TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v8.no6.1997.06.pdf

Title: TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v8.no6.1997.06.pdf
extracted text: Property of the Center

Triangle Community Center

TRI

ANG

News&V~ws

Vol.8, No.6
June 1997

Free to Members and Subscribers

• • •

ONE COMMUNITY

'HATS HAPPNING IN JUNE - GAY PRIDE MONTH
Third Annual PRIDE STRIDE Pledge Walk to benefit the Hartford Health Collective
and Project IO0/Community Center, MDC Reservoir, RT 4, West Hartford. Registration
11am to noon. For pledge sheet or info call (860) 278-4163 or (860) 724-5542.
New Haven Gay Lesbian Community Center kicks off pride month with a "Coffee
House Concert Benefit" featuring guitars and harmonies ofregional singers/songwriters
at the NHGLCC, One Long Warf Dr., Suite 101, New Haven. Suggested donation $3
members, $5 non-members.

BROOl<FIELD
LAWSUIT UPDATE

FRI, JUNE 20

Youth Pride Dance (21 & under) at Educational Center for the Arts, 55 Audubon St, New
Haven, 8pm - midnight.

SAT, JUNE 21

Connecticut Pride Day in Hartford. "Equality through Visibility" Legislative Breakfast
8:00 am. Rally 9:30 am. Parade through downtown Hartford on the Capitol side (Trinity
& Elm Sts.) ofBushnell Park. Line up from 11-12 pm. Pride Parade from 12-1 pm. Festival
at Busnell Park from 1-6 pm. March with the TCC contingient. For details call the Pride
Line (860) 524-8114.

SAT, JUNE 21

Pride Bash from 8 pm to I am, Educational Center for the Arts, 55 Audubon St., New
Haven. BYOB. Suggested donation $8 members, $10 non-members. Call NHGLCC (203)
777-7780 for details.

SUN, JUNE 22

TCC Pride Friendraiser and Back-yard Barbecue at Meg & Justine 's home in
Stratford, 3 to 6pm. See "Friendraiser" article for more info.

SUN, JUNE 22

NYC Pride Parade Rally. Bryant Park at 42nd St. & 6th Ave., 2 to 6 pm. For more info
call Heritage of Pride (212) 80-PRIDE,

FRI, JUNE 27

Weekends Served By Bread & Roses. "The World Goes Round," 7:30 pm, Westport,
CT. The Westport Community Theater & the Westport/Wilton Friends invite you on a
musical tour back in time. See "World" article for more info.

SAT, JUNE 28

Weekends Served By Bread & Roses. "The World Goes Round," 7:30 pm, Westport,
CT. The Westport Community Theater & the Westport/Wilton Friends invite you on a
musical tour back in time. See "World" article for more info.

SUN,JUNE 29

Annual New York City Pride Parade. March starts at 52nd St. & 5th Ave. at noon. Pride
Dance follows from 4:30 to 11 :30 pm (location TBA). For details call Heritage of Pride
(212) 80-PRIDE.

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

As reported last month, Veronica
Berrill, a Brookfield, Connecticut ~-----------h_tt_p_:/_lm_em_b_e_rs_._a_o_l.c_o_m_/t_cc_e_n_t_e_r____________,
high school teacher who spoke out against anti-gay harassment and
For further information about CDCT, contact Ted LaBonne, (203)
discrimination in her classroom, has filed a lawsuit against Neil and
743-5552 or write to CDCT, 36 Tamarack Avenue, PO Box 311,
Katie Houde, the parents of a Brookfield High student, for alle~edly
Danbury, CT 06811.
making libelous remarks about her to Brookfield public school officials
BROOKFIELD' s SCHOOL BOARD BACKS OFF
and the local media They said that she committed "illegal" and "criminal" acts of "homosexual recruitment" of her students, promoted a
PINI( TRIANGLES
"homosexual agenda" and was a "homosexual teacher looking for fresh
The Board of Education took action on two controversial issues last
recruits." After Mrs . Berrill filed suit, documents submitted by the
week, voting to ban a lesson on the use of condoms, and failing to
Houdes' attorney in their defense linked her and the Safe Zones program
support "safe zones" at the high school. The zones are established in
to pornographers, child abusers and sexual predators.
classrooms and offices, each marked with a tiny pink triangle, to provide
In response, a group of concerned citizens have formed the Committee
students with a safe place to openly discuss issues of sexual orientation
for the Defense of Classroom Tolerance (CDCT) to provide financial
with teachers and faculty members.
and moral support to Mrs. Berrill in her defamation suit against those
Students passed out black ribbons at the high school this week
who attacked her. CDCT spokesman, Ted LaBonne, noted with alarm
following the school board's decisions, which some interpreted as the
that lawyers for the Houdes have obtained legal support and amassed
"death" of condom demonstrations and the safe zones that were
thousands of dollars from right wing organizations, including Rev. Pat
established by a peer counseling group four years ago.
Robertson's Virginia-based American Center for Law and Justice and
the Family Institute of Connecticut. "With the Far Right mobilizing to
The Houdes and their daughter, Krystal, who was at one time a student
fund the Houdes' case, people who care about tolerance and civility
in Mrs. Berrill's homeroom class, have filed a motion to dismiss the case
cannot afford to remain on the sidelines," said LaBonne.
in Danbury Superior Court, based on their First Amendment rights.
Continued on page 9

June 1997

Pagel

T NEWS & VIEWS
SPEAK
NEWS

&

OuT!
VIEWS GOES SOUTH

Dear Triangle Community Center,
I wanted to personally thank you for sending us copies of your News &
Views. We are a smaller version of your community center, and are
located in Nashville, Tennessee. You have lots of different ideas and
groups that will be helpful to us as our center grows.
We put out an events calendar called Center Happenings, which I am
sending out to your organization. Please, if any one there has any other
ideas or suggestions for erograms or additional groups we could start up
let me know. We are lucky to have a wide range of gay & lesbian groups
in our area, however, they do not all use our center's facilities.
Again, thank you for your paper. And I will look forward to possibly
hearing from you again.
Sharon Jenkins
Programming Coordinator
The Center· - 703 Berry Road, Nashville, TN 37204

FAULTY STATISTICS OUOTED ON GAY
LIFESPAN
As a gay man in his late fifties, with many gay and lesbian friends in their
fifties and sixties and seventies, I was amazed to read to read in a March
28 Letter that the average life span of gay people is only 44 years! Of
course, the "statistics" were false. That 1993 "study'' which those writers
quoted has been debunked so many times that I am amazed it is still in
circulation.
In that study, Cameron reviewed over 6,000 obituaries from 16 U.S. gay
journals over a period of 12 years. He found that only two percent were
over 65 years old when they died, and the average age from deaths of all
causes was 42 for gay men, 44 for lesbians.
The letter writers claimed this proved that being homosexual is hazardous
to your health and that young people who feel homosexual urges should hie
themselves to a psychiatrist and get "cured" before it is too late.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist or even a statistician to see the flaw. The
population Cameron counted is not a cross section of all gay people.
Gay people of my generation grew up at a time when homosexuality was
something to hide, and most are still in the closet.
Well-known older gays, like columnist Marvin Liebman and poet Allen
Ginsberg, who recently died in their seventies, are a rarity. Most of the
movers and shakers and celebrities in the gay community are younger.
It is no surprise that younger people are dispropartionately represented
in the obituary pages of gay newsmagazines, JUSt as they are in all the
other pages. Nor is it a surprise that those who die tragically young are
written up, while those who die peacefully in old age are not.
The plain fact is that ANY statistic you see about gay people - average
life span, average income, even how many of us there are - is probably
false, simply because so many gay people will not identify themselves as
gay and those who do are not a typical cross section.
Of course, the intent of that letter was not to tell the truth about gay
people. It was a piece of homophobic propaganda, filled with lies and
half-truths intended to frighten gay and lesbian youth into accepting the
writers' own distorted views of homosexuality.
I will never understand how people can be so blinded by fear and hatred
of homosexuals that they can believe and promulgate this kind of
manifest nonsense. But many do, and we have a duty to protect our
children, both straight and gay, from their hate-filled agenda.
Our schools must continue to expose our young people to diversity and
teach them to think for themselves. Then they will have no trouble
recognizing fools and bigots for what they are.
Incidentally, the full story on Cameron and other propagandists of the radical
right can be found on the web at http:/fwww.qrd.org/qrdfwww/m.
Roger Hooverman
Norwalk, CT - Hoobit@aol.com

