The Herland Voice : v.10: no.11(1993)
- Title
- The Herland Voice : v.10: no.11(1993)
- Description
- The Herland Voice is the monthly publication of Herland Sister Resources, a womanist organization with a strong lesbian focus based in Oklahoma City.
- Publisher
- en_US Herland Sister Resources
- Date Issued
- 1993-11
- 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
- 2017-09-02T17:03:17Z
- Date Available
- 2017-09-02T17:03:17Z
- Subject
- Oklahoma
- Type
- application/pdf
- extracted text
-
November, 1993
LETS FILL
THE HALL!
Last month, we gave our faithful Berland
Voice readers advance notice about the ''Event
of the Year" -- the Cris Williamson and Tret
Fure concert coming to the Civic Center Little
Theater on Thursday, November 18 at 8 p.m.
We told you about the two special performers
and their magical music just in case you have
never had the joy of hearing their 17 sparkling
albums. Hopefully, we gave you enough information so you know what a wonderful treat this
unique concert will be.
Now we want to go a little further and tell
you why it is so important to fill the concert hall's
390 seats for this special event benefitting the
Herland Legal Defense Fund. Here are some
reasons:
1. The concert will raise money for the le gal
costs of lesbian mothers who are fighting the
system so that one day we need not worry about our
parental rights being taken away because of our
sexual orientation.
2. In one case alone, the costs are at around
$15,000. Each ticket sold will help defray costs.
3. Even though you might not be a parent or
partner to one now, one day you might be. Helping Cris Williamson and Tret Fure will be in
these mothers might directly benefit you in the concert November 18, 8:00 P.M. at the Civic
future.
4. It might also help friends orrelatives 6f yours Center Little Theater. Tickets are $15 and $25
who are afraid of losing their children to a hetero- in advance and may be purchased at Her/and.
sexual ex-husband or ex-wife.
5. It will also help the children of lesbian and
gay parents to live with less fear of forced legal
10. We are creating our own herstory. Stories told in our
separation.
future will reflect our commitment to human rights. Our
6. Winning these rights helps us win other rights across the
Oklahoma community is making a difference, and each effort
state. Eventually, if enough legal battles are won, we will
we make, each ticket we sell, matters.
finally achieve our basic human rights.
11. The price of tickets ($15 and $25) may seem high, but
7. We need to support those who are fighting for our rights
and keep our community strong, vital, and united.
so is the loss children suffer when they are tom from loving
8. We need to support potential victories. These are often
homes. If we cannot support the fight for ourselves, perhaps we
won at great personal, emotional, and financial expense, but
can do it for the children who are so powerless against the
they are won for all of us.
system.
9. Manyofuscan'taffordto "come out" andfightmajor
We hope each Her land Voice reader will support this cause
legal battles, but we can help by attending concerts and events
100%. Please call Herland today (405-521-9696) and reserve
and by bringing others with us.
your tickets or come by Herland to purchase tickets.
0
Volume 10 Number 2
Berland Sister Resources
2312 N.W. 39, OKC , OK 73112
Sr. Sve1L
Dear St.Sybil,
I just read in the magazine In These Times that a Mr.
Thomas Huckfeldt of Trenton, New Jersey, is being required by
the Courts to pay attorney' s fees for his two teenage sons, as the
family is too well off to qualify for a public defender. This
sounds reasonable, except that Mr. Huckfeldt' s sons are charged
with trying to hire a hit man to kill him .....
Sybil, our justice system has gone all kerflooey, and I'm
wondering if you can help us figure out what to do about it.
Sincerely,
Earnest Lee Sieking
Dear Earnest Lee,
Well, I know. Who isn't flabbergasted, for instance, by the
widely-heralded tale of the prospective burglar who, while
crawling along a roof looking for a way inside, fell through a
skylight, - and sued for and received big buckets of money in
damages from the prospective-victim homeowner.
But let's consider what's going on here, and wherein lies
the fault. First, of course, (and assuming you don't want to start
with the society who bred the burglar, and the people who
created the society, and the philosophers who influenced the
people who created the society, etc.), it lies with the burglar.
Secondly, with the lawyer who agreed to bring the lawsuit;
thirdly and quite likely most importantly in this particular case,
with the insurance company who decided to settle out of court
rather than to fight such an obviously spurious case. The kind
view of that decision was that it would be cheaper and easier just
to settle, but let me assure you that the financial consideration
had no bearing whatsoever in the decision. The deciding factor
for the company was not the money involved, but rather the
opportunity they perceived to infuriate people and to influence
the whole litigation debate. And in that they succeeded
beautifully.
What you might want to do, Earnest Lee, (yes, you; if not
you, who?) is to work for a Court of the Common Person, to
screen suits of this sort and toss out the ones that are patently
absurd or without merit. A five-person court, perhaps, convened from the voting rolls like a jury, to serve for two weeks
separating the wheat from the chaff, the creditable and credible
from the ridiculous, the valuable from the worthless, - or,
actually, just the good lawyers from the bad. Because if all the
CCP had to look at was a charge and an answer in a suit, that
is all it would come down to: who writes the best brief. Ifjustice
delayed is justice denied, so is ''justice'' too swiftly imposed.
The legal system is involved and complicated and killingly
time-consuming, and reading ''legalese'' is almost as much fun
as trying to separate plastic wrap from itself - but it's not that
hard, honey; and every word is there to make its meaning more
precise. The fact is that a Court of the Common Person would
be as prone to error and injustice as the US Supreme Court was
when it ruled in 1883 that Native Americans are "Aliens".
Really.
2
Herland Voice
November, 1993
The legal system is tough, it's frustrating, it's imperfect but what're you gonna do, so's life. So keep the faith, Earnest.
It will all be ok in the end.
Yours,
Sybil ·
Dear Sybil,
I have been thinking of volunteering at Berland, but
I'm not sure if I'm going to or not. Can you give me any reasons
why I should?
Thanks,
Janey
Dear Janey,
There are as many reasons to volunteer at Berland as
dinosaurs in Wyoming -whoops, wrong millennium - as many
as strobe lights at a go-go club; here are some of them:
Top ten reasons to volunteer at Berland:
10. Unlimited access to all of those great books
9. Makes your friends & family proud
8. First step on the road to fame & fortune
7. THE happening place to be on Saturdays & Sundays
6. Great place to meet babes
5. Berland' s so cool
4. Looks good on your resume
3. Find out why they call it the gay nineties
2. Buttafuco, Buttafuco, Buttafuco
and the number one reason to volunteer at Berland:
1. Why not?
Have fun,
Love,
D
Sybil
OK ACLU
SODOMY PROJECT
The OK ACLU Sodomy Project is making preparations
to challenge Oklahoma's sodomy law. Current plans are for
five lesbians and five gay men to participate as plaintiffs in the
suit. The next meeting of the Sodomy Project will discuss the
expectations and requirements placed on plaintiffs. The meeting will be held at Triangle Association, 2136 N.W. 39th St.,
Oklahoma City at 7 P.M. on Thursday, November 11.
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RACE MATTERS
by Vivien Ng
BackinJune 1982, whenihadjustmoved to Norman from
Honolulu, I came face to face with raw racial hatred. It wasn't
the first time I faced racism, of course. By the time I got to
Oklahoma, I was already a veteran of countless skirmishes with
bigots, from being told flat-out lies such as, ''the room has just
been rented," to being called a "gook!' to my face. But that
summer day in 1982 was different.
I was at the Sooner Fashion Mall, enjoying an ice cream
cone and just minding my own business, when a little girl of
about 4 walked right up to me, stared for a moment, and slapped
my face. I had never seen such hatred in a child's eyes before
in my life. Her parents hurried over, but instead of apologizing
for their child's behavior, just simply carried her away.
That wound never healed. The scab was peeled off again
the other day when I was affronted by a column called ''Racism
is your fault'' in OU' s student newspaper. At first, I willed
myself to believe that it was only a tongue-in- cheek piece, but
no amount of generosity in my heart could alter the reality: the
author, a merit scholar, is a self-identified racist and proud of it.
That evening, in my Women's Studies class, I read the
column to my students. We tried to make sense of it, of
statements such as, 'Tm a racist. But I'll let you in on a little
secret: It's your fault," and, "I can honestly say that hadI never
encountered people like you, I would never have had a problem
with 'your people,"' and, "As a female, I can tell you that
considering the fact that you are not only female, but also black,
there is no better place for you on this earth than this 'racist,
sexist and elitist country' that I love and you so vehemently
despise,'' and, ''Yes, I believe racism exists, but I can also say
that it is partly your fault. It is your fault because you expect
to be compensated for something that didn't happen to you by
people who didn't do it." (The "you" was an African
American student who had written an earlier column about
minority scholarships.)
After I finished reading, I looked at my students, at the sea
of white, anguished faces. To their credit (and mine), those who
spoke out against the column--and many did--did so with
passion and conviction. I dared to move on to the scheduled
topic for discussion that evening, identity politics, to prepare
my students for a meaningful discussion of Gloria Anzaldua' s
BORDERLANDS in the coming weeks.
2 109 S. AiR DEpOT
MidwEST O ry, OK 7} 11 0
( 40 5 )7 77 -0 4 9 6
AiR DEpoT ANiMAl HospiTAl
CAil loR AppoiNTMEN T
JOY HUSKA, D.Y. M.
I showed the class one overhead transparency after another, each filled with choice quotes from "classic'' feminist
works, in order to guide them through the journey to the past,
to a naive time when gender could be analyzed in the absence
of race and class. Like Moses, I led them forward to the edge
of the promised land, and ended the lecture with "A Black
Feminist Statement'' by the Combahee River Collective. I felt
great!
Just as I was about to leave the room, a student came up to
me and asked, ''Why do we always have to deal with such
depressing topics?" My immediate response was, "It's the
nature of the beast. In Women's Studies, we have to talk about
patriarchal oppression, pornography, violence against women,
sexual harassment and the like.'' Later, as I was driving home,
it dawned on me that we had not always dealt with depressing
topics. Just the week before, we had spent three hours celebrating female eroticism!
It is my insistence on interlocking sexism, racism, classism,
and heterosexism that has made my Women's Studies class so
depressing for some of my students. Unfortunately for them,
the next8 weeks will be even worse!
0
PARTIAL VICTORY IN
CUSTODY CASE
On September 28, 1993, a year and a half after a lesbian
mother lost her two children to her ex-husband in a fiercely
fought legal battle, the Oklahoma Court of Appeals reversed a
major part of the trial court's decision. The appeal efforts are
being supported by the Herland Legal Defense Fund.
Despite testimony that the mother was a wonderful parent
and that the children were well adjusted and happy, the judge
ruled the mother was ''unfit'' because of her sexual orientation
was seen to create an ''immoral environment'' and ordered an
immediate change of custody to the children's father.
The mother immediately appealed the ''unfitness'' ruling
and the change of custody to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
That court passed it down to a lower Court of Appeals, which
finally made the decision last month.
The Court of Appeals found that the ruling of unfitness was
unsupported by the evidence. Like an earlier case (MJP, 1982),
it did not find that lesbianism in and of itself was grounds for
an unfitness ruling. This portion of the ruling, removing
"unfitness" from the arsenal that can be used against lesbian
and gay parents, is a great victory for the gay and lesbian
community.
However, the Appeals Court did not give the children back
to the mother. Instead, it sought to protect the children from
''possible future harm'' (''trauma'' and taunting from society
or church members) and left them with their father. This
portion of the ruling is now the focus of the mother's petition
for a rehearing at the Court of Appeals.
The Herland Legal Defense Fund will continue to provide
support for the ongoing appeal. This case has already had a
positive impact on lesbian rights and a full victory is
possible.
