TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v9.no7.1998.07.pdf
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Property of the Centu
Triangle Community Center
~
TT~Free to Members and Subscribers
VI
MANY HEARTS • • •
TRIANGL
Vol.9, No.7
July 1998
ONE COMMUNITY
TCC rnnu,our rRIERDRAIIER!
JOIN US for another TCC
FABULOUS
FRIENDRAISER!
onSaturday,July25, 1998
from 5- 8 PM. We'll be at
the home of John Wallace,
12 Cleveland Rd. in New
Haven. Donations to TCC
in any amount will be
appreciated. BYOB.
Come!
Our
Guests
Directions:From 1:95 -North to Exit43. L-eft
offof exitto Route 122/CampbellAve. (West
Haven). Follow 122 east- past Route 1, past
Route 34. Second right after Route 34 is
Cleveland Road - House is 2nd from end on
right (white with green shutters).
Directions: From Parkway- Route 15 north
to Exit 57 (Route 34). Go east on Route 34
until the intersection with Route 122. Turn
lefton to Route 122. SecondrightisCleveland
Rd. - House is second to last house on right
(white with green shutters) .. Lost? Call 38973 81 for directions.
Lesbian Lit Group
For their August discussion, the Lesbian Literature Group has chosen a novel by Diane
Wood Middlebrook entitled "Suits Me - The Double Life of Billy Tipton." This is the
biography of Dorothy (Billy) Tipton, a female jazz musician in a male only profession. Her
desire to perform professionally became so great that in 1933, at the age of 19, she reinvented herself as Billy Tipton, a male jazz musician. And it wasn' t until h er funeral, 55
years and three wives later, that her secret was revealed.
"Suits Me" was published in 1998 by Houghton Mifflin books. Because it is a new book, it
is sold in hardcover only. Copies of "Suits Me" are available at local bookstores and
Bloodroot (203) 576-9168. For more info call Christine at 847-8476. The Lesbian Literature
Group meets the first Tuesday of each month at TCC starting at 7:30 PM.
Visit our Web Site at:
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Welcome to the Center
http://member.ao1/TCCenter/
July 1998
Reasons you have not attended any of the
Triangle Community Center's Women's Softball games:
1. I didn ' t know that TCC had a softball team. (Yes, they do.)
2. I didn't know that they played locally.
(Yes, they do.)
3. I didn't know they welcomed spectators.
(Yes, they do.)
4. I didn't know their schedule.
(Yes, you do.)
TCC Women's Softball Schedule:
Tuesday, July 7 - The field at Calf s Pasture in Norwalk, 9
Thursday, July 16 - The field at Ponus Ridge Middle School, 6
Thursday, July 23 - The field at Ponus Ridge Middle School, 6
Tuesday, July 28 - The field at Calf s Pasture in Norwalk, 9
Tuesday, Aug 4 - The field at Calf s Pasture in Norwalk, 7:45
Thursday, Aug 6 - The field at Ponus Ridge Middle School, 6
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
Pagel
T NEWS & VIEWS
Pride News
Splinters from the Board
CA - Painting the Hill Pink
I read a morning meditation by Chris
GlaserinTheWordisOUT.Chriswas ~ '
•
given a business card on the back of
which was a rubber stamp imprint of a
goose. When he asked why, he was told
that it symbolized team work. When the geese
fly in their V - formation, if the leader tires s / he drops
back to the end, and a new leader moves up. If a goose
is injured, two healthy geese fly low with it to help it
get back to the formation. When a second flock comes
in contact with the first, the two flocks merge, forming one larger single V rather than compete with one
another. These actions offer a positive approach to
the shared burden of a community.
The Friends of the Pink Triangle, who place a pink triangle atop Twin Peaks for the
Lesbian and Gay Pride Freedom Day parade, say that this year's icon will be 120 feet
across, twice as big as the old one. Money for the new one came from the mayor's
Promotion Fund of Grants for the Arts, part of the hotel tax fund.
I have heard it stated that the gay and lesbian community is not a real community because of its diversity of views, ethnicity and gender. However, unlike
geese, human communities form by the conscious
effort of individuals to come together with a common
goal or purpose.
Today, sadly, that sense of community is missing at
the Triangle Center. The membership is slowly diminishing. The meetings that are offered are often
sparsely attended. The number of people in the
community (not just members, but all of us within
the community) who participate in the Center's purpose of extending a warm and welcoming hand to
everyone who is lesbian, gay, transgendered, or bisexual, is shrinking.
Some of us honk that the Center does not offer
enough to our community - meaning the "Center"
doesn't sponsor and run events that we enjoy or are
entertained by. Some of us honk that the Center is run
by a "clique" of exclusive members - meaning we
may feel excluded from our community. Some of us
honk that we are too busy to participate in Center
and/ or community events - meaning we are too
closeted, shy or selfish to give back to our conununity.
When we honk, we are like geese on the ground noisy and nasty, and soon burnt out. When we work
together, we are like geese flying- a beautiful miracle
of nature. Like geese aground, the Center is about to
burn out. It's time for us to fly again. Look for an
upcoming announcement of a new Town Meeting to
re-launchthecommunityintheCenter. -John Wallace
Sportsters Needed
For a story I am doing on sports in the gay conununity, I need to talkwithgaymenandlesbians who are
involved in gay sports teams or leagues. This can be
team sports (soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball,
rugby, etc.) or individual (running, swimming, etc.).
Of course, I'm on deadline! Any help would be
appreciated-please contact me ASAP: Dan Woog dwoog@optonline.net or naddy@aol.com - Phone:
(203) 227-1755- Fax: (203) 227-3035.
July 1998
CA - 3,000 Attend Simi's 1st Festival
With events running the gamut from impassioned public speakers to competing
drag queens, the county's first Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival took place in Simi
Valley as thousands showed up from across Southern California to celebrate with
food, music, dancing and fun.
Held on a wide, grassy expanse near the intersection of Los Angeles A venue and
Tapo Canyon Road, the festival drew more than 3,000 people, both gay and straight,
with some from as far away as San Diego, Simi Valley police said. Though the event
also attracted about 30 protesters from some local churches, the demonstrations
were peaceful and police reported no incidents.
CA - Elementary Pride - Michael P. Ellard
In June, I was invited to a band event that was unlike any band event I'd ever
played at before. The Clarendon Elementary School in San Francisco was having a
gay pride event, and they wanted the San Francisco Lesbian/ Gay Freedom Band to
come and play. Entering the school grounds, I was spied by a group of boys who
began to shout to me. "Play something!" "Play your horn!" I played a quick
arpeggio, and they became more excited. "Play 'Mary Had a Little Lamb!"' I played
and they were awed. Inside, the parents and teachers were no less welcoming
At the pride assembly, the kids loved us. They clapped along with us, counted us
in at the beginning of one of our pieces, and even danced when allowed to do so.
We were whisked on and off stage between various other gay and lesbian performers and more San Francisco politicians than you can shake a stick at. The mayor had
come and gone before we got there, but two city supervisors and the city treasurer
came to visit us while we were in our well-stocked dressing room.
For me, the best part of the whole day occurred when the city treasurer got up to
address the kids. "Do you know what today is?" she asked. "Gay Pride Day"
answered several hundred elementary school voices in unison. Backstage, my jaw
dropped. If I had had any doubt as to whether the kids understood what was going
on, I could doubt no more. Those kids were celebrating gay pride day, and they were
loving it. Clearly, these kids live in a universe which I simply could not have
imagined when I was growing up. The universe has changed, and changed for the
better.
[Ed. Note: Thanks to Denny Burke for submitting this article.}
DC - Gay Festival Entertains
A flowing, joyous cacophony punctuated Washington's annual Capital Pride
Festival on June 7, a river of attitude and good vibrations that mixed and matched
the ordinary with the outlandish. The drag queens inspired whistles and cheers, as
they always do. Miss Gay Dreamgirl was a man and so were the mermaids in
sequined fish skin.
The parade emptied in a closed-off Pennsylvania Avenue to a grand boulevard
packed with tens of thousands of people. Countless same-sex couples stood handin-hand, sipping brunch-time mimosas and lattes as the parade passed. Untold
numbers more strolled later with friends or partied in groups as bands rocked and
bladers rolled. In the mood sweepstakes, up defeated down, no contest.
Politicians marched, this being an election year. So did Catholic gays, followed by
Lutherans in Pride and a Mormon gay group. Supportive parents and friends
marched. Some marchers carried a quilt in memory of friends who died of
complications from AIDS. Amid more commonplace displays, the Lesbian Avengers, pere1rnial favorites, seemed almost retrograde in their defiance as they waved
flags painted with a picture of a time bomb.
