The Herland Voice : v.8: no.5(1991)
- Title
- The Herland Voice : v.8: no.5(1991)
- Description
- The Herland Voice is the monthly publication of Herland Sister Resources, a womanist organization with a strong lesbian focus based in Oklahoma City.
- Date Issued
- 1991-05
- Rights
- All rights reserved by Herland Sister Resources. Contact UCO Archives & Special Collections for the permission policy on the use, reproduction or distribution of these materials.
- Is Part Of
- Herland Voice
- Creator
- Herland Sister Resources
- Date
- 2017-09-02T17:02:47Z
- Date Available
- 2017-09-02T17:02:47Z
- Subject
- Oklahoma
- Type
- application/pdf
- extracted text
-
MAY, 1991
E ERE J OF HERL ND
THE T
Retreat (n.) - preserve; refuge; resort; sanctuary; shelter; escape; evacuation; flight; withdrawal
he retreats of Herland have 1--een ~11 these •1'1 1gs and mv~e. We
have come together twi.:t 1 year for the past tx 'y ars and built a
special community. \Ve'Ye kept coming back to that speetc1l pla e we
create again and again . Each of the retreats of Hal.2nd ha~ p n 11
memories for the women who attended
The herstory of Herland retreats begins in May 1985 when several
members of the Herland collective went to Arkansas to a le-bian retreat
sponsored by the Women 's Proj<:ct. We had a great time and came away
convinced ti o.t Herla nd C< n..ld sponsor ~ ~inrnar event in Oklahoma. The
recipe seemrJ simple-a camp\ ·t h c::ibins n,I a kitchen to share and
women to fill it.
The first Herland retn::i.t h lleJ as a Fall Festiva' W0men's Retre,lt
was held October _ -, -2 7, 198 5 at O~age Hills State Park near
Bartlesville. The women \ ~ o attended wne tteateJ tu music by Marv
Reynolds and Peggy Jol-in.,011 ; wo rbhups in juggling, homophobia, and
the law; and the ever popular potluck supper.
After the success of the first retreat, the Herland Lollectl\'e planned a
second retreat, the Spring Festival/Women's Retreat for May 2-4,
1986 at Robber's Cave State Park. Featured per formers were Hawkins
and DeLear of St. Louis, Missouri. Tabby, the only kitten to attend a
Herland retreat, was at Robber's Cave.
October, 1986 brought the 2nd annual fall retreat. Women from
around Oklahoma gathered at Sequoyah State Park near Tallequah. The
tradition of an open-mic for musical performers, comedian.,, and poets
began at this retreat. Featured performers were Rosy's B~r and Grill
from Kansas City.
Roman Nose State Park was the site for the Spring Retreat of May,
1987. Oklahoma City's own Mary Black, Mary Reynolds, and Peggy
Johnson provided musical entertainment. Rainbow Productions was
born of a vision of several women at the Roman Nose Retreat.
We returned to Robber's Cave State Park for the Fall Retreat in
October, 1987. Nancy Day delighted us with her music and her touch
football skills . Donna DeSalvo provided her own special brand of
musical and comic entertainment. Early risers on Sunday were treated
to the famous D Y K E eroticakes.
The Spring, 1988 retreat was held at Boiling Springs State Park near
Woodward. Over seventy women made the warm sunny drive north-
T
\vest hut the weatht.r ,hanges qu1ckly in the Oklahoma sprin5. Befor
the 111ght was ov r snm fell on the retreaters . When Saturday dav. ned
a lavender bra flymg fror1 the flagpole claimed the c.1mp as women'
pa-.e The S15ters of Sv. mg and their infamous alter ego's, the Shartel ,
highltghted retreat el'tertainment activities .
Sequ,>yah State Park was the pl.ice to be fo r the Herhnd Fall , 1%8
retreat. For the first time Herland cooks, Mary Reynolds and Chris C.,
nMde t od available to participants who preferred not to cook fo~
themselve~. Entenamr ent was provided by comedian Karen Williams
aml n •er-songwntt.r, N.mq Sc tt.
The Spring 1989 retreat returned to Bmling Springs State Park. Judy
Fiell he. Jibed the retreat with a workshop on empov.erment throur h
mus c nd a memo able evenmg performance under the stars.
In the Fal1of19t19, the Retreat was held at Lake \Xlis•,.,r State Park on
l ..,bor Day v.tekend Thi \\as the first four-day retreat rnd introduced
Oklahoma to the • herapy Sisters trom Austm, Texas and A1,n Beed
from Mmneapohs, Minnesota. May t1ks dancing over the open field
were the sp<:cial treat for th is retreat l m the bathroom and in our beds
they weren' t quire so special).
Spring of 1990 rnok us back to Robbers Cave State Pari May 18- 20.
The retrea t opened Friday night wiili a reading of the play A Late
Snow-Herland s tirst venture into drama. Tuffy came back ro
Oklahoma and along with Mary Reynolds and Elyse Angelo rocked us
into the · gh,, a"d made Jean happy). Janis Galloway opened ilie night's
entertainr.K t with her unique blend of music. Saturday night/ Sunday
mornin6 Ir )duced the "4:30 Version- You had to be there" and the
fa mous spoons.
Arro1\ he id State Park was the location for the Fall Retreat of 1990.
He! 1on Labor Day weekend, this retreat was the second four-day event.
Women from Arkansas and Texas joined Oklahoma women for the
Regional Lesbian Conference. Arrowhead saw ilie debut of Herland's
own Kazoo Band and the now famous "Live Band" featuring Elyse
Angelo, Cuchla Fuller, Peggy Johnson, and Mary Reynolds. Any piece
of cloth not tied down was tie-dyed. And who could forget Cruz Devon?
What firsts will the Spring Retreat of 1991 bring? You'll have to be
there to see and make them happen. Meet you at Robber's Cave May
17th ilirough the 19th!
•
LOST WAX TRAINS -
A Review
Lost Wax Trains, Peggy Johnson's latest casette release, is a splendid display of her musical craft.
In the mostly original selections, Peggy plays guitar and harmonica as well as performing vocals.
The "Cereal Blues," "Rich Girl Blues" and "The Gas Company Blues" showcase Peggy's guitar
skills. In the haunting "The Road Up Which Ye Came," the melody hints of traditional southern
music while the lyrics speak eloquently of family and the promise of personal freedom. "Your Own
Front Door" provides a powerful commentary on war and peace. "Creedy" invites us to share an
intimate moment with Peggy and her feline companion of eight years. Mary Reynolds joins Peggy
for a very special rendition of Jackson Browne's "For Everyman."
Lost Wax Trains demonstrates that this "rich girl" can sing and play the blues. If you are not
already familiar with the music of Peggy Johnson, Lost Wax Trains provides an excellent
opportunity to get acquainted. Lost Wax Trains is available at Herland, the Benedictine Peace House
and at all Peggy Johnson performances.
•
VOLUME 8 NUMBER 5
•
HERLAND SI STER RESOU RCES
•
231 2 N.W. 39th, OKC , OK 7311 2
•
(405) 521- 9696
ST. SYBIL
St. Sybil, Matron Saint of the Invisible Woman, is an occasional
contributor to this space.
Dear St. Sybil,
I heard the darndest thing the other day. I heard that as a country the U.S.
ranks 23rd in infant mortality; in other words, that 22 other countries take
better care of their babies than we do. Can this be true? I also heard that many
other countries have a longer life span than we do, and that 37 million
Americans have no health insurance!
And is it really true that the United States and South Africa are the only two
industrialized countries in the world without some kind of a national health
plan? That's pretty poor company to be in!
Sincerely,
Confused
Dear Confused,
You have good sources. You heard absolutely right; and I don't blame
you for being confused. Decent health care for all is the kind of thing
most Americans expect the U.S. to be the leader in; unfortunately, the
phrase "socialized medicine" has been made such a bugaboo that tossing
it into a discussion on medical services is enough to bring the
conversation to a screeching halt. There are as many myths about the
evils of socialized medicine as there were about the dangers of
vaccinating people with smallpox serum, or in "giving'' women the vote.
I'd like to tell you a true story about a good friend of mine living in
Virginia some years ago. This woman, Annie, had a really, really bad
year; during this year Annie's husband was hospitalized twice, her oldest
daughter was hospitalized just once, with strep, but she also was thrown
from a horse and broke her arm. The younger daughter was hospitalized
twice with pneumonia and once to have her appendix out; and she broke
her collarbone falling out of a tree; that girl was a mess. Annie's oldest
son was in the hospital for a week having an operation of a delicate
nature which he hopes I won't share with the world; and Annie herself
gave birth prematurely to her second son, who couldn't come home
from the hospital for a month . And the family dog had puppies and was
subsequently spayed.
The medical expense that year for Annie and her family was exactly
$20, for neutering poor old Daisy the Dog. You see, Annie's husband
was in the Army, and their medical care was 100 percent free. So for all
the worry, and all the trips to the doctor and the hospital and all the
sleepless nights, Annie's "bad, bad" year was positively carefree
compared to what it would have been without good old free Army
medical care; a real piece of cake.
Of course, it was not "free" free; it was paid for by taxes, that's
certainly true. But what's the big difference, I ask you, in paying for
medical care through insurance or through taxes? Are the military the
only Americans who deserve the kind of freedom from worry and
freedom from potential financial ruin that a full health care plan
provides? I don't think so.
Office Hours
Tues - Thurs 9-3
Friday 10-6
Sat by appointment
(405) 843-3281
VISA & MC accepted.
We file insurance.
Z'ii.. Z'~~- 8~.1!!?.P'-.. Z'.Z'.S.
Comprehensive Dental Care
5009 North Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 103
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
2
HSR MAY 1991
Personally, I think that it is about time that the rest of the country got
to have what the military has been enjoying for all of these years; and ifl
were you I think I would send my next letter about this problem to a
Senator rather than a Saint.
Take care, take power, and for Pete's sake, stay well.
Fondly,
Sybil
•
Ink Well Vvinttng
TERI HOELTZEL
SUSAN BROOKS
Owners
(405) 942-5693
501 N. Meridian, Suite 107
Oklahoma City, OK 73107-5701
DISEASE OR NOT DISEASE?
"Breast disease." A term that can strike terror into the hearts of
women. After examining a woman's breasts or reading a mammogram, a doctor may well announce that the patient has "fibrocystic disease" or "benign breast disease." This is a nonspecific
diagnosis and a true misnomer. Sometimes a doctor uses it to
describe chronically lumpy breasts that may be painful and tender
before menstruation. Or, "fibrocystic disease" simply refers to the
natural overal lumpiness that usually occurs in breast tissue as a
woman ages. It's normal and predictable and is no more a disease
than gray hair or age lines.
Every woman needs to see a doctor for diagnosis of any selfdiscovered lump (although the majority of lumps are not cancerous), and for a professional examination on a regular schedule. A
woman with very lumpy breasts may have trouble doing a self exam
and may want to forgo self-exam and be checked professionally. At
age 35, women should have a base-line mammogram and get a
mammogram every two years from then on. Then starting at 50 we
should get one annually.
But if you are checked or have a mammogram, watch what your
doctor writes on the report. If "fibrocystic disease" or "benign
breast disease" is written, you may be in for some difficulty in the
future if you need to purchase health insurance, get a new policy, or
purchase life insurance.
The physiological phenomena mentioned above are not diseases,
and should not impact women as such in their financial lives. •
NEED TO TALK?
NEED COMMUNITY INFORMATION?
CALL
842-GAYS
The Gay & Lesbian
HELPLINE
Hours: 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Wednesday - Monday
Volunteers Needed: Leave a message with
a current volunteer if you are interested.
ay,.
Sunda~·
Monday
Tuesda~'
•)
Silent Vipil
tor Peace
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
Co DA,
al Herland
MOTHER'S
DAY TREK
Silent Vigil
for Peac.e
TO PANTEX
Noon
-lth &
N Robinson
CoOA.
'*
645-800
al Herland
John Brown
1800-1859
16rAKE
15
MOTHER'S
DAY
Silent Vieil
for Peac.e
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
*
Mother's
Day
Peace Camp
al Panlex
21
20
;~
John
~lalker
& Oan Neu1ton
in Conc.erl
at.. the
Hotel Bohemia
call 5280020
for info &
HERL ANO
SPRING
.,
26
"Hiss Brown
To You"
al lhe
Coyote Cluh
27
28
29
Camp
al Pant.ex
#
OK NOW
meets at
StaleCapilol
Room 5i1
I0'.00 a.m.
'
~~'
:'.: . 'J.
. C.:., ~
HERLANO
SPRING
RETREAT
25
24
CoDA,
6:45 - 8.00
for Peace
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
~eace
18•
;:.•·•:·.'
•.
Silent Vieil
reservations
RETREl\T
BACK
THE NIGHT
Rally and
Candlelil?hl
Vigil
8:00 pm.
South Steps
StateCapitol
22
~rown J
"Miss
To You"'
at the
Coyote Club
J1
10
area NOi,/
Noon. Belle ~
Isle Library 4'
45 - 8 00
(j
8
7
~KC
3
L
Women's Music,
Every Sunday
Evening at the
Coyote Club; no
cover; 7-11 pm.
Saturday
Friday
Wednesday Thursday
al Herland
Marearel
Fuller
1810-1850
.30
11
Silent Vii;iil
for Peace
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
CoDA.
6.45 - 8:00
dl Herland
Memorial
Day
Mark your calendar now: Erica Wheeler will be appearing in OKC June 8!
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES INC.
2312 N."'· 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Ol<lahoma 7311·2
(405) 521-9696
0Qen:Saturda~st0-6;Sundays1-6
NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Permit No. 861
2312 N.W. 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
~~to
tk & d i t M - - - - - - - - - - ---1
Dear Herland Sisters
***Right on Rhonda, and the biggest scam lasts the longest***
A heartfelt thanks to Rhonda Smith is in order for her brave and
vital review of Silence of the Lambs. After two courses in film study at
the University of Oklahoma, and staffing of the Film Studies office in
the English Department for one of those semesters, I too have learned
that film viewers are generally desensitized to violence to the point of
nonrecognition. Before buying my ticket to this bloody work, I
cautio-usly asked a graduate film instructor on campus about the
violence in the film, and she personally assured me that there was none
in the film, save some depicted in mere photographs! I keep wondering
what is wrong with this nice, intelligent, educated woman that she
cannot recognize brutal violence when seen on film.
We were unable to sit through the scene Rhonda analyzed, and left
the theatre in too much shock and disbelief to discuss the situation.
When we broke our sad silence, it was only to make a pact to go to
some other distraction as quickly as possible, as at least one of us
would have episodes of panic, anger and nightmares if we continued
thinking and feeling about the film.
Rhonda's review was direct and focused on the significant misogynistic nature of the film; I won't attempt to reiterate her critique, but
it should be required reading for the season. We must stand against
sexualized violence against women. Those who keep making one more
"stab" at women while calling it art have not only succeeded in passing
it off as entertainment, but more surprisingly, have managed to do so
with very few objections from educated, seemingly progressive
women, as well as large numbers of the other gender.
Violence is doubtless the most serious problem on the planet; when
directed toward women it is, like the brutal aggressions perpetrated
against other groups, frequently hidden under a huge umbrella of
camouflage. That camouflage is the network of institutionalized
sexism, violence and heterosexism. The problem with institutionalized
sexism and violence is that they are commonly comingled with
accepted behaviors, which incorrectly infer they too are acceptable;
then they are willingly overlooked and sometimes condoned by social
and political institutions of our culture (i.e., the police, the military,
elected officials, some psychologists, medical doctors, ministers, politicians, academic "experts," teachers, journalists, and other "experts"
of all variety).
In fact, violence in Silence of the Lambs has much in common with
the violence perpetrated every year against hundreds of thousands of
civilians in Central America by their reactionary despotic governments and militia, armed with U.S. weapons. By the time this news
reaches us, it is quite intentionally presented to us as entirely divorced
from those who conjure it up and carry it out; it is instead presented in
such a manner that we painfully let go the truth we cannot face and
believe instead it is the natural outcome of generalized social and
economic problems. It is ultimately divorced from the individuals
who originally create it. And, after seeing too much violence in our
own culture, we hear our so-called experts lamenting that it is due to
fragmentation of societies and the confusion of sex roles and loss of
personal identity.
