TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v8.no11.1997.11.pdf

Title: TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v8.no11.1997.11.pdf
extracted text: Property of the Center

Triangle Community Center

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Vol.8, No.I I
November 1997

Free to Members and Subscribers

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

THE ✓/PAGEANT" NEEDS

You!

After running to lavish praise at Manhattan's Blue Angel Theatre, the musical comedy "Pageant" will
return to the stage this January for five performances. As its name indicates, "Pageant'' is a beauty
contest in which six contestants vie for the coveted title of Miss Glamourese. Each contestant
represents a particular region of the United States: Miss Bible Belt, Miss Industrial Northeast, Miss
Deep South, Miss Texas, Miss Great Plains, and Miss West Coast. Their costumes represent each
region's stereotype. Each of the six contestants participate in an "exhaustive series of preliminary
competitions" one of which is "beauty crisis counseling." They are also asked promote beauty
products like Smooth As Marble Facial Spackle "for a deep-down cover-up," and Lip Snack, a
nutritious lipstick that comes in 27 shades and flavors . Audience members will serve as judges with
different winners at each performance.
"Pageant'' is directed by Scott M. Robbins and choreographed by Kathleen Hellrigel of Bridgeport.
Mr. Robbins has staged more than 25 large scale productions including TCC's January 1997
production of''Whoop-Dee-Doo" which raised $17,000 for TCC, Bread & Roses and other AIDS assistance organizations in
Fairfield County. He also directed the June 1997 production of"The World Goes Round" in Westport.
Volunteers are needed for all aspects of the production. "On Thursday, November 20, there will be a kick-off party which is open
to everyone," said Scott M. Robbins, the director. ''This will be a good opportunity to meet some of the cast and crew, and find
out how to become more involved." Volunteers are needed to sell ads in the playbill, staff the ticket table, help with props, lighting,
scenery and dozens of other tasks. The party will be held on Thursday, November 20, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Triangle
Community Center (TCC, the gay and lesbian community center), 25 Van Zant Street in East Norwalk.
"Pageant'' will be performed just five times. The dates are: January 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24. All performances will be held at the
Norwalk Community Technical College Performing Arts Center beginning at 8 p.m. Proceeds from the performances will go
to benefit TCC and Bread and Roses (an AIDS residence in Georgetown, CT) . Tickets are $35 for the show only and $50 for
the show and a post-show reception. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at (203) 85 7-72 71. For more information
about the kick-off party or becoming a volunteer, please contact Michael Collins at AMI 220 WQUN radio at (203) 281-8984
days, or at (203) 375-3567 evenings and weekends.

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rec FRIENDRAISER
This month's TCC F riendraiser will take place
on Saturday, November 15, from 6 - 9 pm at
Caught In The Act, 1246 Main St. in downtown Bridgeport, Bridgeport's new gay club.
The proprietor of Caught In The Act will be
providing a scrumptious buffet with a variety
of foods . There will also be music and entertainment following the Friendraiser.
TCC's Friendraisers are an opportunity to
socialize and meet new friends, while supporting TCC programs. TCC members pay
$8 and non-members pay $10. Reservations
are requested for this month's Friendraiser
and can be made by calling (203) 334-3822.
Directions: Via 1-95; Take Exit 27A, Route
8/23 Connector. Take first exit and go straight
for two blocks to Main Street. Turn left onto
Main St and go just one block where you'll see
a parking lot on the right. Park in the lot next
to Caught In The Act, at # 1246.
Via Route 15 : switch to Route 8/25 Connector and take Exit 3, Main Street South. Go
past two traffic lights and park in parking lot
on the left, which is next to Caught In The
Act, at # 1246.

November 1997

SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
SHOWING OuR TRUE COLORS
The beauty of fall is upon us with its canopy of colors above us and with rainbows in our hearts.
We all prepare for the onset of cooler weather and the respite of winter. This begins a time when
we all head indoors to warm, cozy places. Please remember that one of those places is TCC. We
need you and your help to make our fall and winter projects a success.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the GLBT Community Center in NYC with board member
Denny Burke for the annual conference of regional community centers and was pleased to find
that we're not alone in more ways than one. In an effort to get to know one another we shared
about our favorite colors, books, movies, songs; our "coming out'' stories and our respective
visions for our community centers.
Issues discussed included the entire diversity of our community: women, men, transgendered,
bisexual, people of color, sage and youth. We discussed the need for a specific mission, an overall
vision, the development of financial and political support, the refurbishing of our physical space
to create a warm environment conducive to growth and social events and the development of a
strong volunteer base dedicated to community services. In essence ... working together
In some ways TCC is still a "baby" in comparison to the NYC and Philadelphia Centers whose
building spaces have more potential. NYC is getting ready to start a large $6 million addition
while the Philadelphia center is renovating the 26,000 square foot Engineer's Club, complete with
ballroom. Yet in other ways, TCC is a maturing center with community outreach, the fundraising
success of"Whoop-De-Do" and the strength of time tested bylaws and infrastructure.
So come on in! The heat is on and the hearts are warm. TCC needs your ideas and energy. We
need people who are skilled in grant writing, additional board members, more social events-and
the people to run them, and more program ideas. We need to start searching for a better place
to house TCC. Remember you're not too busy to be gay.
-Don Buxton; TCC President.

Pagel

T NEWS & VIEWS
CC NEWS
JOHN DEL VECCHIO ATTENDS CEREMONY
The late Cianni Versace, one of the world's most prominent fashion designers, was honored posthumously at the
Gala Awards Dinner of the National Italian American
Foundation October 25th at the Washington Hilton
Hotel. Over 3,000 prominent Italian Americans attended the event, joined by President Bill Clinton and
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. Donatella Versace
accepted the 1997 NIAF U. S./Italy Friendship Award
on behalf of her brother. The NIAF, a national organization representing the interests of25 million Americans of
Italian heritage, will establish a scholarship fund in
Versace's memory.
TCCBoard member John Del Vecchio commented, "As
a gay American ofltalian heritage, I am very pleased that
the nation's most important Italian organization-the
NIAF-has struck a blow against homophobia by honoring a gay Italian-American with one of its most prestigious awards".

BLANCHE BOYD AT TCC
TCC's Lesbian Literature group is sponsoring a book
signing by Blanche Boyd, a local writer, on Sunday, Nov.
23 starting at 1 pm at TCC. Ms. Boyd's latest publication
is the mystery "Terminal Velocity."
The Lit group meets at the Center on the first Tues. of
each month. Starting time is 7:30pm. For more information call Christine at (203) 847-8476.

MOTHERHOOD AND APPLE PIE
On November 18th the Stamford/Greenwich chapter of
NOW will hold a potluck/meeting at and with the
Triangle Community Center. The topic for discussion
will be Parenthood - Arranged, Natural and Otherwise.
The potluck will begin at 6: 30 followed by the discussion
sometime after 7:30. Bring food to feed at least four.
With so many children visibly being raised in families
different from the "traditional," the question becomes how much of childrearing is gendered by nature? Is
biology destiny and should it be? And who gets to be the
Mommy? Bring your thoughts, your experiences, and of
course, our children.
~....,...,......,.,..,_,.,,...

__~---

SUBJECTS SOUGHT
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
has recently opened a new study, "Effects of Repeated
Infusions ofAdoptively Transferred Syngeneic Lymphocytes on the Immune Systems ofHIV-1 Infected Identical Twins". They are seeking identical twins discordant
for HIV infection. Betsey Herpin R.N., the research
study coordinator assigned to this program, would be
happy to answer questions or provide any additional
information. Her phone number is 1-800-772-5464
X304.

