1 20 77 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/d88704d0f6421038bd2d1da8d7dc36c3.png b45100834d689cbe8b063f6473655b90 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/94acf5c551f3772fd7d06d39e3933ee9.pdf 095bbbd4cea0865fd77a4f355ce6fb1c PDF Text Text ����������������� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document "' I t e 716 W. Sycamore St., Fayetteville, AR. (479) 571-1300 I• t C www.studio716.net Door~s C)pen at 8pn1 Pageant Begins at 9p1n Daily Specials & Events - Drag Shows Every Sunday-Members Free- Guest $5 Volume 1 Issue IO Page2 October I, 2004 ~Q ,f, /;--:_ \ ' ·.'• .. , j '.. I 18th ~GRA ~~~;:Rodeo October 14-1 7, 2004 Omaha, Nebiaska ( 402) 203-4680 www. hgra. net www. ig~c. com Ha and Gay lodeo Association The Ozarks Star Page 3 October 1, 2004 Davy u a •• This is where they all get started 1109 E. Conunereial Street Springfield, Mo. 65803 417-873-2225 HearTheRumors.eom n field's Diversit Club Res ect Diversi Eve bod Welcome We catering to the GLBT and Gay Friendly Community Open Mon-Sat 5 pm tol:30 am Happy Hour 5-Spm CHEAP DRINKS! T'ues-Pool Tournaments Thurs.- Karaoke Fri. and Sat.-All Night Dance Party! No_v~rflBet2,0°~po4 the most 1mpqrtant~el~c::tion day m our history. It is essential that we and our allies all vote for fairness and eguality. With the ele~tion. orily days away, most of the LGBT community seem to be unexcited. Their main goal it appears, is to defe~t Bush. r Republican candidates. Iagre ·/Edwards ticket is . .. give the LGBT thope for success in The follqwing:i/a .qiioJ~,from David Shribrilan's Op /Ed a'.'tticle Sept. 12th His topic was on how overzealous Bush opponents cqajd ~wing the vote toward the Republican side. , ·.· : "By far the griafer 'litn e#kon the De:rzocrats' side. ugh. the campaigns are WO t soccer moms and Nascar dads afi{i't/,:e/Giith.olic vote and theptay'erfal vote;itHe -~tw 'gro~:of Bush haters -:-' a ~r:etiqie <:oalitio,:,i ojz't}:Jj! 'f!)illful · · - could emerge as liti importit_ntfai:tor in the November balloting." · ; "1bese voters could swing the election by what they ~o an~ by what they don't do. If they remain an important presence in the streets - appearing as protesters at the president's rallies; conducting marches down city streets with flag-draped Continued-see editor page 10 Page 5 October 1, 2004 A call for better behavior ... improved responsibility ... a level of understanding and commitment to what is right. We are in a struggle like none we have seen before and the drastic behaviors we are seeing only accent the overwhelming lack of trust and understanding within us. My neighbor and I jokingly joust with one another over the upcoming election for a new president, both of us seeing the possibilities of a new future in different ideologies. But we are able to tease, joust and kid each other about our differences. We both have our candidates yard signs in place ... mine quite simply is one sign for Kerry. Hers started with two signs for Bush and an American flag. How sad and what a commentary on the state of things when I suddenly noticed she now has eight Bush signs hi her yard. Not unusual for a hard core activ-.ist attitude but what caused this sudden rage that resulted in no more kidding, no more teasing, no more friendly jousting 'with each other. She and her family woke the other morning to find that the original signs had been burned as well the American flag flying with them. When she told me what had happened, I was stunned. This behavior is not acceptable and should not have happened but who set the stage. We had one convention where ideals were presented and everyone cheered. . On the other side of the coin we had one convention where ideals were presented and on almost every occasion everyone booed. Yes they set the example but it is our responsibility to choose the example we will follow. Politics and religion are topics that most families and friends do not discuss because of the total blaze they can ignite. There has been an on-going campaign challenging both sides of the political machine of this country ... remember we are not a democracy but a republic. We choose who we want to represent us and trust them to act in our best interest. We have an opportunity to voice our opinions, wave our banners and vote. That is the way to behave, not burning signs and flags which others have an equal right to use as their freedom of speech. Equally we have an ongoing debate in our local paper which will always take an opportunity to create hostility if given half a chance. Opposing points of view can clearly be voiced without challenging the integrity of the other party. Are Christians really attacking other Christians? Christian means being "Christ like" and my only question for all of you in our community as well as the straight community doing this is: What part of being "Christ like" did you miss out on? I will not attack anyone's belief structure or challenge whether they are or are not Christians. I only ask that you think about the debate and what does it resolve. W'hat happens to our witness when non-Christians read our rhetoric and perceive it has hatred. We need to look deeply at where we are, look at what separates the issues and challenge the civcil issues where they need to be and that's is not in our churches. Too many wars have been fought with both sides claiming God on their side mixing the humanistic fallacies with our relationship with our Lord. continued page-26 \ Volume l .lssue.10 EvangelistJinuny Swaggart Threatens To Kill Gays National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Responds Statement by Matt Foreman,NGLTF Executive Director: "The leaders of major organizations heading the campaign to deny same sex couples equal marriage rights frequently say that they do not hate gay people and that they respect us as human beings. Just last night in a national simulcast to oppose same sex marriage, for example, Focus on the Family President Dr. James Dobson said, "I'm not here to cast aspersions on homosexuals P/.. 2_ they need our acceptance and respect ... We are not hateful people." The Task Force calls upon the leaders of last night's simulcast - Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family), Tony Perkins (Family Research Council), Ted Haggard (National Association of Evangelicals), Richard Land (Director of the Religious Liberties and Ethics Division of the Southern Baptist Convention) -: to immediately denounce anti7gay ~olence and specifically repudiate evangelist Jimmy Swaggert's statement, "I've never seen a man in my life I wanted to marry. And I'm gonna be blunt and plain: if one ever looks at me like that, I'm gonna kill him and tell God he died." All lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and all people of good will be listening." Read more on Sw;tggart's statement here: www.365gay.com/ newscon04 /09 / 092004swaggarthtm Page7 Photo by: Ray Williams October 1, 2004 OUT ON VAl.ATION "Traveling in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Oklahoma City, Oklahoma In our travels to both the East coast and the West coast everyone always asks the same question to us. Where to party in the Midwest? We always tell them one of the best places to party in the Midwest is Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City???? Yep, Oklahoma City is the major gay capital of the Midwest. Hard to believe? Well perhaps, however unless you have been there you certainly will not believe that in the Bible belt of Oklahoma is this fabulous gay mecca. We have been going to Oklahoma City to party for over 20 years. The HABANA INN resort there has been a gay resort for over 20 years. It is the Midwest's largest all gay resort. It is a two story complex with over 175 rooms, most of which face one of the two swimming pools. The rooms are spacious and extremely inexpensive. Their rates begin at just $37 .95 per room. It is a totally gay resort. Lush tropical plants and trees surround the pool areas. Gays from all over the midwest have been going there for years. And it is busy 7 days a week, not just on weekends. Lounge around the pool area and you are sure to meet that "someone special". Within the resort complex they have a wonderful restaurant "Gushers" which has a great ambiance and serves delicious food. Prices are inexpensive. We were just there last month and had fresh fried shrimp for only $10.95 and a Rib Eye for only $14.95. And all entrees comes with potato, salad and bread. The restaurant overlooks one of the pool areas so you can enjoy the boys frolicking in the pool as you are dining. They also offer sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas and appetizers. And a breakfast menu is available on weekends. · · There are three bars in the Habana Inn complex which are completely different. COPA's is a dance, disco and drag bar. Weekly they have strip shows, drag shows and comedy shows. FINISH LINE is a country/western bar with plenty of country dancing. This is the place to see the real cowboys in action. THE LEDO is a quiet piano bar. All of the bartenders are super friendly and they all know how to make out oftowners feel right at home. The owner of the bars and resturant is to be commended for his outstanding job of always having "theme" nights and specials. The nights we were there, Long neck bottle beer was two for one. When so many bar owners just sit back and. wait for customers to come in, this owner attracts customers by having specials, etc. Why can't all bar owners do things like this. Also in the resort is JUNGLE RED, an adult gift shop with magazines, videos, cards, gifts, leather, pride items plus a lot of decorative items for the home ... continued page - 26 Volume l Issue 10 Oetober 1, 2004 ~ The Oz,rrks Sta; Page 9 Oetobec I, 2004 ---A-d-ve-rt1-·sm-e-nt--------------------.~---,======================~- I ! Pine, Tulsa, 836-8700 Isa.com Wrangler's Corn in ..... Octobe Bi Volume I Issue I 0 Page 10 October 1, 2004 Arkansas Marriage Amendment Will be on the November 2, 2004 ballot This citizen-initiated measure to amend the constitution needed 80,570 signatures by July 2, 2004 to be placed on the 2004 ballot. Approximately 200,693 signatures were turned in on July 1, 2004. The Secretary of State certified the signatures on July 23, 2004. The measure would amend the state constitution to r~ad, "Marriage consists only of the union of one man and one woman. Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas, except that the legislature may recognize a common law marriage from another state between a man and a woman. The legislature has the power to determine Advertisement editor from page-4 coffins meant to symbolize needless war casualties - they could play directly into Republican hands. They would allow the president to portray his opponents as unpatriotic elitists unwilling to support American men and women in uniform in war zones." LGBT Political Power is strong and can be a major force in the struggle for equality. First we must work hard to elect those candidates who are our allies. The Log Cabin Republicans' decision to withhold its endorsement from President Bush, the chief advocate of the discriminatory Federal Marriage Amendment, is a bold and welcome decision. This is an unprecedented statement against discrimination, an example of LGBT Political Power in action. VOTE November 2, 2004 for our Allies! the capacity of persons to marry, subject to this amendment, and the legal rights, obligations, privileges, and immunities of marriage." cactus Canyon Campground And Resort This measure will be on the November 2, 2004 ballot. The issue of same sex marriage will be on the ballot in ten and possibly eleven states on November 2. In addition to Kentucky and Oregon, the states include Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah and the key battleground states of Michigan and Ohio. Many believe the issue is being used to energize the far right and evangelical vote to help conservative and Republican candidates, including President Bush. For Men In The Ozarks ihe L.argu,t Men', C.ampground in the U'i'>i>- Full RV Hookup's, Tent Sites, Cabins, Lodge Rooms, Hot Tub/ sauna, Pool, Cafe, Theme Weekends, Convenience Store, Clothing Optional. Call 417-683-9199 or visit our website www.cactuscanyoncampground.com The Ozarks Star Page 11 Q\(\ahoma' s C.o"'bo1 C.roone.r Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald by st.a.If writer Greg Steele: On April 16, 1979 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Matthew was born to Reverends Jerrell and Sherry Heath. Matthew ;,vas raised in various small towns across Oklahoma, moving often due to his parents role in the United Methodist Church. He dreamed of a vocalist career all the way, learning to sing along side his parents at church functions and small events wherever they were living. Matthew considers himself a performer not a karaoke singer. A popular attraction in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa clubs, Matthew travels the co~ntry performing. He recently performed with Brian Black (brother of country legend Clint Black) in his opening act for the Cow Town Rodeo in Ft. Worth, Texas. He is a regular at Club Rox and Boom Boom Room in Oklahoma City. In Tulsa you can catch Matthew's show at Club Maverick, PlayMore Club and Renegades. It was in 1999 a turning point occurred for Matthew. He met what would become not only his manager and best friend, but the man he knew he'd spend the rest of his life October 1, 2004 with,Jason. After a few brief dates, and a long distance relationship, Matthew proposed to Jason in February of 2000. It was later in the vear 2000, he was asked to record backgro~nd vocals for a Oklahoma area cabaret artist, Tabitha Taylor, which consisted of mainly lounge music. The work he did on the album brought him more recognition and he was asked to perform in dubs around Oklahoma. In March of 2002 Matthew independently recorded his debut album in Branson, Missouri. In April the album "l\1Y LOVE" was released. Available at any Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald performance, various small shops in Oklahoma City & Tulsa, and on the internet, "My Love" has proved to sell very well and has boosted his listening audience. In May 2002 Houston, Texas radio station KPFT FM played the title cut of the album on air, and reported to have very good response. Matthew's second album, a live recording in Tulsa, Oklahoma Oune 2003) was released in October of 2003. Matthew's Live album was greeted with much responce and opened the door for many more bookings at clubs and rodeos around the country. Matthew quickly became a favorite at clubs in Oklahoma like The PlayMor in Tulsa and The Copa in Oklahoma City and on the evening of March 5th 2004, Matthew's "Neon Rainbow" was released at his. performance with Brian Black. "Neon Rainbow" has quickly become Matthew's best selling album to date. Matthew is just another example of the undiscovered talent in the 4 states region. The Ozarks Star is proud to feature this talented young man from Oklahoma, working hard to make his community proud. He resides with his partner Jason in Krebs, Oklahoma. For booking information and more on Matthew's show schedule, visit his website at www.heathfitzgerald.com Volume l Issue 10 Page 12 October 1, 2004 Kerry-Edwards Ticket - The ost ay S portive in American History VOTE FOR YOUR LIFE NOVEMBER 2, 2004 The Ozarks Star Page 13 October 1, 2004 Volume 1 Issue l 0 Page 14 October 1, 2004 This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Fann-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax: (636) 938-3539 Riderless Horse HonorsMGRA Director. Kansas City Sept 5, 2004 by Star writer Greg Steele The crowded Wyandotte County Fairgrounds Stadium went silent as the lone horse entered the arena. A wreath of red roses draped the ,._ __________________ __, shining saddle. The inverted boots in the stirrups showed that the rider had passed from this horse. The horse was in it's Sunday Best, feet polished and adorned with a red ribbon. The red ribbon representing honor for all who are no longer with us. As the audience stood, you could see tears streaming down faces. i\11 were aware of who the ceremony was hon,oring. Bobbie St.Jeor, the Show Me State Rodeo director of 11 years had tragically been taken in a traffic accident on July 2, 2004. Bobbie had served as Director for 11 of 12 rodeos MGRA had produced. At 67, Bobbie's tireless energy had lead the MGRA to what was one of their best rodeo's ever. When it came to MGRA, Bobbie expected the membership to abide by the bylaws and do their job. In her honor MGR.A selected Bobbie's longtime partner, Judy Holt as the 2004 Grand Marshal. Bobbie St.Jeor, Director The Ozarks Star Page- 15 October 1, 2004 Volume 1 Issue 10 Page- 16 October 1, 2004 MG - Show-Me-State Rodeo e. Dust ~e.tt\e.s.ee'' Photography by Chaz September 5, 2004 by Star writer Greg Steele } Kansas City ... Since October of 1976, the first Gay Rodeo in Reno, Nevada, 24 Gay Rodeo Associations have sprung up across the United States and Canada and comprise the International Gay Rodeo Association, IGRA. Gay Rodeo's are held through out the year with a National Final's to buckle and crown the season. Men and Women from across the US and Canada compete for points to have the honor of an invitation to the National Finals. Out of hundreds who compete, only the top 20 point winner's from each competition category will be invited. It's a rough ridden, steer bustin, serious event each year for these dedicated gay men and women who compete in rodeo competition. ,.__ ____________ ___, But "After '.fhe Dust Settles •... Legends Are Born & Champions Are Crowned" The Gay Rodeo has become an important part of our community. Those who organize and stage the events year after year work night and day to bring you the best show possible and the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association MGRA, showed there stuff in Kansas City this year with a grand rodeo, a hell of a good time and great entertainment. Steve Hammond Wild Oats Records recording artist. The Ozarks Star Page- 17 The 2004 season ends in Omaha with the Heartland Gay Rodeo Association, HGRA and the IGRA National Final's October 14-17, 2004 in Omaha Nebraska. This will be the grand finally to a big year for IGRA. Fan's from across the US, Canada and far away places will converge on Omaha. It's the big event of the year for contestants and rodeo October 1, 2004 follower's. The Rodeo Groupies come incampers, motor homes, limo's, buses and some just ride their broncos. They come to party hard , enjoy the entertainment and the thrill of the action. If you have never been to a IGRA rodeo, you've missed a good dose of our western heritage. So, saddle up guys and gals, get on out to see some real cowboys & cowgiris. Volume 1 Issue I 0 Ken Pool, Mr. Colorado Gay Rodeo Association, CGRA 2004 October 1, 2004 Top Left to Right Jack Truman-candidate Mr. '1GRA 2005,Judy Holt Grand Marshal 2004 Miss Mae- Miss MGRA 2004 & candidate for Tvliss IGRA 2005, Mandy Barbarell - Miss IGRA 2004 & Miss MGRA- 2003. Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 20 October 1, 2004 Town dbi by Randy Vineyard Introducing "T-T own Tidbits" by Star writer Randy Vineyard. Randy lives in Tulsa and will be covering the Star Scene in and around the T-Town area. Randy has lived in Tulsa since the age of two and wouldn't consider living anywhere else and loves Tulsa's GLBT community. Community Support & Loyalty! On Halloween I v.,-ill celebrate 29 years of entertaining. Along with me are, Anita Richards - 25 yrs, Courtney Farrell - 20 yrs, and Mr Robbie Walker 19 yrs. On my own wonderful journey I have made a life time of friends and have lost many to AIDS as have all of us. I have been very honored to hold 11 titles, two of which were the Oklahoma America and Oklahoma USo£A titles. I was also fortunate to represent you at 5 national competitions. During my career it has been a blessing to have performed over 3600 shows, 1000 of which were benefits. The last 8 years have not been easy, but there must be a reason from ONE greater than my myself. My heart revolves around tl1is community and it's fabulous people. You have in all reality, kept me alive. Entertaining you has given me life and a reason to keep going, you have smiled, laughed, and cried with me, and along the way enjoyed life. I thank you with all my heart and soul for sharing all these wonderful years of life with me. With the entertainment and benefit fall season upon us and the time we all get into that giving spirit. I want to address a problem I see here in our community. There are nearly 70,000 GLBT people in our area. If we all stood together and gave $10.00 a month we could raise $700,000.00 a year for our friends in need. We have hundreds of people within the Tulsa area who have problems paying for food, and medications due mainly to HIV/ AIDS related illnesses. HOPE, Tulsa Cares, St Jerome, RAIN, Our House Too, all have facilities and outreach programs to help. They are in constant need of volunteers and financial support. Many people rely on these places for survival.· · At the moment every GAY owned dub in Tulsa is doing something to help our community and keep it strong. We as a GLBT voice and strength need to stick together and support OUR businesses and those non-gay owned business who support us. We have 7 clubs in Tulsa that have been GAY for between 5 to 41 years. The names and o:-;vners have changed many times, but they are still GAY, and proud of it! .... continued n,-25 t l The Ozarks Star Page 21 HRC Endorses Nancy Farmer Missouri Democrat Running for US Senate in Missouri, from Human Rights Commission. A dedicated ally: Farmer became the first woman Missouri state treasurer in 2000, after having served eight years as a state representative. Prior to holding elective office, Farmer was executive director of a neighborhood housing and neighborhood nonprofit organization. Farmer supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and ilie Earlv Treatment for HIV Act. She firmly opp~ses efforts to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution, such as the Federal Marriage Amendment. A word on her opponent: Christopher "Kit" Bond (R) has held this seat since 1987. He scored a 17% rating on the last HRC Congressional Scorecard. He opposes both the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and has voted against both bills in ilie past. He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment, an attempt to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution. The race: As a longtime incumbent, Bond has the upper hand in the race, but polls show that Farmer is closing the gap between them. Farmer has mounted a serious challenge and needs as much support as she can get in order to pull out a vict~rv. Visit: www.hrc.org/candidates October 1, 2004 Democratic hopefol!Jim Newberry on GAY MARRIAGE: "Business partnerships between partners who happen to be gay have always been legally recognized. Legal recognition of civil unions would be essentially the same thing. Marriage, on the other hand, is a religious, or moral concept for many of us. Its meaning therefore should be determined locally, rather than nationally." www.newberryforcongress.com MARY KA~ the kla st s? Thao kx:k to t,/ay Kay. You'I lin~ the- l0il!!Bt .on-trend color! co::tdltdad for you with eos,.-to~ tip&. Ask M& how 'fOU oon 113t the hott9$t loob of lfKi ·~·• . . .... J I ~ --- Cll1CJ (:I~ ~ in ~,-e. Joan Szymanski lnde~enl Bi!iotlty u.'!~I 417-673-1181 .-.n,.muylr:ay.com/llZ}'!D8Dlld1 Volume 1 Issue 10 Phone<: (4'17} 623-.. -007 Fax; (--4 .. 7) 623-"1'1159 en.a•~ c,nuiO!S!S40oopymax.QOm Advertisment Prints and Copies Binding Lamina.Ong Faxing Busin-a C&rd& The Ozarks Star Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the cochair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own \Vrite." Page 23 October 1, 2004 Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac October, 2004 Elect To Get Involved In response to the presidential-election debacle of 2000, in which both parties reported voting irregularities in a number of key states, a group of concerned Americans created a national, nonpartisan voting-rights project called Election Protection 2004. The general election is fast approaching, but there's still time for gay people to join in this volunteer effort to safeguard the foundation of our democracy - the right to vote for our representatives in government. I don't need to preach to lesbian and gay readers about the importance of voting - we go to the polls in much higher percentages than the American people as a whole. We understand all too well that whoever sits in the Oval Office contributes heavily to setting the climate for gay people in this country. And we know that by giving an enthusiastic stamp of approval to the Federal Marriage Amendment, our current president has officially sanctioned intolerance of lesbians and gay men. But we may need to be reminded that, for many Americans, voting is an endangered right. And we need to challenge the idea that discussing voting problems openly and trying to do something about them is just "sour grapes" over the 2000 election or an unwillingness to "get over" its results (which two of my colleagues in the gay media once accused me of). If you have any doubts about how vital it is to question the accuracy and fairness of our voting system, just rent the documentary _Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election_, which outlines in a succinct 50 minutes the mistakes and abuses that led to widespread voter disenfranchisement in Florida four years ago. The likelihood that the 2004 election will be a close one increases the risk of civil-rights violations, especially in the swing states; indeed, there have already been warning signs of polling-place abuse. During the primary in Florida last month, for example, poll watchers reported that many AfricanAmerican voters were being turned away for not having identification, and without being informed that they could, by state law, simply sign an affidavit attesting to their identity and then proceed to vote. And that was just the primary - imagine how high the stakes will be for the actual presidential election. ~ Also, Florida has once again undertaken a purge of convicted ex-felons from its voter rolls, as it did in 2000, when it disenfranchised thousands of voters who had no criminal records at all. It's no accident that this multimillion-dollar effort, in a state headed by the president's brother, has targeted mostly African Americans, who tend to vote Democratic. Understandably, anxiety is running high among voring-rights activists, who worry in particular about voting equipment. In Ohio, one of the top battlegrouad states, ......... continued page -25 Volume 1 Issue I 0 Page 24 October l, 2004 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente October 2004 Keaton Surrenders to Annie Hall is off to see the wizards not of Oz, but of CBS. Oscar winner Diane Keaton has signed on to star in and executive produce a TV mm1e for the network based on Meg Wolitzer's 2000 novel, _Surrender, Dorothv . The story has nothing to do with tornados:witches, or glittering fantasy worlds, but with a vibrant 30-year-old Manhattanite named Sara and her gay male best who rent a summer place with friends. When Sara dies suddenly in an auto accident, the aftermath engulfs her circle of peers as well as her eccentric grieving mother, played by Keaton. Coming off the box-office success of _Something's Gotta Give_, the busy Keaton has three other projects currently in development: Jim Sheridan's _Da Vinci's Mother_, a crime caper called _Mad Monev_, and one untitled feature. Surrender is dt,{e to air in CBS's 2004-2005~eason. - A Dickens of a Series The new BBC _Doctor Who series undertaken by _Queer as Folk_ creator Russell T. Davies now has at least one other openly gay creative person involved: British actor Simon Callow. Callow, last seen in HBO's _Angds in America_ and perhaps most fondly remembered as the jolly heartattack victim in _Four Weddings and a Funeral_, will play Charles Dickens in the hugely popular, newly revamped time-travel series. This won't be the first time Callow has played the creator of _A Christmas Carol_ on screen - he took on the role in a 2001 TV adaptation of _Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairy Tale_. He'll be joining cast members Christopher Eccleston (_28 Days Later_) and pop singer Billie Piper for the series, which ,viii no doubt end up reaching these shores via BBC America. Stay tuned. _Transit_ Tackles AIDS During the last decade, while most media outlets retreated from their coverage of the global AIDS crisis, MTV remained boldly committed to sometimes controversial programming that addresses issues related to HIV and young people. Now, as part of their "Staying Alive" campaign, the music channel has teamed up with the Swedish International Development Corporation to produce a TV movie titled _Transit_. The fictional film ,·viii highlight the little-discussed nonfiction topic of Europe's illegal sex trade, a business that reaches well into the United States. It will include safer-sex and HIV prevention information and will be aimed at the network's youthful demographic. Still in its early stages and not yet cast, the film already has an air date of December 1, 2005 World AIDS Day. Soprano and X-Man Sign on the_Dot _Dot_, the latest feature from lesbian director Jamie Babbit (_But I'm a Cheerleader_), finally has a full cast and a now lead. Up-and-comer Camilla Belle (_The Patriot_, _Practical Magic_) has replaced Thora Birch, and some well-known names have joined in to tell the story of a popular middle-class girl whose family life is upended when a supposedly deaf orphan teenager moves in. Edie Falco of _Sopranos_ fame, Elisha Cuthbert (_The Girl Next Door_), Shawn Ashmore of _X-Men_, and _Saved!