extracted text

HERLAND CELEBRATES

SITUATION WANTED:

10

FEMINIST SEEKS EMPLOYMENT IN

YEARS

The tenth anniversary of the founding of Herland Bookstore was
celebrated by over 7 5 women and men at a lawn party held at Her land
on August 22. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of
Herland's first community service awards. Shatzy Watson of the
Porthole was recognized as "Outstanding Businesswoman of 1992 ".
A special award, "Honorary Lesbian", was presented to Stephen
Hardway in appreciation of his work on behalf of women in Oklahoma
City. "Brazen Hussy" awards were presented to the women who
founded La Salle des Femmes, the forerunner of Herland. Recipients
of the "Brazen Hussy" award included, Jana Birch um, Mary Branch,
Cate Cannon, Pat Colognesi, Cathie Colvard, Joni Darnell, Christie
Haas, Tonya Jones, Lisa Parker, Maggie Reidt, Jonna Rogers, Jo Soske,
Susan Stunkard and Debra Thomas. Barbara Cleveland was given the
"Daughter of Maaia" award for her leadership in the development of
Herland. The "Daughter of Maaia" award is named for the founders of
the women's utopia described in the novel Herlandby Charlotte Perkins

o

rn~~-

HANUKKAH AND CHRISTMAS FOR
HERLAND -

$200

FROM

100

PEOPLE
JoL. Soske
It is no secret that living in Oklahoma we face a great deal of sexism,
mi sogyny, and homophobia . Unfortunately, it sometimes feels that
these things are almost rooted in our beautiful state. For ten years,
Herland Sister Resources has existed as a safe place, a fortress against
these destructive powers. She has given us wommin centered books,
wonunin centered retreats, concerts, a political meeting place, office
space for affordable wommins counseling, a space for recovery meetings, a place to meet and socialize, and much much more. I believe that
now, more than ever, it is time for us to give back to her.
As most of you know, we have an outstanding note in the amount
of $20,000 on the Herland building. This note is due in January. I
believe that we can make fund-raising history. If 100 people will
conunit to raise $200 for Her land by Christmas, we will be able to give
Herland the best Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas gift ever. We
will own the building. Please join us in this effort to insure a place for
w01mnin in 0 klahoma for all times. Together, we have done remarkable
things. Together, we can do this. I realize very well that it is no easy task
to come up with $200 at this time of year. Therefore, lam offering some
suggestions for raising $200. We have a mailing list of over 900. If a
little more than one-tenth of the people on the mailing list c01mnitto $200
we will succeed. There will be a permanent plaque placed in Her land
with the names of all individuals or couples who raise $200 as part of
this fund raiser to pay off our debt. All donated monies will go 100%
for that purpose. The list of names to go on that plaque has already begun
(Continued on page 2)
- please join us.

Volume 9 Number 9

ACADEMIC

HERLAND

Vivien Ng
Last spring, I attended a "Women in Higher Education" conference
in eastern Oklahoma . It was not my kind of meeting--I normally would
not want to be stranded within handshaking distance of administrators-but I had allowed myself to be persuaded to go anyway, under the
mistaken notion that "my presence would make a difference." I should
have stayed home.
Close your eyes and imagine a room full of women "dressed for
success." Tailored suits, silk blouses, floppy silk ties galore. I think I
had on my regulation bluejeans (but no, I didn't wear my flannel shirt!).
That was the most "difference" I was able to make thafday. It's cool,
I reminded myself. To each her own. If they won't stare at me, I won't
either. In other words, I was in a relatively calm state of mind until the
high point of the conference: a panel presentation by three "successful"
women in higher education, one of whom was a vice president at a small
state college in Oklahoma.
The guru speaketh: Ladies , let me share with you the secret to my
success . First, you must dress well. Why, even when I shop at the
discount store on Saturday, I dress like a vice president. Ladies, be nice
to yourself, hire a maid to do the housework for you, because you can't
do that and have a career as well. Be sure you have a sense of humor.
Why, when the men crack jokes about women at the morning meetings,
I just grin and bear it. Don't talk back, because it will only..antagonize
the men! If you will just follow these basic rules, why, you'll make vice
president in no time at all.
Whatever illusions I had about how far women have come in the
Oklahoma higher education scene were shattered in that instance. Have
they learned nothing from Anita Hill's testimony on Capitol Hill? In
some respects, women have made significant progress in higher education . In many campuses across the country, women students outnumber
men. In medical schools, women have gained parity with men, and
many elite law schools enroll as many women as men. And yet, in spite .
of these gains, the climate in academe remains chilly for women.
When women who have "made" it--e.g., the vice president I
mentioned--would not take advantage of their situation and status to
stamp out the epidemic of sexual harassment, who would? At OU,
students often take the lead. The rallies in support of Anita Hill, and the
forum on sexual harassment were organized by feminist student leaders. Where were the professors (myself included)? Where were the
administrators? We were too busy pontificating in the security (and
privacy) of our offices to one another.
Gertrude Stein once wrote that "there is no 'there' there." Perhaps.
But wouldn't it be nice to be able to say otherwise, that "there is 'there'
there"? The "there" I refer to is a sort of academic Herland, the womancentered university that Adrienne Rich wrote about in 1973. We can
still get there, but we need healthy and thriving Women's Studies
programs to get us there. The "cultural war" that Patrick Buchanan and
Dan Quayle promised to wage against us must not be allowed to
succeed. Otherwise, not only will "there" not be there, but i won't want
O
to be there.

Herland Sister Resources

2312 N.W. 39, OKC, OK 73112

Herland'~

Fall
Retreat
October 16 - 18
Roman Nose State Park
(About 1 hour west of OKC)

Camp Fire • Workshops
Great Food • Great Hiking
Peace/Quiet • Fun/Games
Featured Entertainer

Judy Fjell

.HERLAND FALL RETREAT REGISTRATION
OCTOBER 16- 18, 1992 - ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK, WATONGA, OK

Single Persons's Annual Income

I Registration includes cabin space, Friday night supper, brunch on Saturday and ::>unday. uon·t forget to bring something for Pot Luck
I Saturday night. Please return by October 4, 1992, to Harland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39th Street, Oklahoma City. Call
405-521-9696 with any questions or to pre-register by telephone. On site registration will be an additional $10.00.

L------------------------------------------~
-- ·

ST. SYBIL

$200

Sybil Ludington, Matron Saint of the Overlooked Woman, is an
occasional contributor to the Voice.

Suggestions for Raising $200
1. Ask one hundred friends for $2.00
2. Have a garage sale.
3. Have a pot-luck, invite 40 friends, ask for a $5.00 donation.
4. Buy candy whole-sale and sell it at work for $1.00 a bar.
5. Invite 20 friends over for a video and pop-com and ask for a
$10.00 donation.
6. Ask 100 people for their aluminum cans.
7. Sell your crafts and donate the funds.
8. Ask family members and friends who give you holiday gifts to make
a donation to Herland in your name instead.
9. Quit smoking and donate 3 month's cigarette money.
10. Make a $200 tax-deductible donation on your own.
11. Combine any or all of these suggestions.
In addition to committing to raise $200.00, you can help by
encouraging others to do the same. I spoke to my sister in California,
she conunitted to donate $200 in memory of a dear family member who
died in January. She is a full-time, un-employed, law-school student.
People want to help. My fifteen year-old son came to me an hour ago
and said, "Mom, I want to raise $200 for Herland." I strongly
discouraged it because he does not have a job; he is enrolled in difficult,
time consuming high school courses; and he gets a small allowance. He
insisted, however, saying that he can find 20 friends who are willing to
donate $10 . I know he'll try, and I won't be surprised if he succeeds. He
takes commitments very seriously. Ask your friends, they may welcome the opportunity to help - especially if they understand the importance of Herland.
The following people have already committed to raise $200 in
donations for Herland by December 26, 1992:
Jo L. Soske
Barbara Hillyer
Cathy Colvard
Beverly Gardner
Margaret Cox
Jessica Soske in memory of David Chrispell
Billie and Susan
Dr. Joan Webb and Susan Blake
Jon Soske
Sarah L. Oakes
Pat Reaves
Barbara Neas and David Miller
Jean Kelsey
Barbara Cleveland
Terry Cocon
Kathy Conroy
Karen Lewis
Ginger McGovern
Sally Nostrant
Rhonda Smith
Pat Colognesi and Beverly McGugin

Dear St. Sybil,
Bill & Al are ok, and Hillary's neat; but Tipper? Give me a
break. I'm not about to vote for anyone who's connected to anyone
who's married to anyone who stands for censorship. Who does she
think she is, banning rock music for their lyrics? What about the
first amendment? What about my rights?
In alarm and outrage,

Doris
Dear Doris,
Poorold Tipper. Sheusedtoplaydrums in a rock band, you know,
and has admitted to smoking grass and actually inhaling it. She is cute
and giddy and full of fun, and never tried to ban any lyrics or in any other
way infringe on anyone's first amendment rights.
What she tried to do, successfully, was to have advisory labels put
on record albums containing lewd, violent lyrics.. That's all. Sure, kids
get hold of it anyway. Some, as Calvin of Calvin & Hobbes did, think
they've gotten their money's worth if they throw away the record and
keep the cover lying around to horrify their parents . But at least, in
Tipper's reasoning, those kids know that there are a great many people
who don't condone the misogynistic violence against women that is the
essence of so much of the advisory-labeled music. I don't condone it,
you don't condone it, and don't we owe it to our kids in their formative
years to let them know we don't?
Anyway, thanks for writing,
Sybil

"Dear" St. Sybil,
Now I know all about you, I know you're one of those radical
feminist commie type of Saints, but still, I'm sure you'll agree
with me that Hillary Clinton is in league with the devil and totally
out of bounds when she advocates this ludicrous concept called
Children's Rights. I always knew back when the Coloreds got so
uppity that it would spread and spread and there'd be no stopping
it and pretty soon we'd be waiting on our children and consulting
their opinion and telling them Please and Thank You and afraid
to offer them the back ofour hand; and sure enough, look; they've
outlawed paddling in our schools for the next two years. It's the
work of the devil, you know it is. No paddling and no prayers,
how are we going to keep the homed one at bay, I'd like to know.
And this harridan Hillary is all for it! What is the world coming
to, I ask you? I'll tell you what, it's coming to an end, that's what;
and when the Rapture comes I'll ascend to heaven while
you.....you ....
Hey. Where exactly are you, anyway? A pinko fembot like
you can't be in Heaven, could I be talking to someone in Hell? Oh
Lord, now I am really concerned... Where are you, and what about
Hillary?
Worriedly,
Edie Merrylady
Dear Edie,
I'm surprised you didn't know. The Rapture has already occurred,
and you didn't make the cut. While I loll around my other-worldly hot
tub with angels to fan me and cherubs tickling my toes and seraphim
plying me with chocolates and strawberries, you will exist forever in
your dark little imaginings while all around you brats and coloreds and
women libbers and queers (how come you didn't mention them?) sun
themselves in peace, harmony and respect.
Better luck next time,
Sybil
D

2 Herland Voice, September, 1992

FROM

100

PEOPLE

(continued from pg. 1)

Please allow us to add your name to the list as well as to the soon-tobe-raised plaque.
D
Detach and Return to Herland, 2312 NW 39th, OKC, OK 73112:
Yes! I/We will raise $200 for Herland by December 26, 1992. You
can count on me/us. The name/s on the plaque should read as follows

Address:.

LOCAL CUSTODY BATTLE

FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF DES-

UPDATE

EXPOSED WOMEN

The Lamda Defense Fund has recently agreed to join in the efforts
an important custody battle is in progress here in Oklahoma by writing
a "friend of the court" brief. This case involves the issue of a lesbian
mother who recently lost custody of her two small children because of
the "immoral" relationship she had with her live-in partner. Even
though the evidence showed that the children were happy, well caredfor, and well-adjusted, the court ruled that the mother was "unfit" and
removed them from their home as soon as the trial was over.
Several important points of law are at issue in this case, and the
mother is appealing to the Oklahoma Supreme Court for a reversal of
the decision. If heard at the Supreme Court level, this decision will
affect not only Oklahoma law, but also laws in other states as well.
As many of you know from reading your past news letters, this case
is expected to cost an estimated $20,000 . Because of the precedentsetting nature ofthis case, Her land Sister Resources has been working
together to gather the necessary monies for the legal defense. Towards
this end, the Herland Sister Resources Legal Defense Fund was created
in April of this year.
So far, through a combination of hard work, planning, and phonecalling, Herland has raised over $4,000 for the mother and her partner
and the children. If you think you can donate to the fund, please send
a check today to Herland. Every little bit counts! And it matters so
much to so many of us.
Some of the fund-raising activities so far have included a garage
sale, an open mic at the Porthole Club, a S.P.O.R.T. - sponsored
Christmas in July, a water-balloon sale at the Pride Parade, local and
national flier distribution, a national mailing, a dance in Colorado, and
two phone-banking sessions. Other upcoming activities will be a menutasting party at the Porthole Club, the sale of brand-new cookbooks
(hopefully in time for Christmas shopping), a charity ball in the fall, a
celebrity auction, and a volleyball tournament. Please feel free to get
involved in the planning of any of these upcoming activities; or perhaps
propose a new idea for fund -raising (you can call in ideas any time to
Herland. We appreciate any and all help, and the legal defense meetings
are open to all who want to attend. These are posted in the calendars
monthly.
The mother and her partner wish to thank the terrific women of
Herland- and that means you if you are reading this newsletter - for all
that has been done so far. Losing the children under these circumstances
was hard enough, but without support from our community, it would
have been unbearable. THANKS for your continued efforts! We know
this is an important case, and we hope to set a precedent for gay and
lesbian rights through a successful battle at the Supreme Court level.
If you can send the flier to friends in other states, please do - your
efforts to spread the word may help this couple get the financial help they
need to fight this decision.
D

Pet & Re.Pet. an Unsolicited Testimonial
If having a great Vet is high on your list of priorities, call 7370496 and give Dr. Joy Huska a try. "Joy" is the word, and
she's gotthe love and learning to go with it.
My beloved little problem-dog and I have seen vets from
Wales to Warr Acres, and this one is a breath of fresh air - fresh
out of training and up on the latest medicines and methods.
Fresh ly set up in her 2109 S. Air Depot clinic, she has a
refreshing ap preach which includes hOi istic as well as traditional
techniques.
"FIVE STARS & A DOG BISCUIT FROM TOSCA & JR".
paid advetrtisement

Several million American women have taken diethylstilbestrol
(DES), a synthetic estrogen, during their pregnancies. From the 1940's
until 1971, the drug was given to prevent miscarriage, despite a lack of ·
evidence to support such an effect. In 1971, Boston doctors discovered
that several adolescent daughters of women who took DES duringtheir
pregnancies had developed a very rare form of invasive vaginal cancer.
Since then over 600 new cases of vaginal cancer in young women have
been documented. Reproductive tract abnormalities have also been
associated with in-utero DES exposure.
Although many DES daughters enjoy good health and have not
experienced any health problems, DES health activists have urged that
more research be done on the possible long-term health effects of DES.
One question to be addressed is whether DES exposure will influence
risk of breast cancer. Medical researchers at the Boston University
School of Public Health are planning a large study to answer that and
other questions. Thousands of women whose mothers took DES while
pregnant with them will be sent a short questionnaire on their health
history and current health status, and will be contacted every year for
five years to find out about any change in health status; a comparison
group of thousands of unexposed women will also be contacted. To
detennine whether such a study is feasible, they are asking that women
who have been exposed to DES fill out the form below and send it to the
address on the form.
For more information about DES, contact: DES Action USA,
1615 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612; (510) 465-4011.
Rep1inted with permission from the National Women's Health Network
News, "the only national public-inte1est organization dedicated solely to
women and health .. "
D

r--------------------,
If your mother took DES while pregnant with you, or if you took DES
I
yourself during a pregnancy, please fill out this form. If you know of
others who were exposed, please make copies of this for them.
What·is-your age? _ _ __ years
How were you exposed to DES?
_Mother took DES while pregnant with me
_Took DES myself during a pregnancy
How certain are you that you were exposed?
_

Know for sure

_

Think I was

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

I

Have you ever obtained medical records that verified exposure?
_Yes

_

No

Would you be willing to be contacted for a questionnaire study?
_Yes

_

No

Nm1~-~----------------------

Address._ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _---'~
ALL INFORMATION WILL BE CONFIDENTIAL. YOUR NAME
WILL NEVER BE USED IN ANY REPORT FROM THIS STUDY.
Please send to: Dr. Julie R, Palmer, Boston University School
of Public Health, 1371 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02146;
TEL (617) 734-6006.

