TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v7.no9.1996.09.pdf

Title: TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v7.no9.1996.09.pdf
extracted text: Property of the Center

Triangle Community Center

TRIANGL

NeW!5 & V~W!5

Vol.7, No.9
September 1996

Free to Members and Subscribers

MANY HEARTS • • •

ONE COMMUNITY

WHATS HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
SUN, SEPT 1:
THU, SEPT 5:
THU, SEPT 5:
FRI, SEPT 6:

8
Calendar

16

THU, SEPT 12:
FRI, SEPT 13:

Editors Desk

6

Financial Report

7

Friendraiser

2

From the Board

7

FYI

5

Gaily Forward

6

Letters

2

New Haven News

8

SUN, OCT 6:

Point of View

4

SUN, OCT 6:

Reviews

9

FRI, OCT 11

TCC News

3

Trivia

7

SAT, SEPT 14:
FRI, SEPT 20:
SAT, SEPT 21:
WED, SEPT 25:

MARVIN LIEBMAN

SUN, SEPT 29:

No Sunday at the Center because of Labor Day holiday.
Through Sun, Sep 8, Boston - NY AIDS Ride #2. Info, (212) 242-RIDE.
Through Sun, Sep 8, National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association convention,
Miami FL. Info, call (305) 538-9999.
Q College Seminar on Same-Sex Marriage. All day . See F.Y.I. for program and other
information.
"Night oflllusions" Fundraiser at the Beach Club, West Haven, to benefit New Haven
Community Center. See article. (203) 234-0820.
Triangle Bowling League opens 1996-97 season at Circle Lanes, Fairfield, 8:30. See
article. (203) 333-3113 or 931-8789 for info.
Triangle Kids Pool Party. (203) 255-5520, (203) 323-6278.
Commitee to plan 1997 New Haven Pride Celebration, Elm City Roasters, New Haven
6-8 pm. See article.
Monthly TCC Friendraiser at Tom and Walter's home in Bridgeport, 6-9. Free for
first-timers. See article for directions. Note it is on a Saturday.
New Haven Town Meeting for newly forming New Haven Gay/Lesbian Community
Center. City Hall Public Hearing Room, 200 Orange St, New Haven, 7-9. Info, (203)
782-2000.
Benefit fund raiser for Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Burr Hometrad,
Fairfield, 4-6 pm. Attorney Suzanne Goldberg, who helped win Romer v. Evans in the
Supreme Court, will speak. See article.
Annual Stamford area AIDS Walk, Cove Island Park, noon on. Registration, (203)
977-4387
Journalist Marvin Liebman ("Independently Speaking") at Triangle Community
Center. 4-6. See article below.
Through Mon, Oct 14: PFLAG 15th annual International Conference in Washington DC. Info, call (202) 686-0474 or locally (203) 544-8724.

For the latest update on What's Happening in the area check our TCC home page on the internet.

http://members.aol.com/tccenter

To

SPEAK AT

TCC

Marvin Liebman - Communist turned conservative Reaganite turned gay
activist, writer and commentator - will speak at the Triangle Community
Center in Norwalk on Sunday afternoon, October 6, at 4:00.
As a young man, Liebman served in the U.S. military in Africa and Italy during
World War II, but was discharged in 1944, given a general discharge as a
homosexual, and denied all veteran benefits.
In the years prior to and immediately following World War II, Marvin
Liebman was an avid Communist. He worked in what was then the Palestine
underground to help build what was to become the state of Israel.
He then quit the Communist party, married an art student and became very
active in the intellectual Bohemian life of Greenwich Village in Manhattan.
At some point he became completely disillusioned with the politics of his
youth and, making an abrupt about face, became a leading anti-Communist
organizer. He started a number of right-wing organizations, one of which
has become the Heritage Foundation. He paid a critical role in getting the
Dalai Lama out of Tibet and to the West, where he was safe from the hands
of the Chinese Communists.
In 1968 he worked on Ronald Reagan's first campaign for the Presidency.
When he finally became President in 1980, Liebman went to Washington and
joined the "Reagan Revolution," working with the National Endowment for
the Arts. In between the Reagan campaigns, he spent his time producing

September I 996

1

"1.ET's PuT ON

TCC

A

SHow!"

WILL PRODUCE

WH00P-DEE•Doo!" IN DECEMBER
TCC's Special Events Committee and the Board of Directors
enthusiastically announce the upcoming musical production of
the late Howard Crabtree's play, "Whoop Dee-Doo!".
This very special event, directed by Scott M. Robbins, is slated
for the weekend of December 13, 14 and 15. Scott's professional contacts have already landed TCC the loan of the original
production costumes, wigs and sets. The production is planned
to benefit several area AIDS organizations.
Beyond being a fund-raiser, the production is most certainly a
community building event drawing on the expertise of a number
of theater professionals, TCC members and the community at
large. It is also a terrific opportunity for the Center to present
a gay-themed show to the general public.
Open auditions for cast will be announced shortly for some time
in October. In the meantime, a number of key details are falling
into place and many others are still to be accomplished.
Most important is assembling a staff to perform the wide range
of responsibilities necessary for the success of the project. Help
1

Page I

MARVIN LIEBMAN STORY (CONTINUED)

movies and theatrical productions and providing assistance to endeavors
as diverse as William F. Buckley's "Firing Line" and Father Bruce Ritter's
Covenant House.
His life took another turn in 1990, when in the pages of the National
Review, a publication of his long-time friend William F. Buckley, Jr., he
came out publicly as a gay man.
In 1992 his autobiography, "Coming Our Conservative," was published.
(It's available for borrowing in the TCC Resource Room.) Then in 1995
he wrote a column for the Advocate in which he announced his
independence from any labels, including Conservative, Christian, or
Republican.
He now devotes all his time, talent and energy to the American lesbian
and gay community and syndicates a monthly column, "Independently
Speaking'' to gay and lesbian publications throughout the United States.
Marvin Liebman will be appearing at the Triangle Community Center
on October 6th at 4pm. He will speak from personal experience on how
coming out changes ones personal and political agenda.
- compiled from releases by Mike Collins and Marianne Seggerman.
WHOOP DEEDoo (CONTINUED)

is needed in many areas like public relations, playbill production and ad
sales, theater staffing, and catering of a champagne reception. Please call
Michael Pavlicin (866-6993) to lend your time and talents to this
project.
Mark your calendar and watch for more exciting details in this newsletter. Watch local newspapers for the announcement of "open auditions."
-MP

Contributors to this issue:
John Allen, Don Buxton, Bill Clinton , Mike Collins, Bryon H.,
Karen J., Roseann M., Tom Mariconda, Judith Martin, Doug
Nissing, Michael Pavlicin, Mike Roper, Barb Schade, Bob
Scrofani, Marianne Seggerman, Michele T.

FRJENDRAISER
BRING A Fnt■ND TO TOM

& WALTER'S

The Se~bcr Friendraiser will be on Saturday, September 21 from
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the :Bridgeport apartment ofTom Mariconda and

Walter Dembowski (Executive House, 3900 Park; Avenue,~ment 4-E ). Note that the date is a SaturdaX,, not our usual Fnday.
A buffet meal and non-akoholic beverages will be provided. Feel free
to Bring Your. Own Bottle of...whatcvcr.
As always, a volun!M)' contribution of$8 for members and $10 for
non-members will be collcctcd to cover expcmcs. But, we arc trying
something a little different this time, to encourage more first-timers

and newcomers to attend. Anyone coming to a Friendraiser for the
first time can get in free. And anyone who brings a first-timer to this
Fricndraiser can get in free also.
Directions: Take the Merritt Parkway (either direction) to Exit 47.
Turn left at the end of the exit ramp onto Park Avenue. Travel 1.7
miles on Park Avenue ~ t Sacred Heart Univcrsityori the right, and
the Discovery Museum on. the left) to Executive House (3900 Park
Avenue) on the left Park in the Visitor. Parkini spaces on the side
ofthe building (but not in the Emergency spaces m front) or on either
side of Park Avenue, cx~t near the bus stops. Take an elevator to
the fourth floor. Tum right, head to Apartment 4-E, and walk right
in! It'll be good to sec you !