November 1997

LETTER To THE ErnToR
It was a hot lazy Sunday. My friend Carole and I decided to enjoy the after_noon by
skating around the area of Fairfield beach on our Roller~lades and then gomg for a
swim. The beach was crowded but we found a spot and hud out our towels. We went
swimming twice. When we returned to our belongings the second time, we saw that
there was a pasty substance down the middle of Carole's towel. We were so innocent
at first. We tried to guess what it was and how it got there.
It looked like feces. From what, we didn't know, but it was definitely not from any bird.
It really looked like it had been wiped there on purpose. It hit me suddenly, like a train.
Someone on the beach had actually gone out of their way to do this. It hit Carole then
too. We stopped talking. I felt the blood leave my face in shock. I began, for the first
time, to see the people around us. I examined every face and read all the body language
I could. It appeared that people were minding their own business. The day stopped
being a lazy Sunday for us.
I threw out Carole's towel and we left. As I skated back to the car, I felt sick and I wanted
to cry, but mostly I was incredulous. My head was reeling. I couldn't comprehend what
I knew was the truth. I kept asking myself, 'How could somebody be so hateful as to
go out of their way to be so unkind?' Carole and I are a gay couple and somebody on
that beach recognized and objected to it. Although we never touched each other (we
know better than to do that) we figure we must have looked too happy, content, and
comfortable in each others company.
For a while afterward, I found myselfminimizing the event, but a friend of~ine pointed
out that the kind of immaturity and hate Carole and I experienced on Fairfield beach
that day may vary in degree, but the motivation of superiority, entitlement, and
ignorance behind it is the same. This kind of mentality mustn't be tolerated. I wonder
how many people on the beach that day saw what happ~ned? I find it hard to believe
that no one did. It doesn't matter how 1t shows up, how it's expressed. It 1s hate, pure
and simple, and it's the kind of hate that none of us can afford to turn our eyes from.
Perhaps people who have been targets of bigotry could write down their stories as I
have. Write to let everyone know how insidious it is. Write so that everyone will
understand that tolerating differences is a key to maturity and wisdom.
-Kelly Kirby
SEE THE "CONNECTICUT CALENDAR11 (PAGE 4) FOR MORE
CONNECTICUT LISTINGS
NEWS SOURCES
Washington Blade, September 25, 1997
Clinton To Appoint Lesbian
Detroit News, September 26, 1997
Cure Causes Damage
Ari7.ona Daily Star, September 13, 1997
AZ • AIDS Drugs Stop
Reuter, September 26, 1997
Hartford • Lower Car Insurance
New York Times, October 8, 1997
Statewide • Military Recruiters On Campus
Court TV Trials on the Docket
FL - Facing Charges
Washington Blade - October 3, 1997
Bishops: Gays ~Not Immoral'
Los Angele., Times, September 29, 1997
MA - Boston Pride Show '97
Honolulu Bulletin, September 26, 1997
HI • Benefits Limited
San Francisco Chronicle, September 24, 1997
President To Address Gay Group
USA Today, October 9, 1997
Gay Ambassador
The Army Times, September 22, 1997
Another Challenge
Orlando Sentinal, September 20, 1997
IN - New Notre Dame Policy
San Francisco Chronicle, October 5, 1997
Search And Destroy
The Washington Blade, September 26, 1997
NGLTF Adds Bisexuals & Transgenders
St Paul Pioneer Press, September 25, 1997
MN - Pastor May Face Trial
The Providence Journal, September 17, 1997
Rl - Police Sued
Dallas Morning News, October 6, 1997
TX - Litc:Walk
New York Times, October 15, 1997
British Airways And Gay Market
New Haven Register, October 9, 1997
New Haven - Kramer Recalls Yale
New Haven Register, October 14, 1997
Hamden - Quinnif.iac Gays, Officials Clash
Morning News Tnbunc, October 14, 1997
WA - Carnmermeyer Into Politics
Rutland Herald, October 7, 1997
RHS Acts to Support Gay Students

THE GAY GOURMET
MARINATED TOMATOES WITH
fETTUCINE
1 - 28

01.

can, importnl ltali,111 plum

ton1atoes

1/-t cup snipped parsk-y
-t tbsp olive oil
2 don-s g,1rlic, mirKnl
Sl'Yl'ral basil leaves, chopped
d,1sh coarse ground pepper
1 lh. ti.:ttucine
Coarsdy d)()p the tomatoes and combine
in ,l hO\d with parsley, olive oil, garlic, basil
and 1Kpper. CO\-cr and refrigerate 2 - 3
hours. Cook ti:ttucim· in a large pot in
boiling s,1ltcd water until al dentc; drain.
P<iur int<> l.irgl· ser,ing h1iwl and t1iss gently
with tomato mixture. Servc with grated
cheese. hiur main or eight side portions.

Page2

T NEWS & VIEWS

~ CONNECTICUT NEWS
STATEWIDE - MILITARY RECRUITERS ON CAMPUS
Fearing that Connecticut's public universities will lose up to $70 million
a year in federal aid because of a state ban on military recruiting on
campus, lawmakers will consider changing state law at a special session
of the Legislature. Last year the State Supreme Court found that the
state's gay rights law barred the armed forces from campus recruiting
because they exclude people who are openly gay. As a result, the federal
government said, it would withhold grants and scholarships to military
personnel attending state universities, and state officials said they feared
that other federal aid might also be in jeopardy. New York state changed
its policy last year, and last month, the City College of San Francisco
lifted its ban rather than lose about $1.7 million in federal funds.

STATEWIDE -YOUTH GROUPS
BGLAD4YOUTH, New Haven - Weekly meetings, Saturdays 3-5
P.M., at a New Haven church, for g/1/b youth age 22 and under. A safe
environment to make friends, discuss common concerns, and ask
questions. Adult facilitator. For more information call Kevin (203) 6240947.
Central Connecticut Youth, Middletown - Weekly support group for
ages 22 and under. G/1/b/t and their friends are welcome. Meetings are
Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 in a classroom at a Middletown
church. An adult facilitator leads discussions and answers questions;
group members provide friendship and social activities. For more
information and details call Paul at (860)347-9514.
Lifestyles United, Bridgeport - A support group for g/1/b/t and questioning youth in the greater Bridgeport area, meeting every Thursday
night at the Bridgeport Health Department, 752 East Main St., Bridgeport. In addition to education and support, the group writes and
performs various works about their experiences. Call (203)576-7679
for more information.
One-In-Ten Youth Group, New London - This group provides peer and
social support to 1/g/b and questioning youth in the greater New
London area. The group meets Sundays from 4-6 pm. For location and
more information call (203)443-3015.
OutSpoken, Norwalk - A support group for g/1/b and questioning
youths (ages 16-22) that meets every Sunday from 4-6 pm at the
Triangle Community Center, 25 Van Zant St., Norwalk. Share stories;
discuss issues ranging from coming out and relationships to family,
friends, school and work; and occasionally sponsor dances and go to
special events like Pride. Youth from throughout Connecticut and
Westchester are welcome. For more information call Dan at 203-2271755.
YANA, Danbury-A student-based group at Danbury High School that
is open to all g/1/b youth in the area. Meetings are every Tuesday from
2:30-4:00 pm at the school. For more information call faculty advisor
Herb Hintze at (203)797-4800.
Your Turf, Hartford - A facilitated group that provides support and
social connection for 1/g/b youth. Your Turf meets Friday evenings from
7: 30-9:30 pm at the Hartford GLBT Community Center, 1841 Broad
St., Hartford.

HARTFORD - LOWER CAR INSURANCE
Gay couples, widows and divorced people deserve a break on their auto
insurance, Hartford Financial Services Group (The Hartford) said. The
Hartford said it has identified a category called "diverse households" that
has proven to be as deserving of lower auto insurance rates as married
couples. The change could affect one in eight U.S. households, or 12
million households in total.
"Married couples generally are responsible drivers, allowing them to
enjoy lower premiums," said Bruce Hale, director ofdiversity marketing
for The Hartford. "We now believe domestic partners, as well as
widows, widowers or divorcees raising children fall into this category as
well," Hale said. "We've named this category 'diverse households,' and
we're dropping their auto insurance rates accordingly- in some cases
by more than 25 percent."

