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AUGUST 1982

COMMENT

GUEST

Dear Editors:

The start of what had been hoped to be a noble effort came to a somewhat ignoble end. Chaps, that new kid on the block, had offered itself, its staff, and extended cooperation to any organization in the community in the operation of carnival booths of their own devising, for purposes entirely of their own conniving. Unfortunately, word travels very slowly when the city is acting surly. For various and sundry reasons, for the past several years, Cleveland's people have grown more surly compounding the problem by cutting their both collective and singular noses to spite other people's faces.

There were major contributing factors to the lack of community response to the Chaps Carnival. Poor timing of announcements that did not allow sufficient organization time in a city that is notoriously slow to move for one. And poor timing again in regards to hours of operation for the event. Still, the weekend, was by no means anything approaching an unmitigated disaster. The people did magically appear come bar time and a feeling of celebration once again could be felt in Cleveland. Chaps and the people of Cleveland have found that they enjoy partying together, and hopefully will feel less stand offish in the future.

However, on to the major slap in the face to the entire concept of community involvement and the abysmal attendance during the early evening hours of the carnival. Cleveland's gay community continually shows a poor response in general. Until this area's gay people start joining together, there can be no community.

By definition, a gay person will spend a significant part of his life in and among gay people. The basic

quality of each gay individual's life depends directly on the greater quality of the gay people around to associate with. And it directly follows that involvement in that community, besides strengthening bonds of identity and sense of well being, is vital to the survival of both the individual and the whole.

Put most succinctly and directly, it behooves the peoples of Greater Cleveland to get off their slothful attitudes and become directly and voluntarily invoived in this community's identity, growth, and well being. It has basic survival benefits. There are problems of major portence beginning to surface of medical, social, and probably of continued economic nature that will only yield to group effort. If we cannot handle the simple group effort of celebration, then how can we hope to create the greater effort that will be necessary to manage the social problems to be faced?

Most immediately, a massive and enthusiastic response to the area's remaining celebrations would be hearteningly welcomed. More importantly, an awareness in the community of the need for individuals to volunteer time and effort and money and spirit and whatever else may prove necessary to the continued growth of their gay family would greatfully result in their own growing sense of well being, and continued gratitude. Most specifically, volunteers to provide and direct effort for the establishment of gay oriented drug, v.d., medical, financial/jobs and other social programs in our community would, by increasing our sense of self-identity, more firmly establish our place and acceptance in society as a whole. G. Leach

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Just as surely as being stabbed or shot to death, we are slowly and methodically being killed by the managers of many gay establishments which do not have adequate ventilation. On weekends, some places come close to being lethal. How frequently do we come home and find the stench in our clothes so offensive that only one recourse is open-the laundry or the cleaners. Unfortunately, however, we cannot unzip our lungs, wash them in Woolite and replace them in our bodies, fresh and clean. The filth continues to accumulate and compound in our bodies, unchecked, unalieviated.

HIGH GEAR might do well to research how much damage can accrue to a non-smoker over a period of years. The answer to this question would be twice as damaging to the smoker.

There are a lot of us who would be deeply grateful to the managers who give positive thought to this problem. Furthermore, how this problem is addressed by the individual managers could very well determine the course of our visitations in the future. Granny Cleveland

attended the Gay Pride Parade in Columbus June 26, I am horrified by the blatant, unashamed promotion of anti-Semitism. Since it is not my job to educate non-Jews I will not attempt here to write the volumes that would be necessary to do so. Suffice it to say that the mood created was ex-

cessively oppressive to all. I have no desire to force my religious beliefs (lack of religious beliefs, actually) on anyone, and I fail to see the purpose of anyone doing so-oh, I forgot, everyone needs at least one saved, converted Jew to their credit.

How dare anyone treat what happened to Jews during the Holocaust with such utter contempt and nonchalance. If we have reached the point where the only arguments are regarding who has suffered more (shall we tally martyr points?) the end must truly be in sight. For some of you that might be a problem. Luckily for me, it's not.

To those lesbians and gay men who feel the need to prove their value and worth to the straight world, I'm sure trying to adjust to christianity is an attractive option. I, however, have no such need and do not want to be associated with those trying to do so. If I had had any idea that the presence of religious leaders and organizations would have meant a day of prayer and references to holy spirits and gods, I would never have participated. After all, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt, and as usual Jews were ignored, and when not ignored, slandered.

As the elergy often de I'll leavs time when religion ruled the world. It was called, racistly so, the Dark Ages. Interestingly enough, this was a time characterized by intellectual stagnation, cultural decline, wide spread ignorance and poverty.

Beth Shapiro Cleveland, OH

Dear Editor:

My name is Wendell Carlos Drake (#136/667); I am 32 years old (11-14-50), 5 ft., 5 in., and weigh approximately 130 lbs. I'm bisexual, and I am tremendously well built. I sport a fairly large Afro hairstyle. I am black but my skin is the color of ginger.

Presently, I am serving time in S.O.C.F. in Lucasville, and am slated to see the Review Board in another two years. I will be open and honest in explaining the circumstance of my incarceration to any persons who care to respond to my request.

My interests are many: I enjoy reading; meeting people of different races and social backgrounds than my own; bridge card playing; chess; and writing. I also enjoy jazz, rock, punk, country and some classical music.

I would like to correspond with anyone who would care to write me. My endeavor is to find that special someone who can relate to being emotionally hurt, though has found the strength and courage to pick themselves up to face life anew. The person must be open and honest with me about all things, as I will do the same. This person must be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary in order to achieve continuity in a relationship. I am

Wendell C. Drake 136/667 Box 45699 Lucasville, Ohio 45699-0001

To the community, If you've been sitting home alone while everyone else has been on the go to movies, bars, sporting events and more, maybe

you should check out the Men's Action Committee (MAC). MAC was formed this spring for the purpose of getting gay men and women into social action. Their meetings are the place to find out what's going on in town and who's going. Want to share a ride and save gas or just don't want to go to McDonald's by yourself? MAC members are getting together in twos, threes and more to take advantage of the great things Cleveland and the surrounding area has to offer.

This active group meets at the Gay Community Center (GCC) at 7:00 pm, the fourth Saturday of each month, where they plan what they are going to do as a group and as individuals. Following the meeting potluck dinners are held. They are attending everything from flea markets to operas . . . whatever your taste, whatever your pocketbook, MAC is the place to meet gays who are doing it!

Dear Sir,

J. Coulson Chairman

I am presently confined in the Ohio Penal System, and I am seeking friends through penpalling to exchange thoughts and ideas with. Therefore, I would very much appreciate your office printing my name and address in

Thank you many, many times in advance for all consideration given in this matter!

Douglas Daniels #158-915

P.O. Box 45699 Lucasville, Ohio

45699-0007