Paze

"Lesbian Nuns" in Cleveland

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after leaving the convent she realized a growing need to discuss her experience with women of similar background. She had contributed to The Lesbian Path, whose editor, Peg Cruikshank, was aware of her feelings. At a National Women's Studies Association conference in 1981 Cruikshank introduced her to another contributor, Rosemary Curb, who felt a similar need.

Besides urging them to collect and publish the experiences of women like themselves, Cruikshank put them in touch with Barbara Grier, co-owner of The Naiad Press, who offered to publish their book when they completed it.

Circulating appeals for contributors through lesbian organizations and publications, Manahan and Curb drew a much greater response than they had expected. Particularly unexpected was a letter from a lesbian who was still a nun; others followed.

Collecting over 100 interviews, but constrained by their 240 page limitation, they regretfully cut these down to 49 contributors. Nine of these are still in orders. Including blacks and Hispanics, the contributors are mostly from working Class Irish, German, oř Italian families.

Dennis became involved in the project after attending Manahan's workshop for former nuns during the 1981 Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. Much larger than expected, the workshop drew a number of women who for the first time publicly admitted their religious background. Some of them, like Dennis, had believed themselves to be alone.

Dennis described the book itself as a support group linking lesbians who are or were nuns, one in which they share their common experiences, both good and bad.

Discussing the Church's official reaction to Lesbian Nuns, Manahan described this as based mostly on misconceptions of its nature. The male hierarchy, in particular, has gone into hysteria. Besides the Boston archdiocese's keeping the editors off a local television station, she cited a statement by the bishop of Detroit, who denouncing the book, explained that neither he nor any member of his diocese had read it or would do

50. its reception from women

in the church, even those who are nongay, has been much more realistic. Manahan and Curb have received letters from nuns and former nuns, thanking them for publishing their book, explaining they had thought they

were alone, and describing it as what they had been waiting for all their lives.

Lesbian Nuns is a significant publication whose interest is not confined to former nuns or even to lesbians. It speaks to the needs of all of us.

Curb's contribution raises a point that recurs: leshians often became nuns because they misinterpreted the early signs of their sexual orientation--disinterest in men, falling in love with a particular nun-as signaling a religious vocation. Mañahan includes in her section a resume of the historical documentation of lesbianism among nuns. Dennis includes a description

of the racism she encountered as a black woman in the convent. Apuzzo credits her convent experience with teaching her how to channel her energy, and, very interestingly, describes her outstanding talent as a speaker as grace..

One contributor, a nun of 65 still in orders, writing under the pseudonym of Sister Marie, writes: "Homoosexuals belong to the soul of

the Church. Women who are homosexuals--the Lesbian community--are a vital part of the Church. They are more loving, more kind, more giving of themselves and, I believe, very much loved by God."

Gay Murdered, Ex-Clevelander

Nelson Clay Waters, who formerly lived in Cleveland, was found dead of multiple stab wounds in the living room of his D.C. area apart ment July 15. Police broke in after Waters, an engin eer, did not report to work and could not be reached by phone.

The Washington Blade reports that investigators regard this as a gay-related

murder, noting that Waters frequented establishments where male prostitutes congregate. They have no suspects, and urge anyone with information to call them. A Washington gay group has offered a thousand-dollar reward for information leading to an arrest. The telephone number is 301-840-2728. It is not necessary to give your name.

NCI VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

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banquet at Chaps or a cookout outside the CSU gym. Final details will be announced in the NCI II Tournament Program, available Friday night.

Grand finale of the Tournament will be a Sunday night Dance Cruise on the Goodtime II, 8:30 to 11 p.m. The Cruise will feature guest DJ Kenny Cose, and an awards ceremony honoring the

volleyball players. Tickets for the cruise will be available to the general public that weekend for $10 per person.

The GCVA welcomes involvement in this Labor Day Weekend by individuals, organizations, and businesses. For information, call Mike at 226-5362 or fodd at 5219984.

Randy Goodman describes the new gay youth group. The group will hold its first meeting Saturday August 3, at

1 pm at the Gay Community Center. See story, p. 1

Rob Daroff/GPC

NORTH COAST INVITATIONAL

Housing Needed for

Visiting Teams

The Greater Cleveland Volleyball Association is sponsoring the North Coast Invitational Volleyball Tournament II during Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 30 Sept. 1):

We are hosting approximately 20 teams from various cities across the country. Each team will consist of 6 to 10 players. We need hosts to house one or more players each. The following would be required of each host:

1. Provide transportation for guests to and from all volleyball functions. If he has a car, be sure he knows how to get there.

2. Provide sleeping accomodations and shower facilities for quests.

3. Provide breakfast for guests Saturday and Sunday mornings; either make breakfast or take them to a restaurant where they can buy it.

The weekend is guaranteed to be a smash. This voluntary effort on your part ensures you an opportunity to participate as our guests in all the weekend's festivity. If you are interested, please contact:

Dennis Skip

Toda

226-5362 481-2009

521-9984