January, 1989 GAY PEOPLES CHRONICLE Page 9

the quilt? ?—

Cleve Jones' response to Stand-

man's open letter:

The Quilt: A Memorial to All by Cleve Jones

In recent weeks, a number of issues have been raised in the gaylesbian press regarding the NAMES Project and the direction of the organization. Some of our critics feel we have been too political in our approach, yet others chastise us for not being more political. Michael Standman's open letter accuses us of turning our backs on the gay community, of deliberately deciding to "limit the association between AIDS and gay men."

This is not true. From its inception, the NAMES Project adhered to three principle objectives: to illustrate the enormity of the global AIDS crisis; to reach out to all whose lives have been touched by AIDS; and to offer the world a clear example of a compassionate response to people with AIDS. The NAMES Project Quilt is a

memorial to all people who have died of AIDS---regardless of who they were or how they got it. It is true that we do not often use the words "gay" and "lesbian." We also do not use words like "drug abuser," "black," or "Hispanic."

Our critics who insist on such labels cause great harm. They strip away the individuality of each life and once again reduce the epidemic to categories and statistics. They also negate the humanity of others in the Quilt who were not gay (or IV drug users, or hemophiliacs, etc.), but those whose battle with AIDS was no less difficult, and whose loss was no less painful to their families and friends.

The Mothers' March Against AIDS was a candlelight memorial, not a civil rights rally. The speakers that evening were not addressing the nation, they were addressing the audience of marchers who were predominantly gay and lesbian---those whose commitment of time, energy and money sustained the fight when government funding and broad-based community support failed to materialize. This crowd was already keenly aware of the association between AIDS and gay men.

The evening was an attempt to lift the gay community out of its isolation: to involve other parts of society, and to build the coalitions needed to defeat AIDS. The speakers were there to offer support. They wanted to show that gay and lesbian people do not stand alone in the fight against AIDS. They represented the mothers and fathers who did not turn their back on their gay children; they represented the parents of hemophiliacs who are not part of the gay and lesbian movement but who have joined our cause; they represented gay men, weary from endless funerals, yet committed to the fight against AIDS; and they represented the international community---in this case, flying all the way from Úganda to stand with us.

But the candlelight memorial was only one of the many events planned that weekend. From the performers at the community concert at Lisner, and the inclusion of the Women with AIDS photo exhibit, to the selection of readers for the unfolding, each event was designed to encourage the participation of different comContinued on Page 13.

Headstrong women make statement

by K.D. Mahnal

DYKE!! A word often perceived by some lesbians as harsh, one that can provoke thoughts of hatred and anger. A word so controversial it often carries an insulting sting, as if a dual-edged sword, slicing away at the fibers of lesbianism.

Headstrong Pro-dyketions, a radical feminist lesbian organization in Cleveland, is determined to help change old attitudes, and provide a forum for new ideas. Dedicated to providing a more positive perspective of lesbianism and the dreaded "D" word.

Headstrong began as concept from the Radical Thought Conference, held in Cleveland Heights in April of 1986. Start-up funding was provided by a grant of $1,000 received from the Women's Community Fund in January of 1988. The groups' founder, Lee, was joined by Ellen, Gayle and

Susan in an effort to give the Cleveland lesbian community a more diverse and deeper sense of "self."

So, what's in a name? Plenty, especially when it's Headstrong Prodyketions. Lee explains the apparent definition of Headstrong: "It's important we be strong in our politics if we are going to have a lesbian who is proud to be a lesbian. We're trying to reclaim a word... to be proud" states Lee. "Claiming our power through the word," adds Ellen.

The main objective of Headstrong is to provide an avenue that will bring lesbian speakers to the area to address lesbian issues, as they pertain to all working class lesbians.

"We're addressing the intellectual side of lesbian issues," explains Ellen.

It is not coincidental that Headstrong's ideals parallel a new era, designed to provoke thought and selfintrospection. There has been "a national resurgence of intellectual radical thought," states Lee.

Dentist sued for refusing PWA

National Gay Rights Advocates filed suit against a San Francisco dental clinic for allegedly refusing to treat patients infected with HIV.

Doug Bearden charges that Sutter Dental Clinic required him to declare on a standard health questionnaire whether he had tested positive for HIV antibodies.

Bearden indicated that he had tested positive, and proceeded to go to an examination room where he was Xrayed. In the middle of his examination, Bearden was summoned to the front office and told he would not be

Tired of reading the

same old classifieds??

provided dental care because he had tested positive.

Benjamin Schatz, director of NGRA'S AIDS Civil Rights Project, said, "It is illegal under California and San Francisco law for dentists and physicians to deny care to patients because they test HIV positive. The American Dental Association and the American Medical Association both oppose such discrimination as unethical.

"Doctors and dentists would protect themselves far better by following universal infection-control procedures than by discriminating against their patients.

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Speakers brought to Cleveland by Headstrong include: Ariane Brunet, co-organizer of the Second International Feminist Book Fair in Montreal in 1988; Julia Penelope, author, professor and lecturer; and Jackie Anderson, member philosopher and editorial board member of Hypatia: Journal of Feminist Philosophy.

The only requirement in the selection of speakers is that they "must speak about lesbian issues to lesbians," said Lee.

Response to Headstrong's speakers has been surprisingly positive, with about 50 women in attendance. A question and answer session follows each program.

Future goals for Headstrong include speaking appearances by Sarah Hoagland, author of Lesbian Ethics--Toward New Value; Marilyn Frye, author of The Politics of Reality; and Tara Ayres, who will offer anti-racism training. Plans will be developed for future fundraising, since grant funding

"In the wake of a national medical crisis, it is unconscionable for medial professionals to shirk their responsibility to help out," said NGRA Executive Director Jean O'Leary. "This case sends a strong message to doctors and dentists that discrimination against patients with AIDS or HIV infection may very well carry a price."

In addition to seeking monetary damages, the lawsuit seeks an injunction prohibiting Sutter Dental from refusing to treat any patient because he or she is infected with HIV.

is no longer available. Also on the horizon will be video tapes of consenting speakers, available as rentals at the What She Wants Feminist Lending Library. The library is located in the Women's Building Project, at the West Wing of the Civic, 3130 Mayfield Road.

For more information about Headstrong, contact Lee at 3217337 or Ellen at 929-5225 (Akron). ▼

HIGH POINTS: THE CINEMA OF WERNER SCHROETER

9 Florid, Operatic, Erotic Films by One of the Most Prominent Gay Filmmakers in the World, Whom Fassbinder Called "the best kept secret of New German Cinema." 1/27 at 7:30 DAY OF THE IDIOTS 1/27 at 9:40 THE DEATH OF MARIA MALIBRAN 1/28 at 7:30 THE KINGDOM OF NAPLES 1/28 at 9:55 LOVERS COUNCIL 2/3 at 7:30 WILLOW SPRINGS 2/3 at 9:10 EIKA KATAPPA

2/4 at 7:30 2/4 at 9:30 2/5 at 7:30 PALERMO OR WOLFSBURG

THE ROSE KING Ohio Premiere! DRESS REHEARSAL

The Cleveland Cinematheque at the Cleveland Institute of Art East Blvd. at Bellflower in University Circle Free, secure parking * Admission to each film $4 229-0982

DOUGLAS J. MOORE, PH.D.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

(216) 663-0245

204 EUCLID SQUARE MALL EUCLID, OH 44132

DERBY BLDG., SUITE 205 5706 TURNEY ROAD GARFIELD HTS., OH 44125