Networking45North_v10.no3.1996.05-06.pdf
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- Networking45North_v10.no3.1996.05-06.pdf
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N
R
VOLUME
10
•
N
K
ISSUE
3
•
Mary
•
G
June
•
1996
City Commission to Vote
on Sexual Orientation
Jim Poole
The Traverse City City Commission has on its agenda for May 6
policy to
a vote on the proposed amendment to the city personnel
)
include sexual orientation. This change in policy, recommended by
the Traverse City Human Rights Commission, would protect city
employees from being fired from their jobs or denied hiring/
promotion because of their sexual orientation. The Record-Eagle
reported that over 105 letters were sent to the commission, including
77 from individuals, 26 from businesses, and two from churches.
Only one letter of opposition was received. A City Commission
meeting is open to the public. Friends North is asking everyone to
attend this May 6 meeting to show support for the amendment. The
meeting is scheduled for 7:30 pm at Traverse City's Governmental
Center, 400 Boardman. Following is a list of how commissioners
responded to questions asked, along with their phone numbers (if you
do not speak at the meeting on May 6, you may want to give them a
call before the vote):
Peter Taylor (mayor) 941-1826
Shelley Kester (mayor pro-tern) 946-2700 work
(off for maternity leave: leave message)
James Tompkins 947-2695
Jack Boynton 947-5944
Jasper Weiss 947-4420
Phil Orth 941-7013
Larry Hardy 947-7189
Celebrate Pride Day 1996
at the Robb Farm
Saturday, June 15
In Scenlc Leelanau Count~
JoL,n P- f LACi and f rL,end5 North
for the da~ or weekend and
5hare ln our prlde together
Yard Sale: 8 am - 3 pm
Bl,ke four: 11 am - 2 pm
f abulou5
Celebration & Picnic: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Out & About Le5b~an Coffeehou5e:
1. Do you support the proposed amendment to the city
personnel's non-discrimination policy to include sexual
orientation?
Taylor:
Kester:
Absolutely. I hope it passes. It's something that should not
threaten anyone because we don't discriminate based on
sexual orientation anyway. Those two words just aren't
written in the policy.
(Did not return message left with co-worker. Record-Eagle
reported that she opposes amendment.)
i
pm - II pm
Stay for the day or camp for the nt,qht and tour the
d~ver5L,ty of our world ~ a fun, 5afe env~onment
fhe Robb farm ~s located on the corner of Route 204
and Horn Road. between Suttons 17a4 and Lale Leelanau
1J1 beaut~ful Leelanau Count4
for further 1J1formatwn call 616- 946( t?onatwns are greatl4 needed)
1804
City Commission (continued page 18)
"I know the difference between Michelangelo and Mapplethorpe. • - Presidential candidate Bob Dole at a rally in Tampa, Fla.
Richard Tuxbury
Friends North, Inc., P.O. Box 562, Traverse City, MI 49685-0562 (616)
946-1804 (This is a general information line to receive F/N
information.)
FROM THE EDITOR
After reading almost a hundred letters,
articles, and editorials from around the
country on same-sex marriage, I am feeling
a desperate need to distill it all.
All the justifications and arguments
against same-sex marriage really seem to come down to this: One
group of people would like to have some special privileges simply
because they're heterosexual. It's that simple.
If we hadn't been born in a country that was based on such high
ideals and raised to believe that fairness would always prevail, none
of us would be surprised. Our schools, our parents and our
government have taught us to believe in the complete benevolence
and fairness of America and how it was superior to all the others in
the world. This country has forever stood for equality for everyone,
with liberty and justice for all, and America was a melting pot of
people who welcomed in the oppressed.
Well, there were some things that were seldom mentioned. No
one much likes to talk about what this country did to discriminate
against the Jews, the Irish, the Japanese, and the Blacks; not to
mention women, children and Native Americans. This country has
routinely discriminated against people because of race, creed,
religion, national origin, age and sex. And, the discrimination was not
just passive, it was ugly, blatant and violent. We even had to pass
more laws-even amend the Constitution-to better control this
discrimination. We apparently weren't able to be fair and nonbigoted on our own.
Today there are many people in this country who are working
devotedly to take away what little freedoms gays and lesbians have
and to insure that we get no more. They see no correlation between
what they are doing today and the history of America's past
discrimination which we all find so detestable and unbelievable.
As Canada considers an equal rights amendment for gays, the
Netherlands are set to award marriage rights to gay couples. Other
countries have or are initiating protections for gays. I can no longer
deny that my country has let me down. How can many Europeans be
awarding rights to gays while America isn't? Hasn't everyone else
always been inferior to us? Backward even? Certainly no one has a
democracy like we have. We are always supposed to be better and
more fair than everyone else.
We are facing a historic juncture in the gay rights movement. The
debate about our freedoms has come in an unexpected form with that
of same-sex marriage. It isn't the debate many of us would have
chosen, but it is the issue upon which the debate centers. If we lose
this, we will face a much more divided, costly and lengthy set of small
battles in the individual states.
It's time for my country-our country-to stand up for us before
we must face the tiring and divisive prospect of fighting in 50 states. It
is time for the Congress, the President and the Supreme Court to begin
addressing the current wronging of an American minority. And, if not,
then welcome back to the America of the 19th century-the same
America that none of us want to talk about and few can believe existed.
FRIENDS NORTH is an organization of lesbians, gay men, bi-sexuals and
their friends from northwestern lower Michigan. Located in Traverse
City, we provide social activities, a newsletter, phone line, workshops,
and a community needs fund for financial assistance.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS of FRIENDS NORTH is composed of nine
women and men elected each December. Regular board meetings are
held at Northwestern Michigan College, West Hall, Room 2 in the
cafeteria the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is
welcome to attend.
Greg Baird
Victor Dinsmoore-secretary M'Lynn Hartwell
Jim Ingelson-presiclent
Tom Kincaid
Carol Lambertson-VP
Julie Parker
Jim Poole
Scott Southwell-treasurer
Networking 45° North, P.O. Box 562, Traverse City, MI 49685-0562
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE: Publication of Networking 45° North.
Editor:
Publishing & Layout:
Advertising:
Mailing List:
Richard Tuxbury: 271-3042
or e-mail: tux00 l@aol.com
Richard Curtis: 929-9605
or e-mail: rcurtis695@aol.com
Jim Carruthers: 922-7768
John Evans: 922-0746
Networking 45° North is the newsletter of Friends North, Inc. Viewpoints
expressed do not necessarily represent those of the board or general
membership.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING and notices are run without charge. Please
submit in writing or by calling the editor (and leave ad on machine 2713042 or by email.)
DISPLAY ADVERTISING in Networking 45° North is available in Business
Card size - $25.00 per space per issue or an annual rate of $120.00 for
6 issues. Inserts and larger sized ads are available. Please call
'advertising' for rates.
SPONSORING POLITICAL POSTCARDS: Cost for printing 2,800 postcards
for Networking 45°North is $100.00. To sponsor all or part of this, and
to give your input, call Richard 271-3042.
CONTRIBUTIONS to Networking are welcome. Letters, essays, features,
reflections, and original artwork should be sent "c/o Editor" to above
address. (Networking will not accept material that is sexist,
discriminatory or sexually explicit. Contributors are responsible for
obtaining permission from those whose names they submit for
publication.)
DEADLINES: Issue #4-June 15; Issue #5-August 15; Issue #6October 15.
ADDRESS CHANGES: Please notify us in advance if a change is coming.
Call John Evans, 922-0746, or send changes to our address.
SUBSCRIPTIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: $15.00/single; $25.00/couple. Please
send checks or money orders to: Friends North, P.O. Box 562, Traverse
City, MI 49685-0562.
DISTRIBUTION: Networking is published 6 times per year. Copies are sent
bulk-mail in a plain envelope to approximately 700 households.
Additional copies are available at select local establishments. Our
mailing list is not sold or traded with other organizations.
Cl
printed on recycled paper
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
2
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
Jim lngleson
FROM THE PRESIDENT
This past Sunday was the annual Friends
North High Tea. It was a beautiful, sunny, Traverse
City afternoon; the kind that reminds you why you
stay here through winters like the one that is just
about over, almost ... ??? In the street, in front of the
historic TC Opera House where the Tea was held, the Earth Day
celebration added to our day with music and the sounds of spring.
We were pleased to welcome about 150 people throughout the
afternoon. We welcomed representation from P-FLAG, the Out 'n
About Lesbian Coffeehouse, HIV/AIDS Wellness Grand Traverse, the
Bookie Joint, GLSTN, and the Democratic Party (Voter Registration) ...
and a very special performance by the Northern Michigan Womyn's
choir. I want to personally thank everyone who took part in the
enjoyable afternoon.
I have one very important additional thank you: to Carol
Lambertson who is the BEST Vice President I could have asked for.
She has been such a great help in so many ways and was in charge
of, and gets all the credit for, the success of the Tea. Thank You, Carol.
(I wonder if Bill has had this kind of luck with Al?)
We have several important events coming up. On May 6th the
TC City Commission meeting, as reported on the cover of this issue.
Please attend and offer your personal support, even if you are not a
city employee or live in the city. This show of support is important
and is a step forward for us all.
On June 15th there will be a Gay Pride Picnic and Day of
Celebration at the Robb Farm in the heart of the beautiful Leelanau
peninsula near Suttons Bay. I had the good fortune, a couple of
Saturdays ago to spend the afternoon with Cindy Robb wandering the
grounds. This will be a wonderful event just based on the location
alone. There are lots of places to walk and relax, while enjoying all
the activities that are being planned.
You will be able to camp under the stars and enjoy this beautiful
farm for the entire weekend. Please watch your mail for further
information on the Celebration, or write to FN, POB 562, Traverse
City, Ml 49685 with inquires.
Are you registered to vote? If not, we will mail the form to you .
Leave your address on the FN phone line at 946-1804 and, as always,
jf you have questions or concerns please let us know either on the
phone line or write us.
Bay
Business
•
Services
Inc.
June 15- F/N Pride Picnic Celebration
The Robb Farm, Leelanau County
June 15 - Yard Sale
We really need great sutff donated for the P-FLAG!Friends North
Yard Sall. Call Jim at 933-5436 to Donate!!!
June 21-23 - Pride Celebration in Lansing
July 9 - Bed Race, TC Cherry Festival
July 26-28, Friends North Bike Tour
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
September - Autumn Hike and Dinner
(date and location to be announced)
October 11 - National Coming Out Day
Celebration to be announced
October 10-13, Wellness AIDS Quilt Trip to
Washington D.C.
Call Tom at 947-4647 for details
October 25-27, 2nd Annual Gay & Lesbian
History & Education Conference
Sugar Loaf Resort
December 3 - Friends North Annual Meeting
Unitarian Universalist Church - Traverse City
Mark your calendars now so you won't miss any of the events.
Details will be published in future issues of Networking 45° North
as the events approach. For more information call 946-1804.
Office: (616) 941-5748
•·
f!,
Madeleine
THOMAS
ANDREW L. MITCHELL
forDISTRICT JUDGE
Accounting & Tax Service
810-B South Garfield Ave• Traverse City, Ml 49686
NElWORKING 45°NORTH
1996 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PAID FOR BY 1llE C0MMl1TEE TO ELECT THOMAS FOR JUDGE, 80B BRICK, TREASURER
3
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
Outin
+About
A Lesbian Coffeehouse
Unity Church - 3600 Five Mile Road - Traverse City
Call 946-2708 for more information
A Tsunami is coming! A Tsunami is coming! Don't head for high
ground, though . Head for the May 18th gathering of the Out 'n About
Lesbian Coffeehouse and the
music of Tsunami Records
recording
artist,
Jamie
Ande~on . Her songs and
comedy will engulf you in
wave after wave of laughter
and appreciation of her many
musical talents.
We're
"pleased as
punch" to welcome back and
again present to our lesbian
community
the
worldrenowned singer, songwriter,
comic, baton twirler, and
parking lot attendant, Jamie
Anderson. She energized Out
Jamie Anderson
'n About on a cool Spring
evening during her virgin visit
to our area, last year, and was visibly impressed with a view of "our
Northern Lights" (someone please bring a down jacket for her use ...
yes, even in late May). With this return trip, she will be promoting
her newly released recording, Never Assume.
Jamie Anderson will be performing at the Out 'n About Lesbian
Coffeehouse on Saturday, May 18. The doors will open at 7 p.m. A
cover donation will be sliding-scale from $5-$10. A recent review of
her performance describes Jamie in this way: " ... (she) sings funny and
touching songs about the life and romances of an average goddess
babe lesbian." - A.13. Dirty Linen. You won't want to miss this
concert!