November 1997

HAMDEN - QUINNIPIAC GAYS, OFFICIALS CLASH
A Quinnipiac College administrator's decision to forcibly remove a
student gay rights banner has resulted in campus tension and debates
about free speech. The confrontation came as two dates converged;
October 11 was proclaimed "Quinnipiac College Coming Out Day'' by
Gays, Lesbians and Straight Supporters, the college's gay org~nization,
and it was Open House Day for prospective students and their parents.
GLAS members noticed that their first banner, which read, ''National
Coming Out Day at QC, Monday, 11 a.m .- 3 p.m., Library Steps,
Sponsored by GLAS" was removed from the cafeteria wall. The GLAS
officials heard that the college's administration ordered that the banner
be removed. GLAS members then decided to make a second, identical
sign and post it outside, on the wall ofthe campus library. About a dozen
GLAS members gathered near the sign on the library steps. Within a half
hour campus security told them to take the sign down.
The president of GLAS, Molly Scott, then decided to create and hold yet
another sign, this one reading: "This sign is not about gay rights - ask
me why." Shortly afterward, Donald Blumenthal, the college's senior
associate dean ofstudent affairs, arrived. According to Scott, Blumenthal
said, "Molly, please don't hold that sign up today. This is not the time
or place for this."
Scott recalled that when she protested to Blumenthal he told her, "We're
a private university; we have the power to do whatever we want."
Blumenthal deferred comment to the college's Public Affairs Department. Vice President fo~ Public Affairs Lynn Bushnell said the incide_n t
had nothing to do with free speech or gay rights. "The group posted its
sign on the library itself," she said. "The college has a long-standing
policy that signs cannot be posted on buildings."

NEW HAVEN - KRAMER RECALLS YALE
Standing in front of a packed church, nationally known gay playwright
Larry Kramer wasn't far from a place that still haunts him. That place
is a dorm room in Lawrance Hall at Yale University where, in 1953 with
a bottle of aspirin, Kramer tried to commit suicide. "I didn't want to
come back to New Haven," Kramer said about the place that made him
feel alone and desperate, defeated and sick because he was gay.
Kramer spoke at the United Church on the Green to mark the first
birthday of the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center.
Kramer, author of such award-winning plays as "The Normal Heart,"
"The Destiny of Me" and "Faggots," was the event's keynote speaker.
The founder ofACT-UP, a group that sought to draw national attention
to the plight of AIDS sufferers through acts of civil disobedience, talked
about the importance of a gay community center and gay studies.
Kramer cautioned gays about the hate and discrimination that persists
for them and urged gays to fight for their rights.
"In the end, it's up to you. You're not going to get it if you don't pressure
for it," Kramer said. "We pushed a few bricks in their faces.' It's up to you
to knock the walls down."

STAMFORD - AIDS PLAY
The Stamford Theatre Works presents "Lonely Planet," a compassionate comedy/drama about friendship and fear in the age of AIDS written
by Steven Dietz and directed by Steve Karp. The play will run from
November 5 - 23; Tuesday - Saturday beginning at 8 p.m.; Sunday
beginning at 7 p.m. (first weekend only) and matinees on Saturdays at
4 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. "Lonely Planet" will be performed at the
Stamford Theatre Works at the Sacred Heart Academy for the Arts, 200
Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford. Tickets range from $13.50 to $25.00.
Parking is free. For more information call the box office at (203) 3594414.

SrAMFORD - CONCERT
Wayne Osborne will perform his original songs and lyrics in a concert
at the First Presbyterian Church ofStamford, 1101 Bedford St. The date
set for the concert is Nov. 9 beginning at 5pm. There is no charge for
the concert. But any donations received will go to benefit Bread 'n
Roses.

Page3

T NEWS & VIEWS
THE CONNECTICUT CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 1997
Wednesday, November 5 - Blanche Boyd will read from her Friday, November 21 - Another Octave: Connecticut
Women's Chorus, Trinity College Mather Hall,
book "Terminal Velocity'' at the Reader's Feast, 7 :30pm.
Hartford. Sponsored by the Trinity Women's orgaThursday-Monday, November 6-10- The Fifth Annual Single
nization to benefit the Hartford Interval House. See
Men's Weekend in Provincetown.
November 14 listing for more details.
Saturday, November 8-Project 100/Hartford GLBTCommunity Center presents True Colors: A Night of Song and Saturday- Sunday, November 22 - 23 - Boston Pride Show
'97, featuring products and services from local and
Laughter, with special appearances by the Connecticut
national businesses combined with a full schedule of
Gay Men's Chorus, Another Octave, Comedian John
entertainment
and special events.
Guthrie, Dawn Terese, Sammy, and Kandi Kane.
Saturday,
November
22
-Another Octave: Connecticut
Bulkeley High School Auditorium, 300 Wethersfield
Women's Chorus, Unitarian Universalist Society,
Ave, Hartford (secure parking), 8:00 PM. Tickets
Hartford Turnpike, Hamden, including the Chorus'
available at Metrostore, Reader's Feast, the Commufirst ever silent auction. See November 14 listing for
nity Center, or call 1-860-233-8334.
more details.
Saturday, November 8 - the connecticuT View presents Boys
Will Be Girls, a fun-filled female impersonator dinner Sunday, November 23 - Blanche Boyd will read from her
book ''Terminal Velocity'' at the Triangle Commuand show to .benefit Pediatric AIDS - Connecticut
nity Center starting at 1:00 PM. Sponsored by the
Children's Medical Center, at the North Country Inn
Lesbian Literature Group.
and Restaurant, New Milford (junction of rts. 7 and
37). Cash bar at 7:00, dinner at 8:00, show at 9:30. Sunday, November 23 - The Connecticut Gay and Lesbian
Buffet dinner and show: $35; show only: $15. Mail
Film Festival presents a benefit screening of Fire, at
checks payable to "the connecticuT View'' to Denise
Cinestudio, 2:30 PM.
Mason, P.O. Box 2281, Devon CT 06460.
Monday, November 10-Scott O'Hara will be signing his book
DECEMBER 1997
"Autopornography" at the Reader's Feast, 7:00 PM.
Saturday,
December 6, 1997 -The Connecticut Gay Men's
Friday,Novemberl4-AnotherOctave:ConnecticutWomen's
Chorus presents Christmas With A Legend. LegChorus presents ''It Takes a Woman: An Evening of
endary entertainer Julie Wilson joins the fifty merry
Music For and About Women," Pequot Library,
men of the GGMC for a Christmas celebration
Southport, 8:00 PM. $12 admission/$8.00 students
nonpareil. Quick Center, Fairfield University, 8:30
and seniors. For more information and tickets call Amy
PM.
Weiss, 203-772-0639.
Saturday, November 15 - TCC Friendraiser, at Caught In The Saturday, December 13, 1997 - The Connecticut Gay
Men's Chorus presents Christmas With A Legend.
Act, Bridgeport, 6 - 9 PM. Admission members $8/
Legendary entert.ainer Julie Wilson joins the fifty
non-members $10.
merry men of the GGMC for a Christmas celebraSaturday, November 15 - Another Octave: Connecticut
tion nonpareil. Lincoln Theater, University ofHartWomen's Chorus, First and Summerfield Methodist
ford, 8 PM
Church, New Haven Green. See November 14 listing
Sunday, December 14, 1997 - The Connecticut Gay Men's
for more details.
Chorus presents Christmas With A Legend. LegSaturday, November 15 - Gay Bingo to benefit the Hartford
endary entertainer Julie Wilson joins the fifty merry
Gay and Lesbian Health Collective. $10 admission.
men of the GGMC for a Christmas celebration
Over $500 in cash and prizes. At the Hartford GLBT
nonpareil. Garde Arts Center, New London, 2 PM
Community Center, starting at 7:00 PM. For more Saturday, December 20, 1997 - The Connecticut Gay
information call l-860-278-4163.
Men's Chorus presents Christmas With A Legend.
Thursday, November 20 - ''Pageant" kick-off party to get
Legendary entertainer Julie Wilson joins the fifty
volunteers to help with the production of"Pageant," at
merry men of the GGMC for a Christmas celebraTriangle Community Center, starting at 7:00 PM.
tion nonpareil. Shubert Theater, New Haven, 8 PM.
Thursday, November 20 - What's Sex Got to Do With It?
Queer Issues and Social Justice, a lecture by Mab
CALL FOR SINGERS
Segrest, award-winning author of"Memoir of a Race
St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
Traitor," who has written extensively on gender, race,
and sexuality. Trinity College, Washington Room,
Nonvalk
8:00 PM. Call 297-2408 for more information.

