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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE September, 1990

Alive & Well

by Kyle

When I first found out that I was HIV+, I remember an awful sinking feeling inside, a strange, unreal numbness, and only one conscious thought. What do I do now? This question, which previously had no more meaning than which television program do I want to watch, suddenly became one of overwhelming life and death proportion.

This is AIDS we're talking about. What do I do now?

Simply put, answering this question is what the Living Room is all about. Beyond this simplicity, however, is the reality that not only is the answer different for each of us as individuals, but it is different for each of us everyday.

AIDS is an ongoing process. For many it is a battle of shame and acceptance; for some it is a struggle for survival; and for others it is an empowering experience teaching us how to live more fully and wonderfully than ever before. And that's what this column is all about. To reach out a little further, share a little more, open the door a little wider and invite you into our Living Room.

It doesn't matter where you're at in the spectrum, whether you just found out that you're HIV+ yesterday, if you've been struggling alone with full-blown AIDS for years, or if you yourself are not diagnosed but care deeply for someone who is. AIDS is just another closet door that we need to open together. It's only dark and scary when we're locked inside alone.

Now before the idea of coming out of

another closet scares you off, please read on. This is not about shouting "I have AIDS!" from the top of Tower City. This is about telling yourself "It's alright." Every reasonable measure is, and always will be taken to preserve your anonymity. We will also do everything we can to encourage an environment that will enhance your life. For some of you this may mean a friendly shoulder to cry on, for others it may mean medical, financial or legal information and assistance, and for many

it will simply mean a place to go, make new friends and enjoy each other. Wherever you're at right now, whatever your needs are at this time, it's alright. That's what we're here for and our door is open.

To sum up, this is all about living. Not surviving but thriving. Not accepting fears and limitations but stepping beyond them, reaching out and sharing and loving. In or out of the spectrum, like it or not, we're all in this together.

So stop by the Living Room when you have a chance and take a look around for yourself. Read this column next month to find out more about our plans for the future. Give us a call and let us know you're out there. The more help and support we get, the more we have to give. ▼

The Living Room is located next door to the Lesbian-Gay Community Service Center at 1410 West 29th St. You can stop in between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is 5221998.

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Stars

Continued from page 13

With SCORPIO, chill the wine and light the fire. Scorpio knows how to draw you out and your earthy approach to life will have a grounding effect on emotional Scorpio. Their fixity may help you feel secure in the relationship, and they certainly will keep your blood boiling.

With SAGITTARIUS, tell them there is no vacancy when they show up at your door. Gemini may be scattered mentally, but Sag is scattered physically-they are never around. If someone showing up two hours or two days late for dinner really ticks you off, don't even start up with a Sag. Sexually, you may find that there are entirely too many jokes being told at inappropriate times.

With CAPRICORN, go into business first, and marry them later. They are even more organized than you are. Sexually, this sign will bring out your kinky side. They are earthier than you are and have been places and done things that you've never even thought about. Enjoy your-

self.

With PISCES, live out your wildest fantasies. They are expert at setting a mood and can take you to places that will help you forget all your worries and cares. They are your opposite sign and your discrimination is as balancing to them as their peaceful acceptance of the world is to you. This relationship can be most enjoyable for you.

1991 will be a relatively peaceful year. None of the outer planets are making hard aspects to Virgo, although the period from October through March will be a very busy one. Don't get so overloaded with work that you aren't able to keep up with the details.

August is a month of rest for Virgo. Take a breather and get some rest. September is the time to start new projects. You will feel a new sense of purpose and be full of energy.

October is a good month for financial matters. There should be extra money and opportunities to work overtime or do side jobs for extra money. Any new projects should be started before the 20th, otherwise you will have to wait until the 1st of March. Anything started be-

tween those dates will be an exercise in futility.

November will be a month of lots of

communication and short little trips. Spend time with siblings and make friends with your neighbors. You may make someone angry with you who will verbally attack you without warning.

December will be a great month for entertaining in the home. Have a huge party this month and invite all your business associates. You will impress them.

cial life. If you don't find love (or at least January is a great month for your so-

a one night stand) this month, then you're not looking!

After all the hangovers of last month, you February, the emphasis is on work. have a lot of catching up to do. Be innovative to get the job done.

March will bring an emphasis on your personal relationships. Try to be realistic, but if you can't be, try bedroom role playing games.

in

April is the time when you have to get touch with your dark side. You are going to be your most promiscuous this month, so be careful. Don't let the heat of the moment lead you into a situation that you will regret.

friends. Even if you only go as far as May is a good time for a trip with Toronto, do it in style. Take your lover and your closest friends and just relax in the most luxurious atmosphere you can afford. It will be worth the splurge.

June will find you concentrating on Be careful about the things you do beyour career and your status in the world. hind the scenes you could make secret enemies who could cause you problems in the future. Also, lovers

in

your

interfere may life and cause a lot of stress. July finds you charismatic and spending a lot of time with friends. This is the time to make a dream a reality. And buy yourself a new outfit-you are looking great.

Have a great year, Virgo!

Fran Rosen

If you would like Fran to answer a question for you, send her a note c/o RKM Enterprises, P.O. Box 23042, Euclid, OH 44123, making sure to include your date, place and exact time of birth (if possible). Fran will be answering

a question or two each month in this column.

Family of God meeting place moves

Family of God Community Church of Cleveland is pleased to announce that it now has a church meeting place! Beginning on September 2, services will be held at the building of the former Christ United Church of Christ, located at the corner of West 98th Street and Cudell Avenue. Service time will continue to be 5:00 p.m., with coffee hour following at 6:00 p.m. All services will be conducted in the church sanctuary.

Family of God Community Church is a Christian church for all people. The congregation celebrated its first anniversary in May of this year. The church began meeting in the pastor's home, then moved to the Lesbian-Gay Community Service Center, where services have been held during the past nine months. The congregation feels that the move to a church meeting place will provide a

more appropriate spiritual setting and allow for considerable future growth.

Family of God also provides “Discovery," a prayer-share-study group which meets every Wednesday evening from 7:00 till 8:30 at the home of one of the members. A monthly social event also serves as an opportunity to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.

For directions to the church, information about services and any other questions you might have, please feel free to call the church office at 251-2918. Office hours are Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Wednesdays from 12:00-4:00 p.m., Thursdays from 7:30-9:00 p.m., and Fridays from 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Please come and share the joy of God's love and our love for one another at Family of God! ▼

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