On Saturday June 15, the Out 'n About Lesbian Coffeehouse
presents - "OUT, Loud, and Laughing" stand-up comedy! . Sara
Cytron is no stranger to the comedy circuit. This strong Brooklyn
butch-lesbian has shown the many faces of lesbian life through her
cutting-edge comedy. She
has performed for clubs,
festivals, pride events and
progressive organizations.
Some of the places she has
performed include: New
York City's Music Festival,
Michigan Womyn's Music
Festival, "The Club" at New
York City's La Mama Theater,
Provincetown, San Francisco
and Los Angeles. She has also
appeared at New York City's
Town Hall in "Joan Rivers
and Her Funny Friends" and
several times on Olivia
Sara Cytron
cruises. She has
been
featured
in
New York
Newsday, The New York Daily News, The Village Voice, The San
Francisco Sentinel, and The Advocate. Segments of her act appear
in Out, Loud and Laughing, a collection of lesbian and gay comedy
published by Anchor Books. The director and chief writer of Sara's
act is Harriet Malinowitz.
Look for Sara Cytron to take the Coffeehouse stage on June 15.
Doors open at 7:00 pm. A cover donation will be sliding-scale from
$5-$10.
Out 'n About Lesbian Coffeehouse is managed by an informal
gathering of lesbians who call themselves the Steering Committee.
This committee meets for a few hours on the Monday prior to the
3rd Saturday coffeehouse for planning of each month's event. The
Committee is always seeking input from you, the lesbian
community, about what or who Out 'n About should feature in
upcoming months. Please consider joining the Steering Committee
so that your ideas can be heard and so that you can make a positive
impact on your own community.
Out n' About Lesbian Coffeehouse is held on the third Saturday
of each month except August and December. The Coffeehouse
comes alive between 7:00 and 11 :00 pm at the Unity Church,
3600 Five Mile Road, Traverse City. Smoke-free and Chem-free
with a cover donation of $3 ($5-$10 if we have entertainment).
Coffee, tea and snacks are free; soft drinks are available.
Computer Service and Upgrades
Custom Systems Available
Daniel Chapman, Consultant / Technician
334 River St
Manistee, Ml 49660
(616) 723-6422 Fax (616) 723-7140
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
For more information, or to have your name placed on the Out 'n
About Lesbian Coffeehouse mailing list, call Brenda at 946-2708leave message. (Please note this telephone number is for
Coffeehouse information only. If you have other questions or needs,
please call Friends North at 946-1804.)
4
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
ALIX DOBKIN - A COFFEEHOUSE REVIEW
FRIENDS NORTH RAP GROUP
by Staff Writer
"If it wasn't for the women, women
We would not be living, living.
We would not be joyful, singing
Loving and be loved women."
Alix Dobkin has sung tens of thousands of songs as first a folk
singer and then as one of the first lesbian-identified singers on the
international folk and women's music circuit.
This refrain is well-known among fans of lesbian music and women's
music festivals. And it was that song Alix sang-and taught complete
with sign language-after the more than 75 women at the Out 'n About
Lesbian Coffeehouse on April 18 gave her a standing ovation following
an often humorous performance filled with folk songs, banter and Alix's
thoughts on lesbian community.
Mention the birth of modern lesbian music and herstorians will
immediately say one name: Alix Dobkin. A folk singer since the early
1960s, she married and had a daughter. She later divorced and in
1972 fell in love with a woman and came out with the release of her
album, Lavender Jane Laves Women. In 1973, the irrepressible
Dobkin (her FBI file called her a dissenter type, argumentative and a
troublemaker) began a career not only in lesbian music but in
community organizing.
For her, the two go together because lesbian music, art, theater
and literature help build our culture and community.
"Whether we realize it or not, we need music, art, theater and
literature by, for and about ourselves," she wrote in the recent edition
of the Lansing-based newsletter Lesbian Connection. "We are the
movers and shakers, the ones who have built culture for ourselves
because we know no one else will."
" ... A few of us may make it onto the pages of the Times, the cover
of Newsweek or a segment of 20/20, but no matter how famous or
comfortable any of us gets, we will still rely on each other for love and
inspirations," she wrote." ... By involving ourselves in whatever makes
us real, whatever reflects us back to ourselves, we create something
that the mainstream can never replace no matter how good it gets."
One of the strong themes that Alix carries in her songs and her
on-stage story telling and repartee is that lesbians need to support
each other and lesbian community.
Alix has six recordings-Lavender Jane Loves Women, Living
with Lesbians, XXAlix, These Women/Never Been Better, Yahoo
Australia and Love and Politics: A Thirty Year Saga. The last contains
20 songs that span her 20-year career as a singer-songwriter. It
includes If It Wasn't for the Women, recorded live at the Michigan
Womyn's Music Festival, which has never been on any of her
previous albums though it has been part of a festival album.
For several years the Friends North Rap Group has been a
friendly and comfortable opportunity for men and women to get
together for conversation. It is an excellent way to see old and new
friends, and a valuable resource for newcomers trying to get
acquainted with our community. However, there has been hardly any
attendance lately, and the group is in danger of disappearing. If you
have any interest in preserving the Rap Group, please come to the
meetings. In the next meeting we could discuss the direction we all
want the group to take. We meet the second Wednesday of each
month at 7:30 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 349 Washington
Street, Traverse City, downstairs. There is parking on the street or on
the north side of the church building. For more information call Tom
at 616-275-6127,-mornings, and from 11 :00 pm to midnight. or call
Ed at 616-947-4697, evenings.
LOCAL GLSTN CHAPTER NEWS
If you are in education, an affiliated service, a concerned parent or
friend and you have a sincere interest in the mental health and welfare of
our youth, we invite you to attend the next Grand Traverse area Gay,
Lesbian, Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN) meeting.
Our next meeting will be held Monday, May 20, at 7:00 pm, at Third
Level, 1022 E. Front Street in Traverse City. Their telephone number is 616/
922-4800. If you wish to contact GLSTN call 943-8800.
At our May meeting we will be watching the film: "Setting the Record
Straight." Made by Philadelphia film maker Jim Caiola (winner of a 1995
National Golden Apple Award for his educational film AIDS: The Next
Generation), "Setting the Record Straight" features lesbian, gay, and
straight teachers and youth addressing how homophobia damages schools
in a dramatic eleven minute video.
The film is a direct response to anti-gay events such as the U.S. House
"Hearings on Parents, Schools, and Values" held at the behest of far right
Traditional Values Coalition in December, 1995, as well as propaganda
such as The Gay Agenda, a video distributed to thousands of churches by
far right groups over the past few years .
Jennings added that local GLSTN chapters would premier the film in
over twenty cities, and that the video will also be available for other
individuals and organizers to utilize.
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LINDA L. WIKLE
Agent
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
Contributions
FROM THE COMMUNITY
]UST ONE COFFEE, THEN I'LL Go
by Greg R. Baird
I've been looking out my window today in thought and
watching Mother Nature bring some much needed warmth to our
Spring season. It fee!s great to see the sun again. It's funny how
this time of the year plays such a positive point in our lives.
With all that I watch outside, I have seen some changes
within myself. Changes that I'm proud of. I have reached a point,
professionally and personally, where I feel it is time to step
forward and move on. It is a move that will take me out of the
area and onward to the East Coast to further my career as a
Performing Arts Director/feacher. I'm excited for my move
which will come the first part of June, but sad of what I will leave
behind.
After moving from Petoskey to Traverse City three years ago,
I have found this to be a friendly and supportive community. I
have enjoyed my involvement with Friends North as a board
member and as columnist for the Networking 45° North
Newsletter. Its hard to believe I have been writing for the
newsletter for over two years now. I'm very thankful that I had
an outlet to express myself. Thanks to everyone involved with the
publication!
Living in Northern Michigan has been full of challenges.
Two years ago, I started facilitating a gay and lesbian youth
group . I was thrilled that I could help educate this fine group of
young adults. They needed to be told that they are okay the way
they are and never to think of themselves as the worst humans
alive . I wanted to let them know that the gay and lesbian lifestyle
is not horrible and dirty, but rather it can be very loving and
embracing with the right people. I feel that I have made a
difference.
There were those people, though, that made themselves
vocal, saying that a caregiver of teenagers and an educator
should not have this kind of influence over these children. My
question for these people is: "When is teaching young students
the value of having a positive self-esteem and acceptance of
themselves a taboo subject?" It isn't. These teens are better off
because someone gave a damn and reached out to them. I have
been blessed with this experience.
Working on the board of Friends North has also been a great
experience. There were times when we also hit some road
blocks, but thank goodness we had a great navigator to get
around them. It is those times when we come across obstacles
that make us stronger for the next time we are faced with
adversity. And boy, do we have adversity!
I will be resigning from the board in June and wish them all
well as I move onward. Traverse City is a beautiful area. I'm one
of those people who just love being by the water. I hope in my
new home I'll be near an ocean, lake or river. It will give me a
chance to daydream of Traverse and remember my friends and
the beautiful sunsets. I'm a pretty sentimental mushhead when it
comes to that kind of stuff. A hopeless romantic at heart.
Thanks for taking the time in reading my column. Your
comments were appreciated. I hope in some small way, I got you
to think, laugh and like me, be a sentimental mushhead from
time to time.
I have decided that down the road when I get situated, I'll
sneak a column in and say hello. Tux, thanks for all your
friendship and encouragement. Friends North, thanks for giving
me an opportunity to have a voice among our gay community. It
has been a good experience.
So let's all sit down and have a laugh or two. I'll have just
one coffee, then I'll go.
(Greg will be missed by me, both as a personal friend and as a
writer whose experiences he's shared over the years. I also know
that Interlachen will have to search long and hard to find a
person with a heart as big as Greg's and a commitment to seeing
each and every one of his kids excel. We wish him all the best
on the East Coast, and an invitation to join us again at any timeEditor)
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VOLUME 10 • ISSUE3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
Pondering (continued from previous page)
LESBIAN AVENGERS
WE ARE TAKING BACK OUR RIGHTS!
The Lesbian Avengers were founded in New York City in 1992
when 8,000 fluorescent green cards were distributed at the Pride
March saying, "Lesbians! Dykes! Gay Women! We want revenge and
we want it now."
Lesbians have been in the forefront of every movement for social
change: from abolition to revolution, from AIDS activism to the fights
for peace and nuclear disarmament, and in all the struggles for civil
rights, women's rights, gay rights, and housing and environmental
justice.
The Lesbian Avengers are on the front lines of the struggle against
the bigotry and hatred of the Christian Right. We've confronted
homophobic school districts, gone on the road to sound an alarm
about local right-wing organizing, founded a Civil Rights Organizing
Project and now are moving into small town and rural America. We
would like you to join us. The Lesbian Avengers is a direct-action
group focused on issues vital to lesbian visibility and survival.
The Lesbian Avengers are everywhere - We Recruit! The
Lesbian Avengers are now in Traverse City! If you would like to join
us, or would like more information. Please write: LATC- PO Box 9
- Traverse City, Ml 49685.
It's been almost a year since we saw Jigger Johnson .
Rick Gould gave us this photo of Jigger that was taken when
they were both in Europe last year. We thought that other
friends of his might want to see it too-a reminder of his quick
wit behind those sparkling eyes. A more gracious and kind
person would be hard to find in our community, and the
void is still there for many of us .
BORN-AGAIN-PAGAN-SEEKER
Some say that this generation is rightfully reacting to the extremes
of our generation. After all we (the baby-boomer queers) brought the
world the AIDS epidemic. "We were so evil that God himself has sent
a plague to destroy us." And if you believe that or even in the back of
your thoughts believe that may be, I pity you. Sex :t evil. Sex may not
equal love, but what is love? (The ancient Greeks had 16 words for
different emotions which we label with the one word "LOVE." Sex IS
an expression by and in the flesh of divine ecstasy.
SEX-SEX-SEX
Richard Curtis
"Sodomy, fellatio, cunnilingus ... masturbation can be fun"
famous lines from the 60's musical HAIR. I'm not embarrassed to
admit that I'm a child of the 60's (I'm really quite glad to have been
spared being a child of the Reagan years-that sorry-unopininated-Idon't-care-you-decide generation). I am very thankful that my
coming out years were pre-Al OS. When I see young flesh, I don't
envy its elasticity, its flush of vigor, its softness. I've been there, and
in the rosy glow of memory that time, when my body was in their
space, was a time of promise. Then, Youth lived with a freedom that
now seems more a dream than the birth right of every person.