O
Her/and Voice
November, 1993
3
OKC CITY COUNCIL REJECTS
HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE
The Oklahoma City City Council refused to implement a
proposed human rights ordinance by striking it from the council
agenda on October 12. According to Mayor Norick, over 50 citizens
asked to speak to the Council on the proposed ordinance. According
to observers, supporters appeared to outnumber those opposed to the
ordinance. The mayor refused to allow all to speak and limited
debate allowing equal numbers of supporters and opponents to
speak. On the request of Representative Bill Graves of Bethany, who
spoke in opposition to the ordinance, Mayor Norick allowed additional speakers in opposition.
The proposed ordinance, a comprehensive rewrite of the city's
human rights ordinance, was developed by the Oklahoma City
Human Rights Commission. It would have extended the jurisdiction
of the Human Rights Commission to include discrimination in public
accommodations and employment based on sexual orientation, age,
familial status and disability in addition to race, religion, and other
groups included in the present ordinance. Under the proposed
ordinance, the Human Rights Commission could investigate alleged
discrimination and if no mediated resolution could be reached, the
Commission would be able to refer the case to the District Attorney
for prosecution. Acts of discrimination under the ordinance would
be punishable by a fine of up to $500.
"When should we stop? We shouldn't
stop until each and every Oklahoma
citizen is protected. ''
Councilperson Willa Johnson spoke eloquently in favor of the
proposed ordinance. Saying "I want to go on record saying I am
opposed to discrimination whenever it occurs.'' ''When should we
stop? We shouldn't stop until each and every Oklahoma citizen is
protected." Councilperson Johnson (Ward 7), Jackie Carey (Ward
8), and Mark Schwartz (Ward 2) voted to retain the ordinance on the
agenda. Voting in opposition were Beverly Hodges (Ward 6), Jack
Cornett (Ward 3), Frosty Peak (Ward 1), Frances Lowery (Ward 4),
and Jerry Foshee (Ward 5).
Citizens of Ward 6 have responded to Beverly Hodges "no"
vote by initiating a recall petition drive. Over two hundred residents
of Ward 6 signed the initial petition to initiate the recall effort.
Approximately 13,000 signatures will be required to force a new
election in Ward 6. The Oklahoma City chapter of Simply Equal has
endorsed the recall petition drive. The Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian
Political Caucus has indicated that they may actively oppose the
proposed one-cent sales tax for the MAPS project.
The Human Rights Commission has formed an ad-hoc committee to make suggestions for a second attempt to pass an inclusive
human rights ordinance. The committee will present their recommen0
dation at the Commission's November meeting.
Rebecca R. Cohn, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology
Norman , OK
Couples,
Individuals, &
Family Therapy
321-2148
4
Herland Voice
November, 1993
OPEN LETTER TO BEVERLY HODGES
.... This [proposed OKC human rights ordinance] is simply a
matter of conscience for us, Beverly. Many of us are older folks who
would like to leave the road a little less rocky for those who will come
behind us. Some of us have children of our own, or nieces and
nephews who are gay or lesbian and we would like to see them grow
up with dignity and fairness . Some of us are challenged by HIV and
want our voices and stories to be heard before they are inevitably
stilled. And I think all of us believe simply that "what's right is
right" and that no group of Americans should be able to use their
particular interpretation of the Bible as a means of restricting the
liberty of other Americans.
We want nothing special. We simply want to be allowed to live
our lives in the peace and freedom other people take for granted.
You have been saying that you think such issues are best left to
the Federal and State governments. That's a rather odd position to
hold in an age where it is increasingly obvious that all of our
problems are going to have to find their root solutions at the local
level. Even if the Federal and State governments did afford equal
protection for lesbian and gay Americans, which they do not, it
would only make sense to bring Oklahoma City in line with those
standards.
Historically, gay folks have left their small towns and migrated
to the cities where they could live their lives with some sense of
community and safety. Now we are finding that the religious right
is not even willing to acknowledge our urban sanctuaries. We are
increasingly cornered and harassed. The anti-discrimination ordinances of Denver, Aspen and Boulder have been overturned. We are
witnessing similar tactics here.
We came to Oklahoma City from Guymon and Bartlesville,
McCloud, Bug Tussle and Pink. And many of us settled in Ward 6.
Please consider this: How will you be harmed by standing with us
for equal protection? How, in conscience, can we turn away while
our basic liberties are eroded? Should we silently sit by while battles
fought and won in 1989 are forgotten and even rescinded?
.... There are many courses open to you. Lead, Beverly. Seek out
some course of conscience for yourself. There's no reason to be
afraid of us. We are not violent and we do not condone violence. But
if you will not listen, not take our calls, not meet us in our
neighborhoods, nor lend your skills to the finding of a solution, nor
acknowledge the courage and bravery of Schwartz, Carey, and
Johnson with your own courage and bravery, then we will work with
the energy and diligence that conscience brings to recall you from
office.
--Mark Houston
INTERNATIONAL MARCH SET FOR
1994
The Stonewall 25 organizing committee officially announced on October 7, plans for a massive march and rally in
New York City on June 24, 1994, that will affirm the human
rights of lesbians and gay men worldwide. The events also will
commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
March organizers expect it to be the largest human rights
demonstration ever. The activities include a march on the
United Nations and will conclude with a massive rally on the
Great Lawn in Central Park that will highlight the diversity and
O
talent of the lesbian and gay community worldwide.
NUVIMl3IlE~
1993
Don't miss the Cris Williamson/Tret Fure benefit concert November 18!
What a deal ! You get to
hear internationally-acclaimed artists, and benefit the Herland Legal Defense Fund at the same time .
Sunday
Monday
2
Uoc Herland says:
Make a turkey
thankful; Eat a
tofu burger for
Thanksgiving;
both your bodies
will be healthier.
14
3
4
5 rhe
11
12.
RoE1er
Lienke Band
Cw/ 11BTY's
Elyse , Louise
& Terry al
VZD's. 9:30Dm
Saturday
6
"
10
g
Simply
EQual
7 pm
Herland
Leeal Defense
F'und 11eeline.
6:30, Herland
Le£Sal Defense
fund 11eelinE.'
6:30
Herland
·~imply
Equal
7 pm al
Herland
~~ (((.
·.~~
Elizal5'elh
Cady
Stanton
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17
18
CRIS
WILLIAMSON
19
13
Karen
SiJl(WOOd
RIP, i974
•
PEGGY
JOHNSON
La Baeuelle
in Norman, 9p
20
&
•
OKC NOW
TRET FURE
8 Pl1
6:30 pm al
lhe YWCA,
2460 NlrJ39
23
21·~· ~
CoDA, 7 pm
OKC Civic
Cenler Lillie
Theatre
24
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iR'ANKSGIVING
DAY
Thanks fur:
CYou fill in
the blanks)
Simply Equal
7 pm
Herland
26
Peace fest,
Civic Center
27
CoDA, 7 pm
Billie Jean
Kine
born l943
29
30
Shirley
Chisolm
Born l924
•
Rita 11ae
Brown
Friday
CoDA, 7 pm
15
Board
11eeline
4:30pm
\\lednesday Thursday
SIMPLY EQUAL
7 pm
Trianele
Associales
§orolhy Day,
l897 - l980
11arie Curie ,
i867 - l984
Tuesday
Simply Equal
7 pm
Herl and
I
THE HERLAND GIFT SHOP
The Place to Shop
Jewelry , Pottery , T-shirts,
Stationery, Bird Houses & Feeders ,
Buttons , Postcards, Toys & More!
And of course and as usual,
we're the place for great books and music .
Beat the holiday r ush , come in now!
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
2312 N.\\I. 39t..h St.reel
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
(405) 521-9696
Hours: Saturdays lO - 6: Sundays l - 6
GLAAD
NOTES
Fear and hate at school ... Hostile Hallways is the name for the
nationwide survey on sexual harassment in America's schools
conducted by the American Association of University Women
(AAUW). The survey documents that the form of harassment children and teens fear most is being called faggot, sissy or other antigay epiteths. A copy of Hostile Hallways may be obtained by
writing: AA UW, Survey on Sexual Harassment in America's Schools,
P.O. Box 25 1, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0251; (800) 2559998.
NEW
Ar
HERLAND
New musical items include:
Best of Meg Christian
Melissa Etheridge Yes I Am
The Therapy Sisters Mood Swings
Sweet Honey in the Rock Still on the Journey: 20th Anniversary
Ferron Not a Still Life
Best of Cris Williamson
k.d. lang lngenue
Indigo Girls Rites of Passage
Claire of the Moon Soundtrack
Venus Envy /' ll Be a Homo for Christmas
Custody Coverage ... The Sharon Bottoms child custody case
created a spate of TV talk shows on lesbian moms and gay dads as
well as intensive press coverage. In denying Ms. Bottoms custody of
her son on the sole grounds that she is a lesbian, Judge Buford
Parsons of Virginia's Henrico County Circuit Court demonstrated
his ignorance about gays and lesbians as he moved away from
rational jurisprudence and acted upon his own homophobia.
"Geraldo" presented "Lesbian Moms" and it was an unmitigated disaster. As invited guests, Geraldo had Paul Cameron, a
professional homophobe who has been disbarred from the American
Psychological Association, the prosecutors in the Bottoms case,
Richard Ryder and Paul Morrisey of the Morality Action Committee,
pitted against a panel of lesbian mothers. This show was proof that
Geraldo only wants "ratings" based on polarization and stupidity.
"Sally," on the other hand, had Sharon Bottoms' mother and
Richard Ryder, but handled it with such class and dignity that a
homophobic panel member walked off the show in a huff.
Your comments may be sent to: " Sally Jesse Raphael," 267
Broadway, New York 10007. Send your comments along with
suggestions that Geraldo include guests such as the openly gay
Reverend Mel White, former ghost writer for Jerry Falwell, Pat
Robertson and Billy Graham, on his show to: ''Geraldo,'' Mr. Marty
Berman, Executive Producer, 524 W. 57th Street, New York 10019.
Look for these new books:
A Room Full of Women Elisabeth Nonas
Under My Skin Jaye Maiman
Superstars: Twelve Lesbians Who Changed the World
k.d. Zang: Carrying the Torch William Robertson
Black Lesbian in White America Anita Cornwell
Faces of Love Sharon Gilligan
Solitary Twist Elizabeth Pincus
Locked Down: A Lesbian's Life in Prison Idella Serna
Strangers in the Senate Barbara Boxer
The Lesbian Survival Manual Rhonda Dickson
Coming Out! More Lesbian Fun and Games
Woman Plus Woman Dolores Klaich
Can't Keep a Straight Face: A Lesbian Looks and Laughs at Life
Ellen Orleans
Final Rest Mary Morell
And Then I Met This Woman Barbee Cassingham & Sally O'Neil
Venus Envy Rita Mae Brown
The Lesbian Body
Lesbian (Out)Law Ruthann Robson
Real World II ••. MTV's hip documentary series Real World II
tracks the lives of several young adults living together in Los
Angeles. In the September 10 episode, a new roommate, Beth
Stolarczyk, arrives on the scene. Wearing an "I' m not gay but my
girlfriend is" t-shirt, Beth is definitely an out lesbian. Reactions
from others in the household demonstrated their own prejudices
and curiosities, providing a clear comparison to the intelligent
and upfront Beth. The October 7 episode featured the roommates
playing a get-to-know-you game where each answered questions
about themselves . Beth was eloquent in pointing out that questions
to her were about her sexuality only and that was only a part of who
she was . This was a very positive presentation. Your comments to
MTV about inclusion of gays and lesbians in the "real world" can
be directed to: Office of the President, MTV Networks, Inc., 1515
Broadway, New York 10036.
Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24, lesbian, gay and
bisexual activists gathered at Triangle Association in Oklahoma City
to hear from three specialists in the area of grassroots organizing and
fighting the right wing. The central theme of the weekend was that
the right wing is here and they are organized, and that it is not to early
to organize for the fights ahead.
Workshops on Saturday were led by Suzanne Pharr of the
Women's Project, Scot Nakagawa, NGLTF' s Fight the Right Director, and Robert Bray NGLTF's Fight the Right Media Director.
