TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v9.no10.1998.10.pdf

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TriangleCommunityCenterNewsAndViews_v9.no10.1998.10.pdf

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Prop~rty of the Cen °r

Triangle C ommunity Center

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Free to Members and Subscribers

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October 1998

Hear Ye ...
Here Ye ...

You are invited- indeed urged- to come to and
participate in TCC' s Annual Town Meeting happening
this Sunday, October 4th at 3:00 PM. We'd come drag
you here if we could but, since this is a community
that respects free will, we'll rely on earnest entreaties
instead. We' re not above a bit of bribery though, great
refreshments will be served.
So, if you ever felt like you' re always the last one to be
"in the know" ... come, find out what's going on. Ever
wonder how decisions get made about the Center?
Here's your chance to ask. Curious about the members
of the Board of Directors and what they do? Come,
meet, greet and query. Have questions about where the
money comes from and where it goes? Now's the
opportunity to find out
So... Bring your ideas, your questions, your suggestions
and let us know what you want, both fur and fmm.
TCC. Remember, it takes a community to run a Center!
-Meg Bachtel

Speaking of Meetings
The TCC Board of Directors is having a special
"open"Board meeting on Tuesday, Octo her 20 th at 7:30
PM and you' re invited. Here's your opportunity to see
the board in action. Hear about the 1999 budget, the
next Friendraiser, the Creating Change Conference, etc.
It'll be informative and fun!

Vol9,No.10

Bread & Roses Gets
The Dough

Don Buxton, president of the Triangle Community
Center is seen here presenting a check for $4,700 to Karen
Veronica, co-chair of Bread & Roses. The check represents
B&R' s share of the proceeds from the wildly successful
production of "Pageant'' last January.
"Pageant'', the second theatrical production directed by
Scott Robbins, played for five house-filled nights at the
Norwalk Community and Technical College in Norwalk
The play netted over $14,000. TCC and TCC's
Scholarship Fund received the other two thirds of the
profits. The Center is sponsoring another musical,
"Nunsense A-Men!" which will play for five nights in
January 1999. Proceeds will again benefit B&R, TCC and
the Scholarship Fund.

Site Committee
The lease on the Center's space expires in 1999 and
deciding on whether to stay or go begins now. A Site
Committee is forming for just that purpose. Should we
find a new space or fix up this one?. Should we stay in
Norwalk or move to Westport? What about Stamford?
Help to negotiate a new lease or renegotiate the old one.J
And what about zoning? And what about being too
visible? And harassment? Come, join the Site Committee
and be a part of the plan. After all, it's your home too.
Call Dave Carroll at (203) 838-1881 or e-mail him at:
dcpfom:@aol.com

Many Hearts • • • One Community

T NEWS & VIEWS
~TCCNEWS

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Movie Night at TCC

Lay del Deso (Law of Desire), (subtitled)
filmed in Spain in 1987, 105 min. is the next
~
scheduled flm slated for TCC's Movie Night.
This film is an upside down, inside out
. ,, cornucopia
of love in all its guises with
murder, amnesia and suicide thrown in to
complete the mix. The couplings and
uncouplings happen so naturally that we can't help but embrace
this cast of characters. Filmed on location in Madrid and other
parts of Spain, the film depicts some of the fringes of the Spanish
entertainment world.
The plot revolves around an older producer who attracts the
interest of a 19 year old man. The young man's infatu~tion and
love is of such intensity that he allows nothing to interfere with
the fulfillment of his obsession. The cast of characters include a
transsexual who was the brother of the producer but who now
is the sister, an inept police team composed of a father and son
and Antonio Banderas as the 19 year old. The original love
interest of the producer is the primary obstacle to fulfilling the
19 year old's desire_ _ _ (we can't give away too much!).
The Law of Desire stars Antonio Banderas, Carmen Maura, and
is produced/ directed by Eusebio Poncela. Come and see this
Spanish hot tamale on Sunday, October 25 at 7:00 PM. Popcorn
and drinks and your $3.00 make this evening a winner. See
you there!
6

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Thanks!
The Triangle Softball team concluded their season with an 8 win 9
loss record. Games were played primarily at Norwalk beach's Calf
to thanks all the fans and
Pasture. The Team wishes
supporters who came out ~ to cheer for the team. And a
special thanks goes to f!!,.({tfFt:.'¼.;. TCC for their generous
support and sponsorship. '-\-~j
Preparations are being made
for next season. The team
will have a new logo to go
along with their new uniforms. "We're ready to take on all
challengers!" said Coach Marie Johnson.

lesbian lit Group
For their November discussion group which will meet on Tuesday,
November 3,d, the Lesbian Literature Group has chose the "The
Accidental Activist- A Personal and Political Memoir'' by Candice
Gingrich. Two copies of this book are available in TCC's Resource
Room as well as local bookstores. For more information call Christine
at (203) 847-8476. The Lesbian Literature Group meets the first
Tuesday of each month at TCC starting at 7:30 PM.

Lookln' Good!
If you've been to the Center lately you're sure to have noticed the
remarkable change in the many bulletin boards and display panels
throughout the Center. They are organized, tidy and up to date! Now
who would have taken the time and have the patience to tackle this
assignment? Wendy Capelin and Calvin Burwell....that's who. Not
only did they do a terrific job, they actually VOLUNTEERED to do
it without even being asked and while the Board was still reeling
from the terrific job they had done, we received a list of goals and
actions prepared by the dynamic duo. Spooky isn't it. Our heartfelt
thanks goes out to you both!

"Nunsense A-Men!" Auditions
Open auditions for "Nunsense A-Men", the all-male version of this
play, directed by Scott M. Robbins, and will be performed in Norwalk,
Connecticut in January 1999. The chosen dates are January 15, 16,
21, 22, 23. Mr. Robbins is seeking five men who can act, sing and
dance.
Auditions will take place on Friday, October 16th at 7PM and Saturday,
October 17th at 10 AM in the Performing Arts Center of the Norwalk
Community Technical College at 188 Richards Ave, Norwalk, off the
Connecticut Turnpike (I-95) exit 13. For more information call Michael
Collins at (203) 281-8984 or (203) 375-3567.

Eric Marcus at TCC
Eric Marcus will be appearing at TCC on November Sth where he
will be discussing his new book, Together Forever: The Gay Marriage,
the first look at happy, long-lasting gay and lesbian relationships
from the ground up. It is published by Anchor Books.
Eric is co-author with Greg Louganis of the #1 New York Times bestselling Breaking the Surface, (Random-House: 1995, Plume, 1996). He
is also the co-author of Icebreaker: The Autobiography ofRudy Galindo,
the 1996 U.S. Figure Skating Champion (Pocket Books/Simon &
Schuster, 1997). In addition, Eric is the author of five other books:
1. Why Suicide? Answers to 200 of the Most Frequently Asked
Questions About Suicide, Attempted Suicide, and Assisted Suicide
(Harper-San Francisco, 1996);
2. Is It A Choice? Answers to 300 of the Most Frequently Asked
Questions About Guys and Lesbians (Harper-SF, 1993);
3. Expect the Worst (You Won't Be Disappointed) (Harper-SF, 1992);
4. Making History: The Struggle for Gay & Lesbian Equal Rights,
1945 to 1990, An Oral History (Harper-Collins, 1992);
5. The Mate Couple's Guide: Finding a Man, Making a Home,
Building a Life (Harper-Collins, 1988 and 1992).