Splendid Repertoire of Traditional Music
Welcoming and Inclusive Congregation
For additional information or auditions call:
Bill Voetberg, Music Director, (203) 847- 7250
November 1997

Page4

T NEWS & VIEWS
-

NATIONAL NEWS

B1sH0Ps: GAYS 'Nor IMMORAL'
Catholic parents and their supporters applauded a 10-page letter
released Sept. 30 by a governing body of U.S . Catholic bishops.
The letter tells families to support their Gay children. The letter
also states that homosexuality is probably not a choice. "A
common opinion of experts is that there are multiple factors genetic, hormonal, psychological -that may give rise to it," states
the letter, which is titled Always Our
Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents ofHomosexual Children
and Suggestions for Pastoral Ministers. "Generally, homosexual
orientation is experienced as a given, not as something freely
chosen. By itself, therefore, a homosexual orientation cannot be
considered sinful, for morality presumes the freedom to choose."
It took four years for the bishops to agree on its content, and it has
been sent to all 370 bishops in the United States. It will be sent to
the 20,000 Catholic parishes across the country later this month,
advising Catholics how to handle this issue but not mandating
them to do so.
But while Gay civil rights advocates praised the pastoral letter for
addressing a topic the Catholic Church has seemingly shunned in
the past, they also criticized language in it that indicates gay people
must remain celibate. "It is God's plan that sexual intercourse
occur only within marriage between a man and a woman," the
letter states. "Second, every act ofintercourse must be open to the
possible creation of new human life." The letter continues by
saying that because two people of the same gender cannot get a
marriage license and because sex between them does not create
"new human life ... the Church teaches that homogenital behavior
is objectively immoral, while making the important distinction
between this behavior and a homosexual orientation, which is not
immoral in itself."

NGLTF ADDS BISEXUALS

& TRANSGENDERS

The board of directors of the National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force on September 13 added bisexuals and transgendered people
to its official mission statement which outlines the goals and scope
ofits civil rights work. The revised mission statement adopted by
the board states, ''The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
works to eliminate prejudice, violence, and injustice against gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people at the local, state, and
national level."
The board's action comes at a time when groups representing
transgendered persons have been urging gay political groups to
ask Congress as well as state and local legislative bodies to include
protections for transgendered persons in gay civil rights bills.
Most Gay civil rights bills include protections for bisexuals by
calling for a ban on discrimination against a person's sexual
orientation and defining sexual orientation in the legislation as
homosexuality, heterosexuality, and bisexuality.

GAY PRESS FAST GROWING
Advertising spending in the gay press reached $100.2 million this
year, a 35.9% increase over 1996, according to the fourth annual
Mulryan/Nash Gay Press Report, a national study of ad spending
and editorial content in the 138 gay-targeted print publications
across the U .S. In comparison, ad revenues in mainstream newspapers grew just 12.9% over 1996, as reported by the Newspaper
Association of America, and ad spending in mainstream magazines grew 11.2%, according to the Publisher's Information
Bureau.
Meanwhile, mainstream advertisers continued to show a strong
commitment to the gay press. Among the big-name, first-time
advertisers in 1997 were the generally conservative Aetna Retirement Services, American Express Financial Services, and IBM.
HBO and The Sundance Channel also appeared for the first time,
as did the airlines United and Continental. And in the fashion
category Perry Ellis, Joe Boxer, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana all
placed ads.

November 1997

ANOTHER CHALLENGE
The military's "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue". policy on homosexuals got a
vote of confidence from a fourth federal appeals court when, by a 2-1 vote, a panel
of three judges in Seattle rejected a challenge to the law by two gay officers. The
decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle means that appeals
courts in New York, Virginia, Nebraska and now Washington have uphefd part
or all of the Clinton administration policy enacted in 1993.
Legal experts believe that the growing agreement among federal courts means
that it may be some time before the Supreme Court rules on the law. The high
·court generally leaves a law alone until there is a conflict between two federal
circuit courts. Only then would the justices feel compelled to resolve the
conflicting interpretations oflaw. The courts seem to be saying that although the
military's rationale for excluding gays from its ranks may be flawed, it is sound
enough to remain as part of the law of the land.
The latest decision came in two cases that the court combined into one - Navy
Lt. Richard P. Watson and former California Army National Guard 1st Lt.
Andrew Holmes had filed separate challenges to the gay ban in 1995. Both cases
have been pending ever since. Both Watson and Holmes had revealed their sexual
orientation to commanders. Each refused to "rebut the presumption" that they
would engage in homosexual conduct. Under "don't ask, don't tell," gay service
members can remain on duty if they demonstrate they did not, will not, nor have
a propensity to, engage in homosexual acts. Based on their statements, and
subsequent refusals to rebut presumptions, administrative panels voted to
discharge both Watson and Holmes. Each filed a federal lawsuit shortly afterward.

SEARCH AND DESTROY
The Capitol Resource Institute was created in 1987, largely with the support of
Rob Hurtt, an Orange County businessman who was later elected to the state
Senate, where he serves as Republican leader. Its promotional materials are
soothing: "The staff and resources have grown along with our sophistication and
effectiveness. Making friends in the Legislature and all over the state, we have
beco~e a _reco~nized leader in coalition- building among conservative and family
orgamzat:1.ons.
But when it comes to the "gay agenda," all Madison Avenue polish is replaced by
bare knuckles. A bill lawmakers sent Governor Pete Wilson that would outlaw
discrimination based on "sexual orientation" was blasted as "the crown jewel for
the homosexual lobby." The measure by Assemblyman Antonio Villaraigosa, DLos Angeles, "empowers homosexuals to launch taxpayer-funded lawsuits against
businesspersons, property owners, Bible book store owners, Christian radio
stations, the Boy Scouts and many others who are personally opposed to
homosexuality."
"The gay agenda is not the rc:ople's agenda," said the group's executive director,
Randy Thomasson. Essent:J.al to the CRI organization's philosophy is the belief
that homosexuality is chosen. "This makes a mockery of true civil rights, by
placing sexual behavior on the same level as immutable characteristics such as race
and nationality," reads one CRI "statewide action alert" on the Villaraigosa bill
(AB 257) .
ACRI handout called "Responses to the Gay Rights Agenda" by.Thomasson
notes, "Homosexuals are among the most advantaged people in our country.
There are members of Congress, judges, CEOs, entertainers and persons ofhi~h
influence. There is no evidence of categorical discrimination preventing them
from acquiring jobs with high incomes. Research by marketing firms shows that,
as a group, homosexuals have higher-than-average per capita annual incomes
($36,800 vs. $12,287), are more likely to hold college degrees (59.6 percent vs.
18 percent) have professional or managerial positions (49 percent vs. 15.9
percent) and are more likely to be overseas and frequent fliers." Frequent fliers?!
Is there no end to gay madness?

