TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v9.no11.1998.11.pdf
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- TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v9.no11.1998.11.pdf
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Property of the CentH
Triangle Community Center
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Free to Members and Subscribers
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November1998
Vol.9, No.11
The Triangle Community Center, Inc. a non-profit Connecticut corporation, exists to provide services to give the
lesbian/gay/bisexualjtransgender community a sense of identity, pride and visibility, as well as to work with the
greater Fairfield County community to foster understanding and awareness of lesbian/gay/bisexualjtransgender issues.
VOTE November 3 rd !
"Given the hlstorlcally low voter
turn-out In mid-term elections,
conventional wisdom holds that
the election w/11 be won by the
party most able to turn out Its
voters."
Urvashi Vaid
Connecticut Candidates
Governor
Incumbent - John Rowland (R)
Challenger - Barbara Kennelly (D)
Senate
Incumbent - Christopher J Dodd (D)
Challenger - Gary A Franks (R)
House of Representatives
First Congressional District (CT-01) .
Challenger - John B Larson (D)
Challenger- Kevin J O'Connor (R)
Second Congressional District (CT-02)
Incumbent - Sam Gejdenson (D
Challenger - Gary M Koval (R)
Third Congressional District (CT-03)
Incumbent - Rosa L Delauro (D)
Challenger - Martin Reust (R)
Fourth Congressional District (CT--04)
Incumbent - Orristopher Shays (R) Challenger - Jonathan Kantrowitz (D)
Fifth Congressional District (CT--05)
Incumbent - James H Maloney (D)
Challenger- Mark Nielsen (R)
Sixth Congressional District (CT--06)
Incumbent - Nancy Lee Johnson (R)
Challenger - Charlotte Koskoff (D)
Eric Marcus at TCC
Eric Marcus will be appearing at TCC on Sunday, November
8th from 3-5 PM. Refreshments will be available. He will be
discussing his new book, Together Farever: The Gay Marriage,
the first look at happy, long-lasting gay and lesbian
relationships from the ground up. It is published by Anchor
Books. He will also be attending a luncheon fundraiser to
benefit TCC prior to the book reading from 12:30 - 2:30 PM.
$50 per plate. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Call (203) 324-5961.
Eric is co-author with Greg Louganis of the #1 New York Times best-selling
Breaking the Surface. He is also the co-author of Icebreaker: The Autobiography of
Rudy Galindo, the 1996 U.S. Figure Skating Champion. In addition, Eric is the
author of five other books:
1. Why Suicide? Answers to 200 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide,
Attempted Suicide, and Assisted Suicide; 2. Is It A Choice? Answers to 300 of the Most
Frequently Asked Questions About Gays and Lesbians; 3. Expect the Worst (You Won't
Be Disappointed); 4. Making History: The Struggle for Gay & Lesbian Equal Rights,
1945 to 1990, An Oral History; 5. The Mate Couple's Guide: Finding a Man, Making a
Home, Building a Life.
Food and Film
How about a little dinner and 1V? Starting this month, TCC is adding a
Potluck Supper to their already successful Movie Night. You bring the food
(enough for four) and we'll provide the film. The selection for November is
"The Celluloid Closet'', a ground-breaking film that takes a
The
Celluloid
candid look at the developing role of gay and lesbian
Closet.1yffjh characters in film. It all happens on Sunday, November 22 nd
,
~ atTCC. Food at6PM and film at7PM. So come! You'll eat a
little, laugh a little, cry a little, and who knows ....
Many Hearts • • • One Community
T NEWS & VIEWS
Town Meeting Rich in Ideas
TCC held its annual Town Meeting on October 4th . And what a meeting it was! Doug Nissing did a terrific job facilitating the meeting;
keeping members on track and moving along constructive lines. So many good ideas! So many ways to improve the quality of the Center.
So many practical ways to help members feel a part of a whole.
Don Buxton (President) opened the meeting by saying that he believed that the Center had reached a plateau. He told the group that the
Center's lease will expire December 31st of this year. On the topic of Volunteerism, Don said that, as is true with so many organizations, a
handful of people do most of the work and after a time they bum out. As to the future, Don would like to see TCC hire a part-time paid
Director and mentioned that perhaps TCC could get a sociology student to do an internship here. Don told the group that TCC has
received a grant from Digital Queers in the form of a brand new computer, printer, and software!
Denny Burke (VP & Membership Chair) said that the Center currently has 239 members, the same number TCC had in October of 1996.
She needs volunteers to help query ex-members on why they do not renew.
John Wallace (Treasurer) presented a financial summary (see below). He mentioned that TCC' s Scholarship Fund has a current balance of
approximately $9,000.
Below are some of the ideas that came out of the meeting. TCC's Board of Directors will be implementing each of these suggestions within
the next six months. Stay tuned to News & Views for updates.
Topics Discussed
1. New site for TCC - The following should be considered by the Site Selection Committee when seeking
a new home for TCC. Lease or buy, location, size, and cost. What members want from the Center will
define what kind of space is needed.
2. The Center needs to do more community outreach.
3. TCC should get an 800 or other telephone number so that calls to the Center are local. Get the phone
~d
,
4. Have open board meetings regularly.
5. Have more frequent Town Meetings.
6. Have Board members chair one committee while serving on another.
7. Have a mailbox in the Center for each group that meets so they may be kept informed about Center
business.
8. A Volunteer Committee chair is desperately needed ..
9. Potlucks are popular and TCC should have more of them. (Potlucks have been added to Movie Night)
10. Women need to be included TCC' s theatrical productions. Unfortunately, this cannot be done for this
year's production of Nunsense because of contractual stipulations but women will definitely be included
next year.
11. TCC should develop a relationship with Common Ground, a gay group that meets in the Danbury
area. They would act as a satellite group. (See this issue of News & Views for details)
12. News & Views should publish a list of what the Center needs in terms of volunteers (for specific
projects) as well as items. (See Wish List in this issue)
12. Board members should speak to group facilitators personally about the Center needs.
13. Volunteers need to be recruited for specific projects and recognized for their efforts in the form of awards, profiles in N&V' s, etc.
14. TCC needs more gender diversity. There should be more Center-wide activities.
Revenue and Expenses for nine months ending September 30, 1998
REVENUE:
Communications
Executive Board
Fund Raising
Membership
Operations
Programs
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 4,539.53
$ 1,590.42
$ 293.55
$
11.00
$ 400.00
$
21.20
$27,076.22
NET REVENUE (DEFICIT)
EXPENSES:
Communications
Executive Board
Fund Raising
Membership
Operations
Programs
TOTAL REVENUES
$ 2,368.69
$ 9,259.28
$ 151.53
$ 9,047.07
$10,517.00
$15,900.77
$ 4,789,78
$29,444.91
Gay/Lesblan/Blsexual/Transgendered Splritualltles
Explore your spirituality in a supportive group environment. The group will determine its own structure and direction (though with
guidance and suggestions as needed). We will meet every other week to support one another in defining our own spirituality and
looking at how who we are individually and as a member of a sexual minority influences our spirituality. Facilitator: Marion Visel, M.
Div. Marion is a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry and graduate of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.
She is a member of the Triangle Community Center. The group will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, beginning November
11 th from 7-9 PM at TCC. Contact: Marion Visel (203) 250-7933
-2-
T NEWS & VIEWS
Common Breaks New Ground
Ground
Nunsense A-Men
Nunsense A-Men!-an all new, all
male version of the smash play
"Nunsense" - is coming to
Norwalk, Connecticut in January
1999. After auditions in October,
director Scott M. Robbins has
selected five actors. They are Scott
Fabri of Fairfield as Sister Hubert,
Joe Guttadauro of Norwalk as
Sister Robert Anne, Edward James
Director Scott II. Robbins
Hines of Norwalk as Sister Leo and
Al Recchia of Stratford as the Reverend Mother. The musical
director is Stephanie Daumer of Norwalk and the
choreographer is Kathy Hellrigel of Norwalk.
Mr. Robbins said that a professional sign painter, a
professional painter and a professional photographer to take
publicity stills are needed. Anyone who would like to make
recommendations may call Michael Collins (203) 281-8984
days or (203) 375-3567 nights and weekends.
On Saturday, December 19th at 10 AM, the set will be
unloaded and installed at the Norwalk Community Technical
College Performing Arts Center and volunteers are needed
to assist. Tools will also be needed. To volunteer and for more
information, contact Elliot Arluck, the show's producer, at
(203) 330-0616.
Mr. Arluck said corporate sponsors include Virgin Atlantic
Airways, People's Bank and the Townhouse Cafe in
Norwalk. Additionally, the Hotel Millennium Balley's of
London has donated a room for two for a raffle in conjunction
with the show, and the Regal UN Plaza in Manhattan has
donated a brunch for 2.
