AUGUST 1976

CEAR

GEAR

HIGH GEAR

LETTERS

Page 3

Dear Cleveland's Gay Community,

Thank God you're here. I just moved from South Florida, Fort Lauderdale to be more exact, and the gay life here is far superior. Sure there are fine bars in Fla., but bars are just one facet of a gay life. And too much of a good thing becomes boring. Therefore alternatives to the baths and bars is what I wanted to find when I moved north. And So I came to Cleveland, aware that there were two gay newspapers here, but there is so much more.

The gay hotline is a fantastic community service. It puts a person who is in need in touch with

the right referral or information. Speaking of community services, I am very excited about the coming Gay Community Center. I attended a G.E.A.R. Foundation meeting last week and I am pleased to say that the Service Center is moving right along,of course, there are the: usual bureaucratic run arounds that must be dealt with. Another gay related activity that is available in Cleveland is the gay rap groups at the Free Clinic. These do not exist in Fort Lauderdale, I'm glad they are here.

Since I'm a male homosexual, 1 am not involved with the C.A.L.F.A. activities, but if I were

a woman I'd be thankful for their existence.

So Cleveland don't let anyone tell you that you're second rate, because you are definitely not. As an outsider moving in, I have to take exception to David Loovis, in Gay Spirit, when he reports that the friendliest people live in Florida. I found the gay scene down there onesided and boring, and hard to. get involved with. But here in Cleveland I have already found a place in the gay community and someone to share that place. Thank you Cleveland. Alan Jay Gould

Love,

ANONYMOUS

Some of Us: From left to right, co-editor John Nosek, Alan Gould, Al Morrill and Don Avery; sitting co-editor, Leon Stevens

OUR SECOND ANNIVERSARY

With this issue High Gear concludes its second year of service to the Ohio gay community. Two years ago our journal appeared as a one page newsletter. The paper was primarily the work of one person, Arthur MacDonald. Twentyfour issues later, High Gear is 36 pages in length, has a healthy nuclear staff of ten (with fifteen additional contributing writers), and is available throughout Ohio. With the addition of Cincinnati to

our

distribution list this month, High Gear is now available in every large and medium-sized metropolis in the state.

The journal is a labor of love. Our staff is completely made up of volunteers and incorporated as a non-profit organization with

the state of Ohio. Being so organized, we are able to present what we feel is a progressive, non-sexist, positive portrayal of gay news culture.

and

There, of course, is always room for improvement. We hope our readers will continue to send us suggestions, criticisms and comments on the contents herein.

We wish to thank both High Gear readers and advertisers for your support in making us Ohio's longest running and most widely circulated paper. Thank you. Let us continue to support each other's endeavors, for in unity lies strength.

The Staff of High Gear

Gay Talent Encouraged At Rider's

CLEVELAND Riders Tavern in Painesville, just east of Cleveland on Rt. 20, has taken a step forward in promoting theater and musical arts.

On Friday, August 27, the historic inn will be equipped with a stage and full lighting system to present Box and Cox a one-act 19th century comedy of manners. The play will be presented by the Gelosi Players in Association with Lake Erie College Theater. Performances are at 7:30 and 11:30. At the earlier show dinner will also be available. The bar will be open before and after each perfor-

mance.

The following Sunday, August 29, will be Frolicking Fun Follies Night, an open talent night with cocktails at 8:30 and showtime at 9:30. A piano accompanist will be available for those who would like one. Those people interested in participating are urged to call Riders Tavern at 951-6112 (a local call from Cleveland) for more details and to sign up for the talent show. Prizes will be awarded.

Already lined up are a comedy act, organists, and a "person who is into theater."

Editors:

Is that the way I made you feel?

"Did I do that!?? I guess you think I drink too much, but, really, it only happens once in a while. I got so carried away having a good time with you I didn't notice (the time) (the amount) (the kind) (the strength) anything but you. You're just so great I hate to let go of you." "Will I see you again?" "I understand..."

