GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

DECEMBER 19, 1997

COMMUNITY FORUM

Was it a 'lovefest?'

To the Editors:

In his column "Nice speech, but spare us the lovefest" [Speak Out, November 21], Mubarak S. Dahir claims attendees at the Human Rights Campaign Washington D.C. dinner went overboard in their “fawning" over President Clinton's historic address. Mr. Mubarak's comments beg the following questions:

Is it a "lovefest" to demonstrate respect and appreciation towards the first (and thus far only) president of the United States to address a gay and lesbian political group on live television?

Is it a "lovefest" to express appreciation

those circumstances. Indeed, while there is a long way to go until we are “equal" under the law, the lesbian and gay community has made tremendous strides in the last five years. It is appropriate that the community express its appreciation, keeping in mind, of course, there is still much to be done.

Elizabeth R. Berrey Timothy J. Downing Co-chairs, 1998 HRC Cleveland Dinner

(The 1998 Human Rights Campaign Cleveland Dinner will be held on April 4 at the Renaissance Hotel. Call the HRC dinner hotline at 216-779-6444 for more information.)

towards the only president in history who has Thank you, Barb

addressed some of the concerns of the lesbian and gay community?

Is it a "lovefest" to express appreciation for the strides the Clinton administration has made in making appointments, obtaining funding for AIDS research, promoting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and otherwise including the gay and lesbian community at the table?

Too often, our community demands that an elected official pass a “litmus test” on every issue of importance to our community before we express our appreciation. No group in history has been able to make strides under

Community Forum

To the Editors:

This letter is being written as a thank you to a woman who has contributed a great deal to the community-Barb Nicely.

Barb is retiring as the driving force behind the Bisexual Women's Support Group. Her involvement has been a gift to the women who have attended the group now and over the past eleven years. As yet, we don't know if those of us who are currently involved are going to be able to make the commitment to keep the group going, but we do know it won't be quite the same without Barb.

The Chronicle encourages everyone to write and express your opinion about the community or the paper. Please, however, keep letters constructive, and avoid name-calling and personal attacks. Please be brief. We reserve the right to edit letters. We will print your name unless you specifically ask us not to.

Letters must include a street address and phone, for verification only. They can be sent via US. mail, or fax to the addresses in the masthead at right, or by e-mail to letters(@chronohio.com

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This group has been a safe, secure place to discuss our sexual orientation and confront our own prejudices and attitudes. It has helped dispel the myths that bisexuals are confused, undecided, or promiscuous. For some women, it was the first place they came after acknowledging an attraction to women even though later they might identify themselves as lesbian. Barb also provided information about safe sex and a forum to ask questions. There were lively, thought-provoking discussions with women of varied backgrounds.

Most importantly, this group has had an important impact on many women's lives, and helped us become the people we are today. Barb exemplified respect, honesty, and commitment in relationships no matter what form those relationships may take.

Barb made sure someone was always there to facilitate the group each month (most of the time it was her), so the group was always there for those who needed it. She was available by phone, gave freely of her time, put together our table at Pride, and welcomed visitors who came from as far away as Youngstown and Columbus. The good news is that Barb will continue to be involved in the community, but will be putting her energy in new directions.

We hope women who have been involved in the group in the past and present will come to the meeting on December 26 (7:00 at the Cleveland Lesbian-Gay Center) to say goodbye to Barb. A few of us are willing to contribute to do some of the work to continue the group, but we still need more volunteers. If anyone is interested, please call or come to the meeting.

Thanks, Barb. You have been a friend and an invaluable resource to the community. The current members of the Bisexual Women's Support Group Cleveland

Next issue in three weeks

The next issue of the Gay People's Chronicle will come out one week later than usual, on January 9, due to our holiday vacation. The every-other-Friday schedule will then resume, with the following issue appearing January 23.

The Chronicle offices will close the afternoon of Wednesday, December 24, and reopen the morning of Monday, January 5. We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday.

The Chronicle Needs Volunteer Reporters

Report on the events that interest you! Sports. Health Matters, Music, Community Groups, Drag, etc.

Call Doreen at 216/631-8646

GAK PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

Volume 13, Issue 13

PUBLISH

PEOPLE'S

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A DECADE

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