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P operty of the Center

Triangle Community Center

T R

A N G

New-~ & View-~

Vol.9, No.4
April 1998

Free to Members and Subscribers

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

THE HOMOSEXUAL EXCEPTION

ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE INCREASES

... .In the course of in-depth interviews with 200 people in the suburbs of
Tulsa, Atlanta, San Diego and Boston, I did not find Americans morally
divided among themselves. I found them instead divided within themselves; they honor God, family and country, yet they also want to
accommodate themselves to the realities of contemporary America.
.... (But) however much they are willing to accept almost anything, most
of the middle-class Americans I spoke to were not prepared to accept
homosexuality
To be sure, there are plenty ofmiddle-class Americans who care not a whit
what people do in private. As one might expect, people in the Boston
suburbs are not as condemning of homosexuality as people in Oklahoma.
Although polls show that Southern blacks are among those most hostile
to homosexuals, the middle-class African-Americans with whom my
research assistant and I spoke in Georgia, who knew a thing or two about
discrimination, were among the most tolerant toward gay people ....
But these were minority voices. The furthest most people were willing to
go in the direction of toleration was to say that while they did not like
homosexuality, gay people deserved respect because all people deserve
respect. Four times as many people we spoke with condemned homosexuals as were willing to offer them positive acceptance. Some simply
refused to discuss the subject. Others responded with nervous laughter or
an obvious desire to change the topic as quickly as possible. Still others,
ever reluctant to use a word that implies a judgment about someone else's
behavior, had no trouble finding these words, .... when the subject of
homosexuality was raised, "abnormal ..... immoral ..... sinful. ... Unacceptable .... sick.... Unhealthy .... mentally deficient." In all likelihood, Americans are less homophobic than they were before the gay rights revolution,
but middle-class Americans have not come to the conclusion that
homosexuality represents an alternative that is the moral equal of any
other.
'
How do people reconcile their willingness to pass judgment on homosexuality with their strong support for moral individualism? A fairly
frequent response was articulated by a conservative Christian woman
from Cobb County, Ga.: "God said to love everyone, so you hate the sin
but love the person." This formulation sounds fine, except if you believe,
as many homosexuals do, that sexual identity is a big part of what defines
who you are. For another group of middle-class Americans, homa;exuals are
asking for "special rights," something more than what other groups want.
A general manager at a tool factory from Cobb County is vehemently put
off by conservative Christian preachers because of their "in your face"
tactics. Surprisingly, homosexuals are, in his view, quite similar to them
because both interfere in the lives of others. As he understands the matter,
gay people are not asking for the right to be left alone. They want instead
his acceptance of them, and that he is not prepared to give ... ..
.. ..Americans simply do not accept the idea that sexual preference is like
genderor race. In this belief they find support, oddly enough, in the early
rhetoric of gay liberation itself. Initially reluctant to blame any behavior
on biology or genetics, many gay activists .... once argued that homosexuality, like all forms of sexuality, was "socially constructed." Those
middle-class Americans most hostile to homosexuality, I found, were
those most willing to see it as a conscious choice ..... Make something a
natural condition or a syndrome, and Americans are quick to empathize.
Make it a choice, and people feel that they have the similar choice of
condemning it.
If we listen to these opinions, we are likely to come to two conclusions.
The first is that many homosexuals are correct to suggest that they,
perhaps more than any other group in America, are severely stigmatized.
But the second is that those Americans who have qualms about homosexuality are also correct if they believe their views to be widely shared.
There is no culture war in America, but on the question of gay rights,
fairly severe battles are likely to be fought for the foreseeable future .

Violence and harassment of homosexuals increased by 2 percent
nationwide last year, a coalition of gay groups said. It attributed the
increase to heightened publicity of events like the February 1997
bombing of a gay and lesbian nightclub in Atlanta and the coming-out
episode of the TV show "Ellen."
The National Coalition ofAnti-Violence Programs compiled the report
based on statistics obtained from local groups that track crimes against
homosexuals, bisexuals and people with blurred sexual identities. The
report is not based on police statistics and is not considered comprehensive because it only tracks 14 areas across the country. But officials of
groups within the coalition said the report should be taken seriously.
According to the report, there were 2,445 documented cases of anti-gay
violence and harassment last year in the 14 areas, including New York,
San Francisco and Los Angeles. The number of murders related to antigay violence dropped to 18 in 1997 from 27 in 1996. New York City
had the most reports of anti-homosexual violence (658), followed by
the San Francisco Bay area (402) and Los Angeles (350). More than a
third involved harassment - verbal or by mail or phone. About one-fifth
involved assault, and close to a third intimidation. Among the more
brutal examples of harassment include a gay Chicago man who reported
a year's worth of violent assaults by an elderly neighbor. One night he
said, she attacked him with garden shears, cut him 22 times and yelled
"die of AIDS ... " Police response was indifferent to hostile, the report
said, with officers once threatening to arrest the victim if he kept
complaining. Eventually the neighbor was charged with misdemeanor
assault.
New York Police Commissioner Howard Safir said the department has
worked closely with the gay and lesbian community "not only to
encourage the reporting of bias crimes, but also to help raise, awareness
ofany potential dangers faced by the community." But Safir added that
the report includes figures that were compiled without the use of any
uniform or generally accepted method of reporting. He says the New
York group "did not attempt to reconcile their figures with those of this
department." The department's figures, based on accounting methods
used by the FBI, show that the number of citywide gay bias incidents
dropped to 59 in 1997 from 61 in 1996.

April 1998

GAY-BASHING IN CONN.
In Stratford, Connecticut's most recent gay bashing incident, a 33 year
old Bridgeport gay man was assaulted and beaten by three men in the
early morning hours of Thursday, March 12. The trio punched and
kicked the victim as he exited the Village Pub, a neighborhood bar on
Success Avenue in Stratford just a short distance from the victim's home
in Success Village. One of the three men had been a customer in the Pub
and began harassing the victim because he was gay. The bartender told
the rude customer to leave. Once outside, the customer evidently
recruited a couple of"friends" to wait with him for the victim . When
the victim stepped out of the bar the three attacked him. Stratford police
were called to the scene but the attackers had already fled . The victim,
punched in the face and kicked several times, declined medical
attention.
-John DelVecchio

ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE RISES IN DC
The number of people who complained that they were the victims of
anti-gay violence in the Washington area jumped last year, part of a
slight increase in reported anti-gay hate crimes nationwide that has
occurred even as violent crime has dropped significantly, a coalition of
watchdog groups said. Gay Men and Lesbians Opposing Violence, a
DC group that runs a hate-crime hot line, documented 86 victims of
anti-gay violence in 1997, compared with 69 in 1996, a 25 percent
increase. Although more than half of the incidents were classified as
Continued on next page
Page I

T NEWS & VIEWS
assaults, a majority of victims reported that they escaped without injury.
Though Johnson said there was no "typical" victim, more than three-quarters
of the incidents were reported by men. The attacks were most likely to occur
on the street or in the victim's own home. Nearly half of the victims reported
that they were attacked by strangers.

HATE CRIMES UP IN MASS.
Hate incidents reported against gays and lesbians in Massachusetts surged in
1997, increasing 42 percent despite a sharp dip in overall crime, according to a
study released yesterday by the Violence Recovery Program of Fenway Community Health Center. The study also showed that while about 35 percent of the
threats, harassment, assault, and vandalism occurred in Boston, which reported
80 incidents as opposed to 10 in 1996, the most dramatic rise occurred in
Worcester County, which reported 33 incidents as opposed to four in 1996. In
all, Massachusetts reported 228 such incidents in 1997, an increase of70% over
1996. Forty-nine people were assaulted, up from 41 in 1996. Homicides
dipped, however. While the report speculates that the February 1997 murder in
Boston of Lee Thompson may have been related to his sexual orientation it
identifies three such murders in Massachusetts in 1996.
The report's results were considerably more alarming than national figures
released by the National Coalition ofAntiviolence Programs, which incorporates the Violence Recovery Program's number and data from other states. It
found just 42 percent overall increase in violent attacks against gays. Forty-eight
percent of the Massachusetts incidents included threats, intimidation or harassment, 27 percent involved physical assault, and 6 percent, involved vandalism
or graffiti. Two incidents involved the setting of fires and a bomb threat to a gay
nightclub.

VIOLENCE

& GAY

RIGHTS IN MAINE

In what was billed as a rally to "speak out against fear and violence," nearly 200
people crowded into a small rural church to denounce the results of a Feb. 10
reterendum overturning the state's gay rights law. The meeting was the first of
what gay leaders say will be dozens across Maine in anticipation of an effort to
pass a new gay rights law in 2000. By 51 percent to 49 percent.
The rally was also held to support Charles Mitchell, a gay psychiatrist who was
attacked and beaten recently while jogging in Falmouth. At the rally, a halfdozen speakers said violence and discrimination exist side by side in Maine. One
gay man told of having his car vandalized, others of being called "faggot."
Margery Clement of Falmouth explained how her son faced threats and abuse
at high school because he is gay.

CRIMES AGAINST GAYS RISE IN MICH.
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reported in a study that
violence against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals and victims of AIDS
increased at a rate of 2 percent in 1997. The situation was even worse in
Michigan, where crime against gays and lesbians increased 12 percent over
1996.
According to the survey, there was a dramatic increase nationally in the number
of incidents in police precincts and jails. Also up were reports of unjustified
arrests and offenders who were police officers. As a result, he said, it is not
surprising that many victims are reluctant or unwilling to seek help from the
police or to file police reports for an incident. Another marked increase occurred
in what the report referred to as "serial incidents," or those of continuous
violence and harassment by one offender against a single victim over a period of
time. According to the survey, such crimes increased "a frightening" 36 percent
last year. Incidents at schools and colleges were also up, by 34 percent.

ANT-GAY STUDENTS IN MINN.
Minnesota students felt a little safer last year than they did a year earlier, but most
sajd they still witness misbehavior at school, a new state report says. Stealing,
name-calling and cursing were the acts most frequently identified as a "major
problem" in the fourth-ammal survey, conducted by the state attorney general's
office. Fifty-three percent of those questioned in the 1997 random-sample
survey ofl,800 students said they felt safe at school, up from 46 percent in 1996.
About 60 percent said that they saw between one and five violent acts at school
last year, and about 18 percent said they saw violent acts from five to 10 times.
The survey's definition of violence ranges from verbal insults to pulling out a
knife or a gun. Twenty percent of the students said se>.."1.lal harassment was a
major problem in school, and 50 percent said gay and lesbian students were the
most likely victims of violence.

April 1998

W'rcCNEWs
TCC F RIENDRAISER
The April Friendraiser will be held on Saturday, April 25 from
6 PM to 9 PM in the Bridgeport apartment of Tom Mariconda
and Walter Dembowski (Executive House, 3900 Park Avenue,
Apartment 4-E). A buffet meal and non-alcoholic beverages will
be provided. Feel free to Bring Your Own Bottle of... whatever.
Any questions? Call Tom or Walter at (203) 374-6934.
DIRECTIONS: It was easier to reach Tom and Walter for their
last Friendraiser, when it was one straight ride (so to speak)
down Park Avenue. They haven't moved, but road construction
still-in-progress as of the ''News and Views" deadline means a
detour and different (though not difficult) directions.
Take the Merritt Parkway (either direction) to Exit 4 7. Turn left
at the end of the exit ramp onto Park Avenue. Drive .8
(eight-tenths) of a mile on Park Avenue, through two traffic
lights (preferably green) and past Sacred Heart University to the
"Road Closed" sign at Eckart Street (the point beyond which
you really can go no further). Turn left onto Eckart and ride
one-half mile to the second stop sign, which is the end of Eckart.
Turn right onto Madison Avenue and drive 1.5 miles, past one
stop sign and one traffic light to a second, four-way stop sign at
Queen Street (No Comment!) Turn right onto Queen Street
and drive the short distance to the traffic light at Park Avenue.
Turn right onto Park Avenue, four blocks (two-tenths ofa mile)
later, on the right (just before the Italian Community Center) is
Executive House (3900 Park Avenue).
Park on either side of the street (except near the bus stops) or in
the Visitor Parking spaces on the side of the building (but not
in the Emergency spaces in front). Take an elevator to the fourth
floor. Turn right, head to Apartment 4-E, and walk right in! It'll
be good to see you!

SOFTBALL
There's still time to start a TCC lesbian softball team. League
play starts on April 27 in Norwalk. All lesbians are encouraged
to join regardless of ability. For more information call Christine
at (203) 847-8476.

CENTER FORUM
TCC's Center Forum will be held on Tuesday, April 21 beginning at 7:30 PM. Topic and guest speaker to be a1mounced.

LESBIAN LIT GROUP
The Lesbian Literature group has chosen "On My Honor:
Lesbians Reflect on Their Scouting Experiences" edited by
Nancy Manahan as the book for discussion at their May 5
meeting. The book gives real life accounts of the scouting
experiences of several lesbians.
The Literature group meets the first Tuesday of each month at
TCC beginning at 7:30 PM. Copies of"On My Honor. .. " are
available at local libraries as well as Bloodroot (203) 576-9168.
For more information call Christine at (203) 847-8476.

NEW BOARD MEMBER
Heather M. Weimann has been voted in by the Board at their
Feb. 24 meeting. Heather has been involved in TCC's youth
group, Outspoken, since March 1994, with P-Flag since 1994,
a member ofTCC since 1995, and served on the P-Flag Board
in 1996. She has given talks on being gay and growing up gay,
to public school students. "I would like to see more activities for
youth and would like to bring all groups together at TCC," she
said during an interview. Commenting on Heather's new
position, Board member Denyse Burke said, "we are very
pleased to have the fresh energy of Heather Weima1m on our
Board. Welcome!"
Page2

SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
Four years ago this winter, I discovered the Triangle Community Center
for the first time. At the suggestion of a friend, I called Dan (Woog),
one ofthe facilitators ofthe newly-formed youth group, OutSpoken. He
was outgoing, kind and eager for me to come down for a meeting. I
didn't know any other gay people at the time. Did they exist? Were there
any my age? Did they all live in big cities, like New York? That Sunday
afternoon, with a racing heart and sweaty palms, I made the long walk
down the corridor to Suite 7-C.
I don't recall saying much during the meeting, but I do remember Dan
(Kelly) making conversation with me afterwards. Because of that, I
went back the following week and have continued to attend OutSpoken
nearly every Sunday afternoon for the past 4 years. In the early days of
the youth group, teens new to the Center (and themselves) would come
to the meetings and talk about problems with family or work, or secret
crushes on the kid next to him/her in class. They found support in the
facilitators, took comfort in their soothing words and reassurance that
everything would be O.K. Throughout the years, OutSpoken members
themselves have provided the advice and stories of similar experiences to
their peers. Newcomers to the group these days are, I think, more
confident and sure of themselves. They speak of starting gay/straight
alliances at school, or coming out to their parents, P-Flag literature in
hand. I started going to the.youth group for advice, to search for the gay
community. Now, though I sometimes give advice, I still learn from the
young adults who are so much more together than I was when I came
out. It's empowering to see young adults helping each other, to see the
positive changes, the suggestions heeded.
OutSpoken provides a safe place for young adults to be themselves, to
ask questions and voice concerns. More importantly, there is much
needed dialogue between gay adolescents and adults. Because of the
dedication of its members, OutSpoken recently celebrated its 4 year
al11liversary. I'm determined to see that OutSpoken exists for the next
generation of gay teens, so that they may benefit from the guidance and
support I continue to receive every Sunday from 4 pm to 6 pm.

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

You Have a Friend in
Real Estate
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

~ Prudential
April 1998

CONNECTICUT NEWS
CONN AHEAD IN SUPPORT OF YOUTH
In a national assessment of how well states are meeting the needs of
teens, the Advocates for Youth, a Washington, DC based teen advocacy
group, gave Connecticut a 60 percent score out of a possible 100
percent. The rating covered subjects ranging from school attendance and
after-school programs to sex education, AIDS prevention, support for
gay and lesbian teens and access to confidential health care. Susan Fliim,
author of the ·study, said the state-by-state analyses were based on
information provided by state agencies, including copies of statutes and
educational guidelines. Researchers also used reference materials provided by youth advocates.
Connecticut tied Washington, DC, for fourth place. California came in
first with a score of 69 percent. Illinois, Maryland and Minnesota tied for
second with 64 percent, and New York placed third with 63 percent.
Georgia came in last with 48 percent. According to the study,
Connecticut's policies were strongest in the area of support for gay and
lesbian youth, gaining a score of 100 percent in that category. The state
also did well with giving teens access to confidential health care and
providing school-based health clinics. The study said Connecticut's
weakest policies are in the area of child abuse and neglect. The state tied
with New York for last place with a score of 25 percent.

DEPT. OF EDUCATION CHANGING CURRICULUM
The state Dept. of Education is in the process of revising its recommendations to local school districts about what health topics should be
covered and when including sexuality education. After some parents
objected to the content of a preliminary draft, and enlisted the support
of the governor, a considerably watered down set of recommendations
was submitted to the state Board of Education for their consideration.
Changes included shifting puberty education from 4th grade to Grades
5-8, deleting all reference to HIV/AIDS, deleting all reference to sexual
orientation, and deleting any reference to sexuality as "a natural part of
life." These changes have been loudly criticized by Planned Parenthood
of CT, the CT Chapter of the American Pediatric Association, the
Sexuality Information and Education Council of CT, the CT Association for School Health, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educators Network
and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition ofC1.
At its February 4 meeting, the state Board of Education and Commissioner Theodore Sergi announced that they would revisit their recommendations and prepare a new draft for consideration in May. They
announced that they would solicit public and educator comments from
individuals and groups. HERE'S WHERE YOU COME IN! Won't
you please take the time TODAY to write a letter to Commissioner Sergi
and a.n other to Governor Rowland expressing your support for comprehensive, reality-based sexuality education in our schools?
The Honorable John Rowland
Theodore S. Sergi
Room 200
Commissioner of Education
State Capitol
State Dept. of Education
165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Hartford, CT 06106
-Jon Clark, PPC Education Director

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA
ATTORNEY-AT LAW

1305 POST

ROAD, FAIRFIELD

203/256-3839
Tax Planning, Preparation & Appeals;
Estates & Trusts, Probate Matters,

Conneciicut

Realty

Real Estate Law; Elder Law; and
Small Business Formations and Assistance
Page3

T NEWS & VIEWS
DENYING GAYS MARRIAGE IS A VIOIATION
[Ed Note: The author of this editorial in the Connecticut Post is David
Piotti. He is a tenth grade student at Trumbull High School.}

The issue ofsame sex marriages is becoming much more common in the
United States, and recently Hawaii's state legislature has passed laws
allowing gays the right to marry. A gay marriage will not affect you
directly in any way so there is no reason to be against if it is not your
concern. People who are gay are born that way, so society cannot deny
a person their rights if they cannot help it. Besides, if gays already live
together, what does it matter if they are married? It has been argued that
allowing homosexual couples to get married is morally wrong. Many
people feel the Bible forbids same sex marriages. Despite peoples' beliefs
or religious state, under the United States Constitution all people are
created equal, which entities everyone to equal rights.
Although some people might have a personal problem with gay
marriages, one must understand not only their own point of view, but
a gay person's as well. Why should something bother people if it does
not necessarily concern them, everyone should concern themselves with
their own matters. The topic of gay marriages or relationships has
already been blown out of proportion. If people would stop obsessing
about gay issues, they would realize that there would he less of an impact
on society.
According to many scientists, people are born with a specific sexual
identity and there is nothing they can do in their power to change it. If
there are to be equal rights among all people you cannot deny persons'
rights because they are born a certain way. Denying homosexuals the
right to marry is like prohibiting heterosexual people from being
married to the opposite sex. If one thin.ks in these terms, it may be easier
to see how gays are denied their rights. My final point is a very simple
question: What difference does it make if gays live together unmarried
or married? It should make no difference either way to anyone. It shows
how ridiculous this entire argument is. If gays are already carrying on
relationships and living in the same home, then why not allow them to
be married? There would be virtually no difference, except to the gay
couples. Many partners would get health benefits if married and file
income taxes together as a couple to save money just as heterosexual
people do.
Denying gays marriage is a violation of their equal rights as American
citizens. As a whole, America's heter9sexual population has only put off
the decision on whether to allow gay marriages. At this moment,
America is truly not a land of equality although our Constitution
declares this. As the world's leading democratic nation, we should set an
example as the first completely equal nation.

THE GAY GOURMET
CUBES STEAKS PARMIGIANA

(fOUR SERVINGS)

4

CUBE STEAKS, POUNDED THIN

GARLIC POWDER
COARSE GROUND PEPPER

3 TBSP OLIVE OIL
4 SLICES MOZZARELLA
1 CUP TOMATO SAUCE
1 SMALL CAN MUSHROOMS,

DRAINED

HEAT OIL IN LARGE SKILLET, ADD CUBE STEAKS AND
BROWN ON BOTH SIDES, SEASONING WITH GARLIC
POWDER AND PEPPER. TRANSFER THE CUBE STEAKS TO A
BAKING DISH, COVER WITH TOMATO SAUCE,
MUSHROOMS, AND A SLICE OF MOZZARELLA. HEAT IN A

350

DEGREE OVEN UNTIL THE CHEESE IS MELTED. SERVE,

PREFERABLY WITH A SIDE OF PASTA IN A MARINARA SAUCE.

THRESHOLD
MORTGAGE COMPANY
PATRICK WINTERS
LOAN OFFICER
THRESHOLD MORTGAGE
COMPANY

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

THRESHOLD COMMON

59

W1L TON ROAD

06880
(203) 454-0525
TOLL FREE (800) 562-5577
FAX (203) 454-0069
HOME (203) 256-5951
EMAIL pkw@thresholdmtg .com
WESTPORT, CT
OFFICE

Triangle community c e n t e r y
Norwalk, Cl
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'1,#-ylk,m,tw-C-.IY"

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• Sp11cializing in rnsid1mtial horn,, mortgag1is in Pairlfold County

Last upda1e 03/22197

Onlhtrpage:

■welcome to tht> Trlanglt> Community Ceuter

• Who An: Wt~• Groups that Meet at 1hc C'tnter • Conum1nil\' Evenli; • Rrsourc, Room• Monthly Ncwsk-tter •
Hc•w tu Find ll~ • n,comins aMr1nl1tr

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Anion ■ Internet Unks

Phone or fax (203) 8.S3-0600 01'" e-mail

April 1998

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i!J TCCenter@aol.com.

',~:

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c/»,1

• Capabhi 111' handling all loan sc1mario's from a$60,000 condo in
Stamford to a$1,000,000 hom11 in Gr1mnwich
• Consist1mt top producing loan ol'l'ictw l'or omr t1m _y1mrs with a
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In 1/1.95, 'fhmsh11/dHt111/[il!ft: WilS dlt:d ilS tht: ltlfl pmdudnflmtll1//ilfll:
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Page4

T ~EWS & YIEWS
A BEST-SELLER

MEDIA NEWS
GET THEE TO THE JOHN HOUSMAN
Go see a remarkable production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
retitled R & ]. Four, twenty-something actors enact the Shakespearean
traged)'. as a play-_within-a-play. They play ~he roles of schoolboys at a
rep~ess1ve Catholic boys school where love 1s merely a Latin verb to be
CO~Jugated. These schoolboys in turn, play all the roles in Romeo and
Juliet. Sou~ds queer, but it works. It beautifully illuminates corners of
the (_what 1s t<? me at least) all-too-familiar story in ways I didn't think
possible. S_peoal mention must be made of the two Dannys in the cast.
Mr. Gurwm plays Lady Capulet, Mercurtio, Friar John, the Prince and
a number of other parts and does them all differently and with a great
skill at thelangua&e. Then there_ is the remarkable Mr. Shore's Juliet. (He
also plays Benvo!10). He does mde~d teach the torches to burn bright.
He bnngs a passion to the part which makes all the other Juliets I have
seen as listless in comparison. His Juliet is a young girl who finds herself
subsumed by love and with her eyes wide open, rushes headlong where
h<::r heart leads ~er. It i~ a production - and a performance - not to be
missed. R & J 1s showmg m the John Housman Studio Theater (the
basement space) at 450 West 42nd Street.
-Marianne Seggerman

CIRCLES MAGAZINE DEBUTS
Circles Magazine, a new publication for the national and international
lesbian community, has made its official debut. Copies are available by
subscnpt10n, m women's, feminist, gay and lesbian, independent, and
other books_tores across ~he United States and in Canada. Subscriptions
are $24.95 m the US. Cir~les 1s currently accepting feature-length and
shorter subm1ss10ns revolvmg around the myriad issues that involve and
engage the lesbian and bisexual women's communities as well as
crossover issues that engage the gay community at large. '
The first issue, dated March/April, contains features on political and
legal issues; es~ays_on civil marriage; an adaptation of the traveling
photo-text exh1b1t1on Love Makes A Family families· The Lesbian
Health Advocacy Movement; an excerpt from Ellen Bass and Kate
K_aufman's book Free Your _Mind: The Book for Lesbian, Gay, and
Bisexual Youth and Their Alhes; as well as short stories by Su Penn and
Lauren Crux.
Kit McChesney, Publisher - Circles Magazine - Circles Publishing, Inc.
• 1705 Fourteenth Street, Suite 326 - Boulder, Colorado 80302 - Tel
(303) 245-8815 - Fax (303) 245-8816.
ELLEN'S

BYE, BYE?

Ellen DeGeneres has wrapped production on the last episode ofEllen for
this season; The hour-lo~g episode, set for the May sweeps, spoofs
De~eneres own career, with Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer
Amstoi:i and Bea Arthur reminiscing_about her (fictitious) days in
vaudeville before Ellen. Also seen: Chnstine Lahti, Jada Pinkett Smith,
Helen Hunt, Julianna Margulies and Cindy Crawford, all auditioning
for the role of Ellen Morgan. Another episode, also set to air during
sweeps, has Ellen and her lover discussing a commitment ceremony as
Morgan's parents renew their vows.

01:1 _last week's best _seller list in the New York Blade (the New York
edition of the Washington DC gay paper) under books for gay men is
Tocks by Dan Woog. It is not just for gay men, though. Dan interviewed
do~ns _ofathletes on the high-school and college level and compiled their
stones mto an anthology. The athletes he found were mostly swimmers
or runners, with a smattering of team-sports participants and one
gymnast. The two _eublic fip11res h~ intervi~wed were famous for other
~easons, _b ut had a lif~-lon~ mterest m ~ pamcular sport. Anyone with an
mterest m sports will enJoy the stones of everyday athletes trying to
reconcile their involvement in sports with their gay identities. Woog, in
his decades as a columnist at the Westport News, writes human interest
stories that bring out the private suffering of his subjects. I have
sometimes felt in his columns that he too often wrote about people
whose privilege of race and class left them little to feel sorry about. In
Jocks at least, style meets worthy substance. Sports in the Western world
is the basis for the concept of masculinity and a gay athlete challenges and
confronts that image and culture just by living his life. When Woog
extemporizes in his writing he keeps his editorializing narrowly focused
on the individual at hand and never feels it necessary to step back and
comment on the broader picture. This strengthens his work. Since this
book is all about their stories and not at all about what he thinks, the
reader is able to come to his or her own judgments. Some of the
P?Pularity ofl~~ might be attributed to the fact that it's the first of its
kind. But even 1f 1t covered an area that others had written about; it is in
its own right informative, touching and heartwarming.
-Marianne Seggerman ,

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

Horticultural Botanist
Gardener & House I Pet Sitter
Donald J. Comes
(203) 866-2823
30 'Iierney Street
Non.valk, CT 06851

April 1998

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

Page5

T NEWS & VIEWS
TRANSGENDER VIEWS
POCONO VACATION
Come to the all new "Paradise In The Poconos" weekend. The new
facility is fabulous! Every room is a deluxe accommodation with a double
canopy bed in nearly every room. The facilities available include a heated
indoor pool with an adjacent jacuzzi, an authentic English pub, and our
very own night club for the talent show. Two separate game rooms
provide video game entertainment as well as pool and ping-pong. There
are also large meeting rooms for workshops. All of the services and
facilities are accessible through enclosed walkways without ever going
outside and the entire resort is exclusively ours for the weekend! This is
a perfect venue for us.
The Poconos Weekend will run from November 5 - 8 and is designed to
give you an opportunity to live out your fantasies . Dress to your heart's
content. Bring your entire wardrobe! The people you'll meet at the
Poconos are some of the nicest you'll ever meet anywhere. They come
from different backgrounds but they all share the same desire: to get
away and let "her'' roam free. If your partner wonders if there are other
women who accept this, here's where she'll meet them.
This weekend will give you an opportunity to refine your skills in
makeup, hair styling, and dress. Attend one of the free workshops and
learn new techniques. Buy and sell clothes at the Tag Sale. Leave with a
whole new wardrobe. Whip uf your wildest outfit for the Costume Party
and win a prize. Maybe you'! be the next Princess of the Poconos. Get
your registration form and send it in now, before there's no room at the
inn. People have been turned away for the last three years.
"Paradise In The Poconos" runs from Thursday, November 5 through
Sunday, November 8--4 days & 3 nights of fun and festivities. The
complete package includes: welcome reception, 3 parties, 9 meals, 3
nights lodging, workshops, tax, and gratuities. The cost per person
(double occupancy) is $350. A limited number of single occupancy
rooms are available at $475. For more information, a brochure and
registration form write to: Creative Design Services, PO Box 61263,
King of Prussia, PA 19406.