L--------------------~
Herland Voice, Septenber, 1992 3

GET OuT OF

Mv WAY,

SCHOOLS

BITCH
by Jo L. Soske
Many of the attitl!des which girls must face in today's public
schools are very similar to the attitudes which prevailed when I was in
common school. I am frequently disappointed by how little things have
changed. During this past semester, I observed an intramural game
which was witness to this fact.
. The students were playing co-ed intramural basketball. However,
there was only one girl on the court. This was not due to lack of interest
on the part of girl students but rather to lack of willingness on the part
of teachers. One teacher openly stated, "I want my homeroom to win,
and girls are sorry basketball players."
I watched the sole girl intently. None of the other players would
pass her the ball or acknowledge her presence. In spite of this, she was
able to obtain the ball on several occasions. During one of her
possessions, a boy on the opposing team was able to fairly dribble it
away from her. When this happened, a male teacher stood up and yelled,
"Hey! You can't do that. She's a girl." Then he, and all of the male
players, had a good laugh at her expense.
These attitudes are, of course, carried over into the classroom.
There is never any mention of Women's History month. When I
developed an interdisciplinary women's studies unit for March, there
""'.as no time. When I mentioned celebration of Susan B. Anthony's
birthday, a male colleague laughed at me and asked if she was C R.
Anthony's wife.
In someways, however, schools have changed very much. Perhaps
no place is backlash as evident as it is in the halls of a middle school.
Every pretense of the never real "Leave It To Beaver" days are gone.
Boys do not open doors for girls and then politely ignore everything they
say asserting, "She's just a girl, what does she know." Quite the
contrary, boys openly express violence against girls. I see it daily. It is
not at all uncommon for a boy to shove a girl into a wall, blurting, "Get
out of my way bitch." I have seen middle-school boys grab girls around
the neck and drag them in their direction. When I intercede, which I
always do, I am greeted with hostility and contempt. The attitude is one
of entitlement. Year after year, I see the violent behavior against girls
becoming worse. It is too frequently accompanied by sexual harassment or even sexual violence. It is not atall uncommon for a boy to say
to a girl, "Let me know when you get ready to do it, because I want to
be one of the first ones to break you in."
Last year, there were at least three episodes of sexual intercourse
between students taking place in the building in which I teach. An
administrator said to me, "Every time these kids get caught having sex
at school, the girl wants to cry rape." She had absolutely no understanding of the concept of acquaintance rape. Other middle schools and high
schools have also reported incidences of forced sodomy and rape in the
school setting during the past five years.
As a feminist teacher, I frequently feel that I am watching girls
drown in a sea of injustice and violence. I am often told, however, that
the sea is invisible - that other teachers and administrators do not see it.
I donotbelieveitis invisible. Ibelievethatwewill see and feel the effects
O
for a long time to come.
Offiu Hours By Appointment

Debra K

DISCIPLINE IN OKLAHOMA PUBLIC

Browning. R Ph., D_ D- S.
Comprehenswe Denial Care

5009 N. Pennsyluania,
Suite 10.J

4 Herland Voice, September; 1992

(405) 84.J-.1281

Oklahoma· City, OK 7.J J J 2

Recently, Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Oklahoma
Schools, announced that there would be a ban on the use of corporal
punishment in the state public schools. Many educators have fought
long and hard for this enlightened change, knowing through experience
that treating a child with dignity and respect, instead of fear, will
produce the desired behavior.
Other educators have been reluctant to give up corporal punishment, upholding the old beliefs thatsparingtherod spoils the child. With
this practice, Oklahoma ranks ninth in the nation in the use of corporai
punishment. Is it really their belief in corporal punishment or a lack of
knowledge of alternate discipline programs?
Oklahoma City Public Schools banned corporal punishment several years ago, and in its place trained teachers and administrators in the
use of Assertive Discipline. Assertive Discipline is a sequential
program that sets out well-defined expectations of rules to be maintained in the classroom and the school. The student is aware of a
consequence or reward that is associated with a particular behavior. It
is extremely important that rewards as well as consequences are
integrated into this program.
In our society there is a natural distrust of new programs and it is
imperative that teachers be involved in the implementation of this
program. Assertive Discipline is an effective plan when teachers are
trained properly and then allowed to develop a program to meet their
own classroom expectations.
D

DEMOCRACY WITHOUT
EDUCATION IS HYPOCRISY
Renea L. Butler-King
Huh! Whatmademesitdown and attempt an article? !tis my quest
to understand the adversities and differences between black and white ·
women. What I wanted to do was cover an issue that touches my heart
and soul. I wanted to try and mend a bridge between the two worlds . I
wanted badly for something profound to come so that I might present a
process to work through the afflictions. I am a womanist/activist, who
wishes to serve women . The strife I encounter because I am black is
unreal and produces so much woe. (}Noe, experienced by black and
white women, will have to be covered in another article due to the
absence of profoundness and my inability to present a process.) A
statement made by Professor Yusuf Mansur quoting Jawaharlal Nehru,
"democracy without education is hypocrisy", stunned me. "Democracy without education is hypocrisy " started to play over and over in
my head. My spirit was at attention, and I decided the very best thing
I can do to help bridge any gap between anybody is to address the
importance of education .
The statement "democracy without education is hypocrisy" is
profound --you know ... far-reaching, stopping, making you soul search.
Because of my desire to serve women, and progress in the field of social
work, I returned to school in the summer of 1990 to work toward
completing a degree. Even though I've worked paraprofessionally in
this field for 12 years, my lack of formal education has presented
roadblocks. I began to evaluate my situation and decided I was going
back to college. If i am to continue work in this field and be successful
'
it• I s gomg
to be necessary for me to obtain a degree. As soon as I decided'
to return to college, I also began to think, "This is going to be a chore"
(continued next page)
and to question if I could handle it.

fSeptembetr.

19 9 2
Silent Vigil for peace in Central America. On the steps of the
Federal Buidling, NW 4th & Robinson, OKC; Wednesdays at Noon.

Sunday

I

lr'londay

On September 2, 1869, Estlmr
Morris, the firs-!: U.S. female
Justice of the Peace, held a
teaparty in Wyoming to ask
citizens to please work for
women's suffrage.

~ANE

ADDAMS
1860 - f935
Pacifisl,
Feminist..,
Nob el Peace
Prize winner;
Founder of
'
!i!ILPH

7

I
I

~
::!:**'

2.

METRO
OKC NOW
6 pm
Belle Isle
Library.
Villa and
Northwest
. Expressway

8

SANGER
' 1883 - f966
Birlh Control
Pioneer.
freciuent..ly
imprisoned
fbr her work.

21

CoDA MeelinP
7 rim

OPE~· HOUSE
'111811 '1liJtlll

PEACE~CHJSE

Open House
10-5, at :29i2
N. Robinson

10

11

ATALLAH
SHABAZZ
al OSU,
in the
Seret..ean
Concert.. Hall,
7 pm

CoDA MeetinP,
7 pm

NOW
:2pm, Norma n
PublicLibrary
**MARY
REYNOLDS
9pm, Porlhole
Benefit fllr
Paula Rae

17

18

19

12*C.C.

Oklat16~a

Primary
Run-off
Elections
Today

22

CoDA MeetinP.
7 pm

23~

~

24

Board
Meeting;
4:30 pm

29

26 oK

25

NOW
i2:30 pm,
OSU St. Union

CoDA Meeting;,
7 pm

Tak:e a
Fla'minE'o
(or other
colorful bird)
to Lunch Day

28

Saturday

5

4

3

16

'•'

27

2

9

15

Friday

Wednesday Thursday

,1 st Mee.tinp
of Daughters
of Bililis,
in 1958

14HARCARET

13

Tuesday

**

COFFEEHOUSE
& Poetry
Readin£S, 8pm
al Herland

30
Saturday 9/26 continued: In addition to the N~
meeting in Stillwater and the poetry reading at
Her.land withJudith Rycroft, there will be an
Animal Awareness Festival frcn 10 to 5 at the
Mayfair Center, 3200 KW 48th, OKC. Highlights
include animal-oriented and cruelty-free drts
and crafts, demos by Therapy Dogs & Dog Ears,
&pet adoptions by · Second Chance of Noman.

HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES
2312 NW 39t..h Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
405/ 521-9696
Hours: Saturcla:y iO - 6; Stinclay 1 - 6

MIUIHli~HIHHM~HU~H~

M
M
M

HERLAND GIFT SHOP
T'ne Place to Shop

for Jewelry, Pottery, T-shirts,
Stat i. :mery, Bird Houses & Feeders,
M Buttons, Postcards, To}'s and More!
M And .:if course, as always, we're
M the place for great books and music.
~

W
M
M

M

M
M
M

w~u;!liMIHHHWHMM~Wl<JHIHll~

NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage

PAID
Oklahoma City, Okla.

2312 N.W. 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

Permit No. 861

The enlightenment and infonnation., I've received since I returned
to school helps me understand the statement "democracy without
education is hypocrisy." Without my higher education in science,
English, English composition, literature and history, I would not have
the ability to express or write this article with confidence. Without my
higher education in economics, I could not look at the news or read the
newspaper with an understanding of what goes into play when the media
is providing economic information. Without my higher education in
humanities, I would not know the first person on record in drama was
Thespis (a blackman)yetEuripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus are said
to be the first.
Professor Clay Randolf says, "college is the best place to express
your opinion. The more you learn, the more room there is for this opinion
to grow and/or change, and college is theplacefor this." Barbara Jordan
says, "Racism, white or black, must not be. Separatism is not the
American way." A democratic system is a government by the people,
exercised either directly or through elected representatives. In obtaining
a higher education, I'm better able to exercise my right to vote for
representatives who will try to ensure a way oflife that includes a sound
economic state, a free religious state and a conjoint America. I say to all my
brothers and sisters who march, rally and take up the ca use in our democratic
system . .. arm yourself with a higher education and exercise your right to
vote. Believe me when I say, I've become a more rounded human being
by returning to college. My horizon is bright.
0

COYOTE FUNDRAISER A HOWLING SUCCESS
Nearly a dozen local perfonners showcased their talent at the August
Open Mic Herland Benefit at The Coyote Club. The evening was a rousing
success musically and financially, with well over $300 being raised. Many
thanks to Kelley, Liz and Cindy, and of course all the performers and all the
generous souls who contributed, for a fine evening's entertainment.

405/942-1872

2934 N.W. 23rd
Oklahoma City, OK 73107

~·5-'
Beauty Salon

CAROL CHOATE - Owner/Cosmetologist

Dip-A-D-Dog
Grooming
The Gentle Touch For You; Best Friend

*•X•·»

ByBanika
521-1003 • 943-3525
2215 Cashion Place N.W.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73112

LETTER FROM OUR RADICAL,
RURAL SISTER
Dear Sisters,
My son started school today -yippee! Nine hours of my own time
Monday-Friday from now on! All the mothers I know are READY for
schoolto start! Ahh ... time for ourselves! Marvelous! (A part of me is
also worrying about Jeremy having to be gone from home & close-knit
family for nine hours at a time for the first time in his young life! He's
now a first grader. (The system gets us, you know? In our patriarchal
social predicament we become willing to give over our children for
several hours aday-becauseitrelieves ourtime, forour selves.) Ideally,
communities would raise the children creating time & space for mothers
to work, create, rest, dream, think, etc .
Do you remember how I used to consider "getting out of Oklahoma" for more open-minded, less Bible-belted bound, progressive
geographies? [Editor's note: Didn't we all?] Well, that's over. I believe
those "roots" I was telling you I sprouted, have grown into Oklahoma
soil! I was resistant to embrace Oklahoma as "home" in part because
of its backwardness and because it was my husband who was drawn
here, not me. New Mexico was where I was drawn to but we left because
of a financial crisis when Jed got out of the Air Force. Being, in my life,
at a point in my feminist process where I felt thrown into an ocean with
barely a life jacket, you can imagine how those two aforementioned
situations were affecting me. Being isolated out in rural Oklahoma
didn't help, as rm sure you can imagine. (Though I must say that living
"out" like that was a dream I had for years and, in spite of inner turmoil,
benefitted greatly from that remote, wilderness, living experience.)
Moving closer to Lawton has greatly reduced my isolation, and I
am lliumib'. still rural. I have women friends I see regularly (Thank you
Goddess!!!) (Women friends are the best life-saving jacket, as I know
you know.)
rm happy to hear you are feeling optimistic - I know how easy it
is to get depressed at how far we women, our country, the world, has yet
to go. But I am optimistic these days too, and now that I am feeling at
home in Oklahoma I am fired up to get some things going to make
Oklahoma more to my liking, to join more committedly in shaping
Oklahoma as a force/power in the transformation of the world. I do not
deny the obstacles, I am just not feeling the need to focus my energies
upon them. I know they are there and what they are, I need to focus my
energies on the positive - the potentials - and in creating a microcosm of
the macro-feminist vision of the world - a pocket of paradise in which
to enjoy my life.
I believe I will be able now to form a woman's support and
learning/consciousness raising group in this Lawton area. Seeds are
planted and I am in a better position in which to nurture them, and be
nurtured by them. I am toying with the idea of opening a woman's
bookstore in Lawton, too. "WOMAN'S WORDS BOOKSTORE".
Keep me and this in mind on your full moon prayers.
For my feminist education I am currently studying: Beyond Power
- Women, Men and Morals, by Marilyn French; Women Together,
Women Alone, by Anita Shreve, and for my feminist spirituality I am
reading: Revolution From Within, by Gloria Steinam, and Shakkai Wo111a11 of the Sacred Garden, by Lynn V. Andrews. For Women's
history I also read: Cowgirls - Women of the American Wes~ by Teresa
Jor<lan -excellent, really a great book. Deals with feminism too and why
manyranchwomenwere/arereluctanttoembracethe(women's)Movement.
Anyway, thanks for being there. Herland is a beacon of hope and
support, more perhaps than you all realize, for all the many ships at sea.
With love, in sisterhood,
Deborah
0

Herland Voice, Septenber, 1992 5

MALCOLM

X's

DAUGHTER IN

OKLAHOMA
Attallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X, is a theater
producer, writer and lecturer. Together with Yolanda King, eldest
daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,Ms . Shabazz founded "Nucleus",
a company of performing artists dedicated to encouraging positive
growth within humanity.
The Oklahoma State University Programming Committee for
Multicultural Awareness Program is sponsoring a lecture by Ms.
Shabazz on Thursday, September 10, 1992. It will be held at 7 o'clock
p.m. in the Seretean Concert Hall. Ms. Shabazz' lecture will be titled
"Positively You." Admission to the lecture is free.
D

MATERNITY LEAVE -- NoT!
A compromise Family Leave Act, guaranteeing leave without
nID'. to family members in the event of family illness, death, or a new
family member, whether by birth or adoption, was passed by both
Houses of Congress and sent to President George Bush, who promptly
vetoed it; it would, he said, create an undue hardship on small businesses .
Meanwhile, business does not seem to be suffering too much in
the European Community, and our European sisters appear to be doing
quite a bit better than we are. Below is a list of European Community
countries, and their current Maternity Leave provisions.

COUNTRY

LEAVE

Belgium

14 weeks
(6 before birth)

100% for 1-4 weeks,
thereafter 80%

Denmark

90% of salary

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR

28 weeks
(4 before birth)

FRG (Gennany)

100% of salary or fixed sum

NGLTF CONFERENCE

Greece

14 weeks
(6 before birth)
15 weeks
(6 before birth)

Spain

16 weeks

75% of salary

France

16 weeks
(6 before birth)

84% of salary

Ireland

14 weeks
(6 before birth)

70% of salary

Italy

20 weeks
(8 before birth)

80% of salary

Luxembourg

16 weeks
(16 before birth)

I 00% of salary

Netherlands

12 weeks
(6 before birth)

100% of salary

Portugal

90 days
100% of salary
(6 wks. before birth)

UK

40 weeks

Scholarship assistance is available for people of color, activists
with disabilities and activists with limited incomes who would like to
attend the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute
Creating Change Conference. The conference, to beheld in Los Angeles,
California this November 13-16, is a skills-building gathering for gay
and lesbian activists.
This year's Creating Change Conference will feature more than 90
workshops plus provocative plenary speakers, networking sessions, an
"agit-prop" swap shop, and social events. Pre-conference institutes
include a Campus Organizing Institute on Wednesday, November 11,
and the People of Color and Diversity Training Institutes on Thursday
November 12. Scholarships may be used to attend the institutes.
The Diversity Training Institute will help activists prepare for
more effective multi-cultural coalition work in their organizations, on
the job and in society. Racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, class, age, and
ability bias will be examined. The Institute offers an opportunity to
develop new alliances and practical coalition strategies for individuals
and organization.
The People of Color Organizing Institute will feature a day of
discussions and workshops on the critical issues affecting activists of
color in the lesbian and gay movement. Topics such as racism in our
movement, building and strengthening people of color organizations,
broadening the agendas of our organizations and the lesbian and gay
movement, and diversity issues will be discussed.
Workshops at the conference include "Reports from the Field: The
Impact of Election '92;" "The War on Gay/Lesbian Art"; "Grief, Anger
and the Politics of AIDS;" "Fascism in America?"; "Lesbian Visibility
in the Media"; "Aging and the Movement" and many other organizing
and skills building topics.
To apply for a scholarship, obtain a Scholarship Application Form
from the NGLTF Policy Institute. Applications must be completed and
returned by Monday, September 7, 1992. Applications received after
deadline will be considered depending on availability of scholarship
funds.
To get an application fonn or to submit a completed application,
write Creating Change 1992/Scholarships, NGLTF Policy Institute,
1734 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. Call Catherine Carter
at NGLTF Policy Institute, 202/332-6483, TTY 202/332-6219, for
more information.
D

6 Herland Voice, September, 1992

PAY

100% of salary.