We must take a different tack: that each act of violence has a
traceable perpetrator, even if the deepest mental cause is unknown .
The only identifiable source of such violence is the actual perpetrator.
No, these persons are not divorced from the acts of incredible pain and
unspeakable cruelty they commit! That view has been assumed far too
long. They have, once they reach this irreversible point in degradation,
become their acts. Once they fa ll beyond all civil modes of behavior,
we must hold them responsible for the acts they have momentarily
escaped into.
Asking us to believe these people are not responsible for the
incredible violence they perpetrate, and in the case of a film like
Silence, which they perpetuate, is the biggest scam of'all time, lasting
longer and hurting more sisters and more children than any other lie
we've been told.
Thank you, for the Voice. All these years I needed it to begin
developing my own consciousness.
Billie H
Dear Editor:
I've grown weary of reading "goddess" pagan propaganda in every
issue.
The Bible scriptures quoted regarding burning of incense were
directly related to idol worship.
There are many people whose perception of God is femalethat's o.k. as we were made in the image of God. (Gen 1:27); so
Goddess would be certainly appropriate . However the quote,
" ... let's burn incense to all the goddesses ... " perpetuates idol,
pagan worship.
The article began, "Without women there would be no civilization." This is entirely true, as is the fact without men there would be
no civilization.
Until we all learn to live together; male, female, non-white, white;
Gentile, Jew; straight, gay; then our world community will never find
peace and unity.
The key is love. God is Love, or Goddess is Love (if you prefer).
The love God has for us is so vast that His/ Her child was
sacrificed so that we could have eternal life. (John 3: 16).
Read John 3 : 17 too, you'll be glad to know Jesus did not come to
condemn the world, as many people would have you believe, but
instead to SAVE the world!
Perhaps what Berland Voice needs is another perspective on
spiritual issues. Think about it. I'd be honored and privileged to
contribute a monthly article on spiritual issues pertaining to
women; designed to uplift, strengthen and encourage.
Let's have some positive, hopeful information instead of
negativity.
Most women realize we have been opressed throughout the
course of history and time . How about changing the broken record
and learning to live in and change our society?
Ask your readers what they think-from the group of folks I've
talked to we are in agreement on this issue.
Please consider my offer.
Sincerely,
Palmira C.
H I.' I
Sorry it has taken so long for me to write and tell you how much I
enjoyed the picture in the Voice a few months ago. I know there
were letters complaining about the "nudity" and I'm sorry I didn't
write then.
I thought the picture tastefully done and very sensitive. If there is
a print available, I would like to know where to purchase it.
Keep up the fine work you are doing in the Herland Voice. It is one
of the most informative papers my lover and I receive and keeps us
in to uch with what is happening in the community there . Thank you
for "keeping on - keeping on."
Together with you ,
Mary H.
HSR MAY 1991
3
CLEMENCY DRIVES STEPPED
UP FOR BATTERED WOMEN
WHO STRIKE BACK
Women's groups and some criminal justice organizations, encouraged by recent developments in Ohio and Maryland, are pndertaking
efforts in other states to obtain what they see as a greater measure of
justice for women who kill or assault abusive husbands or boyfriends.
The organizations are petitioning legislators for changes in the rules of
evidence in such cases, and are petitioning governors for clemency or
other action to release women already serving prison terms for crimes of
violence against abusive partners.
In December, outgoing Ohio Gov. Richard F. Celeste granted
clemency to 25 women convicted of killing or assaulting their abusive
husbands or companions. And on February 19, Maryland Gov.
William Donald Schaefer commuted the sentences to time already
served of eight women convicted of violence against their husbands or
boyfriends. Six of the eight Maryland prisoners had been convicted of
murder; one of manslaughter; and one of battery.
Both governors said they had decided to reduce the sentences because
the women had been prevented at their trials from offering evidence of
thei~, abuse as well as expert testimony about " battered woman
syndrome." Often, a claim of self-defense in a seriously violent case
requires the defendant to show she was in imminent danger of being
hurt. Thus, a woman who has suffered years of abuse and strikes out
against her abuser may not be allowed to offer evidence of how the abuse
affected her psychologically, if the court finds that the attack against her
partner was too remote from or otherwise irrelevant to the history of
abuse, experts said.
Battered woman syndrome is described as a situation in which
physical and psychological abuse can cause the victim to lose selfconfidence, feel trapped and isolated, and eventually strike back in
either a spontaneous or calculated way.
In Ohio, a law took effect last November allowing such testimony to
be presented in court; and in Maryland, Governor Schaefer announced
his support for similar legislation.
Governors Celeste and Schaefer emphasized that they had done
thorough research on all of the cases and did not make their decisions
lightly. Schaefer met personally with several battered women in prison,
and said he was convinced that the eight whom he released had acted in
self-defense and posed no threat to public safety.
But the executive clemency actions and the legislation have proved
quite controversial. In both Ohio and Maryland, some of the prosecutors who had handled the cases at issue denounced the governors'
actions, and expressed fear that abused women generally will get the
impression they have a "license to kill" their abusive spouses. Some
leaders of the Maryland legislature criticized Schaefer for substituting
his judgment for that of judges, and said they would oppose the
battered-woman-syndrome legislation.
848-5429
SHIRLEY M. HUNTER, M. Ed.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Emphasis on the Pf.Ob/ems of gay people.
PENN PARK OFFICE COMPLEX e SUITE 102
5009 N. PENNSYLVANIA e OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73112
4
HSR MAY 1991
Battered-woman campaigns in other states: Women's groups
and other supporters of reforms on behalf of battered spouses said that
the actions by the Ohio and Maryland governors have encouraged them
to accelerate their efforts in other states. The Correctional Association
of New York, an organization that promotes alternatives to incerceration, announced that it would hold a joint press conference with a
number of women's groups and other organizations on March 4, urging
Gov. Mario M. Cuomo to release many women in prison, including
those convicted of violent crimes against abusive mates.
Campaigns on behalf of individual battered women serving prison
terms, or more recently, groups of women, have been undertaken in
Washington State, Illinois, Louisiana, Florida, and Arizona, according
to the National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women, a
Philadelphia-based organization.
And an increasing number of state legislatures, including those of
Texas, Vermont, California, Washington, Maryland, Wyoming, and
Michigan, are considering bills to allow battered-women-syndrome
testimony in court, comparable to changes already approved in Ohio,
Missouri and Louisiana.
At the federal level, Rep. Constance A. Morella (R-Md. ), who played
a key role in convincing Governor Schaefer to commute the eight
women's sentences, has sponsored legislation expressing the sense of
Congress that state courts should allow such testimony and authorizing
$600,000 to help indigent battered women obtain expert testimony
about the effects of domestic violence.
•
Sam L. Nicolosi, D.V.M.
NICOLOSI ANIMAL HOSPITAL
4015 N.W. 23rd
Oklahoma City
by Appointment
Phone (405) 947-5545
GAY AND LESBIAN CIVIL RIGHTS ACT
Activists aim for more support, vow to pass bill this decade
Washington, D.C. - With 93 lawmakers behind it (plus more
signing on regularly) the Federal Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Act
was reintroduced into the 102nd Congress. The bill, introduced in
the Senate on March 6 and the House on March 13, is a
conrnerstone piece of lesbian and gay civil rights law that lobbyists
have pledged to pass this decade.
Officially known as the Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1991,
the bill would ban discrimination on the basis of affection or sexual
orientation in housing, employment, federally assisted programs
and public accommodations. The bill amends the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 and 1968, which bans discrimination based on race, color,
sex, religion or national origin.
The bill now has 93 spo nsors (a record number) in the House and
11 in the Senate. Rep. Ted Weiss (D-NY) and Sen. Alan Cranston
(D-CA) are chief spo nsors and introduced the bill.
"One of the most fundamental responsibilities of any democratic
government is safeguarding the liberties of its citizens," said Weiss.
Said Cranston, "This legislation .. . would simply extend to gay men and
lesbian women basic protections against invidious discrimination because of
sexual orientation."
•
~x,---OHIO'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW applies to lesbian and gay
partners who cohabit even though they are not married according to the
Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals. In what is apparently the first
ruling of its kind, the court reversed the ruling of a trial judge who threw
out a misdemeanor domestic violence charge because the two women
could not be married under state law . . .. .
Plans are underway for 1991 OKLAHOMA GAY AND LESBIAN
PRIDE WEEK, June 17-23. The Gay and Lesbian Pride Parage and a
street fair and arts and crafts show will be held on Sunday, June 23.
Watch the Voice for more info . .. . .
May 24 - June 3 has been designated NATIONAL AIDS LOBBY
DAYS by the Human Rights Campaign Fund. The Fund will provide
voting records, issue briefing papers, "How to Lobby" materials and
other materials for individuals and organizations wishing to visit with
Senators and Representatives about the AIDS epidemic .. . ..
MADWOMAN PRESS IS ACCEPTING MANUSCRIPTS by,
for and about lesbians. They are interested in novels, cartoons, and
comics. For guidelines send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
Madwoman Press, P.O. Box 690, Northboro, MA01532 . . ...
CONGRATULATIONS TO CINDY BOOKOUT who was selected
as the 1991 recipient of the Bill Roger's Award by the Oklahoma Gay
and Lesbian Political Caucus. Cindy, a past member of the Herland
Board, has long been an outspoken political activist in our community.
She is the first woman to receive the Bill Roger's Award .....
MERLIN STONE, author of When God Was a Woman and Return of
the Goddess, is working on articles about Women's Spirituality
publications and groups. She would like to hear from you about any
and all of these from where you live and play. She's also very interested
in hearing about Goddess plays, films, dance, music and various visual
arts. Moon Ritualiers take notice? Write Merlin at Box 266 - 201
Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 . .. ..
Forum: WOMEN AND THE EARTH; May 20, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. To
bring together women from the Greens, American Indian Affairs,
EcoFeminists, labor movement, etc., including Gwen Kirk, Beverly
Singer, Eve Ensler, Lin Nelson, Jean Gardner, Kate Fox and Merline
Stone. Learning Alliance, 494 Broadway, New York , NY 10012 . ....
LESBIANS ONLY THERAPY GROUP. Wednesday evenings.
Sliding scale fee available. Call 843-5319 or 364-5708. Jo L. Soske
M.Ed./CAC ... . .
CONTACT 1-800-486-HELP AMERICARES to send donations
to help relief efforts for refugees of the Iraqi war . . . . .
FOR SALE: Queen-size waterbed. Contemporary frame with brass
trim. $75. Call Ginger at 942-5082 . . .. .
TO ORDER PEGGY JOHNSON'S NEW TAPE by mail, send $10
+ $2 postage to Peggy Johnson, P.O. Box 75842, Oklahoma City, OK
73147 . . .. .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DON'T MISS ERICA WHEELER AT HOTEL BOHEMIA June
8th. Call 528-0020 for reservations.
PUBLISHED BY: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312 NW 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
NEWSLETIER COMM ITIEE:
Margaret Cox, Deborah Fox, Pat Reaves
CIRCULATION : 750
GENERAL INFO: (405) 521 - 9696 (leave message)
SUBSCRIPTIONS to the Her/and Voice are free upon request.
GOOD KISS, BAD KISS
Historic smooch. In a February episode of L.A. Law, C.]. Lamb, after <l
celebratory dinner, affectionately kisses fellow attorney Abby Perkins. The
kiss may be the first lip smooch between two women in television history.
When Abby becomes tense, C.J. explains she likes men too, but considers
herself "flexible" and hopes the revelation of her bisexuality won't hurt
their friendship.
The kiss makes C.J. the only recurring lesbian or bisexual female character
on primetime TV. Some news stories have reported there's doubt about
whether this storyline will continue. The producers are hearing from the
homophobes; they need to hear from you, too. Thank David Kelly ,
Executive Producer, L.A. Law, 20th Century Fox Televsion, Box 900,
Beverly Hills, CA 90213 . Reprinted from GLAD Bulletin March / April 1991. •
JAMIE ANDERSON
What a great concert! Jamie Anderson appeared at the Hotel Bohemia
on April 5 to a standing-room-only crowd. Jamie has a sweet, strong
voice, and her songs, both her own and those borrowed from others,
were graceful and pleasing. Jamie is very humorous; she is a great
storyteller and interacts easily with her audience. Her songs are political
and lusty, frequently funny, occasionally sad, and always skillful and
entertaining.
Jamie's concert was a Herland sponsored event, and many thanks are
due Mary Reynolds for planning and organizing and really doing all the
work, as well as for the use of the charming Hotel Bohemia.
STAY TUNED FOR ERICA WHEELER ON JUNE 8th at
Hotel Bohemia! Call 528-0020 for reservations.
•
Mowing • Fertilizing • Trimming
• Light Hauling •
"We Are Insured"
KAY
794-0081
SANDIE
794-6884
OPEN MIC AT THE PORTHOLE
HUGE SUCCESS
The Herland Open Mic at the Porthole brought together excellent
local talent and was a great success, thanks to the efforts of Cindy
Bookout and the hard work and patience of Shatzy Watson and Carol
Berry.
For those who were not able to attend, you missed a grand old
time-with good music, egg races, and good food, how can you not
have fun? I'm already looking forward to next Easter at the Porthole.
Thanks, Shatzy and Carol, for your support of Herland and other
community organizations. You're wonderful!
•
MEET AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMYN
WITH A FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE!
TIME: 1 - 4 p.m. DATE: 5/11 /91
PLACE: James Steward Bldg, 1500 NE 4th
FOR/BY/ABOUT/AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMYN
HSR MAY 1991
5
CELEBRATING OUR SEXUALITY
by Deborah Fox
This is the time of year when sexual energy is at an all time high.
Biologically, warmer weather and lengthening days creates a hormonal
acceleration that produces "Spring Fever" in plantlife, animals and
people. It is the season of rebirth, birth, renewal and regeneration. Sex is
~ natural expression of this phenomenon.
However, sex has become a problem for many. First there is the
:ienigration of our bodies and our sexuality by the patriarchal religions,
md then, there is rape, incest, sexist society, sexual and physical abuse.
'\.ll of this has left scars that make it difficult and sometimes impossible
:o enjoy our sexuality and love our bodies. As Adrienne Rich has
Jointed out: "I don't know of a woman alive whose body does not pose
l problem for her in one way or another."
The patriarchs and their Church are the only ones in all of history and
flerstory to degrade, deny, and pervert sexuality and sexual preferences.
Early cultures and tribal societies never categorized sex as dirty and
>inful, indeed, they had no concept of "sin,'' nor were they homophobic. In the matriarchy, sex was always considered sacred and all
>exual preferences were honored. In fact, many tribal and early cultures
:onsidered lesbians and homosexuals as "touched by the gods" and
:i.ighly respected. Many were tribal leaders and shamans. And it is very
probable that the divisions between sexual preferences were not
pronounced then as they are today under patriarchy and their
institution of heterosexuality. (See; The Sacred Hoop-Recovering the
Feminine in American Indian Traditions, by Paula Gunn Allen,
Another Mother Tongue-Gay Words, Gay Worlds, by Judy Grahn,
The Great Cosmic Mother-Rediscovering the Religion of the Earth,
by Monica Sjoo and Barbara Mor.)
Most of the early cultures and tribes were egalitarian and gynocentric,
Nomen who were primary decision makers, leaders, sat on the councils,
md created the laws that maintained a harmonious existence. The
Jower of the Mother was primary, they revered Mother Earth,
practicing an earth religion that was intrinsic to everyday life. Spiritu1lity was not separated from sexuality and many rituals and ceremonies
Nere sexual. There were sexual rites to induce ecstatic states of
:onsciousness, and sexual rites to ensure fertility of crops. Early cultures
believed that all power was fundamentally sexual.
Today sex has become fragmented like everything and everyone else.
'Whole" sex is a combination of physical pleasure, the mind, the
Jsyche, emotions, the spirit, erotica, caring, lusting, respect, etc., unlike
the sex we witness today with many women caught in an inner conflict of
virgin vs. whore, or cut off from the body; so many men cut off from
their emotions, shame and guilt about masterbation; a "sexual liberation" that merely condoned further exploitation of women and sex; the
:reation of pornography, sadomasochism, etc. Sexuality cannot be
repressed without upsetting the healthy balance of body and psyche.
lncest, rape, and other perverse sexual behaviors were virtually unheard
:if in gynocratic societies. One rejoiced in the delights of one's body and
physical existence.