TRWIA QUESTION
RiTO·

MARCH- DAVID WHITN~ JS THE LOVER

Of
£THING ARCHITECT. PHIUP JOHNSON AND JON
ANDERSON°IS THE LOVER Of 90-SOMETHING ARTIST PAUL
Ol)M,yS•.BOTH THE COUPLES HAVE BE~N TOGETHER FOR
TfURTY..flVEYEARS~

QuesnoN FC>R ......... WHICH OF THESE DO NOT
BELONG TO THE OTHERS'l 'GENE SHAUT, ROBERT

MACNEU, RQBERT MosBACHER, PHnus ScHAFFLY,
(THE LATE) ROY lICHTENSTElN.

ALDIS
_m_.4_6_~-il-1
Pla_VEL_in-Roa_P_~---Da-n-bur_i_.CT_06_8_1_1
FAX (203)7.4.4• 1139

(203)778•9399

Three deuades of GAY travel expertise
....:;RSVP

CYBER NEWS
HOME PAGE FOR LIVING POSITIVELY!
The Living Positively! HIV/AIDS groups of New Haven now have a
publicinformationsiteat http://www.outmct.com/livingpoz/index.html.
On this site you will find the group's preamble, steps, traditions and
some member sharings, as well as some other pages.
LESBIAN NEWS
The National Academy of Sciences is on the Internet. Their Journal, The
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences which contains the
article on the differences between the inner ears oflesbians and straight
women can be found in abstract form at: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/
content/abstract/95/5/2709.
GAY EGYPT

If you want to read about the first tomb built for ancient gay Egyftian
lovers take a l~k at http://www.sirius.com/-reeder/niankh.htm.

*

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

(203) 261-3492
Monroe.CT

(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT

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

VICTORIA

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, er
ADMIITED IN er AND NY

Page6

LEITERS
MAINE RESPONDS
[Ed.note: Below is a copy of the letter received by Lester and Elaine
Sharlach in response to a postcard they sent expressing their dismay
over Maine's rejection of their gay 's right 'slaw.}

The Maine Publicity Bureau, Inc.
PO Box2300
325B Water Street
Hallowell, Maine 04347-2300
February 24, 1998
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sharlach,
To say the least I was very distressed to receive, your postcard in today's
mail. I regret that the media coverage of this vote gave a somewhat
distorted view of the vote's purpose.
I do not know of any documented cases in our state that show that gay
and lesbians are being discriminated against. I do not pretend to
understand why some people treat other yeople differently or unfairly.
I was taught to treat all people as my equa and I think most Mainers do
just that. I would hate to lose you after 18 years as visitors, may I offer
a suggestion? Consider planning your vacation at a gay or lesbian owned
property in Maine. That way you are supporting their efforts as a viable
part of our tourism industry. At the same tine (sic) you are speaking
with your economic power and supporting a group that is important to
you . I appreciate your concerns and we do value you as a guest for the
past 18 years. Ifl may be of any assistance please call.
Sincerely, Vaughn Stinson, Exectutive Director

SOURCES
Afghanistan - Three Burled Allve, Reuters, February 25, 1998
Conn Support Youth, New Haven Register, March 9, 1998
Crimes Against Gays Rise In Mich, Metro Times, March 4-10. 1998
Elderly Gay Housing, Boston Globe, February 25, 1998
Ellen's Bye, Bye? USA Today, March 11, 1998
Firm Matches Gay Men, Surrogates, LA Times. February 22, 1998
Gay Doctors Group Not Welcome, San Francisco Chronicle, March 11, 1998
Gay Marriage, Connecticut Post March 4, 1998
Gay Retirement, San Jose Mercury News, March 11, 1998
Hate Crimes Up In Mass, Boston Globe, March 4, 1998
Jamaica - More Debate, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 15, 1998
Lesbian Health Care, The Advocate, March 9, 1998
Nassau - Protest, Reuters, March 9, 1998
New York Times Edltorlal: The lnvlslble Victory, New York Times, March 12, 1998
Pope Takes Alm, Agence France-Presse, February 19, 1998
Some Scouts Exempt From Codes, Journal Sentinel, March 2, 1998
The Homosexual Exception (excerpts), NY Times, February 8, 1998
AK - Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Anchorage Daily News. March 10, 1998
AZ - Gays Fear Links In Murders, The Arizona Republic, March 3, 1998
DC - Anti-Gay Violence Rises, Washington Post, March 4, 1998
IA - Protesters: No Law Protecting Gays, Des Moines Register. March 12, 1998
IA- Sioux City Says, "No," Sioux City Joumay, March 17, 1998
IL - Red Lobster Sued, Chicago Tribune, March 16, 1998
IN -AIDS/HIV Pharmacy, Indianapolis Star, February 24, 1998
MA - Must Report HIV, Boston Globe, February 24, 1998
ME -Violence & Gay Rights, Boston Globe, March 7, 1998
MN - Gay Students, Star Tribune, March 11, 1998
NY - Gay Synagogue, Detroit News, February 20, 1998
TX - Open Doors, Chicago-Tribune, March 6, 1998
TX -Anti-discrimination Order, Houston Chronicle, February 17, 1998

"LETTER TO THE EDITOR" - MILLENNIUM MARCH
ON WASHINGTON
In the spring of 2000, our lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender
community will once again "March on Washington." The last March
was held after the presidential elections. That was too late. We relied on
the promises of political parties that were not kept. This time, we will
show our strength, our unity and our commitment, and our goals
before the elections.
In 1979, 100,000 ofus attended the first march, and we wept as we
embraced each other ....and demanded our rights. The rally was heard
over national radio. We knew we had made history. The second March
(attendance 1 million) gave birth to "The Quilt'' and "The Wedding
Ceremony." ... .Television and newspapers covered the March. By the
3rd March in 1993, we still had no rights, but more and more people,
including famous personalities, were beginning to come out. Melissa
Etheridge, Martina Navratalova, Sir Ian McCallen, the Indigo Girls, as
well as straight celebrity supporters such as Cybil Sheppard and Judith
Light appeared on stage. We honored those of our community who had
served and were forced out of the military, and wept, as the mother of
Alan Shindler, the young gay man who was murdered in the navy, and
one million of us, paid tribute to his memory. And for the first time,
CSPAN covered us, and we were seen all over this Nation, and on CNN,
all over the world.... Since that third March, the media has given us
tremendous coverage and recognized us as a community.
We must March on Washington in Spring of 2000 .. ... This march will
be televised nationally and all over the world, so millions of people who
cannot afford to participate in any March, can be a part of this great
experience. We will put our children on stage, and our parents, and
show our diversity, and our unwavering commitment. We will honor
our youth and our elders. We will not stop until we have equal rights .
.... Until that happens, like the Phoenix, against all odds, we have and
will continue to rise, again and again, and to March on Washington, and
to never stop the struggle until we have full equality. We owe it to our
future generations ....
-Robin Tyler, Executive Producer, Millennium March on Washington
for Equal Rights 2000 (LGBT).

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

Rt1t'. Fr1111k BBlilrd
Pastor

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

Jane

wAttorney-at-Law
Griffith, JD, MBA

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

Fax 203 / 387-9899

April 1998

Voice 203 I 389-8614
Page 7

T NEWS§ VIEWS
-

NATIONAL NEWS

MORE HARASSMENT FOR GAYS IN MILITARY
The number of gays facing harassment in the military has risen for the
fourth consecutive year, despite the Clinton administration's pledge to
prevent further discrimination of homosexuals in the armed services,
according to a gay rights advocacy group. The Servicemembers Legal
Defense Network attributed the increase to "a climate in many commands where 'anything goes' in the pursuit of suspected gay personnel."
In its annual report, the group cited 563 "command violations" that
servicemembers had reported to it, including instances where commands
asked, pursued and harassed service members in direct violation of
President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which sets limits on gay
i11vestigations. In contrast, the number of violations reported in 1996 by
members of all the services was 443, the group said. The Navy was the
worst service in anti-gay harassment and asking, with 193 violations.
Last year's report said a total of850 people had been discharged from the
military for homosexuality in 1996, a five-year high. No figures were
given discharges of gays in 1997 because the Pentagon would not release
them.

GAY DoCToRs GROUP Nor WELCOME
The nation's leading group of gay and lesbian doctors is furious over
being rejected for participation in the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists annual conference, saying the snub is a reflection of
how little attention the medical establishment pays to lesbian health. The
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, a 2,000-member organization,
said it was tersely dismissed by the ACOG when it asked to be exhibitors
at a May 11 conference in New Orleans. The ACOG said that the gay
doctors' "service would not benefit or be ofinterest to the majority of our
membership."
The group's spokesman, Greg Phillips, said the gay doctors seemed to be
a "special issue advocacy group." Such groups are banned under the
organization's guidelines. The gay doctors' organization, however, suspects a different motivation. "ACOG's statement reflects homophobia
by effectively discounting the specific medical needs of lesbian patients
and the existence oflesbian, gay, bisexual and trans gendered obstetricians
and gynecologists."

NEWYORKTIMES EDITORIAL: THE INVISIBLE VICTORY
The Boy Scouts would never have known ifJames Dale hadn't told them. That
has always been thedifferenceaboutthemovementforgayrights. Homosexuals
aren't visible. They have to stand up and identify themselves in order to be
discriminated against. They may be monogamous by nature. They may want
to fall in love and marry. There are plenty ofsuch people in the United States.
They are all the things their critics wish that homQ5eXl.lals were. They are good
Scouts. But every time they stand up to declare themselves in some new place,
theygetrejected.Thathasbeenthepatterninreligion,inthemilitary,inbusiness
and the law. The value ofJames Dale's case against the Boy Scouts ofAmerica,
which threw him out in New Jersey when he said publicly that he was gay, is
to remind us what fights for civil rights in this country are usually about. They
are abouttherighttodo the usual thing. James Dalernightinfacthave an easier
run in life if, like some gay men and lesbians, he spent his private time in the gay
bars, churches, athletic clubs and interestgroups thatformedashelterfora whole
population rejected from the usual _places. But he didn't want an exclusively
homosexual life. He wanted an ordinary one, and that has been the rub.
Homosexuals were segregated out by a society that saw them as
different; sinfully, criminally, mentally flawed. Those old definitions are
fallen, or falling back. But they all grew from religious teaching. And it
is in the most fundamentally religious and patriotic realms that American
homosexuals have had to fight the hardest for acceptance. Progress is
sometimes inch by inch. In San Francisco last month the Alexander
Hamilton Post, the only American Legion post in the nation that
describes itself as mainly gay, finally won a 15-year fight with the
California Legion. The parent Legion agreed to acknowledge publicly the
post's existence, to refrain from saying bad things about it, to pay its legal
bills, and even to let other veterans who might want to join know about it.
The fight for gay veterans and Boy Scouts, for gay Catholics and Baptists, for
gay and lesbian members of the American military is a long way from over.
Accepting homosexuals as normal is the last thing their most tenacious religious
and ideological opponents want to do. But that, in fact, has been the main thrust
of all the individual men and women who have become so visibly gay in recent
years-not segregation, but assimilation. They have comeoutsothattheycanstay
out, if they choose, or go back in-on their own terms, as themselves. If they
succeed, they may surprise their critics by becoming largely invisible again. It
could be a very long time, but the success of the gay rights movement may be
most obvious the day it disappears.

LESBIANS LOSE
February 29's Dateline NBC featured the sto;y of the lesbian foster
mother who had her foster child removed by a social worker who
disagreed with her lifestyle. The child ended up with his uncle and aunt,
even though the foster mother continues to raise other foster children and
the social worker was demoted. Dateline's "Question of the Week" was
''When should lesbian couples be allowed to adopt?" The sample of 503
people answered as follows: Not sure 7%; When a suitable heterosexual
couple cannot be found 13%; Same rules should apply for gays and
straights 30%; Never 50%.

NJ

CouRT BACKS GAY Scour LEADER

Homosexuals can be Boy Scouts - even troop leaders - a state appeals
court declared f~r~efully in a_ ruling that has national implications. The
court, ma 2-1 op1ruon, ruled m the case of a Monmouth County assistant
scoutmaster (Dale) ousted from his troop. The decision could force
Scout_troops i_n Ne~ Jers~y to acc~pt _gays, somethin_g_the Boy Scouts of
Amenca considers mcons1stent with its 90-year tradition of asking boys
to remain "morally straight."
The a_ppeals court said the Boys Scouts is a public institution much like
the Little League, or libraries and colleges. Forcing the organization to
accept gay boys and scoutmasters won't undermine its core mission of
teaching self-reliance, patriotism, courage, and other virtues, the judges
said. The ruling overturns a decision by Superior Court Judge Patrick J.
McGann, who quoted from the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the
Bible, and criticized Dale for his "moral depravity" in ruling that the
Scouts had a right to exclude the assistant scoutmaster. This decision is
the first appeals court ruling in the nation to take the side of a gay troop
leader, lawyers for both sides said. Legally, it remains an open case, but
both sides said the ruling could have profound effects.

April 1998

/

MICHAEL

J.

TAYLOR, LMT

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE •
440 MAIN STREET • RIDGEFIELD,

CT, NY LICENSED
CT 06877 • 203-431-8278

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

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

Page8

Property of the Center

So ME Scours EXEMPT FROM Co DES
The Boy Scouts' national executive board has quietly voted to make
significant changes in its Explorer programs - changes that may avert
some court challenges to the Scouts' requirement of a belief in God and
its ban on gay youths and gay adult leaders. National Scout leaders say
the changes will allow for better management while expanding the reach
and impact of the programs that serve boys and girls from ages 14
through 20. They insist the decisions were not made in response to
lawsuits.
In an action that has not yet been publicly announced, the Scouts'
national executive board decided in February that Explorer units with a
focus on hobbies or outdoor adventure-or with a religious component
- will be put into a newly created Venturing division. Details of the
program are still being worked out, but a national spokesman confirmed
that Venturing will continue the traditional codes, values and requirements for leadership and membership. Explorer units that focus on
career exploration will be put under the administration of Learning for
Life, an existing Boy Scouts subsidiary that helps schools provide career
information to students. These Explorer posts often are sponsored in the
workplace by private businesses or government agencies . Gregg Shields,
a national Boy Scouts spokesman, confirmed that these Explorer units
would no longer be subject to the traditional codes and requirements that
have applied to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts.

THE EARS HAVE

IT

Researchers say they have found the first strong evidence of a physical
difference between lesbians and straight women - a finding that the inner
ears of gay women work more like those of men. The discovery adds new
support to the theory that sexual orientation may be predisposed before
birth. Previous research has found that two parts of the male brain are
different in gay and heterosexual men. Other studies have found that
some genes differ between gay and straight men.
In the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, researchers at the University of Texas, Austin, said they found
the inner ears offemale homosexuals have undergone "masculinization,"
probably from hormone exposure before birth. The inner ear difference
between homosexual and heterosexual women was detected using a test
that measures the function of the cochlea, a key sound amplifier in the
inner ear, said McFadden, a professor of experimental psychology. The
cochlea amplifier in women is more sensitive than that of men, giving
women an increased ability to detect very soft sounds in a very quiet
room.
What is clear is that there is a dramatic difference in the development of
the hearing systems of lesbians and of heterosexual women. It also is
known that development of the inner ear is affected before birth by
androgens, a male hormone. Androgens may also alter the brain centers
that produce sexual orientation.

HORMEL UPDATE
James Hormel, heir to the meatpacking fortune and a founding board
member of the Human Rights Campaign has pledged to resign and give
up gay-rights activism if confirmed. The Clinton administration maintains its support for Hormel and is accusing a small group of Republican
senators of discrimination for blocking the confirmation of the San
Francisco philanthropist who would be the first openly gay US ambassador. But conservative lawmakers who are preventing a Senate vote on
James Hormel's bid for the Luxembourg post contend it's his gay rights
activism and not his sexual orientation they find disturbing.
Sens. Tim Hutchinson, R-Ark., and James Inhofe, R-Okla., have placed
open holds on Hormel and others have done so anonymously, said
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss. As a result, Hormel's name
isn't expected to reach the floor without a fight, if at all.

LESBIAN HEALTH CARE
For 20 years, Nayla Rolle lived with a paralyzing disease that doctors
dismissed as stress-related. It wasn't until she started seeing Joan
Waitkevicz - a specialist in lesbian health issues - that her ailments were
diagnosed correctly, as lupus and asthma. Waitkevicz, who began seeing
Rolle nine years ago while she was in private practice, is now director of

April 1998

the Beth Israel Medical Center's Gay Women's Focus in New York.
Health care networkers say it is the first hospital-based health-provider
in the country for lesbians. The connection to the hospital, proponents
say, could give lesbian patients better access to specialists and more
comprehensive insurance, than they would otherwise have.
Gay Women's Focus is a primary care provider and gives referrals. Since
opening in 1996, it has treated more than 3,000 patients _30 percent of
them lesbians. Ex,P:rts say gay women have special medical concerns :
They may be at higher risk of developing coronary disease, breast and
colon cancer, and some vaginal infections, research shows. And sexual
practices can have an effect. Teresa Cuadra, the center's gynecologist,
said many lesbians may go years without visiting a gynecologist, for
example, because they think they are not at risk for sexually transmitted
diseases.
Pat Troy and her partner began seeing Waitkevicz more than 16 years
ago, after Troy's previous gynecologist molested her. Experts say such
stories are common. In addition, lesbians may avoid doctors for fear
they will be denied insurance coverage or be forced to reveal their sexual
orientation at work. According to a 1994 survey of members of the
American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, 67 percent of
doctors and medical students said.they knew of a lesbian, gay or bisexual
patient who had received substandard care or been denied care because
of sexual orientation.

FIRM MATCHES GAY MEN AND SURROGATES
The longed-for package from Denise in Tulsa, Okla., arrived in the mail.
The anxious Manhattan Beach couple popped the enclosed videotape of
the ultrasound into their VCR and anxiously scrutinized the grainy
image. Their baby looked healthy, and he certainly appeared to be a boy.
The parents-to-be-Jim and Brian-were delighted. Denise had agreed
to carry a baby for Jim and Brian after she was introduced to them by
Gail Taylor, founder of Growing Generations, a 1 1/2-year-old West
Los Angeles company that matches gay men who want to have children
with surrogate mothers. Growing Generations is the only surrogateparenting agency _in the United States exclusively serving gay men.
Taylor,herselfalesb1anandthemotherofa6-month-olddaughter,saidsheha.~
received hundreds ofinquiries nationwide since starting her service, most from
people who heard about it via the Internet or word of mouth.

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

49 Coolidge Avenue
Stamford. CT 06906
(203) 964-184 7

T Depression
T Anxiety

T Post-Trawnatic Stress
T Counseling for Partners & Family
1653 Capitol Avenue T Specialized Psychotherapy Groups
Bridgeport. CT 06606 T Case Consultation
T Clinical Supervision
(203) 332-0136

Michelle C. Loris, Psy.D.
Individual, Couple and Group Therapy

(203) 255-2767
Ct. Lie. MFT

By Appointment

Page9

T NEWS & VIEWS
California does not regulate surrogate agencies. Taylor says her basic fee
is $47,000, including medical screenings, legal costs of terminating the
surrogate's parental rights, adoption by the non-biological parent and
compensation of$15,000 that 1s paid to the surrogate over the course
of the pregnancy. Growing Generations has recently added the option
of using an egg donor. Couples might opt to use an egg donated by one
man's sister, for example. This choice, which necessitates in vitro
fertilization, significantly increases costs.

POPE TAKES AIM AT SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
Pope John Paul II used a visit by Spanish bishops to condemn same-sex
marriages as an attack on the institution of the family. "We are seeing
today a trend, very widespread in some circles, that threatens the very
characteristics of the family," the pope told the bishops from Catalonia
and Asturias. He denounced those who "want same-sex unions recognized as families," and urged the bishops to "proclaim with pastoral
firmness the truth about marriage and the family, as God made it to be."
ELDERLY GAY HOUSING
It was 25 years ago that the seeds of a novel idea were first planted in the
mind of Brenda Cole. Now a Massachusetts entrepreneur, Cole is laying
the groundwork for what would be one of the first chains of assisted
living and retirement facilities marketed to elderly gay men and lesbians
in the nation. Boston is one ofseveral cities Cole is targeting for the $75
million, for-profit project, which would include a bevy of amenities: a
health club, wellness center, and hair salon at each site.
Cole says she is "very close" to closing a deal with an investor that will
leave her with $6.5 million in seed money to break ground for the first
120-unit facility, which would be located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - a
growing area with a large gay community. Slated to open after that
would be sites in Atlanta and Boston - if Cole can locate a suitable space
in the city's tight and expensive housing market. Depending on the
market and the size of the units, condominiums could cost anywhere
from $160,000 to $275,000; assisted living services such as meals and
physical therapy would likely run an additional $2,000 to $3,500 per
month, Cole said. The units would be split evenly between assisted and
independent living quarters.
GAY BooMERS AND RETIREMENT
Peter Lundberg's vision for a Bay Area retirement mecca would boast
many of the niceties of a Sun City resort. As many as 500 older residents
would stroll hand-in-hand along its extensive walkways past shops, a
central plaza and homes with spacious porches for frittering away an
afternoon. They'd relax at its pool, tennis courts and recreation center.
And those in failing health would be tended to at its on-site nursing home
or assisted-care facility. But "Our Town," as the 48-year-old San
Francisco financial planner dubs his dream, would differ in one significant way from the typical retirement community. Like a growing
number of seniors-oriented developments being proposed around the
nation, it would be tailored specifically to lesbians and gay men.
Our Town is one of at least three such projects under consideration for
the Bay Area and other spots in California. Similar developments,
including several mobile home parks aimed primarily at older lesbians,
already have opened or are in the works in Ariwna, Florida, Georgia,
Massachusetts, North Carolina and Washington state, according to
stories in gay and lesbian publications and people involved.
The whole idea intrigues Mary Thorndal, executive director of the Gay
and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons, which was formed last year
in Los Angeles . In fact, Thorndalis so enthusiastic that she and her
partner for the past 15 years, Veronica St. Claire, are proposing to build
a similar froject themselves. But it may not be simple. Like Lundberg,
Thornda and St. Claire have discovered potential hitches from the
market surveys they've done. Among the biggest is that older gays and
lesbians are much less likely than their younger counterparts to have
stepped out of the closet. As a result, such projects may have to wait until
Baby Boomers get a little older, since many ofthose already of retirement
age would resist moving to a place that would openly advertise their
sexual orientation. Another tricky factor in selling such projects is that
many gays and lesbians enjoy living around straight people and that some
prospective tenants would resist moving anywhere that's only for seniors.

April 1998

That sounds like what Bill Laing is developing on 22 acres near Tampa
Bay, Fla. The Palms ofManasota, which the 67-year-old retired psychology professor began building in August, is primarily geared toward gay
and lesbian seniors. But "20 percent of our population can be under 55,"
says Laing, who is gay. A straight person recently expressed interest in
living there. The Palms' initial plans call for 21 single-family homes
starting at $117,000, 44 apartments and an assisted-living facility able
to accommodate 45 people. They also include everything from recreation hall and swimming pool to shuftleboard courts and horseshoe pi ts.
A third of the homes already have been sold, according to Laing.
Lundberg, Thorndal and Laing all have Web sites to promote their
plans. Other developments, including two Ariwna mobile home parks,
Superstition Mountain Resort and The Pueblo, rely more on word-ofmouth. Since 1994, several hundred women, many of them retired
lesbians, quietly have moved into the Apache Junction parks. The park
has plenty of amenities: game rooms, a pool and even an auditorium,
where gay entertainers from the Phoenix area show up to perform. But
more than anything, it is a kind of sanctuary.
For more information :
Our Town, (415) 566-4100, http:////www.ourtownvillages.com//
Metropolitan Community Homes Inc., (415) 453-5653.
Gay and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons Inc., (310) 966-1500,
http:////www.gaylesbianretiring.org//
PalmsofManasota, (941) 722-5858,http:////www.prideworks.com//pahns.htm.

2.'Hope Street, Stamford, CoAO,
Telephone: 203-348~9880

Maureen M. Murphy
is pleased to announce
the relocation o/ her law practice

to new offices at
27 Elm Street
New Haven,

(203) 789-2269

CT 06510
Fax (203) 789-2997

E-mail: mmurphy/aw@aof.com
Civil Rights

Special Education Law

Employment Law

Family Law

Title IX

Lesbian & Gay Legal Rights

Page 10

T NEWS & VIEWS
-

STATE BY STATE NEWS

AK -

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BAN

About 60 people signed up to testify against a proposed constitutional
amendment banning same-sex marriages in Alaska. The proposal's
main proponent, Sen. Loren Leman, told the committee the amendment is needed to head off a redefinition of marriage, which he said runs
contrary to every law in every state and in every country. Leman's move
for a constitutional amendment on marriage was prompted by a court
ruling 10 days ago in the case of two Anchorage men suing the state for
a marriage license. Superior Court Judge Peter Michalski ruled that the
constitutional right to privacy extends to choice of spouse, even if a
person's choice is to marry someone of the same sex. In spite of their
efforts, the committee voted 5-1 in favor of adding to the constitution
a definition of marriage as a union "between one man and one woman."

AZ - GAYS

FEAR LINKS IN MURDERS

Robert Hernandez was minding his own business, walking alone
through the parking lot of Valle Cita Gardens apartments on Union
Hills Drive. A group of teenagers saw him and thought he was gay. One
of them, Armen Harutiunian, 15, allegedly approached Hernandez,
pulled out a handgun and ended the man's life with a single shot to the
chest. Police officers said Hernandez's death was the second fatal attack
in north Phoenix in the past two months against men thought to be gay.
Detective Mike McCullough of Phoenix police said that he didn't know
whether the cases of Hernandez and Thomas Moffatt, who was slain in
January, are related. But said that they believed that the Jan. 10 death of
the 71-year-old Moffatt was caused by a person or persons with bias
against gay males.

IA -

PROTESTERS: No

LAw

PROTECTING GAYS

A City Council member was among 600 people who turned out for a
rally against expanding Des Moines' anti-discrimination law to protect
homosexuals. Several pastors prayed around Councilman Michael
McPherson at First Assembly of God Church to give him strength to
continue to oppose the proposal. "The truth will set you free," McPherson
said. The council, which has shot down similar proposals twice before,
is expected to consider the protection in a few weeks. Ifthe council passes
the proposal, Des Moines would join Ames and Iowa City, which
protect homosexuals from discrimination in employment, housing and
public accommodations. The city already prohibits such discrimination
based on race, gender, religion or any of five other characteristics.

IA -

Sioux C1rv SAYS,

"No"

By a 3-2 vote the Sioux City Council defeated a controversial proposal
that would have given homosexuals legal protections from discrimination. The action capped hours of public debate on one of the most
emotional and contentious issues in the city's history. Nearly 150 people
packed the council chambers. Hundreds more called or wrote council
members in the last few weeks, with the overwhelming majority
opposed to adding sexual orientation to the list of groups protected in
the city code from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing
and public accommodations.

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
April 1998

Wilton Office
387 Danbury Rd.
(203) 847-1094

Many opponents agreed that discriminating against homosexuals is
wrong. But they argued gays and lesbians do not deserve the same
protections as other groups in the city human rights ordinance, such as
race. ''These people are not born this way like a man is born black, or red
or yellow," Odell Nelson, a retired schoolte~~her, said. "These people
chose to live this way." The largest oppos1t1.on came from religious
conservatives, who argued the ordinance would violate their personal
beliefs. Many called the ordinance an attempt to sanction an immoral
lifestyle.

IL -

RED LOBSTER SUED

Dale Hall said he was fired from Red Lobster because of his sexual
orientation. Hall has filed suit charging Red Lobster Restaurants with
violating Cook County's human rights ordinance. The 5-year-old ordinance protects people from discrimination based on sexual orientation
and other parameters.
Dale Hall, 34, who now works as a waiter at a downtown Chicago
restaurant, had been an associate manager at Red Lobster, one rank
below general manager. The incident that led to his termination
occurred in April 1996. A waiter, who admitted in testimony that he
referred to Hall and other gay employees as "(expletive) faggots,"
became angry when H.i.U told him he could not leave work when he
wanted to. The waiter threw the night's money at Hall and walked off
the job. Hall said that days later, he heard the restaurant manager was
trying to find the waiter. Hall ultimately was fired. "They terminated
me," Hall said. "They rehired the other guy." Two restaurant staffers
testified in the hearing that the general manager would stand behind Hall
during meetings, doing "the limp-wrist thing," an allegation the manager denied.

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 11

T NEWS & VIEWS
IN - Al DS/H IV

PHARMACY OPENS

Statscript Pharmacy has opened its first store in Indianapolis, a somewhat dubious distinction for the city. That's because Statscript specializes in treating people with HIV or AIDS, entering new markets only
after an exhaustive study to measure the need for such a service. It seems
enough people were diagnosed with the deadly disease here to convince
Statscript it was time to come. There have been 2,014 HIV cases
reported in Marion County since 1985, and 1,188 AIDS cases since
1982, according to The Damien Center, a local HIV/AIDS social
service center.
Statscript pharmacies do a lot more than just fill prescriptions, said Brad
Plunkett, the lone pharmacist at the company's Downtown store. The
pharmacies work closely with private and government social service
agencies and gay and lesbian organizations, referring clients where
appropriate for financial, emotional or medical assistance. And the
company says it brings a special sensitivity to its work, insisting on such
features as closed rooms where clients can receive counseling in private.
Statscript has 22 locations nationwide and three more in development.

