Page 2

HIGH

CEAR

1978 GEAR

Vol 4A Publication of the GEAR Foundation Issue 6

HIGH GEAR journal is a publication of the Gay Educational and Awareness Resources (G.E.A.R.) Foundation of Cleveland, Ohio. It is distributed free of charge in any establishment and with any organization that will permit distribution. We are non-profit publication, and all proceeds not used to pay printing costs and service fees are set aside for the Gay HotlineSwitchboard (216)-321-6832, the G.E.A.R. Foundation which sponsors the Cleveland Gay Community Center and other Ohio gay organizations.

The presence of the name or picture or other representation of an organization, place of business or person(s) in HIGH GEAR is not necessarily indicative of the sexual orientation of such organizations, businesses or persons.

We welcome all contributions of written materials, art work, or photography by members of the gay community. All materials submitted for publication are subject to editorialization. We cannot guarantee the return of materials submitted for publication, whether used by HIGH GEAR or not, unless they are accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envolope.

All HIGH GEAR staff are volunteers. Anyone Interested in working on the staff of HIGH GEAR should inquire by calling (216) 321-6632 or by writing to HIGH GEAR STAFF, P.O. Box 6177, Cleveland, Ohio 44101. Businesses or organizations wishing to advertise in HIGH GEAR may obtain advertising rate sheets and other information by writing to the above address.

The deadline for HIGH GEAR publication dates is as follows:

Advertising by the 30th of every month, camera ready and composition ads. Written material by the 5th of every month. News Items until publication.

High Gear will not publish material'in which graphic or verbal representations of an ideal or idealized human body appear, except in the case of a performer or work of art which is the subject of the material. We also will not publish material of a racist, sexist, or pornographic nature. We reserve the right to, alter and/or edit material to conform to the above standards; in the case of display advertising, after notifying the advertiser.

HIGH GEAR is printed the second Thursday of every month and available at bars, baths, universities, businesses and elsewhere thereafter.

HIGH GEAR is copyrighted under federal law. Reproduction is granted to all other gay publications so long as credit is given to HIGH GEAR. All HIGH GEAR work is original unless otherwise noted.

BRIAN DOWITT

PAT HENDERSON DENNIS HIGHLAND STEVE JOBE

STAFF

MARK KINSLEY SHARON KREMER 'SADIE MARAT TERRY MCCORMICK MITCHELL MENIGU

DAN MIECZNIKOWSKI MICHAEL PRUNTY ED RAWLINGS ROBBIE ROBINSON AARON ROSS TONY SCAFARO

BILL SMITH 'LEON STEVENS

Ciroulation.... .12,000 plus Distribution.........Akron, Athens, Barberton, Berea, Bowling argen, Brooklyn, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Cleveland Hts., Columbus, Dayton, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Lima, Lorain, Mansfield, Middleburgh Hts., Oberlin, Painesville, Parma, Parma Hts, Pique, Rockbridge, Rocky River, Sandusky, Toledo, Warren, Youngstown and points beyond.

High Gear Creed

We the willing

Led by the unknowning

are doing the impossible

for the ungrateful.

We have done so much for so long

with so little

that we are now qualified to do anything

with nothing.

HIGH GEAR/FEBRUARY 1978

ONE YEAR LATER

One year ago today, the Dade County Commission passed into law the so-called "Gay Rights Ordinance"... which consisted of the words "Sexual and Affectional Preference" being added to an already standing Dade County Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. What ensued was the most vicious smear campaign ever perpetrated on any individual or group of individuals in the history of the modern media.

In one year, Anita Bryant has been thrust into the forefront of a movement designed to repress individual expression, on the misconception that others might copy a lifestyle which is foreign to them.

In one year, the people of Dade County, having reacted by taking away the rights of a certain group of individuals, have seen the image of South Florida change from that of the sun and fun capitol of the world to a reactionary bastion of bigotry, permanently endangering the tourist development of an area strongly dependent on that very

industry.

In one year, we have seen Anita Bryant's career become the most important Gay Rights issue in America, claiming persecution from gays was hurting her career, despite the fact that it has been sixteen years since she has had a hit record, and the very people she claims are destroying her, publicly, have urged that her right to work despite her sexual and affectional and political expression should be protected just as ours should.

in one year, we have seen no increase in crimes from the homosexual community, while crimes against the homosexual community have increased three-fold.