Page2
T ~EWS & VIEWS
IA- Cedar Rapids Debuts Pridefest
NJ - Gays More Upbeat
June marks the first public observance of Gay Pride Month in Cedar Rapids,
Iowa. More than 20 community organizations were involved in the celebration, which ran for three days. Events included a Men's Health Night which
offered health and nutritional advice, free tests for HIV, and wellness
information targeted at gay and bisexual men; the photo exhibit "Love
Makes A Family" and a free showing of "The Celluloid Closet," a critically
acclaimed documentary about gays and lesbians in the film industry. The
highlight of Gay Pride Month in Cedar Rapids was PrideFest with booths
offering food, drinks, information, books, music and art. A stage featured
music and entertainment, as well as community leaders, who spoke in
support of diversity and tolerance.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Celebration was held on June 7th in Asbury Park. For the past seven
years, Jersey Pride Inc., a statewide group based in New
Brunswick, has hosted the gathering. Forty groups-from
gay motorcyclists to canoeists to parents-paraded to the
boardwalk before joining a festive" pride rally" in the park.
IN - Pridefest Celebrates Diversity
PrideFest, the annual gay and lesbian event, now in its 18th year, drew
thousands of people to the Downtown plaza in Indianapolis. Some lounged
on the grass in the shade. Others sunbathed. Most took at least one lap
around the plaza, checking out the 82 booths. One goal of the event is to
remind people of the diversity that exists in this city.
A stroll past the booths also showed a range of interests. Exotic leather goods
were on as well as books of lesbian love stories next to those featuring
practical financial and legal advice for same-sex couples. Booths that sold
baseball caps with rainbow-flag logos also sold bumper stickers with general-interest humor. Other booths were for groups that help gays and
lesbians cope with the world, and vice versa.
MA - Boston Pride Survives Downpour
Despite a steady rain which led the Boston Pride Committee to postpone its
official parade and festival yesterday, a few hundred determined revelers
marched down Boylston Street, wielding umbrellas and dodging puddles. A
collection of brightly-colored umbrellas formed an awning over the marchers as they inched down the street behind two makeshift floats, one truck
blaring some high-energy dance music that prompted some to dance in the
street. Three motorcycles revved through the crowd, and a group of high
school-age marchers giddily pounced on the puddles. Police held traffic on
the street to let marchers through and did not try to halt the unofficial parade
or the celebration on the Boston Common afterwards. Last year the parade
drew 220,000 people and 109 registered groups, Taylor said. This year, 170
groups had signed up to participate. The official parade and festival will be
rescheduled for either June 27 or July 11.
Ml - Pride Event Emphasizes Families
Allowing same-sex marriages isn't just about legal rights, it's also about
creating family, a national marriage rights activist said. Craig Dean was the
keynote speaker for the 11th am1Ual West Michigan Lesbian, Gay and
Bisexual Pride celebration. He told participants that they must work to not
only extinguish society's hatred of gays and lesbians, but also the selfloathing they carry within themselves.
Dean's comments about family played into the day's theme, "West Michigan
Family Reunion 1998." The event included a blend of politics and entertainment, which was a key focus of first-year organizer Daniel Gale. Gale wanted
to make sure this year's event emphasized concerns about gay youth,
including the rate of suicide among that population segment. He also wanted
to ensure AIDS education was available and that people become politica~ly
aware. Entertainment included music, the Grand River Squares - a squaredancing group that has performed at the event every year - and stand-up
comedian Karen Ripley.
Participants watched from blankets and lawn chairs. Meanwhile, many
shopped at booths offering items such as clothes and jewelry or educational
materials. Organizers say they were pleased with the turnout. The new
president of the Lesbian and Gay Community Network of Western Michigan
called it the largest gathering ever, with some 45 different organizations
participating.
July 1998
The day was free of conflicts and subtle discrimination that
some attending said was part of gay life. Lodi residents
Chris Dunn and Jason Rheil used the festival to advertise a
new newspaper targeted at gay youths and their friends.
The initiative is a way of suicide among gay teens and
violence against gays, Rheil said. "What we want to do is
make saying Tm gay' as acceptable as saying 'I'm lefthanded,'" said Rheil. That kind of acceptance flourished in
the sunny, windy weather. Neighbors along Sunset Lake
flew the rainbow gay pride flag in support while others
seemed oblivious to the activities as they tended to their
yards.
TX - Dallas Pride Celebrates 20 Years
Twenty years ago, a dozen or so guys chipped in a little
money, rented a hall and put on a dance. After the dance
was over, the hosts realized they'd accidentally made a
small profit, so they donated the money to the forerunner
of the Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance, and a fund-raiser
was born. Two decades, hundreds of volunteers and millions of dollars later, Razzle Dazzle Dallas is one of the
city's major fund-raisers for AIDS services, bringing thousands of people out to celebrate gay pride in a street fair .
The outdoor party, now includes a casino, a bazaar, food
and drink areas, and, of course, dancing. Hundreds of
people descended on the area almost as soon as the sun set,
taking full advantage of a cool evening after a severe heat
wave.
Razzle also has a year-round program that provides airfare
for people with AIDS who want to visit their families for
holidays, weddings or other milestones. The first Razzle
was held as part of Gay Pride events that go on nationwide
around June. By 1978, Dallas had had a few Pride events,
including a small parade, but nothing sufficiently festive,
said Razzle co-founder Dick Weaver. But the main event
remains the June party, which now attracts up to 10,000
people and raises $50,000 to $100,000 a year. This year's
$33,000 Razzle budget has been almost totally funded by
sponsors, freeing up most of the gate proceeds for the
beneficiaries.
UT - Gay Pride Goes On Parade
The annual Gay Pride parade in Salt Lake City swelled to
about 3,000, all of whom wound up partying at the CityCounty Building, where eventually an estimated 15,000
joined the celebration. Were they lured by the strutting
cross-dressers or the leather-clad men from the Uniform
Leather Club of Utah or the Utah Gay Rodeo Association
members trotting their steeds? The floats, the playful nature of the paraders and beautiful, cool weather all contributed to a day to share messages from hope to satire and
spiritual matters. The theme for this year's celebration was
"diversity and acceptance." Two motorcycle officers from
the Salt Lake City Police Department said those words held
true.
Page3
T NEWS & VIEWS
{Jtj Cyber News
Magazine Rates Durham Best
A national magazine for gays and lesbians has rated Durham among the nation's 10
best cities for homosexuals to live. The article in the June issue of" Out" dubs Durham
"the college town" and praises it for an" atmosphere of tolerance usually associated
with big cities." Listed as Durham's highlights are Manbites Dog Theater, which
holds an annual "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" festival; the county library, which publishes
lesbian and gay bibliographies; the Durham Dragons, a women's fastpitch softball
team; and the fact that old Southern houses can still be purchased for less than
$100,000. Other cities on the list were New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles,
Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio.
McNally's Canceled Play May Be Staged
Several theaters have come forward with offers to stage a play about13 gay men who
meet to enact the story of Jesus after the Manhattan Theater Club canceled its
production, said the play' s author, Terrence McNally. McNally said in an interview
that he had bitterly opposed the decision by the theater club, which cited anonymous
death threats. He said he was considering the proposals, which could conceivably
stage the play soon. The Williamstown Theater Festival in northwest Massachusetts,
one of the nation's leading summer theaters, offered to produce the play in its 1999
season.
The Manhattan Theater Club's two top administrators said this week that they had
canceled the play after receiving threats to burn down the theater, kill its staff and
"exterminate" McNally. At the same time, protests against the cancellation continued, with the National Coalition Against Censorship, based in New York City,
calling on the theater club, one of the city's leading incubators of Off Broadway and
Broadway drama, to reinstate its plans to produce the McNally play this fall.
11
A New Brain"
By the time this goes to press, it will be too late to catch a wonderful production (the
first in Connecticut) of Terrence McNally's "Love! Valour! Compassion!" by
Theaterworks in New Milford. The last performance was June 27th. But it may not
be too late to see" A New Brain," the newest musical by William Film, best known
for his Falsettos trio of one-act musicals. This limited run ends August 2nd, presumably because the star, Malcolm Gets, goes back to Hollywood to start another season
of Caroline in the City. A stellar cast with magnificent voices headed up by Gets,
sends Finn's melodies soaring. The plot if that is important, revolves around Finn's
real life story of finding out he had a potentially fatal brain anomaly and the
subsequent response by him and those nearest and dearest to him, of the possible
consequences of the brain surgery needed to save his life. Even in preview the cast
was polished and splendid, but if the critics love the show as much as I did the 250
seat theater (the Mitzi Newhouse, at Lincoln Center) is going to fill up fast.