MA -

MusT REPORT HIV CASES

For the first time, Massachusetts health-care providers will soon have to
report all cases of HIV infection to the state, according to a Department
of Public Health decision to be announced today. The policy is part of
a growing acknowledgment nationally that the epidemic must be
tracked earlier, rather than reported only after HIV infection has turned
into AIDS. But Massachusetts is breaking ranks with 31 states by
adopting an HIV reporting system that uses a number identifier, not a
person's name, in the state records.
AIDS activists welcomed the decision, saying that HIV reporting is
needed with the new drug treatments available, and that using the
number better protects a person's confidentiality. Massachusetts will be
joining only Maryland and Texas in requiring HIV reporting by
identifier number rather than name, while the states with some of the
biggest numbers of HIV and AIDS cases - California and New Yark are in the midst a name vs. number debate.

NB -

TX -

OPEN DOORS

Outside the University Baptist Church, across the street from the
University of Texas, a sign proudly proclaims: "Our Doors Are Still
Open." Inside over a chicken dinner, about 50 church members talk out
their feelings after the Baptist General Convention of Texas voted Feb.
24 to oust the small congregation for embracing gays and lesbians.
Church members are not happy about how they were treated. But
neither are they deterred from what they see as their ministry to spread
God's love for all people. The church was ousted from the Austin Baptist
Association after the 1994 ordination of Hans Venable, a deacon who is
gay. Since then, the church has invited homosexuals to participate in
Open Circle, a ministry for gays and lesbians.

TX - ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

ORDER

Mayor Lee Brown fulfilled a campaign promise by signing an executive
order banning discrimination in Houston's city government on the basis
of sexual orientation. Brown established the new policy through his
executive order authority, which does not require a vote by the City
Council. But the issue's strong association with the gay and lesbian
community has generated controversy- both at City Hall and in public
debate. Noting that Houston voters overwhelmingly repealed an ordinance granting job protection to gay and lesbian city workers in 1985,
some opponents of the policy called on Brown to put the measure to a
vote of City Council.

CHURCH FINDS MINISTER INNOCENT

A Methodist pastor in Nebraska was found innocent by a church panel
of disobeying church rules for performing a lesbian unity ceremony.
Had he been found guilty by the juryoffellow ministers, the Rev. Jimmy
Creech could have lost his position as senior pastor of Omaha's largest
United Methodist Church and be stripped of his ministerial credentials.
The case was the first challenge to United Methodist policy on homosexual marriage, and the jury's decision could shape how the 9.5 millionmember denomination interprets rules governing its treatment of gays.
The jury was made up of four women and nine men, all ministers from
Nebraska. The 53-year-old Creech conducted a same-sex commitment
ceremony in Kearney, about 185 miles west of Omaha, in September.
He was suspended from the leadership of his congregation on Nov. 10.
Creech testified that he was simply serving the spiritual needs of two
women church members .
The Rev. Loren Ekdahl ofLincoln, who argued the church's side, said Creech
went wrong by conducting the ceremony as ifit were an official rite. "We're not
talking about a simple prayer or blessing here," he said. In_Creech's defense, the
Rev. Douglas Williamson ofNebraska Wesleyan University argued that the
church's Social Principles, amended in 1996 to prohibit "ceremonies that
celebrate homosexual unions," are merely guidelines.

NY -

So overcrowded in its original meeting hall that some members had to
sit on kiddy chairs, the synagogue moved to an artists' complex. For
nearly 20 years, the synagogue was led entirely by volunteers. As the
AIDS crisis hit, the congregation's needs grew at the same rapid pace as
its membership. In 1992, the congregation hired Rabbi Sharon
Kleinbaum, whose Yorn Kippur service attracts 3,000. She has found a
congregation "thirsty to learn." Her class on contemporary Jewish
philosophy regularly pulls in more than four times the 20 people she
anticipated. Study retreats are sold out and a second trip to Israel is set
for next year.

-

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II
,llembe.r ofthe Global

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Bryan Costello

212•382•5176

Investments
Pensions
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The ubove-111,med individuals are regjstered representalives ofEQ Financial
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(203) 256-4565
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FAX: (203) 256-1759
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GAY SYNAGOGUE

The Congregation Beth Simchat Torah in Manhattan is the world's
largest gay synagogue. In February the 800-member congregation
celebrated its 25th anniversary. For the last five years it has been led by
a young lesbian rabbi ranked among the nation's top 50 Jewish leaders
in 1997. Congregation Beth Simchat Torah quickly became a magnet
for gay Jews who had felt painfully cut off from their religious roots. For
New Yorkers such as Michael Levine, discovering the gay synagogue
seemed like a miracle. "The second I walked through the doors I felt I
had come home," he recalls.

April 1998

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

T fllilEW5 & VIEWS
' )))]))) WORLD NEWS
AFGHANISTAN - THREE BURIED ALIVE FOR SODOMY
Three Afghan men convicted of sodomy survived an attempted execution in which they were buried alive for 30 minutes, a news agency
reported. Taliban's supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar ordered
the three to be left for half an hour under the rubble of a stone wall which
was felled on top of them by a battle tank. Their lives would be spared
if they survived. Pakistan-based AIP said the men were found alive when
the pile of stones was removed, and were taken to hospital to be treated
for their injuries. Fazalur Rehman, Ahmad Shah and Abdul Qahir had
all been convicted by an Islamic court ofcommitting sodomy with young
boys. Orthodox Afghan Islamic scholars believe a sodomite must be
executed either by being pushed from a hill or by having a wall felled on
top of him, Afghan sources in Pakistan said.

CANADA - LESBIAN COUPLE SETTLES
An estranged lesbian couple who fought for years over alimony payments
have reached a settlement just as the Supreme Court prepared to hear
their landmark case. But the former lovers will still be at the center of a
high court hearing that will deal with whether Ontario law governing
alimony should be expanded to include same sex couples. The story ofM
and H began in 1980, when the two met and fell in love while vacationing
in Nepal. They lived together for more than 10 years, pooling assets,
buying a country vacation home and starting an ad agency. M tended
mostly to the household chores while H took care of business matters.
When it all fell apart in 1992, M found she couldn't sue for support
payments under Ontario's Family Support Act.

JAMAICA - MORE DEBATE
On the Caribbean island ofJ amaica, the Village People's performance at
the Negri! Music Festival sparked outrage from the anti-gay activists.
"To promote a music festival of that nature, which is going to highlight
a behavior repugnant to the majority of people in this country, is
disrespectful," said the Rev. Stanley Clark, president of the Jamaica
Cou_ncil of Churches. Homosexuality has become a hot issue throughout
the Caribbean in recent months following British pressures on its
colonies to abolish anti-gay laws andjrison riots in Jamaica over the
distribution of condoms to guards an prisoners.
Inciting the most controversy was a decision by the Cayman Islands to
prohibit a cruise ship carrying some 900 gay passengers from making a oneday stop there in February. Religious groups in the Bahamas protested after
the government announced it would allow the landing of the ship rejected
by the Cayman Islands. The ship never landed though, due to bad weather
that Bahamian clergymen deemed an act of divine intervention.
"We have been surprised by all the anti-gay behavior in the Caribbean,"
said David Smith, senior strategist with the Human Rights Campaign.
Smith said he, "wouldn't be surprised" if right-wing groups in the US,
particularly the American Family Association, were responsible for
fomenting anti-homosexual sentiments in the Caribbean, a historically
religious and conservative area. Allen Wildom of the American Family
Association denied tryirig to influence Caribbean countries. But he admitted his group's web site does encourage readers to contact the British
government and the US State Department to voice opposition to efforts to
persuade Caribbean governments to liberalize anti-gay laws. "We haven't
yet asked for a boycott of England, but it's a possibility in the future if
Britain continues to push for the repeal of sodomy laws," said Wildman.

NASSAU - ANT1-GAv PROTEST
A cruise ship that sparked a noisy, anti-gay protest in the Bahamas was
not chartered by a gay vacation group, the ship's operator said. The
vessel, the Veendam, left Miami early for a stop at Half Moon Bay, a
remote Bahamian island, on the first stage of a seven-day Caribbean
cruise. Hundreds of placard-waving demonstrators took to the streets
in Nassau to protest the Veendam's visit.
Hours before the protest, Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham
called a news conference to say that all tourists were welcome in the
Bahamas. The protest was led by Save the Bahamas, a group formed in
February to protest the scheduled visit of another cruise ship. Demonstrators called on the government to acknowledge the "outrage" of its
citizens. The group asked Bahamians to si~n a petition calling for the
reinstatement of sodomy laws, a ban on facilities for "sodomites" and a
ban on "open sodomites" holding government office.

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SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

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

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

Splendid Repertoire of Traditional Music
Welcoming and Inclusive Congregation

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

For additional information or auditions call:
Bill Voetberg, Music Director, (203) 847-7250
April 1998

JOHANNA RAYMAN

225 MAIN STREET, LLl • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549
Page 13

T ~EWS & VIEWS
UPCOMMING EVENTS
GAY CHRISTIAN RETREAT
Gay, Lesbian and Christian: Many Rooms -Thursday, June 11 thru
Sunday, June 14 at the Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center in Bangor,
PA. - Cost $300. John's Gospel speaks of many rooms in God's house
and we come to our Christian spirituality from many different traditions
and experiences within and outside the church. This event will provide
our community the opportunity to share expressions of our unique
experiences of God's grace and love. Facilitators include: John McN eill,
Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Christine Smith and Melvin Deal. For
more information call the Kirkridge Retreat at (610) 588-1793.

GAY

& LESBIAN

WORKSHOPS

The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York, is
hosting several workshops for lesbians and gay men from Monday, June
22 thru Friday, June 26. The workshops include "Reclaiming Our Inner
Wisdom: A Lesbian Retreat" with Elizabeth Roebuck, Ph.D. (cost
$290). "Honoring Our Journey: A Workshop for Gay Men" with Terry
Flynn (cost $290). "Touching the Body, Healing the Spirit: A Workshop for Gay Men Using the Rubenfeld Synergy Method" with Bob
Bauer, C.S.W. (cost$275) and "Getting the Love You Want: For Gay
and Lesbian Couples" with-Patricia Zorn and Sharon Kleinberg, C.S.W.
(cost $195) . For more information contact the Omega Institute at 800944-1001.

CONFERENCE - MAN

&

MASCULINITY

The National Organization for Men Against Sexism (a pro-feminist, gay
affirmative, anti-racist organization) is holding its 23rd conference on
Men & Masculinity entitled Pro Feminist 2000 from Friday, August 6
thru Sunday, August 9 at SUNY Stony Brook in Stony Brook Long
Island, New York. Areas to be covered are: Ending Men's Violence,
Homophobia Issues and Men's Studies. For more information call
(516) 399-4229.

GAY

& LESBIAN

BUSINESS EXPO

On April 25 and 26, the largest gay and lesbian trade show in the country
will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. This annual
event gives gays and lesbians the opportunity to shop and discover
businesses (local and national) that targetthe gay community. Sponsors
include major corporations such as Subaru, IBM and American Airlines.
Last year there were 15,000 visitors. For mgre information on the trade
show call 800/243-9774.

Our AND

EQUAL

'98

Rochester, New York will host a national conference on how sexual
orientation and gender identity shape workplace dynamics. Out and
Equal '98, the National Conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Trans gender Workplace Issues, is considered the preeminent event of its
kind. Over three days in April, an expected 400 attendees will discuss
benefits and policies, discrimination and harassment, understanding and
awareness.
Among the topics to be covered April 17-19: same-sex sexual harassment, what employment law does and does not protect, and the

importance of schools teaching acceptance of all diversity. "This is not
going to be a 101 conference, which is what they usually are," David
Kosel, conference chair, said. "We'll talk about what happens to a gay
person in interviews, how they're perceived. We have companies coming
to recruit and show support. That's not happened at these conferences
before." For additional information call David Kosel, (716) 328-5986.

INFECTED AND AFFECTED BY

HIV/AIDS

"Soul Connections," a retreat for persons living with HIV/AIDS and
their friends, family, or significant others will be held at Saint Edmund's
Retreat Center on the weekend of May 15, 16, 17, 1998. Located in
Mystic, CT, this retreat will give participants a chance to relax on the safe,
comfortable, and scenic grounds of Enders Island as they explore ways
to contact and communicate with their own selves, each other, and the
God of their own understanding. The weekend will also include good
food, massages, Yoga and a variety of activities that nourish and enhance
a person's well being. There is a fee of $25.00 per person for the entire
weekend and includes food and lodging. Space, however, is limited and
due to the popularity and demand for these retreats, it is suggested
reservations be made as soon as possible.
The weekend will also feature a special presentation on N euro-Linguistic
Programming (NLP) by Seph Mayo. Mr. Mayo was one of the founders
of"TogetherThrough Touch" a free massage program for people living
with HIV/AIDS. Ellen Rubin, currently working on YOGA classes for
AIDS Project New Haven and stress reduction workshops for the
Connecticut AIDS Residence Program, will also be leading a session on
Yoga and ways partners can assist each other. For more info. please
contact: Br. Thomas Berube (860) 572-8548 orTOMBSSE@aol.com

LESBIAN

RocK CONCERT

On Saturday April 25 roads to Westport will be jammed with lesbians.
The place to be: the Unitarian Church in Westport; when: 8 p.m.; why:
The Concert: "She's A Rebel - Fearlessly going where no woman has
gone before'! Suzanne Sheridan, the "One Night Stand Band", "The
Undertones", and members of"Another Octave" are coming out for the
first leg of the "Rebel Tour''. Singing songs only previously done by
men, Suzanne is reclaiming the territory of old time rock 'n roll for you.
Songs like "Pretty Woman", "Delilah", "Lay Down Sally'', and "Young
Girl. Yyou will also be treated to a gala party after the concert. Tickets
are only $15. Call 203-227-7205, ext. 22 for more information or you
can send your check or money order and a SASE to the Uni taria11 Church
in Westport, 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport, CT. 06880, attn: Rebel.

HELPFUL HINTS
PAINLESS ADHESIVE BANDAGE REMOVAL: SOAK A COTTON
BALL IN BABY OIL AND WIPE IT AROUND THE SIDES OF THE
BANDAGE. IN ABOUT

10

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SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

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225 MAIN STREET, LLl • WESTI'ORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

April 1998

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.
We're here to help - because we care.
Page 14

1

Univl1i

1

11r1~f1 l~1fiiij1~ll~llf1I~11l1ll1~11~11md,

OK

Property of the Center

M 001 111 375

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
HEATHER WEIMANN ...................... ........ (203) 924-2930

Deadline for the May Newsletter will be Saturday .
April.16. We cannot guarantee that material received
after that date will be included in May News&Views.
OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
Chiltern Mountain Club
Connecticut Kids and Families
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club.(Social Grp.-call Dale before 10pm)
Gay Fathers Group
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
Hartford Community Center
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
Metropolitan Community Church
Transgendered Resource - Kaylen
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
Triangle Kids
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group

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

330-9595
264-5605
899-0270
256-8414
791-9553
261-4019
866- 7051
778- 7016
688-1881
366-3734
724 5542
262-1555
389-6750
661-2448
948-4922
931-8789
255-6229
323-6278
773-9947

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.

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.

April 1998

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
838-188 I
374-6934
222-8294

9\['EWS & '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. John Delvecchio: Asst Editor
Phone: 203-334-3822
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Mike Collins: Publicity
Phone/Fax 964-1133
Phone: 203-375-3567
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com

FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT MICHELE STONE:
Ads must be camera-ready. Any ad not camera ready will be
subject to an additional charge. Inserts and special sizes upon
prior agreement All ads are placed on a space available basis.
The publication of the name of any person or organization in articles or ads in
NEWS & VIEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual
orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. The appearance
of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor constitute
endorsement by TCC,Inc. The views expressed in this NEWS & VIEWS are not
necessarily those ofTCC, Inc. Copyright 1998 by Triangle Community Center,
Inc. All rights reserved. This work, or any parts thereof, may not be used or
reproduced in any manner without written permission.

Page 15

TCC Calendar

April, 1998
Tues

Mon

Sun

Wed

Thu

l

,,,

P-FLAG7:45

Men's Rap 7:30

Fri
.J

Sat
'I

Bowl 9:30 Circle Lan es
G Mosaic 7:30

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I

IS

'J

IU

AA9-10am
Ou tS po ken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

Lesbian LitGrp 7:30
Fund Raising 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

Men's Rap 7:30

Friendraiser, Bdgpt, 6Out &About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes 9
Deadline New.; &
View.;

10

IL

lJ

14

I)

AA9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

rec Board 7:30

P-FLAG Spouses &Ex Mens' Rap 7:30
spouses 7:30

l'J

LU
Women's Rap 7:30

LI

AA9-10am
Ou tS po ken 4-6

ILO

AA9-10am
OutS poken 4-6

ILi

Women's Rap 7:30

Ll!

ILL

n

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

Men's Rap 7:30

IL'J

rec Board 7:30

CONNECTICUT CALENDAR
APRIL 1998
Friday., April 3 -The Killing of Sister George, 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 all 203-877-6382.
Saturday., April 4 -The Killing of Sister Gc:.orge (see April 3).
Saturday, April 4 - Living Positively!'s 7th anniversary Potluck Dinner,
in New Haven, 6:00 PM, followed by speakers at 7:00 PM. For
location and other information, please call Peter at 203-248-505 7.
Friday, April 10 - The cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show will
be featured at the twice monthly movie night at The New Haven
Gay & Lesbian Community Center, One Long Wharf, New
Haven. Potluck at 6:30 PM, movie at 7: 15 PM. For info call the
Center at (203) 777-7780.
Friday, April 17 - Sunday, April 19 - Out and Equal '98. National
conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Workplace Issues. For information call Dan Kosel at (716) 328-5986.
Sunday, April 19 - Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus presents OUT! The
Whole Story, to benefit A Moveable Feast, a meals-on-wheels
service for people with HIV/AIDS and cancer in southeastern
Connecticut. GardeArtsCenter, New London, 2:00 PM, $20 for
general seating, $26 for front balcony. For tickets call 1-888-ON
GARDE. Party after the show at Heroes Cafe in New London.
Friday, April 24 -A Diva gone mad is featured in SllllSet Boulevard at the
twice monthly movie night at The New Haven Gay & Lesbian
Community Center, One Long Wharf, New Haven. Potluck at 6:30
PM, movie at 7: 15 PM. For info, call the Center at (203) 777-7780.
Saturday, April 25 - Lesbian concert at the Unitarian Church in
Westport at 8 PM. "She's a Rebel Going Where No Woman Has
Gone Before!" Women singing songs previously sung by men.
Many singers and many band~! Tickets $15. For more information call (203) 227-2705.

April 1998

I/

II

IM

Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes
G Mosaic 7:30

12'1

ID

Out &About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes

_jU

Men's Rap 7:30

T

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)

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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



P operty of the Center

Triangle Community Center

T R

A N G

New-~ & View-~

Vol.9, No.4
April 1998

Free to Members and Subscribers

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

THE HOMOSEXUAL EXCEPTION

ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE INCREASES

... .In the course of in-depth interviews with 200 people in the suburbs of
Tulsa, Atlanta, San Diego and Boston, I did not find Americans morally
divided among themselves. I found them instead divided within themselves; they honor God, family and country, yet they also want to
accommodate themselves to the realities of contemporary America.
.... (But) however much they are willing to accept almost anything, most
of the middle-class Americans I spoke to were not prepared to accept
homosexuality
To be sure, there are plenty ofmiddle-class Americans who care not a whit
what people do in private. As one might expect, people in the Boston
suburbs are not as condemning of homosexuality as people in Oklahoma.
Although polls show that Southern blacks are among those most hostile
to homosexuals, the middle-class African-Americans with whom my
research assistant and I spoke in Georgia, who knew a thing or two about
discrimination, were among the most tolerant toward gay people ....
But these were minority voices. The furthest most people were willing to
go in the direction of toleration was to say that while they did not like
homosexuality, gay people deserved respect because all people deserve
respect. Four times as many people we spoke with condemned homosexuals as were willing to offer them positive acceptance. Some simply
refused to discuss the subject. Others responded with nervous laughter or
an obvious desire to change the topic as quickly as possible. Still others,
ever reluctant to use a word that implies a judgment about someone else's
behavior, had no trouble finding these words, .... when the subject of
homosexuality was raised, "abnormal ..... immoral ..... sinful. ... Unacceptable .... sick.... Unhealthy .... mentally deficient." In all likelihood, Americans are less homophobic than they were before the gay rights revolution,
but middle-class Americans have not come to the conclusion that
homosexuality represents an alternative that is the moral equal of any
other.
'
How do people reconcile their willingness to pass judgment on homosexuality with their strong support for moral individualism? A fairly
frequent response was articulated by a conservative Christian woman
from Cobb County, Ga.: "God said to love everyone, so you hate the sin
but love the person." This formulation sounds fine, except if you believe,
as many homosexuals do, that sexual identity is a big part of what defines
who you are. For another group of middle-class Americans, homa;exuals are
asking for "special rights," something more than what other groups want.
A general manager at a tool factory from Cobb County is vehemently put
off by conservative Christian preachers because of their "in your face"
tactics. Surprisingly, homosexuals are, in his view, quite similar to them
because both interfere in the lives of others. As he understands the matter,
gay people are not asking for the right to be left alone. They want instead
his acceptance of them, and that he is not prepared to give ... ..
.. ..Americans simply do not accept the idea that sexual preference is like
genderor race. In this belief they find support, oddly enough, in the early
rhetoric of gay liberation itself. Initially reluctant to blame any behavior
on biology or genetics, many gay activists .... once argued that homosexuality, like all forms of sexuality, was "socially constructed." Those
middle-class Americans most hostile to homosexuality, I found, were
those most willing to see it as a conscious choice ..... Make something a
natural condition or a syndrome, and Americans are quick to empathize.
Make it a choice, and people feel that they have the similar choice of
condemning it.
If we listen to these opinions, we are likely to come to two conclusions.
The first is that many homosexuals are correct to suggest that they,
perhaps more than any other group in America, are severely stigmatized.
But the second is that those Americans who have qualms about homosexuality are also correct if they believe their views to be widely shared.
There is no culture war in America, but on the question of gay rights,
fairly severe battles are likely to be fought for the foreseeable future .

Violence and harassment of homosexuals increased by 2 percent
nationwide last year, a coalition of gay groups said. It attributed the
increase to heightened publicity of events like the February 1997
bombing of a gay and lesbian nightclub in Atlanta and the coming-out
episode of the TV show "Ellen."
The National Coalition ofAnti-Violence Programs compiled the report
based on statistics obtained from local groups that track crimes against
homosexuals, bisexuals and people with blurred sexual identities. The
report is not based on police statistics and is not considered comprehensive because it only tracks 14 areas across the country. But officials of
groups within the coalition said the report should be taken seriously.
According to the report, there were 2,445 documented cases of anti-gay
violence and harassment last year in the 14 areas, including New York,
San Francisco and Los Angeles. The number of murders related to antigay violence dropped to 18 in 1997 from 27 in 1996. New York City
had the most reports of anti-homosexual violence (658), followed by
the San Francisco Bay area (402) and Los Angeles (350). More than a
third involved harassment - verbal or by mail or phone. About one-fifth
involved assault, and close to a third intimidation. Among the more
brutal examples of harassment include a gay Chicago man who reported
a year's worth of violent assaults by an elderly neighbor. One night he
said, she attacked him with garden shears, cut him 22 times and yelled
"die of AIDS ... " Police response was indifferent to hostile, the report
said, with officers once threatening to arrest the victim if he kept
complaining. Eventually the neighbor was charged with misdemeanor
assault.
New York Police Commissioner Howard Safir said the department has
worked closely with the gay and lesbian community "not only to
encourage the reporting of bias crimes, but also to help raise, awareness
ofany potential dangers faced by the community." But Safir added that
the report includes figures that were compiled without the use of any
uniform or generally accepted method of reporting. He says the New
York group "did not attempt to reconcile their figures with those of this
department." The department's figures, based on accounting methods
used by the FBI, show that the number of citywide gay bias incidents
dropped to 59 in 1997 from 61 in 1996.

April 1998

GAY-BASHING IN CONN.
In Stratford, Connecticut's most recent gay bashing incident, a 33 year
old Bridgeport gay man was assaulted and beaten by three men in the
early morning hours of Thursday, March 12. The trio punched and
kicked the victim as he exited the Village Pub, a neighborhood bar on
Success Avenue in Stratford just a short distance from the victim's home
in Success Village. One of the three men had been a customer in the Pub
and began harassing the victim because he was gay. The bartender told
the rude customer to leave. Once outside, the customer evidently
recruited a couple of"friends" to wait with him for the victim . When
the victim stepped out of the bar the three attacked him. Stratford police
were called to the scene but the attackers had already fled . The victim,
punched in the face and kicked several times, declined medical
attention.
-John DelVecchio

ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE RISES IN DC
The number of people who complained that they were the victims of
anti-gay violence in the Washington area jumped last year, part of a
slight increase in reported anti-gay hate crimes nationwide that has
occurred even as violent crime has dropped significantly, a coalition of
watchdog groups said. Gay Men and Lesbians Opposing Violence, a
DC group that runs a hate-crime hot line, documented 86 victims of
anti-gay violence in 1997, compared with 69 in 1996, a 25 percent
increase. Although more than half of the incidents were classified as
Continued on next page
Page I

T NEWS & VIEWS
assaults, a majority of victims reported that they escaped without injury.
Though Johnson said there was no "typical" victim, more than three-quarters
of the incidents were reported by men. The attacks were most likely to occur
on the street or in the victim's own home. Nearly half of the victims reported
that they were attacked by strangers.

HATE CRIMES UP IN MASS.
Hate incidents reported against gays and lesbians in Massachusetts surged in
1997, increasing 42 percent despite a sharp dip in overall crime, according to a
study released yesterday by the Violence Recovery Program of Fenway Community Health Center. The study also showed that while about 35 percent of the
threats, harassment, assault, and vandalism occurred in Boston, which reported
80 incidents as opposed to 10 in 1996, the most dramatic rise occurred in
Worcester County, which reported 33 incidents as opposed to four in 1996. In
all, Massachusetts reported 228 such incidents in 1997, an increase of70% over
1996. Forty-nine people were assaulted, up from 41 in 1996. Homicides
dipped, however. While the report speculates that the February 1997 murder in
Boston of Lee Thompson may have been related to his sexual orientation it
identifies three such murders in Massachusetts in 1996.
The report's results were considerably more alarming than national figures
released by the National Coalition ofAntiviolence Programs, which incorporates the Violence Recovery Program's number and data from other states. It
found just 42 percent overall increase in violent attacks against gays. Forty-eight
percent of the Massachusetts incidents included threats, intimidation or harassment, 27 percent involved physical assault, and 6 percent, involved vandalism
or graffiti. Two incidents involved the setting of fires and a bomb threat to a gay
nightclub.

VIOLENCE

& GAY

RIGHTS IN MAINE

In what was billed as a rally to "speak out against fear and violence," nearly 200
people crowded into a small rural church to denounce the results of a Feb. 10
reterendum overturning the state's gay rights law. The meeting was the first of
what gay leaders say will be dozens across Maine in anticipation of an effort to
pass a new gay rights law in 2000. By 51 percent to 49 percent.
The rally was also held to support Charles Mitchell, a gay psychiatrist who was
attacked and beaten recently while jogging in Falmouth. At the rally, a halfdozen speakers said violence and discrimination exist side by side in Maine. One
gay man told of having his car vandalized, others of being called "faggot."
Margery Clement of Falmouth explained how her son faced threats and abuse
at high school because he is gay.

CRIMES AGAINST GAYS RISE IN MICH.
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reported in a study that
violence against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals and victims of AIDS
increased at a rate of 2 percent in 1997. The situation was even worse in
Michigan, where crime against gays and lesbians increased 12 percent over
1996.
According to the survey, there was a dramatic increase nationally in the number
of incidents in police precincts and jails. Also up were reports of unjustified
arrests and offenders who were police officers. As a result, he said, it is not
surprising that many victims are reluctant or unwilling to seek help from the
police or to file police reports for an incident. Another marked increase occurred
in what the report referred to as "serial incidents," or those of continuous
violence and harassment by one offender against a single victim over a period of
time. According to the survey, such crimes increased "a frightening" 36 percent
last year. Incidents at schools and colleges were also up, by 34 percent.

ANT-GAY STUDENTS IN MINN.
Minnesota students felt a little safer last year than they did a year earlier, but most
sajd they still witness misbehavior at school, a new state report says. Stealing,
name-calling and cursing were the acts most frequently identified as a "major
problem" in the fourth-ammal survey, conducted by the state attorney general's
office. Fifty-three percent of those questioned in the 1997 random-sample
survey ofl,800 students said they felt safe at school, up from 46 percent in 1996.
About 60 percent said that they saw between one and five violent acts at school
last year, and about 18 percent said they saw violent acts from five to 10 times.
The survey's definition of violence ranges from verbal insults to pulling out a
knife or a gun. Twenty percent of the students said se>.."1.lal harassment was a
major problem in school, and 50 percent said gay and lesbian students were the
most likely victims of violence.