The original Nunsense featured 5 women playing 5 nuns
and ran for nearly a decade in Manhattan. The new Nunsense
A-Men! is currently running at the 47'h Street Theatre in
Manhattan. The rights for the Norwalk performances were
negotiated by special arrangements with the author,
according to Mr. Robbins.
The show will run January 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 8 PM all
five evenings, with receptions following each show. The
performances will be held at the Norwalk Community and
Technical College (NCTC) Performing Arts Center at 188
Richards Avenue in Norwalk, off Connecticut Turnpike (195) exit 13. Tickets are $50 and $35 for the show and include
a post-show reception. Tickets may be obtained by calling
(203) 855-1485.
"Nunsense A-Men!" features comedy, gags, and music with
songs ranging from tender to hand-clapping torrid .
"Nunsense" was winner of two Outer Critics Circle awards.
It won for best off-Broadway musical and for best music.
Anyone wanting information about "Nunsense A-Men!"
may telephone TCC publicity director, Michael Collins who
may be reached at (203) 281-8984 days or (203) 375-3567
evenings and weekends.
- Michael Collins
Visit our web site at: htt : members.aol.co
Triangle Community Center
Norwalk, CT
•• "
• " "MA"J' ludrt,. o,., C-.mumty" • • "
• "
Serving the Jcebian/gay/bi/tg community of soa.thweatcrn Conncc:tiaat
Common Ground is an association of Bi and Gay men who wish to meet in
a welcoming and convivial setting for social events of interests. After three
years at St. James Church Hall, Common Ground has moved and begun
the Fall-Winter Season at the Unitarian Society Building in West Redding,
CT. We have moved the meeting night to the second and fourth Tuesday
of each month to avoid conflicts at TCC. The meeting on the second Tuesday
will feature a guest or program of timely interest, and the fourth Tuesday
will feature a potluck (bring something. We'll supply the main meat dish)
supper. As the fourth Tuesday is just before Thanksgiving we will roast a
TURKEY and perhaps a speaker!
Of course you will not want to miss THE GATHERING in New Milford on
the Third Tuesday when Common Ground does not meet in W. Redding.
Direction to the Unitarian Society:
North on Route 7 from Norwalk/Wilton past the famous Stonehinge restaurant on
the left. Up hill to traffic light and right at the light onto Picketts Ridge Road and
wind along about a quarter mile to the Unitarian sign on the left and into the
driveway and park. The meeting is in the white house on the left of the drive. Use
the rear entrance and up the stairs.
Exit 184 from Danbury onto Route & South and drive past Triangles Cafe and about
one half mile past the split of 35 into Ridgefield (don't take it). Left from route 7 at
the traffic light onto Picketts Ridge as above.
For more information please call (203) 743-5731.
Lesbian Lit Group
For their November 3,d meeting, the Lesbian Literature Group has chosen
the novel, "Blue Genes" for discussion. The book, authored by Val McDermid
is an exciting detective story concerning a lesbian physician who experiments
with perthenogenesis. Copies of the book are available at local bookstores
and libraries. The Lit Group meets the first Tuesday of each month at TCC
beginning at 7:30 PM. For more information call Christine at (203) 847-8476.
Trivia
Answer to October - The First Churchills (which was the initial Masterpiece
Theater) was the story of Sarah Churchill and England's Queen Anne and
their friendship which resulted in Mrs. Churchill's becoming the most
powerful woman in England without being Queen or Prime Minister.
Question for November - What is the common title of two books - one was
the autobiography of the first openly gay priest appointed by the Episcopal
Bishop Spong of Newark, and the other a novel by a contemporary black
gay writer. Incidentally, it was also the title to the recently published memoir
by a world-famous preacher (not gay!).
-3-
T NEWS & VIEWS
TCC's 1998 Women's Softball Team
Photo by Chandra Niles Fulcrum
From left to right: 1st row: Lorlane Gnall, Diane Daines, Marie Johnson, Amy
Mulock; 2nd row: Karllyn Christopher, Judy Gouvia, Jen Sveli, Terry lnzintari_,
Trish Szvlewski; 3rd row: Kathy Anderson, Denise Burke, Luc::y lora. Not
pictured: Susan Pugliese, Cindy Clark, and Edith Piravo
The team is already psyched for nexr season I
TRANSGENDERED
TVlew Seeks Co-Host
The Transgendered group 'the connecticuT View' is offering to co-host a benefits
show "Boys will be Girls" with any group who wishes to raise money for an AIDS
Charity. Last year the cTView raised $3,125 for Connecticut Children's Medical Center
in Hartford for their Pediatric AIDS section which purchased a computer with the
money. The cTView, offers it's talented members in a 'la Cage' style show, if the cohosts will work with them in producing it. Any groups interested should contact
cTView at P.O. Box 2281. Milford CT. 06460 or Denise Mason at masonD@aol.com
What Does Gender Mean?
Gender is an element of personal identity that is initiated early in life. It is established
by biological, familial, and cultural influences. In an evolutionary sense, early humans
established rigid gender expectations so that the human species could progress more
efficiently, Gender roles allowed for a division of labor for males and females-males
hunted and protected the clan; females gathered food and prepared it as well as cared
for the children. Over the millennia, these gender-specific roles evolved and became
more entrenched in the specific cultures in which they were embedded. Different
cultures designed specific expectations for males and females.
Gender identity today varies from culture to culture and has changed within cultures
throughout the century. An advanced society has less need for rigidity in gender
identification than our ancestors. This has allowed individuals to explore variants on
established gender roles. There are observable indications of these changes such as
changes in dress codes, gender responsibilities (who raises the kids), and changing
media stereotypes. Explorations of rights of personal expression, evident in the civil
rights and feminist movements, have provided opportunities for alternative gender
expression in our culture. Feminist insistence that one's identity is not determined by
biology leaves an open playing field for gender pioneers of both sexes.
Personal identity is a subjective entity, determined by how one experiences oneself.
In a gender sense, it is how one feels, experiences and relates in terms of maleness or
femaleness. The polarity of gender, seeing oneself as either male or female, is probably
-4-
an artificial and externally proscribed
phenomenon. In reality, one's identity, with all its
elements ought to be a constantly evolving tapestry
of expression, changing over time, adapting to
different situations and bringing the individual to
wholeness. One's identity should emerge from
within, taking into account the myriad media and
cultural images, always exhibiting the uniqueness
of the personality.
Although many individuals explore gender with
dress, ornamentation, and behavioral changes,
there are those individuals whose personal
dysphoria presses them to more radically change
their identity. These individuals are part of the
transgender community Transgender individuals
are a diverse group. They include:
1. Transvestites-Individuals who dress in the
clothing of the opposite birth sex. These are
generally males who dress in female attire. They
are generally, but not exclusively heterosexual and
usually see themselves as male.
2. Transsexuals-Individuals who identify
corp.prehensively with the other-than-birth sex.
They may be hereto or gay. These individuals may
be Male-to-Female (M2F) or Female-to-Male (F2M).
Some of these individuals take Hormone
Replacement Therapy (HRT) and/ or seek Sexual
Reassignment Treatment (SRT).
3. Androgynes-Individuals who embody both male
and female personas. They are able to synthesize
these qualities or flip between the two, depending
on the situation.
4. Hermaphrodites-These are individuals born
with the genitals of both sexes.
5. Intersexed-These are individuals that were
hermaphrodites at birth, and were surgically
altered to one sex, but who subsequently identify
with the other sex.
6. Drag Queens/Kings-These are individuals who
use the garb of the opposite-of-birth sex for
performance purposes. They examine and expose
stereotypical gender identity. Drag Queens are
M2F; Kings are F2M.
7. Other self- identifying gender outlaws and
explorers-Tomboys, Torngirls, Transmen,
boychicks, etc. All of whom are seeking to establish
personal variants on the theme of gender
expression.
Many of the above individuals feel trapped in the
wrong body, born or raised in a manner that is
inconsistent with their inner nature. Realizing that
gender identification is not synonymous with
sexual orientation, a transsexual M2F might prefer
sexual relations with men, making her hereto; or
with women, making her gay, or both (since she is
identifying as a women herself). Confused yet?
Those who transgress against traditional gender
roles are seldom understood by those who have a
stake in the comfort provided by those boundaries.
[Ed. Note: Reprinted from the Loft with permission from
the author, Kaylen.]
T NEWS & VIEWS
Darien - Gay Students Have No Voice
CONNECTICUT NEWS
Conn - Connecticut OUT Awards
..
Below is a list of th winner's of the Connecticut Coalition for
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights (CCLGBTR) OUT
Awards.
