HerlandVoice-1993-01-v10-no01_ocr.pdf
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Part of The Herland Voice : v.10: no.1(1993)
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January, 1993
MORTGAGE
PAYOFF
SCHEDULED
Representatives of the Herland Board of Directors will meet with
our mortgage holder on January 5 to make the final balloon payment on
the Her land mortgage. Over $20,000 has been donated to the building
fund and a member of our community has offered to loan Herland the
balance needed for the $31 ,000 payoff. The response to the final
Holiday Gift campaign has been nothing short of sensational. In
August, 1992, the building fund had just over $7,000. In the past four
months $13,000 has been donated -- mostly in $200 pledges.
When the Herland Board decided five years ago that it was time
Herland had a place of our own where no landlord could say what we
could or couldn't do, it was a difficult and somewhat intimidating
decision. When the only financing available bad a large final balloon
payment, we had doubts about our ability to meet that payment.
However, with faith in our community's support for Her land, the
building was purchased.
Today, it is apparent that faith was justified. The many women
of Her land and our male friends have rallied to the challenge. The
contributions, large and small, have come from all over Oklahoma and
around the United States making it clear that Herland is important to
many people. The balloon payment which once seemed impossible will
0
be paid.
NOTE BURNING PARTY
SATURDAY
JANUARY
16, 1993
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES
2312 N.W. 39
Great Food, Great Folks, Live Music
Much Fun and Frivolity
BRING A FRIEND AND JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION.
CHRYSTOS IS COMING!
by Judith Rycroft
Chrystos, the Native American poet, artist, and activist, is coming
to read to us at Herland on Friday, January 22 at 8:00 P.M. and at the
PortholeJanuary24, starting at6:30P.M: Peggy Johnson will punctuate
the Porthole poetry with her own Music-to-Grow-By.
In between those two events for the Herland Legal Defense Fund,
Chrystos will do a workshop on Saturday, January 23, 1-5 pm in Rm.
319 Gittinger Hall. (Gittinger is on the OU campus, 7 60 Asp Avenue,
next to the University Book Store.) This will be a writing/speaking
workshop during which participants will talk about their own writing
andthekindofwritingtbey like to do and workonanactualproject. This
workshop is sure to bea sell-out, so register throughHerland (521-9696)
as soon as possible. The fee is $30.00.
If you are not acquainted withChrystos' work, pull out last month's
HERLAND VOICE and read two of her poems. That will make you
want to hear/read more. Her most recent book is Dream On (Press Gang
Publishers, Vancouver, 1991), which will be available in Herland
library as soon as I can let it go!
Dream On is a "hot number." In it, Chrystos' works dance, burn,
leap, warm, illuminate, and consume--each poem is a flame. feeding on
her soul fuel.
The more I read, the more I "saw" Dream On as a unicorn, one of
almost-fantastic beauty flying on featherwings with moondust in its
mane-This Horse has paisley swirls of breath
crystal in the fog
This is a black wet silk rainy night horse
This is a dawn satin pony
whose rump is dappled with stars
(from "EARS TO THE HEART OF THE WIND")
(continued on pa[7 7)
Volume 10 Number 1
Herland Sister Resources
2312 N.W. 39, OKC, OK 73112
S T . SYBIL
(Sybil L udington, Matron Saint of the Forgotten Woman, is an
occasional contributor to this space.)
Dear St: Sybil,
What's all this uproar over guys in the military? We've always had
guys in the military, and I don't think it would be fair to keep them out
- it would hurt their chances for a good education, medical care, low
mortgages, better jobs, train_ing, a good future -all of that stuff; and
besides, :it wouldn't be fair for only gals to have to serve their country
in Somalia or Panama or wherever -for Pete's sake, I'm not even sure
the Saudis and Kuwaitis would accept an all-gal force to do their
fighting for them. These people against guys in the service had better get
real, don't you think?
Yours in outrage and disgust,
Rose
Dear Rose,
That's "gays".
Fondly,
Sybil
Dear Sybil,
Whatever.
Luv ya,
Rose
to private behavior, he can try to address the problems of service-related
sexual harassment, as in the Tailhook scandal, the ban on gays,
"date"rape, and gender discrimination, in a bill only a fool (Hi, Eddie)
would be willing to openly criticize.
A bill of this sort won't be written overnight; and you are quite right
and nice and reasonable not to hector him into immediate action; be has
a lo ton his plate. But remember, Al, this was a promise of his, a promise
that helped win him a lot of hard working volunteers, money and energy,
so go ahead, be a little"selfish", and don't let up on him altogether. Don't
let him think for a minute that life will be easier if he lets this one slip.
He's a good guy, as politicians go, but as politicians go .....:uiu know.
Fondly,
Sybil
Dear St. Sybil,
My New Year's Resolutions are to give up smoking, give up
drinking, lose twenty pounds, and quit running around. Do you think
I can do it?
Signed,
Anxious
Dear Anxious,
Of course you can do it. We all do it. Are you sure you want to do
it? It's called dying. See you soon,
Love,
Sybil
Dear St. :)ybil,
Seriously now, what do you think President Clinton should do
about Gays in the military? I want desperately for him to lift the ban,
but from everything I read in the local newspaper it will be dangerous
for him to do so - it might imperil all of his programs, and I don't want
to be selfish.
