Letters

July, 1991-

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

Page 3

Get tested!

To the Editor:

Why me? A question that was imbedded in my mind in the summer of '88.

When I tested positive for HIV, I felt the world come to an end in a single sentence: "I'm sorry to inform you, but your test came back positive." I thought this is what the results would be (since my wild summer of '85), but being told that your feelings are right is initially a major catastrophe.

But it turned out to be the kick in the butt that I needed to get my act together.

You learn to get your life into a proper perspective. Believe it or not, there is more to being gay than just sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll.

I'm hoping that HIV negative people realize that I already have enough people in the same situation as I am. If you have any feelings that you might be positive, get tested. With early detection you can make a world of difference in the outcome.

I've raised my T-cells from 450 in '88, to 845 in '91, so trust me: it is much better to know.

I hope to see you all in the year 2000, I plan on being here. Will you plan on it,

too?

Willie Hutson

Courage and bravery

To the Editor:

I just wanted to write a short note about the "Lesbian, in love, and out-in high school" article [June]. Karmyn and Emily's courage and bravery are wonderful! Their openness is to be commended! I support them 100 percent! You've got me behind you, gals!

Ed Bricker

Focus of Men's Chorus is music

To the Editor:

I was surprised and distressed to read Jack Hennette's letter [Chorus: Come out] in your June '91 edition. Because Mr. Hennette decided to bring his opinions into a public forum instead of finding out the facts himself, I am compelled to respond.

To preface, I am a musician and an outof-the-closet straight man. I also personally know Mr. Hennette, as well as the director of the Chorus, and various other members of the ensemble.

First of all, Mr. Hennette is under the assumption that the North Coast Men's Chorus represents the gay community. Although it is true that most of the members are gay, it is not their main focus for existing. If one remembers when the chorus started, the group was directed by two directors. One gay and one straight. Music is the focus of the Chorus. It should be the focus of any chorus.

Secondly, I take issue with Mr. Hennette's criticism of the "political incorrectness" of the group's musical selections. Their holiday (read Christmas) concert was a great success. Judging from the size and response from the audience, no one minded being part of a Christian celebration. (By the way, Jewish selections were sung.) I also take issue with his view of performing Christian music. Christian music has been a staple of choral literature for centuries; to turn our backs to it because it doesn't fit our political agendas is ridiculous. Maybe Mr. Hennette should write letters to gay composers like Daniel Pinkham or Ned Rorem shaming them for

writing music for those homophobic Christians.

The North Coast Men's Chorus is a performing entity. Its function is to entertain. Performing music from Hollywood movies is not a slap in the face of gays. It is programming music to suit an audience who went to see those movies. I question Mr. Hennette's thinking process in attacking those areas.

Lastly, I take issue with using a public forum to air Mr. Hennette's criticisms. Why didn't Mr. Hennette call the NCMC's phone number and express his opinions

issues I'd already read about in the Bay Area Reporter, the Sentinel or the Bay Times), how many things center in the Lesbian Gay Community Service Center,

etc.

After reading the paper from cover to cover, I have to admit that the idea of a move from this (supposed) gay mecca back to the Midwest is a lot more tenable. Keep the pride.

Cal Vance San Francisco

one on one? Mr. Hennette personally Palestinians didn't

knows the director of the Chorus. I do not see the difficulty in this matter.

I personally know Jack Hennette, and this letter may anger him, but I feel since this issue was brought into the public spotlight, then it should be discussed in that arena. If Mr. Hennette feels a "politically correct" gay chorus is needed in Northeast Ohio, then he should start one. Until then, he should support the North Coast Men's Chorus, join the group and seek change from within, or keep his opinions to himself.

Joseph A. Guy

Chorus has evolved: let's vote again

To the Editor:

I have been a member of the North Coast Men's Chorus since it was first formed. In the first few months we conducted a member survey to look at many things, including identifying ourselves as a gay chorus. It is my impression that reverences to being gay were omitted because some members felt vulnerable, not simply because of internalized homophobia.

Some people were afraid of losing their jobs. Some were concerned with logistical problems that could have arisen with possibly homophobic concert-hall owners or those who rented us rehearsal space. Others were simply so far in the closet that they had not even considered using the word "gay."

I think these are the real reasons we decided at that time to not say "gay."

My question is, are the reasons currently valid? My personal feeling is "no." No matter what we call ourselves, we are a gay chorus, our members are gay, and in the gay and lesbian community we have always been known as the gay men's cho-

rus.

