9 PAGE 29
June 1976
HIGH GEAR
QUEEN ARRE'S LACE
By Yer Fat Aunt Annie
--
This month, an angry lesbianactivist wrote to High Gear complaining among other things about this column and the space given to drags in the paper. The High Gear editors replied. But I feel like I have to as well.
She says she's angry because drags are a mockery and a "puton." I'm angry too. Not at her. But at myself and my failure to :communicate.
Being a member of a minoritywithin-a-minority myself, I can readily understand anger, frustration and even revulsion at the portrayal of characteristics f of my group which make it seem f frivolous. Shallow. Campy. Ugly I trying to be beautiful. So I can I understand how she might well I feel that men who try to be women are mocking the female person, the female position in . society and even the female's I most obvious sexual
characteristics.
Unquestionably, there's a strong effort to "highlight" those secondary sexual characteristics among many of the drags who visit downtown bars. Short skirts, lots of leg showing, lots of makeup and revealing costumes in general all point to what might seem to be such a mockery coupled with the use of these devices to attract male friendship.
But what she's seeing isn't exploitation. It's wistful, sometimes clumsy, but almost always sincere wish-fulfillment. Drags could be gay without dressing in women's clothes. Most dress that way because they sincerely envy women their beauty, and femininity. And,
since it's an old adage that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery... perhaps she ought to look again at those people. In most cases, I doubt if she could find any stronger supporters for her cause than the drags.
I once said to a feminist friend that there was no way in the world I could ever completely understand what it means to be black or to be a woman. I'm neither. But I can feel a strong sympathy for both. And, because of my personal Gender Identity orientation, I try to be as much of a woman as I am physically
and mentally able. I value the woman's feelings of love. These, I can try to have in myself as well. I can also look to woman for the beauty of her physical shape. For the freedom she has in our society to adorn herself in pleasing colors and utilize all sorts of powders, paints and jewels to enhance her already pleasing characteristics. These I can only imitate. They are, sadly, not mine by the nature of my physical body or my social status.
But the essence of women is valuable and important to me
that I do try to imitate them -tastefully, I hope.
I must plead guilty to being able to revert to my masculine state and masculine dress when required in order to earn my living and pass freely in hostile society. This, she says, a woman cannot do. I sadly agree. For there is far more to being female than clothes. There's being a second-rate citizen at the credit bureau... unable to get credit without a male "sponsor". There's being victim of all sorts of stereotypes: the "dumb broad" who can't handle a mechanical device the "woman driver"...
ad infinitum. There's the deep-down, heart-aching surety that, as a creative artist, you have something to say but no one listens because you're a woman and not to be taken seriously.
For these miseries of being a woman, I can only offer heartfelt love, sympathy and the assurance that I'll not be one who regards those for whom I have nothing but respect and love in these degrading ways. You see, I can't be a woman. I can only try. And my only defense is that my trying is sincere. Not a mocking. But a wishing that I could join. And a hoping that they'll understand that women do have great value to some males. So great, in fact, that despite their status, we want to join them. And, if we're allowed, even help their cause. All they have to do to gain our help is ask. And think of us as people just as we want to think. of them as people.
TH HOUSE OF PENNSPORT MODELING STUDIO
PORTFOLIOS COMPOSITES ESCORT SERVICE GO-GO DANCERS PROMOTIONAL STUNTS
A professional full service modeling studio, specializing in male and female high fashion and underground models reasonably priced.
For appointment write or phone.
Lord Pennsport
The House of Pennsport Modeling Studio The Marion Building Suite 319 1276 W. Third Street
Cleveland Ohio 44113
Phone: 781-6966
R.H.
I need--l really know. I want--but what's the object? Across the bar his look is most direct.
It is, I know, a compliment. I seem interested. But am I? I seek-Can he be the complement?
Unsure, I am furtive as our eyes connect.
His words become even more. direct.
What will become is clear.
In his bed, he is not what he seems.
And so again I seem to be what I am not..
In seeming passion our bodies link.
We let it seem to be love. It is only copulative action.
In my mind he becomes
someone who yet must be, Someone with whom I have yet to connect. Responding to his hunger for what for him I seem,
I say it feels so good.
"Be good to me," he sighs.
I let it seem that I have become-
I come.
Afterward, nestling my head. against his ear, seem grateful.
Seeming gratitude becomes seeming pleasure.
As I leave, he says, "We must become friends."
With all my seeming, I know it cannot be.
Next time we meet our glances won't connect.
'I'll nod, but in a manner indirect. Still I need--
I want--
When will seem become be?
Mitchell Menigu
Compliment note to......
Lady
and Cast
for "THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS" which I enjoyed seeing on Friday, May 28, 1976 in Warren, Ohio.
Ed Lensak.
Troubadour Lounge
Youngstown