Worriedly,
Al Truistic
Sybil sends her best wishes to Herland Voice Readers for a
wonderful new year, full of challenges and achievements, joy and
growth. May you be as gentle to and demanding of yourself as you are
with others, no more, no less; may your righteousness be tempered with
tolerance, your dedication and sobriety balanced with levity, and your
courage never fail you.· Blessings and good fortune be yours. Love. 0
Dear Al,
First of all, remember that the local newspaper you read is the
OCBL - the Oklahoma City Birdcage Liner; not everybody in the
country is as upset at the prospect of gays in the military as is that
pathetic little man with the ironic name - Eddie Gaylord, mercy me.
Secondly, remember: when one person is oppressed, no one
is free. Your own freedom is as important as anyone else's!
Thirdly, let's look at Mr. Clinton's options.
(1) He could bow to pressure from bigots and homophobes and
do nothing. Now, he's a politician, but he's not a snake, and he won't
do that. Such a course of inaction would leave a majority of his
supporters disappointed and furious; and, besides, from all appearances he really is firmly, personally, committed to lifting the ban one
way or another.
(2) He could sign an executive order at any time overturning the
ban; and that would be it. If he did, it would lead to an outcry of the same
sort (and from the same sort, of course) as arose when Truman racially
integrated the services. Now, itwouldmostlikelydieoutjustas quickly,
and in a number of years people would be shaking their heads at the very
thought that allowing gays in the military was ever controversial. But
it would be nasty while it lasted, and while he's not a snake, he is a
politician, and he probably won't do it that way either.
(3) Look for him to do something broadly cooperative and conciliatory, that will address and be ameliorative toward many groups and
problems. He has indicated that he is looking at a plan to ban wrongful
behavior, not attitude or preference. By focusing on public as opposed
MARTIN LUTHER KING
2
llerland Voice, January,
1993
C ELEBRATION
Supporters of racial harmony and justice will march on Monday,
January 20, 1993 , in honor of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The march will k ick off at 9:00 a.m. with a rally at the Ralph Ellison
Library at 23rd and Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Following a short ceremony at the library, where the Troupe Youth
Choir will lead the assembly in "Lift Every Voice", participants will
march to the Oklahoma Historical Building, where Governor Walters
will ring the Freedom Bell at 11 :00 a.m. This bell ringing will coincide
with a cacophony of bells across the nation and the world. in a
worldwide salute to Dr. King.
The marchers will then cross the street to the South Steps of the
Capitol (inside if the weather is inclement) for the main program. which
will include poetry and drumming by Jahruba and Company, and a
series of short addresses by a rainbow representation of the local Human
Ju~lice movement. These speakers will be the Rev . Lynn Mims, Richard
Whitman of the Alliance of Indigenous People: Vinh Tranh. Wilfredo
Santos-Rivera, and the Rev. Donna Compton.
Herland is proud to be one of the sponsors of this parade, and a
contingent from Herland will march behind the Herland banner. All
friends of Herland are invited to come march with us. and be a visible,
0
vocal witness for freedom , equal ity and justice .
SOUTHWEST UNITARIAN UNIVERSAL/ST
WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
The First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City is proud to be
hosting the annual Southwest Unitarian Universalist Women's Conference January 29 through 31, 1993. The powerful women's gathering
will be held at the Lincoln Plaza Hotel, 4545 North Lincoln Boulevard
in Oklahoma City. The theme of this year's conference is "The Rhythms
of Life: Heroines' Journeys: Each Day A Coming of Age."
Twenty-five local and regional presenters will offer 28 workshops
designed to nurture the spiritual and creative empowerment of women .
Some of the workshops cover such areas as reclaiming images and
stories of the Divine Female, the mythology of pre-patriarchal times,
creating our own rituals, the ancient art of belly dancing, honoring the
cycles of our lives, becoming a social activist, and jam sessions for
musicians and would-be musicians. Miss Brown to You will provide
entertainment Saturday night.
As in past conferences, there will be an in-gathering on Friday
evening guaranteed to raise your energy level with drumming, chanting
and dancing. Bringa seed or seeds to offer in this ritual created to affinn
woman-defined spirituality.
The registration fee, after December 29th, is $65.00 . It includes
two continental breakfasts and one buffet dinner. Lunch Saturday is on
your own.
A bazaar of arts, crafts, books and jewelry will be offered on
Saturday. If you would like to display your unique wares, contact
Karen Haney Beard at 1208 N.W. 34th Street, Oklahoma City, 73118.
For more information on how to register and what workshops are
available, contact Anne Murray at 4 78-1176. Home hospitality is
available on request. Child care and activities are being planned. Please
let us know if you will be needing this free service.
This conference promises to be one of the most powerful gatherings
in Oklahoma. It will be a great opportunity for sharing women's
community.
D
MoRE Gooo NEws FROM NoRTH OF
THE BORDER
The Ontario government will not appeal September's landmark
provincial Human Rights Commission ruling that the term "conjugal
relationship" in the Human Rights Code applies to gay couples .
The ruling came in a lawsuit over survivor benefits for lovers of
provincial gay employees, but it extends to all government entities and
private businesses , mandating they offer benefits to gay employees'
partners. The government will also have to rewrite discriminatory laws
on wills, estates, child custody, adoption and many other matters.