_ alum Martin Donovan will be one big dysfunctional family when the indie feature begins shooting next month in Austin, Texas. Expect a flurry of film-festival screenings before it hits art-house screens, probably late next year. _Romeo Sao Vicente never upended any middleclas$ girl's lives - he just W"Cnt shopping with them. The Ozarks Star Page 25 Lesbian Notions from page-23 punch-card ballots - made notorious in 2000 for their high margin of error will be used in 69 of 88 counties. One law professor told the _Cincinnati Enquirer_ that a close election in his state could spell an "election night meltdown." Around the country, touchscreen voting, which is being implemented in many areas for the first time and which leaves no paper trail, is also cause for trepidation. Touted by many congressional Republicans as the answer to all our voting problems, electronic ballots completely and conveniently - eliminate all possibility of recounts and put our most cherished right at the mercy of the corporations that manufacture the equipment and software. All of this suggests that Nov. 2, 2004, might be a pretty dark day for democracy. But the good news is that there are concrete things we can do now to try to aid the democratic process. Pirst, to ensure that your own vote counts, familiarize yourself in advance with your state's voting procedures and your own rights, which can be found on the website of your Secretary of State or your county's Bureau of Elections. Then expand your effort a little by committing to "Take a Friend to Vote," a project of the League of Women Voters, in which citizens pledge to bring a neighbor, friend, or relative to the polls. (For instructions, visit www.lwv.org.) But to make an even greater contribution, consider volunteering for Election Protection (www.electionprotection2004.org), which aims to train and deploy 25,000 citizens as poll watchers in battleground states. TracFone is providing phones and air time for poll workers to report abuses or to consult with civil-rights attorneys if problems arise. While lawyers and law students are particularly needed for this project, all concerned citizens are welcome to volunteer for tasks like handing out votingrights flyers in the days preceding the election. If you live in Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, or another swing state, or are able to travel to one of them for Election Day, the time you donate could have a big impact on the accuracy of the election - and on the future well-being of our democracy. October 1, 2004 T-Town tidbits from pg-20 The PlayMor - Syrs, Yellowbrick -9 yrs, The Star 12yrs, TNT's 19yrs, Renegades - 20yrs, ToolBox 22 years, and the Bamboo - 41 yrs. \Then you go out to play and party please keep all in mind, the GAY bars are very involved in giving back to the community, to make all our lives a little easier. I have also noticed a growing number of people who frown and look down on 'SHOWS' . If it were not for the entertainers: Live vocalists, Male Impersonators, Drag Queens and even the male dancers, then who would you call upon to raise money for all the different organizations that need help? There are only a handful of entertainers who will give their time, money, sweat and tears to raise funds. So when you walk into a 'SHOW' especially if it's a fund-raiser, find out what it is for before you bitch!- It may just be for someone you know! Currently we have several clubs that do things on a regular basis to help keep our local charities alive, tl1ey are: Bamboo - weekly Sunday lunches 2-6pm, with donations benefiting a different charity each month. Mavericks - since opening early this year, they have been hosts to a variety of events, including Paul Wiekel's - Children with AIDS / scholarship fund, and being the home of T.U.L.S.A. and the Driller Bears, both organizations giving to local and state organizations. The Playmor - Helga's Heart to Heart benefiting Our House Too, and May All be Fed benefiting the St. Jerome, food pantry. Renegades - Red Ribbon Revue hosted by Tabitha Taylor, giving to local charities each month. The STAR - with fund-raisers for different places throughout the year, and for 12 years being a community leader in giving to all the local GLBT charities. The GAY clubs really are working for YOU and don't forget the annual Kris Kohl Christmas Stocking Stuffer event, is coming up to help people, families, and children living with AIDS along with many other benefits shows and talented entertainers who are working hard to make someone's life a little better .. The Tulsa State Fair is in town, go h:ive a great time and finish the day at your favorite GAY club!! Till next time: PLAY HARD BUT PLAY SAFE!l! Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 26 October 1, 2004 Gay Travelers from page 7 Within a block of the Habana Inn resort you will find about 6 more gay bars catering to different tastes. A major grocery store is just one block away as are several other restaurants. A cab ride from the airport costs less than $10.00. The HABANA INN resort is located one block west of the intersection of Penn and Interstate I-44 and is extremely easy to find. Plus, there are a lot of sights to see in Oklahoma City. The Cowboy Hall of Fame has artifacts from the early cowboy days thru the television shows with lots of oil paintings, watercolors and bronzes. The Oklahoma City Memorial where the bombing took place a few years ago is a MUST to see. Art galleries and museums are plentiful. About 80 miles to the west is the Route 66 Higway Museum which is extremely interesting. You will never forget your wonderful experiences in Oklahoma City. Everyone is so friendly. Oklahoma City is indeed OK For more information contact Donald and Ray at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at: www.hometown.aol.com/ gaytravelers. Steve Urie from page-5 They claim we have a "Gay Agenda" and use the term to excite hatred ... we need to look at that and have a tremendous laugh not at them but ourselves that ,ve would take that seriously. A "Gay Agenda" like we could get together and decide on what color to paint the walls, what drapes to buy or even where are we going to eat out tonight. Our civil rights are important and dear to me as to you but let's separate the issues. Don't get pulled into challenging their status with the Lord. Democrat. .. Republican ... Christian ... Non-Christian person of faith ... or just a person. Let's show our community we know the difference in basic right anQ wrong. For me, I now have a Bush and a Kerry sign in the yard and once again my neighbor laughs with me. Someone else may question my relationship with God but my Lord knows my name and that's what counts. Until next month ........ G?7wve FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711, Joplin, Mo 64803 Jn conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. The Ozarks Star Page 27 Joplin's MCC Church Celebrates 7th Anniversary. Will Host Concerts by Greg Steele joplin,MO MCC Joplin located at 2902 E. 20th Street will celebrate their seventh anniversary on October 15th with a dinner, music and dancing at the Butcher Block. Steve T. Urie, Pastor has lead the church from a meager beginning to a thriving active force in the LGBT community of Joplin. The Ozarks Star congratulates Pastor Steve Urie and applauds his contributions, his tireless efforts in giving to the gay and lesbian people of this area and in his example of good citizenry. With his partner of 5 years Heath Ross, they have together given the Joplin area a sanctuary where all are welcome. With Steve's efforts, Joplin has become a major stop for Christian performers on tour. Spiritual recording artists abound and many have discovered Joplin's LGBT community. Concert tour's travel the U.S. bringing their eclectic styles of music to the gay /lesbian and straight audiences. Spirit of Christ MCC of Joplin has hosted many entertaining artists over their seven years of serving Joplin's LGBT community and will be hosting the dynamic Marsha Steven on October 2, at 6pm. This will be Marsha's sixth appearance in Joplin. On November 6th Paula Jo David brings her exciting performance to the stage at 6pm. In the past year MCC and River of Life Church in Pittsburg, KS have booked other notables such as October 1, 2004 Shawn Thomas, Terry Lee Ousley and Sam Sampson. Charlie Smith a frequent performer in Joplin and Branson can be heard on most Sunday's at MCC.The concerts are free to the public and appreciation offering are accepted. If you would like to congratulate Steve or give an offering to the church the mailing address is: PO Box 4711 Joplin, MO 64804. Phone 417-206-6179 Web: www.mccjoplin.com Martha's Vine~ard 219 W. Olive, Springfield, MO 417-864-4572 Southwest 11issouri's Hottest Entertainment Complex. Now Celebrating 10 Years of Quality Entertainment www .marthascomplex.com Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 28 October 1, 2004 Scopes by Jack Fertig October 2004 ""Talk filth, Cancer!" Jupiter, the planet of opportunities, is guincunx gueer, erratic Uranus, offering brilliant chances if you're willing to make adjustments through weird surprises. The bigger the risk you take, the better it should ,vork out for you. ARIES (1farch 21 to April 20): Opportunities at work can bring you into new political conflicts and force you to re-evaluate long-term goals. Keep an open mind on both fronts. The change of plans will do you good. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): Creative collaboration opens up tremendous professional opportunities but you have to make some adjustments, perhaps some sacrifices, if this dream is to come true. Be determined in your dream, not obstinate in your rut. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Make connections with the old country. Your etlinic heritage yields amazing insights. Reviewing childhood religious guestions and discussing old spiritual conflicts 'With your parents will also prove liberating - in the long run, if not immediately. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): There's a time and a place for everything, so make the time and space to talk pure filth and say the most shocking and horrible things however morbid or politically incorrect - that are on your mind. The purge will prove empowering. LEO 0uly 23 to August 22): OK, control gueen! Let go of the purse strings just a little, and trust your partner in financial dealings. You're not going to be happy with the process, but the outcome should be satisfying. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Confusion and surprises at work are sure to work in your favor, as long as you're not afraid to stand up for yourself. Be dear about what you want and willing to give ground on small things to get ahead. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): You're on an artistic jag that knows no limits. Whatever you do now ,;vil! need revision later, but don't hold back! Your craziest dreams and intuitions will inspire great things. Go out on a limb, and, if it breaks, spread your wings and fly! SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): Old ghosts and demons from your childhood can be tamed and put to productive use in attaining your long-term goals. The more you're willing to shake up your past, the more you can use it to help build your future. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Your motor-mouth turns to surprising adv.intage, as knowledge you weren't aware you had helps propel your career. Exercise your "right brain;' delving into the artistic or mystical to help the process along. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Opportunities to travel or continue your education will have hidden expenses, but the surprising benefits could be well worth it. Consider all offers carefully. Any such adventure can change your entire world! AQUARIUS Oanuary 20 to February 18): You're suddenly too sexy for anyone's good! Offers and innovations you'd normally never consider... well, "normally" is just out the window. Your enthusiasm for novelty could go overboard. Remember, there's a time and a place for everything! PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Take a honeymoon with the one you love or a getaway with a very trusted friend. You need time and space away from reality to get real, and you can't do it alone. Building intimacy (sexual or otherwise) is essential now. Jack Fertig has been working as a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Nettvorking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his wehsir,4, b,,p;L m~ om Volume 1 Issue 10 Page 29 "Merci Docteur Rey" Staring Dianne Wiest and introducing Stanislas Merhar. Directed by Andrew Litvack. VlWVl.mercidocteurrey.com/ This irrepressibly French comedy stars mournful-faced Stanislas Merhar as a young man struggling with his homosexuality as well as with an overbearing opera diva mother (played to the histrionic hilt and beyond by Dianne Weist). \Vhen Thomas witnesses a murder, he goes on a search for the killer, falling into an unlikely friendship with the supremely neurotic Penelope Qane Birk.in), an actress who has dubbed so many Vanessa Redgrave films, she's come to think of herself as a literal extension of Redgrave. (Redgrave, in fact, makes an appearance in one of the movie's juiciest scenes, and inadvertently insults the poor woman by exclaiming "How could they give me such a tacky French voice?") "Magnifique! One of the most delicious surprises of the fall movie season. A prescription for hilarious, off the wall, witty mayhem." -Bill Diehl / ABC Radio Network October 1, 2004 Quotable Quotes "You have to look at what Bush does, not what he says. Talk is cheap. He expresses empathy for military families and then cuts their benefits. He names a proposal the 'Clear Skies Initiative' that pollutes the planet. He says he'll be a uniter and then drives us apart. He steals the slogan 'No Child Left Behind' and then breaks his promise to fund his reforms. Truly, I stand here flabbergasted at what is going on in today's world. Never in my life have I witnessed a president and an administration that is so out of step with the needs of the country, so threatening to our future and so abusive in its use of power." - Barbra Streisand receiving the Human Rights Campaign's Humanitarian Award, March 6. Place your classified ad here for only $6.00 for the first 15 words, and only 25 cents for each additional word ........ . 10 blocks North of Downtown Joplin, MO 4bd, 4bth, formal dinning, large kitchen. library/ office, full base~ent, zoned heat/ air., 3200 Sq. Ft., beautifully restored, quiet residential Roanoke adjacent. Priced under $150,000. $$Price Reduced$$ Call Vicki at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434c.0077 or 800-782-7822. The Ozarks Star On,-Line. Check out our website for Daily breaking GLBT news. www.ozarksstar.com Need A House Mate: Advertise here for only $6.00 first 15 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTS business community. Mail qualifications to: _Ozarks Star 2401 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Bed & Breakfast: Ever dreamed of owning your own B&B? Beautiful 4 bed 4 bath 3200sqft fully furnished in Joplin, MO For Sale. Call Vicki Bronson at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 417-434-0077 'Tbe Ozarks Star Page 31 October I, 2004 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Organizations- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Ron's Place- - - 523 \V. Poplar- - - - - 479-442-3052 Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - 479-571-1300 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Burnzee's- -2301 Towson Ave #C- --479-494-7300 Kinkeads- -10041/2 Garrison Ave- - - - -479-783-9988 Chm 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - - -479-782-1845 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's-• - - 716 S. Main - - - --417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Bell Star's - - -1321 Grand Ave- - - -816-421-1288 i\fissie B's- - - -805 \Y/. 39th St- - -816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Buddies - - - - - - - 3715 Main St - - -816-561-2600 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial- - - - • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - - -1109 E. Commercial- - -417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hi-Lo Club 1221 NW 50th- - -405-843-1722 Finish Line -2200 N\V 39th E;qJwy- - 405-525-0730 Chm Rox- - -3535 NW 39th Expwy -405-947-2351 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th- -405-947-2351 BoomBoom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - -405-601-7200 Oklahoma, Tuba (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - --918-836-8700 Club Maverick-• 822 S. Sheridan - 918-835-3301 Heads & Tails- 7944 E. 21st - - - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- 124 N. Boston -918-584-9494 New Age Renegades- -1649 S. Main - -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 Silver Star Saloon- -1565 S. Sheridan-918-834-4234 TNT's- - 2114 S. Memorial- - - -- - -918-660-0856 Tool Box- - -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - 918-584-1308 Yellow Brick Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - -918-293-0304 -LodgingMiuouri, Joplin (417) Faces Guesthowe B&B - - - - - - -417-621-9915 Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - 417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - - 417-779-5084 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - -- - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg ( 620) River of Life - 1709 N Walnut - - - - - - 11AM PSU-QSA .... 1701 S. Broadway ... 620-231-0938 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - · - - -6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - - - - 10:30Alvf Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- - 417-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 \Y/. Madison-417-866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - 417-864-4459 GLO Community Ctr- 518 E. Commerical-869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- -POBox 1565, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 -Business Services- Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Massage Therapy- - - - - - 417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-417-434 0077 RE/MAX - - - - - -Cathe Letts- 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangeline Rd- - - - -417-623-1007 The Lions Den - - - -Austin Letts - - - 417-623-87.67 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consultant- - 417-673-1181 Night Things Boutique-719 MainSt- 417-659-9913 Missouri, Springfield (417) Prii!cilla's - - • -1918 S. Glenstone - • 417-881-84-44 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 · ·4301 NW 63rd #100 - - 405- 840-2106 Hollywood Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 ,..,_ Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- 405-528-2221 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Talsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard- - -918-747-5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd - - - -877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's - - • - - 7925 E. 41st - - . - 918-627-4884 Priscilla's - · - · 5634 W. Skelly· - - • • 918-«6-6336 Priscilla's· - - -11344 E. 11th· - • • - -918-438--4224 Priscilla's• - • • 2333 E. 71st- - - • - - -918-499-1661 Volume 1 Issue 10 32 October 1, 2004 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] The Ozark Star Magazine, October 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 10 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozarks Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 1, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Randy Vineyard Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma, Southwest Missouri, Southeast Kansas Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, September 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 9 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/177 The Ozark Star Magazine, November 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 11 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/173 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/176 Arkansas Marriage Amendment Bars Deep Inside Hollywood election Jimmy Swaggart Lesbian Notions MCC church MGRA Show Me State Rodeo nightclubs Qscopes Quotable Quotes Robbie St. Jeor T-Town Tidbits The Star Scene threats travel vote https://history.okeq.org/files/original/78fc08548a2c9b7a11e6de8b69cc9808.jpg 35d021de4443913afaa9b4c716866055 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fe20a0ec7a0b1fbbfd8ecc481bb0c1ab.pdf a5191f5e7af48f6d924ce8285f78ff0c PDF Text Text ��������������� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document MONTHLY MAGAZINE INSIDE THIS MONTH Athletic Model Guild Release FREE ... -&- The Eyes ofTammy Faye Review page- 8 "Heterophobia ?" Heterophobia popped into my mind the other day after a conversation with someone who had been offended by actions of a heterosexual couple in a predominantly gay estabUshment. I could not recall hearing the word before and decided to consult the old Random House Webster's dictionary. Guess what, it's not in the 1991 edition! I suppose I should buy a newer release with all the new strange words floating around these days. The word Homophobia is listed, Homo, Hetero, Phobia, and Phobic are all listed. The defmition given for Phobia is: "A persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity or situation that leads to a compelling desire to (JVoid it. " Now, we all know what Homophobic means. Most of us have experienced some form of Homophobic attitude in our lifetime. I think I would be safe in saying that Jerry Falwell is homophobic, not that I'm judging Jerry's personal convictions, but he has been quoted many times speaking out against the Gay/Lesbian community. So, would this gay person I had a conversation with, be considered "Heterophobic"? He seemed to indicate that he had a compelling desire to avoid the activity. continued next page The Ozarks Star Page3 editor-continuedfi-om page 2 I recall a situation on Interstate 44 east of · Oklahoma City. I was driving home from Lake Eufaula with the crnise control set on 70, in front of me was car swerving across the yellow line, slowing down, speeding up, just driving very danger- . ously. I hesitated to pass, in fear of gettmg hit, but finally took the chance. I was dismayed at what was going on in that automobile. A man was driving with the seat back way back and a woman was sitting on his lap, facing him, gyrating up and down! Baby, I almost ran off the road and I got the hell out of there. Sex on the highway, whow! I should have called the Hyway Patrol, but didn't. I had a compelling desire to avoid the activity and the situation. Did I have a Heterophobic moment? Many heterosexuals find gay bars intri ouing and homosexuals frequent strai;ht bars as well. The question is, if gay people are expected not to be too obvious in a straight club, should we expect the same from straight people in gay clubs? More important is how we as humans conduct ourselves in all public places. It is possible to enjoy nightclubing, ha:e . fun, meet new people without engagmg m lewd acts. Beware, you may develope a Privacyphobia! Can vou imagine a world with no phobia's? A future world with no gay bars and no straight bars? Just places for everyone to enjoy and be yourself without offending others. Perhaps we should all begin now to prepare ourselves for the future. September 1, 2004 Georgia eb firm optimizes gay shopping Website Southern Web Gro11p improves visibility of Alabama-based HighQueen.com ATLANTA (PRWEB) July 25, 2004 - Atlanta-based Southern Web Group is pleased to announce the relau:1ch of . www.highqueen.com, a Website featunng gifts for gay men and lesbians. After its initial launch in April 2004, Terry Woodard and his partner Rick decided to revamp the marketing strategy t~ward natural search engine growth. With ten years of retail experience, the couple launched Hioh Queen because of the unique and un~et demand for gay gifts and gay accessories. "Southern Web Group is pleased to relaunch the High Queen Website. The_Website_will surely become a leading provider of gifts for gay weddings, gay designers and t~ose seeking gifts for their gay and le~bian friends." said Drew Bartot,i, president of the Atlanta-based Web desiglffirm. Founded in 1999, Southern Web Group is a leader in Atlanta's Web design industry and can be found on the Web at www.southemwebgroup.com. With a growing clientele across the country, the Atlanta Web design firm is pleased to welcome the High Queen to its list of clients that already includes the Sout~e~ste_m . Flower Show, the American Civil L1bertles Union the Atlanta Lesbian Cancer Initiative and th~ Atlanta Executive Network. Volume l Issue 9 September 1, 2004 Dakota Daniels Hunter Benefit Shiff en decker Park Press Release Aug. 23, 2004 Joplin, MO A benefit for Dakota will be held at Shiffendecker Park in Joplin on October 9, 2004 from 12:00 Noon to 6PM. All proceeds to benefit her son Cota. Come and enjoy the Live Entertainment. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Jake Lee Bravado Hunter or Pam at (417) 438-9746 The Ozarkd Star Page 5 September 1, 2004 August 12, 2004 1000's of Marriages Invalid? This morning I waited to hear on CNN about the California Supreme Court's decision concerning same-sex marriages performed in San Francisco. You could see the cameras and media people edging their way into the small crowd, Molly McKay, Associate Executive Director of Equality California, made her wav through pages of legalese as we ;11 held our breath. Then ,,·e heard the words said aloud for the first time: "These marriages are invalidated." You can have a parking ticket validated and that is simply a piece of paper. They have decided that as human beings, loving people, and people of faith that we do not have the same worth as a parking ticket. Put your relationship, your life, your friendships on the line and let someone proclaim that you are invalidated. Can you imagine the tears, disbelief, the overwhelming disappointment and yes even anger that must have been felt as each person comprehended what was just read to them. As those words were read aloud and echoed through the air I felt very much as if I had just been violated and I wasn't even there. But here's what I know and hope that you know. Legislation is only words and . until the people truly embrace it. .. even if it had passed the legislature and had been successfully brought before their State Supreme Court it would have truly been just that, "only words." The issue here is one of rights and the State Governments around the country, the amendments being passed, and the scare influence of the pious religious groups in this country are setting a dangerous precedent. They are legalizing discrimination. But here's what I know and hope that you know ... as stated by Metropolitan Community Church pastor from San Francisco, "They can take away our rights, they can try and make us second class citizens-but no one can trulv invalidate us. \X!e know that our loves, our, lives, our stories, our bodies are not just valid, but also good, beautiful, and sacred. My heart goes out to every couple who was married-. Knmv this: Your love vour .) commitment and your relationship are validated by• the God of manv names and bv the community that surrounds y~u. · · No one can take away the joy we felt in those fair days of February. So let us remember Alice Walker's vmrds: "Resistance is the secret of joy." We keep lovingly resisting all that is unjust and unequal. In this country there ha,;-e been manv cries heard round the world, "Remember the Al~mo," "Remember Pearl Harbor," "Remember 9/11" and remember "they can only do to us ,,;-hat we allow them to." If you think anything of yourself as a person, if you think anything of your relationship, if you think anything of the rights being stripped away from you then stay in the struggle and remember why! Because you count! Because you are validated'. Remember that in the near future we can stand to change this country ... there is more to it than what we are den;ed but it is a great part of it to ali of us. U ntt·1. .,,.-._i. ext t',1 o m· h...... . . . 