HIV/AIDS Discussion at TCC
On0ctober9that7PM • TCC's Out & About
group will be hosting A an open discussion
about HIV/ AIDS and
safe sex. Nasheed
Abbul'Wakil will be leading the discussion,
providing instruction and answering questions.
This discussion is open to ALL members of the les /
bi/ gay/ trans community.
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T NEWS & VIEWS
"Nunsense A-Men!" is Coming in January

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Nunsense A-Men!-an all new, all male version of the smash play "Nunsense" -is coming to Norwalk, Connecticut in January 1999.
The original "Nunsense" featured five women playing five nuns and ran for nearly a decade in Manhattan, with 3,672
performances. The new "Nunsense A-Men!" is currently running at the 47"' Street Theatre in Manhattan. The rights for the
Norwalk performances, directed by Scott M. Robbins, were negotiated by special arrangement with the author, according
to Mr. Robbins.
The shows run January 15th and 16th (Friday and Saturday) and January 21 st, 22nd, and 23rd (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) at 8
PM all five evenings, with receptions following each show. The performances will be held at the Norwalk Community and
Technical College (NCTC) Performing Arts Center at 188 Richards Avenue in Norwalk, off Connecticut Turnpike (I-95) exit 13.
Tickets are $50 and $35 for the show and include a post-show reception. "Nunsense A-Men!" is being sponsored by the Triangle Community
Center (TCC), the gay and lesbian community center at 25 Van Zant Street (Route 136) in East Norwalk, CT. Portions of the proceeds will
go to benefit TCC and Bread & Roses, the AIDS residence in Fairfield County. "Nunsense A-Men!" features comedy, gags, music and
songs ranging from tender to hand-clapping torrid.
How was "Nunsense" received by the critics in New York?
"Habit forming," said the New York Times.
"A cheerful evening of songs and skits," said the Catholic Standard and Record.
"This irreverent and hilarious spoof has z.any momentum," said Variety.
"Nunsense is good old-fashioned comedy at its best: it is quick-paced, generally raucous, occasionally touching and totally wonderful.
Bravo!" said Back Stage.
And "Nunsense" was the winner of the Outer Critics Circle awards for best off-Broadway musical and best music.
The director, Scott M. Robbms, directed the January 1997 Norwalk performances of "Woop-Dee-Doo", the June 1997 Westport, CT
performances of "The World Goes Round" and the January 1998 performances of "Pageant". "Whoop-Dee-Doo" raised $17,000 for
TCC, and for Bread & Roses, and other AIDS organizations. "The World Goes Round" played to virtually sold-out audiences and
benefited Bread & Roses. "Pageant" also raised $14,000 for TCC and Bread & Roses.
Mr. Robbins produced several productions at the Pinecrest Theatre in Fairfield County, including the premiere production of "Stay
Tuned", which he also co-produced in New York. Scott Robbins has taught acting for many years and several of his former students are
now on Broadway and television and in films. He has staged more than twenty-five large-scale productions in addition to the 1997
productions of "Whoop-Dee-Doo" and "The World Goes Round" and the 1998 production of "Pageant".
The plays have become a centerpiece of TCC and Mr. Robbins was recognized with an award from TCC in January 1998 for the productions,
which have raised money and also involved large numbers of TCC members, bringing them together as a community. (Also
recognized with a special TCC award in January 1998 was actor Ron Dryer of Stamford who appeared in all three shows and
who dedicated his work to the cause of AIDS care and research).
Anyone wanting information about "Nunsense A-Men!" may telephone TCC publicity director Michael Collins of Stratford,
who may be reached at AM 1220 WQUN Hamden, CT at (203) 281-8984 or evenings and weekends at (203) 375-3567. Questions
may be faxed to Mr. Collins at (203) 378-7162.
-Michael Collins

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On Friday, October 2nd at 8:00 PM,
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport
will be hosting an Opening Night Reception for:

loue Makes R Family: Liuing in
Lesbian and 6ay Families
This nationally recognized traveling photograph
text exhibit from The Family Diversity Project of
Amherst, MA will continue through Oct. 25 th at
the Unitarian Universalist Church, 96 Chapel St.,
Stratford, CT. Tickets are $10 per person; $7
students and seniors.
This exhibit with photos by Gigi Kaeser, deppicts a variety of families of all races
with gay or lesbian moms, dads, grandparents, and teenagers. The words and images
show their strength, support and love.

Another New Board Member!
Meg Bachtel is the newest member of the Board of Directors
of TCC. She brings with her organizational, communication
and leadership skills that have been honed to a fine point
through her years of volunteer work in the gay and lesbian
community including her indispensable work with the CT
Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights that led to the
passage of the Connecticut's Gay Rights Law. She currently
volunteers as a chef one night a month at Bread.& Roses
where she and her partner Justine Michaud prepare dinner
for the residents. Meg brings with her a wealth of experience
as a board member having previously served a term on
TCC's Board of Directors. Welcome aboard!

October 11th

The exhibit will be open to the public on the following dates:
Sundays, October 4, 11, 18 & 35
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Monday, October 5
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesdays, October 14 & 21
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Other visits can be scheduled by appointment.
For more information call Janice Wood at 375-6455.

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T NEWS & VIEWS
IF

You WANT Mv OPINION ....

Clinton vs Starr

Letter: Thomas column deeply flawed

We have slipped into an era of sexual McCarthyism. Will
we look back on this salacious episode of American political
drama 20 years or weeks from now and realize how
effectively and destructively distracting a side show the Starr
investigation has become. It is appalling that $40 million of
tax dollars have been spent starting with a failed real estate
deal and ended with kinky sex in the Oval Office. If the
litmus test of idealized squeaky clean morality and absolute
truth (whatever those 2 things are) are applied to the
Presidency as a credential for holding the office, let the billion
dollar investigations begin of every politician. Microscopic
examination of skeletons can become the new national rage!
Since when have we believed that politicians ~ tell the
whole truth, and that any of them or us (since we are all
flawed human beings) can pass perfection tests designed
for gods.
Let us get over our preoccupation's with sex at the expense
of the real and critical business of the country and crisis facing
nations and peoples on our planet. Now, the Russian
government is teetering, Asia has financial woes, probable
breakout of religious wars in the Middle East, continued
terrorism in South America, turmoil in Africa, even campaign
finance and health care reform in the US are far more
important, albeit more complex and less soap opera
interesting, than this Lewinsky affair. Or are we missing the
point entirely, that this is the modem, bloodless coup d'etat
removing a popular, effective, democratically elected
President from office? Yes, Bill Clinton showed poor
judgment and control by having an affair with someone
about the age of his daughter. Yes, he was stupid and naive
to lie about it. It is not the first or last time he or many other
leaders in government and business intoxicated by the power
of position have had extramarital affairs. And it won't be
the last time. So why are we told by the media and
government leaders to be so shocked", mouth open gasping
and shaking our heads about whether to take Mr. Clinton
behind the woodshed or call the moving van.
No wonder some members of Congress are stalling for time
in declaring their bandwagon decision for . or against
impeachment proceedings. Public life is not comfortable or
for the most part a laudatory career choice anymore. Casting
stones is painful and unproductive. We vote for and pay for
people in government to conduct the business of this country
and take a leadership position in world politics. For the last
several months Congress has been on a coffee break reading
Hustler magazine, while the store it is supposed to be
minding has closed for business. Let us put this matter
behind us and move on to feeding, caring for, sheltering,
protecting, and bolstering one another, to strive to be positive
agents of change in our country, and earn our place as
responsible citizens of the world.
- Justine Michaud

I was appalled to read Cal Thomas' column ("Telling truth about
gay behavior'') in the July 23 edition of The Telegraph (Nashua, NH).
1n the wake of recent news regarding the prevalence of violence
against gay and lesbian youth, Thomas' insinuation that gay rights
activists work through "intimidation" was sad and in poor taste. As
a Unitarian Universalist who will soon be ordained as a minister, I
rush to point out that not all religious people think like Mr. Thomas.
I am concerned about the ethics of using a former drug user who
admits he "developed a hard attitude toward others, even [his]
lovers" as an example of "the gay lifestyle." The relationship pattern
Thomas described would be no more healthy or moral if it were
heterosexual.
The sin in this situation was in using other people only as vehicles
for pleasure. That sin, I am sorry to say, is all too common in every
sexual orientation. The deepest flaws in Thomas' writing, however,
are religious and theological. Thomas claims that tolerant religious
people "don't recognize sin when they see it because they've denied
the One who defines what it is." This is a dangerous statement. Only
God can have a perfect ability to understand God's will, unfiltered
through human motivations and foibles ...
Thomas also writes: "That various medical groups and liberal
religious denominations have declared homosexual behavior not a
disease or a sin says more about the organizations and
denominations than it does about the possibility of change." As a
religious liberal I agree, and gladly. What it says is that these
organizations share a fundamental respect for human dignity and
the courage to speak against bigotry in whatever form we find it. I
am proud that my religion has had this courage. Thomas' column
was poor religion and poor journalism. 1n the future, I hope you are
more careful about printing columns like these.
- Daniel S.
Schatz, Milford