Experimentation was simply a way of life. Questioning the status quo
was seen as the natural way of life for youth.
As a Pagan, a member of an ancient and honorable religious tradition,
I often feel like a stranger in a strange land. There are plenty of reasons
for this, but perhaps the most obvious is in the realm of human
sexuality. In short, most Pagans like sex. That is to say that we
incorporate sexuality within our religion as a sacrament, or employ
sexual symbolism in our rituals, or at least accept sex as a positive
human activity. Usually all three. Because the public perception of
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VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
religion is heavily influenced by Christianity, sex and religion are
generally regarded as having nothing to do with each other, or even as
contradictory. So it is that Nsacred sexuality" has hitherto been regarded
as mostly a middle-eastern or oriental phenomenon, not Western. Yet
Paganism in its European and American forms is profoundly Western,
predating Christ by thousands of years. There is no reason to believe
that Pagan attitudes towards sex are not just as legitimate as the
Christian ones. And for us, of course, they are more so.
This was gleaned from the internet (one of my first ventures into
inner/outer space). I found it on just the perfect day. I needed it. I
needed to speak to something which was burning in me. Queer folk
so damaged by their childhood programing that they have rejected
not only themselves but their natural, and holy desires. Brainwashed
by hate and fear to doubt their very selves and reject the most
universal form of the expression of the divine on earth.
made you as you are. Christianity does not exclude you. The
Episcopal church has been ordaining gay and lesbian priests for
several years. The Methodist church hirarchy has recommended
inclusion of gay and lesbian peoples. All major Protestent churches
are moving toward acceptance.
Queer Folk have been honored in many different cultures from
the earliest times to present times. In the Pacific Northwest Native
Americans honored the Maho, the "Twin Souled Ones." The plains
Indians honored their "Berdache." In the Yurba tribe of West Africa,
today, we are by birth the "Gatekeepers" of the passage from this
world to the world of spirit. By birth we are priests and priestesses
trained and honored from early childhood. The list could go on. Our
heritage is without bounds in human history we have always been
and always will be.
Blessed Be
** excerpt of poem titled SEX by m.j.arcangelini, fields landing, ca
Reprinted from RFD (Radical Faerie Digest) No. 85 Spring 1996
Sex is what it's all about. Sex is why they tell me I'm going
to hell. It's not because of my liberal arts degree, or my
subscription to Architectural Digest, and it has nothing to do
with my collection of fine art photography.
WORDS AND MUSIC: A LOCAL GUIDE TO
BOOKS, MAGAZINES, TAPES AND CD'S
It's sex.
It's because I suck _ _ _ _..,
It's because/ _ _ _ butt,
It's because I kiss men
on the mouth - with tongue.
It's because I like to feel
the stubble of several days
growth of beard rubbing against the tender skin of my inner
thigh.
by Rick Gould
Who's got time to read or listen to music now that spring has
finally arrived? Why, you do, of course-You can't rake ALL of the
time! So here's suggestions from our local book and music stores.
At The Bookie Joint, Shelley gave us the following list:
The Tree and the Vine by Dola de Jong, $9.95. A rediscovered
classic, this is the story of two women caught between personal
desires and taboos in occupied WWII Amsterdam.
Honor by Ann Deeter, $14.95. An inspirational novel about
three contemporary women who are longtime friends and sometime
lovers. Sequel to Paper, Scissors, Rock.
Lesbian Sacred Sexuality by Diane Mariechild, $24.95. A
stunning collaborative work by Mariechild with photos by Marcelina
Martin. Empowering, exquisite.
Breaking the Surface by Greg Louganis, $12.95. The moving
story of the Olympic swimmer is now in softcover.
Nightswimmer by Joseph Olshan, $6.99. An intense novel of
obsessive love, set in New York, is superbly written and haunting.
It's sex.
Sex is what it is all about. Sex is why some people think I
should be killed, or locked away in an 'asylum, or a federal
prison, they don't seem to care which. It has nothing to do
with my compassion for the homeless, or with my theories
on the feminization of political systems. And it has never
had anything to do with who I am.
It's what
I do.
It's sex.**
So, of course I'm writing once again about Coming Out. This is
our Gay Pride issue. Come out to yourself. Look at yourself, either in
your mind's eye, or naked before a mirror. See who you are. Touch
your skin. Touch your mind . This could be done with two or more
people, but walk before you run. Alone you will be more focused, less
influenced. Stretch your arms. Think about what you are-what you
desire. Massage your neck. Are these natural desires? Touch your toes.
When did desire first appear? Stretch your back as you look beh ind
yourself into the mirror. Did someone force you to think like this? Twist
your spine. Did someone force you to feel like this? Begin to move/
dance. Can you be forced to desire someone? or not to desire someone?
PERRY SHERWOOD
FINE ART
200 Howard Street • Petoskey • 348-5079
Be proud of who you are. You are not evil. The God/Goddess
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
8
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
The Invention of Heterosexuality by Jonathan Ned Katz, $13.95.
Soundly and seriously written study of the evolution of
"heterosexua Iity ."
Mask of a Diva by Grant Michaels, $9.95. A Boston-set mystery
in the fine tradition of the acerbic amateur who becomes a sleuth.
At B. Dalton's Beth gave us the following:
A _Queer Geography, by Frank Browning, $24.95. Browning
delves into the minds of gay men in America and around the world to
discover how their lives are shaped by time, place and the culture in
which they live.
A 3rd Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul, by Jack Canfield,
$12.95. Shining stories of examples of the best qualities we all share
as human beings: compassion, grace, forgiveness, hope and courage.
At Horizon Books Alex gave us these suggestions:
Gay by the Bay, by Susan Stryker, $24.95. All about San
Francisco, of course. Informative, entertaining, photo-filled look at
the city, from pre-WWII to present.
Paris Was a Woman by Andrea Weiss, $20.00. Pictures and text
make up this essay on the '.'women of the left bank." I.E. Colette,
Djuna Barnes, Gertrude Stein and more.
Riding Shotgun by Rita Mae Brown, $22.95. The author of the
famed Rubyfruit Jungle has a new one out. This is the story of a
Virginia horsewoman who travels back in time to the Civil War era
and learns about herself through examining her ancestors.
Young, Gay and Proud edited by Don Romesburg, $5.95. The
new edition, now in paperback, just in time for Pride.
Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai, $23.00. Growing up gay in Sri
Lanka!
Fifty Hikes in Lower Michigan by Jim DuFresne, $14.00. The best
walks, hikes, and backpacks from Sleeping Bear dunes to Oakland
County.
At AB CD's Norm gave us this list:
Fun Soundtracks!
The Truth about Cats and Dogs, featuring Suzanne Vega , Dionne
Farris, Sting, Cowboy Junkies and Jill Sobule.
Songs in the Key of X-Music inspired by The X-Files featuring the
main title song, Sheryl Crow, Meat Puppets and Frank Blank.
Tales of the City, the BBC series features a Fab Seventies
soundtrack.
Braveheart, the Oscar-winning movie features music by James
Horner.
And finally, Kevin at Waldenbooks suggests these new titles:
And this too Shall Pass by E. Lynn Harris, $23.95. A blockbuster
novel set in the world of professional football. From the locker rooms
to the newsrooms, four lives are about to intersect when a closeted
gay player is accused of sexually harassing a female sportscaster.
Honky Tonk Logic by Tom Hollis, $24.95. This wild and woolly
romp across America fol lows the adventures of an unhappily married
Arkansas housewife! She joins the circus and finds herself in
relationships with people of every sexual variety, winding up in San
Francisco.
Let's Get Criminal by Lev Raphael, $20.95. When Perry Cross is
hired from outside to fill a created university position, teacher Nick
Hoffman is curious. But he is soon obsessed when he finds out that
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
the new hire shares a past with Nick's lover. When Cross is murdered,
both Nick and his partner are prime suspects. Read on!
Best Gay Erotica 1996 selected by Scott Heim, edited by Michael
Ford and Best Lesbian Erotica 1996, selected by Heather Lewis,
edited by Tristan Taormina, are both in paper at $12.95.
These stores appreciate your business and comments.
COMING Our, COMING TOGETHER
By Craig Wilson
Christopher and Marlene Shyer do some of their best thinking at
lunch. It was there, two years ago, that they decided to write a book
together - a project fraught with problems for any mother and son.
What they didn't know at the time was how painful the process
was actually going to be.
"I had no idea it was that bad for him," she says.
She's not talking about her son's writing abilities. She's talking
about his childhood. Chris grew up gay in a straight, suburban world.
"I had just finished reading Paul Monette's Becoming a Man, and
I thought that I'd like to tell my story, too, to maybe help someone
else," he says.
"But I thought it would be more interesting to tell the story from
two vantage points .... I thought a mother's perspective could help."
Enter Mom, a former suburban housewife and now novelist and
children's book author in New York City. "I remember him saying, 'I
want to write this book to help others,' 11 she says. "And I said, 'Give
me a break!' 11
She also added, as only a mother can, "It'll never work."
Then they went to work.
The book is Not Like Other Boys (Houghton Mifflin, $21.95). One
chapter is written by Chris. The next by his mother. And so on. The
technique gives the reader a double-barrel view of life in the Shyer
household in Larchmont, N.Y. To the outside world it looked like a happy
nuclear family. Father. Mother. Three children. It was not.
"It was very painful to me to hear things that had gone on that were
finally revealed," says Marlene. "Heart-wrenching things."
"We jogged each other's memories," adds Chris, now 34.
Coming Out continued next page
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9
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
Coming Out (continued from previous page)
"Chris would talk his chapters into a tape recorder," she says, "and
I'd fluff it up."
"I'm not sure you want to say fluff it up," he says.
"Whatever," she responds.
Then they laugh.
Marlene admits she's still learning the lingo, still becoming
politically correct, as she says, to the nuances of gay life. The book has
opened a whole new world to her, far from the pools and country clubs
of Westchester County.
Out on a publicity tour, she signs books in gay bookstores and
attends gay churches. Most recently she was introduced to applause at
Dallas' Cathedral of Hope, the largest gay congregation in America.
"I've never been~to a place where the line to the men's room is
longer than it is to the women's," she says. "Chris has brought me into
a whole new world."
The liberation of writing the book, however, has come with a price
for both of them.
Although Chris has been out of the closet for a few years now, he
still has to deal with the people in his life who appear in the book.
He works in his father's eyewear business, and at least one of the
75 employees is right there on page 255. The man who called him a
fag.
"There will be some trouble, no doubt," Chris says with
resignation.
As for his father's reaction to the mother-son collaboration, Chris
knows what it will be. "Dad will get angry at first, and then he'll get
over it," says Chris. "But he hated the whole idea. He thinks this is all
very personal, very private business. He'll say he's just protecting my
career. He still believes that." (The Shyers are now divorced.)
Others will not be that pleased, either. Names of the characters in
the book have been changed, but certain Shyer family friends wil I have
no trouble identifying themselves. Members of one Larchmont family
were Chris' closest friends, his second family, until they found out Chris
was gay and dropped him cold. "It was very painful to me," he says.
"But I hope they can learn from it. That I'm the same Chris they always
knew."
Chris' mother hopes a lot of people can learn from the experiences
they've written about. She says she has. Although the two say they
always had a good relationship, "there was always a certain tension,
which came from my trying to turn him into Arnold
Schwarzenegger," she admits.
"I'd accept him," she says, talking of how she'd do things
differently today. "I wouldn't try to change the character of a child.
There was a time I wouldn't let him into the kitchen. If he wants to
cook, let him cook."
She says she'd also tread more lightly. "It's amazing the things I
said, just off the cuff, that he still remembers. Hurtful things. I'm still
surprised how the small, innocuous comments I made years ago he's
carried with him all his life."
What Marlene likes more than anything now are stories about
families who handle the news of a gay member with aplomb.
"My favorite coming-out story is when this son tells his mother that
he's gay and the mother, without missing a beat, says, 'Great. Let's go
shopping!' Don't you just love it?"
( From USA TODAY)
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
Marlene Fanta Shyer and Christopher Shyer
Trauma or negative energy from another person causes
spiritual break resulting in loss of power, soul loss or spirit
intrusion.
Symptom of power loss are
chronic bad luck, illness, frequent
accidents or low self esteem.
:;:::;:;::::
Symptom of soul loss are empty
::i::;i:::i:
feelings,
loss of
i:i:ji:ij;ij
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I=~:,:~: : :i•:~~~~;:~~;~2~:: :~:~~~: !