6 wks at 90% of salary and
12 weeks at a fixed
reduced sum.

Source: The National Women's Health Network News

D

TARGETING THE SENATE,

1992

In recent months The Voice bas been bringing you profiles of
feminist, pro-choice women running for the U.S . Senate. Thus far we
have profiled Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein of California,
dynamic newcomers Carol Mosely Braun of Illinois and Lynn Yeakel
of Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth Holtzman and Geraldine Ferraro of
New York {both running for the same seat, unfortunately); Gloria
O'Dell of Kansas and Jean Floyd Jones of Iowa.
This issue we are spotlighting a woman candidate for the House of
Representatives from Oklahoma (Unfortunately, we have no women
running for the Senate from Oklahoma this year). Laurie Williams is
running for the House in the Fifth District. The Voice will have gone to
press beforetbe August 25 primary; however she is expected to win that
vote, and in November she will face either Mickey Edwards or one of
his primary challengers.
Laurie has a Bachelor's Degree, Cum Laude, from Duke University, and a Law Degree from OU. She has served as an Administrative
Law Judge and attorney at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and
now is in private practice specializing in oil and gas, public utilities,
legislation and administrative and corporate law. She states that she is
unequivocally pro-choice.
D

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
Only 50% of U.S. cities and counties have crisis hotlines and
shelters for battered women. An estimated 250,000 women and children are turned away every year because of a lack of funding. since
1980, thenwnber ofrapes has risen four times as fast as the total crime
rate.
The Violence Against Women Act will:
• Fund more shelters and services for battered women.
• Require better enforcement of victim protection orders, even if
interstate.
• Fund training for police units and prosecutors on domestic
violence and rape.
• Provide funding for rape crisis centers and counseling.
• Promote rape prevention and education programs at colleges and
high schools.
• Increase penalties for sex crimes and mandate victim restitution.
• Provide remedies for hate crimes based on gender.
The Violence Against Women Act is Senate Bill 15 and is
currently on the Senate calendar awaiting consideration by the full
Senate.
0

ROCKEFELLER FELLOWSHIPS ANNOUNCED

INSURANCE COMPANY REBUKED
Issuing a stern rebuke and warning, a New York state judge bas
dismissed an attempt by a life insurance company to rescind the
$50,000 policy of aman who died of AIDS . The judge also forced the
company to pay $127,000 in attorneys' fees to the policy holder's estate.
The judge, Ira Gammerman of the state Supreme Court in New
York County, said that New England Mutual Life Insurance company
engaged in improper and discriminatory conduct when it searched its
files to invent a reason to rescind the policy after the policy holder,
Jeffrey Duke, began making AIDS-related claims under a separate
disability insurance policy.
"The awarding of attorneys' fees," Judge Gammerman wrote in his
decision, "will, in my view, be sufficient to deter plaintiff and other
insurance carriers from engaging in similar discriminatory conduct."
In asking the court to rescind the policy, New England Llfe argued
that Duke had misrepresented himself in applying for the policy by
describing his lover and business advisor as his "business partner." In
finding that Dukedid nothing wrong, Judge Gammerman rebuked New
England Life for starting an investigation to find any "bogus basis" for
revoking the policy and for treating Duke unfairly because of his
disability, his sexual orientation and his marital status.
Judge Gammerman repeatedly emphasized that discrimination
has played a role in New England Life's actions. IfDukeandhis partner,
William Remmelink, were "married or Duke's illness was one not
associated with homosexuality no attempt to rescind the policy would
have been made," the Judge wrote.
"This ruling is an important vindication of the equal rights of gay
men and people with AIDS," said Duke's attorney William Hibsher.
"Judge Gammerman has taught New England Mutual that trying to
bank on homophobia and bigotry does not pay - the letter of the law,
whether in the insurance context or otherwise, protects gay men and
0
those infected with HIV just as it protects other citizens."

Free to good home -- 8 week old yellow tabby male kitten. Sweet and
friendly companion already. All shots, wormed. Call 557 -1 949.

The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS) of The City
University of New York (CUNY) is offering a minimum of two
Rockefeller Residency Fellowships in each of the 1993-94, 1994-95,
and 1995-96 academic years. Each year preference will be given to
projects focused on a particular theme. The theme for the first year of
the program, 1993-94, will be Race and Class in Gay/Lesbian Communities. Like the larger society surrounding it, the gay world is marked
by racial and class divisions, and proposals that address the substance
and possible solutions for those divisions would be appropriate to this
theme. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a jury of
scholars and specialists in diverse areas of gay/lesbian studies who are
not affiliated withCLAGS. Fellows willreceive$35,000, plus a $2,000
travel/relocation stipend, for residency from September 1 to June 1.
Applications for shorter-term residencies can be considered, provided
the proposed project is suited to the abbreviated time period and the
Fellow has sustained interaction with CLAGS. For participation as a
Residency Fellow for 1993-94, applications must be completed and
returned by February 15, 1993 . The full application includes a cover
page; a 10-page narrative detailing the proposed project; a complete
curriculum vitae/resume; samples of the applicant's publications or
other relevant work; and three letters ofreference from persons familiar
with the applicant's work. Application forms are available from:
Martin Duberman, Director, CLAGS, CUNY Graduate School, 33
West42 St., NY, NY 10035-8099. (212) 642-2924.
0

THE THANKS BE TO GRANDMOTHER WINIFRED
FOUNDATION funds women over 54 to
enable them to create, and manifest into reality,
ideas and concepts that will improve the lives
of women in one or more aspects. The purpose
of limiting the beneficiaries to individuals over
54 is to encourage a segment of the population
(older women) - generally ignored, forgotten,
and considered invisible- to have cou.rage and
Rachel Winifred Upjohn Light confidence in their ability to gift the common
(tRso-1029)
weal with their knowledge and wisdom.
For information write P.O. Box 1449, Wainscott, New York 11975

Herland Voice, Seprenber, 1992 7

Snattemor--------------------------.
Retreat Workshops --We are currently planning workshops for the Fall Retreat at Roman Nose, October 16 - 18. If you would like to present,
participate in, or merely attend a particular type of workshop, please write or call us and let us know what you want.

•••••••••
Garage Sale -- Herland's next garage sale will be held at the store on Halloween day, Saturday, October 31. We have a good start on saleable
items, but always need more. Please keep us in mind and bring us your surplus stuff. If you need someone to pickup items, please call Herland

at 521-9696. These are great balmy days to clean out the house and garage.

•••••••••
Herland' s New Ramp -- We have taken our first step toward making the building handicapped-accessible, with the addition of a handsome new
wooden ramp from the driveway to the bookstore. Bountiful thanks to all the women who worked hard on one of our hottest days thus far this
summer, including Ginger, Pat, Michelle, Laura, Tommy, Diana, Joni, Kevan and Renee. (Margaret brought ice cream).

NOTES FROM GLAAD, THE GAY &
LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST
DEFAMATION
Levi Strauss and Company has a strong anti-discrimination
provision, offers same-sex domestic partnership benefits, advertises
in gay/lesbian publications, and just ended its financial support of the
Boy Scouts of America for refusing to admit gay Scoutmasters and
Scouts. Following the Boy Scout announc=ent, the. fundamentalist
American Family Association launched a Levi's boycott, deluging the
company with mail and phone calls saying its "pro-sodomy" decision
showed it no longer wants the business of a majority of Americans. To
counter this hate, we can beat the bigots at their own game by calling
Levi's free consumer response number at 1-800-872-5384 and thank
th= for not supporting bigotry.
Roseanne Arnold told QW magazine that her TV sister
Jackie (played by Laurie Metcalf) may have lesbian relationships in
coming seasons. You can tell Roseanne that having Jackie come out
is a wonderful idea by writing Roseanne Arnold, Co-Executive Producer, Roseanne, Cf'rsey-Werner Co., 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio
City, CA 91604.
The season finale of Northern Exposure was a flashback
about Roslyn and Cicely, the turn-of-the-century lesbian lovers who
founded the town as a colony offree thinkers. Declared Cicely, "My
heart belongs to Roslyn and it always will. Our souls areoneandlcan't
imagine life apart from her." Tragically, Cicely dies at the end of the
episode (and the town is given her name.) But since the show's present
day regulars played assorted roles in the flashback, why couldn't Jo
Anderson and Yvonne Suhar, who played Cicely and Roslyn, be
brought back as present-day lovers? You can ask for a modern
reincarnation of Roslyn and Cicely by writing Joshua Brand and John
Falsey, Executive Producers, Northern Exposure, Finnegan-Pinchuk
Productions, 4225 Coldwater Canyon, Studio City, CA 91604.
The pilot for "In The Life'', an hour-long variety program
focusing on the lesbian and gay community, and hosted by lesbian
comedian Kate C,linton, was offered to PBS affiliates during June and
July. Produced at WNYC in New York by gay film maker John
Scagliotti, the series is primarily funded not by corporations, who
won't touch it, but by individuals who contribute directly to the show
as In The Life members. Tell your PBS affiliate to add "In The
Llfe" to their fall schedules. If they aired the pilot, say how
much you enjoyed it . In Oklahoma City write or call Bob Allen ,
Executive Director, OETA, 7403 N . Kelley, Oklahoma City,
OK73111;405/848-8501.
0

HANDYWOMAN DIRECTORY
Are you a carpenter, an electrician, a plumber, an auto mechanic?
Do you do yard work, auto body work, body body work, landscapirig?
Do you have a truck and haul trash? Do you type theses and resumes,
or do great desktop publishing? Do you have a printing press? Do you
alter clothes, or upholster furniture? Do you pour concrete, prune trees
or repair vcr's?
Do you get the picture? .. .Herland would like to maintain a listing
of skilled and handy women, to make it easier for the community to
practice affirmative action and support th=. Send us your business
card if you have one, or just jot us a line with your name and phone
number, and skill or service offered. We'll put you on the list and the
list on the bulletin board .. If you would be interested in participating in
a barter system let us know. If there is enough interest we' ll explore the
possibilities of setting up such a system. Thanks.
0

~

~

CLUB

WEDNESDAY COOKOUT
You Bring the Meat, We'll Do the Rest!

SATURDAYS
Free Volleyball Lessons 1-3pm
Open Court 4-1 Opm
CLUB OPENS AT NOON

SUNDAYS
Volleyball Tournament & Cookout 2-8pm
CLUB OPENS AT NOON

,_ WE WILL BE OPEN LABOR DAY 11am-2am

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH
Leather & Lace Party!

2120 N.W. 39th • Ol<C • 521-9533



HERLAND CELEBRATES

SITUATION WANTED:

10

FEMINIST SEEKS EMPLOYMENT IN

YEARS

The tenth anniversary of the founding of Herland Bookstore was
celebrated by over 7 5 women and men at a lawn party held at Her land
on August 22. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of
Herland's first community service awards. Shatzy Watson of the
Porthole was recognized as "Outstanding Businesswoman of 1992 ".
A special award, "Honorary Lesbian", was presented to Stephen
Hardway in appreciation of his work on behalf of women in Oklahoma
City. "Brazen Hussy" awards were presented to the women who
founded La Salle des Femmes, the forerunner of Herland. Recipients
of the "Brazen Hussy" award included, Jana Birch um, Mary Branch,
Cate Cannon, Pat Colognesi, Cathie Colvard, Joni Darnell, Christie
Haas, Tonya Jones, Lisa Parker, Maggie Reidt, Jonna Rogers, Jo Soske,
Susan Stunkard and Debra Thomas. Barbara Cleveland was given the
"Daughter of Maaia" award for her leadership in the development of
Herland. The "Daughter of Maaia" award is named for the founders of
the women's utopia described in the novel Herlandby Charlotte Perkins

o

rn~~-

HANUKKAH AND CHRISTMAS FOR
HERLAND -

$200

FROM

100

PEOPLE
JoL. Soske
It is no secret that living in Oklahoma we face a great deal of sexism,
mi sogyny, and homophobia . Unfortunately, it sometimes feels that
these things are almost rooted in our beautiful state. For ten years,
Herland Sister Resources has existed as a safe place, a fortress against
these destructive powers. She has given us wommin centered books,
wonunin centered retreats, concerts, a political meeting place, office
space for affordable wommins counseling, a space for recovery meetings, a place to meet and socialize, and much much more. I believe that
now, more than ever, it is time for us to give back to her.
As most of you know, we have an outstanding note in the amount
of $20,000 on the Herland building. This note is due in January. I
believe that we can make fund-raising history. If 100 people will
conunit to raise $200 for Her land by Christmas, we will be able to give
Herland the best Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas gift ever. We
will own the building. Please join us in this effort to insure a place for
w01mnin in 0 klahoma for all times. Together, we have done remarkable
things. Together, we can do this. I realize very well that it is no easy task
to come up with $200 at this time of year. Therefore, lam offering some
suggestions for raising $200. We have a mailing list of over 900. If a
little more than one-tenth of the people on the mailing list c01mnitto $200
we will succeed. There will be a permanent plaque placed in Her land
with the names of all individuals or couples who raise $200 as part of
this fund raiser to pay off our debt. All donated monies will go 100%
for that purpose. The list of names to go on that plaque has already begun
(Continued on page 2)
- please join us.

Volume 9 Number 9

ACADEMIC

HERLAND

Vivien Ng
Last spring, I attended a "Women in Higher Education" conference
in eastern Oklahoma . It was not my kind of meeting--I normally would
not want to be stranded within handshaking distance of administrators-but I had allowed myself to be persuaded to go anyway, under the
mistaken notion that "my presence would make a difference." I should
have stayed home.
Close your eyes and imagine a room full of women "dressed for
success." Tailored suits, silk blouses, floppy silk ties galore. I think I
had on my regulation bluejeans (but no, I didn't wear my flannel shirt!).
That was the most "difference" I was able to make thafday. It's cool,
I reminded myself. To each her own. If they won't stare at me, I won't
either. In other words, I was in a relatively calm state of mind until the
high point of the conference: a panel presentation by three "successful"
women in higher education, one of whom was a vice president at a small
state college in Oklahoma.
The guru speaketh: Ladies , let me share with you the secret to my
success . First, you must dress well. Why, even when I shop at the
discount store on Saturday, I dress like a vice president. Ladies, be nice
to yourself, hire a maid to do the housework for you, because you can't
do that and have a career as well. Be sure you have a sense of humor.
Why, when the men crack jokes about women at the morning meetings,
I just grin and bear it. Don't talk back, because it will only..antagonize
the men! If you will just follow these basic rules, why, you'll make vice
president in no time at all.
Whatever illusions I had about how far women have come in the
Oklahoma higher education scene were shattered in that instance. Have
they learned nothing from Anita Hill's testimony on Capitol Hill? In
some respects, women have made significant progress in higher education . In many campuses across the country, women students outnumber
men. In medical schools, women have gained parity with men, and
many elite law schools enroll as many women as men. And yet, in spite .
of these gains, the climate in academe remains chilly for women.
When women who have "made" it--e.g., the vice president I
mentioned--would not take advantage of their situation and status to
stamp out the epidemic of sexual harassment, who would? At OU,
students often take the lead. The rallies in support of Anita Hill, and the
forum on sexual harassment were organized by feminist student leaders. Where were the professors (myself included)? Where were the
administrators? We were too busy pontificating in the security (and
privacy) of our offices to one another.
Gertrude Stein once wrote that "there is no 'there' there." Perhaps.
But wouldn't it be nice to be able to say otherwise, that "there is 'there'
there"? The "there" I refer to is a sort of academic Herland, the womancentered university that Adrienne Rich wrote about in 1973. We can
still get there, but we need healthy and thriving Women's Studies
programs to get us there. The "cultural war" that Patrick Buchanan and
Dan Quayle promised to wage against us must not be allowed to
succeed. Otherwise, not only will "there" not be there, but i won't want
O
to be there.

