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Vol.9, No.3 •
March 1998

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

MAINE VOTERS REPEAL CAY RIGHTS LAW
PORTLAND - In a landmark victory for Christian conservatives, Maine voters have narrowly
chosen to make their state the first in the nation
to repeal its law protecting gays and lesbians
from discrimination, according to all-but-official referendum results. Casting ballots in a
single-issue "people's veto" plebiscite, nearly 52
percent of voters backed the repeal, despite pleas
from the state's popular independent governor
and almost a half-million dollars in campaign
spending by gay, lesbian and civil rights advocates. The 30 percent turnout, nearly 10 percent
higher than predicted, revealed a dramatic difference between urban and rural Maine as the state's
larger cities voted in favor of the gay rights law
by wide margins. Yet Maine is a state of small
towns which, with few exceptions, voted for
repeal.
The new law they struck down had barred discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations. The repeal is "a clear victory for people of
faith," said Randy Tate, executive director of the
national Christian Coalition, which helped finance and organize the Maine repeal campaign.
The losing side, which spent an estimated five
times as much as the victors, described the repeal
as more of a triumph for get-out-the-vote expertise and circumstance. They cited low ciry turnout along with the difficulty of rmming a campaign during last month's devastating ice storm
and of drawing supporters out for a single-issue
vote in February when the threat to gay rights
did not at first appear great.
"The national Christian Coalition came in and
they turned out every single one of their voters,"
said Joe Cooper, spokesman for Maine Won't
Discriminate, the campaign to detend the gayrights law. "We were relying on the whole state
ofMaine to come together as a community. Polls
showed we had the backing of two-thirds of the
state."
Other polls have shown that the anti-discrimination laws similar to Maine's, which exist in 10
other states, may often be somewhat vulnerable
to repeal when their fate is determined by public
opinion rather than the legislatures that passed
them. A national survey done by Newsweek in
mid-1997 found that when people were asked to
assess the amount ofeffort ~.:voted to protecting
gay rights, 23 percent thought more was needed
and 26 percent thought the amount was correct,
but 42 percent thought such efforts had gone too
far. And in 1992, Colorado voters approved a
referendum that barred localities from passing
gay-rights ordinances, though the measure was
later overturned by the Supreme Court.
"It's kind of going both ways," said Rebecca
Isaacs, political director for the National l~ay and
Lesbian Task Force. "People are more and more

March 1998

organized at the grassroots level in support
of civil rights and tolerance, but you have the
same activists on the right wing who make
the gay and lesbian community their target
for attacks on a regular basis. It's the same
folks over and over whether it's in Oregon or
Maine. "They can scare people and raise a lot
of money," she said. Both sides also agreed
that the issue would continue to simmer. "I
really think this is going to be an ongoing
controversy well into the next century," said
Gary Bauer, president of the conservative
Family Research Council in Washington,
which contributed about $40,000 to the
Maine repeal campaign. "There is increasing
cultural acceptance of homosexuals and support among political elites for the gay-rights
agenda, but at the grassroots level among
average Americans there is a tremendous
amount of resistance."
Even before its surprise outcome, the Maine
referendum was particularly interesting, some
campaigners and analysts say, in that the
Christian conservative groups that spearheaded the repeal drive made no effort whatever to soft-pedal their beliefthat homosexuality is immoral and therefore to be actively
discouraged. One television commercial even
featured several men who said they were
former homosexuals who had been saved by
Christ. And he said he did not believe the
Supreme Court's ruling on the Colorado
case would apply here; that case involved a
constitutional amendment that barred gayrights laws at all levels of government, he
noted, while the Maine repeal simply involves voters' exercise of their constitutional
right to shoot down a specific state law they
dislike.
Dr. Christian Potholm, a professor of government at Bowdoin College who has been
polling in Maine for 25 years, said that
perhaps 70 percent of Maine residents believe the state has no problem with discrimination against gays and lesbians. That could
have kept people who are otherwise sympathetic to gay and lesbian rights at home, he
said. Overall, Potholm said, Maine is no
more intolerant than other states, and given
a well-run gay-rights campaign, would likely
split into two camps, with 55 percent supporting gay rights and 45 percent against.
But Maine Won't Discriminate made several
critical strategic errors, he said: It did not
sufficiently court the Roman Catholic,
Franco-American community that is so often the swing vote in Maine, and it did not
emphasize that the conservative Christian
groups were the same organizations that had
tried in the past to ban alcohol and shopping
on Sunday in Maine.

WrcCNEWs
SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
Although the November elections are months
away, the need for gay people to be politically
involved on behalf of our own interests is a
year-round challenge. Whether we like it or
not, the rights we do have (as in Connecticut,
one of the few states with laws protecting gays
from discrimination in most areas) and the
rights we are seeking (such as official recognition of domestic partnerships) are determined
by the men and women we elect to the General
Assembly in Hartford and Congress in Washington.
Unfortunately, too many gay people take no
interest in the political and legislative process.
By not being informed, by not getting involved, we make it more difficult to achieve the
equality we deserve as human beings and citizens of this great country.
Black Americans and other minorities have
achieved progress in civil rights through concerted political action. Labor unions play a
major role in our society, advancing the welfare
ofworkers largely from what they have achieved
through political action. Women, incredibly
once disenfranchised, have made tremendous
progress in recent years---again---largely
through political action. Can't we gays take a
hint!
If you're not registered to vote, get thyself
down to the Registrar of Voters office at Town
Hall and register. It doesn't cost a cent! And if
you are registered to vote, darn 1t, vote on
Election Day. The gay media is a great resource
for finding out who is on our side and who is
against us. Utilize the gay media to be informed.
Better yet, join a statewide organization that
fights for gay rights through community and
political action: The Connecticut Coalition For
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Civil
Rights. You can get an application and find out
more about the group by writing them at 11
Cobbs Road, West Hartford, C'T 06107.
Remember, just like anyone else, your voice
and your vote counts.
-John Del Vecchio

TCC MARCH F RIENDRAISER
TCC's March Friendraiser will be held on
Saturday, March 21, from 5 to 8 P.M at the
home ofJohn Del Vecchio and Roland Roy.
Both guys are great cooks and they're looking
forward to providing a delicious buffet with a
variety of foods. At the Friendraiser donations
ofany amount you choose will be appreciated.
Directions to John and Roland's, 371 Court D,
Success Village, Bridgeport:
Continued on next page
Page I

FROM 1-95 EITHER DIREC1ION: Exit 27A to Route 8/
25 Connector Take Exit 5, turn left at light onto Boston
Avenue. (Route 1). Continue along Boston Avenue about
two miles, past the large General Electric plant and up a steep
hill. At the bottom of the hill take a left at the first traffic light
onto Success Avenue. Go past the second stop sign until you
come to a row of stores on your right, including Success
Market. Turn left into Court D and park. John and Roland
live in the end unit, #371, of Building 50, which is the third
building on the right.
FR.OM MER.RITT PARKWAY EITHER DIRECTION:
Take the exit marked for Route 8/25 South and get on Route
8/25 . Take Exit 5, turn right at light onto Boston Avenue
(Route 1) and follow the directions above If you get lost, call
334-3822. RSVP would be appreciated!

THts JusT IN!
That halarious musical, "Pageant, played to nearly full houses
at the Norwalk Community and Technical College in Norwalk
in January. The show, directed by Scott Robbins benefited
both Bread and Roses and TCC. The financial word is in .... the
production netted TCC a little over $15,000. Way to go!

SOFTBALL
We'd like to get a TCC lesbian softball team going. If you're
interested in being a member please call Christine at (203)
847-8476.

TCC

MOVIE NIGHT

TCC will be sponsoring a fun movie night at the Sono
Cinema in Norwalk on Sunday, March 22 at 7:30 PM. A
Hong Kong film by Wong Kar-Wai entitled "Happy Together," won the Best Director award at the 1997 Cannes
Film Festival.
The story revolves around two lovers Lai (Tony Leung) and
Ho (Wesley Cheung), who get stranded in Argentina while
on vacation. They are miserable together yet incapable of
doing much about it. They arouse and a1moy each other, fall
out oflove and back in -always groping toward the unlikely
ideal of being happy together. Wong's cut-up jazzy film
technique captures perfectly the jumbled, cut-off lives of his
characters. The New York Times called it, "stylishly brash,
pulsing with life .... captures the restless open-to-anything
spirit of youth." Tickets are $10 at the door. The Sono
Cinema is located at 25 Washington St., South Norwalk.

TCC

SCHOLARSHIPS

Purpose: To recognize and encourage through financial
assistance, the educational pursuits of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual
or transgendered persons. It is hoped that the community
will be enhanced by the dforls and achievements of each
honoree.
Scholarship Range: Two scholarships awarded. Amount
may vary: $500-$1,000
Eligibility: Although primarily intended for high school
seniors pursuing additional education, scholarships are open
to any gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgendered person seeking and/or needing financial assistance to pursue those goals.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a unique talent, need,
leadership, or deed during the application process.
Deadline: March 31, 1998
For An Application: Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Scholarship Committee, Triangle Community Center, P.O. 4062, Norwalk, CT 06855-4062
Application Requirements: 1) Completed application form,
2) Completed questio1maire - answers typed, recorded, or an
artistic piece by you, 3) Three recommendation letters, 4)
School transcript (sent by school) or additional letter of
recommendation. (See Transcript Section of form.)

March 1998

LESBIAN LIT GROUP
For their April discussion, the Lesbian Literature Group has chosen a novel by
Marge Piercy entitled the "High Cost of Living." The Lit Group meets the first
Tuesday of each month at TCC starting at 7:30 PM. For more info call Christine
at 847-8476.

OuTFM
Fairfield County's Triangle Community Center (TCC) was featured in a major
segment on Out FM, the only local gay radio program heard on New York city
radio. TCC was featured on a segment with Out FM reporter George Reilly, heard
on February 8,1998 at 6:45 PM on WBAI-FM 99.5, New York city, which
transmits from atop the Empire State Building and blankets the tri-state metropolitan region of 15,000,000 people.
TCC president Don Buxton spoke, giving basic information about TCC and its
services and also its phone number (203) 853-0600, and address. In addition, Don
said work is underway to create a chapter of SAGE at TCC to serve gay and lesbian
senior citizens. He noted that he is now 41, and looks forward to the days when he
retires and will have a SAGE chapter at TCC to enjoy his senior years . Also featured
was a report on TCC's Out and About, which features field activities such as hikes
in northern Connecticut and group attendance at movies.
Out FM usually focuses upon the many activities of the gay and lesbian communities
in Manhattan, but after this segment on Fairfield County and TCC, gay and lesbian
groups in Connecticut, Long Island, Westchester County and New Jersey were
invited to contact the program. The address for Out FM Is Out FM, WBAI, 505
Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, 19th floor. The telephone is 1-212-2790707. The number for calls taken during the show is 212-279-3400.
-Michael Collins

AUTHOR NEEDS HELP
I'm embarking on a new book project, and I need your help. I've just signed a
contract to write "Moms and Dads Who Make a Difference" - a book about
straight parents (and grandparents and siblings) who are doing EXCEPTIONAi,
things to help the gay community. For example, I plan to profile a woman who lost
her friends and her church when her son came out at 13 and she began fighting
homophobia in rural Indiana; the police chiefin Portland, Ore. who hired his lesbian
daughter as a police officer and a grandmother who organized a band of old ladies
to try to defeat Jesse Helms because of his homophobic stands. I know there are
many ordinary, STRAIGHT Americans who are doing other exceptional things but I need to find them.
I can becontacteddirectlyinmanyways: Dan Woog-Phone: 203-227-1755 - Fax:
203-227-3035 - E-mail: dwoog@optonline.net For those who don't know, I am
a contributing writer at the Advocate Magazine; my most recent Alyson Publications books are "Jocks: True Stories of America's Gay Male Athletes" ( 1998) and
"School's Out: The Impact of Gay and Lesbian Issues on America's Schools.

GAY AND LESBIAN DANCE!
Sober Spring Gay and Lesbian Dance! - Saturday, March 14 from - 8 PM to 1 AM
- Jennings School - Fairfield, C1 - $5.00 Cover Charge - Bring Your Own
Refreshments - No Alcohol Please! Need more info? Call Liz 333-8981 or Bob 3368216 or Christine 847-8476
Directions: From 1-95 North - Exit 22, Round Hill. Left at end oframp onto Round
Hill. Turn right onto Barlow Road by Fairfield University. Left at the light onto
North Benson Road. At light, bear right and continue across Black Rock Turnpike
and take right onto Fairest. Left at next corner onto Fairland. Take a left and turn
onto Palm Drive.
From 1-95 South - Exit 24, Black Rock Turnpike. Right at end of ramp. At light,
take left onto Kings Highway. Bear to right as the road splits. At the fourth light,
take a right onto Burroughs Road. Atthe stop sign, take a left onto Farland Rd. Take
first right onto Palm Dr just before school crossing sign.
From Merritt Parkway (North) -Take exit 44, Fairfield University. Turn onto Black
Rock Turnpike south (Route 58 south). At third light, take left onto Fairfield
Woods Rd. Continue straight through the stop sign. At light, take a right after the
library. The middle school is on your right, Jennings School is on your left.
From Merritt Parkway (South) -Take exit 46. Atendoframp bearrightatlightonto
Route 59 for approx 2.5 miles. Atthe light (Grand Central on left, Mobil on right),
take a right onto Fairfield Woods Rd. Continue through one light and one stop sign.
At next light take left (library in front) . Middle school is on your right, Je1mings
School is on your left.

Page2

FULFILL YOUR FANTASY
Now available through outer-space related catalogs: your very own
"Lost in Space" robot. Yes, now you too can be one of the Robinson
castaways or perhaps you'd prefer the role of the villainous Dr. Smith,
hurling insult after insult at your robot. Warning! Warning!-The
adult version of young Will Robinson is not available. To order an
assemble yourself robot send $17.49 + $5 .75 for shipping to:
Phoenix Model Company, PO Box 15390, Dept. SFO 298,
Brooksville, FL 34609.

Miss luoY?
Bob Fallon, who did such a great job as the emcee of"Pageant", has
just finished an appearance in a two week run of"J aques Brei is Alive
and Well and Living in Paris." His rendition of Amsterdam was
memorable. Was I mistaken or did he re-interpret Jacky to be Jackie
O? You still have time to catch Tommy Femia, who so graciously
brought down the house in last year's production of"Whoop-DeeDoo" reprising his role as Judy Garland in "I Will Come Back" at the
Players Theater on MacDougal Street in the Village.
-Marianne Seggerman

TRANSGENDERED
I am Denise Mason, founder of the transgendered dub 'the

b~~C:~fTN~::'&\,~~~?'J:!;s:i!::;~:::~:;::,~

will help to facilitate the lines ofcommunication between those of •
us who are transgendered, arid the rest of the gay, lesbian and
bisexual community. 'the connecticuT View' has. been around
since 1972. I was an original founder ofthe then "Hartford TVIC
dub" and have been organizing and trying to find a place where
Connecticut 'girls' could express themselves.
Currently, our group of60 fits in nicely with the GLBT community. Over 50% of us are admittedly bi, with a percentage who ar.e
gay, and the remaining either.straight or not saying. We havea
nice handful of males who are not crossdressers but who are TV
admirers and date us. We have just one genetic woman and wish
to have more.
Most recently we held a "Female Impersonator Show" and raised
$3,125 for the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. In our
outreach we are neither apologetic nor "in your face" ...but
discreetly, politely, unafraidand proud ofwhowe are.
Wewekome those in theTCC community who want to be a part
of our TG program. It doesn't matter whether you are male or
female, gay/straight or bi, someone's wife or significant other.
Members of the cTView receive our monthly newsletter, annual
Membership Directory of names/addresses/ads, _photos of our
members and an invitation to all club events. No one is screened,
and everyone is accepted. You may reach me at "cTView", Denise
Mason, P.O. Box 2281, Milford CT 06460 or e-mail
masond@aol.com or write to News & Views, I encom:-age your
questions and hope we can have. a lively and interesting monthly
column.

ALDIS
_m_4_6_~-il-l
Plo_VEL_in-Roo-Pd_IANNER
_ _Da_nb-ur-y,-CT-06_8_1_1
(203)778•9399

FAX (203)744•1139

*

~CONNECTICUT NEWS
LOCAL DOCTOR IN Al DS FIGHT
STAMF ORD - A Stamford doctor reported three successful treatments for
a previously untreatable complication of AIDS, offering a glimmer of hope
to others diagnosed with the debilitating disease. AIDS expert Dr. Gary
Blick said three of his patients have recovered from an advanced HIV,
complication called progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy after therapy
with an experimental combination of antiviral and cancer chemotheraphy
drugs.
PML affects the brain and spinal cord of about 2 percent to 4 percent of
AIDS patients, usually causing severe paralysis, aphasia-the loss of the
ability to use or understand words and death with.in to 10 weeks of
diagnosis, Blick said. Yet after three ofBlick's patients were treated with the
drug mixture and underwent rehabilitation for just more than a year, their
symptoms almost have disappeared, he said. Blick hesitated to draw
conclusions from his patients improved conditions before further studies
are done. But he said the three cases offer "anecodotal evidence" that this
drug combination might be effective.
"I want to get the word out that there is hope for the treatment of PML
where we've had no hope in the past," Blick said during an interview from
his Bedford Street office. Blick, who moved his Greenwich practice to
Stamford two months ago, treats hundreds of AIDS patients and has been
involved in the clinical studies of protease inhibitors - the breakthrough
AID'S drugs taken as a 'fcocktail" in combination with older AIDS
medications that have helped boost the immune systems of AIDS patients.
Blick's first case of successful treatment was reported in the January issue of
the medical publication Clinical Infectious Diseases, he said. When Dan
Patrick, a patient's ofBlick's, was diagnosed with PML, the prognosis was
grim. One of the last remaining AIDS complications deemed unpreventable
and untreatable, PML stems from infection with the Jacob Creutzfdd, or
JC, virus, Blick said. It is believed that 80 percent of the general population
contracts this virus during childhood and it remains dormant in the kidney,
he said. In a person with a weak immune systetn, the virus is reactivated and
spreads to the brain, he said.
After seeing Patrick and other patients who began to succumb to PML;
Blick said he decided to file for Federal Drug Administration approval of a
pilot study using both the chemotherapy drug Ara C the antiviral drug
cidofovir. After nine months of the new therapy, Patrick, who was once
wheelchair bound, walked only with a slight limp and could clearly express
himself Blick said. Dr. Michael Perry, director of infectious diseases at
Stamford Hospital, said because of the small percentage of AIDS patients
that contract the disease, the three reported success cases will have little
overall effect. "But if there be can be treatment for anything previously
untreatable, that would be a real plus," he said.

AIDS

MEMORIAL QUILT
HARTFORD - Forty-four panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on
display from April 21 - April 23 at the Trinity College Field House in
Hartford.

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

Three deuades of GAY travel expertise
[[i:]y\
March 1998

~ RSVP

21 STRICKLAND RD. , COS COB, CONN . 06807 (203) 869-0216

Page3

T NEWS & VIEWS
foR Goo, foR CouNTRY AND foR ... HoMOPHOBIA?
NEW HAVEN - Yale students who had planned to present antihomophobia workshops to incoming freshmen this fall got a disappointment. Dean of Student Life, Betty Trachtenberg, informed them
that the workshops would not take place as promised. Students,
disturbed by the number of anti-gay threats and violence on campus,
first developed the workshops more than a year ago.
"I was right outside my room. I heard a voice behind me say 'Hey, dyke,'
and then I was pushed down the stairs," says Yale junior Chrysanthi
Settlage. "Nobody should be subjected to that kind of harassment." Yale
seemed to agree-at first. Students who had met with Trachtenberg and
other officials believed they had been promised a chance to talk to
freshmen during orientation. Now Trachtenberg says those initial talks
were, "so long ago that none of our thoughts were locked in. There are
no decisions at all."

GAY YOUTH CONFERENCE
HARTFORD - Children From The Shadows, an organization serving
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trangender youth will be holding its fifth
annual conference on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21 at the
University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave, in West Hartford. The
conference is aimed at sexual minority youth and the adults who work
with them including teachers, counselors, clergy, and health professionals. The two-day conference will include over 60 workshops on a variety
of social, political, psychological and historical topics. There will also be
special "youth-only" sessions that will allow young participants to share
ideas and get to know each other in a safe environment. The organization's
growth has been remarkable; last year's conference attracted about 800
attendees, a third of them youth, making it the largest conference of its
kind in the country. To obtain more information or to register, call CFS
at 860-649-7386 or visit its website at <www.outinct.com/cfs/>.

JOHN ALLEN AT Pf LAG
NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Area Chapter of PFLAG (Parents
and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will present a discussion by New
Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center's co-president, John D.
Allen on Monday, March 9, 7-8:30 PM at Temple BethMishkan Israel,
785 Ridge Road, Hamden. The presentation, "Gay Strategies for the
Next Millennium", will focus on goals and obstacles of the modern gay
movement, and specifically on societal trends, the institution of marriage, quantifying the gay market, and historical perspectives. The
meeting is free and open to the public. For more information call Jim Lee
(203) 467-3759.

GAY NEWS COVERAGE NEEDS WORK
NEW HAVEN - News coverage of the gay community is becoming
increasingly enlightened, but needs to improve further, according to
members of a panel discussing the issue. Members of the media and gay
community gathered at the New Haven Gay & Lesbian Community
Center at 1 Long Wharf. The Society of Professsional Journalists
organized the forum to examine how the media looks at gay issues.
Joe Grabarz, executive director of the Connecticut chapter of the
American Civil Liberties Union, recalled when he was a state legislator

several year ago and a1mounced he was homosexual, newspapers ran the
story under huge "Pearl Harbor style headlines." A similar announcment
today wouldn't be reported under such sensational headlines, if reported
at all. That marks a maturity of the journalistic community in regard to
gay issues, Grabarz said.
Jack Kramer, editor of the New Haven Register, agreed the media's
perspective on gay issues has changed over the years. In the past, the fact
that someone is gay would be the focus of an entire story as it was in
Grabarz's case, Kramer said. But papers "still tend to play it safe" on gay
issues, Kramer said, adding that it's still unlikely an editor would run a
front page photo of a gay couple as part of Valentine's Day coverage.
Elissa Papirno, reader representative for the Hartford Courant, said her
paper's coverage of the gay community is improving, but that earlier
shortfalls often resulted from ignorance. For example, three years ago the
Courant drew strong criticism when its story on a gay pride parade
focused heavily on extreme elements, Papirno said. Upon review, the
paper agreed those extreme elements didn't represent the majority of
people at the parade and its coverage of the event in years since has
become more reflective of participants.
Lynne Mikulak, a former Register reporter now attending Yale Divinity
School, said, "newsrooms still have a Jong way to go" in covering the gay
community. The most serious obstacle is the lack of reporters assigned
to handle the gay communities' issues on a regular basis, Mikulak said.

LESBIAN

&

GAY JOURNALISTS

NEW HAVEN - The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
(NLGJA) is holding its first ever Connecticut event in New Haven in
March. NLGJA, which now has more than 1,100 members nationwide,
including some in Fairfeld, New Haven, Hartford and New London
counties, is holding its get-together Sunday afternoon, March 22 at I PM
at the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center at I Long Wharf
in New Haven, off Co1mecticut Turnpike (1-95) exit 46. Please call
ahead to confirm location and for more information. Call Howard

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March 1998

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Page4

Goldberg at (203) 330-8293 or Michael Collins days at AM 1220
WQUN Hamden, C'Tat (203) 281-8984, or evenings and weekends at
(203) 375-3567.
NLGJA members include journalists and media people from virtually all
forms of media, including commercial and public radio and te~evision,
wire services, magazines and newspapers from ma111stream media to gay
and lesbian media. Members include reporters, anchors, wnters, cartoonists, editors, photographers, and those _involved in eve,y asrect of
Journalism. NLGJA'S first national convention was 111 San hanc1sco 111
1992,, and this year will be in Las Vegas, Nevada from October l
through 4.

LIVING POSITIVELY! 7TH ANNIVERSARY
-NEW
HAVEN - The Living Positively! Support groups are celebrating
their 7th a1miversary on April 4th, 1998. Founded in 1990 by a group
oflong term survivors ofHIV/AIDS, Living Positively! is based on the
12 suggested steps and traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. These
steps have been adapted by the group for_living wit!: HIV/AIDS! and
membership in any other 12 step program 1s not reqmred. The Apnl 4th
Anniversary meeting will beg111 a 6 :00 PM with a Potluck d111ner. Two
speakers will then share their strength, hope, and experience starting at
7:00 PM continuing to 8:30 PM.
Living Positively! meets every Saturday, sta~in/G at 6:00 pr_n in New
Haven, C'T, and runs two groups. One group 1s for persons hv111g with
HIV/AIDS, and another concurrent meeting for their friends, f~mily,
and significant others. For more information about the Apnl 4th
anniversary pot luck dinner, and/or Living Positively! please call (203)
248-5057.

.MCC

SERVICES
NEW HAVEN - Christians interested in deep reflection during the
season of Lent are welcome to the Metropolitan Community Church
ofNew Haven, located on 34 Harrison Street, in the Westville section.
Worship services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The
season will start off with an Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. February
25 jointly hosted by MCC's pastor, Rev. Frank Beard, and the Rev. Gil
Ott, pastorofMCC's host church, the United Church ofWestville. Palm
Sunday services will be held April 5. A Seder will be held at 6:30
Thursday, April 9, at Ken and Greg's home. Then a Good friday service
will be held at the church April 10 at 7 p.m. And finally, a special Easter
Sunrise Service will be held at 6 a.m. April 12 at John's home. Services
will also be held at the regular times for Easter Sunday.
MCC is also now offering a Bible Study every Wednesday night at 6:30
at Bob and Rod's. It's a chance to have some pizza and enter into
meaningful discussion about Bible passages that we celebrate and
struggle with. For more information about any of these events, call the
church office at 203-389-6750.

Deadline for the April Newsletter will be Saturday 14 March. We cannot guarantee that material received after that date will be included in
April News&Views.

MIRACLES MONDAYS CELEBRATES 1ST YEAR
NEW HAVEN - Miracles Mondays, A Course In Miracles "' study
group, celebrated it's fir~t year annivers!ry this Feb~uary. Started in
1997 at the New Haven bay & Lesbian Commumty Center, this group
joined together to explore the sometimes mystenous and complicated
book A Course In Miracles TM . "What I like best about A Course In
Miracles TM," said co-founder Rev. Alexander R. Garbera, "is the way it
looks at traditional Christian concepts."
Miracles Monday's meets every Monday at the New ~aver~ liay &
Lesbian Community Center. It is open to all and 1s tree ot charge.
Donations are accepted to help the center, but are not reqmred . The
group starts at 6 :30 pm and usually ends around 7:45 PM . Call Rev.
Casey Roberts (203) 230 - 2050, or Rev. Alexander R. Garbera (203)
937 - 8085 for more information.
SEX CHANGE LEADS TO RETIREMENT
WETHERSFIELD - A transsexual teacher who was planning a sex
change operation abruptly retired last week from his post at Lyman Hall
High School. Neither Scott Hendricks, the 15-year veteran teacher, nor
school officials will discuss the agreement, but Hendricks' houseman:
said Hendricks was forced out when administrators learned of his plans
to become a woman. "He loved what he did and, by all accounts, he was
extremely good at it. He spent his whole lite as a teacher? and now_it's
vanished . He has no future," said John Mueller who hves with Hendncks
in Wethersfield and is also transsexual. Hendricks, 39, was a teacher in
the regional vocationalcagriculture program at Lyman HaH. As part of
an agreement with the school board, Mueller said, _Hendncks may not
speak publicly about the case. !he_ agreement stipulated Hendncks
would step down, but would reta111 his renre~ent package. Mueller s_a1d
that part of the sex change process 111cludes six months of cross-dress111g
before surgery and that Hendncks was delay111g that_ step because he
worried it might offend colleagues. ~ut Mueller s_a1d so~eone was
offended anyway. "It all happene_d 111credibly qmckly. Someone another teacher, a student, an admuustrator - must have compla111ed and
then his career just plummeted," Mueller said.