Bayard Rustin Award for 'Out' standing Community Organizing:
Winner - Robert Brex
Audre Lorde Award for Achievement in the Arts: Winner - Cherie
Mittenhall •
Paco Martinez Cancel Award for Youth Leadership: Winner David Waterman
Harvey Milk Award for Political Leadership: Winner - Evelyn
Mantilla
Gianni Versace Award for Business Achievement: Winner Reader's Feast:
Jane Addams Awards for Non-Profit Organization: Winner Gl.SEN Connecticut
Cheshire - Gay-Straight Alliance
Cheshire High School is building a gay-straight alliance with the
acknowledgement, if not the endorsement, of School
Superintendent David Cressy. "My position to them was that I
wasn't going to stand in the way," said Cressy, who met last week
with Karen D' Angelo and Jessica Tremaglio, two of the three
Cheshire High School students who sent letters to the
Superintendent and the Board of Education seeking support for
the group.
To make it easier for students to attend, Trernaglio said, the school's
gay-straight alliance will convene at the end of Diversity Club
meetings. Heterosexuals, gay males, lesbians, bisexuals,
questioning youth and transgenders will be invited to attend,
teachers included. Specifying one's sexuality will be optional and
speculating on that of another person will not be allowed.
The student organizers say gay-straight alliances "do not promote
homosexuality, they promote acceptance and tolerance." Trernaglio
said students tried to start a gay-straight alliance last school year
but were told then School Superintendent Ralph Wallace would
not allow it. Over the summer, she said, she learned that the school
system could
not legally bar such a group. D' Angelo and Tremaglio said in
their letter that there already exists a hostile climate toward gay
students at Cheshire High. One gay relationship, the students say,
incurred harassment that escalated after the couple stopped
denying their homosexuality. One of the boys, the students wrote,
had "his head thrown into a locker" by a tormentor. "These
students felt that their lives were endangered when they came to
school, and their school work as well as their attendance declined.
The end result was that one of the students transferred to another
school and the other one failed and had to repeat a grade."
Cheshire. High School Principal Thomas Neagle said he hadn't
heard about the incident the students described, or of any assaults
at the school related to sexual orientation. Neagle said he
supported the formation of a gay-straight alliance and had offered
to act as the group's faculty advisor if none could be found.
D' Angelo and Tremaglio, said school administrators have been
very responsive to their efforts to form the alliance, but that pockets
of resentment exist among Cheshire High students. "It 's an
unspoken thing," Tremaglio said." And more and more as we're
hanging up posters and they're being torn down."
At Darien High School, there are no organizations for kids who are
struggling with issues of sexuality, nor are there any for those who
have established themselves as gay or lesbian. According to Dan Woog,
journalist and substitute teacher at Staples High School in Westport,
that is unacceptable. "I think that every school needs a Gay-Straight
Alliance for the gay and lesbian kids, even if they never come out
publicly," said Mr. Woog, who helped set up a similar program at
Staples. "It is important, even for the kids who would never attend a
meeting, to feel that there are people out there who are discussing
their issues and trying to understand them." Mr. Woog believes it is
equally important for these types of organizations to exist for Darien' s
heterosexual kids.
So why doesn't the school have a Gay-Straight Alliance? Darien High
School Principal Bruce Hall would not comment on why the school
has not formed a Gay-Straight Alliance. He explained that no group
has ever identified itself to him as in need of such an organization. He
conceded, however, that simply because Darien teenagers aren't
"outing" themselves, does not mean that homosexuality doesn't exist.
Doug Nissing, co-founder of OutSpoken, a support group for gay and
lesbian teens at the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk, suggested
that the homogeny of Darien presents a special set of problems to gay
teenagers. "My own thoughts are that a town like Darien which places
a high value on sameness makes it more difficult for kids to identify a
difference in themselves," said Mr. Nissing
Mr. Woog believes that there may be a misconception in the community
as to what the Gay-Straight Alliance stands for. "The important thing
to remember," he said. "is that this is the Gay-Straight Alliance. It is
not a gay club. Gay issues are important to everyone. They are
important to kids who are gay and lesbian, they are important to kids
who have gay or lesbian relatives and they are important to any child
who may grow up to one day have a gay or lesbian roommate,
colleague or, perhaps, child."
The proper avenue for teaching children about gay issues, Mr. Woog
believes, is in the school. "I would like to see faculty address gay and
lesbian issues through in-service training," said Mr. Woog. "I would
like to see gay and lesbian issues brought up as a normal- not special
- part of the everyday curriculum, whether it be in English class, as
part of history or biology or wherever else it may arise."
Mr. Woog believes that, though Darien High lacks a Gay-Straight
Alliance, that the student body and faculty are evolving. "What we
are hearing is that Darien High has become a more comfortable place
for gay youth," said Mr. Woog. "Comfortable means that a young
person who is gay or who is questioning their sexuality knows that
he or she can talk confidentially to at least a few staff members, can
come out to at least a few friends and not have to spend every day
terrified that his or her secret will result in verbal or physical abuse."
Mr. Woog insists that a Gay-Straight Alliance is essential to all involved.
"The Gay-Straight Alliance is for everyone," he said. "It is for the gay
and lesbian students that attend, even if they never come out publicly
and it is for the straight kids and faculty, to help them realize that
gays exist and are in their classrooms and halls."
"Eight to 10 percent of the population is gay," he said. "Gay and lesbian
youth are in every school, no matter how small or isolated the
community. Just because the students and teachers and administrators
cannot see them does not mean that they don't exist or that their
worries and fears are not real. I would like to see every adult in every
school, in every town and city recognize that whether they understand
and accept homosexuality is not the point," he continued. "The point
is that every young person has a right to a safe comfortable learning
environment."
-5-
TNEWS & VIEWS
MATTHEW SHEPARD
Vigil Planned for November 15
Splinters
"It was with great shock and
sadness that I received the
news of the brutal beating and
subsequent death of Matthew
Shepard. This is a hate crime
that is not just endemic to Wyoming, but permeates too large
a segment of our society. There
is no place for this type of brutality in the United States. It has
a very real and chilling effect on
all of this country's gay, lesbian
and transgendered citizens. I
can only hope that the law enforcement authorities in Wyoming bring justice to Matthew's family and the people of Wyoming."
The above statement was written immediately after learning
of Matthew Shepard's death, to assist TCC Board members who
may have been asked to respond to the press.
It does not reflect the horror of the crime. It does not reflect the
anger in my throat. It does not reflect the pain on my heart.
Matthew Shepard was left hanging on a fence post, left to die,
like a piece of meat, a warning to all of us who are gay or lesbian.
Imagine... if Matthew were your son, .. your brother, ..your best
friend, .. your lover.
Matthew Shepard was a 21 year old, 5 foot 2, native son of Wyoming. He returned home to go to his state university. He returned with fears about the way he might be treated. Matthew's
fears were probably no different than those that most of us feel
when embarking on a new job, new school, new home, new
life. But, Matthew Shepard's worst nightmare was not visited
upon him. What was done to Matthew was worse than anything he would have imagined.
The Laramie Lieutenant leading the investigation into
Matthew's killing said that he did not know what constitutes a
hate crime. When the followers of Hitler painted swastikas on
Jewish homes and businesses, or beat up a Jew in the streets of
Berlin can anyone say I don't know what a hate crime is? Does
the hanging of a savagely beaten gay man on a fence post raise
any doubt?
This is only one crime. The killing of two lesbians in Oregon,
the bombing of the gay bar in Atlanta, the treatment of the
Haitian refuge by New York City police. How many men or
women, gay or straight, are to be brutalized, just because they
are believed to be gay? And our society lets it go unpunished?
The question has been asked, do hate crime laws matter? I believe they do. When enforced, hate crime laws do help deter
some from acting on their bigotry. Hate crime laws help deter
the tacit acceptance of the notion that lesbians and gay men are
less worthy, and" deserve what they get." Hate crime laws help
break the insufferable silence of "don't ask, don't tell." Hate
crime laws offer affirmation from lawmakers that justice still
matters.
To those who believe that community centers are passe, that
the world is now an accepting place, that its "ok to be gay we've arrived", Matthew's brutal killing should give pause.
Somewhere there is a young man who will never know the
love and devotion that his lover, Matthew would have offered.
• -John Wallace
The Rainbow Task Force of the Unitarian
Church in Westport, in response to the
horrible and unthinkable death of
Matthew Shepard in Laramie, WY, asks
that anyone who believes that hate crimes
against homosexuals are wrong to join
together in a vigil for Matthew on
November 15th at 4:00 PM. The Unitarian Church is located at 10 Lyons
Plains Rd. in Westport.
