LavenderVisions_JuneJuly1989.pdf
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VISIONS
June/July 1989
Civil rights for Lesbians, Gays coming but slowly
Civil rights for Lesbians and Gays, like civil rights for racial
and religious minorities before them, are creeping begrudgingly
into laws and regulations. To date, the Lesbian and Gay civil rights
movement has met with the most success in the state and local
levels of government.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation (note that "sexual
orientation" is defined as homosexuality, heterosexuality and
bisexuality) is banned most completely in 13 cities (including
Baltimore, Boston, Detroit and Minneapolis) and one state (Wis-
Pride Week 1989 Calendar
INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANAPOLIS (cont.)
Fri.
6/16
The Dyketones
50's Rock & Roll Dance
Branching Out Prod.
(317) 637-2906
Sat.
6/24
Sat.
6/17
Justice Annual
Meeting & Open
House, 3-5 PM
1534 E. 10th St.
Sat.
6/17
Tea Dance
Tomorrow's
2301 N. Meridian
(317) 925-1710
Sat.
6/17
Pitch-In Dinner
Sponsors: Fellowship &
Dreams and Swords
Sun.
6/18
Justice Pride Week
Picnic, 12-6 PM
Westlake Park, 238 N.
High School Rd.
Wed
6/21
Interfaith Service
Sponsor: Indianapolis
Gay/Lesbianlnterfaith
Alliance, 7-9 PM
Thu.
6/22
Roller Skating
Party, Sponsor:
Indianapolis
Gay/Lesbian Youth
Group, 8-10:30 PM
USA East
•
Garage Sale
Sponsor: Switchboard
(317) 253-GAYS
EVANSVILLE
Sun.
6/25
Pride Week Picnic
& Volleyball
Sponsor: Tri-State
Alliance, 4 PM
Wesselman Park
(812) 867-3956
FORT WAYNE
Fri.
6/16
Coffeehouse
Sponsor: Up the Stairs
Community Center
(219)744-1199
Sun.
6/18
Picnic
Sponsor: Open Door
Rock Hill Park
(219)744-1199
ELKHART/GOSHEN
Sun.
6/11
Potluck Dinner
Sponsor: GLEAM
(219) 522-0102
BLOOMINGTON
For Pride Week information,
call the Switchboard at (812)
336-4299.
consin). In these locales, laws that "prohibit discrimination based
upon sex, race, color, creed and national origin" have been
amended to include "sexual orientation." The result of such
amendments is the prevention of discrimination based upon sexual orientation in public employment, housing and public accommodations. Additionally, 12 states (including California, Illinois,
Ohio and Minnesota), 16 counties and 70 municipalities prohibit
discrimination based on sexual orientation in public employment.
In addition to legal gains made at the state and local level,
there have also been some advancements made in other conservative organizations concerning discrimination against Lesbians
and gays. Recently the American Bar Association (ABA), a
national organization for lawyers, passed a resolution urging
"federal, state and local governments to prohibit discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing and public
accommodation." (from ABA Report No. 8, 1989, Resolution
Adopting Nondiscrimination Policy Towards Gays and Lesbians). The resolution also contains a provision that acknowledges
continued on page 2
Make time to celebrate;
plan to continue struggle
Throughout the year, Gays and Lesbians struggle to build a
life for themselves which includes such basic human rights as the
ability to love whom we want, when we want and where we want.
Once a year, in June, we celebrate the accomplishments our
struggles have granted us. And we have accomplished much.
Before 1969, Gays and Lesbians were harassed continually
by police. It was nearly impossible to gather socially or to live
openly without public outcry. In the '60s, however, the Gay and
Lesbian community began to join together. Tentatively they
started to fight back against their oppressors until finally a spontaneous, non-organized group of drag queens refused to take the
abuse. It was 20 years ago, at the Stonewall Inn in New York, that
the first major struggle took place. And it is this struggle that we
celebrate this week of June 16-25.
Out of that struggle, groups and organizations such as the Gay
Liberation Movement and The National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force, began to form across the nation. They provided support,
encouragement and a voice to our needs and concerns. We now
continued on page 6
Page2
LAVENDER VISIONS
June/July 1989
Civi I rights
continued from page 1
that there may be situations when discrimination on the basis of the
sexual orientation may be appropriate. Although this resolution
was initially proposed several years ago, its passage remains a
significant breakthrough because of the ABA's influence in lobbying Congress for changes in federal law.
