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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

January 22, 1993

Editorial

Who benefits?

In the aftermath of "Center Stage II" there remains a serious question: why didn't this benefit work? Yes, it was fun. Yes, there was a large audience. Yes, it avoided the "male dominated" problems of the previous year's Talent Show winners. But it did not make a respectable profit, and that was the whole point.

This event--a talent show and party-was intended to generate thousands of dollars for the Lesbian-Gay Community Service Center of Greater Cleveland. The Chronicle last month got preliminary word that the November 21 event made a profit of $625. As of mid-January the final figures were still being "worked on" as rumors continue to fly within the community about a massive loss.

Center Executive Director Leigh Robertson and the event's producer, Bluefish Productions' Brynna Fish, both refused to discuss figures until the final budget is complete and reviewed by the Center's board. However, they dispute the $5,000 to

$8,000 losses being rumored, pointing out that some deposits had not been recorded accurately.

The more knowledgeable critics point out that the budget's expenses assumed sellout crowds for the "Center Spread" as well as the show, which was far from the case. There also have been allegations that goods and services were provided at full cost, instead of the reduced cost or donation that is usually sought for this type of fundraising event. For the record, the Gay People's Chronicle, a sponsor of Center Stage II, provided advertising at a 50 percent discount.

Regardless of how the final accounting turns out, there are questions for the Center's board to address. Some of them are: why budget the event assuming a sellout; why weren't vendors lobbied harder for donations; why didn't the board maintain expense approval and financial control; did the committee really work; how many people got in for free at the Center Spread;

Outing her--but not him

On December 31 the Plain Dealer ran an Associated Press article on its front page, heralding Donna Shalala, President Clinton's choice for the Health and Human Services cabinet position, as a lesbian.

Outing, or the practice of proclaiming someone's sexual orientation against that person's wishes, was originally started to expose those lesbians and gays who, while remaining tightly closeted, helped in homophobic harassment of our community.

A really prime example of someone who deserved outing and eventually was exposed, is Department of Defense spokesperson Pete Williams. Williams, despite the fact that he was gay himself, stood up in front of the world media every day and helped explain why lesbians and gay men should not serve in the military. Here was one of our own, publicly helping others hurt our community

Williams was outed by the Advocate, a

reputable national gay publication. There were many facts to back up the claim that Williams was gay, plus many of our national leaders supported his outing. This was legitimate protest against one of our own helping to light twigs as we burned at the stake.

Do you know how many straight papers ran a story about the outing of Pete Williams? Not many, and the Plain Dealer wasn't one of them. They ignored the story altogether, never once "tarnishing" the name of this important white man who works for the mighty Pentagon.

On the other hand, Shalala was outed by one renegade member of Queer Nation who made the claim because "several other gays and lesbians have made the same claim."

Lesbians are more titillating to straight men than gay men are, so maybe that made this story more believable than the Pete Williams story. After all, some guy who

and shouldn't the Center's best interests require proven fundraisers--and people who are out of the closet--on the committee? The community the Center serves expects answers. The finances were promised to be released as this issue goes to press. There has been a Community Forum scheduled to discuss the aftermath of Center Stage II. The meeting is on Wednesday, January 27, at 6:30 pm at the Center. All those who worked on the planning of the event, attended, or have interest in the event's future success are encouraged to attend.

We urge the Center's board, during its review process, not to abandon the concept. Cleveland needs community-building events. Center Stage II was enjoyable for all who attended. Next time, let's make sure it raises money, too.

■The Center released figures for the Talent Show as the Chronicle went to press. They are on page 22.

works with all that macho military brass couldn't be a fag, who could believe that? On the other hand Shalala has been called the "Queen of Political Correctness" by many in the press, and we all know that means she is a raving bull-dyke as all feminists are known to be. So maybe there didn't need to be any research or corroboration on the part of the journalist who wrote the piece. Maybe it was just obvious.

Outing can be a power tool for change and education in our society, if used selectively and judiciously. It has become a form of blackmail that has taken an ironic twist. But remember that it is not lesbians and gays who make an issue out of our sexual orientation, but rather those who hate us. Someday, it would be nice if a story about the sexual orientation of a public official was met with a shrug and a "Who cares," but then what would the Plain Dealer put on its front page?

gay people's

HRONICLE

Vol. 8, Issue 7

Founded by Charles Callender, 1928-1986

Published by KWIR Publications

Publisher:

Martha J. Pontoni Business Manager:

Patti Harris Managing Editor:

Kevin Beaney Production Manager: Brian De Witt Associate Editor:

Scott C. Hare Reporters and Writers:

Martha J. Pontoni, Dora Forbes, Marne Harris Kevin Beaney, Douglas Braun,

Timothy Robson, S.K. Bair. Artist:

Christine Hahn Sales Manager:

Patti Harris

Editorial Board:

Martha J. Pontoni, Patti Harris, Kevin Beaney, Brian De Witt, Scott Hare.

