MAY 1976

"A VERY NATURAL THING"

BENEFITS CENTER

Robert Joel and Bo White star as David and Jason in "A VERY NATURAL THING" appearing at the New Mayfield Repertory Cinema as a benefit for the Cleveland Community Center on Monday, May 24.

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The second

CLEVELAND benefit in support of a Cleveland Gay Community Services Center is scheduled for Monday, May 24. The film "A Very Natural Thing" will be shown at the New Mayfield Repertory Cinema (12300 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland) with all proceeds going toward the formation of a gay community center here in Cleveland.

"A Very Natural Thing" is the first feature film on homosexuality made by an overt homosexual which has achieved commercial distribution. "...an excellent film for straights and non-liberated gays to see as the impression is a good one from the gay's point of view." (Gay Scene) The film has received extremely favorable reviews from many sources.

Admission is set at $5.00 for adults (which includes a free glass of champagne or soft drink) and $3.50 for students. Patron tickets for a minimum of $15.00 ($25.00 per couple). The patron ticket entitles the donor to attend a special buffet preceeding the film and, if the person wishes, to be listed as a "Very Natural Thing Benefit Patron" in the next issue of High Gear.

TAMPLER

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General admission tickets and patron tickets may be purchased in advance by sending a check or money order and a stamp self-addressed envelope to "Theater Party" P.O. Box 6177, Cleveland, Ohio 44101. (Check/Money Order should be made payable to G.E.A.R. Foundation.) Tickets will also be available at the door. If, however, you would like to attend the Patron Buffet and cannot order your tickets by mail, please call the Gay Switchboard (696-5330) to make a reservation.

The film is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. and the buffet will begin at 6:30.

There is free parking available near the theater and arrangements have been made for a guard to be on duty in the parking lot throughout the evening.

"We are looking forward to a sold-out benefit," says Matt Philips, a member of the Gay Community Center Finance Committee. "It's another chance for a lot of people to get together and have a good time and support the community center at the same time.

GAY ACTIVISTS

COLUMBUS G.A.A.

COLUMBUS The Gay Activist Alliance of Ohio State University will partake in a street fair at O.S.U. on June 4, 5, and 6. The festival will be held at 82 E. 16th St. in Columbus. Numerous student organizations and community groups plan participation in the event which will

sport a Gay Activist's Alliance Booth for the first time.

Gays either in the area or visiting are encouraged to lend support by stopping at the booth to say hello. Further information be obtained by calling O.S.U./G.A.A. at 1-614-422-9212.

can

HIGH GEAR

B-W GAYS RECOGNIZED

BEREA The Baldwin Wallace student government recently voted to recognize the Gay Rap Group at that Berea College as a student organization, thus giving the group access to campus facilities and making it eligible for student activity funding. The group has been meeting regularly for the past few weeks to give students and other west side Clevelanders an

to

opportunity to share their views and expressions as gay people. The organizers hope to be able offer films and bring in speakers when and if money is available, but presently the meetings take the form of rap sessions.

With the Free Clinic rap groups and other non-religious gay outlets, occurring mainly on the east side or downtown, it is

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hoped that the B.W. Rap Group will help fill the void of alternative gay activities on the far west side.

The group is open to all gay people, women or men, student or non-student. The meetings are held every Thursday evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge of the Student Union. More information can be obtained by calling 826-7410.

AF SECRETARY: NO TO MATLOVICH

Air Force Secretary Thomas C. Reed refused to reinstate former Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, an acknowledged gay who was discharged last fall.

Reed said, according to the Associated Press, he believed it

is "essential for the effectiveness of the armed forces" that practicing homosexuals be discharged.

Matlovich's lawyers carried his fight against the discharge to a U.S. District Court, which

ruled that he had not yet exhausted appeal procedures within the Air Force. The case will now go back to District Judge Gerhard Gesell, who is likely to rule before fall.