0:c0d',]/W_ l.J{} Volume 1 Issue 9 MEN'S UNDEBWEAH STOl~E .NOW OPEN! 825 E 3111) ST. DOWNTOWN TULSA. CALL: 877-7-BOXERS FOH INFO! MON-T UNDERWEAR FOR EVERY MAN. OFFERINO THE l;IO"IT-E~f B,~DS, OD SOFTWEAR + JOCKO + LUC LA ROCHE + MUNDO UNICO + J1(4,F. BBIZ Ozarks Star Page 7 Photo by: Ray Williams September I, 2004 OUT ON VAl.ATION "Traveling in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com Now IS THE TIME TO GO TO COLORADO If you have never been to Colorado NOW is the time to go. The travel business is really off this year in Colorado and bargains are everywhere. In the past Colorado was rated the most homophobic State in the Union and they have lost millions of dollars due to the stupidity of their resident's voting record on gay rights in the past Convention business has dropped considerably as well as other business activities. Between the general economic woes of the country and the fires that Colorado had a couple of years ago, they are really handing out the bargains for travelers. We first drove to Colorado Springs and the weather was beautiful. There are so many sights to see in the Colorado Springs area and most all of them are free. The Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, The Cliff Dwellings, Pike's Peak are but just a few of the interesting sights to see there. One day we drove to Cripple Creek, the old mining town which is now "Casino City" with an over abundance of casinos in the town. Luckily for us the slot machines were paying off pretty well. On the way back down to Colorado Springs we got to see a herd of mountain goats that had come down and was mixing with the autos on the highway. A hail storm about 20 minutes before we got to that point had left the area full of large hail everywhere. Colorado Springs is the most homophobic part of Colorado Springs however you would never know it by the gay and lesbian community there. On Sunday, July 18th they had their PRIDEFEST 2004 and it was extremely well attended. It was held right downtown in the city park square. The Rev. Elder Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church was the featured guest speaker. That was followed by a parade and then a rally, live entertainment, local groups, bands and singers. They had a "kid's fun zone" for gay and lesbian parents. Vendors included area banks, lending institutions, political tents (wonder why the Republican's didn't have a tent there?) as well as Internet companies, phone companies. etc. The businesses in Colorado KNOW to cater to the gay and lesbian communities! It was one of the finest Pridefests that we have ever attended. From Colorado Springs we drove up to the Mountains and ended our day at Vail, the ski capitol of Colorado. Normally rates for accommodations in Vail are extremely high ranging from around$ l 50.00 and up. However due to "no business" most all of the accommodations bad dropped their rates drasticaliy. We stayed at a Lodge for under $50.00 per night and that included breakfast every morning. A huge swimming pool, Jacuzzi and picnic tables made for a perfect stay. There were two supermarkets within a continued page - 22 Page 8 September 1, 2004 The Ozarks Star --:------:---:---:---:---:-!iii -_;:q-_,--iffii-ef;---------=-e-=n--=c-=-o--u=-n:;::-:te--r--w:-:-::-:;it:;:h-J:;-:i-:::m::--;:;B:-::a7k7k--=e-=r--=a:-:n:-:d;---::-,_...::...:_===- Volume 1 Issue 9 THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE - A Film by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper stated that "You might be suprised how much you like Tammy Faye Baker!" I could not agree more. She is the kindest person with a heart of gold. Tammy embraced the Gay Community when others turned their backs. Buy this film and you will love her! Laugh and cry with her. "Witness the incredible real-life story of the spectacular rise, fall and resurrection of the "Queen of the Eyelashes." Many times halarious and oftentimes tragic, it is an amazing tale of one of the most adored and reviled women of our time.Narrated by RuPaul Charles, this award-winning film chronicles Tammy Fayes's personal journey from the geniune love-at-first-sight ma king of the most successful television ministry to being crucified in the court of public opinion. Extensive, revealing interviews by those on the inside will both shock and endear. Delve deep into the notso- Christian scandals and milliion dollar lies that devastated the empire and destroyed family. And be enlightened with Tammy Faye's unique personal philosophies that helped her carry on ... Because in spite of it all, Tammy Faye never lost hope in two things - extra thick mascary and Jesus Christ." Quotable Quotes "[Contrary to George W Bush's statement,] it is simply a fact that marriage is 'an evolving paradigm.' For the first millennium after Christ, Christianity didn't even recognize marriage as a sacrament. It was regarded as a purely secular matter of property ownership. Marriage also once meant the ownership of women by men. It was once permanent, and no divorce was possible. It was once restricted to couples of the same race. The notion that it has never changed is simply untrue. The only relevant question is whether the current change [opening marriage to same-sex couples] is a good one. The president doesn't answer that question. He simply asserts it, based on nothing but bad history and ignorance." Gav writer Andrew Sullivan, a former Bush supporter, wricing at CBSNews.com,July 13. September I, 2004 Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 10 September 1, 2004 Kerry /Edwards Event in Joplin Press Release Aug. 23, 2004 Joplin, MO Jesse DeGonia will be hosting an event on Friday September 10th at 6pm to build support for the democratic candidates running for office in Missouri. "We must win the state of Missouri which is THE MOST IMPORTANT SWING STATE!!!! in the November election. I have rented the UCCFF building at 204 N. Jackson, on the corner of N. Jackson and "C" Street." Mr. DeGonia conveyed to The Ozarks Star. Jim Newberry, a US Congressional Candidate who is challenging Roy Blunt, will be speaking along with other candidate's to be announced. "The official Democratic Campaign Video will be shown, refreshments v,,-:ill be served and free campaign material vvill be available. The public is invited." said DeGonia. Advertisement Springfield's OZ bar to Host APO Benefit. Springfield, MO by Star writer Greg Steele .. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" a benefit fund-raiser for Aids Project of the Ozarks will be hosted by the OZ bar in Springfield on Friday, September 24th from 5pm to 8pm. The OZ is located at 504 East Commercial. All you can eat Spaghetti and Meatball dinner will be served for $5.00. There will be contests, games, silent auction, raffle, live entertainment, male dancers and free Oral HIV testing from 9PM to 1 :30PM. Greg Hill, Co-Owner of the club, expects a huge turnout and invites the entire GLBT community to come out and support this worthy event. Proceeds to benefit APO. Quotable Quotes cactus Canyon Campground And Resort "Their struggle is a human rights issue to me. I have suffered myself from racism and se~ism all my life. I know what it feels like to be an outsider. I understand what position gays have been put in. Many of my friends were and are gay. Many people I tune into turn out to be gay, so on a spiritual level, I'm in love with all my gay friends." - Yoko Ono to the L.A. gay newspaper Fab!,July 16. For Men In The Ozarks The Lar9e1,t Men's C..amp9round in the U'51' Full RV Hookup's, Tent Sites, Cabins, Lodge Rooms, Hot Tub/ sauna, Pool, Cafe, Theme Weekends, Convenience Store, Clothing Optional. Call 417-683-9199 or visit our website www.cactuscanyoncampground.com The Ozarks Star Chris Greninge An Inspiration To Our Community. by Star Writer Greg Steele Joplin, .Missouri Another example of talent and community spirit gone unrecognized in the Four States Region. Chris Greninge, a Joplin business man and native of Southwest Missouri, grew up in Saginaw, Missouri and graduated from Diamond High School, class of 1983. He attended Crowder College, Pittsburg State and graduated MSSU in 1990. Chris and his partner of 14 years,Jeff Daws reside in Joplin and have restored a beautiful old Victorian. Chris loves antiques and has an awesome collection. Old musical instruments and tea pots are his favorites. Jeff is a professional photographer and has worked with Olan Mills Photography for the past 7 years. A talented musician, Chris began playing the piano at age 3. Played 2nd violin with the September 1, 2004 Southeast Kansas Symphony and was the organist for First Christian Church of Joplin. Other than his full-time job as a managing partner of Spain Grinding Service, Chris volunteers his talent as pianist, organist, Yocalist and directs a small orchestra at St Pauls UMC. Then on Sunday evening he volunteers as pianist and organist at Spirit of Christ I\ICC Joplin and it doesn't stop here people! Chris has long aspired to form a Gay Men's Choral group and or a LGBT community orchestra. He feels, as we at "The Ozarks Star" do, there are many untapped talents out there in our small section of this country. "If we could draw them out of the closet, get people excited, just in South\vest Missouri alone, we could have a major entertainment group. Getting folks together with a common cause is very foreign to us because of the negative impression some have of our LGBT community. People seem to think they are safer in the closet, and go out of to\vn for social activities or just move away. An all Gay /Lesbian talented entertainment entity would certainly blow their skirts up in Joplin, that's for sure!" Chris said with his eye's spatk!ing. "The Ozarks Star" recognizes and applauds Chris Greninge for his talent, his giving nature and most important, his sense of community and volunteer spirit. Anyone interested in working with Chris on this project, may contact him at: 417-782-7985. Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 12 September 1, 2004 Falwell Sue's.Fallwell Internet Site. Source: PlanetOut News A11g11st 10, 2004 ;\ federal judge ruled Tuesday that a gay activist must change the name of a \'v'eb site criticizing the Rev. Jerry Palwell, an anti-gay minister who at one time blamed 9/11 on GLBT Americans. .B. District Judge Claude Hilton ruled that the Web site, fallwell.com, was too similar to Falwell's own name, which the minister has trademarked. Fallwell.com reads in part, "The Reverend Jerry Palwell is completely wrong when he says that gay and lesbian people are sinning and can change." Lamparello also charges falwell of breaking one of the Ten Commandments by bearing false witness against gays and lesbians. L:1st year, Falwell threatened to sue an ll!inois man who set up Web sites called ierryfalweli.com and jerryfallwell.com. That activist, Gary Cohn, created his sites after Falwell stated that gays and lesbians were part of 1be re;1sun the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist :1ttacks occurred. Homophobic fundamentalists should take note of the words of the scripture, which they claim to so carefully follow ... "Who are you to judge another?" (James 4:12b) Cathe Letts is alway• available to help you with your real e,itate t rausactions! V;,'hetht?r you are bu · 1g or .setrn1g property l can }'Out! Serving Joplin, \Vebb Ciry, Carl .lunt:cion & (.'..!irth.age in MiS'ilmri. Call Today For HELP! 41 'r-4iU-5:US or 649-7076 Ca the .Lett•• ARR, GR I RE/MAX N-• Directio.n www.catbeletts.co111 The Ozarks Star Page 13 September I, 2004 Volume l Issue 9 2,000 Athletic Model Guild "Session Videos" from the 1980s Available Athletic l'lodel Guild Release: C-04-002 El Cerrito, California - Certainly the second and third most common fantasies among viewers of physique photography are how they would direct the movements of the models and the answer to the question: What really happens at a physique photo shoot? Athletic Model Guild has announced the availability of nearly two thousand video tapes, called "Session Videos" by AMG owner Dennis Bell, which will answer that question. "These are tapes made during photo sessions by Bob Mizer at AMG between 1980 and 1992," Bell said, "and they show exactly what happened in the studio from the rime the model got there and began taking off his clothes, until the session v.ras over and he started getting dressed again. Bob would set the video camera on a rripod, and follow the model with it while he shot his photos. This "behind-the-scenes" footage includes Mizer himself directing the models, models bickering with each other or talking back to Bob, and the audio which captures the comments, noises, porn video, dogs barking and phones ringing offset. But of course" Bell adds, " they also feature up to 3 hours of non-stop nude wrestling, spanking, jacking off, and Anal Erotica (A&E); an exclusive type of photography th:it m:ide AMG's fortune in the 1980s. The first successful Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) for the home was the 1/2 inch Betamax, introduced by Sony in 1975. "Bob was really at the forefront of technology," said Bell. "He was recording his models less than five years after the first versions of home videotape recorders hit the market. Today, in 2004, we're taking those original Betamax tapes, just as they came from his camera, but m:i.king high quality copies on VHS (the format which be:i.t out Betamax as the preferred home use videotape format)." AMG "Session Videos " will be available in one-, two- and three-hour tapes, depending on what Mizer recorded originally. "We're dubbing these original Betamax tapes using professional quality fourhead Betamax editing and duplication equipment to standard VHS tapes in the Standard Play (SP- highest quality) mode." Bell said he hoped to be able to release the Session Videos series on DVD within two or three years. However, plans are presently underway to release "Session Videos Compilations" on DVD. More information on that is expected within the next sixty days. "For now," Bell said, "we are involved in making a complete inventory of the tapes rmd checking their quality. That's nearly 3,500 hours of tape." Even · working forty hours a week, every week, it would take nearly 18 months to complete the task. "But as I looked at these tapes, I thought the material was so remarkable, so classic and erotic, it would be great to make them av:iilable right now to classic physique lovers :ind long time fans of i\ AMC. That's why I decided to make copies T available on a customized basis." t Bell rhapsodized about the assets of many of the models he's "discovered" on the tapes. There are the "men's men," said Bell. "Hairy, muscular, very macho. Tico Patterson, Joseph Hardee and Steve Cougar epitomize :i cross between the 80s clone and a convict." However, Mizer also photographed wh:it might be called "t:winks" today. "There are some remarkable session videos of Joseph Phile, Willie Amstel and Mike Reuter, who also went on to do a lot of work for the Old Reliable studio." l'f\ Some models are in one or two tapes, others appear in many more. Dean .'\dams, for example, appears in ninety-four videos. "He was nicknamed 'Kermit'," Bel! said, "because he was always around the pool at the AMG studio. And whenever Bob needed a second person to be in a wrestling or spanking shot - there would be Kermit, ready to jump into the action. Bob actually received m:iil from customers asking him to 'give Kermit a rest.' But that was rare. Most of the guys \Vim appear in multiple videos were outstanding in appearance: facial, muscular development or endowment or all three. Armando Gonzales, for instance, who will be the cover for an upcoming AMC release on DVD of 'Best Size #35' was in forty four different sessions. T. J. Swan was a favorite black model, noted for his great endowment. Eddie Perez was a popular model who appeared in scores of videos and wrestled a lot." Photographs of these models and many more can be seen :it the AMG web site. (ht.tp;.LL .llll<l'..l!I.LU1W.1;.UJ..1.l'..Ll.!J.J.J.J~w.1JL..1..1.1.U.L44LL) Ordering information is there as well. Information is also available from Bell or his staff at 1-800-AMGDIRECT (1-800-264-3473), from 9am-5pm (Pacific Time). Email ales@Athletici Iodel ,ujld.com Bell pointed out the current prices are less than half of what Mizer charged for the tapes in the 1980s. For interviews, features, etc contact: ~ or : Arh!e:ic Model Guild, LLC 3020 E: Cerrito Plaza, S..:.:te 114 El Cerriro, CA 94530 Volume I Issue 9 Page 16 September 1, 2004 dbi by Randy Vineyard Introducing "T-Town Tidbits" by Star \vriter Randy Vineyard, An Ozarks Star exclusive. Randy lives in Tulsa and · will be covering the Star Scene in and around the T-Tuwn area. Randy has lived in Tulsa since the age of two and wouldn't consider living anywhere else and loves the Tulsa GLBT scene. So stay tuned for some exciting Tidbits from T-Town. Randy is also The Ozarks Star advertising contact for Tulsa. @. has wonderful gay dubs and nightlife. Por this months column I'll give you a brief look at each club. We'll begin in alphabetical order so as to not ruffle any feathers. The BamBoo - A great place to meet friends and enjoy everyone, gay/ straight, and the don't knows, it's a mixed crowd, for young to older. It has a fabulous enclosed outside patio divided into 3 separate party areas, one covered spacious concrete expansion with an open sun deck, the other a huge sand filled area, don't forget ,tanning is must on South Beach. The inside atmosphere is comfortable and friendly, music is by personal selection. Pool, darts, and video games are a,·ailable, as well as a dance floor. The club serves a wonderful lunch every Sunday to anyone who walks through the door, and has dancers from time to time. It is Oklahoma's oldest gay bar dating from the late SO's. Club Majestic - Tulsa's newest high energy dance club. Located in the Entertainment district of Tulsa's Downtown Area. A split level building, with bars on both levels. A large dance floor and seating area along with a lounge spot fill the lower floor. pstairs, the Dj is available for reguests and a seating and game area are available. This club offers a great light show and wonderful high energy dance music and video. The crowd fa younger and mixed but everyone plays well together. Club Maverick Tulsa's only Country, Leather, Levi, Bear Bar. It is the home of Tulsa's Leather Community. The club offers a large dance floor, the DJ is available for reguests, along with Karaoke and great music from the past and present, with video. Pool, darts and video games and a friendly atmosphere, this spacious club with plenty of seating, is sure to suit the country in all of us. For the slightly more mature GLBT it is a great place to party. • End Up Club -Tuh,a's Obl'tnale dance revue venue. The club is open daily with dancers and fun all the time. A nice relaxing atmosphere. A great center stage for the guys to dance, · with ample seating for your personal enjoyment. The dancers arc mostly young men with good attitudes and high energy. Heads or Tails A C?mfo:rtable club, catering to the ladies who love to play dll.rts and pool. continued page-21 The Ozarks Star Page 17 HRC Endorses Nancy Farmer Missouri Democrat Running for US Senate in Missouri, from Human Rights Commission. A dedicated ally: Farmer became the first woman Missouri state treasurer in 2000, after having served eight years as a state representative. Prior to holding elective office, Farmer was executive director of a neighborhood housing and neighborhood nonprofit organization. Farmer supports the Employment oo-Discrimination Act, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Early Treatment for HIV Act. She firmly opposes efforts to write discrimination into the .S. Constitution, such as the Federal Marriage Amendment. A word on her opponent: Christopher "Kit" Bond (R) has held this seat since 1987. He scored a 1 7°,riaring on the last HRC Congressional Scorecard. He opposes both the Employment Ni-Discrimination Act and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and has voted against both bi!ls in the past. He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment, an attempt to write discrimination into the .B. Constitution. The race: As a longtime incumbent, Bond has the upper hand in the race, but polls show that Farmer is closing the gap between them. Farmer has mounted a serious challenge and needs as much support as she can get in order to pull out a victory. Visir: www .hrc.org/ candidates September 1, 2004 "A Night to Create Change" on September 12th to help raise awareness and funds for marriage equality. Margaret Cho and Matt Foreman will join all the parties by phone to give an update on the "State of the hlons." Por more information about hosting or attending a party in your area go to ww-w. thetaskforce.org/ sept12. We will be having an informational conference call about this event on Tuesday, August 17th at 7:30pm ET (4:30pm PT) and again at 7:30pm PT (10:30pm ET). If you have any questions or would like to hear more about the event please join us. Contact Alexes Anderson to get dial-in instructions at aanderson@thetaskforce.org or 202-393-5177 ext 6310. st • Then led< to~ Kay. Yc11ll fincl the- lolMt-on-ttl!lnd color! COOlldtnaed for you Y..itn eo&)>to~ hi)$. Mme how~ con get 1he hoft951 loob -of Iha lll!!Ota'I .-. ord a~,; bl!! in $fyfe' Joan 5%ymanski lndepettdMt Be(iuty Cott~I 417-673-1181 www.muykay.com/jazymaoakit Volume I Issue 9 Phone; (417>623-1'007 Fax: <•17) 623-"1~59 Emalll: emx0554 Ooop,rmax.,c,orn Advertisment September 1, 2004 Prl,nts and CopH!<tJ B,ncJl,ng Lan,,nanog Fax1ng Busin.,.n.s C.a,.-.;:t,s j ,1J The Ozarks Star Page 19 September 1, 2004 l l Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the cochair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac September, 2004 McGreevey Causes Grief! New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey's self-outing may ease the emotional burden of living in the closet, which he has endured for years. But in the current climate of antigay baiting, McGreevey's "personal" revelation politically impacts a community he has never been - and may never be - part of. McGreevey was annoyingly vague about why he was resigning, although the reasons will undoubtedly be revealed soon; speculation runs high that he is stepping down because an imbroglio much bigger than a sex scandal will be unfolding. In a way, it's a bizarre kind of progress when being gay is viewed as the good news preceding some unspecified bad news to c01ne. Unfortunately for gay people, though, McGreevey chose to lump his departure from office together with a tortured assertion of being "a gay American." And worse, he used the word "shamefully" to describe his affair with a man, although my guess is that it's the extramarital nature of it that he is ashamed of. Given McGreevey's choice of timing and words, straight and gay people alike were justifiably confused about why be was resigning. After all, New Jersey is not Mississippi. Indeed,Jersey commuters interviewed on their way home from work in Manhattan made remarks to _New York Newsday_ like, "He resigned because he is gay, but why?" and "There's a lot of people in politics who are homosexuals, so what the heck." The National Stonewall Democrats' onesentence statement also seemed to assume McGreevey had resigned out of deep shame:· t,he group's executive director wrote that he looked forward to a time when being gay "is simply an honest component of daily life and no longer a consideration in public service." As a consequence of McGreevey's obfuscation, the mainstream press has been rife with misleading headlines like "N.J. Governor Resigns Over Homosexual Affair" and "Gay Affair Ends Career." It's no wonder that most gay leaders have chosen to steer a broad course around the controversy, being careful not to embrace the governor and only issuing brief, cautious statements of concern. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force said, for example, that "our hearts go out" to him, while the Human Rights Campaign hoped that he and his family "will come to a place of understanding." Other gay groups have been forced to try to clean up the mess McGreevey's "personal" statement makes for our movement. The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association hurriedly issued an advisory to the mainstream media requesting "caution in fram:ng the reasons for McGreevey's resignation," as it is "an oversimplification to say McGreevey resigned solely because he is gay." -continued page 25 Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 20 September 1, 2004 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente September 2004 Johnny Depp Is So 400 Years Ago The way Johnny Depp has bucked conventional career ,visdom should be an inspiration (or rebuke) to every actor who ever took a role in a big, dumb Holly,vood movie just to get a paycheck. This man has beaten his own ,veird path every step of the way and succeeded, and that Pith is currently taking him back to the 1600s in _ The Libertine_. The debut film by director Laurence Dunmore and playwright Stephen Jeffreys features Depp as 17th-century bisexual poet John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, a pleasure-seeker whose death from syphilis at age 33 led to posthumous fame for his work. At the moment, the movie is only rumored to contain some same-sex liplocks, but is guaranteed to feature costars like Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, and snaggle-toothed, Irish punk-rock legend Shane MacGowan. And as cool as that casting is, Romeo is happy to report that Depp will most likely be kissing newcomer Rupert T'riend rather than MacG. HBO Cruises Rosie Rosie's getting cozy with HBO avin. Her latest project with the Emmy-laden cable channel is a documentary about a gay family cruise. Executiveproduced by HBO's Sheila Nevins v,"ith Rosie and wife Kelli O'Donnell, the as-yet-untitled doc will showcase a weeklong cruise to Key West and the Bahamas on O'Donnell's R Family Vacations, which took place in July. Rosie's previous HBO stand-up special, as well as the _Rosie O'Donneli's Kids Arc Punny_ family special, led to this renewed partnership, one that will give a needed public face to gay parents and their kids. That's a side of VY life that most media outlets don't find "sexy" enough to point their cameras at, so HBO is to be applauded. The special will hit the water sometime in 2005. Kushner and Spielberg Try Terrorism The 1972 Munich Olympics became a permanent scar in the memories of millions of people when Palestinian terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage, resulting in a hotched rescue effort and death. A documentary feature ahout the incident, _One Day In September_, was released in 2000, and now Steven Spielberg is ,vorking on a feature film about the traumatic event's mournful aftermath. Spielberg has enlisted the help of Tony 1\ward- and Pulitzer Prizewinning gay playwright Tony Kushner, who is currently working on a new draft of the screenplay. With the visionary _Angels in America_ scribe on board. the finished product will in all likelihood not only search the past but explore the fear of terrorism that afflicts the world today. Still without a title, the mrwic is slated to star Eric Bana, with a shooting date of June 2005. When the Feminist Met the Porn Star In a fantasy dictionary, next to the word "heterosexual," there's a picture of Italian porn star Rocco Siffrcdi. The star of countless straight adult films, he's internationally famous to a very specific audience. And in the same dictionary, the phrase "provocative feminist filmmaker" is accompanied by the image of French director Catherine Brcillat. Sound like oil and watcr?-Then you didn't sec Breillat's shocking art-house hit, _Romance_, an explicit study of female sexuality that featured Siffredi. Now the dynamic duo arc at it again, in Breillat's soon-to-be-released dissection of sexual mores, _Anatomy of Hell_, based on her own novel, _Pornocratie_. This time Siffredi plays a VY man, the unwilling object of a straight woman's affections, who somehow develops a relationship with her anyv;-ay. If Brcillat's track record is any indication, expect unconventional insights, very few laughs, and plenty of full frontal. _Romeo San Vicente thinks that Rocco Siffrcdi's •tar mrn in "New \Vave Hookers 3" made it the best in the trilogy. He can be reached care of thi~ p,;blica:ion or at l The Ozarks Star Page21 September l, 2004 T-Town from page -16 The staff is great, they offer pool and dart tournaments from time to time as well as weekend Male and Female impersonator shows on Saturdays with Miss Gay Oklahoma USA Ivana B, Real. Music during the weekend by personal choice and DJ on the weekends. It hosts Tulsa's only all Male Impersonator Show the first Sat of each month. New Age Renegades Also located downtown, Renegades offers a two section club, one side is mostly games and seating while the other is the entertainment area for drag shows and karaoke. Pool, video games and darts along with a wonderful covered and enclosed patio are available. The club offers shows each Tuesday with Caria Lee Love, every Priday & Saturday with Tabitha Taylor, along with Karaoke on l\fondays and Thursdays. The club also has special Production shows, and hosts 'The Red Ribbon Revue' - a local charity fundraiser, the first Saturday of the month. The music is high energy but not overpowering with video's. The PlayMor - A large spacious club with great seating for the shows and special events. A long comfortable padded bar, game room, large dance floor and friendly staff. The club offers pool, darts, a and video games. Music is mixed from country to dance to oldies it's by personal selection or a request to the DJ on the weekends. The PlayMor offers Karaoke on Mondays and \'Vednesdays. Entertainment, stemming from Male, Female Impersonators, Live Vocalists, are available on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Pridays. Each Friday has a different show host, Peaches Lennox, Helga, Johhnie Cronin, Domonique Daniels, all share spots. Helga's Heart 2 Heart a local charity fundraiser, is always the first Saturday of the month. The PlayMor also has Production shows by Helga's Horrible's throughout the year for charities. The Star Known to many as the Silver Star, Tulsa's largest GAY club. It offers some of the best music, and lights and sound found in a GAY bar in the city. Pool, huge dance floor, and a very comfortable lounge area are all great. A friendly staff and fun atmosphere, the Star is home to the Miss Gay Oklahoma USA and Miss Gay Oklahoma USA at Large Pageants. The Star is also home to Courtney Farrell with Drag shows are on Sundays and Wednesdays. High energy music and wonderful light show make it a must see. TNT's For the Ladies this is a great place to party dance and beat your buddy in pool. It has a very nice bar and dance area and with a DJ. Personal music selection is also available. A very cozy spot to enjoy your evenings, and have fantastic time with your friends. The ToolBox - Located near downtown, it has a patio area and dance floor. Offering Drag shows with Bobbie Page and Dominque LaRue Sundays and Pridays. Pool, darts and video games with personal music selection are available. Yellow Brick Road This cozy club is a great sports and party place. If you love darts, pool, and are competitive this is your place to be. No shows, just fun, the staff is great, and caters to everyone. The crowd is mixed and plays very well together. The mt1sic is by personal selection. A big screen TV insure's you won't miss a game ever at the 'Brick'. I hope this little bit of information helps when you go out in Tulsa to pl:1y. As you can see Tulsa has a lot to offer. Almost all the Clubs have web sites and keep their scheduled events and pictures available for you to see. I'll be covering special events around town and keeping you informed from month to month. It you have a special interest in a subject please email the magazine and I'il do my best to find ;oformation for you. Have a great month of September in T-Town. Volu~ I Issue 9 Page 22 September 1, 2004 Gay Travelers from page 7 mile and their deli shops were full of carry out food. Everything there was certainly a bargain. On the second day of our stay there we drove to Leadville, the old mining town. We toured the old Tabor Opera House which was built years ago and in their hay day had some of the finest entertainers. Most of the restaurants and cafes in Leadville offered special lunches for under $5.00! We enjoyed visiting the small towns on our drive back to Vail. From Vail we drove into Denver. Several motel prices were under $40.00 in many parts of the city. As we mentioned previously, Colorado is really hurting for travel business! Most of the gay bars in Denver have lowered their prices drastically all day and night. We had screwdrivers and our cost on them ranged from SI. 00 to $1.50! What a deal! Almost all of the bars had extra special events g6ing on each and every night to draw a crowd. Our favorite bar in Denver is J. R. 