THE STRAIGHT AND THE CROOKED OF IT ALL

By Michele Colopy

Speaker Kent Gay/Lesbian Foundation Any questions: call 216-434-5224

Are we perpetuating the myth? If heterosexual equals straight does homosexual equal crooked?

Recently I gave a speech for the Kent Gay/Lesbian Foundation when a gentleman asked the question, if we turn people away, gay and non gay, because we call the non gays straight? Should we not then call ourselves crooked? Everyone uses slang in general conversation, and I had always thought that I was being correct in calling heterosexuals straight. With referring to them as that it instantly. places upon me an either superior or inferior attitude. I call heterosexuals straight and homosexuals gay [or Lesbian], thus telling them that I am proud of my sexual orientation, yet label theirs as something close to a mathematical term. I attempt to be superior by calling them straight, while not calling myself crooked.

If I permitted myself to be called crooked to their straight, I am presenting an inferior attitude, a deviance from the norm, and a non-conformist description of my sexual orientation.

Homosexuals want to be acknowledged for their sexual orientation, the culture that homosexuals have contributed, and the history homosexuals have made; we want to be proud homosexuals. Well aren't there proud heterosexuals as well? For them to stop seeing us as crooked maybe we should stop looking at them as straight. One's sexuality is not the end-all in life, but should be a proud secure aura about all of us--heterosexual and homosexual.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (1974), the word straight is defined as: not wandering from the proper course, conventional, square, correctly arranged or ordered. The

word crooked is defined as: having a crook (i.e. bent or curved), dishonest, swindler. Do you want to be defined in these terms, heterosexual OR homosexual? No ones' sexual orientation is that limited, that defined.

To get respect you must give it. I will try not to refer to heterosexuals as straight, because I don't wish to be referred to as crooked.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Dear Editor,

I would like to inform Metroplex readers that I am going to run for Mayor of Canton in the 83 elections. The Mayor of Canton earns $42,000 a year. During the four year term, I will put $80,000 back into the city. Also, I will not use taxpayers money for my traveling during the term. Thank you,

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Jimmy Ray Van Almen Incarnation

P.O. Box 673

Canton, Ohio 44701

Dear Editor,

Are there any all gay bars in the Are there any all black gay bars in the northeast Ohio area?

Tyrone Williams Akron, Ohio

Yes, Mist-A-Henry's or as it is called Another Place at 2140 Payne in Cleveland, Ohio.

Merry Christmas from the staff of The O.P.

4th Annual Children's Hospital Barathon

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 17th FEATURING THE O.P. STAFF FROM "KIND OF A DRAG" L SHOWTIME 11 P.M.

Come party with us New Years Eve

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ONew Year

Dancing

akron, Ohio

Bisco BISCO BALLROOM

419 KENMORE BLVD-phone 216-375-5275

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