The Gay People's Chronicle is dedicated to providing a space in the northeast Ohio lesbian-gay commmity for all of its members to communicate and be involved with each other. This means that every Chronicle, to the best of its ability, will be equally dedicated to both men's and women's issues, as well as issues that affect the entire community. This balance will provide lesbians and gay men with a forum to air grievances and express joys.

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

Any material submitted for publication will be subject to editing. The Chronicle cannot guarantee return of any such materials unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The Gay People's Chronicle is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. We reserve the right to reject advertising which is unsuitable for our publication.

Next Chronicle comes out Friday, February 19

The Gay People's Chronicle is published on the third Friday of the month. Items must be received by deadlines; mail takes several days. Call 621-5280 to inquire about hand delivery. Advertisers:

Call 216-621-5280 (fax 216-621-5282) for rate sheets and information. Or, write the Chronicle at P.O. Box 5426, Cleveland, Ohio 44101. Deadlines: Articles Thursday, February 4 Classifieds, personals Wednesday, February 10 Display ads (not camera ready) Friday, Feb. 5 Camera-ready ads Calendar,obituaries

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Wednesday, February 10 Wednesday, February 10

Subscriptions are 12 issues for $25.00 and 24 issues for $40.00. The Chronicle is sent in a brown envelope. Mail check or money order with address to the Chronicle, P.O. Box 5426, Cleveland, 44101.

Honoring our own, because they are heroes

Once again, the Chronicle is set to honor those people in our community who we believed made a positive difference in the lives of other lesbians and gays around them.

These are people who went above and beyond to provide services, entertainment, comfort or vision to this community. Service in this community does not always bestow upon the volunteer reams of accolades and love. So why do ordinary citizens, who could be home watching Roseanne, attend meetings, write grants, give up good paying jobs, leave their houses on Sunday evening and generally go out of their way for people they may not even know?

Because they are heroes.

They are people who believe in something more important then self gratification. They are people with high standards, people who want to create a community they would be proud to live in. They are people who instead of just sitting around complaining, show up and make a difference. These people are heroes. They are people we should look up to, appreciate and understand when they aren't always perfect.

Several years ago a national lesbian and gay magazine ran a lengthy article about why our community has no national leaders. Recently, the Advocate ran a similar article on why we "eat our own." The lack of appreciation for those who volunteer their time, energy and vision is the most compelling reason why members of our community refuse to take on bigger roles within it.

No one is perfect. Dealing with the interests of such a diverse community can be horrendous. But as a community we seem to expect our leaders to never make mistakes and always be there no matter how we treat them.

In our small way, the publishers and staff of the Chronicle want to thank those members of our community who go that extra mile, who really try to make this world we live in a better place. Not everyone who won an award this year would be considered a leader by the traditional sense of the word, but they are. They are leaders and they certainly are heroes and we implore you to help us honor these people for the work they have done and hopefully will continue to do in the future.

We would especially ask you to help us honor those people who stepped forward to help the Chronicle in its time of need. Without them, you wouldn't be reading this editorial. Many of these people were never involved in anything else in the community till they decided they still wanted a paper. Their dedication and willingness to understand what this community would be like without a newspaper helped continue an institution we are really proud of.

If you are one of those people who wrote us and said how glad they are the Chronicle is still publishing, then it is important that on February 21 you show your appreciation for those who made it happen by attending.

Don't let this opportunity to express what the community means to you pass you by. Attending the awards ceremony is an easy way to get involved and help those who help you all the time feel good about what they do.

Hate Crime Update

Compiled by the Maryann Finegan Project

January 5-Assault and robbery of victim in adult bookstore. Clerk unwilling to call police.

The Maryann Finegan Project is compiling its 1992 report for local, state and national authorities responding to crimes against our community.

If you were the victim of any kind of assault--verbal, physical, minor or major--please call the Hotline at 781-6736 to report it. Sensitive advocacy is available if needed, but reports are crucial to document the extent of attacks and abuse our community experiences.