Much like pro-choice laws (which are currently in jeopardy),
advancements in increased civil rights for Lesbians and Gays are
often endangered by backlash movements. A form of backlash
can be seen in House Bill 3211 which is currently pending in the
Oregon legislature. House Bill 3211 relates to the licensing of
foster parents and specifically prevents Lesbians and Gays from
becoming licensed foster parents. (As of this writing, this bill is
still pending.) The bill would allow Lesbians and Gays to become
foster parents when their "certification as a foster parent is
consistent with the interests and rules of providing foster care."
Presumably this exception would allow Lesbians and Gays to
provide foster care for homosexual teenagers or when no other
appropriate placement could be obtained. House Bill 3211 is quite
frightening because this law consciously promotes discrimination
and specifically excludes Lesbians and Gays from obtaining a
privilege available to all other persons.
As the Oregon bill illustrates, legislators are enacting laws
that foster the belief that society needs to be protected from
Lesbians and Gays. So long as elected officials are allowed to
maintain these assumptions, Lesbians and Gays will continue to
be denied basic civil rights.
Some courts of law have recognized the breadth of this
prejudice that exists in our laws. Justice William Brennan of the
United States Supreme Court has noted "that Lesbians and Gays
have been the object of some of the deepest prejudice and hatred
in American society." In fact numerous judges have acknowledged that Lesbians and Gays are such a "discreet and insular"
group that they need the same type of protection by the courts and
legislatures that have been given to racial and religious minorities.
In spite of these judges' acknowledgements, the federal government and the United States Supreme Court have yet to truly
embrace this truth.
However slow the process appears, organizations such as
Lambda (a Gay/Lesbian legal defense organization), the American Civil Liberties Union and Justice continue to challenge the
system by filing lawsuits and lobbying legislators for change.
Progress is being made one community at a time.
From a Lavender love note: " ... it [Lavender Visions] gave me
some of those precious moments of be-in-touch-with-me ... "
Bestsellers at Dreams & Swords
Lesbian Studies
Lesbian Sex
Lesbian Passion
Permanent Partners
Color of Light: AIDS Meditations
Inn Places 1989
Fiction
In Every Port
Raging Mother Mountain
In Her Day
Choices: A Classic Lesbian Love
Daughters of Copper Woman
Recovery
Escape from Intimacy
Healing the Child Within
Healing the Shame that Binds You
When Society Becomes an Addict
Codependent No More
Non-Fiction
Courage to Heal
Search for the Beloved
Dance of Anger
Dance of Intimacy
New Peoplemaking
VISIONS
Statement of Purpose
Lavender Visions is
for me and for you,
for all Lesbians,
for us to connect within
our larger community
so that together we may increase
our respect and support
for each other and ourselves,
affirming, celebrating and
honoring the women we are.
Published bi-monthly by Solstice Seed. Mailing address: Lavender
Visions, P.O. Box 321, Zionsville, IN 46077. The opinions
expressed in Lavender Visions do not necessarily reflect the views
of the publishers and editors.
Publishers ............ Mary Gaul (M.G.), Nancy VanArsdall Jones
Co-editors .................................. Pat Jordan, Mary Ann Steinhart
Technical Consultant.. ...................................... Candace Shearls
Mail Subscriptions
Subscriptions are available at $8-12 a year. Advertising rates
available on request. Send address corrections to address above.
June/July 1989
Page3
LAVENDER VISIONS
Bulletin Board
Branching Out Productions Presents:
The Fabulous Dyketones, an all female rock 'n
roll 50' s dance band! Come dressed for the occasion! June 16, 8 PM to midnight, at Dawson
Lake, 6707 Westfield Blvd. Tickets are available at Dreams & Swords Bookstore or call
(317) 637-2906. Tickets are $10 in advance or
$12 at the gate.
Breaking Free from Overeating & Compulsive
Eating, an intensive one-day workshop, October 28. For further information, call (317) 6372906.
Claudia Black, Adult Children of Alcoholics, a
day-long seminar for adult children of alcoholics and other dysfunctional families, November 3, 9 AM - 4 PM. For further information,
call (317) 637-2906.
Ferron in concert, June 9 at 8 PM, McKinley Foundation, 809 S. 5th St., Champaign, IL. Tickets $8 in
advance, $10 at the door. Tickets available by mail
from Wild Patience Productions, 705 E. California,
Urbana, IL 61801. Make checks payable to Wild
Patience Productions.
Women on the Water: A one-day canoe trip down
Sugar Creek, June 10th. $17 for two women in a
canoe, $5 for each additional woman. Contact
Dreams and Swords for more information.
