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HIGH GEAR journal is a publication of the Gay Educational and Awareness Resources (GEAR) Foundation of Cleveland, Ohio. It is distributed free to charge in any establishment, and with any organization, that will permit distribution. We are a non-profit publication, and all proceeds not used to pay printing costs and service fees are set aside for the use of the GEAR Foundation's Community Center.

The presence of the name or picture or other representation of an organization, place of business, or person(s) in HIGH GEAR is not

necessarily indicative of the sexual orientation of such organizations, businesses, or persons, and may not be used as evidence of the sexual orientation of any contributors.

We welcome all contributions of written materials, art work, or photography by members of the gay community. All materials submitted for publication are subject to editorilization. We cannot guarantee the return of materials submitted for publication, whether used by HIGH GEAR or not, unless it is accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Anyone interested in working on the Staff of HIGH GEAR should inquire by calling 696-5330, or write to HIGH GEAR STAFF, P.O. Box 6177, Cleveland, Ohio 44101.

Businesses or organizations wishing to advertise in HIGH GEAR

may obtain advertising rate sheets and other information by calling 696-5330, or writing to Advertising. HIGH GEAR, P.O. Box 6177, Cleveland, Ohio 44101.

The deadline for HIGH GEAR publication dates is as follows: Advertising by the 30th of every month, camera-ready and composition ads.

Written material by the 5th of every month.

News items until publication.

HIGH GEAR

G.E.A.R. OPTIMISTIC ON CENTER

The Gay

CLEVELAND Educational and Awareness Resources. Foundation Board of Directors meeting that (GEAR) reported at its recent the city buildings commissioner

insists on some modifications

and additions before final approval is given for the proposed Gay Community Center.

located in the Bradley Building The Center, which is to be

Cleveland

on W. 6th St. in downtown will need the following: 1) In order to maintain an assembly capacity of 175 people, a second bathroom including a toilet, closet, urinal, and sink must be installed: 2) A ventilation system is required (plans for this are to replace two

windows with giant fans). 3) Exit lights in both the front and back areas are necessary. 4) A change of the sliding fire door to a regular open door is in order.

The present architectural plan only shows the layout of the site itself. With the help of an architectural advisor, G.E.A.R. detailed open corridors and specified areas in accordance with their function. The fourth floor will only be used as office space. To date. High Gear, OEGN, Dignity, M.C.C., and the Gay Alcoholics group have expressed interest in renting this area. As one enters the eastern portion of the first floor, s/he will embark upon a reception area, after which there

HELP THE GAY CENTER

CLEVELAND Now that the G.E.A.R. Foundation is aware of the structural changes necessary to lease the Bradley Building for a community center, it is imperative that both

HIGH GEAR is available at bars, baths, universities, businesses and materials and time be donated elsewhere the second Friday of every month.

HIGH GEAR is copy righted under federal law. Any reproduction of its contents is prohibited unless either written or verbal permission is obtained.

STAFF

Coordinating Editors.... Advertising and Public Relations

Art Coordinator

Photography....

.John Nosek, Leon Stevens

..Matt Phillips ..Rudi Haaken

..Albert Morrill, Matt Phillips .David Holleb, Jerry Juszczyk, Chris Jacobson, Matt Phillips, Martha Watson

News

Reviews and Features ..Don Avery, Alan Gould, Marc Lewis, Michael Madigan, Mitchell Menigu, Donna Minkler, Aaron Ross, Gloria Sorenson and others.

Drag...

Travel.

Calendar

Circulation.

Distribution

.Anne Ritchey. A. Mark Joseph Tom Eville .12,000

.Akron, Barberton, Berea,

Brooklyn, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Cleveland Hts., Columbus, Dayton, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Lima, Lorain, Mansfield, Middleburgh Hts., Painesville, Parma, Pama Hts., Piqua, Rockbridge, Rocky River, Sandusky, Shaker Hts., Springfield, Steubenville, Toledo, Warren, youngstown.

