weddings and
funerals.
"In recent years," the Baptists resolved, "the Disney Co. has given the
appearance that the promotion of homosexuality is more important
than its historic commitment to traditional family values."
What, Disney, the world's foremost producer of family entertainment,
is now "'promoting homosexuality?" They sure are! Among their sins,
as enumerated by the Southern Baptists, are:
• Providing health benefits "to domestic partners of employees. Like
a growing number of other national corporations (currently over
450) Disney has instituted a policy of extending health benefits to
the partners of its gay and lesbian workers. Many of us would say
that's not only fair, but a good business practice. Any company that
depends on imagination and creative talent as much as Disney does
is bound to have a large number of gay employees, and providing
good benefits is one way of gaining and keeping them.
• Hosting "'Gay Day" at Disney world. Disney spokespeople point
out that the annual June event is organized by outside gay organizations, and all Disney does when they gay folks arrive is collect their
admission and welcome them in, just as they do any other guests.
The only way they could prevent a "'gay day" would be to post
guards at the gates and refuse admission to anyone perceived to be
gay or lesbian!
• Producing, through Disney-owned subsidiaries, books and movies
the Baptists found morally objectionable. These include the movie
"'Priest" (a recent TCC movie night feature), which deals openly
with the double life of a homosexual priest, and "'Growing Up Gay",
a book aimed at teenage gays and lesbians. So it's not just the parent
Disney company the Southern Baptists are trying to control, but
every one of the many other companies Disney owns, most of which
don't pretend to have anything to do with family entertainment.
To put things in historical perspective, the Southern Baptists are the
group who split off from the regular Baptists over a century ago over
the issue of slavery. The Southern Baptists said that, according to the
way they read their Bibles, it was okay to keep slaves. It was not until
year's convention that finally got around to issuing a formal apology
for that viewpoint.
But the Southern Baptists are not alone in criticizing Disney. Many
other right-wing groups have found it expedient to hold up Disney as
the pillar of evil. After all, Disney is better known than they are. Most
vocal among them is the "American Family Association" and it's
crackpot leader, the Rev. Donald Wildmon, who have now signed on
to the boycott. They make the Baptist's complaints look absolutely
rational.
Wildmon is the character who a few years got a lot of publicity by
announcing that there was a scene in Disney's "Lion King" where if you
looked fast enough, you could see the word "'SEX" spelled out in a
cloud of dust. More recently, he found fault with "'Toy Story" on the
grounds that the names of the characters ''Woody" and "'Buzz" were
references to sex and drugs.
Now he has now caught Donald Duck using the "'f' word! In a recent
AFA newsletter, he claims that in a Walt Disney "Cartoon Classics"
video, Donald actually says "'Fuck You." It's "'very sick humor," says
Wildmon.
I, for one, have never been able to understand a word the Duck says.
But then religious ~ople have an advantage, since one of the Gifts of
the Spirit is the ability to interpret tongues ....
So much outright nonsense comes out of the religious right these days
that it's hard to conceive how anyone can take them seriously. Even

August 1996

, PO Box
eemonths
name.

one of the Southern Baptist preachers who had spoken most strongly
in favor of the boycott admitted that he and his family intended to use
their own season passes to Disney World - after all, they were already
paid for.
Some have asked how it is that, with all the real problems in the world
- poverty, homelessness, child abuse, drugs - religious people have
the time to care about such trivia as how many gay people visit Disney
World and what Donald Duck really said. But working on real
problems is hard, and often not very rewarding. Knocking gays on the
other hand is easy, especially for groups who've had years of practice;
and watching cartoon videos looking for dirty words is a fun thing that
the whole family can do together. Then when you're done you can call
a press conference and, riding on the Disney name, get a lot of free
publicity.
The irony of all this is that Disney has for years been promoting in its
films exactly those ideas most inimical to the political extremists of the
religious right, though not the ones they are making all the noise about.
Yes, we gays do have a strong set of social values and moral principles
that inevitably make their way into Disney films. While these values
are not held exclusively by gay people, I would venture to say that they
are especially significant to us, because of the lessons we have learned,
and the beliefs we need to hold to in order to survive in a homophobic
society. These beliefs have managed to find their way into one Disney
film after another, influencing the world's youth for over two generations. And I wouldn't be surprised if the gay creative artists among the
Disney staff don't take much of the credit:
• You must be true to who and what you are, and not pretend to be
what you are not: Dumbo, Aladdin.
• It takes courage and struggle to find your true self; but when you do,
you will triumph: Pinocchio, Cinderella, Lion King.
• It's okay to be different; society's freaks and outcasts can become
heroes: Snow White's dwarves, Peter Pan, Roger Rabbit, Beauty's
Beast, the Hunchback ofNotre Dame, all films with mice as positive
role models.
• It is good and brave to defy the unfair rules and prejudices of a
narrow-minded society: Fox and the Hound, Lady and the Tramp,
Robin Hood, Little Mermaid, Pocahantas.
• True love conquers all: Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty,
Little Mermaid, and many, many others.
• And, the strongest moral of them all, one that appears in virtually
every Disney film ever made, the message that the bigots of the far
right fear more than any other, because it threatens their very basis
of power: In the end, truth and goodness always win.
Page 6

T NEWS & VIEWS
F. Y. I.

EDITOR's DESK

WooG LEADS GAY RESPONSE TO CHURCH

SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS
As you may have noticed, about one-third of each issue of News & Views
is made up of advertising. That's not just there so I don't have to write
so much copy. It's a valuable part of our publication.
In the first place, our advertising section identifies for you a wide range
of area busmesses and services - attorneys, counselors, travel agents,
realtors, merchants and many more - who are either gay/lesbian/bi owned or Oferated or at least openly gay-friendly. I, for one, believe
strongly in giving my business to our own people wherever possible. Not
just to support our own, but to get the special personal attention one gay
person gives another. I selected my own travel agent, insurance agent,
mvestment counselor, and tax attorney from among our advertisers, and
I have never regretted any of those choices.
Secondly, advertising is an important source of revenue for our publication. Membership dollars alone don't cover the over $600/month it costs
to produce and distribute the newsletter. Well over half of that cost is
borne by the paid ads. And, while our advertising rates are modest
comr.ared to those of many publications, when you consider that our
distribution is only 1,000 copies per issue, we are no bargain. Our
advertisers buy space in N& V not only to reach a targeted audience, but
also to help support the Triangle Community Center. That's one more
reason to suppart our advertisers, to tell them thanks, and to tell them
when you visit them that you saw their ad in News & Views.
As one more way of thariking our advertisers and encouraging new ads,
we are now reducing our advertising rates to regular advertisers. For
those with repeat ads, we now offer a discount of 5% for three months,
10% for 6 months, 15% for a year. For TCC members, you can double
those discounts: 10% for 3 months, 20% six months, 30% for a year. The
new rates go into effect with this issue, and apply to current advertisers
as well as new ones. For more information, call our advertising manager,
Michele Stone, at (203) 316-0333.
One further benefit of being a regular advertiser is a free listing on our
TCC Home Page on the internet. Under the section of"Listings" of gay/
lesbian/bi organizations and resources, we include selected local business
and services catering to our community. It's just a listing, not a display
ad, and to be listed there you have to specifically request it and tell us just
how your listing should read. If you have an e-mail address or a web page
of your own, we can include a hyper-link to it, so potential clients can
connect to you directly with a mouse click. Only a few of our advertisers
are taking advantage of this opportunity now. If you are interested, sign
on to our web page at http://members.aol.com/tccenter to see how it
looks, then e-mail your listing to me at NewsViews@aol.com.
-RH

BURNINGS

The gay and lesbian community in the New Haven County/
Fairfield County region is responding to the rash of church
burnings across the nation in recent weeks and months by
raising money to assist the attacked congregations,
Gay journalist and author Dan Woog of Westport says he has
estaolished a special fund at a Westport bank7- and the gay and
lesbian community is being asked to come rorward to make
donations.
Mr. W oog, who is a TCC member and a founder of the youth
group, OutSpoken, said the money raised will be donated to
the Anti-Defamation Lea~e (ADL), which will in turn
distribute the money to the churches that have been attacked.
"Any attack on the black churches is the same as an attack on
the gay community. It demonstrations bigotry hatred and
ignorance," he said. He added that the money will be donated
~o churches attacked, regardless of their positions on gay
issues.
Checks may be made out' to the Gay Lesbian Church Fund and
sent care of Dan Woog at 301 Post Road East, Westport, CT
06880. He will then cfeposit them in the special bank account.
Anyone wanting more information may telephone Dan at
(203) 227-1755.
AYAUP NEWS
The Friday evening coffee hours for Generation X gay men and
lesbians in New Haven are on "summer hiatus", according to
organizer Bryon H, whose organization, Alternative Young Adults
United and Proud (AYAUP) is sponsoring the coffee hours.
They will resume Friday evening, September 20, 1996, and will be
held the 3rd Friday evening of every month starting then. The Friday
evening sessions run for 2 hours, from 6 to 8 pm. at Elm City
Roasters at the corner of Elm and Orange Streets in New Haven.
AYAUP is also holding open forum discussions each Wednesday
evening. No dues or fees are expected, meetings are open to
everyone, and participants are invited to bring a friend . They meet
every Wednesday, 7-8 pm, in the Film Study Building, 305 Crown
St., New Haven.
The group provides people in their late teens and 20s from the New
Haven county area a chance to meet others and discuss common
issues of concern.
To increase its visibility, the group is sponsoring a logo contest. "All
submitted logos will be judged on the basis of originality and
creativity," said a spokesperson. All entries must be received by
August 1. The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate from
Strawberry's Records and Tapes.
Members of AYAUP will be featured on the "Gay Spirit'' radio
program with host Keith Brown on Thursday evening, August 8,
from 8:30 to 9 pm. The broadcast will be heard on WWUH-FM
91. 3 West Hartford. Guests will be AYAUP co-chairs Bryon H and
Marianne J. The Gay Spirit program has been heard for several years
and is broadcast each Thursday evening on WWUH.
Anyone wanting more information may call Bryon at (203) 2340820 or write him at P.O. Box 464, North Haven CT 0647-0464.
There is also a page on the internet with information: http://
home.aol.com/AYAUP.
AIDS OUTREACH PROGRAMS PLANNED
The Triangle Community Center is currently working with both
StamfordCares and the Norwalk Health Department to set up
AIDS outreach programs in the gay community. These programs
would include such items as safer-sex education and HIV counseling, specifically directed from gay people to gay people. The
programs are currently in the planning stage. Watch for more details
in next month's issue.

August 1996

DEADLINE for the September News & Views is
Saturday. August 17. Material received after that
date will not be included in the September newsletter.
If possible. please transmit copy by fax (203
826-1225) or e-mail (NewsViews@aol.com). If
you must submit hard-copy. please allow extra
time for us to get it transcribed. Display and
classified ads should be sent directly to the
advertising manager. not to the editor.
Contributors to this issue: Dave Carroll. Michael
Collins. Victoria Ferrara, Harvey Fierstein. Bryon
H., Len Horey, Michael Pavlicin, Marianne
Seggerman. Michele Stone.
Page 7

T ~EWS & VIEWS
WORTH REPEATING

- another building. It has been my experience that people who
quote the Bible have never read it, or at least don't understand the
A , Z-STEP PROGRAM GUARANTEED TO
concept of context. Just once I'd like to go into a Christian home
that was kosher. The Bible is much clearer on that than it is on
CHANGE YOUR LIFE
homosexuality. Speaking of which, I was watching Pat Robertson
by Harvey Fierstein
and he was giving a lecture on art, and he said that all of modern art
[This commencement address was delivered by Harvey Fierstein in - I'm paraphrasing, but accurately - all of modern art is a
1992, but is worth repeating. Thanks to cdiani@weber.ucsdedu Communist plot to waste America's resources of marble and canvas
for calling it to our attention.]
and paint. He showed a slide of a Henry Moore and said (this is a
Good evening. I am J. Danforth Quayle's worst nightmare - an quote), "this American artist could just as easily have made this
American with a used mind. I believe that democracy was con- piece of marble-into a statue of George Washington."
ceived to nurture and protect diversity, and that diversity is what I would like to see Phyllis Schlafly forced to stay home and take care
makes this country great. I am gay. I am Jewish, which makes me of the kids, bake cookies, and listen to her own speeches. I think
some other people's nightmare, and I am a radical. I'm proud to be we'd win her over. I think Ron and Nancy Reagan should be forced
all of them. I am also naturally gray. Somebody should talk to Dan to live on Social Security- with all of their children, including the
Quayle and tell him natural blondes don't have dark gray stripes on one conceived out of wedlock. And while I'm on that subject, just
the sides - probably has a heterosexual hairdresser. I am also, as once I would like to hear one of those pro-family speakers speak out
he attacked yesterday, a member of the Screenwriter's Guild. He against incest instead ofsingle parents, or child molestation - more
also attacked Hollywood glamour. Somebody should tell him ifhe than 95 percent of which is heterosexually acted - instead of school
test scores, or domestic violence instead of divorce rates. Save the
didn't look that way, he would be working for his father.
family,
they say - to them that means beat the wife into hamMore dangerously to people like him, I can read, I can write, I can
paint, I can sculpt, and I can sing; and I don't need a Gallup Poll to burger.
tell me how to do any of them. Furthermore, I have actually seen But return to traditional values. And while I'm on the subject of
Murphy Brown. I am pro-pursuit of happiness, which means I am traditional values, there is one of them I'd like to bring back, the one
pro-choice. I am also pro-family, pro-commitment, pro-marriage, where they took bank robbers and strung them up in town squares.
pro-divorce, and pro-money. I am pro-children whether they are George and Barbara, say bye to Neil.
gay or, God forbid, straight. And my concern with life does not end My fellow Republicans, I think someone should tell Dan Quayle his
after the moment of birth. I am pro-women, gay and straight. I am first name. After that they should tell him that Murphy Brown is
pro-man, gay and ... well, I'm still working on that. Progress, not a fictional character. Dan Quayle - this is the man who went to
perfection. And I'm pro-affirmative action for any individual or Latin America saying, and I do quote this time, "If only I'd paid
group that has suffered at the hateful banquet known as the more attention in my Latin classes so I could address you in your
American establishment.
native language." But I'm sure that was the media's fault. They
I'm an actor and that means I accept almost anything as art. I'm a listened.
writer and that means that I think art raises the human spirit. And Dear class of 1992. I have spent only a couple of hours with you,
I'm an activist who thinks that Washington makes Hollywood seem read a couple of letters from the office here, but I am reminded of
like a temple of truth. I believe that if America has enough money the 60s. And my own childhood. To you, really, I'm nothing but
to give every member of Congress a staff of flunkies, then we have
a fart in a blizzard. But you are the hope of America. I cannot tell
enough money to provide health care for all. I believe that in the you how touched and honored I was to learn that you wanted me
last twelve years we have proved that the heterosexual community to come and speak to you at this joyous moment.
can learn a great deal from their gay children and brothers and
cousins - such as, attack the disease, not the person with the Some of what I've said to you I truly believe. Some was said for
disease. I believe that the government, my government, has no effect - it's called artistic license. Many of you will be exercising
place in my bedroom or my body. I believe it's time to stop it for a living. And some of what I didn't say, I edited because I'm
pretending that alcohol and cigarettes are not dangerous and time getting such a look from these two people, and Madam President
knows where I'm parked.
to legalize marijuana. I do not advocate its use.
But
I do, seriously, have a bit of advice for you, and I hope you will
I am pro-unemployment because it is the last remaining governtake
this in the best way possible. I have Harvey's 12-Step Program
ment subsidy to the arts. I am for a foreign policy that would allow
me as an American to walk any street in Panama, Kuwait, Korea, that I'd like to share with you.
Vietnam, Libya, Iraq without thinking that my t;ix money killed • Never lie, and never let anyone cause you to lie. Truth, or the
some of these people. I believe that a forest is more important than
pursuit of it, is all we have.
a lumber company, a species of animal more important than an • Never do anything you are ashamed of. If you're ashamed that
annual report. And that the future will not take care of itself, not
means somewhere inside you think it's wrong; and if you think
with friends like us. The earth cannot possibly heal itself as quickly
it's wrong, you shouldn't be doing it.
as we are ruining it.
• Take full responsibility for yourself. You are the only one who
I cry for refugees who flee persecution, political and monetary, in
can say what goes into or comes out of your body.
cargo ships and rafts and junks; forgive me, but I cry less for
refugees who flee in Jaguars and limos dragging along staffs of • Always admit when you're wrong. You'll save thousands in
therapy later - and a few friendships too.
servants and boxes of cash.
I believe in equal pay for equal work, and I condemn the lowering • Change your mind as often as possible. Just because:: you
thought something yesterday doesn't mean you have to think
of the minimum wage. Those who want it, believe me, never had
it today. Don't ever become a prisoner of your own opinion.
to work for it. An American family is now expected to live - these
people want one person in the family to work and the other to stay • Beware of anyone who says they know. Trust me, they don't,
home - on $80 a week take-home pay.
or they wouldn't have to say they did.
I believe that people's relationship with their higher power is their • Take care of yourself first, then your family, then your friends.
own business and does not require a tax credit. Just what God needs
And if you have anything left over, share it.
August 1996

Page 8

Property of the Center

T NEWS & VIEWS
Do something, anything, every day to change the world. It
doesn't have to be big, it could be giving a dime to a street
person, planting a flower, picking up litter. Anything will
change the world.
• When you have nothing better to do, smile. You'll have to
trust me on the miracle this step brings.
• Make a bit of time every day to be alone and think. Five or
ten minutes is enough. It will keep you sane.
• Have all the sex you want- safe sex. Get lust out of your way.
It's the only way I know to make sure you fall in love for the
right reasons. And I want you all to find true love.
• Learn something new every day. Read a newspaper article
that you wouldn't normally read. Open a dictionary to a word
you never heard, or never understood.
That's my program. And this is my speech. A special word to all
of the gay and lesbian graduates: As it was in the beginning, it will
probably be in your time, too. From Plato to Walt Whitman, from
Eleanor Roosevelt to Sappho - we are the cultural and social
parents of ungrateful children. We give them the houses they live
m, the clothes they wear, the art and music and food they enjoy.
Do not wait for their thanks, but do the work for yourself. Art
must be enough in itself.
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a
victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself.
Bennington Class of 1992 - go out there and make history!
•

EXTRA! EXTRA!
NEWS & VIEWS RAISES ITS DISCOUNTS!
That's right! As a way of thanking our most loyal
advertisers and as a way of encouraging new ads,
News & Views has actually raised the discounts
offered on six month and twelve month terms of
service. And for the first time, the three month term
will also carry a discount.
If you're a paid member of the center you'll be twice
as thrilled with our new policy because as of this
issue, any discounts you receive will be doubled. You
did read correctly! This is a special treat for members
only! Your double discount will be reflected in your
next invoice.
All increases go into effect with this, the August, '96
issue of News & Views. For those of you who have
paid in advance, all advertising charges from August
on will be calculated using the new discounts. If you
have any questions about the new discounts, problems with your invoice, or if you'd like to place an ad
please call Michele Stone at (203) 316-0333. The new
discounts are as follows:

Discount Rates
Terms of
Service

I
I

Non-Members
Old I New

I
I

Members
Old I New

3 Months

None

5%

None

10%

6 Months

5%

10%

5%

20%

12 Months

10%

15%

10%

30%

You■

An CoULD BE HERE

You can place a classified ad fa $2 per line non-members, $1 for
members. 1 Line = 53 Characters.
Send your ad wi1h prepayment to Michele Stone P.O. Box 8185, Stamfad, CT06850.
All ads must be accompanied with contact name and
phone. Make checks out to Triangle Communtty Center.

