NEWS HIGH

CEAR

1976 GEAR

Vol.3 A Publication of the GEAR Foundation Issue 9

HIGH GEAR journal is a publication of the Gay Educational and Awareness Resources (G.E.A.R.) Foundation of Cleveland, Ohio. It is distributed free of charge in any establishment and with any organization that will permit distribution. We are a non-profit publication, and all proceeds not used to pay printing costs and service fees are set aside for the Gay Hotline Switchboard, (216) 3216632 and the G.E.A.R. Foundation which sponsors rap groups, a Speaker's Bureau, and other services to the Northeastern Ohio gay community.

The presence of the name or picture or other representation of an organization, place of business or person(s) in HIGH GEAR is not necessarily indicative of the sexual orientation of such organizations, businesses or persons, and may not be used as evidence of the sexual orientation of any contributors.

We welcome all contributions of written materials, art work, or photography by members of the gay community. All materials submitted for publication are subject to editorialization. We cannot guarantee the return of materials submitted for publication, whether used by HIGH GEAR or not, unless it is accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

All HIGH GEAR staff are volunteers. Anyone interested in working on the staff of HIGH GEAR should inquire by calling (216) 321-6632 or write to HIGH GEAR STAFF, P.O. Box 6177, Cleveland, Ohio 44101.

Businesses or organizations wishing to advertise in HIGH GEAR may obtain advertising rate sheets and other information by writing to the above address.

The deadline for HIGH GEAR publication dates is as follows: Advertising by the 30th of every month, camera ready and composition ads. Written material by the 5th of every month. News Items until publication.

HIGH GEAR is printed the second Thursday of every month and available at bars, baths, universities, businesses and elsewhere thereafter.

HIGH GEAR is copyrighted under federal law. Reproduction is granted to all other gay publications so long as credit is given to HIGH GEAR. All others must obtain written permission.

Coordinating Editors

Business Manager

John Nosek, Leon Stevens Dan McGuire

Advertising Collective. Neil Caldwell, Tom Crouch, Michael Dubleki, John Kelsey, Danny Mack, Matt Phillips, John Wagenhals

Art Director

News

Rudi Haaken

Neil Caldwell,

David Holleb, Jerry Juszczyk, Dan McGuire, Matt Phillips, Martha Watson

Features and Reviews David Akers, Van Ault, George Brown, Marc Lewis, Mitchell Menigue, Donna Minkler, Aaron Ross, Eva Szabo and others Circulation

Distribution

12,000 plus Akron, Barberton, Berea, Brooklyn, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Cleveland Hts., Columbus, Dayton, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Lima, Lorain, Mansfield, Middleburgh Hts., Painsville, Parma, Parma Hts., Piqua, Rockbridge, Rocky River, Sandusky, Shaker Hts., Springfield, Steubenville, Toledo, Warren, Youngstown and points beyond.

CORRECTION

In the March issue of High Gear under an article titled "Columbus Politicking," we indicated that Michael Schwarzwalder accompanied Marilyn, a representative of the Central Ohio Lesbians to the statehouse in a lobbying effort. We quoted the Central Ohio Lesbian Newsletter as our source. Mr. Michael Schwarzwalder is a

state Senator from Columbus, NOT a member of Columbus G.A.A. When transcribing the information from the C.O.L. newsletter the two names were inadvertently switched. The lead sentence should have read, "Marilyn, a representative of C.O.L. and George of G.A.A. recently met..." Our apologies to both the C.O.L. newsletter and Mr. Schwarzwalder for our error.

HIGH GEAR/MAY 1977

GUEST EDITORIAL

OHIO EDUCATORS SAY YES

By Matt Phillips

COLUMBUS Recently many gay activists have been bemoaning the fact that there are very few people to serve as positive gay and lesbian models to look to when a person is coming to grips with his or her sexuality. Although there are gay men and women who are successful in every profession they must remain invisible to protect their jobs and homes. Not only does this deprive gays of the various heroes which straights take for granted, it also forces many people to stay in the closet when they would much rather fling the door open.

A resolution passed at the Spring 1977 Ohio Education Association Representative assembly may begin to change that here in Ohio. Resolution R40 reads:

"The Ohio Education Association believes in the principle that every person, regardless of age, sex, race, creed, sexual orientation, marital

status, national origin, residence, or degree of assiocation activity has the right to serve in the public schools or at an institution of higher education in any capacity for which the teacher has properly qualified... The Association further urges professional associations at all levels to adopt policies that ensure all persons equal access to elective, appointive and staff positions The Association supports the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex."

