COMMUNITY VOICE
CHEAP! CHEAP?
Gentlemen:
This letter is in reply to RON MEYER'S "COVER RIP-OFF" published In High Gear's Issue of July, 1977. You may print this -letter if you wish.
You may not consider DISCO a special event; However, The costs in suppling such a nonevent, as you put it, will cost the owner around $30,000.00. I would say this is a rather costly non-event, wouldn't you?
This COVER RIP-OFF CHARGE is far from being a GAY TAX. Tax is something you must pay and get nothing in return. At least you're receiving the services of a D.J. and generally the lights for a fine light show.
The dollar charge generally covers only the wages and hidden taxes created by this so called non-event. Did you know the owner must pay ASCAP for the permission to play that record you want to hear and that long play 45 may cost him $2.50 EACH over and above the permission charge of ASCAP. Hidden taxes such as Workman's Compensation, Social Security Match, State and Federal Unem-ployment and don't forget the personal taxes of the owner which cost more than the average person would ever realize. These taxes are for every employee not just the DJ, Lightman, Doorman, Owner.
I don't feel you have been many places to go other than to cheap gay bars, road side parks and public rest rooms; Otherwise, you would know that even straight disco bars charge to get in even if it is in Hawail, Californja, Spain, Africa or Ohio. Is this then to be considered a STRAIGHT TAX?
You sound like the type that wouldn't put a quarter in the Juke Box. Personally, I'm relieved when they provide constant music. It costs me far less
than I would normally spend. You had better put some oil on your shoes they're squeaking and saying, CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP!
Let's face it... You are going to help pay for everything including the carpeting on the floor one way or the other. I personally would rather pay a cover charge seven nights a week than to pay higher prices for my drinks. Be thankful that there are bar owners that want our business.
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NOT SO HIGH ON DENNIS
Dear Friends:
Dennis Highland's abortive attempt (High Gear, 8/77) to distinguish between "gay" and "homosexual" reveals the most muddleheaded thinking on the subject we have yet run across.
May we suggest that he educate himself on the matter by reading the enclosed editorial from our magazine Tangents written in 1970 with our compliments?
Cordially Ursula Enters Copely Homosexual Information Center Los Angeles, California
FULL
CIRCLE
by
Bob Kovach
Years ago, when there were just a few bars around, and before Discomania, one used to go down to the "620," among other places, for an evening of social and sexual fun. Everyone was so busy having a good time that no one had time to be arrogant and phoney. Then came Disco and the pretty disco-babies and suddenly the fine art of cruising all but disappeared. Well, much to this writers delight, the good old days are back. I spent a fantastic 4 hours at the "620" last Saturday Night, 3 of them on
their dance floor under their new light show. Where they differ is, for one thing, since they have a juke box you get to pick what you want to hear for only 10c a song (10 for $1). and second, the friendly cruising is back. The place was packed by congenial, happy people having the best time in months. If you haven't visited the "620" lately-try it. Joe Bruno, Dwayne and Chuck are to be congratulated on bringing Cleveland Gay social life full circle.
HIGH GEAR/SEPTEMBER 1977
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Dear Editor:
Steve Jobe's article "What's Lambda? is a delightful addition to lambda mythology, and since I've been, for years, a compulsive Lambda wearer, I'm glad for the article. I would, however, like to insert a historical note.
The lambda, pretty much as it is represented In High Gear and throughout the rest of the world, was selected by Tom Doerr, who was the chairperson of GAA. New York leaflet committee. He is an extremely talented and Imaginative designer. The sign was chosen because it
a: could stand for liberation b. stood for the transference of energy in chemical and physical equations and GAA is an activist organization valuing the transference of energy very highly.
c. Tom and his then lover, Marty Robinson, loved it.
Signs represent myths and myths grow with history, time and usage. It's good that this beautiful symbol has taken on such a richness of meaning. It stands for Gay Liberation and Gay Liberation has always stood for the richness that is inherent In a life that is expressed with honesty and love. Despite the fact that there have been other signs that have come along. I believe that the continued growth of the Lambda as an international sign for Gay Liberation is a fine testimony to the almost magical way that it represents the truths of our movement. It is, in addition, a touch of immortality that should be granted to Tom Doerr.
Sincerely Marc Rubin Brooklyn, New York
RADIO
FREE LAMBPA
10 PM MONDAYS CLEVELAND
WURUW 91el FM
BAR CHARGE
Dear High Gear:
I have yet to find a GAY BAR that charges more than any straight bar of equal quality for their product. Most generally a GAY BAR OWNER is charging far less for his services and product. Take the bars in New Orleans...while Mardi Gras was goIng on, this year, they held their prices to the same as any other time during the year, but the straight bars raised their prices 50c to a $1.00.
You may feel obligated to buy when the bar doesn't charge to get in. Go ahead and boycott YOUR GAY BAR... the owner would be better off without your crying and pomplaining.
If you're worried about one dollar extra for a night of entertainment you should stay, home because you can't afford the night. Where else can you get a night of enjoyment for one dollar other than in your gay bar.
Dan Reed Medway, Ohlo
COMMUNITY
PAGE 14
PHONE REFERENCE
Gay Hotline 321-6632
CLEVELAND
GAY ORGANIZATIONS
·
Gay Community Center 321-2664 Dignity/Cleveland 791-0942 M.C.C. 831-8222
·
HEALTH CARE V.D. 24 Hour Information Tape 621-2191 Gay Alcoholics Anonymous 241-2619 East Side Free Clinic-721-4010 Near West Side Free Clinic 281-4242 Free Clinic of Lake Co.255-6783-
WOMEN Cleveland Women's Counseling 321-8585 WomenSpace 391-6650
Rape Crisis Center 391-3912 Women's Growth Cooperative 321-8582 Oven Productions 371-1697 What She Wants 391-8551
A.C.LU. 781-6276 Legal Aid Society 861-6242
M.C.C. 253-8388
·
Gay Union 352-8712
LEGAL
AKRON
BOWLING GREEN
COLUMBUS
Gay Women's Peer Counseling 283-0229 G.A.A. 422-9212
Alcoholic Help 443-1052, 864-5440
CINCINNATI
Gay Men's Hotline 241-0001 Lesbian Referral Line 621-CARE Dignity 621-4811
Dignity 426-1836
Gay Center 278-3963
Lesbian-Feminist League
DAYTON
-3808 275-3606
KENT
Kent Gay Liberation Front 672-2068
·
OBERLIN
Oberlin College Gay Union Ohlo Gay Rights Coalition
775-8131 775-8131
TOLEDO
Personal Rights Organization 243-9351
YELLOW SPRINGS
Antioch Gay Liberation 767-7311 x217
If there are any organizations not listed that you feel should be. please write:
Community Phone Reference
C/O HIGH GEAR.
P.O. BOX 6177
CLEVELAND OHIO 44101