PRIDE GUIDE 2003 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE A-19

CRF's 14-member board vows to repeal Article 12

by Chris Seelbach

Cincinnati-The bad news? Since 1993, Cincinnati has made its name in the country as the only city with something like Article

12. Found in the city charter, Article 12 prevents the City of Cincinnati and its various boards and commissions from proposing any kind of legislation that would protect GLBT people from discrimination.

Prime Timers is a friendly alternative to the bars

by Ken Walton

Cleveland Prime Timers Cleveland is the city's chapter of Prime Timers World Wide, which is an international organization that promotes social activities for mature gay men and those who admire them.

The Cleveland group meets on the third Sunday of the month. Prime Timers provides a comfortable, non-political environment in which your identity is protected-you don't have to be out. It is a friendly alternative to the bars, baths, and bushes in which to meet people. Many friendships, and even longterm relationships develop from the fellowship there.

Woody Baldwin, the founder of Prime Timers, made this observation about why the organization is so important to the gay community.

"The older gay male grew up when our life style was best closeted. Having pursued a career and family, many were not familiar with gay life, and entrance into the life style was cumbersome and undirected. Activities and associations developed in Prime Timers get folks out of the house and on the go." In addition to the monthly potluck social (third Sunday afternoon), which is normally held in the Coventry area of Cleveland Heights, there are a number of other social event venues during the year. Occasionally the group meets for brunch at Union Station

on the third Sunday, to help support our community businesses, and during the warm weather months it meets at members' homes to enjoy a picnic atmosphere potluck, weather permitting. In December there is a special holiday gathering at a member's home to enjoy this festive time of year.

At least once or twice during the year the Cleveland chapter gathers with other groups to promote fellowship and have a good social time. Prime Timers also provides a means to become friends with other folks who might want to get together more informally to have lunch or dinner or go to a movie or play or visit a museum in the area. It's a great way to get know other good folks and stay connected with the community.

Membership inquiries to Prime Timers Cleveland may be made via e-mail to info@ptcleveland.org or by leaving a message at the chapter telephone number 216291-4648. Information is also available on the web site, www.ptcleveland.org. Annual dues are $20, although you do not need to become a member to attend a function.

For information about Prime Timers Columbus, call 614-220-9458. The Cincinnati chapter can be reached at 513-956-1939.✔

Ken Walton is the president of Prime Timers Cleveland.

The good news? There is a solution: Citizens to Restore Fairness, a broad-based coalition whose only goal is to repeal Article 12. CRF is currently composed of fourteen board members. These people are preparing a battle with the potential of uniting the GLBT community, repairing Cincinnati's intolerant national image, and thrusting our city into a new era of equality and fairness.

They include:

Gary Wright (co-chair)—Oversees the Global Trends Group at Procter & Gamble, a founder of the company's gay employee. group, GABLE/P&G, and a board member of Planned Parenthood Cincinnati.

Hal Porter (co-chair)—Pastor emeritus of Mt Auburn Presbyterian Church, where he continues his ministry seeking the full inclusion of GLBT people.

Freeman Durham (treasurer)—Attorney, also serving on the boards of Caracole, Gateway House, and his church.

Jean Siebenaler, M.D.-Associate director of cardiovascular services at Kendle International, Inc., and an active participant in the Cincinnati community as a nonprofit board member, lecturer and political leader.

Chip Harrod-Executive director of the National Conference for Community and Justice, Greater Cincinnati Region, a national human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism.

Linwood Battle-Retired from Procter & Gamble as the manager of diversity and currently serving on the board of the National Conference for Community and Justice, the Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and chairman of the Ohio Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, among others. He served two four-year terms on the Cincinnati Board of Education and was its president in 1993 and 1999.

Sharon Zeeley-Former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, appointed by President Clinton. She is currently a partner with Black, Rome LLP. Brionnea Williams-Received her mas-

ters in women's studies at the University of Cincinnati while working as the women of color program coordinator for the University of Cincinnati Women's Center and currently works as an employment specialist with Lighthouse Youth Services.

Chris Seelbach-Student at the University of Dayton School of Law and founder of the Xavier Alliance. He initiated the petition that led Xavier to become the first Catholic university to issue a welcoming statement for GLBT people.

Linnea Lose-Independent accredited public relations consultant, specializing in human service organizations and is active in First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati and a former board president of Crazy Ladies Center and Bookstore

Gary Simpson: Vice President of Product Supply, Global Baby Care, at Procter & Gamble Worldwide and a graduate of the United States Navel Academy.

Anne Zaring, Don Beck and Scott Knox are also members of the Citizens to Restore Fairness board.

With your help, Article 12 will be repealed! Over 2,100 signatures on repeal petitions were collected at the polls during the May 6 local elections alone.

The board is busy planning the pre-campaign part of the repeal, including the hiring of a full-time field director and part-time administrator.

These positions will lead the effort to deliver the 9,000 signatures needed to put the repeal on the ballot, provide assistance to the Volunteer Recruitment Committee, and manage field operations.

If you are interested in getting involved with CRF and helping to create a Cincinnati that is a more fair, just place to live, please Chris Seelbach, chrisseelbach 1@aol.com, or Gary Wright, wrightgw(@fuse.net.

contact

Chris Seelbach is a board member of Citizens to Restore Fairness.

"GOODTIME I"

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Also. Don't miss the boat!

10th Annual Northcoast Cruise 03

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Pre-party at X-centricities (6 p.m.) Boarding at 8:30 p.m.

This year's cruise under new management Call Paul Warner at (419) 626-8011 for more information and reservations.

arner at (419)

Goodtime Island Cruises P.O. Box 2572 Sandusky, Ohio 44871

(419) 625-9692 or (800) 446-3140 www.goodtimeboat.com

園

COVENTRY

VILLAGE

There's No Place Else Like It.

Something is always happening here.

It's never boring. Trendy shops. Award-winning food. Entertainment that rivals off-Broadway.

And merchants who smile when they ask your name. Always exciting. Always inviting. Now better than ever.

COVENTRY

VILLAGE

Between Mayfield Road and Euclid Heights Boulevard, Cleveland Heights For the latest specials and events, log on to www.coventryvillage.org