To reclaim our sexuality and what it is or is not, we need to reprogram
the negative beliefs we hold about sexuality and sex. We can relearn our
sexuality with our first love: ourselves. Being our own tender lover is a
powerful tool. We can perform SelfBlessing rituals, affirming our body,
mind and spirit, practice Tantric yoga, creating a romantic setting for
ourselves with candles, soft music, a mirror in which to explore and
express to ourselves the love we feel or wish to feel. We are each unique
and will find our own way back to real sexual freedom. Blessed Be. •
freedom. Blessed Be.
•
This article is an opinion expressed by the author. It does not
necessarily reflect the opinion of Herland as an organization . If
you would like to submit articles to the Voice, all articles are
considered.
6
HSR MAY 1991
Kay Killgore, M.Ed.
Woman to Woman Counseling
1010 N.W. 45th
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118
(405) 524-1062
ACT-UP UNDER FIRE
In response to a complaint brought by the Committee to Re-elect
Jesse Helms, a political action committee of the Conservative Campaign
Fund (CCF), the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is investigating
four organizations in relation to the boycott of Marlboro cigarettes and
Miller Beer.
The groups being investigated are ACT UP / San Francisco, ACT
UP/Washington, D.C., The Dallas Gay Alliance and the Tarrant
County (Texas) Gay Alliance. The CCF complaint says these groups
promoted the boycott as part of a "conspiracy" to defeat Jesse Helms'
re-election as U.S. Senator from North Carolina.
Consumer boycotts are a form of protected speech. ACT UP believes
the FEC investigation serves no purpose other than to harass lesbian,
gay and AIDS activists. The FEC has sent each group a list of
interrogatories in a discovery request for information documents.
While some of the FEC's questions deal with the boycott, others, ACT
UP says, are intrusive demands for information that reveal the political
nature of the investigation and suggest its actual motive: disruption of an
activist, grassroots political organization at the behest of Jesse Helms, a
man who promoted obvious racism and homophobia in his last
campaign ads in order to preserve a desperately slim margin of victory.
ACT UP is urging anyone who feels this FEC investigation should be
stopped to write or send a telegram to John Warren McGarry,
Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20463. The message you send should emphasize: A.
Your investigation of ACT UP constitutes harassment of a grassroots
political organization fighting the AIDS pandemic; B. I further believe
this investigation supports the attack by Jesse Helms and the ultra right
wing on gay and AIDS organizations; C. Your investigation infringes
upon the constitutional rights to organize consumer boycotts or voice
political opposition; D. Stop the harassment; E. Call off the investigation.
To send a personal opinion message by telegram, call 1-800-8885284 and say you want to send Message #37. You can put the cost of this
on your VISA, Mast~rCard or American Express for $2.50 or have
•
them bill your home address for $4.00.
Lowest Prices On
Unique Crystal Jewelry,
Books and Prints
1011 N.W. 43rd St.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73118
(405) 557-0903
LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS
PLANNING MEETING CALLED
Washington, D.C.-A national planning meeting has been called to
discuss the possibility of a future march on Washington for lesbian
and gay civil rights. The meeting is scheduled for May 11-12, 1991, at
the Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street N.W. in Washington,
D.C. on Saturday May 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This meeting is a fo llow-up to a March 9, 1991 meeting in
Washington, called by The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
(NGLTF). That day, 100 lesbians and gay men from all over the
country met to discuss interest in a national event, which has not
occurred since 1987, when a half a million people marched on
Washington.
The meeting is free . Individuals or groups are encouraged to
register as soon as possible. Discount airline and hotel reservations
are available. Make reservations early.
Those unable to attend this meeting are urged to submit an oral or
written proposal to NGLTF. Call 1-800-832-2889, or write to 1734
14th Street NW, Washington DC 20009-4309, Attention: March on
Washington. FAX: (202) 332-0207.
•
366-0923
HELEN HOLGATE
Edwina V. Johnson, D.D.S.
"Catering to Cowards needing Tender Care"
in Comprehensive Dentistry
5009 North Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 103
(405) 840-5410
Night & Sunday practice by appt. only
Emergencies welcome
Insurance accepted
SEXUAL ASSAULT
AWARENESS WEEK
May 13 - 19, 1991, has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness
Week. Violent crimes in general rose by nearly 9% in Oklahoma lasl
year, and rape increased by over 20%. Two events being planned and
sponsored by The Rape Crisis Center and the Oklahoma Coalition on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault are a Take Back the Night
Rally and Candlelight Vigil and a statewide Conference on Sexual
Assault .
.The Rally and Vigil will be held on Thursday, May 16, 1991 at8 p.m .
on the south steps of the State Capitol Building in Oklahoma City.
There will be speakers and music by Peggy Johnson, Tim Sullivan and
Robin Brooks.
The Conference, "Ending the Silence," will be held May 16 and 17,
1991, at Metro-Tech, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City. For
information on the vigil call (405) 947-4506; and for info on the
•
Conference call ( 405) 360-7125.
Certified Alcoholism & Drug Abuse
Counselor
OKLAHOMA WOMEN'S
POLITICAL CAUCUS
FLORIDA LAW AGAINST
LESBIANS AND GAYS
ADOPTING DECLARED
UNCONSTITUTIONAL
The Oklahoma chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus
is alive and well again, out of hibernation, reorganized, and ready to
work the Caucus's Action Agenda for the 90's; which is: Identify and
recruit pro-choice women candidates and mobilize pro-choice voters
to get them elected.
• Train candidates, campaign staff volunteers, and community activists to organize, raise funds and get out the vote.
• Endorse and elect women candidates who share the REAL PROFAMILY agenda: child care . . . family and medical leave .. . reproductive freedom. . . pay equity. . . expansion of educational opportunities ... teen pregnancy prevention . .. access to quality health
care . .. and safe, affordable housing.
• Use political and professional networks to recruit and assist women
seeking appointment to public office.
• Work within the major political parties-locally and nationallyto ensure that women and their concerns are fully represented.
• Provide a strong advocacy voice for women issues in Washington,
D.C. and in our state capitol.
Membership is open to all persons , regardless of sex, race, age, or
party affiliation who subscribe to the purpose of the Oklahoma
Women's Political Caucus . For more information and a membership
fo rm contact Billie Goodin, ( 405) 321-1475; or Claudean Reynolds,
(405) 547-5130.
•
In a landmark ruling, a circuit court judge in Florida has struck
down a Florida law that prohibited lesbians and gay men from
adopting children in that state.
Judge M. Ignatius Lester, of Monroe County, Florida, ruled on
March 15 that the law violated the state constitution's right to
privacy , equal protection and due process of law. The law, he said,
"suffers from the trite notions of homosexuals' unsuitability as fi t
parents and evidences discrimination through archaic stereotypes
associated with homosexuals."
The Florida law was challenged by the American Civil Liberties
Union ofF!orida on behalf of Edward Seebol, a gay man. Seebol, whom
the court described as a "well respected resident and businessman," had participated in the state's guardianship program. Seebol is
the executive director of AIDS Help Inc., the AIDS service organization
in Key West.
"I am pleased with the court's decision," Seebol said. "This
favorable judgement will allow other qualified gays and lesbians to
become adoptive parents in Florida.
"Florida's law prohibiting homosexuals from adopting was an
embarrassing anachronism that cruelly and summarily shattered opportunities for family enhancement," said Robyn Blummer, Executive
Director of the ACLU of Florida. "By striking it down, the court has
made Florida a little more pro-family and a little more humane.
•
HSR MAY 1990
7
LIZARDS/LOS P ORES - Book Review
lesbian feminist short stories by Bettianne Shoney Sien
(excerpts from a review in Hag Rag, July-August 1989. by Tara Ayres
I was sorry when I reached the last page of Lizards/ Los Padres.
Closing it was a bit like leaving a town in which I was just
beginning to make friends and feel at home. Sh'oney Sien's
characters are like that-real women, real dykes. This beautifully
written book is full of tastes and colors and smells. You can
actually feel the sun beating down on you, and taste the grit in
your mouth on a summer afternoon helping with the harvest. And
after the shallow, plastic characterizations of so much lesbian
fiction these days, the dykes in this book are a delight. Not just the
same character, wearing a different name and plunked down in a
slightly different situation, but varied and complex women, doing
the best they can with their lives. Some of them I wanted to meet,
some of them I could swear I already know, all of them believable.
While the characters in this book are not clones, there are
repeating themes among the stories. Some are from the perspective of girls growing up in the country, their connection with their
mothers and grandmothers, their growing into adulthood and
autonomy. There are young women coming out, dealing with
leaving their marriages behind, with raising children, with leaving
their sons. Five of the stories do feature the same actors, a lesbian
couple moving from the beginning of a relationship to its end,
which contributes an added feeling of continuity to the volume.
The stories develop a continuum of Lesbian experience, from
childhood, through isolation, into community.
These stories are intensely political, without being polemical o r
preachy. The girls and women in these stories come from different
backgrounds-urban and rural, poor, working and middle class.
And the complexity of those differences is an integral part of their
interactions, with the world and with each other . . .
The stories touch on subjects that claim our focus in the real
world-economic survival, Lesbian battering, class differences
between friends and lovers, our relationships with our biological
families and with the straight women who have been important to
us, psychiatric abuse. If that list daunts you, bear in mind that
these are stories, not sermons, and the overall message is strength,
not powerlessness. Sien's characters are us, the dykes in our
communities, and she's describing our lives.
•
~usie
fr
TREAT YOURSELF TO THE "TOUCH OF GOLD."
Treat your special someone, too, for $10 off her Massage!
outhwell,
ooucfi of Qold
M. Ed.
COUNSELOR
2912 N. ClaHen, Suite 1 0 2 - - - - - -7
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106·- - - Telephone: (405) 556·4105
HEALTHFUL • STRESS RELIEVING MASSAGE
Special
discounts
available
ro all
Her land
readers!
6y
"Portable"
massage
table
available
for your
Melanie ~- McKiddy
MASSAGE THERAPIST
360-6945
convenience.
REGISTRATION FOR SPRING RETREAT (FOR WOMEN ONLY)
Register now for Herland's Annual Spring Retreat, May 17 - 19 at Robber's Cave State Park. Pre-registration
(including 3 meals) is from $25 to $35 (non-refundable) based on your ability to pay. Registration after May 10th or
on-site is $35.00. Return this form and your check to: HSR, 2312 N.W. 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73 112.
The above price includes accommodations and morning and evening meals (3 meals) . Bring your own snacks and
don 't forget the fixin's for the famous Herland Potluck!
(Some scholarships available. Contact Herland for more information. No one will be turned away for lack of money.) Please fill
out form below and mail to: HSR, 2312 NW 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
N AME(S) _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Number of Pets _ _ _ _ __ _
ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _
(Pets must be kept o n leash and no
pets in main building. )
CITY---- -- - - - - - - STATE._ _ _ _ _ ZIP _ _ _ _ _ PHONE( _ __
DI am enclosing$
for _ _ _ _ people.
DI would like a scholarship
DI would like to donate
$_____ toward a scholarship
Dlwo~dlikerokadad~c~~on~oupon
_ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ __
DI would like to attend a group on _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _
and a possible leader is _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _
COMMENTS: _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _~
-
MAY, 1991
E ERE J OF HERL ND
THE T
Retreat (n.) - preserve; refuge; resort; sanctuary; shelter; escape; evacuation; flight; withdrawal
he retreats of Herland have 1--een ~11 these •1'1 1gs and mv~e. We
have come together twi.:t 1 year for the past tx 'y ars and built a
special community. \Ve'Ye kept coming back to that speetc1l pla e we
create again and again . Each of the retreats of Hal.2nd ha~ p n 11
memories for the women who attended
The herstory of Herland retreats begins in May 1985 when several
members of the Herland collective went to Arkansas to a le-bian retreat
sponsored by the Women 's Proj<:ct. We had a great time and came away
convinced ti o.t Herla nd C< n..ld sponsor ~ ~inrnar event in Oklahoma. The
recipe seemrJ simple-a camp\ ·t h c::ibins n,I a kitchen to share and
women to fill it.
The first Herland retn::i.t h lleJ as a Fall Festiva' W0men's Retre,lt
was held October _ -, -2 7, 198 5 at O~age Hills State Park near
Bartlesville. The women \ ~ o attended wne tteateJ tu music by Marv
Reynolds and Peggy Jol-in.,011 ; wo rbhups in juggling, homophobia, and
the law; and the ever popular potluck supper.
After the success of the first retreat, the Herland Lollectl\'e planned a
second retreat, the Spring Festival/Women's Retreat for May 2-4,
1986 at Robber's Cave State Park. Featured per formers were Hawkins
and DeLear of St. Louis, Missouri. Tabby, the only kitten to attend a
Herland retreat, was at Robber's Cave.
October, 1986 brought the 2nd annual fall retreat. Women from
around Oklahoma gathered at Sequoyah State Park near Tallequah. The
tradition of an open-mic for musical performers, comedian.,, and poets
began at this retreat. Featured performers were Rosy's B~r and Grill
from Kansas City.
Roman Nose State Park was the site for the Spring Retreat of May,
1987. Oklahoma City's own Mary Black, Mary Reynolds, and Peggy
Johnson provided musical entertainment. Rainbow Productions was
born of a vision of several women at the Roman Nose Retreat.
We returned to Robber's Cave State Park for the Fall Retreat in
October, 1987. Nancy Day delighted us with her music and her touch
football skills . Donna DeSalvo provided her own special brand of
musical and comic entertainment. Early risers on Sunday were treated
to the famous D Y K E eroticakes.
The Spring, 1988 retreat was held at Boiling Springs State Park near
Woodward. Over seventy women made the warm sunny drive north-
T
\vest hut the weatht.r ,hanges qu1ckly in the Oklahoma sprin5. Befor
the 111ght was ov r snm fell on the retreaters . When Saturday dav. ned
a lavender bra flymg fror1 the flagpole claimed the c.1mp as women'
pa-.e The S15ters of Sv. mg and their infamous alter ego's, the Shartel ,
highltghted retreat el'tertainment activities .
Sequ,>yah State Park was the pl.ice to be fo r the Herhnd Fall , 1%8
retreat. For the first time Herland cooks, Mary Reynolds and Chris C.,
nMde t od available to participants who preferred not to cook fo~
themselve~. Entenamr ent was provided by comedian Karen Williams
aml n •er-songwntt.r, N.mq Sc tt.
The Spring 1989 retreat returned to Bmling Springs State Park. Judy
Fiell he. Jibed the retreat with a workshop on empov.erment throur h
mus c nd a memo able evenmg performance under the stars.
In the Fal1of19t19, the Retreat was held at Lake \Xlis•,.,r State Park on
l ..,bor Day v.tekend Thi \\as the first four-day retreat rnd introduced
Oklahoma to the • herapy Sisters trom Austm, Texas and A1,n Beed
from Mmneapohs, Minnesota. May t1ks dancing over the open field
were the sp<:cial treat for th is retreat l m the bathroom and in our beds
they weren' t quire so special).
Spring of 1990 rnok us back to Robbers Cave State Pari May 18- 20.
The retrea t opened Friday night wiili a reading of the play A Late
Snow-Herland s tirst venture into drama. Tuffy came back ro
Oklahoma and along with Mary Reynolds and Elyse Angelo rocked us
into the · gh,, a"d made Jean happy). Janis Galloway opened ilie night's
entertainr.K t with her unique blend of music. Saturday night/ Sunday
mornin6 Ir )duced the "4:30 Version- You had to be there" and the
fa mous spoons.
Arro1\ he id State Park was the location for the Fall Retreat of 1990.
He! 1on Labor Day weekend, this retreat was the second four-day event.
Women from Arkansas and Texas joined Oklahoma women for the
Regional Lesbian Conference. Arrowhead saw ilie debut of Herland's
own Kazoo Band and the now famous "Live Band" featuring Elyse
Angelo, Cuchla Fuller, Peggy Johnson, and Mary Reynolds. Any piece
of cloth not tied down was tie-dyed. And who could forget Cruz Devon?
