SEPTEMBER 1976
HIGH GEAR
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NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS
IMMIGRATION BUREAU REVISES
POLICY ON GAY CITIZENSHIP
WASHINGTON D.C. The of naturalization but in such
National Gay Task Force reports that Sam Bernsen, General Counsel to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, announces the following policy change concerning gay citizenship: "The fact that a petitioner for naturalization is or has been a practicing homosexual during the relative statutory period is not, in itself, a sufficient basis for finding that he lacks the necessary good moral character."
This statement of current INS policy is a direct reversal of the policy enunciated by Bernsen two years ago when he proclaimed a practicing homosexual is "precluded from establishing the good moral character required for admission to citizenship."
Although no reason was given for the policy change, it is thought to be the result of recent court decisions in Oregon and elsewhere in which the judges refused to accept the idea that homosexuals cannot also be persons of good moral character. Such decisions have been made not only in the area
areas as admission to the bar.
Even though the change in INS policy now means that many gay people may now become U.S. citizens without costly court battles, the matter is complicated by the Service's continued refusal to revise its immigration policy. Thus, longterm residents who apply for citizenship continue to be refused naturalization, and are often served with deportation papers, if it can be shown that they were gay at the time they entered the country.
The INS rationale for refusing admittance to gay aliens is based on the 1967 Boutilier decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, which stated that the term "psychopathic personality" was used by the Congress as a "term of art" designed to exclude homosexuals from the U.S.
The position of the National Gay Task Force and other legal, scientific and religious groups is that the Justice Dept. is not bound by Boutilier since the 1973 ruling of the American Psychiatric Association that homosexuality per se is not a
FOX TO PLAY FOR OVEN
CLEVELAND Oven Producbeginning: Marcia Sindelar, tions, a non-profit feminist lead vocals and harmonica; Marproduction company, opens its lene D'Amico, drums; and Karen 1976-77 season with a Miller Bates, bass guitar and dance/concert featuring FOX, vocals. Al Richards, lead Saturday, October 9, 8:30 p.m., guitarist, has recently joined the in the ballroom of the Case band. 'Western Reserve University Student Union. The event is cosponsored by the CWRU Women's Center.
FOX has been playing the Cleveland/Akron area since June, 1974. Three women comprise the "heart" of the band and have been with it since its
FOX's repertoire includes a wide range of contemporary music (rock, blues, funky, love tunes) and appeals to an equally wide range of people. Although their lyrics are not specifically feminist, they avoid overtly sexist music, and their style is easy-going. FOX plans to make
mental illness of any kind and has clearly reestablished the "term of art" as unconstitutionally arbitrary and capricious. No response to NGTF on this specific point has yet been received from either the INS or the Justice Department and clarification has been requested from the Attorney General.
Under the new policy, although being gay is not in itself symptomatic of bad moral character, gays can be denied citizenship applications "where there has been a conviction of a homosexual act or the admission of the commission of such an act in a jurisdiction in which it's a criminal offense (Ohio, fortunately, is one of the "liberated" states -Ed.), or when the homosexual act involves minors, or the use of threat or fraud, or the taking and giving of money or anything of value, or the act of solicitation thereof is in a public place" which may preclude "good moral character."
For more information contact Ginny Vida, The National Gay Task Force, 80 Fifth Avenue, N.Y., N.Y. 10011.
a recording in the near future. The band has been supportive of Oven Productions on many occasions, lending out and operating their own sound equipment at little or no charge. They offered to do the October 9 dance at the minimum union wage to help Oven raise funds to purchase its own sound equipment. All proceeds over costs will go into a special savings account for that purpose.
Tickets are $3.00 advance, $3.50 at the door.
CALL THE GAY SWITCHBOARD FOR HELP, INFORMATION, REFERRALS
SUN. THURS. 8 P.M. 3 A.M.
FRI. SAT. 6 P.M. 2 A.M. 696-5330
STOP THE RACISM NOW!
Recently, High Gear has received a number of complaints from black gays concerning discrimination at Ohio business establishments. Reports indicate blacks are either denied admission for lack of "appropriate membership cards" or are charged exorbitant prices for entrance.
We at High Gear strongly oppose such selective, prejudicial treatment of our sisters and brothers. We urge all entrepreneurs who cater to the gay community to exercise a fairminded attitude. We, however, do not place all blame on
businesses. It is no secret that white gays flock away in droves from establishments which become "too black." This behavior is infantile and rooted in ignorance.
same
us
The fact is gays and blacks are oppressed in many of the For ways. to discriminate against another minority which includes our own people serves only to perpetuate reactionary thought and impedes progress. As well, it reflects most negatively on our own culture.
Wake up Ohio!! Let's stop the racism and now!!
A Scene From "Box and Cox" Lake Erie College Players
A NEW DAWN
people thirst for change, especially ones which provide them a venue to view the multitalents of their own peers. The efforts of entertainment spots to present continuing cultural alternatives to their gay patrons are to be commended. They raise gay awareness and gay just being a lot of fun. Ranging pride considerably, as well as from the raucous take-offs of the "Gong Show" to the legitimate professional theatre, night life in into its own. gay Ohio is dramatically coming
It seems the pulse beats stronger at every measurement. What with Dorian! appearing at the Vaults, the recent one act 19th century comedy of manners Box and Cox performed at Painesville's Rider's Tavern and the nationally renowned disco troupe, The Trammps at Cleveland's Bayou Landing, one would guess parts of Ohio were New York City. Or even better. Drag shows, of course, have always been a mainstay in the We hope other entrepreneurs genre of gay bar entertainment will take the cue and experiment which is fine, especially with the with the vast number of talented likes of Tiffany Jones, Emore; resources available in the comTiffani Middlesex and the recent munity Now if only that potpourri of stars at Twiggy's prominent Northern Ohio direc"Cherchez La Femme." But drag tor could land James Kirkwood's shows can get repetitive. P.S. Your Cat is Dead on one of Innovators that we are, gay The Cities' stages...
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OHIO USE HIGH GEAR!
Because High Gear operates from Northeastern Ohio, the news in this area of the state is more readily available to our volunteer staff. This, however, does not mean there is a ⚫ conscious exclusion of happenings elsewhere in Ohio. High Gear often actively recruits news from other regions; but our staff does have its limitations.
We therefore encourage all political, cultural, social and religious gay organizations in the state to use High Gear as a vehicle in communication with those they wish to serve. We hope gays throughout Ohio will feel free to send in news and calendar items as well as investigative features pertinent to either their metropolis' or other
gay-related subject matter.
High Gear's prime concern is Ohio. Although we print major national news stories, we are interested most in the activities of our state's sisters and brothers. No matter how small you may think a report, it is worthwhile, for there are people in your area interested in the related activity.
High Gear is and will continue to be a free publication. Our goal is simply to provide a forum for gay Ohio information, education and entertainment. In so doing we hope to positively reflect the state's struggles, accomplishments and culture.
High Gear exists to serve you, the Ohio Gay Community. Use us! (Send all data to High Gear, P.O. Box 6177, Cleveland, Ohio 44101.)