Services Needed
Position Available - Social Services - Program CoOrdinator P/T. Proficient in Case Management/
Supervision. Good planning/organizing skills.
Knowledge of housing issues, especially Scattered
Site Model. Knowledge/Experience with HIV
disease process and related service delivery
system. Some Home Care experience desirable.
Computer skills: MSWORKS. Education: BSW
minimum, MSW preferred.
Executive Director, Catholic Family Services,
238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606-2892

Reply to:

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August 1996

Page 9

T NEWS & VIEWS
TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
P.O.BOX 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855
Tel/Fax: (203) 853-0600
e-mail TCCenter@aol.com

GAY-A FF I RM I NG
COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
•Coming Out

• Dating and Relationships

• Addiction Recovery

• Self Esteem

• Depression and Anxiety • HIV/Chronic Illness
• Career Transitions

• Loss and Bereavement

KURT SPERLING, L.c.s.w.
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER
22S MAIN STREET, LL·1
WESTPORT, CT 06880
PHONE 203/4S4-1S49

Individuals

Couples

Families

Groups

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TOM MARICONDA ....................... President
MARIANNE SEGGERMAN ........... Vice-President
BARB SCHADE .............................. Treasurer
DON BUXTON ............................... Corresponding Secretary
DA VE CARROLL ....... ............ ........ Acting Recording Sec'y
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DEBI DeSANTI
DON BUXTON
BARB SCHADE
DA YID CARROLL
MARIANNE SEGGERMAN
ROGER HOOVERMAN
TOM MARICONDA
STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Board Development
Tom M
Communications
Roger H
-Public Relations
Mike C
Finance
Doug N
Fundraising/Sp Events
Michael P
Membership
Vacant
-Member Database
Marianne S
Operations
'
Cindy M
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
-Resource Room
Walter D
--Center Forums
Dave C
Volunteer
Meg B & Justine M

374-6934
374-6934
849-1508
375-3567
838-2367
866-6993
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
838-1881
375-9020

9./.'EWS & 'V1'EWS

Phof;g;;p/i'J
Weddings, parties, portraits
Candids a specialty

(203) 357-1718
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August 1996

Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc. We
cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve the right
to edit or condense as appropriate to meet space requirements. Authors
will be contacted if major revisions are necessary. Please submit to:

NEWS&VIEWS
Roger Hooverman: Editor
3 Oakwood Avenue A-18
Norwalk, CT, 06850
Phone 849-1508/Fax 846-1225
e-mail: NewsViews@aol.com
ADVERTISING RA TES:
Business Card ... $25
Quarter page .....$40

Michele Stone: Advertising
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone 316-0333
e-mail: MicheleVS@aol.com
1/2 page ..... $75
Full page ... $125

Ads must be camera-ready. 5% discount for ads running continuously for 3
months - 10% discount for ads running continuously for 6 months. Inserts
and special sizes upon prior agreement. All ads are placed on a space
available basis.

The publication ofthe name of any person ororganization in articles or advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual
orientation of such persons or members ofsuch organizations.
The appearance of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor
constitute endorsement by TCC,lnc.
The views expressed in "PointofView" and "Gaily Forward" are not necessarily
those ofTCC, Inc.
Copyright 1996 by Triangle Community Center, Inc. All rights reserved. This
work, or any parts thereof, may not be used or reproduced in any manner without
written permission.

Page JO

T NEWS & VIEWS
DIANE M. REDDEN, M.S.
Art Psychotherapist

Michelle C. Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D.

Specializing in
Individual and Group Therapy

Individual, Couple and Group Therapy

(203) 255-2767
By Appointment

Ct. Lie. MFT

Offiu hours by oppoinhMnl

(103) 330-1933

Esq.

MICHAEL D. ROME,
Martin and Rome, LLC
Attorneys-at-Law

Specializing in:

Weddings • Comittment Celebtatiorzs
and "Comirzg-cJut "Patties

Rtirl. Estsdt Trmiuttoxs
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TIIXAtfox: Bxstuss cl .Irultvubud
Ptrsoxirl. 1191ry/Accultnt IAW
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76 Lake Avenue • Danbury, CT 06810

ROWAYTON, CONNECTICUT 06853

Tel: 730-1400 • Fax: 798-9611

FRX (203)853-6818

(203)853-6677

P-FLAG

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AT

TCC

"Big" Monthly Meeting: Every 1st Wednesday, 7:45
"Second" monthly meeting: Every 3rd Wednesday, 7:45
Spouses and Ex Spouses group: Every 3rd Thursday, 7 :30

LEADING
HOMES.Iii
THE BUYERS REAL ESTATE COMPANY

OTHER AREA GROUPS AND

MICHAEL T. PAVLICIN

ORGANIZATIONS

Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
Chiltern Mountain Club
Connecticut Kids and Families
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club. (social group)
Gay Fathers Group
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
Hartford Community Center
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
Metropolitan Community Church
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
Triangle Kids
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group

(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(860)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(914)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)

264-5605
899-0270
256-8414
791-9-553
261-4JH9
366-8003
688-1881
366-3734
724 5542
262-1555
389-6750
948-4922
335-8948
255-6229
323-6278
773-9947

We're glad to list your non-profit gay/lesbian/bi/tg group free of
charge. Call (203) 849-1508. Please keep us informed of changes.

August 1996

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WESTPORT, er

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August 1996

Page 12

Univilil[llll lllilfiiij)il~l~,1~[1i11Jill~i11 111~1Jf'OK

T NEWS & VIE.,.,

Property of the Center

!!.001 111 363

Support our advertisers! Say
you saw it in News & Views!

JoAnn Attwood Nemis
VICE PRESIDENT

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW

DAVID LERNER

Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Recove,y from Abuse
Bilingual

(203) 261-3492
Monroe.CT

Complete Investment Services
Free Financial Consultation
ORGANIZATION

(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT

(N.A.S.DJS.I.P .C.) INVESTMENT SECURITIES
1-800-685-2526 1-203-926-9800

DEROSA AGENCY

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

9"~-.98~-~

Individual, Couple, Family &: Group Therapy

362 NORTH STREET
MILFORD, CT 06460
PH.: 878-1779 HM.: 874-1918

-

JOHANNA RAYMAN
M.S.W., LC.S.W.

FAX: 878-2204
225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WES11'0RT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

INSURANCE:

CH

LIFE - HEALTH - HOME. AUTO· BUSINESS

REALTOR:
RESIDENTIAL el COMMERCIAL

REALTOR"

Jane W. Griffith
Attorney at Law
Tax Strategy & Preparation
Estate Planning & Wills

Small Bus1neg Consult1ng
203 I 389-8614

270 Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515

~sc.lNCE PSYCHor,..,E;

~~

Licensed Psychologists

ltf'°~

Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual People
and their Families

ASSOCIATES
Westchester & Fairfield

Manhattan

914- 763 - 8814

212 - 362 - 5985

Couples
Therapy
For Lesbians and
Gays
Learn how to
make your relationship more like
the one you have always wanted
Maxine McCants, PH.D, MSW, CISW
(203) 227-3677

WHERE ARE WE? The Triangle Community Center Inc. is located at 25 Van Zant Street in Norwalk.
From 1-95, take Exit 16 and go south (from Stamford, turn right; from New Haven, turn left). Continue
south under the railroad bridge and turn right on Van Zant St. (Route 136). 25 Van Zant is a large
condominium office building on the right. TCC is in Suite 7-C on the ground floor, Tel. (203) 853-0600.
August 1996

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T NEWS & VIEWS
Calendar

August, 1996

Sun

Tues

Mon

1wy28

J.Y

AA9-10am

Women's Rap 7:30

.w

Wed

Thu

31

New Haven Commy Cir
planning mtg
NHLlbnay7-9

OutSpolccn 4-6

Sat

Fri

IAug I
Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

l

j

4
AA 9-10 am
Action Grp I lam
Sun at Center Tag Sale
OutSpoken 4-6

5
Women's Rap 7:30

6
Lesbian Lit Grp 7:30

7
P-FLAG7:45

8
Men's Rap 7:30

9

10
Triangle Kids Pool Party

II
AA9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6
35+ Women 5-6:30

12
Women's Rap, 7:30

13
Gmosaic 7:30

14
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7:30

15
Men's Rap 7:30

16
TCC Friendraiser
Len & Damian's 6-9

17
N&VDeadline

18
AA 9-!0am
Outspoken 4-6
TCC Picnic, Scalzi Park
Stamford

19
Women's Rap 7:30

20
Fundraising/Spec Events
Comm 7:30

21

22
Mens' Rap 7:30
P-FLAG Spouses & Exspouses 7:30

23

24

25
AA 9-!0am
OutSpoken 4-6

29
Women's Rap 7:30

26
Gmosaic 7:30

27
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7:30

28
Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

30

31

Sep I

2
Women's Rap 7:30
LaborDay

3

4
P-FLAG7:4S

s

6

7

Lesbian Lit Grp 7 :30

Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

Boston-NY AIDS Ride

Boston-NY AIDS Ride

AA9-!0am

Sun at Center
OutSpolcen 4-6

TELEPHONE
DIRECTORY
GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BY TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806;Robin 358-8391
Connecticut Business Guild - 225-6464
CT Outreach Society - (816) 657-4344
Free Association of Fairfield County - John (203) 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group - Dave 838-1881
Gmosaic (People of Color) - Jonathan, 838-2937
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Karen, 371-8487
Outspoken (Youth) - Barb 366-5884; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
Political Action Group - Michele, 438-4465; Charlie, 226-8652
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
35+ Women's Group - Faye 377-7288; Martha 288-6523;
Jeanne (914) 962-2032
Women's Rap Group - Debi 933-5103; Linda 866-4598;
Charlie 226-8652
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted. A $3 donation per person is appreciated with
your participation in activities to help support the Center.

August 1996

T

MEMBERSHIP FORM

MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
NAME-------------------ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CITY - - - - - - - - STATE - - - - Z I P - - - PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SPONSORING MEMBER
SusTA1N1NG/Bus1NESS MEMBER
SPECIAL MEMBER (YOUTH/SENIOR)

$35
$60
$125
$250
$500
$20

PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:

P.O. Box 4062
06855 ATTN: MEMBERSHIP
(203) 853-0600

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
EAST NORWALK, CT

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Property of the Center

Triangle Community Center

TRIANGL

News&V~ws

Vol.7, No.8
August 1996

Free to Members and Subscribers

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

!WHATS HAPPENING IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
WED, JULY 31 New Haven Gay/Lesbian Community Center Planning meeting for
individuals and groups, New Haven Library 7-9. (203) 782-2000.
SUN, AUG 4:

Calendar

14

Sunday at the Center Tag Sale! Bring your stuff from 1 PM on. Sale
begins at 2 and will continue until the youth start showing up or all the stuff
is sold. Sale will be advertised in the Hour so expect "members outside of
the community" to show up. See Flyer.

SAT, AUG 10: TriangleKidsPoolParty,forgayandlesbianparentsandtheirkids. Info,
(203) 255-5520, (203) 323-6278.

Editors Desk

7 FRI. AUG 16: TCC Friendraiser at Len and Damian's in Shelton, 6-9 See inside for

Friendraiser

3

From the Board

5

FYI
Gaily Forward

7 WED, SEP 5: ThroughSun,Sep8,Boston-NY AIDSRide#2. Info,(212)242-RlDE.
6 WED, SEP 5: Through Sun, Sep 8, National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association

Letters

2

Point of View

4

TCC News

3

Trivia

6

Worth Repeating

8

TCC

directions.
SUN, AUG 18: TCC Time-OUT Picnic, Scalzi Park, Stamford 11 :30-4:30. Food, fun,
volleyball, silent auction. Rain Date Sunday Aug 25. See article below.
SUN, SEPT 1: No Sunday at the Center because of Labor Day holiday.

convention, Miami FL. Info, call (305) 538-9999.
SAT, SEPT 14: Triangle Kids Pool Party. (203) 255-5520, (203) 323-6278.
SAT, SEPT 21: TCC Friendraiser at Tom & Walter's home in Bridgeport, 6-9. Directions next month. Note it is a Saturday.
WED, SEPT 25: New Haven Town Meeting fornewly forming New Haven Gay/Lesbian
Community Center. 200 Orange St, New Haven, 7-9. (203) 782-2000.
For thE latEst updatE on What's HappEning In thE arEa
chEck our TCC homE pagE on thE lntErnEt.
http://mEmbErs.aol.com/tccEntEr

TIME-OUT PICNIC SUNDAY, AUGUST

Plans for the second annual TCC-sponsored "'Time-OUT
Picnic" are well underway. The picnic is set for Sunday, August
18th at Scalzi Park in Stamford (see directions) and is open to
the public. The picnic gets underway at 11 :30 and winds up
around 4:30.
The picnic is a post-Pride response to the wishes of many people
for a large scale event open to the community at large. Last
year's event-possibly the first public outdoor lesbigay event in
Fairfield County-had an attendance of nearly 100 people.
This year's picnic promises to be even bigger with more fun and
lots of food and sunshine.
A separate area of the park has been reserved expressly for the
picnic. The park offers a great picnic area as well as recreation
areas-like volleyball and tennis courts. A highlight of the
afternoon will be a Silent Auction of items donated for the
event--certificates for restaurants, videos and hair stylists, and
many, many other items and services just being offered.
Of course the afternoon will include lots of food-hamburgers
and hotdogs grilled to order, fresh corn on the cob, ice cold
drinks and whatever else you choose to bring.

August 1996

IB

WHAT To BRING

To help make this truly a community and family type picnic, guests are asked
to bring lawn chairs and blankets, sports equipment and a food item according
the following list:
Last name beginning
A to E: Appetizers
F to J: Non-alcoholic beverages
K to 0: Dessert
P to T: Salads
U to Z: Fruit
RESERVATIONS / TICKET PRICES

Advance reservations before August 16 are $10 each, $12 after. Children
under 12 and differently abled are half-price. To make reservations please call
Maria and Cindy at 203-595-9799.
VOLUNTEERS

To volunteer your help--there are lots of "'part-time" duties the day of the
picnic-please see the sign-up sheet posted at the Staffer's Desk at the Center
or contact Michael Pavlicin at 866-6993.

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T NEWS & VIEWS
RAIN

DATE

In case of rain ("steady rain at 9 am") the picnic will be postponed until the following
Sunday, August 25th. (For questions about rain postponement, call 858-1827 the day of
the event only.)
DIRECTIONS

To

SCALZI PARK

From I-95 Southbound: Take Exit 7 (Atlantic Street, Rte. 137). Go straight off ramp
through first three traffic lights. At fourth light turn right onto Rte. 137 North
(Washington Blvd.). Follow Washington Blvd. through downtown Stamford for 1.3
miles. At traffic light, turn left onto Bridge Street. Just over the bridge, Scalzi Park will
be on the left.
From I-95 Northbound: Take Exit 7 (Greenwich Ave., Rte. 137). Go straight through
light at the end of exit ramp. At next traffic light, turn left onto Rte. 137 North
(Washington Blvd.). Follow Washington Blvd. through downtown Stamford for 1.3
miles. At traffic light, turn left onto Bridge Street. Just over the bridge, Scalzi Park will __
be on the left.
From Merritt Parkway: Take either Exit 34 (Rte. 104) going north or Exit 35 (Rte. 137)
going south and follow signs toward downtown Stamford. At the major intersection
where Rtes 104 and 137 join, proceed directly forward onto Summer Street (one-way
southbound). Just past Ridgeway Shopping Center, turn right onto Bridge Street. Scalzi
Park will be on the left.
There is plenty of parking. Picnic will be next to tables and volleyball area near the front
of the park.

