Vol. 2 A Publication of the GEAR Foundation Issue 6
HIGH GEAR
1976 GEAR
HEIGHTS GETS RIGHTS
CLEVELAND Gay rights has scored its first victory in the Cleveland area with the issuance of an affirmative action program for municipal employment in the city of Cleveland Heights. The charter states that homosexuals are to be "protected against discrimination in hiring, promotion, and dis missal." The city's Law Depart. ment, in drafting the program borrowed as guidelines those o the Federal Civil Service ruling. FPM 731-3 (July 3, 1975). Interest of activists was wide
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spread in the progress of gay rights in this medium sized city, pop. 62,000, although efforts were carefully unpublicized until last month's High Gear. Lesbian activists in Los Angeles researched Federal rulings at the request of the lawyer recruited by the legislative action committee, Dignity. Cleveland.
"Cleveland Heights was a target city," says Jean O'Leary, Legislation Coordinator, the National Gay Task Force, New York. "The importance of the
Cleveland Heights victory is that it marks a first in Ohio's most heavily populated county."
Or as one Cleveland activist says: "The sky isn't falling in the Heights...... busses are still running, people are shopping at Severance Center. From now on, it will be much, much easier to get our programs passed throughout the county."
Observers of the Heights political scene tend to agree that gay rights are probably there to stay, despite zappings by counter-pressure groups.
MATLOVICH IN CLEVELAND
Among the topics discussed was the pending court case. Matlovich said that because he addressed the disclosure of his homosexuality directly to the Secretary of the Air Force, he literally dispensed with five years or pre-administrative bureaucracy.
CLEVELAND sity. Former Air Force sergeant Leonard P. Matlovich, who is fighting his discharge because of homosexuality, arrived in Cleveland January 20 for an appearance on WEWS-TV's Morning Exchange program. Met at the airport by G.E.A.R. board members, Matlovich consented to a short interview with Vivian Aplin of the Plain Dealer.
During the interview Matlovich remarked at least 10% of the armed forces is gay. He based this estimate on his 12 years in the military and studies done on homosexuals in the service. Matlovich also stated that as more people profess their homosexuality, more positive role models will be provided for the gay community. He said he grew up without the role models that heterosexuals have.
After dinner with area gay leaders, Matlovich spoke to a group at Cleveland State Univer-
Asked by one of those present what the rationale behind military regulations against homosexuals is, Matlovich responded: 1) It's against the law (federal and some states) 2) Because acting gay is illegai, homosexuals are thus subject to blackmail. 3) It's allegedly bad morale for the troops.
According to Matlovich, presiding Judge Gesel has thrown the burden of the case on the shoulders of the Air Force by asking it to present a detailed analysis of how anti-homosexuai reguiations are enforced; how many gays there are in the Air Force; and what pur-
pose the regulations serve. The Air Force has already requested and been granted two thirty-day and one sixty-day delays. The case is expected to be heard at district level by Judge Gesel, former Watergate referee, in February.
Determined to take his case to the Supreme Court if necessary. Matlovich and his lawyers plan to structure their presentation so that a favorable decision would set a precedent to prohibit discrimination against all gays-teachers, those in the military, government employees, etc.
At the CSU discussion Matlovich also shared his experiences in coming out and emphasized that gay people's worst enemy is the closet.
"Both sides of council were for us," says activist John Kelsey, "and they will undoubtedly
stay that way so long as Oliver Schroeder, Dean of Law, CaseWestern Reserve University, sits on council. Dean Schroeder is one of the city's most esteemed and beloved citizens. His committee unanimously supported our inclusion last November. and Oliver Schroeder well uniderstands that municipal governments must take the lead and open employment to all qualified, law-abiding individuais, no matter what minority group he or she may belong to."
MATLOVICH FOUNDATION
IN COLUMBUS
CLEVELAND While in town. Matlovich informed High Gear that he and his lawyers, Susan Humen and David Adelstone are planning to establish a foundation in Columbus, Ohio.
The Matlovich Foundation will have a threefold purpose: 1) It will attempt to co-ordinate all local and national gay groups in a fund-raising effort for the Bella Abzug sponsored bill in the House. (This bill amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include sexual preference). 2) The Foundation will hire full-time lawyers whose availability for consensual rights cases will be nationwide. 3) An all-out effort will be made to raise money for
Vivian Aplin, John Nosek, and Leonard Matlovich at PD
Photo by John Vogel
a TV-Radio campaign to change stereotyped media images of gays.
Among those contacted thus far for the media blitz are Johnny Carson's agent and California Governor Jerry Brown's campaign manager, according to Matlovich.
Asked why Ohio was chosen as a base for the foundation, Matlovich replied: "Well, for one thing, my lawyer's firm is stationed in Columbus; and secondly, Ohio is also one of the more progressive states on sexual reform."
O.K.TO HOTLINE
CLEVELAND Following a meeting with representatives of the GEAR Foundation, new MCC pastor Don Richmond agreed to allow GEAR to operate the Hotline from MCC premises, 2999 W. 25th St. One of the office rooms is to be used strictly for Hotline purposes and will be supervised by Community Services Director, David Holleb and GEAR Board Member, David Donovan.
Arrangements were made to have GEAR pay all phone costs and a small monthly rental donation to MCC. The Hotline will remain stationed at MCC offices until such time when funds are available for separate community center facilities.