Flag banned

National Gay Rights Advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California filed suit recently against a West Hollywood landlord who refused to let a gay tenant display the "rainbow flag," the six-colored flag that has been a symbol of gay and lesbian community pride since 1979.

For the past two years, John Stout has been flying the flag from the balcony of his apartment. When new owners bought the building, they ordered Stout to take his flag down.

According to Stout, the manager said, "We know what it [the rainbow flag] represents and we don't want it outside our building." Stout was threatened with legal action if he did not comply.

Leonard Graff, NGRA's legal director, said, "Refusal to let John Stout fly his flag violates the California Constitution, several state civil rights statutes, and a West Hollywood law that forbids housing discrimination

Drug approved

By L. Kolke

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of alpha interferon as the first treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a cancer that affects about ten percent of people with AIDS. KS causes skin lesions which often spread fatally to internal organs. Although not a cure, the injectable drug has been effective in prolonging life and reducing tumor size in about half the cases studied..

With the FDA's approval, two pharmaceutical companies will begin marketing their versions of the drug. A year's supply with cost $9,800, but one of the drug companies, HoffmanLaRoche, has said it will offer an indigent patient program, enabling those not covered by insurance to obtain the drug for free. It is expected that the drug's high cost may spark the same kind of protests that occurred when AZT was approved for AIDSrelated treatments.

based on sexual orientation. We are suing for damages and asking the court to issue an injunction against the landlord."

Jon Davidson, the ACLU Foundation staff attorney for lesbian and gay rights, said, "The city of West Hollywood flies identical flags on the streets surrounding John's apartment complex in honor of the annual Lesbian and Gay Pride Day celebration. The flag is a political symbol which landlords may not prohibit from being displayed."

A hearing was scheduled on a request for a preliminary injunction against the defendants, Westbourne Venture, Venture Property Management and Ruth and Mitchell Shapiro.

"In a community that has been under constant attack from the religious right and which has felt the crushing blow of the AIDS crisis, the rainbow flag has come to represent our pride, our unity, and our strength," said Jean O'Leary, NGRA's executive director. "We intend to protect our right to be identified by this powerful symbol."

Study shows AZT benefits

By L. Kolke

An 11 month study conducted by Burroughs-Wellcome Company, developer of the drug AZT, has shown that AIDS patients who received this drug lived significantly longer than those who did not receive it. However, the drug's use appears to be of most value to AIDS patients with pneumocystis carinii pneumonia as opposed to other opportunistic infections.

Researchers studied the medical records of 4,805 AIDS patients with PCP who received the drug over an 11 month period beginning in early 1987. Of those who received the drug, 73 percent were still alive. Of those who received AZT within 90 days of their diagnosis with PCP, 88 percent survived the entire 11 months.

Studies of PCP patients when AZT was not available found the survival rate for untreated patients to range from 36 to 50 percent over a similar time frame. The drug does produce side affects, however, especially the need for transfusions to counter anemia caused to AZT's affect on the bone marrow.

January, 1989 GAY PEOPLES CHRONICLE Page 7

Health Issues Taskforce

This space has been donated to HIT by the Chronicle. What appears in this space does not reflect the views of the Chronicle staff or management.

The next Buddy training is scheduled for late January. HIT is now seeking two kinds of Buddies: Buddies who, as before, provide friendship, companionship, support and some physical assistance to persons with AIDS; and (for lack of a better name at this time) "Physical Buddies' who assist PWAS with household tasks like transportation but who are unable to commit themselves to all the other responsibilities involved in being a Buddy. If you are interested in either volunteer service, please contact the office at 621-0766. The Physical Supplies division can use help moving items like furniture and appliances for PWAS. They especially need people with access to a truck. Can you spare an afternoon or evening?

The next speakers bureau training is scheduled for late February. We especially welcome people with public speaking or health-care experience, although neither is a prerequisite. For more info call 621-0766. New publications include AIDS Services, a brochure which describes

O F C L E.V.E.L•A•N-D

services and programs offered by the Taskforce, and Safer Sex is Bringing Men Together, a new brochure for gay and bisexual men. The latter features illustrations by local gay artist Richard Greenwell, and uses sexually explicit slang.

The Board decided to endorse the use of direct and explicit language after lengthy review of education programs and materials in other parts of the country. In spite of the Helms amendment and other attempts to restrict education efforts, the Taskforce remains committed to gay affirmative and pro-sex education for the community. Your continued support enables us to fulfill our commitment.

On January 15 and 22, at the Cleveland Play House (8500 Euclid Avenue), four performances of As Is, the award winning play about AIDS by William Hoffman, will benefit HIT services and programs. (Please see the ad elsewhere in this issue.) Tickets are $20 for the 2:30 matinees, and $35 or $60 for the 7:30 performances. Seating is limited, so reserve your seats soon by calling the Play House at 795-7000. A small number of tickets are available at the HIT office

The Gay People's Chronicle invites you to share in the presentation of our First Annual Community Service Awards.

This award is given to individuals in recognition of their outstanding service to Cleveland's Lesbian/Gay Community

Being honored are: Judith Rainbrook, President of the Board The Lesbian/Gay Community Service Center and Dale Melsness, President NAMES Project Cleveland Chapter.

The award ceremony will take place at the Lesbian/Gay Community Service Center. 1418 West 29th. Cleveland, Ohio, on January 14, 1989 at 8pm.

Suggested Donation-$5

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Specializing In Furniture Reconditioning

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Reception to Follow.

All Proceeds To Benefit The Gay People's Chronicle & The Lesbian/Gay Community Service Center

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