-TM

September 1996

LETTERS
NEWCOMERS THRILLED BY TCC WEB
PAGE, SAYS GUIDELINE STAFFER
I answer the phone once a month for the Guideline, and very often
get calls from people moving to Fairfield County from other states.
They want to have information sent to them, so they know what's
going on before they arrive. I always mention our Web Page, and
people are really thrilled, because they can get their information
instantly.
Thanks again for putting it all together. As you-know-who says, "It's
a good thing!" {{{}}}
Bob Scrofani (BobScrof@aoI.com)
UCoNNISTAMFORD WoMEN's CENTER
NEEDS YouR BooKs
The UConn Women's Center is in the process of forming a library/
resource center of material concerning women. If you remember
that first book which made you exclaim, "I am Woman, hear me
roar!" (whatever your gender), why not share your experience with
a college student by donating a copy of that book (or books) to the
Center! Any and all material about women would be greatly
appreciated. Another one of our goals is to have a Mac computer in
the Center to allow women the opportunity to connect with
women's resources world-wide and to also help us with our newsletter. If any kind soul out there happens to have a "spare" Mac with
WWW capabilities they'd like to donate to our cause, we'd also be
very grateful!
For further information or to make a donation which we'll gladly
pick-up from you, please call June at 222-7803(H) or 322-3466(W) .
- June Dunn
FREE WEBSITES FoR G/L/B/T GROUPS
Hi - I'm trying to put together a website containing links of interest
to the g/1/b/t community of Connecticut. I've included a link to your
website. Please let me know if this is not okay and I'll delete it. Also,
feel free to link back to my page (www.OutinCT.com/ourtown/).
Also, please let ix:orle know that I'm offering websites free of charge
to non-commercia groups servmg our commumty.
Thanks Rick Goldberg
MARICONDA LETTER CONDEMNS ARSON
AT NORWALK JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
The following letter has been sent to the Editor of the Norwalk
Hour.
The Hour
346 Main Avenue
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
August 14, 1995
To the Editor:
On behalf of our membership, we express our outrage and horror at
the recent vandalism and arson of the Jewish Community Center. It
was an act of cowardice and hatred intended to cause fear in anyone
who ever called that center home. And that had been such a lovely
place. Six or seven years ago it was even rented out for a lesbian
potluck, with scores of women admiring the view of the Sound from
the balcony. As the other community center in East Norwalk we are
afraid, too. Will we be next? As Elie Wiesel said at a gay and lesbian
fundraiser in New York in the late 80's: "People who hate, hate
everybody''.
Sincerely,
Thomas Mariconda, President, Triangle Community Center

Page2

T f!IIIEW5 & VIEWS
TCCNEWS
TRIANGLE BOWLING LEAGUE JOINS TCC,
ANNOUNCES FALL SEASON
The Triangle Bowling League, one of the largest and most active
lesbigay organizations in the area, has become affiliated with the
Triangle Community Center as a Center-sponsored organization.
The League will begin its 1996-97 season on September 13, 8:30 pm,
at a new location, Circle Lanes in Fairfield, and is looking for new
members. All are welcome, men and women, and you don't have to
be an expert bowler to join; the league is strictly social, and not
competitive.
According to one tongue-in-cheek league spokesperson, "The Triangle Bowling League is a group of people who really really do not
bowl well enough to participate in an amateur bowling league. In
fact, the league has had nights where everyone has bowled facing
backwards and through their legs. Needless to say that it is a very
social league that has a lot of fun."
The league has also managed to donate thousands of dollars to two
dozen charities in the process, she said. "How, you ask? Well, the
other bowling leagues take their excess money and use it at the end
of a season for prizes and banquets. Our league uses the money to
help any group in our community that is in need."
For more information, call Lise at (203) 333-3113 or Roseann at
(203) 931-8789.
POLITICAL ACTION GROUP MOVES TO 3RD
WEDNESDAY
In an attempt to bolster participation, the Political Action Group
(PAG) has decided to change their meeting date. From now on, the
group will meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. The
next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18. The meetings will continue
to be held at the Triangle Community Center. The group focus is to
prepare letters to our local and state representatives on gay related
political issues. Al! are welcome to participate!

JuNE APPEAL RAlsEs OVER $ Z,400 Fon TCC
The Annual June Pride Appeal for the Triangle Community Center was
a great success this year, thanks to the wonderful efforts of the Fund
Raising Committee and the tremendous response from the Community. As of August 15, over $2,400 has been received as a result of this
fund raising effort. This money is vital to the on-going operations of
TCC. Thanks to all of you who responded so generously! - MP
THANKS To THOSE WHo MADE AuGusT
PICNIC A SUCCESS
The Special events Committee wishes to thank all those who helped
make our second annual Time-Out Picnic last month a resounding
success. Special thanks must go those business who donated items for
the silent auction: The Brook Cafe, Stonewall Associates, The Ivy
Leash, BLOODROOT, The Unbelievable Flower Shop, Westport
County Playhouse, The John Randall House, The Sugar Bowl, Village
Clock Shop of Darien, Uncle's Deli, Virgin Atlantic and Atlantic
Records, and Marriott Resorts.

How's

THAT AGAIN, BILL?

"As I understand it, what [the Defense of Marrage Act]
does is to state that marriage is an institution between a
man and a woman, that, among other things, is used to
bring children into the world, but the legal effect of the bill
- as I understand it, the only legal effect of the bill is to
make it clear that states can deny recognition of gay
marriages that occurred in other states. And if that's all it
does, then I will sign it. Now, having said that, I do not
favor discrimination against people because they're homosexual."
-Bill Clinton, president, at a press conference, May 1996

LESBIAN L1T W1LL Discuss WoLF Gmu AT
VASSAR
On Tues., October 1, the Lesbian Literature Reading Group will
discuss Wolf Girls At Vassar, edited by Anne MacKay (St. Martin's
Press).
If you'd like to support women-owned businesses, this and other
future books that the group will be reading can be ordered from
Bloodroot (203) 576-9168. Copies may also be available in the TCC
Library.
Interested persons can contact Karen at (203) 371-8487 for more
info. A $3 donation per person from those participating will help
support the Center.
3 5 + WOMEN T Al<E A BREATHER
The 35+ Women's rap group has suspended meetings for the time
being. Members are planning to resume meeting in a new format
later in the year. Watch this space for further information next
month.
TCC RESOURCE RooM GETS NEw BooKs
Several cartons of new books, many of them of special interest to
women, have been donated to the TCC Resource Room by a New
Haven bookstore that has gone out of business. Resource Room
coordinator Walter Dembowski and his assistant Paul have been
working overtime to get them all catalogued and shelved - which is
not an easy task, as we have quite run out of shelf space. Anyone who
would be willing to help donate or install additional shelving should
call Walter at (203) 374-6924. And the rest of you can help by
visiting the resource room, marveling at the wealth of magazines and
books available to our community, fiction and non-fiction, and
perhaps checking out a few.

September 1996

BENEFIT FOR LAMBDA LEGAL
DEFENSE AND EDUCATION
FUND IN FAIRFIELD
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, the nation's oldest
and largest lesbian and gay civil rights organization and cocounsel in Romer v. Evans, the victorious Supreme Court case
against Colorado's anti-gay Amendment 2, will host a benefit
fundraiser in Fairfield, Connecticut on September 29th.
Suzanne Goldberg, a Lambda attorney who worked on the
Amendment 2 case, will speak about the major gay rights victory
in Romer and its impact on the nationwide fight against anti-gay
initiatives and other lesbian and gay civil rights issues.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Lambda, a non-profit
organization which works to achieve full recognition of the civil
rights oflesbians,. gay men, and people with HNIAIDS through
impact litigation, education, and public policy work.
The benefit will take place on Sunday, September 29th, from
4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Burr Homestead at 636 Old Post Road
in Fairfield, o1I the Connecticut Turnpike (I-95) at exit 22.
Tickets are now available at $1500, $750, $500, $250, $100, and
$50 in advance ($55 minimum at the door).
For information or tickets, call Paul Schneider at (203) 2555520 or Brian Simons at (212) 995-8585.

