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Do You Have A Drinking Problem?

Do You Want Help? 687-0416

CHARLES

and

HIGH GEAR

JOHN

HAIRSTYLISTS, INC.

Unisex

Styling

Salon

Separate Styling Room For Men

MEN'S and WOMEN'S HAIR CUTTING COLORING and PERMANENT WAVING Charles and John are specialists in all phases of hairstyling and hair care.

FOR APPOINTMENT CALL (216) 331-4540

Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10-9

Friday and Saturday 8-6

Closed Monday and Wednesday

Located at 21894 Lorain Road

Fairview Pk., Ohio

Across from Fairview Shopping CenterOnly 20 Minutes From Downtown Cleveland Going West

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON

November, 1975

Scottie Says

[his month we begin a new column called "Scottie Says" which is High Gear's answer to Dear Abby. If you have any personal problems, requests for information about area activities, or questions about homosexuality in general, please write, Scottie Says, High Gear, P.O. Box 6177, Cleveland, Ohio 44101.

Dear Scottie:

am 23 years old and debating whether or not to tell my parents I'm gay. I've been out since I was 16 but have always kept it a secret. Now more and more, I feel the need to be honest. I get along well with my parents, but I'm afraid if tell them it will ruin our relationship. In the past I have heard them say negative things about gays. What do you think I ought to do?

Dear Jack:

Jack

Telling's one's parents about his/her sexual orientation is an individual choice that should only be made after careful consideration of all variables. If you have a good relationship with your folks now, chances are that after an initial flurry of tears, outrage, and self-blame, your parents will learn to accept your homosexuality. One does not stop loving another overnight. On the other hand, some gays feel that the channels of communication are so open with their parents now that it would serve no useful purpose to tell them. Others who have little communication with their folks could possibly worsen the situation by their admission at this point in time.

When and if you tell your parents, do so when you are all in a loving mood. Be rational, show understanding for their initial reaction, and emphasize that no one is to blame. Whatever you do, don't admit your homosexuality during an argument as a weapon. The damage from such an incident could be costly and irreparable.

Ala

if you are happy with yourself, those feelings will be sensed by your parents. Consider the options and good luck.

Dear Scottie:

I have been seeing this guy for two months and our relationship has developed to where we're always together during our waking and notworking hours. I truly enjoy being with him and normally have a good time. He is very fond of drinking which I am not; in fact I drink very rarely. When he does go out to drink, he prefers to go to straight bars and he wants me to go because he says I don't act like a sissy. I go because I like being with him; but after a few drinks, during which time he insists | drink, he gets very argumentative. I am usually accused of not having a good time and of not being friendly to whomever he strikes up a conversation with. I don't partake in their discussions because it is usually on the subjects of fishing and hunting which I have no interest in, so I find other ways to amuse myself. ! don't want to drop the relationship, and I don't want to say he has to stop going to the bars; but that is the major time we have difficulties. What should I do?

Dear Frustrated:

In love, but frustrated.

Perhaps it might be helpful to pick a time when you can be alone to discuss the matter soberly. Be confrontive, don't avoid. Under the circumstances, he may have already realized you are not comfortable going with him to the bars. You might find it a more profitable alternative to find another activity when your lover feels the need to visit the bars. These nights out may provide you with time to take care of activities in which your lover does not share an interest. (No one can be everything to another person).

Fellowship

Metropolitan Community

Church

A Christian Church for all People,

With an outreach into the Gay community

Sunday Worship

East

2728 Lancashire

2 PM

General Offices

2999 W. 25th

696-3649

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