April 1998

W'rcCNEWs
TCC F RIENDRAISER
The April Friendraiser will be held on Saturday, April 25 from
6 PM to 9 PM in the Bridgeport apartment of Tom Mariconda
and Walter Dembowski (Executive House, 3900 Park Avenue,
Apartment 4-E). A buffet meal and non-alcoholic beverages will
be provided. Feel free to Bring Your Own Bottle of... whatever.
Any questions? Call Tom or Walter at (203) 374-6934.
DIRECTIONS: It was easier to reach Tom and Walter for their
last Friendraiser, when it was one straight ride (so to speak)
down Park Avenue. They haven't moved, but road construction
still-in-progress as of the ''News and Views" deadline means a
detour and different (though not difficult) directions.
Take the Merritt Parkway (either direction) to Exit 4 7. Turn left
at the end of the exit ramp onto Park Avenue. Drive .8
(eight-tenths) of a mile on Park Avenue, through two traffic
lights (preferably green) and past Sacred Heart University to the
"Road Closed" sign at Eckart Street (the point beyond which
you really can go no further). Turn left onto Eckart and ride
one-half mile to the second stop sign, which is the end of Eckart.
Turn right onto Madison Avenue and drive 1.5 miles, past one
stop sign and one traffic light to a second, four-way stop sign at
Queen Street (No Comment!) Turn right onto Queen Street
and drive the short distance to the traffic light at Park Avenue.
Turn right onto Park Avenue, four blocks (two-tenths ofa mile)
later, on the right (just before the Italian Community Center) is
Executive House (3900 Park Avenue).
Park on either side of the street (except near the bus stops) or in
the Visitor Parking spaces on the side of the building (but not
in the Emergency spaces in front). Take an elevator to the fourth
floor. Turn right, head to Apartment 4-E, and walk right in! It'll
be good to see you!

SOFTBALL
There's still time to start a TCC lesbian softball team. League
play starts on April 27 in Norwalk. All lesbians are encouraged
to join regardless of ability. For more information call Christine
at (203) 847-8476.

CENTER FORUM
TCC's Center Forum will be held on Tuesday, April 21 beginning at 7:30 PM. Topic and guest speaker to be a1mounced.

LESBIAN LIT GROUP
The Lesbian Literature group has chosen "On My Honor:
Lesbians Reflect on Their Scouting Experiences" edited by
Nancy Manahan as the book for discussion at their May 5
meeting. The book gives real life accounts of the scouting
experiences of several lesbians.
The Literature group meets the first Tuesday of each month at
TCC beginning at 7:30 PM. Copies of"On My Honor. .. " are
available at local libraries as well as Bloodroot (203) 576-9168.
For more information call Christine at (203) 847-8476.

NEW BOARD MEMBER
Heather M. Weimann has been voted in by the Board at their
Feb. 24 meeting. Heather has been involved in TCC's youth
group, Outspoken, since March 1994, with P-Flag since 1994,
a member ofTCC since 1995, and served on the P-Flag Board
in 1996. She has given talks on being gay and growing up gay,
to public school students. "I would like to see more activities for
youth and would like to bring all groups together at TCC," she
said during an interview. Commenting on Heather's new
position, Board member Denyse Burke said, "we are very
pleased to have the fresh energy of Heather Weima1m on our
Board. Welcome!"
Page2

SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
Four years ago this winter, I discovered the Triangle Community Center
for the first time. At the suggestion of a friend, I called Dan (Woog),
one ofthe facilitators ofthe newly-formed youth group, OutSpoken. He
was outgoing, kind and eager for me to come down for a meeting. I
didn't know any other gay people at the time. Did they exist? Were there
any my age? Did they all live in big cities, like New York? That Sunday
afternoon, with a racing heart and sweaty palms, I made the long walk
down the corridor to Suite 7-C.
I don't recall saying much during the meeting, but I do remember Dan
(Kelly) making conversation with me afterwards. Because of that, I
went back the following week and have continued to attend OutSpoken
nearly every Sunday afternoon for the past 4 years. In the early days of
the youth group, teens new to the Center (and themselves) would come
to the meetings and talk about problems with family or work, or secret
crushes on the kid next to him/her in class. They found support in the
facilitators, took comfort in their soothing words and reassurance that
everything would be O.K. Throughout the years, OutSpoken members
themselves have provided the advice and stories of similar experiences to
their peers. Newcomers to the group these days are, I think, more
confident and sure of themselves. They speak of starting gay/straight
alliances at school, or coming out to their parents, P-Flag literature in
hand. I started going to the.youth group for advice, to search for the gay
community. Now, though I sometimes give advice, I still learn from the
young adults who are so much more together than I was when I came
out. It's empowering to see young adults helping each other, to see the
positive changes, the suggestions heeded.
OutSpoken provides a safe place for young adults to be themselves, to
ask questions and voice concerns. More importantly, there is much
needed dialogue between gay adolescents and adults. Because of the
dedication of its members, OutSpoken recently celebrated its 4 year
al11liversary. I'm determined to see that OutSpoken exists for the next
generation of gay teens, so that they may benefit from the guidance and
support I continue to receive every Sunday from 4 pm to 6 pm.

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

You Have a Friend in
Real Estate
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

~ Prudential
April 1998

CONNECTICUT NEWS
CONN AHEAD IN SUPPORT OF YOUTH
In a national assessment of how well states are meeting the needs of
teens, the Advocates for Youth, a Washington, DC based teen advocacy
group, gave Connecticut a 60 percent score out of a possible 100
percent. The rating covered subjects ranging from school attendance and
after-school programs to sex education, AIDS prevention, support for
gay and lesbian teens and access to confidential health care. Susan Fliim,
author of the ·study, said the state-by-state analyses were based on
information provided by state agencies, including copies of statutes and
educational guidelines. Researchers also used reference materials provided by youth advocates.
Connecticut tied Washington, DC, for fourth place. California came in
first with a score of 69 percent. Illinois, Maryland and Minnesota tied for
second with 64 percent, and New York placed third with 63 percent.
Georgia came in last with 48 percent. According to the study,
Connecticut's policies were strongest in the area of support for gay and
lesbian youth, gaining a score of 100 percent in that category. The state
also did well with giving teens access to confidential health care and
providing school-based health clinics. The study said Connecticut's
weakest policies are in the area of child abuse and neglect. The state tied
with New York for last place with a score of 25 percent.

DEPT. OF EDUCATION CHANGING CURRICULUM
The state Dept. of Education is in the process of revising its recommendations to local school districts about what health topics should be
covered and when including sexuality education. After some parents
objected to the content of a preliminary draft, and enlisted the support
of the governor, a considerably watered down set of recommendations
was submitted to the state Board of Education for their consideration.
Changes included shifting puberty education from 4th grade to Grades
5-8, deleting all reference to HIV/AIDS, deleting all reference to sexual
orientation, and deleting any reference to sexuality as "a natural part of
life." These changes have been loudly criticized by Planned Parenthood
of CT, the CT Chapter of the American Pediatric Association, the
Sexuality Information and Education Council of CT, the CT Association for School Health, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educators Network
and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition ofC1.
At its February 4 meeting, the state Board of Education and Commissioner Theodore Sergi announced that they would revisit their recommendations and prepare a new draft for consideration in May. They
announced that they would solicit public and educator comments from
individuals and groups. HERE'S WHERE YOU COME IN! Won't
you please take the time TODAY to write a letter to Commissioner Sergi
and a.n other to Governor Rowland expressing your support for comprehensive, reality-based sexuality education in our schools?
The Honorable John Rowland
Theodore S. Sergi
Room 200
Commissioner of Education
State Capitol
State Dept. of Education
165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Hartford, CT 06106
-Jon Clark, PPC Education Director

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA
ATTORNEY-AT LAW

1305 POST

ROAD, FAIRFIELD

203/256-3839
Tax Planning, Preparation & Appeals;
Estates & Trusts, Probate Matters,

Conneciicut

Realty

Real Estate Law; Elder Law; and
Small Business Formations and Assistance
Page3

T NEWS & VIEWS
DENYING GAYS MARRIAGE IS A VIOIATION
[Ed Note: The author of this editorial in the Connecticut Post is David
Piotti. He is a tenth grade student at Trumbull High School.}

The issue ofsame sex marriages is becoming much more common in the
United States, and recently Hawaii's state legislature has passed laws
allowing gays the right to marry. A gay marriage will not affect you
directly in any way so there is no reason to be against if it is not your
concern. People who are gay are born that way, so society cannot deny
a person their rights if they cannot help it. Besides, if gays already live
together, what does it matter if they are married? It has been argued that
allowing homosexual couples to get married is morally wrong. Many
people feel the Bible forbids same sex marriages. Despite peoples' beliefs
or religious state, under the United States Constitution all people are
created equal, which entities everyone to equal rights.
Although some people might have a personal problem with gay
marriages, one must understand not only their own point of view, but
a gay person's as well. Why should something bother people if it does
not necessarily concern them, everyone should concern themselves with
their own matters. The topic of gay marriages or relationships has
already been blown out of proportion. If people would stop obsessing
about gay issues, they would realize that there would he less of an impact
on society.
According to many scientists, people are born with a specific sexual
identity and there is nothing they can do in their power to change it. If
there are to be equal rights among all people you cannot deny persons'
rights because they are born a certain way. Denying homosexuals the
right to marry is like prohibiting heterosexual people from being
married to the opposite sex. If one thin.ks in these terms, it may be easier
to see how gays are denied their rights. My final point is a very simple
question: What difference does it make if gays live together unmarried
or married? It should make no difference either way to anyone. It shows
how ridiculous this entire argument is. If gays are already carrying on
relationships and living in the same home, then why not allow them to
be married? There would be virtually no difference, except to the gay
couples. Many partners would get health benefits if married and file
income taxes together as a couple to save money just as heterosexual
people do.
Denying gays marriage is a violation of their equal rights as American
citizens. As a whole, America's heter9sexual population has only put off
the decision on whether to allow gay marriages. At this moment,
America is truly not a land of equality although our Constitution
declares this. As the world's leading democratic nation, we should set an
example as the first completely equal nation.

THE GAY GOURMET
CUBES STEAKS PARMIGIANA

(fOUR SERVINGS)

4

CUBE STEAKS, POUNDED THIN

GARLIC POWDER
COARSE GROUND PEPPER

3 TBSP OLIVE OIL
4 SLICES MOZZARELLA
1 CUP TOMATO SAUCE
1 SMALL CAN MUSHROOMS,

DRAINED

HEAT OIL IN LARGE SKILLET, ADD CUBE STEAKS AND
BROWN ON BOTH SIDES, SEASONING WITH GARLIC
POWDER AND PEPPER. TRANSFER THE CUBE STEAKS TO A
BAKING DISH, COVER WITH TOMATO SAUCE,
MUSHROOMS, AND A SLICE OF MOZZARELLA. HEAT IN A

350

DEGREE OVEN UNTIL THE CHEESE IS MELTED. SERVE,

PREFERABLY WITH A SIDE OF PASTA IN A MARINARA SAUCE.

THRESHOLD
MORTGAGE COMPANY
PATRICK WINTERS
LOAN OFFICER
THRESHOLD MORTGAGE
COMPANY

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

THRESHOLD COMMON

59

W1L TON ROAD

06880
(203) 454-0525
TOLL FREE (800) 562-5577
FAX (203) 454-0069
HOME (203) 256-5951
EMAIL pkw@thresholdmtg .com
WESTPORT, CT
OFFICE

Triangle community c e n t e r y
Norwalk, Cl
••••

'1,#-ylk,m,tw-C-.IY"

••• •

Scrvln1 Ille led1i1"'9ayfltl/tt c:omntUnhy .. ■Hthwntem

C ■ftffdlait

• Sp11cializing in rnsid1mtial horn,, mortgag1is in Pairlfold County

Last upda1e 03/22197

Onlhtrpage:

■welcome to tht> Trlanglt> Community Ceuter

• Who An: Wt~• Groups that Meet at 1hc C'tnter • Conum1nil\' Evenli; • Rrsourc, Room• Monthly Ncwsk-tter •
Hc•w tu Find ll~ • n,comins aMr1nl1tr

OnotMrpqts:

~ Crnter Calendar Ill ICC Nps A Vlf'!'ft;j What'

II

Otht>r' Gnnu,1 ~PoHtkal

H!PPtlll11J1?

Anion ■ Internet Unks

Phone or fax (203) 8.S3-0600 01'" e-mail

April 1998

I

i!J TCCenter@aol.com.

',~:

~

c/»,1

• Capabhi 111' handling all loan sc1mario's from a$60,000 condo in
Stamford to a$1,000,000 hom11 in Gr1mnwich
• Consist1mt top producing loan ol'l'ictw l'or omr t1m _y1mrs with a
W1ialth or knowll,dg,, and 1ixp1iri1mce
In 1/1.95, 'fhmsh11/dHt111/[il!ft: WilS dlt:d ilS tht: ltlfl pmdudnflmtll1//ilfll:
wmpanr hilrin!( clt1S1:d 11rt:1· SI75, 1/1/U, Ill/II in /11ilns in l'ilitlir:ld f't1un(y
Page4

T ~EWS & YIEWS
A BEST-SELLER

MEDIA NEWS
GET THEE TO THE JOHN HOUSMAN
Go see a remarkable production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
retitled R & ]. Four, twenty-something actors enact the Shakespearean
traged)'. as a play-_within-a-play. They play ~he roles of schoolboys at a
rep~ess1ve Catholic boys school where love 1s merely a Latin verb to be
CO~Jugated. These schoolboys in turn, play all the roles in Romeo and
Juliet. Sou~ds queer, but it works. It beautifully illuminates corners of
the (_what 1s t<? me at least) all-too-familiar story in ways I didn't think
possible. S_peoal mention must be made of the two Dannys in the cast.
Mr. Gurwm plays Lady Capulet, Mercurtio, Friar John, the Prince and
a number of other parts and does them all differently and with a great
skill at thelangua&e. Then there_ is the remarkable Mr. Shore's Juliet. (He
also plays Benvo!10). He does mde~d teach the torches to burn bright.
He bnngs a passion to the part which makes all the other Juliets I have
seen as listless in comparison. His Juliet is a young girl who finds herself
subsumed by love and with her eyes wide open, rushes headlong where
h<::r heart leads ~er. It i~ a production - and a performance - not to be
missed. R & J 1s showmg m the John Housman Studio Theater (the
basement space) at 450 West 42nd Street.
-Marianne Seggerman

CIRCLES MAGAZINE DEBUTS
Circles Magazine, a new publication for the national and international
lesbian community, has made its official debut. Copies are available by
subscnpt10n, m women's, feminist, gay and lesbian, independent, and
other books_tores across ~he United States and in Canada. Subscriptions
are $24.95 m the US. Cir~les 1s currently accepting feature-length and
shorter subm1ss10ns revolvmg around the myriad issues that involve and
engage the lesbian and bisexual women's communities as well as
crossover issues that engage the gay community at large. '
The first issue, dated March/April, contains features on political and
legal issues; es~ays_on civil marriage; an adaptation of the traveling
photo-text exh1b1t1on Love Makes A Family families· The Lesbian
Health Advocacy Movement; an excerpt from Ellen Bass and Kate
K_aufman's book Free Your _Mind: The Book for Lesbian, Gay, and
Bisexual Youth and Their Alhes; as well as short stories by Su Penn and
Lauren Crux.
Kit McChesney, Publisher - Circles Magazine - Circles Publishing, Inc.
• 1705 Fourteenth Street, Suite 326 - Boulder, Colorado 80302 - Tel
(303) 245-8815 - Fax (303) 245-8816.
ELLEN'S

BYE, BYE?

Ellen DeGeneres has wrapped production on the last episode ofEllen for
this season; The hour-lo~g episode, set for the May sweeps, spoofs
De~eneres own career, with Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer
Amstoi:i and Bea Arthur reminiscing_about her (fictitious) days in
vaudeville before Ellen. Also seen: Chnstine Lahti, Jada Pinkett Smith,
Helen Hunt, Julianna Margulies and Cindy Crawford, all auditioning
for the role of Ellen Morgan. Another episode, also set to air during
sweeps, has Ellen and her lover discussing a commitment ceremony as
Morgan's parents renew their vows.

01:1 _last week's best _seller list in the New York Blade (the New York
edition of the Washington DC gay paper) under books for gay men is
Tocks by Dan Woog. It is not just for gay men, though. Dan interviewed
do~ns _ofathletes on the high-school and college level and compiled their
stones mto an anthology. The athletes he found were mostly swimmers
or runners, with a smattering of team-sports participants and one
gymnast. The two _eublic fip11res h~ intervi~wed were famous for other
~easons, _b ut had a lif~-lon~ mterest m ~ pamcular sport. Anyone with an
mterest m sports will enJoy the stones of everyday athletes trying to
reconcile their involvement in sports with their gay identities. Woog, in
his decades as a columnist at the Westport News, writes human interest
stories that bring out the private suffering of his subjects. I have
sometimes felt in his columns that he too often wrote about people
whose privilege of race and class left them little to feel sorry about. In
Jocks at least, style meets worthy substance. Sports in the Western world
is the basis for the concept of masculinity and a gay athlete challenges and
confronts that image and culture just by living his life. When Woog
extemporizes in his writing he keeps his editorializing narrowly focused
on the individual at hand and never feels it necessary to step back and
comment on the broader picture. This strengthens his work. Since this
book is all about their stories and not at all about what he thinks, the
reader is able to come to his or her own judgments. Some of the
P?Pularity ofl~~ might be attributed to the fact that it's the first of its
kind. But even 1f 1t covered an area that others had written about; it is in
its own right informative, touching and heartwarming.
-Marianne Seggerman ,

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

Horticultural Botanist
Gardener & House I Pet Sitter
Donald J. Comes
(203) 866-2823
30 'Iierney Street
Non.valk, CT 06851

April 1998

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

Page5

T NEWS & VIEWS
TRANSGENDER VIEWS
POCONO VACATION
Come to the all new "Paradise In The Poconos" weekend. The new
facility is fabulous! Every room is a deluxe accommodation with a double
canopy bed in nearly every room. The facilities available include a heated
indoor pool with an adjacent jacuzzi, an authentic English pub, and our
very own night club for the talent show. Two separate game rooms
provide video game entertainment as well as pool and ping-pong. There
are also large meeting rooms for workshops. All of the services and
facilities are accessible through enclosed walkways without ever going
outside and the entire resort is exclusively ours for the weekend! This is
a perfect venue for us.
The Poconos Weekend will run from November 5 - 8 and is designed to
give you an opportunity to live out your fantasies . Dress to your heart's
content. Bring your entire wardrobe! The people you'll meet at the
Poconos are some of the nicest you'll ever meet anywhere. They come
from different backgrounds but they all share the same desire: to get
away and let "her'' roam free. If your partner wonders if there are other
women who accept this, here's where she'll meet them.
This weekend will give you an opportunity to refine your skills in
makeup, hair styling, and dress. Attend one of the free workshops and
learn new techniques. Buy and sell clothes at the Tag Sale. Leave with a
whole new wardrobe. Whip uf your wildest outfit for the Costume Party
and win a prize. Maybe you'! be the next Princess of the Poconos. Get
your registration form and send it in now, before there's no room at the
inn. People have been turned away for the last three years.
"Paradise In The Poconos" runs from Thursday, November 5 through
Sunday, November 8--4 days & 3 nights of fun and festivities. The
complete package includes: welcome reception, 3 parties, 9 meals, 3
nights lodging, workshops, tax, and gratuities. The cost per person
(double occupancy) is $350. A limited number of single occupancy
rooms are available at $475. For more information, a brochure and
registration form write to: Creative Design Services, PO Box 61263,
King of Prussia, PA 19406.

TRWIA QUESTION
RiTO·

MARCH- DAVID WHITN~ JS THE LOVER

Of
£THING ARCHITECT. PHIUP JOHNSON AND JON
ANDERSON°IS THE LOVER Of 90-SOMETHING ARTIST PAUL
Ol)M,yS•.BOTH THE COUPLES HAVE BE~N TOGETHER FOR
TfURTY..flVEYEARS~

QuesnoN FC>R ......... WHICH OF THESE DO NOT
BELONG TO THE OTHERS'l 'GENE SHAUT, ROBERT

MACNEU, RQBERT MosBACHER, PHnus ScHAFFLY,
(THE LATE) ROY lICHTENSTElN.

ALDIS
_m_.4_6_~-il-1
Pla_VEL_in-Roa_P_~---Da-n-bur_i_.CT_06_8_1_1
FAX (203)7.4.4• 1139

(203)778•9399

Three deuades of GAY travel expertise
....:;RSVP

CYBER NEWS
HOME PAGE FOR LIVING POSITIVELY!
The Living Positively! HIV/AIDS groups of New Haven now have a
publicinformationsiteat http://www.outmct.com/livingpoz/index.html.
On this site you will find the group's preamble, steps, traditions and
some member sharings, as well as some other pages.
LESBIAN NEWS
The National Academy of Sciences is on the Internet. Their Journal, The
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences which contains the
article on the differences between the inner ears oflesbians and straight
women can be found in abstract form at: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/
content/abstract/95/5/2709.
GAY EGYPT

If you want to read about the first tomb built for ancient gay Egyftian
lovers take a l~k at http://www.sirius.com/-reeder/niankh.htm.

*

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

(203) 261-3492
Monroe.CT

(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT

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

VICTORIA

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, er
ADMIITED IN er AND NY

Page6

LEITERS
MAINE RESPONDS
[Ed.note: Below is a copy of the letter received by Lester and Elaine
Sharlach in response to a postcard they sent expressing their dismay
over Maine's rejection of their gay 's right 'slaw.}

The Maine Publicity Bureau, Inc.
PO Box2300
325B Water Street
Hallowell, Maine 04347-2300
February 24, 1998
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sharlach,
To say the least I was very distressed to receive, your postcard in today's
mail. I regret that the media coverage of this vote gave a somewhat
distorted view of the vote's purpose.
I do not know of any documented cases in our state that show that gay
and lesbians are being discriminated against. I do not pretend to
understand why some people treat other yeople differently or unfairly.
I was taught to treat all people as my equa and I think most Mainers do
just that. I would hate to lose you after 18 years as visitors, may I offer
a suggestion? Consider planning your vacation at a gay or lesbian owned
property in Maine. That way you are supporting their efforts as a viable
part of our tourism industry. At the same tine (sic) you are speaking
with your economic power and supporting a group that is important to
you . I appreciate your concerns and we do value you as a guest for the
past 18 years. Ifl may be of any assistance please call.
Sincerely, Vaughn Stinson, Exectutive Director

SOURCES
Afghanistan - Three Burled Allve, Reuters, February 25, 1998
Conn Support Youth, New Haven Register, March 9, 1998
Crimes Against Gays Rise In Mich, Metro Times, March 4-10. 1998
Elderly Gay Housing, Boston Globe, February 25, 1998
Ellen's Bye, Bye? USA Today, March 11, 1998
Firm Matches Gay Men, Surrogates, LA Times. February 22, 1998
Gay Doctors Group Not Welcome, San Francisco Chronicle, March 11, 1998
Gay Marriage, Connecticut Post March 4, 1998
Gay Retirement, San Jose Mercury News, March 11, 1998
Hate Crimes Up In Mass, Boston Globe, March 4, 1998
Jamaica - More Debate, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 15, 1998
Lesbian Health Care, The Advocate, March 9, 1998
Nassau - Protest, Reuters, March 9, 1998
New York Times Edltorlal: The lnvlslble Victory, New York Times, March 12, 1998
Pope Takes Alm, Agence France-Presse, February 19, 1998
Some Scouts Exempt From Codes, Journal Sentinel, March 2, 1998
The Homosexual Exception (excerpts), NY Times, February 8, 1998
AK - Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Anchorage Daily News. March 10, 1998
AZ - Gays Fear Links In Murders, The Arizona Republic, March 3, 1998
DC - Anti-Gay Violence Rises, Washington Post, March 4, 1998
IA - Protesters: No Law Protecting Gays, Des Moines Register. March 12, 1998
IA- Sioux City Says, "No," Sioux City Joumay, March 17, 1998
IL - Red Lobster Sued, Chicago Tribune, March 16, 1998
IN -AIDS/HIV Pharmacy, Indianapolis Star, February 24, 1998
MA - Must Report HIV, Boston Globe, February 24, 1998
ME -Violence & Gay Rights, Boston Globe, March 7, 1998
MN - Gay Students, Star Tribune, March 11, 1998
NY - Gay Synagogue, Detroit News, February 20, 1998
TX - Open Doors, Chicago-Tribune, March 6, 1998
TX -Anti-discrimination Order, Houston Chronicle, February 17, 1998

"LETTER TO THE EDITOR" - MILLENNIUM MARCH
ON WASHINGTON
In the spring of 2000, our lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender
community will once again "March on Washington." The last March
was held after the presidential elections. That was too late. We relied on
the promises of political parties that were not kept. This time, we will
show our strength, our unity and our commitment, and our goals
before the elections.
In 1979, 100,000 ofus attended the first march, and we wept as we
embraced each other ....and demanded our rights. The rally was heard
over national radio. We knew we had made history. The second March
(attendance 1 million) gave birth to "The Quilt'' and "The Wedding
Ceremony." ... .Television and newspapers covered the March. By the
3rd March in 1993, we still had no rights, but more and more people,
including famous personalities, were beginning to come out. Melissa
Etheridge, Martina Navratalova, Sir Ian McCallen, the Indigo Girls, as
well as straight celebrity supporters such as Cybil Sheppard and Judith
Light appeared on stage. We honored those of our community who had
served and were forced out of the military, and wept, as the mother of
Alan Shindler, the young gay man who was murdered in the navy, and
one million of us, paid tribute to his memory. And for the first time,
CSPAN covered us, and we were seen all over this Nation, and on CNN,
all over the world.... Since that third March, the media has given us
tremendous coverage and recognized us as a community.
We must March on Washington in Spring of 2000 .. ... This march will
be televised nationally and all over the world, so millions of people who
cannot afford to participate in any March, can be a part of this great
experience. We will put our children on stage, and our parents, and
show our diversity, and our unwavering commitment. We will honor
our youth and our elders. We will not stop until we have equal rights .
.... Until that happens, like the Phoenix, against all odds, we have and
will continue to rise, again and again, and to March on Washington, and
to never stop the struggle until we have full equality. We owe it to our
future generations ....
-Robin Tyler, Executive Producer, Millennium March on Washington
for Equal Rights 2000 (LGBT).

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

Rt1t'. Fr1111k BBlilrd
Pastor

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

Jane

wAttorney-at-Law
Griffith, JD, MBA

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

Fax 203 / 387-9899

April 1998

Voice 203 I 389-8614
Page 7

T NEWS§ VIEWS
-

NATIONAL NEWS

MORE HARASSMENT FOR GAYS IN MILITARY
The number of gays facing harassment in the military has risen for the
fourth consecutive year, despite the Clinton administration's pledge to
prevent further discrimination of homosexuals in the armed services,
according to a gay rights advocacy group. The Servicemembers Legal
Defense Network attributed the increase to "a climate in many commands where 'anything goes' in the pursuit of suspected gay personnel."
In its annual report, the group cited 563 "command violations" that
servicemembers had reported to it, including instances where commands
asked, pursued and harassed service members in direct violation of
President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which sets limits on gay
i11vestigations. In contrast, the number of violations reported in 1996 by
members of all the services was 443, the group said. The Navy was the
worst service in anti-gay harassment and asking, with 193 violations.
Last year's report said a total of850 people had been discharged from the
military for homosexuality in 1996, a five-year high. No figures were
given discharges of gays in 1997 because the Pentagon would not release
them.

GAY DoCToRs GROUP Nor WELCOME
The nation's leading group of gay and lesbian doctors is furious over
being rejected for participation in the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists annual conference, saying the snub is a reflection of
how little attention the medical establishment pays to lesbian health. The
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, a 2,000-member organization,
said it was tersely dismissed by the ACOG when it asked to be exhibitors
at a May 11 conference in New Orleans. The ACOG said that the gay
doctors' "service would not benefit or be ofinterest to the majority of our
membership."
The group's spokesman, Greg Phillips, said the gay doctors seemed to be
a "special issue advocacy group." Such groups are banned under the
organization's guidelines. The gay doctors' organization, however, suspects a different motivation. "ACOG's statement reflects homophobia
by effectively discounting the specific medical needs of lesbian patients
and the existence oflesbian, gay, bisexual and trans gendered obstetricians
and gynecologists."

