yuy peopies

CHRONICLE

Vol. I No. 7

Cleveland, Ohio

Navis Case

Continued pp. 4 7

August 1985

LESBIAN NUNS BREAK SILENCE

By CHARLES CALLENDER

Nancy Manahan, editor of Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence, visited Cleveland July 10 to promote the recently released paperback edition of her book. Two months ago co-editor Rosemary Curb with her on a similar stint to publicize the hardback edition. This time Manahan was accompanied by Marie Dennis of Cincinnati, one of the former nuns who contributed to the volume.

came

After appearing on the Morning Exchange, Manahan and Dennis spent the afterDOOD at the Bookstore on W. 25 Street, discussing the book and signing copies.

A dozen or so women, including another ex-oud, showed up at the Bookstore, making it a large crowd by

Cleveland standards. The only men in their audience were the editor and circulation manager of The Chronicle.

Like the book itself, their discussion centered on lesbians who were or are auns, but carried a broader message--summed up in the subtitle "Breaking Silence"-that speaks to the entire lesbian/gay community.

Those who think former nuns are an insignificant or marginal part of our community might glance through the list of contributors, who include Jean Cordova, Mary Mendola, Virginia Apuzzo, and Jean O'Leary.

Describing the genesis of Lesbian Nuns, Manahan recalled that several years page 3, col. 1

GAY YOUTHS ORGANIZE

By MARK KROBOTH

Growing up lesbian or gay

is of ten accompanied by feelings of loneliness, guilt, and fear

one

Recognizing the special needs of these younger members of our community, the GEAR Board of Trustees year ago began drafting plans to offer gay and lesbian youths in the Cleveland Metropolitan area a meeting place where they can discuss

such issues as coming out, relationships, and parental pressures.

The

new organization, Gay Youth in GEAR, will hold its first meeting Saturday, August 3, at 1 p.m. in the Gay Community Center.

Randy Goodman, project director, said, "This idea started when the Hotline coordinator noticed that onefourth of the calls were coming from teens."

Without any place to refer

FAREWELL TO

RICK BERG

Our July issue marked the last appearance of stories and interviews by Rick Berg, who is moving to Chicago. If newspapers still have star reporters, this was Rick's role for us. But important as his reporting has been, Rick gave The Chronicle much more. He worked on layout, wrote headlines, suggested features and editorials, and consistently offered sound

advice. He was an important source of strength. We recognized this broader role by naming him Assistant Editor.

While congratulating Rick upon finding the kind of theater work that he wanted, and sincerely wishing him the very best, we regret his departure from The Chronicle and from Cleveland. We shall miss him.

Nancy Manahan (1.) and Marie Dennis (r.) discuss "Lesbian Nuns."

these young people, the GEAR Board decided that establishing a youth group was a major priority.

Gay Youth in GEAR will add to its membership through referrals from the Hotline. Goodman has also been in touch with high school and other area counsellors, informing them about the organization's existence.

Youths from 16 years of age up can participate. Goodman and the GEAR Board

photo by W. 25 St. Books

have drawn up guidelines to ensure confidentiality and promote total group participation.

Group facilitators must meet specific requirements ensuring that responsible people will be present to answer any questions that might arise.

For more information about Gay Youth in GEAR, call the Lesbian/Gay Hotline 651-7111 between 4 p. and 11 p.m.

NCI VOLLEYBALL

TOURAMENT COMING

By DORA FORBES