Frank Hall, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Church in Westport and
a leader in the Fairfield County religious community, will preside
over Matthew's vigil. Everyone is welcome to speak out at the service
and most certainly to light a candle in Matthew's memory and in the
memory of anyone who has been the victim for hatred. For directions
or further information, please contact Suzanne Sheridan or Rozanne
Gates at (203) 222-1441.
CT - In Memory Of Matthew
More than 700 people gathered at the United Methodist Church in
Hartford the night of October 22nd and several ministers took turns
speaking during a car:idlelight vigil for 22- year-old Matthew Shepard.
Tony Award winning gay actor and activist Harvey Fierstein spoke, as
part of the rally, from the pulpit at Immanuel Congregational Church,
denouncing the killing but saying that as horrible and heinous as the
crime was, he hopes it leads to the passage by Congress of a federal hate
crime bill
Leaders of gay groups said that what they call hateful speech from the
"Christian Right" - sermonizing against "the sin" of homosexuality,
attempting to "cure'' homosexuality through worship - has created a
homophobic atmosphere that breeds violent attacks such as the one that
killed Shepard.
The national coalition, in conjunction with a Boston organization called
Political Research Associates, chose the week after Shepard's brutal
beating to promote a report they commissioned to debunk the so- called
"ex-gay" movement. The movement asserts that homosexuals can be
converted to heterosexuality by embracing fundamentalist Christian
doctrine. The report contends that the ex-gay movement is not widely
supported by most mainstream religious leaders and is built on unsound
science.
Bouffard and others who are active in gay rights issues locally suggested
violence against gays could be reduced through educational programs,
possibly at the elementary school level. "We hope this tragedy serves as
a wakeup call to educational stakeholders in Connecticut be alarmed ....
We are not meeting the needs of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans gender
youth," said Michael Fiorello, co- chairman of The Gay, Lesbian and
Straight Education Network, based in Watertown.
Richard Nelson, a member of the Connecticut Coalition for Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Trans gender Civil Rights said, "It's a problem of education
starting in the school systems ...." But he added, "Churches need to stop
placing blame and fostering intolerance and hatred ...." Gay groups agree
there is no simple solution to violence against their members. But they
hope Shepard's death at least focuses attention on the problem.
At the vigil and march along Farmington Avenue in Hartford, The Rev.
Richard Cardarelli, also of the American Apostolic Catholic Church, held
a two-foot long Paschal candle, the Christian symbol of resurrection, as
he led marchers to Immanuel Congregational Church. "When anyone
suffers in a minority group, the majority and silent members of the
minority have to take responsibility for allowing the fires of hatred,"
said Cardarelli, who is gay.
-6-
TNEWS & VIEWS
CT - Harvey Flersteln Speaks
CT - Wyoming Cause for Concern
Lester Sharlach is looking for some good to come out of
the brutal attack on a gay University of Wyoming student,
who died early Monday (October 12th ) five days after he
was pistol-whipped and left tied to a fence post. "Hopefully,
the good will be the awareness that everyone's life has
value," said Sharlach, former president of the Fairfield
County chapter of P-FLAG, a group for parents, family and
friends of lesbians and gays.
"It's every parent's fear," Sharlach said. He said because of
some recent attacks on gays in New York's Chelsea section
and Greenwich Village, "there's a heightened alertness"
among the homosexual community, which observed
National Coming Out Day (on Sunday, October 11). And
while Sharlach said there is less fear and less homophobia
in this region, there are "definite concerns" in the gay
community.
In 1995, 44 different law-enforcement agencies in
Connecticut reported a total of 87 bias crime incidents to
the FBI. Connecticut's statutes define a bias or hate crime
as a criminal offense against a person, group of people or
property motivated by bias against race, religion, ethnicity
or sexual orientation. According to state Attorney General
Richard Blumenthal, the 1990 law "has been effective in
sending a message and acting as a deterrent particularly
involving physical violence." Statistics on violent hate
crimes in Connecticut show a downward trend since the
law was adopted, Blumenthal said. Wyoming, nicknamed
the Equality State does not have a bias crimes law.
When he read the reports about the savage attack on
Matthew Shepard, Michael Collins found himself in tears.
Collins, general manager of radio station WQUN at
Quinnipiac College in Hamden, is active with the Lambda
Legal Defense Fund and the Triangle Community Center
in Norwalk. "I think it's shaken us to our foundations,"
Collins said.
The way to combat such hate crimes, Sharlach said, is
through education. "People are not born homophobic," he
said. "It's a learned discrimination and education has to
begin in the elementary schools." Sharlach said, however,
that many school systems are fearful of even allowing his
group to come into schools to speak with teachers and social
workers. "I think that's an important issue," he said.
Collins said he and a gay friend were verbally harassed as
they walked down the Post Road in Fairfield over the
weekend. "Where do they learn that?" Collins said of the
language used. Collins said part of the blame for attacks
like the one on Shepard, or even the insult directed at him
on the street, can be placed at the feet of the nation's top
political leaders. He cited a reference made in the U.S.
Senate comparing homosexuals to kleptomaniacs and U.S.
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia saying, "Sometimes
<'!flimus is a good thing."
"When you have top political leaders saying things like that,
it provides them with a cover," Collins said ...... He blasted
officials in Wyoming for not having a hate crime law in
place. He said gays and lesbians are not looking for special
rights, but to be able to live without the fear of attacks or
losing their job, simply because of their sexual orientation.
"It is legal in 40 states to be fired simply because you're
homosexual," he said. Connecticut law, however, provides
protection against such discrimination.
-7-
[Following is the text of the speech given by Harvey Fierstein at the candlelight vigil in memory of
Matthew Shepard in Hartford on October 15, 1998.]
When I heard the news ... what did I feel? The white blinding, brain shivering, blood
rushing, vengeance seeking RAGE tore through my body nearly shredding my heart.
What is the correct response to such a heinous crime? Where dowe express our outrage?
Who can we count on to extract our revenge? How could this happen in our America?
Why is that beautiful, brave, caring, bright and loving gay boy dead?
The easiest to answer of those questions are "how" and "why":
Because we are represented by politicians who feel free to call our lives a disease, an
illness, a maladjustment and even a crime - and they do so with impunity. Because
these politicians are not ripped from their elected positions with righteous indignation,
but instead their coffers fill with donations and they are re-elected to high office time
and again. That's why Matthew Shepard was beaten bloody.
Because we turn for moral leadership to priests and pastors and ministers and rabbis
who daily refer to our lives as" abomination". Because these men and women of God
are not punished for that assault on our dignity and humanity, but are treated with
respect and deference and their defamations are excused in the name of religious
freedom. That's why Matthew Shepard was robbed and crucified on a fence.
Because talkshow hosts get laughs making jokes at our expense. Because comedians
build careers aping and demeaning us. Because heterosexual actors win awards
portraying us as "almost real people". Because newspapers and magazines lose no
readership addressing their audience as if every one of us is straight. That's why
Matthew Shepard was set on fire and left to die.
Because WE, in vast numbers, refuse to come out of the closet, thereby sending a clear
message that even WE believe there is something to hide, that our lives are shameful;
that being gay or lesbian is wrong: That is why Matthew Shepard is dead.
So, how should we answer this unspeakable act of hatred?
WE must begin by keeping a close watch, a constant visible and vocal presence at the
trial of his slayers. We must not have a repeat of the Dan White fiasco. Let there be no
"Twinkie Defense" for these cowards. Harvey Milk's assassination taught us a lesson
we can NOT and will not forget!
WE must stand up in those cathedrals, synagogues, mosques and churches of hate-Stand up and state that we will not accept the preaching of exclusion. Stand up and
walk out leaving them as bankrupt of members as they are of truth. Anything less, any
compromise is permission to continue the persecution. Hatred has no compromise. If
you need a place to put your faith and charity then seek an institution preaching love
and acceptance for YOU.
WE must get out and vote! Let's stop electing representatives from our pocketbooks
and wallets. Let's stop making excuses for politicians who are good on some issues
but will not stand up for us. Trust me, my friends, any hack can pass laws protecting
your bank account. Let's hold them to a higher standard than that. If they want our
votes and our donations make them take the heat for openly supporting our right of
full lawful citizenship. They are our representatives. Make them live up to that promise
or vote them the hell out!
When you are watching television and a comedian defames us - pick up the phone
and call the station. They listen. They count every actual caller as the opinion of 10,000
viewers. You have power. Use it. When a movie or TV show portrays our lives, but
there isn't an openly gay or lesbian person to be found anywhere near it- stay home!!!
