OCTOBER 28, 1994 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 13

COMMUNITY GROUPS

There really is a monster hiding in your closet

by Bill Henderson

Harassment incidents in the recent past against two Cleveland area couples are perfect metaphors for the dangers we face, without anti-discrimina-

tion protection, from bigots of the Radical Right.

They also illustrate why the closet is actually an ally of our enemies.

organizer's mean-spirited campaign led to a confrontation in front of the neighbors. Things got out of hand, and the woman physically attacked the couple at the end of a shouting match. Police were called. Statements were

OUTVoice

Our first couple had to leave their home of five years, and ultimately ended their relationship, as a result of emotional stresses from relying on the closet to hide them from bigotry. Deeply closeted in their neighborhood and in their work as child abuse counselors, they became targets of an organizer for a radical political group who moved in next door and figured their relationship out. She threatened to expose them to their employers, and went door to door "to warn" neighbors to "watch their kids around the queers on the block." Of course the

taken from neighbors, and the police, who were supportive, advised the couple to press assault charges.

But, because they were so closeted and feared the exposure of

a trial would lead to dismissal from their jobs, the couple chose to let the organizer off the hook. Her campaign continued, life became too unpleasant, and they bitterly chose to move away. Self-recriminations eventually ended the relationship as well. What that bigoted woman could not accomplish on her own, their closets did for her.

Our second couple did much better. These women experienced a six month long pattern of innuendo and harassment from bigoted men attempting to 'out' them to their neighbors. Their openness has allowed the neigh-

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bors to learn how same-sex relationships are, instead of the stereotypical images bigots work to create about us. As the harassment escalated, the neighbors came to see that it was their responsibility to put an end to it, to support the woman couple they had come to understand so well. A delegation of neighborhood men confronted the bigots, explained that their behavior was not going to be tolerated, and that the local police were being kept appraised of their bigoted activities.

Even without anti-discrimination protections, escaping the trap of the closet that is set out for you by the Radical Right forces in America is the first step you have to make to protect yourself from bigotry.

Stand up, speak out, be out, and other

Elect

Americans can then clearly see the issues facing you as you claim your full, rightful benefits as a law-abiding citizen. The constitution is behind you, and Out Voice is behind you. Together we can end bigotry.

To join Out Voice send annual dues of $25 ($10 limited income) to: Out Voice 1487 West 5th Ave. Box 226 Columbus, Oh 43212.

To support candidates who like you as you are, and who will work to provide protection from discrimination, send any size donation to: Ohioans Against Discrimination 395 E.Broad St. Suite 310 Columbus, Oh 43215. It's time to help our friends clean out their closets, too. Join us.

Bill Henderson is vice chair of Out Voice.

Diane

Karpinski

Judge, Court of Appeals

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