NEWS

HIGH GEAR/MAY 1977

BEN-SHALOM THE MILITARY FRIGHT

Miriam Ben-Shalom at Kent State University

KENT Former U.S. Navy Sgt. Miriam Ben-Shalom is currently battling her former employer in a court suit, which, if successful. would reinstate her in the U.S. Navy. Discharged for being an open lesbian, Ben-Shalom told the KGLF Conference that "each year over 3000 people in all branches of the armed services are affected by the military's anti-gay policies." She claimed that gay people are discharged because of homosexuality, driven to suicide or mental institutions by relentless harassment and have actually been "murdered" on military bases.

Most witch hunts, according to Ben-Shalom are conducted by the C.I.D. (the Criminal Intelligence Division) which is the military equivalent of the C.I.A. and the F.B.I. In conjunction WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, THE C.I.D. often pursues gays even after they leave the armed services.

Ben-Shalom told harrowing stories of her own subjection to harassment: "The Milwaukee police continously ask for my identification, and I've been booked for the most minor of-. fenses. I've been shot at in In-

dianapolis. There have been threats on my daughter's life." She told as well of a Berkeley lesbian whose dog was poisoned and whose car engine was frequently tampered with. The most frightening tale, however, was the eyewitness report of a gay male military friend whose roommate was shot in the back of the head by MP's for being a "fag."

Ben-Shalom added that not all military commanders permit C.I.D. persecution of gays, but "these are a minority." She stressed that she doesn't regard her case as a "military case."

"I entered the service because I had a daughter to support and the Navy was a job. Where else can you get benefits like free job training, clothing, housing and medical aid? I am not fighting for the military, but rather for the right to work, for the right to choose where I want to work."

Curiously, Ben-Shalom was a gay activist even before she entered the service. On her induction papers, aside political orientation, she listed "radical lesbian-feminist" and was accepted despite the notation. The U.S. Navy, however, has no proof of actual sexual activity

JEAN O'LEARY AND THE GAY STATE

By Dan McGuire

On Saturday, April 23, 1977, Jean O'Leary addressed the third annual KGLF conference on the subject of President Carter and the present status of several pieces of legislation.

Jean O'Leary is a former Clevelander, and a former nun, who is now an executive of the National Gay Task Force. Ms. O'Leary has been appointed to the International Women's Year Conference by President Carter.

Ms. O'Leary was a delegate to the Democratic Convention in the summer of 1976. Her decision to vote for Carter was based on Carter's general "positive" attitude. Carter has stated he abhored the abuse of homosexuals, and said he would sign a bill in the area of gay rights. Carter also said he would make the federal government responsive to his campaign promises.

During the Convention, there was an effort to get the gay rights issue included on the Democratic platform. Although this did not happen, Ms. O'Leary felt gains were made in the area of consciousness raising. Many people learned about the plight of gays through this, and other, consciousness raising efforts. By opening doors in this fashion, through education, public attitude will change and become more accepting.

Jean O'Leary next gave a report on the March 26, 1977 White House Meeting, of which she was a part. At this meeting, 13 areas were dealt with, inIcluding the Civil Rights Commission, the FCC, the Defense

Department, the IRS, Immigration and Naturalization Procedures, Federal Prisons, HUD, HEW, Federal Legislation, and others. This meeting will be followed up by several meetings with nine separate agencies. These meetings are spaced 3-4 weeks apart, so that the proper research can be done for each agency. The "White House Project" is going to be a three year project, and is helping to bring gay rights into the news, homes, and minds of America.

Next, Ms. O'Leary spoke about Anita Bryant, Gays "Spokesorange" in Florida. Anita Bryant has done more to unify and mobilize the gay rights movement that NGTF (National Gay Task Force) could have done in such a short-term period. Because of Anita Bryant, gay rights is becoming a household word, because of the media coverage it is receiving.

When the Dade County referendum was first scheduled, a question arose as to whether or not the cost should be paid for by Gay Rights Lobbyists. A poll was taken in Dade County regarding who should pay for this referendum, and the responses were 1) Dade County taxpayers, 2) Anita Bryant, and 3). Gay Rights Groups, in the above order. Presently, the referendum will be paid for by the taxpayers of Dade County.

Involved with the idea of holding a referendum is a question of whether Civil Rights can be taken away by means of

a referendum. Ms. O'Leary has said a "no" vote in June will not

be devastating, because most people know the odds that face gays. However, an affirmative vote will be a major victory for gay rights. Presently, opinion polls show the referendum will support the gay rights. legislation. Gay rights groups have received endorsements from the National Council of Churches, the American Psychiatric Association, NOW and the ACLU.

Overall, Jean O'Leary presen-

ted a very positive picture of the current status of gay rights. The Carter Administration is the first to talk to people about gay rights. Also, the "Florida Situation" seems rather positive. The Gay Rights National Lobby is in the process of formation, and, in this way, gays will have help for full-time lobbying efforts. Of course, all these efforts take time and work. However, the current situation seems very encouraging.

Jean O'Leary at Kent, Photo by Steven Begleiter, Courtesy Daily Kent Stater

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and can only sport a paper clipping which quotes Ben-Shalom admitting her lesbianism. The former sergeant was given an honorable discharge, "partially because I had an exemplary record and partially because the Navy committee would have had guilty consciences if they gave me anything else."

Ben-Shalom is confident that she will win her case. Once victory is reality, the ramifications of a positive decision could be far-reaching. Gay people would be able to apply for reenlistments, those discharged for being gay could sue the government for reparations, but the biggest effect, she says, is that "the military will be humanized."

In her closing comments, BenShalom observed, "It's hard to take on the government alone. Gay liberation will only work if we stand together. Gays are too complacent, too satisfied with the progress that's been made. We really have to set our differences aside. We could lose what little we've gained."

ATHENS MAY 21

ATHENS Athens' gays are coordinating a one day conference Saturday, May 21 at the United Campus Ministry, 18. N.. College St., Athens, Ohio. Festivities get underway at 10 A.M. when Louie Crew and Betty Powell, both of the National Gay Task Force, will present lectures. Crew is an associate professor of English at Fort Valley State College and poet and editor of the collectedessays entitled "The Gay Academic." Ms. Powell is a professor of Education at Brooklyn State College.

After lunch the following

and

workshops will be available: "Helping Parents Cope," "Gays in Literature," "Resources for Gay Counseling," "Racism, Sexism and Gay Oppression," "Gay Men's Relationships," "Lesbian Relationships," "Gay Religious Groups," "Lesbianism and Feminism." Along with a poetry reading session, the following four films will be shown:. "Lavender," "Men's Lives," "Coming Out" and "Some of Your Best Friends." At 8 p.m. a dance is scheduled.

The cost of the conference is $2.00 and those attending are advised to either buy or bring their own meals, though free housing is available. Participants are welcome whatever their sexual preference. For fur ther information contact Gay In formation Service, 18 N. College St., Athen, Ohio 45701 or cal (614) 592-4397 (T & Th, 7-9 p.m.)

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