HIGH GEAR/OCTOBER 1977

YOUR VOTE WILL COUNT

By Terrance Edwards "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away"--words we are accustomed to hearing at the mortal demise of those whom we know, those whom we love. These words were being spoken not by some designate of the deity on October 4, 1977. They were being intoned by Ralph J. Perk as he addressed the funeral-like audience gathered together to seal the coffin on his political career. All were sad some wept but fortunately, this doleful spirit was not one in which I had to participate. As a conservative Republican I deeply feel the setbacks that we as a minority party must so frequently endure. Unfortunately, as a suburbanite I could not exercise my franchise in this important mayoral elec-

tion.

Earlier in the evening I was viewing channel 5 in order to check if the producers had made any significant changes in. their portrayal of gays in the comedy entitled, "Soap." The program was occasionally interrupted by election return results. At one point the station switched to the headuarters of his honor. The read them and weep syndrome was apparent to even the most obtuse observer.

The reporter started by saying "the gaiety has gone out of this crowd." Hearing the returns that had been counted and reported, I was immediately struck by this phrase in quite another fashion. What if the gays.defeated Ralph J. Perk? Impossible, you say. Not in the least.

We know that there are repubican gays. We know that about 1 in 10 is gay. Forget about the fact that there are thousands of gay eligible voters. It is reasonable to assume that 5% of the toal voters were gay, and five percent of the total is an impressive 5900 votes. And 5,900 votes were enough to deny any candidate a first or second place win.

Can we make a difference in the general election? Most assuredly, yes. We can elect a mayor of Cleveland who is sym

pathetic to gay rights, who will make appointments on the basis of competence and ability irrespective of sexual orientation. We can elect a mayor who will be sensitive and supportive of all people who struggle to gain those rights which are inherently our, but which from time-to-time are savagely attacked by many, including the Supreme Court and city mayors.

As responsible citizens we have the obligation to register and vote. As intelligent people we have the responsibility to investigate the candidates for whom we vote. I don't believe in being a one issue voter but the issue of gay human rights is so important and so fundamental to the foundation of democracy that I can see making an exception in the upcoming election.

FOR GAY CATHOLICS ...NON-CATHOLICS, TOO

DIGNITYAkron-Canton

P.O. Box 1452 Akron 535-8216 44311

Troubadour Lounge 2010 Market Street Youngstown

ANOTHER NIGHT IN YOUNGSTOWN TO REMEMBER

Saturday October 29, 1977 Showtime 11:15 p.m.

PAULA BUNYAN PRESENTS A HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR

Starring...

THE FLU ANN FOLLIES...

With male dancers

ARE You ComiNG to

Ricky's

Deary?

Page 11

FRI., OCT. 28

GAYLA HALLOWEEN PARTY!

Cash Prizes for:

1. Best Drag (Talent) 2. Best Costume

3. Most Original

"Door Prizes Galore!"

Festivities begin at 9:00 PM and last until 2:30 AM.

Billie & Mike

Paula Bunyan

Twiggy St. Eve

Angel Baker

AND FEATURING

Miss Mag Reily

Barbara Shargo

(One of the area's all-time favorites)

$2.00 Cover incl. admission, complimentary drink,

and disco dancing party with refreshments from 2:30 AM til???

Peter Peter will be coming-won't you try coming, too.

RICHARD MIXES FANTASTIC DRINKS

Richards

Fifteen East Fifth Mansfield, Ohio 419/526-9119