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Recovery from Abuse
Bilingual

(203) 261-3492

(203) 336-2708

Monroe, CT

Bridgeport, CT

Joan W. Duncan, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
188 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
Tel/Fax.(203)854-4805
Specializing in Women & Couples
March 1998

VICTORIA

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, CT
ADMITTED IN CT AND NY

Page5

T NEWS &VIEWS
CONNECTICUT CALENDAR
MARCH

1998

Friday, March 6 - Tackling Gay Issues In School: Students' Rights,
Our Responsibilities, a professional training presented by Planned
Parenthood of Connecticut, at the VNA in New Haven, 8:45 AM to
3:00 PM. Co-sponsored by the Connecticut chapter of the Gay,
Lesbian and Straight Education Network . E-mail Leif at
leifygreen@aol.com for more info.
Friday,March6-The Green Bay Tree, a 1933 play about the dangers
of the "predatory'' homosexual, presented by Alternative Starz Production to benefit the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center.
At Artspace, 70 Audubon St., New Haven, 8:00 PM. Tickets $15/$10
for Artspace and NHGLCC members. For information and reservations call 203-877-6382.
Saturday, March 7 - Stephanie's Living Room presents its March
Dance, at the Stratford Ramada Inn, 8:00 PM. For more information
call 203-377-2119 or e-mail sphilips@slrgroup.com.
Saturday, March 7 - The Green Bay Tree, a 1933 play about the
dangers of the "predatory'' homosexual, presented by Alternative Starz
- See March 6
Monday, March 9-PFLAG hosts NHGLCCs co-president, JohnAl!en
-Temple Beth Mishkan Israel, Hamden, CT, 7 to 8:30 PM. Call 4673759 for more information.
Saturday, March 14 - Gay and Lesbian Sober Darice - Jennings
School, Fairfield, C.,1, 8 PM to 1 AM. $5.00 cover charge.
Saturday, March 14 - Gay Bingo to benefit the Hartford Gay and
Lesbian Health Collective, at Project 100/Gay Lesbian Bisexual
Transgender Community Center, 1841 Broad Street, Hartford. Doors
Open at 7:00 PM - Games begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Admission $10
- Includes Games package. Call 278-4163 for more information.
Friday-Saturday, March 20-21 - Children From The Shadows presents its fifth annual conference for GLBT youth and professionals who
work with them, University of Hartford, West Hartford, 9:45 AM to
4:00 PM both days.
Saturday, March 21-TCC Friendraiser at John and Roland's place,
Bridgeport, CT, 5 to 8 PM.
Sunday, March 22- National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association's
get-together - New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center, New
Haven, C.,1, 1 PM.
Sunday, March 22 - TCC Movie Night, Hong Kong film "Happy
Together'' - Sono Cinema, Norwalk, CT, 7:30 PM. Tickets $10 at the
door.
Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29 - The Connecticut Gay Men's
Chorus presents Gentlemen Prefer Hollywood, a tribute to the golden
age of the Hollywood musical. Shubert Theater, New Haven, Saturday
at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM.
Tuesday, March 31 - Deadline for TCC scholarship applications.

Answer to Ftibruary '"';Horse Fair is the name of
Ms. Bonheur's work, which can be seen promi•
nently displayed.in the European paintings department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in
NewYork.
Question for March - It has been said that
David Whitney, a. New Canaan re~ident, will
become and artwidow to end all art widows. Crass
as tbatstatem.entis, the same might also be said of
Weston Fesident Jon Anderson. Who are, these
men?
March 1998

APRIL 1998
Friday & Saturday, April 3 & April 4-The Killing ofSister George, a play
presented by Alternative Starz Production to benefit the New Haven Gay
and Lesbian Community Center. At Artspace, 70 Audubon St., New
Haven, 8:00 PM. Tickets $15/$10 for Artspace andNHGLCC members.
For information and reservations call 203-877-6382.
Saturday, April 4- Living Positively!, which runs weekly support groups
for PWA's, their families, friends and significant others, celebrates its 7th
anniversary with a Potluck Dinner, in New Haven, 6:00 PM, followed by
speakers at 7:00 PM. For location and other information, please call Peter
at 203-248-5057.
Friday, April 10 - Metropolitan Community Church of New Haven's
Good Friday service at MCC, 34 Harrison St., New Haven, CT, 7 PM ..
For more information call 389-6750.
Sunday, April 12 - Metropolitan Community Church of New Haven's
Easter Sunrise Service, 6 AM. For location and directions call 389-6750.
Saturday,April 18-The New London People's Forum presents its annual
Different Voices, One Community conference, bringing togetherover 200
people from New England and beyond for a full day of educational
workshops, enlightened speakers and entertainment, as well as community
information and products. For information call the Forum Line at (860)
443-8855.

Laura L. Gates, MSW, LCSW
Individuals, Couples, and Families

Stratford. CT

White Plains. NY
(203) 386-1725

(203) 386-1 725

Office
566 Whalley Avenue, Suite #ID
New Haven, CT 06511
T 203-389-6750, F 203-389-63 I 8

RBt'. Franlt llBlud
Pastor

Worship
34 Harrison Street
New Haven, CT 065 I 5
Sundays 9:30 a.m . and 4 :00 p.m .

Metropolitan Community Church
of New Ha.-en
Especially serving the Gay and Lesbian Community

Jane

w

Griffith, JD, MBA
Attorney-at-Law

Tax Strategy & Preparation • Real Estate
Estate Planning & Wills • Business Consulting
270Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT06515-2114

Fax 20:S / :587-9899

Voice 20:S I 389-8614

Page6

T NEWS§ VIEWS
-

NATIONAL NEWS

Our

DRUG MAY SlASH PRICE OF TREATING AIDS

CROSS-DRESSERS STEPPING

Researchers in Los Angeles and Washington have identified what may
be the first inexpensive AIDS drug, a finding that could have major
importance for the 50 percentofHIV-positive Americans not receiving
treatment because ofits cost. They also say that the drug, in conjunction
with two other AIDS drugs, has induced what may be a permanent
remission in three HIV-positive patients who have now gone for more
than a year without treatment.

When Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas sailed from the Port of
Miami en route to the Bahamas recently, a small, unusual group of
passengers were aboard. More than 20 male cross-dressers and their
wives had come from all over the United States for Dignity Cruise IX,
and most of the men wore women's garb for the entire trip. "This is an
opportunity for people who cross-dress to have an interface with the
general public in a setting that is elegant," says Peggy Rudd, a Houstonbased author and leader in the transgender community. Her husband is
a cross-dresser. Rudd, who has written five books about cross-dressers
and their partners (all available through the Internet at amazon.com),
started the Dignity Cruise concept four years ago to provide support frir
cross-dressers and education to the public.
The word transgender, which means changing gender, encompasses a
broad variety of people, from gay men or women who dress in drag for
laughs, to transsexuals, both gay and straight, who use hormones and
surgery in an effort to become the opposite sex, to transvestites or crossdressers, most of whom are men (since women can wear men's clothes
freely in our society), and most of whom are heterosexual. l,iven the
range of identities and concerns in the transgender category alone, is it
appropriate to lump them all under the same community umbrella?
Because cross-dressers tend to be high achievers - doctors, pilots,
politicians and prominel1t business leaders - most are extremely closeted and live dual lives, often telling only their wives or children, and
sometimes not even them. Josephine has been secretly cross-dressing
since she was a child. "I was always interested in women's clothe.~," she
says. "The way they fed, what they look like. It's a ridiculous situation,
though, because no one understands. We're considered a joke." Experts
don't know what causes the urge to cross-dress. Whatever the reasons,
cross-dressers are slowly gaining momentum as a group and trying to
find acceptance.

Although experts are skeptical about the remission claims, many are
impressed by reported successes with the drug, called hydrm.')'urea, and
have begun incorporating it into their own treatment regimens. The
drug is unique in that it affects host cells in the patient rather than the
virus itself. The researchers think the drug works so well because HIV
cannot develop resistance to it. Moreover, they believe that hydroxyurea also lessens chances of HIV resistance to other AIDS drugs as
well. H ydroxyurea is a simple drug that has been used for more than two
decades in the treatment of leukemia. I ts use also was approved recently
for the treatment of sickle cell disease.
Hydroxyurea is inexpensive-no more than $30 a month compared to
the $1,300 monthly cost of the combination of protease inhibitors and
reverse transcriptase inhibitors that are currently the gold standard for
therapy. It is not yet clear whether hydrm.')'urea could replace protease
inhibitors in long-term therapy or whether they would have to be used
in combination. Because it has been around so long, however, no
company has exclusive rights to it. As a result, money for clinical trials
has come from private donors. Bristol Myers-Squibb, which sells
hydrm.')'urea for cancer therapy under the brand name Hydrea, has
agreed to sponsor a new trial in combination with ddl, which the
company also sells. That trial will begin later this year at eight to 10 U.S .
centers, although they have not been chosen yet.

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Page 7

LEADER THREATENS ro Bon G.O.P.
At a closed-door convention of conservative leaders in Arizona last
week, Dr. James Dobson, who heads the multimedia ministry Focus
on the Family, warned that if the Republican Congress continued to
"betray'' conservative evangelical voters, he would abandon the
Republican Party and "do everything I can to take as many people
with me as possible." These are the same voters who swept Republicans into Congress in the 1994 elections, but are now so disillusioned, Dobson said, that the Republican Party "has laid the
foundation for a revolution, and I don't think they even know it
because they're so out of touch with the people." Dobson spoke
before about 300 members of the Council for National Policy, a
group of conservative, political and religious leaders that does not
open its meetings to the news media. Members include the radio
host Oliver North, former Attorney General Edwin Meese, religious
broadcaster Pat Robertson, businessman Holland Coors, and members of Congress like Rep. Dick Armey and Sen. Jesse Helms.
Dobson excoriated a long list of Republican leaders who, he
asserted, "when they moved into power, moved to immediately
insult'' conservative Christian supporters. His list included House
Speaker Newt Gingrich, for inviting Whitman to give the Republican response to the State of the Union address, and even conservative
stalwarts like Republican Sens. John Ashcroft of Missouri, and Rick
Santo rum of Pennsylvania, who Dobson said had failed to speak out
against homose>..'Uality and financing of sex education in school~.

THE LURE OF FUNKY FUNDS
Fans of TV star Ellen DeGeneres might have an interest in the
Meyers Pride Value Fund. The $2.l million fund-up 21.8 percent
last year-will invest only in companies with "progressive policies"
toward gays and lesbians. When starting the fund in 1996, manager
Shelly Meyers worried about weighting it too heavily toward
technology and entertainment, two areas known for gay-friendly
employment policies. But today the 40-stock portfolio is spread across
l Oof 11 industry sectors tracked by Meyers, with it~ two biggest stakes
in banking and energy. Among it~ largest holdings: Golden State
Bancorp., America West Airlines, and Sears.
JUDGE TELLS NAVY
A federal judge ordered the Navy to cancel its decision to discharge
a sailor for homosernality, saying Navy investigators wrongly based
their case on an anonymous online computer profile and confidential records held by an online service. The action by U .S. District
Judge Stanley Sporkin marked the first time a court has found
military otlicial~ exceeding their authority under the Pentagon's
"don't ask, don't tell" rules on homosexuality. It also carried
important consequences outside the military, reinforcing electronic
privacy rights at a time that the availability of personal information
on computer networks is expanding rapidly. Sporkin's decision
made permanent the temporary injunction he issued against the
Navy, blocking the dismissal of Senior Chief Petty Otlicer Timothy
R. McVeigh. It followed a filing by government attorneys that said
the Navy had no further evidence to offer in the case.
Mc Veigh ran afoul ofN avy prosecutors last autumn after sending an
e-mail message about a Christmas toy drive to the wile of a fellow
submarine crewman. The message contained the screen name
"Boysrch," which was linked to a "profile page" that McVeigh had
posted on America Online. The page was signed "Tim" from
Honolulu, listed the author's marital status as "gay'' and expressed
a se:rnal interest in young men. A Navy investigator called AOL
without identifying himself and confirmed that McVeigh was the
author, a disclosure AOL later said it regretted and acknowledged
had violated its confidentiality policies.
March 1998

NEWS SOURCES
Boy Sco ul'i' B,m o n G .tys - \V.tshingt o n Post, J,111u,uy

20, 1998
C hu rch to Tr:· Pt1slor - New Yo rk Times, Fd)ru ttr:·
15 , 199 8

C'ross-<lrt•sst·rs Stq >ping O ut - Mi.uni I lt•r.tlJ,
j ,lllUdf)' 29, 1998
D rug ~1.tv Si.tsh Prier of T rt•.tting AIDS - Los

~

Angd<·s Times, Fdmurv

s:

199 8

Fo r Goe.( For Country ,m<l 1:~r ... J-l om opho bi.t ?
Nl·W I l.tven A<lvoc.th.·, Fd,ru.try 5, 1998
G.ty News Cuver.tgt· NC'c.·J s \ Vork - New J--1.tw n
lk gisll'r, FC'Lru,u,, 16, 1998
G,iy P,ir~wrs \ Vills - Tiw Austr,1Ji,111 newsp.tpe r,
h·bru.t0· 2, 1998
Ju<lgt· T ells N.tvy - \\'.tshingt o n Post, J.tnu.t0 · JO,
1998
U·.tJn Thrt·.ttt·ns to Bo lt G.O. P. - The Nt'w York
Times, F(·bru.try 12 , J998 - ~l.ti1w Voters Rl'pe.tl
G.ty lligh t'i l...t1w- Nt'w Yo rk Tinws, Fe-Lru.try 12,
1998
i\ lutu.tl O f O nuh.t Acrust'd - D ow Jo ne-s Nt·w swi n·s,
j.tnu.trY 21 , 1998
Provi nn ·tO,~n 131.tzt· l..c:·.tvl's S6m D.tm.tgt.• - Bos to n

G lo l,t' o n Ft'l,nM f)' 12, 1998
S1..·x C'h.tnge Le.tds to Retirt.·mt·n t - T hl' I l.t1·tforJ
C'our,mt, Fdlru.tl")' 12, 1998
South Afric.t - S.t nw-se-x 1\ l.t rri .tgesl ndt·pt· nJt·nt
- O nline- Nt'ws, J.tnU.tf)' 29, 1998
Success with A.IDS - The AJvoc.ttt•. Feli ru .t ry 1 1,
1998
T he Lu rt· of FunL.:· FunJs - U. S. News & \\'orld
Rt'po rt, Febru.t~· 2, 1998
AK - HI V Reporting - A.nchor<1gt· lJ.-.i l~· Nt·ws,
j.tJlU,tl""\· 28, ) 998
FL - U<111k o n the Internet - ,\ li,1mi I ft•r,1 IJ ,
j<111U.tf)' 20, J99 8
IL - G ,1v Bt•neflL., Grt Fnv T<1ke rs - C'hic.tgo
T;il,une-, J.inu.tl)· 25 , 199 8
•
NB - P.istor \ Viii St.inJ T ri.ii - Cn nt1·.t Cos t,1
Times, Febru.tl")' I 3, 1998
NY - llighl'i Stripped - Lts Veg.is Rt·,·icw Jo unu l,
FeL ru.i0· 11, J9 98
NY - L.·sLi.tn Custo<lY C.tst·s - Svr.t('USt' Pos t
St.ind.ird, J.inu,;n· 2 3, ( 9t,"g
PA - C .irdin.tl to Fighi" G.t,·-lk1wfit Hills Phil.tdelphi.t r).tily News, Ft•bliJ M;' I J, 199H

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Page8

T ~EW5 & VIEWS
(!JjJ!!Ji! STATE BY STATE NEWS
AK - HIV

REPORTING
Reversing a long-standing policy in the fight against AIDS, state otlicials
want to start requiring health care workers to report all HIV-positive
cases to the state Division of Public Health. Currently, only the names
of patients with full-blown AIDS must be reported to public health
otlicials. Those names are kept confidential.
Many health care professionals around the nation opposed requiring
HIV reports until recently. They worried that fear about breaches of
confidentiality would deter people from getting tested and receiving
early treatment. But the health care consensus appears to be shifting in
Alaska as in the Lower 48. Successful new drug treatments are reducing
AIDS deaths and delaying for years the onset of AIDS-related illnesses.
While this is great news for HIV patients, it means knowledge of the
epidemic's extent lags many years behind the actual spread of the
infection. Public health otficials want to know where HIV is prevalent
in Alaska, in which segments of the population, and in which regions so
they can target spending on prevention. Twenty-eight states have
changed their policies in recent years to require HIV reporting for
adults. The states with the biggest incidence of HIV infection, including
New York and California; have not changed their policies but are
reconsidering them.

DC - BoY Scours' BAN ON GAYS
Michael S. Geller joined the Boy Scouts and was a model member,
attaining the highest rank of Eagle Scout and renewing his membership
amrnally throughout his twenties. Roland D . Pool also was a decorated
Scout. But in 1992, when Geller and Pool separately told local Scouting
otlicials that they are gay, the organization demanded that they sever all
ties with Scouting. Instead, the two District residents filed a complaint
with the city, arguing that the Boy Scouts of America's ban on gay
members and leaders violates the city's Human Rights Act.
Today-after nearly six years of investigation and legal wrangling-the
D.C. Commission on Human Rights will open a hearing on the
complaint, one ofseveral filed across the country to force the Boy Scouts
to drop anti-gay policies. The D .C. case hinges on whether the Scouting
organization is subject to the city's Human Rights Act, which bars
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, or whether the 5.6
million-member group is a private club protected by the constitutional
right to freedom of association. The outcome of the hearing, which is
expected to last three weeks, could atfrct all Boy Scout activities in
Washington, where there are more than 2,000 youth members.
FL - BANK ON THE INTERNET
A bank catering to the gay community is being organized in the rlorida
Panhandle. The G&L Bank, whose initials stand for "gay and lesbian,"
plans to operate on the Internet rather than with traditional tellers and
drive-through, said Steven Dunlap, chairman of the G&L Holding
Group Inc. of Pensacola. His bank, ifit receives tederal approval, would
be the first gay-targeted institution operating nationally as a federal
saving bank. It would otler the same service.~ other banks do such as credit
cards, consumer loans and ATM cards as well as making mortgage Joans.

NICHOLAS LANG, Ph.D., N.C.C.
Providing Affordable
Counseling & Psychotherapy Services
Specializing in Sexual Orientation
Loss, Relationships, & HIV-related Issues

New Haven Office
200 Orchard St.
(203) 789-0560, Ext. 4
March 1998

Wilton Office
3 87 Danbury Rd.
(203) 847-1094

IA - GAY lowA PASTOR LosEs MINISTRY
A disciplinary committee has voted to revoke the ministry of an Iowa
pastor who is openly gay. The decision by a nine-member panel of
ministers and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
means that the Rev. Steve Sabin will be removed from the list of the
church's ordained ministers effective April 15. The panel said that it
admires the job Sabin has done as pastor but could not allow his "gifts
of ministry either to outweigh or excuse" his violation ofa church policy
that bars "practici"ng homosexuals" from the ordained ministry. The
150-member congregation of Lord of Life publicly supports Sabin and
could vote to keep him on as pastor but would then risk sanctions from
the church, including expulsion.
IL - GAY BENEFITS GET FEW TAKERS
The brouhaha over the City of Chicago extending health care benefits to
partners of gay and lesbian city workers was a tour-star show. But 10
months after a divided City Council approved the measure, only 23 of
the city's nearly 40,000 workers have signed up.
Otlicials theorize that a variety of factors have kept participation in the
insurance program low. "Even though gay people have their civil rights
protected and the city treats gay and lesbian employees fairly, there is still
some social stigma attached to being gay and lesbian," one otlicial said.
Moreover, in many cases both members of gay households are employed
and have no need for additional medical coverage. But city otlicials
believe that one of the biggest reasons fix the modest participation lies
in the federal tax code. Because the benefit does not accrue to family
members, its value is regarded by Uncle Sam as income, resulting in a
tax liability.
(Continued on page I I)

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
60 East Avenue, Norwalk
(Across from the Green)

An inclusive, welcoming, affirming community
Solemn Eucharist• Sundays at 10:15 AM

Come, experience splendid music and
traditional liturgy, the smell of incense
and the sight of flickering candles, in the
lovely architectural setting of a13th Century
English Gothic Church.
JOIN US FOR OUR CHRISTMAS EVE
SEVICE AT 10:30 PM
Office: (203) 847-2806
Page 9

T NEWS & VIEWS

The Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus
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Page JO

Property of the Center

IL - MUTUAL OF OMAHA ACCUSED
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. was sued for allegedly placing illegal
limits on HIV-related health-care coverage. The lawsuit contends such
caps violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois
Insurance Code. Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago filed their suit in U .S. District Court
on behalf of two HIV-positive Chicago-area men, whose names were
kept secret.
"Mutual of Omaha caps HIV-related care at a fraction of the amount
allowed for other illnesses or conditions. This discrimination severely
limits access to standard, lite-saving therapies and is illegal," said
Heather C. Sawyer, an attorney for Lambda. Lambda and the council
said one of the men's 8olicy caps his lifetime benefits for HIV-related
conditions at $25,00 and the other man has a $100,000 cap. The
statement said this was in contrast to $1 million cap that Mutual of
Omaha would allow the needed care for other medical conditions.
MA - PROVINCETOWN BLAZE LEAVES $6M DAMAGE
Local citizens grabbed firehoses and helped carry them down Commercial Street toward the Crown & Anchor Motor Inn as plumes of flames
danced across its roof. A citizens bucket brigade worked to rescue
artwork from a gallery next to burning shops on Whaler's Wharf. Two
men climbed the steeple of the 150-year-old Universalist Meeting
House and protected it with a garden hose. But such public-spirited
actions, ancf the efforts of more than 200 firefighters trom every fire
department on Cape Cod, could not save the historic Crown & Anchor
nightclub-hotel or more than a dozen arts-and-crafrs shops, which were
gutted by fire on the night of February 11. Three firefighters were
injured as they battled the five-alarm blaze.
According to Provincetown Police Chief Robert Anthony, the fire
apparently was started accidentally by an electrical device, perhaps a
heater. David Bragdon, a caretaker who lives in Whalers Whart:
noticed fire coming out of the device and called 911 about 6: 30 Tuesday
evening. Then he tried to putout the fire with a blanket. But the blanket
caught fire, and it quickly spread to some highly combustible artists'
materials nearby. The Wharf was a former movie theater converted into
a mall with many small shops, and when it caught fire, it became "like
a chimney in there," Anthony said. Flames soon engulfed an adjacent
building, where souvenirs, sea shells, and art products were sold, and
then spread to the Crown & Anchor next door. The 1880 inn had 29
rooms, seven bars, and a restaurant. Owned by Kenneth Lemon, the i1m
was known for its drag-queen shows. Building damage in the town was
estimated at $6 million.
Ocean winds blew embers inland, touching off numerous brush fires
near the Pilgrim Monument, the local high school, and other places in
town. Firefighters were hampered by Provincetown's narrow streets
and closely packed buildings. What prevented a complete disaster,
several witnesses said, was the wind.
"The wind amazingly stopped right during the fire," said Patty DeLuca,
35, a local artist. Ifit hadn't stopped, said Keith Bergman, Provincetown's
town manager, "the fire could have devastated all of the town."

Ml - 30 WALK Our
About 30 people attending a weekend ordination ceremony walked out
to protest the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan's decision to
allow two men involved in homosexual relationships to become priests.
Before walking out ofSaturday's ceremony at Kalamazoo's Cathedral of
Christ the King, protesters had presented a formal objection citing
resolutions passed by the Episcopal Church's General Convention that
sexual relations are appropriate only within marriage and that it is
inappropriate to ordain those who engage in either heterosexual or
homosexual relations outside of marriage.
NB - CHURCH TO TRY PASTOR
For performing a union of a different sort, the Rev. Jimmy Creech, a
United Methodist minister, will soon be tried in a church court. At issue
is Creech's officiation at a covenant ceremony last September uniting
two women in his congregation, First United Methodist Church. The
event resembled a Methodist wedding, with Scripture readings, an
exchange of vows and a celebration of communion. But it came a month
afrer Creech's bishop told him not to do it and a year afrer Methodist
leaders added a statement to the denomination's rule book fr>rbidding
ceremonies that united people of the same sex. Creech said in a recent
interview that he could not, as their pastor, refuse the women's request
and that he considered the church's opposition to unions of people of the
same sex to be discriminatory. He could lose his ministerial credentiais
if convicted.
NY - LESBIAN CUSTODY CASE
The breakup of a lesbian couple raising a daughter together has triggered
a messy dispute that could set new state legal standards for adoptions .
It could break ground in New York on the adoption rights of a nonmarried partner in a relationship, whether heterosexual or homosexual.
In this case, one of the women became pregnant by artificial insemination and had a daughter four years ago. She agreed at that time to let her
partner adopt the child. But last year, the couple broke up and the
mother withdrew her consent for the adoption. Now, the former partner
wants to force the child's natural mother to go through with the
adoption as agreed. If that were to happen, both would be legally
recogni7.,ed as the child's parents.

MFAP

MID-FAIRFIELD AIDS PROJECT

Do you seek support and advocacy for HIV/AIDS?
MFAP can assist and provide you with case management
Call us today!
Serving the needs of HIV/AIDS community in:

Norwalk
Westport
Weston
Wilton
Mid Fairfield AIDS Project
16 River Street
Norwalk, CT 06850
Phone: (203) 855-9535
Fax: (203) 855-1531
Internet: http ://www .mfap.com
E-Mail: info@mfap.com

Marci, 1998

Page II

T NEWS & VIEWS
PA - CARDINAL FIGHTS GAY-BENEFIT BILLS
A sharply worded letter from Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua denouncing "life partner" legislation, hand-delivered to City Hall, signals the
start of Holy War III on gay rights. The bill would give pension benefits
to whomever a city employee designates, add "life partners" to the Fair
Practices Act requiring all employers in the city to recognize the
relationships and exempt such partners from the realty transfer tax.

TX -

NEW CHURCH
Members have raised $6.2 million to build a new cathedral in Dallas for
what they call the largest lesbian and gay congregation in the world.
Members of the Cathedral of Hope are launching a national campaign
to raise another $19 million to complete financing for the church
designed by the openly gay famed architect, Philip Johnson. The 95
yr.old Johnson has designed a sanctuary that resembles a soaring iceberg
11 stories tall and two football fields long. The Rev. Michael Piazza, the
senior pastor, said the shape will remind viewers of ships, icebergs,
mountains and crystals. He said, "It will evoke emotions and thoughts
of protection, joy, humility and love." The Cathedral of Hope congregation numbers 3,000, and the current church holds only about 800
people.
WA- I.Aw BAN GAY MARRIAGE
Washington lawmakers have banned gay marriage in a choreographed
action that included a quick veto by Democratic Gov. Gary Locke and
an override by bipartisan super-majorities in both houses. Even longtime backers of gay rights pronounced themselves satisfied with the
result, since it avoids a potentially divisive November referendum.
Washington is now the 27th state with such a ban.