Boycott. Hollywood actually believes they are doing us a favor portraying us as "just
like straight folk". Send them the message that heterosexuality is NOT the gold standard
of humanity. We are proud to be just as we are and need no whitewashing, thank you.
Most importantly we must come out. There is no other way. WE must come out at our
jobs . To our families. To our politicians. To our neighbors. If you allow no one to
assume you are heterosexual they will never again freely make that assumption about
anyone. That's how we change the world.
Finally always remember that we live in a capitalist system. Every penny you spend is
a vote for or against us. When you buy a car from a company that gives money to our
enemies you have just voted against passage of the "Hate Crimes Bill". By the same
token, when you use an airline that extends domestic partnership you have just brought
us one step closer to the realization of equal rights for all.
We must conduct our lives as open and proud members of a huge and powerful
community. We must take hold of our own destinies.
My sisters and brothers - We cannot bring Matthew Shepard back to life- but maybe
we can make his death the moment history records as the turning point of our struggle
for freedom. It's within our power. Let's change the world today.
T NEWS & VIEWS
CT - Student's Death Spurs Anger
The murder of Matthew Shepard has spurred calls nationwide, including New Haven, for federal hate-crimes legislation protecting gays.
Absolutely, there should be such a law, just as we had federal civil rights legislation in the' 60s," said Michael Collins, an adjunct professor
of mass communication at Quinnipiac College. Collins also is publicity director for Triangle Community Center, a gay rights group in
Fairfield County. "It shook me to my I foundation," said Collins about the brutal attack on Shepard. "This starts with words. They call you
'faggot' and you're no longer a full being. You can be differently."
Collins said that when he lived in Stamford in the mid-1980s, his car windows were smashed and 'fag' was written on his front door.
Another time, a rock was thrown through his apartment window. However, Collins said society is becoming progressively more, tolerant
of gays. Among my students, bigotry is less fashionable than in my generation. And we were better than the previous generation."
John Allen, founder of the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center, said he was "furious" about Shepard's death, but not really
surprised. "When you teach hatred and violence, you reap hatred and violence." Allen cited a past statement from Senate Majority Leader
Trent Lott, who equated homosexuality with "'kleptomania and alcoholism." Allen said that although Connecticut is relatively progressive
and in 1991 passed a law prohibiting denial of equal rights because of sexual orientation, "We have these problems too."
Indeed, Paul Kuehn, treasurer of the NHGLCC said the center's signs were stolen twice and some friends of his recently were verbally
harassed. Kuehn praised the work of the New Haven Police Departments Bias Crimes Unit in combating such incidents. Of the 41 states
that have hate crime laws, 21 states specifically cover offenses motivated by the victim's sexual orientation. Efforts to pass a hate-crime
law in Wyoming have failed several times.
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T NEWS & VIEWS
University Floats Derides Matthew Shepard
Thousands Mourn Student's Death
Outrage over a parade float that mocked gays following the savage beating of
a gay college student has cost a sorority its spot on the Colorado State University
campus. CSU officials immediately launched an investigation after a scarecrow
that mocked homosexuals appeared on a homecoming parade float while
Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student, lay dying in
a nearby hospital. The scarecrow appeared on a float sponsored by Pi Kappa
Alpha fraternity and Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
On Wednesday, Alpha Chi Omega sorority at CSU surrendered its charter.
"Our actions ... reflect Alpha Chi Omega's intolerance for this kind of behavior,"
Jan Crandall, national president of the sorority, said in a release. "Our board
and membership sends its deepest condolences to the Shepard family."
Nicholas Haws, homecoming chairman for Pi Kappa Alpha, said the scarecrow
was supposed to be in the uniform of Tulsa University's Golden Hurricane,
Colorado State's opponents in Saturday's football game. He said someone
vandalized the float, pinning a sign saying "I am Gay" and an anti-gay epithet
on the figure. He said the scarecrow was removed but someone placed it back
on the float before Saturday's parade. Nathan Stanley, president of the Fort
Collins chapter of the fraternity, said the appearance of the scarecrow was
inadvertent. National fraternity officials condemned the prank. Disciplinary
hearings will begin early next week for as many as 11 fraternity and sorority
members.
Hollywood stars, members of Congress and thousands
of others gathered on the U.S. Capitol steps last night to
condemn the beating death of a gay University of
Wyoming student and to urge immediate passage of a
hate-crimes bill. "We need to send the strongest possible
signal ... that these crimes will not be tolerated in the
United States," Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) told
the crowd at the candlelight vigil. Kennedy was joined
onstage by dozens of others, including openly gay Rep.
Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and actresses Ellen DeGeneres
and Kristen Johnston, in condemning the killing of
Matthew Shepard, 21. The speechmakers included some
Republicans, many whom got tepid receptions from the
crowd that shouted anti-right wing remarks.
DeGeneres said that incidents such as the attack on
Shepard were what motivated her in part to reveal about
11/2 years ago on her television show, "Ellen," that she
is gay. "This is exactly why I did what I did," said
DeGeneres.
The vigil drew local residents as well as people from across
the country, both gay and straight. Some spoke of Shepard
as a martyr and of his death as a pivotal point in the
struggle to pass state and federal legislation to protect gays
from discrimination, and they urged Congress to pass a
hate-crimes bill introduced this year. The bill would
broaden existing law to cover offenses motivated by a
person's gender, disability or sexual orientation, and
would make it easier for federal authorities to step in and
prosecute such crimes. Congress has not acted on the bill,
other than to hold hearings, and Frank told the crowd
that passage of the bill "does not look good right now."
Rep. Richard A Gephardt (D-Mo.) said the hate-crime
legislation needed to be passed "now!" He then led the
crowd in a 15-second chant of "Now! Now! Now!"
Upset about Matthew Shepard?
If your upset about Matthew Shepard, here are some things that you can do:
1. Send a message to your Congressmen, and urge them to pass the Hate
Crimes Prevention Act. Just go to to: http:/ /www.hrc.org/ actncntr/ index.html
find your Congresspeople, and click the button to send them a personal
message•
2. Consider joining, donating money, or supporting groups like HRC, PFLAG,
NGLTF, GLAAD. Or at least check out their web sites to see what*s happening
www.hrc.org/ - www.pflag.org/ - www.ngltf.org/ - www.glaad.org/
3. VOTE THIS NOVEMBER 3'd!! We can*t afford to sit this one out.
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T NEWS & VIEWS
Thousands Mourn Student's Death
Funeral Held for Gay Wyoming Man
Hollywood stars, members of Congress and thousands of others
gathered on the U.S. Capitol steps last night to condemn the beating
death of a gay University of Wyoming student and to urge immediate
passage of a hate-crimes bill. "We need to send the strongest possible
signal ... that these crimes will not be tolerated in the United States,"
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) told the crowd at the candlelight
vigil. "Hate crimes are crimes against our country. There is still time
for Congress to respond." Kennedy was joined onstage by dozens
of others, including openly gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and
actresses Ellen DeGeneres and Kristen Johnston, in condemning the
killing of Matthew Shepard, 21. The speechmakers included some
Republicans, many of whom got tepid receptions from the crowd
that shouted anti-right wing remarks. Former Wyoming senator Alan
K. Simpson, a Republican, was the subject of some heckling, even
as he denounced the killing as an "ugly, ugly butchering."
The vigil drew local residents as well as people from across the
country, both gay and straight. Some spoke of Shepard as a martyr
and of his death as a pivotal point in the struggle to pass state and
federal legislation to protect gays from discrimination, and they
urged Congress to pass a hate-crimes bill introduced this year. The
bill would broaden existing law to cover offenses motivated by a
person's gender, disability or sexual orientation, and would make it
easier for federal authorities to step in and prosecute such crimes.
Congress has not acted on the bill, other than to hold hearings, and
Frank told the crowd that passage of the bill "does not look good
right now." Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) said the hate-crime
legislation needed to be passed "now!" He then led the crowd in a
15-second chant of "Now! Now! Now!"
Matthew Shepard was remembered at his funeral in Casper, WY as
someone who "struggled to fit into a world not always kind to gentle
spirits." A wet autumn snow shrouded the 700 mourners as they
filed into the brick St. Mark's Episcopal Church, where Shepard was
baptized. Mourners sang" Amazing Grace," cried and wrapped their
arms around each other. Shepard's family filled the front of the
church. Shepard had been cremated, and his remains were in an
urn on the altar The Casper service also drew those who identified
with Shepard, though they never met him. In a park nearby, others
stood in the snow and listened to the service on a radio.
Across the street from the church, more than a dozen anti-gay
protesters waved signs with messages such as "God Hates Fags."
