LesbianPrideNewsletter_v2.no6.1997.06.pdf
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- LesbianPrideNewsletter_v2.no6.1997.06.pdf
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Volume II, Issue '116June 1997
$2 © 1997 Makaw Press"-'
Good For You, You're Gay!
On the coming out epi_sode of Ellen last
month, Ellen made the remark that no one ever
gives you a cake that says Goodfor you, you're gay!
(the possible exception, as she noted, being the
Baskin and Robbins in North Hollywood).
Actually, I think there are many other places
you could buy that cake these days. And it
doesn't have to be a cake that celebrates who you
are - or congratulates you on knowing who you
are - it may be something else: cards, flowers,
baloons, a singing telegram, announcements, a
party, a smile or a hug.
Since the Stonewall riots 28 years ago; which
signaled the beginring of the modern Gay Pride
Movement (which we celebrate at PrideFest this
month), we've made great progress in saying to
each other Goodfor you, you're gay! It's been a long
process, and we aren't done yet (will we ever
be?), but we are definitely making headway.
I'll admit, being lesbian or gay still presents
its unique challenges in today's society. It may be
awhile before your straight parents or other
family or frie:?.1dswill say Goodfor you, you're gay!,
although many of them <lo seem closer to saying I
accept you for who you are than they used to be, and
that's at least something.
But remember, just because you don't hear
those words from some people doesn't mean you
can't or won't hear them from other people. There
is a myriad of positive support to be found in the
world today, and not just on one PrideFest Sunday or in one month of the year, or from one
source. Words or expressions or methods may
vary, but the idea is getting across everywhere
that not only is it okay for you to embrace your
gayness or Lesbianism, it's downright preferable
·,·/
to living a lie or living in the shadows (it's a good
thing, so good for you!).
This newsletter says Goodfor you, you're gay!
every month in a variety of ways. Other publications also say it to you over and over again.
Books - both novels and non-fiction - are saying
it. Movies and other television shows, besides
Ellen, say it all the time nowadays. 1v1usicsays it
loudly and proudly and with a variety of beats.
Bumper stickers say it; buttons and tee-shirt
slogans say it. Greeting cards say it. It's even
being said in the mainstream by politicos who
recognize
our Dower,
and 0)' advertisers who
',.
want our consumer dollars, and by straights who
recognize and celebrate with us our right to be.
But most importantly, people you know are
saying it to each other; maybe someone has said it
to you recently. (The actual sentence Good for you,
you're gay! may be surrounded by other things
like Well it's about time! or I always thought you
were ... , but that doesn't change the sentiment.)
I think it's a blessing to be living in these
times and to see the changes in attitudes that are
happening, both in our community and in t.li.e
world at large. It feels good to know I'm not alone
in who I am and that I can find support and
encouragement from friends and strangers alike.
Hearing Goodfor you, you're gay! is really
hearing Goodfor you, you know who you are and
you're rejoicing in who you are!
Goodfor you, you're gay! You're being true to
yourself and I admire that.
Those are beautiful words. And I don't think
we can ever hear them enough.
Who have you said them to lately?
-Mel White
99 Lesbian Milestones 99
Announcement
It should be duly noted and known
that Jennifer Eubanks and Didi Stipe
proclaim themselves to be
happily and eternally married
They have changed their names
to Jen and Didi Thomas-Savage
(which will become 'official'
Saturday, August 16th , 1997).
Congratulations and best wishesto you both!
(Tell us about your milestones, and we'll tell everyone else;
just drop us a postcard stating who and what.)
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
~~~-
~
For Lucky Lesbians born under the sign of
GEMINI {May 21 - June 20)
Astrology by Stacy Chandler
Good communication is your top priority.
Whether writing a letter or telling a tale,
you are very engaging.
Both he_mispheresof your brain
work in unison.
You are able to explain lofty concepts
like why the Universe was created,
without boring us to death.
Impart more of your wisdom, dear Sister;
we want to hear what you know.*
" Be warned: The views expressed above do not
necessarily reflect the aura of the cosmos!
