MARCH 22, 1996 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 11
OPEN ROADS
Gay bars are not responsible for the spread of HIV
by Thom Sommers
On January 31, an article appeared in the Cleveland Free Times written by Mark Naymik, concerning the issue of “HIV amplification centers," places defined as promoting the spread of HIV infection. Although Naymik concentrated his very factual and well-researched article on the bathhouses in Cleveland, he also mentioned a popular gay bar located on East 9th Street nameed the Grid.
LIFE
contributing, to give them something in re-
turn.
I spoke with Szoka about Naymik's article. I asked him why he named his bar the Grid. He explained to me that the name Grid is one that represents the techno atmosphere, a name that appeals to everyone, and one that would stand the test of time. I personally had only heard of GRID in the book and later movie, And the Band Played On.
· AIDS LOVE
In the very early days of AIDS, GRID was the acronym for "Gay Related Immune Disorder." Naymik found this unfortunate. The story indicated there was, allegedly, a back room in the club in which unsafe sexual behavior was taking place. While reading this article I felt Naymik had also implied that Grid owner Jerry Szoka was uncooperative in regard to issues pertaining to HIV/AIDS. Living close by and being a frequent patron in the past, I felt uncomfortable reading this information.
•
When I questioned him about the alleged back room, he told me it simply does not, nor did it ever exist in his bar (The Grid opened in March 1994). I have since learned of a back room which did exist at that same location 15 years ago while under a different name and a different owner. I asked Szoka what his reactions were to the article. He felt annoyed, he felt that the article implied that every gay bar has an obligation to teach its patrons about AIDS.
OPEN ROADS
On Friday, March 8, the Grid allowed the Ohio AIDS Coalition to collect $1 donations at the door in an effort to offset the $15,000 cost of an upcoming Healing Weekend. OAC welcomed the owner's positive response and compassion to our organization's needs. Although we were not able to collect all $15,000, we now have more than we had before. The owner's efforts were greatly appreciated— no gimmicks, no special deejays, no big party, just the opportunity for people to support our organization because they wanted to. I sometimes feel, as with any non-profit organization, we need to bribe people into
Szoka also feels we all know what's going on "out there" and we cannot hold a bar owner to that responsibility. I did not ask about the allegations made that Health Issues Taskforce was refused access to the club's customers. However, in the Grid's defense, although I hear of that happening in Columbus gay clubs, I do not hear of it in Cleveland bars, gay or straight.
I am curious to know why all other business owners mentioned in the story were interviewed, except for the Grid. I think it is important to recognize businesses that go above and beyond what is expected to promote education, prevention, and healing of
HIV/AIDS. I hope I can write articles of "thanks" more often. Naymik went into the baths but not into the bars.
Although we cannot place the burden of responsibility on bar owners or even bathhouses, I also believe as people-gay or straight, white or black, male or female, rich or poor, HIV-positive or negative-that we all have an obligation to address this national health emergency. Tanning salons, book stores, restaurants, accountants, print shops, hotels, everyone needs to become involved in bridging the gap between education, prevention, and understanding “the fight against AIDS.”
I have begun to fear that the complacency I often write about is real, very real. The
recent media blitz of hopeful treatments leaves me with, of course, hope, but also the fear of a false sense of security among sexually active peers and teenagers. GRID did not stand the test of time, for it's not just gay people; however, AIDS has stood the test of time. I can only hope the support of the Grid as well as others in the community can stand with it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in June 1995 there were 476,899 documented cases of AIDS; in December 1995 there were 513,486; and last week they reported that one teenager is infected every hour in our country. If it is all about time, we're running out. ♡
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