NEWYORKTIMES EDITORIAL: THE INVISIBLE VICTORY
The Boy Scouts would never have known ifJames Dale hadn't told them. That
has always been thedifferenceaboutthemovementforgayrights. Homosexuals
aren't visible. They have to stand up and identify themselves in order to be
discriminated against. They may be monogamous by nature. They may want
to fall in love and marry. There are plenty ofsuch people in the United States.
They are all the things their critics wish that homQ5eXl.lals were. They are good
Scouts. But every time they stand up to declare themselves in some new place,
theygetrejected.Thathasbeenthepatterninreligion,inthemilitary,inbusiness
and the law. The value ofJames Dale's case against the Boy Scouts ofAmerica,
which threw him out in New Jersey when he said publicly that he was gay, is
to remind us what fights for civil rights in this country are usually about. They
are abouttherighttodo the usual thing. James Dalernightinfacthave an easier
run in life if, like some gay men and lesbians, he spent his private time in the gay
bars, churches, athletic clubs and interestgroups thatformedashelterfora whole
population rejected from the usual _places. But he didn't want an exclusively
homosexual life. He wanted an ordinary one, and that has been the rub.
Homosexuals were segregated out by a society that saw them as
different; sinfully, criminally, mentally flawed. Those old definitions are
fallen, or falling back. But they all grew from religious teaching. And it
is in the most fundamentally religious and patriotic realms that American
homosexuals have had to fight the hardest for acceptance. Progress is
sometimes inch by inch. In San Francisco last month the Alexander
Hamilton Post, the only American Legion post in the nation that
describes itself as mainly gay, finally won a 15-year fight with the
California Legion. The parent Legion agreed to acknowledge publicly the
post's existence, to refrain from saying bad things about it, to pay its legal
bills, and even to let other veterans who might want to join know about it.
The fight for gay veterans and Boy Scouts, for gay Catholics and Baptists, for
gay and lesbian members of the American military is a long way from over.
Accepting homosexuals as normal is the last thing their most tenacious religious
and ideological opponents want to do. But that, in fact, has been the main thrust
of all the individual men and women who have become so visibly gay in recent
years-not segregation, but assimilation. They have comeoutsothattheycanstay
out, if they choose, or go back in-on their own terms, as themselves. If they
succeed, they may surprise their critics by becoming largely invisible again. It
could be a very long time, but the success of the gay rights movement may be
most obvious the day it disappears.

LESBIANS LOSE
February 29's Dateline NBC featured the sto;y of the lesbian foster
mother who had her foster child removed by a social worker who
disagreed with her lifestyle. The child ended up with his uncle and aunt,
even though the foster mother continues to raise other foster children and
the social worker was demoted. Dateline's "Question of the Week" was
''When should lesbian couples be allowed to adopt?" The sample of 503
people answered as follows: Not sure 7%; When a suitable heterosexual
couple cannot be found 13%; Same rules should apply for gays and
straights 30%; Never 50%.

NJ

CouRT BACKS GAY Scour LEADER

Homosexuals can be Boy Scouts - even troop leaders - a state appeals
court declared f~r~efully in a_ ruling that has national implications. The
court, ma 2-1 op1ruon, ruled m the case of a Monmouth County assistant
scoutmaster (Dale) ousted from his troop. The decision could force
Scout_troops i_n Ne~ Jers~y to acc~pt _gays, somethin_g_the Boy Scouts of
Amenca considers mcons1stent with its 90-year tradition of asking boys
to remain "morally straight."
The a_ppeals court said the Boys Scouts is a public institution much like
the Little League, or libraries and colleges. Forcing the organization to
accept gay boys and scoutmasters won't undermine its core mission of
teaching self-reliance, patriotism, courage, and other virtues, the judges
said. The ruling overturns a decision by Superior Court Judge Patrick J.
McGann, who quoted from the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the
Bible, and criticized Dale for his "moral depravity" in ruling that the
Scouts had a right to exclude the assistant scoutmaster. This decision is
the first appeals court ruling in the nation to take the side of a gay troop
leader, lawyers for both sides said. Legally, it remains an open case, but
both sides said the ruling could have profound effects.

April 1998

/

MICHAEL

J.

TAYLOR, LMT

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE •
440 MAIN STREET • RIDGEFIELD,

CT, NY LICENSED
CT 06877 • 203-431-8278

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

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

Page8

Property of the Center

So ME Scours EXEMPT FROM Co DES
The Boy Scouts' national executive board has quietly voted to make
significant changes in its Explorer programs - changes that may avert
some court challenges to the Scouts' requirement of a belief in God and
its ban on gay youths and gay adult leaders. National Scout leaders say
the changes will allow for better management while expanding the reach
and impact of the programs that serve boys and girls from ages 14
through 20. They insist the decisions were not made in response to
lawsuits.
In an action that has not yet been publicly announced, the Scouts'
national executive board decided in February that Explorer units with a
focus on hobbies or outdoor adventure-or with a religious component
- will be put into a newly created Venturing division. Details of the
program are still being worked out, but a national spokesman confirmed
that Venturing will continue the traditional codes, values and requirements for leadership and membership. Explorer units that focus on
career exploration will be put under the administration of Learning for
Life, an existing Boy Scouts subsidiary that helps schools provide career
information to students. These Explorer posts often are sponsored in the
workplace by private businesses or government agencies . Gregg Shields,
a national Boy Scouts spokesman, confirmed that these Explorer units
would no longer be subject to the traditional codes and requirements that
have applied to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts.

THE EARS HAVE

IT

Researchers say they have found the first strong evidence of a physical
difference between lesbians and straight women - a finding that the inner
ears of gay women work more like those of men. The discovery adds new
support to the theory that sexual orientation may be predisposed before
birth. Previous research has found that two parts of the male brain are
different in gay and heterosexual men. Other studies have found that
some genes differ between gay and straight men.
In the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, researchers at the University of Texas, Austin, said they found
the inner ears offemale homosexuals have undergone "masculinization,"
probably from hormone exposure before birth. The inner ear difference
between homosexual and heterosexual women was detected using a test
that measures the function of the cochlea, a key sound amplifier in the
inner ear, said McFadden, a professor of experimental psychology. The
cochlea amplifier in women is more sensitive than that of men, giving
women an increased ability to detect very soft sounds in a very quiet
room.
What is clear is that there is a dramatic difference in the development of
the hearing systems of lesbians and of heterosexual women. It also is
known that development of the inner ear is affected before birth by
androgens, a male hormone. Androgens may also alter the brain centers
that produce sexual orientation.

HORMEL UPDATE
James Hormel, heir to the meatpacking fortune and a founding board
member of the Human Rights Campaign has pledged to resign and give
up gay-rights activism if confirmed. The Clinton administration maintains its support for Hormel and is accusing a small group of Republican
senators of discrimination for blocking the confirmation of the San
Francisco philanthropist who would be the first openly gay US ambassador. But conservative lawmakers who are preventing a Senate vote on
James Hormel's bid for the Luxembourg post contend it's his gay rights
activism and not his sexual orientation they find disturbing.
Sens. Tim Hutchinson, R-Ark., and James Inhofe, R-Okla., have placed
open holds on Hormel and others have done so anonymously, said
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss. As a result, Hormel's name
isn't expected to reach the floor without a fight, if at all.

LESBIAN HEALTH CARE
For 20 years, Nayla Rolle lived with a paralyzing disease that doctors
dismissed as stress-related. It wasn't until she started seeing Joan
Waitkevicz - a specialist in lesbian health issues - that her ailments were
diagnosed correctly, as lupus and asthma. Waitkevicz, who began seeing
Rolle nine years ago while she was in private practice, is now director of

April 1998

the Beth Israel Medical Center's Gay Women's Focus in New York.
Health care networkers say it is the first hospital-based health-provider
in the country for lesbians. The connection to the hospital, proponents
say, could give lesbian patients better access to specialists and more
comprehensive insurance, than they would otherwise have.
Gay Women's Focus is a primary care provider and gives referrals. Since
opening in 1996, it has treated more than 3,000 patients _30 percent of
them lesbians. Ex,P:rts say gay women have special medical concerns :
They may be at higher risk of developing coronary disease, breast and
colon cancer, and some vaginal infections, research shows. And sexual
practices can have an effect. Teresa Cuadra, the center's gynecologist,
said many lesbians may go years without visiting a gynecologist, for
example, because they think they are not at risk for sexually transmitted
diseases.
Pat Troy and her partner began seeing Waitkevicz more than 16 years
ago, after Troy's previous gynecologist molested her. Experts say such
stories are common. In addition, lesbians may avoid doctors for fear
they will be denied insurance coverage or be forced to reveal their sexual
orientation at work. According to a 1994 survey of members of the
American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, 67 percent of
doctors and medical students said.they knew of a lesbian, gay or bisexual
patient who had received substandard care or been denied care because
of sexual orientation.

FIRM MATCHES GAY MEN AND SURROGATES
The longed-for package from Denise in Tulsa, Okla., arrived in the mail.
The anxious Manhattan Beach couple popped the enclosed videotape of
the ultrasound into their VCR and anxiously scrutinized the grainy
image. Their baby looked healthy, and he certainly appeared to be a boy.
The parents-to-be-Jim and Brian-were delighted. Denise had agreed
to carry a baby for Jim and Brian after she was introduced to them by
Gail Taylor, founder of Growing Generations, a 1 1/2-year-old West
Los Angeles company that matches gay men who want to have children
with surrogate mothers. Growing Generations is the only surrogateparenting agency _in the United States exclusively serving gay men.
Taylor,herselfalesb1anandthemotherofa6-month-olddaughter,saidsheha.~
received hundreds ofinquiries nationwide since starting her service, most from
people who heard about it via the Internet or word of mouth.

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Page9

T NEWS & VIEWS
California does not regulate surrogate agencies. Taylor says her basic fee
is $47,000, including medical screenings, legal costs of terminating the
surrogate's parental rights, adoption by the non-biological parent and
compensation of$15,000 that 1s paid to the surrogate over the course
of the pregnancy. Growing Generations has recently added the option
of using an egg donor. Couples might opt to use an egg donated by one
man's sister, for example. This choice, which necessitates in vitro
fertilization, significantly increases costs.

POPE TAKES AIM AT SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
Pope John Paul II used a visit by Spanish bishops to condemn same-sex
marriages as an attack on the institution of the family. "We are seeing
today a trend, very widespread in some circles, that threatens the very
characteristics of the family," the pope told the bishops from Catalonia
and Asturias. He denounced those who "want same-sex unions recognized as families," and urged the bishops to "proclaim with pastoral
firmness the truth about marriage and the family, as God made it to be."
ELDERLY GAY HOUSING
It was 25 years ago that the seeds of a novel idea were first planted in the
mind of Brenda Cole. Now a Massachusetts entrepreneur, Cole is laying
the groundwork for what would be one of the first chains of assisted
living and retirement facilities marketed to elderly gay men and lesbians
in the nation. Boston is one ofseveral cities Cole is targeting for the $75
million, for-profit project, which would include a bevy of amenities: a
health club, wellness center, and hair salon at each site.
Cole says she is "very close" to closing a deal with an investor that will
leave her with $6.5 million in seed money to break ground for the first
120-unit facility, which would be located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - a
growing area with a large gay community. Slated to open after that
would be sites in Atlanta and Boston - if Cole can locate a suitable space
in the city's tight and expensive housing market. Depending on the
market and the size of the units, condominiums could cost anywhere
from $160,000 to $275,000; assisted living services such as meals and
physical therapy would likely run an additional $2,000 to $3,500 per
month, Cole said. The units would be split evenly between assisted and
independent living quarters.
GAY BooMERS AND RETIREMENT
Peter Lundberg's vision for a Bay Area retirement mecca would boast
many of the niceties of a Sun City resort. As many as 500 older residents
would stroll hand-in-hand along its extensive walkways past shops, a
central plaza and homes with spacious porches for frittering away an
afternoon. They'd relax at its pool, tennis courts and recreation center.
And those in failing health would be tended to at its on-site nursing home
or assisted-care facility. But "Our Town," as the 48-year-old San
Francisco financial planner dubs his dream, would differ in one significant way from the typical retirement community. Like a growing
number of seniors-oriented developments being proposed around the
nation, it would be tailored specifically to lesbians and gay men.
Our Town is one of at least three such projects under consideration for
the Bay Area and other spots in California. Similar developments,
including several mobile home parks aimed primarily at older lesbians,
already have opened or are in the works in Ariwna, Florida, Georgia,
Massachusetts, North Carolina and Washington state, according to
stories in gay and lesbian publications and people involved.
The whole idea intrigues Mary Thorndal, executive director of the Gay
and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons, which was formed last year
in Los Angeles . In fact, Thorndalis so enthusiastic that she and her
partner for the past 15 years, Veronica St. Claire, are proposing to build
a similar froject themselves. But it may not be simple. Like Lundberg,
Thornda and St. Claire have discovered potential hitches from the
market surveys they've done. Among the biggest is that older gays and
lesbians are much less likely than their younger counterparts to have
stepped out of the closet. As a result, such projects may have to wait until
Baby Boomers get a little older, since many ofthose already of retirement
age would resist moving to a place that would openly advertise their
sexual orientation. Another tricky factor in selling such projects is that
many gays and lesbians enjoy living around straight people and that some
prospective tenants would resist moving anywhere that's only for seniors.

April 1998

That sounds like what Bill Laing is developing on 22 acres near Tampa
Bay, Fla. The Palms ofManasota, which the 67-year-old retired psychology professor began building in August, is primarily geared toward gay
and lesbian seniors. But "20 percent of our population can be under 55,"
says Laing, who is gay. A straight person recently expressed interest in
living there. The Palms' initial plans call for 21 single-family homes
starting at $117,000, 44 apartments and an assisted-living facility able
to accommodate 45 people. They also include everything from recreation hall and swimming pool to shuftleboard courts and horseshoe pi ts.
A third of the homes already have been sold, according to Laing.
Lundberg, Thorndal and Laing all have Web sites to promote their
plans. Other developments, including two Ariwna mobile home parks,
Superstition Mountain Resort and The Pueblo, rely more on word-ofmouth. Since 1994, several hundred women, many of them retired
lesbians, quietly have moved into the Apache Junction parks. The park
has plenty of amenities: game rooms, a pool and even an auditorium,
where gay entertainers from the Phoenix area show up to perform. But
more than anything, it is a kind of sanctuary.
For more information :
Our Town, (415) 566-4100, http:////www.ourtownvillages.com//
Metropolitan Community Homes Inc., (415) 453-5653.
Gay and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons Inc., (310) 966-1500,
http:////www.gaylesbianretiring.org//
PalmsofManasota, (941) 722-5858,http:////www.prideworks.com//pahns.htm.

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Page 10

T NEWS & VIEWS
-

STATE BY STATE NEWS

AK -

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BAN

About 60 people signed up to testify against a proposed constitutional
amendment banning same-sex marriages in Alaska. The proposal's
main proponent, Sen. Loren Leman, told the committee the amendment is needed to head off a redefinition of marriage, which he said runs
contrary to every law in every state and in every country. Leman's move
for a constitutional amendment on marriage was prompted by a court
ruling 10 days ago in the case of two Anchorage men suing the state for
a marriage license. Superior Court Judge Peter Michalski ruled that the
constitutional right to privacy extends to choice of spouse, even if a
person's choice is to marry someone of the same sex. In spite of their
efforts, the committee voted 5-1 in favor of adding to the constitution
a definition of marriage as a union "between one man and one woman."

AZ - GAYS

FEAR LINKS IN MURDERS

Robert Hernandez was minding his own business, walking alone
through the parking lot of Valle Cita Gardens apartments on Union
Hills Drive. A group of teenagers saw him and thought he was gay. One
of them, Armen Harutiunian, 15, allegedly approached Hernandez,
pulled out a handgun and ended the man's life with a single shot to the
chest. Police officers said Hernandez's death was the second fatal attack
in north Phoenix in the past two months against men thought to be gay.
Detective Mike McCullough of Phoenix police said that he didn't know
whether the cases of Hernandez and Thomas Moffatt, who was slain in
January, are related. But said that they believed that the Jan. 10 death of
the 71-year-old Moffatt was caused by a person or persons with bias
against gay males.

IA -

PROTESTERS: No

LAw

PROTECTING GAYS

A City Council member was among 600 people who turned out for a
rally against expanding Des Moines' anti-discrimination law to protect
homosexuals. Several pastors prayed around Councilman Michael
McPherson at First Assembly of God Church to give him strength to
continue to oppose the proposal. "The truth will set you free," McPherson
said. The council, which has shot down similar proposals twice before,
is expected to consider the protection in a few weeks. Ifthe council passes
the proposal, Des Moines would join Ames and Iowa City, which
protect homosexuals from discrimination in employment, housing and
public accommodations. The city already prohibits such discrimination
based on race, gender, religion or any of five other characteristics.

IA -

Sioux C1rv SAYS,

"No"

By a 3-2 vote the Sioux City Council defeated a controversial proposal
that would have given homosexuals legal protections from discrimination. The action capped hours of public debate on one of the most
emotional and contentious issues in the city's history. Nearly 150 people
packed the council chambers. Hundreds more called or wrote council
members in the last few weeks, with the overwhelming majority
opposed to adding sexual orientation to the list of groups protected in
the city code from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing
and public accommodations.

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

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April 1998

Wilton Office
387 Danbury Rd.
(203) 847-1094

Many opponents agreed that discriminating against homosexuals is
wrong. But they argued gays and lesbians do not deserve the same
protections as other groups in the city human rights ordinance, such as
race. ''These people are not born this way like a man is born black, or red
or yellow," Odell Nelson, a retired schoolte~~her, said. "These people
chose to live this way." The largest oppos1t1.on came from religious
conservatives, who argued the ordinance would violate their personal
beliefs. Many called the ordinance an attempt to sanction an immoral
lifestyle.

IL -

RED LOBSTER SUED

Dale Hall said he was fired from Red Lobster because of his sexual
orientation. Hall has filed suit charging Red Lobster Restaurants with
violating Cook County's human rights ordinance. The 5-year-old ordinance protects people from discrimination based on sexual orientation
and other parameters.
Dale Hall, 34, who now works as a waiter at a downtown Chicago
restaurant, had been an associate manager at Red Lobster, one rank
below general manager. The incident that led to his termination
occurred in April 1996. A waiter, who admitted in testimony that he
referred to Hall and other gay employees as "(expletive) faggots,"
became angry when H.i.U told him he could not leave work when he
wanted to. The waiter threw the night's money at Hall and walked off
the job. Hall said that days later, he heard the restaurant manager was
trying to find the waiter. Hall ultimately was fired. "They terminated
me," Hall said. "They rehired the other guy." Two restaurant staffers
testified in the hearing that the general manager would stand behind Hall
during meetings, doing "the limp-wrist thing," an allegation the manager denied.

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Page 11

T NEWS & VIEWS
IN - Al DS/H IV

PHARMACY OPENS

Statscript Pharmacy has opened its first store in Indianapolis, a somewhat dubious distinction for the city. That's because Statscript specializes in treating people with HIV or AIDS, entering new markets only
after an exhaustive study to measure the need for such a service. It seems
enough people were diagnosed with the deadly disease here to convince
Statscript it was time to come. There have been 2,014 HIV cases
reported in Marion County since 1985, and 1,188 AIDS cases since
1982, according to The Damien Center, a local HIV/AIDS social
service center.
Statscript pharmacies do a lot more than just fill prescriptions, said Brad
Plunkett, the lone pharmacist at the company's Downtown store. The
pharmacies work closely with private and government social service
agencies and gay and lesbian organizations, referring clients where
appropriate for financial, emotional or medical assistance. And the
company says it brings a special sensitivity to its work, insisting on such
features as closed rooms where clients can receive counseling in private.
Statscript has 22 locations nationwide and three more in development.

MA -

MusT REPORT HIV CASES

For the first time, Massachusetts health-care providers will soon have to
report all cases of HIV infection to the state, according to a Department
of Public Health decision to be announced today. The policy is part of
a growing acknowledgment nationally that the epidemic must be
tracked earlier, rather than reported only after HIV infection has turned
into AIDS. But Massachusetts is breaking ranks with 31 states by
adopting an HIV reporting system that uses a number identifier, not a
person's name, in the state records.
AIDS activists welcomed the decision, saying that HIV reporting is
needed with the new drug treatments available, and that using the
number better protects a person's confidentiality. Massachusetts will be
joining only Maryland and Texas in requiring HIV reporting by
identifier number rather than name, while the states with some of the
biggest numbers of HIV and AIDS cases - California and New Yark are in the midst a name vs. number debate.

NB -

TX -

OPEN DOORS

Outside the University Baptist Church, across the street from the
University of Texas, a sign proudly proclaims: "Our Doors Are Still
Open." Inside over a chicken dinner, about 50 church members talk out
their feelings after the Baptist General Convention of Texas voted Feb.
24 to oust the small congregation for embracing gays and lesbians.
Church members are not happy about how they were treated. But
neither are they deterred from what they see as their ministry to spread
God's love for all people. The church was ousted from the Austin Baptist
Association after the 1994 ordination of Hans Venable, a deacon who is
gay. Since then, the church has invited homosexuals to participate in
Open Circle, a ministry for gays and lesbians.

TX - ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

ORDER

Mayor Lee Brown fulfilled a campaign promise by signing an executive
order banning discrimination in Houston's city government on the basis
of sexual orientation. Brown established the new policy through his
executive order authority, which does not require a vote by the City
Council. But the issue's strong association with the gay and lesbian
community has generated controversy- both at City Hall and in public
debate. Noting that Houston voters overwhelmingly repealed an ordinance granting job protection to gay and lesbian city workers in 1985,
some opponents of the policy called on Brown to put the measure to a
vote of City Council.

CHURCH FINDS MINISTER INNOCENT

A Methodist pastor in Nebraska was found innocent by a church panel
of disobeying church rules for performing a lesbian unity ceremony.
Had he been found guilty by the juryoffellow ministers, the Rev. Jimmy
Creech could have lost his position as senior pastor of Omaha's largest
United Methodist Church and be stripped of his ministerial credentials.
The case was the first challenge to United Methodist policy on homosexual marriage, and the jury's decision could shape how the 9.5 millionmember denomination interprets rules governing its treatment of gays.
The jury was made up of four women and nine men, all ministers from
Nebraska. The 53-year-old Creech conducted a same-sex commitment
ceremony in Kearney, about 185 miles west of Omaha, in September.
He was suspended from the leadership of his congregation on Nov. 10.
Creech testified that he was simply serving the spiritual needs of two
women church members .
The Rev. Loren Ekdahl ofLincoln, who argued the church's side, said Creech
went wrong by conducting the ceremony as ifit were an official rite. "We're not
talking about a simple prayer or blessing here," he said. In_Creech's defense, the
Rev. Douglas Williamson ofNebraska Wesleyan University argued that the
church's Social Principles, amended in 1996 to prohibit "ceremonies that
celebrate homosexual unions," are merely guidelines.

NY -

So overcrowded in its original meeting hall that some members had to
sit on kiddy chairs, the synagogue moved to an artists' complex. For
nearly 20 years, the synagogue was led entirely by volunteers. As the
AIDS crisis hit, the congregation's needs grew at the same rapid pace as
its membership. In 1992, the congregation hired Rabbi Sharon
Kleinbaum, whose Yorn Kippur service attracts 3,000. She has found a
congregation "thirsty to learn." Her class on contemporary Jewish
philosophy regularly pulls in more than four times the 20 people she
anticipated. Study retreats are sold out and a second trip to Israel is set
for next year.

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The Congregation Beth Simchat Torah in Manhattan is the world's
largest gay synagogue. In February the 800-member congregation
celebrated its 25th anniversary. For the last five years it has been led by
a young lesbian rabbi ranked among the nation's top 50 Jewish leaders
in 1997. Congregation Beth Simchat Torah quickly became a magnet
for gay Jews who had felt painfully cut off from their religious roots. For
New Yorkers such as Michael Levine, discovering the gay synagogue
seemed like a miracle. "The second I walked through the doors I felt I
had come home," he recalls.

April 1998

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Page 12

T fllilEW5 & VIEWS
' )))]))) WORLD NEWS
AFGHANISTAN - THREE BURIED ALIVE FOR SODOMY
Three Afghan men convicted of sodomy survived an attempted execution in which they were buried alive for 30 minutes, a news agency
reported. Taliban's supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar ordered
the three to be left for half an hour under the rubble of a stone wall which
was felled on top of them by a battle tank. Their lives would be spared
if they survived. Pakistan-based AIP said the men were found alive when
the pile of stones was removed, and were taken to hospital to be treated
for their injuries. Fazalur Rehman, Ahmad Shah and Abdul Qahir had
all been convicted by an Islamic court ofcommitting sodomy with young
boys. Orthodox Afghan Islamic scholars believe a sodomite must be
executed either by being pushed from a hill or by having a wall felled on
top of him, Afghan sources in Pakistan said.

CANADA - LESBIAN COUPLE SETTLES
An estranged lesbian couple who fought for years over alimony payments
have reached a settlement just as the Supreme Court prepared to hear
their landmark case. But the former lovers will still be at the center of a
high court hearing that will deal with whether Ontario law governing
alimony should be expanded to include same sex couples. The story ofM
and H began in 1980, when the two met and fell in love while vacationing
in Nepal. They lived together for more than 10 years, pooling assets,
buying a country vacation home and starting an ad agency. M tended
mostly to the household chores while H took care of business matters.
When it all fell apart in 1992, M found she couldn't sue for support
payments under Ontario's Family Support Act.

JAMAICA - MORE DEBATE
On the Caribbean island ofJ amaica, the Village People's performance at
the Negri! Music Festival sparked outrage from the anti-gay activists.
"To promote a music festival of that nature, which is going to highlight
a behavior repugnant to the majority of people in this country, is
disrespectful," said the Rev. Stanley Clark, president of the Jamaica
Cou_ncil of Churches. Homosexuality has become a hot issue throughout
the Caribbean in recent months following British pressures on its
colonies to abolish anti-gay laws andjrison riots in Jamaica over the
distribution of condoms to guards an prisoners.
Inciting the most controversy was a decision by the Cayman Islands to
prohibit a cruise ship carrying some 900 gay passengers from making a oneday stop there in February. Religious groups in the Bahamas protested after
the government announced it would allow the landing of the ship rejected
by the Cayman Islands. The ship never landed though, due to bad weather
that Bahamian clergymen deemed an act of divine intervention.
"We have been surprised by all the anti-gay behavior in the Caribbean,"
said David Smith, senior strategist with the Human Rights Campaign.
Smith said he, "wouldn't be surprised" if right-wing groups in the US,
particularly the American Family Association, were responsible for
fomenting anti-homosexual sentiments in the Caribbean, a historically
religious and conservative area. Allen Wildom of the American Family
Association denied tryirig to influence Caribbean countries. But he admitted his group's web site does encourage readers to contact the British
government and the US State Department to voice opposition to efforts to
persuade Caribbean governments to liberalize anti-gay laws. "We haven't
yet asked for a boycott of England, but it's a possibility in the future if
Britain continues to push for the repeal of sodomy laws," said Wildman.

NASSAU - ANT1-GAv PROTEST
A cruise ship that sparked a noisy, anti-gay protest in the Bahamas was
not chartered by a gay vacation group, the ship's operator said. The
vessel, the Veendam, left Miami early for a stop at Half Moon Bay, a
remote Bahamian island, on the first stage of a seven-day Caribbean
cruise. Hundreds of placard-waving demonstrators took to the streets
in Nassau to protest the Veendam's visit.
Hours before the protest, Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham
called a news conference to say that all tourists were welcome in the
Bahamas. The protest was led by Save the Bahamas, a group formed in
February to protest the scheduled visit of another cruise ship. Demonstrators called on the government to acknowledge the "outrage" of its
citizens. The group asked Bahamians to si~n a petition calling for the
reinstatement of sodomy laws, a ban on facilities for "sodomites" and a
ban on "open sodomites" holding government office.

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Splendid Repertoire of Traditional Music
Welcoming and Inclusive Congregation

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

For additional information or auditions call:
Bill Voetberg, Music Director, (203) 847-7250
April 1998

JOHANNA RAYMAN

225 MAIN STREET, LLl • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549
Page 13

T ~EWS & VIEWS
UPCOMMING EVENTS
GAY CHRISTIAN RETREAT
Gay, Lesbian and Christian: Many Rooms -Thursday, June 11 thru
Sunday, June 14 at the Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center in Bangor,
PA. - Cost $300. John's Gospel speaks of many rooms in God's house
and we come to our Christian spirituality from many different traditions
and experiences within and outside the church. This event will provide
our community the opportunity to share expressions of our unique
experiences of God's grace and love. Facilitators include: John McN eill,
Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Christine Smith and Melvin Deal. For
more information call the Kirkridge Retreat at (610) 588-1793.

GAY

& LESBIAN

WORKSHOPS

The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York, is
hosting several workshops for lesbians and gay men from Monday, June
22 thru Friday, June 26. The workshops include "Reclaiming Our Inner
Wisdom: A Lesbian Retreat" with Elizabeth Roebuck, Ph.D. (cost
$290). "Honoring Our Journey: A Workshop for Gay Men" with Terry
Flynn (cost $290). "Touching the Body, Healing the Spirit: A Workshop for Gay Men Using the Rubenfeld Synergy Method" with Bob
Bauer, C.S.W. (cost$275) and "Getting the Love You Want: For Gay
and Lesbian Couples" with-Patricia Zorn and Sharon Kleinberg, C.S.W.
(cost $195) . For more information contact the Omega Institute at 800944-1001.

CONFERENCE - MAN

&

MASCULINITY

The National Organization for Men Against Sexism (a pro-feminist, gay
affirmative, anti-racist organization) is holding its 23rd conference on
Men & Masculinity entitled Pro Feminist 2000 from Friday, August 6
thru Sunday, August 9 at SUNY Stony Brook in Stony Brook Long
Island, New York. Areas to be covered are: Ending Men's Violence,
Homophobia Issues and Men's Studies. For more information call
(516) 399-4229.

GAY

& LESBIAN

BUSINESS EXPO

On April 25 and 26, the largest gay and lesbian trade show in the country
will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. This annual
event gives gays and lesbians the opportunity to shop and discover
businesses (local and national) that targetthe gay community. Sponsors
include major corporations such as Subaru, IBM and American Airlines.
Last year there were 15,000 visitors. For mgre information on the trade
show call 800/243-9774.