WV - CENTER CAN BAN BoY W1TH HIV
A federal judge ruled that a karate school owner has the right to ban a
12-year-old boy with the AIDS virus from classes with other children.
U.S. District Judge Richard L. Williams ruled that Michael Montalvo's
condition is covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act, but said
James P. Radcliffe II was not obligated to admit him to classes because
it poses a risk to other children. In his ruling, Williams addressed the
difference between the physical style of karate taught at the school and
less combative styles. Radcliffe said he was not trying to discriminate
against Michael, but wanted to protect the other students, who he feared
could get infected if blood was drawn during sparring.

~))))])}

mWbRLD NEws
AUSTRALIA - GAY PARTNERS WILLS
Close friends or gay partners' will be able to claim a share of a dead
person's estate that usually goes automatically to the spouse and children,
under legal reforms to be considered by the States and Territories. Top
legal bureaucrats have advised their attorneys-general to broaden the law
of wills so anyone who was being supported financially by a person can
claim part of the estate - or contest the will - under "family provision"
legislation. lfadopted by all States and Territories, any dependent- such
as a gay partner or close friend - would become eligible.
AUSTRALIA - GAY PARADE DRAWS 40,000
St Kilda was as colorful as a fruit salad on February 1 as nearly 40,000
lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and folk of every sexual inclination
in between paraded down Fitzroy Street for the third annual Pride
March. The marchers came from a diverse range of groups including
PFlag (a support group for parents, families and friends oflesbians and
gay men), Koori gays and lesbians, the City of Port Phillip, gays and
lesbians for reconciliation, Vintage Men, the Star Hotel, Metropolitan
Community Church, leather pride, queer goths, Australian Democrats
and Optus staff. Along the route, on-lookers hung out of windows, sat
on roofs, crowded on to the Prince ofWales' [Hotel] balcony and poured
out of the Esplanade Hotel.
BRAZIL - COURT RULES FOR GAY RIGHTS
A businessman has the right to inherit assets he shared with a homosexual
companion who died of AIDS, a federal court has ruled in a landmark
decision for gay rights in Brazil. The Superior Tribunal ofJustice said
Milton Alves Pedrosa was entitled to half the estate ofJair Prearo, who
died in 1989. Prearo's father had contested Pedrosa's claim. The ruling
stops short of recognizing a same-sex couple as a "civil union," a term
applied to heterosexual couples including those who are married, in
common-law marriages, and in long-term relationships. Rep. Marta
Suplicy said the decision could make it easier to pass a bill that she
sponsored recognizing the civil union ofhomosexuafs, giving them legal
nghts available to heterosexual couples. The bill is expected to go before
the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of congress, this year.

CONFUSED? SCARED? NOWHERE TO TURN?

Splendid Repertoire of Traditional Music
Welcoming and Inclusive Congregation

If you have HIV/AIDS, you don't need to feel like you
are alone. Stamford CARES gives you the support and
attention you require. We are your direct link to the HIV
Care Network. Complete confidentiality assured.
Serving Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan.
Call 977-5096 to speak to a Care Coordinator today.

For additional information or auditions call:
Bill Voetberg, Music Director, (203) 847• 7250

We're here to help - because we care.

CALL FOR SINGERS
St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
Norwalk

Bryan Costello

212•382•5176
Investments
Pensions
Insurance
The abort-named JndM.Juah are regisurtd rtpresenlaJi,es of EQ Financial
Consulta/llS, Inc. !212 64J-7J()()J, a bro~rl<kaler and i11•cs.1ment ad•iser, and agmts
of The Equilable l.ife Assunince Soclely of the U11ited Stales (NY, NY 10104). The
abort-llOmed itldMduol also offers tradllwrud and variable i11sura11ce 011d 0111,uities
of Equitable, 011d of over fifty other companits through EquiSource.
AGE:-97-587 Exp.16/98)

March 1998

(203) 256-4565
(800) 628-7209
FAX: (203) 256-1759
jnemis@aol.com

JOANN ATTWOOD NEMIS
VICE PRESIDENT/ INVESTMENTS

JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT, INC.
MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE ANO OTHER PRINCIPAL EXCHANGES

2150 POST ROAD . FAIRFIELD . CT 06430

Page 12

BRITAIN - SETBACK FOR GAY RIGHTS
Gay rights activists were shattered by a European Union high court
ruling today against a British lesbian railroad clerk who sought travel
benefits for her girlfriend. It had been considered a test case on workplace
equality for homosexuals across Europe. The European Court of Justice
in Luxembourg said Britain's South West Trains did not violate EU law
when it said the girlfriend of booking clerk Lisa Grant was ineligible for
travel benefits available to the partners of heterosexual employees.
Lawyers for the couple, including Cherie Booth, wife of British Prime
Minister Tony Blair, argued the policy violated the EU's founding treaty,
which guarantees "equal pay for equal work without discrimination
based on sex." The rail company argued that the clause did not cover
sexual orientation.

THE GAY GOURMET

Pono

Jill Percey, Grant's partner, said they and their supporters would
campaign to have laws changed in Britain to outlaw discrimination based
on sexual orientation. Blair's government is committed to reforms
ending discrimination against gay workers. The EU's executive agency
said it was considering changes to its law to "plug the gaps" in antidiscrimination clauses. Any new proposals would need backing from
governments of the 15 EU nations.

CACCIATORE (CHICKEN HUNTER STYLE)

1

LARGE CHICKEN, CUT INTO PIECES

2

TBSP OLIVE Oil

1

TSP CHOPPED PARSLEY

1

STALK CELERY, CHOPPED

1

CLOVE GARLIC, CHOPPED

COARSE GROUND PEPPER TO TASTE

1/2

LB FRESH MUSHROOMS, SLICED

3/4 CUP

DRY WHITE WINE

OREGANO, CRUSHED
HEAT THE OLIVE Oil IN A LARGE SKILLET AND ADD

SOUTH AFRICA - SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
Same-sex marriages look set to be recogni1.,ed by the state in legislation
which is expected to be presented to Parliament this year. Government
sources indicated that the legislation would be in line with the constitution which outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Substantive equality for all South African citi1.,ens is the policy of the
A.NC, which has stated its support for the "ideals ofequality, dignity and
freedom" . The party also gave the Government the mandate at its
national conference for it to address custody, access, maintenance,
immigration and adoption rights for gay men and women. Gay and
lesbian families were also given the nod. The controversial legislation is
likely to provoke an outcry among certain religious and conservative
political groups.

THE CHICKEN, PARALEY, CELERY, MUSHROOMS AND
GARLIC. SEASON WITH PEPPER AND OREGANO.
BROWN THE CHICKEN ON All SIDES OVER
MODERATE FLAME. WHEN THE CHICKEN IS
BROWNED, ADD THE WINE AND COOK GENTLY
UNTIL THE WINE IS ALMOST EVAPORATED. ADD A
LITTLE WATER TO KEEP THE CHICKEN MOIST, COVER,
AND SIMMER ABOUT

PAUL D. SCHNEIDER
PO Box 451
Southport, CT 06490-0451
203/255-5520

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

Adoption
Child Custody Divorce
Partnership Agreements

KURT SPERLING, L.C.S. W

Our Families Matter

225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

V

LEADING
HOMES.
THE BUYERS REAL ESTATE COMPANY

T. PAVLICIN

ExCLUSIVE BUYER AGENT

BROKER

~

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

,.~)i .

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

~
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[B
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M.S. W, L.C.S. W

772 KINGS HIGHWAY WEST
SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT 06490

FAX1255-3705 HOME/866-6993

203/255-2278

March 1998

MINUTES UNTIL CHICKEN IS

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

Attorney at Law

MICHAEL

30

THOROUGHLY COOKED BUT NOT DRY.

leadhomc:3@aol.com

225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WESTI'ORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549
Page 13

THE SALON

'\

:'

A social gathering for women
who are looking for an interesting and exciting .
alternative to the bars.

I

MICHAEL

J.

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TAYLOR, LMT

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE • CT,

NY LICENSED

Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month
DON'TMISSTHEFIRSTPAR.lY·MARCH 14, 1998
For Information & directions call Donna at 203·335-5975

440

MAIN STREET• RIDGEFIELD ,

CT 06877 • 203-431-8278

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY,

CPA

ATTORNEY-AT LAW
1305 POST ROAD, FAIRFIELD

Specializing in:

• 203/256-3839

Weddings • Comittment Ce/eb1tations
and "Coming-Out" Pa'tties

Tax Planning, Preparation & Appeals;
Estates & Trusts, Probate Matters,
Real Estate Law; Elder Law; and
Small Business Formations and Assistance

THRESHOLD
MORTGAGE COMPANY

76 Lake Avenue • Danbury,

CT

06810

Tel : 730-1400 • Fax: 798-9611

Paul Thury
REALTOR"
Office: 203.846.1611 ext. 218
Res: 203.847.5621
Fax: 203.857.7842
E-mail: pthury@aol.com

PATRICK WINTERS
LOAN OFFICER
THRESHOLD MORTGAGE
COMPANY
THRESHOLD COMMON

59

W1L TON ROAD

WESTPORT, CT

06880

(203) 454-0525
TOLL FREE (800) 562-5577
FAX (203) 454-0069
HOME (203) 256-5951
EMAIL pkw@thresholdmtg .com
OFFICE

• Spticializing in 1·1isid1mtial homti mortgagtis in l◄'airlfold County
• l'apablti ol' handling all loan sct\nario s from a $HO,OOO condo in
Stamfor·d to a $1,000,000 honm in Grnmnvich
• l'onsisttint top producing loan olTict\r for ovtir ttin yt\ill'S with a
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m111p;1n.r h;11inJ1 t:!11JrJd111w S!lS. IIIIU. Ill/II in /11;1ns in f'i1ididd Ct1un(r

March 1998

You Have a Friend in
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Whether you're looking to sell or buy, I will
help you put all the pieces together.
I have the marketing tools necessary to offer
you peace of mind . And that's what you need
most from a real estate agent.
For a free market analysis to determine the value of
your home, a " Why Rent When You Can Own" brochure, or a copy of my home tips newsletter

Call Paul Thury-203.846.1611 ext. 218

(8 Prudential

Conneciicut
Realty

Page 14

T NEWS 4 VIE~

~r

Univl1[iil~ll l~~iiijJ illlfli~IIIUl~ll~Hid,

We're glad to list your non-profit gay/lesbian/bi/tg group free of charge.
Call (203) 964-1133. Please keep us informed of changes.

TCC

"Big" Monthly Meeting: Every 1st Wednesday, 7:45
Spouses and Ex Spouses group: Every 3rd Thurs. 7:30

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

Dont forget to check out the TCC web page:
http://members.aol.com.tcccenter/index.html

Triangle community c e n t e r y
No rwalk, Cl
•
•• •
•11-yHe,m, 0 - Commua/fy" •
• • •
Scrvingttltlesblen/gl')'lbl/t9com111unltyolseuthwe,1ern ConntctlM

Last update 03122/97

On this page:

■ \Velco m(• to the Triangle Commmdh' Cen ter

• W!!9..Ar~..Yf.r.:~. • 9.lP."1.V..l?..!P.-.~!J~l~.tJ..m.. tht.~.tn!!:!: • ~9.!!:11.H:W.!.i.!Y.t~:i=:n~ • Rts.9.\~n:J,..B9.9m • ,l~J~:i!th.l.x..Nt ~!>:lt!tt r •
How 10 Find th • Rcrnmmc a Member

On other pages:

~ Center Calendar 111 TCC News & Vlewst;1 What' , Happ enb,g?

Ill

Other Groups~ PoUUc.J

Action ■ lntl!met Links

Phone or fax (203) 853·0600 or e•mail

March 1998

~ TCCe111erfkw l. c9nL

Property of the Center

M 001 111 374

OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
(203) 330-9595
Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
(203) 264-5605
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
(203) 899-0270
Chiltern Mountain Club
(203) 256-8414
Connecticut Kids and Families
(203) 791-9553
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club.(Social Grp.-call Dale before 10pm) (203) 261 -4019
Gay Fathers Group
(203) 866- 7051
(203) 778- 7016
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
(860) 688-1881
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
(203) 366-3734
Hartford Community Center
(203) 724 5542
(203) 262-1555
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
(203) 389-6750
Metropolitan Community Church
(914) 948-4922
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
(203) 931-8789
Triangle Kids
(203) 255-6229
(203) 323-6278
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group
(203) 773-9947

P-FLAG SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AT

UK

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
P.O.BOX 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855
Tel/Fax: (203) 853-0600
e-mail TCCenter@aol.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DON BUXTON .. .. .. .................. .......
DA VE CARROLL ...........................
BARB SCHADE ..............................
LEN HOREY ........................ .. .........
DA VE CARROLL ........ .. .................

President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Corresponding Secretary
Acting Recording Sec'y

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DON BUXTON ........................ ................... (203) 762-9964
DENYSE BURKE .............................. .... .... . (203) 367-391 I
DAVID CARROLL ...... .... .................... ....... (203) 838-1881
JOHN DEL VECCHIO .......................... ...... (203) 334-3822
LEN HOREY .......... ................ .. ................... (203) 925-0366
BARB SCHADE ...................... .................. .. (203) 259-8171
MICHELE STONE .................. .. .................. (203) 964-1133
JOHN WALLACE ...... ...... .. ......................... (203) 261-7349
STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Board Development
Vacant
Communications '
John D
-Public Relations
Mike C
Finance
John W
Fundraising/Sp Events
Michael P
Membership
Denyse B
-Member Database
Marianne S
Operations
Cindy M
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
-Resource Room
Walter D
-Center Forums
Marianne S
Volunteer
Vacant

374-6934
334-3822
375-3567
261-7349
866-6993
367-3911
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
222-8294

9{'E'WS & 'V1'EWS
Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc. We
cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve the right
to edit or condense as appropriate to meet space requirements. Authors
will be contacted if major revisions are necessary. Please submit to :
NEWS&VIEWS
Michele Stone: Editor & Advertising. Manager.
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone/Fax 964-1133
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com

John Delvecchio: Asst Editor
Phone: 203-334-3822
Mike Collins: Publicity
Phone: 203-375-3567

FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT MICHELE STONE:
Ads must be camera-ready. If your ad is not camera ready or you
need help with its layout or design, contact Michele Stone
BEFORE submission. Inserts and special sizes upon prior
agreement All ads are placed on a space available basis.
llie publication of the name of any person or organization in articles or ads in NEWS & VIEWS is
not to be constrned as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or member.; of such
organizations.
The appearance of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor constitute endorsement
by TCC,Inc. llie views expressed in tliis NEWS & VIEWS are not necessarily those ofTCC, hie.
Copyright 1997 by Triangle Community Center, hie. All rights reserved. lliis work, or any parts
thereof, may not be used or reproduced in any manner without written pennission.

Page 15

T NEWS & VIEWS
Calendar

March, 1998

Sun

Tues

Mon

Wed

Thu

I
AA 9-!0am
OutSpoken 4-6

2
Women's Rap 7:30

8

9

10

II

12

AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30
PFLAGhosts
John Allen,
Hamden, 7-8:30 pm

TCC Board 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

15

16

17

18

AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

22

23
AA 9-!0am
Wom·en's Rap 7:30
OutSpoken 4-6
Nat G&L Journalists gettogether, New Haven, I pm
TCC Movie night, Nwk,
7:30 pm

3
Lesbian Lit 7:30
Fund Raising 7:30

5

4
P-FLAG 7:45

Sat
7
"Green Bay Tree",
New Haven, 8 pm
Stephanie's March Dance,
Stratford, 8 pm

Men's Rap 7 :30

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
Out & About
(20's & 30's) 7:00

Gay & Lesbian
Sober Dance,
Fairfield, 8 pm
Gay Bingo, Htfd, 7 :30 pm

19
Men's Rap 7 :30

20

21

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
G Mosaic 7:30
Children from Shadows
Conf., W. Htfd, 9:45 am

TCC Friendraiser.
Bridgeport, 5-8 pm
Children from Shadows
conference, W. Hartford.
9:45 am

Men's Rap 7:30

P-FLAG Spouses & ExSpouses 7:30

Fri
6
Bowling 9:00
Circle Lanes
G Moasic 7 :30
"Green Bay Tree",
New Haven 8 om
13

14

24

25

28

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

26
Men's Rap 7:30

27

TCC Board 7 :30

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
Out & About
(20's & 30's) 7:00

CT Gay Men's Chorus
presents Gentlemen Prefer
Blonds, New Haven, 8 pm

I
Lesbian Lit 7 :30
Fund Raising 7:30
Deadline for TCC
scholarship

2
P-FLAG 7:45

3
Men's Rap 7 :30

4

5

29
AA9-l0am
OutSpoken 4-6
CGMC, Gentlemen Prefer
Blonds, New Haven, 2 pm

30
Women's Rap 7:30

6

7

8

9

10

II

12

AA9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

TCC Board 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

Men's Rap 7:30

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
Out &About
(20's & 30's) 7:00

Deadline for April News &
Views

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BY TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806;Robin 358-8391
35+ Womens Pot Luck - Judy 227-7162
Free Association of Fairfield County - John 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group- Dave 838-1881; John 261-7349
Gmosaic (People of Color) - Nasheed 854-7726
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Christine, 847-8476
Out & About (20's & 30's) - Ashley 576-1073 or Dan 838-2367
Heather 924-2930
Outspoken (Youth) - Barb 259-8171; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
Triangle Bowling League (Circle Lanes, Fairfield) - Lisa 3333113; Roseann 931-8789
Women's Rap Group - Chandra 228-8652; Linda 866-4598;
Michele 438-4465
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted. A $3 donation per person is appreciated with
your participation in activities to help support the Center.

March 1998

T

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes

MEMBERSHIP FORM

MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
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PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:

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

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
EAST NORWALK, CT

Page 16



Property of the Center

Triangle Community Center

T R

A N G

~ew~&Vle.,..,.~
Free to Members and Subscribers

Vol.9, No.3 •
March 1998

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

MAINE VOTERS REPEAL CAY RIGHTS LAW
PORTLAND - In a landmark victory for Christian conservatives, Maine voters have narrowly
chosen to make their state the first in the nation
to repeal its law protecting gays and lesbians
from discrimination, according to all-but-official referendum results. Casting ballots in a
single-issue "people's veto" plebiscite, nearly 52
percent of voters backed the repeal, despite pleas
from the state's popular independent governor
and almost a half-million dollars in campaign
spending by gay, lesbian and civil rights advocates. The 30 percent turnout, nearly 10 percent
higher than predicted, revealed a dramatic difference between urban and rural Maine as the state's
larger cities voted in favor of the gay rights law
by wide margins. Yet Maine is a state of small
towns which, with few exceptions, voted for
repeal.
The new law they struck down had barred discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations. The repeal is "a clear victory for people of
faith," said Randy Tate, executive director of the
national Christian Coalition, which helped finance and organize the Maine repeal campaign.
The losing side, which spent an estimated five
times as much as the victors, described the repeal
as more of a triumph for get-out-the-vote expertise and circumstance. They cited low ciry turnout along with the difficulty of rmming a campaign during last month's devastating ice storm
and of drawing supporters out for a single-issue
vote in February when the threat to gay rights
did not at first appear great.
"The national Christian Coalition came in and
they turned out every single one of their voters,"
said Joe Cooper, spokesman for Maine Won't
Discriminate, the campaign to detend the gayrights law. "We were relying on the whole state
ofMaine to come together as a community. Polls
showed we had the backing of two-thirds of the
state."
Other polls have shown that the anti-discrimination laws similar to Maine's, which exist in 10
other states, may often be somewhat vulnerable
to repeal when their fate is determined by public
opinion rather than the legislatures that passed
them. A national survey done by Newsweek in
mid-1997 found that when people were asked to
assess the amount ofeffort ~.:voted to protecting
gay rights, 23 percent thought more was needed
and 26 percent thought the amount was correct,
but 42 percent thought such efforts had gone too
far. And in 1992, Colorado voters approved a
referendum that barred localities from passing
gay-rights ordinances, though the measure was
later overturned by the Supreme Court.
"It's kind of going both ways," said Rebecca
Isaacs, political director for the National l~ay and
Lesbian Task Force. "People are more and more

March 1998

organized at the grassroots level in support
of civil rights and tolerance, but you have the
same activists on the right wing who make
the gay and lesbian community their target
for attacks on a regular basis. It's the same
folks over and over whether it's in Oregon or
Maine. "They can scare people and raise a lot
of money," she said. Both sides also agreed
that the issue would continue to simmer. "I
really think this is going to be an ongoing
controversy well into the next century," said
Gary Bauer, president of the conservative
Family Research Council in Washington,
which contributed about $40,000 to the
Maine repeal campaign. "There is increasing
cultural acceptance of homosexuals and support among political elites for the gay-rights
agenda, but at the grassroots level among
average Americans there is a tremendous
amount of resistance."
Even before its surprise outcome, the Maine
referendum was particularly interesting, some
campaigners and analysts say, in that the
Christian conservative groups that spearheaded the repeal drive made no effort whatever to soft-pedal their beliefthat homosexuality is immoral and therefore to be actively
discouraged. One television commercial even
featured several men who said they were
former homosexuals who had been saved by
Christ. And he said he did not believe the
Supreme Court's ruling on the Colorado
case would apply here; that case involved a
constitutional amendment that barred gayrights laws at all levels of government, he
noted, while the Maine repeal simply involves voters' exercise of their constitutional
right to shoot down a specific state law they
dislike.
Dr. Christian Potholm, a professor of government at Bowdoin College who has been
polling in Maine for 25 years, said that
perhaps 70 percent of Maine residents believe the state has no problem with discrimination against gays and lesbians. That could
have kept people who are otherwise sympathetic to gay and lesbian rights at home, he
said. Overall, Potholm said, Maine is no
more intolerant than other states, and given
a well-run gay-rights campaign, would likely
split into two camps, with 55 percent supporting gay rights and 45 percent against.
But Maine Won't Discriminate made several
critical strategic errors, he said: It did not
sufficiently court the Roman Catholic,
Franco-American community that is so often the swing vote in Maine, and it did not
emphasize that the conservative Christian
groups were the same organizations that had
tried in the past to ban alcohol and shopping
on Sunday in Maine.

WrcCNEWs
SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
Although the November elections are months
away, the need for gay people to be politically
involved on behalf of our own interests is a
year-round challenge. Whether we like it or
not, the rights we do have (as in Connecticut,
one of the few states with laws protecting gays
from discrimination in most areas) and the
rights we are seeking (such as official recognition of domestic partnerships) are determined
by the men and women we elect to the General
Assembly in Hartford and Congress in Washington.
Unfortunately, too many gay people take no
interest in the political and legislative process.
By not being informed, by not getting involved, we make it more difficult to achieve the
equality we deserve as human beings and citizens of this great country.
Black Americans and other minorities have
achieved progress in civil rights through concerted political action. Labor unions play a
major role in our society, advancing the welfare
ofworkers largely from what they have achieved
through political action. Women, incredibly
once disenfranchised, have made tremendous
progress in recent years---again---largely
through political action. Can't we gays take a
hint!
If you're not registered to vote, get thyself
down to the Registrar of Voters office at Town
Hall and register. It doesn't cost a cent! And if
you are registered to vote, darn 1t, vote on
Election Day. The gay media is a great resource
for finding out who is on our side and who is
against us. Utilize the gay media to be informed.
Better yet, join a statewide organization that
fights for gay rights through community and
political action: The Connecticut Coalition For
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Civil
Rights. You can get an application and find out
more about the group by writing them at 11
Cobbs Road, West Hartford, C'T 06107.
Remember, just like anyone else, your voice
and your vote counts.
-John Del Vecchio

TCC MARCH F RIENDRAISER
TCC's March Friendraiser will be held on
Saturday, March 21, from 5 to 8 P.M at the
home ofJohn Del Vecchio and Roland Roy.
Both guys are great cooks and they're looking
forward to providing a delicious buffet with a
variety of foods. At the Friendraiser donations
ofany amount you choose will be appreciated.
Directions to John and Roland's, 371 Court D,
Success Village, Bridgeport:
Continued on next page
Page I

FROM 1-95 EITHER DIREC1ION: Exit 27A to Route 8/
25 Connector Take Exit 5, turn left at light onto Boston
Avenue. (Route 1). Continue along Boston Avenue about
two miles, past the large General Electric plant and up a steep
hill. At the bottom of the hill take a left at the first traffic light
onto Success Avenue. Go past the second stop sign until you
come to a row of stores on your right, including Success
Market. Turn left into Court D and park. John and Roland
live in the end unit, #371, of Building 50, which is the third
building on the right.
FR.OM MER.RITT PARKWAY EITHER DIRECTION:
Take the exit marked for Route 8/25 South and get on Route
8/25 . Take Exit 5, turn right at light onto Boston Avenue
(Route 1) and follow the directions above If you get lost, call
334-3822. RSVP would be appreciated!

THts JusT IN!
That halarious musical, "Pageant, played to nearly full houses
at the Norwalk Community and Technical College in Norwalk
in January. The show, directed by Scott Robbins benefited
both Bread and Roses and TCC. The financial word is in .... the
production netted TCC a little over $15,000. Way to go!

SOFTBALL
We'd like to get a TCC lesbian softball team going. If you're
interested in being a member please call Christine at (203)
847-8476.

TCC

MOVIE NIGHT

TCC will be sponsoring a fun movie night at the Sono
Cinema in Norwalk on Sunday, March 22 at 7:30 PM. A
Hong Kong film by Wong Kar-Wai entitled "Happy Together," won the Best Director award at the 1997 Cannes
Film Festival.
The story revolves around two lovers Lai (Tony Leung) and
Ho (Wesley Cheung), who get stranded in Argentina while
on vacation. They are miserable together yet incapable of
doing much about it. They arouse and a1moy each other, fall
out oflove and back in -always groping toward the unlikely
ideal of being happy together. Wong's cut-up jazzy film
technique captures perfectly the jumbled, cut-off lives of his
characters. The New York Times called it, "stylishly brash,
pulsing with life .... captures the restless open-to-anything
spirit of youth." Tickets are $10 at the door. The Sono
Cinema is located at 25 Washington St., South Norwalk.

TCC

SCHOLARSHIPS

Purpose: To recognize and encourage through financial
assistance, the educational pursuits of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual
or transgendered persons. It is hoped that the community
will be enhanced by the dforls and achievements of each
honoree.
Scholarship Range: Two scholarships awarded. Amount
may vary: $500-$1,000
Eligibility: Although primarily intended for high school
seniors pursuing additional education, scholarships are open
to any gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgendered person seeking and/or needing financial assistance to pursue those goals.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a unique talent, need,
leadership, or deed during the application process.
Deadline: March 31, 1998
For An Application: Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Scholarship Committee, Triangle Community Center, P.O. 4062, Norwalk, CT 06855-4062
Application Requirements: 1) Completed application form,
2) Completed questio1maire - answers typed, recorded, or an
artistic piece by you, 3) Three recommendation letters, 4)
School transcript (sent by school) or additional letter of
recommendation. (See Transcript Section of form.)

March 1998

LESBIAN LIT GROUP
For their April discussion, the Lesbian Literature Group has chosen a novel by
Marge Piercy entitled the "High Cost of Living." The Lit Group meets the first
Tuesday of each month at TCC starting at 7:30 PM. For more info call Christine
at 847-8476.

