20 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE JUNE 10, 1994
BOOKS
A look at the early century's lesbian and gay subculture
Jeb and Dash: A Diary of Gay Life, 1918-1945
edited by Ina Russel
Faber and Faber, Inc.
Reviewed by Brent Wilder
Jeb and Dash is proof that gay life existed before Stonewall.
As ridiculous as that assertion may seem, it's refreshing to have a book remind us that gays were around long before the civil rights movement. Jeb and Dash, a compilation of one gay Washington, D.C. man's diaries from the first half of the century, is a fasci-
nating if somewhat heavily edited look at a wel-established subculture history tends to forget.
The author, "Jeb Alexander," (names have been changed to protect the innocent) is a painfully introverted man whose fly-onthe-wall approach to life lends itself well to the recording of what could be viewed as an introverted lifestyle.
In his years of typical college angst, he meets C.C. "Dash" Dasham, a Mississippi youth also attending Virginia's Washington and Lee University, and begins an onagain, off-again romance-a first love that never dies throughout the book. It soon
becomes apparent that Jeb's lot is to pine after Dash, longing to have him completely but needy enough to take what he can get.
That pretty much sums up Jeb's attitude to life: he longs to be a great author but never writes outside his diary, is dissatisfied with his government editing job but too complacent to quit, and wants to be more outgoing but categorically rejects almost all chances for friendship. In short, he's an average guy with hopes and dreams unfulfilled, making the best out of bad situations.
Jeb is a great storyteller, and his characterization is especially enjoyable. Sprinkled throughout the book are retellings of episodes with Isador, a wonderfully catty queen prone to doing drag imitations and throwing exquisite parties, and impression profiles of people briefly met during successful and unsuccessful evenings cruising the parks.
One slightly annoying feature of the book
isn't Jeb's fault-his over-zealous niece, the editor to whom his diaries were willed, is intent on making sure no reference is obscure to the reader. She includes notations even on well-known popular culture figures like Kate Smith (God Bless America) and Walt Whitman (Leaves of Grass).
However, Russell has done a fairly good job cutting the immense raw volume of the diaries to a facsimile of Jeb's life that reads realistically. Her input (she's straight) probably keeps the book from being merely a politically-correct look at a lifestyle.
As it is, Jeb and Dash is not only a story of a life but a complete recording of the events of Jeb's day. It's a pleasure for activists and history buffs alike, yet holds appeal for hopeless romantics as well. Any temptation to view Jeb as a loser is eventually overcome by the realization that his life retold actually makes a good story. When it's all over, how many people can say the same?
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The Gay People's Chronicle is seeking applicants for the position of Managing Editor. Duties include making story assignments, supervising and recruiting reporters and columnists, and managing the editorial phase of producing two editions of a biweekly publication. The Managing Editor is also responsible for maintaining the balance, quality, and "feel" of the paper's content.
We are looking for an experienced journalist with proven managerial skills. The Managing Editor is also a community leader, and must balance the needs of many individuals with those of the paper.
This is a full-time, salaried position, with health benefits. An equal opportunity employer; women and minorities encouraged to apply. Send clippings and resume to R. Pontoni, P.O. Box 5426, Cleveland, Ohio 44101.
The Gay People's Chronicle is Ohio's largest gay and lesbian newspaper, publishing since 1985. The Chronicle publishes two biweekly editions, one in Cleveland and one in Columbus.
An uplifting story of gay male married life
Straight from the Heart: A Love Story
by Bob and Rod Jackson-Paris
by Geoff Dunn
In this autobiograpical book, Bob and Rod Jackson-Paris focus on the problems facing gays and lesbians in America, and how they emerged together as a married couple, with both love and dignity intact. Part romance, part guidebook, Straight from the Heart is a story of survival and hope.
Tireless workers in the cause of gay rights, Bob and Rod Jackson-Paris are role models for a generation of gays and lesbians growing up in a time of great uncertainty. Their work in shattering tradi-
to point out that they also face all the problems that confront any couple. All the Ozzie and Harriet things exist: laundry, dishes, the question of raising a family. But, as with a heterosexual marriage, if there is love, patience, and commitment, the marriage will endure. The Jackson-Parises have been married for five years.
It is still fairly revolutionary to think of gay relationships in this way--for many gay men and women, love and marriage is only a dream. But the fact that two highly public figures have endured and thrived, in spite of the spotlight, should bring the dream closer to reality.
It is still fairly
tional gay stereotypes has revolutionary to think
earned them acclaim, and intolerance. Bob Paris was
a champion bodybuilder, Rod Jackson a high-profile model. Both men came from traditional, if dys-
functional, American
of gay relationships in this way-for many gay men and women, love and marriage is only a dream.
households. These backgrounds, coupled with the simple fact of their enduring relationship, belie many of society's ideas about gay life. Real men can be gay.
Written as a dual narrative, the book offers a look at the lives of both men, with an emphasis on how their adolescences were affected by their awakening sexuality, passages that should strike a chord within any gay reader.
The fear of being gay led Rod to run, as fast as he could, from home and family, in an attempt to leave the problem behind. Bob took refuge in drugs and alcohol, then found an outlet in bodybuilding. For both men, acceptance came slowly, but the change led them on paths destined to cross.
Their first meeting, and not-alwayssmooth courtship, offered them something they'd thought impossible: a life lived with someone to love. Here the book offers a critically important lesson-a same-sex marriage is not really different from a "traditional" marriage at all. While the JacksonParises make no attempt to minimize the problems they faced as a gay couple (parental denial, social alienation, finding a minister to perform the ceremony), they are quick
One problem they still face after all this time and publicity is the sin of omission; simply, being open with oneself and one's lover, but neglecting to be open with others about the relationship. To be out, but not together. The problem stems partly from the conditioned, reflexive shame of being gay that society imposes, partly from fear of confrontation. Easier to think, "We know we're together, and that's all that matters." But not to speak out is to join the conspiracy of silence, to passively submit to the status quo that keeps gays and lesbians second-class citizens.
Breaking this silence is something that Bob and Rod are committed to doing, through their books, television appearances, college lectures, and a video for gay and lesbian high school students. Reaching out, by showing that it is possible to be gay and live with pride, by being empowering role models, they hope to lessen the isolation felt by so many gay and lesbian teenagers. They also raise a thought-provoking point with all their audiences: any gay man or lesbian who makes it through growing up is a survivor, and all survivors have an obligation to help those who follow them.
For those who are coming out, or those looking for a relationship, or those already in one, Straight from the Heart offers straight talk and sound advice. Pick it up, read it, then pass it along.