What firsts will the Spring Retreat of 1991 bring? You'll have to be
there to see and make them happen. Meet you at Robber's Cave May
17th ilirough the 19th!
•
LOST WAX TRAINS -
A Review
Lost Wax Trains, Peggy Johnson's latest casette release, is a splendid display of her musical craft.
In the mostly original selections, Peggy plays guitar and harmonica as well as performing vocals.
The "Cereal Blues," "Rich Girl Blues" and "The Gas Company Blues" showcase Peggy's guitar
skills. In the haunting "The Road Up Which Ye Came," the melody hints of traditional southern
music while the lyrics speak eloquently of family and the promise of personal freedom. "Your Own
Front Door" provides a powerful commentary on war and peace. "Creedy" invites us to share an
intimate moment with Peggy and her feline companion of eight years. Mary Reynolds joins Peggy
for a very special rendition of Jackson Browne's "For Everyman."
Lost Wax Trains demonstrates that this "rich girl" can sing and play the blues. If you are not
already familiar with the music of Peggy Johnson, Lost Wax Trains provides an excellent
opportunity to get acquainted. Lost Wax Trains is available at Herland, the Benedictine Peace House
and at all Peggy Johnson performances.
•
VOLUME 8 NUMBER 5
•
HERLAND SI STER RESOU RCES
•
231 2 N.W. 39th, OKC , OK 7311 2
•
(405) 521- 9696
ST. SYBIL
St. Sybil, Matron Saint of the Invisible Woman, is an occasional
contributor to this space.
Dear St. Sybil,
I heard the darndest thing the other day. I heard that as a country the U.S.
ranks 23rd in infant mortality; in other words, that 22 other countries take
better care of their babies than we do. Can this be true? I also heard that many
other countries have a longer life span than we do, and that 37 million
Americans have no health insurance!
And is it really true that the United States and South Africa are the only two
industrialized countries in the world without some kind of a national health
plan? That's pretty poor company to be in!
Sincerely,
Confused
Dear Confused,
You have good sources. You heard absolutely right; and I don't blame
you for being confused. Decent health care for all is the kind of thing
most Americans expect the U.S. to be the leader in; unfortunately, the
phrase "socialized medicine" has been made such a bugaboo that tossing
it into a discussion on medical services is enough to bring the
conversation to a screeching halt. There are as many myths about the
evils of socialized medicine as there were about the dangers of
vaccinating people with smallpox serum, or in "giving'' women the vote.
I'd like to tell you a true story about a good friend of mine living in
Virginia some years ago. This woman, Annie, had a really, really bad
year; during this year Annie's husband was hospitalized twice, her oldest
daughter was hospitalized just once, with strep, but she also was thrown
from a horse and broke her arm. The younger daughter was hospitalized
twice with pneumonia and once to have her appendix out; and she broke
her collarbone falling out of a tree; that girl was a mess. Annie's oldest
son was in the hospital for a week having an operation of a delicate
nature which he hopes I won't share with the world; and Annie herself
gave birth prematurely to her second son, who couldn't come home
from the hospital for a month . And the family dog had puppies and was
subsequently spayed.
The medical expense that year for Annie and her family was exactly
$20, for neutering poor old Daisy the Dog. You see, Annie's husband
was in the Army, and their medical care was 100 percent free. So for all
the worry, and all the trips to the doctor and the hospital and all the
sleepless nights, Annie's "bad, bad" year was positively carefree
compared to what it would have been without good old free Army
medical care; a real piece of cake.
Of course, it was not "free" free; it was paid for by taxes, that's
certainly true. But what's the big difference, I ask you, in paying for
medical care through insurance or through taxes? Are the military the
only Americans who deserve the kind of freedom from worry and
freedom from potential financial ruin that a full health care plan
provides? I don't think so.
Office Hours
Tues - Thurs 9-3
Friday 10-6
Sat by appointment
(405) 843-3281
VISA & MC accepted.
We file insurance.
Z'ii.. Z'~~- 8~.1!!?.P'-.. Z'.Z'.S.
Comprehensive Dental Care
5009 North Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 103
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
2
HSR MAY 1991
Personally, I think that it is about time that the rest of the country got
to have what the military has been enjoying for all of these years; and ifl
were you I think I would send my next letter about this problem to a
Senator rather than a Saint.
Take care, take power, and for Pete's sake, stay well.
Fondly,
Sybil
•
Ink Well Vvinttng
TERI HOELTZEL
SUSAN BROOKS
Owners
(405) 942-5693
501 N. Meridian, Suite 107
Oklahoma City, OK 73107-5701
DISEASE OR NOT DISEASE?
"Breast disease." A term that can strike terror into the hearts of
women. After examining a woman's breasts or reading a mammogram, a doctor may well announce that the patient has "fibrocystic disease" or "benign breast disease." This is a nonspecific
diagnosis and a true misnomer. Sometimes a doctor uses it to
describe chronically lumpy breasts that may be painful and tender
before menstruation. Or, "fibrocystic disease" simply refers to the
natural overal lumpiness that usually occurs in breast tissue as a
woman ages. It's normal and predictable and is no more a disease
than gray hair or age lines.
Every woman needs to see a doctor for diagnosis of any selfdiscovered lump (although the majority of lumps are not cancerous), and for a professional examination on a regular schedule. A
woman with very lumpy breasts may have trouble doing a self exam
and may want to forgo self-exam and be checked professionally. At
age 35, women should have a base-line mammogram and get a
mammogram every two years from then on. Then starting at 50 we
should get one annually.
But if you are checked or have a mammogram, watch what your
doctor writes on the report. If "fibrocystic disease" or "benign
breast disease" is written, you may be in for some difficulty in the
future if you need to purchase health insurance, get a new policy, or
purchase life insurance.
The physiological phenomena mentioned above are not diseases,
and should not impact women as such in their financial lives. •
NEED TO TALK?
NEED COMMUNITY INFORMATION?
CALL
842-GAYS
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HELPLINE
Hours: 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Wednesday - Monday
Volunteers Needed: Leave a message with
a current volunteer if you are interested.
ay,.
Sunda~·
Monday
Tuesda~'
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Silent Vipil
tor Peace
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
Co DA,
al Herland
MOTHER'S
DAY TREK
Silent Vigil
for Peac.e
TO PANTEX
Noon
-lth &
N Robinson
CoOA.
'*
645-800
al Herland
John Brown
1800-1859
16rAKE
15
MOTHER'S
DAY
Silent Vieil
for Peac.e
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
*
Mother's
Day
Peace Camp
al Panlex
21
20
;~
John
~lalker
& Oan Neu1ton
in Conc.erl
at.. the
Hotel Bohemia
call 5280020
for info &
HERL ANO
SPRING
.,
26
"Hiss Brown
To You"
al lhe
Coyote Cluh
27
28
29
Camp
al Pant.ex
#
OK NOW
meets at
StaleCapilol
Room 5i1
I0'.00 a.m.
'
~~'
:'.: . 'J.
. C.:., ~
HERLANO
SPRING
RETREAT
25
24
CoDA,
6:45 - 8.00
for Peace
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
~eace
18•
;:.•·•:·.'
•.
Silent Vieil
reservations
RETREl\T
BACK
THE NIGHT
Rally and
Candlelil?hl
Vigil
8:00 pm.
South Steps
StateCapitol
22
~rown J
"Miss
To You"'
at the
Coyote Club
J1
10
area NOi,/
Noon. Belle ~
Isle Library 4'
45 - 8 00
(j
8
7
~KC
3
L
Women's Music,
Every Sunday
Evening at the
Coyote Club; no
cover; 7-11 pm.
Saturday
Friday
Wednesday Thursday
al Herland
Marearel
Fuller
1810-1850
.30
11
Silent Vii;iil
for Peace
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
CoDA.
6.45 - 8:00
dl Herland
Memorial
Day
Mark your calendar now: Erica Wheeler will be appearing in OKC June 8!
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES INC.
2312 N."'· 39th Street
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tk & d i t M - - - - - - - - - - ---1
Dear Herland Sisters
***Right on Rhonda, and the biggest scam lasts the longest***
A heartfelt thanks to Rhonda Smith is in order for her brave and
vital review of Silence of the Lambs. After two courses in film study at
the University of Oklahoma, and staffing of the Film Studies office in
the English Department for one of those semesters, I too have learned
that film viewers are generally desensitized to violence to the point of
nonrecognition. Before buying my ticket to this bloody work, I
cautio-usly asked a graduate film instructor on campus about the
violence in the film, and she personally assured me that there was none
in the film, save some depicted in mere photographs! I keep wondering
what is wrong with this nice, intelligent, educated woman that she
cannot recognize brutal violence when seen on film.
We were unable to sit through the scene Rhonda analyzed, and left
the theatre in too much shock and disbelief to discuss the situation.
When we broke our sad silence, it was only to make a pact to go to
some other distraction as quickly as possible, as at least one of us
would have episodes of panic, anger and nightmares if we continued
thinking and feeling about the film.
Rhonda's review was direct and focused on the significant misogynistic nature of the film; I won't attempt to reiterate her critique, but
it should be required reading for the season. We must stand against
sexualized violence against women. Those who keep making one more
"stab" at women while calling it art have not only succeeded in passing
it off as entertainment, but more surprisingly, have managed to do so
with very few objections from educated, seemingly progressive
women, as well as large numbers of the other gender.
Violence is doubtless the most serious problem on the planet; when
directed toward women it is, like the brutal aggressions perpetrated
against other groups, frequently hidden under a huge umbrella of
camouflage. That camouflage is the network of institutionalized
sexism, violence and heterosexism. The problem with institutionalized
sexism and violence is that they are commonly comingled with
accepted behaviors, which incorrectly infer they too are acceptable;
then they are willingly overlooked and sometimes condoned by social
and political institutions of our culture (i.e., the police, the military,
elected officials, some psychologists, medical doctors, ministers, politicians, academic "experts," teachers, journalists, and other "experts"
of all variety).
In fact, violence in Silence of the Lambs has much in common with
the violence perpetrated every year against hundreds of thousands of
civilians in Central America by their reactionary despotic governments and militia, armed with U.S. weapons. By the time this news
reaches us, it is quite intentionally presented to us as entirely divorced
from those who conjure it up and carry it out; it is instead presented in
such a manner that we painfully let go the truth we cannot face and
believe instead it is the natural outcome of generalized social and
economic problems. It is ultimately divorced from the individuals
who originally create it. And, after seeing too much violence in our
own culture, we hear our so-called experts lamenting that it is due to
fragmentation of societies and the confusion of sex roles and loss of
personal identity.
We must take a different tack: that each act of violence has a
traceable perpetrator, even if the deepest mental cause is unknown .
The only identifiable source of such violence is the actual perpetrator.
No, these persons are not divorced from the acts of incredible pain and
unspeakable cruelty they commit! That view has been assumed far too
long. They have, once they reach this irreversible point in degradation,
become their acts. Once they fa ll beyond all civil modes of behavior,
we must hold them responsible for the acts they have momentarily
escaped into.
Asking us to believe these people are not responsible for the
incredible violence they perpetrate, and in the case of a film like
Silence, which they perpetuate, is the biggest scam of'all time, lasting
longer and hurting more sisters and more children than any other lie
we've been told.
Thank you, for the Voice. All these years I needed it to begin
developing my own consciousness.
Billie H
Dear Editor:
I've grown weary of reading "goddess" pagan propaganda in every
issue.
The Bible scriptures quoted regarding burning of incense were
directly related to idol worship.
There are many people whose perception of God is femalethat's o.k. as we were made in the image of God. (Gen 1:27); so
Goddess would be certainly appropriate . However the quote,
" ... let's burn incense to all the goddesses ... " perpetuates idol,
pagan worship.
The article began, "Without women there would be no civilization." This is entirely true, as is the fact without men there would be
no civilization.
Until we all learn to live together; male, female, non-white, white;
Gentile, Jew; straight, gay; then our world community will never find
peace and unity.
The key is love. God is Love, or Goddess is Love (if you prefer).
The love God has for us is so vast that His/ Her child was
sacrificed so that we could have eternal life. (John 3: 16).
Read John 3 : 17 too, you'll be glad to know Jesus did not come to
condemn the world, as many people would have you believe, but
instead to SAVE the world!
Perhaps what Berland Voice needs is another perspective on
spiritual issues. Think about it. I'd be honored and privileged to
contribute a monthly article on spiritual issues pertaining to
women; designed to uplift, strengthen and encourage.
Let's have some positive, hopeful information instead of
negativity.
Most women realize we have been opressed throughout the
course of history and time . How about changing the broken record
and learning to live in and change our society?
Ask your readers what they think-from the group of folks I've
talked to we are in agreement on this issue.
Please consider my offer.
Sincerely,
Palmira C.
H I.' I
Sorry it has taken so long for me to write and tell you how much I
enjoyed the picture in the Voice a few months ago. I know there
were letters complaining about the "nudity" and I'm sorry I didn't
write then.
I thought the picture tastefully done and very sensitive. If there is
a print available, I would like to know where to purchase it.
Keep up the fine work you are doing in the Herland Voice. It is one
of the most informative papers my lover and I receive and keeps us
in to uch with what is happening in the community there . Thank you
for "keeping on - keeping on."
Together with you ,
Mary H.
HSR MAY 1991
3
CLEMENCY DRIVES STEPPED
UP FOR BATTERED WOMEN
WHO STRIKE BACK
Women's groups and some criminal justice organizations, encouraged by recent developments in Ohio and Maryland, are pndertaking
efforts in other states to obtain what they see as a greater measure of
justice for women who kill or assault abusive husbands or boyfriends.
The organizations are petitioning legislators for changes in the rules of
evidence in such cases, and are petitioning governors for clemency or
other action to release women already serving prison terms for crimes of
violence against abusive partners.
In December, outgoing Ohio Gov. Richard F. Celeste granted
clemency to 25 women convicted of killing or assaulting their abusive
husbands or companions. And on February 19, Maryland Gov.
William Donald Schaefer commuted the sentences to time already
served of eight women convicted of violence against their husbands or
boyfriends. Six of the eight Maryland prisoners had been convicted of
murder; one of manslaughter; and one of battery.
Both governors said they had decided to reduce the sentences because
the women had been prevented at their trials from offering evidence of
thei~, abuse as well as expert testimony about " battered woman
syndrome." Often, a claim of self-defense in a seriously violent case
requires the defendant to show she was in imminent danger of being
hurt. Thus, a woman who has suffered years of abuse and strikes out
against her abuser may not be allowed to offer evidence of how the abuse
affected her psychologically, if the court finds that the attack against her
partner was too remote from or otherwise irrelevant to the history of
abuse, experts said.
Battered woman syndrome is described as a situation in which
physical and psychological abuse can cause the victim to lose selfconfidence, feel trapped and isolated, and eventually strike back in
either a spontaneous or calculated way.
In Ohio, a law took effect last November allowing such testimony to
be presented in court; and in Maryland, Governor Schaefer announced
his support for similar legislation.
Governors Celeste and Schaefer emphasized that they had done
thorough research on all of the cases and did not make their decisions
lightly. Schaefer met personally with several battered women in prison,
and said he was convinced that the eight whom he released had acted in
self-defense and posed no threat to public safety.
But the executive clemency actions and the legislation have proved
quite controversial. In both Ohio and Maryland, some of the prosecutors who had handled the cases at issue denounced the governors'
actions, and expressed fear that abused women generally will get the
impression they have a "license to kill" their abusive spouses. Some
leaders of the Maryland legislature criticized Schaefer for substituting
his judgment for that of judges, and said they would oppose the
battered-woman-syndrome legislation.
848-5429
SHIRLEY M. HUNTER, M. Ed.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Emphasis on the Pf.Ob/ems of gay people.
PENN PARK OFFICE COMPLEX e SUITE 102
5009 N. PENNSYLVANIA e OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73112
4
HSR MAY 1991
Battered-woman campaigns in other states: Women's groups
and other supporters of reforms on behalf of battered spouses said that
the actions by the Ohio and Maryland governors have encouraged them
to accelerate their efforts in other states. The Correctional Association
of New York, an organization that promotes alternatives to incerceration, announced that it would hold a joint press conference with a
number of women's groups and other organizations on March 4, urging
Gov. Mario M. Cuomo to release many women in prison, including
those convicted of violent crimes against abusive mates.