Standing behind barricades, they shouted anti-gay slogans and
engaged passers-by in loud and nasty debates. "I came to spread
some truth in this orgy of lies," said James Hockenbarger, who came
from a Baptist church in Topeka, Kan., whose members regularly
engage in anti-homosexual picketing at funerals. One protester
yelled: "Matthew was wicked!" Anticipating demonstrations, the
City Council held an emergency meeting night and voted
unanimously to prohibit protesting on public property within 50
feet of the service. The police presence was heavy outside the service,
and bomb-sniffing dogs were used to make sure the church was
safe.
Earlier in the day, Shepard's parents stood in a steady rain in front
of City Hall in Casper to thank the public for its thousands of cards,
letters and e-mails of support. "Matthew was the type of person
that if this would have happened to another person, he would have
been first on the scene to offer his help, his hope and his heart to the
family," said his father, Dennis Shepard. He also asked the public to
respect the family's privacy. "We should try to remember that
because Matt's last few minutes of consciousness on Earth might
have been hell, his family and friends want more than ever to say
their farewells to him in a peaceful, dignified and loving manner,"
he said.
CO - Vigil Affirms Struggle
The president of the Pikes Peak Gay and Lesbian Community Center,
spoke to about 500 people gathered in Acacia Park during a solemn
candlelight vigil honoring Matthew Shepard. The Rev. Nori Rost of
the Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community Church led the vigil, which
was part memorial, part testimonial and part worship service.
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TNEWS & VIEWS
NATIONAL NEWS
Task Force Receives Largest Ever Grant
Justices Turn Back Gay-Rights Lawsuit
The Gill Foundation recently awarded the National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force (NGLTF) its largest grant ever to a gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender (GLBT) organization. Much of the $319,500 grant
will be dedicated to the Task Force's work in fostering and
supporting state and local organizing. The grant is earmarked for
general operating support through December 1999.
The Supreme Court let stand a Cincinnati city charter amendment
that denies discrimination protection to homosexuals. Two years
ago, the high court struck down as unconstitutional a similar
measure in Colorado. The justices turned away a gay-rights group's
argument that the voter-approved 1993 amendment violates
homosexuals' equal-protection rights just as the Colorado
amendment did. The action is not a decision and sets no national
precedent. It likely will create confusion over government policies
toward homosexual rights. Three justices took the unusual step of
emphasizing that the court's action "should not be interpreted either
as an independent construction of the charter or as an expression of
its views about the underlying issues that the parties have debated
at length."
Religious Right TV Ads
24 Hour Hot Line for Youth
Only a few seconds after HBO aired the 1994 Academy Awardwinning film Trevor, which is about a 13-year-old gay boy who
attempts suicide, the calls started pouring into the Trevor Helpline
in Culver City, CA, the nation's first toll-free 24-hour suicide
prevention hot line for gay and questioning youth. In its first two
weeks, the hot line-which was first publicized at the end of the HBO
showing- received more than 1,000 calls. The hot line number is
(800) 850-8078
A new TV ad campaign that says gays and lesbians can change their
sexual orientation through Christian faith touched off another battle
between gay rights groups and religious conservatives. The
conservatives held a news conference to display two 60-second
commercials for which they plan to buy air time at broadcast outlets
around the country. The commercials, similar to full-page ads that
the groups began running in newspapers this summer, depict men
and women who say they were formerly homosexual and that
through Christianity they now live as heterosexuals. The Human
Rights Campaign rejects claims by the religious groups that
"thousands" of men and women have become heterosexual through
Christianity and will begin investigating such claims.
Letter Released
Clergy and laity throughout New England are among 363 people
who signed a letter asking United Methodist bishops to change their
stance opposing gay marriage. "The whole gospel of Jesus Christ
was one of radical inclusively and reaching out to those who were
marginalized, rejected or despised," said the Rev. Arlene Bodge, who
was one of four Massachusetts clergy members signing the letter.
In New Hampshire, the Rev. Mark Henderson of Sandwich signed
the letter. In Rhode Island, Nancy Hetherington, a state lawmaker
from Cranston, also signed. Signing the letter signals their disagreement with the church's Judicial Council, which ruled in August that
same sex unions were not to be performed in United Methodist
churches.
Consumer Network Targets Gays and Lesbians
Sandy Casey, founder and co-chair of Access Alliance headquartered
in Los Angeles, announced the launch of a national consumer
network to bring gay and lesbian consumers together for group
discounts and gay-specific offerings from a host of major
corporations. The innovative network puts the purchasing power
of the gay and lesbian community to work for members, saving time
and money while accessing benefits from companies that embrace
equal treatment and respect for lesbians and gays. Initial membership
offerings include discounts and tailored products for travel,
entertainment, dining, insurance, and legal and financial services
from progressive, like-minded companies such as Aetna, Continental
Airlines, The Hartford, National Car Rental and Unum, among
others. The $20 annual memberships are currently available through
the Internet at www.accessalliance.com and by calling Access
Alliance at 800-693-2349. Additional monthly mailings will follow
with special offers from participating companies.
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T NEWS & VIEWS
MEDIA NEWS
"Corpus Christi" Review
In a less polariz.ed world, Terrence McNally's scandal-magnet play
Corpus Christi would be just another retelling of the Christ story
with different scenery. Sort of like Godspell or Jesus Christ Superstar, only set in the gay subculture of small-town Texas. None of the
nudity the play was rumor to feature has materialized. The actors
wear plain white shirts and trousers on a bare stage, and Joe
Mantelli' s direction is spare. In terms of doctrine, it's far more conservative than the much-discussed, similarly themed 1989 Canadian film Jesus of Montreal. There's even a spellbinding reading of
the Lord's Prayer. Verbatim.
Yet the mere fact that the Christ-like Joshua - the main character in
Corpus Christi - has sex with Judas has made the play the target of
bomb threats at the Manhattan Theater where it opened on October
13th . Catholic-affiliated groups protested outside. They, ironically,
make Corpus Christi a more dramatic, moving experience for the
latter. Drawing parallels between the clandestine early Christians
and semi-closeted gays might have seemed dramatically intriguing
before the controversy began; now, it seems like genius. The recent
murder of a gay youth in Wyoming further underscores the play's
message ....
Like most religious parables, it gives as much as you put into it.
Some people might be bored, knowing how it all comes out. But for
certain interest groups, such as gays, the impact could be seismic. If
for only two hours, the play allows gays ownership of a story often
used by Christian groups to further an anti-gay political stance.
There's something deeply calming about that. With its sincerity,
Corpus Christi stands to put these opposing forces on the same side
of the spiritual fence. In fact, all factions get what they want. Manhattan Theater Club has a sold-out play. Gay play-goers have a
means of spiritual enlightenment. Catholic groups have a convenient enemy to mobilize against. That's more than irony. It's a
miracle.
[B
Big Screen TV
ti"
Copier
~
FAX
Problem focused psychotherapy for Adults,
Adolescents, Individuals and Couples.
Speclallzlng In, but not llmlted to:
Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy
JOHANNA RAYMAN
49 Coolidge Avenue
Stamford, CT 06906
(203) 964-1847
M.S. W., L. C.S. W.
STREET,
TCC's Wish List
Diane Hyatt, MSW, LCSW
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER
225 MAIN
The above was painted on a wall located on Summer St. in Stamford.
1653 Capitol Avenue
llrldgepart, CT 06606
(203) 332-0136
LLl • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549
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Counseling for Partners & Family
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EMDR Consultation
Depression
Anxiety/Phobias
MICHAEL D. ROME
Attorney-at-Law
PIRRO, CHURCH & COOK, LLC
Laura L Gates, MS~ LCSW
Bankruptcy
Business Transactions
Social Security Disability
Divorce
Worker's Compensation
Individuals, Couples, and Families
White Plains. NY
(203) 386-1725
Stratford. CT
(203) 386-1 725
-12-
Personal Injury/Accident Law
Real Estate Transactions
Criminal
Taxation: Business & Individual
Estate Planning & Probate
T NEWS & VIEWS
STATE BY STATE NEWS
AK - Same-Sex Marriage Foes Given $500,000
The Utah-based Mormon Church has given $500,000 to the campaign
working for passage of an amendment to the Alaska Constitution
that would ban same-sex marriage, the campaign announced this
week. The colossal contribution dwarfs the $100,000 the group had
previously collected and catapults the Alaska Family Coalition into
the big leagues of this year's political campaigns. The Republicanled Alaska Legislature decided this spring to put the measure on
the November ballot. Legislators worried that the courts would rule
in favor of two Anchorage men who filed a lawsuit challenging the
1996 law forbidding couples of the same sex from marrying. If
approved by a majority of Alaska voters, Proposition 2 would add a
sentence to the state constitution: "To be valid or recognized in this
state, a marriage may exist only between one man and one woman."