's on 17th Street. They also have an outside patio on the street side that is great for people watching. A lot of restaurants had specials on their front signs and lots of cheap food can be found there. By looking in the local newspapers you can find several two for one specials at both restaurants and at area attractions. Denver has it's fair share of art, history and cultural museums and galleries. We have always found shopping in Denver to be terrific. In the Cherry Creek Shopping Center they have a great Neiman Marcus store. They have tons of flea markets, antique shops, thrift shops and other places on the lower end of the scale to find special buys. We always bring back a carload of goodies from our travels. This trip we even brought back a Ponderosa Pine tree for our backyard. - next column When driving to Colorado BE SURE and stop at the Welcoming Center close to the State line and pick up a lot of their free brochures and coupon booklets. They will save you hundreds of dollars. Just always remember to have fun when traveling , meet new people, enjoy different foods and talk to everyone. You may just make some new friends and possibly meet that new someone special in your life. For more information on traveling, contact Donald and Ray at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their web page at http://www.hometown.aol.com/ gaytravelers. HIV lh~ilNG, NON ! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 211 E. 201 St.. PO Bo,: :fl, Joplin, J\lo II In conjunction with AIDS Project of the (harks. MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between FM and ii'J\I. For your convenience you can also call 2m9 for an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not reguire the use of needles and '"•" offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. The Ozarks Star Page 23 A Star community service. "Make -ADifference Day" "Make-A-Difference Day" is a national day of helping orhers;a celebration of people reaching out to their community. This is an annual event that takes place the fourth Saturday of every October. This year's event is October 23, 2004. AIDS Project of the Ozarks (\.PO)took part in the annual event last year with students, church groups and caring, concerned individuals just like you coming together in a community effort to help families living with HIV/ AIDS. In 2003, over $,000 worth of items were donated to benefit APO. For the second year, Spirit of Christ MCC is partnering with APO to collect items to fill the APO client pantry. Our focus will be collecting bleach and laundry detergent (!quid gallon size) Last year Spirit of Christ MCC, Unity of Joplin and South Joplin Christian Church donated over 150 gallons of bleach and an additional 100 gallons of liquid laundry detergent. Spirit of Christ MCC is collecting liquid laundry detergent and bleach now through October 23. To donate or for more information, please contact the church at 417-20€&79. Charitable Tax Donation Receipts avaiiable on request. our generosity will make a difference. September 1, 2004 Martha's Vine1ard 19 W. Olive, Springfield, MO 417-864-4572 Southwest Missouri's Hottest ntertainment Complex. Nv Celebrating 10 oors of (~.lity ntertainment www.marthascomplex.com Voit.me 1 Issue 9 Page 24 Scopes y Jack Fertig September 2004 'Soak up compliments, Cancer!" ---•··· Martha Stewart would love this, if she weren't otherwise occupied: Venus in Cancer is sextile to Jupiter in Virgo, a domestic-goddess kind of lineup. Mercury in Leo is semi-sextile to both, bringing emphatic expression to those homey skills and issues. ARIES (tvfarch 21 to April 20): Housekeeping's not your usual forte, but ,vhat's usual about you anyway? The stars are now helping you roll up your sleeves, and even make housework fun! Take a creative approach, and put that jailbird Martha to shame. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): You've always taken pride in your home; now you get some great new ideas to make it e,0en more comfy and showy. Take a new look at your family and ethnic traditions. Draw inspiration from your sister. .. or any ''sister." GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): This is a good time to reorganize domestic finances. Examine the problems, but don't take real action until Sept. 2. Then take foll advantage of Labor Day sales. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): You are looking especially gorgeous these days. Keep the sweet, modest smile, but soak up the compliments that are coming your way. We know those dark moods, too, so now's the time to take stock of yourself and affirm your strengths. LEO 0uly 23 to August 22): Your outspokenness has been causing some consternation, but you can clean that up after Sept. 2. In the meantime, show everyone how modest and understanding you can be. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Your recent run of good luck gets yet another boost in community politics. At !east you get an opportunity to share your ideals. You may prefer to work behind the scenes, but be involved and trust your instincts. September 1, 2004 LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): Blessings come in disguise these days, but now's the time to see through the ugly ,vrappers. Being emotionally supportive at work or adding a homey touch to your ,;rnrk space ,viii open up networking opportunities. SCORPIO (October 23 to No,·ember 21): Come out of your shell and sing out, Louise! You have some great ideas and brilliant foresight. Let people see ,,;hat you h:;rve to offer and you're sure to get ahead! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): The stars are making you saucier and sexier - as if you need the help! Imagine yourself as a foreign sports star and play that up. \'vhether you ha,·e a swimmer's build or a sumo ,vrestler's, you're sure to find a match. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): The zodiac's best-kept secret is out of the bag: You're the sexiest sign of all! Be homey and domestic to get the one you ,vant, or brilliantly erudite to get _everyone_ you want. And one doesn't rule out the other, oh ambitious one! AQUARIUS Qanuary 20 to February 18): Relationship issues? They're largely about housekeeping and sex. Pnt on the French maid's apron and kill two birds ,,-ith one proverbial stone. Communication usually helps, too. No relationship? Well, put on the French maid's apron and go find one. _Zut alors!_ PISCES (Febrm1.ry 19 to March 19): find a crearive partner to at least bounce some ideas off 0£ Crirical feedback is especially helpful now. Fun and games - preferably at home - with your partner will help you articulate problems and find very satisfying answers .. Jack Fertig has been working i1S a professional astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Ne.tworking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his welJsite at http:/ IW1.l(!O.Sta ·ack.com Volume l Issue 9 Page 25 Lesbian Notions from page-19 The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, whose. mission is to help elect openly gay people to public office, also undertook damage control. The Victory Fund bemoaned the governor's lack of honesty with his family and issued a reminder that "over 275 openly gay and lesbian officials serve in public office across the United States, from city councils, to county commissions, to state senates, to the U.S. House of Representatives. The vast majority ... ran for office and serve openly with little criticism or extra attention from the public." Right now I feel more sympathy for the Victory Fund and all the wonderful lesbian and gay candidates it supports than for New Jersey's misguided governor. In the minds of many Americans with limited knowledge of gay people, McGreevey will now be conflated with "Gay Politician," the kind of guy who hides his "shameful" secret, gets the underqualified object of his desire a lucrative, taxpayer-funded job, and then is forced out of office by threat of exposure, causing his family great emotional pain. (Never mind how many politicians are guilty of a heterosexual version of the same thing.) At the same time, hundreds of lesbians and gay men are McGreevey's polar opposites: they've chosen to be honest and out as they pursue public office, forthrightly making their way up the political ladder one rung at a time. Consider, for example, a very different "Gay Politician." Rep. Tammy Baldwin (DWis.) didn't catapult into the U.S. Congress. She started her political career on the Madison City Council, then went on to the County Board of Supervisors and the Wisconsin State Assembly before making a run for Congress as an out lesbian. There are many similar stories of gay politicos who chose a slower path to higher office, taking small, incremental steps that many heterosexual politicians don't have to because they aren't contending with society's homophobia. George W. Bush, for example, went from unsuccessful September 1,2004 businessman to governor of Texas to president in the blink of an eye. I am confident that eventually one of the Tammy Baldwins of our community will make it all the way to the governor's mansion of some state. And that election - unlike the strange coming out of Jim McGreevey will be a triumph for the gay community. Reality at the Gas Pump Think a gallon of gas is expensive? This makes one think, and also puts things in perspective. Diet Snapple 16 oz S1.29 ... S10.32 per gallon Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 .$9 .52 per gal. Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 . $10.17 per gallon Ocean Spray 16 oz Sl.25 ..... $10.00 per gallon Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 ...... $33.60 per gallon Vick's Nyquil 6 oz SS.35 .... $178.13 per gallon Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 ..... $123.20 per gal, Whiteout 7 oz $1.39 .......... $25.42 per gallon Scope 1.5 oz $0.99 ...... $84.48 per gallon And this is the REAL KICKER ... Evian water 9 oz $1.49 ........ $21.19 per gallon?! $21.19 for WATER and the buyers don't even know the source. (Evian spelled backwards is Naive.) So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, or God forbid Pepto Bismal or Nyquil. Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump ... From]. R., Oklahoma Cit1~ OK l Place your classified ad here for only $6.00 for the first 15 words, and only 25 cents for each additional word ........ . GoodLookingg,.y gi:reyou μeasure, like ywcksen:e Call Hector@ 816-305-3988 In & Out Calls The Ozarks Star On-Line. Check out our website for Daily breaking GLBT news. www.ozarksstar.com Need A House Mate: Advertise here for only $6.00 first 15 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Joplin, 10 blocks North of Downtown: 4bd, 4bth, formal dinning, hugh kitchen. Zoned heat/ air. Beautifully restored, guiet residencial. Call Vicki at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 or 800-782-7822. Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTS business community. Mail qualifications to: Ozarks Star 2401 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Business Opportunity: Ever dreamed of owning your own B&B? Beautiful 4 bed 4 bath 3200sqft fully furnished in Joplin, MO For Sale. Call Vicki Bronson at Charles Burt Realtors 417 -4 34-0077 1010 E. 20th Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 The Ozarks Star Page27 September I, 2004 Four St.ates Comm.unity Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- · -Organizations- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- - - - - 479-442-3052 Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- -479-571-1300 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Burnzee's- -2301 Towson Ave #C- --479-494-7300 Kinkeads- -10041/2 Garrison Ave- - - - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - - -479-782-1845 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- - • • 716 S. Main - - - - --417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Bell Star's - - - 1321 Grand Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Missie B's- - - -805 \V. 39th St- - - -816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar- - - -413 E. 3rd- - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Missoari, Spriagfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- --417-831-4700 M:utha's Viocyard-219 W Olive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial- - - - - -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - -405-843-1722 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th fa-pwy- - 405-525-0730 Club Rox- - - -3535 N\V 39th Expwy- -405-947-2351 TopangaGrill &: Bar-3535 NW 39th- -405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - --918-836-8700 Club Maverick- - 822 S. Sheridan· 918-835-3301 Heads & Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - - - - - - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - -918-584-9494 New Age Renegades- -1649 S. Main -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 Silver Star Saloon- -1565 S. Sheridan -918-834-4234 TNT's- - 2114 S. Memorial- - - -- - - - -918-660-0856 Tool Box- - - 1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - 918-584-1308 Yellow Brick Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - -918-293-0304 -LodgingMiuouri, Joplia (417) Faces Guest.house B&B - -417-621-9915 Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - -417-624-7800 Mi!l!Jouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - 417-683-9199 Mill!IO■ ri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground- -417-779-5084 Arkaasas, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - -- - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg {620) River of Life - 1709 N Walnut - - - - 11AM PSU-QSA .... 1701 S. Broadway ... 620-231-0938 Missouri, Joplin {417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th. - - - - -7PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - - 10:30Alvl Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucl,"}'- - 417-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 \V. Maclison-417-866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- -1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - 417-864-4459 GLO Community Ctr- 518 E. Commerical-869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 -Business Services- Missouri, Joplin (417) Penny Smart.Hair Salon -509 Main- 417-623-3500 Massage By Rachael- - 417-438-3664 Body Swim Massage Therapy- 417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-417-434-0077 RE/MAX- - - - - -Cathe Letts- - - - - - 417-483-5313 Office Max- -44-0 Rangeline Rd- - - - -417-623-1007 The Llom Den - -Austin Letts - 417-623-876_7 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consultant- - 417-673-1181 Night Things Boutique-719 MainSt- 417-659-9913 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • - • 1918 S. Glenstone • • 417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 405- 840-2106 Hollywood Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harv11.rd- - -918-747-5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd- - - -877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - 918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - 5634 W. S!.:elly - - - - - 918-446-6336 Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - - -918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - - - 2333 E. 71st - - - - - - -918-499-1661 Volume 1 Issue 9 Page 28 September 1, 2004 alternative nightclub 716 W. Sycamore St., Fayetteville, AR. (479) 571-1300 www.studio7l6.net Arkansas LeatherSIR/boy 2005 Sunday September 12, 2004 Doors open 8pm Guests $5.00 Members $3.00 The Norma Kristie Inc. Miss Gay Arkansas 2005 "Best Preliminary"' Award goes to.; .. MISS GAY WASHINGTON COUNTY!! Promoter: Kelly Crisman STUDIO716 Daily Specials & Evenu - Drag Shows Every Suncby-Memhen Free- Guest $5 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] The Ozark Star Magazine, September 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 9 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozark Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 1, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward T.J. Kelly Greg Steele Randy Vineyard Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southwest Missouri Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozarks Star Magazine, August 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 8 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/141 The Ozarks Star Magazine, October 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/176 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/177 AIDS benefit fundraiser Athletic model guild Bars Chris Greninge Deep Inside Hollywood election fallwell Falwell Lesbian Notions Make a difference day Nancy Farmer nightclubs Qscopes Quotable Quotes same sex marriage Somewhere Over the Rainbow T-Town Tidbits The Eyes of Tammy Faye The Star Scene travel https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b502d509c4e27de8829448d87f6a808a.jpg 3774705845c6574a0c46f28c3d279ac4 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/8a340a886a39d4ed9f8eef3bc795780c.pdf ece766c52bb594e46230b55c631ce287 PDF Text Text ������������������������������������������ Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document PROUD • V N OM UN "From the day of ourfofi:n,4ifl:g, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this Earth :h45 rights,, and dignity and 11ttitcbless value because they bear ~rnagc of the maker of ven.and ta;rth .. » • Ge~rge W. Bu~h, . • Toaugb./al. ~J>eech; January 20, 2005 State~entl?y:M:att Forc=m.a11'✓ • · μecut~e Djrector, Natio11af~a;r . andI:.esbian'Fask Force • " ., C ,:•\ ,'" •• " ,, Page 5 Tulsa Oklahoma City Little Rock · F ayettevitle·~·"'i Fort . Spri Club nv opens in Kansas Ci by Greg Steele January 18, 2005 ■ KANSAS CITY, MO- The long awaited opening of KC's newest club opened their doors to the public on January 6th. Studio@NV Video Bar officially opened at 4:30pm. A year under construction the dub also has a dance side that will be open on Jan 21st. The grand opening private party is planned for the 20th. "You'll be blown away at the light show and we have some of the cutest bartenders in town." said General Manager, Chad Mantooth. Located in the site of a former Buick deaiership, the club will have three bars, a state of the art dance bar, a video bar and two patio's. The rooftop bar and patio is the place for a grand view of downtown Kansas City. NV plans to be KC's first GLBT totally nonsmoking bar. Smoking will be allowed on the patio. In addition to the club area's, the building \vill feature 23 lofts to be named "The Buick Lofts" and will range in size from a studio to 2500 square feet. Studio@nv video bar is open at 4:30 to !:30 Monday through Saturday with 1/ 2 price martini's from 4:30-8:30 Monday through Friday. The Dance Club starting January 21st will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1 0pm to 1 :30am. Located at 220 Admiral Blvd. on the corner of 7th and McGee in downtown KCMO. If you need further directions or have any questions, you may call 816.421.NVKC or check out the website at http:/ /www.nv-kc.com. Page 6 Arkansas Anti-Gay Foster care Ban Overturned LITTLE ROCK - Finding that children are not harmed by living with gay or lesbian parents, an Arkansas court today struck down a stllte regulation that banned gay people and anyone living in a household with a gay adult from being foster parents in the st:2.te. The American Civil Liberties Union brought the lawsuit ag:ainst the state in 1999 on behalf of three prospective foster parents. ''Throughout this case, the state has relied on ugly stereotypes to deny children in the Arkansas foster care system the chance of having the widest possible pool of foster wnilies available to them,'' said Rim Sklar, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arkansas. "We're very pleased that the court sa~ through these arguments and has recognized that gay and lesbian people can provide homes just as loving and smble as anyone else's." In his findings, Circuit Court Judge Timothy Fox flatly rejected many of the claims the state had made about gay and lesbian people's suitability as parents. In his decision, Fox wrote: "(Psychology pioneer) Jerome Bruner has suggested that one of the reasons people believe in om system of justice may be as simple as 'ow: faith that confrontation is a good way to get to the bottom of things.' The 'confrontation' in this case has presented us all with an excellent opportunity to replace ignorance with knowledge and to make an informed decisionbased on information as opposed to assumption." Among Judge Fox's findings of fact • Being raised by gay parents doesn't increase the risk of psychological, behavioral, or academic problems for children. • Children of lesbian and gay parents are just as well adjusted as children of straight parents. • There is no factual basis for saying that heterosexual parents might be better able to guide children through adolescence than gay parents. • There are no reasons that health, safety, or welfare of a foster child might be negatively impacted by living in a foster home where there is a gay person present. • The blanket exclusion can hurt children by excluding a pool of effective foster parents. "Throughout the trial we presented a variety of experts who proved that the state's justifications for this ban were nothing but baseless myths about gay people," said Leslie Cooper, a staff attorney with the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project. "This is a victory not only for gay families, but for the many children in the Arkansas foster care system who now have a better shot at finding a good home." After Arkansas's Child Welfare Agency Review Board established a policy in 1999 that "no person may serve as a foster parent if any adult member of that person's household is a . homosexual," the ACLU filed a lawswt in state court challenging the policy on behalf of three Arlwisans who are challenging the ban: William Wagner of Waldron, who works in an optical laboratory. Wagner has been married for 31 yClltS and has two adult children. Although he is a married heterosexual, be is disqualified from serving as a foster parent because his gay son sometimes lives at home. Wagner .and pis wife hope to serve as foster parents because they alrea~y provide em~rgency shelter to teens who have been physically abused and kicked out of their homes for being lesbian or gay and would like to be available to take care of teens in the foster care system. Matthew Lee Howard, a teacher, who lives with his partner Craig Stoopes, a librarian, in Little Rock. The couple has been in a committed relationship for 19 years, is currently raising two children, and hopes to serve as foster parents. Anne Shelley of Fayetteville is a community organizer for various nonprofit organizations and woul9. like to serve as a foster parent. She is prevented from doing so under Arkansas law because she is a lesbian. Leslie Cooper and James Esseks of the ACLU's Lesbian & Gay Rights Project, Grif Stockley of the ACLU of Arkansas, and cooperating attorneys David Ivers and Emily Sneddon represent the prospective foster parents. 1 ! February 2005 by Andrew Collins "Cooking-School Vacations" Photorigbt: You can take cooking classes taught by some of the leading chefs in the Southwest at the acclaimed Santa Fe School of Cooking. Given that many travelers put as much thought into picking the right restaurants as they do choosing appealing hotels and sightseeing attractions, it's little wonder that cooking-school vacations have become extremely popular in recent years. After all, if you're already a fan of eating outstanding food, it makes perfect sense to explore your culinary passions a bit further and learn how to prepare the great meals you enjoy. Whether you're a die-hard chef with professional ambitions or simply a fan of good cooking who's keen on picking up a few culinary tips, you're likely to find a cooking-school adventure that suits yow: interests (and budget). Opportunities to learn bow to cook while traveling range from taking a class or two at a local cooking school or country in~ to booking a complete educational getaway that includes several days of intensive cooking instruction as well as accommodations, meals, and day trips to farmers' markets and restaurants. The cost can range from $50 for a single demonstration class at a cooking school to several thousand dollars per person for a wecklong, all-inclusive package. In most cases, you're responsible for getting to and from the destination. Although there arc no cooking-school vacations geared exclusively to the lesbian and gay market, plenty of gay-popular destinations - from San Francisco to Vermont to Barcelona - offer these food-based educational excursions. Taking one of these trips can be great fun whether you're traveling with yow: honey or with a group of pals, but it's also an excellent way to make new friends; indeed, cooking schools draw plenty of single travelers. If you're looking for an informal, unstructured experience, where you plan your own trip but take some cooking courses on your own, consider booking a class or two at the esteemed Santa Fe School of Cooking, whose instructors include some of the top chefs in this gay-friendly arts mecca in New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Topics cover a wide range of food styles, from the cuisine of Mexico to Southwest tapas. Classes arc offered several times per week and typically cost from $50 to $65 apiece; each one concludes with a full meal featuring the delicious food prepared. A number of inns around the country offer occasional cooking-class weekends, which typically run from two to four days and are especially popular with couples seeking a romantic retreat. In Kennebunkport, Maine - which is dose to such gay-friendly destinations as Portland and Ogunquit - the lavish White Barn Inn offers weekend cooking-school packages throughout the year. These three-day, two-night events begin with a Friday afternoon tea reception, followed by a tour of the inn's impressive wine cellar, where you're also treated to a tasting of several fine vintages. On Saturday you participate in a cooking class in the state-of-the-an demonstration kitchen, followed by a mixoiogy course in the bar. You then get to sample some of the dishes you saw demonstrated in class earlier in the day during the six-course dinner on Saturday evening, in the \Vnire Barn's highly acclaimed restaurant. Guests also receive _The White Barn Inn Cookbook_. Prices start at about $400 per person, double-occupancy. Vermont, which has become a favorite gay destination in recent years, ... continued page-32 Page 8 ' The Queen City of the Southwest ? From the Editor January 20, 2005 TULSA, OKLAHOMA Located in the center of a potentially gay business boom. Sound like a fantasy? Well, look what is within 175 miles, just a three hour drive. Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Muskogee, McAlester, Miami, Witchita, Joplin, Springfield, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, a huge GLBT population estimated at near 150,000. Yes, Tulsa, OK has an opportunity to become a major gay /lesbian city. Shake the Bible Belt syndrome. Gay is not unique in this year of 2005. Gay does not have to be in the closet. Gay is not a lifestyle, it is a life! Gay /Lesbian is not a nasty word with a connotation of deviate. Homosexuality has been accepted around the globe and has become common place. Teen's think of sex as just sex, it doesn't matter if it is with the opposite sex or same sex. If you prefer same sex or opposite sex, no big deal. It's just sex. What does the Tulsa business community have to offer the GLBT tourist or those wanting to relocate? Is there a hotel that seeks gay business? NO. Is there a restaurant that caters to gay people? NO. Is there a predominateiy gay area for housing? NO. Are there shops that as;;. for your business? A FEW. Are ,here gay /lesbian bars? \'ES. Bars, clubs, disco's country western, cruise, neighborhood, and just bars. ls that it? NO. Tulsa has a percentile of GLBT professional people equal to any major city. Attorney's, Accountants, Doctors, Realtors, Nurses, Artists, Writers, Insurance Agents, Engineers, Business Managers, Teachers, Pastors and of course Cosmetologist. A fabulous group of entertainers, Shopping Centers, Theater, beautiful scenery, parks, museums, recreational area's. Tulsa has everything a city needs to attract gay/ lesbian business. To attract gay business development and tourism. Except, two major factors, gay pride and organization! Tulsa has the foundation for growth with the GLBT Center, a GLBT Business organization, we have a Human Rights Organization, we have GLBT religious leaders and community out reach organizations. Yes and how much support do they receive £rpm the over all gay population. Most of these nonprofit organizations say they are struggling to keep afloat. I asked one business owner if he belonged to the Gay Business Association, and he replied, "I didn't know we had one." Another said he belonged to the "Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization" ar one time, but the group decided to cease because there were only ten active members. In the last two months there have been three gay owned business closing in Tulsa ti1a~ I know of, maybe more. Could be the bar market was overly saturated. Niche clubs seem :o be doing well. That is a good sign Tulsa has a diverse group of people who have found a club they enjoy. Persona]y .............. continued next page Page 9 Photo: Night Club in the Brady District. I prefer a nice plush piano bar with entertainment, hunky bartenders and good selection of exotic martini's. Fine wine and food would make my day! I might rent a booth by the month. If anyone out there would consider opening such a place, let me know and I promise to be your best customer. As an Oklahoma native, I've watched the State grow in positive attitude toward her GLBT citizens. Tolerance for some, but for the most part the attitude has changed from gay bashing and hatred to live and let live. Just because we can't legally ma.tty in Oklahoma is no excuse to sit back and grow stagnant, or move to Massachusetts. Star Media, Ltd., the publisher of this magazine is so confident in the future of Tulsa's GLBT community, we are now publishing the STAR here in Tulsa and will continue to cover and distribute to the Four State Region of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. People we've talked with, all agree that a home based news publication is an essential part of every growing community. We are excited and look foiward to becoming a part of Tulsa's future. Our growth has been gradual, but strong. This issue is our largest ever, with 40 pages. Our distribution has grown from 1000 to 5000 in just over a year. We distribute free of charge and depend on advertising from the GLBT and allied business community for our existence. Without it we could Clothing & Gift Shop in the Cherry Street Image, convenience, quality products and not survive. The response has been service are key to any successful business. tremendous with the February issue Offer the GLBT community something having a record number of advertisers. they want and don't have, let them know We may not be the largest paper in the you have it and treat them with respect state, but we are gaining ground thanks to and they will support you. a very supportive Oklahoma community and the 4 states region. TIJLSA, "The Queen City of the Southwest". Possibilities abound, the potential is here. The Brady District, Cherry Street, East Village, Mid Town area's are prime locations to consider for offices, shops, clubs or restaurants. We just have to make it happen by becoming more united in the efforts to serve the community and develope a strong, well organized entity dedicated to the success of all. "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" Editor in Chief r n • · t t v • , n I g; h t '.o 716 w. syc~re Fay~tttville, AR 479-571-1300 . www.atud•oZ16,ncl OPEN wed-sun 9pm - 2am WEDNJ!SDAYS: Cruisn' for the Hook-up on HUMP-DAY! Happy Hour $5, Beer Bu.t . ~PAYS:. Kataoke till' 12 then it's the Plastic Thureday Dan1re · . get WU,D with DJ jUX" & 1he Best Mu of Hipl,Jop. Tech & YOUR .requests all night long! SA'(UJU)A;YS: it's th~ 716 EXT.REME DANCE PAR'I'Y with OJ . "BRANDON J"' SUNDAYS: The Queens of NW.A @ 11:30 Evety Sunday & DJ "IRJSH" Spinning all night Jong!! Club •,Rex to· Host· Turna . . 1i1·,, ·,,a, Fund raiser: Press Release January 21, 2005 OKLAHOMA CITY. A fundraiaer to benefit the. Winds Houa~ will he held ' Saturday, February 26, 2005, at 10:30 p.m., •t Club Rox inside the Hollywood Hotel & Suites in Oklahoma City. This will be our second annual fuodra,iscr for the Winds· House. The featured event will be a Turnabout Show. in which our club aiid test:aurant employees will be perfotmi,ng and contributing their tip11 to the Winds H~1,1se. A great tum.out is expected again this yeat'md we hope to surpass the amount collecttd at last years event. MARDI GRAS DAY, . ' . . AKA FAT TUESDAY / Every year, N~ .Q.dlan; shuts down and throws the· p~ of parties. Everywhere else · • it's just another Tuesday Orleana it's Mardi Gras! Mardi Gas is more than a single day of ceie\,rition. It's a stiu:c of mind. Mardi Gas teflects and defines . the cultural traditions of Nevi Odcan11. Most "outsiders" assume ~ Gras takes place on a single day; this .is true. Matdi Gms is French fui Fat Tuesday. Some time ago, the tradition a fatted ctlf on beginning of . . . . fast. Thu,, the c~g of the pb.raae,,::11at Tuesday.'' ·,· Page 11 2902 E. 20th Street, Joplin Missouri· Sydney New .Mardi Gras * and Gay Games® Chicago ~ Announce International Partnership 21 January 2005 U~ I Sydney, .A.u,tralia -- The Games and the New Sydney Gay and Lesbian Matdi ~ras t~ay announced a multi-yeat mtemauonal partnership designed to s~ngthen two of the world's largen and most beloved in~miriooal gay and lesbian events. In a joint announcoment &om Chicago, h<>St of Gav Gables VIJ,. and Sydney •. site of the world's largett LGBT Mardi Gras festival, the new pattnecship bro~dcn, the worldwide visibility of both ~eots. 1Utching two of the world's tnost vibrant and gay and lesbian-friendly cities, the new .rdationship will also ' enhance tourism and batin,~?Y between the LGBT communities in the USA and Australia. , , , , . continued pagc-29 P,age12 ,, ', , ,:, '48l5 S<>uth. Harvard Ave., Suite 424 ,'I)tlsa, OK 74135-:3068 Phone: 8) 747,.5466 Email: .; byCP A@sbcglobai.net j 1 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp.-Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax:(636)938-3539 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com 11JISA ROUGB.RIDERS' Valeatme's Club~ · ••*Mllle.lJtlllCD'Slll . ._. EndUp .. Club, Sat.., F~ -~ 4th&. Memorlal,..~ ~Opm-?!~ Drawings For Pri7.es!! BeerBust t! *J,-tller Po.t Office Game* • ...........,.tulsa~ugluiden.com•• Leadaer@TaJaRougllRi4en.com Page 15 "Alternatives to the bar scene" Some of us really are not all that into the gay bar scene. Just because your gay does not necessarily mean you HA VE to go to gay bars. First of all I really have never particularly liked the idea of going to a dark bar to find someone. It is rather a creepy feeling. First you have to put up with all the smoke. And then after you get home you have to wash or have everything dry-cleaned. It just isn't worth it. Oh yea, smokers have their rights? Well, what about us nonsmokers? We should be able to go somewhere and not HA VE to have that ciguette smell and smoke everywhere. But aside from smoking the bar scene still does very little for me. I prefer to do my drinking with friends in my own apartment or at parties. friendlyand has lots of straight customers. The MCC Church in town is another place where I have found a lot of friends. Seems like a lot of gay men attend the MCC Church with the hopes of finding someone to share their life "W-ith. I even attended a meeting of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) even thou I am not a parent of a gay person and I met some wonderful guys there. I looked in the last issue of the Ozarks Star and saw a listing for different otgllnizations in the area and have already checked some of them out. You just have to be forward and talk to people I guess. I have met guys at the supermarket, at the malls while shopping and even when I walk my dog in the park. I am really not against bars but I am just saying that the bar scene does not rule my life. I have plenty of interests being gay without the bar scene. I love the Ozarks Star in that it tells us what is going on in the community besides the bar scene. Thanks Ozarks Sou: for being here. Quotable Quotes "I know that many of you wanted to see my husband and some of you had questions out there. Is he hot? Yeah. Is he hung? Yeah. Is he [she waved her hand to suggest bisexual]? Not unless you can give a better (she mimicked eating a banana) than me." Lucky for me I live in a large city and they have lots of activities going on all the time. The gay/lesbian community center is always having entertaining events going on. I have met a lot of other gays at dinner parties. My mature friends - Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, filling have their Prime Timers organization in for her husband, San Francisco and they are always having events. Mayor Gavin Newsom, addressing a In Oklahoma City I usually stay at fundraiser for New York's gay Empire State Pride Agenda, Oct. 21. the Habana Inn and you r----------------------can always meet a lot of people out at the pool area. I have driven to Kansas City and they have two gay owned Bed and Breakfast Inns there. I have driven down to Eureka Springs, Arkansas where they say almost everyone in town is gay. But the gay owned bar is only gay <Boutique Page 16 Cable TV Gives Birth to Slew of New Gay Programming Written By Ross von Metzke On the forthcoming Logo channel. conceived by figureheads at MTV ~nd VH-1, programs will range from a series on coming out experiences produced by Cher and Chastity Bono to realitv series on gay cops and gav dream , weddings. , On cable TV's here!, a gav parenting series, a holiday drama about, a teenager's two gay dads and numerous gay themed films acquisitioned from film studios across the world round out the roster of programming. ~~ on the Palm Springs based Q Televmon, a daily gay talk show and the gay soap opera Paradise Falls play mostly to audiences in Southern California and Manhattan. For years, mainstream cable networks like HBO and Showtime have enticed gay viewers with shows like Six Feet Under, Oz, The L Word and Queer as Folk - p~ograms featuring gay characters without succumbing to the standards and occasional censorship of network TV. No~, chan~els geared toward gay and _lesbian audiences specifically are making a play for financial success. Gav TV has officiallv arrived , Cablevision, Systems ·Corp. a1:1~ounced yesterday that it is offering dtgi.tal customers monthly subscriptions Dish _Network offers three-hour payper- view blocks of the channel for S3.99. Regent Entertainment co-founders Paul Colichman :md Stephen Jarchow founded here! in August of 2003 and the service is now available in one form or another in more than 30 million cable and satellite TV homes nationwide. It got a nearly two year head start on Logo which Viacom Inc. plans to launch ' s~metime this year as a digital channel with wider distribution. _"They all want to serve the gay and lesbian community and they want to do it in a way that makes money " :olichman col~ !'lewsday on Tu~sday. And because it ts a premium service. anyone who doesn't want gay and - lesbian programming doesn't have to get it." Colichman said here! claimed $15 million in revenue for the first vear and has pl_a~s to spend $50 million this year on o_r1gtnal f'.rogramming and acquiring syndicatton nghts to series and films. Cablevision's nationwide satellite se:vice called _v oom carries its own gayoriented movie channel - DivineHD. A company spokeswoman declined to say whether Cablevision will carry Logo which Viacom had planned to launch next month but has not said whether that is still the plan. Links: www.heretv.com www.logo-tv.com www.qtelevision.com to 30 hours of on-demand programming from here! for $6.95. r:;:::::-------------------- Time Warner Cable in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Milwaukee and San Antonio began carrying here! late last year as nonsubscription video-on~ emand for $3.95 per three-hour viewing. DirecTV recently began offering here! as a monthiy add-on for $9.99. And EchoStar's Rodney Burgamy 405.840.2106 Joe Brennan www.c21-goldcastle.com Page 17 Ozarks Star New Shakespeare Adaption 'The Merchant of Venice' Rings with Gay Undertones By Ross von Metzke Provided by Gay Link Content . Just weeks after American audiences historians and church groups gave OHv'er Stone's Alexander adaptation a big thumbs down over the bi-sexual references, another of history's beloved treasures is getting the gay treatment. Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is getting a lot of heat for a scene in which two male characters, Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) and Antonio Geremy Irons), head up to Antonio's bedroom to discuss an issue involving a deb~. Just as Bassanio is leaving, he piancs one on Antonio - and from the look of things, it's more than just a friendly peck. Director Mlchael Radford's version of the classic story pushes a lot of buttons and asks a number of questions, which is whv scar Fiennes said, he thrives while ~~rking with the Bard's words. ''The great thing about Sμakespeare and why he's so difficult to pin down is his ambiguity," actor Joseph Fiennes told Reuters. "He's not saying they're gay or thev're straight, he's leaving it up to his actors ... I feel there has to be a great love between the two characters ... there's great .attraction. I don't think they have slept together, but that's for the audience to decide." Co-star Jeremy Irons said tl1e kiss doesn't say so much about the character's sexualitv as it does about the time period. , "In Shakespeare's time male platonic iove was the highest form of love," he said. "Male platonic affection was regarded as a higher form of love to male-female, even husband and wife." While promoting the film in New York recently, Radford said he fe~t it was important to emphasize Antonio's love for Bassanio because of the play's final act. in which Bassanio's feelings for Portia and Antonio are tested. Page 18 Illinois Bans Anti-Gay and Anti Transgender Discrimination National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Praises Equality lllinois for Its Tireless Work WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 12. Capping an eleven year effort led by Equality Illinois, the, ;Illinois House of Representatives today passed a bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. The bill was first .introduced over thirty years ago in 1974. When signed into law by Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, a supporter of the measure, Illinois will become the 15th state to protect gay people from discrimination, and the 5th state to protect transgender persons. The bill cleared the State Senate yesterday by a vote of 30-27 and the State House today by a vote 65-51. "We salute Equality Illinois and its tireless leader, Rick Garcia, for today's extraordinary achievement," said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "This win again shows that dogged work by state and local leaders and activists can surmount enormous odds- and is real salve to a community still hurting from the results of November 2." A non-discrimination bill first passed the House in 1993, also because of the work of Equality Illinois. The law will add "sexual orientation" to the state's existing nondiscriminati·on statute which already bans discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations or credit on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, marital status and milit~ry status. The definition of "sexual orientation" includes provisions to specifically cover transgender persons. A non-discrimination biil first passed the state House in 1993, "The passage of this bill is a major advancement for transgender people, both in Illinois and countrywide," continued Foreman. "Once again, a state has proven that when we dare to dream to protect our entire LGBT community with one bill- to cover everyone, legislators respond. The activists in Illinois have done a tremendous job." · Illinois becorp.es the fifth state to pass explicit transgender-inclusive language in its discrimination law, joining California, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. In addition, 72 cities and counties have transgendet-inclusive nondiscrimination laws on the books. With the addition of Illinois, 27% of the U.S. population now lives in a jurisdiction with transgender discrimination prnte~tion. Eight states have enacted transgender-inclusive hate crime laws. In addition ten states ban anti-gay discrimination - Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Hawaii, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, Nevada, Maryland and New York. FREE HIV TESTING,NO NEEDLFS! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin; Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the · Ozarks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between 5PM and 6PM. For your convenience you can also call 206-6179 for an appointment. We 1,1se the Ora-sure method which does nor require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality. You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "Serving A Healthier Comm,mity"' Page 19 NSD Statement on Claude Allen White House Appointment January 06, 2005 Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) issued a statement on President Bush's appointment of Claude Allen as White House Domestic Policy Advisor. "The architect of domestic policy for the White House should be an advocate for every American family," said Dave Noble, NSD Executive Director. "Claude Allen has advanced ideological extremes in family policy that have endangered the health of gay youth. His record indicates that he would prompt the White House to promote anti-gay policy and attitude within the administration. As an organization, we are troubled by this appointment." Allen was previously nominated by President Bush for a seat on the 4th Circuit U.S. Appeals court, but had failed to receive Senate confirmation. Allen is a staunch conservative and abstinence activist. He has served the Bush Administration as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, where he has been described as the administration's key advocate for abstinence-only programs. Claude A. Allen worked as an aide to former Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC). In 1984, while serving as press secretary chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party co advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. www.stonewalldemocrats.org for the Helms' senate campaign, Allen accused Helms' Democratic opponent as having ties "with the Diversity 19 VA LENTINE' S ,.Jf41','?,,. queers." National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender nts We Do It Different! Aprl_l 1 ® 2 SPRING! Diversity Weekend BOTH DA#Cn ON FRI & SATI for GLBTis/PPLAGs 1COUNTRY WESTERN' in Eureka Sprlafs. Arltaua, :caoo'!oTEGMP, oo RAc , Rt rt, FAU. & SPRING Di'lerslty Weekends, ,. .,. ay I on " VALENTINE'S, Conawts and other Events DlveNJlty BEARS I CONTEST & BBQ LUNCH www.DiversityPride.com Democrats, with more than 90 local The Point Foundation A Scholarship Lifeline For GLBT Students Scholarship opportunities for. exceptional students, ..-gardless of their ~exual orientation or gender identity; · The Point Foundation is the first and only nationwide LGBT scholarship·. organization that focuses exclusively on granting assistance to. undergraduate, graduate and post7graduate students of distinction. Point Scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, involvement in the LGBT community and financial or emotional need. The most recent scholarship awarde.d was announced on January 12, 20Q5. An academic honorarium was .awarded to James· Barnett, the. 18-year:-old: n9n9t'. . student who was expelled in December from Trinity Christian Academy 'in Addison, Texas, in the greatcf·Dallas mcttopo tan are . . . '. discovered Barnett W!1S · gay and hosting My-Boi.com, a supportive Web site tor GLBT youths, school .oftidals reportedly outed him to .his parents, who agteed to withdraw him fro'!Jf:thc academy at the school's request, Barnett said. His parents then threatened to witliliold financial support for colle~ in the fall, Barnett added, if he did not agree to go to a college in Texas. Barnett hopes to attend school out of state. · The amount of the Point Foundation award will be determined after a financial review in the spring, the foundation said fa a press release. 'We ~e·plea.sed to.present this honor.aiium to James, an outstanding student turned away s~ply because of· his sexual orientation," Vance Lancaster, executive director of the Poihl: Foundation, said in the written statement. "This is a sadly common and vei:y real example of why Point Foundation scholarships are necessary." . The honorarium is ·separate from the Point Foundation's._an'nu,aI grams to GI.BT scholars, which will be determined in April or May for the 2005.:2006 school year. Applications are due March 1. · · "The Point Foundation is honored to. be in the position to bring this support to James," Lancaster said. "As the Point Foundation grows, we hope to create a world where students are not marginalized or turned away because of their sexual · orientation or gender identity--ever." The application process is open to ill LGBT students nationwide regardless of levci of education. Application Period S01.rtS January 1, 2005 All applications must be received by March 1, 2005. All additional materials must be received by March 15, 2005. A decision will be made by May 1, 2005. You can apply on-line at ( www.thcpointfoundation.org/apply.html) Page 23 I Dee A New Year and a New Beginning Well, first of all I want to say that I am a PROUD gay man. It is just that simple! I love my life and I am in it for the long haul. I love living in the Midwest and enjoy the changing of the seasons. But, I am getting to the point where things are going to have to change in my gay world. I am tired of being the scapegoat for all the stupid religious right wing nuts, the Republican politicians and the do-gooders of America. I own a home, pay property taxes on it and have a good job. Most of the people that I work with know that I am gay and understand that I was born that way. My neighbors are very nice and seem to like me as a neighbor. I keep my house in good order and of course my lawn and patio is the best kept on the block. But this is 2005 and things has just GOT TO CHANGE in my gay world. I am not going .to tolerate being a second class citizen anymore. I just won't do it! NO, no and NOi So, what am I going to do about it? First off I am NEVER again going to hide in the closet. I am NEVER again going to tell someone that I have a girlfriend. I am NEVER again going to be ashamed when I walk into a store with my partner as we are buying furniture or anything else. I am NEVER again going to be intimidated by any sales clerk or anyone when I am shopping. When we check into a motel or hotel I will ask for one bed for both of us and think nothing about it. I am a PROUD gay man and the rest of America will just have to get used to it. I have met a few gay men who live in Europe and they all are amazed when coming to the United States how intolerant so many Americans are to gays and lesbians here. They think of America as a land of guns and of right wing religious nuts. They think that small towns means small minds and I am beginning to think that they are right. I would love to live in a small town here in the Midwest however I have just learned that it is much easier foi: gay people to live in larger cities. What kind of America do we live in when the State legislatures pay more attention to gay civil unions than they do to educating the children of America. What right in America does some right wing religious nut have to try to force their religion down the throats of other people. One's religious beliefs should be kept to them. Another thing I am going to do this is year is NOT put up with bad or inferior service ANYWHERE. You go into a store to purchase something and the clerk is on their cell phone talking to a friend and trying to ring you up at the same time or your waitperson is having a bad day and wants you to feel sorry for them or you walk into a bar and the bartender is busy talking to his regular customers and doesn't have time to get you a drink. Nope, I am not going to cake it any more. I am sick and tired of having to deal with this, not only in the straight community but in the gay community as well. I love to hear of a gay business that has gone out of business and say that the gay community .doesn't support them. Ha! If they gave good service and appreciated their customers they would have lots of business. Just because a business is gay owned that is not a sufficient reason to give them your business unless they do give good service. So things are changing for me this year. I am going to be much happier and I have to bitch a little more to get good service and what I deserve then I will. It is just that simple! Page24 Paula Martirlac has b_ec;ri. writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, ·Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, where she founded a Lesbian Notions by Paula Martinac FEBRUARY 2005 On The Move The week before George W. Bush's second inauguration, 22 national gay-rights organizations issued a unity statement, putting forth in clear and almost stirring prose their continuing commitment to working for a wide range of issues to achieve full equality for LGBT people. One of the things that struck me about the joint statement was its dual definition of "movement'' - first, as ''ao organized effort to promote or attain an end," but also as simply "the act of' moving." (YOU can read the full text at www.lambdalegal.org and the websites of other national groups.) That second definition is profound, but it's one we often forget. Indeed, it can be hard for groundbreaking reading series individual gay people - esp_ecially those living in called "In Our Own Write." ' hostile states - to see that we're in "the act of ______________ __,, moving" toward the attainment of'civil rights. Many o( us are? in fact, &cirig brutal attacks from some. of the same people who helped Bush. Wlll four more years in office. The joint st:u:ement from· otir national l~ders, then, caμ help us stop and remember that even though the progress of civil rights is maddeningly erratic, it is still progress. . WJ;iat'~ con~sing, I thln,k, is that the word "movement" implies going. forward in a linear fashion, like when you get in your car to go from point A to point B. But. when rou think about it, driving is often not that direct. You may start off,malcing great nme, but the~ th_ere might be traffic, an: accid~nt, or bad weat:her; yoμ: might get a flat; or maybe you hit a detour for roadwork, which sends you off in another direction or even in a circle. Ultimately, you get to poiot'B", but it took a lot longer' than you hoped. · · · Recent even~ in g:iy politics look a lot like that driving metaphor. In the space of 11 short months tn 2003 and 2004, we saw two amazing triumphs: the U.S. Supreme Court struck. do~n the remaining state sodomy laws, and same-sex couples began le~y n:iarrymg 10_ Massachus<:tts. B_ut not long after, 4,000 lesbian and gay couples in Califorrua had their legal marrtages annulled by the state. And in a political slam dunk, 11 state anti-p,y-marriage amendments passed in a single day. As 2005 dawned, however, we saw victory again: Illinois joined the list of states .with antidiscrimination laws. This is "movement''? Bumpy times like these could really throw our community off-balance if we didn't keep the bigger picture in view - that vie are in the business of fighting for nothing les~ than equality, like so many other groups (blacks, women) before us have been dotng for decades, even centuries. And unfair as it may seem, the road to _equality is:°'~ sI?