"Ontario is about to recognize the homosexual union, and families
led by homosexuals, as one normal social relationship among many in
a complex society," summed up The Toronto Star.
One quick response to the ruling came at the Toronto YMCA,
which extended its family discount to gay couples and their children,
after seven years of refusing to do so.
D
L'EJ4-1' l'I 'IO 'US/
631-3575
Plant Safes atUi !Maintenance
siff( atU{ :J[oraf flJesigns
~ 'Valentinis
'Day, ![eburary 14th!
IN
MEMORIAM:
AUDRE LORDE
By Vivien Ng
It was about three months ago one Sunday morning, when I was
sipping a cup of tea in my friend's kitchen in New York City, that I knew
that Audre Lorde was near theend of her long struggle with cancer. My
friend awoke that morning with a strange premonition, and acted on it
by placing a long distance call to Germany, where Audre was undergoing alternative treatmentfor cancer.just to make sure that herdear friend
was well. It was then that I learned that Audre was coming home to die,
I could see it on my friend's face.
Audre Lorde died on November 17, 1992 at her home on St. Croix.
She was 58 years old. I have lost a teacher and role model.
For anumberofyears now, AudreLorde's Sister Outsider has been
my constant companion. It can often be seen on my night table or in bed
with me, because I have found it very restorative to read an essay or two
from the collection before I sleep. A friend once half-jokingly suggested
that I owe my political insight and activism to Audre Lorde through the
process of osmosis, through cradling her book all night.
I spent my sabbatical year 1990-91 at Hunter College where Audre
Lorde had taught for a number of years. It was obvious that even in
retirement, Audre maintained a powerful presence at Hunter, through
fond memories of her years of inspired service, th mugh the words and
deeds of her former students, the conscience of the college. In 1991 ,
Hunter College conferred on heranhonorary doctorate degree, citing her
work as mentor, activist, writer, outspoken lesbian. Audre flew in from
St. Croix for the ceremony but was hospitalized at the last minute and
was therefore unable to attend in person; her daughter came in her stead.
When word got out that Audre was in need of blood, scores of Hunter
students signed up to donate blood in her name, so that there would not
be any fear of shortage in her blood supply. She was truly beloved.
I was in New York a couple of days after her death and was
therefore able to participate in several events that honored her life and
work . I went to New York as a member of the Board of Directors of the
Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies, City University of New York, to
help plan a lesbian writers conference for next February (an event cosponsored by PEN America). Although the conference had been in the
works for some time, we quickly moved to restructure it as a memorial
to Audre. Friday night, November 20, was the occasion of the first
Kessler Lecture at CLAGS and Joan Nestle (co-founder of the Lesbian
Herstory Archives)was ourfirstKesslerLecturer. Wehadearliervoted
to award the lectureship to Audre Lorde but she was too ill to accept and
the honor thus went to Joan Nestle. Nestle was not put off by the
knowledge that she was our second choice but dedicated her lecture--a
celebration of the life of Mabel Hampton ·-to Audre instead. There was
not a dry eye in the packed auditorium that night.
So long, dear sister outsider. I will honor you by living the life of
an activist, mentor, outspoken lesbian. I hope I will not disgrace your
memory.
D
WAvs To REMEMBER AuoRE LoRoE:
Audre Lonie Memorial Fund: A memorial fund is being
established in Audre Lorde's name for two purposes: ( 1) to commission
a sculpture of a bust of Audre Larde, and (2) to establish a scholarship
fund for black women writers in the name of Audre Larde.
The Astrea Foundation will accept donations on behalf of the
Fund. Please make checks payable to: The Astrea Foundation/Audre
Lorde Memorial Fund. Mail donations to: Astrea Foundation, 666
Broadway, Suite 520, New York, New York 10012.
In l ieu of flowers, please make donations to SISA (Sisterhood in
Support of Sisters in South Africa). Address: P.O. Box 24966, GBS,
D
St. Croix , USVI 00824-0966.
Herland Voice,
January,
1993
3
THE CURRENT ECONOMIC
SYSTEM MUST CHANGE
s_, · Dr:borah Fox
\'nat is the difference in value between a monetary donation and
. a donation of time and labor? Or the difference in value between a
uranium mine and a pristine mountain forrest with pure spring water?
Or the difference in value between the war industry and child-rearing?
The differences reflect what is perceived and valued in our
economic system. and what is not valued in the economic system and
by our government. A monetary donation is a tax write-off whereas the
time and labor of charity work is not. A uranium mine is of value
(regardless that it pollutes the earth and destroys life in a multitude of
ways clear around the planet) because it generates capital whereas an
unadulterated landscape. clean air to breathe and pure water to drink
(unless bonled and marketed) does not generate capital and therefore is
not calculated to be of value.
The war industry is of value because it is accepted as "protection"
but mostly because the multi-billion dollar weapons industry depends
upon wars -- yes, wars are encouraged, even planned for business,
especially the export business.
Child-rearing on the other hand is not perceived as of value because
it does not generate capital and therefore wi ll not be awarded benefits by
government policies. Housework is not calculated as of value; subsistence agriculture is not calculated as of value; environmental protection
is not calculated as of value (pollution clean-up has become big business
however, but don't be fooled; it is not meant to really clean up - that
would be bad for business, clean-up industries merely maintain "acceptable" levels of pollution ) Sickness is calculated as of value
because it generates capital - the booming medical industries! . Giving
life is not calculated as of value; peace is not calculated as of value.
