Page 14

MEDIA WATCH

By Jeff Carnes

Anita Bryant is once again trying to spread her gospel of prejudice and ignorance throughout the land. On Sunday, January 22, 1978, Ms. Bryant delivered a speech to the National Association of Religious Broadcasters Convention in Washington, D.C. In this speech, she unveiled her newest crusade, entitled "Protect American Children." Ms. Bryant's objectives in this new campaign are to rid (or censor) television of sex, violence, and homosexuality. She also told the broadcasters that gays should not be given the same protection as other minority groups.

"Protect American Children" will probably not affect broadcasting on the network level. In a recent Lou Harris poll commissioned by ABC-TV, 1500 adults were asked this question:

DOING AMERICA

WITH

BOB DAMRON

Looking for the key that will turn you on and open the door to romance and adventure? Ernest Hemmingway, John James Audibon, Harry Truman, Tennessee Williams; and others found it in Key West, Florida. Believe me, there is every likelyhood that you will too!

Key West has a fascinating history and at various times has served as a stronghold for marauding pirates, an Indian trading post, and a U.S. Nava! base. Today it is being 'discovered' in ever increasing numbers by gay tourists from around the world. For most, one visit will not be enough, and many eventually return to become permanent residents.

Situated some one hundred and fifty miles southwest of Miami, it is furthermost of the

HIGH GEAR/FEBRUARY 1978

"Some organizations and groups attempts to pressure broadcasters and advertisers to keep certain programs off the air. Do you feel the networks should yield to this pressure, or do you think programs should be broadcast and let the viewers decide?" An overhwleming 81% thought that the viewers should decide. Where Anita's campaign could hurt is at the local level. In the past two years, most stations have grown aware of the gay community. Most stations have done special features on us during their local news or their public-affairs programs (e.g., WJKW's "Public Square"). Some, including those owned by Group W, ABC, Storer, RKO General and Metromedia, have been doing an excellent job of opening new channels of communications between their

Florida 'keys'. You can drive to Key West over the scenic, but long and narrow 'Overseas Highway', but personally, i prefer to fly. Air Sunshine offers many regular scheduled daily flights from Tampa or Miami on old but reliable D.C. 3's or Convair 440's.

This little Caribbean island, surrounded by emerald green waters, has a near perfect winter climate, but is subject to rain and occasional hurricanes during the summer months. A good way to see picturesque Old Key West is by Conch Tour Trains, which leave hourly from Mallory Square. Deep Sea Fishing, Scuba Diving,

12200 EUCLID AVE 421-9359 GENESIS 1:29

delicious

vegetarian cooking

MON. TUES THURS. 11:00am-10:00p.m. FRI. SAT. SUN.

11:00a.m.-11:00p.m.

4:00pm-10:00pm.

FOR GAY CATHOLICS ..NON-CATHOLICS, TOO DIGNITY-

Akron-Canton

O. Box 1452 Akron 535-8216 44311

viewers and gay community. Others, especially those owned by "holy-rollers like CyBaKanal, the Christian Broadcasting Network and others, refuse to do any programming on gay lifestyles because it might offend their viewers. Every six. years, broadcasters must show the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that they have presented programs "in the public interest." If these irresponsible broadcasters continue to ignore 10% of their audience, the FCC may be hesitant to renew their licenses to broadcast. This leaves us with one problem. We must let our broadcasters know that we are a significant part of the community. This is the only way we can stop the wicked witch of Florida in her latest crusade. If you see a favorable view of the

Sunbathing,

Snorkeling, Bicycling, Golf and Tennis are among the many activities available to visitors.

There are a dozen or so gay oriented motels and guest houses, and you can select almost any sort of accommodation that suits you. Among the most popular are the Club Key West, Southwind Motel, Big Ruby's, Simonton Court, The Pines, Halcyon, Hurricane Alley, and Key Lodge Motel.

Club Key West at 621 Truman is a C.B.C. Affiliate, and in addition to the usual steam room, showers, whirlpool, and lockers, has overnight motel accommodations and a campground for R.V.'s. The Southwind Motel at 1321 Simonton has comfortable units, and Tony, the humpy new inkeeper, is building a macho clientelle geared to a western, levi, and leather atmosphere.

More mixed, but with attractive rooms is the Key West Lodge Motel at 1004 Duval Street. Of the Guest Houses, Big Ruby's at 617 Whitehead Street and Simonton Court at 320

gay community on a station, please let them know. If you see something that you dislike, tell them. All you have to do is pick up the phone, and call the station. We must let them know that we are out here!

Just what are our chances of getting more exposure? Good, according to several news and public-affairs officers of the Cleveland-Akron area. This same point always came up. "If we knew that a significant portion of our audience was gay, we would do more gay-oriented programming."

In conclusion, it is imperative that we let the broadcasters and newspapers know that we are out here. If we don't, expect to

NEW

hear a shout of victory from HAIRCUTTING WAVING

Anita.

Simonton are well recommended. The owners of both are together' guys who will do all they can to make your stay a pleasant one. At Big Ruby's you have to share the baths, but the newly remodeled rooms are by far the most inexpensive in Key West. Halcyon at 329 William Street has charming suites. Available by the week or month only, they are on the expensive side. Many enjoy The Pines, adjacent to Simonton Court, which caters to men, but ladies are welcome also. All of the above mentioned have swimming pools except Big Ruby's, and if you want to see or be seen try the nude sunbathing at Club Key West.

'Hot' Bars are the Monster at 400 Front Street and Del Monico's at 218 Duval Street. Both are open until 4:00 A.M., offer disco dancing, as well as 'quiet' lounges and gardenpatios for cruising. Mostly gay, but everyone is welcome. The Monster serves dinners until 10:00 PM. The action is good during the week, and can be wall to wall with hot Jocks and

Weekdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Locker $2, Room $4.25 Mon. & Wed., Youth Nights (25 & Under): Locker 2, Room Regular Weekend Rates: Locker $4, Room $6.25 $6.75

1846 Coventry 371 167 17124 Detroit 521 261 by appointment

NEW LOCATION 26 S Main, Chagrin Falls 247-3651

foxy ladies on weekends.

numerous

Among the restaurants, I prefer Pigeon House Patio at 303 Whitehead and Poor Richard's Buttery at 1208 Simonton. Both are 'mixed' but simpatico, and offer excellent food, sharp looking waiters and delightful atmosphere. While Key West is very casual, I would suggest wearing something other than your scruffiest jeans to dinner. Other restaurants that can be fun are Billie's, Port of Call, Lazy Afternoon, Rooftop Cafe, and the Affair.

Cruising goes on all over the place, but especially at Reynolds Street Pier for sunbathing and Mallory Square at sunset. With its 'easy living' and open minded acceptance of all lifestyles, tropical Key West is well on its way to becoming the Fire Island of the South.

$4.25

CLUB COLUMBUS

1575 EAST LIVINGSTON AVENUE

COLUMBUS, OHIO

614 252-2474