June, 1989 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE Page 11

oming Out Affair"

Attending the clubs that have traditionally served the African-American community has often meant risking harassment by the patrons of surrounding straight bars.

In response, clubs like Quality Inc. have sprung up to provide alternative entertainment.

Walker is interested in seeing more interracial functions. She expressed disappointment at how personal prejudices have permeated the gay community and stand in the way of unity.

"We are really struggling for unity of gay people," Walker said.

Although flyers about the Coming Out Affair were distributed to the Women's Building Project, the Lesbian-Gay Community Service Center, and various local bars, she saw very little response from white community members.

Quality Inc. prefers an open atmosphere of family and unity to a social life centered wholly on the bar. The group's affair at the museum showed evidence of their philosophy. The crowd enjoyed a friendly atmosphere, open bar, entertainment, and dancing. At the close of the evening, the dance floor was filled with people who held hands and sang, "That's what friends are for," one of the most enjoyable parts of the evening for many who attended, according to Walker. She was pleased with the tur-

nout and the positive feedback she has been receiving. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.

Quality Inc. looks forward to continued success. Eventually the group would like to buy a club in Cleveland and provide gay men and women a safe, com-

Photo by Drew Cari

fortable setting for an elegant night out, according to Walker. In the more immediate future, the club is planning an overnight trip to Washington, D.C. for touring and night-clubbing. A boat ride on the Goodtime II is also being scheduled.

Although Quality Inc. is a private club, new members may be accepted. For more information about Quality Inc., contact Toni Walker at 751-4522.

The crowd at the Quality Inc. party enjoyed a friendly atmosphere, open bar, food, dancing, & live entertainment.

Body Language celebrates its fifth anniversary

On the occasion of Body Language's fifth anniversary, the Chronicle asked owner Linus Herrell to write a few words about the store, which has become an important part of Cleveland's lesbian and gay community.

by Linus Herrell

On May 10, 1984, Body Language opened its doors to the public. Now, five years later, those doors are still open. Body Language has truly been a story of blood, sweat, and tears.

But I don't care to dwell on the hard times.

Instead I like to celebrate the success of taking a concept that was only in my mind, making it real, and bringing it to its fifth birthday.

My concept was that an adult store could really be adult and clean, with no tacky displays, no video booths, andmost importantly---no flashing lights.

Body Language is a sex-positive environment that views the total person. I believe sex is not only what occurs in your crotch, but also your mind and your heart. Remember, romance is the name

of the game.

When you first enter Body Language, you come into the Lobby. Here you can find the best in current gay and lesbian reading, national magazines, and international photo books. Cassettes and CD's of Cris Williamson and Teresa Trull, Heather Bishop, Ferron, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Lynn Lavner, Romanovsky and Phillips, and the New Age artistry of Constance Demby and Mark Isham, are there. Lubes, condoms, greeting cards and gift ideas put the final touch to the Lobby.

The Leather Room at Body Language is designed for the more sensually and sexually adventurous. It should be noted that we deal only in the equipment of sex, not in costuming. Body Language is an authorized Gauntlet jeweler. We carry a small collection of body jewelry, and have a separate room for installation.

Magazines and videos are in the third sales area. Body Language carries over twenty different titles of gay men's enter-

tainment magazines. Our video collection is constantly growing, and our selections are always changing. I try to keep an eclectic collection, everything from Charles Gatewood documentaries, foreign videos, the best of gay men's videos, and lesbian written, directed and produced videos. We also have such titles as Maurice, Lianna, Prick Up Your Ears, and a selection of videos featuring Divine. Body Language's two day rental policy means you don't have to run back the next day to return your videos.

Body Language

BODY LANGUAGE 251-3330

Once a year Body Language holds its Porn Fair. This event gives people a chance to clean out their closets and clear out under the bed and couch. People bring their old magazines, books and videos, and trade and sell them with others. It's a lot like visiting with an old friend.

Body Language is located at 3291 West 115 St. and is open from noon till 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sundays noon till 5 p.m. We are closed on Gay Pride Day and most major

holidays. When in doubt call us at 2513330. Our answering machine can keep you posted as to what is happening. We accepts checks with current I.D., cash, and American Express only.

Body Language did not get to be five years old on its own. It has been nurtured and encouraged by the finest gay and lesbian people in this city: its customers. Growth is the only evidence of life. So here's to May 10, 1994 and another five years! You gotta keep your eye on the horizon.

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