GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE MARCH 7, 1997

COMMUNITY FORUM

The door says 'Push'

To the Editors:

It has been a long time since I became involved in gay and lesbian liberation and civil rights struggles. I came out in 1964 at the age of 20. It was not a good time to be out, but I had no choice. I was outed by the Michigan State Police. It was two days before Christmas and I was home from college for the holidays. I was arrested and charged with gross indecency between males for doing something in my car that straight people did in lovers lanes and drive-in theaters everywhere.

I bailed out of jail and went home to be with my family on Christmas Eve. I was so ashamed and depressed I could hardly speak. I cried and thought about suicide because my life seemed to be ruined.

The degradation and humiliation profoundly affected my life. The felony charge was reduced to disorderly conduct, and after pleading guilty, I was sentenced to two years probation with a requirement for psychiatric treatment.

The Stonewall rebellion in 1969 opened the door to freedom for all of us. Our response to the police harassment, educational repression, religious hypocrisy, political oppression, and social injustice was creating a

movement.

Millions of us have walked through that door to change laws, challenge bigotry, and establish an environment of acceptance for those who love someone of the same sex. We can be proud of what we have done by organizing. Yet, unfortunately, a great deal remains to be donc.

What other minority group is not welcome in the military, can't legally marry, donate blood, or even donate their vital organs upon death? Groups like Stonewall continue the fight against discrimination. If you are concerned about right-wing forces who seek to turn back the clock to a time before gay liberation, call Stonewall today. The door to success has a sign on it that tells us to push.

Learn the facts

To the Editors:

Lloyd Clarke Lakewood

In response to comments by State Rep. Rocco Colonna of Brook Park as printed in "Ohio's anti-marriage bill is a call to arms" article in the February 7 issue:

Colonna needs to be shown that no one is interested in [his] opinions. People arc interested in facts, civil rights, and justice.

The fact is: Homosexuality is real, it's here, and it's not going to go away. It's next

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prosperity, nor does it deny us equal protection of the law through same-sex marriages. For anyone to deny us that right is discrimination and injustice at its fullest.

The fact is: Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 of the Old Testament is the only place that the Bible clearly speaks out against homosexuality. However, Galatians 2:16-21 of the New Testament sets Christians free from the Holy Code of Leviticus, setting [people in] samesex unions free to pursue life, liberty and prosperity-long before the U.S. Constitution did. This is again confirmed by Jesus, as he did not once speak against homosexuality.

Our politicians need to be reminded that the Bible clearly forbade women equal rights, employment, the right to hold office, and a voice in the church. It also forbade tattoos, and demanded that all males be circumcised. It is the same Bible that has been set aside time and time again in the civil rights movements with great civil, social, and judicial accord. Pick up the Bible and read it, Colonna. It's there and has been for over 2,000 years.

The fact is: Marriage is not a special privilege in the U.S.; it is a right—a legal right of which gays and lesbians are unjustly being denied.

[Rep.] Colonna, before you can see how two men can satisfy each other sexually, you have to understand the feelings of love, especially "unconditional" love.

It's time, Colonna, that you and people like you stop hiding behind ignorance and [your interpretation of] the Bible. It's time to stop passing laws based on your homophobic fears, and start doing what's right. Get rid of H.B. 160.

Kevin W. Alspach Orient

door, at work, possibly in your own family. Taken for chariot ride

It's everywhere, and it's beautiful! The fact is: The Constitution of the United States grants Americans (without limitation) the right to pursue life, liberty and prosperity, and it guarantees us equal protection of the law under the 14th Amendment.

The fact is: the Constitution does not exclude us from the pursuit of life, liberty, or

JIM ANDERSON'S

CITY SITES

To the Editors:

I, like many other Cleveland gay men and women, were romanced to part with $25, and then some, to attend P & E Entertainment's "Olympus '97" circuit party at the old County Courthouse on Saturday February 22. Worse,

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I encouraged two friends to join me, who could not really afford to go. We went because of several promises:

1. A "magical fantasy land" with an expensive light show in a beautiful space hosted by a renowned DJ.

2. It would financially benefit the Lesbian Gay Community Service Center.

What did gay people get?

1. A giant gay bar in a beautiful Beaux Arts building with plenty of loud music and a so-so light show. Every once in a while, some dry ice smoke issued from a pipe far above the dance floor.

2. Terrible, cheap "Lite" beer (the only alcohol) at $3 a plastic glassful. No snacks were offered-not even a bowl of peanuts. Although I do not smoke, I was amazed to be at a large dance party with no smoking areas. Coat check?-$1 per, thank you! Free parking if you knew where to park, as no helpful information was on the ticket.

As for the neoclassical “Olympus" theme, all we saw were some tired plastic classical statues and a couple of chariots containing go-go boys in their undies-shaking about probably to keep warm. Also, a dressed-up Roman soldier type who called himself "Bigus Dickus”—please! Shopping—some little tables were set up here and there selling T-shirts, bangles and baubles-tacky!

There were also the Friday night and Sunday night "special" evenings at several downtown gay bars (for a cover charge, of course), but this is another story about grand promises.

In short, what was promised as a highclass event was in fact very low class—an $8 party for $25. At the least, the Center will benefit from it, for which I am glad. I feel that the Cleveland gay community got taken for a ride. What are circuit parties like in other cities? Would this happen in Chicago or Columbus? I will certainly never attend another P & E Entertainment (whoever they are) event. Perhaps such events need careful screening to see what they really promise.

Marc Goodman Cleveland

Make schools safer

To the Editors:

Thanks for a powerful piece of writing about Robbie Kirkland and his family. You brought the message home loud and clear. We had a Gay, Lesbian and Straight Teachers Network info table at the [Cleveland Womyn's] Variety Show, and we used the article as a focal point-Robbie has not died in vain. I believe that his death will be a powerful influence in the Cleveland area, in forcing people to see that homophobia is alive and well in our midst.

As Kevin. Jennings said so well, this is what GLSTN is about: Educating people about homophobia, how pervasive and subtle

Community Forum

GAN PEOPLES CHRONICLE

Volume 12, Issue 18

PUBLARING THE GAY P

PEOPLE'S

KWR

A DECADE

CHRONICLE

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it can be and empowering people to do something about it. A teacher who is afraid and closeted sends a powerful message to G-L-B and questioning students. Associating with other courageous GLSTN members empowers us to make a difference in our own environments. We are not all on the front lines, but we do find ways to act less afraid so that we can send different messages to students.

We welcome to GLSTN Cleveland all people who wish to help make school a safer place. We have many non-school teachers who are working with us. . If you would like to help make a difference for the other Robbies out there, please come join us.

Our current project is preparing for the Midwest GLSTN Conference in Cleveland this April. Its theme is "Beyond Tolerance: Strategies for Change.” It will begin Friday night April 11 with a performance by Clevelander, Karen Williams! Workshops will be held all day Saturday and then on Sunday morning.

If you are interested in attending, call 216943-1845 for a registration packet. If you would like to help with the conference now or during the weekend, call 216-261-4106. We welcome help!

Judy Montgomery, co-chair GLSTN Cleveland Wickliffe

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