PRESIDENT To ADDRESS GAY GROUP
President Clinton will become the first U.S. president to address a gay and lesbian
group when he takes the podium November 8 as the keynote speaker for a gala
dinner hosted by the Human Rights Campaign. The organization, the largest
lesbian and gay rights group in the nation, announced Clinton's participation
yesterday and hailed it as historic.
Clinton will share the stage with actress and comedian Ellen DeGeneres, who
came out as a lesbian earlier this year. DeGeneres is being honored by the Human
Rights Campaign along with her mother, Betty DeGeneres, who has become a
spokeswoman for the group, and Dorothy Height and Wade Henderson, both
longtime leaders in the Afncan American civil rights movement.

Page5

T NEWS & VIEWS
CLINTON TO APPOINT LESBIAN
President Clinton is preparing to appoint former National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Virginia Apuzw, 56, to his
senior staff in the White House. The post would make Apuzzo the
highest-ranking openly gay person ever to serve in a federal government
position. Apuzw served as head of NGTF for three years, testifying
before Congress and becoming one of the most visible and influential
figures in a quickly growing Gay civil rights movement.
Apuzw will be appointed as assistant to the president for management
and adminis~ation. She is currently assistant deputy assistant secretary
for the Department of Labor. As assistant to the president for management and administration, Apuzw would be responsible for the operation
of the White House and its office complexes, and supervise its nonpolitical and non-policy personnel, including security guards.

GAY AMBASSADOR
President Clinton has nominated James Hormel, a gay San Francisco
businessman and wealthy Democratic donor, to become ambassador to
Luxembourg. If confirmed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
Hormel would become the first openly homosexual envoy for the United
States. The committee, chaired by conservative Sen. Jesse Helms, RN.C., has previously confirmed Hormel as an alternate delegate to the
United Nations. Hormel, 64, has donated at least $120,000 to party
candidates and causes since 1995. An heir to the Hormel Meat Co.
fortune, he sits on the boards of the San Francisco Symphony and the San
Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

"CURE" CAUSES DAMAGE
With the support of the National Lesbian and Gay Health Association,
psychologist Ariel Shidlo and fellow psychologist Michael Schroeder are
researching what happens to people who undergo so-called "reparative"
therapy and fail to change their sexual orientation. Halfway to his goal
of interviewing 200 people who furtively attempted to become heterosexual with the help of a licensed therapist or an "ex-gay" counseling
group, Shidlo can provide a preliminary damage estimate:
A significant proportion of reparative therapy patients sustain serious,
lasting injuries. Having been misled into tfiinking that being gay is a
mental disorder and something that can be changed ifthey'll only try hard
enough, many people feel doubly flawed when a "cure" eludes them.
Reparative therapy not only encourages self-hatred but often sours
family relationships by spreading the myth that homosexuality results
from poor parentmg. Some patients suffer spiritually when they cannot
do wfiat they're told God requires. And a great many tempararily lose
their capacity for real human intimacy. Repressing gay desires creates a
void, not a true heterosexual, Shidlo finds.
Ironically, the one way reparative therapy beneficial to a few people is
proving to them that they really are gay and should accept themselves,
Shidlo's research shows. The healthiest journey for gay people is toward
self-acceptance. Therapists can mark the path or stay out of the way.
Clearly, there's no other ethical option.

TRAVEL NEWS
SAVANNAH, GA
Begin your explorations of Savannah inside the restored 1860s rail
terminal that houses both the Savannah Visitors Center and the Savannah
History Museum. From here it's a short walk north to the one part of
Savannah with a significant number of gay-frequented businesses, City
Market, a three-block pedestrian mall. The nearby gay disco, Club One,
is the performing home ofThe Lady Chablis, who figured so prominently
in The Book, as Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil. Of particular
note is the privately-owned Mercer House, in which Midnight's central
figure, antiques dealer Jim Williams, shot and killed his young lover,
Danny Hansford, in 1981.
Savannah still rivals any Southern destination for historic architecture and
dazzling house-museums. If you have time for only one, visit the OwensThomas House, a splendidly restored 1819 Regency mansion built by the
renowned British architect William Jay. At the north end of the district,
the city's riverfront is lined with a beautiful row of restored cotton
warehouses - now containing a slew of touristy businesses.
For dining, stick to one of the several gay-friendly local favorites. Head
to one of the most famous restaurants in the nation, Elizabeth on 37th,
which specializes in subtly sublime regional cooking, such as sauteed
Georgia shrimp with thyme, garlic, vegetables, an eggplant cake, and
vinegar butter. A bit more affordable, chic Il Pasticcio presents contemporary Northern Italian cuisine - sample veal medallions with gorgonzola
and a sundried tomato demi-glace.
For either lunch or dinner, the trendy City Market Cafe is a consistently
outstanding choice, serving parmesan-crusted crab cakes that will melt in
your mouth. You'll find the best burgers in town, at the Crystal Beer
Parlour, an old-fashioned tavern on the southwestern edge ofthe Historic
District. Stop by the Savannah Coffeehouse to quell your caffeine
cravings or catch live music. Although some locals shun the increasingly
touristy Club One, at 30,000 square feet, it's one of the most impressive
clubs in the Southeast. Neighborhood bars include relatively new Felicia's
and the coz:y Faces II.
Savannah's old hotels have become increasingly hospitable to the com unity.
Of affordable chain properties, Days Inn is clean, pleasantly furnished,
and centrally located. Rooms at the Foley House Inn contain antiques
and Oriental rugs. Joan's on Jones lets out two 19th-century studio
apartments. The only gay/lesbian-oriented B&B in Savannah, 912 Barnard
is also one of the least expensive. This dramatic turn-of-the-century house
has been handsomely restored to its original splendor, with antiques and
authentic colors that fully convey the ambiance of the city.

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

BRITISH AIRWAYS AND GAY MARKET
British Airways, in its first consumer advertising and promotion aimed
at the gay and lesbian market, has signed a multiyear agreement to
sponsor the Rainbow Card, a Visa affinity credit card, and the annual
Rainbow Card Leadership Award presented by Do Tell Inc. in
Conshohocken, Pa., which operates the Rainbow Card. Terms were not
disclosed.
The a~reement was signed with the Rainbow Endowment, a nonprofit
organization that distributes charitable grants financed by donations
from Rainbow Card users. It comes after British Airways began promotions aimed at travel agents in the gay and lesbian market. British Airways
is the card's second sponsor after the Subaru of America unit of Fuji
Heavy Industries Ltd.

CHINA
Discrimination against gay men and women in China has decreased in
the last few years, especially in urban areas, where more and more places
are openly known as gay hang-outs and their denizens no longer fear the
king of police roundups that were common only a few years ago.
November 1997

,An inclusive, welcoming, affirming community
•Challenging preaching

Solemn Eucharist .. Sundays at 10:15 AM
Come, experience splendid music &traditional
liturgy, the smell of incense & sight of flickering
candles, in the lovely architectural setting of
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Office: (203) 847..2so&
Page6

Property of the Center

T NEWS & VIEWS
AZ-

STATE BY STATE NEWS
AIDS DRUGS STOP

The day after the government reported a nationwide decline in deaths
from AIDS, the state health department said it can no longer supply the
very expensive drugs that are keeping people with HIV and AIDS alive.
The Ariwna Department of Health Services said yesterday that a $ I
million funding shortage will force it to stop providing the drugs, called
protease inhibitors, as of Nov. 1.
The department also put an immediate cap on the number of people who
receive other, less powerful anti-HIV medications through its federally
funded AIDS Drug Assistance Program. As of yesterday, no new patients
will be added to the program unless someone dies or goes off their
medication.
CA - GAY BILL UNNECESSARY

Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed a bill that would have given gays and lesbians
more legal protection from discrimination on the job and in housing,
calling it unnecessary. The bill, by Assemblyman Antonio Villaraigosa,
would have repealed the provision in the state Labor Code that prohibits
discrimination in employment on the basis ofsexual orientation and added
a similar provision to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Current law prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of a
person's sexual orientation. But the law, part of the state Labor Code,
doesn't cover nonprofit organizations. Villaraigosa's bill would have
extended the law's prohibitions to cover nonprofit groups that aren't
church-related.
DC -

JEB's

PowERFUL LENS

The most powerful weapon tor Joan E. Biren m her hght tor Gay c1V1I
rights during the past two decades is sitting in Room 207 at George
Washington University's Gelman Library. People say "JEB" started a
revolution around 1971 when she taught herself to use a 35mm camera
to shoot photos that publicized the lives of Lesbians.
''The most important thing about JEB was that she was open and the
women in her photographs were openly Lesbian," said gay artist and
writer Tee A. Corinne. "Before then, there was almost nothing."
During the 1970s and 1980s, Biren drove across the country meeting ~ay
people and taking their pictures at community gatherings, sportmg
events, concerts, and conferences, among other venues. Because of those
photographs an entire generation began to view itself proudly and was
empowered politically.
Sixty-one ofJEB's best photographs of women and men are on display at
the library until Nov. 21 as part of: Queerly Visib!e, 1971-1991, The
Work ofJEB (Joan E. Biren), a Washington, D.C., photographer. The
last Nikon camera she used, a mound of her press passes, and books that
contain her photos also are displayed.
FLORIDA - FACING CHARGES

William Calvert, computer programs manager for the AIDS surveillance
division of the Florida Department of Health Rehabilitative Services,
faces charges of misusing confidential information as a public official after
allegedly copying the names of nearly 4,000 HIV-positive and AIDS
patients into his laptop computer and illegally using the list as a reference
to inform his gay friends about their dates' HIV status.
HI - BENEFITS LIMITED

A new controversial law intended to extend health benefits to adults who
can't marry will not apply to most private companies, based on a
settlement between the state and five companies that sued in federal court
to challenge the so-call reciprocal beneficiaries law that took effect July 8.
The companies had challenged the new law, saying a federal law preempted the state law. But the settlement doesn't address that issue, only
who will have to pay under the new law. Under the settlement, the parties
agree that the law only applies to employers who have contracted with
insurance companies directly. Most employers contract with health
maintenance organizations or mutual benefit societies, such as Hawaii
Medical Services Association. Currently, 318,000 of320,000 employers
in the state are covered by such health plans, leaving only about 1,800 who
would have to pay health benefits to reciprocal beneficiaries.

November 1997

IN - NEW NOTRE DAME Poucv

The University ofNotre Dame has adopted a "statement ofinclusion"
that affirms the Roman Catholic school's regard for all persons,
specifically mentioning gays and lesbians. The statement, ' ' The Spirit
oflnclusion at Notre Dame," in part reads: "We welcome all people,
regardless of color, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
social or economic class, and nationality ... precisely because of Christ's
calling to treat others as we desire to be treated. We value gay and
lesbian members of this community as we value all members of this
community." The statement will be published in all major university
publications.
MA - CLASH POSTPONED

Reverend Fred Phelps has decided to/ostpone his March on
Provincetown. The reverend had planne to lead members of his
Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church into "the most perverted spot
on earth" (his words) today, to protest a school antibias program he
says is designed to foster acceptance of gays and lesbians. Phelps's visit
would have coincided with Provincetown's festive Women's Week, a
celebration of alternative lifestyles that brings 2,000 to 3,000 lesbians
into town. Phelps said that he will still "picket the pants off
Provincetown," but at a later date.
MA - BOSTON PRIDE SHOW

'97

Nearly one hundred national and local businesses are taking advantage
of an opportunity to access New England's lucrative and visible gay and
lesbian market at an upcoming business and entertainment expo.
Boston Pride Show '97 is an all-new, weekend-long showcase for
businesses friendly to the gay community held in a festive and
entertaining environment. The show is scheduled for November 22
and 23, 1997 at the Boston Center for the Arts' Cyclorama.
National and regional sponsors of the event include American Airlines,
American Express Financial Advisors, BankBoston, Ira Motor Group,
Poland Spring, Tower Records, Copley Place, Wainwright Bank and
Waterstone's Booksellers, among others. A limited number of additional exhibitor spaces are still available.
The show boasts a weekend full of activities including product demonstrations, a live and silent auction, book signings, musical guests and
a range of exciting entertainment including "Disco Sunday." Three
New England charitable organizations, AIDS Action Committee,
Community Servings and Fenway Community Health Center, have
joined Boston Pride Show '97 as community partners.

ME -

PEOPLE'S VETO

Saying it was a miracle they reached their goal, Maine gay rights foes
have gathered more than enough signatures to force a referendum on
a new law barring discrimination against homosexuals. Once the
petitions were checked over by state election officials, the gay rights law
that was supposed to take effect was put on hold. Volunteers all over
the state gathered 58,750 voters' signatures. A total of 51,131 were
needed to force a ".r:ople's veto" referendum and put what was
promoted as a civil nghts law in abeyance.
The law, which was approved by the Legislature earlier this year after
a two-decade effort, bars discrimination on the basis of sexual preference in housing, public accommodations, credit and employment. A
leader of the Maine Lesbian-Gay Political Alliance said she was
surprised the opponents were able to round up the signatures they
needed, but remained confident that voters will uphold the law when
they vote on it at a special election on a yet-unspecified date after
November but before next April.
MN - PASTOR MAY FACE TRIAL

To the Rev. Jimmy Creech, it was "a very simple and very meaningful
service." But to others, the ceremony uniting two lesbian members of
his United Methodist congregation was an assault on church policy.
Following the "covenanting'' ceremony Sept. 14, a member ofCreech's
congregation filed a formaT complaint against the pastor, the first step
in a disciplinary procedure that could lead to a church trial. "I cannot
imagine as a pastor saying 'no' to two people who say they want to
make a commitment to each other in the context of their faith," said
Creech, despite the ban on such practices.

Page 7

T NEWS & VIEWS
During its 1996 General Conference, the top legislative body of the
United Methodist Church, the nation's second-largest Protestant
church, added to its set of Social Principles a statement saying,
"Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in churches."
Official church policy is set by the General Conference, but it is
uncertain whether the Social Principles have the same status as church
law, contained in the Book of Discipline. On the issue of homosexuality, the Discipline simply states that it is "incompatible with
Christian teaching'' and makes no mention of same-sex unions. "I
don't think that Pm in violation of church law, but I do stand in
opposition to the church's unjust position that singles out and
discriminates against committed /members of this denomination,"
Creech said.
/

NY -

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\
MICHAEL

J.

TAYLOR, LMT

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE • CT,

440

MAIN STREET• RIDGEFIELD,

NY LICENSED

CT 06877 • 203-431-8278

COP SUSPENDED

A New York City police officer who won a medal from a gay cops'
group has been suspended for 30 days for allegedly using sexual
epithets when he gave the medal back after the ceremony, palice said.
The Gay Officers Action League gave Officer Lawrence Johnston a
medal for valor at the NYPD's annual Medal Day ceremony at police
headquarters. He allegedly used "some very vulgar language with
sexual innuendoes" when he returned the medal shortly after ceremony. He has been suspended without pay. It was not immediately
clear why Johnston was given the medal or why he returned it.