Herland Sister Resources

2312 N.W. 39, OKC, OK 73112

Herland'~

Fall
Retreat
October 16 - 18
Roman Nose State Park
(About 1 hour west of OKC)

Camp Fire • Workshops
Great Food • Great Hiking
Peace/Quiet • Fun/Games
Featured Entertainer

Judy Fjell

.HERLAND FALL RETREAT REGISTRATION
OCTOBER 16- 18, 1992 - ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK, WATONGA, OK

Single Persons's Annual Income

I Registration includes cabin space, Friday night supper, brunch on Saturday and ::>unday. uon·t forget to bring something for Pot Luck
I Saturday night. Please return by October 4, 1992, to Harland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39th Street, Oklahoma City. Call
405-521-9696 with any questions or to pre-register by telephone. On site registration will be an additional $10.00.

L------------------------------------------~
-- ·

ST. SYBIL

$200

Sybil Ludington, Matron Saint of the Overlooked Woman, is an
occasional contributor to the Voice.

Suggestions for Raising $200
1. Ask one hundred friends for $2.00
2. Have a garage sale.
3. Have a pot-luck, invite 40 friends, ask for a $5.00 donation.
4. Buy candy whole-sale and sell it at work for $1.00 a bar.
5. Invite 20 friends over for a video and pop-com and ask for a
$10.00 donation.
6. Ask 100 people for their aluminum cans.
7. Sell your crafts and donate the funds.
8. Ask family members and friends who give you holiday gifts to make
a donation to Herland in your name instead.
9. Quit smoking and donate 3 month's cigarette money.
10. Make a $200 tax-deductible donation on your own.
11. Combine any or all of these suggestions.
In addition to committing to raise $200.00, you can help by
encouraging others to do the same. I spoke to my sister in California,
she conunitted to donate $200 in memory of a dear family member who
died in January. She is a full-time, un-employed, law-school student.
People want to help. My fifteen year-old son came to me an hour ago
and said, "Mom, I want to raise $200 for Herland." I strongly
discouraged it because he does not have a job; he is enrolled in difficult,
time consuming high school courses; and he gets a small allowance. He
insisted, however, saying that he can find 20 friends who are willing to
donate $10 . I know he'll try, and I won't be surprised if he succeeds. He
takes commitments very seriously. Ask your friends, they may welcome the opportunity to help - especially if they understand the importance of Herland.
The following people have already committed to raise $200 in
donations for Herland by December 26, 1992:
Jo L. Soske
Barbara Hillyer
Cathy Colvard
Beverly Gardner
Margaret Cox
Jessica Soske in memory of David Chrispell
Billie and Susan
Dr. Joan Webb and Susan Blake
Jon Soske
Sarah L. Oakes
Pat Reaves
Barbara Neas and David Miller
Jean Kelsey
Barbara Cleveland
Terry Cocon
Kathy Conroy
Karen Lewis
Ginger McGovern
Sally Nostrant
Rhonda Smith
Pat Colognesi and Beverly McGugin

Dear St. Sybil,
Bill & Al are ok, and Hillary's neat; but Tipper? Give me a
break. I'm not about to vote for anyone who's connected to anyone
who's married to anyone who stands for censorship. Who does she
think she is, banning rock music for their lyrics? What about the
first amendment? What about my rights?
In alarm and outrage,

Doris
Dear Doris,
Poorold Tipper. Sheusedtoplaydrums in a rock band, you know,
and has admitted to smoking grass and actually inhaling it. She is cute
and giddy and full of fun, and never tried to ban any lyrics or in any other
way infringe on anyone's first amendment rights.
What she tried to do, successfully, was to have advisory labels put
on record albums containing lewd, violent lyrics.. That's all. Sure, kids
get hold of it anyway. Some, as Calvin of Calvin & Hobbes did, think
they've gotten their money's worth if they throw away the record and
keep the cover lying around to horrify their parents . But at least, in
Tipper's reasoning, those kids know that there are a great many people
who don't condone the misogynistic violence against women that is the
essence of so much of the advisory-labeled music. I don't condone it,
you don't condone it, and don't we owe it to our kids in their formative
years to let them know we don't?
Anyway, thanks for writing,
Sybil

"Dear" St. Sybil,
Now I know all about you, I know you're one of those radical
feminist commie type of Saints, but still, I'm sure you'll agree
with me that Hillary Clinton is in league with the devil and totally
out of bounds when she advocates this ludicrous concept called
Children's Rights. I always knew back when the Coloreds got so
uppity that it would spread and spread and there'd be no stopping
it and pretty soon we'd be waiting on our children and consulting
their opinion and telling them Please and Thank You and afraid
to offer them the back ofour hand; and sure enough, look; they've
outlawed paddling in our schools for the next two years. It's the
work of the devil, you know it is. No paddling and no prayers,
how are we going to keep the homed one at bay, I'd like to know.
And this harridan Hillary is all for it! What is the world coming
to, I ask you? I'll tell you what, it's coming to an end, that's what;
and when the Rapture comes I'll ascend to heaven while
you.....you ....
Hey. Where exactly are you, anyway? A pinko fembot like
you can't be in Heaven, could I be talking to someone in Hell? Oh
Lord, now I am really concerned... Where are you, and what about
Hillary?
Worriedly,
Edie Merrylady
Dear Edie,
I'm surprised you didn't know. The Rapture has already occurred,
and you didn't make the cut. While I loll around my other-worldly hot
tub with angels to fan me and cherubs tickling my toes and seraphim
plying me with chocolates and strawberries, you will exist forever in
your dark little imaginings while all around you brats and coloreds and
women libbers and queers (how come you didn't mention them?) sun
themselves in peace, harmony and respect.
Better luck next time,
Sybil
D

2 Herland Voice, September, 1992

FROM

100

PEOPLE

(continued from pg. 1)

Please allow us to add your name to the list as well as to the soon-tobe-raised plaque.
D
Detach and Return to Herland, 2312 NW 39th, OKC, OK 73112:
Yes! I/We will raise $200 for Herland by December 26, 1992. You
can count on me/us. The name/s on the plaque should read as follows

Address:.

LOCAL CUSTODY BATTLE

FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF DES-

UPDATE

EXPOSED WOMEN

The Lamda Defense Fund has recently agreed to join in the efforts
an important custody battle is in progress here in Oklahoma by writing
a "friend of the court" brief. This case involves the issue of a lesbian
mother who recently lost custody of her two small children because of
the "immoral" relationship she had with her live-in partner. Even
though the evidence showed that the children were happy, well caredfor, and well-adjusted, the court ruled that the mother was "unfit" and
removed them from their home as soon as the trial was over.
Several important points of law are at issue in this case, and the
mother is appealing to the Oklahoma Supreme Court for a reversal of
the decision. If heard at the Supreme Court level, this decision will
affect not only Oklahoma law, but also laws in other states as well.
As many of you know from reading your past news letters, this case
is expected to cost an estimated $20,000 . Because of the precedentsetting nature ofthis case, Her land Sister Resources has been working
together to gather the necessary monies for the legal defense. Towards
this end, the Herland Sister Resources Legal Defense Fund was created
in April of this year.
So far, through a combination of hard work, planning, and phonecalling, Herland has raised over $4,000 for the mother and her partner
and the children. If you think you can donate to the fund, please send
a check today to Herland. Every little bit counts! And it matters so
much to so many of us.
Some of the fund-raising activities so far have included a garage
sale, an open mic at the Porthole Club, a S.P.O.R.T. - sponsored
Christmas in July, a water-balloon sale at the Pride Parade, local and
national flier distribution, a national mailing, a dance in Colorado, and
two phone-banking sessions. Other upcoming activities will be a menutasting party at the Porthole Club, the sale of brand-new cookbooks
(hopefully in time for Christmas shopping), a charity ball in the fall, a
celebrity auction, and a volleyball tournament. Please feel free to get
involved in the planning of any of these upcoming activities; or perhaps
propose a new idea for fund -raising (you can call in ideas any time to
Herland. We appreciate any and all help, and the legal defense meetings
are open to all who want to attend. These are posted in the calendars
monthly.
The mother and her partner wish to thank the terrific women of
Herland- and that means you if you are reading this newsletter - for all
that has been done so far. Losing the children under these circumstances
was hard enough, but without support from our community, it would
have been unbearable. THANKS for your continued efforts! We know
this is an important case, and we hope to set a precedent for gay and
lesbian rights through a successful battle at the Supreme Court level.
If you can send the flier to friends in other states, please do - your
efforts to spread the word may help this couple get the financial help they
need to fight this decision.
D

Pet & Re.Pet. an Unsolicited Testimonial
If having a great Vet is high on your list of priorities, call 7370496 and give Dr. Joy Huska a try. "Joy" is the word, and
she's gotthe love and learning to go with it.
My beloved little problem-dog and I have seen vets from
Wales to Warr Acres, and this one is a breath of fresh air - fresh
out of training and up on the latest medicines and methods.
Fresh ly set up in her 2109 S. Air Depot clinic, she has a
refreshing ap preach which includes hOi istic as well as traditional
techniques.
"FIVE STARS & A DOG BISCUIT FROM TOSCA & JR".
paid advetrtisement

Several million American women have taken diethylstilbestrol
(DES), a synthetic estrogen, during their pregnancies. From the 1940's
until 1971, the drug was given to prevent miscarriage, despite a lack of ·
evidence to support such an effect. In 1971, Boston doctors discovered
that several adolescent daughters of women who took DES duringtheir
pregnancies had developed a very rare form of invasive vaginal cancer.
Since then over 600 new cases of vaginal cancer in young women have
been documented. Reproductive tract abnormalities have also been
associated with in-utero DES exposure.
Although many DES daughters enjoy good health and have not
experienced any health problems, DES health activists have urged that
more research be done on the possible long-term health effects of DES.
One question to be addressed is whether DES exposure will influence
risk of breast cancer. Medical researchers at the Boston University
School of Public Health are planning a large study to answer that and
other questions. Thousands of women whose mothers took DES while
pregnant with them will be sent a short questionnaire on their health
history and current health status, and will be contacted every year for
five years to find out about any change in health status; a comparison
group of thousands of unexposed women will also be contacted. To
detennine whether such a study is feasible, they are asking that women
who have been exposed to DES fill out the form below and send it to the
address on the form.
For more information about DES, contact: DES Action USA,
1615 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612; (510) 465-4011.
Rep1inted with permission from the National Women's Health Network
News, "the only national public-inte1est organization dedicated solely to
women and health .. "
D

r--------------------,
If your mother took DES while pregnant with you, or if you took DES
I
yourself during a pregnancy, please fill out this form. If you know of
others who were exposed, please make copies of this for them.
What·is-your age? _ _ __ years
How were you exposed to DES?
_Mother took DES while pregnant with me
_Took DES myself during a pregnancy
How certain are you that you were exposed?
_

Know for sure

_

Think I was

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

I

Have you ever obtained medical records that verified exposure?
_Yes

_

No

Would you be willing to be contacted for a questionnaire study?
_Yes

_

No

Nm1~-~----------------------

Address._ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _---'~
ALL INFORMATION WILL BE CONFIDENTIAL. YOUR NAME
WILL NEVER BE USED IN ANY REPORT FROM THIS STUDY.
Please send to: Dr. Julie R, Palmer, Boston University School
of Public Health, 1371 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02146;
TEL (617) 734-6006.

L--------------------~
Herland Voice, Septenber, 1992 3

GET OuT OF

Mv WAY,

SCHOOLS

BITCH
by Jo L. Soske
Many of the attitl!des which girls must face in today's public
schools are very similar to the attitudes which prevailed when I was in
common school. I am frequently disappointed by how little things have
changed. During this past semester, I observed an intramural game
which was witness to this fact.
. The students were playing co-ed intramural basketball. However,
there was only one girl on the court. This was not due to lack of interest
on the part of girl students but rather to lack of willingness on the part
of teachers. One teacher openly stated, "I want my homeroom to win,
and girls are sorry basketball players."
I watched the sole girl intently. None of the other players would
pass her the ball or acknowledge her presence. In spite of this, she was
able to obtain the ball on several occasions. During one of her
possessions, a boy on the opposing team was able to fairly dribble it
away from her. When this happened, a male teacher stood up and yelled,
"Hey! You can't do that. She's a girl." Then he, and all of the male
players, had a good laugh at her expense.
These attitudes are, of course, carried over into the classroom.
There is never any mention of Women's History month. When I
developed an interdisciplinary women's studies unit for March, there
""'.as no time. When I mentioned celebration of Susan B. Anthony's
birthday, a male colleague laughed at me and asked if she was C R.
Anthony's wife.
In someways, however, schools have changed very much. Perhaps
no place is backlash as evident as it is in the halls of a middle school.
Every pretense of the never real "Leave It To Beaver" days are gone.
Boys do not open doors for girls and then politely ignore everything they
say asserting, "She's just a girl, what does she know." Quite the
contrary, boys openly express violence against girls. I see it daily. It is
not at all uncommon for a boy to shove a girl into a wall, blurting, "Get
out of my way bitch." I have seen middle-school boys grab girls around
the neck and drag them in their direction. When I intercede, which I
always do, I am greeted with hostility and contempt. The attitude is one
of entitlement. Year after year, I see the violent behavior against girls
becoming worse. It is too frequently accompanied by sexual harassment or even sexual violence. It is not atall uncommon for a boy to say
to a girl, "Let me know when you get ready to do it, because I want to
be one of the first ones to break you in."
Last year, there were at least three episodes of sexual intercourse
between students taking place in the building in which I teach. An
administrator said to me, "Every time these kids get caught having sex
at school, the girl wants to cry rape." She had absolutely no understanding of the concept of acquaintance rape. Other middle schools and high
schools have also reported incidences of forced sodomy and rape in the
school setting during the past five years.
As a feminist teacher, I frequently feel that I am watching girls
drown in a sea of injustice and violence. I am often told, however, that
the sea is invisible - that other teachers and administrators do not see it.
I donotbelieveitis invisible. Ibelievethatwewill see and feel the effects
O
for a long time to come.
Offiu Hours By Appointment

Debra K

DISCIPLINE IN OKLAHOMA PUBLIC

Browning. R Ph., D_ D- S.
Comprehenswe Denial Care

5009 N. Pennsyluania,
Suite 10.J

4 Herland Voice, September; 1992

(405) 84.J-.1281

Oklahoma· City, OK 7.J J J 2

Recently, Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Oklahoma
Schools, announced that there would be a ban on the use of corporal
punishment in the state public schools. Many educators have fought
long and hard for this enlightened change, knowing through experience
that treating a child with dignity and respect, instead of fear, will
produce the desired behavior.
Other educators have been reluctant to give up corporal punishment, upholding the old beliefs thatsparingtherod spoils the child. With
this practice, Oklahoma ranks ninth in the nation in the use of corporai
punishment. Is it really their belief in corporal punishment or a lack of
knowledge of alternate discipline programs?
Oklahoma City Public Schools banned corporal punishment several years ago, and in its place trained teachers and administrators in the
use of Assertive Discipline. Assertive Discipline is a sequential
program that sets out well-defined expectations of rules to be maintained in the classroom and the school. The student is aware of a
consequence or reward that is associated with a particular behavior. It
is extremely important that rewards as well as consequences are
integrated into this program.
In our society there is a natural distrust of new programs and it is
imperative that teachers be involved in the implementation of this
program. Assertive Discipline is an effective plan when teachers are
trained properly and then allowed to develop a program to meet their
own classroom expectations.
D

DEMOCRACY WITHOUT
EDUCATION IS HYPOCRISY
Renea L. Butler-King
Huh! Whatmademesitdown and attempt an article? !tis my quest
to understand the adversities and differences between black and white ·
women. What I wanted to do was cover an issue that touches my heart
and soul. I wanted to try and mend a bridge between the two worlds . I
wanted badly for something profound to come so that I might present a
process to work through the afflictions. I am a womanist/activist, who
wishes to serve women . The strife I encounter because I am black is
unreal and produces so much woe. (}Noe, experienced by black and
white women, will have to be covered in another article due to the
absence of profoundness and my inability to present a process.) A
statement made by Professor Yusuf Mansur quoting Jawaharlal Nehru,
"democracy without education is hypocrisy", stunned me. "Democracy without education is hypocrisy " started to play over and over in
my head. My spirit was at attention, and I decided the very best thing
I can do to help bridge any gap between anybody is to address the
importance of education .
The statement "democracy without education is hypocrisy" is
profound --you know ... far-reaching, stopping, making you soul search.
Because of my desire to serve women, and progress in the field of social
work, I returned to school in the summer of 1990 to work toward
completing a degree. Even though I've worked paraprofessionally in
this field for 12 years, my lack of formal education has presented
roadblocks. I began to evaluate my situation and decided I was going
back to college. If i am to continue work in this field and be successful
'
it• I s gomg
to be necessary for me to obtain a degree. As soon as I decided'
to return to college, I also began to think, "This is going to be a chore"
(continued next page)
and to question if I could handle it.

fSeptembetr.

19 9 2
Silent Vigil for peace in Central America. On the steps of the
Federal Buidling, NW 4th & Robinson, OKC; Wednesdays at Noon.