Creating space for people within our community is of prime importance: Space to come out; Space to dream and; Space in which to be
empowered. This space must be designed for the long term, and
created in such a way that it provides bridges of outreach both within
the Lesbian, Gay and Bi community, and outside of our community.
During lunch conference participants watched the right wing
video' 'The Gay Agenda" andan answer to it' 'Sex, Lies, and Video
Tape". These two videos gave participants a sobering look at the
opposition's message. Simply Equal Chapters and TOHR all have
copies of these video tapes and tapes of the individual workshops for
loan.
On Sunday morning, workshop participants came together to
answer the question: "What's next Oklahoma?" The obvious need to
the group was the development of a network within the gay, lesbian,
and bi community in Oklahoma. A "Gay Summit" was suggested
where lesbian, gay and bisexual persons come together to discuss
their purposes individually; and to mesh into a coalition united to
fight the Right.
How to Break into the Movies... Home Girl Productions, a
group of women filmmakers, is compiling scenes from both amateur
and professional filmmakers depicting the daily lives of lesbians. A
feature length film will be made to show "women in their real
life ... '' Submissions are being solicited and must include a SASE in
order to be returned. Contact: Home Girl Productions, 6662 N.
Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 859-9013.
(Reprinted from GI.AADII.A Newsletter.) 0
FIGHT THE RIGHT CONFERENCE
Her/and Voice
November, 1993
5
Shadow Sister
stone child you "have support - I support you and the intelligence
to make leaps and bounds.
I ktww you fear the fire
your crazy-eyed fears
those rages from the past, in the dark
I ktww those ghosts but know the fire
t"hat alchemy of gold Brace the storm, surrender
be brave sister, take sword
face the p"hantoms
and the gallows farnace I promise you won't die.
No longer caged, you will fly
fly "hawksister, fly.
By Deborah Fox
LESBIAN HUMORIST LOOKS AND
LAUGHS AT LIFE
What's so funny about being a
lesbian?
Find out when humorist and social commentator Ellen Orleans discusses lesbian life in an upbeat and
gay-affirming talk: The Joy of Lesbian Culture. Combining animated
readings from her new book, Can't
Keep a Straight Face, with personal
observations, Ellen discusses the
richness of lesbian culture -- from
dating, softball and politics to jobs,
cats, therapy and relations hips. Following the talk, the author will
answer questions.
The Joy of Lesbian Culture will be held at Meachem Auditorium, University of Oklahoma Memorial Union, on Thursday
December 2, at 7:30 P.M ..
Ellen will be at Herland on Saturday, December 4 at 3 P.M ..
for a book signing and more informal reading.
Speaking about her work, Ellen comments, "Humor has a way
of sneaking in and making a point that blunt observation often
can't match. It's an effective tool for social change."
Ellen writes a bi-monthly humor column for Denver's Out
Front magazine. Her work has appeared in Women's Glib: A
Collection of Women's Humor and Women's Glibber: State ofthe
Art Women's Humor, as well as The Washington Post, The
Providence Journal, The Funny Times, Hysteria, Common Lives/
Lesbian Lives, Girl Jock, and Deneuve among others.
For information about the reading scheduled for Oklahoma
University, contact the University of Oklahoma Gay/Lesbian/
0
Bisexual Alliance at 325-4452.
OK
CONGRESSMEN SUPPORT
DISCRIMINATON
(October 21, 1993) -- The National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force (NGLTF) today demanded that three Oklahoma congressmen recant their public statements in support of employment
discrimination against gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. NGL TF
also called on House Minority Whip Rep.Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
to end his defense of such discrimination. NGLTF Executive
Director Peri Jude Radecic sent letters to the congressmen, denouncing their bigotry and urging them instead to serve as leaders
in ending discrimination.
As reported in Roll Call newspaper on Oct.18, Oklahoma
Reps. Jim Inhofe (R), Bill Brewster (D) and Ernest Is took (R) said
they would not hire openly gay staffers for their Congressional
offices. Inhofe said that having an openly gay person on his staff
would be' 'disruptive in terms ofunit cohesion. I do admit to some
prejudice against the lifestyle.'' Is took said' 'I don't thinkit would
work very well,'' while Brewster said, ''I have a problem with the
gay lifestyle to start with. I just don't think it is normal behavior.''
Following a speech Oct. 19 by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
denouncing the Oklahoma Congressmen's support of discrimina. tion, Rep. Newt Gingrich defended such discrimination in The
Washington Times. Gingrich said, "How can Barney Frank suggest that we impose on a member of Congress a standard which
that member of Congress may regard as against his religion?"
Frank and 15 other Members of the House today sent a letter to
Gingrich expressing disappointment with his use of religious
beliefs as a defense of discrimination.
In letters to the three Oklahoma Congressmen and Rep. Newt
Gingrich, NGL TF' s Radecic said their comments ''reflect bigotry
in its purest form and is inexcusable from any employer, especially
one that holds public office and sets an example for others to
follow."
" In addition to theobviousrepugnanceofproudly stating that
you would discriminate against a fellow American based on an
aspect of their life irrelevant to job performance, your public
statement feeds the hatred that causes gay bashing and torments
gay and lesbian young people, often ending in suicide,'' Radecic
said in the letters. ''I strongly urge you to publicly recant your
statement, and immediately cease discriminating against your
employees based on their sexual orientation. America deserves
better."
0
Published by: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312 N.W . 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Newsletter Committee: Margaret Cox, Deborah Fox, Vivien Ng,
Pat Reaves
Circulation: 1200
Advertising Rates: Business card $15; 1/4 page $35;
1/2 page $60; full page $100
The Voice is offered as an open forum for community discourse.
Articles reflectthe opinions of the author and not necessarily those
of Herland Sister Resources. Unsolicited articles and letters to the
editor are welcomed and must be signed by the writer with full name
and address. Upon request, letters or articles may be printed
under a pseudonym or anonymously.
Subscriptions to The Voice are free upon request .
The Voice is printed on recycled paper.
6
Herland Voice
November, 1993
n,kes to Watch Out For
OKAY. yov Ml6~1 A5
WE.LL l<NovJ. 1'HE O'Tlt£R
VAY,
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f.IER CR!JS>f 011 Yo(.).
Fall Peace Festival 1993; Saturday,
November 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the
Civic Center "Hall of Mirrors," 200
Channing Square in Downtown OKC .
There will be 50 booths of organizations
working for justice, peace, human rights,
environment; 15 tables with local
craftspeople supporting the Peace Festival; Children's Corner with Discovery
Toys, arts and crafts, and adult supervision; face painting and chair massage.
Other highlights include side workshops
presented by participating organizations
on timely topics and local talent and
entertainers. Be sure to look for and stop
by Herland's booth, and say hi.
Lesbian only counseling group, W ednesday evenings. Call Jo L. Soske M.Ed./
MHR/WCADC/NCC/LPC at 364-5708.
Teachers Get-Together: All lesbian &
gay teachers - child care, public school,
college, etc., are invited to attend a gettogether at Herlandon Thursday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. Some people want a
safe place to talk; some may desire political action in the future, others may want
to ease the isolation or just talk shop
without keeping their guard up. Please
join us! If you are interested but can ' t
come, drop a note to Susan at OK Teachers, P.O. Box 98, Norman Ok 73070,
saying what you'd like from such a group,
or better times to meet - whatever comments you have. These can be anonymous and will be shared with the group.
HERLAND NEEDS YOU!
Yes, I'll help keep Berland healthy and growing.
Please call me about Berland volunteer
opportunities.
Here's my contribution of
I
An eating disorder support group is
being established in the 0 KC area. If you
suffer from anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating, there is help. The
group will meet once a week at no charge.
Meeting time and place to be arranged.
For more information call 405/ 752-7357.
ACADEMIC DYKES: Since our first
potluck in Stillwater was such a success,
we' re having another one at 7 p.m. on
November 20 in Oklahoma City. All
lesbian faculty and staff working in Oklahoma universities and colleges are invited. Call Vivien at (405)364-2693 for
details.
OUGBLA: Renee McBride will be
speaking to the Univ. of OK Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Alliance on Thurs., Nov .
11 at 7:30 PM in OMU, Rm . 161 about
Herland and the various lesbian and gay
activities and organizations in OKC.
Return to Herland Sister Resources, 2312 N.W. 39, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Herland is
a 501c(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible.
~------------'
Her/and Voice
November, 1993
7
NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Oklahoma City, Okla.
2312 N. W. 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
Permit No. 861
-
November, 1993
LETS FILL
THE HALL!
Last month, we gave our faithful Berland
Voice readers advance notice about the ''Event
of the Year" -- the Cris Williamson and Tret
Fure concert coming to the Civic Center Little
Theater on Thursday, November 18 at 8 p.m.
We told you about the two special performers
and their magical music just in case you have
never had the joy of hearing their 17 sparkling
albums. Hopefully, we gave you enough information so you know what a wonderful treat this
unique concert will be.
Now we want to go a little further and tell
you why it is so important to fill the concert hall's
390 seats for this special event benefitting the
Herland Legal Defense Fund. Here are some
reasons:
1. The concert will raise money for the le gal
costs of lesbian mothers who are fighting the
system so that one day we need not worry about our
parental rights being taken away because of our
sexual orientation.
2. In one case alone, the costs are at around
$15,000. Each ticket sold will help defray costs.
3. Even though you might not be a parent or
partner to one now, one day you might be. Helping Cris Williamson and Tret Fure will be in
these mothers might directly benefit you in the concert November 18, 8:00 P.M. at the Civic
future.
4. It might also help friends orrelatives 6f yours Center Little Theater. Tickets are $15 and $25
who are afraid of losing their children to a hetero- in advance and may be purchased at Her/and.
sexual ex-husband or ex-wife.
5. It will also help the children of lesbian and
gay parents to live with less fear of forced legal
10. We are creating our own herstory. Stories told in our
separation.
future will reflect our commitment to human rights. Our
6. Winning these rights helps us win other rights across the
Oklahoma community is making a difference, and each effort
state. Eventually, if enough legal battles are won, we will
we make, each ticket we sell, matters.
finally achieve our basic human rights.
11. The price of tickets ($15 and $25) may seem high, but
7. We need to support those who are fighting for our rights
and keep our community strong, vital, and united.
so is the loss children suffer when they are tom from loving
8. We need to support potential victories. These are often
homes. If we cannot support the fight for ourselves, perhaps we
won at great personal, emotional, and financial expense, but
can do it for the children who are so powerless against the
they are won for all of us.
system.
9. Manyofuscan'taffordto "come out" andfightmajor
We hope each Her land Voice reader will support this cause
legal battles, but we can help by attending concerts and events
100%. Please call Herland today (405-521-9696) and reserve
and by bringing others with us.
your tickets or come by Herland to purchase tickets.
0
Volume 10 Number 2
Berland Sister Resources
2312 N.W. 39, OKC , OK 73112
Sr. Sve1L
Dear St.Sybil,
I just read in the magazine In These Times that a Mr.
Thomas Huckfeldt of Trenton, New Jersey, is being required by
the Courts to pay attorney' s fees for his two teenage sons, as the
family is too well off to qualify for a public defender. This
sounds reasonable, except that Mr. Huckfeldt' s sons are charged
with trying to hire a hit man to kill him .....
Sybil, our justice system has gone all kerflooey, and I'm
wondering if you can help us figure out what to do about it.
Sincerely,
Earnest Lee Sieking
Dear Earnest Lee,
Well, I know. Who isn't flabbergasted, for instance, by the
widely-heralded tale of the prospective burglar who, while
crawling along a roof looking for a way inside, fell through a
skylight, - and sued for and received big buckets of money in
damages from the prospective-victim homeowner.
But let's consider what's going on here, and wherein lies
the fault. First, of course, (and assuming you don't want to start
with the society who bred the burglar, and the people who
created the society, and the philosophers who influenced the
people who created the society, etc.), it lies with the burglar.