LETTERS
HEARTS AND FLOWERS TO SAMMY
As this month's newsletter goes to press, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has just
been resoundingly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the measure
which, if passed, will deny Federal benefits to any same-gender couple which enter into
civil marriage. It also says that states are not obligated to honor any same-gender marriage
contracted by any other state. I am assuming that you the reader has heard a lot about
the Hawaii initiative on gay marriage and the full court press to forestall it. What you may
not know is how the Connecticut delegation voted.
First the good news. Hearts and flowers (and lots of heartfelt thank you notes) are
deserved by Samuel Gejdenson of the 2nd district, the only member from Connecticut to
vote against it. Talk about political courage. He does not exactly have a safe seat. Edward
Munster has tried twice before to win the seat, and came within 21 votes of <loin~ so in
1994- and is all set to try again. If Sammy is ever feeling down about how his consntuents
feel about he is doing his job all he needs do is drop in on a meeting of the New London
People's Forum to get a warm and tumultuous welcome.
Everyone else voted no. Chris Shays, who represents the district including TCC, was asked
a couple of weeks ago in Norwalk how he would vote on this measure and said publicly
he supported it. He did so in terms considerably softer than the harsh homophobic
statements of Henry Hyde, the bill's sponsor (does this man think he has no gay
constituents?), but his vote was the same as Hyde's. DeLauro also voted for the measure,
a move which should cause her friction from the large lesbian community in Stratford, as
well as that in New Haven itself. When it was pointed out that DeLauro madri was
responsible for the defeat of domestic partnership in New Haven, Rosa was defended with
the response that she has differed from her mother on many issues. But on support of
lesbian and gay families, like mother, like daughter.
The other two gentle ladies from Connecticut, Barbara Kennelly and Nancy Johnson, are
veteran politicians who have only quite recently become educated about gay and lesbian
issues, to say nothing about gay and lesbian lives. The only way Gary Franks would have
not voted for this measure is if he had an unavoidable absence.
- Marianne Seggerman
Editor's note: Up to now, Connecticut's congressional delegation has had a pretty good
record on sup_porong lcsbigay issues: all but Franks arc co-sponsors ofthe "Employment
Non-Discrimmation Act'' (ENDA), the national gay-nghts bill. Their defection on
DOMA, particularly that ofChris Shays who has made a point ofrcaching out to our local
lcsbigay community, is discnhartcning to say the least
As we go to press, DOMA has not yet come up for a vote in the Senate, though when it
docs it is sure to pass, and President Clinton has promised to sign it into law. In the Senate,
anumber ofgay-supportive senators indudintr, KcnncdyofMassachusctts and Connecticut's
Joe Lieberman arc working to modify the bill so that it indudes ENDA as an amendment.
Ifyou wish to write to your representatives to express your opinions on this or other issues,
we arc printin'f in this newsletter a list of their addresses and phone numbers, 111duding
fax and c-mai where available. This list should be used rather than the one published
several months ago, as it has their Washington offices. Clip it and keep it for reference.

August 1996

ADDRESSES OF
CONNECTICUT
SENATORS AND
REPRESENTATIVES
It is recommended that, when you write to
Congress on legislation, you use the Washington addresses below, rather than the local addresses found in your phone book.
The Honorable Christopher J. Dodd
444 Senate Russell Office Bldg (SROB)
Washington, DC 20510-0702
phone: 202-224-2823
fax: 202-224-1083
e-mail sen_dodd@dodd.senate.gov
The Honorable Joseph I. Lieberman
316 Senate Hart Office Bldg (SHOB)
Washington, DC 20510-0703
phone: 202-224-4041
fax: 202-224-9750
e-mail lieberman@lieberman.dc.senate.gov
First District (Hartford)
The Honorable Barbara B. Kennelly
201 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0701
phone: 202-225-2265
fax: 202-225-1031
Second District (Norwich)
The Honorable Sam Gejdenson
2416 Rayburn House Office Bldg (RHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0702
phone: 202-225-2076
fax:. 202-225-4977
e-mail bozrah@hr.house.gov
Third District (New Haven)
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
436 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0703
phone: 202-225-3661
fax: 202-225-4890
Fourth District (Bridgeport)
The Honorable Christopher Shays
1502 Longworth House Office Bldg
(LHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0704
phone: 202-225-5541
fax: 202-225-9629
e-mail cshays@hr.house.gov
Fifth District (Waterbury)
The Honorable Gary Franks
133 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0705
phone: 202-225-3822
fax: 202-225-5085
Sixth District (New Britain)
The Honorable Nancy L. Johnson
343 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0705
phone: 202-225-4476
fax: 202-225-4488

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T NEWS & VIEWS
AUGUST TCC

TCCNEWS
"A SUMMER GARDEN

FRIENDRAISER
BRING YOUR FRIENDS TO LEN

&

DAMIAN'S

A little bit about Friend.raisers: Friendraisers are
,m important part of the social life at TCC. Originally,
they were conceived as end-of-week happy hours, with
buffet and cash bar, and were held at a local public
house. The name was chosen to contrast this event
with the many fundraisers that TCC was having, to
give the fledgling organization a sound financial base.
The point of a friendraiser was not to make money, but
make friends, and to introduce new people to the TCC
community. The admission donation was set low, just
enough to cover expenses, and all were encouraged to
invite their lesbigay friends and help the Center grow.
Friendraisers have continued regularly, every month,
for over five years now. They have evolved with time.
Now most are held at members' homes, where the
atmosphere is enhanced by the ambiance of the host or
hosts. Members enjoy a: hot buffet meal (costs are
reimbursed by the Center) and a variety of beverages
for every taste Often the friendraisers are held on
Saturdays instead of Fridays, to make it easier for the
hosts to prepare. And the atmosphere has shifted from
that of commercial happy hour to an informal party at
a friend's home.
But the original idea of the friendraiser remains: The
friendraisers are not only for you to meet old friends
and meet new ones. They are also opportunities for
you to bring your friends who are not part ofTCC and
introduce them to the group. An opportunity for all
ofTCC to make new friends and to grow in membership.
If you would like to host a friendraiser, or would like
more information about what it entails, contact the
Membership Committee's Marianne Seggerman, (203)
222-8294.
The next TCC Fricndraiser_will be held at Len and
Damien's home, 25 Mulberry Lane, Shelton, on Friday, Aug. 16, 6-9 pm. A buffet meal will be provided;
if you wish, bring a bottle (alcoholic or otherwise) to
share. All are welcome; bring your friends. A voluntary contribution of $8 members, $10 non-members
wilJ be colJected to cover expenses.
Directions:
From I95:
Take 95 north to exit 27A (route 25 and route 8).
Continue on the highway until the road splits. Bear to
the right (route 8) and take the first exit after the
highway splits (exit 8 - route 108). At the end of the
exit ramp make a left. Continue to the traffic light and
make a left at the light onto route 108 north. Continue
on 108 to a stop sign. Continue on 108 north
approximately 3 miles from the stop sign and make the
next right onto Bayberry Lane. Continue on Bayberry
lane until it ends and make a left onto Mulberry lane.
The house is on the right (gray house).
From the Merritt:
Take the Merritt north to exit 51. At the end of the exit
ramp make a left at the light onto route 108 north.
Continue on 108 to a stop sign. Continue on 108
north approximately 3 miles from the stop sign and
make the next right onto Bayberry Lane. Continue on
Bayberry lane until it ends and make a left onto
Mulberry Lane. The house is on the right (gray house).

August 1996

PARTY'' SUCCESS
Over ninety people attended the July Friendraiser held at Marion Castle, the Shippan
Point home of Jay Kobrin and Gordon Micunis A wonderful summer evening literally the calm before the storm of Hurricane Bertha's Saturday rain-was enjoyed
around the gardens and swimming pool and inside the ballroom. Our hosts deserve
special thanks for sharing such an incredible setting and welcoming us to their home
for this summer get-together.
The Friendraiser was a tremendous success. Most important is the number of people
that attended and made the evening fun and interesting. We welcomed new members
to our community from such far away points as Ireland and St. Louis. The basic intent
of the monthly Friendraisers is .to meet new people and to welcome them to the
Community Center. But also, financially, the event raised $700 for TCC.
A buffet dinner of roast chicken and summer salads, open bar, coffee and desserts were
provided by the Special Events Committee, with the expert help ofTCC friends Paul
Piccuito and Marge Foster. Thanks also to Andy Rubenstein for his piano
accompaniment to the evening. - MP
(The next Friendraiser is scheduled for August 16, at the home of Damian Kane and
Len Horey in Shelton - see article in this newsletter for details.)
LESBIAN L1T GROUP D1scussEs ODD GIRLS
On Tues., Sept. 3, the Lesbian Literature Reading Group will discuss Odd Girls And
Twilight Lovers by Lillian Faderman.
If you'd like to support women-owned businesses, this and other future books that
the group will be reading can be ordered from Bloodroot (203) 576-9168. Copies
may also be available in the TCC Library.
Interested persons can contact Karen at (203) 3 71-8487 for more info. A $3 donation
per person from those participating will help support the Center.
PARENTING WORKSHOP WILL BE OFFERED AT TCC
There will be a two-session workshop offered in September or October (dates to be
announced later) for gay and lesbian parents as well as those considering parenthood
either through donor insemination or adoption.
Gay and lesbian families are faced with significant legal issues and challenging
relationship and parenting issues. This workshop will address couple dynamics and
processes parenting, internal/external homophobia, the roles and interaction of the
co-parents, the role and impact of extended families and families of choice, legalities
around insemination and adoption, co-parenting and legal ties to the child or children,
guardianship and power of attorney, the status of second parent adoptions in
Connecticut, and other issues. There will be two sessions, one and a half hours each,
one evening a week for two weeks.
The workshop will be given by Michelle C. Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D., M.F.T. who holds
a doctorate in psychology and is a Connecticut licensed marriage and family therapist,
and Victoria T. Ferrara, Attorney At Law, who is a partner with the WestP?rt-based
law firm of Sherwood, Garlick, Cowell, Diviney and Atwood, P.C. M!Chelle and
Victoria have an 18-month old son and are the co-founders of Connecticut Kids and
Families, an organization for gay and lesbian parents and their children.
For more information and dates, see the next issue of this newsletter, or call Michelle
or Victoria at (203) 256-8414.

1 996 JUNE PRIDE APPEAL UPDATE
Thanks to a number of generous donors, TCC's annual June Pride Fund Raising
Appeal has raised $1,210 to date. Unfortunately this is only 80% of the budgeted goal
of $1,500 for this year's appeal. We still hope to see success in meeting this fairly
reasonable goal, as we've been able to do in the past.
The June Appeal is a crucial fund raising project in meeting the annual budget needs
of the Center. The donations received are utilized to pay such basic expenses as the
operations costs of the Center - rent, utilities and insurance. Whenever the Fund
Raising Committee, or any other committee, does not meet the planned income for
a project or special event, the Center's budget is impacted.
Whether you use the Center or simply care about its future, your financial contribution is necessary. If you have not already given to this year's fund raising appeal, please
do so now. Simply return a check or pledge an amount to be billed to you. (Attn:
Fund Raising Committee, TCC, PO Box 4062, Norwalk, CT 06855)
Working together we can make this a 100% success ... $1,500! : MP
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T NEWS A VIEWS
programming all day. W28AJ channel 28 West Haven CT has it weekdays 8 to 9 am,
6 to 8 pm and 11 pm to 1 am. At 6 pm you can see Direct Line with NET founder
and president Paul Weyrich, who coined the phrase "Moral Majority'' while working
for his pal the Rev Jerry Falwell in the 1970s. For those in northern Fairfield County
there is an all-religious right TV station, WTBY channel 54 Poughkeepsie, operated
by Santa Ana, California-based Trinity Broadcasting. Right-wing lawyer Jay
Sekulow has a weekly Friday night show. It's on 24 hours a day.
Many of my friends have asked why I persist in listening to or viewing these
broadcasts.
During the Second World War, the great movie maker Frank Capra produced a series
of motion pictures entitled "Know Your Enemy" so that the people in this country
knew why they were fighting, knew the evil that the Axis side really was trying to
perpetrate on the world. And I feel today it is essential to "Know Your Enemy." Since
these are the people electing candidates as "stealth candidates," candidates who don't
reveal their agenda of intolerance and repression until after they're elected to the
school board, or the state house, or congress, or the presidency. But you can hear their
hate talk and learn their true agendas if you tune in the right broadcasts.
A key ingredient of successful propaganda is that it is believable, and that the speakers
seem rational, so as to gain the confidence of the majority of people.
Hitler did not say he was going to take over Europe and then the world, as he was
rearming on a massive scale for that purpose in the 1930s.
On May 21,1935 he said: "The blood shed on the Eurofean continent in the course
of the last 300 years bears no proportion to the nationa result... . In the end France
has remained France, Germany Germany, Poland Poland, and Italy Italy .. .. If these
states had applied merely a fraction of their sacrifices to wiser purposes the success
would have certainly have been greater and more permanent ... The principal effect
of every war is to destroy the flower of the nation ...Germany needs peace and deserves
peace!"
The speaker? Obviously a completely rational man, a man who understands the folly
of war, understands the need for peace. The speaker? Adolf Hitler. (Quoted in
William Shirer's Rise and Fall Of The Third Reich, p 285 of the Touchstone books
edition.)
Any listener would hear this and say "This is a completely rational man, a man of
peace, a man who understands the true result of war." Right?
Just like Ralph Reed of the Christian Coalition, when asked by Yale students in New
Haven of the Christian Coalition's position on gays, said "Why it's one of complete
tolerance and understanding." Right?
I must also say before concluding that the American people very much sat in judgment
of the German people after the 12-year era ofNazi darkness . We said to the Germans:
"How could you have allowed this to happen?" But remember, it didn't happen the
first day Adolf Hitler became chancellor. It happened in incremental, tiny steps. The
mass killings in the camps didn't take place until nearly a decade after Hitler's
takeover.
What were the German people guilty of? The Germans, as far as 1 can understand,
are guilty of this : they allowed words of hatred to go unanswered. Words of hatred
are a call to action.
They were under tremendous economic duress, looking for a tough guy to fix their
economic problems. They got one. And they held their noses, and didn't respond,
and said things like, "Once they're in power, they'll have to forget this radical stuff
and act responsibly."
But today, in the 1990s, we must remember the quote, "All that is needed for evil
to triumph is for good men to say and do nothing."
Remember the words of those apprehended after the young gay man was thrown off
a bridge in Bangor, Maine more than 15 years ago. Those apprehended said, no one
in authority, in school, in church, in government, no one anywhere, said it was wrong
to bash gays.
This is why we must be aware of what is being said, track it, and respond. The lessons
for not doing so can be found by studying the history of this western civilization, and
going back no more than 70 years.
The first amendment protects the right of the hate-mongers to speak. We cannot
allow censorship. But it carries a tremendous responsibility, as the Germans found
out. Silence equals death!
We must tell the story of the right-wing hate mongers, expose them to the light, and
do it in the best and most effective way: using their own words and citing their own
deeds.
Michael Collins, TCCpublicity chair, is writing a book on the history ofbroadcasting.

August 1996

for. the Port•a• ottics seemed i.otcrminablc... Wait a minute, wh.at?s wrong
with this picture?
The fact that we had ~ to be
proud ofand WCt'C able.to gather together
tQ show qu, pride was JnQ~ imP<>rtant
e dabl.pand
~~,the guy
s
sweatshirts
'ti fleece. us too
badly. The aowd on Cnrisropher Street
• :y frle.n41Y, and ~ t.imc spait
•

nl1J.l4~10t1tnc

tquicldy,

th
lyQftacky_
jokes
me. And,
best of all, the cost of
was offset
(albeit mo4esdy) by the eight pennies I
found while marcllingdoWll Fjftb,Avenue
So, the day ··wa, half full of good things,
l'ather than half empty from the negative
aspects.
The same applies to TCC. .It is cenai.oly
easier to corp.plain about what we don~t
have or do than it is tofucus on where we
have come from and what we have accom- '
plished. Sure, lots of things could be
unproved, and we .can~t afford to rest on
our laurels fi:)r even a minute. Yet, if we
focus on our strengths and pull. together,
we can accomplish a great deal more. We
have to be thankful that we have TCC and
have to strive to keep itg<>iilg. Fill the cup
half way, and someone will surely come
along·to fill itthe.rcst of the·way.
Tb.is monthly column is c011tributcd on a
rotating basis by the varf()t1$ members of
the TCC board ofdir«tors.