:::::!::!:J
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10
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
A SELECTIVE APPROACH TO
SCRIPTURAL IMPERATIVES
THE LOCKED DOOR
What are you hiding,
Behind your locked door?
To hide from the world,
Forever and more.
By JOHN TALLY
With publicity over gay marriages, the debate over homosexuality
and the Bible once again fills radio talk-show airwaves.
Many of the hosts support gay marriages, but biblical arguments
favoring the Christian fundamentalist cause go unchallenged. The
debate usually goes something like this:
Host: So what's wrong with two loving, committed men or
women being legally married?
Caller: The Bible says homosexuality is a sin.
Host: So you believe everything in the Bible is literally true?
Caller: Yes.
Host: Then you believe it's a sin to eat pork or shellfish, or for a
man to shave his beard, and that those who work on the Sabbath
should be put to death?
Caller: No, the coming of Jesus brought a New Covenant which
freed us from those rules of the Old Testament.
Score one for the fundamentalist.
But with a few hours of Bible reading, the host could unmask the
ever-popular New Covenant argument for what it really is: a
justification for selective prejudice.
Host: But even under Christ's New Covenant, the New
Testament is still the literal word of God' isn't it?
Caller: Certainly.
Host: So you believe anyone who marries after divorce commits
adultery (Mark 10:11 ); that women must remain silent, not teach and
have no authority over men (1 Tim 2:11 ); and that slaves must obey
their masters at all times (Col. 3:22).
Caller: Well. ..
Host: And if the New Covenant freed us from the regulations of
the Old Testment, doesn't that do away with all three of its anti-gay
passages?
Caller: Um ... no .. . the New Covenant primarily did away with
the strict dietary and health rules, not the moral laws, of the Old
Testament.
Host: So when Leviticus prescribes death for all adulterers and
for all who curse their parents just before it prescribes the same
penalty for any man who lies w ith another man, each of those moral
laws applies to us today?
(continued page 14)
What little secret,
Can you not tell?
Will it kill you,
Or damn you to hell?
I have my secrets,
Behind my locked door.
But is it locked,
Forever and more?
What evil lurks behind,
That door of oaken wood?
I can't open it, I can't
I promised I ne'er would.
Who has the key,
To my locked door?
To open it up,
Forever and more.
How strong is my lock,
That holds the door?
To keep it safe and shut,
Forever and more.
Someone has knocked,
On the front of my door.
Who could it be,
Outside by my door?
Someone wants in,
Inside my locked door,
That I said I'd keep locked,
Forever and more.
I will let them in,
Inside my locked door.
And I shall be proud,
Forever and more!
-Corey Thomas 1/25/96
(Cory is 16 years old, enjoys writing and theater and lives in Northern
Michigan)
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11
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
cc
JL A
TI IF TI JE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GETTING AND KEEPING A RELATIONSHIP: A workshop for men on
May 17-19 and for women on May 31-June 2. For information, call Sol
Rising at 517-336-0115. The workshop is scheduled to be held in
Saugatuck. (issue 3)
MAY MEANS RODEO IN MICHIGAN: May 17-19 at the Michigan State
Fairgrounds Coliseum in Detroit. Sponsored by the Gay Rodeo
Association, it will feature traditional rodeo events, roping, and riding.
Funds raised will benefit local AIDS charities. Info and tickets: Call 313438-1305 (issue 3)
ADOPT-A-ROAD CLEANUP scheduled · for 1996. The dates to clean
Friends North's section of M-72 near Acme are: July 18, September 26.
Again, we will gather at the theatre in Acme at 5:30. (issue 3)
N.W. MICHIGAN BEARS CLUB. A Bear Club is now being organized for
bears and those who like them. For information, please write to PO BOX
283, Northport, Ml 49670. (issue 3)
GAY GAMES IN 1998: Team Great Lakes is organizing for the upcoming
games in Amsterdam, scheduled for August 1-5, 1998. Those interested,
please call Ann Heier at 810-547-4692. Team Great Lakes sent 180
individual athletes and teams to New York City in '94. (Issue 4)
BI-MONTHLY, Bl-SEXUAL, WOMEN'S LUNCHEON: Meet the first and
third Tuesday of each month, from 11 :30 am until 1:00 at a local, Traverse
City restaurant. Call Pamela at 922-0734 or contact Friends North. (issue 3)
WASHINGTON D.C. QUILT: I am putting together a group of people
who are interested in going to Washington in October to see the entire
Names Project Quilt. Please contact me, Tom, at 616-947-4647 or write:
208 Circle Dr., Apt. C, Traverse City, 49684. (issue 3)
PLEASE SPONSOR OUR POSTCARD PROJECT: They do make a
difference! The cost for printing the 2800 postcards is $100.00. To
contribute specifically to the Postcard Project, please call Richard at 2713042 or send a check (in an amount of $1 00.00 or less) directly to Friends
North. (issue 3)
QUESTIONS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS? Call locally 24 hours a day to
947-1110. This program is sponsored by the HIV/AIDS Wellness
Networks Grand Traverse Area and is staffed by Third Level Crisis Center
volunteers. (Issue 3)
THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTCONGREGATION HAS MOVED to a
new location in Petoskey, at the Concord Academy, 2230 East Mitchell
St. Services will be held on alternate Sundays with dates disclosed in their
newsletter, Diversity, Please call 348-3117 for details or write to us at
POB 271, Petoskey, Ml 49770-0271 (Issue 4)
HATE CRIMES WATCH: The Triangle Foundation of Michigan has begun
a VICTIMS' PROGRAM COMMUNITY WATCH COALITION. The group
will collect hate-crime information from Lesbian and Gay victims of such
crimes. For details, call 313-533-1166 or 517-753-9823. Report Hate
Crimes! Stop the Violence! (issue 3)
CREATING CHANGE: The annual NGLTF Conference is being held in
Alexandria, VA, outside of Washington D.C., on November 6-10. For
information contact NGLTF through their web page or call 617-4926393. (issue 3)
FRIENDS NORTH ANNUAL BIKE TOUR SCHEDULED: The weekend of
biking and camping at spectacular Sleeping Bear National Park in
Leelanau County, is planned for July 26-28. All those who like to bike,
either long or short distances, should plan to attend. Last year, about 120
gays, lesbians and their friends, spent the weekend, which features bike
rides on Saturday and Sunday, a catered dinner on Saturday night, a bit
of beach time, a commemorative tee shirt, and people from all over the
country. Reserve early, as this year the tour will most likely be sold out.
Cost is $70.00, (or $50.00 if payment is made before May 15.) Contact
Jeff at 616-271-3042 or Gretchen at 943-9819. If you would like
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
12
JO)
information sent, please leave your name and address on the machine.
(issue 3)
TWIN CITIES TO CHICAGO AIDS RIDE: Over 1700 riders plan to take
part in this benefit ride (not race) between the two cities. Six days and
450 miles, the group will cycle through some of the most incredible
scenery in the Midwest, while raising money for six AIDS service
agencies in Chicago. July 1-6. Call 312-880-8812 to order a free color
brochure. (issue 3)
PERSONALS:
SHARE HOME: in town, one single male, $325 per month, includes all utilities,
laundry and parking. $200 security. Call Charles 616-929-2605. (issue 3)
CHRISTIAN, LESBIAN, WOMAN committed to Jesus Christ offers bible
study with fellowship and fun for like-minded gays and lesbians. If you
are interested, please send information on how to contact you. Please
write: Bible Study, PO BOX 188, Suttons Bay, Ml 49682. Confidentiality
assured. Let's get together and celebrate the fact that Jesus loves us just
the way we are! (issue 3)
GWM: 40, 5'11", 185#: Black hair, brown eyes, muscular build. For a
serious lifetime commitment. Codell Wombles #5817, PO Box 41 (A&O
B-1-5), Michigan City, IN 46361. (issue 3)
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Their
Reproductive Health Clinic is open to women and men of all ages.
Confidential services provided are physical exams, HIV counseling and
testing, pregnancy testing, sexual transmitted disease testing and
treatment, all methods of birth control available, FREE Norplants, DepoProvera, IUDs, and Condoms. For more info about these and other
methods which are charged on a sliding fee scale, call 922-4630.
Services are by appointment only. (issue 3)
GROUPS:
FRIENDS NORTH BOARD AND MEMBER MEETINGS: The Friends
North Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. at
Northwestern Michigan College, West Hall on the first floor, Room 2 in
the cafeteria. Everyone is welcome! (issue 3)
GLSTN, the Gay-Lesbian-Straight Teachers Network, is meeting monthly in
Traverse City. Newly forming, they welcome all interested educators. The
May meeting will be held on the 20th, at 7:00 pm, at Third Level, 1022 E.
Front St. in T.C. For more information, call M'Lynn at 943-8800. (issue 3)
FRIENDS NORTH RAP GROUP is a group of men and women who get
together monthly for lively discussion on a particular topic and a good time.
Please consider joining them on the second Wednesday of each month,
7:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 349 Washington, T.C. Look for the
Rap Group article elsewhere in this issue of the newsletter. (issue 3)
P-FLAG: (Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays.) This is a
network of parents, friends, and families of lesbians and gays who meet
monthly to offer information, support, and a place to talk with others
about the issues concerning them. Gays and Lesbians are also welcome
and encouraged to attend P-FLAG meetings. Meet at Grace Episcopal
Church every third Wednesday of the month, at 7:30 pm. For more
information call Cindy Robb at 271-5045 (Issue 5)
WINDFI RE: This is a loca I youth support group for teens and others under
the age of 25, which meets on a weekly basis in an atmosphere that is
comfortable and friendly. Please contact Third Level at 922-4800 or 1800-442-7315 for location, date and time. (issue 5)
OUT 'N ABOUT is a lesbian coffeehouse featuring entertainment as well
as a chance to meet others from the area. It all happens at the Unity
Church, 3600 Five Mile Rd. in T.C. Please see the Out 'n About calendar
elsewhere in this newsletter for times and specific activities. (issue 4)
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
Classifieds continued
TRAVERSE CITY FRONTRUNNERS If you are interested in running, call
Paul or Jim at 271-451 O and leave your name, number, and that you are
interested in Frontrunners. We will return your call with information on
where to meet. All ages and abilities are welcome. (issue 4)
WELLNESS NETWORKS SUPPORT GROUP is for people with HIV or
AIDS and they welcome you to attend. Please drop in Monday evenings
from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Grace Episcopal Church library at 341
Washington in Traverse City. Every fourth Monday of the month the
Significant-Other Support Group will be meeting at 3301 Veterans Drive,
Suite 221, just north of S. Airport Road . For further information, please
call 933-0279. (issue 3)
THE PETOSKEY GROUP: A social group for lesbian, gay and bi-sexual
persons is meeting weekly in Petoskey. The group meets at 7 p.m.
Thursdays at the Park Garden Cafe on Lake Street. For information please
contact Tim at 348-8151 or Zalmon at 348-5079. (issue 24)
NORTHERN MICHIGAN WOMYN'S CHOIR is always looking for new
voices. To obtain more information or for a performance schedule, please
contact Deb at 275-5924. (issue 4)
H.A.N.D.S is an HIV/AIDS Network located in Petoskey. They are
currently seeking volunteers in the northern lower peninsula and eastern
upper peninsula of Michigan. HANDS is a non-profit organization that
has committed itself to helping and supporting the needs of HIV infected
persons. They offer a number of services, including support groups,
education, public awareness, and one-on-one friendship support.
Volunteers are urgently needed in the Alpena, Gaylord, and Rogers City
areas. If you would be interested in the program, please call 616-5269213. (issue 4)
GAY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Meetings for gays and lesbians are
held each Saturday at 11 :00 am and have been moved to a new location
at Grace Episcopal Church, corner Washington and Boardman Streets in
TC. For further info, call John at 922 -0746 or Tom at 947-4647. (issue 4)
FRIENDS LIKE US: A social group in north east lower Michigan for gay,
lesbian, and bisexual people. Meets monthly. For info, please contact Jeff
@ 51 7-354-7702, or write to him at POB 391 , Alpena, Ml 49707. (issue 4)
Mr. Michael G. Gardreau
Anti-Violence Project Coordinator
Triangle Foundation
19641 West Seven Mile Road
Detroit, Ml 48219-2712
Dear Michael;
I have been asked to respond to your request for information
from Mr. Kesseler regarding the university's efforts to prevent
anti-gay/lesbian violence on the Central Michigan University
campus. As my office has been directly involved in these efforts
it is appropriate for me to provide this information.