Secondly, with the lawyer who agreed to bring the lawsuit;
thirdly and quite likely most importantly in this particular case,
with the insurance company who decided to settle out of court
rather than to fight such an obviously spurious case. The kind
view of that decision was that it would be cheaper and easier just
to settle, but let me assure you that the financial consideration
had no bearing whatsoever in the decision. The deciding factor
for the company was not the money involved, but rather the
opportunity they perceived to infuriate people and to influence
the whole litigation debate. And in that they succeeded
beautifully.
What you might want to do, Earnest Lee, (yes, you; if not
you, who?) is to work for a Court of the Common Person, to
screen suits of this sort and toss out the ones that are patently
absurd or without merit. A five-person court, perhaps, convened from the voting rolls like a jury, to serve for two weeks
separating the wheat from the chaff, the creditable and credible
from the ridiculous, the valuable from the worthless, - or,
actually, just the good lawyers from the bad. Because if all the
CCP had to look at was a charge and an answer in a suit, that
is all it would come down to: who writes the best brief. Ifjustice
delayed is justice denied, so is ''justice'' too swiftly imposed.
The legal system is involved and complicated and killingly
time-consuming, and reading ''legalese'' is almost as much fun
as trying to separate plastic wrap from itself - but it's not that
hard, honey; and every word is there to make its meaning more
precise. The fact is that a Court of the Common Person would
be as prone to error and injustice as the US Supreme Court was
when it ruled in 1883 that Native Americans are "Aliens".
Really.
2
Herland Voice
November, 1993
The legal system is tough, it's frustrating, it's imperfect but what're you gonna do, so's life. So keep the faith, Earnest.
It will all be ok in the end.
Yours,
Sybil ·
Dear Sybil,
I have been thinking of volunteering at Berland, but
I'm not sure if I'm going to or not. Can you give me any reasons
why I should?
Thanks,
Janey
Dear Janey,
There are as many reasons to volunteer at Berland as
dinosaurs in Wyoming -whoops, wrong millennium - as many
as strobe lights at a go-go club; here are some of them:
Top ten reasons to volunteer at Berland:
10. Unlimited access to all of those great books
9. Makes your friends & family proud
8. First step on the road to fame & fortune
7. THE happening place to be on Saturdays & Sundays
6. Great place to meet babes
5. Berland' s so cool
4. Looks good on your resume
3. Find out why they call it the gay nineties
2. Buttafuco, Buttafuco, Buttafuco
and the number one reason to volunteer at Berland:
1. Why not?
Have fun,
Love,
D
Sybil
OK ACLU
SODOMY PROJECT
The OK ACLU Sodomy Project is making preparations
to challenge Oklahoma's sodomy law. Current plans are for
five lesbians and five gay men to participate as plaintiffs in the
suit. The next meeting of the Sodomy Project will discuss the
expectations and requirements placed on plaintiffs. The meeting will be held at Triangle Association, 2136 N.W. 39th St.,
Oklahoma City at 7 P.M. on Thursday, November 11.
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RACE MATTERS
by Vivien Ng
BackinJune 1982, whenihadjustmoved to Norman from
Honolulu, I came face to face with raw racial hatred. It wasn't
the first time I faced racism, of course. By the time I got to
Oklahoma, I was already a veteran of countless skirmishes with
bigots, from being told flat-out lies such as, ''the room has just
been rented," to being called a "gook!' to my face. But that
summer day in 1982 was different.
I was at the Sooner Fashion Mall, enjoying an ice cream
cone and just minding my own business, when a little girl of
about 4 walked right up to me, stared for a moment, and slapped
my face. I had never seen such hatred in a child's eyes before
in my life. Her parents hurried over, but instead of apologizing
for their child's behavior, just simply carried her away.
That wound never healed. The scab was peeled off again
the other day when I was affronted by a column called ''Racism
is your fault'' in OU' s student newspaper. At first, I willed
myself to believe that it was only a tongue-in- cheek piece, but
no amount of generosity in my heart could alter the reality: the
author, a merit scholar, is a self-identified racist and proud of it.
That evening, in my Women's Studies class, I read the
column to my students. We tried to make sense of it, of
statements such as, 'Tm a racist. But I'll let you in on a little
secret: It's your fault," and, "I can honestly say that hadI never
encountered people like you, I would never have had a problem
with 'your people,"' and, "As a female, I can tell you that
considering the fact that you are not only female, but also black,
there is no better place for you on this earth than this 'racist,
sexist and elitist country' that I love and you so vehemently
despise,'' and, ''Yes, I believe racism exists, but I can also say
that it is partly your fault. It is your fault because you expect
to be compensated for something that didn't happen to you by
people who didn't do it." (The "you" was an African
American student who had written an earlier column about
minority scholarships.)
After I finished reading, I looked at my students, at the sea
of white, anguished faces. To their credit (and mine), those who
spoke out against the column--and many did--did so with
passion and conviction. I dared to move on to the scheduled
topic for discussion that evening, identity politics, to prepare
my students for a meaningful discussion of Gloria Anzaldua' s
BORDERLANDS in the coming weeks.
2 109 S. AiR DEpOT
MidwEST O ry, OK 7} 11 0
( 40 5 )7 77 -0 4 9 6
AiR DEpoT ANiMAl HospiTAl
CAil loR AppoiNTMEN T
JOY HUSKA, D.Y. M.
I showed the class one overhead transparency after another, each filled with choice quotes from "classic'' feminist
works, in order to guide them through the journey to the past,
to a naive time when gender could be analyzed in the absence
of race and class. Like Moses, I led them forward to the edge
of the promised land, and ended the lecture with "A Black
Feminist Statement'' by the Combahee River Collective. I felt
great!
Just as I was about to leave the room, a student came up to
me and asked, ''Why do we always have to deal with such
depressing topics?" My immediate response was, "It's the
nature of the beast. In Women's Studies, we have to talk about
patriarchal oppression, pornography, violence against women,
sexual harassment and the like.'' Later, as I was driving home,
it dawned on me that we had not always dealt with depressing
topics. Just the week before, we had spent three hours celebrating female eroticism!
It is my insistence on interlocking sexism, racism, classism,
and heterosexism that has made my Women's Studies class so
depressing for some of my students. Unfortunately for them,
the next8 weeks will be even worse!
0
PARTIAL VICTORY IN
CUSTODY CASE
On September 28, 1993, a year and a half after a lesbian
mother lost her two children to her ex-husband in a fiercely
fought legal battle, the Oklahoma Court of Appeals reversed a
major part of the trial court's decision. The appeal efforts are
being supported by the Herland Legal Defense Fund.
Despite testimony that the mother was a wonderful parent
and that the children were well adjusted and happy, the judge
ruled the mother was ''unfit'' because of her sexual orientation
was seen to create an ''immoral environment'' and ordered an
immediate change of custody to the children's father.
The mother immediately appealed the ''unfitness'' ruling
and the change of custody to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
That court passed it down to a lower Court of Appeals, which
finally made the decision last month.
The Court of Appeals found that the ruling of unfitness was
unsupported by the evidence. Like an earlier case (MJP, 1982),
it did not find that lesbianism in and of itself was grounds for
an unfitness ruling. This portion of the ruling, removing
"unfitness" from the arsenal that can be used against lesbian
and gay parents, is a great victory for the gay and lesbian
community.
However, the Appeals Court did not give the children back
to the mother. Instead, it sought to protect the children from
''possible future harm'' (''trauma'' and taunting from society
or church members) and left them with their father. This
portion of the ruling is now the focus of the mother's petition
for a rehearing at the Court of Appeals.
The Herland Legal Defense Fund will continue to provide
support for the ongoing appeal. This case has already had a
positive impact on lesbian rights and a full victory is
possible.
O
Her/and Voice
November, 1993
3
OKC CITY COUNCIL REJECTS
HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE
The Oklahoma City City Council refused to implement a
proposed human rights ordinance by striking it from the council
agenda on October 12. According to Mayor Norick, over 50 citizens
asked to speak to the Council on the proposed ordinance. According
to observers, supporters appeared to outnumber those opposed to the
ordinance. The mayor refused to allow all to speak and limited
debate allowing equal numbers of supporters and opponents to
speak. On the request of Representative Bill Graves of Bethany, who
spoke in opposition to the ordinance, Mayor Norick allowed additional speakers in opposition.
The proposed ordinance, a comprehensive rewrite of the city's
human rights ordinance, was developed by the Oklahoma City
Human Rights Commission. It would have extended the jurisdiction
of the Human Rights Commission to include discrimination in public
accommodations and employment based on sexual orientation, age,
familial status and disability in addition to race, religion, and other
groups included in the present ordinance. Under the proposed
ordinance, the Human Rights Commission could investigate alleged
discrimination and if no mediated resolution could be reached, the
Commission would be able to refer the case to the District Attorney
for prosecution. Acts of discrimination under the ordinance would
be punishable by a fine of up to $500.
"When should we stop? We shouldn't
stop until each and every Oklahoma
citizen is protected. ''
Councilperson Willa Johnson spoke eloquently in favor of the
proposed ordinance. Saying "I want to go on record saying I am
opposed to discrimination whenever it occurs.'' ''When should we
stop? We shouldn't stop until each and every Oklahoma citizen is
protected." Councilperson Johnson (Ward 7), Jackie Carey (Ward
8), and Mark Schwartz (Ward 2) voted to retain the ordinance on the
agenda. Voting in opposition were Beverly Hodges (Ward 6), Jack
Cornett (Ward 3), Frosty Peak (Ward 1), Frances Lowery (Ward 4),
and Jerry Foshee (Ward 5).
Citizens of Ward 6 have responded to Beverly Hodges "no"
vote by initiating a recall petition drive. Over two hundred residents
of Ward 6 signed the initial petition to initiate the recall effort.
Approximately 13,000 signatures will be required to force a new
election in Ward 6. The Oklahoma City chapter of Simply Equal has
endorsed the recall petition drive. The Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian
Political Caucus has indicated that they may actively oppose the
proposed one-cent sales tax for the MAPS project.
The Human Rights Commission has formed an ad-hoc committee to make suggestions for a second attempt to pass an inclusive
human rights ordinance. The committee will present their recommen0
dation at the Commission's November meeting.
Rebecca R. Cohn, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology
Norman , OK
Couples,
Individuals, &
Family Therapy
321-2148
4
Herland Voice
November, 1993
OPEN LETTER TO BEVERLY HODGES
.... This [proposed OKC human rights ordinance] is simply a
matter of conscience for us, Beverly. Many of us are older folks who
would like to leave the road a little less rocky for those who will come
behind us. Some of us have children of our own, or nieces and
nephews who are gay or lesbian and we would like to see them grow
up with dignity and fairness . Some of us are challenged by HIV and
want our voices and stories to be heard before they are inevitably
stilled. And I think all of us believe simply that "what's right is
right" and that no group of Americans should be able to use their
particular interpretation of the Bible as a means of restricting the
liberty of other Americans.
We want nothing special. We simply want to be allowed to live
our lives in the peace and freedom other people take for granted.
You have been saying that you think such issues are best left to
the Federal and State governments. That's a rather odd position to
hold in an age where it is increasingly obvious that all of our
problems are going to have to find their root solutions at the local
level. Even if the Federal and State governments did afford equal
protection for lesbian and gay Americans, which they do not, it
would only make sense to bring Oklahoma City in line with those
standards.
Historically, gay folks have left their small towns and migrated
to the cities where they could live their lives with some sense of
community and safety. Now we are finding that the religious right
is not even willing to acknowledge our urban sanctuaries. We are
increasingly cornered and harassed. The anti-discrimination ordinances of Denver, Aspen and Boulder have been overturned. We are
witnessing similar tactics here.
We came to Oklahoma City from Guymon and Bartlesville,
McCloud, Bug Tussle and Pink. And many of us settled in Ward 6.
