REPORT ON TW/PC LESBIAN/GAY CONFERENCE

"Claiming Our Identities" was the theme of the 3rd National Third World/People of Color Lesbian/Gay Conference which was held at the University of California, Berkeley, June 21-23. Three hundred and fifty people attended the Conference which, in the words of the coordinator, A. Billy Jones, was called "to bring together Native Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, Latin Americans and Caribbeans and African American lesbians and gays to discuss issues and perceptions which unite and sometimes separate us.

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Approximately twenty-eight workshops were conducted during the three day Conference. The workshops covered a wide of topics including, race discrimination, minorities in lesbian/gay business, self esteem, parenting and the family, AIDS and other health related issues and international politics. A series of resolutions were drafted out of the media workshop which included: increasing the number of people of color in the lesbian/gay press; encouraging students of color to consider careers in journalism; prompting news organizations to hold public forums to explain how news is reported and to solicit feedback on coverage; recognizing the need for the straight media "to stop portraying the gay community as exclusively white male." The workshops not only provided a great deal of of information, but also gave the participants an opportunity for networking.

A number of resolutions arose from the ethnic caucuses, including a call for withdrawal of U. S. troops and military personnel from Central America and the Carribean, cessation of the United States' undeclared war against Nicaragua, and a recommendation to South Africa's lesbian/gay groups to unite with South African Blacks in the fight against apartheid and lesbian/gay oppression.

The conference had its shortcomings, but generally it was felt by those who participated that the conference was validating, informative, and most importantly, it gave them a sense of self worth. The next Third World/People of Color Lesbian/Gay Conference is scheduled for 1986 in Los Angeles, California.

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REPORT

In a unanimous decision, the Human Rights Commission accepted the report of the public hearings on the employment and hiring practices of lesbian/gay businesses, specifically regarding race, color, national origin, and ethnicity, and adopted all of the recommendations contained therein at its meeting of May 24, 1984.

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As indicated in the report, "Lesbians and gay men of color are weary of fighting racism and educating the rest of lesbian/gay community about racism. reality lesbians and gay men of color are not responsible for making the necessary changes nor can they do so while working in a vacuum. The changes can only come about when the entire community addresses racism and becomes anti-racist in attitude and action. It is time that the lesbian/gay community, its businesses, institute its own affirmative action programs with vigor and sincerity.

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Although Jackie Winnow, Lesbian/Gay Liason and author principal of the report, was elated at HRC's enthusiastic reception, she remains mindful that the real work is just beginning. "The lesbian/gay business to community has work on establishing affirmative action and anti-racist attitudes. The Human Rights Commission plans to assist in that process. A cooperative effort by everyone needs to take place to establish equity in our community.

To receive a detailed report on the findings and recommendation of the Human Rights Commission, call Jackie Winnow (415) 558-4901 or write: Human Rights Commission, 1095 Market 1095 Market St., Suite 501, S.F. 94103.

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