[Ed. Note: This letter was written by two blind lesbians in response to a
phone call they received after posting notice att TCC asking for rides to
meetings.}

A

NASTY PHONE CALL

Recently, I received a telephone call from a lady (who did not give her
name). She said she represented the womens' over44 (?) group at your
center. I was offered a ride but I had to, "Leave my guide dog at home,"
and "take a sighted escort." Then I was asked ifl "was totally helpless
without my dog." It appeared that this lady, although meaning well, did
not want her car to have any contact with my dog.
I am a proud, blind lesbian who lives in the Stamford area and needs a
ride to the Monday night meetings. I could ask that self-same lady how
she would like to be tofd to "walk everywhere you go. I do not want your
car around me." However, two wrongs do not make a right. I can only
hope that this article and poem helps those who do not understand what
we go through.
Kelly Newsted & Julie Hetfield
Inclusion goes both ways.
It is near and it is far.
You don't practice it well
when you'll not let our dogs in your car!
What do you think it will hurt?
What do you think it will do?
For I am a lesbian, just like you!
So you can keep your cars and your rides
I do not need it.
For those that forget the discrimination of Stonewall
are condemned to repeat it!
Ignorance goes both ways.
It's both gay and it's straight.
But your kind of discrimination is
a sign of your prejudice and hate!
You'll say you don't mind, giving us a ride,
but all we have to do is
"Just leave behind your eyes."
"Take a sighted escort," you will say,
while spauting gay pride.
Wanting no discrimination against yourselves;
you are the one that will hide
behind the banners of your sexuality!
You'll get frustrated and mad. I wish you could've
felt the discriminations,
been made to feel so awfully bad,
yet you too are discriminatory.
Isn't that terribly sad?
We will not be silenced,
nor will we go away.
For we are blind and have dogs,
and we are proudly gay!
So if you have openness about one thing,
you must have it about others.
But was that the way
to treat your gay
sisters? Like lepers?
Just remember 1969.
Don't repeat the practice.
Remember how it felt
And remember the discrimination
in its truest form,
and you've done that to us!
So don't practice free speech.
That's a little bit much,
While you show discrimination
To gay people like us!

Reprinted from The Brookfield Journal- May 8, 1997

June 1997

Page2

T NEWS & YIEWS
CENTER NEWS
JUSTINE MICHAUD, FOUNDING MOTHER,

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY (ENTER
Although Justine would be the first one to say she didn't do it alone, she
is credited with bringing Fairfield County its first (and only) gay and
lesbian community center, the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk.
Justine Michaud's efforts to open a gay and lesbian community center
began late in '88. Much of that effort was a result of her involvement in
the Connecticut Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights (which atthe
time was the only major active gay and lesbian organization), and her
previous involvement in state GLBT politics in general
Justine's partner, Meg Bachtel, was one of the co-directors of the
coalition at the time, so, in the midst of the planning for the center,
together they were actively working to see that pending gay/Jes legislation was passed. After spending all of '89 laying the foundation and
finding a space for the center, TCC opened its doors in January 1990.
Although they kept a low profile coming into the city of Norwalk at the
time, their fears ofa possible unpleasant reception were unfounded. They
encountered much less of a negative response than they had anticipated.
The local police departnient and The Greater Norwalk Community
Council-an organization that aids non-profits-were very helpful. Overall,
the Norwalk community was supportive.
Justine was president of TCC from '89-'92. During the years that
followed, she continued to help with fund-raising efforts, and to assist
when needed, where needed. Since '95 she has stepped back to allow
others to experience the leadership role.
Presently, Justine is self-employed as a manufacturers' representative for
intustrial maintainence products companies. She does a considerable
amount of volunteer work with Bread and Roses, and is also working on
an oral history project of gays and lesbians living in the area between
Westchester and New Haven. She continues to participate in the lesbian
book group once a month at the center, and is currently writing her own
book reflecting her likes and dislikes about the mental health field.
Reprintedfrom the April 17, 1997 edition of the Fairfield County
Weekly published by New Mass Media, Inc. From the office at One Dock
Street, Stamford, CT 06902.

SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD
May's News & Views contained an editorial I wrote to the Connecticut
Post. On May 12th, the Connecticut Post published some editorials
under the headline "Homosexual Christian an Oxymoron."
This Splinter consists of my editorial response which has been sent to the
Post. Recently at TCC, spiritually has been a growing topic. The search
for "open and confirming" churches is on the rise. We have a need and
a desire to practice the faith of our choice. I am a Christian and believe
that I have the right to worship my god without being "judged" by other
people. Jesus is my only judge. You have a right to whatever beliefs you
have. I strongly think that we need to openly demonstrate love and
tolerance for everyone, despite how we feel we are treated. The editorial:
5/ 15/97
The Letter Editors,
Coming to terms with my own sexuality was a very difficult spiritual
experience for me. I became a born-again Christian about 23 years ago
and raised my three children accordingly. "God said it. I Believe it. That
settles it!" was my motto. Every issue was either black or white; there was
no gray. Blind faith? Yes. You see, I was totally focused on what the
people told me to believe and did little or no thinking for myself about
what I believed. When I fell in love, reallove, my inner struggles began.
These people told me that homosexuality was an "abomination before
the Lord." I cannot relate in words how painful it was to reallvbel1eve
that my best friend, Jesus, now hated me. Countless fervent p~ayers to
change me were all to no avail. I thought I was doomed to Hell. I finally
came to the agonizing conclusion that, in order to be at peace with me,
I had to accept an eternity in Hell. I will never forget the heart-wrenching
pain burning through my body as I prayed, baring my soul and accepting

June 1997

as fact that Jesus would turn His back on me because I was gay and
neither He nor I could change that. I had chosen to listen to people
instead ofl Him.
I stopped praying and attending church. I justified my inner void as
being Jesus' anger and extreme disappointment. The love I felt continued and grew and was incredible, but something was vezy: wronginside
of me. I began to read and study the Bible, attend different church
services, seek out counseling from ministers, and began to understand
that Jesus loved me and always had. He created me. Today, we are still
best friends; my faith in Him has not changed, but my faith in some
"religious" people of today has certainly waned.
This country was founded by people seeking religious freedom . Across
our country people worship and express their faith in countless ways.
How egotistical to think that one very exclusive, path is the ticket to
everlasting life. How wonderful it would be if people of all faiths and
all walks of life were able to learn from one another, share values and
morals with one another, and, most importantly, Jove one another. I
neither need your approval, nor ask for it. I only ask that God's Word
not be used out of context to condemn or mislead anyone.
I have been told by friends that I tend to ramble on and on when trying
to make a point. At the risk of sounding redundant, I am a born-again
Christian and I am at peace with Jesus. My personal relationship with
Him is just that - personal. Let's get past the notion of trying to
"convince" each other that what we believe must be true for everyone.
Enough. Life is too short; there are more pressing issues needing
attention than with whom any ofus (all Americans) fall in love.
-Barb Schade

JUNE FRIENDRAISER
SUN, JUNE

ZZ, 3-6

PM AT MEG

&

JUSTINE'S

Like the outdoors? Come on over to Meg & Justine's for a little backyard Barbecue. Hot dogs & hamburgers galore! BYOB. Bring yourself
and a salad or dessert to share.
Directions: 1-95, take exit 32, W. Broad St. Northbound, from ramp
bear right onto Broad Street. Southbound, turn left at bottom of ramp,
then left at first light onto Broad St. Continue south on Broad to end.
At light, turn left onto Main St. Follow Main about 2 miles to Paradise
Green Shopping Ctr and Mobil Station on your left. Turn right onto
Wilcoxson St, second left onto STILES. House is 5th on left, #69.
Merritt Pkwy, take exit 53, Route 110 (River Rd). Northbound, turn
right onto 110, Southbound turn left onto 110. Follow Rte 110 south
approx 1 mile and at light follow 110 to the left. At next light turn right
onto Wilcoxson St. Go past a stop sign and up a small hill. Take a right
onto STILES St. It's the 5th house on the left, #69.