Please consider this: How will you be harmed by standing with us
for equal protection? How, in conscience, can we turn away while
our basic liberties are eroded? Should we silently sit by while battles
fought and won in 1989 are forgotten and even rescinded?
.... There are many courses open to you. Lead, Beverly. Seek out
some course of conscience for yourself. There's no reason to be
afraid of us. We are not violent and we do not condone violence. But
if you will not listen, not take our calls, not meet us in our
neighborhoods, nor lend your skills to the finding of a solution, nor
acknowledge the courage and bravery of Schwartz, Carey, and
Johnson with your own courage and bravery, then we will work with
the energy and diligence that conscience brings to recall you from
office.
--Mark Houston
INTERNATIONAL MARCH SET FOR
1994
The Stonewall 25 organizing committee officially announced on October 7, plans for a massive march and rally in
New York City on June 24, 1994, that will affirm the human
rights of lesbians and gay men worldwide. The events also will
commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
March organizers expect it to be the largest human rights
demonstration ever. The activities include a march on the
United Nations and will conclude with a massive rally on the
Great Lawn in Central Park that will highlight the diversity and
O
talent of the lesbian and gay community worldwide.
NUVIMl3IlE~
1993
Don't miss the Cris Williamson/Tret Fure benefit concert November 18!
What a deal ! You get to
hear internationally-acclaimed artists, and benefit the Herland Legal Defense Fund at the same time .
Sunday
Monday
2
Uoc Herland says:
Make a turkey
thankful; Eat a
tofu burger for
Thanksgiving;
both your bodies
will be healthier.
14
3
4
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11
12.
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Cw/ 11BTY's
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& Terry al
VZD's. 9:30Dm
Saturday
6
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7 pm
Herland
Leeal Defense
F'und 11eeline.
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fund 11eelinE.'
6:30
Herland
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Equal
7 pm al
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17
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19
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PEGGY
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La Baeuelle
in Norman, 9p
20
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•
OKC NOW
TRET FURE
8 Pl1
6:30 pm al
lhe YWCA,
2460 NlrJ39
23
21·~· ~
CoDA, 7 pm
OKC Civic
Cenler Lillie
Theatre
24
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iR'ANKSGIVING
DAY
Thanks fur:
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Simply Equal
7 pm
Herland
26
Peace fest,
Civic Center
27
CoDA, 7 pm
Billie Jean
Kine
born l943
29
30
Shirley
Chisolm
Born l924
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Rita 11ae
Brown
Friday
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4:30pm
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SIMPLY EQUAL
7 pm
Trianele
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11arie Curie ,
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Tuesday
Simply Equal
7 pm
Herl and
I
THE HERLAND GIFT SHOP
The Place to Shop
Jewelry , Pottery , T-shirts,
Stationery, Bird Houses & Feeders ,
Buttons , Postcards, Toys & More!
And of course and as usual,
we're the place for great books and music .
Beat the holiday r ush , come in now!
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
2312 N.\\I. 39t..h St.reel
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
(405) 521-9696
Hours: Saturdays lO - 6: Sundays l - 6
GLAAD
NOTES
Fear and hate at school ... Hostile Hallways is the name for the
nationwide survey on sexual harassment in America's schools
conducted by the American Association of University Women
(AAUW). The survey documents that the form of harassment children and teens fear most is being called faggot, sissy or other antigay epiteths. A copy of Hostile Hallways may be obtained by
writing: AA UW, Survey on Sexual Harassment in America's Schools,
P.O. Box 25 1, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0251; (800) 2559998.
NEW
Ar
HERLAND
New musical items include:
Best of Meg Christian
Melissa Etheridge Yes I Am
The Therapy Sisters Mood Swings
Sweet Honey in the Rock Still on the Journey: 20th Anniversary
Ferron Not a Still Life
Best of Cris Williamson
k.d. lang lngenue
Indigo Girls Rites of Passage
Claire of the Moon Soundtrack
Venus Envy /' ll Be a Homo for Christmas
Custody Coverage ... The Sharon Bottoms child custody case
created a spate of TV talk shows on lesbian moms and gay dads as
well as intensive press coverage. In denying Ms. Bottoms custody of
her son on the sole grounds that she is a lesbian, Judge Buford
Parsons of Virginia's Henrico County Circuit Court demonstrated
his ignorance about gays and lesbians as he moved away from
rational jurisprudence and acted upon his own homophobia.
"Geraldo" presented "Lesbian Moms" and it was an unmitigated disaster. As invited guests, Geraldo had Paul Cameron, a
professional homophobe who has been disbarred from the American
Psychological Association, the prosecutors in the Bottoms case,
Richard Ryder and Paul Morrisey of the Morality Action Committee,
pitted against a panel of lesbian mothers. This show was proof that
Geraldo only wants "ratings" based on polarization and stupidity.
"Sally," on the other hand, had Sharon Bottoms' mother and
Richard Ryder, but handled it with such class and dignity that a
homophobic panel member walked off the show in a huff.
Your comments may be sent to: " Sally Jesse Raphael," 267
Broadway, New York 10007. Send your comments along with
suggestions that Geraldo include guests such as the openly gay
Reverend Mel White, former ghost writer for Jerry Falwell, Pat
Robertson and Billy Graham, on his show to: ''Geraldo,'' Mr. Marty
Berman, Executive Producer, 524 W. 57th Street, New York 10019.
Look for these new books:
A Room Full of Women Elisabeth Nonas
Under My Skin Jaye Maiman
Superstars: Twelve Lesbians Who Changed the World
k.d. Zang: Carrying the Torch William Robertson
Black Lesbian in White America Anita Cornwell
Faces of Love Sharon Gilligan
Solitary Twist Elizabeth Pincus
Locked Down: A Lesbian's Life in Prison Idella Serna
Strangers in the Senate Barbara Boxer
The Lesbian Survival Manual Rhonda Dickson
Coming Out! More Lesbian Fun and Games
Woman Plus Woman Dolores Klaich
Can't Keep a Straight Face: A Lesbian Looks and Laughs at Life
Ellen Orleans
Final Rest Mary Morell
And Then I Met This Woman Barbee Cassingham & Sally O'Neil
Venus Envy Rita Mae Brown
The Lesbian Body
Lesbian (Out)Law Ruthann Robson
Real World II ••. MTV's hip documentary series Real World II
tracks the lives of several young adults living together in Los
Angeles. In the September 10 episode, a new roommate, Beth
Stolarczyk, arrives on the scene. Wearing an "I' m not gay but my
girlfriend is" t-shirt, Beth is definitely an out lesbian. Reactions
from others in the household demonstrated their own prejudices
and curiosities, providing a clear comparison to the intelligent
and upfront Beth. The October 7 episode featured the roommates
playing a get-to-know-you game where each answered questions
about themselves . Beth was eloquent in pointing out that questions
to her were about her sexuality only and that was only a part of who
she was . This was a very positive presentation. Your comments to
MTV about inclusion of gays and lesbians in the "real world" can
be directed to: Office of the President, MTV Networks, Inc., 1515
Broadway, New York 10036.
Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24, lesbian, gay and
bisexual activists gathered at Triangle Association in Oklahoma City
to hear from three specialists in the area of grassroots organizing and
fighting the right wing. The central theme of the weekend was that
the right wing is here and they are organized, and that it is not to early
to organize for the fights ahead.
Workshops on Saturday were led by Suzanne Pharr of the
Women's Project, Scot Nakagawa, NGLTF' s Fight the Right Director, and Robert Bray NGLTF's Fight the Right Media Director.
Creating space for people within our community is of prime importance: Space to come out; Space to dream and; Space in which to be
empowered. This space must be designed for the long term, and
created in such a way that it provides bridges of outreach both within
the Lesbian, Gay and Bi community, and outside of our community.
During lunch conference participants watched the right wing
video' 'The Gay Agenda" andan answer to it' 'Sex, Lies, and Video
Tape". These two videos gave participants a sobering look at the
opposition's message. Simply Equal Chapters and TOHR all have
copies of these video tapes and tapes of the individual workshops for
loan.
On Sunday morning, workshop participants came together to
answer the question: "What's next Oklahoma?" The obvious need to
the group was the development of a network within the gay, lesbian,
and bi community in Oklahoma. A "Gay Summit" was suggested
where lesbian, gay and bisexual persons come together to discuss
their purposes individually; and to mesh into a coalition united to
fight the Right.
How to Break into the Movies... Home Girl Productions, a
group of women filmmakers, is compiling scenes from both amateur
and professional filmmakers depicting the daily lives of lesbians. A
feature length film will be made to show "women in their real
life ... '' Submissions are being solicited and must include a SASE in
order to be returned. Contact: Home Girl Productions, 6662 N.
Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 859-9013.
(Reprinted from GI.AADII.A Newsletter.) 0
FIGHT THE RIGHT CONFERENCE
Her/and Voice
November, 1993
5
Shadow Sister
stone child you "have support - I support you and the intelligence
to make leaps and bounds.
I ktww you fear the fire
your crazy-eyed fears
those rages from the past, in the dark
I ktww those ghosts but know the fire
t"hat alchemy of gold Brace the storm, surrender
be brave sister, take sword
face the p"hantoms
and the gallows farnace I promise you won't die.
No longer caged, you will fly
fly "hawksister, fly.
By Deborah Fox
LESBIAN HUMORIST LOOKS AND
LAUGHS AT LIFE
What's so funny about being a
lesbian?
Find out when humorist and social commentator Ellen Orleans discusses lesbian life in an upbeat and
gay-affirming talk: The Joy of Lesbian Culture. Combining animated
readings from her new book, Can't
Keep a Straight Face, with personal
observations, Ellen discusses the
richness of lesbian culture -- from
dating, softball and politics to jobs,
cats, therapy and relations hips. Following the talk, the author will
answer questions.
The Joy of Lesbian Culture will be held at Meachem Auditorium, University of Oklahoma Memorial Union, on Thursday
December 2, at 7:30 P.M ..
Ellen will be at Herland on Saturday, December 4 at 3 P.M ..
for a book signing and more informal reading.
Speaking about her work, Ellen comments, "Humor has a way
of sneaking in and making a point that blunt observation often
can't match. It's an effective tool for social change."
Ellen writes a bi-monthly humor column for Denver's Out
Front magazine. Her work has appeared in Women's Glib: A
Collection of Women's Humor and Women's Glibber: State ofthe
Art Women's Humor, as well as The Washington Post, The
Providence Journal, The Funny Times, Hysteria, Common Lives/
Lesbian Lives, Girl Jock, and Deneuve among others.
For information about the reading scheduled for Oklahoma
University, contact the University of Oklahoma Gay/Lesbian/
0
Bisexual Alliance at 325-4452.
OK
CONGRESSMEN SUPPORT
DISCRIMINATON
(October 21, 1993) -- The National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force (NGLTF) today demanded that three Oklahoma congressmen recant their public statements in support of employment
discrimination against gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. NGL TF
also called on House Minority Whip Rep.Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
to end his defense of such discrimination. NGLTF Executive
Director Peri Jude Radecic sent letters to the congressmen, denouncing their bigotry and urging them instead to serve as leaders
in ending discrimination.
As reported in Roll Call newspaper on Oct.18, Oklahoma
Reps. Jim Inhofe (R), Bill Brewster (D) and Ernest Is took (R) said
they would not hire openly gay staffers for their Congressional
offices. Inhofe said that having an openly gay person on his staff
would be' 'disruptive in terms ofunit cohesion. I do admit to some
prejudice against the lifestyle.'' Is took said' 'I don't thinkit would
work very well,'' while Brewster said, ''I have a problem with the
gay lifestyle to start with. I just don't think it is normal behavior.''
Following a speech Oct. 19 by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
denouncing the Oklahoma Congressmen's support of discrimina. tion, Rep. Newt Gingrich defended such discrimination in The
Washington Times. Gingrich said, "How can Barney Frank suggest that we impose on a member of Congress a standard which
that member of Congress may regard as against his religion?"
