GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE JANUARY 28, 1994

THE PLAIN DEALER

FESTIVAL OF STARS

PRESENTS

Shirley MacLaine

February 3-5

Palace Theatre

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 PM

$27.75

Tickets available at Playhouse Square box office, all Advantix locations or charge by phone at (216) 241-6000, or toll-free 1-800-766-6048. For group discounts, call 771-4444.

PLAYHOUSE

SQUARE CENTER

Continental

is the official airline of Playhouse Square

yesSHEcan

PROMOTIONS

presents

Nicole Conn

Producer, Director and author of "Claire of the Moon"

Friday, February 11, 1994 at "The Metronome"

Single $35.00

Book Party 7:30 P.M. 9:30 P.M. Couple $50.00 Price Includes Champagne, Pastry and a copy of the book.

and also meet

René Porter of René Fine Art

Proceeds to Benefit The Mary Ann Finegan Anti-Violence Program and The Hotline

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 381-1600

Stonewall president president looks beyond mayor's pledge

by Charlton Harper

As incoming president of Stonewall Cleveland, John Nolan finds his job ahead eased a bit thanks to Mayor Michael White. In White's January 7 State of the City address, he announced that his legislative package would include sexual orientation protection for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. That declaration pleases Nolan, who has been working with other gay community leaders for the past two years at crafting such a law. Though the issue will have to clear City Council, Nolan is able to begin looking to other concerns facing the Cleveland lesbian-gay community. "I hope the community realizes the tremendous effort that we have been saved by the mayor directly introducing this now," says Nolan.

As a liaison from the Fair Housing Review Board to the Community Relations Board (CRB), Nolan had been directly involved with a plan to establish "substantial equivalency" between city housing laws and federal laws. Re-writing such laws would have allowed for introducing sexual orientation discrimination protection. But the long, complicated process to achieve substantial equivalency has to date been accomplished by only one city in the state of Ohio: Shaker Heights.

Stonewall leaders were also forming a different strategy at getting anti-discrimination language on the books. "[Retiring President] Keith Sutton wanted to be more aggressive, while I advocated a more conservative approach," says Nolan. Frustration was growing with the lack of action following the mayor's first-term campaign promise to the gay community to provide protective legislation.

"Since City Hall pretty much shuts down from November to January 1, we decided that if by spring nothing had happened we would push [Council President] Jay Westbrook on the issue," said Nolan.

Things were quiet from October until December 1, when Sam Thomas III of the CRB called with the news of White's intention. "At this point," said Nolan, "we needed to write sexual orientation in language that would be aimed at adults. Then it could be dropped into place in all of the city's ordinances that already include other anti-discrimination language. The mayor wanted it by the end of December."

The mayor's initiative is a smart example of savvy politics says Nolan. "I don't know why the mayor has moved on this the way he has. Either Mike White believes in his heart that this is important—and I think that might be the case or he believes it's a political advantage to have this in place. Either is fine with me. Basically, it's the mayor's thing," said Nolan.

While "we're in a holding pattern now," says Nolan, he acknowledges the power and clout White currently holds should usher the issue safely through Council. "The mayor was brilliant in waiting this long, with the power he holds now," says Nolan. “I'm a Mike White fan, so I might not be the most objective. But wrapping this in the larger context of an entire legislative package that includes economic programs, added police protection, etc., is smart. I do admire his politicking."

Though the future looks bright for lesbians and gays in the city of Cleveland, Nolan says there are limitations to how far that protection will extend. “The city can say you can't discriminate in areas like housing, employment, services and education, but enforcement will be limited to city employees and contractors. What is most important is the mayor making a strong statement that there will be no tolerance for discrimination. He's saying 'we're going to watch out for everyone.

The question now facing Nolan is "what will be our community's cause now? That's what we need to focus on. Will it be extending this kind of legislation to include domestic partnership? Or what about spousal benefits or adoption? Maybe we should use this example to influence suburban communities to enact similar legislation. I don't know. Unfortunately, we're in a place where a ballot issue in '94 may take our main energies."

Stonewall will continue with its Town Hall meetings, an invention of Keith Sutton's that has done much at providing an arena for airing important issues facing the community. The March 7 meeting will focus on the ballot issue. Nolan says, Stonewall will also continue anti-racism/sexism training. "We've been talking about what our reshould be. We realize the need for sponse intense two-day, ten hour sessions. We've found a good facilitator recommended to us by Sam Thomas. But getting people to come for that kind of time, probably on a weekend, is tough. Plus the cost would be around $2,000, something we just don't have. I think what we need is a professional who would be willing to come in for several short sessions that could be worked over a period of time. We're looking for someone who can work in that kind of structure."

Right now Nolan hopes that supportive lesbians and gays will let the mayor know of their approval. "If people feel comfortable with speaking up, then they should write him and let him know. He needs to know that if there's a ballot issue this fall there will be community support. Before we push him on other issues let him enjoy a honeymoon."

L'ELEPHANT BLANC

"the path to imagination begins . . . make the journey."

art, antiques, world collectibles, treasures, better women's clothing on consignment and holiday decorations.

Now Featuring Recent Artwork by Robert Kazar.. 11718 LORAIN AVENUE

CLEVELAND 251-5099

Variety Show turns 19

Alright ladies, it's that time of the year to dust off those theatrical attitudes and get involved. For the 19th year Oven Productions will be presenting their annual women only event, The Variety Show, to be held on February 12, at 8 pm, at the Civic, located at 3130 Mayfield Rd. in Cleveland Hts.

The 19th annual event promises to be an exceptionally outstanding production. For those who have previously attended, and have witnessed the diversity in talented performers, this year's presentation will unequivocally offer even more. For those who have not attended, the show itself provides a must see opportunity. The talented performers and MCs are sharpening their skills and are sure to wow all who attend. Let's not forget the big, stupendous party to be held immediately following the show. Don we now our party favorites.

The cost of this year's tickets will be $16,

and Oven continues to keep its sliding scale policy of more if you can, less if you can't. As in previous years there will be accessibility for the disabled, signing for the deaf and hearing impaired, as well as child care assistance.

Also, not to omit those who are not performing, Oven offers the opportunity to display your talent in caring and sharing. Show off your caring attitude by volunteering for the work exchange. Help is needed in ticket taking, sober support, ushering, decorating and even more, if you can. Confirm your position by calling 321-7799.

So remember to mark your calendar. February 12 is the date, Oven has the talent and the place, and you have what it takes to make this year's show and party a success. Let's put it all together and spell wow, for another great show.