August, 1975

HIGH GEAR

Queen Anne's Lace

Note: If you have any questions or comments about drags and transexualism or associated subjects, send them in and I'll try to answer or refer you to a better source. Just send letters to: Queen Anne's Lace, clo High Gear Newspaper, PO Box 6177, Cleveland, Ohio 4410.

Like many people, I'm saddened that Cleveland's newest and nicest nightspot has refused entrance to drag queens. At first, I was frankly pissed off. But then, I thought it over from their viewpoint. They have an investment to protect. And if they don't protect it, everyone loses when they close.

As long as the general gay public refuses to understand and sympathize with queens, the situation will persist. SO....our job is to gain understanding. And through it, gain admission where we want to go. Many gays fail to realize where we want to go. Many gays fail to realize that drags-not the one-night-stand queens in five hundred dollar gowns who win the periodic "beauty contests"-but the ones who live and work or live and play as drags-are often driven to appear as they do. There's a world of psychological documentation for this. Somewhere in your local library, there's a famous landmark book on the subject called "The Transexual Phenomenon" by Dr. Harry T. Benjamin. You "normal" gay folks might read it and learn a little.

Equally important with understanding, we queens need to EARN admission to the places we want to go. In a world of gay people where the men are turned off by the appearance of females and seek association with their own sex because it...we can only be painful reminders of what they do not want in a friend or lover.

But worse, we all too often appear as a travesty. "All shoulders and no ass" is the whispered comment that's passed too often for comfort. That and other shortcomings can be handled skillfully. If the pros like Tiffany can do it...so can we. All it takes is a little pride...and a few ounces of padding at the fanny and hips. Purchasable, by the way, via any Fredericks or Hollywood catalog or store outlet. And, a little skiil at makeup goes a long way too. If you want to look like a gal...take a fast look at the women's magazines and learn how to do it. But if you want to look and act like a hooker...you'll be treated. like one. And these days, I hear tell that even they aren't doing that well on the job...too many amateurs are giving it away...and too few people are taking even the give-aways! There's no short-term answer for he discrimination we face. Being ust ordinary, friendly people--willng to talk and explain why we are what we are-can help.

legal for sex changes to have all legal documents changed to their new sex?...That the national V.A. now authorizes sex change operations at V.A. hospitals "which are properly equipped for the surgery"...Pennsylvania now grants driver's licenses to potential sex changes who haven't changed--as long as they're under a doctor's care?...and just a few years ago, it was the queens-not the "regular" gays in New York who led the street movement at the infamous Stonewall incident which led to organized gay rights movements in New York and a general liberalization of both laws and practice in what was once America's most tight-assed city about these things? Bebe Starker's S.T.A.R. group led the way! So don't say things can't be changed.

Happy Apple

By MATT PHILLIPS

The "Happy Apple"? This question has been on many people's minds as they passed the corner of St. Clair and W. 9th Street for the past several weeks. Scheduled to open at the beginning of September, the Happy Apple will be a three-floor combination disco and fast food service.

Edward Tucky, former manager of the "French Quarter" and manager of the new "Apple," detailed current plans for High Gear. The street level will be done in the style of a western hotel and be the center for the food service. The proposed menu includes crepe dishes, soup, and sandwich platters, "all below $1.95." The second floor will house a psychedelic disco.

Tucky says that they will "try to get the best sound system possible." The decor for the second floor will be "glass." There will be a suspended ceiling of colored glass; the walls will be glass imbedded in stucco; the dance floor will be constructed of glass block, back lighted with colored lights, and the rest of the floor will be glass with black-light posters underneath. The basement "nightclub" is destined to be a warehouse motif with an eighty foot long bar, "one of the longest in Cleveland." During lunch the basement will be a "for men only" club, complete with waitresses. When asked about the legal questions involved, Tucky said, "We can by-pass that as long as we have other facilities."

If you are still wondering where the name, "Happy Apple," came. from, Tucky saw it on a marquee in London and "because I think it's a good name, an unusual name."