Frank and 15 other Members of the House today sent a letter to
Gingrich expressing disappointment with his use of religious
beliefs as a defense of discrimination.
In letters to the three Oklahoma Congressmen and Rep. Newt
Gingrich, NGL TF' s Radecic said their comments ''reflect bigotry
in its purest form and is inexcusable from any employer, especially
one that holds public office and sets an example for others to
follow."
" In addition to theobviousrepugnanceofproudly stating that
you would discriminate against a fellow American based on an
aspect of their life irrelevant to job performance, your public
statement feeds the hatred that causes gay bashing and torments
gay and lesbian young people, often ending in suicide,'' Radecic
said in the letters. ''I strongly urge you to publicly recant your
statement, and immediately cease discriminating against your
employees based on their sexual orientation. America deserves
better."
0
Published by: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312 N.W . 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Newsletter Committee: Margaret Cox, Deborah Fox, Vivien Ng,
Pat Reaves
Circulation: 1200
Advertising Rates: Business card $15; 1/4 page $35;
1/2 page $60; full page $100
The Voice is offered as an open forum for community discourse.
Articles reflectthe opinions of the author and not necessarily those
of Herland Sister Resources. Unsolicited articles and letters to the
editor are welcomed and must be signed by the writer with full name
and address. Upon request, letters or articles may be printed
under a pseudonym or anonymously.
Subscriptions to The Voice are free upon request .
The Voice is printed on recycled paper.
6
Herland Voice
November, 1993
n,kes to Watch Out For
OKAY. yov Ml6~1 A5
WE.LL l<NovJ. 1'HE O'Tlt£R
VAY,
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Fall Peace Festival 1993; Saturday,
November 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the
Civic Center "Hall of Mirrors," 200
Channing Square in Downtown OKC .
There will be 50 booths of organizations
working for justice, peace, human rights,
environment; 15 tables with local
craftspeople supporting the Peace Festival; Children's Corner with Discovery
Toys, arts and crafts, and adult supervision; face painting and chair massage.
Other highlights include side workshops
presented by participating organizations
on timely topics and local talent and
entertainers. Be sure to look for and stop
by Herland's booth, and say hi.
Lesbian only counseling group, W ednesday evenings. Call Jo L. Soske M.Ed./
MHR/WCADC/NCC/LPC at 364-5708.
Teachers Get-Together: All lesbian &
gay teachers - child care, public school,
college, etc., are invited to attend a gettogether at Herlandon Thursday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. Some people want a
safe place to talk; some may desire political action in the future, others may want
to ease the isolation or just talk shop
without keeping their guard up. Please
join us! If you are interested but can ' t
come, drop a note to Susan at OK Teachers, P.O. Box 98, Norman Ok 73070,
saying what you'd like from such a group,
or better times to meet - whatever comments you have. These can be anonymous and will be shared with the group.
HERLAND NEEDS YOU!
Yes, I'll help keep Berland healthy and growing.
Please call me about Berland volunteer
opportunities.
Here's my contribution of
I
An eating disorder support group is
being established in the 0 KC area. If you
suffer from anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating, there is help. The
group will meet once a week at no charge.
Meeting time and place to be arranged.
For more information call 405/ 752-7357.
ACADEMIC DYKES: Since our first
potluck in Stillwater was such a success,
we' re having another one at 7 p.m. on
November 20 in Oklahoma City. All
lesbian faculty and staff working in Oklahoma universities and colleges are invited. Call Vivien at (405)364-2693 for
details.
OUGBLA: Renee McBride will be
speaking to the Univ. of OK Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Alliance on Thurs., Nov .
11 at 7:30 PM in OMU, Rm . 161 about
Herland and the various lesbian and gay
activities and organizations in OKC.
Return to Herland Sister Resources, 2312 N.W. 39, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Herland is
a 501c(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible.
~------------'
Her/and Voice
November, 1993
7
NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Oklahoma City, Okla.
2312 N. W. 39th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
Permit No. 861
-
November, 1993
LETS FILL
THE HALL!
Last month, we gave our faithful Berland
Voice readers advance notice about the ''Event
of the Year" -- the Cris Williamson and Tret
Fure concert coming to the Civic Center Little
Theater on Thursday, November 18 at 8 p.m.
We told you about the two special performers
and their magical music just in case you have
never had the joy of hearing their 17 sparkling
albums. Hopefully, we gave you enough information so you know what a wonderful treat this
unique concert will be.
Now we want to go a little further and tell
you why it is so important to fill the concert hall's
390 seats for this special event benefitting the
Herland Legal Defense Fund. Here are some
reasons:
1. The concert will raise money for the le gal
costs of lesbian mothers who are fighting the
system so that one day we need not worry about our
parental rights being taken away because of our
sexual orientation.
2. In one case alone, the costs are at around
$15,000. Each ticket sold will help defray costs.
3. Even though you might not be a parent or
partner to one now, one day you might be. Helping Cris Williamson and Tret Fure will be in
these mothers might directly benefit you in the concert November 18, 8:00 P.M. at the Civic
future.
4. It might also help friends orrelatives 6f yours Center Little Theater. Tickets are $15 and $25
who are afraid of losing their children to a hetero- in advance and may be purchased at Her/and.
sexual ex-husband or ex-wife.
5. It will also help the children of lesbian and
gay parents to live with less fear of forced legal
10. We are creating our own herstory. Stories told in our
separation.
future will reflect our commitment to human rights. Our
6. Winning these rights helps us win other rights across the
Oklahoma community is making a difference, and each effort
state. Eventually, if enough legal battles are won, we will
we make, each ticket we sell, matters.
finally achieve our basic human rights.
11. The price of tickets ($15 and $25) may seem high, but
7. We need to support those who are fighting for our rights
and keep our community strong, vital, and united.
so is the loss children suffer when they are tom from loving
8. We need to support potential victories. These are often
homes. If we cannot support the fight for ourselves, perhaps we
won at great personal, emotional, and financial expense, but
can do it for the children who are so powerless against the
they are won for all of us.
system.
9. Manyofuscan'taffordto "come out" andfightmajor
We hope each Her land Voice reader will support this cause
legal battles, but we can help by attending concerts and events
100%. Please call Herland today (405-521-9696) and reserve
and by bringing others with us.
your tickets or come by Herland to purchase tickets.
0
Volume 10 Number 2
Berland Sister Resources
2312 N.W. 39, OKC , OK 73112
Sr. Sve1L
Dear St.Sybil,
I just read in the magazine In These Times that a Mr.
Thomas Huckfeldt of Trenton, New Jersey, is being required by
the Courts to pay attorney' s fees for his two teenage sons, as the
family is too well off to qualify for a public defender. This
sounds reasonable, except that Mr. Huckfeldt' s sons are charged
with trying to hire a hit man to kill him .....
Sybil, our justice system has gone all kerflooey, and I'm
wondering if you can help us figure out what to do about it.
Sincerely,
Earnest Lee Sieking
Dear Earnest Lee,
Well, I know. Who isn't flabbergasted, for instance, by the
widely-heralded tale of the prospective burglar who, while
crawling along a roof looking for a way inside, fell through a
skylight, - and sued for and received big buckets of money in
damages from the prospective-victim homeowner.
But let's consider what's going on here, and wherein lies
the fault. First, of course, (and assuming you don't want to start
with the society who bred the burglar, and the people who
created the society, and the philosophers who influenced the
people who created the society, etc.), it lies with the burglar.
Secondly, with the lawyer who agreed to bring the lawsuit;
thirdly and quite likely most importantly in this particular case,
with the insurance company who decided to settle out of court
rather than to fight such an obviously spurious case. The kind
view of that decision was that it would be cheaper and easier just
to settle, but let me assure you that the financial consideration
had no bearing whatsoever in the decision. The deciding factor
for the company was not the money involved, but rather the
opportunity they perceived to infuriate people and to influence
the whole litigation debate. And in that they succeeded
beautifully.
What you might want to do, Earnest Lee, (yes, you; if not
you, who?) is to work for a Court of the Common Person, to
screen suits of this sort and toss out the ones that are patently
absurd or without merit. A five-person court, perhaps, convened from the voting rolls like a jury, to serve for two weeks
separating the wheat from the chaff, the creditable and credible
from the ridiculous, the valuable from the worthless, - or,
actually, just the good lawyers from the bad. Because if all the
CCP had to look at was a charge and an answer in a suit, that
is all it would come down to: who writes the best brief. Ifjustice
delayed is justice denied, so is ''justice'' too swiftly imposed.
The legal system is involved and complicated and killingly
time-consuming, and reading ''legalese'' is almost as much fun
as trying to separate plastic wrap from itself - but it's not that
hard, honey; and every word is there to make its meaning more
precise. The fact is that a Court of the Common Person would
be as prone to error and injustice as the US Supreme Court was
when it ruled in 1883 that Native Americans are "Aliens".
Really.
2
Herland Voice
November, 1993
The legal system is tough, it's frustrating, it's imperfect but what're you gonna do, so's life. So keep the faith, Earnest.
It will all be ok in the end.
Yours,
Sybil ·
Dear Sybil,
I have been thinking of volunteering at Berland, but
I'm not sure if I'm going to or not. Can you give me any reasons
why I should?
Thanks,
Janey
Dear Janey,
There are as many reasons to volunteer at Berland as
dinosaurs in Wyoming -whoops, wrong millennium - as many
as strobe lights at a go-go club; here are some of them:
Top ten reasons to volunteer at Berland:
10. Unlimited access to all of those great books
9. Makes your friends & family proud
8. First step on the road to fame & fortune
7. THE happening place to be on Saturdays & Sundays
6. Great place to meet babes
5. Berland' s so cool
4. Looks good on your resume
3. Find out why they call it the gay nineties
2. Buttafuco, Buttafuco, Buttafuco
and the number one reason to volunteer at Berland:
1. Why not?
Have fun,
Love,
D
Sybil
OK ACLU
SODOMY PROJECT
The OK ACLU Sodomy Project is making preparations
to challenge Oklahoma's sodomy law. Current plans are for
five lesbians and five gay men to participate as plaintiffs in the
suit. The next meeting of the Sodomy Project will discuss the
expectations and requirements placed on plaintiffs. The meeting will be held at Triangle Association, 2136 N.W. 39th St.,
Oklahoma City at 7 P.M. on Thursday, November 11.
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RACE MATTERS
by Vivien Ng
BackinJune 1982, whenihadjustmoved to Norman from
Honolulu, I came face to face with raw racial hatred. It wasn't
the first time I faced racism, of course. By the time I got to
Oklahoma, I was already a veteran of countless skirmishes with
bigots, from being told flat-out lies such as, ''the room has just
been rented," to being called a "gook!' to my face. But that
summer day in 1982 was different.
I was at the Sooner Fashion Mall, enjoying an ice cream
cone and just minding my own business, when a little girl of
about 4 walked right up to me, stared for a moment, and slapped
my face. I had never seen such hatred in a child's eyes before
in my life. Her parents hurried over, but instead of apologizing
for their child's behavior, just simply carried her away.
That wound never healed. The scab was peeled off again
the other day when I was affronted by a column called ''Racism
is your fault'' in OU' s student newspaper. At first, I willed
myself to believe that it was only a tongue-in- cheek piece, but
no amount of generosity in my heart could alter the reality: the
author, a merit scholar, is a self-identified racist and proud of it.
That evening, in my Women's Studies class, I read the
column to my students. We tried to make sense of it, of
statements such as, 'Tm a racist. But I'll let you in on a little
secret: It's your fault," and, "I can honestly say that hadI never
encountered people like you, I would never have had a problem
with 'your people,"' and, "As a female, I can tell you that
considering the fact that you are not only female, but also black,
there is no better place for you on this earth than this 'racist,
sexist and elitist country' that I love and you so vehemently
despise,'' and, ''Yes, I believe racism exists, but I can also say
that it is partly your fault. It is your fault because you expect
to be compensated for something that didn't happen to you by
people who didn't do it." (The "you" was an African
American student who had written an earlier column about
minority scholarships.)
