Gay Peoples Chronicie

page 9

The Summerfest Committee came through beautifully on its promise to have large supplies of nonalcoholic beverages available. Preliminary figures issued by the Committee about the funds taken in confirm our observation that large amounts of beer were consumed. Yet the crowd remained good-natured and there were no incidents. The policemen hired to maintain order had little to do except stand around and be friendly.

Two fundamentalists trying to hand out literature at the entrance to Summerfest were probably surprised by the number of persons who smiled pleasantly, thinking them part of the celebration. In fact, several people, assuming they were collecting the gate donations, tried to give them money. If they return next year, perhaps we could turn the tables and try to convert them.

The

male/female

unity

among the participants, although relaxed and rather low keyed like the rest of the celebration, was very impressive. We were struck not only by the large number of women there, but by their wearing Play Safe buttons as a gesture of support. We haven't asked how they disposed of the condoms.

It was also significant that the women described themselves as feeling that men welcomed their presence. This was evident in overheard comments as well as in face to face behavior.

Women were also pleased that the vigil opened and closed with the singing of songs from the women's movement. They saw this recognition of women's culture as symbolizing the uniting of both communities.

Some women (includag one writer of this report) were not happy about the drag

show, viewing drag as a parody of women. The Chronicle male writers once shared the view that it degrades women. Having changed their minds, and accepted it as a part of gay culture, they would like to see a community dialogue on the issue. It would probably resolve much misunderstanding.

The nonoav fringe of the Summerfest participants fit in quite nicely. Some nongays came with gay friends. Others had specific aims. A woman, initially composed but rapidly becoming distraught, approached the GEAR Hot Line table, explaining her son had AIDS and she wanted information about it; adding that it had taken her hours to summon_up the courage to come. She was escorted to the HIT booth, where she talked with one of the doctors. Later we saw several gay men and women comforting her.

A woman

who

identified

herself as a hooker on Euclid Avenue came to the HIT booth, asking for information about the transmission of AIDS.

music attracted a number of During the evening, the nongay couples. Some, learning it was a gay festival, left. Others joined the dancing, obviously enjoying themselves and apparently quite comfortable.

Ted Wilson

✓ DANCIN' IN THE STREET

W

to introduce several changes and improvements next time. They hope to include more elements of a street fair. These would include more vendors of food, and measures to avoid the lastminute cancellations that resulted in not enough food at the event. The Committee also hopes more organizations will staff information booths. They plan to include more entertainment, which Swindler suggested might provide o opportunities for members of the community whose talents have not yet been showcased.

Photos by Rob Daroff

Dancing led by members of the Body Works; Melissa Ross collecting donations.

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