You and I have talked a number of times about the need for
greater education of CMU students on matters related to gay,
lesbian and bi-sexual matters. One of the topics which is of
concern to us if violence directed at gays, lesbians and bisexuals as we are troubled by violence which is directed toward
any CMU student.
We currently are directing our efforts in two areas . The first
is educational programs in the residence halls and among
students who are employed on campus. The second is the
production of a brochure which will be distributed wide ly
throughout the university community. We have received
permission to take information from the enclosed brochure
which was developed at Texas A&M University. Although this
brochure does to deal directly with violence it does
communicate a clear message about bias-related conduct,
harassment and discrimination. We believe these two actions
are moving us in the right direction with regard to address ing
this issue.
Michael, please feel free to communicate with me directly
regarding the information I have provided and/or suggestions
you have for additional efforts .
Sincerely,
Bruce Roscoe, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
Central M ichigan Un iversity
FRIENDS NORTH BIKE TOUR
July 26-28
Sleeping Bear National Park
SHARED LETTERS continued next page
Join us for a weekend of camping, biking and
socializing with gays and lesbians in a beautiful, duneside campground. The cost is $70.00 (or $50.00 if
received by June 1), and includes the camping,
Saturday night's catered dinner, and a great tee shirtcustom designed for the event.
All proceeds will go to support this newsletter and
other Friends North events.
Call Jeff at 616-271-3042 or
Gretchen at 616-943-9819 for an information packet.
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
SHARED LETTERS:
cpreative Solutions through Hypnotherapy
{ti Hypnotherapy will give you the Tools to Change your Lite!
Joanna
T. Lauber,
M.A., O.T.R., P.C.
Certified
Hypnotherapist
Call now for your free
phone consultation-
616-947-8842
convenien t midtawn
location, free parking
733 E. Eigth St., T.C.
13
Hypnotherapy can help in:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
relationship conflicts
addictions
eating disorders
depression & anxiety
stress management
self esteem issues
pain management
women's issues
childhood trauma
spiritual crisis
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
(Scriptural Imperatives continued from page 11)
Shared Letters continued
Equality Encouraged
Dear Editor:
As reported in a March 15 article on the recommendation by the
Traverse City Human Rights Commission to the City Commission to
amend the city's equal opportunity employment policy to prohibit
discrimination based on sexual orientation, City Commissioner Phil I
Orth said that as a representative of a public body, he could not
condone homosexuality, a lifestyle he disagrees with for personal,
moral and religious reasons. He said, "I don't want to do anything
that encourages it or legitimizes it as an accepted lifestyle," but that
he would not take action to condemn it.
The Human Rights Commission is not asking anyone to
"encourage" a lifestyle. Extending rights to all city workers, whatever
their sexual orientation, simply protects them from being fired or
denied being hired or promoted on a basis that has nothing to do with
the ability to do a job. The right to employment and earning an
income is fundamental and should not be denied because of sexual
orientation.
If Mr. Orth truly will not take action to condemn homosexuality,
he will not vote against this change in policy. As it stands now, there
is no such protection on the state or federal level, and no legal
recourse guaranteed to someone who is discriminated against
because of sexual orientation. Opposing this amendment would act
to condemn homosexuality by not standing up against
discrimination. It is, in itself, discrimination by default.
I ask not that Mr. Orth change his personal beliefs, but only that
he support protection for people who work for the city that he
represents. The same protection he is granted, and should be, for his
religious beliefs.
James Poole
Suttons Bay
Dear Editor:
I do not believe that the government of the State of Michigan should
be meddling in the employee benefit program at the University of
Michigan and Wayne State University. A dear friend of mine is one of
many gay or lesbian employees at the University of Michigan. These
universities employ many gay or lesbian people for good solid business
reasons. They are conscientious employees and are of great value to the
University and their contributions benefit each member of our society. In
other words, the Universities consider them a sound investment.
Many gay or lesbian employees occupy management posts and are
responsible for the fine programs and advanced research that the
University of Michigan and Wayne State University provides, including
their world renown medical schools. If the statistics in the Detroit News
are correct, the cost for partnership benefits amounts to a mere $4.50 a
day (a mere .054% of the employee benefits budget). By any standard of
measurement, this is an excellent investment in order to retain the
valuable services of the 110 employees who are currently receiving
partnership benefits.
As a Traverse City resident and a Michigan taxpayer, I am
displeased that George McManus is wasting his time, and our money
on this non-issue.
Catherine Thompson
and M'Lynn Hartwell
Traverse City
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
Caller: Well. .. I didn't say that...
Host: And when Deuteronomy prescribes death for nonvirgin
brides shortly before it claims no homosexual shall be a son of Israel,
you agree with both those moral laws?
Caller: Well, of course not ...
Host: So you do pick and choose which parts of the Bible to
believe.
Since fundamentalists are rarely confronted with these and other
troubling Biblical passages, most sincerely think they believe every
word of the Bible.
When has Jerry Falwell called for the stoning of Ronald and
Nancy Reagan, Pete and Gayle Wilson and everyone else who has
remarried after divorce?
When has the Christian Coalition ever organized to ban women
from teaching positions and from elected office?
No, it's selective prejudice and old-fashioned fear of the
unknown that motivates fundamentalists to target gays and lesbians.
Biblical principle has nothing to do with it.
Take away the phony claim to a literal view of the Bible, and the
religious argument against homosexuality falls like a house of cards.
(John Tally is a San Francisco attorney. This column appeared first in
the SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER, April 11th)
GOVERNMENT'S PLAN FOR ME
By Chris Crain
Turning 30 when you're single is never easy. As the middle kid
of a loving family, I always imagined that by now I'd be married with
children, secure in my job, spending Saturdays painting our picket
fence.
Like many of my friends, I'm determined to find a balance
between a career and a family. As I take stock, I've welcomed advice
from family and friends and a very special religious counselor, always
mindful that whatever decisions I make, I must accept responsibility
for my life.
If only I could. Unfortunately when you're turning 30 in Georgia
and you happen to be gay or lesbian, there's also input about life
decisions from the government-and it doesn't come in the form of
advice. It comes in the form of laws and judicial decrees.
Government continued next page
HAIR FORCE ONE
801 West Front Street
Traverse City. Ml 49684
For Appointment Call
941-8255
Mark Lizenby
14
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
Pr P"'rtY of the C :nter
• Free Networking 45 Degrees North Newsletter
• Free or Reduced Admission to Friends North Sponsored Events
• You Are Helping Like Minded People in Northern Michigan to Have a Voice
• Network with Others Locally and Nationally
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IE
STATE AND NATIONAL HOTLINES
LOCAL SPIRITUAL:
Department of Justice Hotline (for reporting
Hate Crimes against gays and lesbians) ............ 800-347-HATE
Child Abuse Hotline . . .. .. . .. . . . . .. .. .. . . . ...... . .. 800-392-8222
Michigan Wellness Networks ........ . .... . .......... 800-872-AIDS
Gay/Lesbian National Youth Hotline . .. .. . .......... . . 800-347-TEEN
The Reverend Emmy Lou Belcher
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Grand Traverse
6726 Center Rd., Traverse City-Home: 938-9078 ... Office: 947-3117
Rev. Nancy Hayward, Circle of the Sacred Earth . . ..... .. 616-223-7999
STATEWIDE SERVICES
SOCIAL / POLITICAL / MEDIA
The Network: Lesbian and Gay Community Network of W. Michigan
909 Cherry St. S.E., Grand Rapids, Ml 49506 ... . .. . .. 616-458-3511
Lavender Morning
P.O. Box 729, Kalamazoo, Ml 49005 . . . ..... . ....... 616-685-6061
Kalamazoo Resource Center
P.O. Box 1532, Kalamazoo, Ml 49005 .. .......... . .. 616-345-7878
Affirmations Lesbian/Gay Community Center
Suite 110, 195 W. Nine Mile Rd.
Ferndale, Ml 48220 ......................... . ... 313-398-GAYS
http1/www.webspace.com/~tcc/affirmations/index.htme
Lansing Association of Human Rights
P.O. Box 18062, Lansing, Ml 48826 . . .. . . .. ... . .. . .. 517-332-3200
Capital Men's Club
P.O. Box 18062, Lansing, Ml 48902 . .. . (Kelly Stevens) 517-482-0860
Ambitious Amazons/Lesbian Connection
P.O. Box 811, East Lansing, Ml 48826 . . ... .. . ... . .. . 517-371-5257
Lesbian Alliance
P.O. Box 6423, East Lansing, Ml 48826 . . ............ 517-394-1454
Triangle Foundation (Lesbian/Gay Foundation of Michigan)
19641 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit 48219 ..... . ....... 313-537-3323
. . .. ... . . . . . . ..... . . .. .. ..... . ........... Fax: 313-537-3379
email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . trijeffm@aol.com
PRIDE-Flint: P.O. Box 7014, Flint, Ml 48507 .. .. .... .. .. 313-238-9854
Aurora Newsletter: (reaching out to gays, lesbians, bisexuals in the UP &
Canada) POB 626, Marquette, Ml 49855
Tearn Great Lakes
195 W. Nine Mile Rd., Suite 106, Ferndale, Ml 48220 . . 810-553-3586
NATIONAL SERVICE / SOCIAL / POLITICAL
P-FLAG: Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
101214th St. NW, Ste. 700, Washington, DC 20005 . . .. 202-638-4200
GLAAD: Gay/Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
80 Varick St., #3E, New York, NY 10013 .. . .. ... .. .. . 212-807-1700
. . .. . . .. .. ... ..... . .... . ... . . . ... .. .. ... . Fax: 212-807-1806
email ...... .. .. . . . ...... .. .. . . ..... . .... .. glaadnatl@aol.com
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force . ...... . ......... 202-332-6483
2320 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009 . . ... . . Fax: 202-332-0207
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 . ... . ... . .. .. .. . 212-995-8585
ACLU Lesbian/Gay Rights Project
1370 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94130 .. ........ 415-621-0674
HRC: Human Rights Campaign (National Coming Out Day)
101214th St. NS #607, Washington, DC 20005 .... . . . 202-628-4160
... ........ ........... . ... ... . .. ......... Fax: 202-347-5323
email . .. . ............ ... . .. . .... . ..... . .... www@hrcusa.org
Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, Political Action Committee
1012 14th St. NW #707, Washington, DC 20005 ....... 202-842-7679
LOCAL COUNSELING:
Third Level Crisis Intervention, 902 W. Front St. ......... 616-922-4800
... .. ................................. . . . and 800-442-7315
Women's Resource Center . . .. . .... . . . . . .. . ......... 616-941-1210
Rodger Landvoy, PHD ......... . .. . .... . .... . ...... 616-929-1711
Susan Breuer PHD (Frankfort I Traverse City) . ... . .. .... 616-352-4261
Margo Million, ACSW .................. . .. . .. . .. . .. 616-947-0511
David Blisk (Maple City) .............. . .. . . .. . . ... . . 616-228-5105
Joanna T. Lauber, MA, OTA, CH! ................. . . . . 616-947-8842
Barbara Jones Smith, PHD . .. ................. . ... . . 616-947-1444
Elizabeth Most, MSW, ACSW (Petoskey) ............. . . 616-348-2415
William D. Gould, MA (Gladwin) . . . .. . . . . . . ... . .. . .... 517-426-2351
David Rushlow, ACSW, Munson Medical Center ......... 616-935-6385
Bay Area Counseling (Petoskey/Harbor Springs)
Margalo Bley, MSW, ACSW . .. . . .... .. ............ 616-348-3616
Daniel C. Doran, PHD, CSW .. .. . . . .. . . .. . ..... .. ... 906-495-5061
Lois Martindale, Ph.D., Benzonia . .................. . . 616-882-5888
CDRS (a free substance abuse referral agency)
808-A S. Garfield, Traverse City .......... 929-1315 or 800-686-0749
LOCAL SERVICE / SOCIAL / POLITICAL
Friends North (information line) .................. . .. . 616-946-1804
Windfire Gay & Lesbian Youth Support GroupCall Third Level for location & time . ............... . . 616-922-4800
or ...... .. . .. ..... ... ... . .... ....... .. . ..... .. 800-442-7315
Side Traxx Nile Club, 520 Franklin St. off of 8th St. . . ... . . 616-935-1666
Traverse City Human Rights Commission, 400 Boardman . 616-922-4700
Gay Alcoholics Anonymous,
Grace Church, Washington at Boardman, TC . .. . John 616-922-0746
P-FLAG, Traverse City
POB 1705, Acme, Ml 49610 . .. . ........ . .... . Cindy 616-271-5045
GLSTN (Gay/Lesbian/Straight Teachers Network) ..... . .. 616-943-8800
NOW (National Organization for Women) Gail Trill ....... 616-938-1333
LOCAL HIV/AIDS HEALTH COUNSELING:
Wellness Networks, Grand Traverse,
P.O. Box 1632, Traverse City, Ml 49685 . . . ..... . .. . . 616-947-1110
Wellness HIV Support Group and
Family and Significant Other Support Group ...... . . .. 616-947-1110
Grand Traverse County Health Department . . . .. . ....... 616-922-4831
(anonymous HIV Testing Center)
Mary Dillinger, RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist . .. . .. .. . ... 616-935-8140
Munson Medical Center HIV Clinic ... . .......... . . 1-800-847-8474
Community Health Clinic . .... . .. . .... . .. . ...... . .... 616-929-4448
(anonymous counseling/testing; same-day results no fee)
H.A.N.D.S. (HIV/AIDS Support: Petoskey) ......... ... 1-800-248-6777
HERE ARE SOME PHONE NUMBERS EVERYONE S~~ULD HAYE: The White H~use (202) 456-1111; the U.S. Capital (202) 224-3121 ;
and some phone numbers for Northwest M1ch1gan Residents-Carl Levin (202) 224-6221 or in TC (616) 947-9569·
Spencer Abraham (202) 224-4822 or in Grand Rapids (616) 456-2592; Bart Stupak (202) 225-4735 or in TC 929-4711
The
ocratic Party
Grand Traverse County .·
Invites you to attend t
an Robb
,rn Bart Stupak
$30. 00 per person • $
Truman Day
Dinner Reservation
D I'd like to sponsor a table (includes 2 tickets)
D I'd like a Full page ad in the program book
D
D
D
$100.00
$50.00
$25.00
$15.00
I'd like a 1/2 page ad in the program book
I'd like a 1/4 page ad in the program book
I'd like to help with a donation of _ _ _ _ __
Enclosed is $ _ _ for the above checked item.
