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HIGH GEAR

RANDY HERBRUCK

Few are the self-employed business people who are willing to come out publicly and not. expect their actions to adversely affect them. Randy Herbruck, commercial advertiser and: graphic illustrator, is a forerunner of the new breed of gays: "I've only really come out openly in the last four or five months, and I've never felt better. Now I'm at peace with myself. I've learned that so long as you don't give yourself over to the

starantunes straighte have, you'll

feel much more comfortable with yourself. I think when a per-. son comes out, s/he can perform his/her job better. You just don't have to worry about every move you make. It's a great load off the mind."

A graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Fine and. Professional Arts, Herbruck established Randy Advertising, his own business, over a year ago. Much of Herbruck's work is done for gay enterprises Akron's American Hotel and Restaurant Disco, The Gen-.. tleman's Pub, the Hay Loft and the 304 Club among others. But he also has an expansive history. of working with straight businesses as well (People Merchant's Account, Belden Village Mall, the Akron Forum, K.S.U.,. the University of Akron, and several national accounts).

Operating from 4938 Mt. Pleasant N.W., North Canton, Randy Advertising is a full service agency. Recently, Herbruck took on a lesbian partner, Ms. Robin Hanson, who is a student at Akron University. Said Herbruck "A woman adds a lot of class to an agency. Robin will be an asset in the business world."

When reviewing Herbruck's work, one is immediately impressed with the striking combination of flashy ideas and simple backdrops. Innovation runs rampant in his work. Herbruck's entries in Kendall College art shows have won him several notable awards. For his clients, Herbruck has created a wide assortment of products, including a geodesic dome pamIphlet which when opened, appears in the actual shape of the dome, a flat "Flavor for Type" brochure that is transformed.

GRAND OPENING

CLEVELAND'S NEWEST GAY BAR

Market Pub

2401 Abbey Avenue

(Off Lorain just east of West 25th)

APRIL 30TH

BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR

SHARON THE MANAGER.

Free Food & Champagne 696-9750

into a three dimensional box when a rubber band is snapped, and numerous colorful, tastefully modernistic logos and letterheads.

"In my work," Herbruck explains, "I usually make a proposal of fifteen roughs on a specific idea to a client. If the client doesn't like any of the work, he doesn't pay a cent. Only once he's agreed to one of the proposals or a modification, there is a fee for service."

he

Herbruck said the advertising does for Akron is predominately gay, while in Canton, it's mostly straight. "I work with gay people better because I understand them better. Each gay person I've ever. met is especially creative in his/her own way."

Asked if he felt there is a higher proportion of gays in the arts, Herbruck responded, "Well, I know a few artists; but I don't ask them whether they're gay or straight. I don't think it makes anyone a better artist one way or another. I'm acquainted with many gays who draw and paint; but that doesn't necessarily make them artists."

"Take myself, for example. Although I can competently

draw and get my ideas across, I

don't consider myself an artist. I'm a graphic illustrator. I think

APRIL 1976

Photos by Al Morrill

what makes a true artist is not college degrees or the 'right connections' but a technique or style that is recognized by one's peers as legitimately unique."

Herbruck claims he has yet to experience any repercussions from the open treatment of his own sexuality. He encourages other gay people to discard irrational fears and come out of the closet. Randy Herbruck's advice coincides with a turning tide in the gay movement. Indeed, as the unity of our people grows, coming out will no longer result in ridicule and harassment; but just may become an advantage.

NEW DIGNITY PUBLICATION

·

BOSTON Dignity/National recently announced the publication of Homosexual Catholics A Primer for. Discussions, a booklet authored by three of Dignity's chaplains, Sr. Jeannine Granuck of Baltimore, Fr. Robert Nugent of Washington and Fr. Thomas Oddo of Boston, all of whom

have been involved for many years in a ministry to the gay Catholic community. The booklet, directed toward Catholics-at-large who want to

learn more about homosexuality, is laid out in a format of thirtyfour questions and answers. Topics include church's theological traditions, new approaches in moral theology, change in the church, current scriptural interpretations and civic rights. Copies of the booklet are available from the National Office for a donation of $1.50. Write Dignity, 755 Boylston St. Room 413, Boston, MA. 02116.

Smoke Pit Opens in Akron

BARBERTON PnG's Smoke Pit at 210 Snyder (at Van Buren) in Barberton, just minutes away from Akron offers an extremely wide variety of things to do in one spot. The first floor is a full service restaurant with full meals, sandwiches, and breakfast featuring hickory smoked and barbecued food. The upstairs has several more options, a disco-bar, game room, and sitting room with pillows for relaxing. The bar has a wine and beer license but they have applied for a liquor license. Eventually Pam and Gladys will be

operating 24 hours a day, but initially the hours are from 4 pm to 1 am weekdays and from 4 pm to 4 am on weekends. At last there is a gay restaurant to go to after the bars close!

Pam and Gladys, the lovers who run the restaurant-discobar have just taken over the management of the Smoke Pit and decided to cater to the gay public because they "thought the gay community would appreciate this kind of set-up."

For easy direction to the Smoke Pit, check their ad in this issue of High Gear.