Page 2

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE December, 1990

Editorial

Don we now our gay avowal

The holiday season is here once again. And with it comes the most concentrated form of chaos and angst known to western civilization: the attempt to enjoy and spread the "spirit of Christmas." The sacred ritual is usually to bow down before credit cards and worship the spirits found at office parties. The herd mentality, along with pervasive commercialism, has reduced the significance of a major religious commemoration to a wild-eyed shopper's countdown to December 25. Where has the real meaning gone?

We realize that many of our readers do not practice or recognize a Christian religion; this commentary is meant for you, too. Like lost children in a crowd, nonChristians are caught in the tide of popular Christmas hysteria, often altering their private religious beliefs to fit in with the majority, at least on the surface. And isn't that like everyday life for us as gay men and lesbians? How many times have we taken the easy route by ignoring or denying who we are? Where have our beliefs gone? For lesbians and gay men, holiday time is usually traumatic. The pressure to fall in with a "traditional" family is strong; lovers are often conveniently overlooked to create the appearance of a "normal" family. This perception of a strong traditional family unit, built for breeding and fidelity, is dominant in our culture and impressed deep into our brains from birth. It served an important purpose over the centuries, and it worked for the majority up until recent times. But not everyone was included in this structure.

Consider the true Christmas spirit. The "peace on earth and goodwill to all" message is a universal one. Unfortunately, it is only mentioned around this time of year. Everyone sings the words, but how many take it to heart? Ironically, the ones who claim the loudest that they are Christian are the ones who rarely live that message.

This is the season where the love of all people is supposed to be honored. We are all on this earth for a purpose-maybe our own purposes, maybe a higher intelligence, but we are of the same making and kindred spirit. The acceptance of others is the basic message of Christianity. It's also a very basic message to the Moslem, Buddhist, Jewish and other religions. For those who do not accept a higher power, there is a natural and scientific understanding of

Guest Opinion

the human race that also leads to the conclusion of respect for each other.

Even if you don't like, agree with or accept a person, you can imagine yourself in their shoes-maybe realize that you've been there yourself at one time. If you take just a moment to look up from yourself, it isn't hard to see and admit that humanity is one large family. We all deserve respect, and ideally love, from each other, regardless of whom we choose as a bed partner. You'll see elsewhere in this issue that

style"? What right does the majority have to step on the minority simply because it is different?

There is still the prevailing thought that "it's okay to beat you up... you're queer." This rationalization of brutality comes most often from people who claim Christian beliefs! It's time we called them on their bluff. It will take hard work, it will take a strong coat of armor to challenge the ridicule, but it must be done.

Nowhere in the Bible does it say to

ROUGH BOYS,

A. I WANNA BITE AN

KISSYOU...

WE WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN, PETE!

conservative elements continue to denounce homosexual acts as not only sinful, but suggest that gay men caused AIDS. This interpretation of "God's punishment" falls into the same category as the ignorant assumptions made during the plagues of the Middle Ages. Science long ago found the bacteria that caused that devastation. Let's not get caught up in a whirlwind of ignorance. AIDS affects everyone. Yes, it is a challenge, but it is a medical issue, not a sexual one.

If you passively accept the pronouncements and opinions of homophobic and ignorant people, specifically when they start using God as their justification, then you commit your own sin. How dare these people decide what is the correct "life-

©FARBARIK 990-DEC.

persecute the minority. The teachings of Christ talk of love and acceptance of everyone into God's kingdom. So why do we accept the opinions of loud-mouthed conservative preachers and self-appointed authorities? Why do we hide our feelings, hide in closets, hide our lifestyle and shame ourselves?

It is time to stop accepting the majority opinion at face value. You owe it to yourself to explore your gayness—not the sexual acts, but the history, the truths, the beauty, the love that exists among us. Do not assume that because someone is quoting the Bible that they know what they are talking about. The Bible is a convenient

Continued on page 6

Okay to bash gays, as long as you're 'still learning'

by Joan Rizzo

Writing the story about the Daily Kent Stater (page 1) came at a bad time for me. I found out last week that a dear friend is in the hospital with AIDS. He is a musician with a wonderful voice, and I am driven blind with grief when I think if him on a respirator, unable to talk let alone sing to me. Worse yet, his family doesn't know the

begged me not to tell them about him. He said I was stronger and could take the flak. He was scared. In 1981, he took his own life. He died alone in his apartment. What he feared most finally got the best of him. I'll miss him this Christmas like I do every day.

I had a friend who danced for the Cleveland Ballet. He was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988 and lost 25 pounds during performances of the Nutcracker. He knew he couldn't dance much longer, and one night, in my arms, he sobbed uncontrollaContinued on page 6

whole story. They will have to deal with A different kind of award

everything all at once.

As difficult as it was for me to come out to my family 12 years ago, they have at least recognized the logic in it and will know that if there is someone in my life, she is more than a roommate or friend. Like most lesbians and gays, I know how to plan for disasters because I've seen so many.

