Continued from Page 2.

lives.

Furthermore, it is not the printing of such material that would offend me. Rather, it is the censorship of such material that I find offensive. In the event that a lesbian is offended by such material would like to remind her that lesbians are not immune to AIDS.

I

I can understand the wishes of the Editor to avoid sexually explicit information in this publication.

Sex

is a tricky issue, and its mere existence is offensive to some members of

the gay community, indeed, to some members of any community.

Please keep in mind the 2 ways in which the majority of people have been infected with HIV: using a syringe contaminated with infected blood, or receptive anal intercourse.

Also keep in mind "situational sexuality". A person will seek and enjoy sex outside his or her normal patterns when deprived of the oppor-

tunity for sex within that person's normal patterns. Given the right circumstances a Lesbian could conceivably consent to have receptive anal intercourse with the risk of AIDS.

attendant

sen-

To attempt to protect the sibilities of the Lesbian community by specifically omitting some AIDS prevention information is to sell the Lesbian community short. Everyone needs that information, whether it be to protect themselves or to pass information on to their loved ones.

the

If you choose to continue to filter (censor is such a harsh word) AIDS prevention information, may suggest that you print no AIDS vention information at all. would not want your readers to assume that what you printed was thorough, complete or authoritative.

preYou

Making a way

by Louise Luczak

With great anticipation, I looked forward to finally seeing JEB's new book "Making A Way: Lesbians Out Front". Last year, JEB spent a few days in Cleveland photographing lesbians to be included in this new collection. It had been a few years since her first book, "Eye To Eye: Portraits of Lesbians," had been published. I wanted to see Cleveland lesbians represented and was curious to see how JEB pictured us all since "Eye To Eye".

saw.

I

I wasn't disappointed with what of course, I had to quickly flip through the pages to find photographs of the local women. I'm very proud of Cleveland's lesbian community and was happy to see some of us included in the community at large.

JEB pictures us all living productively within environments: out front, as lesbians in patriarchal culture and, making our way, creating and strengthening our own lesbian culture. Besides showing us working in courtrooms, and health clinics factories, we are seen renewing ourselves at the Michigan Women's Music Festival, political marches, and on women's land. I love seeing these pictures of lesbians I've watched listened to at conferences, parties, heard rumors about through the nationwide lesbian grapevine.

or

at

In "Making A Way", we are not extracted from our lives as much as were in "Eye To Eye". I like this book more for this reason. We appear more real and are given the opportunity to learn more about ourselves. JEB brings us closer together and suggests that we have nothing to lose

by acknowledging and experiencing the diversity among us. She breaks down visual stereotypes: the photograph

the challenges my assumptions is that of an older black lesbian holding her baby granddaughter.

Photographically speaking, it's obvious JEB is getting better at what she does. Overall, she uses light in a more effective and passionate way: she seems to be considering it as carefully as she does the women she photographs. JEB also appears to be loosening up the terms of composition. Her use of space is less static and more complex. She is producing more visually interesting pictures in spite of who or what she's photographing. In this case, the images of lesbians become even more striking. JEB includes images of Adrienne Rich and May Sarton that aren't as photographically correct (sharp) as others. It's often a toss up what to include when you have a dual goal: to photograph lesbians and to be good at it. Also, I wish the book was bound differently. After a while, the pages of her first book fell out. "Making A Way" looks like it's bound in the same way.

"Making A Way" is a visual tribute to all lesbians. Even though JEB makes our lives look easy, she's not misrepresenting us. We

are

reminded of the determination and vulnerability necessary to live productively and with pride. I appreciate the courage of all lesbians who allowed themselves to be involved in the production of this book, including JEB herself. I hope we don't have to wait very long to see JEB's next project.

"Making A Way: Lesbians Out Front" is available locally through WomenSpirit Books, PO Box 09209, Cleveland, Ohio, 44109; Another State of Mind, 16608 Madison Ave; or the Bookstore on West on West 25th Street, 1921 W. 25th St. in Ohio City.

Steve Schocet

In response to Buck Harris's, "Let the people decide", printed in the December issue; when is GPC going to come out of the closet? GPC should not be afraid of offending the heterosexual community, after all it is, "The Gay Peoples Chronicle".

AIDS is a deadly disease, so any information explicit or otherwise, should be printed. It is necessary for all people to be educated as possible, to be able to practice safe sex ourselves and to carry message to others.

the

support

We hope that GPC's rationale excluding these articles was not to fear of offending the lesbian community. Gay men and women must each other on this issue

for

due

regardless of heterosexual support.

even

productions presents:

Kate Clinton, a contemporary feminist humorist

Saturday, March 5 at 8:00 pm Location to be announced

Lynn Lavner and Romanovsky & Phillips as part of the Lesbian/Gay Conference Weekend Saturday, March 26 at 8:00 pm Location to be announced

For more information, call 321-7799 (leave message) or 321-3054 (staffed from 3:00-7:00 pm, Mon.-Thurs.). Interpreted for the Deaf, call TDD, 932-6721 Wheelchair Accessible

Karen Harrison Karen Sequin

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