Seggerman
Zebra'z is Largest Gay Catalog Supplier
The world's largest lesbian and gay mail-order department is in San Antonio, tucked
away on a tree-shaded block of East Euclid Avenue, where it produces more than $1
million in revenues each year. "Our forerunner, Shocking Gray, was the world's first
and only lesbian and gay mail-order business when they opened in 1991," said Glenn
Chase, president of ZEBRA' z. Shocking Gray filed for bankruptcy in 1995. Chase and
several other investors have since taken over and operate the business and showroom.
The store draws visitors from across the country and a few international customers.
Every inch of the 800- square-foot showroom is filled with rainbow candles, flags,
clothing, books, videos, greeting cards and jewelry. "One of our best sellers is the
same-sex marriage cake-topper," said Chase. He explained the individual bride and
grooms come in a variety of ethnic backgrounds and added interracial" commitment
ceremonies" are popular in San Antonio.
"It's a growing business," Chase said. "Last week we shipped to Norway and Spain.
Here in the United States, a large portion of our business are rural orders . We
currently offer 5,000 items in our catalog and Web site," said Chase. "We mail about
600,000 catalogs every year. We hope to double that in the near future."
July 1998
New Haven Center Web Site
Has Moved
The New Haven Gay & Lesbian Community
Center's (NHGLCC) web site has moved to a new
location, and can be found at: http:/ /www.iout.com/ nhglcc The move, according to NHGLCC
Web Master Alexander Garbera, "was due to the
kind offer of New Mass Media to host our site."
New Mass Media, publishers of the Advocate
Weekly Newspapers, wants to be responsive to
their glbt readers, and help them keep in touch with
what is going on and each other. The new location
is partinsideOut(http:/ /www.i-out.com), the gay/
lesbian/bisexual/ transgender web site. Visitors
can find a variety of glbt resources at this site,
including links to other popular local sites as well as
a link to Inside Out's guide to Provincetown (http:/
/www.ptownguide.com/ ).
Scotland - Church is Online
with Gay Weddings
A Scottish Church has gone on the Internet to
advertise homosexual, bisexual and transgendered
weddings. The Holy Trinity Metropolitan Community Church in Edinburgh is the first in Scotland to
offer religious blessings to same-sex couples. Its
Web page says: "We offer relationship blessings to
couples irrespective of gender identification or sexuality." The Church claims in its advertising that
"some of the earliest recorded Christian marriages
were between people of the same gender".
It includes in its rites and sacraments Holy Union
and Holy Matrimony for people of the same gender
and argues that the Old Testament has been misinterpreted. Stephen Harte, treasurer of the Church
said: "We request that people go to counseling and
that they attend two services at the church before
the blessing . . . We have not done much in the way
of public advertising until now but we officiate
between four and five blessings a year." The Church
wants to see homosexual marriages legalized in
Britain as they are in Denmark.
ru
r Trivia Question
Answer to June
• Iris Love is an archeologist who identified a long lost statue of Aphrodite, the
Greek goddess of love.
Question for July
- What name do two gay Englishmen
share? One is a 16th century philosopher/scientist and the other is a 20th
century artist known for his gruesome
portraits.
Page4
T NEWS & VIEWS
Connecticut News
Gay Marriage in Conn.
Living Positively! in New Haven
As for gay marriage, why not just tie your own knot,
without the state's stamp of approval, and be happy?
Because of cases like that of Baby Z. The consequences of
a homosexual union outside the realm of law suddenly
become stark. And the would-be benefits of a statesanctioned gay family also become clear. Without the
legal license so many gay couples now seek, and are
routinely denied, who ultimately suffers? The kids.
The Living Positively! Support groups are changing their meeting time and
location, and starting in July of 1998 will be meeting on Thursdays, starting at
8:00pm, at the New Haven Gay & Lesbian Community Center. Founded in 1990
by a group of long term survivors of HIV/ AIDS, Living Positively! is based on
the 12 suggested steps and traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. These steps
have been adapted by the group for living with HIV/ AIDS, and membership
in any other 12 step program is not required. Living Positively! will continue to
run two groups. One group is for persons living with HIV/ AIDS, and the other
concurrent meeting for their friends, family, and significant others. For more
information about the day, location, and time change or about Living Positively! please call Peter at (203) 248-5057.
Baby Z was born to a lesbian couple in Connecticut
through artificial insemination. But only one of his two
moms-the one who carried him in her body-is legally his
parent. The other mother wants to adopt him, but the
courts have said no, not unless his biological mother
gives up her parental rights. Baby Z, under current
adoption laws, isn't technically "free" to be adopted.
Were his two parents legally married, though, he would
be. Those same adoption laws include special provisions
for stepparents to adopt their spouses' biological offspring. Baby Z is relegated to a familial limbo, simply
because the state-and society-won't recognize his parents as a legitimate couple.
It has lately become fashionable to navigate the thicket of
child custody disputes by using" the best interest of the
child" as a singular guide. Is it in Baby Z's best interest,
then, to have the community at large refuse to recognize
his family unit as "exemplary" -the term used by a Yale
professor who conducted a home study for the courts? If
his biological mom were to die, is it right for this child to
be left a legal orphan, his status to be decided by a
probate court? The best interest of the child? If that's
what we really do care most about, the answer to Baby
Z' s dilemma is as simple as the case is currently complex:
Recognize his two mothers' union as committed, loving,
stable-and legal.
State Guides Approved
The state Board of Education has approved new sex
education guidelines for public schools including suggested framework for lessons dealing with AIDS, puberty and homosexuality. The board, in a 5-0 vote had no
comment on the decision, but five parents and a minister
told the board they opposed the mention of homosexuality in the schools. Education Department spokesman
Tom Murphy said the only reference to homosexuality
in the guidelines is an item that teaches students to
respect others' sexual orientations.
The guidelines are a compromise reached after months
of debate over what is appropriate to teach about sex in
kindergarten through high school and how much input
parents should have into their children's sex education.
The framework is merely a suggestion for local school
districts. Communities decide whether they want to use
them. The compromise includes, a state law that requires
students to learn about AIDS prevention and demonsh·ate respect for others without bias or harassment
based on race, sex, religion, national origin or sexual
orientation. The guidelines also emphasize that parents
must be allowed to keep their children out of sex education classes.
July 1998
W. Hartford Defines 1 Family'
Harriet Elish gets her health insurance from the town of West Hartford where
her partner is an employee. But the gay couple doesn't qualify for the significantly cheaper family rate at the town's public pool. That's because even though
West Hartford is one of the few communities in the state giving employees and
their same-sex partners health benefits, the town declined this week to take the
leap toward offering similar treatment to its residents. The Republican-controlled tnwn council Tuesday reduced the cost of individual membership, but
denied unmarried couples living together the right to pay a discounted "family
rate." West Hartford's dilemma-laid bare when 100 angry residents hurled insults
and then stormed out of the meeting-was a stark example of a Connecticut town
struggling to define the term family in an era of rapidly shifting social practices.
The issue, which has been addressed by private businesses botl1 locally and
nationally as well as by some municipalities throughout the U.S., is just
beginning to emerge in Connecticut. And there is little rhyme or reason to how
local communities resolve such questions. In Mansfield and Hartford, for
example, some benefits have been extended to local government employees
and their" domestic parh1ers" -gays, lesbians or unmarried heterosexuals. The
majority of towns and cities, however, make no such concession. And when it
comes to deciding how residents should pay for town services, communities
statewide have vastly different ways of defining a family unit. In Windsor, a
family includes "not more than five [people] ... living and cooking together in
the same dwelling." In Middletown, if you tell the recreation department you' re
a family, you're a family, no questions asked ....
Extending benefits to domestic partners has been debated across the country,
with companies like IBM, Apple, Bank of America, Disney and Warner Bros.
coming out as leaders in providing such benefits. Locally, several corporate
employers offer same-sex couples health benefits, including Yale University
and The Courant. But few local municipalities offer such benefits to employees,
said Kevin Maloney, a spokesman for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Joseph Grabarz, executive director of the Connecticut Civil Liberties
Union, said the issue is not about redefining families, but about equal rights.
"No one was asking any council member to approve of a lifestyle, whether it's
divorce or being gay or being a single parent," Grabarz said. "What they were
asking for was equal treatment and that does not necessarily mean approval."