Mr. Tucky said that he had many gay patrons at the "French Quarter" and that the gay would be welcome at the new

On to more pleasant things. Did be welcome at the new. "Happy Ap-

ou know...New Jersey has made it

ple."

Closets Are For Hangers

Gay Horoscope

SAGITTARIUS: November 23 December 21

Planetary positions make this a good travel and vacation time. Matters related to education, litigation, relatives, and religion are also favored. Around this time, your job or career aims should take priority, with a good potential for success. Your reputation will be spotlighted also. You are still enjoying a period of social and personal popularity.

CAPRICORN: December 22 January 20

Your spotlight now shows on financial partnership, or any form of shared expenses or income arrangement. You may decide to organize the budget, revise procedures, etc. You should make a fresh start in all these matters. Good News! In a short time any opposition you've been experiencing from various sources will diminish, then fade away.

AQUARIUS: January 21 February

19

The planets prompt you to be more than ordinarily aware of the impression you make on others. The influence of others upon you is also accentuated. Decicions and new ideas are more likely to come from a partner at this time. You may find yourself making sudden and unexpected travel plan, or you may become involved in an exciting educational program, or you may find matters including legal transactions. One of these areas wi!! be extremely active.

PISCES: February 20 March 20

Matters concerning work, coworker relations, health, and personal responsibilities will have priority this month. Some will find new romantic attractions coming out of the work surroundings. After the start of the fourth week, close. relationships are highlighted.

LEO: July 24 August 23

You are on center stage in your environment with personal interests, popularity, and recognition for achievements all fortunately accented. Around the second week -you may get the green light for a long planned project. With the last week you enter a period when your income and earning ability will be highlighted. If you are responsive ta present financial opportunities, this. is when they may pay off..

VIRGO: August 24 September 23

Now you must be more aware of personal obligations and personal debts. Clear up links to past responsibilities, then use this period constructively in planning for the immediate future. Beware of feuds involving relatives or neighbors this month. After the third week you can more easily proceed with recent plans. Afound this time you will also enjoy a period of personal and social popularity, and job or career progress:÷÷÷-

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LIBRA: September 24 October 23 Your sun accelerates social other group activities now. You may be in the spotlight at this time. Business and social surroundings are the best areas for gaining attention and recognition. Midmonth aspects may bring opportunities to make valuable new contracts. After the second week, travel with others is favorable. Your opportunities for love, relationships, partnerships, and creative collaboration are at their peak this month.

SCORPIO: October 24-November 22

Your ambition is now set in high gear. Leadership traits and drives are now very important to you. You are very aware of your abilities, and realize that you have more resources than you thought you had. Towards month's end, your social calendar should become extremely full, in all areas of your social life.

ARIES: March 21 April 20

Your sun this month highlights pleasure. Matters concerning children, romance, and all forms of creative expression are favored, as well as plans for entertainment, vacation, relaxation, and sports. The middle of the month should see you receiving an opportunity to prove your special talents, or you may receive news of a personally encouraging nature. Toward month's end, focus shifts to job responsibilities and personal or family obligations.

TAURUS: April 21 May 21

Domestic environment, family relationships, and property matters are what concern you now. You may launch a home improvement program, or for some, you may move into a new home or apartment. Toward the last week of the month and on is a most favorable time for romance. You should enjoy all the social pleasures.

GEMINI: May 22 June 21

You're even more than usually communicative at this time. Family matters should be enjoyable, and may include a bit of local travel to attend some happy gathering. Around the third week your home surroundings are spotlighted with entertainment plans, renovations, or Sperhaps a move.

CANCER: June 22 July 23

Your financial interests are in the spotlight this month. A speculative opportunity around the end of the second week may work well for you. It may have very good potential, but only if you really get into it. You should be seeing a lot of change this month...revisions, realignments. This may refer to job, home, or personal relationships. This may bring a lot of tension, but the changing situations can be very much to your advantage.