OuTFM
Fairfield County's Triangle Community Center (TCC) was featured in a major
segment on Out FM, the only local gay radio program heard on New York city
radio. TCC was featured on a segment with Out FM reporter George Reilly, heard
on February 8,1998 at 6:45 PM on WBAI-FM 99.5, New York city, which
transmits from atop the Empire State Building and blankets the tri-state metropolitan region of 15,000,000 people.
TCC president Don Buxton spoke, giving basic information about TCC and its
services and also its phone number (203) 853-0600, and address. In addition, Don
said work is underway to create a chapter of SAGE at TCC to serve gay and lesbian
senior citizens. He noted that he is now 41, and looks forward to the days when he
retires and will have a SAGE chapter at TCC to enjoy his senior years . Also featured
was a report on TCC's Out and About, which features field activities such as hikes
in northern Connecticut and group attendance at movies.
Out FM usually focuses upon the many activities of the gay and lesbian communities
in Manhattan, but after this segment on Fairfield County and TCC, gay and lesbian
groups in Connecticut, Long Island, Westchester County and New Jersey were
invited to contact the program. The address for Out FM Is Out FM, WBAI, 505
Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, 19th floor. The telephone is 1-212-2790707. The number for calls taken during the show is 212-279-3400.
-Michael Collins

AUTHOR NEEDS HELP
I'm embarking on a new book project, and I need your help. I've just signed a
contract to write "Moms and Dads Who Make a Difference" - a book about
straight parents (and grandparents and siblings) who are doing EXCEPTIONAi,
things to help the gay community. For example, I plan to profile a woman who lost
her friends and her church when her son came out at 13 and she began fighting
homophobia in rural Indiana; the police chiefin Portland, Ore. who hired his lesbian
daughter as a police officer and a grandmother who organized a band of old ladies
to try to defeat Jesse Helms because of his homophobic stands. I know there are
many ordinary, STRAIGHT Americans who are doing other exceptional things but I need to find them.
I can becontacteddirectlyinmanyways: Dan Woog-Phone: 203-227-1755 - Fax:
203-227-3035 - E-mail: dwoog@optonline.net For those who don't know, I am
a contributing writer at the Advocate Magazine; my most recent Alyson Publications books are "Jocks: True Stories of America's Gay Male Athletes" ( 1998) and
"School's Out: The Impact of Gay and Lesbian Issues on America's Schools.

GAY AND LESBIAN DANCE!
Sober Spring Gay and Lesbian Dance! - Saturday, March 14 from - 8 PM to 1 AM
- Jennings School - Fairfield, C1 - $5.00 Cover Charge - Bring Your Own
Refreshments - No Alcohol Please! Need more info? Call Liz 333-8981 or Bob 3368216 or Christine 847-8476
Directions: From 1-95 North - Exit 22, Round Hill. Left at end oframp onto Round
Hill. Turn right onto Barlow Road by Fairfield University. Left at the light onto
North Benson Road. At light, bear right and continue across Black Rock Turnpike
and take right onto Fairest. Left at next corner onto Fairland. Take a left and turn
onto Palm Drive.
From 1-95 South - Exit 24, Black Rock Turnpike. Right at end of ramp. At light,
take left onto Kings Highway. Bear to right as the road splits. At the fourth light,
take a right onto Burroughs Road. Atthe stop sign, take a left onto Farland Rd. Take
first right onto Palm Dr just before school crossing sign.
From Merritt Parkway (North) -Take exit 44, Fairfield University. Turn onto Black
Rock Turnpike south (Route 58 south). At third light, take left onto Fairfield
Woods Rd. Continue straight through the stop sign. At light, take a right after the
library. The middle school is on your right, Jennings School is on your left.
From Merritt Parkway (South) -Take exit 46. Atendoframp bearrightatlightonto
Route 59 for approx 2.5 miles. Atthe light (Grand Central on left, Mobil on right),
take a right onto Fairfield Woods Rd. Continue through one light and one stop sign.
At next light take left (library in front) . Middle school is on your right, Je1mings
School is on your left.

Page2

FULFILL YOUR FANTASY
Now available through outer-space related catalogs: your very own
"Lost in Space" robot. Yes, now you too can be one of the Robinson
castaways or perhaps you'd prefer the role of the villainous Dr. Smith,
hurling insult after insult at your robot. Warning! Warning!-The
adult version of young Will Robinson is not available. To order an
assemble yourself robot send $17.49 + $5 .75 for shipping to:
Phoenix Model Company, PO Box 15390, Dept. SFO 298,
Brooksville, FL 34609.

Miss luoY?
Bob Fallon, who did such a great job as the emcee of"Pageant", has
just finished an appearance in a two week run of"J aques Brei is Alive
and Well and Living in Paris." His rendition of Amsterdam was
memorable. Was I mistaken or did he re-interpret Jacky to be Jackie
O? You still have time to catch Tommy Femia, who so graciously
brought down the house in last year's production of"Whoop-DeeDoo" reprising his role as Judy Garland in "I Will Come Back" at the
Players Theater on MacDougal Street in the Village.
-Marianne Seggerman

TRANSGENDERED
I am Denise Mason, founder of the transgendered dub 'the

b~~C:~fTN~::'&\,~~~?'J:!;s:i!::;~:::~:;::,~

will help to facilitate the lines ofcommunication between those of •
us who are transgendered, arid the rest of the gay, lesbian and
bisexual community. 'the connecticuT View' has. been around
since 1972. I was an original founder ofthe then "Hartford TVIC
dub" and have been organizing and trying to find a place where
Connecticut 'girls' could express themselves.
Currently, our group of60 fits in nicely with the GLBT community. Over 50% of us are admittedly bi, with a percentage who ar.e
gay, and the remaining either.straight or not saying. We havea
nice handful of males who are not crossdressers but who are TV
admirers and date us. We have just one genetic woman and wish
to have more.
Most recently we held a "Female Impersonator Show" and raised
$3,125 for the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. In our
outreach we are neither apologetic nor "in your face" ...but
discreetly, politely, unafraidand proud ofwhowe are.
Wewekome those in theTCC community who want to be a part
of our TG program. It doesn't matter whether you are male or
female, gay/straight or bi, someone's wife or significant other.
Members of the cTView receive our monthly newsletter, annual
Membership Directory of names/addresses/ads, _photos of our
members and an invitation to all club events. No one is screened,
and everyone is accepted. You may reach me at "cTView", Denise
Mason, P.O. Box 2281, Milford CT 06460 or e-mail
masond@aol.com or write to News & Views, I encom:-age your
questions and hope we can have. a lively and interesting monthly
column.

ALDIS
_m_4_6_~-il-l
Plo_VEL_in-Roo-Pd_IANNER
_ _Da_nb-ur-y,-CT-06_8_1_1
(203)778•9399

FAX (203)744•1139

*

~CONNECTICUT NEWS
LOCAL DOCTOR IN Al DS FIGHT
STAMF ORD - A Stamford doctor reported three successful treatments for
a previously untreatable complication of AIDS, offering a glimmer of hope
to others diagnosed with the debilitating disease. AIDS expert Dr. Gary
Blick said three of his patients have recovered from an advanced HIV,
complication called progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy after therapy
with an experimental combination of antiviral and cancer chemotheraphy
drugs.
PML affects the brain and spinal cord of about 2 percent to 4 percent of
AIDS patients, usually causing severe paralysis, aphasia-the loss of the
ability to use or understand words and death with.in to 10 weeks of
diagnosis, Blick said. Yet after three ofBlick's patients were treated with the
drug mixture and underwent rehabilitation for just more than a year, their
symptoms almost have disappeared, he said. Blick hesitated to draw
conclusions from his patients improved conditions before further studies
are done. But he said the three cases offer "anecodotal evidence" that this
drug combination might be effective.
"I want to get the word out that there is hope for the treatment of PML
where we've had no hope in the past," Blick said during an interview from
his Bedford Street office. Blick, who moved his Greenwich practice to
Stamford two months ago, treats hundreds of AIDS patients and has been
involved in the clinical studies of protease inhibitors - the breakthrough
AID'S drugs taken as a 'fcocktail" in combination with older AIDS
medications that have helped boost the immune systems of AIDS patients.
Blick's first case of successful treatment was reported in the January issue of
the medical publication Clinical Infectious Diseases, he said. When Dan
Patrick, a patient's ofBlick's, was diagnosed with PML, the prognosis was
grim. One of the last remaining AIDS complications deemed unpreventable
and untreatable, PML stems from infection with the Jacob Creutzfdd, or
JC, virus, Blick said. It is believed that 80 percent of the general population
contracts this virus during childhood and it remains dormant in the kidney,
he said. In a person with a weak immune systetn, the virus is reactivated and
spreads to the brain, he said.
After seeing Patrick and other patients who began to succumb to PML;
Blick said he decided to file for Federal Drug Administration approval of a
pilot study using both the chemotherapy drug Ara C the antiviral drug
cidofovir. After nine months of the new therapy, Patrick, who was once
wheelchair bound, walked only with a slight limp and could clearly express
himself Blick said. Dr. Michael Perry, director of infectious diseases at
Stamford Hospital, said because of the small percentage of AIDS patients
that contract the disease, the three reported success cases will have little
overall effect. "But if there be can be treatment for anything previously
untreatable, that would be a real plus," he said.

AIDS

MEMORIAL QUILT
HARTFORD - Forty-four panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on
display from April 21 - April 23 at the Trinity College Field House in
Hartford.

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

Three deuades of GAY travel expertise
[[i:]y\
March 1998

~ RSVP

21 STRICKLAND RD. , COS COB, CONN . 06807 (203) 869-0216

Page3

T NEWS & VIEWS
foR Goo, foR CouNTRY AND foR ... HoMOPHOBIA?
NEW HAVEN - Yale students who had planned to present antihomophobia workshops to incoming freshmen this fall got a disappointment. Dean of Student Life, Betty Trachtenberg, informed them
that the workshops would not take place as promised. Students,
disturbed by the number of anti-gay threats and violence on campus,
first developed the workshops more than a year ago.
"I was right outside my room. I heard a voice behind me say 'Hey, dyke,'
and then I was pushed down the stairs," says Yale junior Chrysanthi
Settlage. "Nobody should be subjected to that kind of harassment." Yale
seemed to agree-at first. Students who had met with Trachtenberg and
other officials believed they had been promised a chance to talk to
freshmen during orientation. Now Trachtenberg says those initial talks
were, "so long ago that none of our thoughts were locked in. There are
no decisions at all."

GAY YOUTH CONFERENCE
HARTFORD - Children From The Shadows, an organization serving
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trangender youth will be holding its fifth
annual conference on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21 at the
University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave, in West Hartford. The
conference is aimed at sexual minority youth and the adults who work
with them including teachers, counselors, clergy, and health professionals. The two-day conference will include over 60 workshops on a variety
of social, political, psychological and historical topics. There will also be
special "youth-only" sessions that will allow young participants to share
ideas and get to know each other in a safe environment. The organization's
growth has been remarkable; last year's conference attracted about 800
attendees, a third of them youth, making it the largest conference of its
kind in the country. To obtain more information or to register, call CFS
at 860-649-7386 or visit its website at <www.outinct.com/cfs/>.

JOHN ALLEN AT Pf LAG
NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Area Chapter of PFLAG (Parents
and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will present a discussion by New
Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center's co-president, John D.
Allen on Monday, March 9, 7-8:30 PM at Temple BethMishkan Israel,
785 Ridge Road, Hamden. The presentation, "Gay Strategies for the
Next Millennium", will focus on goals and obstacles of the modern gay
movement, and specifically on societal trends, the institution of marriage, quantifying the gay market, and historical perspectives. The
meeting is free and open to the public. For more information call Jim Lee
(203) 467-3759.

GAY NEWS COVERAGE NEEDS WORK
NEW HAVEN - News coverage of the gay community is becoming
increasingly enlightened, but needs to improve further, according to
members of a panel discussing the issue. Members of the media and gay
community gathered at the New Haven Gay & Lesbian Community
Center at 1 Long Wharf. The Society of Professsional Journalists
organized the forum to examine how the media looks at gay issues.
Joe Grabarz, executive director of the Connecticut chapter of the
American Civil Liberties Union, recalled when he was a state legislator

several year ago and a1mounced he was homosexual, newspapers ran the
story under huge "Pearl Harbor style headlines." A similar announcment
today wouldn't be reported under such sensational headlines, if reported
at all. That marks a maturity of the journalistic community in regard to
gay issues, Grabarz said.
Jack Kramer, editor of the New Haven Register, agreed the media's
perspective on gay issues has changed over the years. In the past, the fact
that someone is gay would be the focus of an entire story as it was in
Grabarz's case, Kramer said. But papers "still tend to play it safe" on gay
issues, Kramer said, adding that it's still unlikely an editor would run a
front page photo of a gay couple as part of Valentine's Day coverage.
Elissa Papirno, reader representative for the Hartford Courant, said her
paper's coverage of the gay community is improving, but that earlier
shortfalls often resulted from ignorance. For example, three years ago the
Courant drew strong criticism when its story on a gay pride parade
focused heavily on extreme elements, Papirno said. Upon review, the
paper agreed those extreme elements didn't represent the majority of
people at the parade and its coverage of the event in years since has
become more reflective of participants.
Lynne Mikulak, a former Register reporter now attending Yale Divinity
School, said, "newsrooms still have a Jong way to go" in covering the gay
community. The most serious obstacle is the lack of reporters assigned
to handle the gay communities' issues on a regular basis, Mikulak said.

LESBIAN

&

GAY JOURNALISTS

NEW HAVEN - The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
(NLGJA) is holding its first ever Connecticut event in New Haven in
March. NLGJA, which now has more than 1,100 members nationwide,
including some in Fairfeld, New Haven, Hartford and New London
counties, is holding its get-together Sunday afternoon, March 22 at I PM
at the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center at I Long Wharf
in New Haven, off Co1mecticut Turnpike (1-95) exit 46. Please call
ahead to confirm location and for more information. Call Howard

Massage Connection
• Specializing in professional Swedish
massage
• By appointment only - Day or evening
• Student discounts available
• Home visits available

Horticultural Botanist
Gardener & House I Pet Sitter
Donald J. Comes
(203) 866-2823

30 Tiemey Street
Norwa/,k, CT 06851

March 1998

1-800-611-6041
Office located in the New Haven area

~ MEMBER OF THE
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Page4

Goldberg at (203) 330-8293 or Michael Collins days at AM 1220
WQUN Hamden, C'Tat (203) 281-8984, or evenings and weekends at
(203) 375-3567.
NLGJA members include journalists and media people from virtually all
forms of media, including commercial and public radio and te~evision,
wire services, magazines and newspapers from ma111stream media to gay
and lesbian media. Members include reporters, anchors, wnters, cartoonists, editors, photographers, and those _involved in eve,y asrect of
Journalism. NLGJA'S first national convention was 111 San hanc1sco 111
1992,, and this year will be in Las Vegas, Nevada from October l
through 4.

LIVING POSITIVELY! 7TH ANNIVERSARY
-NEW
HAVEN - The Living Positively! Support groups are celebrating
their 7th a1miversary on April 4th, 1998. Founded in 1990 by a group
oflong term survivors ofHIV/AIDS, Living Positively! is based on the
12 suggested steps and traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. These
steps have been adapted by the group for_living wit!: HIV/AIDS! and
membership in any other 12 step program 1s not reqmred. The Apnl 4th
Anniversary meeting will beg111 a 6 :00 PM with a Potluck d111ner. Two
speakers will then share their strength, hope, and experience starting at
7:00 PM continuing to 8:30 PM.
Living Positively! meets every Saturday, sta~in/G at 6:00 pr_n in New
Haven, C'T, and runs two groups. One group 1s for persons hv111g with
HIV/AIDS, and another concurrent meeting for their friends, f~mily,
and significant others. For more information about the Apnl 4th
anniversary pot luck dinner, and/or Living Positively! please call (203)
248-5057.

.MCC

SERVICES
NEW HAVEN - Christians interested in deep reflection during the
season of Lent are welcome to the Metropolitan Community Church
ofNew Haven, located on 34 Harrison Street, in the Westville section.
Worship services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The
season will start off with an Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. February
25 jointly hosted by MCC's pastor, Rev. Frank Beard, and the Rev. Gil
Ott, pastorofMCC's host church, the United Church ofWestville. Palm
Sunday services will be held April 5. A Seder will be held at 6:30
Thursday, April 9, at Ken and Greg's home. Then a Good friday service
will be held at the church April 10 at 7 p.m. And finally, a special Easter
Sunrise Service will be held at 6 a.m. April 12 at John's home. Services
will also be held at the regular times for Easter Sunday.
MCC is also now offering a Bible Study every Wednesday night at 6:30
at Bob and Rod's. It's a chance to have some pizza and enter into
meaningful discussion about Bible passages that we celebrate and
struggle with. For more information about any of these events, call the
church office at 203-389-6750.

Deadline for the April Newsletter will be Saturday 14 March. We cannot guarantee that material received after that date will be included in
April News&Views.

MIRACLES MONDAYS CELEBRATES 1ST YEAR
NEW HAVEN - Miracles Mondays, A Course In Miracles "' study
group, celebrated it's fir~t year annivers!ry this Feb~uary. Started in
1997 at the New Haven bay & Lesbian Commumty Center, this group
joined together to explore the sometimes mystenous and complicated
book A Course In Miracles TM . "What I like best about A Course In
Miracles TM," said co-founder Rev. Alexander R. Garbera, "is the way it
looks at traditional Christian concepts."
Miracles Monday's meets every Monday at the New ~aver~ liay &
Lesbian Community Center. It is open to all and 1s tree ot charge.
Donations are accepted to help the center, but are not reqmred . The
group starts at 6 :30 pm and usually ends around 7:45 PM . Call Rev.
Casey Roberts (203) 230 - 2050, or Rev. Alexander R. Garbera (203)
937 - 8085 for more information.
SEX CHANGE LEADS TO RETIREMENT
WETHERSFIELD - A transsexual teacher who was planning a sex
change operation abruptly retired last week from his post at Lyman Hall
High School. Neither Scott Hendricks, the 15-year veteran teacher, nor
school officials will discuss the agreement, but Hendricks' houseman:
said Hendricks was forced out when administrators learned of his plans
to become a woman. "He loved what he did and, by all accounts, he was
extremely good at it. He spent his whole lite as a teacher? and now_it's
vanished . He has no future," said John Mueller who hves with Hendncks
in Wethersfield and is also transsexual. Hendricks, 39, was a teacher in
the regional vocationalcagriculture program at Lyman HaH. As part of
an agreement with the school board, Mueller said, _Hendncks may not
speak publicly about the case. !he_ agreement stipulated Hendncks
would step down, but would reta111 his renre~ent package. Mueller s_a1d
that part of the sex change process 111cludes six months of cross-dress111g
before surgery and that Hendncks was delay111g that_ step because he
worried it might offend colleagues. ~ut Mueller s_a1d so~eone was
offended anyway. "It all happene_d 111credibly qmckly. Someone another teacher, a student, an admuustrator - must have compla111ed and
then his career just plummeted," Mueller said.

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Recovery from Abuse
Bilingual

(203) 261-3492

(203) 336-2708

Monroe, CT

Bridgeport, CT

Joan W. Duncan, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
188 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
Tel/Fax.(203)854-4805
Specializing in Women & Couples
March 1998

VICTORIA

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, CT
ADMITTED IN CT AND NY

Page5

T NEWS &VIEWS
CONNECTICUT CALENDAR
MARCH

1998

Friday, March 6 - Tackling Gay Issues In School: Students' Rights,
Our Responsibilities, a professional training presented by Planned
Parenthood of Connecticut, at the VNA in New Haven, 8:45 AM to
3:00 PM. Co-sponsored by the Connecticut chapter of the Gay,
Lesbian and Straight Education Network . E-mail Leif at
leifygreen@aol.com for more info.
Friday,March6-The Green Bay Tree, a 1933 play about the dangers
of the "predatory'' homosexual, presented by Alternative Starz Production to benefit the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center.
At Artspace, 70 Audubon St., New Haven, 8:00 PM. Tickets $15/$10
for Artspace and NHGLCC members. For information and reservations call 203-877-6382.
Saturday, March 7 - Stephanie's Living Room presents its March
Dance, at the Stratford Ramada Inn, 8:00 PM. For more information
call 203-377-2119 or e-mail sphilips@slrgroup.com.
Saturday, March 7 - The Green Bay Tree, a 1933 play about the
dangers of the "predatory'' homosexual, presented by Alternative Starz
- See March 6
Monday, March 9-PFLAG hosts NHGLCCs co-president, JohnAl!en
-Temple Beth Mishkan Israel, Hamden, CT, 7 to 8:30 PM. Call 4673759 for more information.
Saturday, March 14 - Gay and Lesbian Sober Darice - Jennings
School, Fairfield, C.,1, 8 PM to 1 AM. $5.00 cover charge.
Saturday, March 14 - Gay Bingo to benefit the Hartford Gay and
Lesbian Health Collective, at Project 100/Gay Lesbian Bisexual
Transgender Community Center, 1841 Broad Street, Hartford. Doors
Open at 7:00 PM - Games begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Admission $10
- Includes Games package. Call 278-4163 for more information.
Friday-Saturday, March 20-21 - Children From The Shadows presents its fifth annual conference for GLBT youth and professionals who
work with them, University of Hartford, West Hartford, 9:45 AM to
4:00 PM both days.
Saturday, March 21-TCC Friendraiser at John and Roland's place,
Bridgeport, CT, 5 to 8 PM.
Sunday, March 22- National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association's
get-together - New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center, New
Haven, C.,1, 1 PM.
Sunday, March 22 - TCC Movie Night, Hong Kong film "Happy
Together'' - Sono Cinema, Norwalk, CT, 7:30 PM. Tickets $10 at the
door.
Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29 - The Connecticut Gay Men's
Chorus presents Gentlemen Prefer Hollywood, a tribute to the golden
age of the Hollywood musical. Shubert Theater, New Haven, Saturday
at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM.
Tuesday, March 31 - Deadline for TCC scholarship applications.

Answer to Ftibruary '"';Horse Fair is the name of
Ms. Bonheur's work, which can be seen promi•
nently displayed.in the European paintings department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in
NewYork.
Question for March - It has been said that
David Whitney, a. New Canaan re~ident, will
become and artwidow to end all art widows. Crass
as tbatstatem.entis, the same might also be said of
Weston Fesident Jon Anderson. Who are, these
men?
March 1998

APRIL 1998
Friday & Saturday, April 3 & April 4-The Killing ofSister George, a play
presented by Alternative Starz Production to benefit the New Haven Gay
and Lesbian Community Center. At Artspace, 70 Audubon St., New
Haven, 8:00 PM. Tickets $15/$10 for Artspace andNHGLCC members.
For information and reservations call 203-877-6382.
Saturday, April 4- Living Positively!, which runs weekly support groups
for PWA's, their families, friends and significant others, celebrates its 7th
anniversary with a Potluck Dinner, in New Haven, 6:00 PM, followed by
speakers at 7:00 PM. For location and other information, please call Peter
at 203-248-5057.
Friday, April 10 - Metropolitan Community Church of New Haven's
Good Friday service at MCC, 34 Harrison St., New Haven, CT, 7 PM ..
For more information call 389-6750.
Sunday, April 12 - Metropolitan Community Church of New Haven's
Easter Sunrise Service, 6 AM. For location and directions call 389-6750.
Saturday,April 18-The New London People's Forum presents its annual
Different Voices, One Community conference, bringing togetherover 200
people from New England and beyond for a full day of educational
workshops, enlightened speakers and entertainment, as well as community
information and products. For information call the Forum Line at (860)
443-8855.

Laura L. Gates, MSW, LCSW
Individuals, Couples, and Families

Stratford. CT

White Plains. NY
(203) 386-1725

(203) 386-1 725

Office
566 Whalley Avenue, Suite #ID
New Haven, CT 06511
T 203-389-6750, F 203-389-63 I 8

RBt'. Franlt llBlud
Pastor

Worship
34 Harrison Street
New Haven, CT 065 I 5
Sundays 9:30 a.m . and 4 :00 p.m .

Metropolitan Community Church
of New Ha.-en
Especially serving the Gay and Lesbian Community

Jane

w

Griffith, JD, MBA
Attorney-at-Law

Tax Strategy & Preparation • Real Estate
Estate Planning & Wills • Business Consulting
270Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT06515-2114

Fax 20:S / :587-9899

Voice 20:S I 389-8614

Page6

T NEWS§ VIEWS
-

NATIONAL NEWS

Our

DRUG MAY SlASH PRICE OF TREATING AIDS

CROSS-DRESSERS STEPPING

Researchers in Los Angeles and Washington have identified what may
be the first inexpensive AIDS drug, a finding that could have major
importance for the 50 percentofHIV-positive Americans not receiving
treatment because ofits cost. They also say that the drug, in conjunction
with two other AIDS drugs, has induced what may be a permanent
remission in three HIV-positive patients who have now gone for more
than a year without treatment.

When Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas sailed from the Port of
Miami en route to the Bahamas recently, a small, unusual group of
passengers were aboard. More than 20 male cross-dressers and their
wives had come from all over the United States for Dignity Cruise IX,
and most of the men wore women's garb for the entire trip. "This is an
opportunity for people who cross-dress to have an interface with the
general public in a setting that is elegant," says Peggy Rudd, a Houstonbased author and leader in the transgender community. Her husband is
a cross-dresser. Rudd, who has written five books about cross-dressers
and their partners (all available through the Internet at amazon.com),
started the Dignity Cruise concept four years ago to provide support frir
cross-dressers and education to the public.
The word transgender, which means changing gender, encompasses a
broad variety of people, from gay men or women who dress in drag for
laughs, to transsexuals, both gay and straight, who use hormones and
surgery in an effort to become the opposite sex, to transvestites or crossdressers, most of whom are men (since women can wear men's clothes
freely in our society), and most of whom are heterosexual. l,iven the
range of identities and concerns in the transgender category alone, is it
appropriate to lump them all under the same community umbrella?
Because cross-dressers tend to be high achievers - doctors, pilots,
politicians and prominel1t business leaders - most are extremely closeted and live dual lives, often telling only their wives or children, and
sometimes not even them. Josephine has been secretly cross-dressing
since she was a child. "I was always interested in women's clothe.~," she
says. "The way they fed, what they look like. It's a ridiculous situation,
though, because no one understands. We're considered a joke." Experts
don't know what causes the urge to cross-dress. Whatever the reasons,
cross-dressers are slowly gaining momentum as a group and trying to
find acceptance.

Although experts are skeptical about the remission claims, many are
impressed by reported successes with the drug, called hydrm.')'urea, and
have begun incorporating it into their own treatment regimens. The
drug is unique in that it affects host cells in the patient rather than the
virus itself. The researchers think the drug works so well because HIV
cannot develop resistance to it. Moreover, they believe that hydroxyurea also lessens chances of HIV resistance to other AIDS drugs as
well. H ydroxyurea is a simple drug that has been used for more than two
decades in the treatment of leukemia. I ts use also was approved recently
for the treatment of sickle cell disease.
Hydroxyurea is inexpensive-no more than $30 a month compared to
the $1,300 monthly cost of the combination of protease inhibitors and
reverse transcriptase inhibitors that are currently the gold standard for
therapy. It is not yet clear whether hydrm.')'urea could replace protease
inhibitors in long-term therapy or whether they would have to be used
in combination. Because it has been around so long, however, no
company has exclusive rights to it. As a result, money for clinical trials
has come from private donors. Bristol Myers-Squibb, which sells
hydrm.')'urea for cancer therapy under the brand name Hydrea, has
agreed to sponsor a new trial in combination with ddl, which the
company also sells. That trial will begin later this year at eight to 10 U.S .
centers, although they have not been chosen yet.

