December 1975

ODDS AND ENDS

by JERRY JUSZCZYK

Reactionaries on the Loose: The "Reverend" Edward V. Hill, director of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, came to Cleveland November 12 and said, "California has passed laws contrary to the book, and God is mad.

Among those laws are those permitting homosexuality and abortion." "God," the preacher said, "may send grasshoppers, flies, or a drought to California as punishment.".... The Eastern Orthodox Churches of America recently held their convention here in Cleveland.

Among their official and often chauvinistic pronouncements: "Sexual activities such as fornication, adultery, and homosexual acts are sinful deviations from normal, natural, and spiritually fulfilling human life and behavior."

.....

The Unification Church of the "Reverend" Sun Myung Moon states as one of its "Divine Principles" that homosexuality and promiscuity are a "misuse of love; twisted sex without love, sex without procreation; these sins are worse than murder and are a denial of God."

Small wonder gays turn away from established churches in droves.....

Supporters to be Praised: In the November 20th issue of Rolling Stone, Consumer Advocate Ralph Nader was asked how the breakdown of marriage, the nuclear family, and the increasing acceptance of homosexuality fit into his vision of a utopian society. Replied Nader: "I don't think it's a bad thing for people to experiment with their personal lives.

There is no need for a strict moral code in our changing society. The two (experimentation and a consumer-controlled'

system) can live side-by side..... Thank you for that breath of fresh air.....

Sonya Friedman, the psychologist featured on WEWS-TV (Channel 5, Cleveland) continues to voice unqualified support for gays. On her November 21st show, Ms. Friedman read a letter from a gay male, 24, to his parents disclosing his homosexuality.

After the letter was read, Sonya said that such open communication is refreshing and rare in most of our interactions. "We could all learn something from both its content and form." Love ya, Sonya..... In a recent speech to

Cleveland State University students, former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark urged students to devote their time to helping many Americans whose rights are not protected now. He specifically cited homosexuals, women, prisoners, and the mentally retarded as examples (in that order)..... Gee, it's too bad Clark's not a presidential candidate.....

Have you read this Lily Tomlin tidbit: Interviewed by Modern

HIGH GEAR

Scream reporter, Deirdre Dutton, Lily answers the question: "About your frank film about heterosexuality, did it seem strange to you seeing yourself making love with a man on the big screen?"..... "Well, I did a lot of research and by the time we began shooting, I was used to it. I've seen these women all my life, so I know how they walk, I know how they talk. Of course, did interview some psychiatrists, but they didn't have the answers. Of course, I got a lot of flak from Straight Liberation groups some thought I went too far, some not far enough.

And my family said how could you do such a thing? People wonder how a woman who looks like me could play a woman like that. They just don't understand

that you don't have to be one to play one."

.....

Asked by Boston's Gay Community News reporter Don Shewey if she was gay. Lilly replied, "I don't think it's my business to discuss my sexuality or your sexuality.".....

An upcoming CBS documentary on Walt Whitman will explore his homosexuality as an important and significant part of his life and poetry...... Philadelphia mayor elect

Frank Rizzo was thus quoted in Time magazine: "I'm so tough I'd make Attila the Hun look like a faggot."..... No comment......

Wax Tracks: It's been clearly a month since Brian Ferry and Roxy Music performed at Cleveland's Public Hall; and the town is still buzzing about the British entourage.

Ferry, you may recall from June's High Gear was quoted in After Dark as saying he much prefers the company of gays to banal rock stars, and is quite in happy living London's fashionable gay ghetto. Roxy Music's new album Siren continues the groups lineage of avantgarde rock.

Springsteen may have all the mass media hype; but Ferry is the true innovator of mid 70's contemporary music......

Streisand's new album, Lazy Afternoon includes an excellent disco version of the old Four Top's song, "Shake Me, Wake Me," as well as her first musical composition..... Keep it on, Barbara.....

Bianca Jagger is making her film debut in a movie tentatively titled Trick or Treat. The film is romantic a story about a quadrangle (three women, one man), and Bianca plays a young sophisticate who happens to fall in love with an older woman. (American actress Jan Smithers) Bianca's role coupled with her husband Mick's recent hand-in-hand stroll with David Bowie is ample proof that the Jaggers are the androgynous family of the year....

The movie, Butterlifes are for Free, recently aired on national TV, mentioned gays in a positive light. As the movie's two stars, a blind man (Edward Albert), and his female companion (Eileen Heckart) were taking a walk, the woman casually commented. "Homosexuals are nice people, too," Starring Walter Matthau, The Laughing Policeman gave viewers an inside look into the Ramrod, San Francisco's

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gay leather bar... Now that has to be a TV first........

The Local Beat: Eric Boroush, well known area disc jockey. featured in September's High Gear, recently returned to the Shaker Club. His individually stylized band of disco is just part of the renaissance the Shaker is presently undergoing.....

George and Walt of the Alpine in Warren will be celebrating their first anniversary in January and are in the process of planning a gala celebration at their bar. Watch High Gear for further details.....

make

The Vault will soon available light lunches and dinner with a few specialty items... Nikki and Mikie from Godmother's II wish to congratulate Twiggy's for their winning entry in the Miss Gay Ohio contest ... They also extend thanks to the Bayou Landing for all the courtesies extended them at the party Dec. 8th.....

Bette Midler tickets are now available by mail order. The Divine Miss M will appear at Cleveland's Music Hall Feb. 4 thru 8. Tickets are $10, $8, and $6. Make out your check or money order to Belkin Productions and mail it to Bette Midler, 1220 E. 6th St., Cleveland, 44114, stating preferred date and alternatives. You must enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and include a 50c handling charge to your order....

On January 8th, the Cleveland Dignity Meeting will feature Lee its Maxwell, psychologist, as guest speaker... This month's of Gold" High Gear "Heart award goes to The American Hotel for its Christmas charity slave auction benefit for needy Akronites.....

Well, gang, my only Xmas request this year is to ask all of the readers of this column to booze and drive with care over the next few weeks. I want each. and every one of you to be here for next month's Odds and Ends

Wednesday Night Dec. 31st

THE BAYOU LANDING

WILL CUM

AT MIDNIGHT