II

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A Second Letter by Our Own RH
Published in The Naples (FL) Daily News on August 25, 1998.
As half of a 60-something gay male couple planning to retire to the
Sun Coast in a few years, I have one thing to say about Nancy
Farren' s letter (Aug. 11) claiming that the average male homosexual
dies at age 40."
Hogwash!
Her factoid has no scientific basis whatsoever, even though the antigay forces repeat it over and over as if it were common knowledge.
The origin of the myth is the long-discredited 1993 Cameron study,
where the "statistics" were obtained by counting up the obituaries
of gay men and lesbians in a number of national gay magazines. It
is not difficult to see the fallacy in this "study." It does not count a
cross-section of all gay people who die, but only those well-known
activists and celebrities who are openly gay - a sample strongly
skewed toward younger people in the first place.
Most gay people of my generation are still in the closet, and when
we die few of us get our obituaries in the gay media. The younger
generation who grew up after gay liberation are more likely to be
out" and politically active, and their deaths, though much less
frequent than those of older gays, are the ones more likely to be
written about in gay magazines.
If Ms. Farren is going to use her credentials as a health professional
to make pronouncements about gay health, she ought to check on
the validity of the factoids she uses to support her opinions.
- Roger Hooverman, Norwalk, CT
II

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T NEWS & VIEWS
, . CONNECTICUT NEWS
Greenwich Greets Archbishop
Piqued by the vote of the world's Anglican bishops denouncing homosexuality as contrary to Christian morals, about 50 gay and lesbian
activists wearing pink triangles were among the 800 worshipers a the Christ Church in Greenwich on August 23 rd . They were drawn by
the preacher - Archbishop of Canterbury George L. Carey, spiritual leader of 70 million Angelicans worldwide, including American
Episcopalians.
There was nothing like a confrontation between Carey, who upholds traditional church values, and those who are pressing for the
ordination of men and women who are openly homosexual and the blessing of same-sex unions. In the stone Gothic church here,
politeness ruled. It was quite unlike the experience
___.--,_............_
Carey had in England at Easter, where he was shouted
down and shoved from his pulpit by a radical gay
group. "Those of us in the U.S. Episcopal Church do our
protesting in the good old Anglican can way. We listen
to one another," said Barry Bynum, a member of Integrity,
the officially recognized Episcopal gay and lesbian
caucus, who flew in from Atlanta for the service. A
busload of activists came from New York City for the
service and others drove from as far away as Maine.
The reaffirmation of traditional values was upheld
overwhelmingly in August at the Lambeth Conference
together more than 600 Anglican bishops from 160
in England, which is held every 10 years. It brought
Asia and Latin American - joined traditionalist bishops
nations. The bishops from the Third World - African,
from the West to denounce homosexuality as contrary
to Scripture in a 526-70 vote, with 45 abstentions. Such a
resolution is not bindin& on the member churches but is morally persuasive.
Carey acknowledged the presence of the men and women, including some priests, who were wearing the pink triangle. "My integrity
too calls me to stand out for what I believe to be orthodox sexual morality," Carey said in his sermon. "But is it not possible for us to show
the way in our divided society, how strong positions can be held in tension without demonizing one another? ... Let me assure you that
the resolution from the Lambeth Conference calls upon us all to listen to one another and I am committed to that, for my experience tells
me that in giving hospitality to the stranger we may be entertaining angels unknowingly."
Bishop Clarence N. Coleridge of Connecticut was among the bishops who participated in the service. He said the Lambeth resolution "is
not going to change my care for my clergy whatever their orientation." At the same time, he said, his position continues to be that "I will
not ordain and I will not permit blessings" of homosexuals unless the policy of the Episcopal Church that such things are" inappropriate"
is changed.

Mobile Mammography

Kudos to Hooverman!

The Yale-New Haven Hospital Mobile Mammography Van will
visit the locations listed below to perform breast cancer screening
mammography. One in every eight women will
develop breast cancer at some time in her life.
Screening mammography is still the best known
method in the early detection of breast cancer. The
American Cancer Society recommends that women
receive a mammogram every year beginning at age 40. The entire
process takes less than 15 minutes. To schedule an appointment
or for more information, call Yale-New Haven Hospital
mammography office Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4
PM at (203) 688-6800.
Location:
Date:
October 1,6,12,19,28
Lot 22, Yale University, 266 Whitney,
New Haven
October7
Oronoque Village, Stratford
October 26
Lot 2, Yale-New Haven Hospital
Frontage Rd., New Haven
October29
Westport Stop and Shop, 1970 Post
Road,East, Westport

Roger Hooverman' s pen has been as busy as ever. He recently had
tthe following letter published in the New Haven Register on
September 2, 1998

New AIDS Group In Bridgeport
A Therapy Group for gay men living with HN/ AIDS has been
started at Family Services Woodfield at the corner of Fairfield and
Clinton Ave. in Bridgeport. Private insurance, Title 19 and Ryan
White Funds are accepted. The group began late in September
but is still open to new members. This is an opportunity to focus
on specific issues and solutions in a safe and confidential setting.
For more information please call the Intake Department at (203)
368-4291,ext.328.

Letter:
Andrea Sheldon, Executive Director of the Traditional Values Coalition, wrote on Aug. 18 of two "shocking" days in San Francisco during which she searched the Public Library's Hormel Gay and Lesbian
Reading Center for items that would offend her. The purpose of her
distasteful task was to find material she could use to defame Mr.
Hormel and the gay and lesbian community.
Last winter I happened to make a business trip to San Francisco and,
having heard so much about the Hormel Center, I made a point to
stop at the library and see it for myself. I found it to be a pleasant
reading room tucked away in one corner of the vast building, its walls
packed with books.
I recogniz.ed titles I had read, many of them classic works of gay fiction
and non-fiction. Two or three people sat about, reading quietly. On
the ceiling an inspiring mural, "Into the Light," depicted the rise of
gay culture from the early Greeks to the writers, scholars and artists
of today. It is a place that gay people can be proud of.
This is the largest gay and lesbian reference library in the world, so
beyond the books on display there must be a great many more books
and journals and pamphlets stored away for access by the serious
student. It is not surprising that within this vast collection Sheldon
was able to find some items that met her needs.
A mature researcher would know how to put this material in
perspective. Sheldon's approach reminds me more of the gradeschooler who gets hold of an "adult" novel and underlines the dirty
words in red crayon.
-Roger Hooverman, Norwalk, CT

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T NEWS & VIEWS
Stamford Newspaper Offers Benefits

George Stephanopolous In Fairfield

The Advocate, the daily newspaper of Stamford, has announced
that it will offer health-insurance benefits for the first time to samesex partners of eligible employees as of January 1st . The Advocate's
new benefits came as the result of major policy changes at The
Advocate's parent company, Times Mirror Co. Similar moves have
already been made by other major media organizations, including
the New York Times Co., The Washington Post and Knight Ridder
Inc.
U.S. employers in general, are increasingly offering domestic-partner
benefits. Other major Washington, D.C. area companies that offer
these benefits include the Discovery Channel, America Online Inc.
and Fannie Mae. According to the National Lesbian and Gay
Journalists Association, more than 500 companies across the country
offer this coverage, up from about five in 1989. About 44 media
companies offer the benefits, the journalists association said.

Former presidential advisor George Stephanopolous will be visiting
Fairfield, CT on October 21 st • He was a featured keynote speaker at
the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists
Association (NLGJA) convention in Washington,
D.C. in October 1995. He will be appearing at the
Quick Center at Fairfield University, North Benson
Road in Fairfield, at 8 PM.
Mr. Stephanopolous, who is currently an ABC
television network news commentator and a
visiting Professor of Political Science at Columbia
University in Manhattan, will discuss policy, politics, and the media.
In his remarks to the 1995 NLGJA conference, he expressed strong
support for ENDA, a proposed federal law to protect gays and
lesbians from discrimination in employment. For prices and other
information about his October 21 st appearance in Fairfield, call the
Quick Center Box Office at (203) 254-4010.
-Michael Collins

MCC/NH Service for AIDS Awareness Month
As part of it's ongoing AIDS Awareness Month Activities, the Metropolitan Community Church of New Haven will have a candle
lighting and special HN/ AIDS healing litany added to their regular worship services, as well as a special guest speaker, Rev.
Alexander R. Garbera, on October 11, 1998. Rev. Garbera's sermon
"Spiritual Survival with Hiv/ AIDS" is based on his 12 years experience living with the virus and loving people with HN / AIDS. "As
a long term survivor and HN / AIDS activist," Rev. Garbera said, "I
don't think I could have made it without a firm belief in a God that
loves me unconditionally, and a community that supports and prays
for me when I need it."
Rev. Garbera will be speaking at the regular MCC New Haven worship services on October 11, 1998, starting at 9:30am and 4:00pm.
MCC New Haven is a Christian congregation especially serving
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons. For more information on this special service, or about MCC New Haven, please
contact Rev. Frank Beard, Pastor. (203) 389-6750.