Page3

T NEWS & VIEWS
POINT OF ihEW
CHOOSE LIFE.
By Rev. Alexander Garbera

As a long-term survivor of HIV/AIDS, I am still perplexed by this
disease and the social structures that surround it. Fifteen years into
this pandemic, people are still becoming newly infected, others are
sick, suffering, and dying for AIDS related complications. Others
continue to do well. After observing long-term HIV/AIDS
survivors for the last several years and those who transition
relatively quickly, it is quite clear that what works for one person
may or may not work for another. The trouble is that really healthy
long-term survivors are not tracked by the medical system simply
because they aren't ill. Much of what we know, what I know, then
is very biased. Yet, despite individual, environmental, and pathogenic differences it seems that some common ground is emerging
for characteristics of long-term survivors. Medical research focuses on those factors that support the current medical model of
HIV - such as long-term survivors having higher levels of antibodies to the AIDS virus, HIV viral loads, and so on. Yet, one still
wonders why some individuals without these antibodies do very
well for a long time, and others with lots of these antibodies die?
It is great to see that scientists are confirming what long-term
survivors have known for some time now: environmental and
nutritional factors play an extremely important role in managing
HIV. They are even now finding "scientific evidence" that things
like prayer and spirituality make a big difference in the healing
process. My question is "Why wait?" Why wait for scientists to
confirm what we already know?
An often neglected, misunderstood, and controversial aspect of
healing is the spiritual component. This is probably becoming
worse, as radical religious bigots misuse Christian doctrine to
promote their own homophobic and biased agendas. Yet, I know
of no long-term survivors that do not have some sort of spiritual
component to their healing program. And although there is a lot
I do not know or understand about HIV/AIDS, I do know - with
absolute certainty - that all healing ultimately occurs on nonphysical levels.
Although long-term survivors use a wide variety spiritual programs, healing methods, and practices, some common ground can
be seen. In an excellent pamphlet produced by the Universal
Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches called "Choose
Life: Taking Action to be Fully Alive with HIV/AIDS." The Rev.
Dr. Stephen Pieters suggests that individuals living with AIDS
nurture their faith, maintain self esteem, pray, meditate, eat wisely,
exercise, rest, laugh daily, stay informed, work with their doctor
as a partner, be en~aged in life and involved with other people.
Interestingly enough, Rev. Pieters has been diagnosed with HIV
since 1982, and in 1985 was diagnosed with full blown AIDS,
Kaposi's Sarcoma and lymphoma but experienced the complete
remission of his cancers.
This story is nothing short of miraculous, but we must remember
that, as St. Augustine pointed out, "Miracles do not happen in
contradiction to nature, but only in contradiction to that which is
known to us of nature." Miracles happen. Sometil)les they don't.
My path is to understand why. So far, the best advice I can offer
is simply to choose life, and do what you can to support that
decision. The rest is in the hands of the powers that be.
About the Author:
Alexander Garbera is founder and president of The Guardian
Health Association '", a group of long-term survivors in the New
Haven area. He is also the coordinator of MCC/New Haven's
Social Action Leadership Team (SALT).
A copy of MCC's pamphlet "Choose Life: Taking Action to be
Fully Alive with HIV/AIDS" can be obtained by writing MCC at
566 Whalley Avenue #ID, New Haven CT 06511, or calling
(203) 389-6750, or calling your local congregation of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches

September 1996

CLINTON SHOULD SUPPORT DOMESTIC
PARTNERSHIP
A Letter to President Clinton from the Peoples' Action Group

President Clinton
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Northwest
Washington, DC 20501
Dear President Clinton:
After reading your recent interview as pub_lished in the June 25, 1996
edition of The Advocate magazme, I would like to commend you for your
support of many of the issues currently facing the gay and_ lesbian
community. However, I am deeply concerned about your pos1t1on on
same-sex marriage. Historically, you have enjoyed significant support
from the gay community. However, your recently declared support of the
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), has caused many ga}'.s and lesbians to
reconsider their political affiliations, and in fact, their desire to_vote m the
upcoming elections. The loss of the gay vote has b~en and w1µ contmue
to be a significant factor in the success of your re-election campaign. I urge
you to reconsider your stance on the DOMA Act.
It seems to me that this bill is addressing a non-existent issue and is nothing
more than an opportunity for many politicians to openly "gay bash" to gain
popular support. You yourself admitted this fact while simultaneously
pledging support for this legislation. The DOMA Act ventures mto
uncharted territory where by the Federal Government now enters mto
areas of power previously reserved for State government. As you stated
in your Advocate interview " .. .in our country's history we have, and for
good reason, looked first to state and local government, ~ well as the
private sector, to consider issues like these involving commuruty values and
matters of conscious. I believe that these issues continue to be best resolved
at this level of civil discourse". If this is your position on such issues, why
then are you in support of federal legislation that would override the states
power to define marriage and the transferability of such rights from state
to state under the Constitution? This proposed legislation appears to be
clearly in violation of the Full Faith and Credit clause of the Uruted States
Constitution.
If as you indicated in your interview, " ... the challenge in addressing these
issues is to remain sensitive to the traditional values of our communities
while preserving the fundamental right to live free from unju_stified
discrimination ... ," your support of the DOMA Act seems contradictory.
This bill specifically singles out one minority group and permits individual
states to deny that group of the benefits of marriage that all others have
traditionally been afforded. Again, such discrimination is unconstitutional.
(??What Amendment???).
If you believe that it is necessary to make same-sex ma~riage an issue
requiring federal legislation, then what should a federal bill on domestic
partnership under the Clinton Administration contain? If as you have
stated, that a "marriage" is a union between a man and a woman, then you
could more equitably resolve this issue, while remaining sensitive to the
traditional values of Americans while protectmg the nghts of mmonties,
by passing a domestic partnership bill. This bill would, in effect, provide
gays and lesbians with equal rights protection under the law 1~ ~reas such
as tax benefits, health insurance and other matters crucial to the hfe, liberty
and pursuit of happiness" afforded to all American citizens.
This compromise would allow a fair and equitable solution without
jeopardizing your popular support. I believe that both Democrats and
Republicans alike would find such legislation to be an acceptabl_e solution
to this politically loaded dilemma. I, along with many others 111 the gay
community, consider marriage rights to be fundamental _issue and a
deciding factor in how I plan to vote in the November elections.
Deadline for the October NEws & ViEws is Saturday. Sept
14. Material not received by then can not be included in the
October Newsletter. If possible. please transmit your contributions by e-mail (NewsViews@aol.com) or fax (203-8461225). If you must submit hard copy. please allow an extra
few days for transcription. To avoid delay. please send
classified and display ads directly to the advertising manager. PO Box 8185, Stamford 06905 or e-mail
MicheleVS@aol.com.

Page4

T NEWS & VIEWS
F. Y. I.
0

COLLEGE HOLDS NATIONAL SEMINAR

ON SAME GENDER MARRIAGE LAws
Please call the Quinnipiac Law Review (number at bottom of this
message) to reserve a place at this day-long session.
Quinnipiac College School of Law and Quinnipiac Law Review
announce a Symposium: Federalism Revisited: Extraterritorial Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage, Friday, September 6,
1996, The Grand Courtroom, Quinnipiac College School of Law
Center, Hamden, Connecticut.
8:30 A.M. - Coffee
9 A.M. - Keynote (soon to be announced)
10 A.M. - What's At Stake: Marriage Rights & Responsibilities
a. Evan Wolfson, Lambda Legal Defense and Education
Fund, Co-Counsel in Hawaii case. Mr. Wolfson will
present an overview of the issues and how the ban on
marriage affects gay men and lesbians
b. Pat Cain, University of Iowa College of Law. Professor
Cain will explain why gay men and lesbians need civil
marriage, presenting both efficiency and moral reasons to
support her claim.11 A.M. - Lessons from the Past: Historical Analogs to SameSex Marriage
a. Akhil Amar, Yale Law School. Professor Amar will trace
historical choice oflaw dilemmas when various moral issues
-slavery, child labor, divorce, abortion - have received
different treatment in different states.
b. Andrew Koppleman, Princeton University. Professor
Koppelman will present an historical review of the underpinnings of the "strong public policy'' exception, which
some states have used to avoid recognizing the judgments
and public acts of sibling states.
c. Seth Kreimer, University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Professor Kreimer will discuss the analogies between abortion, slavery, and same-sex marriage, examining the interaction of territoriality and moral controversy of these issues.
12:45 P.M.- Lunch
1:30 P.M.- Predictions of the Future: Extraterritorial Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage
a. Larry Kramer, New York University Law School. Professor
Kramer will argue that the "strong public policy'' exception
is unconstitutional.
b. Barbara Cox, California Western School of Law. Professor
Cox will discuss her work surveying the several states to
determine which states are most likely to recognize samesex marriages if it is eventually legalized.
c. Linda Silberman, New York University Law School. Professor Silberman will argue that the full Faith and Credit
clause of the United States Constitution does not require
extraterritorial recognition of same-sex marriage.
3:00 P.M. - Close
For Registration Information contact: Quinnipiac College School
of Law and Quinnipiac Law Review, (203) 287-3225.
AIDS WALK SUNDAY OCTOBER 6, 1996
The annual Stamford area AIDS walk will be held on Sunday,
October 6 at 12:00 p.m. at Cove Island Park. For information,
or to join the TCC team of walkers, call Tom Mariconda (203)
374-6934. Yes, we hope to be finished with the walk in time to
attend the presentation by Marvin Liebman at the Center at 4:00.
For registration packets, call (203) 977-4387
B001< SALE FOR BREAD & ROSES
There will be a book sale, for the benefit of Bread & Roses
Hospice, during the weekend of the Norwalk Oyster Festival,
Sept 6-8. It will be held across the street from the festival location
at the home of Mike Roper, 47 Seaview Ave, East Norwalk.

