May, 1990

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE Page 3

Letters

Applause for signlanguage interpreters

To the Editor:

Even though two months have passed since I sat with the many other women thoroughly enjoying the Variety Show, one scene continues to replay in my mind's That scene being the women eye. signing for the deaf. During the show I frequently realized that my eyes were riveted on the signers despite the fact that my hearing is unimpaired. Their graceful gestures were often more entertaining than the act for which they were interpreting. I have had the pleasure of watching Diane perform (I use this word purposefully) before and am always amazed by how much she enhances an act. Therefore, I would like to give one more round of applause (make that a standing ovation) for the two women who so beautifully translate verbal communication into the language of signs.

Nancy C. Logan

'Andre's Mother'

To the Editor:

I had read in the Advocate that a play called Andre's Mother was to be shown as part of PBS's American Playhouse series. This play was to be about a person who had died of AIDS and about his mother and his lover whom he had left behind. The play was to be about the issues that AIDS seems to bring out, such as sexuality and relationships within the family and without.

The Advocate listed two dates that the play would be shown on PBS, explaining that most cities would see it on the first date and that the rest would see it on the second. The TV guide did not list this program to be shown on Cleveland's Channel 25 for either date.

I called Peg Neeson, Channel 25's program director and asked about this. She said that those dates were only when the program would come down from the satellite. She said that it would be shown possibly at the end of the season or maybe in a month or two.

I explained that I am a financial supporter of Channel 25 and would not like it if AIDS or gay programming was omitted.

I didn't get much of an answer except that it was nothing unusual, that they just show things when they want to.

During the time that this play was supposed to be shown, Channel 25 was having one of its pledge drives. I

theorized that was probably the reason that it was not shown, either because it would not have attracted enough viewers and thus not garner enough pledges or possibly even because some people who viewed it would decide not to pledge.

I never was given a reason as to why this program was postponed. There had to be a reason.

I am uncomfortable with the possibility that programming related to AIDS or homosexuality is not given as high a priority at Channel 25.

Though I am now unable to cite the instance, I seem to remember that a couple of years ago a program on AIDS that was shown nationally on PBS was not shown in Cleveland. I was naturally very disappointed at the time.

I will send in the rest of the money due on the pledge that I made last year. I'm not sure if I intend to pledge again.

I have also sent a copy of my letter to Peg Neeson, program director at Channel 25.

Anthony J. Giglio

Neeson's reply to Giglio:

As I mentioned to you when you called, at that time our schedule was completed only through the end of April. Our schedule is now complete through May, and Andre's Mother is scheduled to air on Wednesday, May 30 at 9 p.m.

Confusion often arises when a presenting station or a publicist sends out material listing a PBS airdate. This airdate is only the national satellite feed, not the date all stations air the program. Program publicity that is sent out nationally should state, “Check with your local PBS station for date and time."

Because of the membership drive in March, many programs do not air in their regularly scheduled time slots. American Playhouse was just one pre-emption this past March. Others included Nova, Frontline, Masterpiece Theatre, Nature, Alistair Cooke's America, Degrassi High, Cousteau and High School Sports. Such programming does not prompt pledges; continuance of it relies on support

ease. Our concern is broader than that of the gay community. Our program reflect the seriousness of this threat to all of society.

In 1984, WVIZ presented AIDS: Profile of an Epidemic, the first television documentary to provide a comprehensive examination of the medical, historical and personal facets of AIDS.

AIDS: Changing the Rules also aired on WVIZ and included a locallyproduced follow up program that was very explicit in nature.

WVIZ presented an entire evening devoted to AIDS that was hosted by Ted Henry, which included America in the Age of AIDS; a locally produced program called AIDS Update; and a statewide program with a segment produced by WVIZ focusing on the Buddy System. Phone lines were manned by health care professionals to answer viewers' calls on AIDS.

Currently on WVIZ, The AIDS Quarterly airs every three months, and we are now looking at a program by a Northeastern Ohio filmmaker about a home for people with AIDS. It will, most likely, air later in the year.

Given these programs and others, WVIZ has a history of responsible coverage concerning AIDS.

You mentioned a program that was offered to PBS but that did not air on WVIZ. It was our feeling that the program [The AIDS Show Documentary, about a San Francisco community theater's long-running production on AIDS' impact in that community] did not promote the understanding of AIDS. Rather, it gave credence to the mistaken belief that AIDS is strictly a gay disease. To air a program that was not responsible would be a disservice to the community's understanding of AIDS. WVIZ made the program available to groups for screening here at the station.

We at WVIZ feel very strongly that airing responsible programs related to AIDS is important.

Peg Neeson Director, Public Information

earned by replacement specials during Man/boy love

membership drives. Andre's Mother may be a critic and viewer success, but experience has taught us that American Playhouse does not pledge well.

I would also like to address your statement that "I am uncomfortable with the possibility that programming related to AIDS or homosexuality is not given as high a priority at Channel 25."

Through the years, WVIZ has covered AIDS in a responsible and thorough manner and will continue to do so.