Hartford Pool Fee Controversy Takes New Turn
A gay West Hartford couple has entered the continuing pool fee
controversy, which has captured national headlines, by filing a
complaint with the state's human rights commission. Barry E. Amos
and Andrew O'Brien, who have lived together for the past four years
in a home on Trout Brook Drive, say the town's pool fees, which
deny unmarried couples who live together a discounted "family"
rate, are discriminatory and deny them equal access to a public place.
In a complaint filed in late July with the Connecticut Commission
on Human Rights and Opportunities, Amos and O'Brien said that
on two occasions they went to the Cornerstone Aquatics Center on
Buena Vista Road to apply for membership, and on both occasions
were refused membership in the "resident family" category.
This human rights complaint is the latest development in the pool
fee controversy, first raised by another local gay couple, which has
led to several contentious town council meetings at which hundreds
of residents, married and unmarried, young and elderly, have voiced
their opinions. The debate has divided the council along party lines,
with the Republican-controlled majority voting to retain the current
fee structure, and Democratic members wanting to make changes
to accommodate unmarried couples. Currently, families pay $395
for the annual pool membership and individuals now pay $295, a
$50 discount from the previous rate of $345. That means a gay couple
living together must pay $590 for an annual membership at the pool..

Maloney Meets with Gays in Waterbury
U.S. Congressman James Maloney met with a group of gay and
lesbian community leaders and constituents in a special meeting on
August 20"', at his office in Waterbury.
Congressman Malon~y, whose 5th district includes northern and
central Fairfield County and northern New Haven County, said he
has seen more support than ever for the proposed federal law that
would extend federal protection to gays in jobs and employment.
Maloney, a Democrat, noted there are now more than 150 co-sponsors
for the proposed low. Even so, he said he thinks it will be a while
before this law is passed. Maloney noted the progress that has been
made in gay rights. He said that one generation ago, the attitude
was that it was perfectly all right to discriminate against "those
people." But he said that with the progress made in the civil rights
and women's movements, peoples' attitudes have changed and they
are more accepting of the idea that gays should not be discriminated
against.
Among the 20 or so people present at the meeting were Don Buxton,
president of the Triangle Community Center (TCC), and Michael
Collins of Stratford, director of publicity for TCC and general
manager of AM 1220 WQUN, Hamden CT. Robin Passarella of the
Children From The Shadows organization, spoke of the need to
protect gay youth from taunts and intimidation in public schools.
She said that in the 5th congressional district of Connecticut, the only
school districts with gay-straight alliances to help gay youth are in
the Fairfield County towns of Danbury and Brookfield.
John Allen, founder of the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community
Center, made note of the spate of anti-gay rhetoric and proposed
anti-gay laws in the Republican controlled House. But in his remarks
Maloney said that the anti-gay measures passed in the House will
never pass in the Senate.
Congressman Maloney said that gays should take on the issues that
are less difficult to win. As individual victories accumulate, they
help increase the momentum for the total fight. As an example, he
said that gays should concentrate their fight on passage of the
proposed federal law to protect gay people in employment. This
proposed legislation he feels, will be easier to get passed than some
other, more volatile issues.

-6-

TNEWS & VIEWS
THE

Ex-gay Movement Growing In MO

"Ex-GAY" MovEMENT

About two decades ago, Andy Comiskey, transfixed by the gospel
of Jesus Christ, peered into his heart and came to a conclusion: He
no longer wanted to be gay. So he prayed, and he delved deep into
his past, into his psyche. Now 40, married for 16 years and with
four children, Comiskey, of California, is the "ex-gay" leader of
Desert Stream, a national Christian ministry with 200 churchaffiliated groups in cities across the country. Last week at Metro
Christian Fellowship in Grandview, Mo., Comiskey and nearly 500
other people dealt with issues of what Comiskey calls sexual
"brokenness," including gays, lesbians, transsexuals, adulterers and
Internet porn addicts. He held a three-day seminar on how, through
God's grace, they could all find healing and redemption.

Can Gays Convert?
Transformation Ministries is a branch of Exodus International, a
nondenominational Christian fellowship dedicated to helping homosexuals change their orientation. Touting strict Scriptural reading and a discredited theory of childhood development, Exodus was until recently one of the better-kept secrets in the American church. Then on
July 13, in conjunction with conservative groups
like the Christian Coalition, it started taking out
freespeech.
full-page ads in major newspapers. In gentle, lov_ _ t) .___ ing language, smiling "ex-gays" offered the bold
- - . ___ promise: we changed, so can you. Gay advocates
~,;;,:-~--;_;:~·;.:· fumed. The mainstream psych community bridled.
" For the ad's sponsors, the uproar was golden.
"We' ve done 37 interviews in the last 10 days," exults Falzarano,
who describes himself as "one of the top five 'ex-gays'
..... For more than a century, therapists, churches and groups like
the Aesthetic Realists have tried to change gays by means including
drugs, electroshock and even testicular transplant. But after the
American Psychiatric and Psychological associations voted in the
1970s that homosexuality wac not a disorder, most therapists got
out of the sexual-conversion business. Last year the American Psychological Association officially declared "reparative therapy" scientifically ineffective and possibly harmful. The public is less convinced. In a new Newsweek Poll, 56 percent said gays could become straight; 11 percent of gays agreed.
Exodus offers a tidy explanation for homosexuality. Boys with absent fathers, girls with absent mothers, get stuck in developmental
limbo and seek masculine or feminine fulfillment through sex with
members of their own gender. By recognizing this deficiency, and
through prayer, individuals can replace some gay desires with samesex friendships. Or so the theory goes. Heterosexual desire may or
may not follow.

El,

Concersion Controversy in FL
Sergio is gay but desperately wishes he weren't. And so on Monday
nights Sergio, joins a Fort Lauderdale support group with 14 others
just like him: gay men and lesbian women who want to be straight.
The group is Worthy Creations - a branch of Exodus International,
a nondenominational Christian ministry - created by former gays.
The group' s leader is Richard Culbertson, 59, who heard about
changing sexual orientation 15 years ago through a radio ministry
broadcast. The effort to convert is fraught with peril. Sergio admits
that he "slipped" a couple of months ago and had a same-sex
relationship after nearly four years of abstinence. During the support
group, Sergio suggests pairing up with a prayer partner. Culbertson
nixes the idea .. He describes a scenario in which two gay men both lonely - call each other at 2 a.m. for support. "The next thing
you know, they end up in bed together," says Culbertson.

Group Helping Gay Mormons
Some 300 Mormon men and women gathered in Salt Lake City last
August, looking for support, understanding and help in
"overcoming" homosexual behavior and "diminishing" same-sex
attraction. The eighth annual conference of Evergreen International,
a support group for people trying to overcome their homosexuality
and remain faithful to LDS teachings, addressed such issues as
"struggling with recovery," "raising gender-secure children" and
how to resist masturbation, said David Pruden, the group's executive
director.