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Page 7

LEADER THREATENS ro Bon G.O.P.
At a closed-door convention of conservative leaders in Arizona last
week, Dr. James Dobson, who heads the multimedia ministry Focus
on the Family, warned that if the Republican Congress continued to
"betray'' conservative evangelical voters, he would abandon the
Republican Party and "do everything I can to take as many people
with me as possible." These are the same voters who swept Republicans into Congress in the 1994 elections, but are now so disillusioned, Dobson said, that the Republican Party "has laid the
foundation for a revolution, and I don't think they even know it
because they're so out of touch with the people." Dobson spoke
before about 300 members of the Council for National Policy, a
group of conservative, political and religious leaders that does not
open its meetings to the news media. Members include the radio
host Oliver North, former Attorney General Edwin Meese, religious
broadcaster Pat Robertson, businessman Holland Coors, and members of Congress like Rep. Dick Armey and Sen. Jesse Helms.
Dobson excoriated a long list of Republican leaders who, he
asserted, "when they moved into power, moved to immediately
insult'' conservative Christian supporters. His list included House
Speaker Newt Gingrich, for inviting Whitman to give the Republican response to the State of the Union address, and even conservative
stalwarts like Republican Sens. John Ashcroft of Missouri, and Rick
Santo rum of Pennsylvania, who Dobson said had failed to speak out
against homose>..'Uality and financing of sex education in school~.

THE LURE OF FUNKY FUNDS
Fans of TV star Ellen DeGeneres might have an interest in the
Meyers Pride Value Fund. The $2.l million fund-up 21.8 percent
last year-will invest only in companies with "progressive policies"
toward gays and lesbians. When starting the fund in 1996, manager
Shelly Meyers worried about weighting it too heavily toward
technology and entertainment, two areas known for gay-friendly
employment policies. But today the 40-stock portfolio is spread across
l Oof 11 industry sectors tracked by Meyers, with it~ two biggest stakes
in banking and energy. Among it~ largest holdings: Golden State
Bancorp., America West Airlines, and Sears.
JUDGE TELLS NAVY
A federal judge ordered the Navy to cancel its decision to discharge
a sailor for homosernality, saying Navy investigators wrongly based
their case on an anonymous online computer profile and confidential records held by an online service. The action by U .S. District
Judge Stanley Sporkin marked the first time a court has found
military otlicial~ exceeding their authority under the Pentagon's
"don't ask, don't tell" rules on homosexuality. It also carried
important consequences outside the military, reinforcing electronic
privacy rights at a time that the availability of personal information
on computer networks is expanding rapidly. Sporkin's decision
made permanent the temporary injunction he issued against the
Navy, blocking the dismissal of Senior Chief Petty Otlicer Timothy
R. McVeigh. It followed a filing by government attorneys that said
the Navy had no further evidence to offer in the case.
Mc Veigh ran afoul ofN avy prosecutors last autumn after sending an
e-mail message about a Christmas toy drive to the wile of a fellow
submarine crewman. The message contained the screen name
"Boysrch," which was linked to a "profile page" that McVeigh had
posted on America Online. The page was signed "Tim" from
Honolulu, listed the author's marital status as "gay'' and expressed
a se:rnal interest in young men. A Navy investigator called AOL
without identifying himself and confirmed that McVeigh was the
author, a disclosure AOL later said it regretted and acknowledged
had violated its confidentiality policies.
March 1998

NEWS SOURCES
Boy Sco ul'i' B,m o n G .tys - \V.tshingt o n Post, J,111u,uy

20, 1998
C hu rch to Tr:· Pt1slor - New Yo rk Times, Fd)ru ttr:·
15 , 199 8

C'ross-<lrt•sst·rs Stq >ping O ut - Mi.uni I lt•r.tlJ,
j ,lllUdf)' 29, 1998
D rug ~1.tv Si.tsh Prier of T rt•.tting AIDS - Los

~

Angd<·s Times, Fdmurv

s:

199 8

Fo r Goe.( For Country ,m<l 1:~r ... J-l om opho bi.t ?
Nl·W I l.tven A<lvoc.th.·, Fd,ru.try 5, 1998
G.ty News Cuver.tgt· NC'c.·J s \ Vork - New J--1.tw n
lk gisll'r, FC'Lru,u,, 16, 1998
G,iy P,ir~wrs \ Vills - Tiw Austr,1Ji,111 newsp.tpe r,
h·bru.t0· 2, 1998
Ju<lgt· T ells N.tvy - \\'.tshingt o n Post, J.tnu.t0 · JO,
1998
U·.tJn Thrt·.ttt·ns to Bo lt G.O. P. - The Nt'w York
Times, F(·bru.try 12 , J998 - ~l.ti1w Voters Rl'pe.tl
G.ty lligh t'i l...t1w- Nt'w Yo rk Tinws, Fe-Lru.try 12,
1998
i\ lutu.tl O f O nuh.t Acrust'd - D ow Jo ne-s Nt·w swi n·s,
j.tnu.trY 21 , 1998
Provi nn ·tO,~n 131.tzt· l..c:·.tvl's S6m D.tm.tgt.• - Bos to n

G lo l,t' o n Ft'l,nM f)' 12, 1998
S1..·x C'h.tnge Le.tds to Retirt.·mt·n t - T hl' I l.t1·tforJ
C'our,mt, Fdlru.tl")' 12, 1998
South Afric.t - S.t nw-se-x 1\ l.t rri .tgesl ndt·pt· nJt·nt
- O nline- Nt'ws, J.tnU.tf)' 29, 1998
Success with A.IDS - The AJvoc.ttt•. Feli ru .t ry 1 1,
1998
T he Lu rt· of FunL.:· FunJs - U. S. News & \\'orld
Rt'po rt, Febru.t~· 2, 1998
AK - HI V Reporting - A.nchor<1gt· lJ.-.i l~· Nt·ws,
j.tJlU,tl""\· 28, ) 998
FL - U<111k o n the Internet - ,\ li,1mi I ft•r,1 IJ ,
j<111U.tf)' 20, J99 8
IL - G ,1v Bt•neflL., Grt Fnv T<1ke rs - C'hic.tgo
T;il,une-, J.inu.tl)· 25 , 199 8
•
NB - P.istor \ Viii St.inJ T ri.ii - Cn nt1·.t Cos t,1
Times, Febru.tl")' I 3, 1998
NY - llighl'i Stripped - Lts Veg.is Rt·,·icw Jo unu l,
FeL ru.i0· 11, J9 98
NY - L.·sLi.tn Custo<lY C.tst·s - Svr.t('USt' Pos t
St.ind.ird, J.inu,;n· 2 3, ( 9t,"g
PA - C .irdin.tl to Fighi" G.t,·-lk1wfit Hills Phil.tdelphi.t r).tily News, Ft•bliJ M;' I J, 199H

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Page8

T ~EW5 & VIEWS
(!JjJ!!Ji! STATE BY STATE NEWS
AK - HIV

REPORTING
Reversing a long-standing policy in the fight against AIDS, state otlicials
want to start requiring health care workers to report all HIV-positive
cases to the state Division of Public Health. Currently, only the names
of patients with full-blown AIDS must be reported to public health
otlicials. Those names are kept confidential.
Many health care professionals around the nation opposed requiring
HIV reports until recently. They worried that fear about breaches of
confidentiality would deter people from getting tested and receiving
early treatment. But the health care consensus appears to be shifting in
Alaska as in the Lower 48. Successful new drug treatments are reducing
AIDS deaths and delaying for years the onset of AIDS-related illnesses.
While this is great news for HIV patients, it means knowledge of the
epidemic's extent lags many years behind the actual spread of the
infection. Public health otficials want to know where HIV is prevalent
in Alaska, in which segments of the population, and in which regions so
they can target spending on prevention. Twenty-eight states have
changed their policies in recent years to require HIV reporting for
adults. The states with the biggest incidence of HIV infection, including
New York and California; have not changed their policies but are
reconsidering them.

DC - BoY Scours' BAN ON GAYS
Michael S. Geller joined the Boy Scouts and was a model member,
attaining the highest rank of Eagle Scout and renewing his membership
amrnally throughout his twenties. Roland D . Pool also was a decorated
Scout. But in 1992, when Geller and Pool separately told local Scouting
otlicials that they are gay, the organization demanded that they sever all
ties with Scouting. Instead, the two District residents filed a complaint
with the city, arguing that the Boy Scouts of America's ban on gay
members and leaders violates the city's Human Rights Act.
Today-after nearly six years of investigation and legal wrangling-the
D.C. Commission on Human Rights will open a hearing on the
complaint, one ofseveral filed across the country to force the Boy Scouts
to drop anti-gay policies. The D .C. case hinges on whether the Scouting
organization is subject to the city's Human Rights Act, which bars
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, or whether the 5.6
million-member group is a private club protected by the constitutional
right to freedom of association. The outcome of the hearing, which is
expected to last three weeks, could atfrct all Boy Scout activities in
Washington, where there are more than 2,000 youth members.
FL - BANK ON THE INTERNET
A bank catering to the gay community is being organized in the rlorida
Panhandle. The G&L Bank, whose initials stand for "gay and lesbian,"
plans to operate on the Internet rather than with traditional tellers and
drive-through, said Steven Dunlap, chairman of the G&L Holding
Group Inc. of Pensacola. His bank, ifit receives tederal approval, would
be the first gay-targeted institution operating nationally as a federal
saving bank. It would otler the same service.~ other banks do such as credit
cards, consumer loans and ATM cards as well as making mortgage Joans.

NICHOLAS LANG, Ph.D., N.C.C.
Providing Affordable
Counseling & Psychotherapy Services
Specializing in Sexual Orientation
Loss, Relationships, & HIV-related Issues

New Haven Office
200 Orchard St.
(203) 789-0560, Ext. 4
March 1998

Wilton Office
3 87 Danbury Rd.
(203) 847-1094

IA - GAY lowA PASTOR LosEs MINISTRY
A disciplinary committee has voted to revoke the ministry of an Iowa
pastor who is openly gay. The decision by a nine-member panel of
ministers and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
means that the Rev. Steve Sabin will be removed from the list of the
church's ordained ministers effective April 15. The panel said that it
admires the job Sabin has done as pastor but could not allow his "gifts
of ministry either to outweigh or excuse" his violation ofa church policy
that bars "practici"ng homosexuals" from the ordained ministry. The
150-member congregation of Lord of Life publicly supports Sabin and
could vote to keep him on as pastor but would then risk sanctions from
the church, including expulsion.
IL - GAY BENEFITS GET FEW TAKERS
The brouhaha over the City of Chicago extending health care benefits to
partners of gay and lesbian city workers was a tour-star show. But 10
months after a divided City Council approved the measure, only 23 of
the city's nearly 40,000 workers have signed up.
Otlicials theorize that a variety of factors have kept participation in the
insurance program low. "Even though gay people have their civil rights
protected and the city treats gay and lesbian employees fairly, there is still
some social stigma attached to being gay and lesbian," one otlicial said.
Moreover, in many cases both members of gay households are employed
and have no need for additional medical coverage. But city otlicials
believe that one of the biggest reasons fix the modest participation lies
in the federal tax code. Because the benefit does not accrue to family
members, its value is regarded by Uncle Sam as income, resulting in a
tax liability.
(Continued on page I I)

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
60 East Avenue, Norwalk
(Across from the Green)

An inclusive, welcoming, affirming community
Solemn Eucharist• Sundays at 10:15 AM

Come, experience splendid music and
traditional liturgy, the smell of incense
and the sight of flickering candles, in the
lovely architectural setting of a13th Century
English Gothic Church.
JOIN US FOR OUR CHRISTMAS EVE
SEVICE AT 10:30 PM
Office: (203) 847-2806
Page 9

T NEWS & VIEWS

The Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus
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Page JO

Property of the Center

IL - MUTUAL OF OMAHA ACCUSED
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. was sued for allegedly placing illegal
limits on HIV-related health-care coverage. The lawsuit contends such
caps violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois
Insurance Code. Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago filed their suit in U .S. District Court
on behalf of two HIV-positive Chicago-area men, whose names were
kept secret.
"Mutual of Omaha caps HIV-related care at a fraction of the amount
allowed for other illnesses or conditions. This discrimination severely
limits access to standard, lite-saving therapies and is illegal," said
Heather C. Sawyer, an attorney for Lambda. Lambda and the council
said one of the men's 8olicy caps his lifetime benefits for HIV-related
conditions at $25,00 and the other man has a $100,000 cap. The
statement said this was in contrast to $1 million cap that Mutual of
Omaha would allow the needed care for other medical conditions.
MA - PROVINCETOWN BLAZE LEAVES $6M DAMAGE
Local citizens grabbed firehoses and helped carry them down Commercial Street toward the Crown & Anchor Motor Inn as plumes of flames
danced across its roof. A citizens bucket brigade worked to rescue
artwork from a gallery next to burning shops on Whaler's Wharf. Two
men climbed the steeple of the 150-year-old Universalist Meeting
House and protected it with a garden hose. But such public-spirited
actions, ancf the efforts of more than 200 firefighters trom every fire
department on Cape Cod, could not save the historic Crown & Anchor
nightclub-hotel or more than a dozen arts-and-crafrs shops, which were
gutted by fire on the night of February 11. Three firefighters were
injured as they battled the five-alarm blaze.
According to Provincetown Police Chief Robert Anthony, the fire
apparently was started accidentally by an electrical device, perhaps a
heater. David Bragdon, a caretaker who lives in Whalers Whart:
noticed fire coming out of the device and called 911 about 6: 30 Tuesday
evening. Then he tried to putout the fire with a blanket. But the blanket
caught fire, and it quickly spread to some highly combustible artists'
materials nearby. The Wharf was a former movie theater converted into
a mall with many small shops, and when it caught fire, it became "like
a chimney in there," Anthony said. Flames soon engulfed an adjacent
building, where souvenirs, sea shells, and art products were sold, and
then spread to the Crown & Anchor next door. The 1880 inn had 29
rooms, seven bars, and a restaurant. Owned by Kenneth Lemon, the i1m
was known for its drag-queen shows. Building damage in the town was
estimated at $6 million.
Ocean winds blew embers inland, touching off numerous brush fires
near the Pilgrim Monument, the local high school, and other places in
town. Firefighters were hampered by Provincetown's narrow streets
and closely packed buildings. What prevented a complete disaster,
several witnesses said, was the wind.
"The wind amazingly stopped right during the fire," said Patty DeLuca,
35, a local artist. Ifit hadn't stopped, said Keith Bergman, Provincetown's
town manager, "the fire could have devastated all of the town."

Ml - 30 WALK Our
About 30 people attending a weekend ordination ceremony walked out
to protest the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan's decision to
allow two men involved in homosexual relationships to become priests.
Before walking out ofSaturday's ceremony at Kalamazoo's Cathedral of
Christ the King, protesters had presented a formal objection citing
resolutions passed by the Episcopal Church's General Convention that
sexual relations are appropriate only within marriage and that it is
inappropriate to ordain those who engage in either heterosexual or
homosexual relations outside of marriage.
NB - CHURCH TO TRY PASTOR
For performing a union of a different sort, the Rev. Jimmy Creech, a
United Methodist minister, will soon be tried in a church court. At issue
is Creech's officiation at a covenant ceremony last September uniting
two women in his congregation, First United Methodist Church. The
event resembled a Methodist wedding, with Scripture readings, an
exchange of vows and a celebration of communion. But it came a month
afrer Creech's bishop told him not to do it and a year afrer Methodist
leaders added a statement to the denomination's rule book fr>rbidding
ceremonies that united people of the same sex. Creech said in a recent
interview that he could not, as their pastor, refuse the women's request
and that he considered the church's opposition to unions of people of the
same sex to be discriminatory. He could lose his ministerial credentiais
if convicted.
NY - LESBIAN CUSTODY CASE
The breakup of a lesbian couple raising a daughter together has triggered
a messy dispute that could set new state legal standards for adoptions .
It could break ground in New York on the adoption rights of a nonmarried partner in a relationship, whether heterosexual or homosexual.
In this case, one of the women became pregnant by artificial insemination and had a daughter four years ago. She agreed at that time to let her
partner adopt the child. But last year, the couple broke up and the
mother withdrew her consent for the adoption. Now, the former partner
wants to force the child's natural mother to go through with the
adoption as agreed. If that were to happen, both would be legally
recogni7.,ed as the child's parents.

MFAP

MID-FAIRFIELD AIDS PROJECT

Do you seek support and advocacy for HIV/AIDS?
MFAP can assist and provide you with case management
Call us today!
Serving the needs of HIV/AIDS community in:

Norwalk
Westport
Weston
Wilton
Mid Fairfield AIDS Project
16 River Street
Norwalk, CT 06850
Phone: (203) 855-9535
Fax: (203) 855-1531
Internet: http ://www .mfap.com
E-Mail: info@mfap.com

Marci, 1998

Page II

T NEWS & VIEWS
PA - CARDINAL FIGHTS GAY-BENEFIT BILLS
A sharply worded letter from Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua denouncing "life partner" legislation, hand-delivered to City Hall, signals the
start of Holy War III on gay rights. The bill would give pension benefits
to whomever a city employee designates, add "life partners" to the Fair
Practices Act requiring all employers in the city to recognize the
relationships and exempt such partners from the realty transfer tax.

TX -

NEW CHURCH
Members have raised $6.2 million to build a new cathedral in Dallas for
what they call the largest lesbian and gay congregation in the world.
Members of the Cathedral of Hope are launching a national campaign
to raise another $19 million to complete financing for the church
designed by the openly gay famed architect, Philip Johnson. The 95
yr.old Johnson has designed a sanctuary that resembles a soaring iceberg
11 stories tall and two football fields long. The Rev. Michael Piazza, the
senior pastor, said the shape will remind viewers of ships, icebergs,
mountains and crystals. He said, "It will evoke emotions and thoughts
of protection, joy, humility and love." The Cathedral of Hope congregation numbers 3,000, and the current church holds only about 800
people.
WA- I.Aw BAN GAY MARRIAGE
Washington lawmakers have banned gay marriage in a choreographed
action that included a quick veto by Democratic Gov. Gary Locke and
an override by bipartisan super-majorities in both houses. Even longtime backers of gay rights pronounced themselves satisfied with the
result, since it avoids a potentially divisive November referendum.
Washington is now the 27th state with such a ban.

WV - CENTER CAN BAN BoY W1TH HIV
A federal judge ruled that a karate school owner has the right to ban a
12-year-old boy with the AIDS virus from classes with other children.
U.S. District Judge Richard L. Williams ruled that Michael Montalvo's
condition is covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act, but said
James P. Radcliffe II was not obligated to admit him to classes because
it poses a risk to other children. In his ruling, Williams addressed the
difference between the physical style of karate taught at the school and
less combative styles. Radcliffe said he was not trying to discriminate
against Michael, but wanted to protect the other students, who he feared
could get infected if blood was drawn during sparring.

~))))])}

mWbRLD NEws
AUSTRALIA - GAY PARTNERS WILLS
Close friends or gay partners' will be able to claim a share of a dead
person's estate that usually goes automatically to the spouse and children,
under legal reforms to be considered by the States and Territories. Top
legal bureaucrats have advised their attorneys-general to broaden the law
of wills so anyone who was being supported financially by a person can
claim part of the estate - or contest the will - under "family provision"
legislation. lfadopted by all States and Territories, any dependent- such
as a gay partner or close friend - would become eligible.
AUSTRALIA - GAY PARADE DRAWS 40,000
St Kilda was as colorful as a fruit salad on February 1 as nearly 40,000
lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and folk of every sexual inclination
in between paraded down Fitzroy Street for the third annual Pride
March. The marchers came from a diverse range of groups including
PFlag (a support group for parents, families and friends oflesbians and
gay men), Koori gays and lesbians, the City of Port Phillip, gays and
lesbians for reconciliation, Vintage Men, the Star Hotel, Metropolitan
Community Church, leather pride, queer goths, Australian Democrats
and Optus staff. Along the route, on-lookers hung out of windows, sat
on roofs, crowded on to the Prince ofWales' [Hotel] balcony and poured
out of the Esplanade Hotel.
BRAZIL - COURT RULES FOR GAY RIGHTS
A businessman has the right to inherit assets he shared with a homosexual
companion who died of AIDS, a federal court has ruled in a landmark
decision for gay rights in Brazil. The Superior Tribunal ofJustice said
Milton Alves Pedrosa was entitled to half the estate ofJair Prearo, who
died in 1989. Prearo's father had contested Pedrosa's claim. The ruling
stops short of recognizing a same-sex couple as a "civil union," a term
applied to heterosexual couples including those who are married, in
common-law marriages, and in long-term relationships. Rep. Marta
Suplicy said the decision could make it easier to pass a bill that she
sponsored recognizing the civil union ofhomosexuafs, giving them legal
nghts available to heterosexual couples. The bill is expected to go before
the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of congress, this year.

CONFUSED? SCARED? NOWHERE TO TURN?

Splendid Repertoire of Traditional Music
Welcoming and Inclusive Congregation

If you have HIV/AIDS, you don't need to feel like you
are alone. Stamford CARES gives you the support and
attention you require. We are your direct link to the HIV
Care Network. Complete confidentiality assured.
Serving Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan.
Call 977-5096 to speak to a Care Coordinator today.

For additional information or auditions call:
Bill Voetberg, Music Director, (203) 847• 7250

We're here to help - because we care.

CALL FOR SINGERS
St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
Norwalk

Bryan Costello

212•382•5176
Investments
Pensions
Insurance
The abort-named JndM.Juah are regisurtd rtpresenlaJi,es of EQ Financial
Consulta/llS, Inc. !212 64J-7J()()J, a bro~rl<kaler and i11•cs.1ment ad•iser, and agmts
of The Equilable l.ife Assunince Soclely of the U11ited Stales (NY, NY 10104). The
abort-llOmed itldMduol also offers tradllwrud and variable i11sura11ce 011d 0111,uities
of Equitable, 011d of over fifty other companits through EquiSource.
AGE:-97-587 Exp.16/98)

March 1998

(203) 256-4565
(800) 628-7209
FAX: (203) 256-1759
jnemis@aol.com

JOANN ATTWOOD NEMIS
VICE PRESIDENT/ INVESTMENTS

JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT, INC.
MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE ANO OTHER PRINCIPAL EXCHANGES

2150 POST ROAD . FAIRFIELD . CT 06430

Page 12

BRITAIN - SETBACK FOR GAY RIGHTS
Gay rights activists were shattered by a European Union high court
ruling today against a British lesbian railroad clerk who sought travel
benefits for her girlfriend. It had been considered a test case on workplace
equality for homosexuals across Europe. The European Court of Justice
in Luxembourg said Britain's South West Trains did not violate EU law
when it said the girlfriend of booking clerk Lisa Grant was ineligible for
travel benefits available to the partners of heterosexual employees.
Lawyers for the couple, including Cherie Booth, wife of British Prime
Minister Tony Blair, argued the policy violated the EU's founding treaty,
which guarantees "equal pay for equal work without discrimination
based on sex." The rail company argued that the clause did not cover
sexual orientation.

THE GAY GOURMET

Pono

Jill Percey, Grant's partner, said they and their supporters would
campaign to have laws changed in Britain to outlaw discrimination based
on sexual orientation. Blair's government is committed to reforms
ending discrimination against gay workers. The EU's executive agency
said it was considering changes to its law to "plug the gaps" in antidiscrimination clauses. Any new proposals would need backing from
governments of the 15 EU nations.

CACCIATORE (CHICKEN HUNTER STYLE)

1

LARGE CHICKEN, CUT INTO PIECES

2

TBSP OLIVE Oil

1

TSP CHOPPED PARSLEY

1

STALK CELERY, CHOPPED

1

CLOVE GARLIC, CHOPPED

COARSE GROUND PEPPER TO TASTE

1/2

LB FRESH MUSHROOMS, SLICED

3/4 CUP

DRY WHITE WINE

OREGANO, CRUSHED
HEAT THE OLIVE Oil IN A LARGE SKILLET AND ADD

SOUTH AFRICA - SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
Same-sex marriages look set to be recogni1.,ed by the state in legislation
which is expected to be presented to Parliament this year. Government
sources indicated that the legislation would be in line with the constitution which outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Substantive equality for all South African citi1.,ens is the policy of the
A.NC, which has stated its support for the "ideals ofequality, dignity and
freedom" . The party also gave the Government the mandate at its
national conference for it to address custody, access, maintenance,
immigration and adoption rights for gay men and women. Gay and
lesbian families were also given the nod. The controversial legislation is
likely to provoke an outcry among certain religious and conservative
political groups.

THE CHICKEN, PARALEY, CELERY, MUSHROOMS AND
GARLIC. SEASON WITH PEPPER AND OREGANO.
BROWN THE CHICKEN ON All SIDES OVER
MODERATE FLAME. WHEN THE CHICKEN IS
BROWNED, ADD THE WINE AND COOK GENTLY
UNTIL THE WINE IS ALMOST EVAPORATED. ADD A
LITTLE WATER TO KEEP THE CHICKEN MOIST, COVER,
AND SIMMER ABOUT

PAUL D. SCHNEIDER
PO Box 451
Southport, CT 06490-0451
203/255-5520

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

Adoption
Child Custody Divorce
Partnership Agreements

KURT SPERLING, L.C.S. W

Our Families Matter

225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

V

LEADING
HOMES.
THE BUYERS REAL ESTATE COMPANY

T. PAVLICIN

ExCLUSIVE BUYER AGENT

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~

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,.~)i .

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

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[B
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M.S. W, L.C.S. W

772 KINGS HIGHWAY WEST
SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT 06490

FAX1255-3705 HOME/866-6993

203/255-2278

March 1998

MINUTES UNTIL CHICKEN IS

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

Attorney at Law

MICHAEL

30

THOROUGHLY COOKED BUT NOT DRY.

leadhomc:3@aol.com

225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WESTI'ORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549
Page 13

THE SALON

'\

:'

A social gathering for women
who are looking for an interesting and exciting .
alternative to the bars.

I

MICHAEL

J.

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TAYLOR, LMT

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE • CT,

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Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month
DON'TMISSTHEFIRSTPAR.lY·MARCH 14, 1998
For Information & directions call Donna at 203·335-5975

440

MAIN STREET• RIDGEFIELD ,

CT 06877 • 203-431-8278

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY,

CPA

ATTORNEY-AT LAW
1305 POST ROAD, FAIRFIELD

Specializing in:

• 203/256-3839

Weddings • Comittment Ce/eb1tations
and "Coming-Out" Pa'tties

Tax Planning, Preparation & Appeals;
Estates & Trusts, Probate Matters,
Real Estate Law; Elder Law; and
Small Business Formations and Assistance

THRESHOLD
MORTGAGE COMPANY

76 Lake Avenue • Danbury,

CT

06810

Tel : 730-1400 • Fax: 798-9611

Paul Thury
REALTOR"
Office: 203.846.1611 ext. 218
Res: 203.847.5621
Fax: 203.857.7842
E-mail: pthury@aol.com

PATRICK WINTERS
LOAN OFFICER
THRESHOLD MORTGAGE
COMPANY
THRESHOLD COMMON

59

W1L TON ROAD

WESTPORT, CT

06880

(203) 454-0525
TOLL FREE (800) 562-5577
FAX (203) 454-0069
HOME (203) 256-5951
EMAIL pkw@thresholdmtg .com
OFFICE

• Spticializing in 1·1isid1mtial homti mortgagtis in l◄'airlfold County
• l'apablti ol' handling all loan sct\nario s from a $HO,OOO condo in
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• l'onsisttint top producing loan olTict\r for ovtir ttin yt\ill'S with a
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March 1998

You Have a Friend in
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Whether you're looking to sell or buy, I will
help you put all the pieces together.
I have the marketing tools necessary to offer
you peace of mind . And that's what you need
most from a real estate agent.
For a free market analysis to determine the value of
your home, a " Why Rent When You Can Own" brochure, or a copy of my home tips newsletter

Call Paul Thury-203.846.1611 ext. 218

(8 Prudential

Conneciicut
Realty

Page 14

T NEWS 4 VIE~

~r

Univl1[iil~ll l~~iiijJ illlfli~IIIUl~ll~Hid,

We're glad to list your non-profit gay/lesbian/bi/tg group free of charge.
Call (203) 964-1133. Please keep us informed of changes.