Older Women's Network (O.W.N.) regularly meets
the third Tuesday of each month, usually beginning
at 7:30 PM. Evelyn Herbetz, an Indianapolis astrologer will speak at the June 20th meeting. If you
want her to do your birth chart and a 3-month
projection at the meeting, please send $10 and the
exact time and location of your birth (before June
10) to Sue Click, 5602 Wagon Wheel Trail, Indianapolis 46237. Karen Billings, a professional folksinger and storyteller is the featured speaker for the
July 18th meeting (a $2 donation is requested for
travel costs). Mary Ann Steinhart will be teaching
and demonstrating message therapy at the August
15th meeting. For more information, call 786-5845
or write O.W.N., P.O. Box 2528, Indianapolis, IN
46206. Sue and Sherry are hosts.
"Something's Brewing": "Something's Brewing"
Women's Coffeehouse meets the first Saturday of
each month at 7:30 PM at 615 W. 43rd St. (Unitarian Universalist Church). For information about
programs, cost and schedule changes, call 27 42585.
RESOURCES
Indianapolis (317)
Aids: Living the Journey Together: a family therapy group for
persons with AIDS and a care partner, parent, sibling, lover,
friend. Sponsored by Courageous Living Counseling Services, located in Westview Hospital Professional Bldg., 9250043.
Dignity meets at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 46th & Illinois,
Sundays at 6 PM; 253-1461 (Larry).
Friends for Lesbian and Gay Concerns (Quaker); 635-8646
(Diane or Perri).
Gay AA meets at Bethlehem Lutheran, Sundays at 7 PM; 6327864.
Gay/Lesbian Switchboard: 253-GA YS (7 - 11 PM).
Gay and Lesbian Codependents Anonymous meets at Winona
Hospital, 3232 N. Meridian St.; 925-1135 (Don), 636-4986
(Joe), 297-0386 (Pam).
Gay Parents Coalition oflndianapolis meets at Holy Eucharist
Church, 38th & Illinois, 2nd Sunday of each month at 7:30
PM; 253-2280 (John).
Indianapolis Youth Group for Lesbian and Gay youth ages 23
and under meets bi-weekly. For more information call
Lesbian/Gay Switchboard at 253-GAYS and ask for the organization's contact person.
Indianapolis NOW meets at Planned Parenthood, 3219 N. Meridian, 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6: 30 PM; 925-4641.
Indianapolis Pitch-In: Our monthly pitch-in dinners provide
social and networking opportunities for all Lesbians. Generally, the pitch-in is scheduled for the second Friday of each
month, beginning at 7 PM. The location (and directions, if
necessary) usually is available at Dreams and Swords at least
a week before each pitch-in.
Integrity meets at All Saints Church, 16th and Central, Mondays
at 6:30 PM; 635-3744.
Justice, Inc.: Lesbian resource for issues regarding state laws,
community/police relations, dvil rights, Lesbian/gay conferences, other special events. 1534 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN
46201, 634-9212.
Lesbian Discussion Group meets last Thursday of each month,
7 - 8:30PM, at6360N. Guilford; 253-5160 (NancyVanArsdall Jones).
continued on page 9
Page4
June/July 1989
LAVENDER VISIONS
Think you are a Draggin? You're not alone
It was May, 1988. The sign in Dreams and Swords Bookstore
read:
* * * Attention Klutzes * * *
Are you out of shape, out of breath, and totally
lacking in athletic self-esteem? Were you always
the last one picked for ball teams when you were
in grade school? Do you still nurse a sneaky
desire to be a jock, accepted and admired by
your peers?
***Have We Got A Team For You!***
If enough losers, whiners, tired old ladies and
sissies apply, we are now forming a softball
team which will outshine all others ...
Thus, the year-old ball club, The TLC Draggins, was formed.
The TLC Draggins is a (dis)organization of womyn who share a
common philosophy of sport and a great appreciation of after-thegame camaraderie.
The letters TLC can be decoded as The Lesbian Community
when speaking with "family;" however, when addressing the
general public TLC is most often translated as Tough Luck
Crones. The picturesque term, Draggins, is a situational derivative of "losers, whiners, sissies and tired old ladies" trying to be
Dragons. Although mentally willing, quite often various body
parts are left "draggin" a bit behind (note the team picture).
The Draggin philosophy is simple. The object of Draggin play
is to have fun. A team member must not know "real" softball rules.
if knowledge of softball is suspected, the perpetrator is subject to
probation. More serious infractions constitute expulsion from the
team.
Occasionally, rules are stretched and a former league player will
be permitted to infiltrate the team membership. One such player,
Lefty, RSP (Recovering Softball Player), has admitted that she is
powerless over her addiction to hitting home runs. Lefty is playing
with her non-dominant hand and taking it "one practice at a time."