Our AND

EQUAL

'98

Rochester, New York will host a national conference on how sexual
orientation and gender identity shape workplace dynamics. Out and
Equal '98, the National Conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Trans gender Workplace Issues, is considered the preeminent event of its
kind. Over three days in April, an expected 400 attendees will discuss
benefits and policies, discrimination and harassment, understanding and
awareness.
Among the topics to be covered April 17-19: same-sex sexual harassment, what employment law does and does not protect, and the

importance of schools teaching acceptance of all diversity. "This is not
going to be a 101 conference, which is what they usually are," David
Kosel, conference chair, said. "We'll talk about what happens to a gay
person in interviews, how they're perceived. We have companies coming
to recruit and show support. That's not happened at these conferences
before." For additional information call David Kosel, (716) 328-5986.

INFECTED AND AFFECTED BY

HIV/AIDS

"Soul Connections," a retreat for persons living with HIV/AIDS and
their friends, family, or significant others will be held at Saint Edmund's
Retreat Center on the weekend of May 15, 16, 17, 1998. Located in
Mystic, CT, this retreat will give participants a chance to relax on the safe,
comfortable, and scenic grounds of Enders Island as they explore ways
to contact and communicate with their own selves, each other, and the
God of their own understanding. The weekend will also include good
food, massages, Yoga and a variety of activities that nourish and enhance
a person's well being. There is a fee of $25.00 per person for the entire
weekend and includes food and lodging. Space, however, is limited and
due to the popularity and demand for these retreats, it is suggested
reservations be made as soon as possible.
The weekend will also feature a special presentation on N euro-Linguistic
Programming (NLP) by Seph Mayo. Mr. Mayo was one of the founders
of"TogetherThrough Touch" a free massage program for people living
with HIV/AIDS. Ellen Rubin, currently working on YOGA classes for
AIDS Project New Haven and stress reduction workshops for the
Connecticut AIDS Residence Program, will also be leading a session on
Yoga and ways partners can assist each other. For more info. please
contact: Br. Thomas Berube (860) 572-8548 orTOMBSSE@aol.com

LESBIAN

RocK CONCERT

On Saturday April 25 roads to Westport will be jammed with lesbians.
The place to be: the Unitarian Church in Westport; when: 8 p.m.; why:
The Concert: "She's A Rebel - Fearlessly going where no woman has
gone before'! Suzanne Sheridan, the "One Night Stand Band", "The
Undertones", and members of"Another Octave" are coming out for the
first leg of the "Rebel Tour''. Singing songs only previously done by
men, Suzanne is reclaiming the territory of old time rock 'n roll for you.
Songs like "Pretty Woman", "Delilah", "Lay Down Sally'', and "Young
Girl. Yyou will also be treated to a gala party after the concert. Tickets
are only $15. Call 203-227-7205, ext. 22 for more information or you
can send your check or money order and a SASE to the Uni taria11 Church
in Westport, 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport, CT. 06880, attn: Rebel.

HELPFUL HINTS
PAINLESS ADHESIVE BANDAGE REMOVAL: SOAK A COTTON
BALL IN BABY OIL AND WIPE IT AROUND THE SIDES OF THE
BANDAGE. IN ABOUT

10

MINUTES, THE ADHESIVE WILL BE

SOFTENED-MAKING BANDAGE REMOVAL EASY AND PAINLESS .

CONFUSED? SCARED? NOWHERE TO TURN?
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

KURT SPERLING,L.C.S.W:
225 MAIN STREET, LLl • WESTI'ORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

April 1998

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.
We're here to help - because we care.
Page 14

1

Univl1i

1

11r1~f1 l~1fiiij1~ll~llf1I~11l1ll1~11~11md,

OK

Property of the Center

M 001 111 375

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
HEATHER WEIMANN ...................... ........ (203) 924-2930

Deadline for the May Newsletter will be Saturday .
April.16. We cannot guarantee that material received
after that date will be included in May News&Views.
OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
Chiltern Mountain Club
Connecticut Kids and Families
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club.(Social Grp.-call Dale before 10pm)
Gay Fathers Group
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
Hartford Community Center
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
Metropolitan Community Church
Transgendered Resource - Kaylen
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
Triangle Kids
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group

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

330-9595
264-5605
899-0270
256-8414
791-9553
261-4019
866- 7051
778- 7016
688-1881
366-3734
724 5542
262-1555
389-6750
661-2448
948-4922
931-8789
255-6229
323-6278
773-9947

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.

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.

April 1998

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
838-188 I
374-6934
222-8294

9\['EWS & '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. John Delvecchio: Asst Editor
Phone: 203-334-3822
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Mike Collins: Publicity
Phone/Fax 964-1133
Phone: 203-375-3567
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com

FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT MICHELE STONE:
Ads must be camera-ready. Any ad not camera ready will be
subject to an additional charge. Inserts and special sizes upon
prior agreement All ads are placed on a space available basis.
The publication of the name of any person or organization in articles or ads in
NEWS & VIEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual
orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. The appearance
of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor constitute
endorsement by TCC,Inc. The views expressed in this NEWS & VIEWS are not
necessarily those ofTCC, Inc. Copyright 1998 by Triangle Community Center,
Inc. All rights reserved. This work, or any parts thereof, may not be used or
reproduced in any manner without written permission.

Page 15

TCC Calendar

April, 1998
Tues

Mon

Sun

Wed

Thu

l

,,,

P-FLAG7:45

Men's Rap 7:30

Fri
.J

Sat
'I

Bowl 9:30 Circle Lan es
G Mosaic 7:30

)

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IS

'J

IU

AA9-10am
Ou tS po ken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

Lesbian LitGrp 7:30
Fund Raising 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

Men's Rap 7:30

Friendraiser, Bdgpt, 6Out &About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes 9
Deadline New.; &
View.;

10

IL

lJ

14

I)

AA9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

rec Board 7:30

P-FLAG Spouses &Ex Mens' Rap 7:30
spouses 7:30

l'J

LU
Women's Rap 7:30

LI

AA9-10am
Ou tS po ken 4-6

ILO

AA9-10am
OutS poken 4-6

ILi

Women's Rap 7:30

Ll!

ILL

n

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

Men's Rap 7:30

IL'J

rec Board 7:30

CONNECTICUT CALENDAR
APRIL 1998
Friday., April 3 -The Killing of Sister George, 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 all 203-877-6382.
Saturday., April 4 -The Killing of Sister Gc:.orge (see April 3).
Saturday, April 4 - Living Positively!'s 7th anniversary Potluck Dinner,
in New Haven, 6:00 PM, followed by speakers at 7:00 PM. For
location and other information, please call Peter at 203-248-505 7.
Friday, April 10 - The cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show will
be featured at the twice monthly movie night at The New Haven
Gay & Lesbian Community Center, One Long Wharf, New
Haven. Potluck at 6:30 PM, movie at 7: 15 PM. For info call the
Center at (203) 777-7780.
Friday, April 17 - Sunday, April 19 - Out and Equal '98. National
conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Workplace Issues. For information call Dan Kosel at (716) 328-5986.
Sunday, April 19 - Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus presents OUT! The
Whole Story, to benefit A Moveable Feast, a meals-on-wheels
service for people with HIV/AIDS and cancer in southeastern
Connecticut. GardeArtsCenter, New London, 2:00 PM, $20 for
general seating, $26 for front balcony. For tickets call 1-888-ON
GARDE. Party after the show at Heroes Cafe in New London.
Friday, April 24 -A Diva gone mad is featured in SllllSet Boulevard at the
twice monthly movie night at The New Haven Gay & Lesbian
Community Center, One Long Wharf, New Haven. Potluck at 6:30
PM, movie at 7: 15 PM. For info, call the Center at (203) 777-7780.
Saturday, April 25 - Lesbian concert at the Unitarian Church in
Westport at 8 PM. "She's a Rebel Going Where No Woman Has
Gone Before!" Women singing songs previously sung by men.
Many singers and many band~! Tickets $15. For more information call (203) 227-2705.

April 1998

I/

II

IM

Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes
G Mosaic 7:30

12'1

ID

Out &About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes

_jU

Men's Rap 7:30

T

MEMBERSHIP FORM

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

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

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TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INc.
EAST NORWALK, CT

Page 16



P operty of the Center

Triangle Community Center

T R

A N G

New-~ & View-~

Vol.9, No.4
April 1998

Free to Members and Subscribers

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

THE HOMOSEXUAL EXCEPTION

ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE INCREASES

... .In the course of in-depth interviews with 200 people in the suburbs of
Tulsa, Atlanta, San Diego and Boston, I did not find Americans morally
divided among themselves. I found them instead divided within themselves; they honor God, family and country, yet they also want to
accommodate themselves to the realities of contemporary America.
.... (But) however much they are willing to accept almost anything, most
of the middle-class Americans I spoke to were not prepared to accept
homosexuality
To be sure, there are plenty ofmiddle-class Americans who care not a whit
what people do in private. As one might expect, people in the Boston
suburbs are not as condemning of homosexuality as people in Oklahoma.
Although polls show that Southern blacks are among those most hostile
to homosexuals, the middle-class African-Americans with whom my
research assistant and I spoke in Georgia, who knew a thing or two about
discrimination, were among the most tolerant toward gay people ....
But these were minority voices. The furthest most people were willing to
go in the direction of toleration was to say that while they did not like
homosexuality, gay people deserved respect because all people deserve
respect. Four times as many people we spoke with condemned homosexuals as were willing to offer them positive acceptance. Some simply
refused to discuss the subject. Others responded with nervous laughter or
an obvious desire to change the topic as quickly as possible. Still others,
ever reluctant to use a word that implies a judgment about someone else's
behavior, had no trouble finding these words, .... when the subject of
homosexuality was raised, "abnormal ..... immoral ..... sinful. ... Unacceptable .... sick.... Unhealthy .... mentally deficient." In all likelihood, Americans are less homophobic than they were before the gay rights revolution,
but middle-class Americans have not come to the conclusion that
homosexuality represents an alternative that is the moral equal of any
other.
'
How do people reconcile their willingness to pass judgment on homosexuality with their strong support for moral individualism? A fairly
frequent response was articulated by a conservative Christian woman
from Cobb County, Ga.: "God said to love everyone, so you hate the sin
but love the person." This formulation sounds fine, except if you believe,
as many homosexuals do, that sexual identity is a big part of what defines
who you are. For another group of middle-class Americans, homa;exuals are
asking for "special rights," something more than what other groups want.
A general manager at a tool factory from Cobb County is vehemently put
off by conservative Christian preachers because of their "in your face"
tactics. Surprisingly, homosexuals are, in his view, quite similar to them
because both interfere in the lives of others. As he understands the matter,
gay people are not asking for the right to be left alone. They want instead
his acceptance of them, and that he is not prepared to give ... ..
.. ..Americans simply do not accept the idea that sexual preference is like
genderor race. In this belief they find support, oddly enough, in the early
rhetoric of gay liberation itself. Initially reluctant to blame any behavior
on biology or genetics, many gay activists .... once argued that homosexuality, like all forms of sexuality, was "socially constructed." Those
middle-class Americans most hostile to homosexuality, I found, were
those most willing to see it as a conscious choice ..... Make something a
natural condition or a syndrome, and Americans are quick to empathize.
Make it a choice, and people feel that they have the similar choice of
condemning it.
If we listen to these opinions, we are likely to come to two conclusions.
The first is that many homosexuals are correct to suggest that they,
perhaps more than any other group in America, are severely stigmatized.
But the second is that those Americans who have qualms about homosexuality are also correct if they believe their views to be widely shared.
There is no culture war in America, but on the question of gay rights,
fairly severe battles are likely to be fought for the foreseeable future .

Violence and harassment of homosexuals increased by 2 percent
nationwide last year, a coalition of gay groups said. It attributed the
increase to heightened publicity of events like the February 1997
bombing of a gay and lesbian nightclub in Atlanta and the coming-out
episode of the TV show "Ellen."
The National Coalition ofAnti-Violence Programs compiled the report
based on statistics obtained from local groups that track crimes against
homosexuals, bisexuals and people with blurred sexual identities. The
report is not based on police statistics and is not considered comprehensive because it only tracks 14 areas across the country. But officials of
groups within the coalition said the report should be taken seriously.
According to the report, there were 2,445 documented cases of anti-gay
violence and harassment last year in the 14 areas, including New York,
San Francisco and Los Angeles. The number of murders related to antigay violence dropped to 18 in 1997 from 27 in 1996. New York City
had the most reports of anti-homosexual violence (658), followed by
the San Francisco Bay area (402) and Los Angeles (350). More than a
third involved harassment - verbal or by mail or phone. About one-fifth
involved assault, and close to a third intimidation. Among the more
brutal examples of harassment include a gay Chicago man who reported
a year's worth of violent assaults by an elderly neighbor. One night he
said, she attacked him with garden shears, cut him 22 times and yelled
"die of AIDS ... " Police response was indifferent to hostile, the report
said, with officers once threatening to arrest the victim if he kept
complaining. Eventually the neighbor was charged with misdemeanor
assault.
New York Police Commissioner Howard Safir said the department has
worked closely with the gay and lesbian community "not only to
encourage the reporting of bias crimes, but also to help raise, awareness
ofany potential dangers faced by the community." But Safir added that
the report includes figures that were compiled without the use of any
uniform or generally accepted method of reporting. He says the New
York group "did not attempt to reconcile their figures with those of this
department." The department's figures, based on accounting methods
used by the FBI, show that the number of citywide gay bias incidents
dropped to 59 in 1997 from 61 in 1996.

April 1998

GAY-BASHING IN CONN.
In Stratford, Connecticut's most recent gay bashing incident, a 33 year
old Bridgeport gay man was assaulted and beaten by three men in the
early morning hours of Thursday, March 12. The trio punched and
kicked the victim as he exited the Village Pub, a neighborhood bar on
Success Avenue in Stratford just a short distance from the victim's home
in Success Village. One of the three men had been a customer in the Pub
and began harassing the victim because he was gay. The bartender told
the rude customer to leave. Once outside, the customer evidently
recruited a couple of"friends" to wait with him for the victim . When
the victim stepped out of the bar the three attacked him. Stratford police
were called to the scene but the attackers had already fled . The victim,
punched in the face and kicked several times, declined medical
attention.
-John DelVecchio

ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE RISES IN DC
The number of people who complained that they were the victims of
anti-gay violence in the Washington area jumped last year, part of a
slight increase in reported anti-gay hate crimes nationwide that has
occurred even as violent crime has dropped significantly, a coalition of
watchdog groups said. Gay Men and Lesbians Opposing Violence, a
DC group that runs a hate-crime hot line, documented 86 victims of
anti-gay violence in 1997, compared with 69 in 1996, a 25 percent
increase. Although more than half of the incidents were classified as
Continued on next page
Page I

T NEWS & VIEWS
assaults, a majority of victims reported that they escaped without injury.
Though Johnson said there was no "typical" victim, more than three-quarters
of the incidents were reported by men. The attacks were most likely to occur
on the street or in the victim's own home. Nearly half of the victims reported
that they were attacked by strangers.

HATE CRIMES UP IN MASS.
Hate incidents reported against gays and lesbians in Massachusetts surged in
1997, increasing 42 percent despite a sharp dip in overall crime, according to a
study released yesterday by the Violence Recovery Program of Fenway Community Health Center. The study also showed that while about 35 percent of the
threats, harassment, assault, and vandalism occurred in Boston, which reported
80 incidents as opposed to 10 in 1996, the most dramatic rise occurred in
Worcester County, which reported 33 incidents as opposed to four in 1996. In
all, Massachusetts reported 228 such incidents in 1997, an increase of70% over
1996. Forty-nine people were assaulted, up from 41 in 1996. Homicides
dipped, however. While the report speculates that the February 1997 murder in
Boston of Lee Thompson may have been related to his sexual orientation it
identifies three such murders in Massachusetts in 1996.
The report's results were considerably more alarming than national figures
released by the National Coalition ofAntiviolence Programs, which incorporates the Violence Recovery Program's number and data from other states. It
found just 42 percent overall increase in violent attacks against gays. Forty-eight
percent of the Massachusetts incidents included threats, intimidation or harassment, 27 percent involved physical assault, and 6 percent, involved vandalism
or graffiti. Two incidents involved the setting of fires and a bomb threat to a gay
nightclub.

VIOLENCE

& GAY

RIGHTS IN MAINE

In what was billed as a rally to "speak out against fear and violence," nearly 200
people crowded into a small rural church to denounce the results of a Feb. 10
reterendum overturning the state's gay rights law. The meeting was the first of
what gay leaders say will be dozens across Maine in anticipation of an effort to
pass a new gay rights law in 2000. By 51 percent to 49 percent.
The rally was also held to support Charles Mitchell, a gay psychiatrist who was
attacked and beaten recently while jogging in Falmouth. At the rally, a halfdozen speakers said violence and discrimination exist side by side in Maine. One
gay man told of having his car vandalized, others of being called "faggot."
Margery Clement of Falmouth explained how her son faced threats and abuse
at high school because he is gay.

CRIMES AGAINST GAYS RISE IN MICH.
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reported in a study that
violence against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals and victims of AIDS
increased at a rate of 2 percent in 1997. The situation was even worse in
Michigan, where crime against gays and lesbians increased 12 percent over
1996.
According to the survey, there was a dramatic increase nationally in the number
of incidents in police precincts and jails. Also up were reports of unjustified
arrests and offenders who were police officers. As a result, he said, it is not
surprising that many victims are reluctant or unwilling to seek help from the
police or to file police reports for an incident. Another marked increase occurred
in what the report referred to as "serial incidents," or those of continuous
violence and harassment by one offender against a single victim over a period of
time. According to the survey, such crimes increased "a frightening" 36 percent
last year. Incidents at schools and colleges were also up, by 34 percent.

ANT-GAY STUDENTS IN MINN.
Minnesota students felt a little safer last year than they did a year earlier, but most
sajd they still witness misbehavior at school, a new state report says. Stealing,
name-calling and cursing were the acts most frequently identified as a "major
problem" in the fourth-ammal survey, conducted by the state attorney general's
office. Fifty-three percent of those questioned in the 1997 random-sample
survey ofl,800 students said they felt safe at school, up from 46 percent in 1996.
About 60 percent said that they saw between one and five violent acts at school
last year, and about 18 percent said they saw violent acts from five to 10 times.
The survey's definition of violence ranges from verbal insults to pulling out a
knife or a gun. Twenty percent of the students said se>.."1.lal harassment was a
major problem in school, and 50 percent said gay and lesbian students were the
most likely victims of violence.

April 1998

W'rcCNEWs
TCC F RIENDRAISER
The April Friendraiser will be held on Saturday, April 25 from
6 PM to 9 PM in the Bridgeport apartment of Tom Mariconda
and Walter Dembowski (Executive House, 3900 Park Avenue,
Apartment 4-E). A buffet meal and non-alcoholic beverages will
be provided. Feel free to Bring Your Own Bottle of... whatever.
Any questions? Call Tom or Walter at (203) 374-6934.
DIRECTIONS: It was easier to reach Tom and Walter for their
last Friendraiser, when it was one straight ride (so to speak)
down Park Avenue. They haven't moved, but road construction
still-in-progress as of the ''News and Views" deadline means a
detour and different (though not difficult) directions.
Take the Merritt Parkway (either direction) to Exit 4 7. Turn left
at the end of the exit ramp onto Park Avenue. Drive .8
(eight-tenths) of a mile on Park Avenue, through two traffic
lights (preferably green) and past Sacred Heart University to the
"Road Closed" sign at Eckart Street (the point beyond which
you really can go no further). Turn left onto Eckart and ride
one-half mile to the second stop sign, which is the end of Eckart.
Turn right onto Madison Avenue and drive 1.5 miles, past one
stop sign and one traffic light to a second, four-way stop sign at
Queen Street (No Comment!) Turn right onto Queen Street
and drive the short distance to the traffic light at Park Avenue.
Turn right onto Park Avenue, four blocks (two-tenths ofa mile)
later, on the right (just before the Italian Community Center) is
Executive House (3900 Park Avenue).
Park on either side of the street (except near the bus stops) or in
the Visitor Parking spaces on the side of the building (but not
in the Emergency spaces in front). Take an elevator to the fourth
floor. Turn right, head to Apartment 4-E, and walk right in! It'll
be good to see you!

SOFTBALL
There's still time to start a TCC lesbian softball team. League
play starts on April 27 in Norwalk. All lesbians are encouraged
to join regardless of ability. For more information call Christine
at (203) 847-8476.

CENTER FORUM
TCC's Center Forum will be held on Tuesday, April 21 beginning at 7:30 PM. Topic and guest speaker to be a1mounced.

LESBIAN LIT GROUP
The Lesbian Literature group has chosen "On My Honor:
Lesbians Reflect on Their Scouting Experiences" edited by
Nancy Manahan as the book for discussion at their May 5
meeting. The book gives real life accounts of the scouting
experiences of several lesbians.
The Literature group meets the first Tuesday of each month at
TCC beginning at 7:30 PM. Copies of"On My Honor. .. " are
available at local libraries as well as Bloodroot (203) 576-9168.
For more information call Christine at (203) 847-8476.

NEW BOARD MEMBER
Heather M. Weimann has been voted in by the Board at their
Feb. 24 meeting. Heather has been involved in TCC's youth
group, Outspoken, since March 1994, with P-Flag since 1994,
a member ofTCC since 1995, and served on the P-Flag Board
in 1996. She has given talks on being gay and growing up gay,
to public school students. "I would like to see more activities for
youth and would like to bring all groups together at TCC," she
said during an interview. Commenting on Heather's new
position, Board member Denyse Burke said, "we are very
pleased to have the fresh energy of Heather Weima1m on our
Board. Welcome!"
Page2

SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
Four years ago this winter, I discovered the Triangle Community Center
for the first time. At the suggestion of a friend, I called Dan (Woog),
one ofthe facilitators ofthe newly-formed youth group, OutSpoken. He
was outgoing, kind and eager for me to come down for a meeting. I
didn't know any other gay people at the time. Did they exist? Were there
any my age? Did they all live in big cities, like New York? That Sunday
afternoon, with a racing heart and sweaty palms, I made the long walk
down the corridor to Suite 7-C.
I don't recall saying much during the meeting, but I do remember Dan
(Kelly) making conversation with me afterwards. Because of that, I
went back the following week and have continued to attend OutSpoken
nearly every Sunday afternoon for the past 4 years. In the early days of
the youth group, teens new to the Center (and themselves) would come
to the meetings and talk about problems with family or work, or secret
crushes on the kid next to him/her in class. They found support in the
facilitators, took comfort in their soothing words and reassurance that
everything would be O.K. Throughout the years, OutSpoken members
themselves have provided the advice and stories of similar experiences to
their peers. Newcomers to the group these days are, I think, more
confident and sure of themselves. They speak of starting gay/straight
alliances at school, or coming out to their parents, P-Flag literature in
hand. I started going to the.youth group for advice, to search for the gay
community. Now, though I sometimes give advice, I still learn from the
young adults who are so much more together than I was when I came
out. It's empowering to see young adults helping each other, to see the
positive changes, the suggestions heeded.
OutSpoken provides a safe place for young adults to be themselves, to
ask questions and voice concerns. More importantly, there is much
needed dialogue between gay adolescents and adults. Because of the
dedication of its members, OutSpoken recently celebrated its 4 year
al11liversary. I'm determined to see that OutSpoken exists for the next
generation of gay teens, so that they may benefit from the guidance and
support I continue to receive every Sunday from 4 pm to 6 pm.

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

You Have a Friend in
Real Estate
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

~ Prudential
April 1998

CONNECTICUT NEWS
CONN AHEAD IN SUPPORT OF YOUTH
In a national assessment of how well states are meeting the needs of
teens, the Advocates for Youth, a Washington, DC based teen advocacy
group, gave Connecticut a 60 percent score out of a possible 100
percent. The rating covered subjects ranging from school attendance and
after-school programs to sex education, AIDS prevention, support for
gay and lesbian teens and access to confidential health care. Susan Fliim,
author of the ·study, said the state-by-state analyses were based on
information provided by state agencies, including copies of statutes and
educational guidelines. Researchers also used reference materials provided by youth advocates.
Connecticut tied Washington, DC, for fourth place. California came in
first with a score of 69 percent. Illinois, Maryland and Minnesota tied for
second with 64 percent, and New York placed third with 63 percent.
Georgia came in last with 48 percent. According to the study,
Connecticut's policies were strongest in the area of support for gay and
lesbian youth, gaining a score of 100 percent in that category. The state
also did well with giving teens access to confidential health care and
providing school-based health clinics. The study said Connecticut's
weakest policies are in the area of child abuse and neglect. The state tied
with New York for last place with a score of 25 percent.

DEPT. OF EDUCATION CHANGING CURRICULUM
The state Dept. of Education is in the process of revising its recommendations to local school districts about what health topics should be
covered and when including sexuality education. After some parents
objected to the content of a preliminary draft, and enlisted the support
of the governor, a considerably watered down set of recommendations
was submitted to the state Board of Education for their consideration.
Changes included shifting puberty education from 4th grade to Grades
5-8, deleting all reference to HIV/AIDS, deleting all reference to sexual
orientation, and deleting any reference to sexuality as "a natural part of
life." These changes have been loudly criticized by Planned Parenthood
of CT, the CT Chapter of the American Pediatric Association, the
Sexuality Information and Education Council of CT, the CT Association for School Health, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educators Network
and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition ofC1.
At its February 4 meeting, the state Board of Education and Commissioner Theodore Sergi announced that they would revisit their recommendations and prepare a new draft for consideration in May. They
announced that they would solicit public and educator comments from
individuals and groups. HERE'S WHERE YOU COME IN! Won't
you please take the time TODAY to write a letter to Commissioner Sergi
and a.n other to Governor Rowland expressing your support for comprehensive, reality-based sexuality education in our schools?
The Honorable John Rowland
Theodore S. Sergi
Room 200
Commissioner of Education
State Capitol
State Dept. of Education
165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Hartford, CT 06106
-Jon Clark, PPC Education Director

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA
ATTORNEY-AT LAW

1305 POST

ROAD, FAIRFIELD

203/256-3839
Tax Planning, Preparation & Appeals;
Estates & Trusts, Probate Matters,

Conneciicut

Realty

Real Estate Law; Elder Law; and
Small Business Formations and Assistance
Page3

T NEWS & VIEWS
DENYING GAYS MARRIAGE IS A VIOIATION
[Ed Note: The author of this editorial in the Connecticut Post is David
Piotti. He is a tenth grade student at Trumbull High School.}

The issue ofsame sex marriages is becoming much more common in the
United States, and recently Hawaii's state legislature has passed laws
allowing gays the right to marry. A gay marriage will not affect you
directly in any way so there is no reason to be against if it is not your
concern. People who are gay are born that way, so society cannot deny
a person their rights if they cannot help it. Besides, if gays already live
together, what does it matter if they are married? It has been argued that
allowing homosexual couples to get married is morally wrong. Many
people feel the Bible forbids same sex marriages. Despite peoples' beliefs
or religious state, under the United States Constitution all people are
created equal, which entities everyone to equal rights.
Although some people might have a personal problem with gay
marriages, one must understand not only their own point of view, but
a gay person's as well. Why should something bother people if it does
not necessarily concern them, everyone should concern themselves with
their own matters. The topic of gay marriages or relationships has
already been blown out of proportion. If people would stop obsessing
about gay issues, they would realize that there would he less of an impact
on society.
According to many scientists, people are born with a specific sexual
identity and there is nothing they can do in their power to change it. If
there are to be equal rights among all people you cannot deny persons'
rights because they are born a certain way. Denying homosexuals the
right to marry is like prohibiting heterosexual people from being
married to the opposite sex. If one thin.ks in these terms, it may be easier
to see how gays are denied their rights. My final point is a very simple
question: What difference does it make if gays live together unmarried
or married? It should make no difference either way to anyone. It shows
how ridiculous this entire argument is. If gays are already carrying on
relationships and living in the same home, then why not allow them to
be married? There would be virtually no difference, except to the gay
couples. Many partners would get health benefits if married and file
income taxes together as a couple to save money just as heterosexual
people do.
Denying gays marriage is a violation of their equal rights as American
citizens. As a whole, America's heter9sexual population has only put off
the decision on whether to allow gay marriages. At this moment,
America is truly not a land of equality although our Constitution
declares this. As the world's leading democratic nation, we should set an
example as the first completely equal nation.

THE GAY GOURMET
CUBES STEAKS PARMIGIANA

(fOUR SERVINGS)

4

CUBE STEAKS, POUNDED THIN

GARLIC POWDER
COARSE GROUND PEPPER

3 TBSP OLIVE OIL
4 SLICES MOZZARELLA
1 CUP TOMATO SAUCE
1 SMALL CAN MUSHROOMS,

DRAINED

HEAT OIL IN LARGE SKILLET, ADD CUBE STEAKS AND
BROWN ON BOTH SIDES, SEASONING WITH GARLIC
POWDER AND PEPPER. TRANSFER THE CUBE STEAKS TO A
BAKING DISH, COVER WITH TOMATO SAUCE,
MUSHROOMS, AND A SLICE OF MOZZARELLA. HEAT IN A

350

DEGREE OVEN UNTIL THE CHEESE IS MELTED. SERVE,

PREFERABLY WITH A SIDE OF PASTA IN A MARINARA SAUCE.

