DECEMBER 8, 1995 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Ohio lesbian-gay leaders discuss statewide action

Leaders of seven gay and lesbian political organizations representing different regions in the state of Ohio came together for an informal meeting at the Cleveland LesbianGay Center on November 15 to discuss what their organizations were doing and how they might better communicate and mobilize the lesbian and gay community at a statewide level.

ers' bureaus and conducting special programs for community education, and working with the media to inform the public of their events and concerns. Also discussed was creating an efficient and responsive communications system that can quickly disseminate information between an organization and its members, which would be effective in responding to any political developments requiring lobbying campaigns. "I came away from this meeting feeling

LESBIAN GAY

The meeting was hosted by Buck Harris, host of The Gay '90s radio show and volunteer interim director of the Cleveland center. Stonewall Union of Columbus director Phil Martin called the meeting. Those attending were Cindy Abel of Stonewall Cincinnati, Tim Romp of Lesbians and Gays United in Toledo, Cheri Morabito of Stonewall Cleveland, Bill

Community Service Center

Henderson of Ohioans Against Discrimination, and Chris Hixson and Gary Wymer, both of Stonewall Akron.

All of these organizations function as the primary grassroots organizations in their respective areas for political organizing and education, and share the common goals of attaining equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. This was the first time Ohio Stonewall groups came together to share ideas and discuss strategies.

Some of the organizations are newly emerging while others are in the process of reorganizing both their structure and goals for outreach and activities. There was a consensus that each group remain independent with their primary focus on their respective comminities, yet work together jointly for statewide issues.

Among the objectives discussed was sponsoring community-wide events to increase public awareness of gay and lesbian issues, building coalitions with other organizations that promote equal rights, forming speak-

OF GREATER CLEVELAND

more empowered, with a better sense of direction, and of what we need to focus on when presenting our issues to the public," said Stonewall Akron president Gary Wymer. "We face many challenges within our own ranks

along with confronting the very conservative political mood we see in the government at the present time. Certain outspoken and well-funded far right forces have targeted gay people to further their own political ends. They must be challenged when they tell the American public that we want special rights and want to sedtroy American morality.

"Lesbians and gay men own houses, work hard, pay taxes and have families too," Wymer continued. "We simply want to live our lives with integrity and be treated with equal protection unde the law. That is not the case today when your talking about job or housing discrimination, hate crimes, or how we define families. We may be different but we are not less. That is what lies behind the work of Stonewall."

For more information about the organizations in Northeast Ohio call Stonewall Cleveland at 216-741-9105, e-mail stonwllcle@aol.com; or Stonewall Akron at 216-869-6562; e-mail stoneakron@aol.com.

Don't ignore Christianity as a source of inspiration

by John O. Young

Is it possible to be gay or lesbian and still use the Christian message for inspiration? Cindy Abel, executive director of Stonewall Cincinnati, thinks that it is. Taking her beliefs in hand, Abel drew on her Christian experience to deliver a ser-

mon to the New Spirit Metropolitan Community Church in Cincinnati. It is interesting to read the text of the sermon, which was delivered in a very down-tocarth style. The sermon was titled "Take Back the Power." During the course of the sermon Abel admitted that she draws inspiration from many different sources, one of those being pop music.

THE UNIV

UNIVERSAL

In studying the history of gays and lesbians in Cincinnati, it becomes obvious that churches like New Spirit MCC have played a very active role in the gay and lesbian community. The current pastor, Reverend Bonnie Daniel, has taken time to build up the local church and is now willing to assist other groups with ideas and volunteers. Actions like these speak louder than words in a community that is over it with promises said but not kept.

FELLOWSHIP

CHURCH

CHES

Cooperation between different groups is necessary to accomplish the education of the general public. Respect for tradition and other beliefs is essential to cooperation. Gay culture seems to be a bit strong in partying and weak on the spiritual side. Far from advocating a gay convent or monastery, a little respect goes a long way to building understanding.

POLITAN COMMUNITY

With diversity being a primary factor in the lives of gays and lesbians, drawing inspiration from different sources is a way of life. There is, however, an unfortunate tendency to vilify the Christian upbringing many in America have had. The actions of groups Such as ACT UP protesting at churches, and even the blatant reference to sexually frustrated priests in Jeffrey, put the gay and lesbian movement at odds with the Christian heritage of America. One need only to look in the back of this journal to realize, though, that there are some churches who are more than willing to reach out to gays and lesbians. Christianity need not be ignored as a source of inspiration to us.

As Cindy Abel pointed out in her sermon, hating someone only gives that person of group power in your mental space. "Are you locked in a prison of hatred and hostility that keeps you from being the powerful loving person that you are?" This is a question that needs to be answered individually and collectively.

New Spirit MCC holds mass at 7:00 pm Sundays on 65 E. Hollister in Cincinnati, between Auburn and Vine, one block south of McMillin. Call 513-241-8216 for more information.

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