Page 5

T NEWS & VIEWS

===

GAILY FORWARD

THE DANGER OF DISNEY

--->
---

by Roger Hooverman

When I heard that the Southern Baptists had voted to boycott Disney,
my first reaction was to run out and buy a Disney video. I would also
have started boycotting the Baptist Church, but as a practicing atheist
I never set foot inside a church anyway, except for weddings and
funerals.
"In recent years," the Baptists resolved, "the Disney Co. has given the
appearance that the promotion of homosexuality is more important
than its historic commitment to traditional family values."
What, Disney, the world's foremost producer of family entertainment,
is now "'promoting homosexuality?" They sure are! Among their sins,
as enumerated by the Southern Baptists, are:
• Providing health benefits "to domestic partners of employees. Like
a growing number of other national corporations (currently over
450) Disney has instituted a policy of extending health benefits to
the partners of its gay and lesbian workers. Many of us would say
that's not only fair, but a good business practice. Any company that
depends on imagination and creative talent as much as Disney does
is bound to have a large number of gay employees, and providing
good benefits is one way of gaining and keeping them.
• Hosting "'Gay Day" at Disney world. Disney spokespeople point
out that the annual June event is organized by outside gay organizations, and all Disney does when they gay folks arrive is collect their
admission and welcome them in, just as they do any other guests.
The only way they could prevent a "'gay day" would be to post
guards at the gates and refuse admission to anyone perceived to be
gay or lesbian!
• Producing, through Disney-owned subsidiaries, books and movies
the Baptists found morally objectionable. These include the movie
"'Priest" (a recent TCC movie night feature), which deals openly
with the double life of a homosexual priest, and "'Growing Up Gay",
a book aimed at teenage gays and lesbians. So it's not just the parent
Disney company the Southern Baptists are trying to control, but
every one of the many other companies Disney owns, most of which
don't pretend to have anything to do with family entertainment.
To put things in historical perspective, the Southern Baptists are the
group who split off from the regular Baptists over a century ago over
the issue of slavery. The Southern Baptists said that, according to the
way they read their Bibles, it was okay to keep slaves. It was not until
year's convention that finally got around to issuing a formal apology
for that viewpoint.
But the Southern Baptists are not alone in criticizing Disney. Many
other right-wing groups have found it expedient to hold up Disney as
the pillar of evil. After all, Disney is better known than they are. Most
vocal among them is the "American Family Association" and it's
crackpot leader, the Rev. Donald Wildmon, who have now signed on
to the boycott. They make the Baptist's complaints look absolutely
rational.
Wildmon is the character who a few years got a lot of publicity by
announcing that there was a scene in Disney's "Lion King" where if you
looked fast enough, you could see the word "'SEX" spelled out in a
cloud of dust. More recently, he found fault with "'Toy Story" on the
grounds that the names of the characters ''Woody" and "'Buzz" were
references to sex and drugs.
Now he has now caught Donald Duck using the "'f' word! In a recent
AFA newsletter, he claims that in a Walt Disney "Cartoon Classics"
video, Donald actually says "'Fuck You." It's "'very sick humor," says
Wildmon.
I, for one, have never been able to understand a word the Duck says.
But then religious ~ople have an advantage, since one of the Gifts of
the Spirit is the ability to interpret tongues ....
So much outright nonsense comes out of the religious right these days
that it's hard to conceive how anyone can take them seriously. Even

August 1996

, PO Box
eemonths
name.

one of the Southern Baptist preachers who had spoken most strongly
in favor of the boycott admitted that he and his family intended to use
their own season passes to Disney World - after all, they were already
paid for.
Some have asked how it is that, with all the real problems in the world
- poverty, homelessness, child abuse, drugs - religious people have
the time to care about such trivia as how many gay people visit Disney
World and what Donald Duck really said. But working on real
problems is hard, and often not very rewarding. Knocking gays on the
other hand is easy, especially for groups who've had years of practice;
and watching cartoon videos looking for dirty words is a fun thing that
the whole family can do together. Then when you're done you can call
a press conference and, riding on the Disney name, get a lot of free
publicity.
The irony of all this is that Disney has for years been promoting in its
films exactly those ideas most inimical to the political extremists of the
religious right, though not the ones they are making all the noise about.
Yes, we gays do have a strong set of social values and moral principles
that inevitably make their way into Disney films. While these values
are not held exclusively by gay people, I would venture to say that they
are especially significant to us, because of the lessons we have learned,
and the beliefs we need to hold to in order to survive in a homophobic
society. These beliefs have managed to find their way into one Disney
film after another, influencing the world's youth for over two generations. And I wouldn't be surprised if the gay creative artists among the
Disney staff don't take much of the credit:
• You must be true to who and what you are, and not pretend to be
what you are not: Dumbo, Aladdin.
• It takes courage and struggle to find your true self; but when you do,
you will triumph: Pinocchio, Cinderella, Lion King.
• It's okay to be different; society's freaks and outcasts can become
heroes: Snow White's dwarves, Peter Pan, Roger Rabbit, Beauty's
Beast, the Hunchback ofNotre Dame, all films with mice as positive
role models.
• It is good and brave to defy the unfair rules and prejudices of a
narrow-minded society: Fox and the Hound, Lady and the Tramp,
Robin Hood, Little Mermaid, Pocahantas.
• True love conquers all: Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty,
Little Mermaid, and many, many others.
• And, the strongest moral of them all, one that appears in virtually
every Disney film ever made, the message that the bigots of the far
right fear more than any other, because it threatens their very basis
of power: In the end, truth and goodness always win.
Page 6

T NEWS & VIEWS
F. Y. I.

EDITOR's DESK

WooG LEADS GAY RESPONSE TO CHURCH

SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS
As you may have noticed, about one-third of each issue of News & Views
is made up of advertising. That's not just there so I don't have to write
so much copy. It's a valuable part of our publication.
In the first place, our advertising section identifies for you a wide range
of area busmesses and services - attorneys, counselors, travel agents,
realtors, merchants and many more - who are either gay/lesbian/bi owned or Oferated or at least openly gay-friendly. I, for one, believe
strongly in giving my business to our own people wherever possible. Not
just to support our own, but to get the special personal attention one gay
person gives another. I selected my own travel agent, insurance agent,
mvestment counselor, and tax attorney from among our advertisers, and
I have never regretted any of those choices.
Secondly, advertising is an important source of revenue for our publication. Membership dollars alone don't cover the over $600/month it costs
to produce and distribute the newsletter. Well over half of that cost is
borne by the paid ads. And, while our advertising rates are modest
comr.ared to those of many publications, when you consider that our
distribution is only 1,000 copies per issue, we are no bargain. Our
advertisers buy space in N& V not only to reach a targeted audience, but
also to help support the Triangle Community Center. That's one more
reason to suppart our advertisers, to tell them thanks, and to tell them
when you visit them that you saw their ad in News & Views.
As one more way of thariking our advertisers and encouraging new ads,
we are now reducing our advertising rates to regular advertisers. For
those with repeat ads, we now offer a discount of 5% for three months,
10% for 6 months, 15% for a year. For TCC members, you can double
those discounts: 10% for 3 months, 20% six months, 30% for a year. The
new rates go into effect with this issue, and apply to current advertisers
as well as new ones. For more information, call our advertising manager,
Michele Stone, at (203) 316-0333.
One further benefit of being a regular advertiser is a free listing on our
TCC Home Page on the internet. Under the section of"Listings" of gay/
lesbian/bi organizations and resources, we include selected local business
and services catering to our community. It's just a listing, not a display
ad, and to be listed there you have to specifically request it and tell us just
how your listing should read. If you have an e-mail address or a web page
of your own, we can include a hyper-link to it, so potential clients can
connect to you directly with a mouse click. Only a few of our advertisers
are taking advantage of this opportunity now. If you are interested, sign
on to our web page at http://members.aol.com/tccenter to see how it
looks, then e-mail your listing to me at NewsViews@aol.com.
-RH

BURNINGS

The gay and lesbian community in the New Haven County/
Fairfield County region is responding to the rash of church
burnings across the nation in recent weeks and months by
raising money to assist the attacked congregations,
Gay journalist and author Dan Woog of Westport says he has
estaolished a special fund at a Westport bank7- and the gay and
lesbian community is being asked to come rorward to make
donations.
Mr. W oog, who is a TCC member and a founder of the youth
group, OutSpoken, said the money raised will be donated to
the Anti-Defamation Lea~e (ADL), which will in turn
distribute the money to the churches that have been attacked.
"Any attack on the black churches is the same as an attack on
the gay community. It demonstrations bigotry hatred and
ignorance," he said. He added that the money will be donated
~o churches attacked, regardless of their positions on gay
issues.
Checks may be made out' to the Gay Lesbian Church Fund and
sent care of Dan Woog at 301 Post Road East, Westport, CT
06880. He will then cfeposit them in the special bank account.
Anyone wanting more information may telephone Dan at
(203) 227-1755.
AYAUP NEWS
The Friday evening coffee hours for Generation X gay men and
lesbians in New Haven are on "summer hiatus", according to
organizer Bryon H, whose organization, Alternative Young Adults
United and Proud (AYAUP) is sponsoring the coffee hours.
They will resume Friday evening, September 20, 1996, and will be
held the 3rd Friday evening of every month starting then. The Friday
evening sessions run for 2 hours, from 6 to 8 pm. at Elm City
Roasters at the corner of Elm and Orange Streets in New Haven.
AYAUP is also holding open forum discussions each Wednesday
evening. No dues or fees are expected, meetings are open to
everyone, and participants are invited to bring a friend . They meet
every Wednesday, 7-8 pm, in the Film Study Building, 305 Crown
St., New Haven.
The group provides people in their late teens and 20s from the New
Haven county area a chance to meet others and discuss common
issues of concern.
To increase its visibility, the group is sponsoring a logo contest. "All
submitted logos will be judged on the basis of originality and
creativity," said a spokesperson. All entries must be received by
August 1. The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate from
Strawberry's Records and Tapes.
Members of AYAUP will be featured on the "Gay Spirit'' radio
program with host Keith Brown on Thursday evening, August 8,
from 8:30 to 9 pm. The broadcast will be heard on WWUH-FM
91. 3 West Hartford. Guests will be AYAUP co-chairs Bryon H and
Marianne J. The Gay Spirit program has been heard for several years
and is broadcast each Thursday evening on WWUH.
Anyone wanting more information may call Bryon at (203) 2340820 or write him at P.O. Box 464, North Haven CT 0647-0464.
There is also a page on the internet with information: http://
home.aol.com/AYAUP.
AIDS OUTREACH PROGRAMS PLANNED
The Triangle Community Center is currently working with both
StamfordCares and the Norwalk Health Department to set up
AIDS outreach programs in the gay community. These programs
would include such items as safer-sex education and HIV counseling, specifically directed from gay people to gay people. The
programs are currently in the planning stage. Watch for more details
in next month's issue.

August 1996

DEADLINE for the September News & Views is
Saturday. August 17. Material received after that
date will not be included in the September newsletter.
If possible. please transmit copy by fax (203
826-1225) or e-mail (NewsViews@aol.com). If
you must submit hard-copy. please allow extra
time for us to get it transcribed. Display and
classified ads should be sent directly to the
advertising manager. not to the editor.
Contributors to this issue: Dave Carroll. Michael
Collins. Victoria Ferrara, Harvey Fierstein. Bryon
H., Len Horey, Michael Pavlicin, Marianne
Seggerman. Michele Stone.
Page 7

T ~EWS & VIEWS
WORTH REPEATING

- another building. It has been my experience that people who
quote the Bible have never read it, or at least don't understand the
A , Z-STEP PROGRAM GUARANTEED TO
concept of context. Just once I'd like to go into a Christian home
that was kosher. The Bible is much clearer on that than it is on
CHANGE YOUR LIFE
homosexuality. Speaking of which, I was watching Pat Robertson
by Harvey Fierstein
and he was giving a lecture on art, and he said that all of modern art
[This commencement address was delivered by Harvey Fierstein in - I'm paraphrasing, but accurately - all of modern art is a
1992, but is worth repeating. Thanks to cdiani@weber.ucsdedu Communist plot to waste America's resources of marble and canvas
for calling it to our attention.]
and paint. He showed a slide of a Henry Moore and said (this is a
Good evening. I am J. Danforth Quayle's worst nightmare - an quote), "this American artist could just as easily have made this
American with a used mind. I believe that democracy was con- piece of marble-into a statue of George Washington."
ceived to nurture and protect diversity, and that diversity is what I would like to see Phyllis Schlafly forced to stay home and take care
makes this country great. I am gay. I am Jewish, which makes me of the kids, bake cookies, and listen to her own speeches. I think
some other people's nightmare, and I am a radical. I'm proud to be we'd win her over. I think Ron and Nancy Reagan should be forced
all of them. I am also naturally gray. Somebody should talk to Dan to live on Social Security- with all of their children, including the
Quayle and tell him natural blondes don't have dark gray stripes on one conceived out of wedlock. And while I'm on that subject, just
the sides - probably has a heterosexual hairdresser. I am also, as once I would like to hear one of those pro-family speakers speak out
he attacked yesterday, a member of the Screenwriter's Guild. He against incest instead ofsingle parents, or child molestation - more
also attacked Hollywood glamour. Somebody should tell him ifhe than 95 percent of which is heterosexually acted - instead of school
test scores, or domestic violence instead of divorce rates. Save the
didn't look that way, he would be working for his father.
family,
they say - to them that means beat the wife into hamMore dangerously to people like him, I can read, I can write, I can
paint, I can sculpt, and I can sing; and I don't need a Gallup Poll to burger.
tell me how to do any of them. Furthermore, I have actually seen But return to traditional values. And while I'm on the subject of
Murphy Brown. I am pro-pursuit of happiness, which means I am traditional values, there is one of them I'd like to bring back, the one
pro-choice. I am also pro-family, pro-commitment, pro-marriage, where they took bank robbers and strung them up in town squares.
pro-divorce, and pro-money. I am pro-children whether they are George and Barbara, say bye to Neil.
gay or, God forbid, straight. And my concern with life does not end My fellow Republicans, I think someone should tell Dan Quayle his
after the moment of birth. I am pro-women, gay and straight. I am first name. After that they should tell him that Murphy Brown is
pro-man, gay and ... well, I'm still working on that. Progress, not a fictional character. Dan Quayle - this is the man who went to
perfection. And I'm pro-affirmative action for any individual or Latin America saying, and I do quote this time, "If only I'd paid
group that has suffered at the hateful banquet known as the more attention in my Latin classes so I could address you in your
American establishment.
native language." But I'm sure that was the media's fault. They
I'm an actor and that means I accept almost anything as art. I'm a listened.
writer and that means that I think art raises the human spirit. And Dear class of 1992. I have spent only a couple of hours with you,
I'm an activist who thinks that Washington makes Hollywood seem read a couple of letters from the office here, but I am reminded of
like a temple of truth. I believe that if America has enough money the 60s. And my own childhood. To you, really, I'm nothing but
to give every member of Congress a staff of flunkies, then we have
a fart in a blizzard. But you are the hope of America. I cannot tell
enough money to provide health care for all. I believe that in the you how touched and honored I was to learn that you wanted me
last twelve years we have proved that the heterosexual community to come and speak to you at this joyous moment.
can learn a great deal from their gay children and brothers and
cousins - such as, attack the disease, not the person with the Some of what I've said to you I truly believe. Some was said for
disease. I believe that the government, my government, has no effect - it's called artistic license. Many of you will be exercising
place in my bedroom or my body. I believe it's time to stop it for a living. And some of what I didn't say, I edited because I'm
pretending that alcohol and cigarettes are not dangerous and time getting such a look from these two people, and Madam President
knows where I'm parked.
to legalize marijuana. I do not advocate its use.
But
I do, seriously, have a bit of advice for you, and I hope you will
I am pro-unemployment because it is the last remaining governtake
this in the best way possible. I have Harvey's 12-Step Program
ment subsidy to the arts. I am for a foreign policy that would allow
me as an American to walk any street in Panama, Kuwait, Korea, that I'd like to share with you.
Vietnam, Libya, Iraq without thinking that my t;ix money killed • Never lie, and never let anyone cause you to lie. Truth, or the
some of these people. I believe that a forest is more important than
pursuit of it, is all we have.
a lumber company, a species of animal more important than an • Never do anything you are ashamed of. If you're ashamed that
annual report. And that the future will not take care of itself, not
means somewhere inside you think it's wrong; and if you think
with friends like us. The earth cannot possibly heal itself as quickly
it's wrong, you shouldn't be doing it.
as we are ruining it.
• Take full responsibility for yourself. You are the only one who
I cry for refugees who flee persecution, political and monetary, in
can say what goes into or comes out of your body.
cargo ships and rafts and junks; forgive me, but I cry less for
refugees who flee in Jaguars and limos dragging along staffs of • Always admit when you're wrong. You'll save thousands in
therapy later - and a few friendships too.
servants and boxes of cash.
I believe in equal pay for equal work, and I condemn the lowering • Change your mind as often as possible. Just because:: you
thought something yesterday doesn't mean you have to think
of the minimum wage. Those who want it, believe me, never had
it today. Don't ever become a prisoner of your own opinion.
to work for it. An American family is now expected to live - these
people want one person in the family to work and the other to stay • Beware of anyone who says they know. Trust me, they don't,
home - on $80 a week take-home pay.
or they wouldn't have to say they did.
I believe that people's relationship with their higher power is their • Take care of yourself first, then your family, then your friends.
own business and does not require a tax credit. Just what God needs
And if you have anything left over, share it.
August 1996

Page 8

Property of the Center

T NEWS & VIEWS
Do something, anything, every day to change the world. It
doesn't have to be big, it could be giving a dime to a street
person, planting a flower, picking up litter. Anything will
change the world.
• When you have nothing better to do, smile. You'll have to
trust me on the miracle this step brings.
• Make a bit of time every day to be alone and think. Five or
ten minutes is enough. It will keep you sane.
• Have all the sex you want- safe sex. Get lust out of your way.
It's the only way I know to make sure you fall in love for the
right reasons. And I want you all to find true love.
• Learn something new every day. Read a newspaper article
that you wouldn't normally read. Open a dictionary to a word
you never heard, or never understood.
That's my program. And this is my speech. A special word to all
of the gay and lesbian graduates: As it was in the beginning, it will
probably be in your time, too. From Plato to Walt Whitman, from
Eleanor Roosevelt to Sappho - we are the cultural and social
parents of ungrateful children. We give them the houses they live
m, the clothes they wear, the art and music and food they enjoy.
Do not wait for their thanks, but do the work for yourself. Art
must be enough in itself.
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a
victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself.
Bennington Class of 1992 - go out there and make history!
•

EXTRA! EXTRA!
NEWS & VIEWS RAISES ITS DISCOUNTS!
That's right! As a way of thanking our most loyal
advertisers and as a way of encouraging new ads,
News & Views has actually raised the discounts
offered on six month and twelve month terms of
service. And for the first time, the three month term
will also carry a discount.
If you're a paid member of the center you'll be twice
as thrilled with our new policy because as of this
issue, any discounts you receive will be doubled. You
did read correctly! This is a special treat for members
only! Your double discount will be reflected in your
next invoice.
All increases go into effect with this, the August, '96
issue of News & Views. For those of you who have
paid in advance, all advertising charges from August
on will be calculated using the new discounts. If you
have any questions about the new discounts, problems with your invoice, or if you'd like to place an ad
please call Michele Stone at (203) 316-0333. The new
discounts are as follows:

Discount Rates
Terms of
Service

I
I

Non-Members
Old I New

I
I

Members
Old I New

3 Months

None

5%

None

10%

6 Months

5%

10%

5%

20%

12 Months

10%

15%

10%

30%

You■

An CoULD BE HERE

You can place a classified ad fa $2 per line non-members, $1 for
members. 1 Line = 53 Characters.
Send your ad wi1h prepayment to Michele Stone P.O. Box 8185, Stamfad, CT06850.
All ads must be accompanied with contact name and
phone. Make checks out to Triangle Communtty Center.

