Letters

November, 1991

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

Page 3

Heaven knows

To the Editor:

I just read the Good News column for MCC, by Roger, in the October Chronicle. One paragraph really annoyed me. "There are no Baptists or Catholics in heaven, or homo or heterosexual there: just washed in the blood, Christ born-again children, Amen!" Unfortunately that leaves out millions of Jews, Muslims, Buddists, maybe even Unitarians.

This is the problem with organized religion. I believe in God, but the God I believe in does not exclude people who do not believe in Jesus. Give us a break Roger. Too bad MCC doesn't practice what it preaches. Jos. V. Columbo

Stallion debate continues

To the Editor:

I had to get this off my chest. The Roger Zucker story was written and reported in the worst manner! You had a woman who has known him for three years tell us all about him. Well I've known the guy since 1985 and

with my gay brothers. When I don't need, or want, to share my space with women--gay, straight, bisexual or otherwise. I like women. Some of my best friends are women. I don't like feeling that my choice of association is being dictated to me.

Roger, if you feel so strongly about separatism, go to the Women's Halloween Party. My bet is you won't be welcomed with open arms. You'll be sent away with broken Daniel R. Kahn

ones.

Dear Editor:

Concerning the most recent article about Roger Zucker, we note the reference made about Mr. Zucker's expulsion from the Rangers because the Rangers refused to become politically active. Although this was not the reason for the expulsion, please note that Rangers, Inc. was granted federal tax exemption as a social organization under Section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code. The conditions of that tax exemption expressly prohibit Rangers, Inc. from engaging in any political advocacy whatsoever under penalty of losing such exemption.

Members of Rangers, Inc.

he has had a rude attitude toward everyone Help appreciated

unless he had something to gain from it. Roger has been involved with the Miss America pageant for many years, he has always wanted to be a contestant but there is separatism there too.

My personal feeling is that a story should not be printed unless all sides are put together. No opinion should be made unless you print "In my opinion I feel."

The Tuesday night that Roger quit the Leather Stallion, four friends of mine and I were there. Roger flew in, grabbed the microphone and stated "the trivial question for this evening is which bartender/barback quit the Leather Stallion? Me!!"

His quitting was every joy for everyone since he doesn't have a good word to say about or to anyone! No words of separatism were ever said. This would have been a perfect time to state his views on separatism.

My personal opinion on separatism is who cares? Lesbians and gay men have different opinions on everything. Gay men have the constant fear of AIDS and the fact of safe sex in any bodily contact. Lesbians are able to have children, no fear of AIDS or even a fact (sic) of safe sex. The reason we are gay is to be with someone of the same sex. There are many women-only bars and men-only gay bars. If you don't want separatism then go to a bar that doesn't have it. The power of the mighty dollar is the determining factor. If there is enough people to boycott a bar it will go under. Yes, we have a lot in common (lesbians and gay men) in the fact that we have sex with the same sex. Since that is the fact we should work on rights of gay people and not worry about separatism in the bars. John Schwartz

To the Editor:

I found your front page article "Charges Fly in Stallion Flap" to be very disturbing. For years charges have been made that the men discriminate against the women. That we perpetuate bigotry and sexism by not welcoming them into our bars and clubs with open arms. Then on Page 4, directly next to the second half of the sexism article, is an advertisement for a Women's Only Halloween Party.

This smacks of sexism, separatism, discrimination, and bigotry. If this paper is going to take a stand on an issue it should take that stand unilaterally.

I do feel that women should have their own space. That there are times when they should have the freedom to commune with their gay sisters. That having a man there could compromise the ability to share. By the same toke e are times when I want the freedom to ess myself, openly,

1

The following is a letter of thanks by HIT for the contribution made by MIST.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Health Issues Taskforce, I am writing to express our sincere appreciation for the donation of $1,000 made by the Planning Committee of the Midwest Invitational Softball Tournament, MIST, to the Taskforce's Direct Assistance program.

Taskforce Direct Assistance programs are a vital community resource for individuals living with AIDS/HIV and their loved ones. The program provides emergency aid for rent and utilities, medications and health care, food and clothing, furniture and transportation, funerals, and other needs.

During the first nine months of 1991, the Taskforce has provided $46,927 in emergency aid to more than 150 people. This figure does not include the value of goods donated to the Taskforce for direct distribution. We have also provided an additional $2,577 in direct support for social and recreational activities. While support for Direct Assistance has come from a variety of sources, donations from individuals and groups such as MIST are integral to our continued ability to offer direct aid to people with AIDS/HIV.

Once again, our thanks for your support.

Joseph Interrante Executive Director Health Issues Taskforce of Cleveland

Poem to a giving lady

To the Editor:

A poem for Elizabeth Taylor Thanks a million Liz, Elizabeth Taylor that is,

They say that every picture tells a story, Her wedding photos will do more of a glory,

She has come to the call, To donate them all,

They're worth five million in money, From a Lady; as sweet as honey,

With her compassion to give, May those infected continue to live,

Love, and kisses to Liz,

Who's much more than just show biz.