Anything that does not have a cash generating capacity is not considered
of value and therefore is not calculated in the Gross National Product
(GNP), the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or the United Nations
System of National Accounts (UNSNA).
Anything that is not calculated in the GNP, the GDP and the
UNSNA is invisible and therefore not rewarded in the distribution of
benefits that flow from production or in government policy. Consequently, the ecosystem and women and children(women and children
being the vast majority of the poorest of poor world-wide) are continuously undermined and unacknowledged. Overwhelmingly, thoseexperiences that are economically visible can be summarized as what men
do. What's more, the economic system is a closed system that maintains these injustices in a vicious circle.
No matter who we put into the presidential office, we cannot affect
major change because as long as our economic system wears blinders,
it cannot see the whole picture and will continue to service oniy a few
(the ultra rich men who run the government') instead of the well-being
of society, nature, wildlife and the planet as a whole. Bush speaks
solemnly about God and doing "God's" work yet the reality is that his
and the rest of the elite boys' god, is money' Talk about using God's
name in vain' And I don'tsee Bush usingl.iis.money to help the starving,
no, he's using our tax dollars t Our sons and daughters! Oh isn't he the
huma nitarian It'
I think we need a "Wage Ceiling"; everyone's wages over
SI 00,000.00 annually (how much does one need to live in felicity?)
~hould be refunneled into raising minimum wage to $10.00 or so per
hour, job training programs for the p ~ (who are predominantly
female) and those displaced by military cuts, housing and inner-city
reconstruction, education (*so everyone can go to Harvard') mass
transit, environmental protection and real,4ican -up , alternative energy
development and mass health care. (Mel fij bson, the actor, earned 32
.~.
-;.·...
4
lier/and
Voice,
January,
1993
million dollars in two years, what does he need that much for?!) . Of
course, that would meanourpresidentwouldhavetotakea $100,000.00
annual cut. Bill, are you really conunitted to change? Then put your
money where your mouth is!
Marilyn Warring, author of If Women Counted: A new Feminist
Economics proposed we adopt Hilkka Pietilii's (a Finnish feminist)
alternative economic system. Pietilifs visual conception of the national
economy begins like this: the largest part of the economy is what she
tenns "The Free Economy". It is the nonmonetary part of the economy
which "consists of the work and production that people do voluntarily
for the well-being of their families and for pleasure without requesting
or receiving pay". Then a smaller portion of the economy is what she
tenns "The Protected Sector", which "consists of production and work
for the home market as well as public services (such as food production,
construction of houses and infrastructure, administration, schools,
health, transport, and communication). This sector is, in most countries, protected and guided by legislation and official means, and thus
the prices and other tenns can be detennined independently without too
much pressure from the world economy." And lastly, the smallest
portion of the economy, "The Fettered Economy", which is large-scale
production for export usually called the open economy butwhich Pietila
calls the fettered economy "since this is fettered to the world market."
The tenns of this sector, the prices, competitiveness, demand, and so on
are determined by the international market. Pietilii writes that, "in terms
of the UNSNA, the whole life of society is geared to support this sector,
while it accounts for a quite modest proportion of the total production
in any one nation and in the world". Pietilii also recognizes that money
payment is not the sole criterion for the assessment of work and
production.
Economic statisticians argue that women's unpaid labor cannot be
measured because of conceptual measurement difficulties, yet they
have devised several niethods for measuring the illegal hidden economy,
such as drug traffic and sexual slavery and use these measurements to
record rosy pictures of "economic growth" in countries where most of
the inhabitants live in devastating poverty! (So these poor people will not
be visible for beneficial policies because the drug and prostitution
cartels are a boon to the economy')
"Early national income accounts evolved in order tojustify paying
for wars. Since the institutionalization of national income accounting
by the United Nations, however, the motive has expanded. A major
reason that only cash-generating activities are taken into account is to
ensure that countries can determine balance of payments and loan
requirements - not as a comparative exercise, but as a controlJing
exercise. Those to whom money is owed (First World governments,
multinational banks, and multilateral agencies) now impose this system
on those who owe them money. They are interested only in seeing the
cash generating capacity ofthe debtor countries, not their productive
capacity. But whatever the change of motive, two things are constant.
Those who are making the decisions are111en, and those values which are
excluded from this determination are those of our environ111ent, and of
wo111en and children".
"The current state of the world is the result of a system that
atlributes little of no 'value' to peace. It pays no heed to the preservation
of natural resources or to the labor of the 111ajority of its inhabitants or
to the unpaid work of the reproduction of h1m1an life itself - not to
mention its maintenance and care. The system cannot respond to
values it refuses to recognize. "(Marilyn Warring).
What can we do about this? We must educate ourselves and each
other of the workings of the system, write our demands to our President
and Congress, and when the next census comes around, all women
should claim unpaid worker as their designation. Refuse to split GDP
contribution by gender. Read Marilyn Warring's book, If Women
0
Counted, and demystify economic jargon used to keep us out'
Jonoory
1993
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
~ednesday
Thursday
Friday
~erland's
Silent Vigil for peace in Central America. On the steps of the
Federal Building, NW 4th & Robinson, OKC; each Wednesday at Noon.
Doc Herland sends congratulations to the OKC Health Department
& AIDS Workers. Happy holidays and a very happy new year!
