GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE April 27,2001

letters tothe editor

Crime figures were complete

To the Editors:

I would like to clarify information printed in the last Gay People's Chronicle [April 20] about the Cleveland Lesbian-Gay Center's hate crime statistics.

It seems that there was a miscommunication between the National Coalition of AntiViolence Programs and the Center. We collected statistics in 2000 the same way and with the same resources that we have collected them in the past. Our figures were not

incomplete, nor did we lose any funding. It is true that our bias crime statistics have decreased from the year before. And it is true that we concentrated our outreach efforts this past year on domestic violence. And, unfortunately, it is also true that our domestic violence statistics did rise in 2000.

We are very disappointed that the NCAVP did not choose to include our bias crime statistics in their national report for 2000. We hope to work out any further communication problems before the next report comes

out.

speakout

The flip side of 'gay panic'

by Leslie Robinson

The "gay panic" defense is back. Two brothers in Pennsylvania are claiming they beat a man into a permanent coma on March 6 because he came on to them.

Given the popularity of this defenseMatthew Shepard's murderers tried to use it, as did the man who killed Scott Amedure after Amedure's revelation of a crush on the

Jenny Jones show-I believe it's just a matter of time before some legal eagle thinks to turn the tables.

"Straight panic," here we

come.

And why not? You know what it feels like when a straight person

makes a pass at you. (If you don't know, just follow along.) Your insides recoil. Your toes curl. Your fingers clench. Your face freezes. Basically, you turn into Witchiepoo from H.R. Pufnstuf.

You experience a potent gut-level fear, followed by a yearning for that fear to go away. All because some straight fool, motivated by urges we don't understand, crossed the line.

But that's just the start of your distress. If

GAY PEOPLE'S

you're a man, seconds after you've set her straight that you're gay, the thoughts rush in. How did she get that idea? What did she see? My God, I've got to stop drinking Budweiser.

What confusion. What agony. What a threat to the mental health of every homosexual.

And cross those legs right now, mister!

If you're a woman, seconds after you've set him straight that you're gay, the thoughts rush in. How did he get that idea? What did he see? My God, I've got to start drinking Budweiser. And this is the last time I wear lipstick!

Small wonder that when placed in this deeply disturbing position, you, gay male or lesbian, wind up questioning your femininity, masculinity, or both.

Your brain won't stop bringing up painful questions. Is that how others see me? Do people think I'm one of those? I'm no hetero! Jesus, I would never do the gross things they do! Wait till I tell my friends about this. Whoa, I can't! They might be afraid to hang out with me. And they'll never let me hear the end of it for sure.

What confusion. What agony. What a threat

Chronicle

In the meantime, we want to assure our community that we are here to assist you if you are the victim of anti-gay violence, harassment, discrimination or domestic violence. We have people on staff and trained volunteers to provide assistance and support as well as report taking. This is an important part of what the Center does and we will continue to be here for our community.

Linda Malicki, Executive Director Lesbian-Gay Community Service Center of Cleveland

to the mental health of every homosexual. Far from being flattered, like if someone of the same sex made a pass at you, you're a wreck. Until now, you could only suffer in silence.

But a new day is at hand. Soon, when a straight person hits on you, you'll be able to hit back. The "gay panic" defense has so thoughtfully cleared the way for the "straight panic" defense. The law will be on your side, sensitive to the acute mental strain heterosexual advances cause you.

Beat somebody up? You weren't in control of your actions.

Break an arm and a leg? Temporary insanity, brought on by his request that you two engage in an act distinctly unnatural and not a little silly.

Put her into a coma? Well of course! She made an indecent suggestion to you in front of your drag-queen friends. You should go after her for the cost of getting the blood removed from your robin's-egg blue Easter frock, too.

So swing away with impunity, and embrace this opportunity to protect yourself from them.

I know I will. The next time a straight man makes the moves on me, I'll be ready.

I would prefer, however, to end the encounter without violence, so as soon as it's clear he's after more than conversation, I'll politely inform him that he has cooties.

But if he persists, I'll have no choice but to lose control of myself.

And it will be all his fault.

♡

Leslie Robinson lives in Seattle. She can be e-mailed at LesRobinsn@aol.com.

Correction

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HIV grant is earmarked for housing

An April 13 story and headline misstated the amount of a federal HIV grant that will be used for housing.

The Cuyahoga Regional HIV Services Planning Council was awarded a record $3.3 million for the fiscal year beginning March 1.

Of this money, $250,000 will be used to make more housing units available to people with HIV and AIDS in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Ashtabula, Geauga and Medina counties, said Walter Miller, the council's fiscal manager.

The money comes from Title 1 of the Ryan White Care Act, which provides funds for emergencies and other services not covered by other federal programs.

GAY PEOPLE'S

Chronicle

Volume 16, Issue 43

ISSN

Publisher: Martha J. Pontoni Business Manager: Patti Harris Editorial Board: Brian DeWitt, Christine Hahn, Patti Harris, Martha Pontoni Associate Editor: Brian DeWitt

1070-177X

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