AIDS is not solely a homosexual dis-

To the Editor:

I would like to see the Chronicle and the gay-lesbian community cover pedophilia and man/boy love. Your socalled Gay Community Center will not deal with it. And they were downright nasty and insulting about it, when I tried

doing it too! We have a group called the North American Man/Boy Love Association, P.O. Box 174, (Midtown Station) New York, New York 10018-1074, 212-807-8578.

And to prove the gay-lesbian community and the Chronicle disriminate against us boy lovers, this letter or subject will never be published. You discriminate against us who will be next?... You!

One of the Many Boy Lovers in Cleveland, Ohio

The Chronicle has no plans to publish any stories in the near future about man/boy love, but will consider submissions if any are recieved. Ed. Not unalterable?

The following letter was recieved by a reader in response to an HRCF “Speak Out" mailgram sent to Ohio senator John Glenn encouraging his support of a move to head off homophobic legislation (see story on page 1 of the April Chronicle). The mailgram also asked Glenn to support the federal lesbian-gay rights bill.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Kennedy amendment to the National and Community Volunteers Act.

As it now stands, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, all of which are manifest genetic or religious attributes. I am concerned that extending across-the-board civil rights protections to include sexual orientation, which has not been proven to be an unalterable characteristic, would weaken the near universal support that this landmark act has come to enjoy. As a result, I cannot at this time support proposals to include sexual orientation under the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or other similar legislation.

I appreciate your support of my vote on the Kennedy amendment and hope to keep this line of communication oper John Glenn United States Senator

The Chronicle encourages everyone to write and express their opinion about the paper or life in general. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. We will print your name unless you specifically ask us not to.

Address letters to the Chronicle, P.O. Box 5426, Cleveland, Ohio, 44101. Include your address and phone number.

to discuss the subject of man/boy love Dancin' in Streets

with them.

You always talk about discrimination, harassment, etc. You gay people are

set for July 22

The Health Issues Taskforce,

Openly-gay candidate makes 2nd House run Cleveland's AIDS service and education

Columbus Michael A. Gelpi has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Congress, seeking Ohio's 12th Congressional District here. He will face Ralph Applegate in the Democratic primary on May 8. The district is currently represented by conservative Republican John Kasich.

Mike Gelpi ran for the 12th Congressional District seat in 1988, but had to withdraw several months into the race for cardiac surgery and rehabilitation. Gelpi has been an active leader in the gay and lesbian community, having served as chair of the City of Columbus AIDS Coalition and as a National Director and National Fundraising Chair for the Human Rights Campaign Fund. When he opened his 1988 campaign, Gelpi honestly discussed his sexual orientation and encountered no negative reactions, according to his campaign committee.

The candidate, who has been endorsed by the Franklin County Democratic Party, is a well-known businessman. He was also one of the driving forces behind the establishment

of Neoprobe, a new biotechnology firm which developed the first intra-operative cancer detection technology.

Gelpi believes that, with Democratic registration of 55 percent in the district, it's time for a Democrat to win. "Two years ago, we started building a strong base of support. There were persons with disabilities, persons pledged to peace, persons working for job creation, for affordable housing and meeting real family needs," said Gelpi.

During his announcement, the candidate criticized the "bogus wars" declared in Washington where "the victims are our own citizens." He took issue with the lack of spending and ineffectiveness of several government programs, including the "wars" on cancer, heart disease, AIDS, Alzheimer's, teen pregnancy and drugs.

According to the Columbus native, “I know something about recovery – alcohol was my drug of choice and one of the things I learned is this: 'You cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results.' If you want different results, you have to do things differently."

He believes in the reinvestment and rebuilding of central Ohio's economic base, including a stronger "dollar commitment to our children's education," and keeping jobs in the state. Gelpi pointed to the incumbent's record against women's rights, including votes against adequate pre-natal care, WIC, early childhood education, child care, health care, job retraining, and pay equity. Gelpi stated that he will work for pay equity, for women, children, seniors, health care and housing.

Gelpi has served in leadership positions with a number of civic and religious groups including the Players Theater, the Central Ohio Radio Reading Service for the Blind, and the Geriatric Service Organization. His work with the Franklin County Unit of the American Cancer Society helped bring in over $7 million in research grants to the county.

He has received numerous awards, including being the only political figure named to the Ethics Hall of Fame by the Columbus Dispatch. This award was the result of the honesty he displayed in discussing his sexual orientation during the beginning of his 1988 campaign.▼

organization, will sponsor the sixth annual Dancin' in the Streets fair from 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday, July 22.

As in previous years, the street fair will be on West 9th Street between St. Clair and Lakeside avenues. It will feature entertainment, food and educational and community exhibits.

New this year is an expanded area for community-based organizations and inIdividuals to exhibit information and items for sale. There is a fee of $50 for groups or individuals who wish to sell items.

Non-profit organizations wishing to have information-only booths can obtain booth space at no charge. Groups or individuals who want information on booth space should call the Taskforce office at 621-0766.

The committee plans a wider variety of entertainment this year, and hopes to have more women performers.

Individuals or groups interested in entertaining may request an application from the Taskforce.

Volunteers are needed for such jobs as ticket sales, food sales, set up and tear down, street decoration and trash collection. Volunteers are asked to work at least two hours; contact the Taskforce office to volunteer.▼