AUGUST 5, 1994 GAY PEOPLE'S, CHRONICLE 13
COMMUNITY GROUPS
White appoints new AIDS coordinator
ACT UP members were invited to attend the press conference held by Cleveland Mayor Michael White announcing the workplace policy for city employees in regards to HIV/AIDS, and to introduce Betty Chao, the city's new AIDS policy coordinator. Chao hails from San Diego, where she was involved in AIDS support services. We came away from the press conference surprised at the candor from the mayor's office and hopeful that things are finally going to start happening in Cleveland to slow the spread of AIDS in all communities.
Mayor White spoke about what the bottom line in the war on AIDS is all about,
something our community has known for years: it's about saving lives by any means necessary. The mayor spoke about condom distribution and needle exchange with the knowledge that these issues will be met with opposition from some community leaders and
health director's comment when asked about needle exchange was, "I will walk away from it if there is any con-
ACT UP
members of the commuTHE AIDS COALITION TO UNLEASH POWER
troversy."
We were also surprised by the mayor's understanding of the importance of anonymous testing as opposed to confidential testing, suggesting employees who want to test for HIV demand anonymous testing. This is a clear example of the mayor's knowledge of what needs to happen and his willingness to see things through.
nity at large. He made the CLEVELAND
commitment to do what has
to be done regardless of the
controversy, which was very encouraging to us, since you may remember that the last
In the belly of the beast
by Bill Henderson
OUTVOICE VICE CHAIR
On May 16, 17 and 18, a strategy conference of the Radical Right's anti-gay organizers was held in Colorado Springs. By invitation only, it was closed to the media and general public.
The conference was organized by Colorado for Family Values, was partly funded and led by Focus
on the Family, and
creasing criticism of Ohio clergy who do not openly decry sex outside of marriage, single parenting, and homosexuality; a movement to criminalize homosexuality; a movement for "tax breaks" for "the productive class" of married heterosexuals; and a movement to
OUT Voice
featured the top tier of anti-gay organizers across the country. If you know someone who does not understand that the anti-gay movement is a well planned and coordinated effort and is already at work here in Ohio, please show them this column.
Representing the movement in Ohio were Scott Ross, state director of the American Family Association; Phil Burress of Equal Rights Not Special Rights of Cincinnati and coordinator of the right-wing coalition Ohio Pro-Family Forum; and Mary Ann Mazzo, also of Equal Rights Not Special Rights.
They strategized for three days with over fifty others representing seventeen state organizations and the major national groups now at work against anti-discrimination protection. Included were one of the founders of the Radical Right movement in the late 70's, Howard Phillips of the Conservative Caucus of Virginia; the infamous homophobe Paul Cameron of Family Research Council of Wasington, D.C.; Oregon Citizens Alliance director Lon Mabon (by far the most successful sponsor of anti-gay ballot initiatives); Peter LaBarbera of Accuracy in Media and publisher of the anti-gay "Lambda Report"; and Robert Skolrood of National Legal Foundation, the radical legal advocacy founded by Rev. Pat Robertson. Other organizations present included leaders or affiliates of Concerned Women of America, Traditional Values Coalition, and the Christian Coalition.
According to notes from a participant in this closed conference, we have not yet seen the high-water mark of radical political action and anti-gay organizing, particularly in Ohio. We can expect, as planned by these people, in-
Leave
"out" clergy and elected public officials who support anti-discrimination efforts or who receive financial support from lesbian or gay organizations. These efforts will appear to be locally inspired, but in fact will be nationally coordinated by the organizations mentioned above.
Heads up! Scott Ross of Ohio's American Family Association conceived a large part of this strategy now called "Project Spotlight." In his own public statements he has referred to over one hundred and fifty local organizations across Ohio ready to put the strategy to work. Phil Burress, who directed the anti-gay campaign in Cincinnati, is coordinating the coalition of Radical Right affiliates called Ohio Pro-Family Forum. As if we don't have enough alligators at our knees, I have been warned by progressive organizations in the West that Oregon Citizens Alliance is eager to organize also in Ohio. Joining and supporting local and statewide anti-discrimination organizations is critically important now, while we have a chance to organize.
To join Out Voice send $25 ($10 limited income) to 1487 West 5th Ave. Suite 226, Columbus, OH 43212
To support candidates and officials who like us as we are, send any size donation to Ohioans Against Discrimination, Susan Bader, Treasurer; 395 E. Broad St. Suite 310, Columbus, OH 43215.
Out Voice is working to build and strengthen local lesbigay organizations and to educate the public about ourselves and the Radical Right. If you would like us to appear before your group or speak with your friends, contact me directly at 651-2341.
Please, point out this column to the friends you love. Spread the word. Join the movement to end discrimination. We need you now.
Business Organization and Planning Family Law Divorce
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it to Auto Accidents/Personal Injury DUI
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Criminal Law • Landlord/Tenant
Weaver Bankruptcy Corporations
Personalized Solutions
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AIDS Discrimination
for all Weaver & Associates
Legal Matters
216-621 7200
Susan M. Weaver, Atty at Law 1370 W. 6th Street #212 Cleveland, Ohio 44113-1308
It is encouraging to see this change in the city's response to AIDS. We feel that we have already brought the lack of response, up to this point, to the public. We feel that there is no use dwelling on what didn't happen under the leadership of Daisy Alford. We identified the problems and did what we could to rectify it. Now it's all our responsibility to support and help Betty Chao, and health director Judy Zimomra, to see the Citizens Committee on HIV/AIDS's recommendations are carried out. We will do ev-
erything we can to build a good working relationship with the AIDS policy coordinator and look forward to working together to fight the AIDS crisis.
Thai massage offered
ACT UP is offering Thai massage at no cost to people with HIV/AIDS. This service is being offered on Wednesdays. The massages are about two hours long, so the therapist can only take two people a day. The times are 9:00 am and 11:00 am. If you want an appointment, call the ACT UP workspace at 621-2233. Slots are filling up quick, so call now.
Also, don't forget about Salsa Night on Friday, August 19 at the Ohio City Oasis on W. 29th and Detroit. For "A Night of Tropical Heat," DJ Israel Diaz will be spinning Latin sounds, and there will be performances by Ms. E. Wreck Shawn and a special mystery guest. Come dressed in your tropical best-there will be prizes for the most fabulous costume. A $2 donation at the door will benefit ACT UP Cleveland. For more information, call 621-2233.
Akron has candidate night
Stonewall Akron, a community education and political interest organization serving the Akron-area's lesbian, gay and bisexual community and its allies, is hosting its first "Candidates Night Out" forum on Wednesday, August 10 at 7:00 pm. The forum will be held at Hennessy's Downtown restaurant, 137 S. Main Street in Akron.
Candidates for local, state and federal office will be present. Each will be speaking
briefly and will entertain questions and comments from the audience. The purpose of the forum is to give candidates for the upcoming fall elections an opportunity to meet with community members and leaders who support equal political and social rights for lesbians, gays and bisexuals.
The event is free and open to the public. A list of confirmed candidates for this event is available by calling 869-6562.
Exciting News for Fall 1994 Borders is Growing!
NEW MUSIC SECTION
(50,000 MUSIC TITLES) EXPANDED ESPRESSO BAR
GIANT CHILDREN'S AMPHITHEATRE
BORDERS
BOOK SHOP'
La Pach • Corner of Richmond & Cedar • Beachwood • 292-2660
PORTHOUSE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
William Shakespeare's Classic Romantic Comedy.
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