CoDA, 7 pm
3
4~
5
6
13
12 .
10
7
8
Cleveland
Counly
NOW
7 pm
Norman Public
Library
HERlAND PAYS
OFF ITS
"IMPOSSIBLE"
MORTGAGE
1 1 ··
.
..
CoDA. 7
Board
MeeUnei
4:30
..
Temple B'nai
Israel , 7pm ,
ML Kine
workshops
18 M.L.
Kine
Parade, 9am
Cand rally al
the Capitol
al 11:45 am
25
24
Chrystos &
Pes;IEIY
Johnson
at the
Porthole
6 :-30 P.m.
31.
.. .
Jackie
Robinson
1919 - 1972
CHRYSTOS
and PeEIEIY
Johnson
at the
Porthole
6:30 pm
9.
.
pm
.
.
14
15
M ,.
ar ... m
Luther
Kin£!, Jr.
1929-1968
16
CoOA, 7 pm
20
21
19.
.
.
'
ti
Leeal Defense
Fund, 6:30 pm
NeBJ
Year's
Concert
8 pm
Civic Center
Little
Theater
RJ, MBTY a DD
, Joan Baez
born 1941
Alice Paul
1885 - 1977
17
Sat..urday
~hryslos
Poelry
Readin£1
& Book
Sienine . 8pm
Herl and
lnaupuralion
Day
ti
Janis Joplin
1943 - i970
26
2
CoOA, 7 pm
27
28
29 Women's
Conference.
Lincoln Plaza
OKC
All Weekend->
Chryslos
al
osu
An"ie. D.ebo
Speaker
ti
CoOA, 7 pm
On January 12, 1928, the police seized 800 copies of The Well of
Loneliness . We have a long long way to go, but it's good to look
back now and then and realize that we have come a far piece too .
The Well of Loneliness is now on sale &in the library at Herland.
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
2312 N.\\I. 39t..h Street..
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
405/ 521-9696
Hours: Salurda),ls to - 6; Sundaws 1 - 6
2 :tHRYSTOS
Poelry
!JJorkshop
1 pm
Room 319
GitUneer Hall
760 Asp Ave .
Norman
JiPNow.
t1 a.m .
call 3:216676
fbr location
ti
MISS BROWN
TO YOU
al lhe
Lincoln Plaza
January 22,, 1993, is the twentieth
anniversary of Roe v. Wade; are you
glad we no longer have a president
who thinks that those are two ways
to cross the Potomac???
1111
Ill
SPECIAL THANKS
The mortgage payoff is being made possible by the generous
contributions from our community. All those listed below have contrib uted/pledged $200 or more or made substantial labor contributions to
the renovation and maintenance of the building and grounds. (A star
indicates a pledge which has been paid. )
If you have not yet contributed, there is still time to make your
contribution and be listed on the plaque. Any building fund contribution of $200 or more received by January 10 will be included on the
plaque.
fr
Alice & Charlotte
Abigail Keegan
fr
Anonymous
fr
Barbara Cleveland
fr
Barbara Hillyer
fr
Barbara Neas/David Miller fr
Billie Hensley
fr
Buster the Retreat Dog
fr
Carol Schnepper
fr
Carolyn Cox & E. Dianna Escoto
Cathy Colvard & Beverly Gardner
fr
Cecily Welter-Mullen
Dorothy Alexander
fr
Dorothy Painter
Diana Faulkner
fr
Edwina Johnson
fr
Friends Of The Porthole
fr
Gail Garloch & Edie Schneeberger fr
Ginger McGovern
fr
In Honor of Mary Reynolds and Peggy Johnson fr
Jean Kelsey
fr
Jill Burroughs & Peggy Johnson fr
Jessica Soske In Memory of David Chrispell fr
Jo Soske
fr
Dr.Joan Webb & Susan Blake
fr
Jon Soske
fr
Joni Darnell
fr
Karen Lewis
fr
Kathy Conroy
Kelly Morgan & Julie Carr
fr
Kevan Kiser
Kris Lund
fr
Kris Marek
fr
Laura Choate
fr
Margaret Cox
fr
Marge Delaney in Memory of Chris Delaney fr
Margy Dillon
fr
Marquetta Morris
fr
The McMow Sisters
fr
In Memory of Katherine Moore
fr
In Honor of SunShine Schillings
fr
In Honor of Stephen Hardway
fr
Marilyn Sebek
fr
Marian Hulsey
fr
Nancy Walker
P.K. Floyd
Pat Colognesi & Beverly McGugin fr
Pat Reaves
fr
Porthole Checks and Denims
fr
Raphella Sohier
fr
Rhonda Smith
Sally Nostrant
Sarah Oakes
Shatzy Watson
fr
Sherry Boggs
fr
Susan Bumgarner
fr
Terry Cocon
In Memory of Grandma Scharlach
Tommy Thomas
fr
Wanda Chapman
fr
fr
HEALTH CARE-AVAN TO LITTLE
RocK
Health care activists from around the country converged on Little
Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, December 12 to urge President-elect
Clinton to support creation of a universal, single-payer, comprehensive
health care system for the United States. When President-elect Clinton
declined to attend the town meeting, participants turned it into a march
and rally at the Arkansas State Capitol. At the end of the day, Clinton
greeted the crowd, shaking hands and talking with individual participants .
