B-24 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE PRIDE GUIDE 1997

Work against gender bias will also end anti-gay bias

by Shelley McConnell

For over thirty years the National Organization for Women has been at the forefront of the battle for equality. Gender discrimination, reproductive rights, and sexual harassment are but a few of the issues traditionally associated with NOW activity. An equally important and ever-increasing component of NOW's vision is lesbian and gay rights.

As a relatively young activist, I am still surprised when I'm asked: What does NOW do for lesbians and gays? Or worse: Why does NOW work for lesbians and gays?

The obvious answer to the latter seems flippant at first-lesbians are women! Lesbians are women facing discrimination, harassment, and oppression in the workplace, in business, in health care, and even in the home. In fact, many forms of gay and lesbian discrimination are rooted in gender discrimination.

Consider the simple company picnic. A man takes his girlfriend along and has a wonderful time mingling with the other guests. By Monday morning, the man returns to work and business as usual. Now imagine the same scenario, except that the worker was a woman taking her girlfriend to the picnic. Monday morning may well be drastically different for her.

Why? Because of her gender. Eliminating all invidious discrimination is the cornerstone of NOW's philosophy. NOW fights for lesbian and gay rights simply because they are civil rights.

What action NOW takes on behalf of lesbians and gays is as diverse as the community itself. On a national level, NOW works in coalition with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, lobbying federal officials on issues such as employment discrimination.

This past Valentine's Day, National NOW called for a day of action for same sex marriage across the country, staging mock wedding ceremonies and other actions in over 100 cities. Locally, Ohio NOW has aggressively lobbied the Ohio legislature against House Bill 160, an unnecessary attempt to "further" outlaw gay and lesbian marriage here.

Ohio NOW co-sponsored the first ever Gay and Lesbian Lobby Day in Columbus.on May 14 to raise our legislators awareness of their gay and lesbian constitutents issues— and let them know we exist! Ohio NOW and local chapters throughout the state also work with local gay and lesbian organizations, cosponsoring actions and events throughout the year.

As a NOW activist, and lesbian and gay activist, I see firsthand the effects of our common enemies. Groups such as the Christian Coalition, Operation Rescue, and the

American Family Association are not singleissue organizations. Their common agenda is to wipe out any and all progress made toward equality and return to the days of coat hangers, closets, and worse.

Their common fears and ignorance breeds their hatred of strong, independent women, and out, successful gays and lesbians.

NOW also has an agenda reaching far beyond any single issue. This agenda, however, can be summed up in one word: equality. Equality for all women and men, of all colors, of all economic status, regardless of sexual orientation. This is an agenda to be proud of, in June and every month of the year.

Shelley McConnell, of Akron, is lesbian issues chair of Ohio NOW. For information about NOW, call 330-453-2609 or 330-7850844.

Lesbian-gay alumni group formed at Wooster College

by Hans Johnson Wooster-A group of gay and lesbian alumni of the College of Wooster, along with their classmates, friends, and supporters, will meet for the first time as part of the college's alumni weekend, June 5-8.

The Alliance of College of Wooster Lesbian and Gay Alumnae/i, which brings together former students from around the world as well as current faculty and staff, seeks a more visible and recognized role for gay people in the affairs of the college. Throughout its 130-year history, the institution has nurtured the talents of individual gay people. The group hopes to highlight these contributions and enhance the quality of life for all

current and future members of the community.

campus

In its work, the Alliance will build on recent advances in policy at the college. In early 1996, the college board of trustees agreed to include sexual orientation in the school's statement of non-discrimination, which covers faculty and staff. A provision covering students had been added previously.

The Alliance will also provide a reminder of gay people's permanent place in both the campus and local communities, overcoming mixed signals in both sectors about how welcome gay members may be.

In 1990, Wooster was the site of a divisive campaign centering on sections of the

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city's fair housing ordinance that provided non-discrimination protection to gay people. Amid sometimes heated anti-gay rhetoric, a measure to repeal the provisions won wide voter approval.

In 1995, the college faced accusations of bias after a candidate for the presidency withdrew amid speculation about her sexual orientation. New president Stanton Hales has recognized the formation of the gay alumni group.

With the group's formation, Wooster joins the ranks of sister Ohio schools Kenyon, Denison, Allegheny, and Oberlin, as well as both Ohio State University and Ohio University, all of which have similar organizations. Approximately 150 gay and lesbian alumni groups exist nationwide.

Hans Johnson is an organizer of the Alliance of College of Wooster Lesbian and Gay Alumnae/i.

Cleveland lesbian, gay, bi Pride parade contingents

Cleveland-These are the Cleveland Pride parade contingents as of May 23. With Pride set for June 28, there is still time to register. Call 216-556-5070.

Akron NOW/Stonewall

Asians and Friends Cleveland

BiPol

Black and White Men Together

BP ProCare Bay Village/Lakewood Collectible Cars

Chevrei Tikva

Church of the Redeemer Cleveland Couples Together

Cleveland Pro-Choice Action League Gay, Lesbian and Straight Teachers Network (GLSTN) Interweave

Red Hen Feminist Theater

Valentine News and Cocoa Starr, Miss Valentine News 1997

Windsong Drummers

Zion United Church of Christ of Tremont

Sponsors of Cleveland Pride Family Reunion 1997

Cleveland-Here is the list of Pride sponsors, as of May 23.

"With growing awareness and acceptance comes, gratefully, more support," said Cleveland Pride coordinator Brynna Fish. "Thanks to all our supporters for making a difference."

Corporate Sponsors

Alice Paul Printers

American Express Financial Advisors

Curve Magazine

Free Times

Gay People's Chronicle

Genre Magazine

NOCI, Northern Ohio Coalition, Inc.

Out of Bounds Gay Community Yellow Pages ReBoot Computing & Design

Rainbow Sponsors

Bill 'n' Bob's Place Online BBS Body Language Exposé Magazine 5¢ Decision Valentine News

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Proud Sponsors Diane Rigney

Curve/Genre Sponsors

Paul Grubbs

Glorianne M. Leck

Lisa Rees & Audrey Luthringer The Rockettes

Community Sponsors

Domino's Pizza

Leather Stallion Saloon

T. Leiden/R. Dubbs

Lesbian Gay Community Service Center Steve Schochet

Advocates

Betsy Ashley & Joan Burda Bi-Women's Group &

BiPol Cleveland/Akron

Judy Byrd

Pride Friends

BWMT-Cleveland

Pat Dorner

Mary R. Rizzolo, DVM

Ron Streem