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
Do You Have a Story To Tell?
For a change in your life, we invite
you to try: THE WISHING WELL.
~eaturas c:.irrcr.t members' selfdescriptions (listed by code), letters,
photos, resources, reviews, and
more. Introductory copy $5.00 ppd.
(discreet first class). A beautiful, ten-
der, lovingalternativeto "TheWellof
Loneliness:·Confidential,sensitive,
supportive,dignified.Verypersonal.
Reliablereputation,
established
1974.
Free, promptinformation.
Women
are writingand meetingeach
otherEVERYWHEREthrough:
g1,,e70uhing,70elL
P.O. Box 178440
San Diego CA 92177-8440.
(619) 270-2779
LOOKING our PRODUCTIONS
Greeting cards for "us"
(lesbian, women's, floral)
SASE & $1 to PO Box 66433,
Scotts Valley, CCA 95067
Starting this summer, we'd like to highlight a
couple of different kinds of stories in this newsletter, and we need your help. The two recurring
columns will tentatively be titled face Your Fear
and Finding Another Way. •
If you've looked fear in the eye and beat it, or
are trying to do so, write your story and send it to
us. It could be about facing the fear of cancer or
falling in love again or coming out to your parents
or asking someone for a dance or losing your job,
or??? Whatever your fear is, how you face it may
inspire someone else to face hers.
If you've run across one of life's little roadblocks (and who hasn't?), then you know what we
mean when we say "finding another way." If you
can't so something you love the way you used to
love to do it, and you've found another way to do
what you want to do, write it up and send it along.
Your creativity may inspire someone else.
Whoops!.
In last month's issue of LPN,I said there were RV
hook-ups available at the Michigan Womyn's Music
Festival in August. Cristi called to let me know that
there are RV spacesavailable, but no hook-ups.
My apologies to the festival and to anyone who's
plans may change because of my error. For information
on the festival, contact WWTMC, Box 22, Walhalla, MI
49458; 616-757-4766, or check out their new web site at
www .michfest.com.
- Mel
99June Affirmations:
There is much to learn in my journey through this life:
I welcome all lessons
with an open mind and an open heart.
Send us your favorite affirmations and we'll share them with everyone.
Lesbian and Gay Pride March/Solidarity
I march in solidarity with those who share my pride
Many years have passed since the first "Gay Power" rally that commemorated the
Stonewall Inn riots. Accounts vary about what actually happened when police raided the •
Greenwich Village gay bar the night of June 27, 1967, but historians have documented the
diversity of lesbians and gay men who participated in the several days of resistance. As I
join with others to commemorate that symbol of the lesbian and gay political action
movement; I celebrate the power we have in marching and working together.
With the amazing diversity among lesbians and gay men, it may seem at times that
we are many communities rather than a unified group. But I have much in common with
those who walk with me on this day of shared pride. When I find myself emphasizing our
differences, I remind myself of our commonalties: our humanness, our same-sex
orientation, our understanding of oppression, our need to belong to a larger community,
our -vision of liberation, and our pride in who we are as people. When lam willing to look
beyond how we are different to how we are similar, I find it easier to respect each person's
journey and affirm that all of us are needed for our continued progress and liberation.
Today, I feel pride in what my community has accomplished over the years since
Stonewall. Through our courage, our mutual empowerment, our tenaciousness, and our
willingness to continue envisioning better tomorrows for ourselves and others, we have
made a difference.
- Eleanor Ruth Wagner in Lavender Reflections
© 1995 Eleanor Ruth Wagner;
Used by permission
Published by Alamo Square Press
PO Box 14543
San Francisco, CA 94114
Reminder:
"Not Knowing"times are an essential part of the growing cycle ...
Trying to "figure it out" before it's time for knowing
. is exhausting, frustrating and gets in the way
of the ''beingin the process."