Organizers reported that 27 states were represented by the 1,000
participants. The message they all brought for President-elect Clinton
was "single-payer health care now!". The participants were "ordinary
people doing extra-ordinary work", according to one speaker. The
single-payer plan advocated by town meeting participants is most often
compared to the Canadian health care system-- a government administered plan which guarantees choice of health care provider, controls
health care provider fees and is financed through taxes.
The Florida delegation, who made a 20 hour bus trip to attend,
wore hats with stickers saying , "It' 11 be hat's off to you for real health
care refonn." Convention center walls were festooned with signs
brought from the various states. -- "Pennsylvania Nurses for Universal
Health Care, "Missouri : Show me single-payer"., "Lifetime Quality
Care For Everyone". Clinton/Gore campaign buttons, signs, and tshirts were also common sights in the crow_d.
After a welcome by Dee Bennett, an Arkansas State Representative-elect, David Wilhelm of the Clinton Transition team was introWhen he
duced to bring greetings from President-elect Clinton.
announced that Clinton would not be in attendance due to other
commitments , the crowd began to chant "We want Bill, We want Bill" .
After several minutes of chanting, Wilhelm finished his remarks. Bruce
Reed, a member of Clinton's Health Policy Team, was met with the same
chant when he was introduced. Ron Brown, Chairperson of the
Democratic Party in town for the announcement of his nomination as
Secretary of Commerce, made a surprise appearance and addressed the
crowd.
After about an hour of presentations by individuals talking about
the health.and financial problems they face with the current health care
system, organizers and the crowd decided to take the town meeting to
President-elect Clinton at the Arkansas State Capitol. An impromptu
march of about a mile and a half from the Convention Center to the State
Capitol followed . Marching through downtown Little Rock streets
without a permit, Little Rock police came to control traffic and escort
the march.
Arriving at the Capitol, the marchers chanted "We Want Bill, We
Want Bill' ' and" What do you want? Single-Payer! When Do You Want
It? Now!" While organizers negotiated with the Clinton transition team
for an appearance by Clinton, other organizers attempted to continue
the program of scheduled speakers from the states represented. After
marchers waited somewhat impatiently for about two hours in the brisk
Arkansas afternoon, President-elect Clinton shook hands and spoke
D
with marchers as he left the Capitol.
Herland Voice, January,
1993
5
THE ADVENTURES OF
"DORIS" AND
11
MARY
11
by "Doris" and ''Mary"
Did you ever wonder what goes on at a Pro-Life meeting? The
inquiring minds of Doris and Mary wanted to know so we attended their
monthly meeting at a Baptist church in Oklahoma City. Since we are
Pro-Choice womyn, we hoped to find out their plans and tactics for
future "rescues" at clinics in our area . We believe strongly that the
clinics should be open and the patients must have safe access to and
from the clinics.
Driving to the church, we felt nervous and silly . Fear of the
unknown was having an effect on our otherwise mature behavior. We
dressed in our finest church attire with matching pocketbooks. Doris
brought a small tape recorder nestled in her cleavage so we could share
the information gained at the meeting with anyone who would be
interested. However, since it would have been inappropriate to ask
people to speak to her chest, the only thing recorded was her heartbeat.
As we entered the sanctuary, one man asked another, "Does
anybody know those two women?" We smiled as we surveyed the
crowd and sat in a pew to the left. Susan was sitting in the pew directly
in front of us and inquired "Who are you?" and "Who told you about the
meeting?" Mary advised Susan that a dear friend from Yukon had
enlightened her of the "good works" of the group. Doris politely told
Susan that she was Mary's sister and was also delighted about their
"good works". We tried to make small talk and fit in as we accepted their
literature and signed the sign-in sheet. As we scanned the publications,
we felt repulsed by their contents.
Brother Larry opened the meeting with several announcements
then told of the "rescue" at the Burns Clinic. He was so proud of his
actions and was elated with the response of the audience. The struggle
within ourselves to listen to the testimonials instead of jumping us and
saying " but you are breaking the law and causing women great pain"
was intense.
The man who called himself Father Anthony led the remainder of
the meeting. He condemned homosexuals and baby killers. He advised
the group that they bad rented an office in the same complex as Dr.
Patel's clinic so they could legally be on the property and "counsel"
patients . This man is full of himself and this is perpetuated by the group
(mostly men) who adore him. High praise and applause was expressed
when the members were informed there were two Lambs of Christ active
in the "rescue'; at Norman .
Susan read copies of letters she encouraged her grade school
students to write to the owner of a clinic . They asked "why do you kill
babies" and "are your children afraid you will kill them." Father
Anthony praised the letters and was thankful for the future Pro-Life
activists. The last matter of concern of the meeting was the news that
one of theirregular members who participates in "rescues" recently had
an abortion. The shock was too much for some of the people. There were
loud gasps and looks of confusion.
The meeting made us both uncomfortable. "Doris" found the
women in the group were allowed to speak but not to overshadow
Anthony. He was the man. Even when Susan .spoke about her school
class v. ,-iting bate letters, she seemed to look to Anthony for approval
and prn ise. The whole group seem to be pathetic people who are
mindle. · with only the ability to follow. "Mary" had never been in a
crowd · , vastly different in social, political, and spiritual values . The
struggk to keep from jumping up to call them on their mean-spirited
attitude3 was difficult to control at times.