*
WE ARE EVERYWHERE
The method of play is intrasquad scrimmage. Team members
play only with themselves. To discourage any other interactions,
partners and other strangers are split into opposing scrimmage
teams: the 7's and the 13's.
Scientifically, Draggin play can be compared to Newton's Law
of Relativity. Frog, the team's library scientist, explains, "The ball
is going to hit the ground sometime. It will stop. There is no reason
to go running after it."
Owning and wearing the team T-shirt promotes a great sense of
team unity and Lesbian pride. Butch nicknames on the back of
these shirts are a must. Members are given a choice of choosing
their names or being stereotypically and appropriately labeled.
The team is populated with names such as Babe, Wuss, Toots,
Fuzzy and Spike.
Thursdays (game days) Draggin members can be spotted about
Broad Ripple sporting light blue shirts with TLC printed on the left
shoulder and a dragon logo emblazoned across their chests. Color
coordination in softball playing is important. Quite often a batter
is advised, "Pick the purple bat. It's pretty."
Team loyalty is rewarded: Bubba, the official team captain and
matriarch was chosen because she remembered to show up for all
of the practices, "even one that was cancelled." Way to be, Bubba.
Length of practice is determined by the completion of 5 innings
or the announcement of hunger by any team member. Hunger,
most often, is the contributory cause for the cessation of play.
After Draggin competition, the members retire to Noble Roman's for obligatory carbohydrate packing (beer and pizza) and
socializing. Conversation topics range from existentialism to,
"Have you noticed the cute teller at the drive-thru window."
Official team action photographs can be seen at Dreams and
Swords. One such picture reveals J.E., an outfielder, sitting in
center field in a lawn chair eagerly awaiting a pop-up. In fact, at
press time, no one has seen J.E. Perhaps she is still out there,
sitting in her lawn chair, mentally repeating tier affirmations and
waiting for her moment of glory. Of course, first the team must
find a player who can hit an outfield fly.
Wouldn't you like to be a Draggin, too? New members are
welcome. Time: 6:00 PM. Where: Broad Ripple Park. When:
Thursdays.
From Lavender love notes:
"Lavender Visions is inspired! From logo to layout to the
subject matter and quality of the writing, this publication is firstrate. I am sure the 'We are Everywhere' column will be the first
one I read each issue. Weareeverywhere,and we do enjoy reading
about ourselves!"
Dragg ins turn their backs to the camera.
THE SUPPORTERS' PAGE
To advertise here, please use the Order Form on the back page or contact us at Lavender Visions, P.O. Box 321, Zionsville IN 46077
317/253-9966
Nancy VanArsdall Jones, M.A.
Individual, Couple, Family and Group Therapy
6360 Guilford Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
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Page6
LAVENDER VISIONS
June/July 1989
Women's Equality - Women's Lives march empowering
More than 600,000 women, children and men assembled in
Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 9th, to participate in the
March for Women's Equality-Women's Lives.
The massive demonstration, called the largest ever in support
of women's rights, brought together a cross-section of people from
all 50 states and several foreign countries. An estimated 2,000
persons journeyed from Indiana to join the march.
Fear that the right to legalized abortions may be overturned
precipitated this giant outpouring of sentiment for pro-choice. In
one of the last acts of the Reagan administration, the attorney
general asked that the Supreme Court consider Webster vs. Reproductive Health Services, an appeal of a lower court decision that
struck down Missouri's restrictive abortion law as unconstitutional. The Missouri case is seen as an opportunity for the
Supreme Court to reverse Roe vs. Wade, the 1973 decision that
granted abortion rights to women.
"The lives of American women, the control of their lives, is
at stake," said Molly Yard, president of the National Organization
For Women. Actress Whoopi Goldberg told the crowd, "If you
[the Supreme Court] overturn this decision, a cry of murder is
going to come up in this nation and tumble the Capitol."
Although abortion rights were the immediate concern, marchers and organizers voiced strong support for the larger issues of a
woman's right to control her own body and the rights of privacy.
In the words of one oft-repeated chant, "Not the church, not the
state-women will decide their fate." Kate Michelman, president
of the National Abortion Rights Action League, said, "This march
is about the right of the individual to make personal, private
decisions."
Among those assembled on that cold, blustery spring day
were groups concerned that a reversal of the Roe decision, which
paved the way for other court decisions on women's rights and
Celebrate
continued from page 1
have civil rights organizations, religious groups and parent coalitions. Gays and Lesbians have run for election openly and
favorably effected campaigns and legislatures. We are a strong
community that can instigate social change.