Sources
B,mkBoslon - Business\Virt-, Jun(' 11, 1998
Bu.trJ Approws - Tiu.· AJvocdll', Junt" 18, 1998
C'.\ - 3,000 AttenJ - LA Times, Junl' I, I 998
(. '.\ - Elenwnl.u-y - Bt"rkdey M.tcintosh Le-sLi,m & G.iy
CA - On .t Sour - Los Ang,·k·s Times, June 7, 1998
CA - P.tinting - S,111 Fr,mc-isco Chronicle, June 12, 1998
CO - G.ty P.tlimony - Denver Post, June 5, 1998
DC - G.ty Festiv.tl - \V.tshington Post, June 8, 1998
DC - Th.tnks, Mr. \V.tshington Post, June 8, 1998
Disllt')' G.ty D.ty- Orl.tndo Sentine-1, June 7, 1998
FL - G.ty Couplt''s - Orl.tnJo Sentinel, Jun(" I 3, 1998
G.ty M.trri.tgt' - H.trtforJ Cour.tnt, Jun(' 5, 1998
Gay Wc<l<lings - D.tily Td1.:gr.tph, June 8, 1998
Ii\ - G . ·J.tr R.tpiJs - CeJ.tr R.tpiJs G.tzelle, June 9, 1998
IN - PriJeFest- ln<li.tn.ipolis St.tr News, June 14, 1998
Lou S.tys G.tys - The AJvoc.tlt', Junt~ 16, 1998
MA - Boston Pride - Boston Glohe, June 14, 1998
MA - H.ttv.trd - l-I.ttv.trd Crimson, June 4, I 998
McN;illy's C.mcelt"d - NY Times, .\1.ty 28, I 998
ME - G.ty Righl'i - Portl.tnd Prt'ss Ht'r.tld, Junt' 4, I 998
.M I - Pride Event - Gr.tnd R.t1Jids Press, June 14, 1998
NC - R.tlly - Hendersonville Times News, Junc- 7, 1998
NJ - G•ys - Asbury P•rk Press, June 8, 1998
NY - Equ•lity for Gays - The D•ily Gazette, June 2, 1998
NY - G•y W•II - The W•II Street Journ•I, M•i· 29, 1998
Queer Bt'er - SF Chronicle, June 3, 1998
S.tilor to Retire - Honolulu Her.tld, Junt" 12, I 998
St..tmford AIDS - The Advoc.tte, June 9, I 998
TX - D.tll.ts Pride - D.tll.ts Morning Nt'ws, June 7, J 998
TX - Pride - S.tn Antonio Express-News, Junt" 14, J 998
UT - G.ty Pri<lt' - Salt Ltke Trilmne, June 15, 1998
\V. H.trtfor<l Defines - H.trtford Cour.tnl, June 12, 199
ZEBRA'z - S.tn Antonio Exprt'ss, June 12, 1998
Page5
T NEWS 4 VIEWS
Transgener News
-
National News
SUM ...SUM ... SUMMERTIME! ! ! !
Stamford AIDS Doctor Mixes Hope & Caution
by Denise Mason for "the connecticuT View"
Transvestite Club, P.O. Box 2281, Devon CT
06460
Though it is nottotally effective in blocking the transmission of HIV, two local AIDS experts said
they support testing of a new AIDS vaccine in humans. Stamford AIDS specialist Dr. Gary Blick,
who has worked on the development of a similar vaccine, said human testing of a potential
vaccine does not have to guarantee immunity to be valuable. A California company announced
last week the US Food and Drug Administration had approved the world's first full-scale test
of a vaccine.
I think there's a song that goes something like
that. Well, for the' connecticuT View' its time
for the newsletter editor, Denise Mason, to
take the summer off and not pound the keys,
wield the scissors or stick on stamps and address the monthly newsletter ..
Despite not having a summer newsletter, the
club is still interested in having a Golf Tournament and Family style picnic with their significant others, of course in DRAB (sic). Several
members have already expressed interest in
both activities, but to date '6/4/98' we don't
have a place or date where we will hold these
summer events. I suggest anyone wanting to
participate along with us, write me at
masond@aol.com. for up to date information.
Along with this, I recently read that INVESTMENTS the TG club of Cape Cod is looking for
other club involvement's (sic). I have already
written to them and have indicated our clubs
(sic) support. I think it would be super to have
clubs interact in each others activities.
Last year, Nov.'97, INVESTMENT girls attended our "Female Impersonation" Show
where we raised $3125 for the Co1rnecticut
Children's Medical Center. Though there were
8 of them in attendance, due to the energy and
excitement of the evening we of the cTView
couldn't properly interact with the Cape Cod
girls andS.O.s (sic) If time is set aside for a joint
event, possibly we can get to know one another better. I know several cTView members
are planning on attending an INVESTMENTS
"Pool Party", and I am pushing for a caravan
of us going to their December Xmas party. I've
also written to the SUNSHINE club of Upper
MA and sort of invited us to attend their
August picnic. Of course all these clubs are
invited to our events, if and when we can get
a handle on the date and place.
As most of you know the" com1ecticuT View"
TV club is a member of Renaissance and its 8
Chapters and 14 Affiliate clubs. Renaissance
has changed its name to reflect on their involvement with such a large community by
renaming their newsletter to Renaissance Community New & Views, and a promise to include more information from each Chapter
and Affiliate club.
While I've got your ear. ..is there anyone who
knows of a nice hall, or restaurant where we
can present our 2nd Am1ual Female Impersonation Show and Benefit for Pediatric AIDS. If
anyone knows of such a place, please e-mail
me. Thanks, Hugs, Denise masonD@aol.com
July 1998
"If it could save 30 percent of people who might otherwise be infected, this would be a great
advance," said Blick, who has treated hundreds of patients and has been involved in the study
of protease inhibitors, a breakthrough AIDS treatment But Blick said he is only "cautiously
optimistic" about the vaccine's ability to protect a substantial portion of the population. Since
no vaccine is 100 percent effective some experts are reluctant to conduct full-scale tests of the
AIDS vaccines until they have a sound scientific knowledge of how the experimental vaccines
work.
Like Blick, other experts believe that if a vaccine can protect some percentage of a group at risk
of getting the disease, it should be tested. Though the, vaccine, called Aidsvax, has been shown
to produce HIV antibodies - proteins that fight invading_ g_erms in the blood - the real question
is if those antibodies will be able to combat an influx of HIV in every case, said Blick.
Effectiveness could vary according to the strength of a person's immune system, or the amount
and the strains of HIV to which that person has been exposed, he said. Produced by the South
San Francisco based, company Vaxgen Inc, the vaccine last week, gained federal and Food and
Drug Administration approval to be used in experiments involving 5,000 uninfected volunteers
in the United States and Canada and another 2,500 in Thailand. The vaccine was tested on 1,200
uninfected volunteers beginning in March 1992. It was found to be safe and in 99 percent of the
participants, it was successful in building immunity, according to the company.
It attempts to prevent AIDS through injections of part of the HIV virus. If a recipient is exposed
to HIV, the antibodies would attack the virus, blocking its invasion of cells preventing full scale
infection. The vaccine does not infect a person with HIV because it is made from only a fraction
of the virus Those exposed to HIV will eventually manufacture antibodies over a period of
months, Blick said. But the virus can permeate cells within just days or hours of exposure, he
said. With antibodies already in the blood, a person would instantly fight off the infection if
exposed, he said.
In the United States, shots will be given to participants from high-risk groups like gay men and
the uninfected partners of people who have HIV. Researchers, however, have said the
experiment contains all inherent conflict. Those who receive the vaccine will be urged not to
engage in unprotected sex, because half of the participants will receive a placebo and because
the effectiveness of tile vaccine is unknown. Practicing safe sex, however, will limit the degree
to which the vaccine will be put to the test. Despite the flaw Blick feels the study is worthwhile.
A sizeable drop in the number of AIDS cases in a high-risk community could indicate the
vaccine is working, he said.
Baptists Want Gay Order Nullified
Southern Baptists in Salt Lake voted to ask Congress to nullify President Clinton's order
prohibiting discrimination against civilian federal employees because of their sexual orientation.
Delegates at the denomination's annual convention rejected by 1,071 votes to 1,005 an amendment that would have asked Clinton's own Southern Baptist congregation to consider disciplining him unless the president rescinds his May 28 executive order. Clinton's executive order
added homosexuals to the list of groups protected from discrimination.
"Homosexual politics is masquerading today as civil rights, in order to exploit the moral high ground
of tl1ecivil 1ights movement. Homosexuality is inm1oral, contrary to the Bible and contrary to traditional
Judeo-Ch1istian moral standards, and the open affinnation of homosexuality represents a sign of God's
surrendering a society to its perversion," said the resolution, which passed overwhelmingly.
Clinton Bars Job Bias Against Gays
President Clinton has signed an executive order to protect homosexual federal workers from job
discrimination. "Individuals should not be denied a job on the basis of something that has no
relationship to their ability to perform their work," Clinton said in a statement accompanying the
order.
