October 1986

INNER-CITY LESBIANS

world. The hope that lay underneath the shattered pieces of her life was still alive, refusing to die. At times she questioned how she could still search for the beauty of life. There were times when she may have even chastised herself.

But she was unable to stop believing, wanting and searching for happiness and contentment. Though emotionally exhausted, within her lay hope, unwilling to let her give in, unwilling to allow the tragedies of life to consume her forever. Though frightened, she knew there was much to gain if her search for feeling alive and living its beauties became a reality. She had endured years of pain; she had nothing to lose. There was a strange comfort in knowing that pain was well known to her. If it came to her again, she would endure; of that she was sure.

The walls of isolation had been constructed wisely, not penetrable from the outside; only she could reach out to free herself. Slowly and cautiously, with a strange but welcome sense of anticipation, her eyes and heart opened, willing and wanting to see the world beyond. Emotions once covered by layers of traumatic years were slowly making their way

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the surface. Eighteen years after the loss of those she loved, her hand penetrated the protective shield, grasping that of another. This hand, extended with concern and guidance, welcomed her back into à promising world of living, laughing and relaxation. The most difficult task had

UNITARIAN SERMON

The Reverend Joan KahnSchneider, author of a prize winning sermon entitled "Homophobia," will preach at the First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, 21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights, on Sunday, October 12 at 11 a.m. Hér sermon will address gay concerns. Rev. KahnSchneider is based on Boston, Massachusetts and is brought here by the Taskforce on Straight-Gay Concerns of the First Unitarian Church. All are welcome to

attend.

LESBIAN

GAY VOTE

86

Gay Peoples Chronicle

page 9

STATES REBUFF

JUSTICE DEPT.

been accomplished, although much work and reconstruction lay ahead. The ecstasy of hope had now fully blossomed, laying the path to wholeness.

It is my sincere wish that what you have read has given you some insight into the tragic world of one woman who would not allow her pain to prevent her from searching for a full life. Hopefully, only a small number have had the same or similar experiences. No matter how severe your misfortune, each of us has one thing in common: our wounds are often unseen, known only to ourselves. Most of us care for our physical needs without hesitation. All too often we neglect the abuse and damage to our mental and emotional health. Our wounds are not visible to othes.

The struggle to heal and mend the mind is perhaps the greatest a person may face. It is also a campaign that offers limitless rewards. Recovery and growth are ultimately up to the person affected. Realing, mending, and understanding can be accomplished through the guidance of friends and mental health professionals. We in Cleveland's gay community are fortunate to have a large number of experienced and caring gay professionals extending a hand, waiting for us to grasp it. If not the hand of a professional, then please reach out to that of a friend. Hope, so powerful and wonderful, can not die. The ecstasy can be renewed for anyone willing to reach out.

Patricia Duncan 883-1200

Although the U.S. Department of Justice argues that federal law permits discrimination against people with AIDS (if based on fear of transmission), a study by National Gay Rights Advocates shows that the states are rejecting this interpretation.

A survey of 34 states shows they will prosecute complaints of AIDS-related discrimination under laws which forbid discrimination on the basis of physical handicap.

"The Justice Department's strained interpretation of handicap discrimination law has been clearly and overwhelmingly rejected," said Benjamin Schatz, Director of NGRA's AIDS Civil Rights

Project. "It is heartening to see that most state agencies are unwilling to interfere with their obligaallow prejudice and fear to tions to enforce the law.

"Our survey proves what we have known all along: existing law prohibits discrimination against people with AIDS, ARC or HTLV-3 antibodies, stated NGRA Executive Director Jean O'Leary.

Most states which have not yet made a determination are either studying the issue or waiting for an actual AIDSdiscrimination complaint. Only one state, Kentucky, regards AIDS as not a protected handicap under its laws. Kentucky law explicitly excludes communicable diseases from coverage.

HEALTH CONFERENCE

from page 1

at GWU Medical Center, 2300 K Street N.W., Washington D.C. 20037; or call (202) 676-4285.

"We're delighted that the conference will be in Los Angeles" said Ellen Ratner, Board President for the National Lesbian and Gay Health Foundation.

for those of us concerned with lesbian and gay health issues to come together, learn from each other, and develop strategy to meet the healthcare needs of our community.

"At this time, we urge people to mark the conference on the schedule and look forward to additional information soon. This is a "This year's conference conference people will not will be want to miss. an important time

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KENT GARVEY LOS ANGELES

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL FINALS AT THE GAY GAMES :VANCOUVER VS. BERKELEY