Talk lovinglyand gently to the frightened part of you
who's fearful of not having the answer now.
from Rememberings and Celebrations, a 64-card deck
of Loving Reminders of the Great Mother's Voice
available through Robyn Posin, © For the Little Ones Inside,
Box 725, Ojai, CA 93024 (805-646-4518)
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
I've--loo/ced,cu-~fronvbotlv~now
*
I guessI'vealwaysbeengay, eventhoughI didn'l
comeoutuntilI wasin college.I datedboysin high
schoolandwasmiserable.I'vehad crushesongirls
andfemaleteachers(andof coursecampcounselors!)
for as longas I canremember.
All thesignswerethere,
Ijust didn'lknowhowto readthem.But I do believeI
wasborngayanditjust tookawhilefor me to realizeit
andembraceit
...
*
It neveroccurredto me thatI wasgay untilI fellin
lovewithanotherwoman.I wasmarriedfor several
years,andfor a longtimeI thoughtwewerehappy
Aherwebrokeup I datedguysandhada darnedgood
time.ThenI fellin lovewitha womanandI'm happyto
be withherandI callmyselfgaynow,but therewereno
''clues"or "signs"thatI'm awareof,·I certainlyhavehad
no specialromanticfeelingsforgirlfriendsbefore.
No--one-carvt"elb yow~bed-way
for yowt"o--b-&
Yow ,n,ake, up your owrv m£nd abouc how yow wanr-t"o--b-&
your address label is circ
·meto renew your subscri
HAPPILYEVER AFTER
by
Stacy Chandler
$12 ppd.
SPECULATORS, INC.
P.O. Box 99038
Troy, MI 48099
ISBN 0-963918S-0-8
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DIRECT: (303) 331-4563
MOBILE! (303) 888-2203
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GOLDEN
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send a SASE
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See us at:
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The festival site is in the Mendocino Woodlands.
Registration includes gourmet meals, campfires, plant
walks, arts and crafts, natural healing, movement, psychic skills,
open air market, women's rituals, and relaxation. All programs are
led bi; festivalparticipants. All women and girls age 11 and older are
welcome. Girls younger than 18 must come with an adult. A part of
the camp is a Clean and Sober Area. Registration fees are $150$240 for women, $60 off for girls. For more information call
415-253-5719 or write Elderflower, P.O. Box 460790, San
Francisco, CA 94146-0790.Email:elderflower@sfbayguardian.com
5owySapp
•
Suggestions
forSuccessi
esbian
livin
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whlclvfor peopl,e,, full, of curd.or CUtd,
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PROGRESS IN THE MAINSTREAM
Going after Lesbian Business
Dear Savvy Sappho,
My lover's sister just made a pass at me. Should I
tell my lover?
Signed, Torn
Dear Torn:
It will depend on whether or not you are going to
leave your lover for her sister. If you spurned the
sister's advances, keep quiet. Blood is thicker that
water - you do not want to put yourself in the middle of
a family fight. If the sister continues to come on to you,
your lover will eventually see it and say something to
her.
-SS
Dear Savvy Sappho,
My girlfriend likes to experiment with different hair
colors. The chartreuse was jarring, and the puce was
provocative. How can I tell her to cool it with the colors?
Signed, Startled-Once-a-Month
Dear Startled:
Try to be positive: Revel in her indfvlcJtmlfty.Bring
along a scarf or a wig only when absolutely necessary
(like your grandmother's funeral). She wants to be
noticed; if you do not like a lot of attention, date
someone else.
-SS
Dear Savvy Sappho,
My lover's new sport is baseball. I find it tremendously boring, especially on TV. What can I do to show
my support without suffering through each and every
game?
Signed, Going Batty in Brooklyn
Progress can be measured in many different ways:
⇒
For the first time ever, a mainstream ad
appeared in the most recent issue of the long-time and
venerable Lesbian Connection (A Nationwide Forum of
News and Ideas For, By and About Lesbians). The ad was
for the Subaru Outback. In the ad the fact that Subaru
is a "Proud Founding Sponsor of the Rainbow
Endowment" (i.e. the Rainbow credit card Martina
Navratalova promotes) was also noted.
