AUGUST 1982

Lisa Parton performs at the Cleveland Fireman's Academy.

PAGE 7

Local Artist Performs At World's Fair

A well-known drag performer, Lisa Parton, will be performing at the World's Fair during the summer. She will also perform at the Loretta Lynn dude ranch as well as locally. Miss Parton, formally known as Lisa Raines, decided to change her illusion to Dolly Parton's sister.

"I'm Dolly's biggest fan and her aunt and I are really good friends. I decided that it would be very fitting to do my impression as her sister. I chose one of her sisters, because I felt that no one could do an adequate impression of Dolly herself."

While Miss Lisa Parton has had no formal acting or musical training she has been quite successful and has performed at various gay and straight functions such as: the Policeman's Ball, the Cleveland Fire Academy, local Holiday and Marriott Inns as well as the Lambda Bar, Dimensions and the Old Plantation.

"I enjoy performing for straight audiences. You get an interesting response from them. They are always very curious. They always want to know why I got into this type of thing and why I do it. They are interested in whether it is just the money or the gay question. I guess they buy into the illusion. I usually get more tips from the straight than the gays. I like to think of myself as being engaged in gay public relations as well as entertainment."

Lisa shares the same agent as Dolly and bookings keep her quite busy. The heavy performance schedule has caused conflicts in her personal life. She is always busy on the phone, travels extensively and finds it difficult to maintain good lasting relationships.

"My family is very supportive and really enjoys my performances. We've even sent photos of my performances to Dolly. She gets a big

kick out of them."

Beginning in September, Lisa will be performing in the soap opera St. John's Hospitai in Shaker Heights.

Counseling for GAY PEOPLE by

GAY PROFESSIONAL 229-4290

Ready for the Michigan Women's Musical Festival but you don't want to walk? Hate thinking about that long ride alone?

LIGHT will coordinate rides and riders to the festival. If you are interested call the hotline for details.

Lesbians In GEAR Hanging Together LIGHT is a committee of the GEAR Foundation. P.O. Box 6177⚫ Cleveland, OH 44101

ISIS

For the Contemporary Woman

1400 West 6th St. Cleveland