Doubt About Ex-Gay Couple's Orientation
In a previously forgotten Wall Street Journal interview, the nation's
most prominent "ex-gay'', John Paulk, admitted to not being 100%
cured of his homosexuality even though he was already married to
a woman. In light of recent questions raised by Time
magazine about whether Paulk's wife was ever a
lesbian at all, many are now asking if the ex-gay
house of cards is starting to crumble.
On April 21, 1993, John Paulk-who recently appeared
Tm1!1~m sci. ~oofree.
on the cover of Newsweek with his "ex-lesbian" wife
------ Anne-admitted to the Wall Street Journal that his
new-found straight orientation was not as intense
as that of the "average man on the street." In the
··~ - ~ ;- z same interview, Paullc also put cold water on the
notion that he and his wife were yet cured of their gay orientations.
Time magazine added further fuel to the Paulk credibility fire. On
July 27, 1998, the magazine reported being unable to find even one
former girlfriend of the supposedly former-lesbian Anne Paulk. In
addition, Time reports that Paulk" conceded that her ties to _w omen
in college were 'more emotional than sexual."'

l!I

Woman Behind Anti-Gay Ads
Over the last two and a half years, leaders representing about 25
conservative Christian groups have been meeting for private strategy
sessions to discuss how to counter what they see as the increasingly
powerful "homosexual lobby" and its legislative victories. The
conservatives believed that their position was getting clobbered: Gay
people were adopting children, coming out on television shows and
persuading politicians to vote for anti-discrimination laws.
"The final straw," said Janet Folger, a member of the strategy group,
came in June when Michael McCurry, the White House press
secretary, denounced Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., the majority leader,
as "backward" for comparing homosexuality to alcoholism and
"kleptomania." So, in a conference call to the group of conservative
strategists in Washington on June 24, Ms. Folger proposed taking
out full-page newspaper advertisements that would show "former
homosexuals" who "overcame" their sexual orientation through
prayer and the help of Christian "ex-gay ministries." The
advertisements ran recently in seven major newspapers with a
combined circulation of nearly 8 million.
In a recent interview, Ms. Folger said she is convinced that conservative Christians are victimized by a popular culture that ridicules
and dominates them. The debate over homosexuality illustrates her
point, she said. Gay rights groups have persuaded Americans that
Christians who condemn homosexuality are intolerant, she said,
while actually it is gay people and their supporters who are intolerant of Christians.

-7-

T NEWS & VIEWS
•

MEDIANEWS

Slgnorlle Leaves OUT Magazine

TV Is Coming Out!
Here is a list of 20 gay characters who will be appearing in this fall's
lineup:Fantasy Island's Harry, Linc's Martin, a recovering drug addict
in Rude Awakenings, Stanford from Sex and the City, Chicago Hope's
Dennis Hancock, ER' s Maggie Doyle, Frasier's Gil Chesterton, Tim
Bayliss from Homicide: Life on the Streets, Friend's Susan and Carol,
Hank and Pete from Suddenly Susan, Debbie and Joan from Mad About
You, Nash Bridge's Stacy and Pepe, John Irvin from NYPD Blue, the
Profiler's George Fraley, Veronica's Clost's Josh and of course South
Park's Mr. Garrison and The Simpson's Waylon Smithers.

Popular columnist Michelangelo Signorile left OUT magazine
amid drastic content changes that critics say have led to the
"dumbing down" of the 6-year-old magazine. A press release
issued Aug. 19 by OUT trumpeted the hiring of radical sex
educator Pat Califia as a regular columnist. Five paragraphs into
the release, it was revealed that Signorile will no longer write
his monthly column, "and has declined an offer to remain with
the magazine as a contributing writer." However, the Aug. 21
New York Post depicts a less genteel departure, one that includes
a public fracas between Signorile and OUT editor in chief James
Collard.
"The Brit [Collard) summoned fiery OUT columnist
Michelangelo Signorile to lunch at Blue Water Grill - intending,
sources say, to try to rein him in - and wound up standing
drenched in the dining room after Signorile let fly a glass of
water," Page Six writer Jean MacIntosh related. MacIntosh's
source reports that Collard, who's made sweeping changes since
becoming editor in March, told Signorile his columns "had lost
their passion." That's where the glass of water came in.
Three months after taking OUT's editorial helm, Collard
launched a radical, redesign. Architectural features and quickhit profiles of relatively minor figures have replaced national
news stories and celebrity interviews. And OUT has become even
more style-conscious, with fashion spreads often
indistinguishable from clothing advertisements. The editorial
changes may have made Signorile's column incompatible with
OUT. "Signorile in America" dealt with topics like Sex Panic!
and the changing political climate, which don't fit into the

**
TRANSGENDER NEWS

Gay Paper Folds After 22 Years

Where Are You?

A gay and lesbian newspaper that began as a few mimeographed pages
with handwritten headlines and grew into a computer-designed national
publication, is folding after 22 years. The last issue of "Our Own
Community Press" was distributed leaving Hampton Roads, VA with
a single gay-interest newspaper, "Out & About". Kirk Read, editor of
"Our Own", said that the newspaper was built by indefatigable
volunteers who saw themselves on the front lines of a civil rights
struggle. But in recent years, the passion has faded. "Our Own" was
distributed monthly to about 12,S(X) people nationwide, provided news,
commentary, classified advertising and a large resource directory.

For several months now, I have been submitting information
about transgendered topics to the Triangle News & Views, and I
can say I don't think I've received even one contact. The reason
I got involved in offering TV information, is because it is said
the Triangle Community Center is GLBT supportive. (Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered) While it may be T
supportive, I have to wonder if there are any T's in the Center?
Our club, "the connecticuT View" will be having our 4th year
anniversary next month and we have grown to over 70 members.
We attend Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus concerts, and as many
Gay Balls and Dances where we are welcome. Our support
system tries to help members with significant other issues, and
we offer members an opportunity to express their female side in
safe environments at our monthly gatherings.
Because I do believe that there are TG members in the TCC, I
would like to offer those groups like PFLAG or the Men's Group
etc. who might not have an idea what a TV is, by offering to
speak to those or any groups who would like dialog, definition,
explanation or just an inquisitiveness about who we TV's are all
about. If you would like to schedule a fact finding meeting with
us, we would be happy to meet with your group. Please contact
us at masond@aol.com or "connecticuT View", P.O. Box 2281,
Milford CT. 06460

TRIVIA
Answer to September - Death at the Bar, by Ngiao Marsh. The hint was
that it was part of the Mystery series on PBS, with Detective Roderick
Alleyn.
Question for October - Can you name this TV min-series? It was the
initial mini-series of its kind, first broadcast 25-30 years ago. The main
characters were two women, actual historic figures. One was the ruler
of her country, the other the most powerful woman in her country other
than monarchs and Prime Minister, gaining her power through her close
and intense friendship with the ruling monarch. The ruler was one of
the historic figures speculated to haven been a lesbian, and indeed when
the two women had a falling out one of the accusations made of the
monarch by the other woman, was her attachment to a younger woman.

-8-

Property of the Center

T NEWS & VIEWS
~-

Knowing Someone Gay Doesn't Mean Support

NATIONAL NEWS

G/L Press Awards Announced
lin the first round of the 2nd annual Vice Versa Awards for excellence
in the gay and lesbian press the San Francisco Bay Times won the
largest number of awards in Division A (weekly and biweekly
publications) with 13 - including three first-place awards (best oped piece or news analysis, best first-person column, and best review).
Frontiers won the largest number of first-place awards overall, with
four in Division A (best news article, best editorial, best
entertainment interview or personality profile, and best humor
piece).
In Division B (monthlies and quarterlies), the Baltimore Alternative
won the most awards with eight - including three first places (best
comprehensive coverage or investigative report, best editorial, and
best review). In Division C (national publications), Out won the most
awards with five - including three first places (best comprehensive
coverage or investigative report, best first-person column, and best
review).
The Vice Versa Awards program was established in 1997 to honor
the 50th anniversary of Vice Versa, North America's first lesbian or
gay publication. Eighty publications from 29 states, two provinces,
and the District of Columbia participated. The awards ceremony,
which is co-sponsored by Q Syndicate and Gay Net, will take place
on October 1, 1998 in Las Vegas. The following awards will be
announced and distributed at the ceremony: Best Publication (3
divisions), Best New Publication, Best Publication Web Site, Best
Special Issue.