TCC

"Big" Monthly Meeting: Every 1st Wednesday, 7:45
Spouses and Ex Spouses group: Every 3rd Thurs. 7:30

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

Dont forget to check out the TCC web page:
http://members.aol.com.tcccenter/index.html

Triangle community c e n t e r y
No rwalk, Cl
•
•• •
•11-yHe,m, 0 - Commua/fy" •
• • •
Scrvingttltlesblen/gl')'lbl/t9com111unltyolseuthwe,1ern ConntctlM

Last update 03122/97

On this page:

■ \Velco m(• to the Triangle Commmdh' Cen ter

• W!!9..Ar~..Yf.r.:~. • 9.lP."1.V..l?..!P.-.~!J~l~.tJ..m.. tht.~.tn!!:!: • ~9.!!:11.H:W.!.i.!Y.t~:i=:n~ • Rts.9.\~n:J,..B9.9m • ,l~J~:i!th.l.x..Nt ~!>:lt!tt r •
How 10 Find th • Rcrnmmc a Member

On other pages:

~ Center Calendar 111 TCC News & Vlewst;1 What' , Happ enb,g?

Ill

Other Groups~ PoUUc.J

Action ■ lntl!met Links

Phone or fax (203) 853·0600 or e•mail

March 1998

~ TCCe111erfkw l. c9nL

Property of the Center

M 001 111 374

OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
(203) 330-9595
Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
(203) 264-5605
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
(203) 899-0270
Chiltern Mountain Club
(203) 256-8414
Connecticut Kids and Families
(203) 791-9553
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club.(Social Grp.-call Dale before 10pm) (203) 261 -4019
Gay Fathers Group
(203) 866- 7051
(203) 778- 7016
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
(860) 688-1881
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
(203) 366-3734
Hartford Community Center
(203) 724 5542
(203) 262-1555
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
(203) 389-6750
Metropolitan Community Church
(914) 948-4922
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
(203) 931-8789
Triangle Kids
(203) 255-6229
(203) 323-6278
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group
(203) 773-9947

P-FLAG SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AT

UK

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
P.O.BOX 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855
Tel/Fax: (203) 853-0600
e-mail TCCenter@aol.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DON BUXTON .. .. .. .................. .......
DA VE CARROLL ...........................
BARB SCHADE ..............................
LEN HOREY ........................ .. .........
DA VE CARROLL ........ .. .................

President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Corresponding Secretary
Acting Recording Sec'y

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DON BUXTON ........................ ................... (203) 762-9964
DENYSE BURKE .............................. .... .... . (203) 367-391 I
DAVID CARROLL ...... .... .................... ....... (203) 838-1881
JOHN DEL VECCHIO .......................... ...... (203) 334-3822
LEN HOREY .......... ................ .. ................... (203) 925-0366
BARB SCHADE ...................... .................. .. (203) 259-8171
MICHELE STONE .................. .. .................. (203) 964-1133
JOHN WALLACE ...... ...... .. ......................... (203) 261-7349
STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Board Development
Vacant
Communications '
John D
-Public Relations
Mike C
Finance
John W
Fundraising/Sp Events
Michael P
Membership
Denyse B
-Member Database
Marianne S
Operations
Cindy M
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
-Resource Room
Walter D
-Center Forums
Marianne S
Volunteer
Vacant

374-6934
334-3822
375-3567
261-7349
866-6993
367-3911
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
222-8294

9{'E'WS & 'V1'EWS
Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc. We
cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve the right
to edit or condense as appropriate to meet space requirements. Authors
will be contacted if major revisions are necessary. Please submit to :
NEWS&VIEWS
Michele Stone: Editor & Advertising. Manager.
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone/Fax 964-1133
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com

John Delvecchio: Asst Editor
Phone: 203-334-3822
Mike Collins: Publicity
Phone: 203-375-3567

FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT MICHELE STONE:
Ads must be camera-ready. If your ad is not camera ready or you
need help with its layout or design, contact Michele Stone
BEFORE submission. Inserts and special sizes upon prior
agreement All ads are placed on a space available basis.
llie publication of the name of any person or organization in articles or ads in NEWS & VIEWS is
not to be constrned as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or member.; of such
organizations.
The appearance of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor constitute endorsement
by TCC,Inc. llie views expressed in tliis NEWS & VIEWS are not necessarily those ofTCC, hie.
Copyright 1997 by Triangle Community Center, hie. All rights reserved. lliis work, or any parts
thereof, may not be used or reproduced in any manner without written pennission.

Page 15

T NEWS & VIEWS
Calendar

March, 1998

Sun

Tues

Mon

Wed

Thu

I
AA 9-!0am
OutSpoken 4-6

2
Women's Rap 7:30

8

9

10

II

12

AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30
PFLAGhosts
John Allen,
Hamden, 7-8:30 pm

TCC Board 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

15

16

17

18

AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

22

23
AA 9-!0am
Wom·en's Rap 7:30
OutSpoken 4-6
Nat G&L Journalists gettogether, New Haven, I pm
TCC Movie night, Nwk,
7:30 pm

3
Lesbian Lit 7:30
Fund Raising 7:30

5

4
P-FLAG 7:45

Sat
7
"Green Bay Tree",
New Haven, 8 pm
Stephanie's March Dance,
Stratford, 8 pm

Men's Rap 7 :30

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
Out & About
(20's & 30's) 7:00

Gay & Lesbian
Sober Dance,
Fairfield, 8 pm
Gay Bingo, Htfd, 7 :30 pm

19
Men's Rap 7 :30

20

21

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
G Mosaic 7:30
Children from Shadows
Conf., W. Htfd, 9:45 am

TCC Friendraiser.
Bridgeport, 5-8 pm
Children from Shadows
conference, W. Hartford.
9:45 am

Men's Rap 7:30

P-FLAG Spouses & ExSpouses 7:30

Fri
6
Bowling 9:00
Circle Lanes
G Moasic 7 :30
"Green Bay Tree",
New Haven 8 om
13

14

24

25

28

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

26
Men's Rap 7:30

27

TCC Board 7 :30

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
Out & About
(20's & 30's) 7:00

CT Gay Men's Chorus
presents Gentlemen Prefer
Blonds, New Haven, 8 pm

I
Lesbian Lit 7 :30
Fund Raising 7:30
Deadline for TCC
scholarship

2
P-FLAG 7:45

3
Men's Rap 7 :30

4

5

29
AA9-l0am
OutSpoken 4-6
CGMC, Gentlemen Prefer
Blonds, New Haven, 2 pm

30
Women's Rap 7:30

6

7

8

9

10

II

12

AA9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

TCC Board 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

Men's Rap 7:30

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
Out &About
(20's & 30's) 7:00

Deadline for April News &
Views

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BY TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806;Robin 358-8391
35+ Womens Pot Luck - Judy 227-7162
Free Association of Fairfield County - John 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group- Dave 838-1881; John 261-7349
Gmosaic (People of Color) - Nasheed 854-7726
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Christine, 847-8476
Out & About (20's & 30's) - Ashley 576-1073 or Dan 838-2367
Heather 924-2930
Outspoken (Youth) - Barb 259-8171; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
Triangle Bowling League (Circle Lanes, Fairfield) - Lisa 3333113; Roseann 931-8789
Women's Rap Group - Chandra 228-8652; Linda 866-4598;
Michele 438-4465
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted. A $3 donation per person is appreciated with
your participation in activities to help support the Center.

March 1998

T

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes

MEMBERSHIP FORM

MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
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ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:

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(203) 853-0600

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
EAST NORWALK, CT

Page 16



Property of the Center

Triangle Community Center

T R

A N G

~ew~&Vle.,..,.~
Free to Members and Subscribers

Vol.9, No.3 •
March 1998

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

MAINE VOTERS REPEAL CAY RIGHTS LAW
PORTLAND - In a landmark victory for Christian conservatives, Maine voters have narrowly
chosen to make their state the first in the nation
to repeal its law protecting gays and lesbians
from discrimination, according to all-but-official referendum results. Casting ballots in a
single-issue "people's veto" plebiscite, nearly 52
percent of voters backed the repeal, despite pleas
from the state's popular independent governor
and almost a half-million dollars in campaign
spending by gay, lesbian and civil rights advocates. The 30 percent turnout, nearly 10 percent
higher than predicted, revealed a dramatic difference between urban and rural Maine as the state's
larger cities voted in favor of the gay rights law
by wide margins. Yet Maine is a state of small
towns which, with few exceptions, voted for
repeal.
The new law they struck down had barred discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations. The repeal is "a clear victory for people of
faith," said Randy Tate, executive director of the
national Christian Coalition, which helped finance and organize the Maine repeal campaign.
The losing side, which spent an estimated five
times as much as the victors, described the repeal
as more of a triumph for get-out-the-vote expertise and circumstance. They cited low ciry turnout along with the difficulty of rmming a campaign during last month's devastating ice storm
and of drawing supporters out for a single-issue
vote in February when the threat to gay rights
did not at first appear great.
"The national Christian Coalition came in and
they turned out every single one of their voters,"
said Joe Cooper, spokesman for Maine Won't
Discriminate, the campaign to detend the gayrights law. "We were relying on the whole state
ofMaine to come together as a community. Polls
showed we had the backing of two-thirds of the
state."
Other polls have shown that the anti-discrimination laws similar to Maine's, which exist in 10
other states, may often be somewhat vulnerable
to repeal when their fate is determined by public
opinion rather than the legislatures that passed
them. A national survey done by Newsweek in
mid-1997 found that when people were asked to
assess the amount ofeffort ~.:voted to protecting
gay rights, 23 percent thought more was needed
and 26 percent thought the amount was correct,
but 42 percent thought such efforts had gone too
far. And in 1992, Colorado voters approved a
referendum that barred localities from passing
gay-rights ordinances, though the measure was
later overturned by the Supreme Court.
"It's kind of going both ways," said Rebecca
Isaacs, political director for the National l~ay and
Lesbian Task Force. "People are more and more

March 1998

organized at the grassroots level in support
of civil rights and tolerance, but you have the
same activists on the right wing who make
the gay and lesbian community their target
for attacks on a regular basis. It's the same
folks over and over whether it's in Oregon or
Maine. "They can scare people and raise a lot
of money," she said. Both sides also agreed
that the issue would continue to simmer. "I
really think this is going to be an ongoing
controversy well into the next century," said
Gary Bauer, president of the conservative
Family Research Council in Washington,
which contributed about $40,000 to the
Maine repeal campaign. "There is increasing
cultural acceptance of homosexuals and support among political elites for the gay-rights
agenda, but at the grassroots level among
average Americans there is a tremendous
amount of resistance."
Even before its surprise outcome, the Maine
referendum was particularly interesting, some
campaigners and analysts say, in that the
Christian conservative groups that spearheaded the repeal drive made no effort whatever to soft-pedal their beliefthat homosexuality is immoral and therefore to be actively
discouraged. One television commercial even
featured several men who said they were
former homosexuals who had been saved by
Christ. And he said he did not believe the
Supreme Court's ruling on the Colorado
case would apply here; that case involved a
constitutional amendment that barred gayrights laws at all levels of government, he
noted, while the Maine repeal simply involves voters' exercise of their constitutional
right to shoot down a specific state law they
dislike.
Dr. Christian Potholm, a professor of government at Bowdoin College who has been
polling in Maine for 25 years, said that
perhaps 70 percent of Maine residents believe the state has no problem with discrimination against gays and lesbians. That could
have kept people who are otherwise sympathetic to gay and lesbian rights at home, he
said. Overall, Potholm said, Maine is no
more intolerant than other states, and given
a well-run gay-rights campaign, would likely
split into two camps, with 55 percent supporting gay rights and 45 percent against.
But Maine Won't Discriminate made several
critical strategic errors, he said: It did not
sufficiently court the Roman Catholic,
Franco-American community that is so often the swing vote in Maine, and it did not
emphasize that the conservative Christian
groups were the same organizations that had
tried in the past to ban alcohol and shopping
on Sunday in Maine.

WrcCNEWs
SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
Although the November elections are months
away, the need for gay people to be politically
involved on behalf of our own interests is a
year-round challenge. Whether we like it or
not, the rights we do have (as in Connecticut,
one of the few states with laws protecting gays
from discrimination in most areas) and the
rights we are seeking (such as official recognition of domestic partnerships) are determined
by the men and women we elect to the General
Assembly in Hartford and Congress in Washington.
Unfortunately, too many gay people take no
interest in the political and legislative process.
By not being informed, by not getting involved, we make it more difficult to achieve the
equality we deserve as human beings and citizens of this great country.
Black Americans and other minorities have
achieved progress in civil rights through concerted political action. Labor unions play a
major role in our society, advancing the welfare
ofworkers largely from what they have achieved
through political action. Women, incredibly
once disenfranchised, have made tremendous
progress in recent years---again---largely
through political action. Can't we gays take a
hint!
If you're not registered to vote, get thyself
down to the Registrar of Voters office at Town
Hall and register. It doesn't cost a cent! And if
you are registered to vote, darn 1t, vote on
Election Day. The gay media is a great resource
for finding out who is on our side and who is
against us. Utilize the gay media to be informed.
Better yet, join a statewide organization that
fights for gay rights through community and
political action: The Connecticut Coalition For
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Civil
Rights. You can get an application and find out
more about the group by writing them at 11
Cobbs Road, West Hartford, C'T 06107.
Remember, just like anyone else, your voice
and your vote counts.
-John Del Vecchio

TCC MARCH F RIENDRAISER
TCC's March Friendraiser will be held on
Saturday, March 21, from 5 to 8 P.M at the
home ofJohn Del Vecchio and Roland Roy.
Both guys are great cooks and they're looking
forward to providing a delicious buffet with a
variety of foods. At the Friendraiser donations
ofany amount you choose will be appreciated.
Directions to John and Roland's, 371 Court D,
Success Village, Bridgeport:
Continued on next page
Page I

FROM 1-95 EITHER DIREC1ION: Exit 27A to Route 8/
25 Connector Take Exit 5, turn left at light onto Boston
Avenue. (Route 1). Continue along Boston Avenue about
two miles, past the large General Electric plant and up a steep
hill. At the bottom of the hill take a left at the first traffic light
onto Success Avenue. Go past the second stop sign until you
come to a row of stores on your right, including Success
Market. Turn left into Court D and park. John and Roland
live in the end unit, #371, of Building 50, which is the third
building on the right.
FR.OM MER.RITT PARKWAY EITHER DIRECTION:
Take the exit marked for Route 8/25 South and get on Route
8/25 . Take Exit 5, turn right at light onto Boston Avenue
(Route 1) and follow the directions above If you get lost, call
334-3822. RSVP would be appreciated!

THts JusT IN!
That halarious musical, "Pageant, played to nearly full houses
at the Norwalk Community and Technical College in Norwalk
in January. The show, directed by Scott Robbins benefited
both Bread and Roses and TCC. The financial word is in .... the
production netted TCC a little over $15,000. Way to go!

SOFTBALL
We'd like to get a TCC lesbian softball team going. If you're
interested in being a member please call Christine at (203)
847-8476.

TCC

MOVIE NIGHT

TCC will be sponsoring a fun movie night at the Sono
Cinema in Norwalk on Sunday, March 22 at 7:30 PM. A
Hong Kong film by Wong Kar-Wai entitled "Happy Together," won the Best Director award at the 1997 Cannes
Film Festival.
The story revolves around two lovers Lai (Tony Leung) and
Ho (Wesley Cheung), who get stranded in Argentina while
on vacation. They are miserable together yet incapable of
doing much about it. They arouse and a1moy each other, fall
out oflove and back in -always groping toward the unlikely
ideal of being happy together. Wong's cut-up jazzy film
technique captures perfectly the jumbled, cut-off lives of his
characters. The New York Times called it, "stylishly brash,
pulsing with life .... captures the restless open-to-anything
spirit of youth." Tickets are $10 at the door. The Sono
Cinema is located at 25 Washington St., South Norwalk.

TCC

SCHOLARSHIPS

Purpose: To recognize and encourage through financial
assistance, the educational pursuits of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual
or transgendered persons. It is hoped that the community
will be enhanced by the dforls and achievements of each
honoree.
Scholarship Range: Two scholarships awarded. Amount
may vary: $500-$1,000
Eligibility: Although primarily intended for high school
seniors pursuing additional education, scholarships are open
to any gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgendered person seeking and/or needing financial assistance to pursue those goals.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a unique talent, need,
leadership, or deed during the application process.
Deadline: March 31, 1998
For An Application: Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Scholarship Committee, Triangle Community Center, P.O. 4062, Norwalk, CT 06855-4062
Application Requirements: 1) Completed application form,
2) Completed questio1maire - answers typed, recorded, or an
artistic piece by you, 3) Three recommendation letters, 4)
School transcript (sent by school) or additional letter of
recommendation. (See Transcript Section of form.)

March 1998

LESBIAN LIT GROUP
For their April discussion, the Lesbian Literature Group has chosen a novel by
Marge Piercy entitled the "High Cost of Living." The Lit Group meets the first
Tuesday of each month at TCC starting at 7:30 PM. For more info call Christine
at 847-8476.

OuTFM
Fairfield County's Triangle Community Center (TCC) was featured in a major
segment on Out FM, the only local gay radio program heard on New York city
radio. TCC was featured on a segment with Out FM reporter George Reilly, heard
on February 8,1998 at 6:45 PM on WBAI-FM 99.5, New York city, which
transmits from atop the Empire State Building and blankets the tri-state metropolitan region of 15,000,000 people.
TCC president Don Buxton spoke, giving basic information about TCC and its
services and also its phone number (203) 853-0600, and address. In addition, Don
said work is underway to create a chapter of SAGE at TCC to serve gay and lesbian
senior citizens. He noted that he is now 41, and looks forward to the days when he
retires and will have a SAGE chapter at TCC to enjoy his senior years . Also featured
was a report on TCC's Out and About, which features field activities such as hikes
in northern Connecticut and group attendance at movies.
Out FM usually focuses upon the many activities of the gay and lesbian communities
in Manhattan, but after this segment on Fairfield County and TCC, gay and lesbian
groups in Connecticut, Long Island, Westchester County and New Jersey were
invited to contact the program. The address for Out FM Is Out FM, WBAI, 505
Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, 19th floor. The telephone is 1-212-2790707. The number for calls taken during the show is 212-279-3400.
-Michael Collins

AUTHOR NEEDS HELP
I'm embarking on a new book project, and I need your help. I've just signed a
contract to write "Moms and Dads Who Make a Difference" - a book about
straight parents (and grandparents and siblings) who are doing EXCEPTIONAi,
things to help the gay community. For example, I plan to profile a woman who lost
her friends and her church when her son came out at 13 and she began fighting
homophobia in rural Indiana; the police chiefin Portland, Ore. who hired his lesbian
daughter as a police officer and a grandmother who organized a band of old ladies
to try to defeat Jesse Helms because of his homophobic stands. I know there are
many ordinary, STRAIGHT Americans who are doing other exceptional things but I need to find them.
I can becontacteddirectlyinmanyways: Dan Woog-Phone: 203-227-1755 - Fax:
203-227-3035 - E-mail: dwoog@optonline.net For those who don't know, I am
a contributing writer at the Advocate Magazine; my most recent Alyson Publications books are "Jocks: True Stories of America's Gay Male Athletes" ( 1998) and
"School's Out: The Impact of Gay and Lesbian Issues on America's Schools.

GAY AND LESBIAN DANCE!
Sober Spring Gay and Lesbian Dance! - Saturday, March 14 from - 8 PM to 1 AM
- Jennings School - Fairfield, C1 - $5.00 Cover Charge - Bring Your Own
Refreshments - No Alcohol Please! Need more info? Call Liz 333-8981 or Bob 3368216 or Christine 847-8476
Directions: From 1-95 North - Exit 22, Round Hill. Left at end oframp onto Round
Hill. Turn right onto Barlow Road by Fairfield University. Left at the light onto
North Benson Road. At light, bear right and continue across Black Rock Turnpike
and take right onto Fairest. Left at next corner onto Fairland. Take a left and turn
onto Palm Drive.
From 1-95 South - Exit 24, Black Rock Turnpike. Right at end of ramp. At light,
take left onto Kings Highway. Bear to right as the road splits. At the fourth light,
take a right onto Burroughs Road. Atthe stop sign, take a left onto Farland Rd. Take
first right onto Palm Dr just before school crossing sign.
From Merritt Parkway (North) -Take exit 44, Fairfield University. Turn onto Black
Rock Turnpike south (Route 58 south). At third light, take left onto Fairfield
Woods Rd. Continue straight through the stop sign. At light, take a right after the
library. The middle school is on your right, Jennings School is on your left.
From Merritt Parkway (South) -Take exit 46. Atendoframp bearrightatlightonto
Route 59 for approx 2.5 miles. Atthe light (Grand Central on left, Mobil on right),
take a right onto Fairfield Woods Rd. Continue through one light and one stop sign.
At next light take left (library in front) . Middle school is on your right, Je1mings
School is on your left.

Page2

FULFILL YOUR FANTASY
Now available through outer-space related catalogs: your very own
"Lost in Space" robot. Yes, now you too can be one of the Robinson
castaways or perhaps you'd prefer the role of the villainous Dr. Smith,
hurling insult after insult at your robot. Warning! Warning!-The
adult version of young Will Robinson is not available. To order an
assemble yourself robot send $17.49 + $5 .75 for shipping to:
Phoenix Model Company, PO Box 15390, Dept. SFO 298,
Brooksville, FL 34609.

Miss luoY?
Bob Fallon, who did such a great job as the emcee of"Pageant", has
just finished an appearance in a two week run of"J aques Brei is Alive
and Well and Living in Paris." His rendition of Amsterdam was
memorable. Was I mistaken or did he re-interpret Jacky to be Jackie
O? You still have time to catch Tommy Femia, who so graciously
brought down the house in last year's production of"Whoop-DeeDoo" reprising his role as Judy Garland in "I Will Come Back" at the
Players Theater on MacDougal Street in the Village.
-Marianne Seggerman

TRANSGENDERED
I am Denise Mason, founder of the transgendered dub 'the

b~~C:~fTN~::'&\,~~~?'J:!;s:i!::;~:::~:;::,~

will help to facilitate the lines ofcommunication between those of •
us who are transgendered, arid the rest of the gay, lesbian and
bisexual community. 'the connecticuT View' has. been around
since 1972. I was an original founder ofthe then "Hartford TVIC
dub" and have been organizing and trying to find a place where
Connecticut 'girls' could express themselves.
Currently, our group of60 fits in nicely with the GLBT community. Over 50% of us are admittedly bi, with a percentage who ar.e
gay, and the remaining either.straight or not saying. We havea
nice handful of males who are not crossdressers but who are TV
admirers and date us. We have just one genetic woman and wish
to have more.
Most recently we held a "Female Impersonator Show" and raised
$3,125 for the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. In our
outreach we are neither apologetic nor "in your face" ...but
discreetly, politely, unafraidand proud ofwhowe are.
Wewekome those in theTCC community who want to be a part
of our TG program. It doesn't matter whether you are male or
female, gay/straight or bi, someone's wife or significant other.
Members of the cTView receive our monthly newsletter, annual
Membership Directory of names/addresses/ads, _photos of our
members and an invitation to all club events. No one is screened,
and everyone is accepted. You may reach me at "cTView", Denise
Mason, P.O. Box 2281, Milford CT 06460 or e-mail
masond@aol.com or write to News & Views, I encom:-age your
questions and hope we can have. a lively and interesting monthly
column.

ALDIS
_m_4_6_~-il-l
Plo_VEL_in-Roo-Pd_IANNER
_ _Da_nb-ur-y,-CT-06_8_1_1
(203)778•9399

FAX (203)744•1139

*

~CONNECTICUT NEWS
LOCAL DOCTOR IN Al DS FIGHT
STAMF ORD - A Stamford doctor reported three successful treatments for
a previously untreatable complication of AIDS, offering a glimmer of hope
to others diagnosed with the debilitating disease. AIDS expert Dr. Gary
Blick said three of his patients have recovered from an advanced HIV,
complication called progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy after therapy
with an experimental combination of antiviral and cancer chemotheraphy
drugs.
PML affects the brain and spinal cord of about 2 percent to 4 percent of
AIDS patients, usually causing severe paralysis, aphasia-the loss of the
ability to use or understand words and death with.in to 10 weeks of
diagnosis, Blick said. Yet after three ofBlick's patients were treated with the
drug mixture and underwent rehabilitation for just more than a year, their
symptoms almost have disappeared, he said. Blick hesitated to draw
conclusions from his patients improved conditions before further studies
are done. But he said the three cases offer "anecodotal evidence" that this
drug combination might be effective.
"I want to get the word out that there is hope for the treatment of PML
where we've had no hope in the past," Blick said during an interview from
his Bedford Street office. Blick, who moved his Greenwich practice to
Stamford two months ago, treats hundreds of AIDS patients and has been
involved in the clinical studies of protease inhibitors - the breakthrough
AID'S drugs taken as a 'fcocktail" in combination with older AIDS
medications that have helped boost the immune systems of AIDS patients.
Blick's first case of successful treatment was reported in the January issue of
the medical publication Clinical Infectious Diseases, he said. When Dan
Patrick, a patient's ofBlick's, was diagnosed with PML, the prognosis was
grim. One of the last remaining AIDS complications deemed unpreventable
and untreatable, PML stems from infection with the Jacob Creutzfdd, or
JC, virus, Blick said. It is believed that 80 percent of the general population
contracts this virus during childhood and it remains dormant in the kidney,
he said. In a person with a weak immune systetn, the virus is reactivated and
spreads to the brain, he said.
After seeing Patrick and other patients who began to succumb to PML;
Blick said he decided to file for Federal Drug Administration approval of a
pilot study using both the chemotherapy drug Ara C the antiviral drug
cidofovir. After nine months of the new therapy, Patrick, who was once
wheelchair bound, walked only with a slight limp and could clearly express
himself Blick said. Dr. Michael Perry, director of infectious diseases at
Stamford Hospital, said because of the small percentage of AIDS patients
that contract the disease, the three reported success cases will have little
overall effect. "But if there be can be treatment for anything previously
untreatable, that would be a real plus," he said.

AIDS

MEMORIAL QUILT
HARTFORD - Forty-four panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on
display from April 21 - April 23 at the Trinity College Field House in
Hartford.