LESBIAN LIT GROUP
The reading choice for discussion at the July 1 meeting of the Lesbian
Literature Group is entitled, "Lesbian Love Stories." This anthology
was edited by Irene Zahava and published by Crossing Press.
The Lit Group meets at the Center the first Tuesday of every month at
7:30 pm. Copies of"Lesbian Love Stories," are available at Bloodroot
(203) 576-9168. For more info on the group call Christine (203) 8478476.

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

KURT SPERLING, L.C.S. W.
225 MAIN

STREET,

LLl • WES'Il'ORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549
Pagel

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Property of the Ce11t1.:r

_M 001 111 367

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Fax 205 / 587-9899

Voice 205 I 589-8614

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

Page 13

T NEWS & VIEWS
STATE NEWS
WESTPORT- BREAD

&

RosEs: 'THE WoRLD

GOES ROUND..
The Kander & Ebb musical revue "The World Goes Round" is being
performed in Westport in June to benefit Bread and Roses, the Georgetown,
Connecticut AIDS residence.
There are two performances of the revue by Kander & Ebb, on Friday June
27 and Saturday June 28, at 7:30 p.m. both evenings at the Westport
Community Theatre at Westport Town Hall. Kander& Ebb's new musical
review "Steel Pier" opens on Broadway in New York city in May.
The June performances of"The World Goes Round" are directed by Scott
M. Robbins of Shelton, Connecticut, who recently directed Howard
Crabtree's musical revue "Whoop-Dee-Doo" which raised $17,000 for
several AIDS organizations in Fairfield County, as well as the Triangle
Community Center. The performances are sponsored by the Westport
Community Theatre, and by the Westport/Weston Friends of Bread and
Roses.
The cast of the JuneJerformances of"The World Goes Round" include
several who appeare in "Whoop-Dee-Doo" in January, including Todd
Caporizzo of Stamford, Ron Dreyer of Stamford, Scott Fabri of Fairfield,
Scott Sisbarro of Ansonia, and Bobby Torres of Naugatuck. The cast also
includes Nancy Brier Alter ofWestrort, Alicia Braccia ofNew Canaan, Lisa
Caporizzo of Stamford, Eileen Conley of Fairfield, Kristin Graham of
Trumbull, and Marilyn Zavidow of Westport.
"The World Goes Round" is a musical review of songs from some of the
best loved shows oflyricists and musical composers John Kander and Fred
Ebb. Kander & Ebb's many Broadway hit shows include "Chicago" which
was recently revived "Cabaret" "Woman OfThe Year" "The Rink" "Kiss
or'The Spider', and "The Act',' with Liza Minnelli. '
'
The benefit production includes hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. For tickets call
(203) 226-1983.Tickets are $35 and $50.
Both performances are at the Westport Community Theatre, at Town Hall
at l IOMyrtleAvenue, Westport, off Connecticut Turnpike (1-95) exit 18.
FAIRFIELD - LocAL PouT1c1ANICoLUMNIST
COMES OUT
Steve Szost, once a member of the Representative Town Committee of
fairfield, came out in his regular column in the Fairfield Minuteman on
May 7th. "As a gay man, " was how he began his third paragraph. The
column was one of two articles in that issue (placed side-by-side) that dealt
positively with the impact of Ellen coming out. Swst went on to write
about his parents reaction and to throw some well-deserved jabs at the
Defense of Marriage Act.
In addition to serving on the RTM, Szost (several years ago) tried
unsuccessfully to challenge John Metsopolous (who was himself rumored
to be a closeted homosexual) for his seat in the state legislature. Swst's
family are a fixture in the town. There is even a road (Swst Lane) named
for the family.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY• PERKIN-ELMER EXTENDS
HEALTH CARE To DoMESTICE PARTNERS
The Perkin-Elmer Corp. announced that it will offer health care benefits
to domestic partners of its U.S. employees effective July 1, 1997. Employees will be able to enroll their partners - whether of the same or opposite
sex - as well as eligible children.
"The extension of health care coverage to our employees' domestic partners
reflects Perkin-Elmer's strong commitment to the shar~d value of respect,
which in its truest sense recognizes people's right to the lifestyle of their
choice," said Tony L. White, chairman, president and chief executive
officer. "We reevaluate all our benefits on an ongoing basis to ensure that
they meet the needs of our employees and enhance our competitiveness in
recruiting and retaining talented employees."
Perkin-Elmer is headquartered in Connecticut. Information is available on
the World Wide Web at: http://www.perkin-elmer.com or by contacting
Merle Spiegel, 203/761-5292 at Perkin-Elmer Corp. in Norwalk.

' 1997
June

NEW HAVEN - FIRST INTERFAITH SERVICE
The One Light Interfaith Circle invites people of all faiths to celebrate
its' first interfaith service on June 7. The theme of the opening service
will be The Constancy of Spirit. "This theme was chosen to celebrate
our spiritual selves and beliefs and to share that unending joy," stated
co-founder Rev. Alexander R. Garbera. "It is a jubilation of who we
are and what we believe in as it is a chance to gain a deeper
understanding of ourselves and each other."
The purpose of.the service is to create a space in which people of all
faiths and traditions can discover, share, and strengthen their spiritual
beliefs and practices. Founded by Rev. Garbera and Ms. Casey
Roberts, Ms. Roberts explains that: "The One Light Interfaith Circle
is not meant as a substitute for traditional services, but rather as an
addition that supports respect and understanding of all faiths to assist
individuals in their own healing journey." Rev. Garbera is an
ordained Interfaith Minister from The New Seminary in New York
City. Ms.Casey Roberts is also an interfaith seminarian. They are
both co-facilitators ofMiracles Mondays, a study group for A Course
In Miracles®.
The service will take place the first Saturday of each month at 5 :00
p.m. beginning June 7, to beheldattheNew Haven Gay and Lesbian
Community Center, located at One Long Wharf Plaza in New
Haven. It is open to all.
For further information, please contact Ms. Casey Roberts at
(203)230-2050, or Rev. Alexander Garbera at (203) 937-8085.
HARTFORD - UNION NEGOTIATES
INSURANCE CovERAGE FoR D0MEST1c
PARTNERS
District 1199, New England Health Care Employees Union, AFLCIO, has negotiated a new contract with Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, that provides health insurance coverage for the
domestic partners of hospital employees represented by the Union.
The new agreement, considered a major breakthrough by this union
of 19,000 healthcare workers, covers several hundred workers .
According to TCC Board member John Del Vecchio, an organizer
with District 1199, the Hartford-based union is attempting to
convince the management members of the Union Health & Welfare
Fund to provide health insurance coverage for the domestic partners
of union members covered by the Fund. The Fund covers several
thousand employees in nursing homes and healthcare facilities, as
well as the Union's staff.
-John DelVecchio