More than one-third of Americans said they have "close personal
friends or relatives" who are gay, according to the results of a Louis
Harris poll released August 19'11. The conventional wisdom among
activists has been that the more people know someone gay, the more
likely it is to get support for passing laws to protect gay people from
discrimination. But the Harris poll indicates that support for such
laws was aboutthe same, regardless of whether the respondent had
a "close personal" friend or relative who is Gay. Of the 623 adults
surveyed by phone nationwide between July 17"' and 19th, 52 percent
said they favor laws to "make it illegal to discriminate against gays
and lesbians." That included 53 percent of people with a close
personal friend or relative and 51 percent of those without.
What did set voters apart were gender, education, and "political
philosophy." Fifty-sex percent of women favored making anti-gay
discrimination illegal, while only 48 percent of men did. Sixty-two
percent of college graduates favored making discrimination illegal,
while only 34 percent of people who had only "some'' high school
did. And sixty-five percent of self-described "liberals" favored laws
making discrimination illegal, compared to 42 percent of
"conservatives."
Surprisingly, the regional breakdown of support for Gay civil rights
protections showed th.a t the stronghold is not in the "East" (58
percent) but in the "Midwest" (62 percent). Not surprisingly, as
previous polls have indicated, the least supportive region of the
country was the "South" (43 percent). The polling sample had a
margin of error of four percentage points.

Just the Facts Ma'am

Cllntons Attend Hamptons Fundralser
It seemed like the usual type of upscale event the weekend of August
1 when President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton arrived
at an East Hampton, Long Island, home for a $5,CXXJ-per-person
fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee. The president
and Mrs. Clinton mingled with about 75 guests who had gathered
around a swimming pool.
According to organizers, this wasn't exactly the typical DNC
fundraiser. It was organized by Gay Democrats and held at the
home of an openly gay couple. The couple - Jonathan Sheffer, an
acclaimed composer, conductor, and founder of New York's Eos
orchestra, and Christopher Barley, a Manhattan physician - are avid
Democrats and staunch Clinton supporters. Gay Democratic activist
Jeff Soref, who helped organize the event, said the fundraiser drew
about 55 paying guests and pulled in $400,000 for the DNC. Soref, a
member of the DNC and co-chair of the Empire State Pride Agenda,
a New York Gay civil rights group, said some of the guests
contributed $25,000 and $50,000 each.

Ferraro Gets Endorsement
With the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate still a race in search of
some sizzle, Geraldine Ferraro picked up the endorsement of two
gay Democratic clubs. Ferraro appeared at City Hall with supporters
from two Manhattan-based gay and lesbian groups - the
Millennium Triangle Democratic Oub and the Pride Democrats and proclaimed her support for national legislation currently under
consideration that would ban employment discrimination on the
basis of sexual orientation. While Ferraro said she supported federal
legislation that would guarantee employment-related benefits to
domestic partners, she opposed the formal recognition of gay
marriages. She said that was an issue for states, not the federal
government, to decide....
-9-

In general . daya11 think hm1asex11als sluid
ar should rid: hn-.1! e,qual right5 in term, r::A jCKI

In your vi et•, is hana<e1ual i ty sanl!tli ng •
pe·son is born oiith a- is hamose,uali ty due to
<i:her facto· s such as upbringing aerr.i romu!nt? 1
-9QRNIIJITH

June 77

OCtotM!r '89

q,pa·tlJri ti es? ·-·

-HA\/E~RIGHTS

J UH 77

June '98

Navo.,1,,er '9E

IS it generally• gooa tiling ror a,r soeiet,· or
• 03~ tl1ing ror our soeiety or dcsen•t it m:il<e
mU<:I1 di!Terenceth3I more gay and lesDian
couple ore raising chil~ren?

Doya, persaiatly Detie-.-e ncmcsexu31
betlovior ismcuuywra,goris I1<Jtmoro11y
'wrong?
DON'T KNOW.-'
NO ANSWER

Oa1ober '89

DON'T KNOW
WRON<c NO A"'5WER
7\1,

5"•

GOOD

THING
6~
BAD
THING

"If God i's TQ.llt'rig u::i hQ. cari -r cb arytt )i'rig about- st-cnJi'rJg
kid s t'ri tt)Q. ~ dari but hQ. has tt)Q. tii ..(Q. arid Q.rJ<2.r9'0 -ro
fJ,akQ. ~--p:2GplQ. straight-, God i's OrJQ. hu,.....h'rig buckcroo.
Colt'ri N,ccry-oQ., ~crtford Coc..rarit-, August- 10, lCf/'cJ.
1

1

TNEWS .& VIEWS

,."!JI(

NY - Rebel Priest Is Reassigned

S TATE BY STATE

CA - Brief Headline Signals a Moment to Rej oice
"No obits," announced the profoundly simple banner headline on
the front page of the Bay Area Reporter. For the first time in 17 years,
in a city long considered America's ground zero in the AIDS
epidemic, a week had passed without a single obituary arriving at
the editorial offices of the Bar, as the paper is known . The
introduction of combination therapy for HIV infection, with at least
three AIDS drugs, is widely believed to be responsible for the
dramatic decline in AIDS deaths over the past two years.
In California, according to the state Department of Health Services,
there were 2,674 AIDS deaths from July 1997 to July 1998, compared
to 4,307 in the previous 12 months-a 38% drop. Nationwide, the
number of AIDS deaths dropped from 21,460 in the first six months
of 1996 to 12,040 in the first six months of 1997, according to the
most recent figures available from the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases. That represents a 44 % decline.

FL - Summer Break for Gay, Lesbian Travelers
There are two reasons why the Daytona Beach Convention and
Visitors Bureau has helped promote a three-day spring break-like
event aimed at gays and lesbians. Dollars and cents. Beachfest could
attract as many as 20,CXXJ visitors, according to tourism officials. More
importantly, it could generate close to $8 million for local businesses.
Businesses have been contacting Beachfest organizers because they
want "part of the dollars," event chairman Jerry Corlis said. Beachfest
has expanded to three days this year, adding a Friday evening
reception at the Holiday Inn Sunspree and events starting that
afternoon. Over l,CXXJ packets of information have been sent out,
and they've gotten around 1,400 hits on their Web site. The Holiday
Inn Sunspree is booked, and officials are starting to put people in
other hotels.

IL- Illinois State OKs Benefits
Illinois State University is now offering benefits like sick leave and
tuition waivers to the unmarried domestic partners of faculty and
staff. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is the only other
university in the state to offer a formal domestic benefits plan. But
some other schools, like Northern Illinois, offer limited benefits to
domestic partners as part of other policies, such as sick leave. Illinois
State's program does not cover medical and dental insurance. Those
benefits are provided by the state and do not include domestic
partners. To enroll, couples will have to attest that they are each
other's sole domestic partner and intend to remain so indefinitely.
They also must have lived with each other for at least 12 months
and share financial obligations like a joint mortgage or a joint
checking account.

MO - Gay Rodeos Raise Money
Members of the International Gay Rodeo Association faced off in
the Show Me State Rodeo, a Missouri Gay Rodeo Association event
at the Wyandotte County Fair Grounds in Kansas City, Kan. last
month. Gay rodeos throughout the country have raised money for
people with HIV, AIDS and breast cancer. Over the last 13 years the
International Gay Rodeo Association's 2,500 members have helped
generate more than $2 million for charitable causes. The Missouri
chapter, active since 1986, has raised about $70,CXXJ in the past four
years.

The Rev. James Callan conducts gay weddings, allows w omen an
active role on the altar and serves Holy Communion to non-Roman
Catholics in a downtown Rochester parish he has ministered for 22
years - all forbidden by church rules. Now, Callan is being
reassigned to another parish, and he believes the ejection was
ordered by senior officials at the Vatican w ho want to rein him in
for his disobedience. Bishop Clark of the Catholic Diocese of
Rochester, who courted criticism himself for holding a Mass for gays
and lesbians last year, said it was his decision to reassign Callan. He
warned that the parish needed to change some of its ways to line up
with "definitive church teachings."