CRIS WILLIAMSON COMING TO TOWN

CLEVELAND Cris Williamson, feminist songwriter and performer, will be presented in concert by Oven Productions and the CWRU Women's Center on Saturday, May 22, at 8:30 p.m. in Hillel Auditorium on Ford Road on the Case Western Reserve University campus. Admission is $2.50 in advance, $3.00 at the door, $1.00 for under 12 and over 60.

The concert is open to the public, and advance tickets may be purchased at Coventry Books, Appletree Books, the Food-Co-op, Hemming and Hulbert Booksellers, and the CWRU, Kent, and Oberlin

Dear Editor:

Some years ago, Garry, a young bartender at the Flair, was knocked out of this world by a traffic violator. The minister at the funeral was rather reserved in his remarks, because Garry had no church affiliation. Consequently, I left the service feeling that a lot of things had not been said. Hence, this tribute.

We must remember that the roads to heaven are many. Let us say that Public Square is heaven. Some reach it by the quiet well-kept streets of Lakewood. Others reach it by way of Cedar Avenue with its crime and deterioration. Still others may reach it by way of the Rapid an ugly, bumpy trip all the way. Therefore it is unwise to presume upon the wisdom of the Divine Dispatcher.

True, Garry had no church affiliation, but I am aware of the tremendous cross he bore. It is reasonable to believe that during many nights as Garry lay awake in the darkness of his room, the weight of his cross crushed him, and his problems became SO many tormenters dancing around his bed.

It is reasonable to believe that Garry thrashed about and called out in anguish, "Oh God, why Me? Is there no easier way for

Women's Centers. For information and reservations for free child care, call 371-1697.

Cris Williamson has been performing professionally for twelve years. She plays piano and guitar, and performs her own music as well as that of her contemporaries. For the past two years, Cris has focused her energy on making and helping to define Women's Music--music which speaks to women's lives.

Cris recently recorded an album entitled 'The Changer and the Changed' on Olivia Records, the national women's recording company. She was

LETTERS

me? Please take me away from this!" Then the Holy Comforter would come and watch over him until he fell into a tearful sleep.

From many such experiences Garry arose with a refined inner strength which enabled him to transmit happiness to hundreds of people. Unless one is at peace with himself, such a feat. just isn't possible day after day, night after night. Anyone and everyone who was ever in his presence left with a smile and felt a little happier. How many bona-fide Christians can match his example? Although he wasn't aware of it, Garry was sent to us an an ambassador of happiness a full-time life work. Finally, God answered his prayer and took him home at an early age in life.

As that jovial rascal walked into heaven, he probably gave the Proprietor a bear hug, tilted his smiling face and said, "you sure gave me a hard time down there. I'm going to miss my family and friends, but thanks for bringing me home." Then, as they moved off together, he put a friendly arm around the Boss and said, "help me find some friends," They left before I did."

May Garry in his great happiness and peace not forget us. May he continue to be our ambassador in heaven. When it is

also a part of the recent concert tour, "Women on Wheels," the largest women-produced tour in history, where she performed for over 10,000 women. Cris Williamson's music and performances reflect her concern with spirituality and her roots in the wide open country, with all the possibilities it offers for soaring, sprawling, and growing.

Cris Williamson's superb musicianship, thrilling voice, and entertaining performance abilities make this concert one not to miss.

our turn at the eternal gate, may he be there to introduce us to the Top Man. Thank you,

Harry (Granny) Armstead Dear Editors:

Re: Joe Costa's disco column in April's High Gear. I don't understand why disc jockeys always have to push their tastes on a dancing audience. I, for one, don't care what the latest N.Y. trend is. in Cleveland many of us like our disco music funky and hard with traces of rock. Though it might be fun to learn how to do the Bus Stop and Monorail, it's more fun to let the music move you rather than vice versa.

Cleveland's got a lot of good things going for it; but it's time we stop imitating what other big cities do and create our own scene. That would happen if area disc jockeys would only play what their audiences want to hear.

Thanks,

Greg Shore Cleveland