0UOTE OF THE MONTH:
Not to forget, -AND THIS IS THE IMPORTANT
PART - that after all the shouting is over we WILL have
a domestic partnership arrangement on a STA TE level and
that is more than ANY of the other 49 have even
considered .... Admittedly it has put us at the back of the bus
... it stinks BUT it is, nonetheless, progress. We are now
recognized, for the FIRST TIME on a state level as a group
of citizens whose situation has been rendered unequal by
reason of irrational animus. With this, although we are still
in the back of the bus we are at least ON the bus, we are in
the game, our pieces have been deployed on the board and
the whole thing now moves on.
Hawaiian activist Ward Stewart (wstewart@hi.net), after
the HI legislature passed a constitutional amendment that
would prohibit same-sex marriage, but recognize domestic
partnerships.
Page4

T NEWS§ VIEWS
NATIONAL NEWS
U.S. - THE EMPLOYMENT

NON-DISCRIMINATION

ACT
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act or ENDA (S. 932,H.R. 1863)
has been reintroduced and it has strong bi-partisan support, along with the
support of President Clinton. A recent poll shows that 68% of Americans
support ENDA; a bill that would outlaw discrimination on the basis ofsexual
orientation in employment at the federal level. Last year, ENDA failed to pass
the Senate by a vote of 49-50.
EVERYONE should contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators and ask
them to SUPPORT ENDA. Find out who your senator or representative is
by using the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) website, http://www.hrc.org
and query based on your zip code.
Then call:
The Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 and ask for the office of your
senator or representative.
Or write:
The Honorable Senator - - - - - or
The Honorable Representative ______
U.S. Senate or U.S. House
Washington, DC 20510
-Marianne Seggerman

U.S. -

CHEVRON EXTENDS HEALTHCARE

BENEFITS To DOMESTIC PARTNERS
Chevron Corp. will become the first major U.S. oil company to extend
domestic partner benefits to most of its American employees, regardless of
sexual orientation, a spokesman said. The 117-year-old company follows in
the footsteps of Bank of America and other San Francisco-area firms that have
offered similar programs since the city passed an ordinance in 1996 requiring
companies doing business with the city to offer equal benefits to employees'
partners, whether "straight'' or same-sex.
Under Chevron's plan, which takes effect in January 1998, employees will be
able to enroll partners of the same or opposite sex, as well as the partner's
eligible children, the company said. Benefits offered will include medical,
dental, dependent life insurance, relocation and leave-time for bereavement or
care of sick partners, it said.

U.S. -

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: GOLF'S LIPSTICK

LESBIANS
''Tank-topped, bleached-out, self-described 'lipstick lesbos' downing shots of
vodka ...See them topless by the shimmering turquoise pools ... See the tattoos,
the nipple rings ...Hordes of them, gaggles of them, giggling and groping and
making out with abandon." And a photo of a woman grabbing the bare
derriere of her thong-clad partner.
Not your typical Sports Illustrated story. And it didn't go over well in some
quarters when SI's Golf Plus supplement published it in April. One major
advertiser has pulled out. A top sports agent is urging his clients not to speak
to Sports Illustrated. And some parents are angry that their kids saw the
article.
The piece, by former Washington Post reporter Stephanie Mansfield, was an
up-close look at what it called "lesbian spring break," an annual gathering of
20,000 women in Palm Springs, Calif., that coincides with the Nabisco Dinah
Shore golf tournament.
Wally Uihlein, chairman ofTitleist and Foot-Joy Worldwide, a golf ball and
shoe company that is one of Golf Pius's largest advertisers, promptly canceled
$1 million worth of ads. "We are reviewing our future advertising with Sports
Illustrated-Golf Plus in response to what we consider to be the magazine's
change in editorial direction .. . . We believe it is inappropriate for sensational
stories to play such a prominent role in the coverage," he said in a statement.
Reprinted from the Washington Post, May 6, 1997.

June 1997

U.S. -

GAY AND LESBIAN Assoc1AT10N

OF RETIRING PERSONS LAUNCHED
The Gay and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons (GLARP),
an international, nonprofit membership organization, has been
launched to enhance the aging experience of gays and lesbians. It
fills a void in the gay and lesbian community for retirement-related
information and services, as well as providing an ideal environment
in which to research, anticipate and provide for its membership's
unique needs.
Its ultimate plans include establishment of nonprofit retirement
communities - independent and assisted-living - for gays and
lesbians in the United States and abroad, as well as development of
skilled-nursing facilities. Location of the communities is not set, but
a developer in Costa Rica is said to be interested in building the first
one. Additional locations are being considered in California and
other states. The group hopes to start its first development within
a year.
The new nonprofit organization started up a Web site and negotiated preferred member benefits with service providers in categories
including legal services, auto rental, cellular phones and home
exercise. There are even discounts on funeral caskets.
Research will be a very large part ofGLARP's first-year operations.
GLARP's leadership plans to pioneer an international collection of
information about the retirement-related needs of gays and lesbians.
Membership is open to anyone - there are no age or other
restrictions - for a $25 annual fee. Three-year, $60 memberships
are also available, as are corporate memberships
For membership or more information about GLARP, call (310)
966-1500; write to 10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600, Los Angeles,
Calif. 90024; or visit its Web site at http ://
www.gaylesbianretiring.org .
AR1zoNA -TucscoN' s DOMESTIC
PARTNERS GET MEDICAL BENEFITS
The City Council of Tucscon Arizona agreed to extend medical
insurance benefits to gay and lesbian "domestic partners" of city
employees yesterday but refused to do the same for unmarried
straight couples.
Employees who want to add same-sex domestic partners to their
insurance need only sign an affidavit that they are committed to a
long-term monogamous relationship.
Opponents feel limiting insurance benefits to homosexual couples
discriminates against other unmarried couples. Mayor George
Miller supported City Manager Luis Gutierrez's position that
heterosexual couples have the option of getting married to qualify
for dependent insurance coverage, which is an option homosexual
couples don't enjoy.
ARKANSAS - ANITA BRYANT AND
HUSBAND FILE BANKRUPTCY
Singer and activist Anita Bryant and her husband have filed a
petition in Arkansas bankruptcy court to reorganize debts of $1
million to $10 million. Bryant and Charles Dry listed their top 20
creditors in an April 4 bankruptcy court filing and said their assets
were worth from $100,000 to $500,000.
Bryant, a runner-up in the 1959 Miss America pageant, is best
known as spokewoman for the Florda Citrus Commission. She lost
the job in 1977 after her remarks against homosexuality triggered
a boycott of Florida orange juice.

