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By John Nosek

Dr. Walter Sheppe is currently an associate Professor of Biology at the University of Akron where he specializes in general ecology and the conservation of biological resources. A convincing argument could be waged that Dr. Sheppe is also the most prominent gay activist in the state of Ohio. Indeed, without his initiating spark, it appears unlikely that resolutions protecting the rights of sexual minorities would be policies of the American Association of University Professors, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Education Association.

Often under the auspices of his profession, at 48 Dr. Sheppe continues to exercise political clout for gay civic rights. He is a i mari, no doubt, who historically will emerge an important figure of the contemporary Gay Movement. At his unpretentiously decorated Cuyahoga Falls homes, Dr. Sheppe granted High Gear the following ex. clusive interview:

High Gear: Dr. Sheppe, you were instrumental in convincing the A.A.U.P. to adopt a pro-gay posture at its 62nd national convention meeting held in Santa Barbara on June 26. Would you tell us how you were able to secure that ruling?

Dr. Sheppe: Initially, I was able to get the local Akron University chapter to adopt and submit the resolution at the A.A.U.P. conference. The Association had been supporting gays all along, but had no official job protection policy. Historically, the A.A.U.P. had been a leading organization in procuring recognition. of academic freedom and faculty tenure. I felt a statement assuring an individual's sexual preference should have no bearing on his or her position in the academic world and would help get universities to adopt it nationally. While the most the A.A.U.P. can do to a violating member is censure the administration, that action in itself has proved effective in the past.

I then corresponded with the national office on procedure and spoke with the director. The Akron chapter placed our resolution on the agenda. We followed it up with some politicking. Although there was substantial agreement to the spirit of the idea, the opposition differed with us on procedure. You must understand that the A.A.U.P. is a conservative and slow moving organization. Some members recommended not putting it on the agenda, opting instead for a complete overview of the discrimination policy which

was

HIGH GEAR

A CONVERSATION

WITH DR. SHEPPE

defeat the motion for referral to committee

The nex ay he Akron proposal passed easily on a voice count.

High Gear: Does the new A.A.U.P. stance mean that publically 'coming out' will be easier for college professors?

Dr. Sheppe: It could be. I doubt if we'll see much effect in practice, mostly because I don't think coming out in the past has been difficult for a professor with tenure. Many are still held back by social pressures and the fear of embarrassment. The,

fact is the nondiscrimination laws have not had much effec! because people just don't take advantage of their rights.

sad called 'sloppy.' We, of course, opposed that stand, even though those favoring referral to committee suggested inclusion of the sexual minority statute in policy revision.

It came down to a proportional vote. Fortunately, the collective bargaining delegates who are generally more activist had more votes and helped to

High Gear: How did you come out on the job and what were the from reactions colleagues and/or students? Dr. Sheppe: Well, about 3 years ago, the university was

working on an affirmative action plan. A ten person task force of staff, administration and faculty had been appointed to hold hearings and make recommendations. I gave them a statement requesting sexual preference be included in the protection clauses. The task force voted unanimously in favor of it, but the administration deleted it.

The following spring the student paper (The University of Akron "Buchtelite") picked up on it and a columnist did a bitter satire on the issue using my name. He didn't make the administration look very good at all. That article, essentially, brought me out in the open. the affirmative action policy still says nothing about sexual preference.

Incredibly, I've had good support from straights, but absolutely none from gays. A few homophobes don't speak to me

anymore and neither do the closeted gays, including one high university official. My coming out has actually been the biggest non-event of my life. I'm glad I did it. It's been personally satisfying, but it hasn't had any visible effect on my career good or bad.

High Gear: How would you assess local gay activism and cite what would you priorities?

as

Dr. Sheppe: Although I understand the situation's better in Cleveland, Akron's activism is at a lull. Within the last two years at Akron University three different people tried starting gay student groups, but got no response. Standard reasons are given. It's said because Akron's a smaller city local people know each other more intimately, there's no anonymity and so on, but I think these are more excuses than reasons. A great deal

NOVEMBER 1976

depends on leadership. Right now, outside of Stan Roberts and MCC, in Akron no one is stepping forward.

There are many priorities. Gay separatists would disagree, but I think the most important work needs to be done with the straight community. Secondly, gays need to build more of a community among themselves. Gays just coming out need all the encouragement they can get. Also, gay prisoners and older gays. What's needed most though, is for more and more come people to out of the closet, not in a militant fashion. but in a quiet way to let their friends, relatives and employers know they're gays.

High Gear: Aside from achieving gay rights, how best can our community improve itself?

Dr. Sheppe: We need to improve relations with each other, of course. Among gays in general there's been an excess of focus on sex and sexuality; the objectification of people; what's needed is a broader relationship among all of us. Satys should be able to relate on a wider basis without being uptight about sex. The ideal is to be free and open with someone, even if you don't find them sexually attractive. I think race, generation and certain physical Characterises muga be V.6-1 variables for choosing sex partners, but they're not for mutually supportive interactions.

High Gear: With the apparent success of such organizations as the Gay Academic Union, the proliferation of homosexual publications, etc., do you sense a coalesing of a gay intellectual 'elite'?

Dr. Sheppe: I don't know. G.A.U. has been a disappointment. At the last national and regional conferences I attended there was endless fighting between the men and women and no positive accomplishments. Frankly, gays are still so divided over everything I don't see a coalescing of anything. Maybe sucking cock and a common oppression aren't enough for a sense of community.

High Gear: Do you think the election results will have a positive effect on gay politics?

Dr. Sheppe: I think we'll have a better chance now that Carter's been elected. I say that on the basis of his statements and attitudes. As for gay politics, again, they are erratic, irrational and unpredictable.

High Gear: In June you wrote to High Gear defending Congressman John Seiberling, D-Akron, even though it has been alleged he had made some anti-gay remarks. Do you still feel he is worth defending?

Dr. Sheppe: He never made any anti-gay remarks. That was blown way out of proportion. I feel he's an honest man and one of the most valuable representatives in the U.S. Congress. It is true he wouldn't publically come out to support legislation for gay

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