Name:--------------
Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Phone:--------------
I / We would love to attend the Dinner!
Enclosed is $ _ _ for _ _ dinner tickets.
For More Information Call
Joann Ewing at 947,1965 or
Gerry Greene at 947,7450 or
Mark Jensen at 929,3610
Enclose a Business Card or
Ad Copy if placing an ad in
the program book
Please fill out and return this form to Joann Ewing,
120 S. Elmwood, Traverse City, MI 49684
(make checks payable to
"Grand Traverse Democratic Party")
Government continued
It's a little surreal. I woke up one morning wondering whether
my two-year relationship was ready for marriage and all of its
commitments. Then I learned that Georgia's General Assembly had
already made the decision for me. Apparently, we can't get married
because it would cheapen the institution for everyone else, tear at the
very fabric of American life, and even threaten the survival of our
civilization.
Since my government has decided that it's best if I don't get
married, maybe I can manage a committed relationship with my
partner making do without the "social glue" of marriage.
Not according to the Supreme Court of Georgia, which ruled
recently that my partner and I could be arrested for being intimate in
the privacy of our own home, even though Attorney General Mike
Bowers has acknowledged that enforcing the same law against
married couples would be an unconstitutional invasion of their
privacy.
Obviously, my government isn't keen on my having much of a
personal life. I supposed I could bury myself in my career. At least
my job performance has nothing to do with my sexual orientation.
But the same Mike Bowers fired a top-notch lawyer named Robin
Shahar in 1990 simply because she and her partner, who is a woman,
exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony in South Carolina.
A panel of federal appeals judges ruled that Shahar's rights had been
violated, but this month, that opinion was thrown out. The entire
appeals court will rehear the case, and it will likely conclude that
Bowers was within his governmental authority in firing Shahar.
Turning 30 in Georgia is starting to look pretty bleak. Until I
realized I'm gay. I thought these important decisions were mine to
make. But now the government has assumed that responsibility for
me .
Well, if the state can decide how I'm not to live my life, the least
it can do is give me some hint as to how I'm supposed to live. I if
can't get married, and if a long-term relationship violates laws and
threatens my job security, what kind of life does my government want
for me?
I sure hope the answer isn't for me to "straighten up," find the
right woman and start a real family. Nothing would degrade the
institutions of marriage and family more than encouraging gay men
into loveless sham marriages with unwitting women. But I'm sure my
government knows best.
(Chris Crain is an Atlanta attorney.)
THE Boo.KIE
01NT
COMBATTING HOMOPHOBIC RADIO
-by Barry Wick (facessd@aol.com)
After years of working in radio-I am a certified radio marketing
consultant-the only way to deal with homophobic radio hosts is
through their sponsors. Don't bother going to the radio station. Don't
bother calling. The following suggestions are guaranteed to piss off
any radio station manager and homophobic talk show hosts. It must
be followed to the letter in order to get the message across.
Remember, don't negotiate away your rights as a listener and as a
member of the public who owns the airwaves. Radio station
executives will likely kiss your butt after about six months of intense
scrutiny. Stand firm.
Here are my 7 Steps to Pissing Off any Radio Station Executive
and Getting Rid of Homophobic Comments on Radio.
First, record every single program on the station that features
these two homophobes. This could be costly in cassettes ... but it is
well worth the effort ... 20 or 30 friends can make this happen easily.
Second, gather your friends together to take down the name of
every sponsor of the program.
Third, then go to the radio station and ask to see the public files
to see if the names of those sponsors are listed in letters, i.e. good
comments, anything. You have a right to examine the public files of ,
any radio station and radio stations just love to put their good letters
in their public files. You'll be looking for addresses, etc. Howevere,
the station managers, sales people, and secretaries are there to keep
you away from the sponsors, other than to buy the sponsors product.
Fourth, make copies of offending statements on cassette and
Fifth, send them to the sponsors with a complaint letter about the
exact time, day, etc. Approximate times are okay, dates are important,
and especially make note of the closest sponsor to the offending
statements.
Remind sponsors that the offending announcer/talk show host
has just told potentially as many as 10 per cent of the listeners, their
friends and their families that offensive language and statements was
adjacent to their commercial. You'll get their attention-I can assure
you. Phone calls, etc, don't do any good. Letters with transcripts and
copies of cassettes do get results. Trust me on this one.
Sixth, Also send copies to the FCC and to the offending radio
~tation, making certain that your cassette tape and your letter get put
into the radio station's public file. And check a month later to be
certain that your letter and your cassette is in the station's public file.
It is most likely a finable offense to tamper with the public file. Make
sure the cassette is intact. Take your own cassette recorder to be
certain someone at the station hasn't erased it. Ask the radio station
and FCC when the FCC will review the public file. Make sure the FCC
knows there is a copy of the tape in the station's public file.
Seven, make certain all your friends write letters to the
Complaints Division of the FCC in Washingtion and make sure copies
of those letters get into the station's public file as well. Then, sit back
and watch how many times you get your butts kissed. Count. You
might enjoy it.
/Altered slightly from the original for continuity and content-Editor)
NElWORKING 45°NORTH
15
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
PLANNED GIVING
by Nan P. Bailey, MBA, CFP
In deciding who to name as the beneficiary of your retirement
plan, like most people, you probably have chosen your partner or a
close relative. Chances are, you assume this person will be entitled to
receive the full market value of your account, be it a 401 (k), IRA, or
pension plan. Unfortunately, your beneficiary might not receive as
much as you think.
All funds in a qualified retirement plan left to an individual
beneficiary will be subject to two separate taxes before the net amount
of the distribution can be calculated. First, the death benefits
distribution is subject to income taxes which, on the federal level alone,
can run as high as 39.6%. Combine this with state and local taxes, and
your beneficiary could receive as little as 50% of the actual value of
your investment.
In addition, the death benefits distribution is also subject to estate
taxes. For a taxable estate valued at over $600,000, (including the
death benefit of any life insurance owned by the deceased) the federal
estate tax rate starts at 37% ·and gradually increases to 55%.
While each tax by itself can substantially reduce the amount of the
bequest to your beneficiary, these taxes combined can potentially
decrease the distribution by as much as 76%!
There are other ways to bequeath the principal in your retirement
account, so that every dollar of what you give is actually received. For
example, leaving your retirement account to a charitable organization
will have the effect of avoiding both the income and estate taxes. A
$100,000 retirement account (401(k) or IRA) left to your partner for
lump sum distribution could result in he or she receiving as little as
$24,000 after all the taxes are paid. However, the same $100,000
retirement account left to a charitable organization would result in the
charity receiving the full $100,000.
With this in mind, there may be more appropriate assets to leave
to your heirs than your retirement account. To review how this
information applies to your financial situation and to make the most of
your investments, you should consult with your professional financial
advisor. For further information, you also may contact Development
Director Bill Peters at LLDEF office in New York.
kd lang COMING TO TC!
If you've always wanted to see her in concert, here's
your chance to do it without having to drive to Chicago
or Detroit. Yes, lnterlochen will be hosting kd on
Wednesday, August 7, 8:00 pm,
outside, at Kresge Auditorium. Tickets range from about
$25. 00 and up, and con be secured through the box
office at Interlachen Center for the Arts.
Coll 616-276-62 30 for reservations.
FRIENDS NORTH, INC,, P,O, Box 562, TRAVERSE CITY, Ml 49685,0562
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16
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
NON-COMMERCIAL TV & RADIO TUNE
INTO LESBIAN AND GAY COMMUNITIES
by Maureen Bogues, Freelance/San Francisco
OK, so they had a lesbian wedding on "Friends" and everywhere
you look on commercial lV, somebody is coming out. Primetime
national news programs are running series with titles like "Gay in
American," and many public radio news programs regularly run news
from gay communities. Flavor du jour, or are we really becoming a
presence to reckon with? Only time will tell.
If you really want to know what is going on in the lives of average
gays and lesbians, commercial lV and radio aren't the best paces to
turn. Instead, check out some of the spunky, spirited and enlightening
gay-produced syndicated broadcast 1V shows, plus the nationally
syndicated radio program ''This Way Out."
Below is a list of some of the most familiar entities, though chances
are good that you can catch some other offerings on public-access
cable lV.
In the Life:
Probably the best-known
of the bunch, "In the Life" is an
hour-long
bimonthly
newsmagazine created by
New
York-based
John
Scagliotti that airs on 70 PBS
stations across the country.
Now celebrating its fourth
season, the show began as a
30-minute monthly variety
show, according to Charles
Ignacio,
co-executive
producer. Facing criticism that
its material was "too inside,"
producers adapted the format to target a wider audience. T~e show
now covers cultural events and news with an eye toward putting them
into historical context. "ITL" just won a regional GLMD award for a
recent segment on homosexuality and the Catholic Church, and has
gotten positive notices in such mainstream publications as USA Today,
1V Guide and the New York Times.
For information: Call "In the Life," (212) 255-6012.
Dyke TV
This Way Out
Creator Greg Gordon calls "This Way Out" the "best-kept queer
media secret." The weekly syndicated radio program has been on the
air since April 1988 and is available to U.S. public radio stations via
satellite. Currently, 85 stations in the US and Canada carry it. The
program has won awards from such groups as the National Federation
of Community Broadcasters, GLMD and P-FLAG. Gordon admits that
he operates on a shoestring budget, but every time he thinks of
throwing in the towel, he gets a letter from "some 16-year-old kid"
struggling with his sexuality who heard and appreciated the program,
which mixes entertainment, news and advocacy.
To contact "TWO" write: P.O. Box 38327, Los Angeles, CA
90038-0327.
"This Way Out" airs i,n TC on WNMC, 90.9 at 7:30 pm every Sunday.
NetworkQ:
Begun three years ago, Atlanta-based Network Q is a weekly halfhour program available to public lV stations via satellite. Network Q
travels all over the country, showing gay and lesbian life in its many
varietie5,-the first lesbian sergeant on the Chicago Police force, a gay
youth group in Salt Lake City, the Ballot 9 election in Oregon. "We like
to showcase diversity away from the (gay) meccas, taking care of what
needs to be taken care of," said executive producer David Surber. A
new batch of programs is now being produced, and will be released in
April. Network Q operates under the auspices of the non-profit Atlantabased South-eastern Arts Media and Education Project, and receives
funding from individual donors, plus major corporate sponsors like
Tanqueray and Hilton Hotels.