We have accomplished a great deal in 20 years, and we have
developed a pride in ourselves that will carry us far beyond the
next 20 years. Yet we must not forget that our struggle is not over.
We are still harassed frequently, rejected severely and condemned
unjustly by the community-at-large, but we have built a foundation that will support our struggle to gain the equality we deserve.
As long as we continue to build, we will survive.
This one week in June is our time to celebrate. Don't be idle
the week of June 16-25: find a party; get involved. Elkhart and
Fort Wayne, enjoy your pitch-ins; Indy, eat heartily at your picnic;
Evansville, rememberthat volleyballis meantto be fun! Gays and
Lesbians everywhere- enjoy!
rights to privacy, might effect more than just abortion. Rev. Jesse
Jackson told the crowd, "We fight for the civil rights of all human
beings, [for] equal rights for all women, unequivocally."
Several Lesbian and Gay groups participated, from a small
group marching under the banner "Ithaca [N. Y.] Dykes for Choice"
to a large contingent from the National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force. The crowd clearly favored Lesbian/Gay rights as evidenced by the cheers for the Task Force group and the warm
receptions given to singer Holly Near and to Karen Thompson.
Both spoke of the need to confront homophobia in our society and
to fight for the civil rights of Lesbians and Gay men.
Karen also gave an update on her recently successful fight to
regain access to and win proper medical care for Sharon Kowalski,
her partner of nine years who was severely disabled in an auto
accident in 1983. Donald Kowalski, Sharon's father and courtappointed guardian, had denied Karen visitation rights since 1985.
As a result of the legal actions Karen has been pursuing since 1984,
Sharon was moved by court order in January from a nursing home
to a medical facility for a period of rehabilitative care.
After Karen spoke, other speakers and entertainers addressed
the assembly before the march stepped off. It took more than four
hours to move the masses of people from the Washington Monument to Capitol Hill.
In contrast to the feelings of mutual respect, caring and
positive energy that characterized the marchers, the handful of
anti-abortion demonstrators along the parade route were an angry,
hate-mongering lot, bent on confrontation by accusing marchers
of being "baby-killers." "We aren't killing babies," said Ellie
Smeal,presidentoftheFundfortheFeministMajority, "We aren't
killing anyone. We're saving women's lives."
If measured by sheer numbers, the March for Women's
Equality-Women's Lives was a resounding success. But one
sentiment was echoed by many speakers: a right is something you
have to protect or you lose it. The crowd was urged to lobby their
local, state and congressional representatives and express their
support for abortion rights, women's rights, the rights of privacy
and the civil rights of all citizens. As one button read, "Wearing
a button is not enough."
THE SUPPORTERS' PAGE
To advertise here, please use the Order Form on the back page or contact us at Lavender Visions, P.O. Box 321, Zionsville IN 46077
cXw41:~.~
(317) 253-5160
Books • Cassettes • Videos • Cards • Classes
Hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday- Friday
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday
Mary Gaul, Ed. D.
lndividual, Couple & Family Counseling
6358 North Guilford Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 255-9907
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Indianapolis, IN 46220
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Page8
LAVENDER VISIONS
June/July 1989
Unity, wholeness are strong themes for author Alice Walker
"I have come to understand my work as prayer." This statement by Alice Walker aptly describes her latest collection of
essays, Living By The Word. Two themes emerge clearly in this
book. The first theme is that there is unity in all living things from people (all shapes, sizes, colors and persuasions) to horses,
trees, rivers and rainstorms. The second theme is that we must tell
the whole truth, despite the fact that it sometimes displays a facet
of ourselves of which we are not proud.
The second theme comes alive most readily in the two essays
which discuss the controversy over The Color Purple. Folks
objected to the incest, its explicit description, the Black dialect, the
negative image of Mister, the Lesbianism and a multitude of other
"wrongs" in the book. Ms. Walker simply says about the incest,
"I remember actually trying to censor this passage in Celie's voice
as I wrote it. Even I found it almost impossible to let her say what
had happened to her as she perceived it, without euphemizing it a
little." And yet Ms. Walker goes on to say that incest is a horror
in children's lives and until now they have never been permitted
to tell it from their eyes and in their voices. Celie's voice in Ms.
Walker's head was insistent and the absolute horrorof the rape of
a child was told in her own words - even though that presents a
negative image of a Black man.
Ms.Walker's discussion of objections to The Color Purple is
done in almost a tone of wonderment. How could people,
especially other Blacks, not know that all this is authentic, she
seems to ask. Statement by statement, she describes the reality of
the novel's incidents and the authenticity of its vocabulary.
