HIGH GEAR/NOVEMBER 1977

RUMORS FROM THE GAY FORUM

Well! Let me tell you it was no easy task making my way through the Forum this weekend. Not only was everyone there, but, decked in special finery from all reaches of the provinces for the festival season, some seemed to require twice as much space as usual.

Philander, as you might expeot, was everywhere, making promises to anyone who would listen to display his collection of artifacts from Greek culture. If he were to get half as many ac ceptances as he makes offers, in order to have enough time for everyone he would have to replace the sand in his hourglass with castor oil.

That other renowned collector, Vitrius, moved about bewailing the loss of a Bohemian tumbler. We all passed this off as one of those frequent outcries that come when this Regina Crystallina has discovered some specially blown piece cracked beyond repair. The laughter these outcries always arouse turned to riot when Vitrius informed us that we were wrong, that he had been abandoned by his latest eternal love who had been in the city with a circus troupe from the eastern provinces. Specially blown, indeed.

That other devotee of glass, Narcissus, was constantly in view seeking out any reflecting surface on which he might catch sight of the form he most adores. Poor dear, he need have no fear that anyone will compete with him for the favors of his most-favored image.

Gaius Garrulus led the conversation in the rather large circle that formed about him to hear the gossip he had gleaned as he moved like a reaper through the blossoming affairs of the city. Word of what had transpired between Pullus, whose tail feathers bounce in a way that delights many and whose spurs sparkle with their newness, and Senex, whose death in flagrante delicto everyone expects daily, so insatiable is his appetite for anything fresh from its shell, especially delighted Hilarius, whose strident laughter bounced about the columns and rose above the giggles of all others as he mocked the shrunken calves of Senex in halting pursuit of the strutting Pullus.

For a moment I thought there was to be a gathering of fowis, but it was only Galinus, preening his plumage and crowing at all hours about his indefatigable ability to service anyone who would be his hen. His crowing, some say, lasts longer than his coupling. Although, I wouldn't know.

In attention to details of dress, Gallinus was matched only by Transvesta, whose draperies artfully disguise the absence of

THANKSGIVING

Dosom and hips but whose veils ocrely hide the stubble that insists on cropping out on that precious chin. Not all the artifice of Byantium would help to convince anyone, except perhaps the callow Joven, that Transvesta had even reached puberty as a virgin.

dozens of eternal truths which we all can live without. Unfortunately, he does not understand our ingratitude.

On the other hand, Profoundus Gravis expects it. Impossible as it may seem, more people avoid him than do Pompus. For Profundus Gravis this behavior only proves the unworthiness of mankind. He rails at everyone's faults, all of which

Soon, shunned by everyone was Pompus. His chest inflated like a pouter pigeon's and his jowls aflutter like a ruffedgrouse's, he turns every spot he occupies into a dais from which he propounds vehemently

he does not see it he embodies. He mistakes being down for being deep.

Also shunned, but with some

THE CHILLING EFFECT

By S. Howard

Have you ever thought of the kind of news you would be receiving if all news was censored by the government? Soon would follow the right to censor movies, news broadcasts, and perhaps would even include the books you read in your leisure. This is being done on a very small scale right now in some cities, but imagine on a federal or national scale.

What I am talking about is not a science-fiction book. This is something from our own history books, yes the 1970's, the years of Big Brother.

We have seen much change in our government in the past few years, much of it crawling from the mounds of red tape, thanks to the Watergate and Nixon. Now the most terrifying blow to our freedom comes from our federal government and our renowned judicial system.

The first Amendment to the Constitution states that Congress shall make no law abridg-

media beginning in 1969 led to self-restraint among newspapers, magazines, radio and televison efforts.

The latest version of the Nixon-Agnew legacy can be seen today with the obscenity trials of Harry Reems, who appeared in Deep-Throat. Reems was charged with transporting obscene material across state lines, although he only acted in the film.

Alan Dershowitz, Harvard Law School professor, defended Reems and stated that any person involved in any way with

By Mitchell Menegu regret, is Ebriosus. His beauty attracts, but his glazed eyes and unsteady walk repel. He might be more blessed if he poured as many libations onto the altars of the gods as he does into his own gullet.

Lucullus is equally devoted to his gullet. He is the first to test every kitchen and tavern and to pronounce judgment on their quality. Many are willing to listen to Lucullus' drooling judgments in hope of being invited to one of the feasts he frequently hosts. Still, he is not

sexually explicit films may be brought into any court in the United States and charged with participating in a national conspiracy. If Dershowitz is correct, the government could effectively eliminate anything it deems improper or detrimental to its selfordained purposes.

Now, to answer our previous question, what does this have to do with the gay community? If our government listens to the largest purse-strings and the largest political supporters. where will the Bill Of Rights find itself, and where will we find a

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loved. As if his dogmatism and verbosity were not enough reason, Lucullus eats all the food that inspires his conversation without gaining an inch of fat. Unforgivable!

Passing, as I love to, under the arches, I saw leaning against a column the pallid Extraspaciosus. That is, I saw his body; his mind had reached some empyrean that I have no hopes of ever seeing. It's just as well. I'd rather be here so that I can again visit my dear, dear friends at the Forum.

sympathetic ear for our cause? We must join forces now to ensure that the things we have fought and suffered for are not lost. We have unlimited strength in our number, and if we use that strength in a democratic way, then perhaps our dreams of a free world for everyone will become a reality. A world in which we as gays can finally come out and live.

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ANY EXIT FROM 1-75 TO PIQUA

jockey short

ing the freedom of speech or dance contest

press. However, there is no need for Congress to pass such a law, for there are no binders or restrictions on the F.B.I., C.I.A. the Defense Deaprtment and these officials may employ other government offices. All of methods that can only be called crude and legal when not scrutinized too closely. It is a small item the Supreme Court labeled the "Chilling Effect." This effect employs scare tactics straight from the secret police of WWII. These tactics include prying into personal lives and uncovering everything that might be used to embarrass and harass the people in question. already sought injunctions from A few key journalists have

the courts to restrain these agencies. As we might expect, these cases are constantly being postponed and delayed.

What effect does this have on the gay community?... Better yet, will there be a community left when the gay community comes into its own?

Before this can be answered, let us use another "chilling effect" to serve to emphasize the problem.

The Engineering of Restraint, an ACLU report subtitled The Nixon Administration and the

& miss water main contest

DEC. 10

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Press clearly shows Vice-Presolation gOUSYONG

ident Agnew's attacks on the

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