The North Coast Men's Chorus has grown and changed a lot since its initial formation. It is time for the membership to ask itself, as it did three years ago: Are we willing to call ourselves "gay," and are we willing to accept the risks, as well as the many benefits that go with claiming this powerful word? I think we are. But, just as each individual must decide the best time and way to come out, each group and organization must be allowed that freedom, too.

Douglas Braun

Back to the Midwest

To the Editor:

Many thanks to whoever the person was that answered my request for a copy of the Chronicle and also sent the Pride Guide '91.

Martha Pontoni, you put out a very informative and helpful newspaper for the gay community in Cleveland. Graphically, too, it's very appealing and the pages seem to flow well.

As one who is considering moving to Cleveland, the paper gave me a good feel for what's going on where, what some of the local issues are (many of the national

disrupt service

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to Karen Schneiderman's article [Two Views of the Lesbian Conference] which appeared last month in your publication. I attended the National Lesbian Conference in Atlanta. I thought it was great, full of courage, honesty, vulnerability, conflict and change.

While there, I participated in the Shabbat service Friday night. I was aware that the presence of the Jewish religious service on the Civic Center stage generated some controversy and discussion both before and after the service concerning our 'right' to be there (who grants us rights anyway?).

However, my experience of the service itself did not include any disruptions. I do not believe that it serves my best interest as a Jewish woman to allow the anti-Semitism expressed at the conference to be blamed in any way on Palestinian women. I believe it to be inaccurate to write that "the disruptions... moved to rude oppression when the Palestinian lesbians disrupted the Shabbot service..." It was not my experience.

A positive effort was made at the conference by the Jewish lesbian caucus when the decision was made to include Palestinian lesbians in the anti-oppression workshop on anti-Semitism. Both Arabs and Jews suffer from anti-Semitism. Publicly and privately, the peace solution was being discussed.

Debra Hirshberg

The Chronicle encourages everyone to write and express their opinion about the paper or life in general. Please be brief. 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 so we may contact you.

Hate Crime Update

compiled by the Maryann Finegan Project Use your whistles!

With support from NOCI and owners of local bars and businesses, the Maryann Finegan Project has purchased 1,400 self-defense whistles. Stonewall Cleveland has helped to design the accompanying educational brochures. With the help of Queer Nation, over 1,200 whistles were distributed June 22 at Pride Day.

Cleveland's gay and lesbian community is currently experiencing an alarming rise in assaults and harassment. We need to respond with an even greater show of strength, vigilance, and solidarity. Please act pro-actively and never go out to gay-lesbian businesses or events without a whistle and the knowledge of how to use it.

Always carry the whistle when out. ●Blow it whenever you feel threatened. Don't be afraid to make a noise. Whenever you hear a whistle--Don't be a hero! Gay bashers and other criminals rarely act alone. Try to guess where the sound is coming from, call 911, gather others, then rush to the scene blowing your whistles.

●Please don't use whistles in bars, discos, restaurants, etc.

Whistles are free and available at the Center, 1418 W. 29th St., during business hours. Please pick one up for your well-being this summer.

Crimes of bias reported in June:

February 6-Metroparks Memphis-Tiedemann restrooms: Verbal harassment during public indecency arrest. Ranger to other ranger: "These guys are down here spreading AIDS."

May 21-Near W. 115th and Detroit: Police harassment. Undercover

officers in car with flashlights, requesting I.D. of two men who were talking, then saying, "Don't you think it's time you get your ass home?”

June 1-Domestic violence: Breakin by former lover. Collectibles broken.

June 8-Prospect Ave. parking lot near Keys: Assault, broken bottle used as weapon, homophobic language. Two victims, three assailants.

June 12-Detroit at West 29th: "Lesbian-Gay Pride Day June 22" advertising banner over Detroit Ave. was pulled down by driver of truck whose license number was turned over to police.

June 13-Trumball County: Murder in Mosquito Reservoir of How land Elementary School principal Larry Graber. 20-year-old suspect is in custody.

June 18-Homeowner discovered roofers had sprayed "FAGS LIVE HERE" ON newly-installed roof about to be shingled. Complaint to company owner produced a "forced apology." Homeowners, architects, and contractors should reconsider doing business with Mike's Roofing Company until more professional business conduct can be assured.

June 22 or 23-West 115th and Detroit: Vandalism of Body Language store sign.

To report incidents and receive help, call 522-1999 during business hours or 781-6736 in the evening. All calls are confidential. The Maryann Finegan Project is a program of the Lesbian-Gay Community Service Center. ▼

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