~oth; neither blacks nor women: are anywhere nearing the completion of their mdividual struggles for full rights. Consider a little gay history. The fight against sodomy laws, for example, was a long struggle. We all know about Michael Hardwick's challenge to Georgia's law in ~e eatly 1?80s, and the resulting antigay Supreme Court decision in 1986. But by the um5 th~ high court heard _Bowers v. Hardwick_, legal analysts had alreadr, been tuiilg attn at state sodomy laws for decades, witnessing the first victory over this heinous legi~lation in Illino~s in 1961. And it had taken another agonizing eight years for a seconct state, Connecticut, to follow suit. ..... continued nex page. Page 25 lo addition, most of us are familiar with the marriage-equality movement that burst into public consciousness in Hawaii in the early '90s and brought us civil unions in Vermont and ultimately the marriage victory in Massachusetts. But the first same-sex couple to apply for a state marriage license did so in Minnesota back in 1970, when a lot of people in our community weren't even born and no anti-gay-marriage laws existed. That couple is still in the news, too: earlier this month, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell sued to have their marriage, which was performed by a Methodist minister in the Twin Cities recognized by the Internal Revenue ' Service. (Ibeir case, by the way, was thrown out.) History also teaches us that "movement'' doesn't mean that evervone walks together in lockstep. Both the· black and feminist movements witnessed considerable infighting over issues and tactics. And the gay movement is no different - within a day of the release of the "unity" statement; some LGBT activists rushed to criticize the major gay organizations for putting marriage equality so far down on its lists of goals, which they said could be viewed as retreating from the issue under pressure from the far right. One Illinois activist dismissed the national gay groups as basically inconsequential and "out of touch." But while we're squabbling among ourselves, let's remember that "movement" may involve taking a step forward, a couple back, and another off to the side before we are able to go forward again. Quotable Quotes "We need to educate the younger generation of gay men because many think that living with HIV is a real doddle. They don't realize that there's no cure; it's treatment for life and the meds can have horrible side effects." - Gay actor Rupert Everett to the British AIDS magazine Positive Nation, November issue. HRC RENEWS CALL FOR REPEAL OF 'DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL,' AS PENTAGON PONDERS TROOP SHORTAGE 'Any policy that keeps patriotic Americans from serving during wartime is bad for the nation,' said HRC Political Director \"\'innie Stachelberg. Press Release: Friday,Jan. 7, 2005 WASHINGTON-The Human Rights Campaign today :renewed its call to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, in light of a report in today's Washington Post stating that Army officials are considering changing Pentagon policy to allow for longer and more frequent call-ups of some reservists to meet the demands of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Any policy that keeps patriotic Americans from serving during wartime is bad for the nation," said HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg. "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is deeply hurtful to gay and lesbian service members and their families and is costing the nation valuable service ' members." According to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, more than 9,000 service members have been discharged since 1993 under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy at a cost of more than a quarter billion dollars to U.S. taxpayers. According to the Washington Post story, a temporary increase of 30,000 troops in activeduty ranks that was authorized last vear will probably need to be made permane~t. "In addition ro the men and women who have already been discharged, this policy is a deterrent to countless other gay and lesbian Americans who cannot join the military for fear of discrimination," said Stachelberg. "Allowing aii Americans to serve openly and honestly is good for the country. It's common sense." The Human Rights Campaign is the i.t.rgest national ksbian, gay, bisex11at and rransgtnder politicai organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, pr<roi<k5 campaign support ,md educates tbe public to ensure that LGBT Amtricans can bt open, honest and safl! at home, at u;ork and in the community. Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! February 2005 Hello Kittens, Uncle here bringing another week of advice on life and love, and all matters between. Uncle smells love in the air this Februarv Kittens. Valentine's Day will soon be here. It 'is the first time in youth, which we feel the excitement of being admired by another. Getting those little cards and candy ~e~s, be~ns our young journey for love. W ouldn t 1t be ~ce kittens to be able to have a heart box as we did when we were kids? Watch it fill up with those cute little cards. Uncle gets so sentimental during the holiday celebrating his favorite past time, the L---------------' pursuit of love. So, grab your valentine and sn e while we see what the mailbag has brought us this week. Mikey, . , I have this problem. I am attracted to guys in their 20's up to their l~te 30 s. I a short, slim guy who is 60 and dresses casually young. The only guys that hit on me are older than 50 or are married. I'm looking far a LTR. I'm not a bottom and guys tend to think I am due to my small stature. Can you offer any advice ?n how_ to attra~t the younger guys to me? I want them to want me for who I am. I m not Into paymg a guy to pretend to love me. Help Dearest Help, . , Kitten, if it is a LTR you seek, first and foremost, you must realize that you cant tag fate or the goddess of love with such conditions. You ~ust ?pen yo~ heart t<;> ~; so that you do not miss the love, fate might offer. Guys 10 the~ twenttes and thirties, well, who is not attracted. It is wild and untamed youth, which may be overshadowing your sight here. The male form ca°: do that. As_ for your stature, well great things come in small packages. There is nothing wrong with ?1at, show ?1em when it is time just what you are made of. Thirdly paying a guy will never brmg you love so don't even allow vourself to entertain such notions. If they do not see the hidden treasure that you ~re, than allow them to move on. Confidence in_ yourself sounds like a much need tool here. Do not allow age to bring fear and sel!. doubt. Age is nothing more than a state of mind. Here is wishing you many successes 10 loves endeavors during this the season of the hunt. Reme~ber Kittens, with age comes benefits, and I don't m~ax_i blue_ cross. I mean experience, and method. Youth as I said is wild and untamed, 1t 1s durmg these years that we find ourselves, and become the treasure we are now._ Give me a. man rl:at has perfected his craft any day to someone who will surely ~e all over me like a wild tornado, well ok, maybe a twister now and than, but still remember the worth of experience. Dear Uncle, . .al I met a woman a week ago and can think of nothing else. ~ o1:1y met he~ t~ a so~ situation and do not know if she is seeing anyone or even tf sne woul~ oe 10tcr~s,cd. I have a hard rime telling people how I feel, and making. the first move ts something that I rarely do. So, how can I let her know that I am mtercstcd before someone else comes along, if she is free in the first place? Wanting in the West Page27 MAIN STREET, JOPLIN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627-9035 Dear wanting, Kitten, you arc just a stalker in the making darling. Shy is so out, in this world of fast love. You must grab what you want, before someone else does. Work it, attitude women. What kind of lesbian arc you? I have never seen a shy lesbian before. I think that is an oxymoron to say the least. You will never get what you want like that, you will be left to sit in the back of the bus alone. There are many predators of love out there, it is time for you to present. Tell this female you are smitten with, that vou would like to take her to the truck rally or whatever it is you lesbians do. Allow things to flow from there. If there is interest, you will get your moment to make vour move. The smell of gas and oil in the air, the roar of the trucks, love can't be far behind. You will live life full of, what if, unless you get strong and show some self-confidence. Remember Kittens, it will be the one with the confidence, which will be the winner of the spoils. You must not allow society to dictate rules of love and self worth. Everybody has his or her merit; it is just a matter of showing that to the world at large. Set new rules, and play the game the best you can. You will be glad you did. Well, that is about all the rime I have this week Kittens. Herc is wishing you all well in your game of love, this valentine season. Uncle has a special Valentine this year. His name is D, and he has no idea of the love fest awaiting him. Until we meet, again remember, It is the queer with the positive mind, which will get their valentine Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. Unck Miuv is II ch,i,racru from FrttLmce writer Michiud Hi;zrrum. Mich,id btlS beci writing/or tm ye,m. Utilizing his stNd.m, ,i,nd life experience to help others in his community, thro11gh h11mor ,i,nd sound II.Wice. Michul ,i,pp/ied bis su«Jy of psychology ,i,nd cruti'C>e fllriting, dS f!Jeil his extensiw background in menu/ be,iltb Direct c.ire to bring ,i, neTD style ,i,nd ,q,pro.teb to helping others. Mich,i,d's othn- 'll!orks can be fliev>ed ,i,t -.g,rylinkcontent.com. Page 28 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente FEBRUARY 2005 Jonathan llliys Meyers Goes fromVelvet __ to ~Elvis_ He was a bisexual David Bowi.e-csque creature in Todd Haynes' _Velvet Goldmine_, and now Jonathan Rhys Meyers will get his chance to be an Elvis impersonator. The Irish actor, who's also costarred in crowd-pleasers such as _Bend It Like Beckham_ and flops like _Alexander_, has started shooting the 1V miniseries _Elvis_ in New Orleans with a cast that includes Camryn Manheim as Presley's beloved mother Gladys, Randy Quaid as Col. Tom Parker, and Rose McGowan as AnnMargret. Gay production duo Robert Greenblatt and David Janollari (_Six Feet Under_) are on board to run the project, one that saw nearly 500 would-be Kings audition before the pouty-lipped U.K. import was chosen. And given Rhys Meyers' lithe frame, Romeo assumes the series will cover more of Presley's hip-swiveling years and less of his pantsuit-and-giant-gold-belt era. But then again, they can do a lot with prosthetic makeup these days. Hannigan's Back _In the Game Devoted lesbian _Buffy_-heads - among whom Romeo counts himself an honorary member - have been waiting for Alyson Hannigan's return to 1V for some time now. And for a while reports were surfacing that the former Willow would have her own sitcom, a la Mary Tyler Moore. Now she does. Sort of. The actor has joined the cast of ABC's midseason sitcom _In the Game_, which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as the CEO of an ESPN-like cable sports network. Hannigan will play Hewitt's childhood best friend, who quits law school to become her pal's assistant. _Married with Children_ star Ed O'Neill takes on the role of Hewitt's father, a _Monday Night Football_ .producer who goes to work with his daughter. Meanwhile, Hannigan won't merely be playing Rhoda to Hewitt's Mary - producers are stressing the fact that she'll have storylines of her own. _Now_ Romeo's game. Cunningham Sells His _Specimen_ Ghosts? Terrorists? Aliens? Has _The Hours_ novelist· Michael Cunningham been tiling lessons from Stephen King? Readers will find out in May when the Pulitzer Prize winner's new book, _Specimen Days_, bits bookstore shelves. A trilogy of stories, _Specimen_ will feature an Industrial Revolution-era ghost story, a modern thriller about a suicide bomber, and a futuristic tale of extraterrestrial refugees flooding into Manhattlln. And the copnccting ,presiince . .in these three titl~s? wilt Whitinari, o( course - call him. this novel's Virginia Woolf. Mean.while, i:Lonreaders will have a slightly longer wait for the film version, the rights to which have just been purchased, prepublication, by gay producer Scott Rudin. This collaboration is Rudin and ' Cunningham's second, following _The Hours_; and if the movie ends up half as strange and intriguing as the book, Romeo will be first in line. Tyra Banking on Talk Show She created and hosts the gayest show on television what else but UPN's _America's Next Top Model_? But that was only the beginning for Victoria's Secret model-turned-media-mogul Tyra Banks. Now she wants to be inside your home every weekday. Warner Bros. Domestic 1V is excited about this prospect, too, and has just started selling Banks' new five-a-week syndicated talk show, the eponymous _Tyra Banks Show_, to regional outlets. So far Denver, San Diego, Spokane, and Portland, Ore., are committed, and deals are being negotiated with Disney, Viacom, and Tribune Broadcasting. If all goes as planned, Banks will soon go bead-to-head with Oprah and Ellen. Hope she bas better luck wiili ratings than Tony Danza. Or Jane Pauiey. Or Tempest Bledsoe. Or Dr. Laura. Or [fill in the blank]. Page 2.9 Gay Games from pg-11 "Syaney and Chicago are forever destined to be entwined in the minds of the LGBT community worldwide," said Kevin Boyer, Gay Games VII Co ViceChair. "Sydney hosted a glorious Gay Games VI in 2002 and Chicago will host Gay Games VII in 2006. We've watched as Australians and Sydneysiders preregistered for Gay Games VII in extraordinary numbers - the highest registration numbers per capita of any nation on earth. The legacy of the Gay Games is strong in Sydney and we welcome the opportunity to partner with New Mardi Gras to strengthen the LGBT community there while we prepare to welcome Aussies to Chicago in 2006." · "Mardi Gras is bigger than Sydney," said Mark Ort, New Mardi Gras Co-Chair. "People from Beijing to Barcelona look to it as a beacon for the fight for equal rights, acceptance of the GLTBQ community and a celebration of its rich culture. The Gay Games and our friends in C:hicago share these same values and goals and is an ideal match for our organization. Our new relationship with the Gay Games in Chicago will further enhance our reputation as an allinclusive, international event ·while we both work. toward equality for all." Fellow Co~Chair Steph Sands added, "Sydney and the <rty Games• movement already enjoy close ties. We hope the new alliance will help to bring more . people to Sydney for a wte qf a queer Aussie summer." "Cliicago continues to be. a true partoer to the international Federation of Gay Games and. our pari:iciRani:s worldw;idc" said Kathleen Webster, Federation· of <rty Games co-president. "The spirit and success of the 2002 <rty Games are a testament to the Sydney community's commitment to sport and to the international LGBT community. Chicago has shown itself to be a worthy successor. Just as the lesbian and gay sports and culture community will forever remember the Sydney skyline and harbour and their legacy to the Gay Games movement, athletes and artists now tum their attention to Chicago with its outstanding sport traditions, unique architecture and miles of lakefront parks. We're thrilled with this new parmership between Sydney and Chicago." About New Mardi Gras The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an iconic event of international renown and is Australia's largest a;;nual outdoor event enjoyed by over one million national and international visitors. In February 2005, New Mardi Gras launches a four. week festival with over 100. events, Launch, Fair Day, the world famous Parade, and culminating wit.¾ a world famous Party. Partners of New Mardi Gras include the City of Sydney, the Sydney Star Observer, plus a dozen other media and business partners. For more information, visit http:/ /www.mardigras.org.au. About Gay Games VII Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival will tiike place in Chicago 15-22 July 2006. Over 12,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis. The weeklong event will iriclude band, cbeerleading and color guarq performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, arid a series of community-organized socW events and parties. The opening ceremony is scbednled for 15 July at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium the Chicago Bears. Closing ceremony will be 22 Juiy at Wrigley Fi'eld, the home of the Chicago Cubs, lo~ated in the heart of Chicago's largest LGBT neighborhood. Games vfl is now , or:g. In ~ddition.to New Sydney Gay and Le~biao Marcti ·Gras, other, earty global . . . Games VII iriciude . Media Group (Chicago, USA) ~ plus more than 30 business sponsors. About The Gay Games The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in · continued on page-33 Page 32 .0ut of Torm from pa~ 7 offers a pair ,of rcptitible culinary , vacation optle>ns. In .the 9hapnpg ;village of'. Ptj1;ncy, you· can ~e one; of De.?orah Krasner!! V:emiont Cμlina,rv. Vacations, whcr,c y6u' cnjo,y ,stx dayf! pf_ g cduca . inside a bcaμtifiil .1 cptury ham.· .. ,barn. contains fiye> cieg-antly appointeil;gucst room;s plu{ a library stocked with scads of cookbooks. A typical w~ek includc11 myria.d classes, a . . town of · i~cal.fumcrs' -~liyi;~il tastings. as.:~·t:11 as 'ground . &om Bradley . , Ct.); the cost is · but still •~ V ~onont option ' s~y at :tlie·Inn . :which hills itself as, ''V crfuont's Culinary Rcsort.''fThc inn qffcrs a ~ry popular Chef "lpn" Training pacbgc, whic4, includes :o · commodati9ri, a with a tfucelcotjrse br'cill'as~ ;ah~ a!Out;qf the Essex. campus of the New England Ctillnary Institute. ~tes begin at .$245 per p~on, doubleoc:; c:upancy. : . · J~t ouqiide the hip collegiate city of Charlottesv:iijc,. Va.;:'.tlic • ?4-i;pom Bpar' s Head Inn ranks among the cushiest small resorts itt th~ Mid-Atlantic region; '. ' '~,~tits spa, anq; golf course, the '.s I Read 1 also . 9ffct~ cook!og. c;wses arid vintner:~eekends 'that tii.ke.advantage ;f .. -,·::;•-: .· .· {~~; :,.:ng 1· nP deu s;;-..;..,...f p, · ·' · · tio.. n ·i t the Boar,'s . . .. . ypu arrive with !l; smill J?OSIJC qf fri~nds 'or colleagu~s, as there's a s~~persbn · minimum for cooking, cla~scs; A great chok~ in; San Ii'90-cisco is , T~te-Marie~s c;ook;ing Scl,tbo4 which his been goipg s,tto~gJor:morc than 25 ytats. Witl,: Tante Marie's five;:day .. pac~; -~ed. ,owatd va_,catiOt1(lrS, you · · · classes from 10 a.ni. to 4 through _Fi;iday, but you ahange yow; own accominodatioris and tianst,ortation, abd you're on your own s9me- evenings .and on the weekend. The exceptions ue Monday, when you and vour classmates are treated to dinner at the trendy n:stauran.t.~izqu; Wednesday, during which you embark on il picnic outing to the'Napa and. ~onoma Wine Country; and Friday, when the cours.e concludes with a lively cocktail party. Teacher Mary S. Risley emphasizes classic Frerich. cooking utilizing regional California ingredients and wines. The series of .five courses costs $950. . If you're keen ~n a more pastoral setting for your cooking classes; book a culinary vacation with · · a top-notch cooking school. in . . Sonoma, the heart of California's Wine Couri.try (it's just an hour nqrth. of San Francisco and 45 minutes -easf of the g,ay Russian River resort. town of 'Guernevill.e). • Ramekins is not only a full cooking school with two teaching kitchens, it's a six-room luxury bed-and-breakfast just steps from the town's chaoning p~a. Ramekins offers an astounding rium;oer-o'f cooking classes, and y9u can cU:ston:iμ:e your own agenda, whether yoμ simply :Want to' take one course over a weekcq.d visit. or you'd like t6 J:ty ~evei::al c9tu:s~ pver 'a full week. The cwses ~c taughtiby some of . the oipst ac:ciaiQied chefs in the country, inclu~ several c~oks who appear · regularly on the Food Network. Clas.ses are offered a la carte, and generally cost from about $40 to $80, althqugh Rameldtis docs· offer midweek culinary packages! that include accommodations. Anorller option·is to c<Jnsider traveling abroa~ with·fouy being one of the most popular EuroP,ean •destiqati9ns for cooktng-school vacation~. In Italy's Tuscany, C_asa OJ'.?qilto;offers wecklong courses in Italian and Mediterranean . . The Italian courses focus y_ on T~scatj c~ine, while the ·Mediterranean. coμrses offer an oyerview or'Spani~h, F~ench, Motocc~, and Italian coqkery~ (:~a Oi:nbuto, .a charming rc9--#}e-roof villa -y;ith_ a: large pool and a hot (tμb- &shioneq out .?f a wine c~st a~cqmmodates gqestli .tp. three · · · · incluqe , and classes, ate . ble-~ccupancr.. Vacations,. a;tour Ot>eratorisFi:ciap2:fug in 1Pori=usa1 and · Europe's most ticultQ:ral tours. One of the. most popular packages, "Catalan; Cuisine, A Mediterranean Morsel." 1begins in one of the wndd's bo1;iest gay destinations, .BarcelotlA, and continues on for a full week tht:oughout stunning Catalonia. The ,tour ~olqdes b~akfut daily , ..... con'i"lued n~t page Page 33 plus four lunches and dinners, along with three Catllliln cooking lessons, a visit to a wine cellar in Girona, and tours of several key historic sites and attractions, Rates run from about $3,000per person,double-occupancy. It's a truly memorable chance for an up-close look at the dining and winemaking traditions celebrated in a land famous for incredible food and breathtaking scenery, _Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and nine additional travel guides. He can be reached care of this publication. The Little Black Book Boar's Head Inn (200 Ednam Dr., Charlottesville, VA, 434-296-2181 or 800-476-1988). Casa Ombuto (Larniano 21, 52014 Poppi, Italy, 31-35-531-0030, www .italiancookerycourse.com), Deborah Krasner's Vermont Culinary Vacations (192 Taylor Rd., Putney, VT, 802-387-6610, www.deborahkrasnersvermont.com). EuroAdventures Vacations (Velazquez Moreno 9, 4th floor, office 409, Vigo, Ponteverda, Galicia, 36201 Spain, 34-986- 22-1399, www.euroadventures.net). Inn at &sex (JO Essex.Way, Essex, VT, 802-878~ 1100 or 800-727-4295, www: vtculinaryresort.com). Ram~kins ( 450 W. Spain St., Sonoma, CA, 707~9~3-0450, wwy,r.r~melrin~.com). Santa Fe ~~hool of Cooking (116 W. San Francisco St:, Santa Fe, NM, 505- 983--4511, . . www.santafeschoolofcooking.com). Tante Marie's Cooking School (271 Francisco St., San Francisco, CA, 415- 788-6699, www.tantemarie.com). White Bar;n Inn.(37 Bell-ch Ave., Kennebunk.pqrt, ME, 207-967:-i321, www,w-hltcharninn:com). ' . 5103 a. ah..._n, -..lte 153 tul-, ok 74145-7827 417--B7-2%75 .net * www. Gay Games from page-29 1982 with 1,350 participants. Subsequent Gay Games have been held in San Francisco (1986; 3,500 participants), Vancouver (1990; 7,300 participants), New York (1994; 12,500 participants), Amsterdam (1998; 13,000 participants), and Sydney (2002; 11,000 participants). The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal BestTM. For more information, visit GayGamcs.org. Chicago Games, Inc, is the host of Gay Games VII and is led by experienced civic leaders from Chicago's business, sports and non-profit sectors. For information about how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VII in Chicago, visit www.GayGamcsChicago.org, e-mail info@GayGamesChicago.org, or phone (173) 907-2006, Spring Events in Eureka Springs, Ark:i.nsas Based in the hcan of the Ozarks, Diversity Pride Events invites you to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversirv Weekends, romantic V alenfues Getaways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversity Pride Events is committed to producing quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgendcr (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAGs), of ALL ages! Our events are for GLBTs an.d their Straight friends & family to enjoy together! COMMUN.ITV MEAL $4.00 DONATION MCC JOPLIN 2902 E. 20TH ST. JOPLIN, MISSOURI EVERY WED. 6PM Seo by Jack Fertig February 2005 "Entertllin, Llbra!" es Mercury and Venus enter .Aquarius, then aspect Uranus, introducing wild new ideas and aesthetics. Meanwhile Sun conjoins Neptune, also in .Aquarius, making it a wacky, mystical, very queer week! Be ready for anything. ARIES (March 21 to April 20): You have some wild ideas for getting ahead in your work, but check with colleagues and superiors, whom you're likely to upset if you go off half-cocked. Listen to friends for new spiritual insights. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): New ideas that seem totally crazy at first are worth discussing with experts. Your assessment of your own abilities is way off - but are they better or worse than you think?, That's what you need to check with the experts! GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Everybody's full of wild ideas right now, and you have a grand head start in that department! What you have to say should be saved for appropriate and/ or receptive audiences. listening can also be a fascinating experience. CANCER 0une 22 to July 22): Your eagerness for sexual experimentation is cranked up a few notches, and your partner is more than ready to cooperate. It could be a wonderfully transcendent experience. Drugs are tempting, but they are really more distraction than help. LEO Ouly 23 to August 22): Relationships are work, and new issues are erupting-to work on. It's all quite manageable, although likely to be confusing at first. Some of the most importll.llt messages aren't rational or verbal, so get confirmation! VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): You're getting playful in ways that may look like perverse workaholism - or simply perverse. If you have a sense of humor, it doesn't matter what others think. Guard your health, especially against infections and working (or working out) too hard. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): The stars say to entertain at home, whether a big bash, a cozy little tea, or an intimate rendezvous with one special person. Most importantly, however you do it, give it an eccentric, festive twist. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): This is an, um, _interesting_ time to open communications with family members and find out about old secrets and scandals. It may not be pretty, but you don't scare easily. Go ahead and rouse those sleeping dogs! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Disagreements lead to very interesting discussions now. Keep an open mind, be ready for a challenge, and remember that your logic is off this week. Argue from the heart if you like, but your brain just isn't there for it. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Go on a shopping spree and dress up in some new styles. Give yourself wiggle room to go over budget. Spending some extra on yourself is importmt for your self-esteem. Trying a new look is even more important! AQUARIUS Oaouary 20 to February 18): You're usually so certain of yQurself, but not this week. That's good for you, although uncomfortable. Letting go of old ideas will free you up for ne:w ones. Spend time meditli.ting; make note of your dreams. Take time for a small retreat. PISCES (February 19 to March 19): Friends will help you discover things about yourself you never knew - but what will they learn in the process? Keep your ears and mind open and your mouth shut. You need to confide in someone, but be very careful who it is! Jt«fe Fertig has been u,or/eing as a professw,u/. astrologer since 1977 and is a founding member of the .Associ4tion for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415-864-8302, through his webnU!at http:/ /u,ww.starjack.com Page 35 North Korean leader claims his eountey has no AIDS because there are no gays in North Korea. .MUST FIGHT UR.GE TO OIVE SOMEONE AMAICBOVER! UST FIGHT URGE TO GIVE SOMEONE A MAKEOVER! MUST FIGHT URGE. 5103 s. sherldan, suite 1 tulsa, ek 74145-7627 417-437-2275 tml ·Ktm, Page 36 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Lodging- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-B0 Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- - - 479-442-3052 Wild-On - - -3570 W. 6th- - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022--1022DodsonAve. --479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Sprin&s (501) Club One FJeven- - - 111 G.uden St- -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-27 44 Discovery- - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - • - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's• - - - 716 S. Main - - • • - - -417-627-9035 MiHOUri, Kansas City (816) Buddies•• - - - - - 3715 Main St··· 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Grand Ave- - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-l'<VKC DB Warehouse- 1915 Main St- - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestreet Bar. - - -413 E. 3rd- 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - --417-831-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive -417-864-4572 Oz Bar- 504 E. Commercial•• - - • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy 405-947-2351 Copa- . - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- • 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1722 Udo- -- - - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- - - - -2805 NW 36th St 405-942-2199 Sisters- 2120 NW 39th St• - - - • -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave• - - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- no• E. Pine• - •- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick· • 822 S. Sheridan · 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - 424 S. Memoriai- 918-836-2480 Heads & Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - - - 918-660-7878 Club Maiescic- 124 N. Boston - - -918-584-9494 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main - - - -918-585-3405 p;ay-Mo,-Cbb- - 1'.'37 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 TNT's 2: :.i S. Memonal- - - 9:8-660-0856 Missouri, Joplin ( 417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catu5 Canyon Campground- - -417-683-9199 Missouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground· - - - · - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkan, as, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Natwists- - - - - •· - - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Missouri,Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, • - · • 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - -10:30AM Aids Project Ozarb- 513 Kentucky- 41'.'