September 1996

h's RAINING FuN!
Mark your calenders for a premier event upcoming on November 8th,
1996. A multi-talented benefit is bein~ planned for Bread & Roses and
Family Services Woodfield. Feature artists include comedian Lea Delea, a
cappella singing group The Flirtations, female impersonators The Illusions, and most notably Martha Wash and The Weather Girls who will
perform the song "It's Raining Men" as well as other favorite hits. The
event will be held at the Quick Center for the Performing Arts in Fairfield,
Ct. with a preshow cocktail hour starting at 6pm and showtime at 8pm.
Tickets for general admission will sell at $49 with preferred seating at $65;
-DB
cocktails plus show at $100. Further details to follow.
NEW GAY RADIO SHOW TUESDAY AFTERNOONS
Eastern Connecticut now has its very own gay and lesbian radio program.
A new show, Outloud Radio, is now being broadcast on WCNI-FM 91.1
New London every Tuesday afternoon 3 to 6 pm. The new show is hosted
by singe/songwriter Julie Nicolay.
"The broadcast includes a diverse array of styles from traditional folk and
women's music to jazz, pop, country, rock, comedy, and some that cannot
be easily defined," said Ms. Nicolay. There is an "Artist Of The Week"
segment from 4 to 4:30 pm. Outloud Radio also features news, information and a community calendar, and an occasional surprise studio guest.
Anyone who would like to promote a local artist or event or who has a
request, is invited to call Juhe Nicolay before 10 pm. at 860-442-4501.
This is the only gay radio show in eastern Connecticut. Other gay and
lesbian radio shows serving Connecticut include:
• The Gay Spirit show Thursdays at 8:30 pm. on WWUH 91.3 West
Hartford.
• Amaron Radio with Pam Smith 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, from 6:35 to 20
pm. on WPKN 89.5 Bridgeport.
• The Lavender Wimmin Radio Show with Gail Polovy and Denise
Amato Thursdays 6 to 7 pm. on WUSB 90.1 Stony Brook, Long Island
(audible in lower Fairfield and New Haven counties).
• Weekly alternating gay and lesbian shows Sundays 6:30 to 7:30 on
WBAl 99.5 New York, transmitting from the Empire State Building,
and covering Fairfield and lower New Haven counties.
• An Open View, a gay and lesbian show for western Massachusetts
Sundays at 11 :30 am on WITI 1430 AM Amherst MA, audible in
north central Connecticut.
• A show that is listed as "gay and lesbian friendly'' entitled Wild Woman
Radio Sunday evenings 8 to 11 pm. on WNHU 88.7 West Haven.
• Finally, a nationally one-half hour syndicated show, This Way Out,
covering gay and lesbian issues, is heard on WWUH 91.3 Thursdays at
8 pm, on WPKN 89.5 Mondays at 7:30 pm. and on WITI 1430
Sundays at 11 am.
-MC
GOP PLATFORM STATEMENT ON GAY RIGHTS
Yes, we know nobody reads it. As Mark Russell said, they're waiting for
the movie. But, just for the record, here is what the GOP platform said
about ciVJJ n'ghts:
"The sole source of equal opportunity for all is equality before the law.
Therefore, we oppose discrimination based on sex, race, age, creed, or
national origin and will vigorously enforce anti- discrimination statutes.
We reject the distortion of those laws to cover sexual preference and
endorse the Defense of Marriage Act to prevent states from being forced
to recognize same-sex unions.
Because we believe rights inhere in individuals, not in groups, we will attain
our nation's goal of equal rights without quotas or other forms of
preferential treatment. We scorn Bill Clinton's notion that any person
should be denied a job, promotion, contract or a chance at higher education
because of their race or gender. Instead, we endorse the Dole-Canady
Equal Opportunity Act to end discrimination by the federal government.
We likewise endorse this year's Propasition 209, the California Civil Rights
Initiative, to restore to law the original meaning of civil rights."
thanks to queerplanet-owner@abacus.my.edu.

Page5

T NEWS & VIEWS

=== GAILY FORWARD ===>
I WOULDN'T

CHANGE

IF I

COULD

by Roger Hooverman

On Aug. 10, the Norwalk Hour weekend edition ran a
prominent front-page story on Westport psychiatrist Dr.
Jeffrey Satinover, who has writtten a book about curing
homosexuah"ty through "faith based programs." The article
was balanced with quotes from people who disagreed with
Satinover's premise, including some excellent statements by
TCC's president Tom Manconda who said: "It doesn't matter
how much therapy you go through - you are who you are...
If it is an issue of choice at all, it's choosing to be true to
yourself, and there's no turning back afrer that." Nonetheless,
the overall efli:ct ofthe amde was to raise the idea of "curing"
gays as a controversial but vah"d option. I prompdy fired off
a Letter To The Editor, which the Hour published the
following weekend as an op-ed piece in their (apdy named)
"Speak Out'' column. That letter is reproduced here for your
amusement and edification.
I was surprised at the coverage you gave to Dr. Jeffrey Satinover,
who claims to be able to "cure" gays of homosexuality. I thought
this kind of bigoted crusade had long since been discredited. Why
not try to turn left-handed people into right-handers? That is just
as impossible, just as pointless and unnecessary, and causes less grief.
I am gay. So far as I know, I was born gay. Thanks to a society
which, when I was growing up, denied that gay people exist, it took
me a long time to realize that. But after a doomed heterosexual
marriage that produced three children and a broken home, I finally
figured out who I was.
Coming out was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was
like being born again when I finally stopped wasting my energy
trying to live a lie, accepted my gayness, and went on from there.
Now I am a mature man in my fifties, successful in my career,
enjoying a good relationship with my family who all know I am gay,
contributing to the betterment of the gay/lesbian/bisexual community, and happy in a long term relationship with a fine man. I am
okay the way I am. I would not want to change myself even if I
could. And I am offended by anyone who presumes to tell me that
I should.
Trying to turn homosexuals into heterosexuals is as foolish as trying
to teach left-handed children to use their right hand by tying their
left behind their backs. Maybe such persons eventually do learn to
write with their right hand, but not very well. Some will not learn
to write at all, like those poor people under who, trying to suppress
their homosexual feelings, end up depriving themselves of any
physical or emotional relationship with either sex.
Of course many homosexuals with sufficient motivation can function heterosexually, as I myself did for many years. Likewise, many
heterosexuals are capable of having homosexual sex. But that is not
the same as being able to fundamentally change one's inborn
orientation. One piece of data missing from your article was the
statistics on how many supposedly "cured" homosexuals eventually
gave up the farce and went back to their normal selves. Two of the
most famous cases are Michael Bussee and Gary Cooper, the
founders of Exodus International, who eventually gave up trying to
be straight, fell in love with one another, and denounced Exodus
and other "ex-gay ministries" as fraudulent.
Who would want their daughter or son to risk marrying a "cured"
homosexual? The cruelest thing I ever did in my life was when I
denied my own homosexuality and married a heterosexual woman.
Yes, there are a lot of homosexuals who are unhappy with who they
are. But the solution is not to try to turn them into heterosexuals.
The solution is to get rid of the hatred and prejudice and oppression
that makes them unhappy - much of it produced by people like
Satinover and groups like Hope Ministries, the Christian Coalition,
and other right-wing religious organizations. It's no coincidence
that those who generate the most hatred toward gays are also those
who profit the most from it, either by running "ministries" to cure