"Mammy," she states, was originally an African word and continued to be used by Blacks who had no knowledge of the perjorative
meaning given to it by whites. Using the word "mammy" and
others like it in their original contexts exposes stereotypes rather
than perpetuates them. And using the language of the ancestors
helps keep alive the ancestors in all ofus, she contends, Blacks and
whites alike.
Ms. Walker contends that it is not the depiction of a brutal
Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple
Black male character that is the essential problem for critics,
despite what they say. She cites too many other books and movies
describing even more brutal behavior by and toward Blacks. The
essential objection is the behavior of the women in the book, she
says. The book (The Color Purple) is full of women with their own
agendas who refuse to be dominated by abusive men and who
freely express their love of women. "If you are not free to express
your love, you are a slave," says Alice Walker speaking of the love
between Celie and Shug, two women in The Color Purple. And
this love she defends as authentic.
Ms.Walker writes at length in these two essays of the need to
incorporate all ofherstory into ourselves: "We are the African and
the trader. We are the Indian and the settler. We are the oppressor
and the oppressed ... And when all ofus and all of the old ones are
hugged up inside this enormous warm room of a world we must
build very quickly, really, or die of a too shallow mutual selfrespect, you will see with me, through the happy spirits of our
grandchildren, such joy as the planet has never seen."
Alice W alkermight be talking directly to present day Lesbians
who tend to look down at our foremothers as being stereotyped
into heterosexual roles, who deride those who remained in the
closet or turn pale at the flaming radicals, who scorn the early
openly Lesbian writings as depressing and homophobic. For it is
from our ancestors that we come and on their shoulders that we
stand and because of them that a publication such as Lavender
Visions is possible.
In those two essays and in several others, Ms. Walker unites
all human beings as one. The remainderof the book chronicles her
growing belief that "Everything Is a Human Being," to quote the
title of another essay. She describes her communication with a
neighbor horse named Blue and her understanding of his real
emotions. She concludes that those of us who have never considered animal's rights are also those who believe small children love
to be frightened and women love to be mutilated and raped. And
finally, "It is not so much a question of whether the lion will one
day lie down with the lamb, but whether human beings will ever
be able to lie down with any creature or being at all."
The book concludes with an essay entitled "The Universe
Responds" in which Ms. Walker describes her experience of this
phenomenon. She has observed it in positive ways - the wild
flowers on her hill double in profusion and brilliance when she
admires them, and animals encamp on her land when she expresses welcome in her heart. And she has observed the negative
effects- that the leaders of the military-industrial complex have
shown a greater faith in the response of the universe than those
who seek peace. Those who fear others or seek war have asked the
Earth for its deadly substances, and the Universe has responded.
We can tum this around, believes Ms. Walker. People of peace
need only seek and the Universe will respond. Her message
concludes with this statement of faith: "We are the world. Only
if we have reason to fear what is in our own hearts need we fear for
the planet. Teach yourself peace. Pass it on."
Alice Walker's book of essays, Living By The Word, and her
new novel, Temple of My Familiar, are available at Dreams and
Swords Bookstore.
June/July 1989
Page9
LAVENDER VISIONS
RESOURCES
continued from page 3
Lesbian Incest Survivors Therapy Group. Contact Linda
Gensheimer, (219) 426-5778 (Fort Wayne).
Older Women's Network for Women Over 40 meets at 5602
Wagon Wheel Trail, 3rd Tuesday of each month; 786-5845.
Overeaters Anonymous (for men and women) meets at Dreams
and Swords, 828 E. 64th Street, Fridays at 6:30 PM, 2539966.
P-FLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets at
Butler University in Atherton Center, Room 312, 2nd Sunday
of each month at 2:00 PM; 251-9307 (Donna).
University Gay/Lesbian Alliance meets at 3754 N. Illinois St.
(Lambda Center). Call 274-2585.
Women's Chorus meets Friday nights at 8 PM. Contact Dreams
and Swords for more information.
Women's Open Network: 274-5041 or 274-2585 (Sue Moenius).
Womenspired: 274-5041 or 274-2585 (Sue Moenius).
Bloomington (812)
Bloomington Switchboard: 336-4299.
Gay/Lesbian Alliance: 332-1847.
SPARKS: A social/educational forum for Lesbians. Contact
Marcia, 334-0414, or Carolyn, 339-4283.
Columbus (812)
Pitch-In: For information, call 376-0784.
Switchboard Concern: 293-8671 (24 hours).