SOLIDARITY

By Martha Watson

A rally following the march stressed the need for unity of all

PHILADELPHIA, July 4; nationalities. The Boston Several thousand gay people contingent had many gays who formed a strong contingent in a were active in the fights against spirited march of 50-60,000 racism. people in Philadelphia today. Gays joined hands with Puerto Ricans, Blacks, Native oppressed people in the fight for Americans, Mexicans, and the independence of Puerto whites, men and women, in Rico, for Native American demanding a "Bicentennial sovereignty, for jobs, and for an without colonies, and equality end to racism and sexism. and jobs for all." The specific The success of the march was demand for equal rights for gay evidenced by the fact that more people was included under the people came out for this protest broad demand of quality for all. than to hear President Ford's While many gays marched in Bicentennial address. Gays can their own contingent, others be proud of the fact that they were present in contingents helped to make the march so representing various areas of tremendously effective. the country and various

to make it happen. Materials needed are: 1) Toilet, sink, urinal, and plumbing fixtures. 2) Wood for enclosures and partitions. 3) Paint. 4) Large working fans, 5) Wood for a

door, hinges, knobs, etc. Although furniture and other materials will be requested after the lease is signed, these now are the most pressing items.

More importantly, VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO DO PLUMBING, CARPENTRY WORK AND

PAINTING. The G.E.A.R. membership

Foundation

currently is deeply involved with planning, area organizations,

AUGUST 1976

will be separate partitioned rooms for private counseling. V.D. checks, rap groups and a reading, Jibrary room. Moving further west, large space will be reserved for dances; conferences and similar "big" events. Finally, at the western corners will be the restrooms.

ft is expected that the new. architectural plan will be submitted for final approval to the city buildings commissioner within two weeks. If the proposed layout meets the stated criteria, it will be forwarded to the fire division for its approval. Assuming no new problems develop, the target date for leasing the Bradiey Building is September 1st.

the Hotline, rap groups or the newspaper. Since most of us work during the day as well, without community support and involvement the Center cannot survive. PLEASE LEND A HAND. We can find a way to pay for the materials, but the work can only come from an interested and motivated .community. CALL 696-5330. HELP US TO HELP EACH OTHER!

RENOUNED CWRU GRAD MARK FREEDMAN DIES

SAN FRANCISCO The Gay Community News reports that former Clevelander Dr. Mark Freedman, a pioneering gay psychologist died at age 33 at the University of California hospital from complications following a severe case of hepatitis. Dr. Freedman was renouned nationally as author, researcher, clinical practioner, lecturer and activist in the cause of gay rights.

an

Dr. Freedman was born in New York and received a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Brown University. He earned his Master's and Doctoral degrees in Psychology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Among his efforts were the books Homosexuality and Psychological Functioning, Loving Men (co-authored with Harvey Myers), and Personal Definition:

A Looking Glass Analysis which was in draft form at the time of Freedman's death..

Dr. Freedman was also a frequent contributor to national periodicals. After a year of negotiations, he became the first person to write an article for Psychology Today as an openly gay person. Written in March 1975, the revolutionary article entitled Far From Illness: Homosexuals May be Healthier Than Straights, created a furor among both the gay and nongay communities.

From his enthusiastic effort toward the attainment of gay civil rights, Dr. Freedman became one of the founders of the Association of Gay Psychologists. He also attempted to start the first gay research center in the nation; but was denied a federal grant. Dr. Freedman believed that

those hostile to homosexuality were socially sick. He said in an article printed recently in Blueboy: "Homophobia (Fear of homosexuals) is a real problem which interferes with effective functioning Therapists would do well to focus on the issue rather than the pseudo problem of latent homosexuality' or similair matters."

Said Tony Russo of GCN in à fitting eulogy to Dr. Freedman: "Having only worked in the field less than ten years, he established himself as an authority. Unlike many, he had the courage to research homosexuality, as an openly gay person."

Dr. Freedman will be sadly missed; but his contributions will hold an indelible position in our evolving gay culture.

MCC/AKRON SAYS THANKS MAMA CAROL

AKRON -August 5, 1976 here was designated "Mama Carol Support Night" by members and friends of Metropolitan Community Church/Akron in grateful appreciation for her help. She "is the only bar owner that has gone out of her way during the (financial) crisis MCC/Akron has faced to raise funds for the church" said church spokesperson Mike Shannon,lauzib

The MCC Benefit July 10 which packed Satan's Den netted the church $268 to help meet budgetary expenses. Another benefit is scheduled September 5 at Satan's.

The entire day was a party of thanks to Carol for her help. Steve "Boom Boom" Cannon on WHLO Radio announced, "Thank you Mother Carol for loving gay people." Throughout the night, the regular staff and

the MCC staff tended bar at no charge.

On behalf of the board of directors of MCC/Akron, Carol was presented with flowers and an MCC cross. The bar staff added their gift of one dozen American Beauty roses.

After the party Carol reflected about the evening. "It was beautiful. I love 'em. It's no longer customers to me, it's friends te pos goted