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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE November, 1989

WE ARE EVERYWHERE

by John Hubert

Homophobic assassinations in Brazil The Grupo Gay da Bahia (The Gay Group of the State of Bahia) reports that in the last eight years, 320 gays and lesbians have been assassinated in Brazil, victims of macho intolerance. Despite constitutional guarantees for all Brazilians and the legality of homosexuality, gays and lesbians in Brazil live under the rule of "apartheid" and a sentence of death.

Two common sayings are: "It is worse to be homosexual than to die" and "I prefer my son to be a thief or dead, than to be homosexual." In 1987, for example, Colonel Pomponet of Bahia killed his son Augusto Cesar upon discovering his gay orientation, believing that what he did was right.

Blacks, Indians, women, Jews & Protestants, all have their rights guaranteed by federal and state laws, but gays are humiliated, driven from their homes and jobs, stoned, jailed without motive and assassinated with impunity. A gay man is assassinated every ten days according to GGB.

GGB and the other groups in Brazil are doing their best to eliminate this macho violence through protests and educational efforts. Some government leaders and other civic and cultural personalities are backing them.

However, some of the trashier popular daily journals actually encourage violence against gay people. In Salvador, the city where GGB is located, the newspaper A Tarde constantly attacks and insults GGB and lesbians and gays in general, writing such lines as “To kill a homosexual is not a murder; it is a hunting trophy" (April 1, 1985) and "Keep the city clean; Kill a homosexual every day" (November 15, 1988).

GGB requests letters to the editor-inchief of A Tarde protesting against their disrespect for the human rights of gay people. Also they urge a letter to the President of the Salvador City Council with copies of both to GGB.

The addresses are: Redator Chefe Do Jornal A Tarde; Av. Magalhaes Neto, s/n; Caminho das Arvores; Salvador, Bahia; Brasil, and Presidente Da Camara Municipal De Salvador; Praca Municipal; Salvador, Behia; Brasil. You

YOUR PERSONAL SPACE

by Antone Feo, Ph.D.

Choosing a Therapist

Sometime in your life you may feel overwhelmed, depressed, anxious or burdened by personal problems. You might be in a crisis which appears insurmountable. At such a time you may turn to friends for support and understanding. However, you may soon find that you need something more than just talking to a sympathetic friend. They may be too close to the situation, wanting to talk abut their problems, or they may offer well-intentioned bad advice. You may need the objective assistance of a professional therapist.

Choosing the right therapist is very important. You may share information with your therapist that you have not previously disclosed to anyone else. You may be surprised, discomforted or frightened by some of the feelings that surface. This is a normal part of the therapeutic process and a necessary result of your personal growth and development. Maintaining a positive attitude toward your therapy and therapist yields the best results. The therapeutic

journey can be a very rewarding and rich experience.

Prior to making a time and energy commitment to therapy, be aware of several important issues: cost, the therapist's areas of expertise, and your specific needs. As an alternative, there is group therapy. With this information, you will make the best-informed decision.

Individual psychotherapy can be expensive. Therapists' fees vary widely, ranging from $25 to $125 per hour. The financial burden of therapy may be eased if you have insurance. The state of Ohio requires all insurance companies to offer at least $550 for mental health care. Before you contract with a therapist, contact your insurance company and certain what coverage you have.

as-

If you do not have insurance or money, you may find assistance at your local mental health clinic. Your therapy cost will be determined by your income level. This is called a sliding scale. You may be required to pay $3 to $30 per session. Typically, a therapist is assigned to your case. Most clinics employ very knowledgeable and competent therapists who are dedicated to their work and your well-being. If you are will-

WIESLER ASSOCIATES Therapy and Consultation Services

can write to GGB in English, Portuguese or Spanish at: GGB; C.P. 2552; 40020 Salvador, Bahia; Brasil.

Nine old GGB publishes a three year times a year eight page bulletin in Portuguese. Subscriptions are $5.00 U.S. by international money order or cash. They also accept personal ads in any language for a $2.00 contribution. The group is presently distributing 5,000 condoms a month as part of the GGB campaign against AIDS. They participate several times a month in TV & radio debates and interviews about homosexuality and AIDS, write protest letters, attend conferences and meet with representatives of other Brazilian and international groups. GGB has become the first overseas chapter of the U.S.-based Black & White Men Together, and was the first Latin American group to become a member of the International Lesbian & Gay Association (ILGA).

International lesbian publication grows. The International Lesbian Information Service (ILIS Network), headquartered in Amsterdam, has upgraded their bilingual ILIS Newsletter to 24

ing to shop around, you may find an individual practitioner who also utilizes a sliding scale.

"Word of mouth" is a good way of finding a therapist. Ask a friend who is in therapy if they are pleased with their therapist. If they are, this may be a good indicator that you will also be pleased. If you make an appointment and are not satisfied, do not make a second appointment but continue in your search.

If you have issues relating to your life style you may prefer to employ a gay or lesbian therapist. Many such therapists advertise in or are listed under "Counseling" in this publication. You also may obtain information from the gay-lesbian hotline or the Center. Some heterosexual therapists also work well with gay and lesbian issues. Similarly, a gay male therapist may work well with lesbian issues and vice versa. Avoid a homophobic therapist or anyone who attempts to "cure" you of your homosexuality. Homosexuality is considered a trait and not a mental illness.

When shopping for a therapist, interview at least two potential professionals. During your initial phone contact, explain why you are seeking professional assistance. Do not hesitate to ask for a no charge initial session. Most therapists will agree to this and offer you a complimentary session.

During your initial meeting, the

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pages, packed with activist information in English and Spanish.

The Spring 1989 issue includes an interview with GALF, the Lesbian group in Peru, news on Argentinian lesbians, an interview with a Nicaraguan lesbian, a story on Kowalski and Thompson, free contact ads for women and much more. Subscriptions, including full membership, are $15 U.S. for individuals and $60 U.S. for organizations. Please send by international money order to: ILIS, care of COC, Rozenstraat 8, 1016 NX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Denmark prepares for gay marriage onslaught. October 1 marked the starting date for legal lesbian and gay marriages in Denmark. While the law permits foreigners to apply, one member of the partnership needs to be a Danish citizen and have her or his residence in Denmark.

For a copy in English of the "Registered Partnership" law as passed by the Danish Parliament, plus explanatory notes, (ten pages), send $2 to PyL, P.O. Box 66450, Houston, TX 77266. ▼

therapist will attempt to understand your presenting issues. Also, this is your time to interview the therapist. Does the therapist attempt to put you at ease, appear to care and understand what you are saying? Ask about the types of individuals they work well with. What are their areas of expertise? You may want to know where they received their therapeutic training. Ask how often you will meet. Ask for your diagnosis and how long it will take to reach your therapeutic goals. Completing some may take from one week to sixteen months.

Rather than engaging in individual psychotherapy you may choose to become part of a self-help or a personal growth and support group. In this milieu you will be with a group of individuals who share a similar difficulty or issue. Most groups consist of ten to fifteen persons with one or two facilitators. The group leader may be a professional or a paraprofessional. Many group members find this form of therapy rewarding because of the camaraderie and sense of community which soon forms.

Ultimately you will chose a therapist you think will provide the best service. This therapist should help you understand your problems, encourage you to face uncomfortable issues, and help you understand yourself. It is important that mutual respect exists between you and your therapist.▼

RANDY THOMAS GEARHART, M.S.S.A. Individual, Couple and Group Therapy

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