For information: call (800) 368-0638
Gay Cable Network:
Originally started
by Lou Maletta in 1982
as a program to review
the latest X-rated male
films,
GCN
has
evolved into a vital
entity that was one of
the first media outlets to cover the AIDS crises. It continues to cover
politics, arts and gay culture, producing six weekly half-hour shows
(featuring various aspects of mostly New York gay/lesbian life,
including politics, entertainment, the S&M community and gay male
films) aired on leased-access and public-access stations in New York.
A seventh program of national interest, "Gay America," an hour-long
newsmagazine, airs weekly in eight US cities, including Los Angeles,
Atlanta, Boston and New York.
For information: Gay Cable Network, (212) 275-8850
GEN
~KJ<l&
A
weekly
half-hour
newsmagazine, DYKE lV is
produced by lesbians'. for lesbians.
Founded by executive producers
Linda Chapman, Mary Patierno and
Ana Marie Simo, it made its debut three
years ago in New York City and now airs
on public-access stations in 61 cities across
the country. Funded by grants, viewer
donations and the sale of DYKE 1V memorabilia, the non-profit group
puts positive images of dykes on the air in such segments as "Dyke
NE1WORKING 4S°NORTH
Dish" (gossip), "From the Archives," (lesbian herstory), "Eyewitness"
(in-depth look at lesbian issues) "Jocklife" (athletes) and {I Was a
Lesbian Child," (photos, home movies and remembrances of tomboy
childhoods.)
For information: Dyke lV, P.O. Box 55, Prince Street Station, New
York, NY 10012. (212) 343-9335.
17
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
Tompkins: At this moment, I can't say that I have a position. We've
had so little information. All I've seen is a letter from Pam
Haley and Carol Anderson talking about the possible
amendment. I'm hoping we will get more legal
background. I like to know everything I can.
Boynton: Not Yet.
No. (Did not want to comment, but said that he would
Weiss:
have some comments to make at the meeting)
Orth:
(Stated that he had already gone on record opoosing
amendment. The Record-Eagle reported on March 1 ~ that
Orth said he could not condone homosexuality, a lifestyle
that he disagrees with for personal, moral and religious
reasons, and that he did not want to do anything that
encourages it or legitimizes it as an acceptable lifestyle.
He also said he would not take action to condemn it.
(Asked that he not be quoted directly, but stated that he
Hardy:
did not know at this point, and that he was going to wait
until he had all the facts in front of him.)
2. Do you feel that it should be possible for city employees to be
fired for being homosexual?
Orth:
No. I don't believe thatthat alone is a basis for terminating
someone's employment.
Tompkins: Absolutely not.
3. How do you plan to address the fear of discrimination that city
employees who are homosexual face in the workplace?
Orth:
I'm not aware of anyone that has filed a complaint or
grievance against the city of Traverse City directly or
indirectly that they have been discriminated against,
based on their sexual orientation. The city manager
(Richard Lewis) indicated that he would not and has not
discriminated based on sexual orientation.
Tompkins: I'm not sure that having a policy in and of itself is going to
guarantee that people will or won't discriminate. I am not
aware of discrimination going on.
Boynton: I'd have to hear more about that fear to determine, but I
haven't heard anyone complain yet.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Gay clubs have been outlawed in public schools by the state of Utah.
The state legislature spent 12 hours in a gay-bashing, emotional
session which resulted in forcing school boards to ban clubs for gay
and lesbian students and other select organizations, while allowing
other groups access to school facilities. The governor is expected to
sign the bill into law. A legal challenge is sure to follow.
Andrew Sullivan, the editor of The New Republic, announced that
he would step down from ;his post at the end of May. Sullivan, who
has edited the magazine since mid 1991, said that he wanted to
concentrate on writing, and will continue to write for the magazine.
Openly gay, Sullivan was only 28 when he was named editor in
1991. Conservative, a practicing Catholic, and a doctorate from
Harvard in political science, he devoted more attention to popular
culture and gay issues, while continuing to cover American politics
and economics. Sullivan argued in favor of gay marriage and against
the Catholic Church's doctrine on homosexuality.
Fodor's has become the first major publishing company to print a gay
travel guide. Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA ($19.50) will be in stores
on May 1. It offers detailed, witty commentary on 29 destinations.
Three of the commissioners have expressed opposition and only
one has voiced support. The amendment has little chance if one of
the remaining three votes against the change or abstains from voting.
A strong presence of supporters at the meeting is important to show
the commission that this issue is of importance to our community.
The Olympic Torch Relay will travel 15,000 miles across the US right
before the start of the Olympics. However, Cobb County, just outside
of Atlanta, will be avoided . Organizers of the Olympic Games said
that they had decided not to run the torch relay through Cobb County,
an affluent suburb, because of its anti-gay stance. Activists had
threatened to disrupt the relay across much of the US if it came
through Cobb, part of which is represented in Congress by Speaker
Newt Gingrich.
Some thoughts from Jim
Jim Carruthers did significant legwork and distributed many form
letters to local businesses and individuals who replied to the City
Commission. Next time you see Jim, thank him for all his work.
It seems that there is little awareness of the fear that we face as
lesbians/gay men. Our commissioners need to realize that there is
prejudice in our community, which can easily lead to discrimination.
Recent letters to the editor in the Record-Eagle have quoted verses
from the Bible that call homosexuality worthy of death and have
made threats for greater violence in the future . How would the
individuals who wrote these letters treat us as our employers? It is
such threats that keep so many of us closeted in fear . An antiNE1WORKING 45°NORTH
discrimination policy gives us a safer, more relaxed and healthier
environment in which to work.
Some of the commissioners have stated that they do not feel it is
right to fire someone for being gay. I don't know how anyone could
make this statement and not support the amendment. You either
support the right for someone to obtain/maintain employment
regardless of their sexual orientation, or you support the right for
someone to deny them employment. This policy is not about
legitimizing homosexuality. There is no punishment through this
amendment for someone who does not accept homosexuality. It is
solely about a person's rights. We need to be assured of our most
basic right, that which enables us to earn an income.
Australian gay men and women would be allowed to remain in the
armed forces under the Coalition Government. The Minister for
Defense, Ian Mclachlan, said, "As long as these activities don't
interfere with the operation of the defense forces, then they'll be
permitted."
18
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
"What's openly gay?
I mean, people know.
They ;ust know.
But you don't see me doing gay parades.
Why put so much emphasis on thotwhen
it hos nothing to do with skating? ...
What does that hove to do
with my triple axe/?"
-U. 5. figure-skating champion Rudy Galindo
as quoted in Washington Post reporter Christine
Brennan's new book "Inside Edge."
"I hadn't been going to church for five years, because I
couldn't believe in anything. I wanted something I could
relate to as a woman. A lesbian woman."
"It was the same for both of us. Walking into a Unitarian
Universalist service and feeling immediately at home. We felt
welcome. We didn't have to be different people-we could be
ourselves."
"We could be together ... a couple. And no one was going
to kick us out."
"It goes way, way beyond tolerance. Unitarian Universalists
encourage diversity. And acceptance."
"I mean, not everyone is Ozzie and Harriet, you know?"
THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
for the location of a congregation near you, call:
1-800-464--0336
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
PFLAG GOES TO WASHINGTON:
YOUNG ROBB MAKES THE NEWS
-Staff Writer
The byline read: "10-Year-Old Lobbyist-Young brother of gay man
helps lobby for fair treatment." While in Washington with his parents,
Dean and Cindy, fifth-grader Matthew Robb was interviewed by Polly
Elliott for the Ottaway News Service, and the story of why the Robbs went
to Washington spread across the country.
Ms. Elliott writes: Matthew Robb doesn't much care that his older
brother is homosexual, but he knows not everyone is so nonchalant on
the subject. "I wouldn't be in Washington if people didn't have a problem
with it," explained Matt. "I love my brother. (That he's gay) doesn't make
my brother any different."
This is the message family members hope to have driven home on
Capitol Hill with their visit in March. National PFLAG organized this
lobbying effort, attended by hundreds from around the country, to support
the passage of ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The
passage of this bill would protect gays and lesbians from discrimination in
the workplace, as well as preventing employers from making hiring or
firing decisions based on real, or perceived, sexual orientation.
Cindy Robb told t,he reporter that neither her family nor her son had
endured much discrimination but that she was mindful of the struggles
faced by others. During the interview she stated, "Prejudice affects me
whether it is personally directed at me or not."
Cindy Robb wrote of her trip in the April issue of the Traverse City
PFLAG newsletter: "It was exciting to arrive at the hotel and find a
welcome table with a "scroll" announcing our personal message to the
White House. We all met early in the morning at the White House offices
and went to a reception hosted by Hillary Clinton's personal secretary.
There were many spokespersons, induding Mitzi Henderson, PFLAG
national president. We went to Rep. John Dingell's office as well as
meeting with Rep. Bart Stupak, Senator Carl Levin, and an aide from
Senator Abraham's office. Our reception was warm everywhere we went
and we all felt we were really listened to."
Later that evening, the planned candlelight vigil was rained out, and
instead took place in a local church.
The Robbs returned from their trip ready for more battles as well as
celebrations. In fact, they are hosting the first annual Traverse City Gay/
Lesbian Pride Celebration at the family farm just West of Suttons Bay. The
Robbs have long been known for supporting gay rights issues and those of
other discriminated minorities.
CURTIS
PUBLISHING
- Catalogs - Fliers - Circulars Menus WORD PROCESSING, lYPE SETTING
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- Announcements - Letterheads -
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19
Fax: 941-1158
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
SUMMER IS NEAR ...
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Open Monday-Saturday- 6:00 pm - Sunday at 2:00 pm
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Traverse City, MI 49684
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
300 TEACHERS MEET IN CHICAGO
schools are one of the last bastions of institutionalized homophobia
M'Lynn Hartwell and I would like to applaud all of you as true pioneers." Kevin Jennings,
the Executive Director of GLSTN followed Schulter to the speaker's
Marge Piercy writes in The Low Road:
platform and said, "We will not retreat. We will be in every town in
" ...What can they do to you? They can scrawl "DIKE" [sic] on America and we will make sure that the next generation of gay and
your notebook when you didn't even think you were gay. They can lesbian youth will not be picked on and beat up because we will not
whisper 'faggot' behind your back as you walk down the hall. They stand for it." The crowd rose to their feet in thunderous applause.
can spread vicious rumors, refuse to sit by you in class, kick you out
More than 300 people from the Midwest attended speeches and
of your house. They can disown you. They can beat you up. They workshops addressing safe schools, homophobia, HIV/AIDS
can rape you. They can ignore you exist."
education, suicide prevention, curriculum development, youth support
"As we all know, this is too-often the case for lesbian, gay, groups, gay-straight alliances, and responding to anti-gay rhetoric.
bisexual, and transgender youth. Hi, my name is Phoebe Hanshew. I Most of the conference attendees were teachers, but administrators,
am seventeen years old. I live in Bloomington, Indiana with my counselors, social workers and students were plentiful.
mother, brother and stepfather. I am a senior at Bloomington High
Jamie Nabozny, was the recipient of this years GLSTN Pathfinder
School South."
Award. He called upon all of the teachers present to "create a safe
As I sat at the center table during our luncheon mesmerized by space" for gay and lesbian students. Nabozny's lawsuit against the
the strength of character of this articulate young woman, Ms. Ashland Wisconsin school district is currently before a federal appeals
Hanshew's words agonizingly consumed me with memories of what court.
I once felt like as a queer student, alone and afraid.
Jamie shared his story openly: The name-calling started when he
Phoebe Hanshew and the thousands of wonderful young men and was in the seventh grade when he was just beginning to understand
women like her are the reason I have chosen to be an active GLSTN that he was gay and what that meant to him. Classmates called him
member. They are why I got out my credit card and attended the "sissy" and "queer" and "faggot." Their words hurt, he said, but he
Midwest Regional GLSTN Conference held in Chicago this March.
always knew "there was nothing wrong with being gay." Jamie pretty
Phoebe went on to describe her trials and tribulations, sometimes much stayed to himself and brought home good grades, making his '
with humor, often with tears and frustration, in order to establish a parents proud because he wanted to do what they had not - graduate
gay/straight student alliance in her high school. She continued, "But from high school. In the next few years vicious words turned into
two people fighting back to back can cut through a mob, a snake- brutality. Once, he said, a group of boys surrounded him and
dancing file can break a cordon, an army can meet an army. Two performed a mock rape; another time they shoved him into a urinal
people can keep each other sane, can give support, conviction, love, and urinated on him as they jeered. School officials and teachers
massage, hope, sex. Three people are a delegation, a committee, a looked the other way - his tormentors were never disciplined. His
wedge. With four you can play bridge and start an organization. With journey through high school became a daily battle for survival. He
six you can rent a whole house, eat pie for dinner with no seconds, sued the school system for failing to protect him.
and hold a fundraising party."
