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A DISTURBED PEACE

By Brian McNaught

Shalom is a Hebrew word which is translated as "peace." Its roots mean "being intact" or "being complete." When one wishes shalom to the lesbian and gay male community, one is wishing us harmony among our many parts.

Is such harmony possible? The question of unity in our community is posed over and over again, year after year in city after city. Even in the most clearly-defined gay and lesbian organizations it is an issue. How do the many parts of this one body work together effectively in a spirit of respect?

Anyone who has worked with other minority groups struggling for equal protection under the law realizes we are no less organized, no less in harmony than any other group of persons. It is pure romanticism which prompts us to point to other minorities as examples of how we should be working together. We hear people say "All gay persons should support this

political candidate. We hear philosophies of "good gays' and "bad gays." We listen to complaints about the bars and other businesses "taking the money of gay people," but not being willing to picket City Hall. Some of us complain about those elements of the community whose behavior is a source of embarrassment because they are so anti-social or too straight. We are lectured that unless we accept God, deny God, he be celibate, have lots of sex, oppose the Nukes, build ar-

Rumors Rumors accusations, in dictments and even threats followed with both sides finding themselves angry, confused and debilitated.

I suggest that the particular details are not ultimately relevant because I believe the presence of Anita Bryant merely sparked into flames what was already a growing tension, present in Boston for some time and present across the country. It is a natural tension which inevitably results when you have a large group of persons from

without facing booing, hissing, audible side comments or contorted faces. Through that process we will get to know each other as persons. By developing a respect for the integrity of the individuals with whom we seek to work we will eliminate such labels as bar owner, spoiler, anarchist, papist, marxist, drag queen, crazy, good gay, bad gay and all those other titles which only serve to

polarize, Ulti

see thi

ommunity.

might begin to

n for the lesbian and gay male community means harmony in diversity; that each person in his or her own way is making a unique.contribution to the community and to the movement.

ODDS 'N' ENDS

maments, buy this publication, varied economic and ethnic COMMENTAR

boycott that one, love Bette Davis, hate "Soap" we are not truely gay. One half-expects to see a bumper sticker which proclaims "Put your heart into the gay community or get your ass out of it!"-

While I have written on the subject of unity before, it currently weighs heavily upon my mind because of a series of recent events in Boston. The details are not particularly relevant here and would undoubtedly be too subjective to serve any purpose. Quite briefly, Anita Bryant was brought to town by a desperate political candidate for a "pro family" rally. A strategizing meeting was held by a large group of lesbians and gay men at which it was decided by vote to rally outside of the auditorium in which she was performing. Another group of persons, some of whom attended the meeting, asked me to write a statement which outlined why they (and 1) could not in conscience participate in the march. Needless to say, "shalom" did not result.

backgrounds with diversified interests, political and economic philosophies and frequently conflicting thoughts on stragegy attempting to not only work together but also believing they will one day make disciples of the other.

Despite the agony each and every person has gone through over these events, firmly believe that a great deal of good will come out of it, for even before it was announced that Anita's concert had been cancelled, gay spokespersons were communicating to each other their enormous need for bridge. building and healing of wounds.

What will such a process entail? By far, the most essentiai ingredient will be open and frequent dialogue iin an atmosphere which encourages honesty. Like two persons seeking to maintain a relationship, gay and lesbian community leaders who strive for shalom must communicate their feelings, their fears, their needs and must be able to do so

BUCKEYE RAINBOW SOCIETY of the Deaf

and Richard's Nite Club of MANSFIELD, OHIO

PRESENT

Editor, High Gear:

In Odds and Ends, September, 78, I would like to comment RE: circumcision. It is stated "that the primary justification of circumcision is cleanliness" and "that this might be ac complished with soap an water." There is a condition known as phimosis in which the foreskin is too tight to draw back for proper cleansing. Some men also have adhesions (small bands of tissue), attaching the foreskin to the head of the penis, making it extremely painful if not impossible to properly

clean

prevented which many

(2)

aditions can be circumcision, also the treatment in

Another fact, of interest only to bi-sexuals and straights, is that wives and girlfriends of circumcised males have a much

lower incidence of cancer of the cervic (the mouth of the womb).

Also the phone number of the Lambda Bar in Lorain is: 2459413 NOT 245-9513 as printed. Please keep up the good work....

Rhonda J. Hunter, L.P.N.

VD... STOP IT

BEFORE IT

STOPS YOU!

HOT-DOG LOVE S

Summer Finale PICNICS Oct. 8

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DOOR PRIZES

At Michael's Locust Park

Jaeger Rd. Lorain, O

From 12 Noon Til 9:00 P.M.

A Full Dinner Will Be Served At 5 P.M. For Info. Call

19

Tickets $7.00 Available at Lambda Bar, Richard's, and Any Member of the Buckeye on Society.