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COMMUNITY VOICE

PARANOIC HYPER SENSITIVITY

Dear Mr. Stevens:

Ordinarily, I respect the right of a critic to his own opinion, whether or not it concurs with my own. However, in the case of your review of the Fairmount Center Theatre of the Deaf production of The Law of Silence headed "Dumb and

Gay?", I feel that the negative aspects of your review do a great disservice to the production as well as to the members of the deaf and gay community

who might refrain from seeing the play on the strength of your commentary.

A large portion of the critique is devoted to a condemnation of Chuck Rosenow's characterization of the governor, citing it as "a vicious fag... complete with lipstick, painted fingernails and lace." I think perhaps in our overzealous concern for the gay image and that we, as people. are often subjected to stereotypical representations, you overreacted to his portrayal.

As your research into the

HIGH GEAR

Secondly, another rather in-, sensitive observation was made concerning your accusation that the theme "Behold, I am A Man!" is a sexist statement. Surely, you couldn't have missed the fact that the word

"man" in this instance is used to

encompass humanity in general. From my vantage point in the musician's loft, I can tell you

that the rest of the audience

does not miss this. For them the play is a very moving experience, as it could be for anyone, man, woman, deaf, hearing, gay or straight, who comes to it with an open mind not clouded by paranoic hypersensitivity.

Sincerely,

Tim Tavcar

etymology of the word "faggot SUGGESTS

was so concise and correct, I'm surprised you overlooked the historical correctness of the governor's feminine accoutrements. As to the actual characterization itself; of course it can be argued that there were other options; there always are for any actor. But I think that you confuse the representation of a stock elitist "fop" with a stereotyped "fag." Mr. Rosenow's character certainly was derived from the former. This type of character appears throughout theatrical literature and if you project your own hypersensitive interpretation upon what is essentially a theatrical tradition, then I advise you to stay away from any works by any of the great Restoration playwrights, (Sheridan, Moliere, et. al.) all the way through to those plays and characters created by our own Oscar Wilde, for I can assure you that you will find much in them to offend you.

To High Gear Staff and Gear Foundation:

I noticed you will need some $300.00 per month to open the Gay Community Center, here in Cleveland.

If every Gay person in Cleveland would contribute just $1.00 per month (which is less than most waste on cigarettes), we would be more than able to meet this monthly debt.

Why not ask in the next issue, for pledges of $1.00 per month. I cannot believe anyone who supports morally and spiritually the good work you are doing, and trying to do for Gay Rights, and Gay Awareness here in Cleveland, would not support it financially as well.

I believe at least 1000 persons could and would contribute a Dollar a month for this very worthwhile and noble cause. T

JANUARY 1977

munist as well as other pro|gressive literatures, and ordered the Bureau of Prisons to issue a new policy to this effect.

Suggestion Two: I have some clothing I would like to donate to help someone in need. When you open the center, have a closet, or just a very large box The prison officials then where clothing could be drop-attacked everyone's "whipping ped in for needy brothers and boy," the Gay prisoners. To ban sisters, and where anyone who Gay newspapers is a direct needs clothing could obtain violation of the Gays' First these donated clothes without Amendment rights. The poor charge, or with just a small excuse that the officials give for donation, to the Gay Community denying the Gays their Constitutional Rights: "The reader would be identified as a homosexual and may be assaulted or raped." Yet, penologists claim that 75% of all prisoners are homosexuals! I guess Carlson

Center.

I will donate some books to the center next year, when it opens.

I enclose $1.00 Donation. If you ask in your next issue perhaps 1000 people every month would be willing to do the same. "Ask, and Ye Shall Receive, Seek and Ye Shall Find, Knock, and it will be opened unto You".

God Bless You and the good work that you are doing.

Very Sincerely, Ricky Stevens

TRAPPED!

Editors: The oppression of Gay prisoners by the federal prison officials continues. Norman Carlson, Director of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons has taken another step toward controlling the thoughts of prisoners by banning all Gay newspapers and magazines from the 34 Federal Correctional (Concentration Camps) Institutions. Earlier this year, Carlson attempted to ban all Communist, Black, and other progressive literature only to be stopped by the court in Atlanta Ga. in Blue vs. Carlson. No. 752257 (A). The court upheld the prisoners' rights to receive ComF $

4PM-2:30AM. 8PM-2:30AM. 8PM-2:30A.M. 8P.M.-2:30A.M. 8PM 2:30A.M. 8PM.-2:30AM. 6P.M.2:30AM

THE WATER

MAIN

202 N MAIN STREET PIQUA, OHIO 45356 (513) 773-9277 773-9095

January

TRASH

hasn't been told that it is his

duty to protect all prisoners!

The National Prisoners Asso-

ciation on December 27, 1976 filed a suit in the District Court of East St. Louis, III, on behalf of Russell D. Smith, chairperson of the N.P.A., as well as all Gay prisoners, seeking to overthrow Carison's decision.

We are without funds to pay attorney fees or other expenses. We welcome all contributions, | large or small. Please send contributions to: National Prisoners! Assn., 44030705. Mercantile National Bank, 70 Broad St. N.W.. Atlanta, Ga., 30303. George E. Blue No. 27559-138 Chairman, National Prisoners Assn.

P.O. Box 1000 Marion, Ill. 62959

DISLO

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TRISHA'S REHEARSAL 4:00 TIL ???

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WOMEN'S JOCKEY SHORT DANCE CONTEST

TRISHA

THE TRAMPETTES

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MR. WATER

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FEMALE ILLUSIONISTS

Miss

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FOR FEBRUARY

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MUSI TRISHA

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FEMALE

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"I HEAR THE AMERICAN CONGRESSMEN ARE HAVING SEX WITH THEIR FEMALE SECRETARIES AND RAPING THEIR MALE PAGES."

"WHAT DO YOU EXPECT LEGISLATURE?"

FROM A BICAMERAL