Services Needed
Position Available - Social Services - Program CoOrdinator P/T. Proficient in Case Management/
Supervision. Good planning/organizing skills.
Knowledge of housing issues, especially Scattered
Site Model. Knowledge/Experience with HIV
disease process and related service delivery
system. Some Home Care experience desirable.
Computer skills: MSWORKS. Education: BSW
minimum, MSW preferred.
Executive Director, Catholic Family Services,
238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606-2892

Reply to:

Rentals
Roommate wanted - Gay female seeks same to
share 2 bedroom apt in West Haven across from
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preferred. (203) 933-5101

Newtown - Furnished room. Private bath. Kitchen
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A LESBIAN PARADISE
August 1996

Page 9

T NEWS & VIEWS
TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
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Tel/Fax: (203) 853-0600
e-mail TCCenter@aol.com

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•Coming Out

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TOM MARICONDA ....................... President
MARIANNE SEGGERMAN ........... Vice-President
BARB SCHADE .............................. Treasurer
DON BUXTON ............................... Corresponding Secretary
DA VE CARROLL ....... ............ ........ Acting Recording Sec'y
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DEBI DeSANTI
DON BUXTON
BARB SCHADE
DA YID CARROLL
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ROGER HOOVERMAN
TOM MARICONDA
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Tom M
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Mike C
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August 1996

Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc. We
cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve the right
to edit or condense as appropriate to meet space requirements. Authors
will be contacted if major revisions are necessary. Please submit to:

NEWS&VIEWS
Roger Hooverman: Editor
3 Oakwood Avenue A-18
Norwalk, CT, 06850
Phone 849-1508/Fax 846-1225
e-mail: NewsViews@aol.com
ADVERTISING RA TES:
Business Card ... $25
Quarter page .....$40

Michele Stone: Advertising
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone 316-0333
e-mail: MicheleVS@aol.com
1/2 page ..... $75
Full page ... $125

Ads must be camera-ready. 5% discount for ads running continuously for 3
months - 10% discount for ads running continuously for 6 months. Inserts
and special sizes upon prior agreement. All ads are placed on a space
available basis.

The publication ofthe name of any person ororganization in articles or advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual
orientation of such persons or members ofsuch organizations.
The appearance of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor
constitute endorsement by TCC,lnc.
The views expressed in "PointofView" and "Gaily Forward" are not necessarily
those ofTCC, Inc.
Copyright 1996 by Triangle Community Center, Inc. All rights reserved. This
work, or any parts thereof, may not be used or reproduced in any manner without
written permission.

Page JO

T NEWS & VIEWS
DIANE M. REDDEN, M.S.
Art Psychotherapist

Michelle C. Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D.

Specializing in
Individual and Group Therapy

Individual, Couple and Group Therapy

(203) 255-2767
By Appointment

Ct. Lie. MFT

Offiu hours by oppoinhMnl

(103) 330-1933

Esq.

MICHAEL D. ROME,
Martin and Rome, LLC
Attorneys-at-Law

Specializing in:

Weddings • Comittment Celebtatiorzs
and "Comirzg-cJut "Patties

Rtirl. Estsdt Trmiuttoxs
Estsdt Plmalixg cl Probate
TIIXAtfox: Bxstuss cl .Irultvubud
Ptrsoxirl. 1191ry/Accultnt IAW
137 Rowayton Amott (on tht Ftvt Milt River)

76 Lake Avenue • Danbury, CT 06810

ROWAYTON, CONNECTICUT 06853

Tel: 730-1400 • Fax: 798-9611

FRX (203)853-6818

(203)853-6677

P-FLAG

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AT

TCC

"Big" Monthly Meeting: Every 1st Wednesday, 7:45
"Second" monthly meeting: Every 3rd Wednesday, 7:45
Spouses and Ex Spouses group: Every 3rd Thursday, 7 :30

LEADING
HOMES.Iii
THE BUYERS REAL ESTATE COMPANY

OTHER AREA GROUPS AND

MICHAEL T. PAVLICIN

ORGANIZATIONS

Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
Chiltern Mountain Club
Connecticut Kids and Families
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club. (social group)
Gay Fathers Group
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
Hartford Community Center
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
Metropolitan Community Church
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
Triangle Kids
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group

(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(860)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(914)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)

264-5605
899-0270
256-8414
791-9-553
261-4JH9
366-8003
688-1881
366-3734
724 5542
262-1555
389-6750
948-4922
335-8948
255-6229
323-6278
773-9947

We're glad to list your non-profit gay/lesbian/bi/tg group free of
charge. Call (203) 849-1508. Please keep us informed of changes.

August 1996

lB

IIEALTOII'

772 KINGS HIGHWAY WEST

EXCWSIVE BUYER AGENT

BRolCER

SOUTH-ltT, CONNECTICUT 06490

FAX/255-3705 HOME/866-6993

203/255-2278

e.maiVLHOMESl 3@aol.com

VICTORIA

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW

(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, er

ADMIITED IN er AND NY

T NEWS & VIEWS

Emerald Citv BBS

VILLAGE CLOCK SHOP

KIU)n M. Critelli

1074 f\Jst Rd.
Darien, CT. 06820
203-655•2100

ANTIQUE CLOCKS • SOLD • REPAIRED

Computer users! Join Cl's fastest growing
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community! Meet new friends on-line, or
browse through our file areas packed full
of shareware, games, hot graphics and
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Diane Hyatt, MSW, CISW
T Solution~riented short or longer tenn
psychotherapy for Adults and Adolescents,
specializing in, but not limited to:

JOANNE M. MARINO, C.C.M.H.C., N.C.C.
PSYCHOTHERAPIST

49

Coolidge Avenue

Stamford. CT 06906
(203) 964-1847
21 STRICKLAND RD., COS COB. CONN. 06807 (203) 869-02115

1653 Capitol Avenue
Bridgeport. CT 06606

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA
•ATTORNEY-AT-LAW•
TAXES, WILLS, MEDICAL DIRECTIVES

(203) 332~136

'Y Depression
'Y Anxiety
'YPost-Traumatic Stress
'Y Counseling for Partners & Family
'Y Specialized Psychotherapy Groups
'Y case Consultation
'Y Clinical Supervision

PROFESSIONAL TAX SERVICE
Membtr Ni,tioMJ s«ie-ty of .Pa,blic Account.irnts

SMALL BUSINESS REPRESENTATION
GAY & LESBIAN LEGAL ISSUES
LIVING BENEFITS NEGOTIATION

140 Sherman Street, 5th Floor
Fairfield, CT 06430-0454

P. 0. Box 454
203/256-3717

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5 Brook Street, Suile 2D
Dilrien, Connecticut
06820-4513

(203) 655-2210
(800) 528-1080
Fax (203) 655-6234

Support our advertisers! Say
you saw it in News & Views!
August 1996

Page 12

Univilil[llll lllilfiiij)il~l~,1~[1i11Jill~i11 111~1Jf'OK

T NEWS & VIE.,.,

Property of the Center

!!.001 111 363

Support our advertisers! Say
you saw it in News & Views!

JoAnn Attwood Nemis
VICE PRESIDENT

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW

DAVID LERNER

Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Recove,y from Abuse
Bilingual

(203) 261-3492
Monroe.CT

Complete Investment Services
Free Financial Consultation
ORGANIZATION

(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT

(N.A.S.DJS.I.P .C.) INVESTMENT SECURITIES
1-800-685-2526 1-203-926-9800

DEROSA AGENCY

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

9"~-.98~-~

Individual, Couple, Family &: Group Therapy

362 NORTH STREET
MILFORD, CT 06460
PH.: 878-1779 HM.: 874-1918

-

JOHANNA RAYMAN
M.S.W., LC.S.W.

FAX: 878-2204
225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WES11'0RT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

INSURANCE:

CH

LIFE - HEALTH - HOME. AUTO· BUSINESS

REALTOR:
RESIDENTIAL el COMMERCIAL

REALTOR"

Jane W. Griffith
Attorney at Law
Tax Strategy & Preparation
Estate Planning & Wills

Small Bus1neg Consult1ng
203 I 389-8614

270 Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515

~sc.lNCE PSYCHor,..,E;

~~

Licensed Psychologists

ltf'°~

Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual People
and their Families

ASSOCIATES
Westchester & Fairfield

Manhattan

914- 763 - 8814

212 - 362 - 5985

Couples
Therapy
For Lesbians and
Gays
Learn how to
make your relationship more like
the one you have always wanted
Maxine McCants, PH.D, MSW, CISW
(203) 227-3677

WHERE ARE WE? The Triangle Community Center Inc. is located at 25 Van Zant Street in Norwalk.
From 1-95, take Exit 16 and go south (from Stamford, turn right; from New Haven, turn left). Continue
south under the railroad bridge and turn right on Van Zant St. (Route 136). 25 Van Zant is a large
condominium office building on the right. TCC is in Suite 7-C on the ground floor, Tel. (203) 853-0600.
August 1996

Page 13

T NEWS & VIEWS
Calendar

August, 1996

Sun

Tues

Mon

1wy28

J.Y

AA9-10am

Women's Rap 7:30

.w

Wed

Thu

31

New Haven Commy Cir
planning mtg
NHLlbnay7-9

OutSpolccn 4-6

Sat

Fri

IAug I
Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

l

j

4
AA 9-10 am
Action Grp I lam
Sun at Center Tag Sale
OutSpoken 4-6

5
Women's Rap 7:30

6
Lesbian Lit Grp 7:30

7
P-FLAG7:45

8
Men's Rap 7:30

9

10
Triangle Kids Pool Party

II
AA9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6
35+ Women 5-6:30

12
Women's Rap, 7:30

13
Gmosaic 7:30

14
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7:30

15
Men's Rap 7:30

16
TCC Friendraiser
Len & Damian's 6-9

17
N&VDeadline

18
AA 9-!0am
Outspoken 4-6
TCC Picnic, Scalzi Park
Stamford

19
Women's Rap 7:30

20
Fundraising/Spec Events
Comm 7:30

21

22
Mens' Rap 7:30
P-FLAG Spouses & Exspouses 7:30

23

24

25
AA 9-!0am
OutSpoken 4-6

29
Women's Rap 7:30

26
Gmosaic 7:30

27
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7:30

28
Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

30

31

Sep I

2
Women's Rap 7:30
LaborDay

3

4
P-FLAG7:4S

s

6

7

Lesbian Lit Grp 7 :30

Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

Boston-NY AIDS Ride

Boston-NY AIDS Ride

AA9-!0am

Sun at Center
OutSpolcen 4-6

TELEPHONE
DIRECTORY
GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BY TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806;Robin 358-8391
Connecticut Business Guild - 225-6464
CT Outreach Society - (816) 657-4344
Free Association of Fairfield County - John (203) 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group - Dave 838-1881
Gmosaic (People of Color) - Jonathan, 838-2937
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Karen, 371-8487
Outspoken (Youth) - Barb 366-5884; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
Political Action Group - Michele, 438-4465; Charlie, 226-8652
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
35+ Women's Group - Faye 377-7288; Martha 288-6523;
Jeanne (914) 962-2032
Women's Rap Group - Debi 933-5103; Linda 866-4598;
Charlie 226-8652
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted. A $3 donation per person is appreciated with
your participation in activities to help support the Center.

August 1996

T

MEMBERSHIP FORM

MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
NAME-------------------ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CITY - - - - - - - - STATE - - - - Z I P - - - PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SPONSORING MEMBER
SusTA1N1NG/Bus1NESS MEMBER
SPECIAL MEMBER (YOUTH/SENIOR)

$35
$60
$125
$250
$500
$20

PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:

P.O. Box 4062
06855 ATTN: MEMBERSHIP
(203) 853-0600

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
EAST NORWALK, CT

Page 14



Property of the Center

Triangle Community Center

TRIANGL

News&V~ws

Vol.7, No.8
August 1996

Free to Members and Subscribers

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

!WHATS HAPPENING IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
WED, JULY 31 New Haven Gay/Lesbian Community Center Planning meeting for
individuals and groups, New Haven Library 7-9. (203) 782-2000.
SUN, AUG 4:

Calendar

14

Sunday at the Center Tag Sale! Bring your stuff from 1 PM on. Sale
begins at 2 and will continue until the youth start showing up or all the stuff
is sold. Sale will be advertised in the Hour so expect "members outside of
the community" to show up. See Flyer.

SAT, AUG 10: TriangleKidsPoolParty,forgayandlesbianparentsandtheirkids. Info,
(203) 255-5520, (203) 323-6278.

Editors Desk

7 FRI. AUG 16: TCC Friendraiser at Len and Damian's in Shelton, 6-9 See inside for

Friendraiser

3

From the Board

5

FYI
Gaily Forward

7 WED, SEP 5: ThroughSun,Sep8,Boston-NY AIDSRide#2. Info,(212)242-RlDE.
6 WED, SEP 5: Through Sun, Sep 8, National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association

Letters

2

Point of View

4

TCC News

3

Trivia

6

Worth Repeating

8

TCC

directions.
SUN, AUG 18: TCC Time-OUT Picnic, Scalzi Park, Stamford 11 :30-4:30. Food, fun,
volleyball, silent auction. Rain Date Sunday Aug 25. See article below.
SUN, SEPT 1: No Sunday at the Center because of Labor Day holiday.

convention, Miami FL. Info, call (305) 538-9999.
SAT, SEPT 14: Triangle Kids Pool Party. (203) 255-5520, (203) 323-6278.
SAT, SEPT 21: TCC Friendraiser at Tom & Walter's home in Bridgeport, 6-9. Directions next month. Note it is a Saturday.
WED, SEPT 25: New Haven Town Meeting fornewly forming New Haven Gay/Lesbian
Community Center. 200 Orange St, New Haven, 7-9. (203) 782-2000.
For thE latEst updatE on What's HappEning In thE arEa
chEck our TCC homE pagE on thE lntErnEt.
http://mEmbErs.aol.com/tccEntEr

TIME-OUT PICNIC SUNDAY, AUGUST

Plans for the second annual TCC-sponsored "'Time-OUT
Picnic" are well underway. The picnic is set for Sunday, August
18th at Scalzi Park in Stamford (see directions) and is open to
the public. The picnic gets underway at 11 :30 and winds up
around 4:30.
The picnic is a post-Pride response to the wishes of many people
for a large scale event open to the community at large. Last
year's event-possibly the first public outdoor lesbigay event in
Fairfield County-had an attendance of nearly 100 people.
This year's picnic promises to be even bigger with more fun and
lots of food and sunshine.
A separate area of the park has been reserved expressly for the
picnic. The park offers a great picnic area as well as recreation
areas-like volleyball and tennis courts. A highlight of the
afternoon will be a Silent Auction of items donated for the
event--certificates for restaurants, videos and hair stylists, and
many, many other items and services just being offered.
Of course the afternoon will include lots of food-hamburgers
and hotdogs grilled to order, fresh corn on the cob, ice cold
drinks and whatever else you choose to bring.