It's quite a jump to go from Chrysler, who withdrew their regular Ellen commercials because of the
Coming Out episode, to Subaru, who goes out of their
way to get Lesbian business.
Way to go, Subaru!
- Submitted by several readers
⇒ Although they don't use the words "gay" or
"lesbian," Nordstroms has started offering personalized sterling tags and charms through its mail order
catalog. The keepsakes are made of heavy-gauge
sterling silver and are personalized any way you want
them. In the catalog page ad, one charm is shown for
two girls and one is shown for two boys (and of course
there's also the requisite one for a boy and girl, single
girl, single boy, etc.). It's hard to tell if they are hoping
for lesbian/ gay business or just willing to have it, but
it's nice to have the option of letting Nordstroms know
how many same-sex charms may be in demand.
- Thanks to Stacy Chan"dlerfor sending this in.
Dear Going Batty:
Find out how long a game usually lasts. Be there
cheering with her during the first inning, then go and do
other things. Return for the tenth inning and continue to
cheer her on. The good news is that baseball is
seasonal ...you will not have to suffer continuously
forever.
- SS
This month's Sawy Sapphic Suggestions
by Stacy Chandler ©
PRIDEFEST '97
DENVER, COLORADO
Sunday, June 29, 1997
Parade: 10:00, departs from Cheeseman Park
Rally: Noon at Civic Center Park Amphitheater
Festival: 10:00 - 5:00 at Civic Center Park
For information call 303-831-6268 X18
1997 Stacy Chandler
If you have questions
that need some savvy Sapphic suggestions,
send them along to
Savvy Sappho, % Makaw,
PO Box 5812, Denver, CO 80217
PrideFest is an annual fund-raiser for the Gay, Lesbian
and Bisexual Community Center of Colorado,
to support vital community services.
Let us know about your PrideFest experience
this summer.
IN
THE
EASY
CHAIR
{Your "easy chair" might be a blanket on the beach or a
hammock in the woods, it might be a lawn chair in your backyard
or pillows in your family room. Whatever and wherever it is, it's a
place you enjoy being, usually with a good book. Music is good to
enjoy 111your easy chair too...either with your eyes closed {unless
your "music chair" is the driver's seat in your car, then keep
those eyes open/) or while you're doing something else {like
reading or writing). With that in mind, consider:
WE THE PEOPLE
by Sandy Rapp
I was unfamiliar with Sandy Rapp's work until she
sent me her cd WE THE PEOPLE. I gave it a listen and
want to pass it on to you that this is a good one to get
you in the mood to celebrate PrideFest this month (and
maybe for celebrating your continuing pride and feminism any other month of the year); there's even a song
entitled Everyone Was at Stonewall. Sandy wrote all of
the songs on the album, and I'm guessing she arranged and produced them as well. It's not a slick, overlyproduced album, and I like that. I also enjoyed her
rang,~of political issues and catchy lyrics, covering
such things as a;1ode tc; (a future) Presid1::ntBeiia
Abzug, a reminder to Pat Robertson and Lou Sullivan
that 10% of televangelists and Republicans are gay,
and a reminder that " ... the Post Office which in those
days screened our mail. .. [now] has cast a stamp in the
image of us all for the old Stonewall."
- Mel
If you have a favorite book or publication or album/tape/ cd, let
us know so we can pass it on to everyone else.
LA \/ENDER REFLECTIONS by Eleanor Ruth Wagner
A book of affirmations for lesbians and gay men.
Meditations & quotations with photos & holiday entries.
Great gift for yourself and for those you love.
Personally autographed by request; $10.95 ppd from author:
PO Box 24716, Edina, MN 55424
SEA GNOMES HOME
Coastal Maine - Rooms for Womyn
Boat, Hike, Rest
MC/VISA accepted; send for brochure
PO Box 33 LP, Stonington, Maine 04681
207-367-5076
Do You Know About ... ?
Midwest Wimmin's Crafter's and Quilter's Festival
Lake of the Ozarks State Park - a site new to
many of us but near the site of previous gatherings will be the site of our annual retreat.