CA - Governor Signs Historic Hate Crimes Bill
Governor Pete Wilson has signed into law AB 1999, a bill which
clarifies that gender and gender expression are protected categories
under California's existing hate crimes laws. The major effect of the
bill is to clarify that hate crimes against transgendered people are
covered under California hate crimes laws.
this kind ofbehavior,ffJan Crandall, national president of the sorority,
said in a release. "Our board and membership sends its deepest
condolences to the Shepard family."
Nicholas Haws, homecoming chairman for Pi Kappa Alpha, said
the scarecrow was supposed to be in the uniform of Tulsa
University's Golden Hurricane, Colorado State's opponents in
Saturday's football game. He said someone vandalized the float,
pinning a sign saying "I am Gay" and an anti-gay epithet on the
figure. He said the scarecrow was removed but someone placed it
back on the float before Saturday's parade.National fraternity
officials condemned the prank. Disciplinary hearings will begin early
next week for as many as 11 fraternity and sorority members.
Ml -Anti-gay Slurs Shock Campus
The rock on Farm Lane has become a canvas for hate-speech directed
at some MSU students. The Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay and
Transgendered Students had painted the rock in honor of National
Coming Out Days .. But the next day they found that the rock had
been repainted with anti-gay slurs. The front of the rock read "no
packing zone." Other slurs on the rock and garbage can next to it
read "I kill fags," "Kill flames," and "Fags."
CO - Discipline Given In Float Flap
Outrage over a parade float that mocked gays following the savage
beating of a gay college student has cost a sorority its spot on the
Colorado State University campus. CSU officials immediately
launched an investigation after a scarecrow that mocked
homosexuals appeared on a homecoming parade float while
Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student,
lay dying in a nearby hospital. The scarecrow appeared on a float
sponsored by Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Alpha Chi Omega
sorority.
On Wednesday, Alpha Chi Omega sorority at CSU surrendered its
charter. "Our actions ... reflect Alpha Chi Omega's intolerance for
Office
566 Whalley Avenue, Suite #ID
New Haven, CT 06511
T 203-389-6750, F 203-389-6318
Re-.,. Frank lleJlrd
Pastor
Sources
24 Hour Hot Line for Youth - The Advocate, Oct. 13, 1998
AK - Marriage Foes Given $500,000 - Anchorage News, Oct. 3, 1998
Cheshire - Gay-Straight Alliance- Record-Journal, Oct. 17, 1998
CO - Vigil Affirms Struggle - Colorado Springs Gazette, Oct. 13, 1998
"Corpus Christi" Review - USA Today, Oct. 14, 1998
CT - In Memory Of Matthew - Courant Oct. 16, 1998
CT-Student's Death Spurs Anger - New Haven Register, Oct. 13, 1998
CT - Wyoming Beating Cause for Concern - CT Post, Oct. 13, 1998
Darien - Gay Students Have No Voice - Darien News-Review, Oct. 8, 1998
Funeral Held for Gay Wyoming Man - Oct. 16, 1998
Justices Tum Back Gay-Rights Lawsuit- USA Today, Oct. 13, 1998
Letter Released - Providence Journal-Bulletin, Oct. 13, 1998
MI - Anti-gay Slurs Shock Campus - The State News, October 9, 1998
MO - School Will Not Sanction Gay Group-Post-Dispatch, Sept. 26, 1998
NY -Anti-Gay Crimes Increase by 81 % - New York Tunes, Sept. 18, 1998
PA- Life Partnership: It's Official- Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct. 9, 1998
Religious Right TV Ads - New York Tunes News Service, October 9, 1998
Thousands Mourn Student's Death- Washington Post, Oct. 15, 1998
VICTORIA
Worship
34 Harrison Street
New Haven, CT 06515
Sundays 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
T.
FERRARA
A1TORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585
Metropolitan lJommunlty Church
of New Ha..-en
WESTPORT, CT
ADMITI'ED IN CT ANO NY
Especially serving the Gay and Lesbian Community
Joan W. Duncan, Ph.D.
MICHAEL G. SAAD, MA, LCSW
LICENSED CU NI CAL SOCIAL WORKER
Psychotherapist
COUNSEL! NG AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
FOR ADULTS, ADOLESCENTS, COUPLES, FAMILIES
Women and Couples
188 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 854-4805
6527 MAIN STREET
TRUMBULL, CT 06611
-13-
BY APPOINTMENT
(203) 459-1666
TNEWS & VIEWS
NY - Reports of Anti-Gay Crimes Rise by 81 %
NJ - Lesbian Denied Joint Custody
Reports of bias crimes against gay men and lesbians have risen 81
percent this year, the police said, even as overall crime has dropped
sharply and other types of bias attacks have fallen slightly. There
have been 76 crimes reported so far this year that the police have
labeled as anti-gay bias crimes, up from 42 during the same period
last year, said Lieut. Stephen Biegel, a Police Department spokesman.
During the same period the overall number of bias crimes has
dropped 3 percent, to 368 from 381, he said.
Advocates for gay causes joined with politicians Thursday in City
Hall Park to denounce the violence and call on the Police Department
to do more to protect gay men and women. "The police bias unit is
doing a great job after the fact, after someone has been a victim,"
said Christine Quinn, the executive director of the New York City
Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project. Police Commissioner
Howard Safir said that he had increased the number of officers in
the Sixth Precinct in Greenwich Village in late August after three
murders and several anti-gay bias crimes were reported there. But
Ms. Quinn noted that most of the new officers assigned to the Sixth
Precinct were plainclothes officers who were sent there to crack down
on prostitution. And she said that many attacks had occurred
elsewhere. Since September, Ms . Quinn said, her group has
documented 12 more anti-gay attacks, not all of which were reported
to the police, in neighborhoods around the city, from the Bronx to
Rego Park, Queens.MO - School Will Not Sanction Gay Group
Insistence by the president of William Jewell College that the
religious-based school will not sanction a student gay and lesbian
group is seen as hypocritical by some students. Those students told
college administrators last spring they were interested in making a
formal proposal for such an organization. But President Christian
Sizemore said this summer the school with Southern Baptist roots
would not "provide recognition, endorsement or funds" for a gay
and lesbian student club.
A lesbian who argued shew as practically a parent to her ex-partner's
4-year-old twins has been denied joint custody and visitation rights
to the children. Superior Court Judge Cummis likened legal status
of the woman, identified in court papers only as V.C., to that of a
step-parent. He said New Jersey law does not give third parties an
automatic right to visitation or custody of a partner's biological
children. A ruling for V.C. would have been one of the first in the
country to give custodial rights to the former partners of lesbian
mothers.
PA - Life Partnership: It's Official
In Philadelphia, same-sex relationships were recognized for the first
time by the city as "life partnerships" and endowed with benefits
once reserved for married couples. The law means city workers can
add their partners to their city-paid health insurance policies and
name them as beneficiaries for city pensions. For all gay couples in
the city, life partner status means an exemption from the city's 3
percent real estate transfer tax if they sell each other property.
Couples also can use the life-partner document when applying for
insurance, joint bank accounts and joint credit cards.
St. Paul's Episcopal Churuh
60 East Avenue, Norwalk
(Across from the Green)
An inclusive, diverse,
affirming community
CONFUSED? SCARED? NOWHERE TO TURN?
If you have HIV/AIDS, you don't need to feel like you
are alone. Stamford CARES gives you the support and
attention you require. We are your direct link to the HIV
Care Network. Complete confidentiality assured.
Serving Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan.
Call 977-S096 to speak to a Care Coordinator today.
Solemn Eucharist - Sundays at 10:15
with organ, choir, and splendid music
Office: (203) 847-2806
We're here to help - because we care.
JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA
Horticultural Botanist
Gardener & House I Pet Sitter
ATTORNEY-AT LAW
1305 POST ROAD, FAIRFIELD
203/256-3839
Donald J. Comes
(203) 866-2823
Tax Planning, Preparation & Appeals;
Estates & Trusts, Probate Matters,
30 7Ierney Street
Norwalk, CT 06851
Real Estate Law; Elder Law; and
Small Business Formations and Assistance
-14-
T NEWS & VIEW
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
M 001 111 381
TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
P.O. BOX 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855
TeJ/Fax: (203) 853-0600
e-mail TCCenter@aol.com
TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BY TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806; Robin 855-8646
35+ Women's Pot Lucks - Judy 227-7 I62
Free Association of Fairfield County - Bruce 782- 1496
Gay Men 's Rap Group - Dave 838-1881
Gmosaic (People of Color) - Nasheed 854-7726
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Christine 847-8476
Out & About (20 's & 30's) - Heather 924-2930, Ashley 576-1073
or Dan 838-2367
OutSpoken (Youth) - Perry & Sara 846-4569; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
Triangle Bowling League (Circle Lanes, Fairfield) - Lisa 333-3113;
Roseann 931-8789
Women's Rap Group - Chandra 226-8652; Linda 866-4598;
Michele 438-4465
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted. A $3 donation per person is appreciated with your
participation in activities to help support the Center.
OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
(203) 330-9595
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
(203) 264-5605
Chiltern Mountain Club
(203) 899-0270
(203) 256-8414
Connecticut Kids and Families
(203) 791-9553
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club. (Social Grp. -call Dale before 10pm)(203) 261-4019
Gay Fathers Group
(203) 866-7051
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
(203) 778-7016
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
(860) 688-1881
GuideLine (gay/lesbian phone info)
(203) 366-3734
Hartford Community Center
(203) 724-5542
Married Men's Bisexual Suppl Grp Htfd
(203) 262,1555
Metropolitan Community Church
(203) 389-6750
Transgendered Resource - Kaylen
(203) 661-2448
(914) 948-4922
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
(203) 931-8789
Triangle Kids
(203) 255-6229
(203) 323-6278
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group (203) 773-9947
We're glad to list your non-profit gay/lesbian/bi/lg group free of
charge. Call (203) 964-1133. Please keep us informed of changes.
WHERE ARE WE? The Triangle Community Center Inc. is
located at 25 Van Zant Street in Norwalk. From 1-95, take
Exit 16 and go south (from Stamford, turn right; from New
Haven, turn left). Continue south under the railroad bridge
and tum right on Van Zant St. (Route 136). 25 Van Zant is a
large condominium office building on the right. TCC is in
Suite 7-C on the ground floor. Tel. (203) 853-0600.
Deadline for the December Newsletter is Saturday,
Novem her 14th • We cannot ga urantee that material received
after this date will be included in the Dec. News & Views.
Property of the Ce,, ~r
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DON BUXTON .................... President
DENYSE BURKE ............... Vice-President
JOHN WALLACE ..............Treasurer
MEG BACHTEL.. ..............Corresponding Secretary
DAVE CARROLL. ............... Recording Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEG BACHTEL
JIM BRIDGE
DON BUXTON
DENYSE BURKE
DAVE CARROLL
JOHN DEL VECCHIO
MICHELE STONE
JOHN WALLACE
(203) 375-9020
(203) 847-3268
(203) 762-9964
(203) 367-3911
(203) 838-1881
(203) 334-3822
(203) 964-1133
(203) 389-7381
STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Board Development Vacant
Communications
John D
-Public Relations
Mike C
Finance
John W
Fundraising
Vacant
Membership ,
Denyse B
-Member Database
Marianne S
Operations
Cindy M
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
Walter D
Resource Room
-Center Forums
Marianne S
Volunteer
Vacant
374-6934
334-3822
375-3567
261-7349
367-3911
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
222-8294
NEWS& VIEWS
Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc.
We cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve
the right to edit or conaense as appror,riate to meet space
requirements Authors will be contacted if major revisions are
necessary. Please submit to:
NEWS&VIEWS
Michele Stone: Editor & Advertising Manager
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone/Fax: (203) 964-1133
John DelVecchio: Assistant Editor Phone: 203-334-3822
Mike Collins: Publicity
Phone: (203) 375-8567
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com
FOR ADVERTISING RATES PLEASE CONTACT
MICHELE STONE:
Ads lllYfil be camera-ready. Any ad not camera ready will
be subject to an additional charge. Inserts and special sizes
upon prior agreement. All ads are placed on a space available
basis.
The publication of the name of any person or organiz.ation in articles
or ads in NEWS & VIEWS is not to be construed as any indication of
the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such
organiz.ations. The appearance of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS
does not imply nor constitute endorsement by TCC, Inc. The views
expressed in this NEWS & VIEWS are not necessarily those of TCC,
Inc. Copyright 1997 by Triangle Community Center, Inc. All rights
reserveed. This work, or any parts thereof, may not be ~sed or
reproduced in any manner without written permission.
-15-
TNEWS & VIEWS
rec Calendar
Sun
I
Mon
2
8
Wed
Tues
Thu
4
P-FLAG7:45
s
Lesbian Lit 7:30
3
Women's Rap 7:30
November, 1998
Sat
Fri
6
Men's Rap 7:30
7
G-Mosaic 7:30
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes
10
II
12
13
14
AA9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6
Book Signing 3
Women's Rap 7:30
TCC Board 7:30
Bi Rap Group 7:30
Men 's Rap 7:30
Out & About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes
Friendraiser 7:00
N&V's Deadline
IS
16
17
18
19
2o
21
9
AA 9-IOam
OutSpoken 4-6
Memorial Service 4
22
AA9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6
Movie & Potluck 6:00
Women 's Rap 7:30
23
Women's Rap 7:30
P-Fl.AG Spouses &
Ex-spouses 7:30
24
26
25
TCC Board 7:30
Men 's Rap 7:30
Bi Rap Group 7:30
•
G-Mosaic 7:30
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes
28
27
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes
Out & About 7:00
1 ,.
29
AA 9-IOam
OutSpoken 4-6
30
Women's Rap 7:30
II
Connecticut Calendar - November
Fri., Sat. & Sun., Nov. 6, 7, 8 - The Metropolitan Community Church of
New Haven will host the annual conference of the MCC Northeast District,
at the Colony Inn in New Haven. For more info call MCC-New Haven at
203-389-6750.
Fri., Sat. & Sun., Nov. 6, 7, 8-A Weekend in the Country with HIV+ Gay
Men presented by Project M and AIDS Project Hartford. Talk, play, explore,
learn & have fun. Open to HIV+ Gay and Bisexual men in Conn. Free but
registration is required. For more info, or to register, call Tom Bowie at 860951-4833.
Fri., Nov. 6 - Movie: "A Star is Born" (Garland) at the NHGLCC, 50 Fitch
Street, New Haven. 6:30 PM potluck, 7:15 PM screening, $3. More info:
FGDMYO@aol.com.
Sat., Nov. 7 - The Women's Center of Danbury is hosting its lQ<h Annual
Gay Turkey Day Pre-Thanksgiving (Potluck) Dinner and Dance at Hatters
Park - Hall, Hayestown Ave, Danbury, 4 PM - midnight. Women only.
Admission free; donations graciously accepted. For more info call Paola at
203-744-1156
Sat., Nov. 7 - Stephanie's Living Room presents its Autumn Dance, at the
Stratford Ramada Inn, 8:00 PM. $10 at the door; $5 for the physically
challenged. For more information call 203-377-2119.
Fri., Nov. 13 - Movie: "Brother From Another Planet" at the NHGLCC, 50
Fitch Street, New Haven. 6:30 PM potluck, 7:15 PM screening, $3.
Sat., Nov. 14 - Gay Bingo fund-raiser to benefit the Hartford Gay and
Lesbian Health Collective, at The Community Center, 1841 Broad Street,
Hartford. Admission is $10. Doors open at 7 PM; games begin at 7:30 PM.
Fri., Sat. & Sun., Nov. 20, 21, 22 - A Weekend in the Country with HIV+
Gay Men presented by Project M and AIDS Project Hartford. Talk, play,
explore, learn & have fun. (See Nov. 6)
Fri., Nov. 20 - The Imperial Court of Connecticut presents The 1998 Miss
Gay Nutmeg Pageant at Nick's Cafe House, 1943 Broad St., Hartford. Doors
open at 9 PM. $5 donation for admission. $150 in cash and prizes. A Benefit
for the Imperial Court of Connecticut Coronation 99.
Fri., Sat., Sun., Nov. 20, 21, 22 - All-male production of Steel Magnolias to
benefit Project 100 & a new gay /lesbian theater group, at Hartford
Community Center, 1841 Broad St., Hartford. 8 PM. Tickets $10 in advance,
$12 at door. For more information or tickets call Christopher at860-774-8183.
Fri., Nov. 20 - Movie: "The Boys In The Band" at the NHGLCC, 50 Fitch
Street, New Haven. 6:30 PM potluck, 7:15 PM screening, $3.00.
Sat., Nov. 21 - Women After Hours Dance (women only), Holiday Inn,
East Hartford, 8:30 PM - 1 AM, $10 cover. Call 860-528-9611 for directions.
TMEMBERSHIP FORM
MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
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ADDRESS
CITY
PHONE
STATE
ZIP
E-MAIL
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Please make check payable to:
Triangle Community Center, Inc. - Membership
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(203) 853-0600
Part of Triangle Community Center News & Views : v.9:no11(1998:Nov.)