August 1996

IB

WHAT To BRING

To help make this truly a community and family type picnic, guests are asked
to bring lawn chairs and blankets, sports equipment and a food item according
the following list:
Last name beginning
A to E: Appetizers
F to J: Non-alcoholic beverages
K to 0: Dessert
P to T: Salads
U to Z: Fruit
RESERVATIONS / TICKET PRICES

Advance reservations before August 16 are $10 each, $12 after. Children
under 12 and differently abled are half-price. To make reservations please call
Maria and Cindy at 203-595-9799.
VOLUNTEERS

To volunteer your help--there are lots of "'part-time" duties the day of the
picnic-please see the sign-up sheet posted at the Staffer's Desk at the Center
or contact Michael Pavlicin at 866-6993.

Page 1

T NEWS & VIEWS
RAIN

DATE

In case of rain ("steady rain at 9 am") the picnic will be postponed until the following
Sunday, August 25th. (For questions about rain postponement, call 858-1827 the day of
the event only.)
DIRECTIONS

To

SCALZI PARK

From I-95 Southbound: Take Exit 7 (Atlantic Street, Rte. 137). Go straight off ramp
through first three traffic lights. At fourth light turn right onto Rte. 137 North
(Washington Blvd.). Follow Washington Blvd. through downtown Stamford for 1.3
miles. At traffic light, turn left onto Bridge Street. Just over the bridge, Scalzi Park will
be on the left.
From I-95 Northbound: Take Exit 7 (Greenwich Ave., Rte. 137). Go straight through
light at the end of exit ramp. At next traffic light, turn left onto Rte. 137 North
(Washington Blvd.). Follow Washington Blvd. through downtown Stamford for 1.3
miles. At traffic light, turn left onto Bridge Street. Just over the bridge, Scalzi Park will __
be on the left.
From Merritt Parkway: Take either Exit 34 (Rte. 104) going north or Exit 35 (Rte. 137)
going south and follow signs toward downtown Stamford. At the major intersection
where Rtes 104 and 137 join, proceed directly forward onto Summer Street (one-way
southbound). Just past Ridgeway Shopping Center, turn right onto Bridge Street. Scalzi
Park will be on the left.
There is plenty of parking. Picnic will be next to tables and volleyball area near the front
of the park.

LETTERS
HEARTS AND FLOWERS TO SAMMY
As this month's newsletter goes to press, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has just
been resoundingly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the measure
which, if passed, will deny Federal benefits to any same-gender couple which enter into
civil marriage. It also says that states are not obligated to honor any same-gender marriage
contracted by any other state. I am assuming that you the reader has heard a lot about
the Hawaii initiative on gay marriage and the full court press to forestall it. What you may
not know is how the Connecticut delegation voted.
First the good news. Hearts and flowers (and lots of heartfelt thank you notes) are
deserved by Samuel Gejdenson of the 2nd district, the only member from Connecticut to
vote against it. Talk about political courage. He does not exactly have a safe seat. Edward
Munster has tried twice before to win the seat, and came within 21 votes of <loin~ so in
1994- and is all set to try again. If Sammy is ever feeling down about how his consntuents
feel about he is doing his job all he needs do is drop in on a meeting of the New London
People's Forum to get a warm and tumultuous welcome.
Everyone else voted no. Chris Shays, who represents the district including TCC, was asked
a couple of weeks ago in Norwalk how he would vote on this measure and said publicly
he supported it. He did so in terms considerably softer than the harsh homophobic
statements of Henry Hyde, the bill's sponsor (does this man think he has no gay
constituents?), but his vote was the same as Hyde's. DeLauro also voted for the measure,
a move which should cause her friction from the large lesbian community in Stratford, as
well as that in New Haven itself. When it was pointed out that DeLauro madri was
responsible for the defeat of domestic partnership in New Haven, Rosa was defended with
the response that she has differed from her mother on many issues. But on support of
lesbian and gay families, like mother, like daughter.
The other two gentle ladies from Connecticut, Barbara Kennelly and Nancy Johnson, are
veteran politicians who have only quite recently become educated about gay and lesbian
issues, to say nothing about gay and lesbian lives. The only way Gary Franks would have
not voted for this measure is if he had an unavoidable absence.
- Marianne Seggerman
Editor's note: Up to now, Connecticut's congressional delegation has had a pretty good
record on sup_porong lcsbigay issues: all but Franks arc co-sponsors ofthe "Employment
Non-Discrimmation Act'' (ENDA), the national gay-nghts bill. Their defection on
DOMA, particularly that ofChris Shays who has made a point ofrcaching out to our local
lcsbigay community, is discnhartcning to say the least
As we go to press, DOMA has not yet come up for a vote in the Senate, though when it
docs it is sure to pass, and President Clinton has promised to sign it into law. In the Senate,
anumber ofgay-supportive senators indudintr, KcnncdyofMassachusctts and Connecticut's
Joe Lieberman arc working to modify the bill so that it indudes ENDA as an amendment.
Ifyou wish to write to your representatives to express your opinions on this or other issues,
we arc printin'f in this newsletter a list of their addresses and phone numbers, 111duding
fax and c-mai where available. This list should be used rather than the one published
several months ago, as it has their Washington offices. Clip it and keep it for reference.

August 1996

ADDRESSES OF
CONNECTICUT
SENATORS AND
REPRESENTATIVES
It is recommended that, when you write to
Congress on legislation, you use the Washington addresses below, rather than the local addresses found in your phone book.
The Honorable Christopher J. Dodd
444 Senate Russell Office Bldg (SROB)
Washington, DC 20510-0702
phone: 202-224-2823
fax: 202-224-1083
e-mail sen_dodd@dodd.senate.gov
The Honorable Joseph I. Lieberman
316 Senate Hart Office Bldg (SHOB)
Washington, DC 20510-0703
phone: 202-224-4041
fax: 202-224-9750
e-mail lieberman@lieberman.dc.senate.gov
First District (Hartford)
The Honorable Barbara B. Kennelly
201 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0701
phone: 202-225-2265
fax: 202-225-1031
Second District (Norwich)
The Honorable Sam Gejdenson
2416 Rayburn House Office Bldg (RHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0702
phone: 202-225-2076
fax:. 202-225-4977
e-mail bozrah@hr.house.gov
Third District (New Haven)
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
436 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0703
phone: 202-225-3661
fax: 202-225-4890
Fourth District (Bridgeport)
The Honorable Christopher Shays
1502 Longworth House Office Bldg
(LHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0704
phone: 202-225-5541
fax: 202-225-9629
e-mail cshays@hr.house.gov
Fifth District (Waterbury)
The Honorable Gary Franks
133 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0705
phone: 202-225-3822
fax: 202-225-5085
Sixth District (New Britain)
The Honorable Nancy L. Johnson
343 Cannon House Office Bldg (CHOB)
Washington, DC 20515-0705
phone: 202-225-4476
fax: 202-225-4488

Page 2

T NEWS & VIEWS
AUGUST TCC

TCCNEWS
"A SUMMER GARDEN

FRIENDRAISER
BRING YOUR FRIENDS TO LEN

&

DAMIAN'S

A little bit about Friend.raisers: Friendraisers are
,m important part of the social life at TCC. Originally,
they were conceived as end-of-week happy hours, with
buffet and cash bar, and were held at a local public
house. The name was chosen to contrast this event
with the many fundraisers that TCC was having, to
give the fledgling organization a sound financial base.
The point of a friendraiser was not to make money, but
make friends, and to introduce new people to the TCC
community. The admission donation was set low, just
enough to cover expenses, and all were encouraged to
invite their lesbigay friends and help the Center grow.
Friendraisers have continued regularly, every month,
for over five years now. They have evolved with time.
Now most are held at members' homes, where the
atmosphere is enhanced by the ambiance of the host or
hosts. Members enjoy a: hot buffet meal (costs are
reimbursed by the Center) and a variety of beverages
for every taste Often the friendraisers are held on
Saturdays instead of Fridays, to make it easier for the
hosts to prepare. And the atmosphere has shifted from
that of commercial happy hour to an informal party at
a friend's home.
But the original idea of the friendraiser remains: The
friendraisers are not only for you to meet old friends
and meet new ones. They are also opportunities for
you to bring your friends who are not part ofTCC and
introduce them to the group. An opportunity for all
ofTCC to make new friends and to grow in membership.
If you would like to host a friendraiser, or would like
more information about what it entails, contact the
Membership Committee's Marianne Seggerman, (203)
222-8294.
The next TCC Fricndraiser_will be held at Len and
Damien's home, 25 Mulberry Lane, Shelton, on Friday, Aug. 16, 6-9 pm. A buffet meal will be provided;
if you wish, bring a bottle (alcoholic or otherwise) to
share. All are welcome; bring your friends. A voluntary contribution of $8 members, $10 non-members
wilJ be colJected to cover expenses.
Directions:
From I95:
Take 95 north to exit 27A (route 25 and route 8).
Continue on the highway until the road splits. Bear to
the right (route 8) and take the first exit after the
highway splits (exit 8 - route 108). At the end of the
exit ramp make a left. Continue to the traffic light and
make a left at the light onto route 108 north. Continue
on 108 to a stop sign. Continue on 108 north
approximately 3 miles from the stop sign and make the
next right onto Bayberry Lane. Continue on Bayberry
lane until it ends and make a left onto Mulberry lane.
The house is on the right (gray house).
From the Merritt:
Take the Merritt north to exit 51. At the end of the exit
ramp make a left at the light onto route 108 north.
Continue on 108 to a stop sign. Continue on 108
north approximately 3 miles from the stop sign and
make the next right onto Bayberry Lane. Continue on
Bayberry lane until it ends and make a left onto
Mulberry Lane. The house is on the right (gray house).

August 1996

PARTY'' SUCCESS
Over ninety people attended the July Friendraiser held at Marion Castle, the Shippan
Point home of Jay Kobrin and Gordon Micunis A wonderful summer evening literally the calm before the storm of Hurricane Bertha's Saturday rain-was enjoyed
around the gardens and swimming pool and inside the ballroom. Our hosts deserve
special thanks for sharing such an incredible setting and welcoming us to their home
for this summer get-together.
The Friendraiser was a tremendous success. Most important is the number of people
that attended and made the evening fun and interesting. We welcomed new members
to our community from such far away points as Ireland and St. Louis. The basic intent
of the monthly Friendraisers is .to meet new people and to welcome them to the
Community Center. But also, financially, the event raised $700 for TCC.
A buffet dinner of roast chicken and summer salads, open bar, coffee and desserts were
provided by the Special Events Committee, with the expert help ofTCC friends Paul
Piccuito and Marge Foster. Thanks also to Andy Rubenstein for his piano
accompaniment to the evening. - MP
(The next Friendraiser is scheduled for August 16, at the home of Damian Kane and
Len Horey in Shelton - see article in this newsletter for details.)
LESBIAN L1T GROUP D1scussEs ODD GIRLS
On Tues., Sept. 3, the Lesbian Literature Reading Group will discuss Odd Girls And
Twilight Lovers by Lillian Faderman.
If you'd like to support women-owned businesses, this and other future books that
the group will be reading can be ordered from Bloodroot (203) 576-9168. Copies
may also be available in the TCC Library.
Interested persons can contact Karen at (203) 3 71-8487 for more info. A $3 donation
per person from those participating will help support the Center.
PARENTING WORKSHOP WILL BE OFFERED AT TCC
There will be a two-session workshop offered in September or October (dates to be
announced later) for gay and lesbian parents as well as those considering parenthood
either through donor insemination or adoption.
Gay and lesbian families are faced with significant legal issues and challenging
relationship and parenting issues. This workshop will address couple dynamics and
processes parenting, internal/external homophobia, the roles and interaction of the
co-parents, the role and impact of extended families and families of choice, legalities
around insemination and adoption, co-parenting and legal ties to the child or children,
guardianship and power of attorney, the status of second parent adoptions in
Connecticut, and other issues. There will be two sessions, one and a half hours each,
one evening a week for two weeks.
The workshop will be given by Michelle C. Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D., M.F.T. who holds
a doctorate in psychology and is a Connecticut licensed marriage and family therapist,
and Victoria T. Ferrara, Attorney At Law, who is a partner with the WestP?rt-based
law firm of Sherwood, Garlick, Cowell, Diviney and Atwood, P.C. M!Chelle and
Victoria have an 18-month old son and are the co-founders of Connecticut Kids and
Families, an organization for gay and lesbian parents and their children.
For more information and dates, see the next issue of this newsletter, or call Michelle
or Victoria at (203) 256-8414.

1 996 JUNE PRIDE APPEAL UPDATE
Thanks to a number of generous donors, TCC's annual June Pride Fund Raising
Appeal has raised $1,210 to date. Unfortunately this is only 80% of the budgeted goal
of $1,500 for this year's appeal. We still hope to see success in meeting this fairly
reasonable goal, as we've been able to do in the past.
The June Appeal is a crucial fund raising project in meeting the annual budget needs
of the Center. The donations received are utilized to pay such basic expenses as the
operations costs of the Center - rent, utilities and insurance. Whenever the Fund
Raising Committee, or any other committee, does not meet the planned income for
a project or special event, the Center's budget is impacted.
Whether you use the Center or simply care about its future, your financial contribution is necessary. If you have not already given to this year's fund raising appeal, please
do so now. Simply return a check or pledge an amount to be billed to you. (Attn:
Fund Raising Committee, TCC, PO Box 4062, Norwalk, CT 06855)
Working together we can make this a 100% success ... $1,500! : MP
Page 3

T NEWS A VIEWS
programming all day. W28AJ channel 28 West Haven CT has it weekdays 8 to 9 am,
6 to 8 pm and 11 pm to 1 am. At 6 pm you can see Direct Line with NET founder
and president Paul Weyrich, who coined the phrase "Moral Majority'' while working
for his pal the Rev Jerry Falwell in the 1970s. For those in northern Fairfield County
there is an all-religious right TV station, WTBY channel 54 Poughkeepsie, operated
by Santa Ana, California-based Trinity Broadcasting. Right-wing lawyer Jay
Sekulow has a weekly Friday night show. It's on 24 hours a day.
Many of my friends have asked why I persist in listening to or viewing these
broadcasts.
During the Second World War, the great movie maker Frank Capra produced a series
of motion pictures entitled "Know Your Enemy" so that the people in this country
knew why they were fighting, knew the evil that the Axis side really was trying to
perpetrate on the world. And I feel today it is essential to "Know Your Enemy." Since
these are the people electing candidates as "stealth candidates," candidates who don't
reveal their agenda of intolerance and repression until after they're elected to the
school board, or the state house, or congress, or the presidency. But you can hear their
hate talk and learn their true agendas if you tune in the right broadcasts.
A key ingredient of successful propaganda is that it is believable, and that the speakers
seem rational, so as to gain the confidence of the majority of people.
Hitler did not say he was going to take over Europe and then the world, as he was
rearming on a massive scale for that purpose in the 1930s.
On May 21,1935 he said: "The blood shed on the Eurofean continent in the course
of the last 300 years bears no proportion to the nationa result... . In the end France
has remained France, Germany Germany, Poland Poland, and Italy Italy .. .. If these
states had applied merely a fraction of their sacrifices to wiser purposes the success
would have certainly have been greater and more permanent ... The principal effect
of every war is to destroy the flower of the nation ...Germany needs peace and deserves
peace!"
The speaker? Obviously a completely rational man, a man who understands the folly
of war, understands the need for peace. The speaker? Adolf Hitler. (Quoted in
William Shirer's Rise and Fall Of The Third Reich, p 285 of the Touchstone books
edition.)
Any listener would hear this and say "This is a completely rational man, a man of
peace, a man who understands the true result of war." Right?
Just like Ralph Reed of the Christian Coalition, when asked by Yale students in New
Haven of the Christian Coalition's position on gays, said "Why it's one of complete
tolerance and understanding." Right?
I must also say before concluding that the American people very much sat in judgment
of the German people after the 12-year era ofNazi darkness . We said to the Germans:
"How could you have allowed this to happen?" But remember, it didn't happen the
first day Adolf Hitler became chancellor. It happened in incremental, tiny steps. The
mass killings in the camps didn't take place until nearly a decade after Hitler's
takeover.
What were the German people guilty of? The Germans, as far as 1 can understand,
are guilty of this : they allowed words of hatred to go unanswered. Words of hatred
are a call to action.
They were under tremendous economic duress, looking for a tough guy to fix their
economic problems. They got one. And they held their noses, and didn't respond,
and said things like, "Once they're in power, they'll have to forget this radical stuff
and act responsibly."
But today, in the 1990s, we must remember the quote, "All that is needed for evil
to triumph is for good men to say and do nothing."
Remember the words of those apprehended after the young gay man was thrown off
a bridge in Bangor, Maine more than 15 years ago. Those apprehended said, no one
in authority, in school, in church, in government, no one anywhere, said it was wrong
to bash gays.
This is why we must be aware of what is being said, track it, and respond. The lessons
for not doing so can be found by studying the history of this western civilization, and
going back no more than 70 years.
The first amendment protects the right of the hate-mongers to speak. We cannot
allow censorship. But it carries a tremendous responsibility, as the Germans found
out. Silence equals death!
We must tell the story of the right-wing hate mongers, expose them to the light, and
do it in the best and most effective way: using their own words and citing their own
deeds.
Michael Collins, TCCpublicity chair, is writing a book on the history ofbroadcasting.