I had a younger brother who was gay. He had emotional problems, too, but being gay didn't make things any easier for him. As KGLF president Jesse Grant talked to me about the 'sissy in the schoolyard' mentality, I flashed back to all the times I tried to protect my brother from neighborhood bullies.

When I came out to our family, he

by Drew Cari

In the last couple of years we have seen an explosion of awards in our community, and it is beginning to be hard to tell some of them apart. Sometimes I think that it is becoming hard to tell the recipients apart. Awards have their place. But they can have some curious aspects to them.

On one hand they can promote community involvement. On the other they can unintentionally slight, neglect, hurt, and produce resentments. Depending on who hands them out they can have credibility, laughability, or irritability.

Over the years I have watched a lot of people work diligently on various projects with little or no recognition. I am, here and

now, going to right what I think is a deplorable wrong and hand out my own awards.

These are not so much awards as they are public acknowledgements for community service, with some personal comments thrown in. They come expressly from me. There is no award committee, no certificate, no plaque, no silly-looking bewinged nude god or goddess with resplendent indistinct genitals that stands on a block of imitation marble.

The following list of people is not in order of height, age, physical endowments, or the lack of them. Nor does the order reflect descending or ascending value of contribution. The winners are:

gay people's

HRONICLE

Vol. 6, Issue 6.

Founded by Charles Callender 1928-1986

Published by KWIR Publications Co-Owners:

Robert Downing Martha J. Pontoni

Editor-in-Chief:

Martha J. Pontoni Associate Editors:

Brian DeWitt, Kevin Beaney. Copy Editor:

Donna Stewart Reporters and Writers:

Martha J. Pontoni, Dora Forbes, Don S., Faith Klasek, Robert Laycock, Douglas Braun, Bob Boone, Kevin Beaney, Joan Rizzo, Lois Lane, Stephanie Dlugon. Columnists:

Antone Feo, Russ Rosen, Fran Rosen. Editorial Cartoonist:

E.J. Farbarik

Art Director:

Christine Hahn

Artists:

Tom Zav, Dawn Fritz, Bob Boone, Pat Hughes. Distribution Chief:

Robert Downing Office Manager: Ray P. Triggs Account Executive: Steve VanGilder

Editorial Board:

Martha J. Pontoni, Robert Downing,

Brian DeWitt, Christine Hahn, Kevin Beaney, Cyndy Williams.

The Gay People's Chronicle is dedicated to providing a space in Cleveland's lesbian-gay community for all women and men to communicate and be involved with each other. This means that every Chronicle, to the best of our ability, will be equally dedicated to both men's and women's issues, as well as issues that affect all of us. Striving for this balance will not only provide the community with a forum to air grievances and express joys, but will also help all of us achieve this balance in our lives.

The Gay People's Chronicle is copyrighted under federal law. Any reproduction of its contents is prohibited unless either written or verbal permission is obtained.

The Chronicle is distributed free of charge in any establishment that permits its distribution.

Any material submitted for publication will be subject to editing. The Chronicle cannot guarantee the return of any such materials unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Publication of the name, picture or other representation of an individual, organization, or place of business in the Gay People's Chronicle is not indicative of his, her, or their sexual orientation or character.

Advertisers may obtain rate shoots and other information by writing the Chronicle, Box 5426, Cleveland, OH 44101. Our phone number is 216-621-5280. We reserve the right to reject advertising which is unsuitable for our publication. The Gay People's Chronicle is not responsible made by advertisers.

gpa

GAY AND LESBIAN PRESS ASSOCIATION

Holiday vacation

claims

Next Chronicle comes out Friday, January 11, a week later than usual.

The Gay People's Chronicle is published on the first Friday of the month; or the last Friday of some months with five Fridays. Items must be recieved by deadlines; mail takes several days. Call 621-5280 to inquire about hand delivery.

Deadlines:

Typed copy (first Monday of month) Copy on disk (second Monday) Display ads (second Monday) Camera-ready ads (third Monday) Calendar events (third Monday) Classifieds, Personals (first Monday) Obituaries (third Monday)

Dec. 3

Dec. 10

Dec. 17

Dec. 3

Dec. 17

Subscriptions:

Yearly subscriptions are on a sliding scale starting at $15.00. The Chronicle is sent by first-class mail in a brown envelope. Mail check or money order with address to the Chronicle, or G.P.C., P.O. Box 5426, Cleveland, Ohio 44101.

Correction

The headline on last month's Cleveland Public Theater benefit article stated that Andrew Mellen wrote Vampire Lesbians of Sodom. Mellen was an actor in that play, which was written by Charles Busch.

Scott Bibbs-for roughly seven years worth of work with GayWaves (WRUW, 91.1 FM), his irrepressible energy, and not asking me too many Lorna Cramer-for constant support, questions. work with HUGS East, and the Pride '89 and '90 Committees. I know, I keep forgetting to return your umbrella. It is the gray one, isn't it? Brian DeWitt-for his work with GayWaves, the Pride '89 and '90 CommitContinued on page 11