All monies from the wedding photos, are going to AIDS

A Thank-You, for the many forms of contribution that Elizabeth Taylor has given to the cause of AIDS

Bill Balch

FIGHT HOMOPHOBIA FIGHT HOMOPHOBIA FIGHT HOMOPHOBIA FIGHTHOMOPHOBIA FIGHT HOMOPHOBIA

Hate Crime Update

Due to technical difficulties, the September and October articles did not include all reported incidents and updates.

April 18 Cleveland. Ex-lover of victim send a letter to employer outing victim. The boss returned the letter with response saying it was "a private" matter. No repercussions would result.

April Akron. Verbal harassment while leaving bar.

May 3-Wooster. Man picked up by police in Metro Park for public indecency. His name was released to media but was not charged. Man subsequently lost his job over publicity.

June 22 Akron. Two men verbally harassed then assaulted near Adam's street bar. One victim sustained broken nose, black eye, swollen ear and jaw injury. Reported to police and bar. Bar was not supportive.

July Elyria. Verbal harassment outside bar.

July 10 Detroit & W117th. Pickway Man parking lot opposite Legends. assaulted by two assailants who forced their way into his car. The victim was beaten and robbed of wallet. Injuries resulted in two black eyes.

July 12-W25th & Clark. Passenger in car stopped for DWI. Assaulted by police. Victim was hit, pushed down on trunk and kicked in the face. Injuries resulted in fracture of eye socket and internal facial bleeding. Incident reported to Citizen's Review Board. Case is under investigation.

July 13 Clifton & W 110th. Victim pulled from car at stop light by two white males. Robbed and beaten with club. Escaped from assailants. Car was stolen and demolished. Resulting injuries, five cuts requiring stitches. Police report filed.

July 16 Pennsylvania Turnpike, highway patrol officers harassing men in rest area parking lot.

July 17 Downtown Cleveland. Arrest of minor during Queer Nation WMJI action.

July 18 Lakeside & E3rd. Youth picked up after curfew during Queer Nation action. Police officer who drove him home stated "IfI had a son like you I'd hang him." July 27 Anti-gay verbal harassment by parole officer at the May Dugan Center. July 27 & August 19 Cleveland. Verbal harassment by parole officer regarding morality. Complaint filed.

July 28 Huron Road Mall area. Four women harassed while leaving Dancing in the Streets by two men.

Described overall police response as "indifferent".

·

August 7 W. 112th & Detroit. Victim assaulted across the street after leaving Memoirs. Five assailants attacked him, held him down and robbed him. Homophobic languages used.

August 9 Clevland Heights. Victim of verbal harassment.

August 9 W. 104th & Clifton. Verbal abuse including death threat to gay pedestrian by two men in white two-door convertible.

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Detroit & W. 54th. Man August 18 attacked by five men. First verbally then physically after chase. Victim knocked down on sidewalk and struck several times while homophobic language was used. Injuries consisted of cuts and bruises.

non-

August 17 Cleveland. Victim in gay bar was verbally and physically harassed by other patron in bar. The bar tender refused to intervene until assailant began to damage property. Injuries. Wounds on face required five stitches. Police report filed.

August 25 Akron. Three perpetrators entered bar near closing time. Began harassing patrons. Two victims were pistol whipped. Minor damage from thrown bottles. Near by police officer refused to act when called.

August 29 Two males, one with gun, verbally threatening a gay man near The Center.

August 30-W 6th.St.While leaving bar, two men were harassed by five men. October 2 Woman reporting same sex domestic violence requiring hospital treatment. Police responding to complaint refused to take report and described it to ambulance driver as "two girls partying". Other Items Now that we have a program in place with the Cleveland Police, we are hoping to begin a similar program in the city of Lakewood. If any residents of Lakewood would be interested in assisting in working on this, please call the Center. 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.

The Cleveland Police Department is assisting in reviewing police reports to determine the number of assaults which have occurred on the Clifton-area during this summer. This information will be used with cases documented by the Center to assist the Center and the Police Department to determine patterns of assaults.

Safety Tips Although most of the assaults reported occur during the summer months, REMAIN VIGILANT, many of the most severe cases are reported during the entire year.

Spring and Summer Incidents of Gay/ Lesbian Hate Crimes" April --August 1991 Reports: 42

Incidents: 67 Victims: 50

Victimizations:

Murder -1 Phys. Assault --6

Phys. Assualt w/robbery -5 Phys. assualt w/property damage -2 Police/Law Enf't Abuse -5 Police/Law Enf't Assault -1 Property Damage -7 Blackmail -2

Verbal Abuse/Threats -36 Demographics:

Cleveland -56

Akron -9 Elyria -1

Trumbull Co. -1