August 1996

for. the Port•a• ottics seemed i.otcrminablc... Wait a minute, wh.at?s wrong
with this picture?
The fact that we had ~ to be
proud ofand WCt'C able.to gather together
tQ show qu, pride was JnQ~ imP<>rtant
e dabl.pand
~~,the guy
s
sweatshirts
'ti fleece. us too
badly. The aowd on Cnrisropher Street
• :y frle.n41Y, and ~ t.imc spait
•

nl1J.l4~10t1tnc

tquicldy,

th
lyQftacky_
jokes
me. And,
best of all, the cost of
was offset
(albeit mo4esdy) by the eight pennies I
found while marcllingdoWll Fjftb,Avenue
So, the day ··wa, half full of good things,
l'ather than half empty from the negative
aspects.
The same applies to TCC. .It is cenai.oly
easier to corp.plain about what we don~t
have or do than it is tofucus on where we
have come from and what we have accom- '
plished. Sure, lots of things could be
unproved, and we .can~t afford to rest on
our laurels fi:)r even a minute. Yet, if we
focus on our strengths and pull. together,
we can accomplish a great deal more. We
have to be thankful that we have TCC and
have to strive to keep itg<>iilg. Fill the cup
half way, and someone will surely come
along·to fill itthe.rcst of the·way.
Tb.is monthly column is c011tributcd on a
rotating basis by the varf()t1$ members of
the TCC board ofdir«tors.

Page 5

T NEWS & VIEWS

===

GAILY FORWARD

THE DANGER OF DISNEY

--->
---

by Roger Hooverman

When I heard that the Southern Baptists had voted to boycott Disney,
my first reaction was to run out and buy a Disney video. I would also
have started boycotting the Baptist Church, but as a practicing atheist
I never set foot inside a church anyway, except for weddings and
funerals.
"In recent years," the Baptists resolved, "the Disney Co. has given the
appearance that the promotion of homosexuality is more important
than its historic commitment to traditional family values."
What, Disney, the world's foremost producer of family entertainment,
is now "'promoting homosexuality?" They sure are! Among their sins,
as enumerated by the Southern Baptists, are:
• Providing health benefits "to domestic partners of employees. Like
a growing number of other national corporations (currently over
450) Disney has instituted a policy of extending health benefits to
the partners of its gay and lesbian workers. Many of us would say
that's not only fair, but a good business practice. Any company that
depends on imagination and creative talent as much as Disney does
is bound to have a large number of gay employees, and providing
good benefits is one way of gaining and keeping them.
• Hosting "'Gay Day" at Disney world. Disney spokespeople point
out that the annual June event is organized by outside gay organizations, and all Disney does when they gay folks arrive is collect their
admission and welcome them in, just as they do any other guests.
The only way they could prevent a "'gay day" would be to post
guards at the gates and refuse admission to anyone perceived to be
gay or lesbian!
• Producing, through Disney-owned subsidiaries, books and movies
the Baptists found morally objectionable. These include the movie
"'Priest" (a recent TCC movie night feature), which deals openly
with the double life of a homosexual priest, and "'Growing Up Gay",
a book aimed at teenage gays and lesbians. So it's not just the parent
Disney company the Southern Baptists are trying to control, but
every one of the many other companies Disney owns, most of which
don't pretend to have anything to do with family entertainment.
To put things in historical perspective, the Southern Baptists are the
group who split off from the regular Baptists over a century ago over
the issue of slavery. The Southern Baptists said that, according to the
way they read their Bibles, it was okay to keep slaves. It was not until
year's convention that finally got around to issuing a formal apology
for that viewpoint.
But the Southern Baptists are not alone in criticizing Disney. Many
other right-wing groups have found it expedient to hold up Disney as
the pillar of evil. After all, Disney is better known than they are. Most
vocal among them is the "American Family Association" and it's
crackpot leader, the Rev. Donald Wildmon, who have now signed on
to the boycott. They make the Baptist's complaints look absolutely
rational.
Wildmon is the character who a few years got a lot of publicity by
announcing that there was a scene in Disney's "Lion King" where if you
looked fast enough, you could see the word "'SEX" spelled out in a
cloud of dust. More recently, he found fault with "'Toy Story" on the
grounds that the names of the characters ''Woody" and "'Buzz" were
references to sex and drugs.
Now he has now caught Donald Duck using the "'f' word! In a recent
AFA newsletter, he claims that in a Walt Disney "Cartoon Classics"
video, Donald actually says "'Fuck You." It's "'very sick humor," says
Wildmon.
I, for one, have never been able to understand a word the Duck says.
But then religious ~ople have an advantage, since one of the Gifts of
the Spirit is the ability to interpret tongues ....
So much outright nonsense comes out of the religious right these days
that it's hard to conceive how anyone can take them seriously. Even

August 1996

, PO Box
eemonths
name.

one of the Southern Baptist preachers who had spoken most strongly
in favor of the boycott admitted that he and his family intended to use
their own season passes to Disney World - after all, they were already
paid for.
Some have asked how it is that, with all the real problems in the world
- poverty, homelessness, child abuse, drugs - religious people have
the time to care about such trivia as how many gay people visit Disney
World and what Donald Duck really said. But working on real
problems is hard, and often not very rewarding. Knocking gays on the
other hand is easy, especially for groups who've had years of practice;
and watching cartoon videos looking for dirty words is a fun thing that
the whole family can do together. Then when you're done you can call
a press conference and, riding on the Disney name, get a lot of free
publicity.
The irony of all this is that Disney has for years been promoting in its
films exactly those ideas most inimical to the political extremists of the
religious right, though not the ones they are making all the noise about.
Yes, we gays do have a strong set of social values and moral principles
that inevitably make their way into Disney films. While these values
are not held exclusively by gay people, I would venture to say that they
are especially significant to us, because of the lessons we have learned,
and the beliefs we need to hold to in order to survive in a homophobic
society. These beliefs have managed to find their way into one Disney
film after another, influencing the world's youth for over two generations. And I wouldn't be surprised if the gay creative artists among the
Disney staff don't take much of the credit:
• You must be true to who and what you are, and not pretend to be
what you are not: Dumbo, Aladdin.
• It takes courage and struggle to find your true self; but when you do,
you will triumph: Pinocchio, Cinderella, Lion King.
• It's okay to be different; society's freaks and outcasts can become
heroes: Snow White's dwarves, Peter Pan, Roger Rabbit, Beauty's
Beast, the Hunchback ofNotre Dame, all films with mice as positive
role models.
• It is good and brave to defy the unfair rules and prejudices of a
narrow-minded society: Fox and the Hound, Lady and the Tramp,
Robin Hood, Little Mermaid, Pocahantas.
• True love conquers all: Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty,
Little Mermaid, and many, many others.
• And, the strongest moral of them all, one that appears in virtually
every Disney film ever made, the message that the bigots of the far
right fear more than any other, because it threatens their very basis
of power: In the end, truth and goodness always win.
Page 6

T NEWS & VIEWS
F. Y. I.

EDITOR's DESK

WooG LEADS GAY RESPONSE TO CHURCH

SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS
As you may have noticed, about one-third of each issue of News & Views
is made up of advertising. That's not just there so I don't have to write
so much copy. It's a valuable part of our publication.
In the first place, our advertising section identifies for you a wide range
of area busmesses and services - attorneys, counselors, travel agents,
realtors, merchants and many more - who are either gay/lesbian/bi owned or Oferated or at least openly gay-friendly. I, for one, believe
strongly in giving my business to our own people wherever possible. Not
just to support our own, but to get the special personal attention one gay
person gives another. I selected my own travel agent, insurance agent,
mvestment counselor, and tax attorney from among our advertisers, and
I have never regretted any of those choices.
Secondly, advertising is an important source of revenue for our publication. Membership dollars alone don't cover the over $600/month it costs
to produce and distribute the newsletter. Well over half of that cost is
borne by the paid ads. And, while our advertising rates are modest
comr.ared to those of many publications, when you consider that our
distribution is only 1,000 copies per issue, we are no bargain. Our
advertisers buy space in N& V not only to reach a targeted audience, but
also to help support the Triangle Community Center. That's one more
reason to suppart our advertisers, to tell them thanks, and to tell them
when you visit them that you saw their ad in News & Views.
As one more way of thariking our advertisers and encouraging new ads,
we are now reducing our advertising rates to regular advertisers. For
those with repeat ads, we now offer a discount of 5% for three months,
10% for 6 months, 15% for a year. For TCC members, you can double
those discounts: 10% for 3 months, 20% six months, 30% for a year. The
new rates go into effect with this issue, and apply to current advertisers
as well as new ones. For more information, call our advertising manager,
Michele Stone, at (203) 316-0333.
One further benefit of being a regular advertiser is a free listing on our
TCC Home Page on the internet. Under the section of"Listings" of gay/
lesbian/bi organizations and resources, we include selected local business
and services catering to our community. It's just a listing, not a display
ad, and to be listed there you have to specifically request it and tell us just
how your listing should read. If you have an e-mail address or a web page
of your own, we can include a hyper-link to it, so potential clients can
connect to you directly with a mouse click. Only a few of our advertisers
are taking advantage of this opportunity now. If you are interested, sign
on to our web page at http://members.aol.com/tccenter to see how it
looks, then e-mail your listing to me at NewsViews@aol.com.
-RH

BURNINGS

The gay and lesbian community in the New Haven County/
Fairfield County region is responding to the rash of church
burnings across the nation in recent weeks and months by
raising money to assist the attacked congregations,
Gay journalist and author Dan Woog of Westport says he has
estaolished a special fund at a Westport bank7- and the gay and
lesbian community is being asked to come rorward to make
donations.
Mr. W oog, who is a TCC member and a founder of the youth
group, OutSpoken, said the money raised will be donated to
the Anti-Defamation Lea~e (ADL), which will in turn
distribute the money to the churches that have been attacked.
"Any attack on the black churches is the same as an attack on
the gay community. It demonstrations bigotry hatred and
ignorance," he said. He added that the money will be donated
~o churches attacked, regardless of their positions on gay
issues.
Checks may be made out' to the Gay Lesbian Church Fund and
sent care of Dan Woog at 301 Post Road East, Westport, CT
06880. He will then cfeposit them in the special bank account.
Anyone wanting more information may telephone Dan at
(203) 227-1755.
AYAUP NEWS
The Friday evening coffee hours for Generation X gay men and
lesbians in New Haven are on "summer hiatus", according to
organizer Bryon H, whose organization, Alternative Young Adults
United and Proud (AYAUP) is sponsoring the coffee hours.
They will resume Friday evening, September 20, 1996, and will be
held the 3rd Friday evening of every month starting then. The Friday
evening sessions run for 2 hours, from 6 to 8 pm. at Elm City
Roasters at the corner of Elm and Orange Streets in New Haven.
AYAUP is also holding open forum discussions each Wednesday
evening. No dues or fees are expected, meetings are open to
everyone, and participants are invited to bring a friend . They meet
every Wednesday, 7-8 pm, in the Film Study Building, 305 Crown
St., New Haven.
The group provides people in their late teens and 20s from the New
Haven county area a chance to meet others and discuss common
issues of concern.
To increase its visibility, the group is sponsoring a logo contest. "All
submitted logos will be judged on the basis of originality and
creativity," said a spokesperson. All entries must be received by
August 1. The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate from
Strawberry's Records and Tapes.
Members of AYAUP will be featured on the "Gay Spirit'' radio
program with host Keith Brown on Thursday evening, August 8,
from 8:30 to 9 pm. The broadcast will be heard on WWUH-FM
91. 3 West Hartford. Guests will be AYAUP co-chairs Bryon H and
Marianne J. The Gay Spirit program has been heard for several years
and is broadcast each Thursday evening on WWUH.
Anyone wanting more information may call Bryon at (203) 2340820 or write him at P.O. Box 464, North Haven CT 0647-0464.
There is also a page on the internet with information: http://
home.aol.com/AYAUP.
AIDS OUTREACH PROGRAMS PLANNED
The Triangle Community Center is currently working with both
StamfordCares and the Norwalk Health Department to set up
AIDS outreach programs in the gay community. These programs
would include such items as safer-sex education and HIV counseling, specifically directed from gay people to gay people. The
programs are currently in the planning stage. Watch for more details
in next month's issue.

August 1996

DEADLINE for the September News & Views is
Saturday. August 17. Material received after that
date will not be included in the September newsletter.
If possible. please transmit copy by fax (203
826-1225) or e-mail (NewsViews@aol.com). If
you must submit hard-copy. please allow extra
time for us to get it transcribed. Display and
classified ads should be sent directly to the
advertising manager. not to the editor.
Contributors to this issue: Dave Carroll. Michael
Collins. Victoria Ferrara, Harvey Fierstein. Bryon
H., Len Horey, Michael Pavlicin, Marianne
Seggerman. Michele Stone.
Page 7

T ~EWS & VIEWS
WORTH REPEATING

- another building. It has been my experience that people who
quote the Bible have never read it, or at least don't understand the
A , Z-STEP PROGRAM GUARANTEED TO
concept of context. Just once I'd like to go into a Christian home
that was kosher. The Bible is much clearer on that than it is on
CHANGE YOUR LIFE
homosexuality. Speaking of which, I was watching Pat Robertson
by Harvey Fierstein
and he was giving a lecture on art, and he said that all of modern art
[This commencement address was delivered by Harvey Fierstein in - I'm paraphrasing, but accurately - all of modern art is a
1992, but is worth repeating. Thanks to cdiani@weber.ucsdedu Communist plot to waste America's resources of marble and canvas
for calling it to our attention.]
and paint. He showed a slide of a Henry Moore and said (this is a
Good evening. I am J. Danforth Quayle's worst nightmare - an quote), "this American artist could just as easily have made this
American with a used mind. I believe that democracy was con- piece of marble-into a statue of George Washington."
ceived to nurture and protect diversity, and that diversity is what I would like to see Phyllis Schlafly forced to stay home and take care
makes this country great. I am gay. I am Jewish, which makes me of the kids, bake cookies, and listen to her own speeches. I think
some other people's nightmare, and I am a radical. I'm proud to be we'd win her over. I think Ron and Nancy Reagan should be forced
all of them. I am also naturally gray. Somebody should talk to Dan to live on Social Security- with all of their children, including the
Quayle and tell him natural blondes don't have dark gray stripes on one conceived out of wedlock. And while I'm on that subject, just
the sides - probably has a heterosexual hairdresser. I am also, as once I would like to hear one of those pro-family speakers speak out
he attacked yesterday, a member of the Screenwriter's Guild. He against incest instead ofsingle parents, or child molestation - more
also attacked Hollywood glamour. Somebody should tell him ifhe than 95 percent of which is heterosexually acted - instead of school
test scores, or domestic violence instead of divorce rates. Save the
didn't look that way, he would be working for his father.
family,
they say - to them that means beat the wife into hamMore dangerously to people like him, I can read, I can write, I can
paint, I can sculpt, and I can sing; and I don't need a Gallup Poll to burger.
tell me how to do any of them. Furthermore, I have actually seen But return to traditional values. And while I'm on the subject of
Murphy Brown. I am pro-pursuit of happiness, which means I am traditional values, there is one of them I'd like to bring back, the one
pro-choice. I am also pro-family, pro-commitment, pro-marriage, where they took bank robbers and strung them up in town squares.
pro-divorce, and pro-money. I am pro-children whether they are George and Barbara, say bye to Neil.
gay or, God forbid, straight. And my concern with life does not end My fellow Republicans, I think someone should tell Dan Quayle his
after the moment of birth. I am pro-women, gay and straight. I am first name. After that they should tell him that Murphy Brown is
pro-man, gay and ... well, I'm still working on that. Progress, not a fictional character. Dan Quayle - this is the man who went to
perfection. And I'm pro-affirmative action for any individual or Latin America saying, and I do quote this time, "If only I'd paid
group that has suffered at the hateful banquet known as the more attention in my Latin classes so I could address you in your
American establishment.
native language." But I'm sure that was the media's fault. They
I'm an actor and that means I accept almost anything as art. I'm a listened.
writer and that means that I think art raises the human spirit. And Dear class of 1992. I have spent only a couple of hours with you,
I'm an activist who thinks that Washington makes Hollywood seem read a couple of letters from the office here, but I am reminded of
like a temple of truth. I believe that if America has enough money the 60s. And my own childhood. To you, really, I'm nothing but
to give every member of Congress a staff of flunkies, then we have
a fart in a blizzard. But you are the hope of America. I cannot tell
enough money to provide health care for all. I believe that in the you how touched and honored I was to learn that you wanted me
last twelve years we have proved that the heterosexual community to come and speak to you at this joyous moment.
can learn a great deal from their gay children and brothers and
cousins - such as, attack the disease, not the person with the Some of what I've said to you I truly believe. Some was said for
disease. I believe that the government, my government, has no effect - it's called artistic license. Many of you will be exercising
place in my bedroom or my body. I believe it's time to stop it for a living. And some of what I didn't say, I edited because I'm
pretending that alcohol and cigarettes are not dangerous and time getting such a look from these two people, and Madam President
knows where I'm parked.
to legalize marijuana. I do not advocate its use.
But
I do, seriously, have a bit of advice for you, and I hope you will
I am pro-unemployment because it is the last remaining governtake
this in the best way possible. I have Harvey's 12-Step Program
ment subsidy to the arts. I am for a foreign policy that would allow
me as an American to walk any street in Panama, Kuwait, Korea, that I'd like to share with you.
Vietnam, Libya, Iraq without thinking that my t;ix money killed • Never lie, and never let anyone cause you to lie. Truth, or the
some of these people. I believe that a forest is more important than
pursuit of it, is all we have.
a lumber company, a species of animal more important than an • Never do anything you are ashamed of. If you're ashamed that
annual report. And that the future will not take care of itself, not
means somewhere inside you think it's wrong; and if you think
with friends like us. The earth cannot possibly heal itself as quickly
it's wrong, you shouldn't be doing it.
as we are ruining it.
• Take full responsibility for yourself. You are the only one who
I cry for refugees who flee persecution, political and monetary, in
can say what goes into or comes out of your body.
cargo ships and rafts and junks; forgive me, but I cry less for
refugees who flee in Jaguars and limos dragging along staffs of • Always admit when you're wrong. You'll save thousands in
therapy later - and a few friendships too.
servants and boxes of cash.
I believe in equal pay for equal work, and I condemn the lowering • Change your mind as often as possible. Just because:: you
thought something yesterday doesn't mean you have to think
of the minimum wage. Those who want it, believe me, never had
it today. Don't ever become a prisoner of your own opinion.
to work for it. An American family is now expected to live - these
people want one person in the family to work and the other to stay • Beware of anyone who says they know. Trust me, they don't,
home - on $80 a week take-home pay.
or they wouldn't have to say they did.
I believe that people's relationship with their higher power is their • Take care of yourself first, then your family, then your friends.
own business and does not require a tax credit. Just what God needs
And if you have anything left over, share it.
August 1996