Gay and lesbian political activists heralded the move, which adds sexual orientation to the list
of categories for which discrimination is illegal. The others are race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, handicaps and age. Previously, the Clinton administration had instituted the policy
agency-by-agency. This order ensures a uniform policy for civilian workers throughout the
federal government. Clinton, in his statement, added a pitch to Congress to pass a long-pending
bill to extend protection from job discrimination to all American workers in both the public and
private sectors.
Page 6
T NEWS 4 VIEWS
Disney Gay Day Protest Fizzles
Robertson Warns Gays of Hurricanes
Operation Rescue churned out few protesters and did little to disrupt Gay
Day at Disney's Magic Kingdom on June 6, raising ques tions about the
clout of a group that once could draw thousands to its ba1mer. Just seven
protesters, trailed by a larger number of Walt Disney World security
officers and media representatives, entered the park. The predicted showdown between protesters and gays fizzled to a few polite conversations.
Calling it a message of redemption, religious broadcaster Pat Robertson said
one of Florida's biggest cities should beware of hurricanes after allowing "Gay
Days". Gay organizations sponsor the annual event in Orlando, with flags of
a Rainbow design flying from downtown utility poles. "I would warn Orlando
th at you're righ t in the way of some serious hurricanes, and I don' t think I'd
be waving those flags in God's face if I were you," Robertson said on "The 700
Club," the Christian Broadcasting Ne twork talk show.
An estimated 120,000 people were in Orlando for the weekend festivities.
Disney officials wouldn't say how many people were in Magic Kingdom,
although unlike past Gay Days it didn' t fill to capacity, Warren said.
Operation Rescue came to town with the hope of" saving" Orlando from
homosexuality, abortion clinics and what it considers to be pornography
peddled by Barnes & Noble bookstores. But in the end, its showing was a
far cry from its glory days.
Conservatives Block Gay Nominee
Supporters of the stalled nomination of a gay philanthropist to become
ambassador to Luxembourg said they have drawn to within one vote of
being able to break a conservative stranglehold. James Hormel now has the
support of 59 senators, picking up an additional Republican vote, supporters said. A small band of conservatives, complaining about what they see as
HormeYs gay rights activism, have been able to prevent a vote. To break
such a hold requires the votes of 60 senators. If confirmed, Hormel, 64, of San
Francisco would become the Uruted States' first openly gay ambassador.
Clinton nominated him to the post last year, and the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee recommended the nomination to the full Senate last
October.
Lott Says Gays are Sinners
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott said that he believes homosexuality is
a sin, and that gay people should be assisted in dealing with it "just like
alcohol. ... or sex addiction . ... or kleptomaniacs." Lott was inunediately
criticized by an official of the nation's largest lesbian and gay political
organization.
The Mississippi Republican made the remarks while taping a interview for
"The Armstrong Williams Show," a cable television show. When Williams
asked Lott if he believed homosexuality is a sin, the senator replied, "Yeah,
it is ... "
"you should still love the person," Lott added. "You should not try to
mistreat them or treat themas outcasts. You should h·y to show them a way
to deal with that problem." The remarks shoved Lott into a controversy that
has engulfed the scientific, gay and conservative communities: Whether
homosexuals have cl1osen their lifestyle or whether it is biologically predetermined.
A Response: Jesus never mentions homosexuals. He does however, specifically conderrm divorce and remarriage. He says that is adultery and
Leviticus says that adultery is punishable by death.
Michael Collins
Sailor to Retire w ith Benefits
The highly decorated Pearl Harbor sailor who had to sue the Navy to stay
in the service after it accused him of being gay is retiring under a settlement
that gives him full benefits. Timotl1y R. McVeigh will leave the Navy after
18 years of service but will be allowed the benefits normally given to a
serviceman who has served at least 20 years. McVeigh, who has never
revealed his sexual preference, said that it was never an issue. McVeigh
also reached with America Online, the nation's largest online service, a
separateout-of-courtsettlement. Theonlineservicesaiditwill pay McVeigh
damages for violating his privacy. The amount was not disclosed.
Thanks, Mr. Speaker
As taff slip-up in House Speaker Newt Gingrich's office made the National
Gay and Lesbian Task Force $1,900 richer, when a calendar signed by
Gingrich drew spirited bidding at a charity auction. The calendar skyrocketed in value with the addition of some correspondence: a fax from the
speaker's office clarifying that the calendar had been given without
Gingrich's consent and that he "is not supportive of the ... task force."
"I tl1ought it fitting to bring the calendar home to Newt, since he was so
generous to give it to us," said Garrith Xavier-Carey, who was raised in
Gingrich's own Cobb County, Ga., and now lives in Atlanta. The "Ire of
Newt" package brought the high est price of the more than 600 items
auctioned.
July 1998
Robertson also said the widespread practice of homosexuality "will bring
about terrorist bombs, it'll bring earthquakes, tornadoes and possibly a
meteor." Robertson said his warning "is no t a m essage of hate. This is a
message of redemption." Mitch Rosa, president of Hampton Roads Pride, a
region al gay rights group, laughed when he heard of Rober tson's remarks. "I
feel sorry for him, I really do," Rosa said. "If he's w orried about a hurricane,
he should worry first about his own roof
Majority of Americans Support Gay Rights
A growing majority of Americans support gay and lesbian equality, according
to a new report released by the National Gay and Lesbian Task (NGLTF) Policy
Institute. "From Wrongs to Rights: Pubic Opinion of Gay and Lesbian Americans Moves Toward Equality" is the most com prehensive analysis of trends in
public opinion about gay men and lesbians during the past twenty years
It shows that strong majorities of Americans now support equality in
employment (84 percent); housing (81 percent); inheritance rights (62 percent) and social security benefits (57 percent) for same-sex couples; and gays
in the military (66 percent). In addition, disapproval of same-sex relationships dropped a substantial 19•points from a peak of 75 percent in 1987 to 56
percent in 1996. The report also shows the percentage of people opposed to
same-sex marriage (and those opposed to adoption by gay and lesbian
couples) to be declining.
"From Wrongs to Rights" also demonstrates the paradoxical nature of public
support, showing that despite the significant gains in positive attitudes
regarding legal equality, gay men and lesbians remain unpopular. Despite the
persistence of anti-gay sentiment, however, the report shows that the public's
censure of gay and lesbian relations is declining over time.
"From Wrongs to Rights" was published by the Policy Institute of NGLTF and
examines public opinion polls over the last two decades that measured
attitudes toward gay and lesbian people and equal rights issues. The report
reviewed only the most credible polls: those that measured opinion among
systematically selected and representative samples of the U.S. adult population as a whole. For a copy of the report, contact Betsy Gressler, Deputy
Political Director, at (202) 332-6483 ext. 3306 or by pager at (800) 757-6476. An
Executive Summary and the full report are available at NGLTF's web site at
http:/ /www.ngltf.org.
BankBoston and M eyers Capital Tea m Up
BankBoston Development Company, a division of BankBoston, has announced
that it has become a direct equity investor in Meyers Capital Management. The
$250,000 investment will be used to provide capital to market the Meyers Pride
Value Fund, the only mutual fund that invests in companies that have
explicitly stated anti-discrin1inatory policies in place for gay and lesbian
employees.
Meyers Capital Management, formed in 1996 by Shelly Meyers, a former
analyst and assistant portfolio manager with The Boston Company, is an
investment manager witl1 offices in Beverly Hills, California and Boston. In
addition to the Meyers Pride Value Fund, the firm manages private asset and
institutional accounts. The company's mission is to be a leader in providing
superior inveshnent products and services tailored to women as well as the
gay and lesbian community. It is estimated that the tangible assets of the gay
and lesbian conunwuty in the U.S. exceed $800 billion.
The Meyers Pride Value Fund invests with a value strategy, focusing on
undervalued large-cap companies with strong fundamentals. Current holdings include AMR Corp., (parent of American Airlines) (2.28 percent), Sun
Micro Systems (2. 99 percent), Sears, Roebuck & Co. (3.66 percent), and Amgen,
Inc. (3.15 percent). As of March 31, 1998, the fund had a year-to-da te total
return of 12.25 percent vs. 11. 9 percent for the average domestic stock fund as
tracked by Monungstar. The total return for the one year period ended March
31, 1998 was 31.48 percent and the average annual return since the Fund's
inception onJw1e 13, 1996 was 24.28 percent. The fund is distributed by BISYS
Fund Services, LP. For more complete information on the fund, including fees
and expenses, and to receive a prospectus, call the fund at 1-800-410-3337, or
visi t its Web site at www.pridefund.com.
