Page 8 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

August 21, 1992

Gays and lesbians capture Democratic convention spotlight

Washington, D.C.--In what many activists are calling a historical political accomplishment, gays and lesbians captured unprecedented attention and support at the Democratic National Convention in New York City.

From the floor of Madison Square Garden, to the streets outside, to the remarks of numerous convention speakers, AIDS and gay and lesbian civil rights garnered extraordinary press coverage, the support of convention delegates, and the attention of top Democratic Party politicos.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Human Rights Campaign Fund, and the Gay Men's Health Crisis coordinated several gay and AIDS-related events both inside and outside the convention.

The three groups operated a media and delegate action center in the Ramada Hotel next to Madison Square Garden. Press conferences, visibility actions, daily gay and lesbian delegates meetings and other events were promoted and produced from this gay 'command center.'

The increased visibility for gay and AIDS issues at the Democratic Convention came at a time of already heightened coverage of the gays in the 1992 presidential race, and follows nearly two decades of organizing within the Democratic Party by activists.

This year, the Clinton-Gore team has courted the gay vote and has publicly supported gays in the military. The BushQuayle campaign has attacked gay parents. And Ross Perot, just before dropping out of the race, held several meetings with NGLTF and other gay representatives following the national uproar caused by his media remarks about gays.

"Four years ago at the Democratic Convention in Atlanta, gay and lesbian issues were treated as odd sidebars to the main political menu of the day," said NGLTF executive director Urvashi Vaid, at a press conference on gay issues at the start of the 1992 convention. "Times change. Today,

the gay and lesbian vote and civil rights are central and defining issues in this Presidential election year."

An unprecedented number of openly gay and lesbian delegates gathered during the 1992 convention. At the start of the event, 104 delegates and alternates from 23 states joined the Gay and Lesbian Delegate Caucus, growing to 108 by the end of the convention as more delegates came out of the closet. At least three of the delegates were openly people with AIDS. The gay and lesbian caucus itself was larger than 33 state delegations.

The caucus organized several visibility actions, including large displays of signs reading LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS NOW on the floor, numerous press interviews, and a gay delegate "conga line" on the convention floor. The caucus met daily to address gay issues, develop campaign strategy and receive the attention of Democratic luminaries, including Sen. Ted Kennedy and former presidential candidate Paul Tsongas, who both addressed the caucus.

In his acceptance speech on July 16, Bill Clinton bashed President Bush for not implementing the National Commission on AIDS

report and said, "But I will.”

Clinton also lashed out at the Republican administration for blaming a long list of "thems" for the country's social ills, including "Them, the gays." Activists said this was the first time a presidential candidate in his acceptance speech had ever mentioned gays.

NGLTF, GMHC and other groups, including Queer Nation/Houston, ACT UP/ Republican National Convention and the Log Cabin Gay and Lesbian Republican Clubs planned several events at the Republican Convention in Houston this month.

Kamana benefit is a flashback to the Forties

Looking to combine a good time and a good cause? Try the "1940's Brunch, Fashion Show & Silent Benefit Auction" being held in the Grand Ballroom of Stouffers Tower City Plaza Hotel on Sunday, September 27th.

The good cause is that all proceeds from the festive event will benefit the AIDS Housing Council and its worthwhile programs, including Kamana House. No event like this has been done before for the Council, so expectations are high that this will be

a success.

The good time? Well, organizers Kerry Kennedy & Co. have promised that, as you step into the Grand Ballroom, you will be transported back in time to the watershed era of the 1940's. This was the decade when women first made their mark in the ranks of labor and later took part in the huge postwar economy. This was when men felt the call of duty and hundreds of the nation's finest were in close quarters for months on end.

The country was proud, the people were open and industrious, the clothes were classic. See many examples of 1940's wear during the fashion show portion of the program.

The event gets underway at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, with a silent auction lasting for about an hour. Many pieces have been donated to help support the AHC. The brunch follows from 12 to 1:30 p.m. and then the fashion show takes over. There will be other entertainment, too.

While the Grand Ballroom seats from

350 to 1000 people, it's best to order your tickets early. The donation is $30 per person and includes reserved seating.

If you want to get in on the action, volunteers are still needed to help with the event. Call 252-0159 or 692-3105 to volunteer, make a donation, reserve a seat, or obtain more information.

Roll, roll, roll in the hay

by Kevin Kukoleck

The sixth annual Gay and Lesbian Community Hayride is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. As usual, the event will feature square dancing demonstrations by the Cleveland City Country Dancers, hayrides, free apple cider and donuts, a DJ with club-style dance music, a bonfire, and a complimentary pumpkin.

This event will again be held at Boyert's farm in Medina. Tickets will be available at NOCI's We Are Family Picnic on September 13th and can be purchased at the Mono-

tones table. Tickets can also be obtained at selected bars or at Gifts of Athena Bookstore after September 15th.

The cost of the Hayride will be $10 in advance and $13 at the gate. Hot dogs, chips and soft drinks will be available for a nominal additional charge. Further information will appear in the September issue of the Chronicle. While the Community Hayride is sponsored by Monotones, a social and support group for gay and lesbian monogamous couples, it is not for couples only. This is an annual event open to everyone in the lesbian and gay community and our supporters.

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