Page 8

Property of the Center

T NEWS & VIEWS
Do something, anything, every day to change the world. It
doesn't have to be big, it could be giving a dime to a street
person, planting a flower, picking up litter. Anything will
change the world.
• When you have nothing better to do, smile. You'll have to
trust me on the miracle this step brings.
• Make a bit of time every day to be alone and think. Five or
ten minutes is enough. It will keep you sane.
• Have all the sex you want- safe sex. Get lust out of your way.
It's the only way I know to make sure you fall in love for the
right reasons. And I want you all to find true love.
• Learn something new every day. Read a newspaper article
that you wouldn't normally read. Open a dictionary to a word
you never heard, or never understood.
That's my program. And this is my speech. A special word to all
of the gay and lesbian graduates: As it was in the beginning, it will
probably be in your time, too. From Plato to Walt Whitman, from
Eleanor Roosevelt to Sappho - we are the cultural and social
parents of ungrateful children. We give them the houses they live
m, the clothes they wear, the art and music and food they enjoy.
Do not wait for their thanks, but do the work for yourself. Art
must be enough in itself.
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a
victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself.
Bennington Class of 1992 - go out there and make history!
•

EXTRA! EXTRA!
NEWS & VIEWS RAISES ITS DISCOUNTS!
That's right! As a way of thanking our most loyal
advertisers and as a way of encouraging new ads,
News & Views has actually raised the discounts
offered on six month and twelve month terms of
service. And for the first time, the three month term
will also carry a discount.
If you're a paid member of the center you'll be twice
as thrilled with our new policy because as of this
issue, any discounts you receive will be doubled. You
did read correctly! This is a special treat for members
only! Your double discount will be reflected in your
next invoice.
All increases go into effect with this, the August, '96
issue of News & Views. For those of you who have
paid in advance, all advertising charges from August
on will be calculated using the new discounts. If you
have any questions about the new discounts, problems with your invoice, or if you'd like to place an ad
please call Michele Stone at (203) 316-0333. The new
discounts are as follows:

Discount Rates
Terms of
Service

I
I

Non-Members
Old I New

I
I

Members
Old I New

3 Months

None

5%

None

10%

6 Months

5%

10%

5%

20%

12 Months

10%

15%

10%

30%

You■

An CoULD BE HERE

You can place a classified ad fa $2 per line non-members, $1 for
members. 1 Line = 53 Characters.
Send your ad wi1h prepayment to Michele Stone P.O. Box 8185, Stamfad, CT06850.
All ads must be accompanied with contact name and
phone. Make checks out to Triangle Communtty Center.

Services Needed
Position Available - Social Services - Program CoOrdinator P/T. Proficient in Case Management/
Supervision. Good planning/organizing skills.
Knowledge of housing issues, especially Scattered
Site Model. Knowledge/Experience with HIV
disease process and related service delivery
system. Some Home Care experience desirable.
Computer skills: MSWORKS. Education: BSW
minimum, MSW preferred.
Executive Director, Catholic Family Services,
238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606-2892

Reply to:

Rentals
Roommate wanted - Gay female seeks same to
share 2 bedroom apt in West Haven across from
beach. 350/month plus utilities. Non-smoker
preferred. (203) 933-5101

Newtown - Furnished room. Private bath. Kitchen
privlidges. Must like dogs (203) 426-6535
20 Charming Rooms
Peace & Privacy

100 Acres• Pool
Hot Tub• Trails

t¥e
Wi bland§ GJnn
P.O. Box 118
Bethlehem, NH 03574
(603) 869-3978

A LESBIAN PARADISE
August 1996

Page 9

T NEWS & VIEWS
TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
P.O.BOX 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855
Tel/Fax: (203) 853-0600
e-mail TCCenter@aol.com

GAY-A FF I RM I NG
COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
•Coming Out

• Dating and Relationships

• Addiction Recovery

• Self Esteem

• Depression and Anxiety • HIV/Chronic Illness
• Career Transitions

• Loss and Bereavement

KURT SPERLING, L.c.s.w.
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER
22S MAIN STREET, LL·1
WESTPORT, CT 06880
PHONE 203/4S4-1S49

Individuals

Couples

Families

Groups

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TOM MARICONDA ....................... President
MARIANNE SEGGERMAN ........... Vice-President
BARB SCHADE .............................. Treasurer
DON BUXTON ............................... Corresponding Secretary
DA VE CARROLL ....... ............ ........ Acting Recording Sec'y
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DEBI DeSANTI
DON BUXTON
BARB SCHADE
DA YID CARROLL
MARIANNE SEGGERMAN
ROGER HOOVERMAN
TOM MARICONDA
STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Board Development
Tom M
Communications
Roger H
-Public Relations
Mike C
Finance
Doug N
Fundraising/Sp Events
Michael P
Membership
Vacant
-Member Database
Marianne S
Operations
'
Cindy M
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
-Resource Room
Walter D
--Center Forums
Dave C
Volunteer
Meg B & Justine M

374-6934
374-6934
849-1508
375-3567
838-2367
866-6993
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
838-1881
375-9020

9./.'EWS & 'V1'EWS

Phof;g;;p/i'J
Weddings, parties, portraits
Candids a specialty

(203) 357-1718
70 Strawberry Hill Ave. #D-2D
Stamford, CT 06902

August 1996

Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc. We
cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve the right
to edit or condense as appropriate to meet space requirements. Authors
will be contacted if major revisions are necessary. Please submit to:

NEWS&VIEWS
Roger Hooverman: Editor
3 Oakwood Avenue A-18
Norwalk, CT, 06850
Phone 849-1508/Fax 846-1225
e-mail: NewsViews@aol.com
ADVERTISING RA TES:
Business Card ... $25
Quarter page .....$40

Michele Stone: Advertising
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone 316-0333
e-mail: MicheleVS@aol.com
1/2 page ..... $75
Full page ... $125

Ads must be camera-ready. 5% discount for ads running continuously for 3
months - 10% discount for ads running continuously for 6 months. Inserts
and special sizes upon prior agreement. All ads are placed on a space
available basis.

The publication ofthe name of any person ororganization in articles or advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual
orientation of such persons or members ofsuch organizations.
The appearance of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor
constitute endorsement by TCC,lnc.
The views expressed in "PointofView" and "Gaily Forward" are not necessarily
those ofTCC, Inc.
Copyright 1996 by Triangle Community Center, Inc. All rights reserved. This
work, or any parts thereof, may not be used or reproduced in any manner without
written permission.

Page JO

T NEWS & VIEWS
DIANE M. REDDEN, M.S.
Art Psychotherapist

Michelle C. Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D.

Specializing in
Individual and Group Therapy

Individual, Couple and Group Therapy

(203) 255-2767
By Appointment

Ct. Lie. MFT

Offiu hours by oppoinhMnl

(103) 330-1933

Esq.

MICHAEL D. ROME,
Martin and Rome, LLC
Attorneys-at-Law

Specializing in:

Weddings • Comittment Celebtatiorzs
and "Comirzg-cJut "Patties

Rtirl. Estsdt Trmiuttoxs
Estsdt Plmalixg cl Probate
TIIXAtfox: Bxstuss cl .Irultvubud
Ptrsoxirl. 1191ry/Accultnt IAW
137 Rowayton Amott (on tht Ftvt Milt River)

76 Lake Avenue • Danbury, CT 06810

ROWAYTON, CONNECTICUT 06853

Tel: 730-1400 • Fax: 798-9611

FRX (203)853-6818

(203)853-6677

P-FLAG

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AT

TCC

"Big" Monthly Meeting: Every 1st Wednesday, 7:45
"Second" monthly meeting: Every 3rd Wednesday, 7:45
Spouses and Ex Spouses group: Every 3rd Thursday, 7 :30

LEADING
HOMES.Iii
THE BUYERS REAL ESTATE COMPANY

OTHER AREA GROUPS AND

MICHAEL T. PAVLICIN

ORGANIZATIONS

Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
Chiltern Mountain Club
Connecticut Kids and Families
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club. (social group)
Gay Fathers Group
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
Hartford Community Center
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
Metropolitan Community Church
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
Triangle Kids
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group

(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(860)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(914)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)

264-5605
899-0270
256-8414
791-9-553
261-4JH9
366-8003
688-1881
366-3734
724 5542
262-1555
389-6750
948-4922
335-8948
255-6229
323-6278
773-9947

We're glad to list your non-profit gay/lesbian/bi/tg group free of
charge. Call (203) 849-1508. Please keep us informed of changes.

August 1996

lB

IIEALTOII'

772 KINGS HIGHWAY WEST

EXCWSIVE BUYER AGENT

BRolCER

SOUTH-ltT, CONNECTICUT 06490

FAX/255-3705 HOME/866-6993

203/255-2278

e.maiVLHOMESl 3@aol.com

VICTORIA

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW

(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, er

ADMIITED IN er AND NY

T NEWS & VIEWS

Emerald Citv BBS

VILLAGE CLOCK SHOP

KIU)n M. Critelli

1074 f\Jst Rd.
Darien, CT. 06820
203-655•2100

ANTIQUE CLOCKS • SOLD • REPAIRED

Computer users! Join Cl's fastest growing
Bulletin Board Service serving the gay
community! Meet new friends on-line, or
browse through our file areas packed full
of shareware, games, hot graphics and
much much morel
T Match Maker service

ALDIS

T On-Line Games
T On-Line Shopping
T Over 48,000 files on-line

_m_4_6_~-ill-!!1-in-Road_P_IANB
_ _Da_n_bury-,CT-06-8-11-*

(203)778•9399

FAX (203)744•1139

Three detades of GAY travel expertise

T STUDSNet ,r1essage conferences
T News, Information, Entertainment
Call today. 300-28.800 bps. set modem for N/8/1

-=RSVP

12131 934-1826
Diane Hyatt, MSW, CISW
T Solution~riented short or longer tenn
psychotherapy for Adults and Adolescents,
specializing in, but not limited to:

JOANNE M. MARINO, C.C.M.H.C., N.C.C.
PSYCHOTHERAPIST

49

Coolidge Avenue

Stamford. CT 06906
(203) 964-1847
21 STRICKLAND RD., COS COB. CONN. 06807 (203) 869-02115

1653 Capitol Avenue
Bridgeport. CT 06606

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA
•ATTORNEY-AT-LAW•
TAXES, WILLS, MEDICAL DIRECTIVES

(203) 332~136

'Y Depression
'Y Anxiety
'YPost-Traumatic Stress
'Y Counseling for Partners & Family
'Y Specialized Psychotherapy Groups
'Y case Consultation
'Y Clinical Supervision

PROFESSIONAL TAX SERVICE
Membtr Ni,tioMJ s«ie-ty of .Pa,blic Account.irnts

SMALL BUSINESS REPRESENTATION
GAY & LESBIAN LEGAL ISSUES
LIVING BENEFITS NEGOTIATION

140 Sherman Street, 5th Floor
Fairfield, CT 06430-0454

P. 0. Box 454
203/256-3717

PATRICK J. PHELAN

5 Brook Street, Suile 2D
Dilrien, Connecticut
06820-4513

(203) 655-2210
(800) 528-1080
Fax (203) 655-6234

Support our advertisers! Say
you saw it in News & Views!
August 1996

Page 12

Univilil[llll lllilfiiij)il~l~,1~[1i11Jill~i11 111~1Jf'OK

T NEWS & VIE.,.,

Property of the Center

!!.001 111 363

Support our advertisers! Say
you saw it in News & Views!

JoAnn Attwood Nemis
VICE PRESIDENT

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW

DAVID LERNER

Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Recove,y from Abuse
Bilingual

(203) 261-3492
Monroe.CT

Complete Investment Services
Free Financial Consultation
ORGANIZATION

(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT

(N.A.S.DJS.I.P .C.) INVESTMENT SECURITIES
1-800-685-2526 1-203-926-9800

DEROSA AGENCY

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

9"~-.98~-~

Individual, Couple, Family &: Group Therapy

362 NORTH STREET
MILFORD, CT 06460
PH.: 878-1779 HM.: 874-1918

-

JOHANNA RAYMAN
M.S.W., LC.S.W.

FAX: 878-2204
225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WES11'0RT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

INSURANCE:

CH

LIFE - HEALTH - HOME. AUTO· BUSINESS

REALTOR:
RESIDENTIAL el COMMERCIAL

REALTOR"

Jane W. Griffith
Attorney at Law
Tax Strategy & Preparation
Estate Planning & Wills

Small Bus1neg Consult1ng
203 I 389-8614

270 Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515

~sc.lNCE PSYCHor,..,E;

~~

Licensed Psychologists

ltf'°~

Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual People
and their Families

ASSOCIATES
Westchester & Fairfield

Manhattan

914- 763 - 8814

212 - 362 - 5985

Couples
Therapy
For Lesbians and
Gays
Learn how to
make your relationship more like
the one you have always wanted
Maxine McCants, PH.D, MSW, CISW
(203) 227-3677

WHERE ARE WE? The Triangle Community Center Inc. is located at 25 Van Zant Street in Norwalk.
From 1-95, take Exit 16 and go south (from Stamford, turn right; from New Haven, turn left). Continue
south under the railroad bridge and turn right on Van Zant St. (Route 136). 25 Van Zant is a large
condominium office building on the right. TCC is in Suite 7-C on the ground floor, Tel. (203) 853-0600.
August 1996

Page 13

T NEWS & VIEWS
Calendar

August, 1996

Sun

Tues

Mon

1wy28

J.Y

AA9-10am

Women's Rap 7:30

.w

Wed

Thu

31

New Haven Commy Cir
planning mtg
NHLlbnay7-9

OutSpolccn 4-6

Sat

Fri

IAug I
Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

l

j

4
AA 9-10 am
Action Grp I lam
Sun at Center Tag Sale
OutSpoken 4-6

5
Women's Rap 7:30

6
Lesbian Lit Grp 7:30

7
P-FLAG7:45

8
Men's Rap 7:30

9

10
Triangle Kids Pool Party

II
AA9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6
35+ Women 5-6:30

12
Women's Rap, 7:30

13
Gmosaic 7:30

14
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7:30

15
Men's Rap 7:30

16
TCC Friendraiser
Len & Damian's 6-9

17
N&VDeadline

18
AA 9-!0am
Outspoken 4-6
TCC Picnic, Scalzi Park
Stamford

19
Women's Rap 7:30

20
Fundraising/Spec Events
Comm 7:30

21

22
Mens' Rap 7:30
P-FLAG Spouses & Exspouses 7:30

23

24

25
AA 9-!0am
OutSpoken 4-6

29
Women's Rap 7:30

26
Gmosaic 7:30

27
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7:30

28
Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

30

31

Sep I

2
Women's Rap 7:30
LaborDay

3

4
P-FLAG7:4S

s

6

7

Lesbian Lit Grp 7 :30

Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

Boston-NY AIDS Ride

Boston-NY AIDS Ride

AA9-!0am

Sun at Center
OutSpolcen 4-6

TELEPHONE
DIRECTORY
GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BY TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806;Robin 358-8391
Connecticut Business Guild - 225-6464
CT Outreach Society - (816) 657-4344
Free Association of Fairfield County - John (203) 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group - Dave 838-1881
Gmosaic (People of Color) - Jonathan, 838-2937
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Karen, 371-8487
Outspoken (Youth) - Barb 366-5884; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
Political Action Group - Michele, 438-4465; Charlie, 226-8652
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
35+ Women's Group - Faye 377-7288; Martha 288-6523;
Jeanne (914) 962-2032
Women's Rap Group - Debi 933-5103; Linda 866-4598;
Charlie 226-8652
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted. A $3 donation per person is appreciated with
your participation in activities to help support the Center.

August 1996

T

MEMBERSHIP FORM

MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
NAME-------------------ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CITY - - - - - - - - STATE - - - - Z I P - - - PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SPONSORING MEMBER
SusTA1N1NG/Bus1NESS MEMBER
SPECIAL MEMBER (YOUTH/SENIOR)

$35
$60
$125
$250
$500
$20

PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:

P.O. Box 4062
06855 ATTN: MEMBERSHIP
(203) 853-0600

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
EAST NORWALK, CT

Page 14