How many times has this happened to you? In the past week? In the past month? Or are you one of the lucky ones that has never been embarrassed by their own "tipsy" behavior when its been recounted to them -one of the lucky ones that still has not abused their privilege to drink or to smoke or to take uppers or downers. That's what the art of drinking or smoking or popping is --a privilege to be guarded and protected. But what do you do when you discover or become suspicious that you may be approaching a danger zone? Some of us ignore it or actually refuse to believe that we are becoming professional escapists. Constantly running and dodging ourselves in the mirror. Refusing to see the sad pallor of our complexion, the crusty bottoms of our feet, or to hear the gruffness in our boices as we share our displeasure with the world. You're not that bad yet,right. You've still got a job, pay your

own

bills and are your own boss. You're just lonely when

LESBIAN NEWS

CLEVELAND The Cleveland Area Lesbian Feminist Alliance (C.A.L.F.A.) reports that Monday Morning Pronoun, a lesbian documentary by Micki Diekoff will be shown Tuesday, August 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Zonta Room of the Y.W.C.A. Following the film, there will be an informal discussion with Micki Diekoff. A

you go to the bars, it will all change when you meet Mr. or Mls. Right. You're no one special, you certainly don't need special attention or consideration, all you need is the Mr. or Ms perfect that is just around the next corner. You just need a single drink to pass the time until they get to you.

So, for the sake of time, let's assume you do realize that you MAY be in a danger area, what's next? Budget your drinks? Limit the number? Switch to another brand? Use only water chasers? Make all your drinks tall ones and only have two an hour? Drink only beer? Drink only after 8 PM, then 6 PM, then not before. 3 PM and definitely not have taking a drink be the first action out of bed. Never drink wine because it's cheap. You might be a drunk, but you'll never be a wino. Oh year?

How is it possible that you're reading about yourself here when I've never met you because I've been right there. At every point of controlled drinking you have ever thought of and then some more, because I am an alcoholic, a drug addict, a professional escapist. Our only difference is that I obtained a sincere desire to do something about it June 16, 1975, and now I feel a responsibility to share with you how that came about. I wasn't any different than you -1 was the ruler of my own destiny and I was positive that I was going to get everything I was meant to regardless of the price. The price was my mind, my soul,

donation of $2.00 will be asked for the event.

The C.A.L.F.A. business meeting will be held September 13th. Under discussion at the meeting will be how to involve more women in lesbian/feminist activism, and what the needs and priorities of local women are. There will be no "Open

my body for another drink, another pill, another escape from reality. I could not face myself, where I was, or who I was --

letting nothing be said about the loneliness I was in utter despair as to what was next. Somehow, thru a strength, a will, a power, that was not my own on June 16th I did not smoke a joint while I laid in bed or take a pill on the way to the john, or drink the drink I poured out. Somehow I had a desire to TRY for one day To TRY to not smoke, or pop or drink to only sleep. And that was a start. On the third day I heard about a bunch of fellows who meeting that might be able to help me. On the fourth day, they met, and I was there fifteen minutes early. Shaking and sick inside but willing to be told what to do to start to end my miserable existence. Suicide attempts had not worked -I was still alive and either things had to improve I would go completely nuts.

or

were

Those fellows still meet at 8 PM on Fridays and the door will be open for you too. They really had the answers or they were able to tell me where to go to find the answers and they can do the same for you too. If someone you love is your problem there is a group for you also. The two of you can both come or you can come separately, whatever will work best for you. Call us so that we can share what we have gained this past year we care 961-5658. Anonymous

House" in August.

Volunteers are need to help answer the C.A.L.F.A. phone. Anyone who has difficulty reaching C.A.L.F.A. by phone should be persistent. Call (216) 932-2669 or write, C.A.L.F.A. P.O. Box 18458, Cleveland Hts., Ohio 4118. 25012 auotiev onlingssigor