TX -

/

WOMEN'S HEALJH CARE
THERESA M. NICOLADSE, CNM
Ob1tatric1 and Ro1,1tlne Gynegology
309 Seaside Aven1,1e
Milford. Connectic1,1t 06480
Telephone: (203) 877-5634
Fu: (203) 876-1840

LIFEWALK

Police estimated more than 7,000 people followed the 5-kilometer
oval AIDS LifeWalk '97 route through Oak Lawn. The walkers
raised more than $700,000 for Oak Lawn Community Service and
other area AIDS charities, organizations and health centers, organizers said. That's about $100,000 more than the record amount raised
last year, LifeWalk officials said. Participants raised money by getting
friends, neighbors and businesses to sponsor their walk. Area high
schools and church ministries also sponsored walk teams.
Some volunteers credited Sunday's big numbers to the good news
about improved treatments with drugs known as protease inhibitors.
Combinations ofthose drugs haveled to the first decrease in the AIDS
death rate since the epidemic was identified 16 years ago. LifeWalk Tshirts repeated that message with the slogan: "I walk because I care,
and because AIDS is not over."

of MILFORD, P.C.
Hours by Appointm•nt

Classified Ad
Houseshare available immediately. Two roommates
seek third for adorable home on the Saugatuck River in
Westport. Close to town, RR, beaches. $450 plus 1/3
utilities. Non-smoking household. Call (203) 227-6400.

RHS Aas TO SUPPORT GAY STUDENTS
Rutland High School will work to support gay and lesbian teenagers
as the result of a petition signed by 200 students. "We are tired of
watching our friends get harassed," read the petition sent to staff. "We
are tired of seeing people depressed because they have no one to turn
to. We are tired ofstudents going to Rutland High School in fear and
we want an end to it." Administrators responded by allowing petition
organizers to speak with the school's 70 faculty members.
The petition said although the school wouldn't tolerate racial or
ethnic slurs, the staff wasn't addressing attacks against sexual orientation. The petition said that gay and lesbian students were afraid to
protest because of fear of harassment. City school Superintendent
David Wolk said, "It was a helpful wake-up call for all of us. We were
the students and they were the teachers."

WA-

CAMMERMEYER INTO POLITICS

Retired Army Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, who once called
herself"one ofthe most famous lesbians in the country," said Monday
she's inclined to run for Congress and doesn't worry about becoming
a lightning rod. Democrat Cammermeyer, who drew national attention with her successful fight to stay in the Washington National
Guard despite the military's policy of discharging gay men and
lesbians, said she's mulling a challenge of two-term Republican Rep.
Jack Metcalf. The 2nd District includes Western Wasbington from
Everett to the Canadian border.

November 1997

TRIVIA
Answer to Octoher-'The store is called Tender
Buttons which has been a midtown fixture for
the past 25 years.

Question for November - Who is the. gay film
and opera director who made the sine qua non
of teenage romances in the 60's, made a TV
religious miniseries in the 70's that became an
instant classic and has more recently served in
his countxy's Parliament representing a rightwing political party?

P-FLAG

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AT

TCC

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

Page8

T NEWS & VIEWS
TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
P.O.BOX 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855
Tel/Fax: (203) 853-0600
e-mail TCCenter@aoI.com

Restaurant
L'Abbee
"Excellent" ... New York Times
Fine Dining in a friendly and relaxed
atmosphere with a menu that truly
expresses the Art of the kitchen
by Chef Kimberly Robbins.
utifully prese

lawlessly serv
Your Hosts: Paul L' Ahhee
Bill Johnson
: 62 Main Street
: New Canaan, CT

(203) 972-6181

OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
(860) 644-4305
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
(203) 264-5605
Chiltern Mountain Club
(203) 899-0270
Connecticut Kids and Families
(203) 256-8414
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
(203) 791-9553
40-Up Club.(Social Grp.-call Dale before 10pm) (203) 261-4019
Gay Fathers Group
(203) 866-7051
(203) 778-7016
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
(860) 688-1881
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
(203) 366-3734
Hartford Community Center
(203) 724 5542
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
(203) 262-1555
Metropolitan Community Church
(203) 389-6750
The Loft, White Plains NY,
(914) 948-4922
Triangle Bowling League
(203) 931-8789
Triangle Kids
(203) 255-6229
(203) 323-6278
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group
(203) 773-9947
We're glad to list your non-profit gay/1.esbian/bi/tg group free of charge.
Call (203) 964-1133. Please keep us informed of changes.

Deadline for the December Newsletter will be
Saturday 15 November. We cannot guarantee
that material received after that date will be
included in December News&Views.
November 1997

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DON BUXTON ................ ..... ..... ..... President
DA VE CARROLL ............ ............... Vice-President
BARB SCHADE .............................. Treasurer
LEN HOREY ................................... Corresponding Secretary
DAVE CARROLL ........................... Acting Recording Sec'y
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JOHN DEL VECCHIO
DON BUXTON
LEN HOREY
CHRISTINE BISCEGLIE
BARB SCHADE
DENYSE BURKE
JOHN WALLACE
DAYID CARROLL
STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
TomM
Vacant
Board Development
Communications
JohnD
-Public Relations
MikeC
John W
Finance
MichaeIP
Fundraising/Sp Events
ChristineB
Membership
DenyseB
-Member Database
Marianne S
Operations
Cindy M
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
-Resource Room
Walter D
--Center Forums
Marianne S
Volunteer
Vacant

374-6934
334-3822
375-3567
261-7349
866-6993
847-8476
367-3911
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
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9\['EWS & 'V1'EWS
Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc. We
cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve the right
to edit or condense as appropriate to meet space requirements. Authors
will be contacted if major revisions are necessary. Please submit to :

NEWS&VIEWS
Michele Stone: Editor & Adv. Mgr.
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone/Fax 964-1133
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com

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

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

Page9

T NEWS & VIEWS

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Presenting quality dances for women who do not like
the bar scene... Conl4 and nl4d new friends.

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Sat. Nov 8, 8 pm $10
Ramada Inn. Stratford, CT
I-95 North, Exit 30

For more information call: (203) 377-2119

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212•382•5176
Investments

NICHOLAS LANG, MS, NCC
Counseling & Psychotherapy Services
Specializing in Sexual Orientation,
Loss, Relationship, & HIV-related Issues.

New Haven Office
200 Orchard St.
789-0560, Ext. 4

Wilton Office
387 Danbury Road
847-1094

PAUL D. SCHNEIDER
Attorney at Law
POBox451
Southport, CT 06490-0451
203/255-5520

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o/Tlu Eqllllabh U/1 iUSllmlfCI 5omtJ oftl,e U,med Slota (NY, NY IOUU). Tiu
•••·IUIIMd IMIJ,/Ji,oJ o/so ojf,rr trtul/twlltll ollUI Nriabt, Wllmlf« ottd 11111111llus
of Eqliltoble, ortd ofov,r fifty otlt,r compa,uu ,1,ro,.,1, EquiS011n:L
AGE-91-581 £.rp.(6/98)

Massage Conneution

Adoption
Child Custody Divorce
Partnership Agreements

Our Families Matter

THRESHOLD
MORTGAGE COMPANY

• Specializing in professional Swedish
massage
• By appointment only - Day or evening

PATRICK WINTERS
LOAN OFFICER
THRESHOLD MORTGAGE
COMPANY
THRESHOLD COMMON

• Student discounts available

59

W1L TON ROAD

WESTPORT, CT

06880

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

• Home visits available

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

~ MEMBER OF THE
~ INTERNALTIONAL

l ,.. JI

MASSAGE ASSO. . . . . CIATION

November 1997

• Sp1icializing in r1isid1intial home mortgages in Pairfillld County
• Capable of handling all loan scenario's from a$60,000 condo in
Stamford to a$1,000,000 home in Gmnwich
• Consist1int top producing loan officer for over t1in years with a
w1ialth of knowl1idg1i and exp1irience
In J.9.95, 1'hmshold1!011/fa!ftJ was cittJd as th11 top pl'Odudn!fmortj/3//1!
companJ harin!f dosed omr SJ15, DOU, ODD in loans in /!'airfield CountJ
Page JO

T NEWS & VIEWS
Horticultural Botanist
Gardener & House I Pet Sitter

~

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

Donald J. Comes

JOANN ATTWOOD NEMIS

(203) 866-2823

VICE PRESIDENT/ INVESTMENTS

30 7lerney Street
Norwalk, CT 06851

MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE AND OTHER PRINCIPAL EXCHANGES

JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT, INC.
2150 POST ROAD, FAIRFIELD, CT 06430

ro7

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

~ , lndi,id,,a( Coup/,, FamUy & Gmup Th,ropy

Specializing in:

Weddings • Comittment Ce!ebiations
and "Coming-Out" Patties

KURT SPERLING, L.C.S. W.