-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield ( 417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride - - - - • - - - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- 600 NW 13th St- - 232-HOPE The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St. - - - - 405-524-6000 Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Mapiewood• -918-838-1715 TOHR- - - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tuharoughriders.com GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st-. - - 918-743-4297 Page 37 -Business ServicesArkan5as, Eureka Springs Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com Missouri, Eureka Shelter ln5urance- -Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Masiage Therapy- - - -417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realton-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 RE/MAX - -Cathe Letts- - . 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangcline Rd- - - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 417-673-1181 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's···· 1918 S. Glenstonc - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Quotable Quotes Century21 • ·4301 NW 63rd #100 405- 840-2106 "Ohio is the new Florida in the 2004 Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- - -405-946-8444 Jungle Reds - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733 Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard - 918-74f5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd - - 918-829-0824 Priscilla's - - 7925 E. 41st - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's · · · · 5634 W. Skelly - - - •-918-446-6336 Priscilla's••• -11344 E. 11th•••• - 918-438-4224 Priscilla's• - - - 2333 E. 71st • • - - - .,. 918-499-1661 election and we are looking at a recount headed by Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell. The same man that permitted the use of electronic machines that provided no paper record. The same man who presided over a voting system that resulted in quick, short lines in the dominantly Republican suburbs, while the inner cities experienced four and sixhour- long waiting lines." - Gay icon Barbra Streisand writing on her Web site, Dec. 6. WR1TER SUSAN SONTAG HAS DIED AT THE A.OE OF 11. SHE IS SURVIVED 8Y SOME WOMAN. WHO 100K HER PICTURE FOR A VODKA AJ>. Page38 NEW CARTOONS A COUPLE OF" GUYS A Couple ofguyse ~~~ Cura~ao courts gay travelers Seven years after the Cayman Islands refqsed to let a gay-themed cruise dock, another Caribbean island has put out the welcome mat. The Dutch island of Cutas:ao is encouraging gay and lesbian trav;clers to visit with the help of a new Web site, www.gaycuracao.com. To receive a free DVD about the island, call (800) 328-7222 or visit www.curacao-tourism.com. If yoive ever been to Holland, you knqw .that the Dutch don't raise a blonde eyebrow over the gay lifestyle. Same is tru6 in their tropical paradise, Curas:ao. The motto here: "Live & Let Live." .An:d oh how you can live. Curas:ao is surrounded by over thirty uncrowded beaches, some intimate and tucked away without another sole in sight. And these beaches are oh-soinviting all year round, with an average air temperature of 85° in the summer and 81 ° in the winter. And an average water temperature of between 78° and gzo. A short drive in from the beaches, you'll find Willemstad, one of six UNESCO world heritage city sites in the Caribbean. Willemstad is historically significant, because it is still filled with Dutch-colonial architecture dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The city is also home to important. art, maritime and Jewish· museums, as well as one of the best anthropological museums in the world. A short swim out from the beaches, you'll find some of the best shore diving in the world. And further out, top underwater attractions such as the famous Mushroom Forest. In either case, the visibility around Curas:ao is remarkable, averaging about 100 feet. Or, to put it another way, it's easy to see why Curai;:ao should be at the top of your vacation shortlist. Night Life and Casino's. In Curai;:ao, the nights are most definitely full of life. Pull up a chair on the beach and relax to a nice breeze and a soothing jazz 'band. Or tear up the dance floor at midnight to a hot Latin beat in one of our many nightclubs. Either way, you'll find enough here to keep you entertained till the wee-hours of the morning. And if you're feeling lucky, then tty your hand in one of ten hotel casinos that are on the island. They're open daily and feature a variety of games including blackjack, roulette, craps and poker mach.ines. The Beaches: About 40 public and private beaches are tucked in and around the island ranging from private, secluded, intimate coves to larger beaches that are bustling with activities such as live bands, beach sports, parasailing and jet skiing. Since the northern coast of the island is made up of rocky shores and rough seas, it's the southwestern coast with irs calm and crystal clear warers which harbors the most inviting beaches. Go to: http:/ /www.gaycuracao.com for more information and travel arrangemems. ip Off Thursday•s SlJ! <.ASII·& Pllm Beer Bust q-CLOSf. •oss.e >e> oe>sNLO·s .<><> IIALXFi!!'T'XNrs; •t2.so weu.. "DRXNIC9o $1.75 00ME?STIC LONGNSC~ ,.' ~ 'DajJ. ~ Doy~. Dally lunch and Dinner Specials Open J J om Dolly Happy Hour 3-6 & 9-dose Hlghlly 29. '9 3rd Nlg.ht Free Holkloys and Special Events . Excluded Monthly Mov• In Spedals P RO U D LY S E R VI N G T H I! O·L B T & ALLIED CO M M U N I TY FREE Page 2 HIST BITD. IIED'IINTIW 1--fflt-m-11111 109111 I. ' i 1 ' ! j Page 3 Springfield's · Catering to e GL Communi Hear eRumors.com 5pm-1:30am Now in the Back Room, Check out our New Open Friday and Saturday 8 pm to 1 :30 am . of pee ..• called for a co t;,forBici mar ouples: A t~tal: sraali d· s. pe·e cl:i •. 9· ft r·.. .. •~e Allard (R-CO) duc~l.the Mat;4~e Protection A. (MPA) on the US Senate floor ::_ m_aking if .... •. :;tije i~St * business in• full week B'ush's seconil!'t6ri:n .. j Page 5 Dear Editor I just picked up my first copy of the STAR; how nice to have a feature article on the potential for Tulsa to become a Gay Mecca (February issue). Your observations were close to target with a few pellets of shot flying slightly off course. Tulsa's location is one of it's greatest assets. From Dallas to Kansas City and from Nashville to Denver, there is no city more liberal and accepting. Often compared to Boston for it's art, architecture and civic life, Tulsa has: nine welcoming and affirming churches, a thriving Jewish Community, several predominantly gay neighborhoods (Brady Heights Historic District has easily the highest percentage of gays and lesbians than any other), a smattering of bars, the most extensive Gay Pride event in a 3 state area, the oldest active gay rights organization in the state (fulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights • TOHR), and a police department that meets with gay leaders as part of their diversity training. In spite of Oral Roberts University being located here (or maybe because of it) Tulsa also has one of the largest PFLAG organization in the countrv. Additionally, there are many varied social ~lubs (the leather community is one of the most vast) and a capital campaign with alreadv over $300K in funds working towards building a new and visible Gay Pride Center (www.pyramidproject.org). The gay business organization TuRBO is going strong with almost 100 members under the stewardship of TOHR; and several gay restaurants have opened and closed in the past years • hopefully there will be more soon. It is my hope and that of my colleagues that the new Gay Pride Center will become an anchor for what will be a Gay District for Tulsa. Whether that is in The Brady Arts District (close to the already predominantly gay neighborhoods and shops) or in a part of the city that has the right stuff, you are more likely .:o see a gathering of forces within a Gay District just like in other major cities. Not a Gay District to ghettoize our community, but to give us the strength of combined spirit. Best Regards, T'mo•hv A. Wiiliams. Tu'.sa. OK ~ - ,/ , , ·Let's Rodeo 2005 by Greg Steele TULSA, OK. With the Fort Worth rodeo kicking off the 2005 gay rodeo season in March, Tulsa's T-Town Rodeo will begin the four states region's buckin for buckles show of events on April 8th- 10th at the Tulsa Expo Square Arena. For more information and tickets go to www.soonerstaterodeo.com. Sponsorships are still available. Diamond State Rodeo, in Little Rock Arkansas presents it's 10th season with the "Rodeo In The Rock 2005" April 22nd-24th at the Arkansas Equestrian Center Barton Coliseum. For more info go to: www.dsra.org. Rodeo Wichita presented bv the Kansas Gay Rodeo Assoc. will be held in Wichita, Kansas May13-1 Sth. Location tO be announced. www.kgra.us OGRA, Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Assoc. holds their 20th annual "Great Plains Rodeo" May 27th-29th at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds arena. OGRA is the 3rd largest gay rodeo event under the IGRA umbrella. For schedule of events visit www.okgayrodeo.com MGRA's "Show-Me-State Rodeo" will take off later this fall September 2nd- 4th. The Missouri Gay Rodeo Assoc. is in there 13th year and has chapters in Kansas City, Springfield and Joplin. For updates go to: www.mgra.us The International Gay Rodeo f\ssociation (IGRA) is an umbrelia organization comprised of 20 regional Gay Rodeo Associatiom from across the United States and Canada. IGRA serves to foster the sport of Rocke :ind Country & Western actiYities. IGRf\, !D fellowship with its member associai:io,i,< donates ;housands of doi!ars to char:n- each year. The Gay and Lesbian Co:nmumt1es ui the United States and Canada have be::-n en:dched by the eciucational efforcs of lGR:\ through its sanc:ioning and sprrnsorship ,,f tne various events and activities which are a part of what we cali Gay Rodeo. Your locai Rodeo Associaticn n:::ed, your support, have fun for a good crns<::. They Do! Page 6 MARCH 2005 by Andrew Collins "Palm Beach, Florida" With the emergence of South F1orida as one of the hottest queer destinations in North America, the pink presence has gradually migrated to metro Palm Beach, a region not traditionally known for its lesbian and gay scene. The area's largest city, West Palm Beach, and its high-rent, ocean-front neighbor, Palm Beach, are but an hour north of the gay-popular Ft. Lauderdale, . . . . and they offer plenty of cultural, dining, and rughtlife diversions as well as some of the nation's ritziest hotels. West Palm Beach originated largely as a place to accommodate the countless cooks, maids, chauffeurs, butlers, and gardeners employed in the great mansions and resorts of Palm Beach. Although it'1 much larger than Palm Beach ind contains the region's major airport and train station, for many years it was considered little more than a pass-through for travelers headed to Palm Beach, and as recentlv as die mid' 90s ':'as ~addled ~th ~gh crime and urban blight. Over the past dec~de, however, a combmatton of C1V1C prtde, progressive planning, and private investment have helped turn downtown into a vibrant residential, commercial, and arts district. The crown jewel of downtown's renaissance, the $600 million CityPlace entertainment and shopping center has been built to resemble a Mediterranean village - it contains more than 75 mostly upscale chain shops, a dozen fine restaurants a 20~screeh cinema, and a massive concert hall. ' Another major draw is the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts - a ven1;1-e for ~rst-rate ballet, classical music, and Broadway-style musicals. The city's most 1mpress1ve cultural attraction, the Norton Museum of Art contains a fine collection of 1_9th- and 20th-century American and European paintings; following the 2003 operuog of a 45,000-square-foot wing, it became the Tuigcst art museum in the state. . Fr~m downtown West Palm Beach, Route A1A leads over the"Flagler Memorial Bndge mto P:tlm Beach, long one of the wealthiest - and unabashedly snobbiest - enclaves on the Eastern Seaboard. The gay and lesbian scene is virtuallv invisible her~, b~t it can be fun ch~g along the town's gilded avenues, trying to guess which tortress wall or towenng hedge conceals the estll.te of which celebritv. The s~azzf shopping begins along Royal Poinciana Way, which you'll bit just after crossir~g th: Flagler Memorial Bridge. The best places for window browsing and gallery noppmg are the toy-poodle-infested sidewalks of Worth Avenue, several bl~cks ~outh, where you'll find stores with such ptedous, if gag-inducing, natnes as Ansto~ds and Au Cas~ere. For a chance to marvel at the island's I~ of· con~pt~uous c_o~sumpuon, spend an hour or two touring Flagler Museum, :which is set tnstde Whitenall, a 73-room, turn-of-the-century castle. · · As for nos~ing, West Palm Beach's most homo-popular restaut20t, JU,,~ ~a~e, ?ffers an inventive, changing menu of contemporary American · · 10c1ud10g black bean and tomato cakes and goat cheese-and crepes. It occupies a retro-cool former drugstore (circa 19 , of the city's antiques row. Cabana, a hip sidewalk cafe with a sexv dinmg·, West Paim's funky Clematis Street, serves wonderful ... ndt~ :'-}:' · .·,;:':}-,-: <✓;: ,,_, 't½ .. '"~- t ~ ,,,. ·,t;; ·(&. ;. ~'Cc i I 1 i l I i i Page 7 Nuevo Latino fare, including a tender marinated skirt steak and heavenly Cuban sandwiches. Wash everything down with a mojito cocktail. Across the bridge in Palm Beach, Chuck and Harold's is where visiting celebs congregate for a casual meal and where everybody else comes to peoplewatch - tty to grab a table outside overlooking the sidewalk. Bice Ristorante, tucked in a cloistered courtyard off of Worth Avenue, serves excellent Northern Italian food and is one of the best see-and-be-seen eateries in Palm Beach consider seared tare tuna with sauteed butternut squash, crispy spinach, and a sweet-tangy apricot sauce. Hamburger Heaven is a jazzed-up version of the classic all-American burger joint; this small luncheonette with a Ushape counter is something of a local institution in downtown Palm Beach, drawing equally among the hoi polloi and the local elite. It's also a favorite spot for hearty breakfasts. You'll find a handful of gay nightspots in West Palm Beach, including Kashmir, a festive and elaborate warehouse disco. The area's definitive cruising-andmingling video bar, H.G. Roosters has been going strong for years. The crowd is eclectic, and the staff cute and friendly. A branch of the famed nightclub in the Hamptons ( on eastern Long Island, in New York), the Resort Lounge occupies a glam space inside CityPlace and pulls in its share of A-listers, along with plenty of poseurs and wanna-bes simply hoping to see some A-listers. Paris and Nicky are said to be regulars at this riotously colorful, sexually ambiguous hangout. The gay-friendly Respectable Street Cafe, at the west end of Clematis Street, tanks among the best music clubs in the city, presenting an eclectic range of bands. 5101 is a low-keyed gay neighborhood bar, and Cupids Cabaret is a favorite place to ogle male strippers, with lap dances being a house specialty. It's the onlv bar in South Florida where the dan'cers take _everything_ off. If you want to be close to gay nightlife, stay in West Palm, which is home to the super-sleek Hotel Biba, a big hit with trendy types, thanks to its Aveda bath products, glass-tile mosaic floors in the bathrooms, angular mahogany furniture, and lavenderscented closets. The intimate property has just 43 rooms and brings a splash of Miami Beach's outrageousness to the city's downtown. The Hibiscus House - a 1922 mansion in one of West Palm Beach's most historic neighborhoods - is now a B&B run by gracious hosts Raleigh Hill and Colin Rayner. Each room has a name that bears out a particular look. The Green Room has French doors opening onto a balcony with verdant garden views; the Burgundy Suite is bathed in sumptuous reds. In the morning you're treated to a delicious two-course breakfast. The lavish, gay-owned Grandview Gardens B&B lies within walking distance of downtown West Palm Beach's many fine shops and restaurants. This dashing 1920s Spanish Mediterranean-style home contains five posh yet reasonably priced rooms, all with French doors opening onto secluded terraces that oYerlook the pool. Palm Beach is the domain of posh resort compounds, and no place captures the regal essence of this wealthy, blueblooded enclave more persuasively than the majestic, twin-turreted Breakers resort, which opened in 1896 and anchors 140 beautifully manicured acres of lawns, gardens, and palm trees. The Italian Renaissance building contains 560 ultraposh rooms, several excellent . restaurants (Sunday brunch in The Circle dining room is de rigueut), two outstanding 18-hole golf courses, a huge full-service spa and fitness center overlooking the ocean, and scads of other impressive amenities. Another popular choice, if money's not an issue, is the Four Seasons Ocean Grand, a contemporary 6-acre oceanfront compound a few miles south of the hubbub of Worth Avenue. Although supremely sumptuous, the sleek design and decor contribute to a fairly relaxed mood you'll feel right at hor~e walking through the lobby in casual threads. A refined and historic boutique hotel with a discreet gay :.md lesbian following, the 43- room Chesterfield Palm Beach feels a bit like a private European dub, with its museumquality furnishings, courtly restaurant, garden courtyard, and afternoon high-tea service. Rooms are cozy but comfy, with marble baths, downy bathrobes, and 1~\7, y,rith VCRs. It's steps frnn~ Worth An::nue shopping. '"'•····continued page-JJ Page 8 WAL-MART CHANGES FAMILY POLICY 'We hope that with equal responsibility come equal benefits,' said HRC's Daryl Herrschaft. WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign appiauded Wal-Mart Stores, the nation's largest private employer, for a new definition of family that includes same-sex partners recognized under state law. "We hope that with equal responsibilir-y come equal benefits," said HRC's Darvl Herrschaft, deputy director for HRC'~ workplace project. "We are encouraged by this sign showing America's heartland employer understands same-sex couples share the responsibilities that come with being a family. It's only appropriate for these families to also receive the same benefits as others." Wal-Mart's definition of "immediate family" was included in a conflict-ofinterest poiicv the companv filed yesterday with the Sec~riti~s and Exchange Commission. A portion of the policy follows: "You are responsible for advancing WalMart's business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. You ,,;ay not take any opportunities or use any con.fidet:tial information for your benefit, or for the benefit of your immediate family members, that you discoi:er or obtain through your employment with Wal-Mart. Immediate family members include !whether by birth, adoption, marriage or domestic partnership or civii union, if recognized lry your state or other local law) your spouse, children, parents, si · , mothers and fathers-in-law, sons daughters-in-law and brothers and sistersin- 1.aw. '' "\X' e will continue our work to encourage Wal-Mart and other companies to expand fair-minded poiicies to areas where same-sex couples are not recognized by law," added Herrschaft. "Without legal recognition of same-sex couples, employers' domestic partner programs are a critical way to ensure that every employee's family h~s equal access to healthcare, medical leave and other workplace-offered benefits. Companies that offer these benefits understand that the strength and stability of every employee's family life correlates with the quality of their work and the success of the business." Currently 228 - or 45 percent - of Fortune 500 companies offer health care benefits to employees' same-sex domestic partners or spouses. The number has increased tenfold since 1995, when onlv 21 Fortune 500 companies offered the , benefits. Wal-Mart competitors Costco Wholesale, Best Buy and Horne Depot all offer domestic partner health benefits. In July 2003, Wal-Mart expanded its nondiscrimination policy to include sexual orientation. Currently, nine of che 10 top companies in the Forrune 500 include sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination policies, and three of these companies also include pro_tection against discrimination based on gender identity in their policies. "Every gay, lesbian, bisexual and rransgender employee deserves to be judged by the job they do, not who they are," said Herrschaft. "We urge Wal-Mart and other companies to add protections for ttansgender employees so that no employees are at risk for losing their livelihood for reasons that have nothing to do with their work." The Human Rights Campaign is the largest nationai lesbian, gay, bisexual and irarngender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Page 9 Photo's by Chaz Up Close with Male Entertainer Joseph. Male entertainment, it's hot or it's not! This 24 year old is hot! Joseph loves the spot light and said " I enjoy the enthusiasm of the crowd and I have a great time doing it. The money is very good also". His athletic build and handsome face quickly gets your attention when he jolts onto the stage. The fans in Springfield are all to eager to voice there approval as he flexes every muscle in his 5' 11" frame and gives a very masculine performance. Joseph grew up on a farm, a foster home south of Atlanta, GA until he was 18 when he left and went to work in a logging camp. He moved to Springfield, MO four years ago where he works for a construction company pouring concrete. With a goal of attending college to study creative · · writing and music, he plays the acoustical tar and has performed as lead singer in a Springfield straight clubs. Joseph's main is to be successful in music. In his spare time ri exercise are his favorite hob voted him our 2005 Mister OZ",· Greg Hill. Currently performing on week ends at the OZ bar in Springfield, Joseph has become a popular main attraction and draws a huge crowd at the newly reorganized club. "Joe has .become such a hit we have Talented live entertainment here in i:he four states region has become the signature of many night dubs and bars. Exceptional performers are highly courted in an extremely competitive business. Singers, Comedians, Female Impersonators, Musicians, Musical Groups and Male Dancers WANTED! Club pat.tons love to dance to the music of a great DJ, but are also looking for an alternative in good live gay entertainment. Page 12 • • • y 4815 South Harvard Ave., Suite 424 Tulsa, OK 74135-3068 Phone: (918) 747-5466 Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcglobal.net accoun GLBTC 1982 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.co~, This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp. -Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka; Missouri 63025 Tel: (636),~38-5500 Fax:' (636) 938-3539 Page 15 "Chat Rooms, Bar Scenes, Ect." Well, here I am a single gay man and where oh where do I look for someone? The chat rooms are really getting more weird all the time. There are getting to be way to many "crazies" out there. One has to be VERY cautious when meeting anyone for the first time from a chat room conversation. It is always best to meet in a bar or in a public place like a shopping center or somewhere that is really safe. And of course it seems like three-fourths of the guys you meet in the chat rooms turns out to be married heteros who are just looking for a little extra action on the side. And that is NOT something that I am looking for in my life right now. Then there are the different descriptions of one's own assessment of themselves. Nothing wrong with being 40 or 50 or even 60 or 70 but be honest when giving your age. A 60 year old cannot possibly pass for a 25 year old. And we won't even go into the "aol size" difference between 6 inches and 9 inches. It seems that there is always somebody for everyone so why lie about who vou are? Just go with the flow and enjoy life. Just be very specific in the chat rooms on who you are and what vou are looking for. , The good old gay bars are st ill a s tap .l e for hoping to hook up with someone. · someone from out of town comes through and of course everyone hits on them quickly. I do like to get out on weekends and travel to cities usually within 100 miles of here and that can sometimes be fun. A new face in town always draws interest. I have even been known to hit a few straight bars in a Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn or some of the other major hotel chains. Amazingly I have found several other gay guys going there also. My older friends tells me that a few years ago that almost evervone went out for happy hour from 5 to 7 and that the bars were ii.ways packed at that time with people getting off of work. That sounds great! Just wish that it was like that today. . Now it seems that nobody goes out till at Je1ist 10 PM and sometimes even later. Since I have to be at work at 8 every morning that just doesn't work for me. I.have ii.ways had an aversion to Parks. They just really never did anything for me. It was just to public for me. I ha~e lots of friends who cruise the parks all the time but it just doesn't ;.ork for me. But with the proper "eye contact" I have found people at the car wash, supermarket, shopping mall and even at Walmart! It just takes a little more time to search sometimes. But I won't give up trying to find that "special" person in my life. I know that someday, somehow, somewhere he will come into my life and it will be perfect. But until then I will just continue to keep on the lookout for Mr. Right whether at a bar, on line, just looking in the BIG world or at gay meetings, groups or seminars or gatherings. I won't give up. But the only problem ----------------------7 the bars that I go to all the time have the same people in them night after night after night. I have either been with all of them or have by my own choice not wanted to be with them. Once in a great while fWlyff•I .. w.,,r s,-, Y.•lll§ s~--.r ... ,, .. .., COag COaooMS S. t..Aftght ffilllgs CBouHque 417 -6.59-991$ M••• I. W...'• - el....,_ & lheet 719 N• M.t'• & .._.,, U.,.rie Jeplilt, MO t,.tMI Nn Sins O,.. T---,- ffWi1J 1a-,pm 'S,:at 10-Spm Page 16 124 N. Boston - TulsaT OK - 918.584.9494 Thursday Nights - Rachael Erikks - MGA 2004 Sunday Nights - Catia Lee Love - MGA 2000 Thursday and Sunday - 18 to enter; 21 to drink Friday and Saturday Dance Party -21 to enter 9 p till 2 a - Thu-sday - Sunday nights "Night of Press Release Feb 19, 2005 R 2005" JOPLIN, MO A "Night of Stars 2005" for AIDS Project of the Ozarks. The e·.enr ·.viii be held on Sunday, April 3rd, 2nos. The annual fund-raiser will begin at 2 PI\f at Ree's Lounge iocated at 716 S. Mam. Parking and entrance is at the rear of the building off of Joplin Street. All monies raised during The Nignt of Stars 2005 wiil be donated to APO to assist HIV clients living in the southwest 1\fissouri 1\rea. The event activities will include an auction of donated items and services and a talent show featuring local performers. AIDS Project of rhe Ozarks provides care and services to 500+ clients in the Ozarks and the southwest Missouri area. Those living with the HIV virus. APO also provides prevention awareness and educational information to the community free of charge. i\11 contributions and donations are tax deductible. If vou should need a letter documenting our non-profit, taxexempt status please contact Lynn Meyerkord at 417-881-1900 and the information will be sent to you. We are asking for community support for this event. If you would like to make a donation or need more information, please contact Tim Baker at 417-206-4691 or email Tim_Baker39@yahoo.com. You may also contact Richard or Terry at Ree's Lounge at 4!7-627-9035. Page 17 Do you ever wonder what happened to that cute kid that lived in your neighborhood? ti~ gme up. &&f did he gro" He and his friends are appearing nightly at "Tulsa's best kept secref' nd p ub 424 South Memorial, Tulsa OK 918-836-2480 inimum - but NEVER a cover charge! . . w~~·~e~ppnt ai_i[!oeflatikpnces · ~oiJt1i~~4009 • 672~ N. Mi~marBlvd, Okla Ci.ty, OK 73111 Rodney Burgamy www.c21goldcastle.oom 5.840.2106 Joe . ~y relationshie with, pastors locally and in Eurdca :sp~ h!ij::b~en;_~eJfipk of meetibgs archiiia illlfderiominatfon I belong to. What Latn saying here is that I never dreamed i:bai: iii<rnv lifetii:ne opp6rtunitics w~tili ~if~£~ my . life that would make a difference for anyon~. Or that those OJ?P:Oftuaj~es w<;nil.1li1~t,;:. manifest themselves info the supp9rt, · encouragement, and care I have .,,: .. · experienced in the last 'fow;/ ni9,.pJhs _now. Here I am the pastor of a sm,alF Cfuistian church tb,at mini~ters pred · · antly to the gay, lcs_bian,, bisexual . . , Transgendered community arid yet YOU TOO'G:AN:. .· i .; > · almost every denotnination in town had · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· · •. · · , • · " me on their pray~r list. Everyone at , DIFEERENC~ .. · work would say; ."E .iJ>. going to 1n my'.lifcfu¥!;)I;hs,vc-1oyacl, supported; · be' 61(,,.:by thc"way,, }>i.i on:pur cnc6ufaged ati,d ;even ii.:ritated my sliare ~hurch~s prayer, list:'; ... , .. c:ibout the of peoples but: always. mowing. that the overwhelming conccB_t' id~o!ved in that. day w.o.uld,;'c:oine ~henJ :wo'l]ld "londc~ Openly out bt1;f calmiy BJtli;in,bqw I ' what if? In ;..the past fourteen months I stand on: issues' and ~1Ldiis support. .· In ' have hl!d four \gj~es;:,. My ' ' : :odwnciili,,ofriff.etno.d,;ns:Y an_··f·. 9dn1i)Y:' "Jii~.