After I finished reading, I looked at my students, at the sea
of white, anguished faces. To their credit (and mine), those who
spoke out against the column--and many did--did so with
passion and conviction. I dared to move on to the scheduled
topic for discussion that evening, identity politics, to prepare
my students for a meaningful discussion of Gloria Anzaldua' s
BORDERLANDS in the coming weeks.
2 109 S. AiR DEpOT
MidwEST O ry, OK 7} 11 0
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CAil loR AppoiNTMEN T
JOY HUSKA, D.Y. M.
I showed the class one overhead transparency after another, each filled with choice quotes from "classic'' feminist
works, in order to guide them through the journey to the past,
to a naive time when gender could be analyzed in the absence
of race and class. Like Moses, I led them forward to the edge
of the promised land, and ended the lecture with "A Black
Feminist Statement'' by the Combahee River Collective. I felt
great!
Just as I was about to leave the room, a student came up to
me and asked, ''Why do we always have to deal with such
depressing topics?" My immediate response was, "It's the
nature of the beast. In Women's Studies, we have to talk about
patriarchal oppression, pornography, violence against women,
sexual harassment and the like.'' Later, as I was driving home,
it dawned on me that we had not always dealt with depressing
topics. Just the week before, we had spent three hours celebrating female eroticism!
It is my insistence on interlocking sexism, racism, classism,
and heterosexism that has made my Women's Studies class so
depressing for some of my students. Unfortunately for them,
the next8 weeks will be even worse!
0
PARTIAL VICTORY IN
CUSTODY CASE
On September 28, 1993, a year and a half after a lesbian
mother lost her two children to her ex-husband in a fiercely
fought legal battle, the Oklahoma Court of Appeals reversed a
major part of the trial court's decision. The appeal efforts are
being supported by the Herland Legal Defense Fund.
Despite testimony that the mother was a wonderful parent
and that the children were well adjusted and happy, the judge
ruled the mother was ''unfit'' because of her sexual orientation
was seen to create an ''immoral environment'' and ordered an
immediate change of custody to the children's father.
The mother immediately appealed the ''unfitness'' ruling
and the change of custody to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
That court passed it down to a lower Court of Appeals, which
finally made the decision last month.
The Court of Appeals found that the ruling of unfitness was
unsupported by the evidence. Like an earlier case (MJP, 1982),
it did not find that lesbianism in and of itself was grounds for
an unfitness ruling. This portion of the ruling, removing
"unfitness" from the arsenal that can be used against lesbian
and gay parents, is a great victory for the gay and lesbian
community.
However, the Appeals Court did not give the children back
to the mother. Instead, it sought to protect the children from
''possible future harm'' (''trauma'' and taunting from society
or church members) and left them with their father. This
portion of the ruling is now the focus of the mother's petition
for a rehearing at the Court of Appeals.
The Herland Legal Defense Fund will continue to provide
support for the ongoing appeal. This case has already had a
positive impact on lesbian rights and a full victory is
possible.
O
Her/and Voice
November, 1993
3
OKC CITY COUNCIL REJECTS
HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE
The Oklahoma City City Council refused to implement a
proposed human rights ordinance by striking it from the council
agenda on October 12. According to Mayor Norick, over 50 citizens
asked to speak to the Council on the proposed ordinance. According
to observers, supporters appeared to outnumber those opposed to the
ordinance. The mayor refused to allow all to speak and limited
debate allowing equal numbers of supporters and opponents to
speak. On the request of Representative Bill Graves of Bethany, who
spoke in opposition to the ordinance, Mayor Norick allowed additional speakers in opposition.
The proposed ordinance, a comprehensive rewrite of the city's
human rights ordinance, was developed by the Oklahoma City
Human Rights Commission. It would have extended the jurisdiction
of the Human Rights Commission to include discrimination in public
accommodations and employment based on sexual orientation, age,
familial status and disability in addition to race, religion, and other
groups included in the present ordinance. Under the proposed
ordinance, the Human Rights Commission could investigate alleged
discrimination and if no mediated resolution could be reached, the
Commission would be able to refer the case to the District Attorney
for prosecution. Acts of discrimination under the ordinance would
be punishable by a fine of up to $500.
"When should we stop? We shouldn't
stop until each and every Oklahoma
citizen is protected. ''
Councilperson Willa Johnson spoke eloquently in favor of the
proposed ordinance. Saying "I want to go on record saying I am
opposed to discrimination whenever it occurs.'' ''When should we
stop? We shouldn't stop until each and every Oklahoma citizen is
protected." Councilperson Johnson (Ward 7), Jackie Carey (Ward
8), and Mark Schwartz (Ward 2) voted to retain the ordinance on the
agenda. Voting in opposition were Beverly Hodges (Ward 6), Jack
Cornett (Ward 3), Frosty Peak (Ward 1), Frances Lowery (Ward 4),
and Jerry Foshee (Ward 5).
Citizens of Ward 6 have responded to Beverly Hodges "no"
vote by initiating a recall petition drive. Over two hundred residents
of Ward 6 signed the initial petition to initiate the recall effort.
Approximately 13,000 signatures will be required to force a new
election in Ward 6. The Oklahoma City chapter of Simply Equal has
endorsed the recall petition drive. The Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian
Political Caucus has indicated that they may actively oppose the
proposed one-cent sales tax for the MAPS project.
The Human Rights Commission has formed an ad-hoc committee to make suggestions for a second attempt to pass an inclusive
human rights ordinance. The committee will present their recommen0
dation at the Commission's November meeting.
Rebecca R. Cohn, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology
Norman , OK
Couples,
Individuals, &
Family Therapy
321-2148
4
Herland Voice
November, 1993
OPEN LETTER TO BEVERLY HODGES
.... This [proposed OKC human rights ordinance] is simply a
matter of conscience for us, Beverly. Many of us are older folks who
would like to leave the road a little less rocky for those who will come
behind us. Some of us have children of our own, or nieces and
nephews who are gay or lesbian and we would like to see them grow
up with dignity and fairness . Some of us are challenged by HIV and
want our voices and stories to be heard before they are inevitably
stilled. And I think all of us believe simply that "what's right is
right" and that no group of Americans should be able to use their
particular interpretation of the Bible as a means of restricting the
liberty of other Americans.
We want nothing special. We simply want to be allowed to live
our lives in the peace and freedom other people take for granted.
You have been saying that you think such issues are best left to
the Federal and State governments. That's a rather odd position to
hold in an age where it is increasingly obvious that all of our
problems are going to have to find their root solutions at the local
level. Even if the Federal and State governments did afford equal
protection for lesbian and gay Americans, which they do not, it
would only make sense to bring Oklahoma City in line with those
standards.
Historically, gay folks have left their small towns and migrated
to the cities where they could live their lives with some sense of
community and safety. Now we are finding that the religious right
is not even willing to acknowledge our urban sanctuaries. We are
increasingly cornered and harassed. The anti-discrimination ordinances of Denver, Aspen and Boulder have been overturned. We are
witnessing similar tactics here.
We came to Oklahoma City from Guymon and Bartlesville,
McCloud, Bug Tussle and Pink. And many of us settled in Ward 6.
Please consider this: How will you be harmed by standing with us
for equal protection? How, in conscience, can we turn away while
our basic liberties are eroded? Should we silently sit by while battles
fought and won in 1989 are forgotten and even rescinded?
.... There are many courses open to you. Lead, Beverly. Seek out
some course of conscience for yourself. There's no reason to be
afraid of us. We are not violent and we do not condone violence. But
if you will not listen, not take our calls, not meet us in our
neighborhoods, nor lend your skills to the finding of a solution, nor
acknowledge the courage and bravery of Schwartz, Carey, and
Johnson with your own courage and bravery, then we will work with
the energy and diligence that conscience brings to recall you from
office.
--Mark Houston
INTERNATIONAL MARCH SET FOR
1994
The Stonewall 25 organizing committee officially announced on October 7, plans for a massive march and rally in
New York City on June 24, 1994, that will affirm the human
rights of lesbians and gay men worldwide. The events also will
commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
March organizers expect it to be the largest human rights
demonstration ever. The activities include a march on the
United Nations and will conclude with a massive rally on the
Great Lawn in Central Park that will highlight the diversity and
O
talent of the lesbian and gay community worldwide.
NUVIMl3IlE~
1993
Don't miss the Cris Williamson/Tret Fure benefit concert November 18!
What a deal ! You get to
hear internationally-acclaimed artists, and benefit the Herland Legal Defense Fund at the same time .
Sunday
Monday
2
Uoc Herland says:
Make a turkey
thankful; Eat a
tofu burger for
Thanksgiving;
both your bodies
will be healthier.
14
3
4
5 rhe
11
12.
RoE1er
Lienke Band
Cw/ 11BTY's
Elyse , Louise
& Terry al
VZD's. 9:30Dm
Saturday
6
"
10
g
Simply
EQual
7 pm
Herland
Leeal Defense
F'und 11eeline.
6:30, Herland
Le£Sal Defense
fund 11eelinE.'
6:30
Herland
·~imply
Equal
7 pm al
Herland
~~ (((.
·.~~
Elizal5'elh
Cady
Stanton
i8l5 - l902
17
18
CRIS
WILLIAMSON
19
13
Karen
SiJl(WOOd
RIP, i974
•
PEGGY
JOHNSON
La Baeuelle
in Norman, 9p
20
&
•
OKC NOW
TRET FURE
8 Pl1
6:30 pm al
lhe YWCA,
2460 NlrJ39
23
21·~· ~
CoDA, 7 pm
OKC Civic
Cenler Lillie
Theatre
24
? .!:\
iR'ANKSGIVING
DAY
Thanks fur:
CYou fill in
the blanks)
Simply Equal
7 pm
Herland
26
Peace fest,
Civic Center
27
CoDA, 7 pm
Billie Jean
Kine
born l943
29
30
Shirley
Chisolm
Born l924
•
Rita 11ae
Brown
Friday
CoDA, 7 pm
15
Board
11eeline
4:30pm
\\lednesday Thursday
SIMPLY EQUAL
7 pm
Trianele
Associales
§orolhy Day,
l897 - l980
11arie Curie ,
i867 - l984
Tuesday
Simply Equal
7 pm
Herl and
I
THE HERLAND GIFT SHOP
The Place to Shop
Jewelry , Pottery , T-shirts,
Stationery, Bird Houses & Feeders ,
Buttons , Postcards, Toys & More!
And of course and as usual,
we're the place for great books and music .
Beat the holiday r ush , come in now!
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
2312 N.\\I. 39t..h St.reel
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
(405) 521-9696
Hours: Saturdays lO - 6: Sundays l - 6
GLAAD
NOTES
Fear and hate at school ... Hostile Hallways is the name for the
nationwide survey on sexual harassment in America's schools
conducted by the American Association of University Women
(AAUW). The survey documents that the form of harassment children and teens fear most is being called faggot, sissy or other antigay epiteths. A copy of Hostile Hallways may be obtained by
writing: AA UW, Survey on Sexual Harassment in America's Schools,
P.O. Box 25 1, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0251; (800) 2559998.
NEW
Ar
HERLAND
New musical items include:
Best of Meg Christian
Melissa Etheridge Yes I Am
The Therapy Sisters Mood Swings
Sweet Honey in the Rock Still on the Journey: 20th Anniversary
Ferron Not a Still Life
Best of Cris Williamson
k.d. lang lngenue
Indigo Girls Rites of Passage
Claire of the Moon Soundtrack
Venus Envy /' ll Be a Homo for Christmas
Custody Coverage ... The Sharon Bottoms child custody case
created a spate of TV talk shows on lesbian moms and gay dads as
well as intensive press coverage. In denying Ms. Bottoms custody of
her son on the sole grounds that she is a lesbian, Judge Buford
Parsons of Virginia's Henrico County Circuit Court demonstrated
his ignorance about gays and lesbians as he moved away from
rational jurisprudence and acted upon his own homophobia.
