Gays blamed for increase in syphilis rat

By John Zeh CINCINNATI -A federal public health advisor assigned to the nation's first center for training doctors to treat and control sexually tansmitted diseases recently blamed homosexuals for stifling the government's attempt to eradicate syphilis.

for Disease Control told a conference on substance abuse and human sexuality here that there had been a "dramtic decrease, virtual control of syphilis until it became contemporary and chic to be gay or bisexual."

Baker is the Chief Public Health Advisor assigned to the newly-opened Sexually Trans-

The Baker of the U.S. Center mitted Disease Training Center.

the first of six such centers designed to train doctors and other health workers. It is run by the Cincinnati Health Department, whose STD program was recently ranked one of the three best in the U.S.

"The gay population" Baker said, "is the latest problem" in the government's anti-syphilis campaign. "They got to bars and

baths and pick up anonymous contacts, literally having sex with 25 or 30 strangers in one night. That doesn't enhance disease control very much."

Spread of syphilis has increased with homosexuals accounting for about 55%. he said. "On the average, there is more contact among gay persons than with hetereosxuals.

March's focus causes heated debate

By Carl Howard

A dramatic move to broaden the focus of the planned March on Washington, scheduled for October 14th of this year, was the cause of many heated debates at the Midwest Regional Planning Conference of the National March On Washington For Lesbian/Gay Rights. Heid in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Saturday, May 12. 1979. for the purpose of further planning and coordinating midwest lesbian/gay input. this meeting brought together many delegates from the eight state Midwest area of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota (lowa and Missouri did not send delegates).

This meeting was the result of an earlier National Conference held in Philadelphia in February and was intended to choose representatives from the area for a third and final planning conference in Houston, Texas this July. Also, discussion and debate were sought concerning five major demands points which were formulated at that national conference. While some agreement with the idea of centering the March on these demands was found, general consensus was reached and action taken only after Ohio's delegation leader and one of the three original Midwest Regional CoordinatorsRick Lane, boldly proposed that all five demands be dropped in favor of a more general focus on lesbian/gay rights.

Having successfully fought back this attempt to take the Conference in a more radical direction, delegates proceeded

to act on motions aimed at giving the Midwest a strong voice in decision-making at the Houston Conference. A firm commitment to gender-parity and minority representation was made. Moreover, in the event that the position of only one slogan for the National March is overruled, the Midwest is now on record as suporting an amended version of the five Philadelphia Demands. Also, the Midwest delegates to Houston will present the action taken at this Conference regarding the original demands as an alternative to further primary consideration of demands. A

als

resolution of committment was adopted supporting the Third World Conference in Washington to be held simultaneously with the March in October as well as anti-racist. anti-sexist struggles everywhere

The final major business of the day dealt with the election of delegates to the Houston Conference. This too was the cause of yet another surprise move by the Ohio delegation. Feeling that they were not broadly representative enough of their state's lesbian/gay population, Rick Lange. delegation leader proposed that delegates not be elected at this Conference. Rather that each delegation return to its respective state and hold statewide conventions with

the purpose of electing delegates from a wider cross-section of people. This suggestion met with a great deal of discussion but was generally agreed upon by other delegates with the stipulations that each state convention be held no later than the second week in June and be widely representative as 1/2 possible

Toward that end a Midwest Facilitating Committee consisting of six person was elected by

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state caucuses to act as a governing and coordinating body until the March The members of this group were mandated to cali and organize conventions in their respective states and to seek out Facilitators in lowa and Missouri which had not sent official delegations to the Conference Mike Isbell of Columbus was elected to this

Fair booth

By Rob Davis

Stalling and funding are still needed for the Ohio State Fair booth, sponsored by the OHIO GAY RIGHTS COALITION. The booth will be staffed between 9

am and 11 pm during the August 14-26 fair At least three peple both men and women will be needed for each shift. Organizations are asked to support a day at the fair by sending a group to staff the booth for a full day. Individuals who will work a single shift are also welcome. Donations or commitments to work may be sent to OGRC, P.O. Box 8393. Columbus, Ohio 43201. For more

information about the state fair booth, please contact Jay at 614262-7547

committee by the Ono delegation with Rick Lange acting as alternate Facilitator Present plans are for the Ohio Conveńtion to take place in Columbus

Gays are more active. more geographically displaced. and more at peace with themselves. They have contentment of self-image. they're more affluent, and more mobile. They'll go to Dayton. Louisville, and Indianapolis, so the network grows, and the disease is more difficult to control

Baker said gonorrhea is stil the number one reported com municable disease in the world "The reporting rate is disgust ing." he added. "There are three to four million cases each year in the US.. and a third go unreported.

Baker warned that the trend in asymptomatic gonorrhea is rising in males due to more generalized use of antibiotics for other illnesses, peaking in late August and early September because of environmental factors

CASCADE COMMUNITY

CHURCH

corner Allyn & Wheeler Streets Off Exchange St. near Akron U.

"A FAMILY OF FAITH SERVING MEMBERS

& FRIENDS OF THE NORTHEAST OHIO GAY COMMUNITY"

Rev C Shawn Farrell 241 Wheeler Street Akron, Ohio 44304 Phone (216) 376-6257

Sunday Services 2 P.M. Socials Rap Groups Individual Support Groups

EMERGENCY MEETING

SATURDAY JUNE 9 11 A. M. 5 P.M.

SUMMIT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, CAMPUS CENTER 82 EAST 16th AVE. COLUMBUS, OHIO 43201

TO ELECT 4 STATE REPRESENTATIVES TO THE HOUSTON CONVENTION ON THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON TO BE HELD IN JULY.

Because of the poor representation at the Midwest Conference

it was decided that each state should elect its delegates

at individual state conference rather than from the Midwest Conference. This was accomplished after much debate and struggle with the radical element who wanted the unfilled positions for themselves If we don't fill our four positions they will be up for grabs.

DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN!

OHIO MUST BE FAIRLY REPRESENTED IN HOUSTON!

All Groups in Ohio are urged to send representatives to this meeting. ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO ATTEND ALSO. For more information call Mike Isbell, State Facilitator (614) 443-2420