COMMUNITY FORUM

Reggie, meet with us

The following was sent to football player Reggie White:

Mr. Reggie White

Green Bay Packers

P.O. Box 10628

Green Bay, Wis 54307-0628

Enclosed please find a press statement, issued by the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum, in response to your recent comments before the Wisconsin State Legislature.

I have often heard ministers and clergy in the African American community caution their congregations to "love the sinner, though you hate the sin.”

Your vitriolic language, therefore, as quoted in numerous articles, was very disturbing to many same-gender-loving people, who are proud active members of the African American community. Many of us have made meaningful contributions to the cause of African American civil rights over the past century, including:

Bayard Rustin, the principal organizer of the 1963 March on Washington;

The late Reverend James Cleveland, a well-established icon in the gospel music tradition;

Angela Davis, noted author and longtime civil rights activist; and

Linda Villarosa, executive editor of Essence magazine.

There are countless others who have been integral to the progress of our community and this nation.

Contrary to the misleading rhetoric of the radical religious right, same-genderloving people in this nation are not lobbying for special rights, in any conceivable way. What we seek is equal protection under the laws of this nation, which already prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, gender, and disability, in areas such as employment and housing.

It is tragic that our community-the African American community-can be so

hands in the air. Guess what? I don't care. Neither should anyone else—as long as their privacy isn't invaded.

George Michael wasn't having sex with someone in that bathroom stall. He was by himself. As far as we know, it is the first time George Michael has exposed his willy in a public restroom. I'm sure if it had happened before, we would have heard.

What disturbs me most about this whole media event is this: Lewd misconduct, in this case defined as public indecency, is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for a first offender. The maximum sentence for a person who has committed a misdemeanor of the fourth degree is 30 days in jail and a $250 fee. George Michael was sentenced to six months in prison with a $1,000 maximum fine-the sentence for someone who has committed a misdemeanor three or more times.

Inevitably, the question pops into my inquiring mind: Why?

George Michael came out as gay. In doing so, he strengthened the stereotype that gay men have sex in public places. The police nationwide have been trying to stop this behavior for years. Well, it's not working, so they have used George Michael's situation to their advantage, as an example of what will happen to you if you're found masturbating in a restroom.

They impose the strictest sentence the crime will allow, even though it doesn't really apply to him. This way, maybe us gay public masturbators will be scared into submission.

Let's say my theory is true. Are you scared now? Not me. I know the law. And now, so do you. So use George Michael's situation to your advantage and don't let the cops blow your life out of proportion because of your sexuality.

Let what happened to George Michael empower you to stand up against homophobia in the judicial system.

After all, masturbation feels great.

Pan Cunningham Education Outreach Coordinator AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland

easily misled, and divided by external When will Clinton lead?

forces. I urge you to consider the dangerous implications and consequences of your comments, not only for the sake of African American same-gender-loving people, but also for all African Americans, and for yourselves.

I enclose a copy of the film All God's Children (1996, Woman Vision Productions). I urge you to view the film, which speaks directly to a critical issue: How can African American spiritual communities reconcile their faith with the seeming contradictions presented when our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and other loved ones disclose their love for others of the same gender? The answers, you will find, are thought-provoking, and consistent with the gospel of Jesus.

I would further challenge you to meet with us. Bring whomever you like to the table. Let's explore the true agenda of those with whom you've aligned yourselves. I look forward to the opportunity for dialogue with you.

Jubi D. Headley, Jr. Executive Director National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum Washington, D.C.

To the Editors:

With all the sexual allegations against the president, I had been wondering if Mr. Clinton was just thinking with his gonads. Now, with the administration's refusal to fund needle-exchange programs I wonder if he's just plain old brain dead!

June of 1996: The Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS found him lacking in "politically charged aspects of prevention and discrimination where greater courage and leadership are required," particularly needle exchange.

December of 1996: The administration released the National AIDS Strategy. Sadly lacking were any recommendations on the welfare bill, prison populations and needle exchange.

December of 1997: His Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS singled out the Clinton administration's lack of leadership on AIDS Drug Assistance Programs funding, Medicaid expansion and needle exchange programs.

Nationally, half of all new HIV infections are linked to injection drug use. In Greater Cleveland alone, there are approximately 10 to 12 thousand HIV-positive drug users. Estimates are that only 20% of

Why the harsh penalty? those individuals infected with HIV know

To the Editors:

So, who out there was surprised when George Michael disclosed that he is gay? Not me, I can tell you that.

But the issue of sexual orientation is not what I want to discuss, but rather masturbation-self-masturbation which does not include another person. How many of you have done that? There should be a lot of hands in the air.

So how many of you have 'masturbated with another in a public place like, say, a restroom? There should be at least some

their status. If we apply that estimate to the 10 to 12 thousand in Greater Cleveland, then there are approximately 9,000 unaware injection drug users with the potential to spread this still expensive-totreat, uncurable fatal disease.

I have to ask myself (a card-carrying member of the Democratic Party): How many men, women and children will die before Clinton chooses to be the leader he said he was? Leaders aren't supposed to follow. Maybe he's just too busy chasing his (or someone else's) tail to notice the dead.

Robert W. Toth Cleveland

MAY 1, 1998 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 11

tuna club

New Vince to Be

જાત

Dining Room Hours:

BRUNCH

Bar & Grill

Sunday thru Friday 11 to 8 4 to 7 Happy Hour Daily

11 am to 4 pm off the menu HOME-COOKED DINNER

5 pm to 8 pm

FULL SERVICE BAR Beer & Wine too

only $7.00

522 Superior Avenue across from the new Public Library Beautiful Downtown Cleveland

241-CLUB (2582)

Cleveland's Newest Italian Restaurant

Mother's Day

Brunch

Buffet

$11.95 11am-3pm Regular Dinner 3pm-8pm

• TAKEOUT

• 5 minutes from Downtown Cleveland

• Guarded

parking in rear of building

Cielo's Trattoria

Phone 939-1190 6504 Detroil Road

CAMPUS

OPEN 24 HOURS

VIDEO

Buy or Rent

New Releases

Documentaries

Family Favorites

Laser Disc Movies

Over 10,000 Selections

Snacks,

Movie Favorites

Newest Sega & Super

Nintendo Games

Come See Our

Extensive Adult Section

2465 N. High St.

614-268-4021