September 1996

us or by preaching lies that demonize us and then using the resulting fear
as a fund-raising tool.
We do not need so-called religious people trying to force their lifestyles
down our throats. What we need is legislation to protect lesbians and gays
from job discrimination and hate crimes. We need the social and legal
supports to strengthen gay relationships that heterosexuals take for
granted. We need to give every woman an man a chance to succeed in any
career they are called to, including the clergy and the military. We need
accurate representations of the real lives of lesbian and gay people in our
media. We need education about tolerance and the diversity of real family
structures in our schools. We need to put an end to anti-gay bigotry so
pervasive that, according to one study, 30% of gay male teen-agers have
been driven to attempt suicide at least once.
We need more people of faith to realize that their traditional teachings
about homosexuality are no more unchanging and fundamental to their
faith than were the traditional ideas about the place of women in society;
or for that matter, slavery. People like Satinover aren't born homophobic,
it's a choice they make. With knowledge and prayer, they can change.
Persons concerned about their sexuality who need help in exploring and
affirming who they are may wish to check out some of these area
resources:
• Regularly scheduled rap groups for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and
questioning youth at the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk
(203/853-0600) .
• The Metropolitan Community Church in New Haven, a Christcentered church ministering to self-affirming gays and lesbians, (203/
389-6750)
• For a complete list of area resources, including other organizations,
physicians, therapists and counselors, the gay/lesbian Guideline (203/
327-0767).

EDITORS DESK
MORE NEWS, MORE VtEWS
I keep trying to cut back, but people keep sending more stuff in and so here is yet another newsletter literally overflowing with News
and Views from our growing community. This month, for the first
time, there is a separate section on news from the New Haven area,
and thanks to Tom Mariconda a new feature "AIDS Update" which
I hope will continue to appear. I have a feeling we may have seen the
last 12-page News & Views.
Also, for the first time in my memory, we have actually distributed
every single copy of the August News & Views. All those not mailed
to members and advertisers have been distributed by our volunteers
to area merchants and organizations, and there remain a bare handful
left at the Center reserved for visitors to pick up. The moral of that
story is, if it is important for you to receive a copy of News & Views
each month and you're not yet a member of the Center, now's the
time to send in your membership form so you're not left out!
John Allen, the driving force behind the new New Haven Community Center, has told me he sees News & Views becoming a rival to
Mctroline and In Newsweekly in providing news to the community
in southern Connecticut. Frankly, that's a little more than I intended
to take on. But it is true that News & Views has certainly grown
beyond merely a newsletter for and about the Triangle Community
Center. In fact, John and I will soon be looking into the possibility
of expanding News & Views into a joint newsletter covering the
activities of both the TCC and the New Haven Center, with coverage
of all the other community organizations in both counties.
That's an exciting prospect, because among other things it opens the
way for more people to be involved. If in fact a true regional
newspaper grows out of this, we will need a lot more staff than we
have now, including someone (not me!) to act as publisher or
managing editor to organize it all. So if you're turned on to this idea,
give a call to me in Norwalk (203/849-1508) or John in New Haven
(203 782-2000).
- Roger Hooverman

Page 6

Property of the Center

SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
WE DoN'T SPEND IT ALL IN ONE PLACE
by Barb Schade, TCC Treasurer

Hi! My name is Barb Schade, and I am the treasurer ofTCC.
The Board and Finance Committee have decided that a brief
financial summary would be published quarterly in News &
Views. You should find the first summary as you peruse this
issue.
TCC is financed solely through contributions and memberships. We believe that the membership has the right to know
how the money is spent. Of course we pay operational
expenses: rent, utilities, phone, postage, printing costs, paper,
maintenance supplies, etc. These are the essentials that
provide us with a warm, safe building in which to meet.
Where does the rest of the money go? A lot of it goes to make
the rest of the community aware of the TCC, and to support
other groups and causes. Some of these expenditures were
purchased ads for the TCC, others were outright gifts of
modest amounts. Here is a partial list of how the Board has
chosen to spend our money since I became treasurer in
November, 1995:
• A sum was donated to the "Children of the Shadows" youth
conference to help finance it, because previous finding was
unavailable.
• A brick was purchased from the Friends of the Norwalk
Museum, engraved "The Triangle Community Center, est.
1991." The brick is part of the Norwalk Museum's
archives, where it reminds people of our presence in the
community.
• Hartford Pride celebration.
• Heritage of Pride and the New York City Pride celebration.
• Gay and Lesbian Expo in NYC-we set up a TCC table and
gave away magnets and bumper stickers - a FUN success!
• Postage for including voter registration forms in News and
Views mailings.
• The Names Project -TCC has applied to help bring the
Quilt to this area.
• The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
• Connecticut Civil Liberties Union -TCC has purchased
a day on their fund raising calendar: the day the CT
legislature passed the gay civil rights bill. (If you want to
know when that was, buy a copy of the calendar - ed.)
• The CT Gay Men's Chorus and CT Women's Chorus,
• CCAG Youth Resource
• CT Stonewall Congress
As you can see, TCC is a very important and effective resource
for the gay, lesbian, bisexual transgendered community. We
are becoming an ever increasing presence in Fairfield County.
None of the above would have been possible without your
support. YOU are indeed VERY important to the life of the
Center. On behalf of the Board and the Finance Committee,
I thank you for your continued support and look forward to
my next "splinter'' so I can fill you in on the latest "checks in
the mail."
[This column is written on a rotating basis by the various
members of the TCC Board of Directors.]
September 1996

Triangle Community Center
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
as of July 31, 1996
INCOME
Communications
Executive Board
Fund Raising
Membership
Operations
Program Income
TOTAL INCOME

2792.00
119.17
4213.60
8838.00
1860.05
2987.03
20809.85

EXPENSES
Communications
Executive Board
Fund Raising
Membership
Operations
Program
TOTAL EXPENSE

4799.45
695.50
564.58
861.56
12306.91
0.00
19228.00

NET ORDINARY INCOME

1581.85

CASH IN BANK
People's NOW Checking
People's Savings Acct
Certificates of Deposit
TOTAL ASSETS

5265.84
2569.06
14131.13
21966.03

by Doug Nissing, Finance Chair

TRIVIA
by Seggerman
ANSWER TO AuGUST:

Which nobody got, by the way. It was Cameron Mackintosh,
whose numerous theatrical productions have made him one of
the richest men in England The incident he refened to as
"burning his bra" was a letter that began "we as gays and
lesbians" or something like that, published in the Guardian, a
London newspaper. It was in response to a letter by the late
director Derek Jarman attacking Ian McKellan for accepting a
knighthood from the British government, which had previously
passed Clause 28, a measure in spirit similar to the anti-gay
initiatives in this country. The other co-signers were many of
the leading lights of the British stage and screen - Simon
Callow (no shock there), Anthony Sher, director John
Schlesinger, Pam StCiement - star of the bit series EastEnders,
and veteran character actor Alec McCowan. Mackintosh had
more casually come out in the New York Tim.es Magazine
profile a few weeks earlier, when he freely admitted to sharing
his life with a man but would say no more, insisting on his right
to privacy.
0UESTION FOR SEPTEMBER:

Which TCC member won a gold medal at the 1994 Gay Games?
Page 7

NEW HAVEN NEWS
COMMUNITY CENTER 3RD ANNUAL TOWN
MEETING
On Wednesday, September 25, the organi7xrs of the New Haven
c;ay and I ,esbian Community Center will hold their third annual
Town Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Public Hearing
Room at City Hall, 200 Orange Street, New Haven, from 7 to 9 pm.
The agenda includes reports on the progress of the community
center and on the state of the community. Participants will have
opportunity to network with people from the over 40 identified gay
and gay friendly groups thriving in greater New Haven. Mayor John
DeStefano has promised to put in an appearance.
There will be an after-party at 168 York Street.
COMMITTEE PLANNING Now FOR