Page5

T NEWS & YIEWS
CALIFORNIA - PACIFIC GAS

&

ELECTRIC

OFFERS DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS
To EMPLOYEES
Pacific Gas & Electric will offer domestic partner benefits to
employees next year, in part because of a San Francisco law that
requires it for companies doing business with the city. Unmarried
PG&E workers with partners - both gay and straight - will be
able to sign UJ? for benefits directly with the company and will not
have to officially register the partnerships with a government
entity. The San Francisco-based utility has 20,000 employees in
California.
However, the law - which takes effect next month - was just one
reason PG&E decided to offer the benefits, said company spokeswoman Mary Rodrigues. "There are excellent business reasons for
doing this," she said Thursday. Those reasons include giving the
utility a competitive edge in attracting and retaining employees,
she said.
PG&E already offers workers in domestic partnerships bereavement leave, extended-care leave and the designation ofpension and
life insurance beneficiaries. The new health benefits will include
medical, vision and dental -insurance.
About 450 other businesses, universities, cities and municipalities
across the nation offer domestic partner benefits. Among them are
Levi Strauss & Co., Apple Computer and Genentech. Bank of
America, the San Francisco Giants and 49ers also offer benefits.
CALIFORNIA - LONG BEACH OFFERS
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
After more than a year of rhetoric and rallies, Long Beach has
become the latest city in California to offer domestic partnerships.
There were no crowds and no bright television lights. Instead, in
a quiet ceremony that lasted only minutes, two men who have been
in a relationship for the past seven years signed up with the City
Clerk's Office to register themselves as domestic partners.
Thelaw, approved by the City Council in March, allows unmarried
couples to register their relationship by filling out and signing a
one-page form and paying a $70 fee. On April 1, the City Clerk's
Office began processing applications.
That effort gained national attention last June when, at a council
meeting attended by 500 people, 9th District Councilman Jerry
Shultz blasted the proposal and used graphic language to condemn
gays and lesbians.
Long Beach is the latest in a growing list of cities and communities
that offer domestic partnership registration. Other include Laguna
Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and West Hollywood.
CoLoRADo- GovERNOR LIKELY To
SIGN MARRIAGE BAN
Lawmakers in Denver, CO. reached a tentative compromise on a
same-sex marriage ban that Gov. Roy Romer apparently would
sign. Shortly after a conference committee resolved differences
between House and Senate versions, a spokesman for the governor
indicated he probably would sign it.
Last year Romer vetoed a similar bill on grounds it was offensive
and insulting to the homosexual community, partly because it
would have placed the ban in a section oflaw dealing with incest.
Since then, however, Congress enacted legislation allowing states
to adopt laws that would prevent them from being forced to
recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
The compromise would define marriage as a union, "only between
one man and one woman, licensed, solemnized and registered."
The other change in the bill involved wording that declares any
marriage contracted outside Colorado that does not satisfy the
same marital requirements as the state will not be recognized as
valid.
June 1997

FLORIDA - BAN PASSED ON SAME SEX MARRIAGES
Florida would not recognize gay marriages approved in other states under a bill
the Senate sent to Gov. Lawton Chiles. The state, which already prohibits gay
marriages, would join 18 other states that have passed similar laws to offset a
move in Hawaii to challenge a ban on same-sex marriages.

HAWAII• S-SEX MARRIAGE B1LL GoEs To VoTERS
Although state lawmakers claim to have resolved the same-sex marriage issue,
the state's legal team will most likely pressure the Supreme Court to delay its
ruling on the same-sex marriage issue until after the proposed constitutional
amendment goes to the voters next year. (Hawaii's voters are now evenly
divided on that amendment, which would authorize the legislature to restrict
marriage to mixed-sex couples.) Lawmakers have given final approval to a
proposed c?nstitutional ai:nendment affirming that the state has the power to
limit marnage to opposite-sex couples, and to a package of "reC1procal
beneficiaries" rights and benefits for gay and lesbian as well as other couples.
Medical benefits for reciprocal beneficiaries will take effect on July 1, 1997, but
only for state government employees.
Specifically, the proposed amendment is creating a new legal status known as
"reciprocal beneficiaries" for couples who cannot now get marriage licenses.
If passed, for a mere $8 fee, a pair of unmarried adults (including visitors) will
be able to get a state certificate designating them reciprocal beneficiaries • RBs
for short - and automatically entitle them to a host of benefits on equal footing
with married couples.
For example, every private employer in Hawaii who has a health insurance
program covering workers' spouses would have to expand it to include their
workers' RBs, plus any children in the RB family. Likewise, Hawaii's state and
local government employees would be eligible for family health insurance
coverage for their RBs.
In Hawaii's legal code, the word "spouse" would be followed by "or reciprocal
beneficiary." The changes mean same-sex couples would have many ofthe same
legal rights as married couples, including ones involving hospital visitation,
medical decisions, inheritance, joint ownership of property, family and funeral
leave, car insurance, wrongful death lawsuits, domestic violence protections,
disaster relief loans and university housing.
ILLINOIS - INSURANCE COMPANY OFFERS
Pouc1Es To PEOPLE WITH HIV
Acknowledging extraordinary medical advances against AIDS, Guarantee
Trust Life Insurance, a Glenview, IL based company that specializes in insuring
high-risk individuals, is test-marketing the coverage. They are the first company in the nation to offer life insurance to people infected with HIV.
"From a life insurance risk perspective, we believe many otherwise healthy
HIV-positive individuals are more appropriately viewed as having a treatable
chronic illness rather than a terminal disease," said Richard Rolson, president
of the 60-year-old company.
Guarantee Trust's policies range range from $25,000 to $250,000 ofwholelife coverage. Those who qualify must be under 49, have certain levels of the
virus and infection-fighting T-cells and not have full blown AIDS.
Guarantee Trust initially will offer the coverage only to Illinois residents. The
price will be substantially higher than insurance for an averagle person without
an illness. State Farm and Allstate, two of the nation's largest insurers, said they
have no plans to offer life insurance to HIV-positive individuals.

MAINE- HousE PASSES ANn-D1scmM1NAT10N BILL
The Maine House of Representatives gave gay rights advocates one more
reason to celebrate when it passed a civil rights bill that would ban discrimination in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations. The bill,
which passed by a vote of 84-61 came one day after the Senate approved the
measure by a 28-5 vote. Maine would become the 11th state to ofter gays and
lesbians civil rights protection. The New Hampshire legislature passed the
measure earlier in the week.
With the expected signature of both Maine and New Hampshire governors,
every state in New England would ban civil rights discrimination against gays.
The nine other states that have passed similar legislation are Rhode Island
(1995); Minnesota (1993); Vermont, New Jersey and California (1992);
Connecticut and Hawaii (1991); Massachusetts (1989) and Wisconsin ( 1982).
Page6

T NEWS & VIEWS
MONTANA -

GAYS PLAN MASS WEDDING

On the day Montana's governor signed a bill outlawing same sex marriages,
a state group representing gays and lesbians confirmed that a mass single sex
marriage ceremony is planned for Bozeman, MT in June. Sandy Hale,
executive director of Pride!, said that gays and lesbians attending the state
Pride! celebration can participate in a public wedding ceremony on June 8 if
enough people sign up for the event. At a time when many gays and lesbians
in Montana are still afraid to admit they are gay, such a public ceremony would
be unprecedented in the state.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - ANTI-DISCRIMINATION BILL

OK'D
The New Hampshire legislature put a nail in the coffin ofits image as a bastion
of conservatism when the state Senate passed a bill prohibiting discrimination
against homosexuals in jobs, housing and public places. Gov.Jeanne Shaheen
said she will sign it.
The bill, which has already passed the House, adds sexual orientation to
existing anti-discrimination protections based on age, sex, race, color, ethnic
background, physical or mental disability, marital status, religious or political
beliefs. It also protects state workers. Existing exemptions for small family
businesses and some rentals would not be affected, and the bill also exempts
religious institutions.