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

Three deuades of GAY travel expertise
[[i:]y\
March 1998

~ RSVP

21 STRICKLAND RD. , COS COB, CONN . 06807 (203) 869-0216

Page3

T NEWS & VIEWS
foR Goo, foR CouNTRY AND foR ... HoMOPHOBIA?
NEW HAVEN - Yale students who had planned to present antihomophobia workshops to incoming freshmen this fall got a disappointment. Dean of Student Life, Betty Trachtenberg, informed them
that the workshops would not take place as promised. Students,
disturbed by the number of anti-gay threats and violence on campus,
first developed the workshops more than a year ago.
"I was right outside my room. I heard a voice behind me say 'Hey, dyke,'
and then I was pushed down the stairs," says Yale junior Chrysanthi
Settlage. "Nobody should be subjected to that kind of harassment." Yale
seemed to agree-at first. Students who had met with Trachtenberg and
other officials believed they had been promised a chance to talk to
freshmen during orientation. Now Trachtenberg says those initial talks
were, "so long ago that none of our thoughts were locked in. There are
no decisions at all."

GAY YOUTH CONFERENCE
HARTFORD - Children From The Shadows, an organization serving
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trangender youth will be holding its fifth
annual conference on Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21 at the
University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave, in West Hartford. The
conference is aimed at sexual minority youth and the adults who work
with them including teachers, counselors, clergy, and health professionals. The two-day conference will include over 60 workshops on a variety
of social, political, psychological and historical topics. There will also be
special "youth-only" sessions that will allow young participants to share
ideas and get to know each other in a safe environment. The organization's
growth has been remarkable; last year's conference attracted about 800
attendees, a third of them youth, making it the largest conference of its
kind in the country. To obtain more information or to register, call CFS
at 860-649-7386 or visit its website at <www.outinct.com/cfs/>.

JOHN ALLEN AT Pf LAG
NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Area Chapter of PFLAG (Parents
and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will present a discussion by New
Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center's co-president, John D.
Allen on Monday, March 9, 7-8:30 PM at Temple BethMishkan Israel,
785 Ridge Road, Hamden. The presentation, "Gay Strategies for the
Next Millennium", will focus on goals and obstacles of the modern gay
movement, and specifically on societal trends, the institution of marriage, quantifying the gay market, and historical perspectives. The
meeting is free and open to the public. For more information call Jim Lee
(203) 467-3759.

GAY NEWS COVERAGE NEEDS WORK
NEW HAVEN - News coverage of the gay community is becoming
increasingly enlightened, but needs to improve further, according to
members of a panel discussing the issue. Members of the media and gay
community gathered at the New Haven Gay & Lesbian Community
Center at 1 Long Wharf. The Society of Professsional Journalists
organized the forum to examine how the media looks at gay issues.
Joe Grabarz, executive director of the Connecticut chapter of the
American Civil Liberties Union, recalled when he was a state legislator

several year ago and a1mounced he was homosexual, newspapers ran the
story under huge "Pearl Harbor style headlines." A similar announcment
today wouldn't be reported under such sensational headlines, if reported
at all. That marks a maturity of the journalistic community in regard to
gay issues, Grabarz said.
Jack Kramer, editor of the New Haven Register, agreed the media's
perspective on gay issues has changed over the years. In the past, the fact
that someone is gay would be the focus of an entire story as it was in
Grabarz's case, Kramer said. But papers "still tend to play it safe" on gay
issues, Kramer said, adding that it's still unlikely an editor would run a
front page photo of a gay couple as part of Valentine's Day coverage.
Elissa Papirno, reader representative for the Hartford Courant, said her
paper's coverage of the gay community is improving, but that earlier
shortfalls often resulted from ignorance. For example, three years ago the
Courant drew strong criticism when its story on a gay pride parade
focused heavily on extreme elements, Papirno said. Upon review, the
paper agreed those extreme elements didn't represent the majority of
people at the parade and its coverage of the event in years since has
become more reflective of participants.
Lynne Mikulak, a former Register reporter now attending Yale Divinity
School, said, "newsrooms still have a Jong way to go" in covering the gay
community. The most serious obstacle is the lack of reporters assigned
to handle the gay communities' issues on a regular basis, Mikulak said.

LESBIAN

&

GAY JOURNALISTS

NEW HAVEN - The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
(NLGJA) is holding its first ever Connecticut event in New Haven in
March. NLGJA, which now has more than 1,100 members nationwide,
including some in Fairfeld, New Haven, Hartford and New London
counties, is holding its get-together Sunday afternoon, March 22 at I PM
at the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center at I Long Wharf
in New Haven, off Co1mecticut Turnpike (1-95) exit 46. Please call
ahead to confirm location and for more information. Call Howard

Massage Connection
• Specializing in professional Swedish
massage
• By appointment only - Day or evening
• Student discounts available
• Home visits available

Horticultural Botanist
Gardener & House I Pet Sitter
Donald J. Comes
(203) 866-2823

30 Tiemey Street
Norwa/,k, CT 06851

March 1998

1-800-611-6041
Office located in the New Haven area

~ MEMBER OF THE
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Page4

Goldberg at (203) 330-8293 or Michael Collins days at AM 1220
WQUN Hamden, C'Tat (203) 281-8984, or evenings and weekends at
(203) 375-3567.
NLGJA members include journalists and media people from virtually all
forms of media, including commercial and public radio and te~evision,
wire services, magazines and newspapers from ma111stream media to gay
and lesbian media. Members include reporters, anchors, wnters, cartoonists, editors, photographers, and those _involved in eve,y asrect of
Journalism. NLGJA'S first national convention was 111 San hanc1sco 111
1992,, and this year will be in Las Vegas, Nevada from October l
through 4.

LIVING POSITIVELY! 7TH ANNIVERSARY
-NEW
HAVEN - The Living Positively! Support groups are celebrating
their 7th a1miversary on April 4th, 1998. Founded in 1990 by a group
oflong term survivors ofHIV/AIDS, Living Positively! is based on the
12 suggested steps and traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. These
steps have been adapted by the group for_living wit!: HIV/AIDS! and
membership in any other 12 step program 1s not reqmred. The Apnl 4th
Anniversary meeting will beg111 a 6 :00 PM with a Potluck d111ner. Two
speakers will then share their strength, hope, and experience starting at
7:00 PM continuing to 8:30 PM.
Living Positively! meets every Saturday, sta~in/G at 6:00 pr_n in New
Haven, C'T, and runs two groups. One group 1s for persons hv111g with
HIV/AIDS, and another concurrent meeting for their friends, f~mily,
and significant others. For more information about the Apnl 4th
anniversary pot luck dinner, and/or Living Positively! please call (203)
248-5057.

.MCC

SERVICES
NEW HAVEN - Christians interested in deep reflection during the
season of Lent are welcome to the Metropolitan Community Church
ofNew Haven, located on 34 Harrison Street, in the Westville section.
Worship services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The
season will start off with an Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. February
25 jointly hosted by MCC's pastor, Rev. Frank Beard, and the Rev. Gil
Ott, pastorofMCC's host church, the United Church ofWestville. Palm
Sunday services will be held April 5. A Seder will be held at 6:30
Thursday, April 9, at Ken and Greg's home. Then a Good friday service
will be held at the church April 10 at 7 p.m. And finally, a special Easter
Sunrise Service will be held at 6 a.m. April 12 at John's home. Services
will also be held at the regular times for Easter Sunday.
MCC is also now offering a Bible Study every Wednesday night at 6:30
at Bob and Rod's. It's a chance to have some pizza and enter into
meaningful discussion about Bible passages that we celebrate and
struggle with. For more information about any of these events, call the
church office at 203-389-6750.

Deadline for the April Newsletter will be Saturday 14 March. We cannot guarantee that material received after that date will be included in
April News&Views.

MIRACLES MONDAYS CELEBRATES 1ST YEAR
NEW HAVEN - Miracles Mondays, A Course In Miracles "' study
group, celebrated it's fir~t year annivers!ry this Feb~uary. Started in
1997 at the New Haven bay & Lesbian Commumty Center, this group
joined together to explore the sometimes mystenous and complicated
book A Course In Miracles TM . "What I like best about A Course In
Miracles TM," said co-founder Rev. Alexander R. Garbera, "is the way it
looks at traditional Christian concepts."
Miracles Monday's meets every Monday at the New ~aver~ liay &
Lesbian Community Center. It is open to all and 1s tree ot charge.
Donations are accepted to help the center, but are not reqmred . The
group starts at 6 :30 pm and usually ends around 7:45 PM . Call Rev.
Casey Roberts (203) 230 - 2050, or Rev. Alexander R. Garbera (203)
937 - 8085 for more information.
SEX CHANGE LEADS TO RETIREMENT
WETHERSFIELD - A transsexual teacher who was planning a sex
change operation abruptly retired last week from his post at Lyman Hall
High School. Neither Scott Hendricks, the 15-year veteran teacher, nor
school officials will discuss the agreement, but Hendricks' houseman:
said Hendricks was forced out when administrators learned of his plans
to become a woman. "He loved what he did and, by all accounts, he was
extremely good at it. He spent his whole lite as a teacher? and now_it's
vanished . He has no future," said John Mueller who hves with Hendncks
in Wethersfield and is also transsexual. Hendricks, 39, was a teacher in
the regional vocationalcagriculture program at Lyman HaH. As part of
an agreement with the school board, Mueller said, _Hendncks may not
speak publicly about the case. !he_ agreement stipulated Hendncks
would step down, but would reta111 his renre~ent package. Mueller s_a1d
that part of the sex change process 111cludes six months of cross-dress111g
before surgery and that Hendncks was delay111g that_ step because he
worried it might offend colleagues. ~ut Mueller s_a1d so~eone was
offended anyway. "It all happene_d 111credibly qmckly. Someone another teacher, a student, an admuustrator - must have compla111ed and
then his career just plummeted," Mueller said.

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Recovery from Abuse
Bilingual

(203) 261-3492

(203) 336-2708

Monroe, CT

Bridgeport, CT

Joan W. Duncan, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
188 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
Tel/Fax.(203)854-4805
Specializing in Women & Couples
March 1998

VICTORIA

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, CT
ADMITTED IN CT AND NY

Page5

T NEWS &VIEWS
CONNECTICUT CALENDAR
MARCH

1998

Friday, March 6 - Tackling Gay Issues In School: Students' Rights,
Our Responsibilities, a professional training presented by Planned
Parenthood of Connecticut, at the VNA in New Haven, 8:45 AM to
3:00 PM. Co-sponsored by the Connecticut chapter of the Gay,
Lesbian and Straight Education Network . E-mail Leif at
leifygreen@aol.com for more info.
Friday,March6-The Green Bay Tree, a 1933 play about the dangers
of the "predatory'' homosexual, presented by Alternative Starz Production to benefit the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center.
At Artspace, 70 Audubon St., New Haven, 8:00 PM. Tickets $15/$10
for Artspace and NHGLCC members. For information and reservations call 203-877-6382.
Saturday, March 7 - Stephanie's Living Room presents its March
Dance, at the Stratford Ramada Inn, 8:00 PM. For more information
call 203-377-2119 or e-mail sphilips@slrgroup.com.
Saturday, March 7 - The Green Bay Tree, a 1933 play about the
dangers of the "predatory'' homosexual, presented by Alternative Starz
- See March 6
Monday, March 9-PFLAG hosts NHGLCCs co-president, JohnAl!en
-Temple Beth Mishkan Israel, Hamden, CT, 7 to 8:30 PM. Call 4673759 for more information.
Saturday, March 14 - Gay and Lesbian Sober Darice - Jennings
School, Fairfield, C.,1, 8 PM to 1 AM. $5.00 cover charge.
Saturday, March 14 - Gay Bingo to benefit the Hartford Gay and
Lesbian Health Collective, at Project 100/Gay Lesbian Bisexual
Transgender Community Center, 1841 Broad Street, Hartford. Doors
Open at 7:00 PM - Games begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Admission $10
- Includes Games package. Call 278-4163 for more information.
Friday-Saturday, March 20-21 - Children From The Shadows presents its fifth annual conference for GLBT youth and professionals who
work with them, University of Hartford, West Hartford, 9:45 AM to
4:00 PM both days.
Saturday, March 21-TCC Friendraiser at John and Roland's place,
Bridgeport, CT, 5 to 8 PM.
Sunday, March 22- National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association's
get-together - New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center, New
Haven, C.,1, 1 PM.
Sunday, March 22 - TCC Movie Night, Hong Kong film "Happy
Together'' - Sono Cinema, Norwalk, CT, 7:30 PM. Tickets $10 at the
door.
Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29 - The Connecticut Gay Men's
Chorus presents Gentlemen Prefer Hollywood, a tribute to the golden
age of the Hollywood musical. Shubert Theater, New Haven, Saturday
at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM.
Tuesday, March 31 - Deadline for TCC scholarship applications.

Answer to Ftibruary '"';Horse Fair is the name of
Ms. Bonheur's work, which can be seen promi•
nently displayed.in the European paintings department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in
NewYork.
Question for March - It has been said that
David Whitney, a. New Canaan re~ident, will
become and artwidow to end all art widows. Crass
as tbatstatem.entis, the same might also be said of
Weston Fesident Jon Anderson. Who are, these
men?
March 1998

APRIL 1998
Friday & Saturday, April 3 & April 4-The Killing ofSister George, a play
presented by Alternative Starz Production to benefit the New Haven Gay
and Lesbian Community Center. At Artspace, 70 Audubon St., New
Haven, 8:00 PM. Tickets $15/$10 for Artspace andNHGLCC members.
For information and reservations call 203-877-6382.
Saturday, April 4- Living Positively!, which runs weekly support groups
for PWA's, their families, friends and significant others, celebrates its 7th
anniversary with a Potluck Dinner, in New Haven, 6:00 PM, followed by
speakers at 7:00 PM. For location and other information, please call Peter
at 203-248-5057.
Friday, April 10 - Metropolitan Community Church of New Haven's
Good Friday service at MCC, 34 Harrison St., New Haven, CT, 7 PM ..
For more information call 389-6750.
Sunday, April 12 - Metropolitan Community Church of New Haven's
Easter Sunrise Service, 6 AM. For location and directions call 389-6750.
Saturday,April 18-The New London People's Forum presents its annual
Different Voices, One Community conference, bringing togetherover 200
people from New England and beyond for a full day of educational
workshops, enlightened speakers and entertainment, as well as community
information and products. For information call the Forum Line at (860)
443-8855.

Laura L. Gates, MSW, LCSW
Individuals, Couples, and Families

Stratford. CT

White Plains. NY
(203) 386-1725

(203) 386-1 725

Office
566 Whalley Avenue, Suite #ID
New Haven, CT 06511
T 203-389-6750, F 203-389-63 I 8

RBt'. Franlt llBlud
Pastor

Worship
34 Harrison Street
New Haven, CT 065 I 5
Sundays 9:30 a.m . and 4 :00 p.m .

Metropolitan Community Church
of New Ha.-en
Especially serving the Gay and Lesbian Community

Jane

w

Griffith, JD, MBA
Attorney-at-Law

Tax Strategy & Preparation • Real Estate
Estate Planning & Wills • Business Consulting
270Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT06515-2114

Fax 20:S / :587-9899

Voice 20:S I 389-8614

Page6

T NEWS§ VIEWS
-

NATIONAL NEWS

Our

DRUG MAY SlASH PRICE OF TREATING AIDS

CROSS-DRESSERS STEPPING

Researchers in Los Angeles and Washington have identified what may
be the first inexpensive AIDS drug, a finding that could have major
importance for the 50 percentofHIV-positive Americans not receiving
treatment because ofits cost. They also say that the drug, in conjunction
with two other AIDS drugs, has induced what may be a permanent
remission in three HIV-positive patients who have now gone for more
than a year without treatment.

When Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas sailed from the Port of
Miami en route to the Bahamas recently, a small, unusual group of
passengers were aboard. More than 20 male cross-dressers and their
wives had come from all over the United States for Dignity Cruise IX,
and most of the men wore women's garb for the entire trip. "This is an
opportunity for people who cross-dress to have an interface with the
general public in a setting that is elegant," says Peggy Rudd, a Houstonbased author and leader in the transgender community. Her husband is
a cross-dresser. Rudd, who has written five books about cross-dressers
and their partners (all available through the Internet at amazon.com),
started the Dignity Cruise concept four years ago to provide support frir
cross-dressers and education to the public.
The word transgender, which means changing gender, encompasses a
broad variety of people, from gay men or women who dress in drag for
laughs, to transsexuals, both gay and straight, who use hormones and
surgery in an effort to become the opposite sex, to transvestites or crossdressers, most of whom are men (since women can wear men's clothes
freely in our society), and most of whom are heterosexual. l,iven the
range of identities and concerns in the transgender category alone, is it
appropriate to lump them all under the same community umbrella?
Because cross-dressers tend to be high achievers - doctors, pilots,
politicians and prominel1t business leaders - most are extremely closeted and live dual lives, often telling only their wives or children, and
sometimes not even them. Josephine has been secretly cross-dressing
since she was a child. "I was always interested in women's clothe.~," she
says. "The way they fed, what they look like. It's a ridiculous situation,
though, because no one understands. We're considered a joke." Experts
don't know what causes the urge to cross-dress. Whatever the reasons,
cross-dressers are slowly gaining momentum as a group and trying to
find acceptance.

Although experts are skeptical about the remission claims, many are
impressed by reported successes with the drug, called hydrm.')'urea, and
have begun incorporating it into their own treatment regimens. The
drug is unique in that it affects host cells in the patient rather than the
virus itself. The researchers think the drug works so well because HIV
cannot develop resistance to it. Moreover, they believe that hydroxyurea also lessens chances of HIV resistance to other AIDS drugs as
well. H ydroxyurea is a simple drug that has been used for more than two
decades in the treatment of leukemia. I ts use also was approved recently
for the treatment of sickle cell disease.
Hydroxyurea is inexpensive-no more than $30 a month compared to
the $1,300 monthly cost of the combination of protease inhibitors and
reverse transcriptase inhibitors that are currently the gold standard for
therapy. It is not yet clear whether hydrm.')'urea could replace protease
inhibitors in long-term therapy or whether they would have to be used
in combination. Because it has been around so long, however, no
company has exclusive rights to it. As a result, money for clinical trials
has come from private donors. Bristol Myers-Squibb, which sells
hydrm.')'urea for cancer therapy under the brand name Hydrea, has
agreed to sponsor a new trial in combination with ddl, which the
company also sells. That trial will begin later this year at eight to 10 U.S .
centers, although they have not been chosen yet.

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Page 7

LEADER THREATENS ro Bon G.O.P.
At a closed-door convention of conservative leaders in Arizona last
week, Dr. James Dobson, who heads the multimedia ministry Focus
on the Family, warned that if the Republican Congress continued to
"betray'' conservative evangelical voters, he would abandon the
Republican Party and "do everything I can to take as many people
with me as possible." These are the same voters who swept Republicans into Congress in the 1994 elections, but are now so disillusioned, Dobson said, that the Republican Party "has laid the
foundation for a revolution, and I don't think they even know it
because they're so out of touch with the people." Dobson spoke
before about 300 members of the Council for National Policy, a
group of conservative, political and religious leaders that does not
open its meetings to the news media. Members include the radio
host Oliver North, former Attorney General Edwin Meese, religious
broadcaster Pat Robertson, businessman Holland Coors, and members of Congress like Rep. Dick Armey and Sen. Jesse Helms.
Dobson excoriated a long list of Republican leaders who, he
asserted, "when they moved into power, moved to immediately
insult'' conservative Christian supporters. His list included House
Speaker Newt Gingrich, for inviting Whitman to give the Republican response to the State of the Union address, and even conservative
stalwarts like Republican Sens. John Ashcroft of Missouri, and Rick
Santo rum of Pennsylvania, who Dobson said had failed to speak out
against homose>..'Uality and financing of sex education in school~.

THE LURE OF FUNKY FUNDS
Fans of TV star Ellen DeGeneres might have an interest in the
Meyers Pride Value Fund. The $2.l million fund-up 21.8 percent
last year-will invest only in companies with "progressive policies"
toward gays and lesbians. When starting the fund in 1996, manager
Shelly Meyers worried about weighting it too heavily toward
technology and entertainment, two areas known for gay-friendly
employment policies. But today the 40-stock portfolio is spread across
l Oof 11 industry sectors tracked by Meyers, with it~ two biggest stakes
in banking and energy. Among it~ largest holdings: Golden State
Bancorp., America West Airlines, and Sears.
JUDGE TELLS NAVY
A federal judge ordered the Navy to cancel its decision to discharge
a sailor for homosernality, saying Navy investigators wrongly based
their case on an anonymous online computer profile and confidential records held by an online service. The action by U .S. District
Judge Stanley Sporkin marked the first time a court has found
military otlicial~ exceeding their authority under the Pentagon's
"don't ask, don't tell" rules on homosexuality. It also carried
important consequences outside the military, reinforcing electronic
privacy rights at a time that the availability of personal information
on computer networks is expanding rapidly. Sporkin's decision
made permanent the temporary injunction he issued against the
Navy, blocking the dismissal of Senior Chief Petty Otlicer Timothy
R. McVeigh. It followed a filing by government attorneys that said
the Navy had no further evidence to offer in the case.
Mc Veigh ran afoul ofN avy prosecutors last autumn after sending an
e-mail message about a Christmas toy drive to the wile of a fellow
submarine crewman. The message contained the screen name
"Boysrch," which was linked to a "profile page" that McVeigh had
posted on America Online. The page was signed "Tim" from
Honolulu, listed the author's marital status as "gay'' and expressed
a se:rnal interest in young men. A Navy investigator called AOL
without identifying himself and confirmed that McVeigh was the
author, a disclosure AOL later said it regretted and acknowledged
had violated its confidentiality policies.
March 1998

NEWS SOURCES
Boy Sco ul'i' B,m o n G .tys - \V.tshingt o n Post, J,111u,uy

20, 1998
C hu rch to Tr:· Pt1slor - New Yo rk Times, Fd)ru ttr:·
15 , 199 8

C'ross-<lrt•sst·rs Stq >ping O ut - Mi.uni I lt•r.tlJ,
j ,lllUdf)' 29, 1998
D rug ~1.tv Si.tsh Prier of T rt•.tting AIDS - Los

~

Angd<·s Times, Fdmurv

s:

199 8

Fo r Goe.( For Country ,m<l 1:~r ... J-l om opho bi.t ?
Nl·W I l.tven A<lvoc.th.·, Fd,ru.try 5, 1998
G.ty News Cuver.tgt· NC'c.·J s \ Vork - New J--1.tw n
lk gisll'r, FC'Lru,u,, 16, 1998
G,iy P,ir~wrs \ Vills - Tiw Austr,1Ji,111 newsp.tpe r,
h·bru.t0· 2, 1998
Ju<lgt· T ells N.tvy - \\'.tshingt o n Post, J.tnu.t0 · JO,
1998
U·.tJn Thrt·.ttt·ns to Bo lt G.O. P. - The Nt'w York
Times, F(·bru.try 12 , J998 - ~l.ti1w Voters Rl'pe.tl
G.ty lligh t'i l...t1w- Nt'w Yo rk Tinws, Fe-Lru.try 12,
1998
i\ lutu.tl O f O nuh.t Acrust'd - D ow Jo ne-s Nt·w swi n·s,
j.tnu.trY 21 , 1998
Provi nn ·tO,~n 131.tzt· l..c:·.tvl's S6m D.tm.tgt.• - Bos to n

G lo l,t' o n Ft'l,nM f)' 12, 1998
S1..·x C'h.tnge Le.tds to Retirt.·mt·n t - T hl' I l.t1·tforJ
C'our,mt, Fdlru.tl")' 12, 1998
South Afric.t - S.t nw-se-x 1\ l.t rri .tgesl ndt·pt· nJt·nt
- O nline- Nt'ws, J.tnU.tf)' 29, 1998
Success with A.IDS - The AJvoc.ttt•. Feli ru .t ry 1 1,
1998
T he Lu rt· of FunL.:· FunJs - U. S. News & \\'orld
Rt'po rt, Febru.t~· 2, 1998
AK - HI V Reporting - A.nchor<1gt· lJ.-.i l~· Nt·ws,
j.tJlU,tl""\· 28, ) 998
FL - U<111k o n the Internet - ,\ li,1mi I ft•r,1 IJ ,
j<111U.tf)' 20, J99 8
IL - G ,1v Bt•neflL., Grt Fnv T<1ke rs - C'hic.tgo
T;il,une-, J.inu.tl)· 25 , 199 8
•
NB - P.istor \ Viii St.inJ T ri.ii - Cn nt1·.t Cos t,1
Times, Febru.tl")' I 3, 1998
NY - llighl'i Stripped - Lts Veg.is Rt·,·icw Jo unu l,
FeL ru.i0· 11, J9 98
NY - L.·sLi.tn Custo<lY C.tst·s - Svr.t('USt' Pos t
St.ind.ird, J.inu,;n· 2 3, ( 9t,"g
PA - C .irdin.tl to Fighi" G.t,·-lk1wfit Hills Phil.tdelphi.t r).tily News, Ft•bliJ M;' I J, 199H

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T Solution-oriented short or longer term
psychotherapy for Adults and Adolescents,
specializing in, but not limited to:

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Stamford, CT 06906

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Bridgeport, CT 06606 T Case Consultation
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Individual, Couple and Group Therapy

(203) 255-2767
Ct. Lie. MFT

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Specializing in decorative
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Interior/Exterior

Fully Insured

Page8

T ~EW5 & VIEWS
(!JjJ!!Ji! STATE BY STATE NEWS
AK - HIV

REPORTING
Reversing a long-standing policy in the fight against AIDS, state otlicials
want to start requiring health care workers to report all HIV-positive
cases to the state Division of Public Health. Currently, only the names
of patients with full-blown AIDS must be reported to public health
otlicials. Those names are kept confidential.
Many health care professionals around the nation opposed requiring
HIV reports until recently. They worried that fear about breaches of
confidentiality would deter people from getting tested and receiving
early treatment. But the health care consensus appears to be shifting in
Alaska as in the Lower 48. Successful new drug treatments are reducing
AIDS deaths and delaying for years the onset of AIDS-related illnesses.
While this is great news for HIV patients, it means knowledge of the
epidemic's extent lags many years behind the actual spread of the
infection. Public health otficials want to know where HIV is prevalent
in Alaska, in which segments of the population, and in which regions so
they can target spending on prevention. Twenty-eight states have
changed their policies in recent years to require HIV reporting for
adults. The states with the biggest incidence of HIV infection, including
New York and California; have not changed their policies but are
reconsidering them.

DC - BoY Scours' BAN ON GAYS
Michael S. Geller joined the Boy Scouts and was a model member,
attaining the highest rank of Eagle Scout and renewing his membership
amrnally throughout his twenties. Roland D . Pool also was a decorated
Scout. But in 1992, when Geller and Pool separately told local Scouting
otlicials that they are gay, the organization demanded that they sever all
ties with Scouting. Instead, the two District residents filed a complaint
with the city, arguing that the Boy Scouts of America's ban on gay
members and leaders violates the city's Human Rights Act.
Today-after nearly six years of investigation and legal wrangling-the
D.C. Commission on Human Rights will open a hearing on the
complaint, one ofseveral filed across the country to force the Boy Scouts
to drop anti-gay policies. The D .C. case hinges on whether the Scouting
organization is subject to the city's Human Rights Act, which bars
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, or whether the 5.6
million-member group is a private club protected by the constitutional
right to freedom of association. The outcome of the hearing, which is
expected to last three weeks, could atfrct all Boy Scout activities in
Washington, where there are more than 2,000 youth members.
FL - BANK ON THE INTERNET
A bank catering to the gay community is being organized in the rlorida
Panhandle. The G&L Bank, whose initials stand for "gay and lesbian,"
plans to operate on the Internet rather than with traditional tellers and
drive-through, said Steven Dunlap, chairman of the G&L Holding
Group Inc. of Pensacola. His bank, ifit receives tederal approval, would
be the first gay-targeted institution operating nationally as a federal
saving bank. It would otler the same service.~ other banks do such as credit
cards, consumer loans and ATM cards as well as making mortgage Joans.

