Vol. 2 A Publication of the GEAR Foundation Issue 9

HIGH GEAR

1976 GEAR

HARASSMENT IN AKRON

! We Will NOT

intimidat

AKRON Saturday, May 8, the Court House in downtown Akron was besieged by upwards of 40 protestors. The protest, involving contingents from the Kent Gay Liberation Front, Cleveland Gay Political Union, the Gay Caucus of Youth Against War and Facism MCC Akron, and others was prompted by recent Akron police harassment of gays.

The statement prepared by KGLF read: "WE PROTEST the use of minor statutes against homosexual citizens. We find it deplorable that police officers park outside of homosexual bars, parking lots and issue citations against our brothers

DEFEND GAY RIGHTS

KENT GAY LIBERATA

and sisters. We find it deplorable that for minor offenses like mufflers, emergency brakes, license plate expirations, etc., that citations to appear in court are issued rather than warnings or simple tickets."

KGLF has documented nine cases of such petty indictments over the weekend of April 30 and believe many more went un-. reported. As a case in point, Jim Kilbane was ordered to court for having a "weak muffler and brake."

A police clerk stated to Bill Hoover of KGLF that such citations were highly unusual, but would not permit herself to be quoted, nor supply her badge

number. Another police spokesperson alleged that bar owners had requested police intervention to clear choked parking lots. Bar owners, however, did not confirm this.

Another major act of harassment which took place the same weekend was the arrest of 55 men for "soliciting for prostitution." The names of all 55 men were then listed in the Monday, May 3, Akron Beacon Journal. The list included prominent Akron businessmen and married men with families. The arrests were made with federal funds channeled through the IMPACT Program designed to curb urban

"crime."

The sudden new wave of official bullying came unexpectedly. Police have not persecuted Akron gays since a judge rebuked the Akron Police Department nearly a year ago, when it charged Bill Hoover with "jaywalking."

The demonstration was attended and supported by Mike Alewitz who is running for Congress from the 14th District. He is opposed by anti-gay incumbent Seiberling. Alewitz lauded the picketing as "a significant challenge to police intimidation and terror."

During the protest, several

SHAKER BENEFIT A SUCCESS!

CLEVELAND The first benefit for the Cleveland Gay Community Services Center was held on May 5 at the Shaker Club. The G.E.A.R. Foundation organized the event with the support of many area organizations and businesses.

The evening produced a party-like atmosphere enjoyed by about 175 people. A free buffet, door prizes, and a dance contest were provided for those supporting the growing interest to secure the success of the ser-

vices center.

The Shaker Club was very gracious to provide both space and a delicious evening meal.

Matt Phillips, advertising coordinator for High Gear, solicited door prizes from area merchants and presented them during the event. Those businesses donating door prizes were: Rocco's Market, Coventry Books, Vaults, New World Haircuts-East, Gypsy's Restaurant, Studio Two; The New Mayfield Repertory Cinema, and local ac-

tivist David Batz.

The dance contest caused exictement as the winners were chosen from the participants by the applause of the crowd. Don Skaggs, G.E.A.R. board member, organized the dance contest and arranged for prizes. Eric. Boroush, disc jockey at the Shaker Club, kindly helped with the contest and provided good music throughout the evening.

This first benefit was not only a financial success as it netted the Community Center $259.00,

but the momentum to make the Center a reality was greatly enhanced. The G.E.A.R. Foundation wishes to express its appreciation to all those who attended the event, and with your continuing skpport, it can happen. The next benefit will be Monday, May 24, at The New

Mayfield Repertory Cinema. For further information, check additional advertising in this issue or call the Gay Switchboard, 696-5330.

Photos by Al Morrill passers-by expressed sympathy and solidarity with the participants except a certain patrolman who made a derogatory effeminate gesture. Another officer, however, stopped his motorcycle near the demonstrators, discussed the issue of police harassment withi some of the marchers and then announced his support of the protest.

The demonstration lured local news coverage and was considered an effective and successful tactic by local gay leaders.

*WE SAY NO! ATTACKS

GAY PEOPLE Gaveis of YAWE

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