VIRGINIA - ARLINGTON OFFERS HEALTH CARE

BENEFITS

To

DOMESTIC PARTNERS

Arlington has become the first Virginia county, and one of the few governments in the Washington area, to extend health benefits to unmarried
domestic partners, including same-sex partners. Effective July 1, county
employees can claim medical and dental coverage for adults who are not
married to them, which also could include coverage for a relative or a partner's
children.
The new provision allows an employee to claim a partner who has lived with
the employee for one year, shares basic living expenses, is not married to
anyone and is "involved with the employee in a mutually exclusive relationship
of support and commitment," said a letter to employees.
Nationwide, more than 40 governments and close to 130 colleges and
universities provide domestic-partner benefits, according to statistics from
the Washington-based National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
"More and more private employers are extending health coverage to domestic
partners, mainly because it makes good business sense," said Mark F.
Johnson, a task force spokesman. Johnson said. Walt Disney Co., International Business Machines Corp., Coors Brewing Co., Dow Chemical Co. and
Apple Computer Inc. are among the major corporations with similar policies.
OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
(860) 644-4305
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
(203) 264-5605
Chiltern Mountain Club
(203) 899-0270
(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
(203) 866-7051
Gay Fathers Group
(203) 778- 7016
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
GEMS (Mature GLBTI
(860) 688-1881
(203) 366-3734
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
(203) 724 5542
Hartford Community Center
(203) 262-1555
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
(203) 389-6750
Metropolitan Community Church
The Loft, White Plains NY,
(914) 948-4922
Triangle Bowling League
(203) 931-8789
(203) 255-6229
Triangle Kids
(203) 323-6278
(203) 773-9947
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group
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.
June 1997

TRMA 0uEfflON

Answer to May - Paula Vogel, the play was The Baltimore
WQ/tz. Her mQst current play, How 1 Learned to Drive, a
lightneartecl but disturbing look at pedophilia, is currently
playing in New York..
O1JESTION FOR JUNE
In Honor of Gay Pride Month, a Contest! Match the list of
public figures with the publication (or other forum) in which
they"cameout;~The person who gets the most correct answers
(mmimun of60%) wins a free one year membership to TCC!
By the way, ifyou're name is on the Jis½ the answer that applies
to you d<>e$n't count toward your total.

HINTS: Names and publications maybe used more than once
(but the number of time.~ used is listed for the publications
OnlYl· There is one unmatched due. Only one of these "outings •was involuntary and in only one case was the person not
allowed to "come out (which is indicated below)."
SeudcompJetedentries to: Trivia Conte.'>t, c/o TCC, P .0. Box
4062, East Norwalk 06855. Contest ends July 9th.
The List
A The Advocate (2)
1. Steve Camara
2. David Cruise
:S. AIDS Project LA Benefit
C. The Boston Globe
3. Ellen DeGeneres
D. The Bridgeport Post
4. Melissa Etheridge
E.
The Clinton Gay and
5. Will Fitzpatri~
Lesbian Inaugural Ball
F. The Danbury News-Times
6. Barney Frank
G. The Fall River Herald News
7. SandyGallin
H. The Guardian (3)
8. David Geffen
9. Joseph S. Grabar:z, Jr. I. The floor ofthe D.S. Senate
J. The Houston Post (censored)
10. Steve Gunderson
K. The Meriden Record Journal
11. Elton John
L. The National Review
12. Phillip Johnson
M. NewYorkTimesMagazine (2)
13. Nathan Lane
N.
The Oliver Awards
14. k.d. Jang
0. OUTMagazine
15. Marvin Liebman
16. Camer6nMacintosh P. The Providence Journal
17. Sir.IanMcKellan
Q. The Rolling Stone

I 8. Alex Mccowen
19. Bob Mould
20, Juan Palumbo
2 I. John Sch\esinger
22 . Gerry Studds
23. Jann Wenner
24.DanWoog

R. Time Magazine

s.

Vanity Fair (2)

T. The Wall Street Journal

U.

The Waterbury Republican

V.

The Westport News
W. The Woonsocket Call
X. Spin Magazine

P-FLAG SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AT

TCC

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

Deadline for the July new,letter will be rriday 5
lune. We cannot guarantee that material received after that date will be included in lune
new,&Yiew,.
Page 7

T NEWS & VIEWS
TRAVEL NEWS
FIRE ISLAND

vs.

PROVINCETOWN

The Northeast's two premier gay vacation destinations both evolved
in isolated, tip-of-the-universe communities within an afternoon's
drive of major cities, but that's where their similarities end. It's not
uncommon to find a lesbian or gay man who loves both towns, albeit
for different reasons, but most travelers who spend time in both
communities develop a clear, stubborn preference.
Somewhat complicating this matter is the fact that Fire Island's queer
communities, Cherry Grove and the Pines, are separated both
geographically (by a cruisy swath ofsand and forest) and philosophically (by a vast gulf of attitude). Cherry Grove is the senior of the two
villages, catering to a motley crowd: dykes with tykes, retirees, campy
queens, African-Americans - everyone is extremely welcome. Houses
here are generally funkier and more affordable than those in the Pines,
which was developed more recently and is home to an almost
exclusively male community. Domiciles in the Pines are almost all
angular, sleek, and palatial; the crowd at restaurants and bars tends
to be gorgeous, muscular, affluent, and at times arrogant. You'll find
elements of both these populations in Provincetown, but without
these sharp divisions.
If truly getting away from civilization is your intent, either community on Fire Island is a better choice than the whole of Provincetown.
The Pines and Cherry Grove are accessible only by boat and are
without streets or automobiles; they're also virtually devoid of
heteros (which can be fun for a few days but can grow a little Twilight
Zonish after a week or two). P-town is certainly remote (it's at the
tip of Cape Cod), but even during its summer peak, it's still only
about 50% gay, drawing hordes of breeders to its several museums,
scads of shops, dozens of restaurants, and many other diversions.
If you're traveling with your lover or with friends, you'll find that
both destinations have plenty going for them, but on Fire Island your
day may revolve more closely around your companions - there simply
aren't many opportunities to wander off and do your own thing. It's
a good place to read, lie in the sun, and relax. In Provincetown, it's
not unheard of for a group of friends to arrive together and see each
other only three or four more times during the rest of their stay. This
is a sprawling town with numerous distractions and plenty ofchances
to meet new friends. For these reasons, if you're traveling alone, Ptown is probably your better choice.
Because it has only a few hundred hotel rooms (which average a
staggering $150 to $200 nightly), Fire Island draws fewer shortterm visitors than it does weekly, monthly, and seasonal guests. If
you're an outsider, you may find it somewhat difficult to crack such
an established, cliquey social scene; on the other hand, newcomers,
especially by summer's end, are often ogled enthusiastically by the
regulars who've by now soured on the island's insularity. P-town has
more than 60 gay-oriented guest houses and inns, and therefore sees
a steady turnover of visitors - you rarely see the same folks in the same
bars every night, at least on more than a few consecutive days.
Both towns offer plenty of dance clubs and bars, but, again, on Fire
Island you'll have a more difficult time meeting other singles. And
should you meet somebody interesting, the odds that either of you
have a single, private bedroom are rather slim, given how many
visitors share rooms or crash with friends. Because rooms are cheaper
in Provincetown, there's a better chance that you'll meet somebody
with a single. Also, P-town has two great dyke bars, and a couple of
others with a mixed following or women's nights once a week. Single
lesbians will definitely find more to do here.
Fire Island makes for an ideal day-trip from New York City, but
Provincetown requires at least an overmght stay even from Boston or
another New England city. Total travel time (by car or train) from
Manhattan to Sayville (site of the ferry terminals to Cherry Grove and
to the Pines) is a bit more than an hour; add another 30 to 45 minutes
for the ferry ride. To get from Boston to Provincetown (which you
can reach by ferry or by car), you'll need three or four hours. If you
are in Boston and seek a quick gay retreat, make the 75-minute drive
north to Ogunquit, Maine, a low-key, smaller cousin to Provincetown.