Campaigns on behalf of individual battered women serving prison
terms, or more recently, groups of women, have been undertaken in
Washington State, Illinois, Louisiana, Florida, and Arizona, according
to the National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women, a
Philadelphia-based organization.
And an increasing number of state legislatures, including those of
Texas, Vermont, California, Washington, Maryland, Wyoming, and
Michigan, are considering bills to allow battered-women-syndrome
testimony in court, comparable to changes already approved in Ohio,
Missouri and Louisiana.
At the federal level, Rep. Constance A. Morella (R-Md. ), who played
a key role in convincing Governor Schaefer to commute the eight
women's sentences, has sponsored legislation expressing the sense of
Congress that state courts should allow such testimony and authorizing
$600,000 to help indigent battered women obtain expert testimony
about the effects of domestic violence.
•
Sam L. Nicolosi, D.V.M.
NICOLOSI ANIMAL HOSPITAL
4015 N.W. 23rd
Oklahoma City
by Appointment
Phone (405) 947-5545
GAY AND LESBIAN CIVIL RIGHTS ACT
Activists aim for more support, vow to pass bill this decade
Washington, D.C. - With 93 lawmakers behind it (plus more
signing on regularly) the Federal Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Act
was reintroduced into the 102nd Congress. The bill, introduced in
the Senate on March 6 and the House on March 13, is a
conrnerstone piece of lesbian and gay civil rights law that lobbyists
have pledged to pass this decade.
Officially known as the Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1991,
the bill would ban discrimination on the basis of affection or sexual
orientation in housing, employment, federally assisted programs
and public accommodations. The bill amends the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 and 1968, which bans discrimination based on race, color,
sex, religion or national origin.
The bill now has 93 spo nsors (a record number) in the House and
11 in the Senate. Rep. Ted Weiss (D-NY) and Sen. Alan Cranston
(D-CA) are chief spo nsors and introduced the bill.
"One of the most fundamental responsibilities of any democratic
government is safeguarding the liberties of its citizens," said Weiss.
Said Cranston, "This legislation .. . would simply extend to gay men and
lesbian women basic protections against invidious discrimination because of
sexual orientation."
•
~x,---OHIO'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW applies to lesbian and gay
partners who cohabit even though they are not married according to the
Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals. In what is apparently the first
ruling of its kind, the court reversed the ruling of a trial judge who threw
out a misdemeanor domestic violence charge because the two women
could not be married under state law . . .. .
Plans are underway for 1991 OKLAHOMA GAY AND LESBIAN
PRIDE WEEK, June 17-23. The Gay and Lesbian Pride Parage and a
street fair and arts and crafts show will be held on Sunday, June 23.
Watch the Voice for more info . .. . .
May 24 - June 3 has been designated NATIONAL AIDS LOBBY
DAYS by the Human Rights Campaign Fund. The Fund will provide
voting records, issue briefing papers, "How to Lobby" materials and
other materials for individuals and organizations wishing to visit with
Senators and Representatives about the AIDS epidemic .. . ..
MADWOMAN PRESS IS ACCEPTING MANUSCRIPTS by,
for and about lesbians. They are interested in novels, cartoons, and
comics. For guidelines send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
Madwoman Press, P.O. Box 690, Northboro, MA01532 . . ...
CONGRATULATIONS TO CINDY BOOKOUT who was selected
as the 1991 recipient of the Bill Roger's Award by the Oklahoma Gay
and Lesbian Political Caucus. Cindy, a past member of the Herland
Board, has long been an outspoken political activist in our community.
She is the first woman to receive the Bill Roger's Award .....
MERLIN STONE, author of When God Was a Woman and Return of
the Goddess, is working on articles about Women's Spirituality
publications and groups. She would like to hear from you about any
and all of these from where you live and play. She's also very interested
in hearing about Goddess plays, films, dance, music and various visual
arts. Moon Ritualiers take notice? Write Merlin at Box 266 - 201
Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 . .. ..
Forum: WOMEN AND THE EARTH; May 20, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. To
bring together women from the Greens, American Indian Affairs,
EcoFeminists, labor movement, etc., including Gwen Kirk, Beverly
Singer, Eve Ensler, Lin Nelson, Jean Gardner, Kate Fox and Merline
Stone. Learning Alliance, 494 Broadway, New York , NY 10012 . ....
LESBIANS ONLY THERAPY GROUP. Wednesday evenings.
Sliding scale fee available. Call 843-5319 or 364-5708. Jo L. Soske
M.Ed./CAC ... . .
CONTACT 1-800-486-HELP AMERICARES to send donations
to help relief efforts for refugees of the Iraqi war . . . . .
FOR SALE: Queen-size waterbed. Contemporary frame with brass
trim. $75. Call Ginger at 942-5082 . . .. .
TO ORDER PEGGY JOHNSON'S NEW TAPE by mail, send $10
+ $2 postage to Peggy Johnson, P.O. Box 75842, Oklahoma City, OK
73147 . . .. .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DON'T MISS ERICA WHEELER AT HOTEL BOHEMIA June
8th. Call 528-0020 for reservations.
PUBLISHED BY: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312 NW 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
NEWSLETIER COMM ITIEE:
Margaret Cox, Deborah Fox, Pat Reaves
CIRCULATION : 750
GENERAL INFO: (405) 521 - 9696 (leave message)
SUBSCRIPTIONS to the Her/and Voice are free upon request.
GOOD KISS, BAD KISS
Historic smooch. In a February episode of L.A. Law, C.]. Lamb, after <l
celebratory dinner, affectionately kisses fellow attorney Abby Perkins. The
kiss may be the first lip smooch between two women in television history.
When Abby becomes tense, C.J. explains she likes men too, but considers
herself "flexible" and hopes the revelation of her bisexuality won't hurt
their friendship.
The kiss makes C.J. the only recurring lesbian or bisexual female character
on primetime TV. Some news stories have reported there's doubt about
whether this storyline will continue. The producers are hearing from the
homophobes; they need to hear from you, too. Thank David Kelly ,
Executive Producer, L.A. Law, 20th Century Fox Televsion, Box 900,
Beverly Hills, CA 90213 . Reprinted from GLAD Bulletin March / April 1991. •
JAMIE ANDERSON
What a great concert! Jamie Anderson appeared at the Hotel Bohemia
on April 5 to a standing-room-only crowd. Jamie has a sweet, strong
voice, and her songs, both her own and those borrowed from others,
were graceful and pleasing. Jamie is very humorous; she is a great
storyteller and interacts easily with her audience. Her songs are political
and lusty, frequently funny, occasionally sad, and always skillful and
entertaining.
Jamie's concert was a Herland sponsored event, and many thanks are
due Mary Reynolds for planning and organizing and really doing all the
work, as well as for the use of the charming Hotel Bohemia.
STAY TUNED FOR ERICA WHEELER ON JUNE 8th at
Hotel Bohemia! Call 528-0020 for reservations.
•
Mowing • Fertilizing • Trimming
• Light Hauling •
"We Are Insured"
KAY
794-0081
SANDIE
794-6884
OPEN MIC AT THE PORTHOLE
HUGE SUCCESS
The Herland Open Mic at the Porthole brought together excellent
local talent and was a great success, thanks to the efforts of Cindy
Bookout and the hard work and patience of Shatzy Watson and Carol
Berry.
For those who were not able to attend, you missed a grand old
time-with good music, egg races, and good food, how can you not
have fun? I'm already looking forward to next Easter at the Porthole.
Thanks, Shatzy and Carol, for your support of Herland and other
community organizations. You're wonderful!
•
MEET AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMYN
WITH A FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE!
TIME: 1 - 4 p.m. DATE: 5/11 /91
PLACE: James Steward Bldg, 1500 NE 4th
FOR/BY/ABOUT/AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMYN
HSR MAY 1991
5
CELEBRATING OUR SEXUALITY
by Deborah Fox
This is the time of year when sexual energy is at an all time high.
Biologically, warmer weather and lengthening days creates a hormonal
acceleration that produces "Spring Fever" in plantlife, animals and
people. It is the season of rebirth, birth, renewal and regeneration. Sex is
~ natural expression of this phenomenon.
However, sex has become a problem for many. First there is the
:ienigration of our bodies and our sexuality by the patriarchal religions,
md then, there is rape, incest, sexist society, sexual and physical abuse.
'\.ll of this has left scars that make it difficult and sometimes impossible
:o enjoy our sexuality and love our bodies. As Adrienne Rich has
Jointed out: "I don't know of a woman alive whose body does not pose
l problem for her in one way or another."
The patriarchs and their Church are the only ones in all of history and
flerstory to degrade, deny, and pervert sexuality and sexual preferences.
Early cultures and tribal societies never categorized sex as dirty and
>inful, indeed, they had no concept of "sin,'' nor were they homophobic. In the matriarchy, sex was always considered sacred and all
>exual preferences were honored. In fact, many tribal and early cultures
:onsidered lesbians and homosexuals as "touched by the gods" and
:i.ighly respected. Many were tribal leaders and shamans. And it is very
probable that the divisions between sexual preferences were not
pronounced then as they are today under patriarchy and their
institution of heterosexuality. (See; The Sacred Hoop-Recovering the
Feminine in American Indian Traditions, by Paula Gunn Allen,
Another Mother Tongue-Gay Words, Gay Worlds, by Judy Grahn,
The Great Cosmic Mother-Rediscovering the Religion of the Earth,
by Monica Sjoo and Barbara Mor.)
Most of the early cultures and tribes were egalitarian and gynocentric,
Nomen who were primary decision makers, leaders, sat on the councils,
md created the laws that maintained a harmonious existence. The
Jower of the Mother was primary, they revered Mother Earth,
practicing an earth religion that was intrinsic to everyday life. Spiritu1lity was not separated from sexuality and many rituals and ceremonies
Nere sexual. There were sexual rites to induce ecstatic states of
:onsciousness, and sexual rites to ensure fertility of crops. Early cultures
believed that all power was fundamentally sexual.
Today sex has become fragmented like everything and everyone else.
'Whole" sex is a combination of physical pleasure, the mind, the
Jsyche, emotions, the spirit, erotica, caring, lusting, respect, etc., unlike
the sex we witness today with many women caught in an inner conflict of
virgin vs. whore, or cut off from the body; so many men cut off from
their emotions, shame and guilt about masterbation; a "sexual liberation" that merely condoned further exploitation of women and sex; the
:reation of pornography, sadomasochism, etc. Sexuality cannot be
repressed without upsetting the healthy balance of body and psyche.
lncest, rape, and other perverse sexual behaviors were virtually unheard
:if in gynocratic societies. One rejoiced in the delights of one's body and
physical existence.
To reclaim our sexuality and what it is or is not, we need to reprogram
the negative beliefs we hold about sexuality and sex. We can relearn our
sexuality with our first love: ourselves. Being our own tender lover is a
powerful tool. We can perform SelfBlessing rituals, affirming our body,
mind and spirit, practice Tantric yoga, creating a romantic setting for
ourselves with candles, soft music, a mirror in which to explore and
express to ourselves the love we feel or wish to feel. We are each unique
and will find our own way back to real sexual freedom. Blessed Be. •
freedom. Blessed Be.
•
This article is an opinion expressed by the author. It does not
necessarily reflect the opinion of Herland as an organization . If
you would like to submit articles to the Voice, all articles are
considered.
6
HSR MAY 1991
Kay Killgore, M.Ed.
Woman to Woman Counseling
1010 N.W. 45th
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118
(405) 524-1062
ACT-UP UNDER FIRE
In response to a complaint brought by the Committee to Re-elect
Jesse Helms, a political action committee of the Conservative Campaign
Fund (CCF), the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is investigating
four organizations in relation to the boycott of Marlboro cigarettes and
Miller Beer.
The groups being investigated are ACT UP / San Francisco, ACT
UP/Washington, D.C., The Dallas Gay Alliance and the Tarrant
County (Texas) Gay Alliance. The CCF complaint says these groups
promoted the boycott as part of a "conspiracy" to defeat Jesse Helms'
re-election as U.S. Senator from North Carolina.
Consumer boycotts are a form of protected speech. ACT UP believes
the FEC investigation serves no purpose other than to harass lesbian,
gay and AIDS activists. The FEC has sent each group a list of
interrogatories in a discovery request for information documents.
While some of the FEC's questions deal with the boycott, others, ACT
UP says, are intrusive demands for information that reveal the political
nature of the investigation and suggest its actual motive: disruption of an
activist, grassroots political organization at the behest of Jesse Helms, a
man who promoted obvious racism and homophobia in his last
campaign ads in order to preserve a desperately slim margin of victory.
ACT UP is urging anyone who feels this FEC investigation should be
stopped to write or send a telegram to John Warren McGarry,
Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20463. The message you send should emphasize: A.
Your investigation of ACT UP constitutes harassment of a grassroots
political organization fighting the AIDS pandemic; B. I further believe
this investigation supports the attack by Jesse Helms and the ultra right
wing on gay and AIDS organizations; C. Your investigation infringes
upon the constitutional rights to organize consumer boycotts or voice
political opposition; D. Stop the harassment; E. Call off the investigation.
To send a personal opinion message by telegram, call 1-800-8885284 and say you want to send Message #37. You can put the cost of this
on your VISA, Mast~rCard or American Express for $2.50 or have
•
them bill your home address for $4.00.
Lowest Prices On
Unique Crystal Jewelry,
Books and Prints
1011 N.W. 43rd St.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73118
(405) 557-0903
LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS
PLANNING MEETING CALLED
Washington, D.C.-A national planning meeting has been called to
discuss the possibility of a future march on Washington for lesbian
and gay civil rights. The meeting is scheduled for May 11-12, 1991, at
the Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street N.W. in Washington,
D.C. on Saturday May 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This meeting is a fo llow-up to a March 9, 1991 meeting in
Washington, called by The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
(NGLTF). That day, 100 lesbians and gay men from all over the
country met to discuss interest in a national event, which has not
occurred since 1987, when a half a million people marched on
Washington.
The meeting is free . Individuals or groups are encouraged to
register as soon as possible. Discount airline and hotel reservations
are available. Make reservations early.
Those unable to attend this meeting are urged to submit an oral or
written proposal to NGLTF. Call 1-800-832-2889, or write to 1734
14th Street NW, Washington DC 20009-4309, Attention: March on
Washington. FAX: (202) 332-0207.
•
366-0923
HELEN HOLGATE
Edwina V. Johnson, D.D.S.
"Catering to Cowards needing Tender Care"
in Comprehensive Dentistry
5009 North Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 103
(405) 840-5410
Night & Sunday practice by appt. only
Emergencies welcome
Insurance accepted
SEXUAL ASSAULT
AWARENESS WEEK
May 13 - 19, 1991, has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness
Week. Violent crimes in general rose by nearly 9% in Oklahoma lasl
year, and rape increased by over 20%. Two events being planned and
sponsored by The Rape Crisis Center and the Oklahoma Coalition on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault are a Take Back the Night
Rally and Candlelight Vigil and a statewide Conference on Sexual
Assault .
.The Rally and Vigil will be held on Thursday, May 16, 1991 at8 p.m .
on the south steps of the State Capitol Building in Oklahoma City.
There will be speakers and music by Peggy Johnson, Tim Sullivan and
Robin Brooks.
The Conference, "Ending the Silence," will be held May 16 and 17,
1991, at Metro-Tech, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City. For
information on the vigil call (405) 947-4506; and for info on the
•
Conference call ( 405) 360-7125.
Certified Alcoholism & Drug Abuse
Counselor
OKLAHOMA WOMEN'S
POLITICAL CAUCUS
FLORIDA LAW AGAINST
LESBIANS AND GAYS
ADOPTING DECLARED
UNCONSTITUTIONAL
The Oklahoma chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus
is alive and well again, out of hibernation, reorganized, and ready to
work the Caucus's Action Agenda for the 90's; which is: Identify and
recruit pro-choice women candidates and mobilize pro-choice voters
to get them elected.
• Train candidates, campaign staff volunteers, and community activists to organize, raise funds and get out the vote.