76 Lake Avenue • Danbury, CT 06810

Tel : 730-1400 • Fax: 798-9611

Joan w. Duncan, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
188 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
Tel/Fax(203)854-4805

225 MAIN

STREET,

LLl • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

LEADING
HOMES.ii
MICHAEL T. PAVLICIN

772 KING8 HIGHWAY WEST
SOUTH-IIT, CONNECTICUT 06490

FAX/2155-370!5 HoME/866-6993

203/255-2278

lradhomc3(itaol.com

VICTORIA

Laura L Gates, MSW, LCSW
Individuals, Couples, and Families
7-11 South Broadway, Suite 400
Plains, NY 10601

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(203) 372-9799
(203) 3flMlml

November 1997

IIEAI.TOII'

ExCWSM: BUYER AGENT

8llollER

Specializing in Women & Couples

[H

THE BUYERS REAL EsTATE COMPANY

T.

FERRARA

AlTORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585

1169 Sylvan Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606
(203) 372-9799
(203)ZJa.4ml4

WESTPORT, CT
ADMl1TED IN CT AND NY

Page 11

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

(203) 261-3492
Monroe, CT

(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT

AIDIS

MlD-f'A1Rf'1£lD
AlDS PROJ£CT
S£RV1'NG TH£ 'N££'DS Of
TH£ HlV/ AtDS COMMVN1TV 1N:
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WESTPORT
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WlLTQN
W£STON
&£ASTON
T'ROVJDING CL1£NT S£RVJC£S AND ADVOCACY

_11fE_.4_6_~-ill-~ffl,-in-R-!-~---Do-n-bury-,-CT-06_8_11-*

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FAX (203)7.44• 1139

Three detades of GAY travel expertise
_=:$RSVP

[fi:ill\

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f AX: (loJ) IJfMJJl
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Diane Hyatt, MSW, CISW
T Solution-oriented short or longer tenn

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

psychotherapy for Adults and Adolescents,
specializing in, but not limited to:

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

21 STRICKU\ND RD., COS COB. CONN. 06807 (203) 869-0216

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA

49 Coolidge Avenue
Stamford. CT 06906
(103) 964-184 7

T Depression
T

Anxiety

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

ATTORNEY-AT LAW

1305 POST ROAD, FAIRFIELD
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

203/256-3839

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

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

-

JOHANNA RAYMAN
M.S.W., L.C.S. W.

Small Business Formations and Assistance
225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WESTI'ORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

Support our advertisers! Say
you saw it in News & Views!
November 1997

Page 12

1

Univi1iil1~111miiijJ~ll [llf1I1i111111m11~md , OK
M 001 111 371

Property of the Center

Support our advertisers!
Sa ou saw itin News & Views!
..----------------------------~
taWtrom the inside
a way to look within

£ wlti{e

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l 'Orward
~,

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

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out ,.

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By Appointment

MICHAEL D. ROME, Esq.
Martin and Rome, LLC
Attorney•-at-Law
FREE INITIAL HALF
HOUR CONSULTATION

Real E.tak TraMaetio1111
Taxation: Bu•ine•• & Individual
Estate Planni1111 & Probate
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137 RowaytonAvenue (on the Five Mile River)
ROWAYR>N, CONNECTICUT06853
Faz (208) 859-6818
(203) 853-6671

JINiqlnOwl

9

Office Services

We're working even
when you're not!
David Dey
Owner and Operator
51 Schuyler Avenue, Unit 9D
Stamford, CT 06902

OvERNiGln SERvicE iN:
Desktop Publishing
Word Processing
Graphics & Charts
Presentations
Proposals
Book Production
Mass Mailings & Faxing
Electronic FIie Transfer
MAC & IBM Formats

100 Acres• Pool
Hot Tub• Trails

tie

Wi bland§ C/nn
P.O. Box 118
Bethlehem, NH 03574
(603) 869-3978

Phone/Fax: (203) 359-1469
EMail: Night0wl0S@A0L.C0M

KIM IZZO
175 Purdy Hill Rd.
Monroe, CT 06468
(203) 459-4528

20 Charming Rooms
Peace & Privacy

A LESBIAN PARADISE

Jane

w

Griffith, JD, MBA

Attorney-at-Law

Tax Strategy & Preparation • Real Estate
Estate Planning & Wills • Business Consulting
Interior/Exterior Painting
Wallpaper
Reliable, Dependable

Fully Insured

270Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT06515-2114

Fax 20J / J87-9899

Voice 20J I :589-8614

WHERE ARE WE? The Triangle Community Center Inc. is located at 25 Van Zant Street in Norwalk.
From 1-95, take Exit 16 and go south (from Stamford, turn right; from New Haven, turn left). Continue
south under the railroad bridge and turn right on Van Zant St. (Route 136). 25 Van Zant is a large
condominium office building on the right. TCC is in Suite 7-C on the ground floor, Tel. (203) 853-0600.
November 1997

Page 13

T ~EWS & VIEWS
Calendar

November, 1997
Sat
1

2

3

4

5

Women's Rap 7:30

HIV couns 3:30-6:30
Lesbian Lit 7:30
Fund Raising 7:30

P-FLAG 7:45

6
Men's Rap 7:30

7
Bov.,ling 9:15
Circle Lanes

8

M9-10am
OutS poken 4-6

9
M9-10am
OutS poken 4-6
Concert-Stamford,
5:00

10
Women's Rap 7:30

II
HIV couns 3:30-6:30
TCC Board 7:30

12
Bi Rap Grp 7:30

13
Mens' Rap 7:30

14
Out &About 6:30-8
Bov.,iing 9:15
Circle Lanes

15
TCC FriendraiserBridgeport, 3-6pm

16
M9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6

17
Women's Rap 7:30

18
HIV couns 3:30-6:30
Invest Club 7:30

19

21
20
Bov.,ling 9:15
Men's Rap 7:30
P-FLAG Spouses &ExCircle Lanes
Spouses 7:30
"Pageant'' party-TCC, 7:00

22

23
M9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6
Blanche Boyd 1:00

24
Women's Rap 7:30

25
HIV couns 3:30-6:30
TCC Board 7:30

26
Bi Rap Grp 7:30

27
Men's Rap 7:30

29

28
Bov.,iing 9:15 pm
Circle Lanes

30
M9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BYTCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806;Robin 358-8391
35+ Womens Pot Luck - Judy 227-7162
Free Association of Fairfield County - John 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group - Dave 838-1881; John 261-7349
Gmosaic (People of Color) - not currently active call TCC 853-0600
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Christine, 847-8476
Out & About (Gen.X Group) - Jen 736-6417 or Dan 838-2367
Outspoken (Youth)- Barb 259-8171; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
Triangle Bowling League (Circle Lanes, Fairfield) - Lisa 3333113; Roseann 931-8789
Women's Rap Group - Chandra 228-8652; Linda 866-4598;
Michele 438-4465
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted. A $3 donation per person is appreciated with
your participation in activities to help support the Center.

November 1997

T

MEMBERSHIP FORM

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

C I T Y - - - - - - - STATE - - - Z I P - - - -

PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SPONSORING MEMBER
SuSTAINING/BuslNESS MEMBER
SPECIAL MEMBER {YOUTH/SENIOR)

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

PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:

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

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INc.
EAST NORWALK, CT

Page 14

Part of Triangle Community Center News & Views : v.8:no.11(1997:Nov.)