Church, 856 S. Kentucky Ave., 4th Sunday of each month.
Fort Wayne (219)
Dignity/Fort Wayne, P.O. Box 12151, 46862.
Drop-In meets at Up the Stairs Community Center, 3426
Broadway, Fridays at 7:30 PM.
Fort Wayne Women's Bureau: 303 E. Washington Blvd., 4247977. Peer Counseling: 9 AM - 2 PM, 426-0023. Rape
Awareness Program Hotline: 426-RAPE.
Liberty {8 I 2)
The Pearl: Feminist resource/journal. Contact: Natalie Isaac,
editor, 304 South Fairground, Liberty, IN 47353.
Mishawaka (219)
Open Arms: Monthly newsletter for Michiana Lesbians. Contact: P.O. Box 845, Mishawaka, IN 46544. Yearly subscription: $10.00; sample copy: $1.00. Make check payable to
Roberta Miller.
Muncie (317)
Ball State Gay/Lesbian Alliance, P.O. Box 354, Pittenger Student Center, 47907; 743-6675.
South Bend (219)
Help Line: 232-2522 (9 AM - 5 PM).
Hot Line: 232-3344 (24 Hours).
IUSBU Womyn's Center: 929 Greenlawn, 237-4494.
Monthly Lesbian Potluck: call 256-6572.
Evansville (812)
Tri-State Alliance Meeting meets at Unitarian Universalist
THE SUPPORTERS' PAGE
(317) 257-2350
Children/Adults
O
Phone: (317) 253-8499
RTINE FAIST, MA, AT
XPRESSIVE THERAPIST
eative Counseling
Private Practice Located In Broad Ripple
CelebratioV1!!
Union ceremonies
and relationship celebrations
for Gay and Lesbian couples
Debra Harless, MDiv
317 924-2028
Thanks to our many supporters who have
given gifts of money, time, energy and kind
thoughts as well as the following people who
have contributed their creativity to this issue:
Ms. T, Kathleen, Dianne, Stacey,
Carmen, Candace and Pat.
THE LAVENDER PAGE
To be listed here, please use the Order Form on the back page or contact us at: Lavender Visions, P.O. Box 321, Zionsville, IN 46077
ADVERTISING
Accent Advertising Co., Inc., 5420 East St.
Clair St., Indianapolis, IN 46219 .... (317) 357-6530
Mary Gaul, Ed.D., 6360 Guilford, Indianapolis,
IN 46220 .............................. (317) 253-5160
Linda C. Gensheimer, MSW, ACSW, Fort
Wayne, IN .............. (219) 426-5778 or 424-0248
BED & BREAKFAST-ROOMS FOR RENT
Rooms for rent in homes of Lesbians and Gays in
Indianapolis ............................. (317) 925-0043
Sea Gnomes Home, Rooms for womyn,
P.O.Box 33, Stonington, Maine 04681, June-Sept.
Brochure available ...................... (207) 367-5076
Nancy VanArsdall Jones, MA, 6360 Guilford
Ave., Indianapolis, IN ............... (317) 253-5160
Pat Jordan, MS ....................... (317) 257-2350
Margaret Miholick, ACSW ...... (317) 257-8590
BOOKSTORES
Becka A. Snider, MS, 1815 N. Capitol Ave.,
Suite 205, Indianapolis, IN 46202 ... (317) 925-9281
Awakening, 6358 N. Guilford Ave., Indianapolis,
IN 46220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (317) 255-9907
June Thompson, ACSW, CADAC ................ .
............................................ (317) 251-7051
Dreams and Swords., Inc., 828 E 64th St.,
Indianapolis, IN 46220 .............. (317) 253-9966
ENTERTAINMENT
CHIROPRACTORS
Pyramid Chiropractic, Peg VanDenburgh, DC,
8648 Purdue Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268
............................................ (317) 876-0887
Wellspring Wholistic Health, Evelyn A.
Dysarz, DC, 7117 N Olney, Indianapolis, IN 46240
............................................ (317) 841-8664
Branching Out Productions, P. 0. Box 2907,
Indianapolis, IN 46206 .............. (317) 637-2906
FLORISTS
Flowers Unlimited, 222 E. Market St.,
Indianapolis, IN 46204 .............. (317) 636-5533
MASSAGE THERAPY
CONSTRUCTION/HOME IMPROVEMENT
M. A. Bjarkman, 6826 Chrysler St.,
Indianapolis, IN 46268 ............... (317) 297-5733
Anne Shellabarger, Mooresville, IN .......... .