...

This of course does not mean that as Anita Bryant might contend, classrooms will be overrun by the stereotyped "screaming faggot." What goes on in the classroom will change very little at all and if it does change, it will most likely be for the better. Most gay teachers like almost all others are in the profession

MAY 21 D.C. PROTEST

Lesbians, Gay men and other concerned individuals from across the country will be assembling in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 1977, to stage a legal, non-violent demonstration against the United States Supreme Court. Under the sponsorship of the May 21 Gay Action Coalition, which has been endorsed by over 50 Gay organizations, grass-roots contingents are organizing buses and carpools to arrive in Washington on May 21 and are attempting to publicize the event through leaflets and media outreach within their own communities.

In the spring of 1976, the Supreme Court upheld Virginia's sodomy laws, thereby validating the right of individual

states to maintain sexually repressive legislation. Describing that decision as a federal precedent that will adversely affect the lives of Gay people for years to come, the May 21 Gay Action Coalition has chosen Saturday, May 21, to mark with outrage the first anIniversary of the Court's ruling.

According to Joyce Hunt, a New York spokesperson for the Coalition, the demonstrators will assemble in the nation's capital at noon before the U.S. Justice Department. Then they'll march by a designated route to the Supreme Court for 2 hours of demonstrations. After that, they'll recess to the Capitol lawns across from the Court for a Celebration of Gay Love, to which individuals are invited to

Page 2

because they want to teach. They will continue to teach much as they have been doing. The difference will be that, without the fears of losing their job because of their gayness, the energy which had been going into anxiety may now be channeled in more positive directions. With more and more teachers not flaunting but being unwilling to hide their gayness the positive role models will also begin to appear.

Unfortunately, a resolution passed by the Ohio Education Association does not have the force of law and teachers in Ohio can still be fired because they are gay, regardless of how well they teach. Likewise, it is not clear how far the O.E.A. is willing to go in backing up their resolution, but it is a beginning.

Maybe, before too long, the teacher who helped you so much in high school will be able to bring his or her lover to the senior prom. That would be the kind of model that I wish I had had when I was in high school.

share food, music, crafts, street theatre and poetry.

"The Celebration will be a public affirmation of Lesbian and Gay male sexuality and lifestyles," says Ms. Hunter. "We intend to tell the world that we are Gay, proud, and unashamed of our beauty."

"Despite what the Supreme Court may say," Ms. Hunter continues, "Gay people will not allow any government, political party, or religious institution control our sexual behavior or deprive us of our basic human rights."

Individuals interested in attending the event should contact local Gay organizations to find out if contingents will be leaving from their area.

GAY ALCOHOLICS WORKSHOP, JUNE 4

CLEVELAND On Saturday June 4 the Cleveland Gay Alcoholics group is sponsoring a workshop titled, "Hope for the Gay Alcoholic" at the Chesterfield, 1801 E. 12th St. in Room No. 1702 from 14 p.m. A panel discussion will include the originator of Gay Alcoholics in Washington D.C. and two professional Cleveland Coun-

selors, one a psychologist, the other a Chatholic priest.

This presentation will be followed by individual discussion groups dealing with topics like "Counseling and Recovery" and "Friends and Family of Gay Alcoholics." Information booths will represent five different area gay groups.

COLUMBUS GAY ALCOHOLICS

COLUMBUS Central Ohio gays recently organized a Gay Alcoholics Anonymous group on April 24 in Columbus. Nine people attended the first meeting. It was agreed to hold meetings every Sunday at 5 p.m. Until a permanent site is selec-

ted, get-togethers will occur at different members' homes. Those wishing to obtain more information may call Peter at (614) 443-1052 or Dick (614) 8645440 or write Box 9894, Columbus, Ohio 43206.

Cleveland Gay Alcoholics also holds bi-weekly meetings on both the East and West Side. These include open men only, and women only meetings. For further information on either the June 4 conference or regular sessions, call (216) 228-2094 or the Cleveland Gay Switchboard (216) 321-6632.

Support Our Advertisers. They Make HIGH GEAR

Happen