Sunday

I

lr'londay

On September 2, 1869, Estlmr
Morris, the firs-!: U.S. female
Justice of the Peace, held a
teaparty in Wyoming to ask
citizens to please work for
women's suffrage.

~ANE

ADDAMS
1860 - f935
Pacifisl,
Feminist..,
Nob el Peace
Prize winner;
Founder of
'
!i!ILPH

7

I
I

~
::!:**'

2.

METRO
OKC NOW
6 pm
Belle Isle
Library.
Villa and
Northwest
. Expressway

8

SANGER
' 1883 - f966
Birlh Control
Pioneer.
freciuent..ly
imprisoned
fbr her work.

21

CoDA MeelinP
7 rim

OPE~· HOUSE
'111811 '1liJtlll

PEACE~CHJSE

Open House
10-5, at :29i2
N. Robinson

10

11

ATALLAH
SHABAZZ
al OSU,
in the
Seret..ean
Concert.. Hall,
7 pm

CoDA MeetinP,
7 pm

NOW
:2pm, Norma n
PublicLibrary
**MARY
REYNOLDS
9pm, Porlhole
Benefit fllr
Paula Rae

17

18

19

12*C.C.

Oklat16~a

Primary
Run-off
Elections
Today

22

CoDA MeetinP.
7 pm

23~

~

24

Board
Meeting;
4:30 pm

29

26 oK

25

NOW
i2:30 pm,
OSU St. Union

CoDA Meeting;,
7 pm

Tak:e a
Fla'minE'o
(or other
colorful bird)
to Lunch Day

28

Saturday

5

4

3

16

'•'

27

2

9

15

Friday

Wednesday Thursday

,1 st Mee.tinp
of Daughters
of Bililis,
in 1958

14HARCARET

13

Tuesday

**

COFFEEHOUSE
& Poetry
Readin£S, 8pm
al Herland

30
Saturday 9/26 continued: In addition to the N~
meeting in Stillwater and the poetry reading at
Her.land withJudith Rycroft, there will be an
Animal Awareness Festival frcn 10 to 5 at the
Mayfair Center, 3200 KW 48th, OKC. Highlights
include animal-oriented and cruelty-free drts
and crafts, demos by Therapy Dogs & Dog Ears,
&pet adoptions by · Second Chance of Noman.

HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES
2312 NW 39t..h Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
405/ 521-9696
Hours: Saturcla:y iO - 6; Stinclay 1 - 6

MIUIHli~HIHHM~HU~H~

M
M
M

HERLAND GIFT SHOP
T'ne Place to Shop

for Jewelry, Pottery, T-shirts,
Stat i. :mery, Bird Houses & Feeders,
M Buttons, Postcards, To}'s and More!
M And .:if course, as always, we're
M the place for great books and music.
~

W
M
M

M

M
M
M

w~u;!liMIHHHWHMM~Wl<JHIHll~

NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage

PAID
Oklahoma City, Okla.

2312 N.W. 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

Permit No. 861

The enlightenment and infonnation., I've received since I returned
to school helps me understand the statement "democracy without
education is hypocrisy." Without my higher education in science,
English, English composition, literature and history, I would not have
the ability to express or write this article with confidence. Without my
higher education in economics, I could not look at the news or read the
newspaper with an understanding of what goes into play when the media
is providing economic information. Without my higher education in
humanities, I would not know the first person on record in drama was
Thespis (a blackman)yetEuripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus are said
to be the first.
Professor Clay Randolf says, "college is the best place to express
your opinion. The more you learn, the more room there is for this opinion
to grow and/or change, and college is theplacefor this." Barbara Jordan
says, "Racism, white or black, must not be. Separatism is not the
American way." A democratic system is a government by the people,
exercised either directly or through elected representatives. In obtaining
a higher education, I'm better able to exercise my right to vote for
representatives who will try to ensure a way oflife that includes a sound
economic state, a free religious state and a conjoint America. I say to all my
brothers and sisters who march, rally and take up the ca use in our democratic
system . .. arm yourself with a higher education and exercise your right to
vote. Believe me when I say, I've become a more rounded human being
by returning to college. My horizon is bright.
0

COYOTE FUNDRAISER A HOWLING SUCCESS
Nearly a dozen local perfonners showcased their talent at the August
Open Mic Herland Benefit at The Coyote Club. The evening was a rousing
success musically and financially, with well over $300 being raised. Many
thanks to Kelley, Liz and Cindy, and of course all the performers and all the
generous souls who contributed, for a fine evening's entertainment.

405/942-1872

2934 N.W. 23rd
Oklahoma City, OK 73107

~·5-'
Beauty Salon

CAROL CHOATE - Owner/Cosmetologist

Dip-A-D-Dog
Grooming
The Gentle Touch For You; Best Friend

*•X•·»

ByBanika
521-1003 • 943-3525
2215 Cashion Place N.W.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73112

LETTER FROM OUR RADICAL,
RURAL SISTER
Dear Sisters,
My son started school today -yippee! Nine hours of my own time
Monday-Friday from now on! All the mothers I know are READY for
schoolto start! Ahh ... time for ourselves! Marvelous! (A part of me is
also worrying about Jeremy having to be gone from home & close-knit
family for nine hours at a time for the first time in his young life! He's
now a first grader. (The system gets us, you know? In our patriarchal
social predicament we become willing to give over our children for
several hours aday-becauseitrelieves ourtime, forour selves.) Ideally,
communities would raise the children creating time & space for mothers
to work, create, rest, dream, think, etc .
Do you remember how I used to consider "getting out of Oklahoma" for more open-minded, less Bible-belted bound, progressive
geographies? [Editor's note: Didn't we all?] Well, that's over. I believe
those "roots" I was telling you I sprouted, have grown into Oklahoma
soil! I was resistant to embrace Oklahoma as "home" in part because
of its backwardness and because it was my husband who was drawn
here, not me. New Mexico was where I was drawn to but we left because
of a financial crisis when Jed got out of the Air Force. Being, in my life,
at a point in my feminist process where I felt thrown into an ocean with
barely a life jacket, you can imagine how those two aforementioned
situations were affecting me. Being isolated out in rural Oklahoma
didn't help, as rm sure you can imagine. (Though I must say that living
"out" like that was a dream I had for years and, in spite of inner turmoil,
benefitted greatly from that remote, wilderness, living experience.)
Moving closer to Lawton has greatly reduced my isolation, and I
am lliumib'. still rural. I have women friends I see regularly (Thank you
Goddess!!!) (Women friends are the best life-saving jacket, as I know
you know.)
rm happy to hear you are feeling optimistic - I know how easy it
is to get depressed at how far we women, our country, the world, has yet
to go. But I am optimistic these days too, and now that I am feeling at
home in Oklahoma I am fired up to get some things going to make
Oklahoma more to my liking, to join more committedly in shaping
Oklahoma as a force/power in the transformation of the world. I do not
deny the obstacles, I am just not feeling the need to focus my energies
upon them. I know they are there and what they are, I need to focus my
energies on the positive - the potentials - and in creating a microcosm of
the macro-feminist vision of the world - a pocket of paradise in which
to enjoy my life.
I believe I will be able now to form a woman's support and
learning/consciousness raising group in this Lawton area. Seeds are
planted and I am in a better position in which to nurture them, and be
nurtured by them. I am toying with the idea of opening a woman's
bookstore in Lawton, too. "WOMAN'S WORDS BOOKSTORE".
Keep me and this in mind on your full moon prayers.
For my feminist education I am currently studying: Beyond Power
- Women, Men and Morals, by Marilyn French; Women Together,
Women Alone, by Anita Shreve, and for my feminist spirituality I am
reading: Revolution From Within, by Gloria Steinam, and Shakkai Wo111a11 of the Sacred Garden, by Lynn V. Andrews. For Women's
history I also read: Cowgirls - Women of the American Wes~ by Teresa
Jor<lan -excellent, really a great book. Deals with feminism too and why
manyranchwomenwere/arereluctanttoembracethe(women's)Movement.
Anyway, thanks for being there. Herland is a beacon of hope and
support, more perhaps than you all realize, for all the many ships at sea.
With love, in sisterhood,
Deborah
0

Herland Voice, Septenber, 1992 5

MALCOLM

X's

DAUGHTER IN

OKLAHOMA
Attallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X, is a theater
producer, writer and lecturer. Together with Yolanda King, eldest
daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,Ms . Shabazz founded "Nucleus",
a company of performing artists dedicated to encouraging positive
growth within humanity.
The Oklahoma State University Programming Committee for
Multicultural Awareness Program is sponsoring a lecture by Ms.
Shabazz on Thursday, September 10, 1992. It will be held at 7 o'clock
p.m. in the Seretean Concert Hall. Ms. Shabazz' lecture will be titled
"Positively You." Admission to the lecture is free.
D

MATERNITY LEAVE -- NoT!
A compromise Family Leave Act, guaranteeing leave without
nID'. to family members in the event of family illness, death, or a new
family member, whether by birth or adoption, was passed by both
Houses of Congress and sent to President George Bush, who promptly
vetoed it; it would, he said, create an undue hardship on small businesses .
Meanwhile, business does not seem to be suffering too much in
the European Community, and our European sisters appear to be doing
quite a bit better than we are. Below is a list of European Community
countries, and their current Maternity Leave provisions.

COUNTRY

LEAVE

Belgium

14 weeks
(6 before birth)

100% for 1-4 weeks,
thereafter 80%

Denmark

90% of salary

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR

28 weeks
(4 before birth)

FRG (Gennany)

100% of salary or fixed sum

NGLTF CONFERENCE

Greece

14 weeks
(6 before birth)
15 weeks
(6 before birth)

Spain

16 weeks

75% of salary

France

16 weeks
(6 before birth)

84% of salary

Ireland

14 weeks
(6 before birth)

70% of salary

Italy

20 weeks
(8 before birth)

80% of salary

Luxembourg

16 weeks
(16 before birth)

I 00% of salary

Netherlands

12 weeks
(6 before birth)

100% of salary

Portugal

90 days
100% of salary
(6 wks. before birth)

UK

40 weeks

Scholarship assistance is available for people of color, activists
with disabilities and activists with limited incomes who would like to
attend the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute
Creating Change Conference. The conference, to beheld in Los Angeles,
California this November 13-16, is a skills-building gathering for gay
and lesbian activists.
This year's Creating Change Conference will feature more than 90
workshops plus provocative plenary speakers, networking sessions, an
"agit-prop" swap shop, and social events. Pre-conference institutes
include a Campus Organizing Institute on Wednesday, November 11,
and the People of Color and Diversity Training Institutes on Thursday
November 12. Scholarships may be used to attend the institutes.
The Diversity Training Institute will help activists prepare for
more effective multi-cultural coalition work in their organizations, on
the job and in society. Racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, class, age, and
ability bias will be examined. The Institute offers an opportunity to
develop new alliances and practical coalition strategies for individuals
and organization.
The People of Color Organizing Institute will feature a day of
discussions and workshops on the critical issues affecting activists of
color in the lesbian and gay movement. Topics such as racism in our
movement, building and strengthening people of color organizations,
broadening the agendas of our organizations and the lesbian and gay
movement, and diversity issues will be discussed.
Workshops at the conference include "Reports from the Field: The
Impact of Election '92;" "The War on Gay/Lesbian Art"; "Grief, Anger
and the Politics of AIDS;" "Fascism in America?"; "Lesbian Visibility
in the Media"; "Aging and the Movement" and many other organizing
and skills building topics.
To apply for a scholarship, obtain a Scholarship Application Form
from the NGLTF Policy Institute. Applications must be completed and
returned by Monday, September 7, 1992. Applications received after
deadline will be considered depending on availability of scholarship
funds.
To get an application fonn or to submit a completed application,
write Creating Change 1992/Scholarships, NGLTF Policy Institute,
1734 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. Call Catherine Carter
at NGLTF Policy Institute, 202/332-6483, TTY 202/332-6219, for
more information.
D

6 Herland Voice, September, 1992

PAY

100% of salary.

6 wks at 90% of salary and
12 weeks at a fixed
reduced sum.

Source: The National Women's Health Network News

D

TARGETING THE SENATE,

1992

In recent months The Voice bas been bringing you profiles of
feminist, pro-choice women running for the U.S . Senate. Thus far we
have profiled Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein of California,
dynamic newcomers Carol Mosely Braun of Illinois and Lynn Yeakel
of Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth Holtzman and Geraldine Ferraro of
New York {both running for the same seat, unfortunately); Gloria
O'Dell of Kansas and Jean Floyd Jones of Iowa.
This issue we are spotlighting a woman candidate for the House of
Representatives from Oklahoma (Unfortunately, we have no women
running for the Senate from Oklahoma this year). Laurie Williams is
running for the House in the Fifth District. The Voice will have gone to
press beforetbe August 25 primary; however she is expected to win that
vote, and in November she will face either Mickey Edwards or one of
his primary challengers.
Laurie has a Bachelor's Degree, Cum Laude, from Duke University, and a Law Degree from OU. She has served as an Administrative
Law Judge and attorney at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and
now is in private practice specializing in oil and gas, public utilities,
legislation and administrative and corporate law. She states that she is
unequivocally pro-choice.
D

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
Only 50% of U.S. cities and counties have crisis hotlines and
shelters for battered women. An estimated 250,000 women and children are turned away every year because of a lack of funding. since
1980, thenwnber ofrapes has risen four times as fast as the total crime
rate.
The Violence Against Women Act will:
• Fund more shelters and services for battered women.
• Require better enforcement of victim protection orders, even if
interstate.
• Fund training for police units and prosecutors on domestic
violence and rape.
• Provide funding for rape crisis centers and counseling.
• Promote rape prevention and education programs at colleges and
high schools.
• Increase penalties for sex crimes and mandate victim restitution.
• Provide remedies for hate crimes based on gender.
The Violence Against Women Act is Senate Bill 15 and is
currently on the Senate calendar awaiting consideration by the full
Senate.
0

ROCKEFELLER FELLOWSHIPS ANNOUNCED

INSURANCE COMPANY REBUKED
Issuing a stern rebuke and warning, a New York state judge bas
dismissed an attempt by a life insurance company to rescind the
$50,000 policy of aman who died of AIDS . The judge also forced the
company to pay $127,000 in attorneys' fees to the policy holder's estate.
The judge, Ira Gammerman of the state Supreme Court in New
York County, said that New England Mutual Life Insurance company
engaged in improper and discriminatory conduct when it searched its
files to invent a reason to rescind the policy after the policy holder,
Jeffrey Duke, began making AIDS-related claims under a separate
disability insurance policy.
"The awarding of attorneys' fees," Judge Gammerman wrote in his
decision, "will, in my view, be sufficient to deter plaintiff and other
insurance carriers from engaging in similar discriminatory conduct."
In asking the court to rescind the policy, New England Llfe argued
that Duke had misrepresented himself in applying for the policy by
describing his lover and business advisor as his "business partner." In
finding that Dukedid nothing wrong, Judge Gammerman rebuked New
England Life for starting an investigation to find any "bogus basis" for
revoking the policy and for treating Duke unfairly because of his
disability, his sexual orientation and his marital status.
Judge Gammerman repeatedly emphasized that discrimination
has played a role in New England Life's actions. IfDukeandhis partner,
William Remmelink, were "married or Duke's illness was one not
associated with homosexuality no attempt to rescind the policy would
have been made," the Judge wrote.
"This ruling is an important vindication of the equal rights of gay
men and people with AIDS," said Duke's attorney William Hibsher.
"Judge Gammerman has taught New England Mutual that trying to
bank on homophobia and bigotry does not pay - the letter of the law,
whether in the insurance context or otherwise, protects gay men and
0
those infected with HIV just as it protects other citizens."

Free to good home -- 8 week old yellow tabby male kitten. Sweet and
friendly companion already. All shots, wormed. Call 557 -1 949.

