March 1986

Interview: Gearhart

even though he says ne aoesn't want visitors, he really does. That sounds contradictory; and it is.

One of the impressive things about HIT is the extent to which it's been able to cooperate with everyone. That's true. We do that.

How much of this is the overriding importance of the issue you're dealing with, and how much of it is deliberate policy?

It's a combination of both. The AIDS issue has helped coalesce the community. But Taskforce policy is that we don't take sides, because that's not what

Gay Peoples Chronicle

We were created to serve the community as a whole, around the AIDS issue. If we needed to take a stand against another oranization on an AIDS issue, we would obviously do so and have absolutely no problem about that.

The Taskforce is a fairly new organization. It's only been in existence since 1983. It's growing, and going through some growing pains. It has changed directions several times, internally. That comes out of the growing process, and it's necessary. The Taskforce will continue to grow, improving its delivery of services as it fine-tunes where it is, what it needs to do, and what the community needs.

we're here for. We have nevport.notto the sup

er taken a stand on one side against another side. We see that as countermanding our purpose of coalescing the community against AIDS.

You can't do that by picking sides and choosing who is right and wrong in little political squabbles. We have been very successful, over the years, because of this philosophy. We will not allow ourselves to be drawn into these little political game-playings. They go on; and its unfortunate. You have some very strong dominant personalities in the gay community who have fingers in all kinds of different aspects. They have personal conflicts with each other. It's as though they have set up their own little monarchies. And it's so unfortunate because if we all were to tear down those walls and work together we would be much better off. So the Taskforce is trying to create a good role-model for the community. I think it is working in some ways.

gay community; and it's been very supportive. I want to make sure the community realizes that I respect them and that I appreciate all the help they've given me. I hope I have been able to help the gay community, and provide a service.

I don't want to sound as though I'm leaving, because I'm not. I'll still be here, only in a different capacity.

t

The Health Issues Taskforce is the organization in the gay community best able to deal with the AIDS issue in the Cleveland area. People need to continue to support it. as I do. As I indicate in my letter (page x), I hope the gay community provides support for the new have done for me. I will executive director as they certainly be as supportive as I can for whatever man or woman that may be.

Gearhart Resigns

from page 1

ing sources outside the community.

Gearhart Praised

Jerry Bores, of the Health Issues Taskforce, expressed appreciation of Gearhart's work implementing the U.S. Conference of Mayors grant that HIT received last year. He said the granting agency had highly praised the implementation, and particularly its outreach program to the black part of the gay community.

Bores noted that Gearhart

page 12, col. 1

had made many useful contacts for HIT in the broader community, particularly involvement with hospitals. He also commended Gearhart's role in forming HIT's Support Committee and his knowledge of the AIDS patients with whom it is working.

Antone Feo, Chairman of the Support Committee, said that Gearhart was attentive to its needs, supportive of its work, and dedicated to HIT's responsibility toward AIDS victims in Cleveland.

ERGPC Fireworks

from page 3

candidate (or present) received three write-in votes. Another write-in vote went to Phillip Arula, another non-candidate. The initial 3-3-1 tally was a tie, but the vote of a member who came late ensured Weiser's re-election.

Re-elected president Jerry Bores was surprised by the write-in votes. Although the ERGPC constitution provides for these, neither Herten

nor Arula had agreed to accept office.

Besides Bores and Weiser, the officers elected include Alan Holcer, Secretary; Jim Gannon Treasurer; Walt Weller, Fundraising Chair; and Stuart Lublin, Public Relations Coordinator.

Expressing disappointment with the low turnout and the few ballots mailed in, Bores said he hoped these reflected the lack of contests

page 9

"BUDDIES"

"Buddies," the first dramatic film about AIDS, will be shown by the Health Issues Taskforce March 7, 8, and 9. Sponsored by the Taskforce in conjunction with the CWRU Film Society this will be the Cleveland premier of the film.

Proceeds will go to the Taskforce, to be used for AIDS education and patient support in the Cleveland

area.

Members of

the Taskforce

Integrity Meets

The March 6 Integrity meeting will include observance of the Holy Eucharist, administered by the Rev. Arthur B. Williams. The Eu-

PURE)

will lead an open discussion of the public and personal issues addressed in "Buddies" after each showing.

Admission is $5. Tickets will be available at the door.

"Buddies" will be shown at 7 and 9:30 pm. Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8; and at 4 and 7 pm. on Sunday, March 9. All showing are in Strosacker Auditorium on the Case Western Reserve University campus.

charist will be followed by a business meeting, fellowship and refreshments. Integrity meets at 8 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral.

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