In one year, we have seen the media refer to "Militant Homosexuals" while seeing no militancy.

But, in one year, we have forced all good citizens to reevaluate their feelings on the gay issue, and in time, they will see we have not changed, we did not turn Miami into a San

Francisco, as if that were somehow a danger, that we have not recruited, as if that were a reality, that we have not forced our ways on those unsuspecting, as if that were a possibility.

In time, the gay and bi-sexual lifestyles will be seen for what they are; an alternative that is no threat to those who are not oriented in that way already.

While we have lost our protection, we have not lost our faith, and our faith in the ability of freedom loving Americans to see who the real militants are. That we are misunderstood and misrepresented is unfortunate ... That we are thought about is the only achievement of the year.

We of the Dade County Coalition, applaud those commissioners who put their careers on the line for what is right, despite negativism, generated by a handful of misguided zealots.

January 18th, 1977, was the beginning of a new consciousness that will ultimately eat away at bigotry until all people are free.

CHURCH COMMITTEE SUPPORTS GAYS

A committee formed by the United Presbyterian Church to investigate "Christian approaches to homosexuality" has not only suggested ordaining known gays as ministers of that church but also stated that homosexuality in itself should not be considered sinful.

Within the committee, five of the nineteen members disagreed with the majority and issued a minority report simply stating that known gays should not be elevated to any church position.

While this initial news is welcome to the nation's gays,

the proposal must yet be approved at the national convention of the church in San Diego in May. With over two and a half million members throughout the country, if the recommendation is approved at the convention, the United Presbyterian Church would become the most progressive major church in the United States with these official teachings regarding gays.

But the gay issue could very possible mean trouble for the church, also. "This has more potential to split the church than anything since slavery and the

JUDGE ORDERS HALT TO GAY DISCHARGES

Federal Court Judge Cecil F. Poole ordered the Navy to stop processing servicemen for discharge on grounds of homosexuality, on January 27,

1978.

The order was based upon his holding that the regulation provides for mandatory processing for discharge, which the judge said was arbitrary and capricious and thus unconstitutional.

The Court made the order in the case of Ignacio Martinez, a Navy Petty Officer with six years of good service who had been

KING'S ROOM

By Kathy Knowles Some long time resident of Cleveland may remember the King's Room, a bar that existed a few years ago, on the east side. It has been re-opened under new management, and is now open to the gay community, as an alternative to the large downtown discos.

accused of homosexuality but cleared of the charges after a hearing board of three officers.

The Court previously ordered the Navy not to discharge Martinez. Today it ordered the Navy to re-enlist Martinez. 1

This is the first ruling of its kind in the country, Martinez's attorney John Vaisey said.

"The issue in this case is whether the government can keep files on the private behavior of its citizens and summarily fire them without a hearing as to their job performance."

If the government is restricted

The atmosphere will be shaped by the customers, but the new manager hopes to maintain the air of a quiet neighborhood bar, a place for local musicians to get some exposure. Renovations are in progress but the bar is open for business Monday through Satur-

Civil War" which caused the division of the Presbyterian Church, said the Reverend Don Williams of Pasadena, one of the minority members. Chris Glaser, a gay ministerial candidate of the church, says that "For us, it is a big step towards God's future. Both the background paper and the policy statement treat homosexual persons with far greater love than any previous church statement, while at the same time respecting the consciences of all with diverse viewpoints within our church."

to dealing with how a person does his job and stops prying into private conduct nonworking hours, it will save lots of tax dollars and prevent unfair stigmas being placed on citizens to carry for the rest of their lives, said Paul Hardman, Chairman of the Pride Foundation, a non-profit organization which supports legal and educational projects to combat sexual discrimination. One should ask what happens to the people the government stigmatizes and throw out, Hardman said.

day from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. At present, all of the bartenders are volunteers.

The King's Room is located at 2172 Taylor Road, south of Cedar. Stop by for a few drinks and offer suggestions on what Cleveland's newest gay bar can offer the gay community.