GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE DECEMBER 23, 1994

COMMUNITY FORUM

Wild abandon

To the Editors:

Let's throw away the condoms and return to the good old days of sex with wild abandon! This seems to be the implied message behind ACT UP's sponsorship of Dr. Willner's trip to Cleveland.

Willner discounts the role of HIV in the cause of AIDS. He suggests that AIDS is "just" a collection of 25 diseases that have always been with us. Apparently, gay men are particularly affected by AIDS because they use prescription and illicit drugs.

Willner's assertions about waste, corruption, and bureaucratic infighting in the medical community during the last 13 years may have some foundation. However, his theory about the cause of AIDS runs contrary to the scientific research of hundreds of doctors and researchers across the country and around the world.

If Willner could substantiate his claims through scientific procedure, he might gain some credibility. However, needle jabbing on Public Square is theatrical, not scientific. Currently, his opinion is about as valued as the one that claims that AIDS is the just retribution of God.

Of course, Willner is entitled to opinion. What I cannot understand, however, is why ACT UP chose to sponsor this "doctor." In the past, I have questioned ACT UP's methods, but never their motives. Now, I have to wonder.

I am concerned about those gay men who are currently practicing safe sex reluctantly. It is, after all, such a bother. Here is a "medical doctor" who implies that we don't need to worry about safe sex. What a good excuse not to bother anymore.

By sponsoring Willner, ACT UP implic-

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blood, I wanted to help, but in one person's opinion, I didn't look the part. Discrimination can not and will not be tolerated. I could have sat back and not told my story and nobody would have ever known. But I want people to listen and learn. So, no matter if you're at the movies, the blood center, or McDonald's-if you feel you've been discriminated against, let someone know. Maybe

if we stick together we can stop this insanity! Preston Reynolds

Toleration isn't

itly supports his position. If one gay person acceptance

gives up safe sex and contracts AIDS because of this, ACT UP will share in the responsibility. Was the publicity surrounding Willner's trip to Cleveland really worth it?

While I support exploring all possibilities of AIDS treatment, even controversial ones, I don't see Willner or his theory as constructive. I think that sponsoring his trip to town was a disservice to the community and it only helped to discredit ACT UP.

Ignorance is still powerful

To the Editors:

Mike Mraz Cleveland

It's ironic that the day I was discriminated against was December 1, World AIDS Day. I read a story about a little girl in need of a blood transfusion, and with good intentions in mind, decided to donate blood and do my part to help her and others in need. I looked in the phone book and found the address for Plasma Alliance in Cleveland. Their ad in the phone book said "Donate Plasma and Save Lives"-my thoughts exactly.

When I arrived there, a nurse gathered from me a few papers, and when handing them to another woman staff member, sarcastically said, "Here's another one." The woman that had my papers called my name and motioned me over to a seating area. She looked at me quizzically and asked, "Why do you act so feminine?"

Now, I'm not straight-acting or straightlooking, (whatever that is) but I was not acting feminine. At most, I had given her my name. She proceeded to tell me that based on her opinion and the way that I carry myself, that I could not donate blood. She never asked me ifI was gay, straight, bi, or what my HIV status was. Nothing!

I left very angry and proceeded on a mission to do exactly as I had planned. I went to another blood center, (their affiliate) went in, signed up, took a few tests, and in about an hour I had made my contribution.

This whole incident just reminded me that on World AIDS Day 1994, ignorance is still powerful. At a blood center, I would expect nothing less than professional and knowledgeable employees, not people who judge you by the way you look. A little girl needed

To the Editors:

Lakewood

Newt Gingrich's recently publicized comments [December 9 issue] advocating toleration of homosexuality are a positive step forward, especially in comparison to the radically intolerant views of Republicans like Jesse Helms. Most likely Gingrich's younger, gay sister, Candace, and his close friend and fellow Republican Rep. Steve Gunderson, have helped in broadening his vision. But as seen in these comments, Gingrich still has much to learn not only about homosexuality but the true nature of tolerance.

Advocating toleration, Gingrich compares homosexuality to alcoholism, referring to both as an "orientation." Yet while research is showing that homosexuality, like alcoholism, is indeed pre-disposed, homosexuality is not a disease. Unlike alcoholics, lesbians and gays cannot be cured or brought into recovery. Unlike active alcoholics, who are often socially irresponsible and even destructive, lesbians and gays-closeted or out, practicing or not-contribute positively to our culture and society.

This fact, however, is belied by Gingrich. He states, "On most things most days, the vast majority of practicing homosexuals are good citizens," suggesting that on some days they are not or only if not sexually active. If this generalization is true, then we may as well believe that all people with freckles are not necessarily criminals or, at least, not on everyday of the week. We may as well revert back to sexism and racism, believing that not all women are bad drivers or that only the exceptional African-American can achieve.

Finally, Gingrich considers it "madness" to suggest that families are anything other than heterosexual couples. But this description defies reality. In our country today (and around the world) "families" range from single parents to extended members, often with friends or relations taking primary care of children and elderly. There is no evidence to suggest that they must be. Even Americans who come from "traditional" families should find contrived definitions suspect and unfair.

Misunderstanding, generalizations, and limited visions are poor attempts at acceptance, affecting not only lesbians and gays but the quality of life for all Americans.

While Newt Gingrich should be given high marks for trying, if he and the GOP truly desire to be inclusive, they still have a long

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way to go. Toleration is nothing more than contempt not acted upon; it should not be confused with acceptance. Lesbians and gays, at least, should know the difference and refuse to settle for anything less.

D. Killian Cleveland

Democrats embrace conservative agenda

To the Editors:

President Clinton's firing of Dr. Joycelyn Elders as Surgeon General is just the latest disgraceful act of the sort that has characterized this administration since election night in 1992. President Clinton and the Democratic Party are rushing headlong to embrace the conservative agenda.

The pretense of partisan difference and debate is wearing mighty thin. We have the ight-wing Republicans and the not-quiteas-right-wing Democrats.

(There's much talk these days that the Democratic Party needs to move to the political center. Well, to get there, they'll have to move to the left!)

It's incredible to see the nation's top medical officer fired in 1994 for acknowledging that masturbation is a natural human activity, and one that might have some value in the age of AIDS. The least Clinton could do is support honest, forthright discussion and education to prevent HIV infection.

But this administration offers little difference from Reagan and Bush, save a few modest policy improvements and occasional lip service.

The Elders firing drives this point home. Conservative sensibilities must not be of-

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

Volume 10, Issue 13

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fended, even at the expense of medical and intellectual honesty.

Perhaps even at the expense of life itself. Robert C. Laycock Cleveland

Holiday break

The next issue of the Chronicle will come out one week later than usual, on January 13, due to holiday vacation. The every-other-Friday schedule will then resume, with the next issue appearing on January 27.

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