The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS) of The City
University of New York (CUNY) is offering a minimum of two
Rockefeller Residency Fellowships in each of the 1993-94, 1994-95,
and 1995-96 academic years. Each year preference will be given to
projects focused on a particular theme. The theme for the first year of
the program, 1993-94, will be Race and Class in Gay/Lesbian Communities. Like the larger society surrounding it, the gay world is marked
by racial and class divisions, and proposals that address the substance
and possible solutions for those divisions would be appropriate to this
theme. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a jury of
scholars and specialists in diverse areas of gay/lesbian studies who are
not affiliated withCLAGS. Fellows willreceive$35,000, plus a $2,000
travel/relocation stipend, for residency from September 1 to June 1.
Applications for shorter-term residencies can be considered, provided
the proposed project is suited to the abbreviated time period and the
Fellow has sustained interaction with CLAGS. For participation as a
Residency Fellow for 1993-94, applications must be completed and
returned by February 15, 1993 . The full application includes a cover
page; a 10-page narrative detailing the proposed project; a complete
curriculum vitae/resume; samples of the applicant's publications or
other relevant work; and three letters ofreference from persons familiar
with the applicant's work. Application forms are available from:
Martin Duberman, Director, CLAGS, CUNY Graduate School, 33
West42 St., NY, NY 10035-8099. (212) 642-2924.
0

THE THANKS BE TO GRANDMOTHER WINIFRED
FOUNDATION funds women over 54 to
enable them to create, and manifest into reality,
ideas and concepts that will improve the lives
of women in one or more aspects. The purpose
of limiting the beneficiaries to individuals over
54 is to encourage a segment of the population
(older women) - generally ignored, forgotten,
and considered invisible- to have cou.rage and
Rachel Winifred Upjohn Light confidence in their ability to gift the common
(tRso-1029)
weal with their knowledge and wisdom.
For information write P.O. Box 1449, Wainscott, New York 11975

Herland Voice, Seprenber, 1992 7

Snattemor--------------------------.
Retreat Workshops --We are currently planning workshops for the Fall Retreat at Roman Nose, October 16 - 18. If you would like to present,
participate in, or merely attend a particular type of workshop, please write or call us and let us know what you want.

•••••••••
Garage Sale -- Herland's next garage sale will be held at the store on Halloween day, Saturday, October 31. We have a good start on saleable
items, but always need more. Please keep us in mind and bring us your surplus stuff. If you need someone to pickup items, please call Herland

at 521-9696. These are great balmy days to clean out the house and garage.

•••••••••
Herland' s New Ramp -- We have taken our first step toward making the building handicapped-accessible, with the addition of a handsome new
wooden ramp from the driveway to the bookstore. Bountiful thanks to all the women who worked hard on one of our hottest days thus far this
summer, including Ginger, Pat, Michelle, Laura, Tommy, Diana, Joni, Kevan and Renee. (Margaret brought ice cream).

NOTES FROM GLAAD, THE GAY &
LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST
DEFAMATION
Levi Strauss and Company has a strong anti-discrimination
provision, offers same-sex domestic partnership benefits, advertises
in gay/lesbian publications, and just ended its financial support of the
Boy Scouts of America for refusing to admit gay Scoutmasters and
Scouts. Following the Boy Scout announc=ent, the. fundamentalist
American Family Association launched a Levi's boycott, deluging the
company with mail and phone calls saying its "pro-sodomy" decision
showed it no longer wants the business of a majority of Americans. To
counter this hate, we can beat the bigots at their own game by calling
Levi's free consumer response number at 1-800-872-5384 and thank
th= for not supporting bigotry.
Roseanne Arnold told QW magazine that her TV sister
Jackie (played by Laurie Metcalf) may have lesbian relationships in
coming seasons. You can tell Roseanne that having Jackie come out
is a wonderful idea by writing Roseanne Arnold, Co-Executive Producer, Roseanne, Cf'rsey-Werner Co., 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio
City, CA 91604.
The season finale of Northern Exposure was a flashback
about Roslyn and Cicely, the turn-of-the-century lesbian lovers who
founded the town as a colony offree thinkers. Declared Cicely, "My
heart belongs to Roslyn and it always will. Our souls areoneandlcan't
imagine life apart from her." Tragically, Cicely dies at the end of the
episode (and the town is given her name.) But since the show's present
day regulars played assorted roles in the flashback, why couldn't Jo
Anderson and Yvonne Suhar, who played Cicely and Roslyn, be
brought back as present-day lovers? You can ask for a modern
reincarnation of Roslyn and Cicely by writing Joshua Brand and John
Falsey, Executive Producers, Northern Exposure, Finnegan-Pinchuk
Productions, 4225 Coldwater Canyon, Studio City, CA 91604.
The pilot for "In The Life'', an hour-long variety program
focusing on the lesbian and gay community, and hosted by lesbian
comedian Kate C,linton, was offered to PBS affiliates during June and
July. Produced at WNYC in New York by gay film maker John
Scagliotti, the series is primarily funded not by corporations, who
won't touch it, but by individuals who contribute directly to the show
as In The Life members. Tell your PBS affiliate to add "In The
Llfe" to their fall schedules. If they aired the pilot, say how
much you enjoyed it . In Oklahoma City write or call Bob Allen ,
Executive Director, OETA, 7403 N . Kelley, Oklahoma City,
OK73111;405/848-8501.
0

HANDYWOMAN DIRECTORY
Are you a carpenter, an electrician, a plumber, an auto mechanic?
Do you do yard work, auto body work, body body work, landscapirig?
Do you have a truck and haul trash? Do you type theses and resumes,
or do great desktop publishing? Do you have a printing press? Do you
alter clothes, or upholster furniture? Do you pour concrete, prune trees
or repair vcr's?
Do you get the picture? .. .Herland would like to maintain a listing
of skilled and handy women, to make it easier for the community to
practice affirmative action and support th=. Send us your business
card if you have one, or just jot us a line with your name and phone
number, and skill or service offered. We'll put you on the list and the
list on the bulletin board .. If you would be interested in participating in
a barter system let us know. If there is enough interest we' ll explore the
possibilities of setting up such a system. Thanks.
0

~

~

CLUB

WEDNESDAY COOKOUT
You Bring the Meat, We'll Do the Rest!

SATURDAYS
Free Volleyball Lessons 1-3pm
Open Court 4-1 Opm
CLUB OPENS AT NOON

SUNDAYS
Volleyball Tournament & Cookout 2-8pm
CLUB OPENS AT NOON

,_ WE WILL BE OPEN LABOR DAY 11am-2am

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH
Leather & Lace Party!

2120 N.W. 39th • Ol<C • 521-9533



HERLAND CELEBRATES

SITUATION WANTED:

10

FEMINIST SEEKS EMPLOYMENT IN

YEARS

The tenth anniversary of the founding of Herland Bookstore was
celebrated by over 7 5 women and men at a lawn party held at Her land
on August 22. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of
Herland's first community service awards. Shatzy Watson of the
Porthole was recognized as "Outstanding Businesswoman of 1992 ".
A special award, "Honorary Lesbian", was presented to Stephen
Hardway in appreciation of his work on behalf of women in Oklahoma
City. "Brazen Hussy" awards were presented to the women who
founded La Salle des Femmes, the forerunner of Herland. Recipients
of the "Brazen Hussy" award included, Jana Birch um, Mary Branch,
Cate Cannon, Pat Colognesi, Cathie Colvard, Joni Darnell, Christie
Haas, Tonya Jones, Lisa Parker, Maggie Reidt, Jonna Rogers, Jo Soske,
Susan Stunkard and Debra Thomas. Barbara Cleveland was given the
"Daughter of Maaia" award for her leadership in the development of
Herland. The "Daughter of Maaia" award is named for the founders of
the women's utopia described in the novel Herlandby Charlotte Perkins

o

rn~~-

HANUKKAH AND CHRISTMAS FOR
HERLAND -

$200

FROM

100

PEOPLE
JoL. Soske
It is no secret that living in Oklahoma we face a great deal of sexism,
mi sogyny, and homophobia . Unfortunately, it sometimes feels that
these things are almost rooted in our beautiful state. For ten years,
Herland Sister Resources has existed as a safe place, a fortress against
these destructive powers. She has given us wommin centered books,
wonunin centered retreats, concerts, a political meeting place, office
space for affordable wommins counseling, a space for recovery meetings, a place to meet and socialize, and much much more. I believe that
now, more than ever, it is time for us to give back to her.
As most of you know, we have an outstanding note in the amount
of $20,000 on the Herland building. This note is due in January. I
believe that we can make fund-raising history. If 100 people will
conunit to raise $200 for Her land by Christmas, we will be able to give
Herland the best Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas gift ever. We
will own the building. Please join us in this effort to insure a place for
w01mnin in 0 klahoma for all times. Together, we have done remarkable
things. Together, we can do this. I realize very well that it is no easy task
to come up with $200 at this time of year. Therefore, lam offering some
suggestions for raising $200. We have a mailing list of over 900. If a
little more than one-tenth of the people on the mailing list c01mnitto $200
we will succeed. There will be a permanent plaque placed in Her land
with the names of all individuals or couples who raise $200 as part of
this fund raiser to pay off our debt. All donated monies will go 100%
for that purpose. The list of names to go on that plaque has already begun
(Continued on page 2)
- please join us.

Volume 9 Number 9

ACADEMIC

HERLAND

Vivien Ng
Last spring, I attended a "Women in Higher Education" conference
in eastern Oklahoma . It was not my kind of meeting--I normally would
not want to be stranded within handshaking distance of administrators-but I had allowed myself to be persuaded to go anyway, under the
mistaken notion that "my presence would make a difference." I should
have stayed home.
Close your eyes and imagine a room full of women "dressed for
success." Tailored suits, silk blouses, floppy silk ties galore. I think I
had on my regulation bluejeans (but no, I didn't wear my flannel shirt!).
That was the most "difference" I was able to make thafday. It's cool,
I reminded myself. To each her own. If they won't stare at me, I won't
either. In other words, I was in a relatively calm state of mind until the
high point of the conference: a panel presentation by three "successful"
women in higher education, one of whom was a vice president at a small
state college in Oklahoma.
The guru speaketh: Ladies , let me share with you the secret to my
success . First, you must dress well. Why, even when I shop at the
discount store on Saturday, I dress like a vice president. Ladies, be nice
to yourself, hire a maid to do the housework for you, because you can't
do that and have a career as well. Be sure you have a sense of humor.
Why, when the men crack jokes about women at the morning meetings,
I just grin and bear it. Don't talk back, because it will only..antagonize
the men! If you will just follow these basic rules, why, you'll make vice
president in no time at all.
Whatever illusions I had about how far women have come in the
Oklahoma higher education scene were shattered in that instance. Have
they learned nothing from Anita Hill's testimony on Capitol Hill? In
some respects, women have made significant progress in higher education . In many campuses across the country, women students outnumber
men. In medical schools, women have gained parity with men, and
many elite law schools enroll as many women as men. And yet, in spite .
of these gains, the climate in academe remains chilly for women.
When women who have "made" it--e.g., the vice president I
mentioned--would not take advantage of their situation and status to
stamp out the epidemic of sexual harassment, who would? At OU,
students often take the lead. The rallies in support of Anita Hill, and the
forum on sexual harassment were organized by feminist student leaders. Where were the professors (myself included)? Where were the
administrators? We were too busy pontificating in the security (and
privacy) of our offices to one another.
Gertrude Stein once wrote that "there is no 'there' there." Perhaps.
But wouldn't it be nice to be able to say otherwise, that "there is 'there'
there"? The "there" I refer to is a sort of academic Herland, the womancentered university that Adrienne Rich wrote about in 1973. We can
still get there, but we need healthy and thriving Women's Studies
programs to get us there. The "cultural war" that Patrick Buchanan and
Dan Quayle promised to wage against us must not be allowed to
succeed. Otherwise, not only will "there" not be there, but i won't want
O
to be there.

Herland Sister Resources

2312 N.W. 39, OKC, OK 73112

Herland'~

Fall
Retreat
October 16 - 18
Roman Nose State Park
(About 1 hour west of OKC)

Camp Fire • Workshops
Great Food • Great Hiking
Peace/Quiet • Fun/Games
Featured Entertainer

Judy Fjell

.HERLAND FALL RETREAT REGISTRATION
OCTOBER 16- 18, 1992 - ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK, WATONGA, OK

Single Persons's Annual Income

I Registration includes cabin space, Friday night supper, brunch on Saturday and ::>unday. uon·t forget to bring something for Pot Luck
I Saturday night. Please return by October 4, 1992, to Harland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39th Street, Oklahoma City. Call
405-521-9696 with any questions or to pre-register by telephone. On site registration will be an additional $10.00.

L------------------------------------------~
-- ·

ST. SYBIL

$200

Sybil Ludington, Matron Saint of the Overlooked Woman, is an
occasional contributor to the Voice.

Suggestions for Raising $200
1. Ask one hundred friends for $2.00
2. Have a garage sale.
3. Have a pot-luck, invite 40 friends, ask for a $5.00 donation.
4. Buy candy whole-sale and sell it at work for $1.00 a bar.
5. Invite 20 friends over for a video and pop-com and ask for a
$10.00 donation.
6. Ask 100 people for their aluminum cans.
7. Sell your crafts and donate the funds.
8. Ask family members and friends who give you holiday gifts to make
a donation to Herland in your name instead.
9. Quit smoking and donate 3 month's cigarette money.
10. Make a $200 tax-deductible donation on your own.
11. Combine any or all of these suggestions.
In addition to committing to raise $200.00, you can help by
encouraging others to do the same. I spoke to my sister in California,
she conunitted to donate $200 in memory of a dear family member who
died in January. She is a full-time, un-employed, law-school student.
People want to help. My fifteen year-old son came to me an hour ago
and said, "Mom, I want to raise $200 for Herland." I strongly
discouraged it because he does not have a job; he is enrolled in difficult,
time consuming high school courses; and he gets a small allowance. He
insisted, however, saying that he can find 20 friends who are willing to
donate $10 . I know he'll try, and I won't be surprised if he succeeds. He
takes commitments very seriously. Ask your friends, they may welcome the opportunity to help - especially if they understand the importance of Herland.
The following people have already committed to raise $200 in
donations for Herland by December 26, 1992:
Jo L. Soske
Barbara Hillyer
Cathy Colvard
Beverly Gardner
Margaret Cox
Jessica Soske in memory of David Chrispell
Billie and Susan
Dr. Joan Webb and Susan Blake
Jon Soske
Sarah L. Oakes
Pat Reaves
Barbara Neas and David Miller
Jean Kelsey
Barbara Cleveland
Terry Cocon
Kathy Conroy
Karen Lewis
Ginger McGovern
Sally Nostrant
Rhonda Smith
Pat Colognesi and Beverly McGugin

Dear St. Sybil,
Bill & Al are ok, and Hillary's neat; but Tipper? Give me a
break. I'm not about to vote for anyone who's connected to anyone
who's married to anyone who stands for censorship. Who does she
think she is, banning rock music for their lyrics? What about the
first amendment? What about my rights?
In alarm and outrage,

Doris
Dear Doris,
Poorold Tipper. Sheusedtoplaydrums in a rock band, you know,
and has admitted to smoking grass and actually inhaling it. She is cute
and giddy and full of fun, and never tried to ban any lyrics or in any other
way infringe on anyone's first amendment rights.
What she tried to do, successfully, was to have advisory labels put
on record albums containing lewd, violent lyrics.. That's all. Sure, kids
get hold of it anyway. Some, as Calvin of Calvin & Hobbes did, think
they've gotten their money's worth if they throw away the record and
keep the cover lying around to horrify their parents . But at least, in
Tipper's reasoning, those kids know that there are a great many people
who don't condone the misogynistic violence against women that is the
essence of so much of the advisory-labeled music. I don't condone it,
you don't condone it, and don't we owe it to our kids in their formative
years to let them know we don't?
Anyway, thanks for writing,
Sybil

"Dear" St. Sybil,
Now I know all about you, I know you're one of those radical
feminist commie type of Saints, but still, I'm sure you'll agree
with me that Hillary Clinton is in league with the devil and totally
out of bounds when she advocates this ludicrous concept called
Children's Rights. I always knew back when the Coloreds got so
uppity that it would spread and spread and there'd be no stopping
it and pretty soon we'd be waiting on our children and consulting
their opinion and telling them Please and Thank You and afraid
to offer them the back ofour hand; and sure enough, look; they've
outlawed paddling in our schools for the next two years. It's the
work of the devil, you know it is. No paddling and no prayers,
how are we going to keep the homed one at bay, I'd like to know.
And this harridan Hillary is all for it! What is the world coming
to, I ask you? I'll tell you what, it's coming to an end, that's what;
and when the Rapture comes I'll ascend to heaven while
you.....you ....
Hey. Where exactly are you, anyway? A pinko fembot like
you can't be in Heaven, could I be talking to someone in Hell? Oh
Lord, now I am really concerned... Where are you, and what about
Hillary?
Worriedly,
Edie Merrylady
Dear Edie,
I'm surprised you didn't know. The Rapture has already occurred,
and you didn't make the cut. While I loll around my other-worldly hot
tub with angels to fan me and cherubs tickling my toes and seraphim
plying me with chocolates and strawberries, you will exist forever in
your dark little imaginings while all around you brats and coloreds and
women libbers and queers (how come you didn't mention them?) sun
themselves in peace, harmony and respect.
Better luck next time,
Sybil
D

2 Herland Voice, September, 1992

FROM

100

PEOPLE

(continued from pg. 1)

Please allow us to add your name to the list as well as to the soon-tobe-raised plaque.
D
Detach and Return to Herland, 2312 NW 39th, OKC, OK 73112:
Yes! I/We will raise $200 for Herland by December 26, 1992. You
can count on me/us. The name/s on the plaque should read as follows

Address:.