1997

PRIDE CELEBRATION
A committee to coordinate a major gay pride celebration for gay
pride month next year - June 1997 - in the city of New Haven, is
being formed now.
The committee's first meeting has been scheduled for friday
evening, September 20, 6 to 8 pm, at Elm City Roasters, at 59 Elm
Street in downtown New Haven.
Everyone from throughout New Haven County and the region
interested in taking part and volunteering help is invited to take part.
Individuals, local business owners and non-profit organi7,ations
from the New Haven County region are invited and urged to attend.
Cities and towns such as Hartford and Danbury, Connecticut and
Huntington, Long Island, and Winston Salem, North Carolina have
had major gay pride celebrations in June in recent years, and the
committee is working to put New Haven on the map.
future meetings will be held once a month at Elm City Roasters,
right up until the weekend of New Haven Gay Pride events next
June.
for information call Bryon H . at (203 ) 234-0820.
AYAUP RESUMES GAV COFFEE NIGHTS
Alternative Young Adults United and Proud (AYAUP), a New
Haven area organi7,ation of Generation X gays and lesbians, and
Cafr Diesel of New Haven arc proud to a1mouncc a "Gay Coffee
Night" being held every Thursday evening, starting September 5th.
The cotke nights, every Thursday from 8 pm to 12 midnight, are
open to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and gay friendly people
of all ages . Cafr Diesel is located at 944 State Street in downtown
New Haven .
AYAUP also reports attendance at its New Haven area meetings has
skyrocketed. AYAUP is so pleased with the high level ofinterest that
it is planning to start expanding so that AYAUP meetings and
functions can happen in other parts of Connecticut and in Westchester
County and Western Massachusetts.
In a statement, AYAUP said "We are currently seeking motivated,
energetic and detail-oriented individuals of all ages to help us get
AYAUP up and ru1ming in the following areas : fairfield County,
Hartford County, New London County, all in Connecticut, as well
as Westchester County, New York and Western Massachusetts.
Anyone interested in taking part in this expansion is invited to
contact Bryon ofAYAUP at (203) 234-0820, or write to AYAUP,
P.O. Rox 464, North Haven C'T 06473-0464.
There is a web page on the Internet as well: http://home:aol.com/
AYAUP.
AYAUP is a non-profit alliance of young adults of varied sexual
orientations, their families and friends , and its primary purpose is to
unite individuals of alternative lifestyles. AYAUP offers support for
young adults and social activities for people of all ages and identities.

September 1996

C ABARET FUNDRAISER "NIGHT OF ILLUSIONS"
There is a special night of cabaret entertainment on Thursday evening,
September 12, to benefit the new New Haven Gay and Lesbian
Community Center.
Alternative Young Adults United and Proud (AYAUP) and the Beach
Club of West Haven proudly present ''Night of Illusions"," a night of
cabaret "Le Cage" style.
The show will feature Mr. Tori Dion ("The Laziest Gal") and Veronica
Van Cleef (female impersonator title winner known as "The Mouth of the
South"). Also appearing will be a "very special guest" plus drag queens
and stunning male vocalists,
The performance is Thursday evening, September 12, at 8 pm, at the
Beach Club at 295 Beach Street in West Haven. You must be 21 or older
to be admitted. Admission is $5 per person.
Anyone wanting more information may call Bryon at (203) 234-0820,
or write PO Box 464, North Haven CT 06473-0464.

AIDS

UPDATE

KEY A IDS MOLECULE IDENTIFIED
A key molecule that allows the AIDS virus to infect human cells has been
identified by researchers, after ten years of intense searching. The
discovery promises a new approach to treating the deadly disease and
yields insight into why some persons are apparently more resistant to the
virus than others. Identification of this "co-factor'' should also make it
possible to develop inexrensive animal models for the disease, thus
accelerating the testing o new drugs and vaccines.
The newly identified co-factor, which was announced independently last
month by five research teams in three journals, plays a role in the vast
majority of HIV infections.
The HIV virus is incapable of simply passing through the walls of a cell
to spread its lethal DNA. Rather, it must capture the cell's own
machinery and subvert it to the virus' own purpose. Researchers have
known that HIV hijacks a protein called CD4 on the surface of blood and
other cells, and uses it to bind tightly to the cell surface. But the insertion
of the virus into the cell itself requires still another, second, protein: the
one just identified as CKRS, or chemokine receptor-5 , the elusive HIV
co-factor.
•
The identification of CKRS as the HIV co-factor may make it possible
to produce inexpensive laboratory animals, such as mice and rabbits, that
can be infected by the AIDS virus.
Currently, only expensive and increasingly rare primates are susceptible
to such infections. It may also make it possible to use the discovery to
bolster the body's ability to fight off an HIV infection, or, alternatively,
to design drugs or vaccines that bind to CKRS and prevent it from
assisting in the virus' entry.
Thi5 1i1formation 1:5 reprinted from AIDS Health Update
WORLD AIDS DAY
The American Association for World Health has announced the 1996
theme of World AIDS Day: "One World. One Hope." The theme was
designated by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
(UNAIDS) to "emphasize the need for people everywhere to put aside
their differences and work together to face the challenge of slowing down
the epidemic and alleviating its impact. At the same time, it reflects a
universal aspiration to find the means to prevent and cure HIV/AIDS ."
World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1.
UNAIDS estimates that there are over 20 million people currently living
with HIV/AIDS, with over five new infections occurring every minute.
Through December 1995, in the U .S. there have been more than
513,000 cumulative AIDS cases reported. The Office of National AIDS
Policy stated that one quarter of all new HIV infections in the United
States are estimated to occur in young people between the ages of 13 and
20.
Thi\· article i5 reprinted from AIDS Health Update

Page 8

AIDS UPDATE (CONTINUED)

PEER PROGRAMS FOR SAFER SEX
REDUCE HIV RISK
Prevention programs that involve entire social systems to
encourage and support young gay men to practice safer sex
are successful in reducing HIV risk behavior, according to a
UCSF study published in the August issue of the American
Journal of Public Health.
The U CSF study is the first controlled study to evaluate HIV
prevention programs designed specifically for young gay
men, according to Susan M. Kegeles, Ph.D., a researcher at
the UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS).
"We have found it is far more effective for peers to support
and encourage each other in spreading the HIV prevention
message through young gay men's social networks," Kegeles
said.
"Furthermore, we found that to most effectively reach
young gay men who are engaging in high risk activities,
programs need to go beyond traditional health education
approaches," she added. "HIV prevention efforts need to be
conducted within the context of broader issues of importance to young gay men, such as meeting social needs and
having a place to get support from each other."
Young gay men are engaging in alarming rates of unsafe sex,
according to Kegeles, and HIV rates in this population
continue to climb.
"Young gay men are not being effectively reached by HIV
prevention efforts," she said. "The HIV/revention program
we evaluated in the study should be use as a model for midsized communities aiming to reduce HIV-risk behavior
among its young gay and bisexual men."
Kegeles and other CAPS researchers developed and implemented an eight-month peer-led HIV prevention program
for young gay men in two midsize communities in the
United States.
The program involved five elements designed to increase
support for safer sex and to change community norms: a
young gay men's community center created for the study, a
core group of young gay or bisexual men who ran the
project, informal outreach conducted among friends, formal
outreach conducted at gay venues and social events, and
small groups that focused on safer sex and informal outreach.
The study involved 242 gay and bisexual men ages 18 to 27
from both communities (Eugene, Ore., and Santa Barbara,
Calif.) . Participants were interviewed twice before the
program intervention and twice afterward.
Study results showed no significant difference between the
levels of unprotected anal sex reported at each .interview
before the intervention, showing that there was no trend
towards risk reduction. Two months after the program
intervention, study findings indicated a 26 percent reduction in reported unsafe sex with casual partners and a 28
percent reduction in unsafe sex with boyfriends. The
reduction in unsafe sex with casual partners was sustained
one year after the intervention, findings showed. There was,
however, a return to unsafe sex with boyfriends, many of
whom were new relationships, Kegeles said.
"Since new young men will continue to come out as gay each
year, it is critical that there be an ongoing system to socialize
them about the need for safer sex," Kegeles said. "Additional efforts need to focus on risk reduction among boyfriends."
From Business Wire - Reuters -Aug. 13, 1996

September 1996

REVIEWS
Bovs IN THE BAND -

HAS ANYTHING CHANGED?

by Marianne Seggerman

The current production is actually almost light in spirit, certainly more so than
the darkly lit black and white movie. Has anything changed, from then to now?
It seems hard to believe that with two characters with such antagonism toward
each other as Michael and Howard, one would be giving the other a birthday
party, but then Michael may have been the only one who felt safe enough those
days to play hostess. There still are Emorys around, and Arts who will attack them
out of their own insecurities.
The one thing which may have changed is the treatment of Bernard. I can't
imagine anyone allowing those sorts of personal attacks any more. As for the selfloathing that has been seen as the overweening character of the play, there seemed
to be more disagreements over differences in attitudes toward monogamy (has
that dated?) and unrequited loves (which nobody has anymore, right?).
The play ends with two images - Michael coming to grips with the reality that
the former roommate he has loved really is straight and Larry and Hank, having
just declared their love for each other, upstairs in each other arms in Michael's bed.
The latter was done with more restraint than the audience needed, but the almost
mime show quality, done not to distract from the climax of another sort going
on downstairs, was commendable. It imbued the viewer with the impression that,
after all the heartache and lost loves, will men find and love each other, a far more
hopeful message that the play's ~eputation.
One last thing: What W<).S missing from the production, or perhaps the play, was
Art's reaction to the information that his former roommate was gay. If the
character was real he would have visibly been in a state of shock from the time
the truth dawned on him until long after he left the party. His only act.ion, beating
up Emory, was unconnected to his discovery. The heterosexual as the stock
character, whose inner life is irrelevant to the action - th.is was quite a change,
even today.