June 1997

Finally, although both communities enjoy maximum crowds from about
Memorial Day through Labor Day, Provincetown continues to draw a
significant number ofvisitors through the late fall, and even into the barren
but broodingly romantic winter months. Fire Island is a ghost town from
October through April.
[Ed. Note: Fire Island vs. Provincetown was written by Andrew Collins,
author of Fodor 's Gay Guide to the USA . This article is one of a series of
weekly gay travel columns entitled "Out of Town" and is distributed by
QSyndicate. Because· QSyndicate charges a reprint fee for all of its
articles, we are running this one column in News & Views as a test. Your
feedback is needed to help determine the reprinting of any future columns.
Please contact me with any comments.}

CYBERNEWS
NEW MASS MEDIA LAUNCHES INSIDE OUT
New Mass. Media, publisher of six alternative newsweeklies in the Northeast (New York, Connecticut & Massachusetts), announces Inside Out,
the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered section of our World Wide Web
site. Web site editor Laura Fedele said, "As a well-established online
presence, expanding our reach within the gay community is something we
are very excited about." ,
Inside Out includes:
The "Guide" section that will help you find information on Bars & Clubs,
Sup,P?rt Services/Groups, Health/AIDS/HIV Resources, Political Groups,
Social Groups, College Groups, Youth Information & Resources, and
Religious Groups.
The "Warehouse" section allows you to search for GLBT and GLBT
friendly businesses and professionals, or add your own.
Our original soap, "Gays of our Lives," is an ongoing story, updated
weekly, where you can vote on the plot of the next episode.
The "Features" section presents different writers each week, and their take
on the GLBT lifestyle. Read the essays, and then talk about them in our
"Talk" section. Post as often as you like! And, last but not least, there's a
very extensive list of links.
Web site writer Kim Ficera is extremely optimistic about the future of
Inside Out. "Although our primary focus is on the northeast, we are well
aware that the World Wide Web audience has no geographical boundaries.
The gay audience on the net is substantial, and looking for entertainment,
news, controversy and conversation. We'll provide it."
Since its April launch, the response to Inside Out has been extremely
positive. Community leaders in New Mass. Media's publishing region and
beyond have expressed their support and enthusiasm for Inside Out, and
have acknowledged this endeavor as one long overdue. Inside Out received
a promising start of over 11,000 page requests per week in its first few
weeks online.
Inside Out can be found at: http://www.newmassmedia.com/insideout/
[Note: I have added links to the Fairfield Weekly and to the lnsideOut page
to the "Links" section of the TCC web site. The site's address is: http://
members.aol.com.tccenter. And I highly recommend that those ofyou with
web access check them out. - Roger Hooverman, TCC "Webmaster "]

NEW AND IMPROVED WEB PAGE
Check out the New and Improved OutSpoken Web Page at:
http://members.aol.com/outspoken
Thanks to Elizabeth we now have a vastly improved (and much more fun)
way of making our presence felt on the World Wide Web! Way tq go,
Elizabeth, and thanks from all of us.
Doug Nissing - for OutSpoken

Page8

Property of the Center

T NEWS & VIEWS
continued from page 1

Whether the safe rones would be allowed to continue was unclear after
the Board of Education defeated a motion to reaffirm the presence of the
rones at Brookfield High School on a 3-3-1 vote. A vote taken by the
board last year supported the program 5-2. Superintendent David
Bristol said the board's bylaws interpret tie votes as defeats. ''The board
has in essence said to me we're not reaffirming what we have but we're
not giving you any particular direction," he added. Dr. Bristol said none
of the pink triangles had been removed from the school.
But William Tinsley, vice chairman of the Board of Education and one
of the three members who voted against the safe rones, said the pink
triangle symbol must be changed even if the program is to remain.
Mr. Tinsley said, ''The pink triangle has basically its modern-day
significance as a symbol of gay pride. If we want to provide a safety net
for kids who need help ... let's provide help for kids who have all different
kinds of needs, even needs different than being gay."
When asked why the school board had changed its views in the pink
triangle issue from its vote a years ago, Mr. Tinsley said a lot of
information about the program had come to light through the Berrill
lawsuit. "Of course we also had some new board members in the
interim," he noted. "I also think it had to do with the public. We had
some citizen petitions where we had about 500 adult signatures asking
us to change the program. We wanted to do it in a more acceptable and
broader based fashion. It wasn't a motion to stop the program. It was
a motion to modify it," he added.
One faculty member who participates in the safe program but declined
to be named for this article said, ''The school's saying, 'It's too controversial.' If gays were truly accepted, ifit was really O.K., then why can't
we have the pink triangles up?"
A sex education expert, Judith Reisman, who was hired by the Houdes
to analyze the safe rones as part of the lawsuit against them, found in a
30-page report that the program "promoted confused teenagers to
engage in homosexual, sexual activity" and posed "a potential danger for
students." Superintendent Bristol commented, "I do not believe that the
existence of four to six safe rones or pink triangles cause or contribute
to students' being homosexual."
Reprinted from the Litchfield County Times, May 9, 1997

THE GAY GOURMET
CHICl<EN AMARETTO
h1· .foli11 /)e/ I 'en /1io

4 /4,,,,,!t_~.(, diii,{}11 /Jn,,1.,ts
a,,1rsegn11111,fplJ'J''-'r

garlic powder
curry powder
1/4 cup Gutter
sma[[ pkg. mushrooms, s{icei{
112 cup 51.maretto {iqueur
juice of one femon
femon rind
1 112 cups cfiic~n Grotfi
ffour
Cut cfiic~n into strips. Sea.son witfi pepper, garltc powder
and curry powcfer. 'Dip in ffour. 'Broutn in Gutter in a large
skjffet. 5'1.dd musfiroom.s, lzquer, femon juice, ancf sea.son witfi
femon rind. Simmer 5 minutes. 5Icfcf Grotfi and simmer unti[
cfiic~n is tender. Serves 4.
June 1997

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.
P.O.BOX 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855
Tel/Fax: (203) 853-0600
e-mail TCCenter@aol.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DON BUXTON ......................... ...... President
DAVE CARROLL ........................... Vice-President
BARB SCHADE ................ .... ........ .. Treasurer
LEN HOREY ........................ ...... ..... Corresponding Secretary
DAVE CARROLL ........................... Acting Recording Sec'y
BOARD OF. DIRECTORS
LEN HOREY
DON BUXTON
JOHN DEL VECCHIO
DA YID CARROLL
BARB SCHADE
STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Board Development
Vacant
Communications
John D
-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
Marianne S
Volunteer
Meg B & Justine M

374-6934
334-3822
375-3567
838-2367
866-6993
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
222-8294
375-9020

9{'E'WS & 'V1'EWS
Is published monthly by
Triangle Community Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4062, East Norwalk, CT 06855.
NEWS & VIEWS encourages its readers to submit materials of interest
to our community, including short articles, letters to the editor, etc. We
cannot respond to, or publish, anonymous letters. We reserve the right
to edit or condense as appropriate to meet space requirements. Authors
will be contacted if major revisions are necessary. Please submit to :

NEWS&VIEWS
Michele Stone: Editor & Adv. Mgr.
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone 316-0333 Fax 964-1133
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com

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

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

Page9

The Norwalk Health Department
In cooperation with
Triangle Community Center
Proudly Announces
HIV Counseling & Testing Services
Commencing:
February 11, 1997

NICHOLAS LANG, MS, NCC
Counseling & Psychotherapy Services
Specializing in Sexual Orientation,
Loss, Relationship, & HIV-related Issues.
New Haven Office
200 Orchard St.
789-0560, Ext. 4

Wilton Office
387 Danbury Road
761-8825

From 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
25 Van Zant Street

PAUL D. SCHNEIDER
For Information and an Appointment

Attorney at Law

Please ca/1855-7979 or 854-7779

PO Box451
Southport, CT 06490-0451
203/255-5520

NO WALK-INS
(to ensure anonymity and confidentiality)

Counselor Karen Gorman, MSW
(Family Therapist)