• Endorse and elect women candidates who share the REAL PROFAMILY agenda: child care . . . family and medical leave .. . reproductive freedom. . . pay equity. . . expansion of educational opportunities ... teen pregnancy prevention . .. access to quality health
care . .. and safe, affordable housing.
• Use political and professional networks to recruit and assist women
seeking appointment to public office.
• Work within the major political parties-locally and nationallyto ensure that women and their concerns are fully represented.
• Provide a strong advocacy voice for women issues in Washington,
D.C. and in our state capitol.
Membership is open to all persons , regardless of sex, race, age, or
party affiliation who subscribe to the purpose of the Oklahoma
Women's Political Caucus . For more information and a membership
fo rm contact Billie Goodin, ( 405) 321-1475; or Claudean Reynolds,
(405) 547-5130.
•
In a landmark ruling, a circuit court judge in Florida has struck
down a Florida law that prohibited lesbians and gay men from
adopting children in that state.
Judge M. Ignatius Lester, of Monroe County, Florida, ruled on
March 15 that the law violated the state constitution's right to
privacy , equal protection and due process of law. The law, he said,
"suffers from the trite notions of homosexuals' unsuitability as fi t
parents and evidences discrimination through archaic stereotypes
associated with homosexuals."
The Florida law was challenged by the American Civil Liberties
Union ofF!orida on behalf of Edward Seebol, a gay man. Seebol, whom
the court described as a "well respected resident and businessman," had participated in the state's guardianship program. Seebol is
the executive director of AIDS Help Inc., the AIDS service organization
in Key West.
"I am pleased with the court's decision," Seebol said. "This
favorable judgement will allow other qualified gays and lesbians to
become adoptive parents in Florida.
"Florida's law prohibiting homosexuals from adopting was an
embarrassing anachronism that cruelly and summarily shattered opportunities for family enhancement," said Robyn Blummer, Executive
Director of the ACLU of Florida. "By striking it down, the court has
made Florida a little more pro-family and a little more humane.
•
HSR MAY 1990
7
LIZARDS/LOS P ORES - Book Review
lesbian feminist short stories by Bettianne Shoney Sien
(excerpts from a review in Hag Rag, July-August 1989. by Tara Ayres
I was sorry when I reached the last page of Lizards/ Los Padres.
Closing it was a bit like leaving a town in which I was just
beginning to make friends and feel at home. Sh'oney Sien's
characters are like that-real women, real dykes. This beautifully
written book is full of tastes and colors and smells. You can
actually feel the sun beating down on you, and taste the grit in
your mouth on a summer afternoon helping with the harvest. And
after the shallow, plastic characterizations of so much lesbian
fiction these days, the dykes in this book are a delight. Not just the
same character, wearing a different name and plunked down in a
slightly different situation, but varied and complex women, doing
the best they can with their lives. Some of them I wanted to meet,
some of them I could swear I already know, all of them believable.
While the characters in this book are not clones, there are
repeating themes among the stories. Some are from the perspective of girls growing up in the country, their connection with their
mothers and grandmothers, their growing into adulthood and
autonomy. There are young women coming out, dealing with
leaving their marriages behind, with raising children, with leaving
their sons. Five of the stories do feature the same actors, a lesbian
couple moving from the beginning of a relationship to its end,
which contributes an added feeling of continuity to the volume.
The stories develop a continuum of Lesbian experience, from
childhood, through isolation, into community.
These stories are intensely political, without being polemical o r
preachy. The girls and women in these stories come from different
backgrounds-urban and rural, poor, working and middle class.
And the complexity of those differences is an integral part of their
interactions, with the world and with each other . . .
The stories touch on subjects that claim our focus in the real
world-economic survival, Lesbian battering, class differences
between friends and lovers, our relationships with our biological
families and with the straight women who have been important to
us, psychiatric abuse. If that list daunts you, bear in mind that
these are stories, not sermons, and the overall message is strength,
not powerlessness. Sien's characters are us, the dykes in our
communities, and she's describing our lives.
•
~usie
fr
TREAT YOURSELF TO THE "TOUCH OF GOLD."
Treat your special someone, too, for $10 off her Massage!
outhwell,
ooucfi of Qold
M. Ed.
COUNSELOR
2912 N. ClaHen, Suite 1 0 2 - - - - - -7
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106·- - - Telephone: (405) 556·4105
HEALTHFUL • STRESS RELIEVING MASSAGE
Special
discounts
available
ro all
Her land
readers!
6y
"Portable"
massage
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available
for your
Melanie ~- McKiddy
MASSAGE THERAPIST
360-6945
convenience.
REGISTRATION FOR SPRING RETREAT (FOR WOMEN ONLY)
Register now for Herland's Annual Spring Retreat, May 17 - 19 at Robber's Cave State Park. Pre-registration
(including 3 meals) is from $25 to $35 (non-refundable) based on your ability to pay. Registration after May 10th or
on-site is $35.00. Return this form and your check to: HSR, 2312 N.W. 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73 112.
The above price includes accommodations and morning and evening meals (3 meals) . Bring your own snacks and
don 't forget the fixin's for the famous Herland Potluck!
(Some scholarships available. Contact Herland for more information. No one will be turned away for lack of money.) Please fill
out form below and mail to: HSR, 2312 NW 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
N AME(S) _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Number of Pets _ _ _ _ __ _
ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _
(Pets must be kept o n leash and no
pets in main building. )
CITY---- -- - - - - - - STATE._ _ _ _ _ ZIP _ _ _ _ _ PHONE( _ __
DI am enclosing$
for _ _ _ _ people.
DI would like a scholarship
DI would like to donate
$_____ toward a scholarship
Dlwo~dlikerokadad~c~~on~oupon
_ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ __
DI would like to attend a group on _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _
and a possible leader is _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _
COMMENTS: _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _~
-
MAY, 1991
E ERE J OF HERL ND
THE T
Retreat (n.) - preserve; refuge; resort; sanctuary; shelter; escape; evacuation; flight; withdrawal
he retreats of Herland have 1--een ~11 these •1'1 1gs and mv~e. We
have come together twi.:t 1 year for the past tx 'y ars and built a
special community. \Ve'Ye kept coming back to that speetc1l pla e we
create again and again . Each of the retreats of Hal.2nd ha~ p n 11
memories for the women who attended
The herstory of Herland retreats begins in May 1985 when several
members of the Herland collective went to Arkansas to a le-bian retreat
sponsored by the Women 's Proj<:ct. We had a great time and came away
convinced ti o.t Herla nd C< n..ld sponsor ~ ~inrnar event in Oklahoma. The
recipe seemrJ simple-a camp\ ·t h c::ibins n,I a kitchen to share and
women to fill it.
The first Herland retn::i.t h lleJ as a Fall Festiva' W0men's Retre,lt
was held October _ -, -2 7, 198 5 at O~age Hills State Park near
Bartlesville. The women \ ~ o attended wne tteateJ tu music by Marv
Reynolds and Peggy Jol-in.,011 ; wo rbhups in juggling, homophobia, and
the law; and the ever popular potluck supper.
After the success of the first retreat, the Herland Lollectl\'e planned a
second retreat, the Spring Festival/Women's Retreat for May 2-4,
1986 at Robber's Cave State Park. Featured per formers were Hawkins
and DeLear of St. Louis, Missouri. Tabby, the only kitten to attend a
Herland retreat, was at Robber's Cave.
October, 1986 brought the 2nd annual fall retreat. Women from
around Oklahoma gathered at Sequoyah State Park near Tallequah. The
tradition of an open-mic for musical performers, comedian.,, and poets
began at this retreat. Featured performers were Rosy's B~r and Grill
from Kansas City.
Roman Nose State Park was the site for the Spring Retreat of May,
1987. Oklahoma City's own Mary Black, Mary Reynolds, and Peggy
Johnson provided musical entertainment. Rainbow Productions was
born of a vision of several women at the Roman Nose Retreat.
We returned to Robber's Cave State Park for the Fall Retreat in
October, 1987. Nancy Day delighted us with her music and her touch
football skills . Donna DeSalvo provided her own special brand of
musical and comic entertainment. Early risers on Sunday were treated
to the famous D Y K E eroticakes.
The Spring, 1988 retreat was held at Boiling Springs State Park near
Woodward. Over seventy women made the warm sunny drive north-
T
\vest hut the weatht.r ,hanges qu1ckly in the Oklahoma sprin5. Befor
the 111ght was ov r snm fell on the retreaters . When Saturday dav. ned
a lavender bra flymg fror1 the flagpole claimed the c.1mp as women'
pa-.e The S15ters of Sv. mg and their infamous alter ego's, the Shartel ,
highltghted retreat el'tertainment activities .
Sequ,>yah State Park was the pl.ice to be fo r the Herhnd Fall , 1%8
retreat. For the first time Herland cooks, Mary Reynolds and Chris C.,
nMde t od available to participants who preferred not to cook fo~
themselve~. Entenamr ent was provided by comedian Karen Williams
aml n •er-songwntt.r, N.mq Sc tt.
The Spring 1989 retreat returned to Bmling Springs State Park. Judy
Fiell he. Jibed the retreat with a workshop on empov.erment throur h
mus c nd a memo able evenmg performance under the stars.
In the Fal1of19t19, the Retreat was held at Lake \Xlis•,.,r State Park on
l ..,bor Day v.tekend Thi \\as the first four-day retreat rnd introduced
Oklahoma to the • herapy Sisters trom Austm, Texas and A1,n Beed
from Mmneapohs, Minnesota. May t1ks dancing over the open field
were the sp<:cial treat for th is retreat l m the bathroom and in our beds
they weren' t quire so special).
Spring of 1990 rnok us back to Robbers Cave State Pari May 18- 20.
The retrea t opened Friday night wiili a reading of the play A Late
Snow-Herland s tirst venture into drama. Tuffy came back ro
Oklahoma and along with Mary Reynolds and Elyse Angelo rocked us
into the · gh,, a"d made Jean happy). Janis Galloway opened ilie night's
entertainr.K t with her unique blend of music. Saturday night/ Sunday
mornin6 Ir )duced the "4:30 Version- You had to be there" and the
fa mous spoons.
Arro1\ he id State Park was the location for the Fall Retreat of 1990.
He! 1on Labor Day weekend, this retreat was the second four-day event.
Women from Arkansas and Texas joined Oklahoma women for the
Regional Lesbian Conference. Arrowhead saw ilie debut of Herland's
own Kazoo Band and the now famous "Live Band" featuring Elyse
Angelo, Cuchla Fuller, Peggy Johnson, and Mary Reynolds. Any piece
of cloth not tied down was tie-dyed. And who could forget Cruz Devon?
What firsts will the Spring Retreat of 1991 bring? You'll have to be
there to see and make them happen. Meet you at Robber's Cave May
17th ilirough the 19th!
•
LOST WAX TRAINS -
A Review
Lost Wax Trains, Peggy Johnson's latest casette release, is a splendid display of her musical craft.
In the mostly original selections, Peggy plays guitar and harmonica as well as performing vocals.
The "Cereal Blues," "Rich Girl Blues" and "The Gas Company Blues" showcase Peggy's guitar
skills. In the haunting "The Road Up Which Ye Came," the melody hints of traditional southern
music while the lyrics speak eloquently of family and the promise of personal freedom. "Your Own
Front Door" provides a powerful commentary on war and peace. "Creedy" invites us to share an
intimate moment with Peggy and her feline companion of eight years. Mary Reynolds joins Peggy
for a very special rendition of Jackson Browne's "For Everyman."
Lost Wax Trains demonstrates that this "rich girl" can sing and play the blues. If you are not
already familiar with the music of Peggy Johnson, Lost Wax Trains provides an excellent
opportunity to get acquainted. Lost Wax Trains is available at Herland, the Benedictine Peace House
and at all Peggy Johnson performances.
•
VOLUME 8 NUMBER 5
•
HERLAND SI STER RESOU RCES
•
231 2 N.W. 39th, OKC , OK 7311 2
•
(405) 521- 9696
ST. SYBIL
St. Sybil, Matron Saint of the Invisible Woman, is an occasional
contributor to this space.
Dear St. Sybil,
I heard the darndest thing the other day. I heard that as a country the U.S.
ranks 23rd in infant mortality; in other words, that 22 other countries take
better care of their babies than we do. Can this be true? I also heard that many
other countries have a longer life span than we do, and that 37 million
Americans have no health insurance!
And is it really true that the United States and South Africa are the only two
industrialized countries in the world without some kind of a national health
plan? That's pretty poor company to be in!
Sincerely,
Confused
Dear Confused,
You have good sources. You heard absolutely right; and I don't blame
you for being confused. Decent health care for all is the kind of thing
most Americans expect the U.S. to be the leader in; unfortunately, the
phrase "socialized medicine" has been made such a bugaboo that tossing
it into a discussion on medical services is enough to bring the
conversation to a screeching halt. There are as many myths about the
evils of socialized medicine as there were about the dangers of
vaccinating people with smallpox serum, or in "giving'' women the vote.
I'd like to tell you a true story about a good friend of mine living in
Virginia some years ago. This woman, Annie, had a really, really bad
year; during this year Annie's husband was hospitalized twice, her oldest
daughter was hospitalized just once, with strep, but she also was thrown
from a horse and broke her arm. The younger daughter was hospitalized
twice with pneumonia and once to have her appendix out; and she broke
her collarbone falling out of a tree; that girl was a mess. Annie's oldest
son was in the hospital for a week having an operation of a delicate
nature which he hopes I won't share with the world; and Annie herself
gave birth prematurely to her second son, who couldn't come home
from the hospital for a month . And the family dog had puppies and was
subsequently spayed.
The medical expense that year for Annie and her family was exactly
$20, for neutering poor old Daisy the Dog. You see, Annie's husband
was in the Army, and their medical care was 100 percent free. So for all
the worry, and all the trips to the doctor and the hospital and all the
sleepless nights, Annie's "bad, bad" year was positively carefree
compared to what it would have been without good old free Army
medical care; a real piece of cake.
Of course, it was not "free" free; it was paid for by taxes, that's
certainly true. But what's the big difference, I ask you, in paying for
medical care through insurance or through taxes? Are the military the
only Americans who deserve the kind of freedom from worry and
freedom from potential financial ruin that a full health care plan
provides? I don't think so.
Office Hours
Tues - Thurs 9-3
Friday 10-6
Sat by appointment
(405) 843-3281
VISA & MC accepted.
We file insurance.
Z'ii.. Z'~~- 8~.1!!?.P'-.. Z'.Z'.S.
Comprehensive Dental Care
5009 North Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 103
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
2
HSR MAY 1991
Personally, I think that it is about time that the rest of the country got
to have what the military has been enjoying for all of these years; and ifl
were you I think I would send my next letter about this problem to a
Senator rather than a Saint.
Take care, take power, and for Pete's sake, stay well.
Fondly,
Sybil
•
Ink Well Vvinttng
TERI HOELTZEL
SUSAN BROOKS
Owners
(405) 942-5693
501 N. Meridian, Suite 107
Oklahoma City, OK 73107-5701
DISEASE OR NOT DISEASE?
"Breast disease." A term that can strike terror into the hearts of
women. After examining a woman's breasts or reading a mammogram, a doctor may well announce that the patient has "fibrocystic disease" or "benign breast disease." This is a nonspecific
diagnosis and a true misnomer. Sometimes a doctor uses it to
describe chronically lumpy breasts that may be painful and tender
before menstruation. Or, "fibrocystic disease" simply refers to the
natural overal lumpiness that usually occurs in breast tissue as a
woman ages. It's normal and predictable and is no more a disease
than gray hair or age lines.
Every woman needs to see a doctor for diagnosis of any selfdiscovered lump (although the majority of lumps are not cancerous), and for a professional examination on a regular schedule. A
woman with very lumpy breasts may have trouble doing a self exam
and may want to forgo self-exam and be checked professionally. At
age 35, women should have a base-line mammogram and get a
mammogram every two years from then on. Then starting at 50 we
should get one annually.
But if you are checked or have a mammogram, watch what your
doctor writes on the report. If "fibrocystic disease" or "benign
breast disease" is written, you may be in for some difficulty in the
future if you need to purchase health insurance, get a new policy, or
purchase life insurance.
The physiological phenomena mentioned above are not diseases,
and should not impact women as such in their financial lives. •
NEED TO TALK?