............................................ (317) 996-2115
Maryann Steinhart, 6407 N. Michigan Road,
Indianapolis, IN 46268 .............. (317) 257-2350
Shipp Construction Co. . ........................ .
............................ (317) 254-9126 or 252-2404
Kay Whitehead, BA, MsT ....... (317) 241-8905
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Sunshine Home Jmprovement ................... .
............................ (317) 353-6636 or 357-1337
COUNSELING/PERSONAL GROWTH
Cooperative Martial Arts: Aikido & T'ai Chi,
T'ai Chi Ch'uan Academy, 2070 E. 54th, Suite 3,
Indianapolis, IN ........................ (317) 251-2070
Courageous Living, Tim Davis, MS, Nancy
O'Hara, MS, CADAC ................. (317) 925-0043
Micky Craney, 93 S. Butler Ave., Suite 3,
Indianapolis, IN 46219 .............. (317) 356-4914
Farrell/Shaw Associates ........ (317) 283-3623
Mary A. Byrne, Realtor, 1202 N. Pennsylvania,
Indianapolis, IN 46202 ................................. .
............................ (317) 638-1020or923-5574
Haynes Bookkeeping ............ (317) 293-3190
Clara Ann Merkel, French Lace Making ......... .
............................................ (317) 241-8905
Olan Mills Not Ready For You? Gay/Lesbian
Portraits .................................. (317) 924-2028
Candace L. Shearls, Computer Consultant, 6112
Riverview Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46208 .......... .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . (317) 255-8328
Pr p,-:rtf of the Ceder
June/July 1989
Page 11
Sweet Honey invites us to expand our awareness
It has been written that without a vision, the people perish. On
April 8, a willing and ready people beheld riveting visions in the
forms of Sweet Honey in the Rock. In a performance that captured
not only the eyes and ears but the hearts of the audience, Sweet
Honey combined rich songs of gospel, political activism and
personal testimony to reveal elemental truths which powerfully
transcended our ethnic, cultural and economic boundaries.
Who is Sweet Honey in the Rock? Sweet Honey is a quintet of
black women singers who, from Washington D.C., began their
performing career in 1973. Founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon,
the group is deeply committed to educating their audiences on the
struggles of the oppressed. Struggles against racism, classism,
homophobia, poverty and political corruption are some of the
ideals expressed throughout the music of this unique group. These
women, including interpreter Shirley Childress Johnson, are well
prepared in the social, spiritual and political messages of their
music. A creative piece often receives intense study before it is
ever brought before an audience. This type of dedication to the
personal and collective integrity of the group and its music is a gift
to any listener who experiences one of their performances.
One such journey began the moment Sweet Honey entered the
stage. With voices that matched the brilliance of their African
dress, Sweet Honey began with messages of hope, deliverance and
praise in a powerful gospel series. As the audience was led to
participate in congregational revisions of old-time spiritual classics, Sweet Honey provided an informative and entertaining focus
on the messages within. Of special note were the arrangements
"Father, I Lift My Hand To Thee," and "By and By." An exceptional arrangement of"In the Upper Room," sung in quartet style,
featured the rich bass vocals of Ysaye Barnwell with the fine
soprano of Nitanju Bolade and brought the audience to its feet.
We were then carried along the journey to the rhythmic march
of freedom songs and messages of personal struggle. Bernice
Johnson' sarrangementsoftwopoems written by Langston Hughes,
"Dark Like Me" and "What Happens to a Dream Deferred?," were
reminders that many of the struggles of the past still exist for many
throughout this country and the world today.
Sweet Honey in the Rock
Then we found ourselves deeply enlightened and challenged by
songs oflove and personal consciousness. In tributes to Dr. Martin
Luther King and Woody Guthrie, the visionary inspirations of
their hopes and dreams were offered to us, making them reality.
Perhaps no words spoke as clearly as the songs "Are My Hands
Clean?" and "Emergency," the latter of which earned a Grammy
nomination for best contemporary folk song.
Sweet Honey in the Rock is more than a group of women singing
gospels, songs from the Caribbean, Central America and Africa.
They are more than a concert or an evening of entertainment. They
are Movement. They are illuminaries of the conditions of our
times. They are the voices of the voiceless, blending together to
make a mighty sound. In the Caleb Mills auditorium, they were the
voices that inspired and renewed visions of Ii ving in harmony for
the present and the future. And like the walls of Jericho, our
unseen walls came tumbling down. Shouts of "encore" brought
these special messengers back so that we could hear their voices
one more time.
Yes, it has been written that without a vision, the people perish.
May our eyes be wisely opened and all people live forever free.
INFORMATION FORM
JUNE/JULY 1989
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