Phoebe Hanshew's speech ended, as it had started, with the words
A successful gay/straight alliance known as PROUD was born of Marge Piercy, "A dozen make a demonstration; A hundred fill a hall;
from this remarkable young woman's unrelenting energy. She states, A thousand have solidarity and your own newsletter; ten thousand,
"Our posters get torn down - but we have posters! Our announcements power and your own paper; a hundred thousand, your own media; ten
aren't read by all the teachers - but we have announcements." Phoebe million your own country. It goes on one at a time, it starts when you
goes on to say, "knowing that GLSTN exists is an inspiration to me. I'm care to act; it starts when you do it again after they said no; it starts when
sure all of you know how important it is to queer youth to feel you say WE and know who you mean, and each day you mean one
supported by their teachers, gay and straight!"
more."
During the kickoff luncheon, Chicago Alderman Gene Schulter
The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Teachers Network has over thirty
delivered a welcoming resolution from the Chicago City Council and chapters, and a membership of over three thousand teachers, parents,
signed by Mayor Richard M. Daley that read in part, "We all know and concerned citizens.
HEAR ... HERE!
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430 East Front Street I Traverse City/ 946-2112
21
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
-Big PR Blunders of '95
Two of the top ten "1995 Annual PR Blunders List" centered around
gay/lesbian issues. The list is generated each year by Fineman Associates
Public Relations in San Francisco. Number 7 was the White House situation
where security guards donned rubber gloves when greeting elected gay
officials visiting with President Clinton. The guards were obvious in their fear
of AIDS. President Clinton had to apologize on their behalf.
Number 10 on the list was the Ben Wright fiasco. He is the golf
commentator (recently fired by CBS) who made the homophobic and
misogynistic statements earlier this year in connection with the LPGA
Championship. Initially, Wright denied making the comments. GLMD
spearheaded a campaign that resulted in enormous pressure for CBS to
fire Wright, which it did in January 1996. (Knight-Ridder)
Commend CBS on their decision. Send comments to: David Ken in
Sport President, CBS • 51 West 52nd Street, 25th floor• New York, NY
10019
No Apologies for APA's Pathologizing Lesbian
and Gay Youth
Although in 1974 the American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed
"homosexuality" from its list of mental illnesses, hundreds of rfl/6/t youth
each year are sent to psychiatric institutions and/or subjected to
"treatment" for "Gender Identity Disorder." The APA stands in opposition
lo the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical
Association, and the Child Welfare League of America; these
organizations listed have refused lo pathologize lesbian and gay children
and teenagers.
The APA's classification must certainly hinder rfl/b/t youth from
seeking health care, when it is known they may be labeled, and subjected
to unnecessary, and most likely, harmful "treatment," which could possibly
include incarceration. Often, these young people already have to deal with
isolation, hostility and rejection from the society around them.
Please send your letters to the APA urging them to cease
pathologizing gay and lesbian youth. The APA does not pathologize
adults who are members of a sexual minority.
Send to: Dr. Mary Jane England, President • American Psychiatric
Association • 1400 K Street NW • Washington, DC 20005, and Dr.
Chester W. Schmidt, Chair • Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders •
Working Group/APA• Johns Hopkins Bay View Medical Center• 4940
Eastern Avenue, B3 South • Baltimore, MD 21224.
(International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.)
Texans Lobby for Tough Laws
The Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby (LGRL) ofTexas is urging supporters lo
contact the Texas state government regarding hate crime laws. Language
of the current law does not include race, color, disability, religion and
national origin. Dianne Hardy-Garcia of Austin, executive director of
LGRL, says fifteen people have been murdered in Texas since 1988
because they were gay. She wants to see statutes for hate crimes change lo
include those which occurred due to the victim's sexual orientation; this
would also increase the penalties incurred if the perpetrator chose
someone based on their being a member of a sexual minority.
Get involved by requesting specially printed postcards from the
LGRL of Texas.
You may call: Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby • 512.474.5475, or Houston
Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus • 512.521.1000
(The Houston Chronicle)
CRIMES AGAINST GAYS DROP,
BUT NOT THE VIOLENCE
Offenses against gays and lesbians increased only slightly in
1995, but that's not the whole story, stated leaders of Detroit's
Triangle Foundation.
Such offenses are increasingly more violent, according to the
foundation, a gay rights group. In Detroit, 40 percent of the victims
were killed or seriously injured, officials said.
Metro Detroit offenses increased from 108 in 1994 to 113 last
year (5 percent), a national report shows.
"Look at the context and social environment in which they're
occurring," urged Triangle Foundation President Jeffrey Montgomery.
He cited:
• Demetrius Robinson, described as a "male hustler," on trial for
the July 1995 killing of the Rev. Donald Clark, a Detroit Roman
Catholic priest. Triangle said Clark had "a longstanding,
hidden relationship" with Robinson.
continued next page
•
Who Ya' Gonna Call? Bigot Busters!
Recently in the State of Washington, a group known as "Bigot
Busters" was successful in encouraging voters to decline signing an antigay petition. The petition's aim was to put anti-gay initiatives, which
would legalize discrimination against gays, lesbians, transgendered and
bisexual people, on the ballot. This is the second year in a row that such
initiatives have failed to get on the Washington Stale ballot.
Congratulations lo Bigot Busters and the myriad of other groups that
opposed this attempt to legislate hate. Let us all commend the fair-minded
citizens of Washington State!
Send congratulations to: Bigot Busters • 1202 E. Pike #1110 • Seattle,
WA 93122-3934 • 206.767.2457
NE1WORKING 45°NORTH
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(616) 941-8868
'.Jwc (616) 941-9063
•:J-{rs 9am-7pm 'Daily • Out of town pfume 800-876-8868
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22
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
Prooerty of the Center
Triangle continued
,------------,-,-==------- --,==-ccc------------
•
•
Jonathan Schmitz, who soon
goes on trial in Oakland County
for the March 1995 shotgun
slaying of Scott Amedure. The
victim professed his "secret
crush" on Schmitz when they
appeared together on a taping of
the Jenny Jones show.
"Unprecedented"
anti-gay
election-year political rhetoric
that he predicted would lead to
increased
violence.
The
previous peak year for anti-gay
offenses, the 1992 election year,
may "pale by comparison" to
1996, Montgomery said.
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Montgomery added that research
shows that 70 percent of anti-gay
offenses go unreported. Victims
"essentially are 'outing' themselves" by
making their sexual orientation public,
he said.
Detroit statistics came from a
report by the National Coalition of
Anti-Violence Programs. The group' s
leaders met in Detroit last year and developed uniform criteria for
reporting incidents.
Wayne County Prosecutor John O'Hair and Macomb County
Prosecutor Carl Marlinga publicly expressed support for revising
Michigan's "hate crimes" law into a Bias Crimes Act that would
include offenses against gay people.
The state task force that recommended the change, further
recommended that offenders serve two additional years for haterelated crimes, rather than the current two years served concurrently
with other sentences.
Crimes in which one person hurts another "are horrid to
contemplate," Marlinga said. "Relating it to race or sexual
orientation," he said, elevates that act of violence to something even
more horrid."
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ANTI-GAY BILL
Traverse City Sen. George McManus is attempting to push
through a bill which would curtail state universities from offering
benefits to same-sex partners of its employees. Sponsored by Wm .
Schuette, the two senators don't believe that it targets gays. However,
Schuette says that "it is consistent with Michigan law that recognizes
marriage between two members of the opposite sex. It affirms
marriage."
The bill has nothing to do with affirming marriage, but it certainly
discriminates against gays. Currently similar gay-exclusion bills are
being foisted on many of the states around the country. This is
typically by Republicans interested in making a name for themselves
at the expense of gays and lesbians. It appears no different here in
Traverse City.
Currently there are about 120 State university employees (from
the University of Michigan and Wayne State) whose same-sex
partners receive health and other employee benefits. The McManusSchuette bill would penalize those institutions by forcing them to pay
back the cost of those benefits to the State.
Your State Senators and Representatives are waiting to hear from
their constituents on this mean-spirited bill.
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996
PROFILE: CINDY ROBB
by John Evans
When her son, Ben, was seven years old, a gay couple, longtime
friends of Cindy Robb said, "You know Ben is gay, don't you?" And
when she countered "How would you know that?" They said, "You
just watch!"
"And that has always stuck with me," Cindy explained. "And I
thought - well, you know, he always enjoyed the same things I did
and we always had such a great time together and were very, very
close but it was because he really held my interest a great deal."
We talked about environmental influences. Cindy is the oldest
of five girls in her family, and she was for a while the only married
one with a child. This meant that for a several years Ben had four
doting aunts. Add to that, the fact that Cindy and Ben's father, Joe
Maddy, were divorced when Ben was but four years old, Ben grew
up in a woman's world.
"So, I kept thinking, maybe environment, but I'm not going to
decide. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. I decided not
to say anything. I decided to let it ride until he decided to tell me. But
I always thought that he was. And I laugh now and say my biggest
tipoff should have been that for his second birthday he wanted a pair
of Calvin Klein blue jeans."
Ben is now twenty, a graduate of Interlachen Arts Academy and
working in Chicago.
Cindy is now president of the local chapter of PFLAG (Parents,
Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Born in Lansing, she moved
to Traverse City with the family and graduated from high school here.
All but one of her four sisters live and work here also.
Cindy went to college at the University of Dayton and became a
respiratory therapist. She worked at Osteopathic Hospital and then
Munson for several years.
"I actually worked there until I had Matthew - I worked through
my pregnancy and when I had him that was the end of my respiratory
therapy career."
Matthew, now an engaging young man of eleven years, is the
child of Cindy and Dean Robb, whom she married in 1983 at the farm
on which they now live in Leelanau county.
We spent an inordinate amount of time talking about the
children-hers, mine, and others-but that comes naturally when
parents get together. Finally we got on the subject of PFLAG.
"Ben and I marched in the Stonewall march in New York and
we noticed the people (spectators) were so moved by the PFLAG
contingent. I really think the tide is turning. I think that things are
changing. Kids are coming out a lot younger while they're still at
home. There's a lot more support there when kids can come out
earlier. They're still in the home - the parents are there for them."
Cindy has been on the road a lot on behalf of PFLAG these past
two years.
"Recently, I attended a GLSTN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Teachers
Network) conference right before we went out to Washington, in
Chicago. There were a lot of youth who spoke at that convention.
I asked Cindy what keeps her going in all this, besides Ben.
"If I'm not doing this just for my own child, why am I involved
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or what am I doing? One reason , I think, is when I see a woman
coming to a meeting with a 15 year old son and they are lost. And
then one of the biggest motivating forces is just the climate in this
country. Even though the tide is shifting, Pat Buchanan echoes Adolf
Hitler almost verbatim, and people don't see that. He's not going to
be elected president this year, but he's not going to go away, and
that's a frightening thing."
"And then there is Pat Robertson in everyone's living room
every day. And you know, he seems like a real nice grandfatherly
type man and very concerned and so wonderful. .. lf I'm just home
in the kitchen I'll watch it because I have to know what is going on.
Some of his heart-warming little stories get to me - but I'm on to the
guy!"
"Robertson is threatening suit to any network who airs PFLAG's
60-second ads. Some of his rhetoric is quoted in them. One is on
teen suicide and one is on gay-bashing. They are really powerful
ads. We're going to use them on public access. He won't touch
public access."
Recently the Robbs joined parents from al I over the country in
Washington to lobby for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
(ENDA)
"We did get in writing the commitment for Bart Stupak's vote
on the ENDA. There's a list a mile long of people who are already
co-sponsors of the bill. We met Candace Gingrich - she was
working with the Human Rights Campaign. We lobbied Spence
Abrahams office."
Just at the end of our interview, as Matt was coming in from
school, Cindy revealed that she has now been appointed Great
Lakes Regional Director for PFLAG. We didn't really explore what
that will mean, besides more travel! She will certainly be in
Washington again this fall for the National PFLAG convention
which will coincide with the display of the quilt.
Before I left, we went into the TV room and watched a video
put out by Mel White, Metropolitan Community Church Minister,
which neatly refutes each anti-gay comment made by Pat
Robertson. Watch for this. It is excellent. We will have opportunity
to meet Mel in person during his week-end here in Traverse City
September 6, 7 and 8th.
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 3 • MAY/JUNE 1996