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A MATLOVICH INTERVIEW
Leonard P. Matlovich, 32, former Air Force sergeant discharged last September for homosexuality, has emerged as one of the leading spokespersons for the Gay Movement. Before admitting his homosexuality last year, Matlovich, the son of an Air Force sergeant, served three years of duty in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart and a medal for his work in drug abuse prevention and race relations. Presently, while awaiting action in the U.S. District court of Washington, D.C. on his case for reinstatement in the Air Force. Matlovich appears on the college lecture circuit talking about his experiences and the gay struggle for equality.
During his recent visit to Cleveland, Matlovich granted High Gear an exclusive interview.
High Gear: There seems to be a schism between moderate and radical gays in the movement about your military background. What are your personal reactions to being tagged a "baby bomber?"
Matlovich: I've never bombed a baby in my life, nor so far as I know have I ever killed a person. When I was in Vietnam, I was an electrician. During Vietnamization I trained the Vietnamese in electronics. My orily other responsibilities in the service were human relations and drug abuse. Let's face it. I simply can't please every faction of the Gay Movement; nor do I think I have to. We really can't afford
to bicker among ourselves too much. There, of course, should be an ever present dialogue; but publically we need to appear united. I
During the past year, the ACLU Board of Directors updated and expanded the Union's policy on the rights of gays. "Homosexuals", the policy states, "are entitled to the same rights, liberties, lack of harassment, and protections as are other citizens."
The old policy said that the state has a legitimate interest in controlling public solicitation for sexual acts. The new policy Talent Nite at the Outpost
don't think we have the organization yet that the Black Civil Rights Movement had. And the major obstacle preventing us from getting thai organization is the closet.
High Gear: As a former instructor in race relations, do you care to comment on the significance of racism to the gay sub-culture?
Matlovich: We as gays are far from perfect. Many of us are sexist and racist, and before we can be effective as a peuple we need to set ourselves "straight by cleaning our closets as well as getting out of them... 1 oppose any type of separatism black, lesbian, etc.
High Gear: Did you ever bring up gay rights in your race relations class? .
Matlovich: Oh yes. Even before I came out, I had all kinds of enlisted men of different ranks in my class. It's interesting. On the average. 90% of the men in each class were in favor of blanket sexual
privacy. During my trial 20 of 25 character witnesses who testified on my behalf were black.
High Gear: Do you feel the cover story on gays in Time was beneficial?
Matlovich: Well, I was pleased with the cover picture of me: because that in itself was a statement defying previously held stereotypes: but I felt the story was lousy. It didn't deal with any of the problems and joys of gay life. Only superficial things like keys and handkerchiefs were emphasized. I thought the story was sensational and misrepresentative
High Gear: Have you received any movie or book offers since your picture appeared on Time?
Matlovich: I'm having a book written by Henry Edwards and Bob Weiner. Because we're still in the negotiating stages. we don't have a publisher yet. The book will be an autobiography It'll show my homosexuality as part of a greater whole. There is some talk of a movie too: but that's part of the package deal: so I don't have any information on it yet.
High Gear: Has fame greatly affected your ego?
Matlovich: No, for this primary reason. My fame is at the expense of my former career. I'd rather not be lemous but also not have our people suffer You know, I'm recognized not for what I've done; but for what I am. It's exciting to be part of history, but it's also kind of frustrating..
High Gear: How have your politics changed since you've come out?
Matlovich: Greatly When I first went into the service I was a flag-waving-racist-Jew and
ACLU Gay Rights Policy Updated
states: "The ACLU opposes criminal restraints on public solictation for private sexual behavior between or among adults of the same sex. Such restraints provide the stimulus for government harassment of homosexuals even in the absence of any criminal charges."
The old policy allowed that for certain sensitive jobs the state might refuse employment to a
homosexual. The new policy does not allow any exceptions The ACLU oppases discrimination in public and private housing and accommodations, government benefits, occupational licensing and government and private employment including teaching of children and jobs requiring security clearance .. simply because the person is a homosexual."*
faggot hater. I was generally uncomfortable with myself as well. Things started changing when I met my first black supervisor He dispelled a lot of stereo-types Then the ball just started rolling and here's where In at today
High Gear: As a professional gay what kind of hostilities any, have you had to face from detractors?
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Matiovich: Actually, none seems that my only detractors have been gays opposed to my military background I've had some threatening letters and phone calls: but people In general have been very Supportive
High Gear: How have your relatives responded to your public gayness?
around me' I think my : *** still see my elfort as ce around a cause rather th lifestyle. but as thing down I'm sure they !! other side of t
High Gear: M. 19. your gayness nea when you first 1:0:0 Matlovich: Thing happening so fast it's completely analyze it
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monogamous Polygamy may b fine for someone else Ive neve·· had a long term aff. anyone. In fact I didn't have a sexual experience until I was 30 My values and philosophy are continuously changing so lean t
Mat at Cleveland State
Matlovich: At first, shock My father read about i 111 the newspaper before I even had a chance to tell him I remember talking to him that first night and him saying. My God I can't believe it CBS will be here in 30 minutes' My historically redneck relatives from Georgia took it rather well This past Christmas was the best I've ever had They even let the little kids
The Unions policy also specifically opposes limitations on the custody and visitation rights of parents because of their sexual preference and governmental and private attempts to prevent homosexuals from speaking out about homosexuality and forming political and social groups
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really give you a well deformat answer at this point High Gear: Do you have my occupational plans outside of the military?
Matlovich: Well Id like 1 dedicate the rest of my life. some Wily to equality .Î justice You knoA 0036 change the laws, you sull to change people's heats
Joey Napierkowski MC Randy Esposito Charles Little & Tony Martin
Blanche
OUTPOST
VALENTINE'S PARTY February 14th
The largest bar between Pittsburgh and Cleveland
near Turnpike exit 14