Page 7
T NEWS & VIEWS
~
State by State News
CO - Gay Palimony Suit
NJ - Episcopalians Bypass Gay Minister
A Loveland man has filed what might be the state's first homosexual palimony
lawsuit in Denver District Court, seeking repayment for supporting his former gay
parh1er. Larry Williams, 41, of Loveland is suing Mark Geffre, 32, of Denver. The
two men lived together in Loveland for about eight years while Geffre attended
Colorado State University. Williams claims that he financially supported Geffre
during their ti.me together and helped Geffre to set up a house and his mortgage
company, American Federal Lending Inc. in Denver. The two had agreed that
Geffre would return the favor by likewise supporting Williams while he earned a
college degree, the plaintiff claims. But Geffre failed to keep his promise and left the
relationship after Williams was severely injured in a 1994 car accident, said Barbara
Lavender, a Boulder attorney representing Williams.
Bypassing a gay candidate, delega tes electing the Episcopal Diocese
of Newark's next bishop chose a pastor who supports ordaining
noncelibate gays a.i1d blessing same-sex unions. The Rev. John
Crone berger will succeed Bishop John S. Spong as bishop coadjutor.
Spong will retire in 2000. Croneberger defeated five o ther candidates, including the Rev. Canon Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.
Although all six candidates, like Spong, favor ordination of gays
and blessing same-sex unions, Robinson would have been the
nation's first openly gay Episcopal bishop.
NowWill.iamsisdemandi.ngrestitutionthatprobablywillamounttoatleast$75,000,said
Julie Tolleson, managing attorney for the Colorado Legal Initiatives Project, a gay-1ights
group assisting with the plaintiffs case. Williams and his attomeys have not yet settled on
the total dan1ages tl1ey will seek.
A gay investmen t banker says he was given the boot because of his
sexual orientation in what experts say is the first discrimination suit
by a homosexual worker on Wall Street. Joe Daniel, 35, a graduate
of Harvard and Yale, charges Dresdner Ba.Jlk discri.rnina ted against
him - a.i1d ultimately fired him - because he is gay. He's seeking
$75 million in damages.
FL - Gay Couple's Custody Battle
A Palm Bay woman who lost a court fight for custody of a chi.Id born to her former
lesbian lover said Friday she isn't giving up yet. Pem1y Kazmi.erazak, 39, said she
will appeal the dee.is.ion by Circuit Judge Ben Bryan to dismiss the case. Bryan ruled
Kazm.ierazak has no legal standing to be awarded custody of 4-year-old Zoey, the
daughter born to Pamela Query, 36, during the two women's now-broken relationship.
Kazmierazak and Query had been togetl1er for 10 years when Query underwent
artificial insemination in 1993 so the couple could have a child. Kazrn.ierazak, who is
unable to have children, said she selected tl1e donor, pa.id for tl1e procedure, named
tl1e child and became Zoey' s prima.iy caregiver.
However, none of that evidence was allowed during the hearing. In dismissing the
case, the judge noted that Kazmierazak was not the biological parent, had not been
married to the child's mother a.iKl had not adopted the child. Same-sex marriages
and adoptions by homosexual parh1ers are not recognized legally in Florida.
Kazmierazak said her appeal to the 4th District Court of Appeal in West Palm Beach
is not only for Zoey. It also is an effort to change custody laws so that they are in the
best interest of children, whether their parents are heterosexual or homosexual.
MA - Harvard's First V isibility Award
Following their appoinhnent this spring as the new masters of Lowell House, Diana
L. Eck a.i1d her parh1er Dorothy A. Austin will receive the first Harvard Gay and
Lesbia.i1 Caucus Visibility Award. This is the first year that the C:iucus Visibility
Award will be given. It was created specifically with Eck, professor of comparative
religion and lndia.i1 studies at Harvard, and Austin, a professor at Drew University,
in mind.
Robert W. Mack '71, a member of the caucus' board of directors, said Eck and
Austin's appointment was the spark in creating this award, but the Visibility Award
further recognizes their long, positive and visible presence as a lesbian couple at
Harvard. According to a press release from the organization, a recent caucus
student survey emphasized that students need prominent gay, lesbian, bisexual
and tra.i1sgendered role models in the faculty and staff to help them accept their own
sexuality.
ME - Gay Rights Law
Residents in the tourist town of Ogunquit, with a large population of gays and
lesbians wa.i1t one thing known: They disagree with the repeal of Maine's gay rights
law. They are concerned that tourists might decide not to visit Maine because of the
controversial vote in February. Selectmen voted unanimously this week to issue a
proclamation heralding the town's support of non-discrimination legislation. The
action falls short of the gay rights ordina.i1ees being considered by other communities such as South Portla.i1d, Kem1ebunk a.i1d Camden. But residents of this coastal
community-whose year-round population of900 reaches more than 50,000 during
the summer - believe the proclamation will send a message to potential visitors.
The Ogunquit proclamation carries no legal authority. Rather, it recognizes the
town's sexual diversity and endorses the spirit of the now-defunct state law. It says
the town will continue to enforce the state's human rights law. No one feared that
the statewide repeal would result in a huge drop in tourism in Ogunquit. But some
believed the town should at least take a stand on the issue so it could respond to
those who write to complain.
July 1998
NY - Gay Wall Streeter Fired
In June 1996, Daniel said, the firm offered to promote him to vice
president, going so far as to print new business cards a.i1d circulate
a memo a.J111ouncing the news. Bu t after learning of his homosexuality, he alleges, they reneged. Daniel said he ca.i1 recall the moment
clearly, one rvfonday afternoon in the summer of 1996, when a
colleague, noting his sunburn, asked where he'd spent the weekend. After much hesitation, Daniel said, he revealed that he had
been at the largely gay resort town of Fire Island Pines. From that
poin t, he claims, everything changed.
In April 1997 - seven days after he requested that gay employees
ge t the same health benefits as straight ones - he alleges he was
terminated in a restructuring that affected only him. That's w1true,
Dresdner countered in court papers, contending Daniel - who was
paid $70,000 a year plus a $35,000 bonus - already was out of the
closet at work, and that the restruc turing had nothing to do with his
sexual orientation.
NY - M inimizing Marriage, By Cardinal
O'Connor
As Archbishop of New York, I am asked from time to ti.me by both
Catholics and members of other religious faiths to comment on
matters of public policy or to explain church teaching in connection
with them. Such is the case regarding the proposed New York City
domestic parhlership legislation now under consideration by the
City Council of New York, which would place unmarried couples
on a legal, social and moral par with married couples.
The Archdiocese of New York examines all proposed legislation
regarding human relationships from the critically important perspective of its potential impact on marriage and the family. The
Church believes unconditionally in the uniqueness of the state of
marriage defined as the conjugal relationship between a man and a
woman. The Archdiocese of New York must regrettably conclude
that the proposed domestic parhlership legislation fails to provide
the necessary moral and even civil protection for the uniqueness of
marriage and the family. On the contrary, it may reasonably be
interpreted as equating the non-married state with the married
state. This can.not fail to influence the young in their attitudes
toward marriage and the family, even discouraging marriage. It can
eventually lead to moral and cultural changes in our society neither
anticipated or traditionally desired from our earliest days as a
people.
.... Church teachings on the subject of marriage and the family are
in no way unique to the Catholic church. Jewish am! Christian
scholars down the ages have articulated similar and generally
identical convictions, namely the lifelong cornmih11ent of one man
to one woman in marriage .... It is imperative, in my judgment, that
no law be passed contrary to natural moral law and Western
tradition by virtually legislating that "marriage does not matter."
Page8
Property of the Center
NY - Equality for Gays in Albany
After voting to tighten city laws that protect gay people from housing and
employment discrimination, the Common Council passed a resolution
Monday urging state lawmakers to pass a law that similarly protects gays.
The city already has a human rights ordinance, adopted in 1991, that
prohibits discrimination against gays along with other groups.
But two separate ordinances that prohibit employment and housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
disability and marital status do not mention sexual orientation. Legislation,
which unanimously passed, adds "sexual orientation" to the list on those
two ordinances, basically closing the loophole in the city's ordinances.
Also, the council voted unanimously to pass a bill urging the state to pass the
"sexual orientation non-discrimination" bill. First introduced in 1971, the
law would ban discrimination against gays in the areas of employment,
housing, public accommodations, credit and education. Right now, there is
no state or federal legislation that provides such protection. The state
Assembly passed a bill in 1993, but the Senate did not. In each subsequent
year, it has also been held up by the Senate. Other municipalities that have
ordinances protecting gays include Albany County, Rochester, Buffalo,
New York City, Alfred, Ithaca, Watertown and Plattsburgh.
