APRIL 5, 1996 Gay People's ChronicLE 13

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Growth, violence, and 'buycott' discussed at annual meeting

by John Young

New developments and a lively discussion marked Stonewall Cincinnati's annual membership meeting on Tuesday March 26, which was led by board co-chair Anthony Orite. Orite emphasized Stonewall's “clear and consistent message."

Cindy Abel, Stonewall Cincinnati's executive director, then addressed the meeting, speaking of Stonewall's accomplishments over the past three years. She noted that as Cincinnati gays and lesbians have recovered from Issue 3 (the 1993 vote to ban all lesbian and gay civil rights protections), Stonewall itself has experienced growth and clarity of action.

After 1993, Stonewall made itself available for the reporting of any anti-gay discrimination. Last night, they officially made documentation and assistance with these cases a separate project. Jeff Aufderbeck is the project coordinator. Until 1995, only a small number of incidents had been reported. Now at least 60 incidents, including evictions, firings, harassment, and five bashings, have been reported to Stonewall. Reporting to Stonewall's anti-discrimination project is important. While other cities document hate crimes, including those related to sexual orientation, Cincinnati does not.

Stonewall is also continuing with its Buycott Project. The project released a handbook of over one hundred Cincinnati area

businesses. These businesses took the time to respond to questionnaires documenting their willingness to not discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation.

Members in attendance then voted for board members and on the inclusion of the word transgendered in the mission statement and bylaws. Both the board members and the changes were approved.

Rad-right group meets in April

A disturbing announcement was made about Human Life International, a religious

right group led by Rev. Paul Marx. The group, which has been described as being "to the right of Operation Rescue" will be holding a convention in Cincinnati in midApril. At least 2,000 people are expected to attend. A lively discussion occurred regarding appropriate response to the event. NOW has already planned a protest April 13, in front of the Omni. It was asked if anyone had spoken to management at the Omni. Since no one had, it was suggested that this may be an appropriate action. After a lively debate, both actions were approved by those in attendance.

Birthday gala and dinner will look back 21 years

Happy, happy birthday, baby! On April 27 the Cleveland Lesbian-Gay Center will celebrate its 21st birthday with a gala reception, history program, and patron dinner at the elegant Wyndham Cleveland Hotel.

The reception begins at 6:00 pm and will feature wine, hors d'oeuvres, and socializing. The program will focus on gay and lesbian history in Cleveland in the '60s and '70s. How did civil rights, the women's movement, and the Vietnam War affect our community? What did our early leaders in Cleveland, and specifically our leaders at the Center, expect from their activism? A panel of people active during these years will dis-

duds, and come out to the Wyndham for an evening of reminiscing, gay and lesbian history, great food and good friends.

Adult education classes

Round two of the adult education classes being offered by the Center to its members will begin the last week in April. Center members may register for these classes by

LESBIAN GAY Community Service Center

cuss these topics and more. The facility is wheelchair accessible and there will be an interpreter for the hearing impaired.

A sumptuous patron dinner will follow the program at 8:00 pm. The food at the Wyndham is incredible (as those who attended the Angels in America benefit can attest) and the setting spacious and elegant.

Tickets for the reception and program are $10, $12.50, or $15-more if you can, less if you can't. Tickets for the patron dinner, which include the reception and program, are $60. This is a benefit for the Lesbian-Gay Community Service Center and a portion of your ticket price is tax-deductible. Call the Center at 216-522-1999 to receive an invitation or to make a reservation. MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

So fast for a few days, put on your best

OF GREATER CLEVELAND

mail. Please include the course name and the course fee. Registrations will only be accepted if accompanied by a check made out to the Center, or MasterCard/Visa infor-

mation.

Non-Center members should include a $25 membership fee with their registrations. This fee will activate membership and entitle these folks to other membership benefits. There will be no refunds of course fees after the registration deadline of April 22.

Classes this session will be: Adult Beginner Clay, taught be Elaine Bishop;

Intro to Antiques and Collectibles with Marc Goodman;

Ballroom Dancing, conducted by Beverly Cavana;

The Language of the Heart, a couples workshop facilitated by Brian Gill; and ■Reiki I, taught by Reiki Master Byll Kissig.

Call the Center for additional information on these classes, including course fees. All classes have a registration limit-so don't procrastinate!

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