Page 5, High Gear

By Vice President of Publications This month I want to take a look at a serious problem that has recently resurfaced in Cleveland's Gay Community and several other communities with high density gay populations across the country. It goes by a variety of names "Fag Bashing," "Queer Beating," "Queer Baiting," and the like. Probably no other issue so arouses our individual fears and suspicions. I am no exception.

I mention this because there have been several episodes of this activity recently in our area (See article on front page) and there is no indication of it subsiding anytime soon. This is not an isolated occurrance, Lowever. Since the emergence of the New Right and the so-called "Moral Majority" over the past three years, beating up gays has increased dramatically across the country-most notably in the East, Midwest, and Far West. We are in for tough times. So serious has this become in San Francisco, leaders of the Gay Community there have urged people to stay off the streets by themselves; to travel in groups; if attending a bar, to stay there and leave with the rest at closing or leave with friends. With

Women With Women

Vantage Point

Cleveland's women's community has an opportunity to explore their sexual, psychological, social and political identities with the Women With Women rap groups that meet at the GEAR Foundation, 1241 W. 14th Street.

A sizeable group of women met in October for an evening of questions and answers about one of the women's religious communities (nuns), and the lesbian community. Questions ranged from "What obligations do these two groups have to each other?" to "How did you (the members of the religious community) come to your decision to enter the convent?"

Hosted by a sister and a comember from a local convent, the rap se med to take away some of the stereotypes of life in a convent and what nuns are actually like.

The raps are sponsored by L.I.G.H.T. (Lesbians in GEAR Hanging Together) the women's group of the GEAR Foundation and are held every second and fourth Thursday of each month, at 8 p.m. The rap on the second Thursday is an open rap and the rap on the fourth Thursday is a topic rap.

Anyone interested in learning how to .acilitate or lead a rap group. please contact the Gay Hotline at 321-3390 and leave a message for Dianantshe will get back with you (please include your phone number or where you can be reached).

the recent trend here, this may soon become the practice in Cleveland. Unfortunately most of our elected officials, the police, and other responsible community leaders tend to ignore the problem or treat it with outright contempt. It is a so-called "dirty" topic and the less said about it the better. However, this will not make it go away. Unless this issue is addressed in a responsible way by both the Gay and Straight Communities, incidents will continue to happen. Needlessly lives will be broken and maimed; individuals who could have made substantial contributions to the community will be forever denied their rights as citizens. The potential for loss is overwhelming.

In order to do something constructive about this issue I have to do something more than point it out and bemoan the facts. Therefore, let me suggest the following. If an individual is victimized by being

attacked he should: First, call the police. Don't be afraid of being found out as a "Queer." You will find there are many more police out there who sympathize with you and your situation than you think. Many times these acts of violence are perpetrated by an individual or individuals who are already known to the police. In some cases there may

be warrants already outstanding. By notifying the police you are not only protecting yourself, you are also protecting others who may become

victims.

Second, notify the GAY HOTLINE. We know these events are happening in the community. If it happens to you, let us know. We need to compile statistics that will

ང་རང་ས་བབ་

demonstrate to the police and community leaders the seriousness of the situation. We can't do this if we have to rely on rumors and second-hand stories. If you know names, tell us and provide us with a description. Finally, get in contact with your Councilman. Many times communication between the police and Councilmen for an area is abysmal. As was pointed out to me by several councilmen that I have spoken with"I can't do anything about a problem I know nothing about." It is an old saying, but a true one that the part that squeaks the loudest gets the most oil. Don't be afraid about "squeaking loudly" for your rights. WHO IS "CLAUDIA H GEAR?" -For those of you who are still wondering about the by-line that appeared on the cover story last month, I am the person who wrote the story. Why did I use an obviously false name? In a moment of blind panic I thought that by putting my name to the article, I was setting myself up for a possible incident such as has happened to other persons in my neighborhood, namely a midnight visit by persons unknown through the back door. I have received several threatening telephone calls anyway. I don't relish being a martyr.

Harry S. Truman once said that, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." I have decided to stay in the kitchen.

ON FREEDOM OF THE PRESSIn an effort to clear up rumors surrounding events at a certain bar, "HIGH GEAR" published a story last month. The events in the article are true as are the direct quotations. Be that as it may, the facts seem to be subject to various interpretations.

One interpretation has been that this paper was making an endorsement of Mr. John J. Lynch in his election bid for a Council Seat from the 17th Ward. This is not the case. The laws governing the operation of the GEAR Foundation are very specific. We can not and will not make any endorsements regarding any individuals or issues. Our sole interest here was to stop the rumor mill and relate the facts of the situation. This paper has an obligation to publish the facts on any area of concern in the communty. Once the facts are presented and evaluated, individuals may draw their own conclusions. High Gear welcomes open dialogue on any issue. I myself am available at anytime to discuss, in a frank and honest way, areas of disagreement. Why can't we have sensible discussions of issues before flying off the handle? That is how unity starts. THIS MONTH'S KISSES-go to three individuals who have been elected to the GEAR Foundation Board of Trustees to fill some vacancies. They are Mr. Paul Whitman, Ms. Win Weizer, and Mr. Steve Kasper. All of these individuals have contributed in many ways over the years to the betterment of the Gay Community in Cleveland. In these difficult times it is heartening to see three individuals such as these come forward...also, thanks go to Detective Holmak in the Lakewood Police Department for showing concern in dealing with an individual who had been attacked in his home by intruders out for some "fun" by beating up a Gay. Holmak handled the case in a professional and responsive way, and he is deserving of our respect and admiration.

Photo: John A. Barrick