Re.-. Frank Beard
Pastor
T 203-389-6750, F 203-389-6318
Worship
34 Harrison Street
New Haven, CT 06515
Sundays 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Metropolitan Community Church
of New HaJten
Especially serving the Gay and Lesbian Community
Maureen M. Murphy
OH - Court Orders Teacher Reinstated
A federal court order, believed the first of its kind in the nation, has directed
the reinstatement of a southwest Ohio sixth-grade teacher whose contract
was rejected because he is gay. Bruce Glover's lawyer, Alphonse Gerhardstein,
said that the Williamsburg Local School District in Clermont County denied
that Glover's sexual-orientation was the reason it decided not to renew his
contract, but Cincinnati U.S. District Court Judge Susan Dlott believed
otherwise. She said the board of education acted out of anti-gay hostility,
which "can never be a legitimate government purpose." Glover's first fulltime, teaching position was during 1995-96 when he taught English and
social studies on a probationary contract, but when he was denied a contract
for the next year, Glover sued.
Office
566 Whalley Avenue, Suite #ID
New Haven, CT 06511
27 Elm Street
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 789-2269
Fax (203) 789-2997
E-mail: mmurph!aw@aol.com
Civil Rights
Employment Law
Title IX
Special Education Law
Family Law
Lesbian & Gay Legal Rights
WA - WSU Cancels Gay Conference
A conference for gay youth, scheduled for Washington State University, was
canceled because WSU officials were worried about the safety of participants. The conference for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth and their families
was set for June 19-21. "Because reaction coming from around Washington
and the region is so intense, we concluded the controversy would impede
our ability to have a supportive and productive conference," said Ernestine
Madison, a vice provost at WSU. School officials questioned their "ability
to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people ah·eady
exposed to high levels of intolerance," Madison said in a news release.
Announcement
Leading Homes
MichaelPavlicinhas joined the Westport office of Tilghman & Frost Real
Estate. Michael has worked the past three years as an Exclusive Buyer
Agent with Leading Homes- The Buyers' Real Estate Company, located
in Southport. Michael will continue to specialize in representing real
estate buyers. He has extensive experience representing buyer-clients
throughout lower Fairfield County, primarily in the market area of
Norwalk to Fairfield. Nearly 50% of his business has been with gay and
lesbian clients.
Classified Ad
For Sale:
P-TOWN 2 BR, 2 BA timeshare (1 week of floating blue time per
calendar year) at beautiful HARBOR HILL, a luxury gay resort of
distinction situated atop the sand dunes of Cape Cod. Full kitchen,
jacuzzi, clubhouse, air conditioning, fireplace, laundry, sleeps 6
comfortably. Nearby nature trails, horseback riding, ocean and bay
beaches, wonderful shopping, boat rentals, fishing charters, dining,
night life, and historical attractions. Beach by day, dine and play by
night. Price includes 2 weeks floating blue time and membership in
RCI into the next millennium! Obtain your own financing if necessary.
US $8,000.00. Serious inquiries only, please. E-mail: namir@aol.com;
or call and leave messa eat 813 669-5507.
July 1998
Paul Thury
REALTOR"
Office: 203.846.1611 ext. 218
Res: 203.847.5621
Fax: 203.857. 7842
E-mail: pthury@aol.com
You Have a Friend in
Real Estate
Whether you're looking to sell or buy, I will
help you put all the pieces together.
I have the marketing tools necessary to offer
you peace of mind. And that's what you need
most from a real estate agent.
For a free market analysis to determine the value of
your home, a "Why Rent When You Can Own" brochure, or a copy of my home tips newsletter
Call Paul Thury-203.846.1611 ext. 218
~ Prudential
Connecticut
Realty
Page9
T NEWS 4 VIEWS
MFAP
MID-EL\IRFIELD AIDS PROJECT
Do you seek support and advocacy for HIV/AIDS?
MFAP can assist and provide you with case managemen1
, ree; ;~ , ·.,
.;hone: 203,-34Bj · .
Call us today!
Serving the needs of HIV/AIDS community in:
Norwalk
Westport
Weston
Wilton
NICHOLAS LANG, Ph.D., N.C.C.
Mid Fairfield AIDS Project
16 River Street
Norwalk, CT 06850
Phone: (203) 855-9535
Fax: (203) 855-1531
Internet: http ://www.mfap.com
E-Mail: info@mfap.com
Diane Hyatt, MSW, CISW
T Solution-oriented short or longer tenn
psychotherapy for Adults and Adolescents,
specializing in, but not limited to:
49 Coolidge Avenue
T Depression
Stamford. CT 06906
(203) 964-1847
"f' Anxiety
"f' Post-Trawnatic Stress
"f' Counseling for Partners & Family
1653 Capitol Avenue
Bridgeport. CT 06606
"f' Specialized Psychotherapy Groups
"f' Case Consultation
"f' Clinical Supervision
(203) 332-0136
Providing Affordable
Individual and Couples Counseling
Specializing in Relationship,
Sexual Orientation, Self-esteem,
Loss, & HIV-related Issues
NORWALK OFFICE
847-1094
St. Paul's Episuopal Uhuruh
60 East Avenue, Norwalk
(Across from the Green)
An inclusive, diverse,
affirming community
Solemn Eucharist - Sundays at 10:15
Michelle C. Loris, Psy.D.
with organ, choir, and splendid music
Individual, Couple and Group Therapy
Office: (203) 847-2806
Ct. Lie. MFT
July 1998
(203) 255-2767
By Appointment
Page 10
ALDIS
(203) 256-4565
(800) 628-7209
FAX: (203) 256-1759
jnemis@aol.com
..:Tlffi:.::::46:..~:.:i:.:II
p-~-in-R-!-~---D-o-:-nb-ur-y,-:C::-T".:"'06:-:8-:-:11:-*
(203)778•9399
FAX (203)7 44• 1 139
Three decades of GAY travel expertise
JOANN ATTWOOD NEMIS
VICE PRESIDENT/ INVESTMENTS
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT, INC.
MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE AND OTHER PRINCIPAL EXCHANGES
[Ej]I\
~RSVP
2150 POST ROAD. FAIRFIELD. CT 06430
Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW
Horticultural Botanist
Gardener & House I Pet Sitter
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Recovery from Abuse
Bilingual
Donal.d J. Comes
(203) 866-2823
~
(203) 261-3492
Monroe. CT
(203) 336-2708
Bridgeport, CT
30 Ti,emey Street
Norwalk, CT 06851
Joan W. Duncan, Ph.D.
VICTORIA
T.
FERRARA
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Psycotherapist
Women and Couples
(203) 227-9585
188 Scribner A venue
Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 854-4805
WESTPORT, CT
ADMITTED IN CT AND NY
Jane
w. Griffith, JD, MBA
Attorney-at-Law
Laura L. Gates, MSW, LCSW
Individuals. Couples . and Families
White Plains. NY
(203) 386-1725
July 1998
Stratford. CT
(203) 386-1 725
Tax Strategy & Preparation • Real Estate
Estate Planning & Wills • Business Consulting
270Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT06515-2114
Fax 203 / 387-9899
Voice 203 I 389-8614
Page II
MICHAEL
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER
Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy
KURT SPERLING,L.C.S.W
225
MAIN STREET,
LLl • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549
D.
ROME
Attorney-at-Law
PIRRO. CHURCH & COOK, LLC
Bankruptcy
Busines Transaclionss
Social Security Disability
Divorce
Worker's Compensation
Personal Injury/Accident Law
Real Estate Transactions
Criminal
Taxation: Business & Individual
Estate Planning & Probate
120 EAST AVENUE
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 06851
Phone: (203) 259-6785 or (203) 853-6677
Fax: (203) 259-7831
E-mail: Romemdesq@aol.com
JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA
ATTORNEY-AT LAW
1305 POST ROAD, FAIRFIELD
203/256-3839
\
Tax Planning, Preparation & Appeals;
I
_ _ _ _ _ __
MICHAEL
J.
__J
Estates & Trusts, Probate Matters,
TAYLOR, LMT
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE • CT,
Real Estate Law; Elder Law; and
NY LICENSED
Small Business Formations and Assistance
440 MAIN STREET• RlDGEFIELD.
CT 06877
• 203-431-8278
CONFUSED? SCARED? NOWHERE TO TURN?
JOANNE M. MARINO. C.C.M.H.C., N.C.C.
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
21 STRICKUI.ND RD .. COS COB. CONN . 06807 (203) 869-0216
MICHAEL PAVLICIN
BUYER AGENT/BROKER
'i()~
TILGHMAN & FROSTNr1\E INC.
•
July 1998
We're here to help - because we care.
·~)i.· '
SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER
Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy
~
--.-- -.
JOHANNA RAYMAN
925 POST ROAD EAST, WESTPORT, CT 06880
CHRISTIE'S
W
If you have HIV/AIDS, you don't need to feel like you
are alone. Stamford CARES gives you the support and
attention you require. We are your direct link to the HIV
Care Network. Complete confidentiality assured.
