SEPTEMBER 3, 1993 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 5
Log Cabin Club organized
and endorsing in Columbus
by Troy May
COLUMBUS BUREAU
Columbus gay Republicans have organized to take back their party from the right wing, while promoting social liberalism combined with fiscal conservatism.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in Columbus," said Troy Fabish, president of the new local chapter of the Log Cabin Club.
The club was started three months ago by Fabish and Jerry Neal, a former candidate for state representative. They felt Ohio's moderate gay Republicans desperately needed their voice heard. Their kickoff meeting was a free social event catered by Bermuda Onion, with entertainment by singer Jeanette Williams. Guest speaker was Rich Tafel, the national executive director of the Log Cabin Federation.
"Already we have a membership of 50, and 200 on our mailing list," said Fabish. "Our goal this year is to obtain a membership of 100."
The club's first general membership meeting, with 35 attending, was held at the Franklin Park Conservatory Cafe on August 5. Speakers included prominent local Republicans such as Michael Colley, head of the Franklin County Republican Party; and Lisa Sadler, a municipal court judge. "Their message was that the Republican Party is an encompassing group and does
not want to alienate anyone," Fabish said.
"We have already endorsed three candidates for this year's election: Lisa Sadler for Columbus municipal court judge; Amy Salerno, city council; and Teresa Liston, municipal court judge," he said. The endorsements are chosen by an advisory board within the club. Log Cabin members are dedicated to financial and campaign support, such as phone banks or flier drops, for gay-friendly candidates. On August 29, they sponsored a benefit bipartisan brunch to reelect Columbus Municipal Court Judge Teresa Liston.
"This is refreshing because we're so different," said John Kost, Log Cabin Club national board member. The group started in California in 1978, and has grown to a membership of over 7,000, according to last year's reports. This fall, California's club will apply to be a formal group in the state's Republican Party.
"We endorse the best candidate with our issue in mind. As an example, we did not endorse George Bush for president, and we were the first Republican group never to endorse a Republican candidate," Kost said. "But our primary focus is on local issues in our own districts."
Membership in the club costs $25 single, $40 couple and a gold charter for $100. Members receive a monthly letter and a quarterly newsletter. For more information, write Box 12126, Columbus, 43212. ♡
Upcoming gay seminars reflect church's welcome
by Troy May
COLUMBUS BUREAU
"Centering Ourselves and Becoming Whole as Lesbians and Gays" is the theme of a series of seminars to be held September 18 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1555 South James Road in Columbus.
The seminars will cover topics ranging from gay relationships to spirituality, with keynote speakers such as Dagmar Celeste, wife of former Governor Richard F. Celeste; Lynn Greer, a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund; and Joe Shannon, a Columbus psychologist specializing in gay issues. The seminars run throughout the day and include lunch and dinner. Cost is $30 a person.
"This program is focused on how to become whole by defining what gives us purpose, meaning, and keeps us grounded," said Al Debelak, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran. "Our ministry is to share faithful stories that will enhance us, not tear us down."
Last winter the church board unanimously voted to label their congregation as "Reconciled in Christ," which means it welcomes the lesbian and gay community openly, with no intentions to try to change anyone's
sexual orientation. "You don't do outreach work to change people, you do it with love, caring and openness. That's our ministry," Debelak said. "This lets gays and lesbians know where they can go for worship and be safe." Redeemer is the only Lutheran church in Ohio to adopt this ideology, he noted.
Debelak said about 35 people attended the first series of seminars the church sponsored in January. Many people commented that they were surprised to find such positive support in a Christian congregation, the pastor said. For some, it was their first time in any church, he added.
Most of the topics for the upcoming seminars were suggested by the people who attended the January program. The pastor explained that they wanted more teaching on spirituality, sexuality and coming out. "This is a part of our ministry-this is what we believe in as a congregation and we are acting on it," Debelak said. "We are opening up in many ways as Lutherans, and doing it in grace."
For more information about the seminars, call 614-237-1263. Child care and interpreters for the deaf will be provided upon request.
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