"Geraldo" presented "Lesbian Moms" and it was an unmitigated disaster. As invited guests, Geraldo had Paul Cameron, a
professional homophobe who has been disbarred from the American
Psychological Association, the prosecutors in the Bottoms case,
Richard Ryder and Paul Morrisey of the Morality Action Committee,
pitted against a panel of lesbian mothers. This show was proof that
Geraldo only wants "ratings" based on polarization and stupidity.
"Sally," on the other hand, had Sharon Bottoms' mother and
Richard Ryder, but handled it with such class and dignity that a
homophobic panel member walked off the show in a huff.
Your comments may be sent to: " Sally Jesse Raphael," 267
Broadway, New York 10007. Send your comments along with
suggestions that Geraldo include guests such as the openly gay
Reverend Mel White, former ghost writer for Jerry Falwell, Pat
Robertson and Billy Graham, on his show to: ''Geraldo,'' Mr. Marty
Berman, Executive Producer, 524 W. 57th Street, New York 10019.
Look for these new books:
A Room Full of Women Elisabeth Nonas
Under My Skin Jaye Maiman
Superstars: Twelve Lesbians Who Changed the World
k.d. Zang: Carrying the Torch William Robertson
Black Lesbian in White America Anita Cornwell
Faces of Love Sharon Gilligan
Solitary Twist Elizabeth Pincus
Locked Down: A Lesbian's Life in Prison Idella Serna
Strangers in the Senate Barbara Boxer
The Lesbian Survival Manual Rhonda Dickson
Coming Out! More Lesbian Fun and Games
Woman Plus Woman Dolores Klaich
Can't Keep a Straight Face: A Lesbian Looks and Laughs at Life
Ellen Orleans
Final Rest Mary Morell
And Then I Met This Woman Barbee Cassingham & Sally O'Neil
Venus Envy Rita Mae Brown
The Lesbian Body
Lesbian (Out)Law Ruthann Robson
Real World II ••. MTV's hip documentary series Real World II
tracks the lives of several young adults living together in Los
Angeles. In the September 10 episode, a new roommate, Beth
Stolarczyk, arrives on the scene. Wearing an "I' m not gay but my
girlfriend is" t-shirt, Beth is definitely an out lesbian. Reactions
from others in the household demonstrated their own prejudices
and curiosities, providing a clear comparison to the intelligent
and upfront Beth. The October 7 episode featured the roommates
playing a get-to-know-you game where each answered questions
about themselves . Beth was eloquent in pointing out that questions
to her were about her sexuality only and that was only a part of who
she was . This was a very positive presentation. Your comments to
MTV about inclusion of gays and lesbians in the "real world" can
be directed to: Office of the President, MTV Networks, Inc., 1515
Broadway, New York 10036.
Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24, lesbian, gay and
bisexual activists gathered at Triangle Association in Oklahoma City
to hear from three specialists in the area of grassroots organizing and
fighting the right wing. The central theme of the weekend was that
the right wing is here and they are organized, and that it is not to early
to organize for the fights ahead.
Workshops on Saturday were led by Suzanne Pharr of the
Women's Project, Scot Nakagawa, NGLTF' s Fight the Right Director, and Robert Bray NGLTF's Fight the Right Media Director.
Creating space for people within our community is of prime importance: Space to come out; Space to dream and; Space in which to be
empowered. This space must be designed for the long term, and
created in such a way that it provides bridges of outreach both within
the Lesbian, Gay and Bi community, and outside of our community.
During lunch conference participants watched the right wing
video' 'The Gay Agenda" andan answer to it' 'Sex, Lies, and Video
Tape". These two videos gave participants a sobering look at the
opposition's message. Simply Equal Chapters and TOHR all have
copies of these video tapes and tapes of the individual workshops for
loan.
On Sunday morning, workshop participants came together to
answer the question: "What's next Oklahoma?" The obvious need to
the group was the development of a network within the gay, lesbian,
and bi community in Oklahoma. A "Gay Summit" was suggested
where lesbian, gay and bisexual persons come together to discuss
their purposes individually; and to mesh into a coalition united to
fight the Right.
How to Break into the Movies... Home Girl Productions, a
group of women filmmakers, is compiling scenes from both amateur
and professional filmmakers depicting the daily lives of lesbians. A
feature length film will be made to show "women in their real
life ... '' Submissions are being solicited and must include a SASE in
order to be returned. Contact: Home Girl Productions, 6662 N.
Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; (310) 859-9013.
(Reprinted from GI.AADII.A Newsletter.) 0
FIGHT THE RIGHT CONFERENCE
Her/and Voice
November, 1993
5
Shadow Sister
stone child you "have support - I support you and the intelligence
to make leaps and bounds.
I ktww you fear the fire
your crazy-eyed fears
those rages from the past, in the dark
I ktww those ghosts but know the fire
t"hat alchemy of gold Brace the storm, surrender
be brave sister, take sword
face the p"hantoms
and the gallows farnace I promise you won't die.
No longer caged, you will fly
fly "hawksister, fly.
By Deborah Fox
LESBIAN HUMORIST LOOKS AND
LAUGHS AT LIFE
What's so funny about being a
lesbian?
Find out when humorist and social commentator Ellen Orleans discusses lesbian life in an upbeat and
gay-affirming talk: The Joy of Lesbian Culture. Combining animated
readings from her new book, Can't
Keep a Straight Face, with personal
observations, Ellen discusses the
richness of lesbian culture -- from
dating, softball and politics to jobs,
cats, therapy and relations hips. Following the talk, the author will
answer questions.
The Joy of Lesbian Culture will be held at Meachem Auditorium, University of Oklahoma Memorial Union, on Thursday
December 2, at 7:30 P.M ..
Ellen will be at Herland on Saturday, December 4 at 3 P.M ..
for a book signing and more informal reading.
Speaking about her work, Ellen comments, "Humor has a way
of sneaking in and making a point that blunt observation often
can't match. It's an effective tool for social change."
Ellen writes a bi-monthly humor column for Denver's Out
Front magazine. Her work has appeared in Women's Glib: A
Collection of Women's Humor and Women's Glibber: State ofthe
Art Women's Humor, as well as The Washington Post, The
Providence Journal, The Funny Times, Hysteria, Common Lives/
Lesbian Lives, Girl Jock, and Deneuve among others.
For information about the reading scheduled for Oklahoma
University, contact the University of Oklahoma Gay/Lesbian/
0
Bisexual Alliance at 325-4452.
OK
CONGRESSMEN SUPPORT
DISCRIMINATON
(October 21, 1993) -- The National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force (NGLTF) today demanded that three Oklahoma congressmen recant their public statements in support of employment
discrimination against gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. NGL TF
also called on House Minority Whip Rep.Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
to end his defense of such discrimination. NGLTF Executive
Director Peri Jude Radecic sent letters to the congressmen, denouncing their bigotry and urging them instead to serve as leaders
in ending discrimination.
As reported in Roll Call newspaper on Oct.18, Oklahoma
Reps. Jim Inhofe (R), Bill Brewster (D) and Ernest Is took (R) said
they would not hire openly gay staffers for their Congressional
offices. Inhofe said that having an openly gay person on his staff
would be' 'disruptive in terms ofunit cohesion. I do admit to some
prejudice against the lifestyle.'' Is took said' 'I don't thinkit would
work very well,'' while Brewster said, ''I have a problem with the
gay lifestyle to start with. I just don't think it is normal behavior.''
Following a speech Oct. 19 by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
denouncing the Oklahoma Congressmen's support of discrimina. tion, Rep. Newt Gingrich defended such discrimination in The
Washington Times. Gingrich said, "How can Barney Frank suggest that we impose on a member of Congress a standard which
that member of Congress may regard as against his religion?"
Frank and 15 other Members of the House today sent a letter to
Gingrich expressing disappointment with his use of religious
beliefs as a defense of discrimination.
In letters to the three Oklahoma Congressmen and Rep. Newt
Gingrich, NGL TF' s Radecic said their comments ''reflect bigotry
in its purest form and is inexcusable from any employer, especially
one that holds public office and sets an example for others to
follow."
" In addition to theobviousrepugnanceofproudly stating that
you would discriminate against a fellow American based on an
aspect of their life irrelevant to job performance, your public
statement feeds the hatred that causes gay bashing and torments
gay and lesbian young people, often ending in suicide,'' Radecic
said in the letters. ''I strongly urge you to publicly recant your
statement, and immediately cease discriminating against your
employees based on their sexual orientation. America deserves
better."
0
Published by: Herland Sister Resources, Inc. 2312 N.W . 39th,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Newsletter Committee: Margaret Cox, Deborah Fox, Vivien Ng,
Pat Reaves
Circulation: 1200
Advertising Rates: Business card $15; 1/4 page $35;
1/2 page $60; full page $100
The Voice is offered as an open forum for community discourse.
Articles reflectthe opinions of the author and not necessarily those
of Herland Sister Resources. Unsolicited articles and letters to the
editor are welcomed and must be signed by the writer with full name
and address. Upon request, letters or articles may be printed
under a pseudonym or anonymously.
Subscriptions to The Voice are free upon request .
The Voice is printed on recycled paper.
6
Herland Voice
November, 1993
n,kes to Watch Out For
OKAY. yov Ml6~1 A5
WE.LL l<NovJ. 1'HE O'Tlt£R
VAY,
SHE OV£1<1iEAR.I>
)tl<f Tt:UiNG Mr flow
PUPPY~llCI )O\l Fi~D
revelations
f.IER CR!JS>f 011 Yo(.).
Fall Peace Festival 1993; Saturday,
November 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the
Civic Center "Hall of Mirrors," 200
Channing Square in Downtown OKC .
There will be 50 booths of organizations
working for justice, peace, human rights,
environment; 15 tables with local
craftspeople supporting the Peace Festival; Children's Corner with Discovery
Toys, arts and crafts, and adult supervision; face painting and chair massage.
Other highlights include side workshops
presented by participating organizations
on timely topics and local talent and
entertainers. Be sure to look for and stop
by Herland's booth, and say hi.
Lesbian only counseling group, W ednesday evenings. Call Jo L. Soske M.Ed./
MHR/WCADC/NCC/LPC at 364-5708.
Teachers Get-Together: All lesbian &
gay teachers - child care, public school,
college, etc., are invited to attend a gettogether at Herlandon Thursday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. Some people want a
safe place to talk; some may desire political action in the future, others may want
to ease the isolation or just talk shop
without keeping their guard up. Please
join us! If you are interested but can ' t
come, drop a note to Susan at OK Teachers, P.O. Box 98, Norman Ok 73070,
saying what you'd like from such a group,
or better times to meet - whatever comments you have. These can be anonymous and will be shared with the group.
HERLAND NEEDS YOU!
Yes, I'll help keep Berland healthy and growing.
Please call me about Berland volunteer
opportunities.
Here's my contribution of
I
An eating disorder support group is
being established in the 0 KC area. If you
suffer from anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive overeating, there is help. The
group will meet once a week at no charge.
Meeting time and place to be arranged.
For more information call 405/ 752-7357.
ACADEMIC DYKES: Since our first
potluck in Stillwater was such a success,
we' re having another one at 7 p.m. on
November 20 in Oklahoma City. All
lesbian faculty and staff working in Oklahoma universities and colleges are invited. Call Vivien at (405)364-2693 for
details.
OUGBLA: Renee McBride will be
speaking to the Univ. of OK Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Alliance on Thurs., Nov .
11 at 7:30 PM in OMU, Rm . 161 about
Herland and the various lesbian and gay
activities and organizations in OKC.
Return to Herland Sister Resources, 2312 N.W. 39, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Herland is
a 501c(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible.
~------------'
Her/and Voice
November, 1993
7
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