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the conference that the Campaign Fund will hire three new lobbyists this spring to work on AIDS issues.

"We will also be bringing on additional staff immediately to do our part in Washington with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and AIDS Action Council," he added. "Together, we will make a great team.'

The Campaign Fund has had one lobbyist on staff to maximize its close relationships with members of the House and Senate. The additional lobbyists represent the Fund's commitment to increasing its non-election activities.

Coelho, long supported by the Campaign Fund, endorsed the idea of intensified lobbying by the gay and lesbian community. "We can't wait until 1988. We're years behind already," he said.

"Congress needs to protect your jobs, your housing and your access to insurance from the threats that exist today. And most importantly, we've got to pressure the President to get the bureaucracy moving. This is the message I pledge to take back to Washington and to the Speaker of the House."

Calls for a Manhattan Project on AIDS

The response to Purple Stages which will take place during the entire month of September has been exciting. Productions include Celebration Theatre's Pursuit Of Happiness, Divisionary Productions of San Diego's Dessert, Lenore Carlson's Rainbow Room and entries by Lionheart Theatre of Chicago, Orange County Feminist Theatre, Fifth Estate-Deja Vu, Apollo's Mice, Kaliyuga Arts, and The Playwrights Unit of Theatre Rhinoceros of San Francisco. For audition and theatre listings call GALTA hotline at (213) 250-1413.

have been heard from a number of circles for Band Seeks Members;

some time. The Campaign Fund has been worried that present federal and institutional efforts to combat AIDS are proceeding too slowly, and that spending priorities favor vaccine research at the expense of treatment and cure research.

Delays and roadblocks in the development, distribution, and availability of experimental drugs have also outraged many, particularly people with AIDS. A "Manhattan Project" would, according to Comegys, have as its priority the acceleration of drug research and distribution..

"Our government must be made to recognize that this disease is not business as usual," Comegys said. "Thousands and thousands of people are dying."

Vivid illustration of Comegys' point can be seen in the situation regarding an emergency $47 million appropriation last September to make anti-AIDS drugs "immediately" available to people with AIDS through expanded drug trials. After a personal meeting between Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT) and representatives of the Campaign Fund, Congress approved the appropriation at Weicker's request.

But more than seven months later, much of the money is still tied up in the bureaucracy, thereby preventing more people with AIDS from participating in drug trials.

Coelho's speech was given to a gathering of local AIDS service providers who comprise the membership of the National AIDS Network.

On To Washington!

The Great American Yankee Freedom Band of Los Angeles, Southern California's largest and most active lesbian and gay instrumental music group, invites new members to join the 86-member group on Tuesday nights at Plummer Park in West Hollywood. New members are welcome in all sections brass, percussion, woodwinds, twirlers, honor guard, flag and banner carriers; and, as in the past, no auditions are required. Potential members who may not have played or performed for a few years are particularly encouraged to join. You'll be amazed how quickly it all comes back!

The Band maintains a busy concert schedule all year as well as performing in various parades, including Gay Pride parades. In recent years, the Band has performed across the country, in Houston, Atlanta, Reno, Phoenix and all over the length and breadth of California. Involvement with the Great American Yankee Freedom Band provides artistic rewards as well as the opportunity to become more involved in events in our community. This year's activities include a concert at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, a retreat in Palm Springs, Gay Pride parades in Los Angeles, San Diego and Long Beach, and the Huntington Beach Fourth of July parade. The highlight of year will likely be participation in the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in October, including a parade and concert with lesbian and gay bands from across the country in

Purple Stages Meeting Washington's Constitution Hall. Set For May 19

There will be an organizing meeting for Purple Stages: A Celebration Of Gay And Lesbian Culture, on Tuesday, May 19, 7:30 P.M. at Celebration Theatre, 426 N. Hoover in Silver Lake.

This meeting will be for producers and individuals interested in coordinating Purple Stages events. People who are interested in working on publicity, fundraising, and promotion and outreach for Purple Stages should also attend. For further information contact Bill Kaiser at the GALTA office, (213) 661-1982.

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday night at 7:15 p.m. at Plummer Park in West Hollywood. Plummer Park is located at Santa Monica Blvd. at Vista; between La Brea and Fairfax. Additional information can be obtained from Larry Loftin, Membership Chair at (213) 650-2082.

Want to see a

Gay Play?

Call the Gay & Lesbian Theatre Alliance Hotline (213) 250-1413

14.

EDGE May 13, 1987