TX - A Lesson In Kindness
JR' s is an Oak Lawn bar and grill with a $4 million-a-year liquor
business. Sam Houston Elementary is Dallas' oldest school and one
of its poorest. The distance between them is exactly a block But
until last fall, they were worlds apart. Then, as principal Ricardo
Weir likes to say, destiny intervened. This fall, JR's and three other
gay bars owned by Caven Enterprises Inc. are adopting the entire
school. They're planning Halloween parties, Christmas gifts for
every child, Valentine celebrations and an Easter egg hunt. Sam
Houston has some new playground equipment this year, courtesy
of JR' s. Its yard is free ,of cockleburs for the first time in a long time.
The children have more than $1,CXXJ in new school supplies. The
number of tutors signed up to read to the children once a week has
doubled, from 35 to 70.
It all started last fall when JR's manager, Donald Solomon, was
looking for a small Christmas project. He wanted to provide
Christmas for a few families who live in the little neighborhood of
frame houses behind the Cedar Springs Road bar. So the principal
considered the offer. He told Mr. Solomon he couldn't pick one or
two children from a class of 22. So the bar manager sighed and said,
"All right, we'll take a whole class. Pick one." The principal thought
about it. But once again, he couldn't choose. "How many children
are in the kindergarten class altogetherr' Mr. Solomon asked. One
hundred and seventy, came the answer. Mr. Solomon went back to
his employees and took a vote. The vote was a unanimous yes.
One day Mr. Polachek was visiting Mr. Weir when the principal said,
"Isn't that interesting? We're such good friends. You have four
businesses. I have a school with four grades that need to be adopted.
It almost seems like destiny, doesn't it?" So Mr. Polachek went to
the employees at the three other Oak Lawn bars he owns and asked
them if they wanted to follow JR's lead in adopting Sam Houston
classes. They did.
$oURCES

Breast Cancer Risk - Reuters, September 3, 1998
CA- Brief Headline Signals a Moment to Rejoice - LA Tunes, August 15, 1998
Can Gays Converl? - Newsweek, August 17, 1998
Clintons Attend Harnptons Fundraiser - Washington Blade, August 14, 1998
Doubt About Ex-Gay Couple's Orientation - John Aravosis, Wired Strategies
Ex-gay Movement Growing in MO - Akron Beacon Journal, August 29, 1998
Ferraro Gets Endorsement - New York Tunes, September 2, 1998
FL - Summer Break for Gay, Lesbian Travelers- Orlando Sentinel, August 18, 1998
Group Helping Gay Mormons - Salt Lake Tribune, August 21, 1998
Group Hires "Ex-gays" - St. Paul Pioneer Press, August 9, 1998
Knowing Someone Gay Doesn't Mean Support - Washington Blade, August 28, 1998
MO - Gay Rodeos Raise Money - Kansas City Star, September 2, 1998
Signorile Leaves OUT Magazine - Philadelpltia Gay News, September 1, 1998
The Sin & The Sinner - LA Tunes, August 1998
TX - A Lesson in Kindness - Dallas Morning News, August 30, 1998
Woman Behind Anti-Gay Ads - New York Tunes, August 13, 1998 FL- Concersion
Controversy - Miami Herald, August 29, 1998

- 10-

TNEWS & VIEWS
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-11-

T NEWS & VIEWS
MICHAEL D. ROME

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Attorney-at-Law
PIRRO, CHURCH & COOK, LLC

Bankruptcy
Business Transactions
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Worker's Compensation

7 TREND

Personal Injury/Accident Law
Real Estate Transactions
Criminal
Taxation: Business & Individual
Estate Planning & Probate

tr

120 EAST A VENUE
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 06851
Phone:(203) 259-6785 or (203) 853-6677
Fax: (203) 259-7831
E-mail: Romemdesq@aol.com

ETTERS
~LON

932 Hope Stroot . Stamford. Conn
Te ephone 203-348-9880

JOSEPH H. SWEENEY, CPA

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

ATTORNEY-AT LAW

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

1305 POST ROAD, F AIRHHD
203/256-3839

c.,,_

Tax Plan11ing, Preparation & Appeals;

KURT SPERLING,L.C.S.W.

Estates & Trusts, Probate Matters,
Real Estate Law; Elder Law; and
225 MAIN STREET, LLl • WESTPORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

Small Business Formations and Assistance

Paul Thury
REALTOR"
Office: 203.846.1611 ext. 218
Res: 203.847.5621
Fax: 203.857.7842
E-mail: pthury@aol.com

St. Paul's Episcopal Churuh
60 East Avenue, Norwalk

You Have a Friend in
Real Estate

(Across from the Green)

An inclusive, diverse,

Whether you're looking to sell or buy, I will
help you put all the pieces together.

affirming community

I have the marketing tools necessary to offer
you peace of mind. And that's what you need
most from a real estate agent.

Solemn Eucharist - Sundays at 10:15

For a free market analysis to determine the value of
your home, a nwhy Rent When You Can Own" brochure, or a copy of my home tips newsletter

with organ, choir, and splendid music

Call Paul Thury-203.846.1611 ext. 218

~ Prudential

Office: (203) 847-2806

-12-

Connaclicut

Realty

TNEWS -& VIEWS
Maureen M. Murphy

NICHOLAS LANG, Ph.D., N.C.C.

27 Elm Street

Providing Affordable
Individual and Couples Counseling
Specializing in Relationship,
Sexual Orientation, Self-esteem,
Loss, & HIV-related Issues

NORWALK OFFICE

New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 789-2269

Fax (203) 789-2997

E-mail: mmurph!aw@aolcom
Civil Rights
Employment Law
Title IX

847-1094

Special Education Law
Family Law
Lesbian & Gay Legal Rig/its

(203) 256-4565
(203) 256-1122
(800) 628-7209
FAX: (203) 256-1759

Michelle C. Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D.
JOANN ATTWOOD NEMIS

Individual, Couple and Group Therapy

VICE PRESIDENT INVESTMENTS

JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT, INC.

(203) 255-2767
By Appointment

Ct. lie. MFT

MEMBERS NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE ANO OTHER PRINCIPAL EXCHANGES

2150 POST ROAD, FAIRFIELD, CT 06430

l

9
9

·i

MICHAELPAVLICIN
8UYl!ll AGENT/BBOKEII

.lJl } TILGHMAN &. FROST~hINc

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

92S POST ROAD EAST, WESTPORT, CT 06880

CHRISilE'S
ORBAT ESTATES
1

21 STRICKLAND RD .. COS COB. CONN. 06807 (203) 859-02115

omCE: (201> 221-1211
FAX1 (203) 227-1217
VOlCEMAlL1 (203) 211-2297

ladh-eleaol.caa

SAUGATUCK COUNSELING CENTER

Individual, Couple, Family & Group Therapy

JOHANNA RAYMAN
MICHAEL

J.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE.

440

M.S. W., L.C.S. W.

TAYLOR, LMT

MAIN STREET • RmCEFIELD,

CT, NY LICENSED
225 MAIN STREET, LLl • WES'IFORT, CT 06880 • 203.454.1549

CT 06877 • 203-431-8278

-13-

T NEWS & VIEWS
Joan W. Duncan, Ph.D.
_'111E_.4_6_~-ill-!!1'-in_R_!_fAm
_ _Da_n_b_ury_,CT_06_8_11_*
(203)778•9399

Psychotherapist
Women and Couples

FAX (203)7.4.4•1139

188 Scribner Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 854-4805

Three decades of GAY travel expertise
-RSVP
CONFUSED? SCARED? NOWHERE TO TURN?

VICTORIA

If you have HNIAIDS, you don't need to feel like you
are alone. Stamford CARES gives you the support and
attention you require. We are your direct link to the HIV
Care Network. Complete confidentiality assured.
Serving Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan.
Call 977-S096 to speak to a Care Coordinator today.

T.

FERRARA

ATTORNEY AT LAW
(203) 227-9585

WESTPORT,CT
ADMITJ'ED IN CT AND NY

We're here to help - because we care.