LOCAL CUSTODY BATTLE

FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF DES-

UPDATE

EXPOSED WOMEN

The Lamda Defense Fund has recently agreed to join in the efforts
an important custody battle is in progress here in Oklahoma by writing
a "friend of the court" brief. This case involves the issue of a lesbian
mother who recently lost custody of her two small children because of
the "immoral" relationship she had with her live-in partner. Even
though the evidence showed that the children were happy, well caredfor, and well-adjusted, the court ruled that the mother was "unfit" and
removed them from their home as soon as the trial was over.
Several important points of law are at issue in this case, and the
mother is appealing to the Oklahoma Supreme Court for a reversal of
the decision. If heard at the Supreme Court level, this decision will
affect not only Oklahoma law, but also laws in other states as well.
As many of you know from reading your past news letters, this case
is expected to cost an estimated $20,000 . Because of the precedentsetting nature ofthis case, Her land Sister Resources has been working
together to gather the necessary monies for the legal defense. Towards
this end, the Herland Sister Resources Legal Defense Fund was created
in April of this year.
So far, through a combination of hard work, planning, and phonecalling, Herland has raised over $4,000 for the mother and her partner
and the children. If you think you can donate to the fund, please send
a check today to Herland. Every little bit counts! And it matters so
much to so many of us.
Some of the fund-raising activities so far have included a garage
sale, an open mic at the Porthole Club, a S.P.O.R.T. - sponsored
Christmas in July, a water-balloon sale at the Pride Parade, local and
national flier distribution, a national mailing, a dance in Colorado, and
two phone-banking sessions. Other upcoming activities will be a menutasting party at the Porthole Club, the sale of brand-new cookbooks
(hopefully in time for Christmas shopping), a charity ball in the fall, a
celebrity auction, and a volleyball tournament. Please feel free to get
involved in the planning of any of these upcoming activities; or perhaps
propose a new idea for fund -raising (you can call in ideas any time to
Herland. We appreciate any and all help, and the legal defense meetings
are open to all who want to attend. These are posted in the calendars
monthly.
The mother and her partner wish to thank the terrific women of
Herland- and that means you if you are reading this newsletter - for all
that has been done so far. Losing the children under these circumstances
was hard enough, but without support from our community, it would
have been unbearable. THANKS for your continued efforts! We know
this is an important case, and we hope to set a precedent for gay and
lesbian rights through a successful battle at the Supreme Court level.
If you can send the flier to friends in other states, please do - your
efforts to spread the word may help this couple get the financial help they
need to fight this decision.
D

Pet & Re.Pet. an Unsolicited Testimonial
If having a great Vet is high on your list of priorities, call 7370496 and give Dr. Joy Huska a try. "Joy" is the word, and
she's gotthe love and learning to go with it.
My beloved little problem-dog and I have seen vets from
Wales to Warr Acres, and this one is a breath of fresh air - fresh
out of training and up on the latest medicines and methods.
Fresh ly set up in her 2109 S. Air Depot clinic, she has a
refreshing ap preach which includes hOi istic as well as traditional
techniques.
"FIVE STARS & A DOG BISCUIT FROM TOSCA & JR".
paid advetrtisement

Several million American women have taken diethylstilbestrol
(DES), a synthetic estrogen, during their pregnancies. From the 1940's
until 1971, the drug was given to prevent miscarriage, despite a lack of ·
evidence to support such an effect. In 1971, Boston doctors discovered
that several adolescent daughters of women who took DES duringtheir
pregnancies had developed a very rare form of invasive vaginal cancer.
Since then over 600 new cases of vaginal cancer in young women have
been documented. Reproductive tract abnormalities have also been
associated with in-utero DES exposure.
Although many DES daughters enjoy good health and have not
experienced any health problems, DES health activists have urged that
more research be done on the possible long-term health effects of DES.
One question to be addressed is whether DES exposure will influence
risk of breast cancer. Medical researchers at the Boston University
School of Public Health are planning a large study to answer that and
other questions. Thousands of women whose mothers took DES while
pregnant with them will be sent a short questionnaire on their health
history and current health status, and will be contacted every year for
five years to find out about any change in health status; a comparison
group of thousands of unexposed women will also be contacted. To
detennine whether such a study is feasible, they are asking that women
who have been exposed to DES fill out the form below and send it to the
address on the form.
For more information about DES, contact: DES Action USA,
1615 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612; (510) 465-4011.
Rep1inted with permission from the National Women's Health Network
News, "the only national public-inte1est organization dedicated solely to
women and health .. "
D

r--------------------,
If your mother took DES while pregnant with you, or if you took DES
I
yourself during a pregnancy, please fill out this form. If you know of
others who were exposed, please make copies of this for them.
What·is-your age? _ _ __ years
How were you exposed to DES?
_Mother took DES while pregnant with me
_Took DES myself during a pregnancy
How certain are you that you were exposed?
_

Know for sure

_

Think I was

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

I

Have you ever obtained medical records that verified exposure?
_Yes

_

No

Would you be willing to be contacted for a questionnaire study?
_Yes

_

No

Nm1~-~----------------------

Address._ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _---'~
ALL INFORMATION WILL BE CONFIDENTIAL. YOUR NAME
WILL NEVER BE USED IN ANY REPORT FROM THIS STUDY.
Please send to: Dr. Julie R, Palmer, Boston University School
of Public Health, 1371 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02146;
TEL (617) 734-6006.

L--------------------~
Herland Voice, Septenber, 1992 3

GET OuT OF

Mv WAY,

SCHOOLS

BITCH
by Jo L. Soske
Many of the attitl!des which girls must face in today's public
schools are very similar to the attitudes which prevailed when I was in
common school. I am frequently disappointed by how little things have
changed. During this past semester, I observed an intramural game
which was witness to this fact.
. The students were playing co-ed intramural basketball. However,
there was only one girl on the court. This was not due to lack of interest
on the part of girl students but rather to lack of willingness on the part
of teachers. One teacher openly stated, "I want my homeroom to win,
and girls are sorry basketball players."
I watched the sole girl intently. None of the other players would
pass her the ball or acknowledge her presence. In spite of this, she was
able to obtain the ball on several occasions. During one of her
possessions, a boy on the opposing team was able to fairly dribble it
away from her. When this happened, a male teacher stood up and yelled,
"Hey! You can't do that. She's a girl." Then he, and all of the male
players, had a good laugh at her expense.
These attitudes are, of course, carried over into the classroom.
There is never any mention of Women's History month. When I
developed an interdisciplinary women's studies unit for March, there
""'.as no time. When I mentioned celebration of Susan B. Anthony's
birthday, a male colleague laughed at me and asked if she was C R.
Anthony's wife.
In someways, however, schools have changed very much. Perhaps
no place is backlash as evident as it is in the halls of a middle school.
Every pretense of the never real "Leave It To Beaver" days are gone.
Boys do not open doors for girls and then politely ignore everything they
say asserting, "She's just a girl, what does she know." Quite the
contrary, boys openly express violence against girls. I see it daily. It is
not at all uncommon for a boy to shove a girl into a wall, blurting, "Get
out of my way bitch." I have seen middle-school boys grab girls around
the neck and drag them in their direction. When I intercede, which I
always do, I am greeted with hostility and contempt. The attitude is one
of entitlement. Year after year, I see the violent behavior against girls
becoming worse. It is too frequently accompanied by sexual harassment or even sexual violence. It is not atall uncommon for a boy to say
to a girl, "Let me know when you get ready to do it, because I want to
be one of the first ones to break you in."
Last year, there were at least three episodes of sexual intercourse
between students taking place in the building in which I teach. An
administrator said to me, "Every time these kids get caught having sex
at school, the girl wants to cry rape." She had absolutely no understanding of the concept of acquaintance rape. Other middle schools and high
schools have also reported incidences of forced sodomy and rape in the
school setting during the past five years.
As a feminist teacher, I frequently feel that I am watching girls
drown in a sea of injustice and violence. I am often told, however, that
the sea is invisible - that other teachers and administrators do not see it.
I donotbelieveitis invisible. Ibelievethatwewill see and feel the effects
O
for a long time to come.
Offiu Hours By Appointment

Debra K

DISCIPLINE IN OKLAHOMA PUBLIC

Browning. R Ph., D_ D- S.
Comprehenswe Denial Care

5009 N. Pennsyluania,
Suite 10.J

4 Herland Voice, September; 1992

(405) 84.J-.1281

Oklahoma· City, OK 7.J J J 2

Recently, Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Oklahoma
Schools, announced that there would be a ban on the use of corporal
punishment in the state public schools. Many educators have fought
long and hard for this enlightened change, knowing through experience
that treating a child with dignity and respect, instead of fear, will
produce the desired behavior.
Other educators have been reluctant to give up corporal punishment, upholding the old beliefs thatsparingtherod spoils the child. With
this practice, Oklahoma ranks ninth in the nation in the use of corporai
punishment. Is it really their belief in corporal punishment or a lack of
knowledge of alternate discipline programs?
Oklahoma City Public Schools banned corporal punishment several years ago, and in its place trained teachers and administrators in the
use of Assertive Discipline. Assertive Discipline is a sequential
program that sets out well-defined expectations of rules to be maintained in the classroom and the school. The student is aware of a
consequence or reward that is associated with a particular behavior. It
is extremely important that rewards as well as consequences are
integrated into this program.
In our society there is a natural distrust of new programs and it is
imperative that teachers be involved in the implementation of this
program. Assertive Discipline is an effective plan when teachers are
trained properly and then allowed to develop a program to meet their
own classroom expectations.
D

DEMOCRACY WITHOUT
EDUCATION IS HYPOCRISY
Renea L. Butler-King
Huh! Whatmademesitdown and attempt an article? !tis my quest
to understand the adversities and differences between black and white ·
women. What I wanted to do was cover an issue that touches my heart
and soul. I wanted to try and mend a bridge between the two worlds . I
wanted badly for something profound to come so that I might present a
process to work through the afflictions. I am a womanist/activist, who
wishes to serve women . The strife I encounter because I am black is
unreal and produces so much woe. (}Noe, experienced by black and
white women, will have to be covered in another article due to the
absence of profoundness and my inability to present a process.) A
statement made by Professor Yusuf Mansur quoting Jawaharlal Nehru,
"democracy without education is hypocrisy", stunned me. "Democracy without education is hypocrisy " started to play over and over in
my head. My spirit was at attention, and I decided the very best thing
I can do to help bridge any gap between anybody is to address the
importance of education .
The statement "democracy without education is hypocrisy" is
profound --you know ... far-reaching, stopping, making you soul search.
Because of my desire to serve women, and progress in the field of social
work, I returned to school in the summer of 1990 to work toward
completing a degree. Even though I've worked paraprofessionally in
this field for 12 years, my lack of formal education has presented
roadblocks. I began to evaluate my situation and decided I was going
back to college. If i am to continue work in this field and be successful
'
it• I s gomg
to be necessary for me to obtain a degree. As soon as I decided'
to return to college, I also began to think, "This is going to be a chore"
(continued next page)
and to question if I could handle it.

fSeptembetr.

19 9 2
Silent Vigil for peace in Central America. On the steps of the
Federal Buidling, NW 4th & Robinson, OKC; Wednesdays at Noon.

Sunday

I

lr'londay

On September 2, 1869, Estlmr
Morris, the firs-!: U.S. female
Justice of the Peace, held a
teaparty in Wyoming to ask
citizens to please work for
women's suffrage.

~ANE

ADDAMS
1860 - f935
Pacifisl,
Feminist..,
Nob el Peace
Prize winner;
Founder of
'
!i!ILPH

7

I
I

~
::!:**'

2.

METRO
OKC NOW
6 pm
Belle Isle
Library.
Villa and
Northwest
. Expressway

8

SANGER
' 1883 - f966
Birlh Control
Pioneer.
freciuent..ly
imprisoned
fbr her work.

21

CoDA MeelinP
7 rim

OPE~· HOUSE
'111811 '1liJtlll

PEACE~CHJSE

Open House
10-5, at :29i2
N. Robinson

10

11

ATALLAH
SHABAZZ
al OSU,
in the
Seret..ean
Concert.. Hall,
7 pm

CoDA MeetinP,
7 pm

NOW
:2pm, Norma n
PublicLibrary
**MARY
REYNOLDS
9pm, Porlhole
Benefit fllr
Paula Rae

17

18

19

12*C.C.

Oklat16~a

Primary
Run-off
Elections
Today

22

CoDA MeetinP.
7 pm

23~

~

24

Board
Meeting;
4:30 pm

29

26 oK

25

NOW
i2:30 pm,
OSU St. Union

CoDA Meeting;,
7 pm

Tak:e a
Fla'minE'o
(or other
colorful bird)
to Lunch Day

28

Saturday

5

4

3

16

'•'

27

2

9

15

Friday

Wednesday Thursday

,1 st Mee.tinp
of Daughters
of Bililis,
in 1958

14HARCARET

13

Tuesday

**

COFFEEHOUSE
& Poetry
Readin£S, 8pm
al Herland

30
Saturday 9/26 continued: In addition to the N~
meeting in Stillwater and the poetry reading at
Her.land withJudith Rycroft, there will be an
Animal Awareness Festival frcn 10 to 5 at the
Mayfair Center, 3200 KW 48th, OKC. Highlights
include animal-oriented and cruelty-free drts
and crafts, demos by Therapy Dogs & Dog Ears,
&pet adoptions by · Second Chance of Noman.

HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES
2312 NW 39t..h Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
405/ 521-9696
Hours: Saturcla:y iO - 6; Stinclay 1 - 6

MIUIHli~HIHHM~HU~H~

M
M
M

HERLAND GIFT SHOP
T'ne Place to Shop

for Jewelry, Pottery, T-shirts,
Stat i. :mery, Bird Houses & Feeders,
M Buttons, Postcards, To}'s and More!
M And .:if course, as always, we're
M the place for great books and music.
~

W
M
M

M

M
M
M

w~u;!liMIHHHWHMM~Wl<JHIHll~

NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage

PAID
Oklahoma City, Okla.

2312 N.W. 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

Permit No. 861

The enlightenment and infonnation., I've received since I returned
to school helps me understand the statement "democracy without
education is hypocrisy." Without my higher education in science,
English, English composition, literature and history, I would not have
the ability to express or write this article with confidence. Without my
higher education in economics, I could not look at the news or read the
newspaper with an understanding of what goes into play when the media
is providing economic information. Without my higher education in
humanities, I would not know the first person on record in drama was
Thespis (a blackman)yetEuripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus are said
to be the first.
Professor Clay Randolf says, "college is the best place to express
your opinion. The more you learn, the more room there is for this opinion
to grow and/or change, and college is theplacefor this." Barbara Jordan
says, "Racism, white or black, must not be. Separatism is not the
American way." A democratic system is a government by the people,
exercised either directly or through elected representatives. In obtaining
a higher education, I'm better able to exercise my right to vote for
representatives who will try to ensure a way oflife that includes a sound
economic state, a free religious state and a conjoint America. I say to all my
brothers and sisters who march, rally and take up the ca use in our democratic
system . .. arm yourself with a higher education and exercise your right to
vote. Believe me when I say, I've become a more rounded human being
by returning to college. My horizon is bright.
0

COYOTE FUNDRAISER A HOWLING SUCCESS
Nearly a dozen local perfonners showcased their talent at the August
Open Mic Herland Benefit at The Coyote Club. The evening was a rousing
success musically and financially, with well over $300 being raised. Many
thanks to Kelley, Liz and Cindy, and of course all the performers and all the
generous souls who contributed, for a fine evening's entertainment.