THRESHOLD
MORTGAGE COMPANY
PATRICK WINTERS
LOAN OFFICER
THRESHOLD MORTGAGE
COMPANY

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

THRESHOLD COMMON

59

W1L TON ROAD

06880
(203) 454-0525
TOLL FREE (800) 562-5577
FAX (203) 454-0069
HOME (203) 256-5951
EMAIL pkw@thresholdmtg .com
WESTPORT, CT
OFFICE

Triangle community c e n t e r y
Norwalk, Cl
••••

'1,#-ylk,m,tw-C-.IY"

••• •

Scrvln1 Ille led1i1"'9ayfltl/tt c:omntUnhy .. ■Hthwntem

C ■ftffdlait

• Sp11cializing in rnsid1mtial horn,, mortgag1is in Pairlfold County

Last upda1e 03/22197

Onlhtrpage:

■welcome to tht> Trlanglt> Community Ceuter

• Who An: Wt~• Groups that Meet at 1hc C'tnter • Conum1nil\' Evenli; • Rrsourc, Room• Monthly Ncwsk-tter •
Hc•w tu Find ll~ • n,comins aMr1nl1tr

OnotMrpqts:

~ Crnter Calendar Ill ICC Nps A Vlf'!'ft;j What'

II

Otht>r' Gnnu,1 ~PoHtkal

H!PPtlll11J1?

Anion ■ Internet Unks

Phone or fax (203) 8.S3-0600 01'" e-mail

April 1998

I

i!J TCCenter@aol.com.

',~:

~

c/»,1

• Capabhi 111' handling all loan sc1mario's from a$60,000 condo in
Stamford to a$1,000,000 hom11 in Gr1mnwich
• Consist1mt top producing loan ol'l'ictw l'or omr t1m _y1mrs with a
W1ialth or knowll,dg,, and 1ixp1iri1mce
In 1/1.95, 'fhmsh11/dHt111/[il!ft: WilS dlt:d ilS tht: ltlfl pmdudnflmtll1//ilfll:
wmpanr hilrin!( clt1S1:d 11rt:1· SI75, 1/1/U, Ill/II in /11ilns in l'ilitlir:ld f't1un(y
Page4

T ~EWS & YIEWS
A BEST-SELLER

MEDIA NEWS
GET THEE TO THE JOHN HOUSMAN
Go see a remarkable production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
retitled R & ]. Four, twenty-something actors enact the Shakespearean
traged)'. as a play-_within-a-play. They play ~he roles of schoolboys at a
rep~ess1ve Catholic boys school where love 1s merely a Latin verb to be
CO~Jugated. These schoolboys in turn, play all the roles in Romeo and
Juliet. Sou~ds queer, but it works. It beautifully illuminates corners of
the (_what 1s t<? me at least) all-too-familiar story in ways I didn't think
possible. S_peoal mention must be made of the two Dannys in the cast.
Mr. Gurwm plays Lady Capulet, Mercurtio, Friar John, the Prince and
a number of other parts and does them all differently and with a great
skill at thelangua&e. Then there_ is the remarkable Mr. Shore's Juliet. (He
also plays Benvo!10). He does mde~d teach the torches to burn bright.
He bnngs a passion to the part which makes all the other Juliets I have
seen as listless in comparison. His Juliet is a young girl who finds herself
subsumed by love and with her eyes wide open, rushes headlong where
h<::r heart leads ~er. It i~ a production - and a performance - not to be
missed. R & J 1s showmg m the John Housman Studio Theater (the
basement space) at 450 West 42nd Street.
-Marianne Seggerman

CIRCLES MAGAZINE DEBUTS
Circles Magazine, a new publication for the national and international
lesbian community, has made its official debut. Copies are available by
subscnpt10n, m women's, feminist, gay and lesbian, independent, and
other books_tores across ~he United States and in Canada. Subscriptions
are $24.95 m the US. Cir~les 1s currently accepting feature-length and
shorter subm1ss10ns revolvmg around the myriad issues that involve and
engage the lesbian and bisexual women's communities as well as
crossover issues that engage the gay community at large. '
The first issue, dated March/April, contains features on political and
legal issues; es~ays_on civil marriage; an adaptation of the traveling
photo-text exh1b1t1on Love Makes A Family families· The Lesbian
Health Advocacy Movement; an excerpt from Ellen Bass and Kate
K_aufman's book Free Your _Mind: The Book for Lesbian, Gay, and
Bisexual Youth and Their Alhes; as well as short stories by Su Penn and
Lauren Crux.
Kit McChesney, Publisher - Circles Magazine - Circles Publishing, Inc.
• 1705 Fourteenth Street, Suite 326 - Boulder, Colorado 80302 - Tel
(303) 245-8815 - Fax (303) 245-8816.
ELLEN'S

BYE, BYE?

Ellen DeGeneres has wrapped production on the last episode ofEllen for
this season; The hour-lo~g episode, set for the May sweeps, spoofs
De~eneres own career, with Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer
Amstoi:i and Bea Arthur reminiscing_about her (fictitious) days in
vaudeville before Ellen. Also seen: Chnstine Lahti, Jada Pinkett Smith,
Helen Hunt, Julianna Margulies and Cindy Crawford, all auditioning
for the role of Ellen Morgan. Another episode, also set to air during
sweeps, has Ellen and her lover discussing a commitment ceremony as
Morgan's parents renew their vows.

01:1 _last week's best _seller list in the New York Blade (the New York
edition of the Washington DC gay paper) under books for gay men is
Tocks by Dan Woog. It is not just for gay men, though. Dan interviewed
do~ns _ofathletes on the high-school and college level and compiled their
stones mto an anthology. The athletes he found were mostly swimmers
or runners, with a smattering of team-sports participants and one
gymnast. The two _eublic fip11res h~ intervi~wed were famous for other
~easons, _b ut had a lif~-lon~ mterest m ~ pamcular sport. Anyone with an
mterest m sports will enJoy the stones of everyday athletes trying to
reconcile their involvement in sports with their gay identities. Woog, in
his decades as a columnist at the Westport News, writes human interest
stories that bring out the private suffering of his subjects. I have
sometimes felt in his columns that he too often wrote about people
whose privilege of race and class left them little to feel sorry about. In
Jocks at least, style meets worthy substance. Sports in the Western world
is the basis for the concept of masculinity and a gay athlete challenges and
confronts that image and culture just by living his life. When Woog
extemporizes in his writing he keeps his editorializing narrowly focused
on the individual at hand and never feels it necessary to step back and
comment on the broader picture. This strengthens his work. Since this
book is all about their stories and not at all about what he thinks, the
reader is able to come to his or her own judgments. Some of the
P?Pularity ofl~~ might be attributed to the fact that it's the first of its
kind. But even 1f 1t covered an area that others had written about; it is in
its own right informative, touching and heartwarming.
-Marianne Seggerman ,

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

Horticultural Botanist
Gardener & House I Pet Sitter
Donald J. Comes
(203) 866-2823
30 'Iierney Street
Non.valk, CT 06851

April 1998

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

Page5

T NEWS & VIEWS
TRANSGENDER VIEWS
POCONO VACATION
Come to the all new "Paradise In The Poconos" weekend. The new
facility is fabulous! Every room is a deluxe accommodation with a double
canopy bed in nearly every room. The facilities available include a heated
indoor pool with an adjacent jacuzzi, an authentic English pub, and our
very own night club for the talent show. Two separate game rooms
provide video game entertainment as well as pool and ping-pong. There
are also large meeting rooms for workshops. All of the services and
facilities are accessible through enclosed walkways without ever going
outside and the entire resort is exclusively ours for the weekend! This is
a perfect venue for us.
The Poconos Weekend will run from November 5 - 8 and is designed to
give you an opportunity to live out your fantasies . Dress to your heart's
content. Bring your entire wardrobe! The people you'll meet at the
Poconos are some of the nicest you'll ever meet anywhere. They come
from different backgrounds but they all share the same desire: to get
away and let "her'' roam free. If your partner wonders if there are other
women who accept this, here's where she'll meet them.
This weekend will give you an opportunity to refine your skills in
makeup, hair styling, and dress. Attend one of the free workshops and
learn new techniques. Buy and sell clothes at the Tag Sale. Leave with a
whole new wardrobe. Whip uf your wildest outfit for the Costume Party
and win a prize. Maybe you'! be the next Princess of the Poconos. Get
your registration form and send it in now, before there's no room at the
inn. People have been turned away for the last three years.
"Paradise In The Poconos" runs from Thursday, November 5 through
Sunday, November 8--4 days & 3 nights of fun and festivities. The
complete package includes: welcome reception, 3 parties, 9 meals, 3
nights lodging, workshops, tax, and gratuities. The cost per person
(double occupancy) is $350. A limited number of single occupancy
rooms are available at $475. For more information, a brochure and
registration form write to: Creative Design Services, PO Box 61263,
King of Prussia, PA 19406.

TRWIA QUESTION
RiTO·

MARCH- DAVID WHITN~ JS THE LOVER

Of
£THING ARCHITECT. PHIUP JOHNSON AND JON
ANDERSON°IS THE LOVER Of 90-SOMETHING ARTIST PAUL
Ol)M,yS•.BOTH THE COUPLES HAVE BE~N TOGETHER FOR
TfURTY..flVEYEARS~

QuesnoN FC>R ......... WHICH OF THESE DO NOT
BELONG TO THE OTHERS'l 'GENE SHAUT, ROBERT

MACNEU, RQBERT MosBACHER, PHnus ScHAFFLY,
(THE LATE) ROY lICHTENSTElN.

ALDIS
_m_.4_6_~-il-1
Pla_VEL_in-Roa_P_~---Da-n-bur_i_.CT_06_8_1_1
FAX (203)7.4.4• 1139

(203)778•9399

Three deuades of GAY travel expertise
....:;RSVP

CYBER NEWS
HOME PAGE FOR LIVING POSITIVELY!
The Living Positively! HIV/AIDS groups of New Haven now have a
publicinformationsiteat http://www.outmct.com/livingpoz/index.html.
On this site you will find the group's preamble, steps, traditions and
some member sharings, as well as some other pages.
LESBIAN NEWS
The National Academy of Sciences is on the Internet. Their Journal, The
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences which contains the
article on the differences between the inner ears oflesbians and straight
women can be found in abstract form at: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/
content/abstract/95/5/2709.
GAY EGYPT

If you want to read about the first tomb built for ancient gay Egyftian
lovers take a l~k at http://www.sirius.com/-reeder/niankh.htm.

*

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

(203) 261-3492
Monroe.CT

(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT

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

VICTORIA

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, er
ADMIITED IN er AND NY

Page6

LEITERS
MAINE RESPONDS
[Ed.note: Below is a copy of the letter received by Lester and Elaine
Sharlach in response to a postcard they sent expressing their dismay
over Maine's rejection of their gay 's right 'slaw.}

The Maine Publicity Bureau, Inc.
PO Box2300
325B Water Street
Hallowell, Maine 04347-2300
February 24, 1998
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sharlach,
To say the least I was very distressed to receive, your postcard in today's
mail. I regret that the media coverage of this vote gave a somewhat
distorted view of the vote's purpose.
I do not know of any documented cases in our state that show that gay
and lesbians are being discriminated against. I do not pretend to
understand why some people treat other yeople differently or unfairly.
I was taught to treat all people as my equa and I think most Mainers do
just that. I would hate to lose you after 18 years as visitors, may I offer
a suggestion? Consider planning your vacation at a gay or lesbian owned
property in Maine. That way you are supporting their efforts as a viable
part of our tourism industry. At the same tine (sic) you are speaking
with your economic power and supporting a group that is important to
you . I appreciate your concerns and we do value you as a guest for the
past 18 years. Ifl may be of any assistance please call.
Sincerely, Vaughn Stinson, Exectutive Director

SOURCES
Afghanistan - Three Burled Allve, Reuters, February 25, 1998
Conn Support Youth, New Haven Register, March 9, 1998
Crimes Against Gays Rise In Mich, Metro Times, March 4-10. 1998
Elderly Gay Housing, Boston Globe, February 25, 1998
Ellen's Bye, Bye? USA Today, March 11, 1998
Firm Matches Gay Men, Surrogates, LA Times. February 22, 1998
Gay Doctors Group Not Welcome, San Francisco Chronicle, March 11, 1998
Gay Marriage, Connecticut Post March 4, 1998
Gay Retirement, San Jose Mercury News, March 11, 1998
Hate Crimes Up In Mass, Boston Globe, March 4, 1998
Jamaica - More Debate, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 15, 1998
Lesbian Health Care, The Advocate, March 9, 1998
Nassau - Protest, Reuters, March 9, 1998
New York Times Edltorlal: The lnvlslble Victory, New York Times, March 12, 1998
Pope Takes Alm, Agence France-Presse, February 19, 1998
Some Scouts Exempt From Codes, Journal Sentinel, March 2, 1998
The Homosexual Exception (excerpts), NY Times, February 8, 1998
AK - Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Anchorage Daily News. March 10, 1998
AZ - Gays Fear Links In Murders, The Arizona Republic, March 3, 1998
DC - Anti-Gay Violence Rises, Washington Post, March 4, 1998
IA - Protesters: No Law Protecting Gays, Des Moines Register. March 12, 1998
IA- Sioux City Says, "No," Sioux City Joumay, March 17, 1998
IL - Red Lobster Sued, Chicago Tribune, March 16, 1998
IN -AIDS/HIV Pharmacy, Indianapolis Star, February 24, 1998
MA - Must Report HIV, Boston Globe, February 24, 1998
ME -Violence & Gay Rights, Boston Globe, March 7, 1998
MN - Gay Students, Star Tribune, March 11, 1998
NY - Gay Synagogue, Detroit News, February 20, 1998
TX - Open Doors, Chicago-Tribune, March 6, 1998
TX -Anti-discrimination Order, Houston Chronicle, February 17, 1998

"LETTER TO THE EDITOR" - MILLENNIUM MARCH
ON WASHINGTON
In the spring of 2000, our lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender
community will once again "March on Washington." The last March
was held after the presidential elections. That was too late. We relied on
the promises of political parties that were not kept. This time, we will
show our strength, our unity and our commitment, and our goals
before the elections.
In 1979, 100,000 ofus attended the first march, and we wept as we
embraced each other ....and demanded our rights. The rally was heard
over national radio. We knew we had made history. The second March
(attendance 1 million) gave birth to "The Quilt'' and "The Wedding
Ceremony." ... .Television and newspapers covered the March. By the
3rd March in 1993, we still had no rights, but more and more people,
including famous personalities, were beginning to come out. Melissa
Etheridge, Martina Navratalova, Sir Ian McCallen, the Indigo Girls, as
well as straight celebrity supporters such as Cybil Sheppard and Judith
Light appeared on stage. We honored those of our community who had
served and were forced out of the military, and wept, as the mother of
Alan Shindler, the young gay man who was murdered in the navy, and
one million of us, paid tribute to his memory. And for the first time,
CSPAN covered us, and we were seen all over this Nation, and on CNN,
all over the world.... Since that third March, the media has given us
tremendous coverage and recognized us as a community.
We must March on Washington in Spring of 2000 .. ... This march will
be televised nationally and all over the world, so millions of people who
cannot afford to participate in any March, can be a part of this great
experience. We will put our children on stage, and our parents, and
show our diversity, and our unwavering commitment. We will honor
our youth and our elders. We will not stop until we have equal rights .
.... Until that happens, like the Phoenix, against all odds, we have and
will continue to rise, again and again, and to March on Washington, and
to never stop the struggle until we have full equality. We owe it to our
future generations ....
-Robin Tyler, Executive Producer, Millennium March on Washington
for Equal Rights 2000 (LGBT).

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

Rt1t'. Fr1111k BBlilrd
Pastor

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

Jane

wAttorney-at-Law
Griffith, JD, MBA

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

Fax 203 / 387-9899

April 1998

Voice 203 I 389-8614
Page 7

T NEWS§ VIEWS
-

NATIONAL NEWS

MORE HARASSMENT FOR GAYS IN MILITARY
The number of gays facing harassment in the military has risen for the
fourth consecutive year, despite the Clinton administration's pledge to
prevent further discrimination of homosexuals in the armed services,
according to a gay rights advocacy group. The Servicemembers Legal
Defense Network attributed the increase to "a climate in many commands where 'anything goes' in the pursuit of suspected gay personnel."
In its annual report, the group cited 563 "command violations" that
servicemembers had reported to it, including instances where commands
asked, pursued and harassed service members in direct violation of
President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which sets limits on gay
i11vestigations. In contrast, the number of violations reported in 1996 by
members of all the services was 443, the group said. The Navy was the
worst service in anti-gay harassment and asking, with 193 violations.
Last year's report said a total of850 people had been discharged from the
military for homosexuality in 1996, a five-year high. No figures were
given discharges of gays in 1997 because the Pentagon would not release
them.

GAY DoCToRs GROUP Nor WELCOME
The nation's leading group of gay and lesbian doctors is furious over
being rejected for participation in the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists annual conference, saying the snub is a reflection of
how little attention the medical establishment pays to lesbian health. The
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, a 2,000-member organization,
said it was tersely dismissed by the ACOG when it asked to be exhibitors
at a May 11 conference in New Orleans. The ACOG said that the gay
doctors' "service would not benefit or be ofinterest to the majority of our
membership."
The group's spokesman, Greg Phillips, said the gay doctors seemed to be
a "special issue advocacy group." Such groups are banned under the
organization's guidelines. The gay doctors' organization, however, suspects a different motivation. "ACOG's statement reflects homophobia
by effectively discounting the specific medical needs of lesbian patients
and the existence oflesbian, gay, bisexual and trans gendered obstetricians
and gynecologists."

NEWYORKTIMES EDITORIAL: THE INVISIBLE VICTORY
The Boy Scouts would never have known ifJames Dale hadn't told them. That
has always been thedifferenceaboutthemovementforgayrights. Homosexuals
aren't visible. They have to stand up and identify themselves in order to be
discriminated against. They may be monogamous by nature. They may want
to fall in love and marry. There are plenty ofsuch people in the United States.
They are all the things their critics wish that homQ5eXl.lals were. They are good
Scouts. But every time they stand up to declare themselves in some new place,
theygetrejected.Thathasbeenthepatterninreligion,inthemilitary,inbusiness
and the law. The value ofJames Dale's case against the Boy Scouts ofAmerica,
which threw him out in New Jersey when he said publicly that he was gay, is
to remind us what fights for civil rights in this country are usually about. They
are abouttherighttodo the usual thing. James Dalernightinfacthave an easier
run in life if, like some gay men and lesbians, he spent his private time in the gay
bars, churches, athletic clubs and interestgroups thatformedashelterfora whole
population rejected from the usual _places. But he didn't want an exclusively
homosexual life. He wanted an ordinary one, and that has been the rub.
Homosexuals were segregated out by a society that saw them as
different; sinfully, criminally, mentally flawed. Those old definitions are
fallen, or falling back. But they all grew from religious teaching. And it
is in the most fundamentally religious and patriotic realms that American
homosexuals have had to fight the hardest for acceptance. Progress is
sometimes inch by inch. In San Francisco last month the Alexander
Hamilton Post, the only American Legion post in the nation that
describes itself as mainly gay, finally won a 15-year fight with the
California Legion. The parent Legion agreed to acknowledge publicly the
post's existence, to refrain from saying bad things about it, to pay its legal
bills, and even to let other veterans who might want to join know about it.
The fight for gay veterans and Boy Scouts, for gay Catholics and Baptists, for
gay and lesbian members of the American military is a long way from over.
Accepting homosexuals as normal is the last thing their most tenacious religious
and ideological opponents want to do. But that, in fact, has been the main thrust
of all the individual men and women who have become so visibly gay in recent
years-not segregation, but assimilation. They have comeoutsothattheycanstay
out, if they choose, or go back in-on their own terms, as themselves. If they
succeed, they may surprise their critics by becoming largely invisible again. It
could be a very long time, but the success of the gay rights movement may be
most obvious the day it disappears.

LESBIANS LOSE
February 29's Dateline NBC featured the sto;y of the lesbian foster
mother who had her foster child removed by a social worker who
disagreed with her lifestyle. The child ended up with his uncle and aunt,
even though the foster mother continues to raise other foster children and
the social worker was demoted. Dateline's "Question of the Week" was
''When should lesbian couples be allowed to adopt?" The sample of 503
people answered as follows: Not sure 7%; When a suitable heterosexual
couple cannot be found 13%; Same rules should apply for gays and
straights 30%; Never 50%.

NJ

CouRT BACKS GAY Scour LEADER

Homosexuals can be Boy Scouts - even troop leaders - a state appeals
court declared f~r~efully in a_ ruling that has national implications. The
court, ma 2-1 op1ruon, ruled m the case of a Monmouth County assistant
scoutmaster (Dale) ousted from his troop. The decision could force
Scout_troops i_n Ne~ Jers~y to acc~pt _gays, somethin_g_the Boy Scouts of
Amenca considers mcons1stent with its 90-year tradition of asking boys
to remain "morally straight."
The a_ppeals court said the Boys Scouts is a public institution much like
the Little League, or libraries and colleges. Forcing the organization to
accept gay boys and scoutmasters won't undermine its core mission of
teaching self-reliance, patriotism, courage, and other virtues, the judges
said. The ruling overturns a decision by Superior Court Judge Patrick J.
McGann, who quoted from the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the
Bible, and criticized Dale for his "moral depravity" in ruling that the
Scouts had a right to exclude the assistant scoutmaster. This decision is
the first appeals court ruling in the nation to take the side of a gay troop
leader, lawyers for both sides said. Legally, it remains an open case, but
both sides said the ruling could have profound effects.

April 1998

/

MICHAEL

J.

TAYLOR, LMT

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE •
440 MAIN STREET • RIDGEFIELD,

CT, NY LICENSED
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Page8

Property of the Center

So ME Scours EXEMPT FROM Co DES
The Boy Scouts' national executive board has quietly voted to make
significant changes in its Explorer programs - changes that may avert
some court challenges to the Scouts' requirement of a belief in God and
its ban on gay youths and gay adult leaders. National Scout leaders say
the changes will allow for better management while expanding the reach
and impact of the programs that serve boys and girls from ages 14
through 20. They insist the decisions were not made in response to
lawsuits.
In an action that has not yet been publicly announced, the Scouts'
national executive board decided in February that Explorer units with a
focus on hobbies or outdoor adventure-or with a religious component
- will be put into a newly created Venturing division. Details of the
program are still being worked out, but a national spokesman confirmed
that Venturing will continue the traditional codes, values and requirements for leadership and membership. Explorer units that focus on
career exploration will be put under the administration of Learning for
Life, an existing Boy Scouts subsidiary that helps schools provide career
information to students. These Explorer posts often are sponsored in the
workplace by private businesses or government agencies . Gregg Shields,
a national Boy Scouts spokesman, confirmed that these Explorer units
would no longer be subject to the traditional codes and requirements that
have applied to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts.

THE EARS HAVE

IT

Researchers say they have found the first strong evidence of a physical
difference between lesbians and straight women - a finding that the inner
ears of gay women work more like those of men. The discovery adds new
support to the theory that sexual orientation may be predisposed before
birth. Previous research has found that two parts of the male brain are
different in gay and heterosexual men. Other studies have found that
some genes differ between gay and straight men.
In the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, researchers at the University of Texas, Austin, said they found
the inner ears offemale homosexuals have undergone "masculinization,"
probably from hormone exposure before birth. The inner ear difference
between homosexual and heterosexual women was detected using a test
that measures the function of the cochlea, a key sound amplifier in the
inner ear, said McFadden, a professor of experimental psychology. The
cochlea amplifier in women is more sensitive than that of men, giving
women an increased ability to detect very soft sounds in a very quiet
room.
What is clear is that there is a dramatic difference in the development of
the hearing systems of lesbians and of heterosexual women. It also is
known that development of the inner ear is affected before birth by
androgens, a male hormone. Androgens may also alter the brain centers
that produce sexual orientation.

HORMEL UPDATE
James Hormel, heir to the meatpacking fortune and a founding board
member of the Human Rights Campaign has pledged to resign and give
up gay-rights activism if confirmed. The Clinton administration maintains its support for Hormel and is accusing a small group of Republican
senators of discrimination for blocking the confirmation of the San
Francisco philanthropist who would be the first openly gay US ambassador. But conservative lawmakers who are preventing a Senate vote on
James Hormel's bid for the Luxembourg post contend it's his gay rights
activism and not his sexual orientation they find disturbing.
Sens. Tim Hutchinson, R-Ark., and James Inhofe, R-Okla., have placed
open holds on Hormel and others have done so anonymously, said
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss. As a result, Hormel's name
isn't expected to reach the floor without a fight, if at all.

LESBIAN HEALTH CARE
For 20 years, Nayla Rolle lived with a paralyzing disease that doctors
dismissed as stress-related. It wasn't until she started seeing Joan
Waitkevicz - a specialist in lesbian health issues - that her ailments were
diagnosed correctly, as lupus and asthma. Waitkevicz, who began seeing
Rolle nine years ago while she was in private practice, is now director of

April 1998

the Beth Israel Medical Center's Gay Women's Focus in New York.
Health care networkers say it is the first hospital-based health-provider
in the country for lesbians. The connection to the hospital, proponents
say, could give lesbian patients better access to specialists and more
comprehensive insurance, than they would otherwise have.
Gay Women's Focus is a primary care provider and gives referrals. Since
opening in 1996, it has treated more than 3,000 patients _30 percent of
them lesbians. Ex,P:rts say gay women have special medical concerns :
They may be at higher risk of developing coronary disease, breast and
colon cancer, and some vaginal infections, research shows. And sexual
practices can have an effect. Teresa Cuadra, the center's gynecologist,
said many lesbians may go years without visiting a gynecologist, for
example, because they think they are not at risk for sexually transmitted
diseases.
Pat Troy and her partner began seeing Waitkevicz more than 16 years
ago, after Troy's previous gynecologist molested her. Experts say such
stories are common. In addition, lesbians may avoid doctors for fear
they will be denied insurance coverage or be forced to reveal their sexual
orientation at work. According to a 1994 survey of members of the
American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, 67 percent of
doctors and medical students said.they knew of a lesbian, gay or bisexual
patient who had received substandard care or been denied care because
of sexual orientation.

FIRM MATCHES GAY MEN AND SURROGATES
The longed-for package from Denise in Tulsa, Okla., arrived in the mail.
The anxious Manhattan Beach couple popped the enclosed videotape of
the ultrasound into their VCR and anxiously scrutinized the grainy
image. Their baby looked healthy, and he certainly appeared to be a boy.
The parents-to-be-Jim and Brian-were delighted. Denise had agreed
to carry a baby for Jim and Brian after she was introduced to them by
Gail Taylor, founder of Growing Generations, a 1 1/2-year-old West
Los Angeles company that matches gay men who want to have children
with surrogate mothers. Growing Generations is the only surrogateparenting agency _in the United States exclusively serving gay men.
Taylor,herselfalesb1anandthemotherofa6-month-olddaughter,saidsheha.~
received hundreds ofinquiries nationwide since starting her service, most from
people who heard about it via the Internet or word of mouth.

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

49 Coolidge Avenue
Stamford. CT 06906
(203) 964-184 7

T Depression
T Anxiety

T Post-Trawnatic Stress
T Counseling for Partners & Family
1653 Capitol Avenue T Specialized Psychotherapy Groups
Bridgeport. CT 06606 T Case Consultation
T Clinical Supervision
(203) 332-0136

Michelle C. Loris, Psy.D.
Individual, Couple and Group Therapy

(203) 255-2767
Ct. Lie. MFT

By Appointment

Page9

T NEWS & VIEWS
California does not regulate surrogate agencies. Taylor says her basic fee
is $47,000, including medical screenings, legal costs of terminating the
surrogate's parental rights, adoption by the non-biological parent and
compensation of$15,000 that 1s paid to the surrogate over the course
of the pregnancy. Growing Generations has recently added the option
of using an egg donor. Couples might opt to use an egg donated by one
man's sister, for example. This choice, which necessitates in vitro
fertilization, significantly increases costs.