A continuation of the Midwest Wimmin' s Festival
(now a couple of decades old), we have our roots in the
feminism and activism of the 70s. When we gather as a
community we make efforts to leave behind the
oppressions of the patriarchy and to eliminate ableism,
raceism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, fat oppression,
and scented products. As a group we have a herstory
of trying to be pro-environment; we enjoy simple
vegetarian meals, homegrown entertainment, learntogethers, a wide variety of wimmin' s crafts and
needlework, and of course the fun of just being
together.
This is a do-it-yourself festival, and everyone
contributes to making it happen. Your contribution
may be anything you choose, from camp set up to
offering a learn-together workshop to clean up. Let us
know your ideas and abilities. All women, womyn,
womoon (women-born women only, please), and
children (boys under the age of 4) are welcome.
For more information or to register (register early,
even if you can't pay yet, as camp sites are limited):
MWCQF or Festival
POBox112
St. Paul, AR 72760
Do You Know About ... ?
Sappho Lesbian Witchcamp
You are invited to the 6th Annual SapphoLesbian
Witchcamp June 30 - July 5, in British Columbia,
Canada. Sappho is a residential week-long gathering of
lesbians and lesbian-positive women, workshops,
artisan's marketplace, rituals, singing, drumming,
great food (mostly vegetarian), and the opportunity to
learn and deepen our knowledge and experience of
women's spirituality. Days and evenings are full, but
there's also plenty of time to play, swim, canoe, rest,
and renew old friendships and make new ones.
For more information or to register, send 2 selfaddressed stamped envelopes (outside of Canada send
the 2 SASEs plus $2 US) to:
Sappho
Box 21510, 1850 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A0
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
"I keep n1:Yide.a.4-; ~i,vv~u;e,ofe>ve,y~
I }t"Jl, ~e,that-people,
ewe, really ff<)Od,ar
hea.-vt.''
- A n.,ne, F.,-Ct.,t'\]v
Lesbian Paradise: HIGHLANDS INN
20 charming rooms, 100 acres,
pool, hot tub, hiking/skiing trails,
peace and privacy.
Box 118LP,Bethlehem, NH 03574
603-869-3978
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
8.. ANNUAL~
WR'CHCAMP,
SliMll&R1911,Vancouver,
BC, send SAE aid $1 PO Box 21510, 1850 Commerdal.
Vm'1COI.Mlr,
BC Canada VM'f 4AO(804-~l189
MldWNt WIINnln's Cratbtr's and Qlllhrs
F..Uval, JliM 27-29,
campClover Point, Lake of the Ozarks, MWCQF,PO Box 112, St.
Pa,ul,
AR 72780
..
.
2J!1d
MICHIGANWOMYN'S MUSIC FESTIVAL.Aug 12-17
WWTMC,PO Box 22, Walhalla, Ml 49458; 616-757-"786
ELDERFLOWER
WOMENSPIRITFESTIVAL,AUG 14-17
Elderftowet,PO Box480790,San Franc:ilco,CA 94148-0790
415-.253-5719
OHIO LESBIAN
~ tam• 11Pffl
LesbianBusiness Association,PO Box 82086, Columbus,OH
43202, 614-267-3953
WOMEN'S SACR!D JOUtlNIY TC>
IRELAND,SEPT 11-0CT 1,
Sculds and Furies, PO Box 21510, 1850 CommercialOt,
Vancouver BC Canada V5N 4A0 (with SASE or SAE + $1)
HEALING
OURSELVES,
HEALING
THEPLANET(A Gathering of
Wisdom), SEPT 18-21, TlbuRJnl.adge, CA; lntemltional Council of
Cn>nes ■nd-Glandrnothere, PO - 8t84. Berkeley. CA 94707;
51()-874-4935;~.com
.--r
- I
Ma/cawPress I'""--..._
PO Box 5812 I · Denver.co 80217
Phone: 303-286-8533
email: MomlngfandOmsn.com
Makaw
PO Box6812
Denver, CO 80217
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
bel·ctrcle
etoren