Page 9

T NEWS & VIEWS

September 1996

Page JO

T NEWS & VIEWS
DIANEM REDDEN, MS.
Art I¼ychotherap'ist

In an atmosphere of acceptance & support ...
ARI' 11IERAPY can off'tt you a new method of
set£ e:xptoration.
Words are not a buritt, tap into resources you
may never have known to exist ...

Office ls centrally located in Norwalk
Consultations, Individuai Couples &
Group Counselfns
Day and Evening appointments
(203) 330-1933

You can place a classified ad for $2 per line non-members, $l for
members. l Line = 53 Characters. Send your ad with prepayment to Michele Stone P.O. Box 8185, Stamford, CT06850.
All ads must be accompanied with contact name and
phone. Make checks out to Triangle Community Center.

New Group Forming
Transvestite/Crossdresser group, looking for
members. M/F, Gay/Bi/other, significant others ,
all welcome . Monthly newsletter, list of local and
national events, editorials and more for $16/yr.
Directory of Members. Send large SASE for free
newsletter & much more to: 'connecticuT View'
P.O. Box 2281, Devon, CT 06460

Rentals - Commercial
Offices for Rent September 1 - Southport, approx 500 sf,
2nd floor. 3 offices. Possible share of other facilities/
equip. Call Robin, 255-2278.

Rentals - Residential
EXTRA! EXTRA!
NEws & V1EWS RAISES hs D1scouNTs!
That's right! As a way of thanking our most loyal
advertisers and as a way of encouraging new ads,
News & Views has actually raised the discounts
offered on six month and twelve month terms of
service. And for the first time, the three month term
will also carry a discount.
If you're a paid member of the center you'll be twice
as thrilled with our new policy because as of this
issue, any discounts you receive will be doubled. You
did read correctly! This is a special treat for members
only! Your double discount will be reflected in your
next invoice.
All increases go into effect with this, the August, '96
issue of News & Views. For those of you who have
paid in advance, all advertising charges from August
on will be calculated using the new discounts. If you
have any questions about the new discounts, problems with your invoice, or if you'd like to place an ad
please call Michele Stone at (203) 316-0333. The new
discounts are as follows:

Discount Rates
Terms of
Service

I
I

Non-Members
Old
New

I

I

I

Members
Old I New

3 Months

None

5%

None

10%

6 Months

5%

10%

5%

20%

12 Months

10%

15%

10%

30%

Newtown - Furnished room. Private bath. Kitchen
priviliges. Must like dogs (203) 426-6535.

Aids Walk
Time: Sunday October 6, 1996, 12:00pm
Place: Cove Island Park, Stamford, CT
For Information Please Contact:

Tom Marconda, President - Board of Directors
Triangle Community Center
100 Acres• Pool
Hot Tub• Trails

(203) 374-6934
20 Charming Rooms
Peace & Privacy

Ttie
CJfi bland§ cqnn
P.O. Box 118
Bethlehem, NH 03574
(603) 869-3978

A LESBIAN PARADISE
September 1996

Page 11

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

GAY-A FF I RM I NG
COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
• Coming Out

• Dating and Relationships

• Addiction Recovery

• Self Esteem

• Depression and Anxiety • HIV/Chronic Illness
• Career Transitions

• Loss and Bereavement

KURT SPERLING, L.C.s.w.
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER
225 MAIN STREET, LL·1
WESTPORT, CT 06880

PHONE 203/454·1549

Individuals

Couples

Families

Groups

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TOM MARI CONDA ............. ... ....... President
MARIANNE SEGGERMAN ........... Vice-President
BARB SCHADE .... .................. ...... .. Treasurer
DON BUXTON .......... ....... ...... ........ Corresponding Secretary
DA VE CARROLL ........................... Acting Recording Sec'y
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DEBI DeSANTI
DON BUXTON
DAYID CARROLL
BARB SCHADE
MARIANNE SEGGERMAN
ROGER HOOVERMAN
TOM MARICONDA
STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Board Development
Tom M
Communications
Roger H
-Public Relations
Mike C
Finance
Doug N
Fundraising/Sp Events
Michael P
Membership
Vacant
-Member Database
Marianne S
Operations
Cindy M
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
-Resource Room
Walter D
--Center Forums
Dave C
Volunteer
Meg B & Justine M

374-6934
374-6934
849-1508
375-3567
838-2367
866-6993
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
838-1881
375-9020

9-.['EWS & 'V1'EWS

Phof;g;;p/i'J
Weddings, parties, portraits
Candids a specialty

(203) 357-1718
70 Strawberry Hill Ave. #D-2D
Stamford, CT 06902

September I 996

Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc. We
cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve the right
to edit or condense as appropriate to meet space requirements. Authors
will be contacted if major revisions are necessary. Please submit to :

NEWS& VIEWS
Roger Hooverman: Editor
3 Oakwood Avenue A-18
Norwalk, CT, 06850
Phone 849-1508/Fax 846-1225
e-mail: NewsViews@aol.com
ADVERTISING RA TES:
Business Card ...$25
Quarter page .....$40

Michele Stone: Advertising
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone 316-0333
e-mail: MicheleVS@aol.com
1/2 page .....$75
Full page ... $125

Ads must be camera-ready. 5% discount for ads running continuously for 3
months - 10% discount for ads running continuously for 6 months. Inserts
and special sizes upon prior agreement. All ads are placed on a space
available basis.
The publication ofthe name of any person or organization in articles or advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual
orientation of such persons or members ofsuch organizations.
The appearance ofadvertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor
constitute endorsement by TCC,Inc.
The views expressed in " PointofView" and "Gaily Forward" are not necessarily
those ofTCC, Inc.
Copyright 1996 by Triangle Community Center, Inc. All rights reserved . This
work, or any parts thereof, may not beused or reproduced in any manner without
written permission.

Page 12

T NEWS & VIEWS
Continental Breakfast

Center of Town
Friendly
Atmosphere

Antique
Filled Rooms

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

-

-

Brilliant
Gardens

Reasonable
Rates

(203) 255-2767

Ct. Lie. MFT

By Appointment

Reservations: (508) 487-2292 • 1-800-487-2292

MICHAEL D. ROME, Esq.
Martin and Rome, LLC
Attorneys-at-Law

Specializing in:

Weddings • Comittment CefebMtions
and "Coming-Out" Pa'lties

Rtal. EstAtt Trmmutio11S

Estlllt Plmuli"lJ & Prob11tt

Tllilltio1t: BJLSiJttSS & 1111lividJuu

PtrsoJtal.

137 Rowayton AVtllllt (on

76 Lake Avenue • Danbury, CT 06810

Tel: 730-1400 • Fax: 798-9611

the Five Mut River)

ROWAYTON, CONNECTICUT 06853

(203)853-6677
P-FLAG SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AT

l1lj1try/ Accidt1tt 1.4W

Fax (203)853-6818

TCC

"Big" Monthly Meeting: Every 1st Wednesday, 7:45
"Second" monthly meeting: Every 3rd Wednesday, 7:45
Spouses and Ex Spouses group: Every 3rd Thursday, 7 :30

LEADING
HOMES.ii]

lB

THE BUYERS REAL ESTATE COMPANY

OTHER AREA GROUPS AND

MICHAEL T. PAVLICIN

ORGANIZATIONS

Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
Chiltern Mountain Club
Connecticut Kids and Families
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club. (social group)
Gay Fathers Group
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
Hartford Community Center
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
Metropolitan Community Church
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
Triangle Kids
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group

(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(860)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(914)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)

264-5605
899-0270
256-8414
791-9553
261-4019
366-8003
688-1881
366-3734
724 5542
262-1555
389-6750
948-4922
931-8789
255-6229
323-6278
773-9947

We're glad to list your non-profit gay/lesbian/bi/tg group free of
charge. Call (203) 849-1508. Please keep us informed of changes.