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW
Laura L. Gatesp MSW, LCSW

Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
RIICOY8fY from Abuse

Individuals, Couples. and Families

Bilingual

(203) 261-3492

White Plains. NY

(203) 338-2708
Bndgeport, CT

Monroe.CT

Stratford, CT

(203) 386-1725

(203) 386-1725

Horticultural Botanist
Gardener & House I Pet Sitter

Jane w. Griffith, JD, MBA

Donald J. Comes
(203) 866-2823

Tax Strategy & Preparation • Real Estate
Estate Planning & Wms • Business Consulting

30 7lerney Street

270 Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515-2114

"

Attorney-at-Law

Norwalk, CT 06851

Fax 203 I 387-9899

-14-

Voice 203 I 389-8614

Property of the Center

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

TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
GROUPS MEETING AT OR SPONSORED BY TCC
A.A. - Don 762-9964
Bi Rap Group - Peter 838-2806; Robin 855-8646
35+ Women's Pot Lucks - Judy 227-7162
Free Association of Fairfield County - Bruce 782-1496
Gay Men's Rap Group- Dave 838-1881
Gmosaic (People of Color) - Nasheed 854-7726
Lesbian Literature Reading Group - Christine 847-8476
Out & About (20's & 30's) - Heather 924-2930, Ashley 576-1073
or Dan 838-2367
OutSpoken (Youth)-Perry & Sara 846-4569; Dan 227-1755;
Doug 838-2367
P-FLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays)Joan 544-8724; Lester 322-5380; Belinda 855-1203
P-FLAG Spouses & Ex Spouses Group - Joan 544-8724
Triangle Bowling League (Circle Lanes, Fairfield) - Lisa 333-3113;
Roseann 931-8789
Women's Rap Group - Chandra 226-8652; Linda 866-4598;
Michele 438-4465
All meetings are held at the Center and in the evening unless
otherwise noted. A $3 donation per person is appreciated with your
participation in activities to help support the Center.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DON BUXTON .................... President
DENYSE BURKE ............... Vice-President
JOHN WALLACE .............. Treasurer
DAVE CARROLL.. ..............Corresponding Secretary
DAVE CARROLL.. .............. Recording Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEG BACHTEL
JIM BRIDGE
DON BUXTON
DENYSE BURKE
DAVE CARROLL
JOHN DEL VECCHIO
MICHELE STONE
JOHN WALLACE

STANDING COMMITTEES
AIDS Liaison
Tom M
Board Development Vacant
Communications
John D
-Public Relations
Mike C
Finance
John W
Fundraising
Vacant
Membership
,
Denyse B
-Member Database
Marianne S
Cindy M
Operations
(and to schedule events at the Center)
Program
Dave C
Resource Room
Walter D
-Center Forums
Marianne S
Volunteer
Vacant

OTHER AREA GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Bare & Gay (B&G) gay nudists
(203) 330-9595
Bisexually Curious Support Group Bpt
(203) 264-5605
Chiltern Mountain Club
(203) 899-0270
Connecticut Kids and Families
(203) 256-8414
Connecticut Freedom to Marry Coalition
(203) 791-9553
40-Up Club. (Social Grp. -call Dale before !Opm)(203) 261-4019
Gay Fathers Group
(203) 866-7051
Gay Mens Association of Danbury
(203) 778-7016
GEMS (Mature GLBT)
(860) 688-1881
GuideLine (gay/lesbian phone info)
(203) 366-3734
Hartford Community Center
(2031724-5542
Married Men's Bisexual Suppl Grp Htfd
(203) 262,1555
Metropolitan Community Church
(203) 389-6750
Transgendered Resource - Kaylen
(203) 661-2448
The Loft, White Plains NY,
(914) 948-4922
Triangle Bowling League
(203) 931-8789
Triangle Kids
(203) 255-6229
(203) 323-6278
Western Connecticut Gay Men's Group (203) 773-9947
We 're glad to list your non-profit gay/lesbian/bi/lg group free of
charge. Call (203) 964-1133. Please keep us informed of changes.

374-6934
334-3822
375-3567
261-7349
367-3911
222-8294
595-9799
838-1881
374-6934
222-8294

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

NEWS&VIEWS
Michele Stone: Editor & Advertising Manager
P.O. Box 8185
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone/Fax: (203) 964-1133
John DelVecchio: Assistant Editor Phone: 203-334-3822
Mike Collins: Publicity
Phone: (203) 375-8567
e-mail: News Views2@aol.com

WHERE ARE WE? The Triangle Community Center Inc. is
located at 25 Van Zant Street in Norwalk. From I-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 November Newsletter is Saturday, October
1711,. We cannot gaurantee that material received after this
date will be included in the November News & Views.

(203) 375-9020
(203) 847-3268
(203) 762-9964
(203) 367-3911
(203) 838-1881
(203) 334-3822
(203) 964-1133
(203) 389-7381

FOR ADVERTISING RATES PLEASE CONTACT
MICHELE STONE:
Ads lll1lsl 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 of TCC,
Inc. Copyright 1997 by Triangle Community Center, Inc. All rights
reserveed. This work, or any parts thereof, may not be used or
reproduced in any manner without written permission.

-15-

T NEWS & VIEWS
TCC Calendar
Sun

October, 1998
Mon

Wed

Tues

Thu

Fri
2

I
Men 's Rap 7:30

4
AA 9-I0 am
OutSpoken 4-6
Town Meet 3-5

II
AA9- 10am
OutSpoken 4-6

5

6

Women's Rap 7:30

12
Women 's Rap 7:30

18

19

AA 9-JOam
OutSpoken 4-6

Women's Rap 7:30

25
AA 9-1 0am
O utSpoken 4-6
TCC Movie 7

26
Women's Rap 7:30

Lesbian Lit 7:30

13

7

15

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

21

27
TCC Board 7:30

Bi Rap Grp 7:30

17

G-Mosaic 7:30
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes

N&V's Deadline

23

Men's Rap 7:30

29

28

JO

Out & About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes
Safe Sex Discussion 7:00

16

Men's Rap 7:30

22

P-A.,AG Spouses &
Ex-spouses 7:30

3

G-Mosaic 7:30
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes

9

Men's Rap 7:30

14

TCC Board 7:30
Fundraising 7:30

20

8

P-A.,AG 7:45

Sat

24

Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes

30

Men's Rap 7:30

31

Out & About 7:00
Bowl 9:30 Circle Lanes

Connecticut Calendar
Friday, October 2 - Movie: " Fried Green Tomatoes" at the
NHGLCC, 50 Fitch Street, New Haven. 6:30 PM potluck, 7:15 PM
screening, $3.00. More info: FGDMYO@aol.com.
Friday, October 2 - The Connecticut Gay Men's Chorus
presents its acclaimed musical "Out!" at Choate's Paul Mellon
Arts Center in Wallingford, 8:00 PM.
Saturday, October 3 - The Connecticut Coalition For Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender Civil Rights presents its first annual
benefit "Out Awards". For more information call 860-953-1290.
Friday, October 9 - Movie: "Diabolique" at the NHGLCC.
6:30 PM potluck, 7:15 PM screening, $3.00. More info:
FGDMYO@aol.com.
Sunday, October 11 - "Spiritual Survival With HIV/ AIDS"
presentation by Rev. Alexander R. Garbera, at MCC- New
Haven. Worship services, 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM. For more
information call Rev. Frank Beard, pastor, at 203-389-6750.
Friday, October 16 - Movie: "Mildred Pierce" at the
NHGLCC. 6:30 PM potluck, 7:15 PM screening, $3.00. More info:
FGDMYO@aol.com.
Friday, October 23 - Movie: "Thelma and Louise" at the
NHGLCC. 6:30 PM potluck, 7:15 PM screening, $3.00. More info:
FGDMYO@aol.com.
Sunday. October 25 - AIDS Walk '98 to benefit AIDS Project
Hartford, sponsored by the Hartford City Mayor's Office. To
volunteer to help call 860-951-4833 x314.
Friday, October 30 - Movie: "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' at the
NHGLCC. 6:30 PM potluck, 7:15 PM screening, $3.00. More info:
FGDMYO@aol.com.
Saturday, October 31 - Project 100/The Hartford
Community Center presents a Halloween Dance in honor of its
10th anniversary. 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM; $7.00 donation. 1841 Broad
St., Hartford.

Saturday, October 31 - Women After Hours Annual
Halloween Dance (women only). East Hartford, 8:30 PM - 1:00
AM, $10.00 cover. Call 860-528-9611 for directions.

-16-

TMEMBERSHIP FORM
MEMBERSHIP LISTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
NAME-------------------

ADDRESS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CITY _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ STATE

PHONE _ _ _ _ __

Z1P _ _ __

E-MAIL----------

Contributing Member
Contributing Household
Supporting Member
Sponsoring Member
Sustaining/Business Member
Special Member (Youth/Senior)
Newsletter Only

S 35
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$250
$500
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$ 15

(new subscriptions only)
PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:
TRIANGLE COMMUNITY CENTER, INC. - MEMBERSHIP
P.O. Box

4062 - EAST NoRWALK, CT 0685 5
(203) 853-0600



Part of Triangle Community Center News & Views : v.9:no10(1998:Oct.)