NEED COMMUNITY INFORMATION?
CALL
842-GAYS
The Gay & Lesbian
HELPLINE
Hours: 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Wednesday - Monday
Volunteers Needed: Leave a message with
a current volunteer if you are interested.
ay,.
Sunda~·
Monday
Tuesda~'
•)
Silent Vipil
tor Peace
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
Co DA,
al Herland
MOTHER'S
DAY TREK
Silent Vigil
for Peac.e
TO PANTEX
Noon
-lth &
N Robinson
CoOA.
'*
645-800
al Herland
John Brown
1800-1859
16rAKE
15
MOTHER'S
DAY
Silent Vieil
for Peac.e
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
*
Mother's
Day
Peace Camp
al Panlex
21
20
;~
John
~lalker
& Oan Neu1ton
in Conc.erl
at.. the
Hotel Bohemia
call 5280020
for info &
HERL ANO
SPRING
.,
26
"Hiss Brown
To You"
al lhe
Coyote Cluh
27
28
29
Camp
al Pant.ex
#
OK NOW
meets at
StaleCapilol
Room 5i1
I0'.00 a.m.
'
~~'
:'.: . 'J.
. C.:., ~
HERLANO
SPRING
RETREAT
25
24
CoDA,
6:45 - 8.00
for Peace
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
~eace
18•
;:.•·•:·.'
•.
Silent Vieil
reservations
RETREl\T
BACK
THE NIGHT
Rally and
Candlelil?hl
Vigil
8:00 pm.
South Steps
StateCapitol
22
~rown J
"Miss
To You"'
at the
Coyote Club
J1
10
area NOi,/
Noon. Belle ~
Isle Library 4'
45 - 8 00
(j
8
7
~KC
3
L
Women's Music,
Every Sunday
Evening at the
Coyote Club; no
cover; 7-11 pm.
Saturday
Friday
Wednesday Thursday
al Herland
Marearel
Fuller
1810-1850
.30
11
Silent Vii;iil
for Peace
Noon
4th &
N. Robinson
CoDA.
6.45 - 8:00
dl Herland
Memorial
Day
Mark your calendar now: Erica Wheeler will be appearing in OKC June 8!
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES INC.
2312 N."'· 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Ol<lahoma 7311·2
(405) 521-9696
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NonProfit Org.
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tk & d i t M - - - - - - - - - - ---1
Dear Herland Sisters
***Right on Rhonda, and the biggest scam lasts the longest***
A heartfelt thanks to Rhonda Smith is in order for her brave and
vital review of Silence of the Lambs. After two courses in film study at
the University of Oklahoma, and staffing of the Film Studies office in
the English Department for one of those semesters, I too have learned
that film viewers are generally desensitized to violence to the point of
nonrecognition. Before buying my ticket to this bloody work, I
cautio-usly asked a graduate film instructor on campus about the
violence in the film, and she personally assured me that there was none
in the film, save some depicted in mere photographs! I keep wondering
what is wrong with this nice, intelligent, educated woman that she
cannot recognize brutal violence when seen on film.
We were unable to sit through the scene Rhonda analyzed, and left
the theatre in too much shock and disbelief to discuss the situation.
When we broke our sad silence, it was only to make a pact to go to
some other distraction as quickly as possible, as at least one of us
would have episodes of panic, anger and nightmares if we continued
thinking and feeling about the film.
Rhonda's review was direct and focused on the significant misogynistic nature of the film; I won't attempt to reiterate her critique, but
it should be required reading for the season. We must stand against
sexualized violence against women. Those who keep making one more
"stab" at women while calling it art have not only succeeded in passing
it off as entertainment, but more surprisingly, have managed to do so
with very few objections from educated, seemingly progressive
women, as well as large numbers of the other gender.
Violence is doubtless the most serious problem on the planet; when
directed toward women it is, like the brutal aggressions perpetrated
against other groups, frequently hidden under a huge umbrella of
camouflage. That camouflage is the network of institutionalized
sexism, violence and heterosexism. The problem with institutionalized
sexism and violence is that they are commonly comingled with
accepted behaviors, which incorrectly infer they too are acceptable;
then they are willingly overlooked and sometimes condoned by social
and political institutions of our culture (i.e., the police, the military,
elected officials, some psychologists, medical doctors, ministers, politicians, academic "experts," teachers, journalists, and other "experts"
of all variety).
In fact, violence in Silence of the Lambs has much in common with
the violence perpetrated every year against hundreds of thousands of
civilians in Central America by their reactionary despotic governments and militia, armed with U.S. weapons. By the time this news
reaches us, it is quite intentionally presented to us as entirely divorced
from those who conjure it up and carry it out; it is instead presented in
such a manner that we painfully let go the truth we cannot face and
believe instead it is the natural outcome of generalized social and
economic problems. It is ultimately divorced from the individuals
who originally create it. And, after seeing too much violence in our
own culture, we hear our so-called experts lamenting that it is due to
fragmentation of societies and the confusion of sex roles and loss of
personal identity.
We must take a different tack: that each act of violence has a
traceable perpetrator, even if the deepest mental cause is unknown .
The only identifiable source of such violence is the actual perpetrator.
No, these persons are not divorced from the acts of incredible pain and
unspeakable cruelty they commit! That view has been assumed far too
long. They have, once they reach this irreversible point in degradation,
become their acts. Once they fa ll beyond all civil modes of behavior,
we must hold them responsible for the acts they have momentarily
escaped into.
Asking us to believe these people are not responsible for the
incredible violence they perpetrate, and in the case of a film like
Silence, which they perpetuate, is the biggest scam of'all time, lasting
longer and hurting more sisters and more children than any other lie
we've been told.
Thank you, for the Voice. All these years I needed it to begin
developing my own consciousness.
Billie H
Dear Editor:
I've grown weary of reading "goddess" pagan propaganda in every
issue.
The Bible scriptures quoted regarding burning of incense were
directly related to idol worship.
There are many people whose perception of God is femalethat's o.k. as we were made in the image of God. (Gen 1:27); so
Goddess would be certainly appropriate . However the quote,
" ... let's burn incense to all the goddesses ... " perpetuates idol,
pagan worship.
The article began, "Without women there would be no civilization." This is entirely true, as is the fact without men there would be
no civilization.
Until we all learn to live together; male, female, non-white, white;
Gentile, Jew; straight, gay; then our world community will never find
peace and unity.
The key is love. God is Love, or Goddess is Love (if you prefer).
The love God has for us is so vast that His/ Her child was
sacrificed so that we could have eternal life. (John 3: 16).
Read John 3 : 17 too, you'll be glad to know Jesus did not come to
condemn the world, as many people would have you believe, but
instead to SAVE the world!
Perhaps what Berland Voice needs is another perspective on
spiritual issues. Think about it. I'd be honored and privileged to
contribute a monthly article on spiritual issues pertaining to
women; designed to uplift, strengthen and encourage.
Let's have some positive, hopeful information instead of
negativity.
Most women realize we have been opressed throughout the
course of history and time . How about changing the broken record
and learning to live in and change our society?
Ask your readers what they think-from the group of folks I've
talked to we are in agreement on this issue.
Please consider my offer.
Sincerely,
Palmira C.
H I.' I
Sorry it has taken so long for me to write and tell you how much I
enjoyed the picture in the Voice a few months ago. I know there
were letters complaining about the "nudity" and I'm sorry I didn't
write then.
I thought the picture tastefully done and very sensitive. If there is
a print available, I would like to know where to purchase it.
Keep up the fine work you are doing in the Herland Voice. It is one
of the most informative papers my lover and I receive and keeps us
in to uch with what is happening in the community there . Thank you
for "keeping on - keeping on."
Together with you ,
Mary H.
HSR MAY 1991
3
CLEMENCY DRIVES STEPPED
UP FOR BATTERED WOMEN
WHO STRIKE BACK
Women's groups and some criminal justice organizations, encouraged by recent developments in Ohio and Maryland, are pndertaking
efforts in other states to obtain what they see as a greater measure of
justice for women who kill or assault abusive husbands or boyfriends.
The organizations are petitioning legislators for changes in the rules of
evidence in such cases, and are petitioning governors for clemency or
other action to release women already serving prison terms for crimes of
violence against abusive partners.
In December, outgoing Ohio Gov. Richard F. Celeste granted
clemency to 25 women convicted of killing or assaulting their abusive
husbands or companions. And on February 19, Maryland Gov.
William Donald Schaefer commuted the sentences to time already
served of eight women convicted of violence against their husbands or
boyfriends. Six of the eight Maryland prisoners had been convicted of
murder; one of manslaughter; and one of battery.
Both governors said they had decided to reduce the sentences because
the women had been prevented at their trials from offering evidence of
thei~, abuse as well as expert testimony about " battered woman
syndrome." Often, a claim of self-defense in a seriously violent case
requires the defendant to show she was in imminent danger of being
hurt. Thus, a woman who has suffered years of abuse and strikes out
against her abuser may not be allowed to offer evidence of how the abuse
affected her psychologically, if the court finds that the attack against her
partner was too remote from or otherwise irrelevant to the history of
abuse, experts said.
Battered woman syndrome is described as a situation in which
physical and psychological abuse can cause the victim to lose selfconfidence, feel trapped and isolated, and eventually strike back in
either a spontaneous or calculated way.
In Ohio, a law took effect last November allowing such testimony to
be presented in court; and in Maryland, Governor Schaefer announced
his support for similar legislation.
Governors Celeste and Schaefer emphasized that they had done
thorough research on all of the cases and did not make their decisions
lightly. Schaefer met personally with several battered women in prison,
and said he was convinced that the eight whom he released had acted in
self-defense and posed no threat to public safety.
But the executive clemency actions and the legislation have proved
quite controversial. In both Ohio and Maryland, some of the prosecutors who had handled the cases at issue denounced the governors'
actions, and expressed fear that abused women generally will get the
impression they have a "license to kill" their abusive spouses. Some
leaders of the Maryland legislature criticized Schaefer for substituting
his judgment for that of judges, and said they would oppose the
battered-woman-syndrome legislation.
848-5429
SHIRLEY M. HUNTER, M. Ed.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Emphasis on the Pf.Ob/ems of gay people.
PENN PARK OFFICE COMPLEX e SUITE 102
5009 N. PENNSYLVANIA e OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73112
4
HSR MAY 1991
Battered-woman campaigns in other states: Women's groups
and other supporters of reforms on behalf of battered spouses said that
the actions by the Ohio and Maryland governors have encouraged them
to accelerate their efforts in other states. The Correctional Association
of New York, an organization that promotes alternatives to incerceration, announced that it would hold a joint press conference with a
number of women's groups and other organizations on March 4, urging
Gov. Mario M. Cuomo to release many women in prison, including
those convicted of violent crimes against abusive mates.
Campaigns on behalf of individual battered women serving prison
terms, or more recently, groups of women, have been undertaken in
Washington State, Illinois, Louisiana, Florida, and Arizona, according
to the National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women, a
Philadelphia-based organization.
And an increasing number of state legislatures, including those of
Texas, Vermont, California, Washington, Maryland, Wyoming, and
Michigan, are considering bills to allow battered-women-syndrome
testimony in court, comparable to changes already approved in Ohio,
Missouri and Louisiana.
At the federal level, Rep. Constance A. Morella (R-Md. ), who played
a key role in convincing Governor Schaefer to commute the eight
women's sentences, has sponsored legislation expressing the sense of
Congress that state courts should allow such testimony and authorizing
$600,000 to help indigent battered women obtain expert testimony
about the effects of domestic violence.
•
Sam L. Nicolosi, D.V.M.
NICOLOSI ANIMAL HOSPITAL
4015 N.W. 23rd
Oklahoma City
by Appointment
Phone (405) 947-5545
GAY AND LESBIAN CIVIL RIGHTS ACT
Activists aim for more support, vow to pass bill this decade
Washington, D.C. - With 93 lawmakers behind it (plus more
signing on regularly) the Federal Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Act
was reintroduced into the 102nd Congress. The bill, introduced in
the Senate on March 6 and the House on March 13, is a
conrnerstone piece of lesbian and gay civil rights law that lobbyists
have pledged to pass this decade.
Officially known as the Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1991,
the bill would ban discrimination on the basis of affection or sexual
orientation in housing, employment, federally assisted programs
and public accommodations. The bill amends the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 and 1968, which bans discrimination based on race, color,
sex, religion or national origin.
The bill now has 93 spo nsors (a record number) in the House and
11 in the Senate. Rep. Ted Weiss (D-NY) and Sen. Alan Cranston
(D-CA) are chief spo nsors and introduced the bill.
"One of the most fundamental responsibilities of any democratic
government is safeguarding the liberties of its citizens," said Weiss.
Said Cranston, "This legislation .. . would simply extend to gay men and
lesbian women basic protections against invidious discrimination because of
sexual orientation."
•
~x,---OHIO'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW applies to lesbian and gay
partners who cohabit even though they are not married according to the
Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals. In what is apparently the first
ruling of its kind, the court reversed the ruling of a trial judge who threw
out a misdemeanor domestic violence charge because the two women
could not be married under state law . . .. .
Plans are underway for 1991 OKLAHOMA GAY AND LESBIAN
PRIDE WEEK, June 17-23. The Gay and Lesbian Pride Parage and a
street fair and arts and crafts show will be held on Sunday, June 23.
Watch the Voice for more info . .. . .
May 24 - June 3 has been designated NATIONAL AIDS LOBBY
DAYS by the Human Rights Campaign Fund. The Fund will provide
voting records, issue briefing papers, "How to Lobby" materials and
other materials for individuals and organizations wishing to visit with
Senators and Representatives about the AIDS epidemic .. . ..
MADWOMAN PRESS IS ACCEPTING MANUSCRIPTS by,
for and about lesbians. They are interested in novels, cartoons, and
comics. For guidelines send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
Madwoman Press, P.O. Box 690, Northboro, MA01532 . . ...
CONGRATULATIONS TO CINDY BOOKOUT who was selected
as the 1991 recipient of the Bill Roger's Award by the Oklahoma Gay
and Lesbian Political Caucus. Cindy, a past member of the Herland
Board, has long been an outspoken political activist in our community.
She is the first woman to receive the Bill Roger's Award .....
MERLIN STONE, author of When God Was a Woman and Return of
the Goddess, is working on articles about Women's Spirituality
publications and groups. She would like to hear from you about any
and all of these from where you live and play. She's also very interested
in hearing about Goddess plays, films, dance, music and various visual
arts. Moon Ritualiers take notice? Write Merlin at Box 266 - 201
Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 . .. ..
Forum: WOMEN AND THE EARTH; May 20, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. To
bring together women from the Greens, American Indian Affairs,
EcoFeminists, labor movement, etc., including Gwen Kirk, Beverly
Singer, Eve Ensler, Lin Nelson, Jean Gardner, Kate Fox and Merline
Stone. Learning Alliance, 494 Broadway, New York , NY 10012 . ....
LESBIANS ONLY THERAPY GROUP. Wednesday evenings.
Sliding scale fee available. Call 843-5319 or 364-5708. Jo L. Soske
M.Ed./CAC ... . .
CONTACT 1-800-486-HELP AMERICARES to send donations
to help relief efforts for refugees of the Iraqi war . . . . .
FOR SALE: Queen-size waterbed. Contemporary frame with brass
trim. $75. Call Ginger at 942-5082 . . .. .
TO ORDER PEGGY JOHNSON'S NEW TAPE by mail, send $10
+ $2 postage to Peggy Johnson, P.O. Box 75842, Oklahoma City, OK
73147 . . .. .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DON'T MISS ERICA WHEELER AT HOTEL BOHEMIA June
8th. Call 528-0020 for reservations.
PUBLISHED BY: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312 NW 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
NEWSLETIER COMM ITIEE:
Margaret Cox, Deborah Fox, Pat Reaves
CIRCULATION : 750
GENERAL INFO: (405) 521 - 9696 (leave message)
SUBSCRIPTIONS to the Her/and Voice are free upon request.
GOOD KISS, BAD KISS
Historic smooch. In a February episode of L.A. Law, C.]. Lamb, after <l
celebratory dinner, affectionately kisses fellow attorney Abby Perkins. The
kiss may be the first lip smooch between two women in television history.
