January 1986

Gay Peoples Chronicle

Looking Backward

MAY

The Health Issues Taskforce, formed in 1983 to deal with problems of AIDS, received a $19,000 grant from the U.S. Conference of Mayors to carry out an education program.

On May 29 the Cleveland Catholic Diocese Secretary for Education ordered the principal of Erieview High School to withold the contract for gay teacher Bob Navis.

-JUNE-

page 9

The firing of Bob Navis rapidly developed into a major confrontation within the community as individuals and organizations took stands. The Old Guard denied that it involved homophobia (in spite of a very clear statement by the Diocese) or, if admitting it, blamed Navis for being openly gay. Obtaining letters f support from 10 organizations, the Committee for Justice for Gay People sponsored a prayer vigil (above) outside Erieview High School. Although deplored by the Old Guard as a militant reaction, the vigil drew 150 people.

The recently formed DRS filed suit against the Ritz

bar, charging discrimination against black patrons.

HIT named Randy Gearhart its Executive Director.

On June 30 several hundred Cleveland gay people led the Columbus Gay Pride Parade (right and below). Win Weizer, speaking for the Cleveland community at the rally, advocated unity.

CHRONICLE

SUCK

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WHERE

JULY

Furor over the firing of Bob Navis continued unabated. Another new organization appeared, as the Cleveland chapter of Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays held its first meeting.

AUGUST

Appointing Shana Blessing its Executive Director, the GEAR Foundation also formed still another group, Gay Youth in GEAR.

Summerfest 85, combining an AIDS benefit with a gay street fair and community celebration, drew almost 2500 women and men to West Ninth Street (left). Melissa Ross (right) was one of the entertainers.

Over the Labor Day weekend the Greater Cleveland Volleyball Asociation hosted the Northcoast Invitational Tournament II, attended by 14 teams from around the country.