405/942-1872

2934 N.W. 23rd
Oklahoma City, OK 73107

~·5-'
Beauty Salon

CAROL CHOATE - Owner/Cosmetologist

Dip-A-D-Dog
Grooming
The Gentle Touch For You; Best Friend

*•X•·»

ByBanika
521-1003 • 943-3525
2215 Cashion Place N.W.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73112

LETTER FROM OUR RADICAL,
RURAL SISTER
Dear Sisters,
My son started school today -yippee! Nine hours of my own time
Monday-Friday from now on! All the mothers I know are READY for
schoolto start! Ahh ... time for ourselves! Marvelous! (A part of me is
also worrying about Jeremy having to be gone from home & close-knit
family for nine hours at a time for the first time in his young life! He's
now a first grader. (The system gets us, you know? In our patriarchal
social predicament we become willing to give over our children for
several hours aday-becauseitrelieves ourtime, forour selves.) Ideally,
communities would raise the children creating time & space for mothers
to work, create, rest, dream, think, etc .
Do you remember how I used to consider "getting out of Oklahoma" for more open-minded, less Bible-belted bound, progressive
geographies? [Editor's note: Didn't we all?] Well, that's over. I believe
those "roots" I was telling you I sprouted, have grown into Oklahoma
soil! I was resistant to embrace Oklahoma as "home" in part because
of its backwardness and because it was my husband who was drawn
here, not me. New Mexico was where I was drawn to but we left because
of a financial crisis when Jed got out of the Air Force. Being, in my life,
at a point in my feminist process where I felt thrown into an ocean with
barely a life jacket, you can imagine how those two aforementioned
situations were affecting me. Being isolated out in rural Oklahoma
didn't help, as rm sure you can imagine. (Though I must say that living
"out" like that was a dream I had for years and, in spite of inner turmoil,
benefitted greatly from that remote, wilderness, living experience.)
Moving closer to Lawton has greatly reduced my isolation, and I
am lliumib'. still rural. I have women friends I see regularly (Thank you
Goddess!!!) (Women friends are the best life-saving jacket, as I know
you know.)
rm happy to hear you are feeling optimistic - I know how easy it
is to get depressed at how far we women, our country, the world, has yet
to go. But I am optimistic these days too, and now that I am feeling at
home in Oklahoma I am fired up to get some things going to make
Oklahoma more to my liking, to join more committedly in shaping
Oklahoma as a force/power in the transformation of the world. I do not
deny the obstacles, I am just not feeling the need to focus my energies
upon them. I know they are there and what they are, I need to focus my
energies on the positive - the potentials - and in creating a microcosm of
the macro-feminist vision of the world - a pocket of paradise in which
to enjoy my life.
I believe I will be able now to form a woman's support and
learning/consciousness raising group in this Lawton area. Seeds are
planted and I am in a better position in which to nurture them, and be
nurtured by them. I am toying with the idea of opening a woman's
bookstore in Lawton, too. "WOMAN'S WORDS BOOKSTORE".
Keep me and this in mind on your full moon prayers.
For my feminist education I am currently studying: Beyond Power
- Women, Men and Morals, by Marilyn French; Women Together,
Women Alone, by Anita Shreve, and for my feminist spirituality I am
reading: Revolution From Within, by Gloria Steinam, and Shakkai Wo111a11 of the Sacred Garden, by Lynn V. Andrews. For Women's
history I also read: Cowgirls - Women of the American Wes~ by Teresa
Jor<lan -excellent, really a great book. Deals with feminism too and why
manyranchwomenwere/arereluctanttoembracethe(women's)Movement.
Anyway, thanks for being there. Herland is a beacon of hope and
support, more perhaps than you all realize, for all the many ships at sea.
With love, in sisterhood,
Deborah
0

Herland Voice, Septenber, 1992 5

MALCOLM

X's

DAUGHTER IN

OKLAHOMA
Attallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X, is a theater
producer, writer and lecturer. Together with Yolanda King, eldest
daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,Ms . Shabazz founded "Nucleus",
a company of performing artists dedicated to encouraging positive
growth within humanity.
The Oklahoma State University Programming Committee for
Multicultural Awareness Program is sponsoring a lecture by Ms.
Shabazz on Thursday, September 10, 1992. It will be held at 7 o'clock
p.m. in the Seretean Concert Hall. Ms. Shabazz' lecture will be titled
"Positively You." Admission to the lecture is free.
D

MATERNITY LEAVE -- NoT!
A compromise Family Leave Act, guaranteeing leave without
nID'. to family members in the event of family illness, death, or a new
family member, whether by birth or adoption, was passed by both
Houses of Congress and sent to President George Bush, who promptly
vetoed it; it would, he said, create an undue hardship on small businesses .
Meanwhile, business does not seem to be suffering too much in
the European Community, and our European sisters appear to be doing
quite a bit better than we are. Below is a list of European Community
countries, and their current Maternity Leave provisions.

COUNTRY

LEAVE

Belgium

14 weeks
(6 before birth)

100% for 1-4 weeks,
thereafter 80%

Denmark

90% of salary

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR

28 weeks
(4 before birth)

FRG (Gennany)

100% of salary or fixed sum

NGLTF CONFERENCE

Greece

14 weeks
(6 before birth)
15 weeks
(6 before birth)

Spain

16 weeks

75% of salary

France

16 weeks
(6 before birth)

84% of salary

Ireland

14 weeks
(6 before birth)

70% of salary

Italy

20 weeks
(8 before birth)

80% of salary

Luxembourg

16 weeks
(16 before birth)

I 00% of salary

Netherlands

12 weeks
(6 before birth)

100% of salary

Portugal

90 days
100% of salary
(6 wks. before birth)

UK

40 weeks

Scholarship assistance is available for people of color, activists
with disabilities and activists with limited incomes who would like to
attend the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute
Creating Change Conference. The conference, to beheld in Los Angeles,
California this November 13-16, is a skills-building gathering for gay
and lesbian activists.
This year's Creating Change Conference will feature more than 90
workshops plus provocative plenary speakers, networking sessions, an
"agit-prop" swap shop, and social events. Pre-conference institutes
include a Campus Organizing Institute on Wednesday, November 11,
and the People of Color and Diversity Training Institutes on Thursday
November 12. Scholarships may be used to attend the institutes.
The Diversity Training Institute will help activists prepare for
more effective multi-cultural coalition work in their organizations, on
the job and in society. Racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, class, age, and
ability bias will be examined. The Institute offers an opportunity to
develop new alliances and practical coalition strategies for individuals
and organization.
The People of Color Organizing Institute will feature a day of
discussions and workshops on the critical issues affecting activists of
color in the lesbian and gay movement. Topics such as racism in our
movement, building and strengthening people of color organizations,
broadening the agendas of our organizations and the lesbian and gay
movement, and diversity issues will be discussed.
Workshops at the conference include "Reports from the Field: The
Impact of Election '92;" "The War on Gay/Lesbian Art"; "Grief, Anger
and the Politics of AIDS;" "Fascism in America?"; "Lesbian Visibility
in the Media"; "Aging and the Movement" and many other organizing
and skills building topics.
To apply for a scholarship, obtain a Scholarship Application Form
from the NGLTF Policy Institute. Applications must be completed and
returned by Monday, September 7, 1992. Applications received after
deadline will be considered depending on availability of scholarship
funds.
To get an application fonn or to submit a completed application,
write Creating Change 1992/Scholarships, NGLTF Policy Institute,
1734 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. Call Catherine Carter
at NGLTF Policy Institute, 202/332-6483, TTY 202/332-6219, for
more information.
D

6 Herland Voice, September, 1992

PAY

100% of salary.

6 wks at 90% of salary and
12 weeks at a fixed
reduced sum.

Source: The National Women's Health Network News

D

TARGETING THE SENATE,

1992

In recent months The Voice bas been bringing you profiles of
feminist, pro-choice women running for the U.S . Senate. Thus far we
have profiled Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein of California,
dynamic newcomers Carol Mosely Braun of Illinois and Lynn Yeakel
of Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth Holtzman and Geraldine Ferraro of
New York {both running for the same seat, unfortunately); Gloria
O'Dell of Kansas and Jean Floyd Jones of Iowa.
This issue we are spotlighting a woman candidate for the House of
Representatives from Oklahoma (Unfortunately, we have no women
running for the Senate from Oklahoma this year). Laurie Williams is
running for the House in the Fifth District. The Voice will have gone to
press beforetbe August 25 primary; however she is expected to win that
vote, and in November she will face either Mickey Edwards or one of
his primary challengers.
Laurie has a Bachelor's Degree, Cum Laude, from Duke University, and a Law Degree from OU. She has served as an Administrative
Law Judge and attorney at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and
now is in private practice specializing in oil and gas, public utilities,
legislation and administrative and corporate law. She states that she is
unequivocally pro-choice.
D

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
Only 50% of U.S. cities and counties have crisis hotlines and
shelters for battered women. An estimated 250,000 women and children are turned away every year because of a lack of funding. since
1980, thenwnber ofrapes has risen four times as fast as the total crime
rate.
The Violence Against Women Act will:
• Fund more shelters and services for battered women.
• Require better enforcement of victim protection orders, even if
interstate.
• Fund training for police units and prosecutors on domestic
violence and rape.
• Provide funding for rape crisis centers and counseling.
• Promote rape prevention and education programs at colleges and
high schools.
• Increase penalties for sex crimes and mandate victim restitution.
• Provide remedies for hate crimes based on gender.
The Violence Against Women Act is Senate Bill 15 and is
currently on the Senate calendar awaiting consideration by the full
Senate.
0

ROCKEFELLER FELLOWSHIPS ANNOUNCED

INSURANCE COMPANY REBUKED
Issuing a stern rebuke and warning, a New York state judge bas
dismissed an attempt by a life insurance company to rescind the
$50,000 policy of aman who died of AIDS . The judge also forced the
company to pay $127,000 in attorneys' fees to the policy holder's estate.
The judge, Ira Gammerman of the state Supreme Court in New
York County, said that New England Mutual Life Insurance company
engaged in improper and discriminatory conduct when it searched its
files to invent a reason to rescind the policy after the policy holder,
Jeffrey Duke, began making AIDS-related claims under a separate
disability insurance policy.
"The awarding of attorneys' fees," Judge Gammerman wrote in his
decision, "will, in my view, be sufficient to deter plaintiff and other
insurance carriers from engaging in similar discriminatory conduct."
In asking the court to rescind the policy, New England Llfe argued
that Duke had misrepresented himself in applying for the policy by
describing his lover and business advisor as his "business partner." In
finding that Dukedid nothing wrong, Judge Gammerman rebuked New
England Life for starting an investigation to find any "bogus basis" for
revoking the policy and for treating Duke unfairly because of his
disability, his sexual orientation and his marital status.
Judge Gammerman repeatedly emphasized that discrimination
has played a role in New England Life's actions. IfDukeandhis partner,
William Remmelink, were "married or Duke's illness was one not
associated with homosexuality no attempt to rescind the policy would
have been made," the Judge wrote.
"This ruling is an important vindication of the equal rights of gay
men and people with AIDS," said Duke's attorney William Hibsher.
"Judge Gammerman has taught New England Mutual that trying to
bank on homophobia and bigotry does not pay - the letter of the law,
whether in the insurance context or otherwise, protects gay men and
0
those infected with HIV just as it protects other citizens."

Free to good home -- 8 week old yellow tabby male kitten. Sweet and
friendly companion already. All shots, wormed. Call 557 -1 949.

The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS) of The City
University of New York (CUNY) is offering a minimum of two
Rockefeller Residency Fellowships in each of the 1993-94, 1994-95,
and 1995-96 academic years. Each year preference will be given to
projects focused on a particular theme. The theme for the first year of
the program, 1993-94, will be Race and Class in Gay/Lesbian Communities. Like the larger society surrounding it, the gay world is marked
by racial and class divisions, and proposals that address the substance
and possible solutions for those divisions would be appropriate to this
theme. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a jury of
scholars and specialists in diverse areas of gay/lesbian studies who are
not affiliated withCLAGS. Fellows willreceive$35,000, plus a $2,000
travel/relocation stipend, for residency from September 1 to June 1.
Applications for shorter-term residencies can be considered, provided
the proposed project is suited to the abbreviated time period and the
Fellow has sustained interaction with CLAGS. For participation as a
Residency Fellow for 1993-94, applications must be completed and
returned by February 15, 1993 . The full application includes a cover
page; a 10-page narrative detailing the proposed project; a complete
curriculum vitae/resume; samples of the applicant's publications or
other relevant work; and three letters ofreference from persons familiar
with the applicant's work. Application forms are available from:
Martin Duberman, Director, CLAGS, CUNY Graduate School, 33
West42 St., NY, NY 10035-8099. (212) 642-2924.
0

THE THANKS BE TO GRANDMOTHER WINIFRED
FOUNDATION funds women over 54 to
enable them to create, and manifest into reality,
ideas and concepts that will improve the lives
of women in one or more aspects. The purpose
of limiting the beneficiaries to individuals over
54 is to encourage a segment of the population
(older women) - generally ignored, forgotten,
and considered invisible- to have cou.rage and
Rachel Winifred Upjohn Light confidence in their ability to gift the common
(tRso-1029)
weal with their knowledge and wisdom.
For information write P.O. Box 1449, Wainscott, New York 11975

Herland Voice, Seprenber, 1992 7

Snattemor--------------------------.
Retreat Workshops --We are currently planning workshops for the Fall Retreat at Roman Nose, October 16 - 18. If you would like to present,
participate in, or merely attend a particular type of workshop, please write or call us and let us know what you want.

•••••••••
Garage Sale -- Herland's next garage sale will be held at the store on Halloween day, Saturday, October 31. We have a good start on saleable
items, but always need more. Please keep us in mind and bring us your surplus stuff. If you need someone to pickup items, please call Herland

at 521-9696. These are great balmy days to clean out the house and garage.

•••••••••
Herland' s New Ramp -- We have taken our first step toward making the building handicapped-accessible, with the addition of a handsome new
wooden ramp from the driveway to the bookstore. Bountiful thanks to all the women who worked hard on one of our hottest days thus far this
summer, including Ginger, Pat, Michelle, Laura, Tommy, Diana, Joni, Kevan and Renee. (Margaret brought ice cream).

NOTES FROM GLAAD, THE GAY &
LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST
DEFAMATION
Levi Strauss and Company has a strong anti-discrimination
provision, offers same-sex domestic partnership benefits, advertises
in gay/lesbian publications, and just ended its financial support of the
Boy Scouts of America for refusing to admit gay Scoutmasters and
Scouts. Following the Boy Scout announc=ent, the. fundamentalist
American Family Association launched a Levi's boycott, deluging the
company with mail and phone calls saying its "pro-sodomy" decision
showed it no longer wants the business of a majority of Americans. To
counter this hate, we can beat the bigots at their own game by calling
Levi's free consumer response number at 1-800-872-5384 and thank
th= for not supporting bigotry.
Roseanne Arnold told QW magazine that her TV sister
Jackie (played by Laurie Metcalf) may have lesbian relationships in
coming seasons. You can tell Roseanne that having Jackie come out
is a wonderful idea by writing Roseanne Arnold, Co-Executive Producer, Roseanne, Cf'rsey-Werner Co., 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio
City, CA 91604.
The season finale of Northern Exposure was a flashback
about Roslyn and Cicely, the turn-of-the-century lesbian lovers who
founded the town as a colony offree thinkers. Declared Cicely, "My
heart belongs to Roslyn and it always will. Our souls areoneandlcan't
imagine life apart from her." Tragically, Cicely dies at the end of the
episode (and the town is given her name.) But since the show's present
day regulars played assorted roles in the flashback, why couldn't Jo
Anderson and Yvonne Suhar, who played Cicely and Roslyn, be
brought back as present-day lovers? You can ask for a modern
reincarnation of Roslyn and Cicely by writing Joshua Brand and John
Falsey, Executive Producers, Northern Exposure, Finnegan-Pinchuk
Productions, 4225 Coldwater Canyon, Studio City, CA 91604.
The pilot for "In The Life'', an hour-long variety program
focusing on the lesbian and gay community, and hosted by lesbian
comedian Kate C,linton, was offered to PBS affiliates during June and
July. Produced at WNYC in New York by gay film maker John
Scagliotti, the series is primarily funded not by corporations, who
won't touch it, but by individuals who contribute directly to the show
as In The Life members. Tell your PBS affiliate to add "In The
Llfe" to their fall schedules. If they aired the pilot, say how
much you enjoyed it . In Oklahoma City write or call Bob Allen ,
Executive Director, OETA, 7403 N . Kelley, Oklahoma City,
OK73111;405/848-8501.
0

HANDYWOMAN DIRECTORY
Are you a carpenter, an electrician, a plumber, an auto mechanic?
Do you do yard work, auto body work, body body work, landscapirig?
Do you have a truck and haul trash? Do you type theses and resumes,
or do great desktop publishing? Do you have a printing press? Do you
alter clothes, or upholster furniture? Do you pour concrete, prune trees
or repair vcr's?
Do you get the picture? .. .Herland would like to maintain a listing
of skilled and handy women, to make it easier for the community to
practice affirmative action and support th=. Send us your business
card if you have one, or just jot us a line with your name and phone
number, and skill or service offered. We'll put you on the list and the
list on the bulletin board .. If you would be interested in participating in
a barter system let us know. If there is enough interest we' ll explore the
possibilities of setting up such a system. Thanks.
0

~

~

CLUB

WEDNESDAY COOKOUT
You Bring the Meat, We'll Do the Rest!

SATURDAYS
Free Volleyball Lessons 1-3pm
Open Court 4-1 Opm
CLUB OPENS AT NOON

SUNDAYS
Volleyball Tournament & Cookout 2-8pm
CLUB OPENS AT NOON

,_ WE WILL BE OPEN LABOR DAY 11am-2am

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH
Leather & Lace Party!

2120 N.W. 39th • Ol<C • 521-9533