When Abby becomes tense, C.J. explains she likes men too, but considers
herself "flexible" and hopes the revelation of her bisexuality won't hurt
their friendship.
The kiss makes C.J. the only recurring lesbian or bisexual female character
on primetime TV. Some news stories have reported there's doubt about
whether this storyline will continue. The producers are hearing from the
homophobes; they need to hear from you, too. Thank David Kelly ,
Executive Producer, L.A. Law, 20th Century Fox Televsion, Box 900,
Beverly Hills, CA 90213 . Reprinted from GLAD Bulletin March / April 1991. •
JAMIE ANDERSON
What a great concert! Jamie Anderson appeared at the Hotel Bohemia
on April 5 to a standing-room-only crowd. Jamie has a sweet, strong
voice, and her songs, both her own and those borrowed from others,
were graceful and pleasing. Jamie is very humorous; she is a great
storyteller and interacts easily with her audience. Her songs are political
and lusty, frequently funny, occasionally sad, and always skillful and
entertaining.
Jamie's concert was a Herland sponsored event, and many thanks are
due Mary Reynolds for planning and organizing and really doing all the
work, as well as for the use of the charming Hotel Bohemia.
STAY TUNED FOR ERICA WHEELER ON JUNE 8th at
Hotel Bohemia! Call 528-0020 for reservations.
•
Mowing • Fertilizing • Trimming
• Light Hauling •
"We Are Insured"
KAY
794-0081
SANDIE
794-6884
OPEN MIC AT THE PORTHOLE
HUGE SUCCESS
The Herland Open Mic at the Porthole brought together excellent
local talent and was a great success, thanks to the efforts of Cindy
Bookout and the hard work and patience of Shatzy Watson and Carol
Berry.
For those who were not able to attend, you missed a grand old
time-with good music, egg races, and good food, how can you not
have fun? I'm already looking forward to next Easter at the Porthole.
Thanks, Shatzy and Carol, for your support of Herland and other
community organizations. You're wonderful!
•
MEET AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMYN
WITH A FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE!
TIME: 1 - 4 p.m. DATE: 5/11 /91
PLACE: James Steward Bldg, 1500 NE 4th
FOR/BY/ABOUT/AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMYN
HSR MAY 1991
5
CELEBRATING OUR SEXUALITY
by Deborah Fox
This is the time of year when sexual energy is at an all time high.
Biologically, warmer weather and lengthening days creates a hormonal
acceleration that produces "Spring Fever" in plantlife, animals and
people. It is the season of rebirth, birth, renewal and regeneration. Sex is
~ natural expression of this phenomenon.
However, sex has become a problem for many. First there is the
:ienigration of our bodies and our sexuality by the patriarchal religions,
md then, there is rape, incest, sexist society, sexual and physical abuse.
'\.ll of this has left scars that make it difficult and sometimes impossible
:o enjoy our sexuality and love our bodies. As Adrienne Rich has
Jointed out: "I don't know of a woman alive whose body does not pose
l problem for her in one way or another."
The patriarchs and their Church are the only ones in all of history and
flerstory to degrade, deny, and pervert sexuality and sexual preferences.
Early cultures and tribal societies never categorized sex as dirty and
>inful, indeed, they had no concept of "sin,'' nor were they homophobic. In the matriarchy, sex was always considered sacred and all
>exual preferences were honored. In fact, many tribal and early cultures
:onsidered lesbians and homosexuals as "touched by the gods" and
:i.ighly respected. Many were tribal leaders and shamans. And it is very
probable that the divisions between sexual preferences were not
pronounced then as they are today under patriarchy and their
institution of heterosexuality. (See; The Sacred Hoop-Recovering the
Feminine in American Indian Traditions, by Paula Gunn Allen,
Another Mother Tongue-Gay Words, Gay Worlds, by Judy Grahn,
The Great Cosmic Mother-Rediscovering the Religion of the Earth,
by Monica Sjoo and Barbara Mor.)
Most of the early cultures and tribes were egalitarian and gynocentric,
Nomen who were primary decision makers, leaders, sat on the councils,
md created the laws that maintained a harmonious existence. The
Jower of the Mother was primary, they revered Mother Earth,
practicing an earth religion that was intrinsic to everyday life. Spiritu1lity was not separated from sexuality and many rituals and ceremonies
Nere sexual. There were sexual rites to induce ecstatic states of
:onsciousness, and sexual rites to ensure fertility of crops. Early cultures
believed that all power was fundamentally sexual.
Today sex has become fragmented like everything and everyone else.
'Whole" sex is a combination of physical pleasure, the mind, the
Jsyche, emotions, the spirit, erotica, caring, lusting, respect, etc., unlike
the sex we witness today with many women caught in an inner conflict of
virgin vs. whore, or cut off from the body; so many men cut off from
their emotions, shame and guilt about masterbation; a "sexual liberation" that merely condoned further exploitation of women and sex; the
:reation of pornography, sadomasochism, etc. Sexuality cannot be
repressed without upsetting the healthy balance of body and psyche.
lncest, rape, and other perverse sexual behaviors were virtually unheard
:if in gynocratic societies. One rejoiced in the delights of one's body and
physical existence.
To reclaim our sexuality and what it is or is not, we need to reprogram
the negative beliefs we hold about sexuality and sex. We can relearn our
sexuality with our first love: ourselves. Being our own tender lover is a
powerful tool. We can perform SelfBlessing rituals, affirming our body,
mind and spirit, practice Tantric yoga, creating a romantic setting for
ourselves with candles, soft music, a mirror in which to explore and
express to ourselves the love we feel or wish to feel. We are each unique
and will find our own way back to real sexual freedom. Blessed Be. •
freedom. Blessed Be.
•
This article is an opinion expressed by the author. It does not
necessarily reflect the opinion of Herland as an organization . If
you would like to submit articles to the Voice, all articles are
considered.
6
HSR MAY 1991
Kay Killgore, M.Ed.
Woman to Woman Counseling
1010 N.W. 45th
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118
(405) 524-1062
ACT-UP UNDER FIRE
In response to a complaint brought by the Committee to Re-elect
Jesse Helms, a political action committee of the Conservative Campaign
Fund (CCF), the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is investigating
four organizations in relation to the boycott of Marlboro cigarettes and
Miller Beer.
The groups being investigated are ACT UP / San Francisco, ACT
UP/Washington, D.C., The Dallas Gay Alliance and the Tarrant
County (Texas) Gay Alliance. The CCF complaint says these groups
promoted the boycott as part of a "conspiracy" to defeat Jesse Helms'
re-election as U.S. Senator from North Carolina.
Consumer boycotts are a form of protected speech. ACT UP believes
the FEC investigation serves no purpose other than to harass lesbian,
gay and AIDS activists. The FEC has sent each group a list of
interrogatories in a discovery request for information documents.
While some of the FEC's questions deal with the boycott, others, ACT
UP says, are intrusive demands for information that reveal the political
nature of the investigation and suggest its actual motive: disruption of an
activist, grassroots political organization at the behest of Jesse Helms, a
man who promoted obvious racism and homophobia in his last
campaign ads in order to preserve a desperately slim margin of victory.
ACT UP is urging anyone who feels this FEC investigation should be
stopped to write or send a telegram to John Warren McGarry,
Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20463. The message you send should emphasize: A.
Your investigation of ACT UP constitutes harassment of a grassroots
political organization fighting the AIDS pandemic; B. I further believe
this investigation supports the attack by Jesse Helms and the ultra right
wing on gay and AIDS organizations; C. Your investigation infringes
upon the constitutional rights to organize consumer boycotts or voice
political opposition; D. Stop the harassment; E. Call off the investigation.
To send a personal opinion message by telegram, call 1-800-8885284 and say you want to send Message #37. You can put the cost of this
on your VISA, Mast~rCard or American Express for $2.50 or have
•
them bill your home address for $4.00.
Lowest Prices On
Unique Crystal Jewelry,
Books and Prints
1011 N.W. 43rd St.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73118
(405) 557-0903
LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS
PLANNING MEETING CALLED
Washington, D.C.-A national planning meeting has been called to
discuss the possibility of a future march on Washington for lesbian
and gay civil rights. The meeting is scheduled for May 11-12, 1991, at
the Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street N.W. in Washington,
D.C. on Saturday May 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This meeting is a fo llow-up to a March 9, 1991 meeting in
Washington, called by The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
(NGLTF). That day, 100 lesbians and gay men from all over the
country met to discuss interest in a national event, which has not
occurred since 1987, when a half a million people marched on
Washington.
The meeting is free . Individuals or groups are encouraged to
register as soon as possible. Discount airline and hotel reservations
are available. Make reservations early.
Those unable to attend this meeting are urged to submit an oral or
written proposal to NGLTF. Call 1-800-832-2889, or write to 1734
14th Street NW, Washington DC 20009-4309, Attention: March on
Washington. FAX: (202) 332-0207.
•
366-0923
HELEN HOLGATE
Edwina V. Johnson, D.D.S.
"Catering to Cowards needing Tender Care"
in Comprehensive Dentistry
5009 North Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 103
(405) 840-5410
Night & Sunday practice by appt. only
Emergencies welcome
Insurance accepted
SEXUAL ASSAULT
AWARENESS WEEK
May 13 - 19, 1991, has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness
Week. Violent crimes in general rose by nearly 9% in Oklahoma lasl
year, and rape increased by over 20%. Two events being planned and
sponsored by The Rape Crisis Center and the Oklahoma Coalition on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault are a Take Back the Night
Rally and Candlelight Vigil and a statewide Conference on Sexual
Assault .
.The Rally and Vigil will be held on Thursday, May 16, 1991 at8 p.m .
on the south steps of the State Capitol Building in Oklahoma City.
There will be speakers and music by Peggy Johnson, Tim Sullivan and
Robin Brooks.
The Conference, "Ending the Silence," will be held May 16 and 17,
1991, at Metro-Tech, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City. For
information on the vigil call (405) 947-4506; and for info on the
•
Conference call ( 405) 360-7125.
Certified Alcoholism & Drug Abuse
Counselor
OKLAHOMA WOMEN'S
POLITICAL CAUCUS
FLORIDA LAW AGAINST
LESBIANS AND GAYS
ADOPTING DECLARED
UNCONSTITUTIONAL
The Oklahoma chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus
is alive and well again, out of hibernation, reorganized, and ready to
work the Caucus's Action Agenda for the 90's; which is: Identify and
recruit pro-choice women candidates and mobilize pro-choice voters
to get them elected.
• Train candidates, campaign staff volunteers, and community activists to organize, raise funds and get out the vote.
• Endorse and elect women candidates who share the REAL PROFAMILY agenda: child care . . . family and medical leave .. . reproductive freedom. . . pay equity. . . expansion of educational opportunities ... teen pregnancy prevention . .. access to quality health
care . .. and safe, affordable housing.
• Use political and professional networks to recruit and assist women
seeking appointment to public office.
• Work within the major political parties-locally and nationallyto ensure that women and their concerns are fully represented.
• Provide a strong advocacy voice for women issues in Washington,
D.C. and in our state capitol.
Membership is open to all persons , regardless of sex, race, age, or
party affiliation who subscribe to the purpose of the Oklahoma
Women's Political Caucus . For more information and a membership
fo rm contact Billie Goodin, ( 405) 321-1475; or Claudean Reynolds,
(405) 547-5130.
•
In a landmark ruling, a circuit court judge in Florida has struck
down a Florida law that prohibited lesbians and gay men from
adopting children in that state.
Judge M. Ignatius Lester, of Monroe County, Florida, ruled on
March 15 that the law violated the state constitution's right to
privacy , equal protection and due process of law. The law, he said,
"suffers from the trite notions of homosexuals' unsuitability as fi t
parents and evidences discrimination through archaic stereotypes
associated with homosexuals."
The Florida law was challenged by the American Civil Liberties
Union ofF!orida on behalf of Edward Seebol, a gay man. Seebol, whom
the court described as a "well respected resident and businessman," had participated in the state's guardianship program. Seebol is
the executive director of AIDS Help Inc., the AIDS service organization
in Key West.
"I am pleased with the court's decision," Seebol said. "This
favorable judgement will allow other qualified gays and lesbians to
become adoptive parents in Florida.
"Florida's law prohibiting homosexuals from adopting was an
embarrassing anachronism that cruelly and summarily shattered opportunities for family enhancement," said Robyn Blummer, Executive
Director of the ACLU of Florida. "By striking it down, the court has
made Florida a little more pro-family and a little more humane.
•
HSR MAY 1990
7
LIZARDS/LOS P ORES - Book Review
lesbian feminist short stories by Bettianne Shoney Sien
(excerpts from a review in Hag Rag, July-August 1989. by Tara Ayres
I was sorry when I reached the last page of Lizards/ Los Padres.
Closing it was a bit like leaving a town in which I was just
beginning to make friends and feel at home. Sh'oney Sien's
characters are like that-real women, real dykes. This beautifully
written book is full of tastes and colors and smells. You can
actually feel the sun beating down on you, and taste the grit in
your mouth on a summer afternoon helping with the harvest. And
after the shallow, plastic characterizations of so much lesbian
fiction these days, the dykes in this book are a delight. Not just the
same character, wearing a different name and plunked down in a
slightly different situation, but varied and complex women, doing
the best they can with their lives. Some of them I wanted to meet,
some of them I could swear I already know, all of them believable.
While the characters in this book are not clones, there are
repeating themes among the stories. Some are from the perspective of girls growing up in the country, their connection with their
mothers and grandmothers, their growing into adulthood and
autonomy. There are young women coming out, dealing with
leaving their marriages behind, with raising children, with leaving
their sons. Five of the stories do feature the same actors, a lesbian
couple moving from the beginning of a relationship to its end,
which contributes an added feeling of continuity to the volume.
The stories develop a continuum of Lesbian experience, from
childhood, through isolation, into community.
These stories are intensely political, without being polemical o r
preachy. The girls and women in these stories come from different
backgrounds-urban and rural, poor, working and middle class.
And the complexity of those differences is an integral part of their
interactions, with the world and with each other . . .
The stories touch on subjects that claim our focus in the real
world-economic survival, Lesbian battering, class differences
between friends and lovers, our relationships with our biological
families and with the straight women who have been important to
us, psychiatric abuse. If that list daunts you, bear in mind that
these are stories, not sermons, and the overall message is strength,
not powerlessness. Sien's characters are us, the dykes in our
communities, and she's describing our lives.
•
~usie
fr
TREAT YOURSELF TO THE "TOUCH OF GOLD."
Treat your special someone, too, for $10 off her Massage!
outhwell,
ooucfi of Qold
M. Ed.
COUNSELOR
2912 N. ClaHen, Suite 1 0 2 - - - - - -7
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106·- - - Telephone: (405) 556·4105
HEALTHFUL • STRESS RELIEVING MASSAGE
Special
discounts
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ro all
Her land
readers!
6y
"Portable"
massage
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for your
Melanie ~- McKiddy
MASSAGE THERAPIST
360-6945
convenience.
REGISTRATION FOR SPRING RETREAT (FOR WOMEN ONLY)
Register now for Herland's Annual Spring Retreat, May 17 - 19 at Robber's Cave State Park. Pre-registration
(including 3 meals) is from $25 to $35 (non-refundable) based on your ability to pay. Registration after May 10th or
on-site is $35.00. Return this form and your check to: HSR, 2312 N.W. 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73 112.
The above price includes accommodations and morning and evening meals (3 meals) . Bring your own snacks and
don 't forget the fixin's for the famous Herland Potluck!
(Some scholarships available. Contact Herland for more information. No one will be turned away for lack of money.) Please fill
out form below and mail to: HSR, 2312 NW 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
N AME(S) _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Number of Pets _ _ _ _ __ _
ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _
(Pets must be kept o n leash and no
pets in main building. )
CITY---- -- - - - - - - STATE._ _ _ _ _ ZIP _ _ _ _ _ PHONE( _ __
DI am enclosing$
for _ _ _ _ people.
DI would like a scholarship
DI would like to donate
$_____ toward a scholarship
Dlwo~dlikerokadad~c~~on~oupon
_ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ __
DI would like to attend a group on _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _
and a possible leader is _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _
COMMENTS: _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _~
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