REALTOR'

772 KINGS HIGHWAY WEST

ExCLUSIVE BUYER AGENT
BROKER

SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT 06490

F AX/255-3705 HOM E/866-6993

203/255-2278

teadhome~@aol.com

VICTORIA

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW

(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, CT
ADMITIED IN CT AND NY

You, oonlribullw lo llt11111I Y/ff!U-HUU-'o,JtaicNl. o, . . .!_e!.ft-Oteollue. . . fo, bell
,e-,ulll. fQH fOVI oopy lo lhe edllo, ol (I0a1 ~1115 o, e-_,I ii lo IMM'YI◄
•
·ooa
September 1996

Page 13

T ~EWS & VIEWS
VILLAGE CLOCK SHOP

Kal")n M . Critelli

1074 fbst Rd.
Darien, CT. 06820
203•655•2100

ANTIQUE CLOCKS • SOLD • REPAIRED

Emerald Cill BBS
Computer users! Join Cl's fastest growing
Bulletin Board Service serving the gay
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browse through our file areas packed full
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T Match Maker service

ALDIS

T On-Line Games
T On-Line Shopping
T Over 48,000 files on-line

_'I1fE_4_6_~-ill-!El-in-R-!-!Afflll---Da-nb-ur-y,-CT-06-8-11-*

(203)778•9399

FAX (203)744•1139

Three detades of GAY travel expertise

T STUDSNet '!'essage conferences

T News, Information, Entertainment
Call today, 300-28,800 bps, set modem for N/8/1

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1213) 934-1126
Diane Hyatt, MSW, CISW
T Solution-oriented short or longer tenn
psychotherapy for Adults and Adolescents,
specializing in, but not limited to:

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

49 Coolidge Avenue

Stamford, CT 06906
(203) 964-1847
21 STRICKLAND RD. , COS COB. CONN . 06807 (203) 869-0216

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA
•ATTORNEY-AT-LAW•
TAXES, WILLS, MEDICAL DIRECTIVES

1653 Capitol Avenue
Bridgeport. CT 06606
(203) 332--0136

T Depression
T Anxiety

TPost-Traumalic Stress
T Counseling for Partners & Family
T Specialized Psychotherapy Groups
T Case Consultation
T Clinical Supervision

PROFESSIONAL TAX SERVICE
Memba- N11tionlil Society of Public Aaount11nts

SMALL BUSINESS REPRESENTATION
GAY & LESBIAN LEGAL ISSUES
LIVING BENEFITS NEGOTIATION

140 Sherman Street, 5th Floor
Fairfield, CT 06430-0454

P. 0. Box 454
203/256-3717

PATRICK J. PHELAN

5 Brook Street, Suite 2D
Darien, Connecticut
06820-4513

(203) 655-2210
(800) 528-1080
Fax (203) 655-6234

Support our advertisers! Say
you saw it in News & Views!
September 1996

Page 14

ii~

1

1[1~[1l1ilf 1~nn1i11lilI1f111rf[lllr. OK

Univi1i

T NEWS & VIE~ ..

Property of the Center

~ 00 1 111 364

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

JoAnn Attwood Nemis
VICE PRESIDENT

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW

DAVID LERNER

Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Recovery from Abose
Bilingual

(203) 261-3492
Monroe, CT

ORGANIZATION

(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT

(N.A.S.D./S.I.P .C.) INVESTMENT SECURITIES
1-800-685-2526 1-203-926-9800

DEROSA AGENCY

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

9"~-.98~-A~

Individual, Couple, Family &: Group Therapy

362 NORTH STREET
MILFORD, CT 06460
PH.: 878-1779 HM.: 874-1918
FAX:878-2204

-

JOHANNA RAYMAN
M.S.W., LC.S. W.

225 MAIN STREET, LL! • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

INSURANCE:
LIFE - HEALTH - HOME - AUTO - BUSINESS

REALTOR:
RESIDENTIAL &COMMERCIAL

1B

REALTOR"

Jane W. Griffith
Attorney at Law
Tax Strategy & Preparation
Estate Planning & Wills
Small Business Consulting
270 Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515

203 .j 389-8614

c.c.tNCE PSYCHor.u

,-,~'tf

~~~

~

Complete Investment Services
Free Financial Consultation

Licensed Psychologists

~~

Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual People
and their Families

ASSOCIATES

Couples
Therapy
For Lesbians and
Gays
Learn how to
make your relationship more like
the one you have always wanted

Westchester & Fairfield

Manhattan

Maxine McCants, PH.D, MSW, CISW

914 - 763 - 8814

212 - 362 - 5985

(203) 227-3677

WHERE ARE WE? The Triangle Community Center Inc. is located at 25 Van Zant Street in Norwalk.
From 1-95, take Exit 16 and go south (from Stamford, turn right; from New Haven, turn left). Continue
south under the railroad bridge and turn right on Van Zant St. (Route 136). 25 Van Zant is a large
condominium office building on the right. TCC is in Suite 7-C on the ground floor, Tel. (203) 853-0600.
September I 996

Page 15

September, 1996

Calendar
Sun

Tues

Mon

Sept I
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

2
Women's Rap 7:30
Labor Day

13

8
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6
Boston-NY AIDS Ride
arrives NYC

9
Women's Rap, 7:30

15
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

22
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

Wed

Thu

Sat

Fri

4
P-FLAG 7:45

5
Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

10
Gmosaic 7:30

II
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7 :30

12
Men's Rap 7:30
AYAUP fundraiser at
Beach Club

13
14
Triangle Bowling League Triangle Kids Pool Party
8:30 Circle Lanes Fairfield Rosh Hashonah
N&V Deadline

16
Women's Rap 7:30

27
Fu~draising/Spec Events
Comm 7:30

18
Political Action Grp 7pm
(new time slot)

19
Mens' Rap 7:30
P-FLAG Spouses & Exspouses 7 :30

20
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes

21
TCC Friendraiser Tom &
Walter's 6-9

23
Women's Rap 7:30
Yorn Kippur

24
Gmosaic 7:30

25
26
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
Men's Rap 7:30
TCC Board 7:30
Oral History 7 :30
New Haven Center Town
Meeting

27
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes

28

29
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6
Lambda Legal Def
fundraiser in Fairfield

30
Women's Rap 7:30

Oct I
Lesbian Lit Grp 7:30

2

3

Men's Rap 7:30

4
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes

5

P-FLAG7:45

6
AA 9-10 am
AIDS Walk Stamford
Cove Island Pk noon
Marvin Liebman
4:00atTCC

7
Women's Rap 7:30

Lesbian Lit Grp 7:30

Autumn begins

Oral History 7:30

TELEPHONE

8
Gmosaic 7:30

9
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7:30

Boston-NY AIDS Ride
leaves Boston
Same-sex Marriage
seminar Q College

II
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes

7
Boston-NY AIDS Ride in
Connecticut

12
N&V Deadline

DIRECTORY

GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BY TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806;Robin 358-8391
Connecticut Business Guild - 225-6464
CT Outreach Society - (816) 657-4344
Free Association of Fairfield County - John (203) 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group - Dave 838-1881; John 926-8971
Gmosaic (People of Color) - 853-0600
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Karen, 371-8487
Outspoken (Youth) - Barb 259-8171; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
Political Action Group - Michele, 438-4465; Charlie, 226-8652
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
Triangle Bowling League (Circle Lanes, Fairfield) - Lisa 3333113; Roseann 931-8789
Women's Rap Group - Debi 933-5103; Linda 866-4598;
Charlie 226-8652
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.

September 1996

10
Men's Rap 7:30

t,

T

MEMBERSHIP FORM

MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
NAME------------------ADDRESS
C I T Y - - - - - - - - STATE---- Z I P - - - PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SPONSORING MEMBER
SUSTAINING/BuslNESS MEMBER
SPECIAL MEMBER (YOUTH/SENIOR)

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

PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:

P.0. Box 4062
06855 ATTN: MEMBERSHIP
(203) 853-0600

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INc.
EAST NORWALK, CT

Page 16

Part of Triangle Community Center News & Views : v.7:no.9(1996:Sept.)