Massage Connection

Adoption
Child Custody Divorce
Partnership Agreements

Our Families Matter

THRESHOLD
MORTGAGE COMPANY

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

PATRICK WINTERS
LOAN OFFICER
THRESHOLD MORTGAGE
COMPANY
THRESHOLD COMMON

• Student discounts available

59 W1LTON

ROAD

WESTPORT, CT

06880

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

• Home visits available

1-800-611-0641
Office located in the New Haven area

~ MEMBER OF THE
~ INTERNALTIONAL
IaJI •
MASSAGE ASSO. . . . . CIATION
'
June 1997

• Specializing in residential home mortgages in Fairfield County
• Capable or handling all loan scenario's from a$60,000 condo in
Stamford to a$1,000,000 home in Greenwich
• Consistent top producing loan officer for over ten years with a
wealth or knowledge and experience

In J.9.95, 1'bresbo/tlJlorl!fa!fe was diet/ as the top protlucin!fmorl!fa!ft1
companJ barin!f closet/ orer $175, fJfJD, fJ(JfJ in loans in fi'ail'lie/tl CountJ
Page JO

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

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

Donald J. Comes
(203) 866-2823
~

30 2iemey Street
Norwa/,k, CT 06851

JOANN ATTWOOD NEMIS
VICE PRESIDENT / INVESTMENTS

JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT, INC.
MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE ANO OTHER PRINCIPAL EXCHANGES

2150 POST ROAD, FAIRFIELD, CT 06430

Specializing in:

Weddings • Comittment Cefeb'Lations
and "Coming-Out" Patties
76 Lake Avenue • Danbury, CT 06810

Tel : 730-1400 • Fax: 798-9611

MARYY.LENNEY,MSW,CADC
Individual / Couples / Group
Turning Points
387 Danbury Rd.
Wilton, CT 06897

(203) 834-2846

LEADING
HOMES.Iii]

[B

Tl-IE BUYERS REAL EsTATE COMPANY

MICHAEL

T.

PAVLICIN

REALTOR"

772 KINGS HIGHWAY WEST

ExCLUSIVE BUYER AGENT

BROKER

SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT 06490

FAX1255-3705 HOME/866-6993

203/255-2278

1c:adhome3@aol.com

VICTORIA

Laura L Gates. MSW, LCSW
Individuals, Couples, and Families
7-11 South Broadway, Suite 400
White Plalns, NY 10601
(203) 372-9799
(203)31~

1169 Sylvan Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06606
(203) 372-9799
(203)Zl1141n4

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT, CT
ADMITIED IN CT AND NY

You, cont,ibulioa, lo llfNIUI YiHY- uuu ~it,i~§f·whot•tft-ot•al'8111~~ ro, b•II
1•1ulll. foH you, copy lo th• editor ol (IOI) 9M•l l5:1 o, ..moil il'lo l_,,Yl«fflll{g1ooLooa
"
June 1997

Page 11

T ~EWS & VIEWS

MlD-FA1RF1£lD

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW

AlDS PROJ£CT

Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Recovery from Abuse
Bilingual

(203) 261-3492
Monroe, CT

(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT

ALDIS

*

SERVlNG TH£ N££DS Of
TH£ H1V/A1DS COMMVNlTVlN:
NORWALK
W£STPORT
N£WCANAAN
WILTON
WESTON
&£ASTON
l'ROVlDING ClJ£NT S£RV1C£S AND ADVOCACY

_m_.4_6_~-il-1
Plo_VEL_in-Roa_P_dlANNER
___
Do_nb_ur_y_.CT_06_8_1_1
(203)778•9399

FAX (203)7.44• 1139

MlD-FAIRfl£LO AIDS l'ROJ£CT
1c, RIVER ST.
NORWALK. CT ~Jo

Three detades of GAY travel expertise
~RSVP

[1'9}'\

PHONE: (loJ) IJJ-'>JJJ
FAX: (loJ) IJMnl
INTI::RN£T: l,ttp://www.mfap.com

E-MAll: ft,fo@mfap.com

Diane Hyatt, MSW, CISW
T Solution-oriented short or longer tenn

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

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

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

49 Coolidge Avenue
21 STRICKLAND RD .. COS COB, CONN . 06807 (203) 869-0216

T
T
T
T

Stamford, CT 06906
(203) 964-184 7

Capitol Avenue
Bridgeport., CT 06606
1653

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA

(203) 332-0136

Depression

Anxiety

Post-Trawnatic Stress
Counseling for Partners & Family
T Specialized Psychotherapy Groups
T Case Consultation
T Clinical Supervision

ATTORNEY-AT LAW

1305 POST

ROAD, FAIRFIELD
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

203/256-3839

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

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

-

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

Small Business Formations and Assistance
225 MAIN STREET, LLl • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

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

Page 12

Calendar

June, 1997

Sun

Tues

Mon

I
2
Women's Rap 7:30
AA 9-10 am
Outspoken 4-6
P,ide Stride Pledge Walk,
W Hanford 11 am

3
HIV couns 3:30-6:30
Lesbian Lit Group 7:30

8
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

9
Women's Rap 7:30

IO
HIV couns 3:30-6:30
Lesbian Political Action
Grp 7:30

I5
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6

16
Women's Rap 7:30

17
HIV couns 3:30-6:30
Fundraisinw'Spec Events
Comm 7:30

Thu

Wed

Fri

Sat

4
P-FLAG 7:45

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

6
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes

7
NHGLCC "Coffee House
Concen" 8 pm

II

12
Men's Rap 7:30

13
Out & About 6:30-8
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes
N&V Deadline

14

18

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

20
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes
Youth Dance, New Haven
8pm

21
Conn. Pride Day, Hanford
Rally 9:30, Parade 11 am ,
Festival I pm
NHGLCC Pride Bash 8 pm

24
HIV couns 3:30-6:30

25
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7:30

26
Men's Rap 7:30

27
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes
Bread & Roses, ''The
World Goes Round"

28
Bread & Roses, "The
World Goes Round"
Westpon, 7:30

29
30
AA9-10am
Women's Rap 7:30
OutSpoken 4-6
NYC Pride Parade, 12 pm
NY C Pride Dance 4:30 pm

July I
HIV couns 3:30-6:30
Lesbian Lit Group 7:30

2
P-FLAG7:45

3
Men's Rap 7:30
Oral History 7:30

4
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes

6
AA9-10am
OutSpoken 4-6

8

9

10
Men's Rap 7:30

Out & About 6:30-8

22
23
AA 9-10 am
Women's Rap 7:30
OutSpoken 4-6
TCC Friendraiser, Meg &
Justine's in Stratford 3 pm

Bi Rap Grp 7:30
TCC Board 7:30

NYr o..;,<. Rallv) nm

\1

7
Women's Rap 7:30

TELEPHONE

HIV couns 3:30-6:30

7 •':U)

5

13

12
Bowling 8:30
Circle Lanes

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
40+ Womens Group - Judy 227-5566
Free Association of Fairfield County - John 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group - Dave 838-1881; John 926-8971
Gmosaic (People of Color) - not currently active call TCC 853-0600
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Christine, 847-8476
Lesbian Pot Lucks - Judy 227-7162
Out & About (Gen.X Group) - Jen 736-6417 or Dan 838-2367
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 - 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.

June 1997

_.__ .....

T

MEMBERSHIP FORM

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

ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CITY - - - - - - - - STATE - - - - Z I P - - - PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

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

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SPONSORING MEMBER
SusTAINING/Bus1NESS MEMBER
SPECIAL MEMBER (YouTHISENIOR)

PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:
TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INc.

P .0. Box 4062

06855 ATTN:
(203) 853-0600

EAST NORWALK, CT

MEMBERSHIP

Page 14

Part of Triangle Community Center News & Views : v.8:no.6(1997:Jun.)