NICHOLAS LANG, Ph.D., N.C.C.
Providing Affordable
Counseling & Psychotherapy Services
Specializing in Sexual Orientation
Loss, Relationships, & HIV-related Issues

New Haven Office
200 Orchard St.
(203) 789-0560, Ext. 4
March 1998

Wilton Office
3 87 Danbury Rd.
(203) 847-1094

IA - GAY lowA PASTOR LosEs MINISTRY
A disciplinary committee has voted to revoke the ministry of an Iowa
pastor who is openly gay. The decision by a nine-member panel of
ministers and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
means that the Rev. Steve Sabin will be removed from the list of the
church's ordained ministers effective April 15. The panel said that it
admires the job Sabin has done as pastor but could not allow his "gifts
of ministry either to outweigh or excuse" his violation ofa church policy
that bars "practici"ng homosexuals" from the ordained ministry. The
150-member congregation of Lord of Life publicly supports Sabin and
could vote to keep him on as pastor but would then risk sanctions from
the church, including expulsion.
IL - GAY BENEFITS GET FEW TAKERS
The brouhaha over the City of Chicago extending health care benefits to
partners of gay and lesbian city workers was a tour-star show. But 10
months after a divided City Council approved the measure, only 23 of
the city's nearly 40,000 workers have signed up.
Otlicials theorize that a variety of factors have kept participation in the
insurance program low. "Even though gay people have their civil rights
protected and the city treats gay and lesbian employees fairly, there is still
some social stigma attached to being gay and lesbian," one otlicial said.
Moreover, in many cases both members of gay households are employed
and have no need for additional medical coverage. But city otlicials
believe that one of the biggest reasons fix the modest participation lies
in the federal tax code. Because the benefit does not accrue to family
members, its value is regarded by Uncle Sam as income, resulting in a
tax liability.
(Continued on page I I)

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
60 East Avenue, Norwalk
(Across from the Green)

An inclusive, welcoming, affirming community
Solemn Eucharist• Sundays at 10:15 AM

Come, experience splendid music and
traditional liturgy, the smell of incense
and the sight of flickering candles, in the
lovely architectural setting of a13th Century
English Gothic Church.
JOIN US FOR OUR CHRISTMAS EVE
SEVICE AT 10:30 PM
Office: (203) 847-2806
Page 9

T NEWS & VIEWS

The Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus
presents

Vt

Wl Vt

Fred & Ginger. Judy. Marilyn.
Hope & Crosby. Jane Russell. Camten Miranda.
They)re all here in the CGMC's star-studded salute
to the Golden Age of the Hollywood Musical.

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SATURDAY, MARCH
SUNDAY. M
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ARCH 29 A 2
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Page JO

Property of the Center

IL - MUTUAL OF OMAHA ACCUSED
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. was sued for allegedly placing illegal
limits on HIV-related health-care coverage. The lawsuit contends such
caps violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois
Insurance Code. Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago filed their suit in U .S. District Court
on behalf of two HIV-positive Chicago-area men, whose names were
kept secret.
"Mutual of Omaha caps HIV-related care at a fraction of the amount
allowed for other illnesses or conditions. This discrimination severely
limits access to standard, lite-saving therapies and is illegal," said
Heather C. Sawyer, an attorney for Lambda. Lambda and the council
said one of the men's 8olicy caps his lifetime benefits for HIV-related
conditions at $25,00 and the other man has a $100,000 cap. The
statement said this was in contrast to $1 million cap that Mutual of
Omaha would allow the needed care for other medical conditions.
MA - PROVINCETOWN BLAZE LEAVES $6M DAMAGE
Local citizens grabbed firehoses and helped carry them down Commercial Street toward the Crown & Anchor Motor Inn as plumes of flames
danced across its roof. A citizens bucket brigade worked to rescue
artwork from a gallery next to burning shops on Whaler's Wharf. Two
men climbed the steeple of the 150-year-old Universalist Meeting
House and protected it with a garden hose. But such public-spirited
actions, ancf the efforts of more than 200 firefighters trom every fire
department on Cape Cod, could not save the historic Crown & Anchor
nightclub-hotel or more than a dozen arts-and-crafrs shops, which were
gutted by fire on the night of February 11. Three firefighters were
injured as they battled the five-alarm blaze.
According to Provincetown Police Chief Robert Anthony, the fire
apparently was started accidentally by an electrical device, perhaps a
heater. David Bragdon, a caretaker who lives in Whalers Whart:
noticed fire coming out of the device and called 911 about 6: 30 Tuesday
evening. Then he tried to putout the fire with a blanket. But the blanket
caught fire, and it quickly spread to some highly combustible artists'
materials nearby. The Wharf was a former movie theater converted into
a mall with many small shops, and when it caught fire, it became "like
a chimney in there," Anthony said. Flames soon engulfed an adjacent
building, where souvenirs, sea shells, and art products were sold, and
then spread to the Crown & Anchor next door. The 1880 inn had 29
rooms, seven bars, and a restaurant. Owned by Kenneth Lemon, the i1m
was known for its drag-queen shows. Building damage in the town was
estimated at $6 million.
Ocean winds blew embers inland, touching off numerous brush fires
near the Pilgrim Monument, the local high school, and other places in
town. Firefighters were hampered by Provincetown's narrow streets
and closely packed buildings. What prevented a complete disaster,
several witnesses said, was the wind.
"The wind amazingly stopped right during the fire," said Patty DeLuca,
35, a local artist. Ifit hadn't stopped, said Keith Bergman, Provincetown's
town manager, "the fire could have devastated all of the town."

Ml - 30 WALK Our
About 30 people attending a weekend ordination ceremony walked out
to protest the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan's decision to
allow two men involved in homosexual relationships to become priests.
Before walking out ofSaturday's ceremony at Kalamazoo's Cathedral of
Christ the King, protesters had presented a formal objection citing
resolutions passed by the Episcopal Church's General Convention that
sexual relations are appropriate only within marriage and that it is
inappropriate to ordain those who engage in either heterosexual or
homosexual relations outside of marriage.
NB - CHURCH TO TRY PASTOR
For performing a union of a different sort, the Rev. Jimmy Creech, a
United Methodist minister, will soon be tried in a church court. At issue
is Creech's officiation at a covenant ceremony last September uniting
two women in his congregation, First United Methodist Church. The
event resembled a Methodist wedding, with Scripture readings, an
exchange of vows and a celebration of communion. But it came a month
afrer Creech's bishop told him not to do it and a year afrer Methodist
leaders added a statement to the denomination's rule book fr>rbidding
ceremonies that united people of the same sex. Creech said in a recent
interview that he could not, as their pastor, refuse the women's request
and that he considered the church's opposition to unions of people of the
same sex to be discriminatory. He could lose his ministerial credentiais
if convicted.
NY - LESBIAN CUSTODY CASE
The breakup of a lesbian couple raising a daughter together has triggered
a messy dispute that could set new state legal standards for adoptions .
It could break ground in New York on the adoption rights of a nonmarried partner in a relationship, whether heterosexual or homosexual.
In this case, one of the women became pregnant by artificial insemination and had a daughter four years ago. She agreed at that time to let her
partner adopt the child. But last year, the couple broke up and the
mother withdrew her consent for the adoption. Now, the former partner
wants to force the child's natural mother to go through with the
adoption as agreed. If that were to happen, both would be legally
recogni7.,ed as the child's parents.

MFAP

MID-FAIRFIELD AIDS PROJECT

Do you seek support and advocacy for HIV/AIDS?
MFAP can assist and provide you with case management
Call us today!
Serving the needs of HIV/AIDS community in:

Norwalk
Westport
Weston
Wilton
Mid Fairfield AIDS Project
16 River Street
Norwalk, CT 06850
Phone: (203) 855-9535
Fax: (203) 855-1531
Internet: http ://www .mfap.com
E-Mail: info@mfap.com

Marci, 1998

Page II

T NEWS & VIEWS
PA - CARDINAL FIGHTS GAY-BENEFIT BILLS
A sharply worded letter from Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua denouncing "life partner" legislation, hand-delivered to City Hall, signals the
start of Holy War III on gay rights. The bill would give pension benefits
to whomever a city employee designates, add "life partners" to the Fair
Practices Act requiring all employers in the city to recognize the
relationships and exempt such partners from the realty transfer tax.

TX -

NEW CHURCH
Members have raised $6.2 million to build a new cathedral in Dallas for
what they call the largest lesbian and gay congregation in the world.
Members of the Cathedral of Hope are launching a national campaign
to raise another $19 million to complete financing for the church
designed by the openly gay famed architect, Philip Johnson. The 95
yr.old Johnson has designed a sanctuary that resembles a soaring iceberg
11 stories tall and two football fields long. The Rev. Michael Piazza, the
senior pastor, said the shape will remind viewers of ships, icebergs,
mountains and crystals. He said, "It will evoke emotions and thoughts
of protection, joy, humility and love." The Cathedral of Hope congregation numbers 3,000, and the current church holds only about 800
people.
WA- I.Aw BAN GAY MARRIAGE
Washington lawmakers have banned gay marriage in a choreographed
action that included a quick veto by Democratic Gov. Gary Locke and
an override by bipartisan super-majorities in both houses. Even longtime backers of gay rights pronounced themselves satisfied with the
result, since it avoids a potentially divisive November referendum.
Washington is now the 27th state with such a ban.

WV - CENTER CAN BAN BoY W1TH HIV
A federal judge ruled that a karate school owner has the right to ban a
12-year-old boy with the AIDS virus from classes with other children.
U.S. District Judge Richard L. Williams ruled that Michael Montalvo's
condition is covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act, but said
James P. Radcliffe II was not obligated to admit him to classes because
it poses a risk to other children. In his ruling, Williams addressed the
difference between the physical style of karate taught at the school and
less combative styles. Radcliffe said he was not trying to discriminate
against Michael, but wanted to protect the other students, who he feared
could get infected if blood was drawn during sparring.

~))))])}

mWbRLD NEws
AUSTRALIA - GAY PARTNERS WILLS
Close friends or gay partners' will be able to claim a share of a dead
person's estate that usually goes automatically to the spouse and children,
under legal reforms to be considered by the States and Territories. Top
legal bureaucrats have advised their attorneys-general to broaden the law
of wills so anyone who was being supported financially by a person can
claim part of the estate - or contest the will - under "family provision"
legislation. lfadopted by all States and Territories, any dependent- such
as a gay partner or close friend - would become eligible.
AUSTRALIA - GAY PARADE DRAWS 40,000
St Kilda was as colorful as a fruit salad on February 1 as nearly 40,000
lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and folk of every sexual inclination
in between paraded down Fitzroy Street for the third annual Pride
March. The marchers came from a diverse range of groups including
PFlag (a support group for parents, families and friends oflesbians and
gay men), Koori gays and lesbians, the City of Port Phillip, gays and
lesbians for reconciliation, Vintage Men, the Star Hotel, Metropolitan
Community Church, leather pride, queer goths, Australian Democrats
and Optus staff. Along the route, on-lookers hung out of windows, sat
on roofs, crowded on to the Prince ofWales' [Hotel] balcony and poured
out of the Esplanade Hotel.
BRAZIL - COURT RULES FOR GAY RIGHTS
A businessman has the right to inherit assets he shared with a homosexual
companion who died of AIDS, a federal court has ruled in a landmark
decision for gay rights in Brazil. The Superior Tribunal ofJustice said
Milton Alves Pedrosa was entitled to half the estate ofJair Prearo, who
died in 1989. Prearo's father had contested Pedrosa's claim. The ruling
stops short of recognizing a same-sex couple as a "civil union," a term
applied to heterosexual couples including those who are married, in
common-law marriages, and in long-term relationships. Rep. Marta
Suplicy said the decision could make it easier to pass a bill that she
sponsored recognizing the civil union ofhomosexuafs, giving them legal
nghts available to heterosexual couples. The bill is expected to go before
the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of congress, this year.

CONFUSED? SCARED? NOWHERE TO TURN?

Splendid Repertoire of Traditional Music
Welcoming and Inclusive Congregation

If you have HIV/AIDS, you don't need to feel like you
are alone. Stamford CARES gives you the support and
attention you require. We are your direct link to the HIV
Care Network. Complete confidentiality assured.
Serving Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan.
Call 977-5096 to speak to a Care Coordinator today.

For additional information or auditions call:
Bill Voetberg, Music Director, (203) 847• 7250

We're here to help - because we care.

CALL FOR SINGERS
St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
Norwalk

Bryan Costello

212•382•5176
Investments
Pensions
Insurance
The abort-named JndM.Juah are regisurtd rtpresenlaJi,es of EQ Financial
Consulta/llS, Inc. !212 64J-7J()()J, a bro~rl<kaler and i11•cs.1ment ad•iser, and agmts
of The Equilable l.ife Assunince Soclely of the U11ited Stales (NY, NY 10104). The
abort-llOmed itldMduol also offers tradllwrud and variable i11sura11ce 011d 0111,uities
of Equitable, 011d of over fifty other companits through EquiSource.
AGE:-97-587 Exp.16/98)

March 1998

(203) 256-4565
(800) 628-7209
FAX: (203) 256-1759
jnemis@aol.com

JOANN ATTWOOD NEMIS
VICE PRESIDENT/ INVESTMENTS

JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT, INC.
MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE ANO OTHER PRINCIPAL EXCHANGES

2150 POST ROAD . FAIRFIELD . CT 06430

Page 12

BRITAIN - SETBACK FOR GAY RIGHTS
Gay rights activists were shattered by a European Union high court
ruling today against a British lesbian railroad clerk who sought travel
benefits for her girlfriend. It had been considered a test case on workplace
equality for homosexuals across Europe. The European Court of Justice
in Luxembourg said Britain's South West Trains did not violate EU law
when it said the girlfriend of booking clerk Lisa Grant was ineligible for
travel benefits available to the partners of heterosexual employees.
Lawyers for the couple, including Cherie Booth, wife of British Prime
Minister Tony Blair, argued the policy violated the EU's founding treaty,
which guarantees "equal pay for equal work without discrimination
based on sex." The rail company argued that the clause did not cover
sexual orientation.

THE GAY GOURMET

Pono

Jill Percey, Grant's partner, said they and their supporters would
campaign to have laws changed in Britain to outlaw discrimination based
on sexual orientation. Blair's government is committed to reforms
ending discrimination against gay workers. The EU's executive agency
said it was considering changes to its law to "plug the gaps" in antidiscrimination clauses. Any new proposals would need backing from
governments of the 15 EU nations.

CACCIATORE (CHICKEN HUNTER STYLE)

1

LARGE CHICKEN, CUT INTO PIECES

2

TBSP OLIVE Oil

1

TSP CHOPPED PARSLEY

1

STALK CELERY, CHOPPED

1

CLOVE GARLIC, CHOPPED

COARSE GROUND PEPPER TO TASTE

1/2

LB FRESH MUSHROOMS, SLICED

3/4 CUP

DRY WHITE WINE

OREGANO, CRUSHED
HEAT THE OLIVE Oil IN A LARGE SKILLET AND ADD

SOUTH AFRICA - SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
Same-sex marriages look set to be recogni1.,ed by the state in legislation
which is expected to be presented to Parliament this year. Government
sources indicated that the legislation would be in line with the constitution which outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Substantive equality for all South African citi1.,ens is the policy of the
A.NC, which has stated its support for the "ideals ofequality, dignity and
freedom" . The party also gave the Government the mandate at its
national conference for it to address custody, access, maintenance,
immigration and adoption rights for gay men and women. Gay and
lesbian families were also given the nod. The controversial legislation is
likely to provoke an outcry among certain religious and conservative
political groups.

THE CHICKEN, PARALEY, CELERY, MUSHROOMS AND
GARLIC. SEASON WITH PEPPER AND OREGANO.
BROWN THE CHICKEN ON All SIDES OVER
MODERATE FLAME. WHEN THE CHICKEN IS
BROWNED, ADD THE WINE AND COOK GENTLY
UNTIL THE WINE IS ALMOST EVAPORATED. ADD A
LITTLE WATER TO KEEP THE CHICKEN MOIST, COVER,
AND SIMMER ABOUT

PAUL D. SCHNEIDER
PO Box 451
Southport, CT 06490-0451
203/255-5520

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

Adoption
Child Custody Divorce
Partnership Agreements

KURT SPERLING, L.C.S. W

Our Families Matter

225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

V

LEADING
HOMES.
THE BUYERS REAL ESTATE COMPANY

T. PAVLICIN

ExCLUSIVE BUYER AGENT

BROKER

~

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

,.~)i .

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

~
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---- •·

[B
JIEALTOR"

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M.S. W, L.C.S. W

772 KINGS HIGHWAY WEST
SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT 06490

FAX1255-3705 HOME/866-6993

203/255-2278

March 1998

MINUTES UNTIL CHICKEN IS

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

Attorney at Law

MICHAEL

30

THOROUGHLY COOKED BUT NOT DRY.

leadhomc:3@aol.com

225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WESTI'ORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549
Page 13

THE SALON

'\

:'

A social gathering for women
who are looking for an interesting and exciting .
alternative to the bars.

I

MICHAEL

J.

- - - - - - -----'

TAYLOR, LMT

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE • CT,

NY LICENSED

Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month
DON'TMISSTHEFIRSTPAR.lY·MARCH 14, 1998
For Information & directions call Donna at 203·335-5975

440

MAIN STREET• RIDGEFIELD ,

CT 06877 • 203-431-8278

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY,

CPA

ATTORNEY-AT LAW
1305 POST ROAD, FAIRFIELD

Specializing in:

• 203/256-3839

Weddings • Comittment Ce/eb1tations
and "Coming-Out" Pa'tties

Tax Planning, Preparation & Appeals;
Estates & Trusts, Probate Matters,
Real Estate Law; Elder Law; and
Small Business Formations and Assistance

THRESHOLD
MORTGAGE COMPANY

76 Lake Avenue • Danbury,

CT

06810

Tel : 730-1400 • Fax: 798-9611

Paul Thury
REALTOR"
Office: 203.846.1611 ext. 218
Res: 203.847.5621
Fax: 203.857.7842
E-mail: pthury@aol.com

PATRICK WINTERS
LOAN OFFICER
THRESHOLD MORTGAGE
COMPANY
THRESHOLD COMMON

59

W1L TON ROAD

WESTPORT, CT

06880

(203) 454-0525
TOLL FREE (800) 562-5577
FAX (203) 454-0069
HOME (203) 256-5951
EMAIL pkw@thresholdmtg .com
OFFICE

• Spticializing in 1·1isid1mtial homti mortgagtis in l◄'airlfold County
• l'apablti ol' handling all loan sct\nario s from a $HO,OOO condo in
Stamfor·d to a $1,000,000 honm in Grnmnvich
• l'onsisttint top producing loan olTict\r for ovtir ttin yt\ill'S with a
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m111p;1n.r h;11inJ1 t:!11JrJd111w S!lS. IIIIU. Ill/II in /11;1ns in f'i1ididd Ct1un(r

March 1998

You Have a Friend in
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Whether you're looking to sell or buy, I will
help you put all the pieces together.
I have the marketing tools necessary to offer
you peace of mind . And that's what you need
most from a real estate agent.
For a free market analysis to determine the value of
your home, a " Why Rent When You Can Own" brochure, or a copy of my home tips newsletter

Call Paul Thury-203.846.1611 ext. 218

(8 Prudential

Conneciicut
Realty

Page 14

T NEWS 4 VIE~

~r

Univl1[iil~ll l~~iiijJ illlfli~IIIUl~ll~Hid,

We're glad to list your non-profit gay/lesbian/bi/tg group free of charge.
Call (203) 964-1133. Please keep us informed of changes.

TCC

"Big" Monthly Meeting: Every 1st Wednesday, 7:45
Spouses and Ex Spouses group: Every 3rd Thurs. 7:30

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

Dont forget to check out the TCC web page:
http://members.aol.com.tcccenter/index.html

Triangle community c e n t e r y
No rwalk, Cl
•
•• •
•11-yHe,m, 0 - Commua/fy" •
• • •
Scrvingttltlesblen/gl')'lbl/t9com111unltyolseuthwe,1ern ConntctlM

Last update 03122/97

On this page:

■ \Velco m(• to the Triangle Commmdh' Cen ter

• W!!9..Ar~..Yf.r.:~. • 9.lP."1.V..l?..!P.-.~!J~l~.tJ..m.. tht.~.tn!!:!: • ~9.!!:11.H:W.!.i.!Y.t~:i=:n~ • Rts.9.\~n:J,..B9.9m • ,l~J~:i!th.l.x..Nt ~!>:lt!tt r •
How 10 Find th • Rcrnmmc a Member

On other pages:

~ Center Calendar 111 TCC News & Vlewst;1 What' , Happ enb,g?

Ill

Other Groups~ PoUUc.J

Action ■ lntl!met Links

Phone or fax (203) 853·0600 or e•mail

March 1998

~ TCCe111erfkw l. c9nL

Property of the Center

M 001 111 374

OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
(203) 330-9595
Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
(203) 264-5605
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
(203) 899-0270
Chiltern Mountain Club
(203) 256-8414
Connecticut Kids and Families
(203) 791-9553
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club.(Social Grp.-call Dale before 10pm) (203) 261 -4019
Gay Fathers Group
(203) 866- 7051
(203) 778- 7016
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
(860) 688-1881
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
(203) 366-3734
Hartford Community Center
(203) 724 5542
(203) 262-1555
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
(203) 389-6750
Metropolitan Community Church
(914) 948-4922
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
(203) 931-8789
Triangle Kids
(203) 255-6229
(203) 323-6278
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group
(203) 773-9947

P-FLAG SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AT

UK

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
P.O.BOX 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855
Tel/Fax: (203) 853-0600
e-mail TCCenter@aol.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DON BUXTON .. .. .. .................. .......
DA VE CARROLL ...........................
BARB SCHADE ..............................
LEN HOREY ........................ .. .........
DA VE CARROLL ........ .. .................

President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Corresponding Secretary
Acting Recording Sec'y

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DON BUXTON ........................ ................... (203) 762-9964
DENYSE BURKE .............................. .... .... . (203) 367-391 I
DAVID CARROLL ...... .... .................... ....... (203) 838-1881
JOHN DEL VECCHIO .......................... ...... (203) 334-3822
LEN HOREY .......... ................ .. ................... (203) 925-0366
BARB SCHADE ...................... .................. .. (203) 259-8171
MICHELE STONE .................. .. .................. (203) 964-1133
JOHN WALLACE ...... ...... .. ......................... (203) 261-7349
STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Board Development
Vacant
Communications '
John D
-Public Relations
Mike C
Finance
John W
Fundraising/Sp Events
Michael P
Membership
Denyse B
-Member Database
Marianne S
Operations
Cindy M
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
-Resource Room
Walter D
-Center Forums
Marianne S
Volunteer
Vacant

374-6934
334-3822
375-3567
261-7349
866-6993
367-3911
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
222-8294

9{'E'WS & 'V1'EWS
Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc. We
cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve the right
to edit or condense as appropriate to meet space requirements. Authors
will be contacted if major revisions are necessary. Please submit to :
NEWS&VIEWS
Michele Stone: Editor & Advertising. Manager.
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone/Fax 964-1133
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com

John Delvecchio: Asst Editor
Phone: 203-334-3822
Mike Collins: Publicity
Phone: 203-375-3567

FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT MICHELE STONE:
Ads must be camera-ready. If your ad is not camera ready or you
need help with its layout or design, contact Michele Stone
BEFORE submission. Inserts and special sizes upon prior
agreement All ads are placed on a space available basis.
llie publication of the name of any person or organization in articles or ads in NEWS & VIEWS is
not to be constrned as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or member.; of such
organizations.
The appearance of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor constitute endorsement
by TCC,Inc. llie views expressed in tliis NEWS & VIEWS are not necessarily those ofTCC, hie.
Copyright 1997 by Triangle Community Center, hie. All rights reserved. lliis work, or any parts
thereof, may not be used or reproduced in any manner without written pennission.

Page 15

T NEWS & VIEWS
Calendar

March, 1998

Sun

Tues

Mon

Wed

Thu

I
AA 9-!0am
OutSpoken 4-6

2
Women's Rap 7:30

8

9

10

II

12

AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30
PFLAGhosts
John Allen,
Hamden, 7-8:30 pm

TCC Board 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

15

16

17

18

AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

22

23
AA 9-!0am
Wom·en's Rap 7:30
OutSpoken 4-6
Nat G&L Journalists gettogether, New Haven, I pm
TCC Movie night, Nwk,
7:30 pm

3
Lesbian Lit 7:30
Fund Raising 7:30

5

4
P-FLAG 7:45

Sat
7
"Green Bay Tree",
New Haven, 8 pm
Stephanie's March Dance,
Stratford, 8 pm

Men's Rap 7 :30

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
Out & About
(20's & 30's) 7:00

Gay & Lesbian
Sober Dance,
Fairfield, 8 pm
Gay Bingo, Htfd, 7 :30 pm

19
Men's Rap 7 :30

20

21

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
G Mosaic 7:30
Children from Shadows
Conf., W. Htfd, 9:45 am

TCC Friendraiser.
Bridgeport, 5-8 pm
Children from Shadows
conference, W. Hartford.
9:45 am

Men's Rap 7:30

P-FLAG Spouses & ExSpouses 7:30

Fri
6
Bowling 9:00
Circle Lanes
G Moasic 7 :30
"Green Bay Tree",
New Haven 8 om
13

14

24

25

28

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

26
Men's Rap 7:30

27

TCC Board 7 :30

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
Out & About
(20's & 30's) 7:00

CT Gay Men's Chorus
presents Gentlemen Prefer
Blonds, New Haven, 8 pm

I
Lesbian Lit 7 :30
Fund Raising 7:30
Deadline for TCC
scholarship

2
P-FLAG 7:45

3
Men's Rap 7 :30

4

5

29
AA9-l0am
OutSpoken 4-6
CGMC, Gentlemen Prefer
Blonds, New Haven, 2 pm

30
Women's Rap 7:30

6

7

8

9

10

II

12

AA9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

TCC Board 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

Men's Rap 7:30

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes
Out &About
(20's & 30's) 7:00

Deadline for April News &
Views

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BY TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806;Robin 358-8391
35+ Womens Pot Luck - Judy 227-7162
Free Association of Fairfield County - John 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group- Dave 838-1881; John 261-7349
Gmosaic (People of Color) - Nasheed 854-7726
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Christine, 847-8476
Out & About (20's & 30's) - Ashley 576-1073 or Dan 838-2367
Heather 924-2930
Outspoken (Youth) - Barb 259-8171; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
Triangle Bowling League (Circle Lanes, Fairfield) - Lisa 3333113; Roseann 931-8789
Women's Rap Group - Chandra 228-8652; Linda 866-4598;
Michele 438-4465
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted. A $3 donation per person is appreciated with
your participation in activities to help support the Center.

March 1998

T

Bowling 9:30
Circle Lanes

MEMBERSHIP FORM

MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SPONSORING MEMBER
SuSTAINING/Bus1NESS MEMBER
SPECIAL MEMBER (Yourn/SENIOR)

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

PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:

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

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
EAST NORWALK, CT

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