POPE TAKES AIM AT SAME-SEX MARRIAGES
Pope John Paul II used a visit by Spanish bishops to condemn same-sex
marriages as an attack on the institution of the family. "We are seeing
today a trend, very widespread in some circles, that threatens the very
characteristics of the family," the pope told the bishops from Catalonia
and Asturias. He denounced those who "want same-sex unions recognized as families," and urged the bishops to "proclaim with pastoral
firmness the truth about marriage and the family, as God made it to be."
ELDERLY GAY HOUSING
It was 25 years ago that the seeds of a novel idea were first planted in the
mind of Brenda Cole. Now a Massachusetts entrepreneur, Cole is laying
the groundwork for what would be one of the first chains of assisted
living and retirement facilities marketed to elderly gay men and lesbians
in the nation. Boston is one ofseveral cities Cole is targeting for the $75
million, for-profit project, which would include a bevy of amenities: a
health club, wellness center, and hair salon at each site.
Cole says she is "very close" to closing a deal with an investor that will
leave her with $6.5 million in seed money to break ground for the first
120-unit facility, which would be located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - a
growing area with a large gay community. Slated to open after that
would be sites in Atlanta and Boston - if Cole can locate a suitable space
in the city's tight and expensive housing market. Depending on the
market and the size of the units, condominiums could cost anywhere
from $160,000 to $275,000; assisted living services such as meals and
physical therapy would likely run an additional $2,000 to $3,500 per
month, Cole said. The units would be split evenly between assisted and
independent living quarters.
GAY BooMERS AND RETIREMENT
Peter Lundberg's vision for a Bay Area retirement mecca would boast
many of the niceties of a Sun City resort. As many as 500 older residents
would stroll hand-in-hand along its extensive walkways past shops, a
central plaza and homes with spacious porches for frittering away an
afternoon. They'd relax at its pool, tennis courts and recreation center.
And those in failing health would be tended to at its on-site nursing home
or assisted-care facility. But "Our Town," as the 48-year-old San
Francisco financial planner dubs his dream, would differ in one significant way from the typical retirement community. Like a growing
number of seniors-oriented developments being proposed around the
nation, it would be tailored specifically to lesbians and gay men.
Our Town is one of at least three such projects under consideration for
the Bay Area and other spots in California. Similar developments,
including several mobile home parks aimed primarily at older lesbians,
already have opened or are in the works in Ariwna, Florida, Georgia,
Massachusetts, North Carolina and Washington state, according to
stories in gay and lesbian publications and people involved.
The whole idea intrigues Mary Thorndal, executive director of the Gay
and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons, which was formed last year
in Los Angeles . In fact, Thorndalis so enthusiastic that she and her
partner for the past 15 years, Veronica St. Claire, are proposing to build
a similar froject themselves. But it may not be simple. Like Lundberg,
Thornda and St. Claire have discovered potential hitches from the
market surveys they've done. Among the biggest is that older gays and
lesbians are much less likely than their younger counterparts to have
stepped out of the closet. As a result, such projects may have to wait until
Baby Boomers get a little older, since many ofthose already of retirement
age would resist moving to a place that would openly advertise their
sexual orientation. Another tricky factor in selling such projects is that
many gays and lesbians enjoy living around straight people and that some
prospective tenants would resist moving anywhere that's only for seniors.

April 1998

That sounds like what Bill Laing is developing on 22 acres near Tampa
Bay, Fla. The Palms ofManasota, which the 67-year-old retired psychology professor began building in August, is primarily geared toward gay
and lesbian seniors. But "20 percent of our population can be under 55,"
says Laing, who is gay. A straight person recently expressed interest in
living there. The Palms' initial plans call for 21 single-family homes
starting at $117,000, 44 apartments and an assisted-living facility able
to accommodate 45 people. They also include everything from recreation hall and swimming pool to shuftleboard courts and horseshoe pi ts.
A third of the homes already have been sold, according to Laing.
Lundberg, Thorndal and Laing all have Web sites to promote their
plans. Other developments, including two Ariwna mobile home parks,
Superstition Mountain Resort and The Pueblo, rely more on word-ofmouth. Since 1994, several hundred women, many of them retired
lesbians, quietly have moved into the Apache Junction parks. The park
has plenty of amenities: game rooms, a pool and even an auditorium,
where gay entertainers from the Phoenix area show up to perform. But
more than anything, it is a kind of sanctuary.
For more information :
Our Town, (415) 566-4100, http:////www.ourtownvillages.com//
Metropolitan Community Homes Inc., (415) 453-5653.
Gay and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons Inc., (310) 966-1500,
http:////www.gaylesbianretiring.org//
PalmsofManasota, (941) 722-5858,http:////www.prideworks.com//pahns.htm.

2.'Hope Street, Stamford, CoAO,
Telephone: 203-348~9880

Maureen M. Murphy
is pleased to announce
the relocation o/ her law practice

to new offices at
27 Elm Street
New Haven,

(203) 789-2269

CT 06510
Fax (203) 789-2997

E-mail: mmurphy/aw@aof.com
Civil Rights

Special Education Law

Employment Law

Family Law

Title IX

Lesbian & Gay Legal Rights

Page 10

T NEWS & VIEWS
-

STATE BY STATE NEWS

AK -

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BAN

About 60 people signed up to testify against a proposed constitutional
amendment banning same-sex marriages in Alaska. The proposal's
main proponent, Sen. Loren Leman, told the committee the amendment is needed to head off a redefinition of marriage, which he said runs
contrary to every law in every state and in every country. Leman's move
for a constitutional amendment on marriage was prompted by a court
ruling 10 days ago in the case of two Anchorage men suing the state for
a marriage license. Superior Court Judge Peter Michalski ruled that the
constitutional right to privacy extends to choice of spouse, even if a
person's choice is to marry someone of the same sex. In spite of their
efforts, the committee voted 5-1 in favor of adding to the constitution
a definition of marriage as a union "between one man and one woman."

AZ - GAYS

FEAR LINKS IN MURDERS

Robert Hernandez was minding his own business, walking alone
through the parking lot of Valle Cita Gardens apartments on Union
Hills Drive. A group of teenagers saw him and thought he was gay. One
of them, Armen Harutiunian, 15, allegedly approached Hernandez,
pulled out a handgun and ended the man's life with a single shot to the
chest. Police officers said Hernandez's death was the second fatal attack
in north Phoenix in the past two months against men thought to be gay.
Detective Mike McCullough of Phoenix police said that he didn't know
whether the cases of Hernandez and Thomas Moffatt, who was slain in
January, are related. But said that they believed that the Jan. 10 death of
the 71-year-old Moffatt was caused by a person or persons with bias
against gay males.

IA -

PROTESTERS: No

LAw

PROTECTING GAYS

A City Council member was among 600 people who turned out for a
rally against expanding Des Moines' anti-discrimination law to protect
homosexuals. Several pastors prayed around Councilman Michael
McPherson at First Assembly of God Church to give him strength to
continue to oppose the proposal. "The truth will set you free," McPherson
said. The council, which has shot down similar proposals twice before,
is expected to consider the protection in a few weeks. Ifthe council passes
the proposal, Des Moines would join Ames and Iowa City, which
protect homosexuals from discrimination in employment, housing and
public accommodations. The city already prohibits such discrimination
based on race, gender, religion or any of five other characteristics.

IA -

Sioux C1rv SAYS,

"No"

By a 3-2 vote the Sioux City Council defeated a controversial proposal
that would have given homosexuals legal protections from discrimination. The action capped hours of public debate on one of the most
emotional and contentious issues in the city's history. Nearly 150 people
packed the council chambers. Hundreds more called or wrote council
members in the last few weeks, with the overwhelming majority
opposed to adding sexual orientation to the list of groups protected in
the city code from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing
and public accommodations.

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
April 1998

Wilton Office
387 Danbury Rd.
(203) 847-1094

Many opponents agreed that discriminating against homosexuals is
wrong. But they argued gays and lesbians do not deserve the same
protections as other groups in the city human rights ordinance, such as
race. ''These people are not born this way like a man is born black, or red
or yellow," Odell Nelson, a retired schoolte~~her, said. "These people
chose to live this way." The largest oppos1t1.on came from religious
conservatives, who argued the ordinance would violate their personal
beliefs. Many called the ordinance an attempt to sanction an immoral
lifestyle.

IL -

RED LOBSTER SUED

Dale Hall said he was fired from Red Lobster because of his sexual
orientation. Hall has filed suit charging Red Lobster Restaurants with
violating Cook County's human rights ordinance. The 5-year-old ordinance protects people from discrimination based on sexual orientation
and other parameters.
Dale Hall, 34, who now works as a waiter at a downtown Chicago
restaurant, had been an associate manager at Red Lobster, one rank
below general manager. The incident that led to his termination
occurred in April 1996. A waiter, who admitted in testimony that he
referred to Hall and other gay employees as "(expletive) faggots,"
became angry when H.i.U told him he could not leave work when he
wanted to. The waiter threw the night's money at Hall and walked off
the job. Hall said that days later, he heard the restaurant manager was
trying to find the waiter. Hall ultimately was fired. "They terminated
me," Hall said. "They rehired the other guy." Two restaurant staffers
testified in the hearing that the general manager would stand behind Hall
during meetings, doing "the limp-wrist thing," an allegation the manager denied.

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 11

T NEWS & VIEWS
IN - Al DS/H IV

PHARMACY OPENS

Statscript Pharmacy has opened its first store in Indianapolis, a somewhat dubious distinction for the city. That's because Statscript specializes in treating people with HIV or AIDS, entering new markets only
after an exhaustive study to measure the need for such a service. It seems
enough people were diagnosed with the deadly disease here to convince
Statscript it was time to come. There have been 2,014 HIV cases
reported in Marion County since 1985, and 1,188 AIDS cases since
1982, according to The Damien Center, a local HIV/AIDS social
service center.
Statscript pharmacies do a lot more than just fill prescriptions, said Brad
Plunkett, the lone pharmacist at the company's Downtown store. The
pharmacies work closely with private and government social service
agencies and gay and lesbian organizations, referring clients where
appropriate for financial, emotional or medical assistance. And the
company says it brings a special sensitivity to its work, insisting on such
features as closed rooms where clients can receive counseling in private.
Statscript has 22 locations nationwide and three more in development.

MA -

MusT REPORT HIV CASES

For the first time, Massachusetts health-care providers will soon have to
report all cases of HIV infection to the state, according to a Department
of Public Health decision to be announced today. The policy is part of
a growing acknowledgment nationally that the epidemic must be
tracked earlier, rather than reported only after HIV infection has turned
into AIDS. But Massachusetts is breaking ranks with 31 states by
adopting an HIV reporting system that uses a number identifier, not a
person's name, in the state records.
AIDS activists welcomed the decision, saying that HIV reporting is
needed with the new drug treatments available, and that using the
number better protects a person's confidentiality. Massachusetts will be
joining only Maryland and Texas in requiring HIV reporting by
identifier number rather than name, while the states with some of the
biggest numbers of HIV and AIDS cases - California and New Yark are in the midst a name vs. number debate.

NB -

TX -

OPEN DOORS

Outside the University Baptist Church, across the street from the
University of Texas, a sign proudly proclaims: "Our Doors Are Still
Open." Inside over a chicken dinner, about 50 church members talk out
their feelings after the Baptist General Convention of Texas voted Feb.
24 to oust the small congregation for embracing gays and lesbians.
Church members are not happy about how they were treated. But
neither are they deterred from what they see as their ministry to spread
God's love for all people. The church was ousted from the Austin Baptist
Association after the 1994 ordination of Hans Venable, a deacon who is
gay. Since then, the church has invited homosexuals to participate in
Open Circle, a ministry for gays and lesbians.

TX - ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

ORDER

Mayor Lee Brown fulfilled a campaign promise by signing an executive
order banning discrimination in Houston's city government on the basis
of sexual orientation. Brown established the new policy through his
executive order authority, which does not require a vote by the City
Council. But the issue's strong association with the gay and lesbian
community has generated controversy- both at City Hall and in public
debate. Noting that Houston voters overwhelmingly repealed an ordinance granting job protection to gay and lesbian city workers in 1985,
some opponents of the policy called on Brown to put the measure to a
vote of City Council.

CHURCH FINDS MINISTER INNOCENT

A Methodist pastor in Nebraska was found innocent by a church panel
of disobeying church rules for performing a lesbian unity ceremony.
Had he been found guilty by the juryoffellow ministers, the Rev. Jimmy
Creech could have lost his position as senior pastor of Omaha's largest
United Methodist Church and be stripped of his ministerial credentials.
The case was the first challenge to United Methodist policy on homosexual marriage, and the jury's decision could shape how the 9.5 millionmember denomination interprets rules governing its treatment of gays.
The jury was made up of four women and nine men, all ministers from
Nebraska. The 53-year-old Creech conducted a same-sex commitment
ceremony in Kearney, about 185 miles west of Omaha, in September.
He was suspended from the leadership of his congregation on Nov. 10.
Creech testified that he was simply serving the spiritual needs of two
women church members .
The Rev. Loren Ekdahl ofLincoln, who argued the church's side, said Creech
went wrong by conducting the ceremony as ifit were an official rite. "We're not
talking about a simple prayer or blessing here," he said. In_Creech's defense, the
Rev. Douglas Williamson ofNebraska Wesleyan University argued that the
church's Social Principles, amended in 1996 to prohibit "ceremonies that
celebrate homosexual unions," are merely guidelines.

NY -

So overcrowded in its original meeting hall that some members had to
sit on kiddy chairs, the synagogue moved to an artists' complex. For
nearly 20 years, the synagogue was led entirely by volunteers. As the
AIDS crisis hit, the congregation's needs grew at the same rapid pace as
its membership. In 1992, the congregation hired Rabbi Sharon
Kleinbaum, whose Yorn Kippur service attracts 3,000. She has found a
congregation "thirsty to learn." Her class on contemporary Jewish
philosophy regularly pulls in more than four times the 20 people she
anticipated. Study retreats are sold out and a second trip to Israel is set
for next year.

-

J':Ql_JITAB!'.~
II
,llembe.r ofthe Global

Group

Bryan Costello

212•382•5176

Investments
Pensions
Insurance
The ubove-111,med individuals are regjstered representalives ofEQ Financial
ConsuflaTWJ, Inc. (2/Z 641-7300), a MOkerldeaur and lnrestment adviser, and agents

of The Equltab/e life Assurance Sockty of the United StoJes (NY, NY 10104}. The

above-named individual also offers lradilwrw.l and variable /:11,rurance and annuities
of Equilabk, and of oYer fifty other companies through EquiSource.
A.GE-97-587 Exp. (6/98)

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

GAY SYNAGOGUE

The Congregation Beth Simchat Torah in Manhattan is the world's
largest gay synagogue. In February the 800-member congregation
celebrated its 25th anniversary. For the last five years it has been led by
a young lesbian rabbi ranked among the nation's top 50 Jewish leaders
in 1997. Congregation Beth Simchat Torah quickly became a magnet
for gay Jews who had felt painfully cut off from their religious roots. For
New Yorkers such as Michael Levine, discovering the gay synagogue
seemed like a miracle. "The second I walked through the doors I felt I
had come home," he recalls.

April 1998

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

T fllilEW5 & VIEWS
' )))]))) WORLD NEWS
AFGHANISTAN - THREE BURIED ALIVE FOR SODOMY
Three Afghan men convicted of sodomy survived an attempted execution in which they were buried alive for 30 minutes, a news agency
reported. Taliban's supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar ordered
the three to be left for half an hour under the rubble of a stone wall which
was felled on top of them by a battle tank. Their lives would be spared
if they survived. Pakistan-based AIP said the men were found alive when
the pile of stones was removed, and were taken to hospital to be treated
for their injuries. Fazalur Rehman, Ahmad Shah and Abdul Qahir had
all been convicted by an Islamic court ofcommitting sodomy with young
boys. Orthodox Afghan Islamic scholars believe a sodomite must be
executed either by being pushed from a hill or by having a wall felled on
top of him, Afghan sources in Pakistan said.

CANADA - LESBIAN COUPLE SETTLES
An estranged lesbian couple who fought for years over alimony payments
have reached a settlement just as the Supreme Court prepared to hear
their landmark case. But the former lovers will still be at the center of a
high court hearing that will deal with whether Ontario law governing
alimony should be expanded to include same sex couples. The story ofM
and H began in 1980, when the two met and fell in love while vacationing
in Nepal. They lived together for more than 10 years, pooling assets,
buying a country vacation home and starting an ad agency. M tended
mostly to the household chores while H took care of business matters.
When it all fell apart in 1992, M found she couldn't sue for support
payments under Ontario's Family Support Act.

JAMAICA - MORE DEBATE
On the Caribbean island ofJ amaica, the Village People's performance at
the Negri! Music Festival sparked outrage from the anti-gay activists.
"To promote a music festival of that nature, which is going to highlight
a behavior repugnant to the majority of people in this country, is
disrespectful," said the Rev. Stanley Clark, president of the Jamaica
Cou_ncil of Churches. Homosexuality has become a hot issue throughout
the Caribbean in recent months following British pressures on its
colonies to abolish anti-gay laws andjrison riots in Jamaica over the
distribution of condoms to guards an prisoners.
Inciting the most controversy was a decision by the Cayman Islands to
prohibit a cruise ship carrying some 900 gay passengers from making a oneday stop there in February. Religious groups in the Bahamas protested after
the government announced it would allow the landing of the ship rejected
by the Cayman Islands. The ship never landed though, due to bad weather
that Bahamian clergymen deemed an act of divine intervention.
"We have been surprised by all the anti-gay behavior in the Caribbean,"
said David Smith, senior strategist with the Human Rights Campaign.
Smith said he, "wouldn't be surprised" if right-wing groups in the US,
particularly the American Family Association, were responsible for
fomenting anti-homosexual sentiments in the Caribbean, a historically
religious and conservative area. Allen Wildom of the American Family
Association denied tryirig to influence Caribbean countries. But he admitted his group's web site does encourage readers to contact the British
government and the US State Department to voice opposition to efforts to
persuade Caribbean governments to liberalize anti-gay laws. "We haven't
yet asked for a boycott of England, but it's a possibility in the future if
Britain continues to push for the repeal of sodomy laws," said Wildman.

NASSAU - ANT1-GAv PROTEST
A cruise ship that sparked a noisy, anti-gay protest in the Bahamas was
not chartered by a gay vacation group, the ship's operator said. The
vessel, the Veendam, left Miami early for a stop at Half Moon Bay, a
remote Bahamian island, on the first stage of a seven-day Caribbean
cruise. Hundreds of placard-waving demonstrators took to the streets
in Nassau to protest the Veendam's visit.
Hours before the protest, Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham
called a news conference to say that all tourists were welcome in the
Bahamas. The protest was led by Save the Bahamas, a group formed in
February to protest the scheduled visit of another cruise ship. Demonstrators called on the government to acknowledge the "outrage" of its
citizens. The group asked Bahamians to si~n a petition calling for the
reinstatement of sodomy laws, a ban on facilities for "sodomites" and a
ban on "open sodomites" holding government office.

Wanted:
Gay man or lesbian as a live-in care provider. Experience
preferred but will train the right person. Background
thoroughly checked. Must be honest, empathetic and
willing to leam. Cozy country setting on Long Island
Sound. Please call Brian at (203) 853--9496.

'iStepl,anie's Lil'ing Room, Inc.

Presenting quality dances for women who do not like
the bar scene ... Come and meet new friends.
SATV7lDAY. MAY 2 -- STEPHAN/E's L1VJNG
RooM PRESENTS ITS 7TH ANNIVERSARY DANCE,
AT THE ST1lATFORD RAMADA INN,

s:oo PM.

Fon MORE INFORMAnON CALL 20J-J77-2119

LEADING
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THE BUYERS REAL EsTATE COMPANY

MICHAEL T. PAVLICIN
ExCLUSIVE BUYER AGENT
BROKER

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772 KINGS HIGHWAY WEST
SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT 06490
FAX1255-3705 HOME/866-6993

203/255-2278

leadhomc3@aol.com

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

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

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

Splendid Repertoire of Traditional Music
Welcoming and Inclusive Congregation

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

For additional information or auditions call:
Bill Voetberg, Music Director, (203) 847-7250
April 1998

JOHANNA RAYMAN

225 MAIN STREET, LLl • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549
Page 13

T ~EWS & VIEWS
UPCOMMING EVENTS
GAY CHRISTIAN RETREAT
Gay, Lesbian and Christian: Many Rooms -Thursday, June 11 thru
Sunday, June 14 at the Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center in Bangor,
PA. - Cost $300. John's Gospel speaks of many rooms in God's house
and we come to our Christian spirituality from many different traditions
and experiences within and outside the church. This event will provide
our community the opportunity to share expressions of our unique
experiences of God's grace and love. Facilitators include: John McN eill,
Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Christine Smith and Melvin Deal. For
more information call the Kirkridge Retreat at (610) 588-1793.

GAY

& LESBIAN

WORKSHOPS

The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York, is
hosting several workshops for lesbians and gay men from Monday, June
22 thru Friday, June 26. The workshops include "Reclaiming Our Inner
Wisdom: A Lesbian Retreat" with Elizabeth Roebuck, Ph.D. (cost
$290). "Honoring Our Journey: A Workshop for Gay Men" with Terry
Flynn (cost $290). "Touching the Body, Healing the Spirit: A Workshop for Gay Men Using the Rubenfeld Synergy Method" with Bob
Bauer, C.S.W. (cost$275) and "Getting the Love You Want: For Gay
and Lesbian Couples" with-Patricia Zorn and Sharon Kleinberg, C.S.W.
(cost $195) . For more information contact the Omega Institute at 800944-1001.

CONFERENCE - MAN

&

MASCULINITY

The National Organization for Men Against Sexism (a pro-feminist, gay
affirmative, anti-racist organization) is holding its 23rd conference on
Men & Masculinity entitled Pro Feminist 2000 from Friday, August 6
thru Sunday, August 9 at SUNY Stony Brook in Stony Brook Long
Island, New York. Areas to be covered are: Ending Men's Violence,
Homophobia Issues and Men's Studies. For more information call
(516) 399-4229.

GAY

& LESBIAN

BUSINESS EXPO

On April 25 and 26, the largest gay and lesbian trade show in the country
will take place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. This annual
event gives gays and lesbians the opportunity to shop and discover
businesses (local and national) that targetthe gay community. Sponsors
include major corporations such as Subaru, IBM and American Airlines.
Last year there were 15,000 visitors. For mgre information on the trade
show call 800/243-9774.

Our AND

EQUAL

'98

Rochester, New York will host a national conference on how sexual
orientation and gender identity shape workplace dynamics. Out and
Equal '98, the National Conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Trans gender Workplace Issues, is considered the preeminent event of its
kind. Over three days in April, an expected 400 attendees will discuss
benefits and policies, discrimination and harassment, understanding and
awareness.
Among the topics to be covered April 17-19: same-sex sexual harassment, what employment law does and does not protect, and the

importance of schools teaching acceptance of all diversity. "This is not
going to be a 101 conference, which is what they usually are," David
Kosel, conference chair, said. "We'll talk about what happens to a gay
person in interviews, how they're perceived. We have companies coming
to recruit and show support. That's not happened at these conferences
before." For additional information call David Kosel, (716) 328-5986.

INFECTED AND AFFECTED BY

HIV/AIDS

"Soul Connections," a retreat for persons living with HIV/AIDS and
their friends, family, or significant others will be held at Saint Edmund's
Retreat Center on the weekend of May 15, 16, 17, 1998. Located in
Mystic, CT, this retreat will give participants a chance to relax on the safe,
comfortable, and scenic grounds of Enders Island as they explore ways
to contact and communicate with their own selves, each other, and the
God of their own understanding. The weekend will also include good
food, massages, Yoga and a variety of activities that nourish and enhance
a person's well being. There is a fee of $25.00 per person for the entire
weekend and includes food and lodging. Space, however, is limited and
due to the popularity and demand for these retreats, it is suggested
reservations be made as soon as possible.
The weekend will also feature a special presentation on N euro-Linguistic
Programming (NLP) by Seph Mayo. Mr. Mayo was one of the founders
of"TogetherThrough Touch" a free massage program for people living
with HIV/AIDS. Ellen Rubin, currently working on YOGA classes for
AIDS Project New Haven and stress reduction workshops for the
Connecticut AIDS Residence Program, will also be leading a session on
Yoga and ways partners can assist each other. For more info. please
contact: Br. Thomas Berube (860) 572-8548 orTOMBSSE@aol.com

LESBIAN

RocK CONCERT

On Saturday April 25 roads to Westport will be jammed with lesbians.
The place to be: the Unitarian Church in Westport; when: 8 p.m.; why:
The Concert: "She's A Rebel - Fearlessly going where no woman has
gone before'! Suzanne Sheridan, the "One Night Stand Band", "The
Undertones", and members of"Another Octave" are coming out for the
first leg of the "Rebel Tour''. Singing songs only previously done by
men, Suzanne is reclaiming the territory of old time rock 'n roll for you.
Songs like "Pretty Woman", "Delilah", "Lay Down Sally'', and "Young
Girl. Yyou will also be treated to a gala party after the concert. Tickets
are only $15. Call 203-227-7205, ext. 22 for more information or you
can send your check or money order and a SASE to the Uni taria11 Church
in Westport, 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport, CT. 06880, attn: Rebel.

HELPFUL HINTS
PAINLESS ADHESIVE BANDAGE REMOVAL: SOAK A COTTON
BALL IN BABY OIL AND WIPE IT AROUND THE SIDES OF THE
BANDAGE. IN ABOUT

10

MINUTES, THE ADHESIVE WILL BE

SOFTENED-MAKING BANDAGE REMOVAL EASY AND PAINLESS .

CONFUSED? SCARED? NOWHERE TO TURN?
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

KURT SPERLING,L.C.S.W:
225 MAIN STREET, LLl • WESTI'ORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

April 1998

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.
We're here to help - because we care.
Page 14

1

Univl1i

1

11r1~f1 l~1fiiij1~ll~llf1I~11l1ll1~11~11md,

OK

Property of the Center

M 001 111 375

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
HEATHER WEIMANN ...................... ........ (203) 924-2930

Deadline for the May Newsletter will be Saturday .
April.16. We cannot guarantee that material received
after that date will be included in May News&Views.
OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
Chiltern Mountain Club
Connecticut Kids and Families
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club.(Social Grp.-call Dale before 10pm)
Gay Fathers Group
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
Hartford Community Center
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
Metropolitan Community Church
Transgendered Resource - Kaylen
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
Triangle Kids
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group

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

330-9595
264-5605
899-0270
256-8414
791-9553
261-4019
866- 7051
778- 7016
688-1881
366-3734
724 5542
262-1555
389-6750
661-2448
948-4922
931-8789
255-6229
323-6278
773-9947

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.

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.

April 1998

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
838-188 I
374-6934
222-8294

9\['EWS & '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. John Delvecchio: Asst Editor
Phone: 203-334-3822
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Mike Collins: Publicity
Phone/Fax 964-1133
Phone: 203-375-3567
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com

FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT MICHELE STONE:
Ads must be camera-ready. Any ad not camera ready will be
subject to an additional charge. Inserts and special sizes upon
prior agreement All ads are placed on a space available basis.
The publication of the name of any person or organization in articles or ads in
NEWS & VIEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual
orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. The appearance
of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor constitute
endorsement by TCC,Inc. The views expressed in this NEWS & VIEWS are not
necessarily those ofTCC, Inc. Copyright 1998 by Triangle Community Center,
Inc. All rights reserved. This work, or any parts thereof, may not be used or
reproduced in any manner without written permission.

Page 15

TCC Calendar

April, 1998
Tues

Mon

Sun

Wed

Thu

l

,,,

P-FLAG7:45

Men's Rap 7:30

Fri
.J

Sat
'I

Bowl 9:30 Circle Lan es
G Mosaic 7:30

)

0

I

IS

'J

IU

AA9-10am
Ou tS po ken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

Lesbian LitGrp 7:30
Fund Raising 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

Men's Rap 7:30

Friendraiser, Bdgpt, 6Out &About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes 9
Deadline New.; &
View.;

10

IL

lJ

14

I)

AA9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

rec Board 7:30

P-FLAG Spouses &Ex Mens' Rap 7:30
spouses 7:30

l'J

LU
Women's Rap 7:30

LI

AA9-10am
Ou tS po ken 4-6

ILO

AA9-10am
OutS poken 4-6

ILi

Women's Rap 7:30

Ll!

ILL

n

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

Men's Rap 7:30

IL'J

rec Board 7:30

CONNECTICUT CALENDAR
APRIL 1998
Friday., April 3 -The Killing of Sister George, 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 all 203-877-6382.
Saturday., April 4 -The Killing of Sister Gc:.orge (see April 3).
Saturday, April 4 - Living Positively!'s 7th anniversary Potluck Dinner,
in New Haven, 6:00 PM, followed by speakers at 7:00 PM. For
location and other information, please call Peter at 203-248-505 7.
Friday, April 10 - The cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show will
be featured at the twice monthly movie night at The New Haven
Gay & Lesbian Community Center, One Long Wharf, New
Haven. Potluck at 6:30 PM, movie at 7: 15 PM. For info call the
Center at (203) 777-7780.
Friday, April 17 - Sunday, April 19 - Out and Equal '98. National
conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Workplace Issues. For information call Dan Kosel at (716) 328-5986.
Sunday, April 19 - Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus presents OUT! The
Whole Story, to benefit A Moveable Feast, a meals-on-wheels
service for people with HIV/AIDS and cancer in southeastern
Connecticut. GardeArtsCenter, New London, 2:00 PM, $20 for
general seating, $26 for front balcony. For tickets call 1-888-ON
GARDE. Party after the show at Heroes Cafe in New London.
Friday, April 24 -A Diva gone mad is featured in SllllSet Boulevard at the
twice monthly movie night at The New Haven Gay & Lesbian
Community Center, One Long Wharf, New Haven. Potluck at 6:30
PM, movie at 7: 15 PM. For info, call the Center at (203) 777-7780.
Saturday, April 25 - Lesbian concert at the Unitarian Church in
Westport at 8 PM. "She's a Rebel Going Where No Woman Has
Gone Before!" Women singing songs previously sung by men.
Many singers and many band~! Tickets $15. For more information call (203) 227-2705.

April 1998

I/

II

IM

Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes
G Mosaic 7:30

12'1

ID

Out &About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes

_jU

Men's Rap 7:30

T

MEMBERSHIP FORM

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

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

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SPONSORING 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