Serving Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan.
Call 977-5096 to speak to a Care Coordinator today.
OREAT ESTATES
M.S. W, L.C.S. W
OFFICE: (203) 227-7231
FAX: (203) 227-1217
VOICEMAIL: (203) 221-2297
leadhome3@aol.com
225
MAIN STREET,
LL!
•WESTPORT.CT
06880 • 203.454.1549
Page 12
Prcp?rty of the Cer.ter
Telephone Directories
Groups Meeting at or Sponsored by TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806; Robin 855-8646
Free Association of Fairfield County - John 268-8858 x304
Gay Men's Rap Group- Dave 838-1881 ; John 389-7381
Gmosaic (People of Color) - Nasheed 854-7726
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Christine, 847-8476
Out & About (20's & 30's) - Heather 924-2930; Ashley 576-1073
or Dan 838-2367
Outspoken (Youth) - Barb 259-81 71; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays)
Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
Triangle Bowling League (Circle Lanes, Fairfield) - Lisa 333-3113 ;
Roseann 931-8789
Women's Rap Group - Chandra 226-8652 ; Linda 866-4598 ;
Michele 438-4465
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted . A $3 donation per person is appreciated with
your participation in activities to help support the Center.
Other Area Groups and Organizations
Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
Chiltern Mountain Club
Connecticut Kids and Families
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
40-Up Club.(Social Grp.-call Dale before 10pm)
Gay Fathers Group
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Assoc.
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
Guideline (gay/lesbian phone info)
Hartford Community Center
Married Men's Bisexual Suppt Grp Htfd
Metropolitan Community Church
Transgendered Resource - Kaylen
The Loft, White Plains NY,
Triangle Bowling League
Triangle Kids
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group
(203)
(203)
(888)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(860)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(914)
(203)
(203)
(203)
(203)
330-9595
264-5605
831-3100
256-8414
791-9553
261-4019
866-7051
332-1480
778-7016
688-1881
366-3734
724 5542
262-1555
389-6750
661 -2448
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) 964-1133. Please keep us informed of changes.
WHERE ARE WE? The Triangle Community Center Inc. is
located at 25 Van Zant Street in Norwalk. From 1-95, take
Exit 16 and go south (from Stamford, turn right; from New
Haven, turn left). Continue south under the railroad bridge
and 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 .
Deadline for the August Newsletter will be Saturday,
July 13. We cannot guarantee that material received
after that date will be included in August News&Views.
July 1998
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 ............ .. ............ .. ...
DENYSE BURK E ...........................
JOHN WALLA CE ..................... .. ....
DA VE CARROLL .................... .......
HEATHER WEIMANN ..... .... .. ... ....
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Corresponding Secretary
Acting Recording Sec'y
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DON BUXTON ... .............................. .......... (203) 762-9964
DENYS E BURKE ........... ....... ..................... (203) 367-3911
DA YID CARROLL ...... ................ .... ..... ...... (203) 838-1881
JOHN DEL VECCHIO ....... .............. .. ....... .. (203) 334-3822
MICHELE STONE .. .. .. ................................ (203) 964-1133
JOHN WALLACE .......... .. ... .. ....... ............... (203)389-738I
HEATHER WEIMANN ....... ... .... .. .... .. ........ (203) 924-2930
ST ANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Vacant
Board Development
Communications
John D
- Public Relations
Mike C
John W
Finance
Michael P
Fundraising/Sp Events
Membership
Denyse B
- Member Database
Marianne S
Operations
Cindy M
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
Walter D
- Resource Room
-Center Forums
Marianne S
Volunteer
Vacant
374-6934
334-3822
375-3567
261-7349
866-6993
367-3911
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
222-8294
9{,'EWS & o/1'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 & Advertising. Manager. John Delvecchio: Asst Editor
P.O. Box 8185
Phone: 203-334-3822
Stamford, CT 06905
Mike Collins: Publicity
Phone/Fax 964-1133
Phone: 203-375-3567
e-mail: NewsViews2@aol.com
FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT MICHELE STONE:
Ads must be camera-ready. Any ad not camera ready will be
subject to an additional charge. Inserts and special sizes upon
prior agreement All ads are placed on a space available basis.
The publication of the name of any person or organization in articles or ads in
NEWS & VIEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual
orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. The appearance
of advertisements in NEWS & VIEWS does not imply nor constitute endorsement by TCC, Inc. The views expressed in this NEWS & VIEWS are not
necessarily those ofTCC, Inc. Copyright 1998 by Triangle Community Center,
Inc. All rights reserved. This work, or any parts thereof, may not be used or
reproduced in any manner without written permission.
Page 13
TCC Calendar
Sun
July, 1998
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thu
1
P-FLAG 7:45
Fri
Sat
2
Men's Rap 7:30
3
Bowl 9:30 Circle
Lanes
G Mosaic 7:30
4
9
Men's Rap 7:30
10
Out & About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle
Lanes
11
5
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6
6
7
8
Women's Rap 7:30 Lesbian Lit Grp 7:30 Bi Rap Grp 7:30
Fund Raising 7:30
Softball 9pm, Norwalk
12
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6
13
14
Women's Rap 7:30 TCC Board 7:30
15
16
P-FLAG Spouses Mens' Rap 7:30
& Ex-spouses 7:30 Softball 6pm,
Ponus School
17
Bowl 9:30 Circle
Lanes
G Mosaic 7:30
18
19
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6
20
21
Women's Rap 7:30
22
Bi Rap Grp 7:30
23
Mens' Rap 7:30
Softball 6pm,
Ponus School
24
Bowl 9:30 Circle
Lanes
25
Friendraiser 5-8pm,
New Haven
26
AA 9-10 am
OutSpoken 4-6
27
28
29
Women's Rap 7:30 TCC Board 7:30
Softball 9pm, Norwalk
30
Men's Rap 7:30
31
Out & About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle
Lanes
Connecticut Calendar
Friday, July 10 - Potluck and Movie Night at the New Haven Gay and
Lesbian Community Center, 50 Fitch Street, New Haven. Tonight's
feature: ""Back Street. " Potluck at 6:30 PM, film at 7: 15 PM.
Suggested donation $3.00. For more info e-mail:
FGDMYO@aol.com.
T
MEMBERSHIP FORM
Saturday, July 11 - Satan 's Kingdom Tubing with the Chiltern Mountain Club, a leisurely two-hour floatdown the Farmington River,
fully outfitted for $12.00, no experience necessary (except basic
swimming). Meet at the admissions trailer at 11 :30 AM. Please call
Richard at 860-647-9037 before 9:00 PM for details and directions.
MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
Saturday, July 18 - The "'Art From the Heart" concert series sponsors an
evening of piano with Dan Diego Adams featuring classical, theatre
and original musical compositions. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at
the door. At the Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave., Southport, 8PM.
For more info call 203-855-7922 or e-mail : dandiego@ ibm.net.
ADDRESS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Saturday, July 18- Women After Hours Dance (women only), Holiday
Inn, East Hartford, 8:30 PM- I AM,$ I 0.00cover. Call 860-528-9611
for directions, or e-mail: chretien l @aol.com.
Friday, July 24- Potluck and Movie Night at theNew Haven Gay and
Lesbian Community Center, 50 Fitch Street, New Haven. Tonight's
feature: ""Madame X." Potluck at 6:30 PM, film at 7: 15 PM.
Suggested donation $3 .00. For more info e-mail:
FGDMYO@aol.com.
Saturday, July 25 - Tea For Two Hundred, Cottage Garden Party at the
home of Gael Hammer, 63 River Rd. , Washington, CT. Events
include a fortune teller, musical entertainment, a horticultural silent
auction, and garden tours, from 3-6 pm. White apparel is requested.
Cost: $25 to benefit Interfaith AIDS Ministry and Northwest Connecticut AIDS Project. (Rain date: Sunday, July 26) For information
or reservations, email: jimburch@mail1.nai .net.
July 1998
NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
CITY - - - - - - - - STATE - - - - Z I P - - - PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
CONTRIBUTING MEMBER
CONTRIBUTING HOUSEHOLD
SUPPORTING MEMBER
SPONSORING MEMBER
SusT AINING/Bus1NESS MEMBER
SPECIAL MEMBER (Yourn/SENIOR)
$35
$60
$125
$250
$500
$20
PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:
P.O. Box 4062
CT 06855 ATTN: MEMBERSHIP
(203) 853-0600
TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INc.
EAST NORWALK,
Page 14
Part of Triangle Community Center News & Views : v.9:no7(1998:Jul.)