There were no feelings of love or kindness at this church -- only
D
hate and bitterness .
Role Models of Women in Science
"Women in Science," a tabloid designed to promote gender equity
in the classroom and workplace, is now available from the National
Women's History Project. Packed with information on historic and
contemporary women in science, the tabloid is sure to capture the
attention of secondary students and adults alike.
It includes biographical sketches of Nobel Prize winners, innovative inventors and scientific discoverers, and contemporary women
involved in science-based careers . Also included are dozens of photographs of women scientists, plus classroom activities, games, puzzles,
and a resource bibliography.
Multicultural in content, the tabloid makes clear the diversity of
careers available in science. With a wide variety of women and sample
careers included, the tabloid can be used effectively in junior high and
high school classrooms, and career awareness programs, and at the
secondary and college levels. In addition, high-technology companies
and hospitals can use the tabloid to encourage women in science-based
career advancements.
"Women in Science" is available for $2 .50 plus $1 shipping/
handling each or $50 plus $6 s/h for 25 copies. Orders can be sent to:
National Women's History Project, 7738 Bell Road, Windsor, CA
95492, or call (707)838-6000.
D
• •
To Herland Sister Resources,
With this letter is enclosed a money order for $4,000 for Herland's
Building Fund. (For real!) This money is an inheritance from one of my
relatives in Oklahoma who passed away. Since I didn't earn the money
in the first place I decided it would be appropriate to use it other than for
myself.
I wanted to give th.is money to some organization where it could
flourish and bring services for women/lesbians and working class/
lesbians . From what I've read it seems Herland serves these purposes.
Since my relative came from a somewhat privileged background, 1
deducted that some of this money was earned from the unpaid labor of
others and I hope that this will redistribute back some of what was
unfairly taken . Also since the money was earned in Oklahoma, I thought
it a good idea to retmn it to this community.
I wish you all luck in your endeavor to buy a permanent center.
This is a small gesture towards redistributing the huge amount of wealth
in this world but I hope it makes a difference.
Sincerely,
(name withheld by request)
Published by: Herland Sister Resources, Inc ..• 2312 N.W. 39th,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
Newsletter Committee: Margaret Cox, Deborah Fox, Pat Reaves
Circulation: 1000
Advertising Rates:
Business card $15 .00; 114 page $35.00;
112 page $60.00; full page $100.00
The Voice is offered as an open forum for conununity discorse.
Signed articles reflect the opinions of the author and not necessarily
those of Herland Sister Resources. Unsolicited articles and letters
to the editor are welcomed and must be signed by the writer with
full name and address . Upon request , letters or articles may be
printed under a psuedonym.
Su bscription s to TJ1e Voice are free upon request.
The Voice is printed on recycled paper.
Women+ Rage
-6--
'-Ierland Voice, January,
1993
Power
CHRYSTOS
(confinuedfrompage 1)
The Dream On unicorn, with all its beauty, has flashing slashing
hooves and a horn that can pierce so, so deeply-Whatever it is that women who weren't abused give
I don't have it
I was torched out long ago I respond as a knee jerks
to rubber hammer blows I even enjoy myself
but it doesn't mean I'm giving you me
(from"DON'T TRY")
Ah, Chrystos, what a poet' That woman can speak her anger: my
mind still carries the hoofprints days after reading. The oppression of
people of color, lesbians, women, the making of war, the pains and past
humiliations in relationships ... all come in reach of the flailing feet.
Listen-DOWN
into the dark bloody grave of war
we're dragged by men we've never met or touched ...
· How many are.dying
from the taxes I've paid
with my tired hands?
(from "Down")
.. .I try to remember that we've never
surrendered
We've only said so
to survive
(from "MORNING SONG")
You don't have to be beaten to be loved the therapist said
I held the cool shock of those words
against the purple bruise of still wanting you
You've hit me with that irresistible
deadly weapon
hatred dressed in the shoes & socks of the words
I love you
(from "What Did She Hit You With?)
In counterpoint to the anger, Chrystos' love poetry is saved from
being pornographic only by her sheer artistry with words (and it's still
definitely PG 13 !): then, when she holds you suspended between
vicarious anger and lust. you feel again the brush of sweet air from the
unicorn wings ...
I wish I could give you the moment when
Eagle came back into view trailing Crows with the sun
dancing
on the water near the very still meadow then you'd know
even one more building anywhere in america or the world
is too many
(from "IMPACT")
0
~~
/c ?(J : _ (J('?S:.?
COLORADO ANTI-GAY
AMENDMENT CHALLENGED
Advocates for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals filed a lawsuit on
November 12 in state court in Denver challenging Colorado's recently
passed anti-gay Amendment Two. The Amendment overturns gay
rights laws in Denver, Boulder, and Aspen, and prohibits civil rights
protections based on sexual orientation statewide.
Approved by Colorado voters on election day, Amendment Two
would amend the Colorado State Constitution to repeal all laws in
Colorado that protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation . The Amendment would also prohibit any entity from ever
enacting such a policy or law in the future or recognizing lesbians and
gay men as a minority group.
The case was filed on behalf of several lesbians and gay men, a
heterosexual man with AIDS and the City and County of Denver, the
City of Boulder and The City of Aspen. The plaintiffs include tennis
star Martina Navratilova, who lives near Aspen, and an ordained
minister who has never before publicly acknowledged being a lesbian .
The plaintiffs are represented jointly by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, the ACLU's national Lesbian and Gay Rights
Project, the Colorado Legal Initiatives Project and the Lambda Legal
Defense and Education Fund .
The complaint alleges that Amendment Two violates several
provisions of the United States Constitution, primarily the Equal
Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The complaint says
that the proposed amendment would authorize and encourage public
and private discrimination on the basis of perceived sexual orientation
and establishes a right to discriminate against gay men, lesbians and
bisexuals as one of the basic policies of the State of Colorado.
"Amendment Two is blatantly unconstitutional and is precisely
what the Equal Protection Clause prohibits," said Ruth E. Harlow, staff
attorney with the ACLU's national Lesbian and Gay Rights Project.
"The Amendment was intended to and would encourage differential and
discriminatory treatment against lesbians, gay men and bisexuals."
The lawyers said that they are basing their case, in part, on a
decision by a California appellate court last year. In that ruling, the
California court declared unconstitutional a ballot initiative in Riverside, California , that was similar to Colorado's Amendment Two.
Because it violated the constitutional rights oflesbians and gay men, the
California court refused to allow the amendment to appear on the ballot.
Currently, seven states and more than 100 municipalities have
laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Efforts to repeal such laws failed in November's election in Oregon and
in Portland, Maine. Voters in Tampa, Florida, however, repealed a
recently enacted local gay rights law.
A number or groups have called for a boycott of the state of
Colorado unless Amendment Two is overturned. Organizations who
have canceled meetings scheduled for Colorado include The American
Association of Physicians for Human Rights arid The Congress of
Mayors. Atlanta and San Francisco are among the cities which have
announced they will observe the boycott.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has identified Far Right
"Colorado-style" initiative organizing in Washington, Maine, Missouri,
Idaho, and Ohio . The Traditional Values Coalition (TVC), led by Lou
Sheldon, announced in December the opening of an organizing office
in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. In California, the Los Angeles chapter
of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has reported on
efforts by the TVC to introduce a "stealth" anti-gay initiative in that
0
state.
tarot classes
meditation classes
psychic counseling
Berland Voice, January,
1993
7
13ulletin 13vard .
• •
Donna Bechtel will be speaking at an event sponsored by the OKC YWCA on January 21 , 199 3. Ms. Bechtel and other formerly battered
women will speak about their experience. Everyone is invited to attend. The event will be held Jan unary 21 at 7 :00 P.M. at the Oklahoma
City YWCA.
xxxxx
The Lavender LEA_F (Lesbian Emergency Action Fund) was started by lesbians to give financial aid to lesbians with emergency survival
needs . Aid is available anonymously to any lesbian of poverty or working class background, Lesbians of middle and upper class
backgrounds are encouraged to contribute to the LEAF fund. The long-tenn goal is to diminish the economic disparities among lesbians .
For more info write P. 0 . Box 20921, Oakland, CA 94620: or call 510-869-2531.
xxxxx
Re~earch help requested: I am preparing a senior thesis about Lesbians and Families and would like to send questionnaires or interview
women with children and women who are with or have.been in relationships with women and their children . If interested, send a note
to Nancy in care of Herland. Thank you.
xxxxx
Participants Needed: Independent researcher looking for gay women to participate in a projectwhich will include an anthology to be written
about gay women. Personal narratives are sought. Particularly interested in women who have known most of their lives (whether having
dated men at one time, or not), that they were gay. Also very interested in women who are not "out" and are "passing" . Not looking for
bi-sexual women. If interested in participating, please send a SASE for more infonnation to : WGT Publications, P. 0 . Box 8262,
Northfield, IL 60093.
xxxxx
Women's stories about the day of their first ~enstruation are sought for book on same, by Jan Williamson and Gina Halsey. For info on
writing your story or on being interviewed for your story, write First Moon, P. 0. Box 48072, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
xxxxx
An anthology on Women and Racism seeks personal essays on women's experiences with racism, for example how you dealt with racism
directed against you (whatever race you are), how you dealt with your own racism against a certain racial or ethnic group, how you dealt
with racism directed against others , etc . Non-fiction essays of 10-12 pages preferred : other genres may be considered. Deadline, April
1993. Send to Lin Collette, 78 Gooding Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
xxxxx
The Oklahoma City Chapter of the National Organization for Women has reorganized and is meeting at the Village Library, l 0307 N.
Pennsylvania on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p .m . For more information call Robin Reed at 405/686-0722.
xxxxx
Lesbian Celebration will be having a Valentine's Dance on Saturday, February 13, 1993: from 7 - midnight, at the Century II Expo Hall
at Douglas & Waco in Wichita, Kansas. The dance will feature the famous band from Oklahoma City, Miss Brown To You. There will
be a cash bar and free Hors D'oeuvres. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door; and you can write for tickets to: TLC, P.O. Box 3313,
Wichita, Kansas 6720 I; or call 316-264-7034.
xxxxx
Mark your calendars now for the Her land Spring Retreat, May 21-23 at Roman Nose State Park. More information about activities will
be in future issues of The Voice. Let us know if you are interested_in leading a workshop or serving on the Retreat Planning Con.1mittee.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
MAY Y ou BE SAFE, STRONG, AND FREE IN
1993!