•afr.dosunhd1·th. c ncutostttgcoμjB.is:tpli!l:isJ;w,i~cthit I w'il.S/ ' .. . . . . ' ' his, 5;Wltb:¥l df:Jl¥~, 1: ' · f;~r-s'tate atca we Fr6miny have I cfili, make a difference. . dli;i;li~,~til tri.y rctu;n io\vqik;I was I hav~ found thit l can atid if fcan; so ritver' left alone wit:h some pcdplc even can YOU! · You sec this past year I was cciniing to .our honic · because. μi,cy. knew diagnosed with cancer of the lymph my pa;mcr was sleeping dwjpg the· day nodes in my neck. For two months after (he works graveyard shift). Eipills, cards i:he biopsy I had a dressing on my neck. and phone c.alls were ·so ov . .. . .. ng at It's a little difficult to hide a dressing that times that I lit~rally sat and . s is just' under your jaw bone. Even with a running down my fac<:. 'Th;en came the short fat neck a turtle neck shirt . good news that there wouid not have to wouldn't cover it. There were the usual, be any chemotherapy _or radiation "did you cut yourself shaving" or "is the treatments. Simply cvei:y six-~onth hickey that big" comments .but then chcck:-ups for the patfcv y~ars to make there were t:hf words of c~couragcmcnt, s11te the 'ca~cer·hasri'f'r~nirifc.4- the "I'll remember you in prayer" ar1d Yes, I havci truly b~en bl~;;cd and. even the, "I have you on our churches God has seen: nic · flirough blessing me prayer list.'' I suddenly realized that I with family, friends and people in my life have made a difference in my life with that care. I have to, publicly say Thank family, friends; at work and church,, you! I do that b,· c~ii:g you to act and There have b·een difficult decisions made tb do it now. ·. · if I can make a that have 'not always.been populQ,.r, a- . differeni:_e SQ. public stand in out 'Iocal ncwseapcr It is'.,fo that we do not let outing not just myself but our church, a the last ~iettipn/oteak our spitjt or very public .stand supporting p'ublic dampen our'ieso&e. We ml).§t act always debate on any issue but to do so without to do what is right even when it may not hate and personal attacks. and articles in be popular: Io doing so· you will find this "community magazine'; have been that you ·can make a difference and used in England, Scotland and Germany. people will respect that. ; .. cont. next page l 1 Page 19 Steve Urie from pg 18 Our country is on a slippery downhill slide to put us back in the closet and I for one shall not be going back in there. We must keep track of what our federal, state and local government is doing. We must let them know how we feel about it. I attended a county commission meeting in Escambia County, Florida where one county commissioner stated, "I am voting for this because the only phone call I received was for it." Just think one phone call! I attended a Missouri Senate session where a senator recited a letter from just one constituent and introduced a bill on the Senate floor. Just think one letter! You could be that one phone call, that one letter or that one e-mail that makes a difference for all of us. If I can do it ... so can YOU! W c need to oppose an amendment to the constitution simple because it is being used to generate hate and fear. The sample letter below may be copied and used in snail mail or email. I encourage you to make the difference. Be that one call, that one letter, that one e-mail because it is the right thing to do. "This amendment is unnecessary, discriminatory and would amend the Constitution for the first time to restrict the rights of a group of Americans. Despite being soundly defeated last year, I understand that this amendment may be introduced in the House again soon. I wanted to make sure you ~_ew that and freedoms, not to take them away . Further, this amendment would do real harm to same-sex couples and their children, who already do not enjoy the vast majority of benefits and protections that married couples enjoy. Please do not co-sponsor the amendment. Please urge your colleagues in the House of Representatives to focus on other issues that are priorities. I look forward to receiving your response." Until next month, stay out of the closet! FREE HIVTESTING, NO NEEDLES! SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC SPONSORS 2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711 Joplin, Mo 64803 In conjunction with AIDS Project of the Ozarks, MCC Joplin ,offers free HIV testing the last Sunday of each month between SPM,and 6PM .. For your convenience y~u can also call 206-6179 fi an appointment. We use the Ora-sure method which does not require the use of needles and we offer complete confidentiality: You may also request Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith through the PO Box listed above. Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin "SerfJing A Healthier Community" iversi Events F•b 18;. 19 V AL~NTINE' S this amendfuent do~s nothiiig to "protect" marriage. Instead, it singles out a group of people for discrimination in the United States Constitution. The Constitution has alwavs been used to guar;ntee rights Aprll 1~ 2 SPRINGI r ,,. _.,, Diversity Weekend We Do It Different! som aANca 01t FRI uAn for GLBT!st PFLAGs 'COUNTRY WESTERN' S rt I In Eureka P n~s. A""""' auas "AC aOo.aNoT EGuMy ,P OGaRl cAonRt,Yat'l FALL & SPRING Diversiiy Weekends, VALENTINE'S Cooa.ts and olher Evenls Dlv•n,lty BEARS I • CONTEST & BBQ LUNCH www.DiversityPride.com Page 22 Quotable Quotes "Being open about our lives is the most important and powerful form of activism at our disposal. Lecturing our friends and family about gay marriage isn't nearly so important as letting them see that our relationships are as important and integral to us as theirs are to them. If we do not treat our relationships as equal, how can we ever expect others ro do the same? 'Coming out' isn't a one-step conversation; it's a lifelong commitment. And it isn't just about activism and civil rights. It's about living your life with integrity and honesty and, to use an overused word, it's about pride." - Washington Blade Executive Editor Chris Crain in a Jan. 7 editorial. - The Pink The Pink Triangle was used by the Nazis to signify homosexuals. Although, homosexuals were only one of the groups targeted for extermination, it is unfortunately, the group that history often excludes. The Pink Triangle defies anyone to deny history. In 1935 Hitler revised the German Law, Paragraph 175, prohibiting homosexuality, by including kissing, embracing, and gay fantasies as well as sexual acts. Convicted .offenders- an estimated 25,000 from 1937 to 1939, were sent to priso!l and later transferred to concentration camps. They were to be sterilized, most often by castration. Hitler changed his policy on homosexuality to include death in 1942. A yellow Star of David under a superimposed Pink Triangle represented Gay Jewish prisoners- by the social hierarchy, the lowest of all prisoners. Page 23 I Dee "Ph eIp s" .......I.ll . Just last month I wrote about a New Year and a New Beginning. Little did I realize what a new year and new beginning' I was getting myself into. My favorite aunt and uncle recently moved to Topeka, Kansas and I thought that I would visit them for the weekend. They have known that I was born gay and totally accept who I am as does the rest of my family. We had a great visit and then decided to go out for lunch at one of the local restaurants which was located in the· Gage Shopping Center on the comer of Gage Street and Huntoon Street. To our amazement and shock we found a group of children not over 14 years of age right on the sidewalk with huge signs saying" GOD HATES FAGS" and other derogatory comments. We couldn't believe it! What kind of a world is this? Upon entering the restaurant my aunt asked the manager what was going on. He very nice explained that it was the "Phelps" group who protests regularly on that corner as their church is just a couple of blocks away. I had heard about Fred Phelps for several years and how he pickets funerals of gay men who die from AIDS and that he pickers the University of Kansas whenever they have a gay-themed concert or theatrical production. I even read where he goes to different cities to prorest against gays. There was a web site on one of the signs that I quickly wrote down. www.godhatesfags.com. If you have never logged onto that website I suggest that you do. It is an intelligent person who knows who their enecnies are and trust me, FRED PHELPS is our enemy. He has a church in Topeka with a very small congregation mainiy consisting of his own family. Several of his own children won't have anything to do with him. He used to be an at:orney but was disbarred in the Smte of Kansas. On his website it tells where he is going to be picketing in the weeks to come. He even hates the country of Sweden and has signs saying "God Hates Sweden" just because the peopk of Sweden are intelligent enough to extend all of the marital status to homosexuals as well as neterosexuals. Can you just imagine if he had these little children carrying signs and posters that read, "God Hates Blacks" or "God Hates Jews" or God Hates whatever"? But hating gays seems to be alright. The people of Topeka and Kansas has had to endure this man long enough everyday and everyday. But when he and his group embarrasses me and my family then enough is enough. He is performing hate crimes in tbe name of his church and it is just not right. Even thou I don't live in Kansas I am writing letters to the Mayor of Topeka, the Gm-ernor of Kansas and to several State Senators in Kansas. What right does this madman have to spew hate towards us? Again, if he hated blacks or Jews there would be a massive public uproar about the whole · thing. And where are the religious people in Topeka who tolerate this kind of behavior? Do they not care what is going on in their city? Topeka, Kansas has become the laughing stock all over the United States. Why aren't there more gay publications writing about this man and informing everyone about him? Apparently he has taken his crusade to different parts of the C nited States however he feels more comfortable · within the confines of Kansas. Everyone has a right not to like someone else but this is a plain and simple HATE CRIME! There should be laws against this type of activity. No American should have to put up with this kind of discrimination. NO ONE! What right does this man have to promote Hatred in America and to bring small children into his church? All of this of course is done in the name of religion so it is alright in their eyes. Hopefully the rest of my year wii! be a little calmer and tamer than this last month. So, things are still changing for ine this year. I am going to be much happier and if I have to bitch a little more to get good service and what I cieserve then I will. It is just that simple. Page24 heeii.wnttog. .. e gaJC~nd lesbi~ pr'esffor ni,ore than 20 years. Sh_e seryed for _tliree, y;ears as 1;11~ co-chai(of ftie)<;>#;d of_ . . -~{Ji11Is·.~:I-J;xb~;:f, fits '·> .,.,,._.J,. '"" ... ·, .. Transge1:1<ier CcimmunitJT Center, where shC f ouri.ded a gro~dbr~3;'$ng_ .read1~g .~cries ci'l l,.e. ~a-· "In' ,,.,_O-,!,;u< r. .'" O,~ w" n'' W' ' ri't e.". Lesbian Notions . by Paula Martinac MARCH 2005 Crying Shame In a recent development in the J;:{IV / AIDS , epidemic, two independent research teams recommended that all Americans - not just those .who've been deemed "high risk,'.' -~e gay 'm·en and iv drug users - be tested.for the virus. Clearly, this is good news. The · : · ·,recommendations are meant to finally make RN t~sfi#g ~s .routirie and devoid ofstigma as a Pap tesc, mammogram, or bldod-pressure screening. · .· . . . . But could a change implemented, in the third decade of th~. pandemic really be effe<;t±'{e, given the sname still attached to HIV/ AIDS and to homosexuality? Unless a public-health . policy shift goes hand in.hand with realitybased sex education, I think it would stand ! little chance of making a ·difference oveitime. Part of the problem stems from the. fact .that HIV is still being tied to identity rather·: than behavior," ~though tl:fe connection is more subtle than in the past. For .example, all the new.ii repp.i;ts. abolit .th.e 11,~ ~eqical studies. cite=~ people in "mpn . · he · · · · • · pf' _as · .the lowest-risk groups for HIV, who t opt outof; the. . . .. er o ... . just have it once. . . · ' . At about. the same tip:ie, . anotl:ier. reporc also hit the· news - that a. new ~-:_ resistannhain 'bf HN has appeareo in New· York City in a gay man wh~ ttsed· crystal meth i!.tid,;acc<>r,d!rjg 't9 -ti;r~' _:New Y'cfrk Times...:, hs,.d f'unpro:eF:ecI sex of partners:" Tfils lrearkeos •lSaclHo the early· 1980s, re-establishing the . between.,HJV· and;homosexuality,atid conjuring. up. memories .of that original %ad" gay map; P!ltient Zeiq,. who was.blamed_ for_bringingi11IV_to the United §tates. .· IT'he,dang~r in contimμngro,talk,i1bqutns~ categon;,s.1~•.thatmanypeq~le:who don't use drugs or have sex. with "hunq.i;eds or partners will erroneously :vtew HIV as of no concern to them .. Consider thai:' heterosexual women 'of color actually , acco~ted for 85 percent of new AIDS infections in 2003. Sex with HIV-pos!tive men is the primary means by which straight women bec~nie ~fected, and many.of· these women firinly oelieve. they're in monogamous rej.attonships. . . As one AIDS researcher told JIN Plus_ magazine, "There is a_whole set.of women who .dori't have a clue that their male· partners .have outside rell!:ti9n.sl;rips." And there are other wome_n who may indeed be in monogamous hetemsepial relationships - but with men who. previously had unsafe. sex with other ~co:" The contiouiqg stigma -;\ttacheg. .• to homosexuality and bisexuality isJ~ely to blame for thi.s explqsion of HIV ampng those who mistakenly thoughqlj.9' -were safe fro~ the disease. Many men "on the down iow" put their unknowing female partners at risk b~cause admitting they like to have sex with men would be viewed.as disgraceful, unmanly~ Br even sinful. . . Comvounding tlie problem is our public education system, which, like much public-health policy; evades the complexities of human sexuality and_ psychology. . While it reduces money for AIDS programs, the federal government increases funding for "abstinence-only" sex education, despite a lac_k of .evidence that these programs work. Indeed, a. report from U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) showed s?me abstinence-only programs providing false infonnatioo that put kids at risk tor pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.. . . . . . continued next page · Page 25 Lesbian Notions . ... And a recent study in the president's home state found that abstinence-only education had not prevented students there from becoming progressively more sexually active. The result is a classic catch-22. The best way to erode the stigma of HIV would be to start in the schools with accurate sex education aimed at helping all kids acquire knowledge about behavior that would keep them safe. But schools have their hands tied by a federal government committed to the idea that promoting one kind of identity - being heterosexual and married - is the panacea for all of society's problems. Sadly, that approach is based on the reality of only a small number of people. In fact, kids are human, and most humans - even the deeply religious - want to have sex, especially when their hormones are raging. And as Shelby Knox, a young Christian sex-education activist whose story will be told on an episode on PBS's POV series this June, puts it, ''.ff [ki<l:s] are going to have sex, they need t6 lrnow the consequences. And they need to know how to protect themselves.'' One step we can all take is to lobby our representatives in Washington to pass the Responsible Education About Life Act (REAL), which would create a grant program for states to offer broader sex education programs that include information about contraceptives and safer sex. Such a bill faces an uphill struggle in the current climate of fear and repression. But without an attempt to address this serious education shortfall, HIV, one of our greatest public-health challenges, will continue to spread as "someone else's disease.'' Gay Buying rP at $610 Billion in 2005 Latest Apalysis by WiteckCombs Communications and Packaged Facts Washington, D.C. February 1, 2005 - The total buying power of the U.S. gay, lesbian and bisexual (GIB) adult population in 2005 is projected to be $610 billion, according to the latest analysis by Witeck-Combs Communications and Packaged Facts (a division of MarketResearch.com). The estimate was originally derived in a joint study by both organizations entitled, "The U.S. Gay and Lesbian Market." In 2004, the gay buying power projection was estimated at $580 billion. In releasing the latest projection, Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications said, "Validating buying power is a reliable business tool for companies and policy decision-makers. It provides the most compelling snapshot of the economic activity of America's diverse gay, lesbian and bisexual population.'' Since 1993, Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. has provided expert counsel to Fortune 500 companies in designing marketing communications strategies for the gay consumer market. Quotable Quotes "Actress Portia De Rossi is having the tattoo of her ex-girlfriend's initials · removed from her ring finger now that she's seeing comedienne Ellen DeGeneres." - United Press International, Dec. 28. Ask Uncle Mikey Advice Column! MARCH 2005 Uncle Mikey bringing you the latest in all things queer. Oh kittens, allow uncle a moment to share about an experience that Uncle had this week. I ,was sitting by the fire minding my very own biz, .when I felt my scope go to full alert. I did a quick ninety degree when our eyes met, uncle felt a serge. It seemed the delivery guy was there bringing Uncle a package. He even brought me some stuff I had bought. It was like a full service happy train. After I accepted delivery, Uncle attempted to be gracious. Kittens-word of advice, do not feed the trick-please. They will never leave ,_ ___________ _, if you do. Well, as they say, it was an easy kill. Dear Uncle, My roommate and I have been Jiving together now for a year and a half. Things have really been nice, as we have built a friendship, and become really close. I now find myself looking for more than just a roommate, as he drives me crazy, in a good way. I am afraid though if we play arouna it could ruin the current situation, which is worktng out so nicely. I watch him walking around the apartment naked, and I have to take cold showers to control my urges. He is beautiful, funny, rod kind. Should I tell him about tny feelings for him? I am seriously nervous, as I do not wrot to lose such a wonderful roommate. It is not easy finding a good one. What should I do? Confused in the other room Dear Confused: Kitten first; uncle would have you define feelings here. As it were, I heard .attraction and not really feelings. If sex is what we are talking about, I would think twice before jumping those bones on the way for the midnight snack. Sex could make things weird. Imagine living with a trick you hne had. Waking up and seeing that face which, you no longer find remotely attractive. This is potentially harmful . for your relationship with a roommate. On the other hand, if you have truly built this mutually rewarding friendship, and there are mutual feelings of admiration, you could be on the threshold of a love affair. It is the best place to start a relationship and that is as friends. However, know the risk you take. As if it does not work out, there is going to be carnage here. So, weigh out your feelings and or attraction carefully while making the best decision for you both. Smooches uncle These is nothing sweeter than forbidden fruit kittens, however there is always the price in the end. Know this price, and think with your head not your member. We all know that will save a lot of troublesome aftershock. Dear Uncle: There is a man that has been following me around. That is what it.feeis like as I am constantly seeing him around. He has not spoken to me, or anything, but every time I turn around there he is. I am thinking he is shy, and wondering if I should make the first move? Mv best friend told me he is a stalker, and that I should not let him near me. I work in' a public place in retail, and he always seems to be near watching me. Stalker guy Well, kitten there is a iine that comes to mind here. It puts the lotion on its skin, or it gets the hose again. Have you read the papers recently? One must be careful in this day and :age. While, Page27 your stalker might have some bragging quality for afterwards, there might not be an afterwards. I would heed your friends advice and keep your distance. To avoid ending up on the milk carton kitten. If this mro is worthy of your interest he will find a way to make an introduction. If not he is most likely not someone you want to have a random hook up with. Kittens-Uncle cannot express this point enough. With all of the weirdoes out there, you must be careful. Forgive uncle here, for a trailer moment; however, there is ho booty call worth risking your life. There are too many outlets for safe encounters and hooking up. Smooches uncle Kittens, sometimes in life, we encounter problems, which stem from soc.ial surroundings in our life. Children raised to believe sexuality is a bad thing, will eventually face these troublesome affairs, when faced with their own adult sexuality. There is no shame in seeking help for yourself. Anyone that tells you otherwise, most likely has some social disorder them selves, like a ass-a-si-diss. It is important to utilize the help available to us ill through good mental health providers. Search out one before going. There are numerous providers, which are gay friendly, advertised in most gay publications. Going to the wrong mental health provider could only add to the issues you already face. Here is wishing you and your willy good health. Kittens, I guess that about wraps it up for this month. Uncle enjoys his time with his kittens. Remember this as you go at another week of that wonderful roller coaster we call queer life. Behind every good man, is another good man! Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too. Unck J6leey is a ch.rllCIC' from Frttl4na writer Micfud Hinnrun. MuJ,,,d h,,.s 1-i vmtingfor ten ye,irs. Utilizing his st#dies, and life expmt:nce to hdp others in his comm,mity, tbroMgh h,mior and s<n1nd adflia. Mkh,,d 4J1P&iJ his stwdy of pryd,o/,,gy and autiflt! writing, AS wdl his extensive b.tc/egroMnd in menu[ he4/th Dim:: c,ir,: to bring" m!fll style and approach to hdping others. Michad's other works om be~ at -.KJtJlinlwmtent.com. "REMEMBER TO LOVE" fundraiser hosted by . Bamboo Lounge. ry WI.SA, OK"' Guest host Kris Kohl (top photo) ~th scrumptious Ebony Hall and delicious Mike Busby gave a roaring performance at the Bamboo Lounge on Sat. February 19th to a standing room only crowd. All proceeds from the show went to Tulsa CARES, a ated to fit raised $240 for Tulsa Cares medical assistance program. Congratulations to the show cast and Bamboo owners Terry and Stan for a worthy job well done. Page 28 Deep Inside Hollywood by:Romeo San Vicente MARCH 2.0.05 1 . . the Prairie Romeo thinks th:~ oest tiioment to make the film version of sorr1'gili(ng is when the adapted intellectual pioperty in question is long past its initial'burst of popularity. It's just less foi:ce& and marketing-team-driven that way. Robert Altman must agree, '.qecause finally, years after its 1980s moment in the pop-culture sun, Garrison Keillor's still-running public radio program, _A Prairie Home Companion_, is making its way to the big screen. And rather than visit the townspeople of Keillor's Lake Wo~~gon, the film is a fictionalized behind~tlie.:: scenes look at the production of Fiil show. Lily Tomlin and Meryl Streep. (word is, they play a · of singing sisters) will star alon singer/actors Tom Waits and Lyle Lovett, and _SNL_'s Maya Rudolph, not to mention crooning host Keillor Himself. The . show's gentle humor sh6uld hit screens sometime in 2006, which is no wait at all for patient Midwesterners. Wham! It's a George Michael Movie The pop star that no one bothered to notice was gay even after that "Wake Mc Up Before You Go-Go" video - is now the subject of a no-holds-barred documentary. The film is called _George Michael: A Different Story_, and it stars the iconic '80s heartthrob as tour guide to bis own career. Already seen on British television, the movie recently hit the big screen at the Berlin Film Festival and should be making the festival rounds in the States soon enough. In the film, !'l,fichael visits childhood haunts, talks for the first time about his &mily, and touch.es on painful recent memories as well (his partner was gravely ill with AIDS while Jl..fichael performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert). The testimonial line-up includes Sir Elton John, Boy George, Mariah Carey, and Simon Cowell. And Wbam!-obsessives will be thrilled .to know that Michael is reunited oncamera with former singing p~tner Andrew Ridgely fur the first time in nearly 20 years. Izzard Tries on New Outfits It's getting so you barely see the man in drag anymore. Not that cross-dressing comedian Eddie Izzard's complaining. It's just that bis mainstream acting career, t.J.ie one that more often than not puts bim in guy clothes, is taldng off like never before. The hilarious Brit has just been tapped to star in an as-yetuntitled pilot for cable channel FX, in which he'll play an Irish con man who relocates to the American South. If it goes to series, he'll have to find a way to fit in his other planned roles, like in _Macbeth_ on Broadway. Meanwhile, £ms can see him soon.in John Turturro's upcoming musical, ...,Romance & Cigarettes_, which co-stars James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslct, Mandy Moore, Mary-Louise Parker, Elaine Stritch, Bobby Cannavale, and Amy Sedaris. Looks like those Manolos will just have to cool their heels for a while. Latifah's Career Is _Stranger Than Fiction_Is Queen Latifah on the same path to Oscar as Halle Berry? The former rapper and lesbian &vc has Marc Forster, the director of critically acclaimed films like _Finding Nevcrland_ and _Monster's Ball_, in her comer these days, so anything's possible. Latifah has signed on to co-star in Forster's latest film, _Stranger Than Fiction_, alongside Will Ferrell, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Emma Thompson. It's the story of an IRS auditor who begins hearing the narration of his life - a running commentary audible only to him, and one that begins to affect everythjng he does. No word on Latifah's role in the film, but if _Finding Ncverbnd_ takes home its share of Academy Awards, then expect the buzz around her and the film to grow iouder as the year goes on. Page 29 · Heart to Heart Born for Love By Josh Aterovis once wrote, "All men and ·women are born ' live suffer and die; what distinguishes us on~· from another is our dreams, whether they be dreams about. worldly or unworldly thlngs, and what we do to make them come about .. We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents. We do not choose ~ur historical epoch, the country of our birth, or the immediate circumstanc.es of our upbringing. We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within this realm of choice!essncss, we do choose how we live." He's right, of course. Life is all about choices. Every day we make myriad choices, from the mundane (What will I cat for breakfast?), to the ~omentous (Should I come out?). In 1970, Epstein caused a firestorm of controversy when he wrote a cover story for Harper's magazine titled: "Homo/Hetero: The Struggle For Sexual Identity." In the article, Epstein wrote: "If I had the oower to do so, I wouid wish homoscruality ~ff the &cc of this earth.'' He went on to sav, "I do think homosexuality an anathema, a~d hence homosexuals cursed, and thus the importance, for me if for no one else, of my defining a homosexual as someone who has physical relations, for it leaves room for my admiration for the man who is pulled toward homosexuality and resists, at what psychic price I cannot hope even to begin to imagine.'.' In other words, if you "give in" to the pull of homosexuality, you are cursed, but if you resist that choice then vou're okay. Despite the fact that Epstein is a proud , Jewish man, this is a common belief held by many in the Religious Right. They believe that honiosi;xuality is a choice. This bdief is at the core of the debate over gay rights. Should gays be allowed to marry? Should gays be protected from discrimination? Is being gay a sin? It all boils do · · · · ··· que~tion: is being gay a choice? . . .. . . rive answer to this, but a growing body of scientific evidence may be pointing to a genetic or, at the very least, biological basis for sexual orientation. According j:o)he American Psychological Associarion3s wc:bsit~,' "There arc numerous theories about the· origins of a person's sexual orientation; most s9,entists today agree that sexual orientation kll).ost-likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental cognitive and biologfral ~ctors. In mos: people, !exual orico.tatioq;j~ ~haped at an early age. There is also · · · able recent evide?ce t~ suggest tha . . including g.en:ttc or mborn horm :, ... factors, play a sigruficant role in a person's sexuality. In summary, it is important'.'to recognize that there are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation;and the reasons may be different for different people." As reported in New_~cicntist, a srudy from Oregon Health and Sdence Univcrsitv in 2002 found that the. br~s of gay sheep · (and apparently as mmy. as dne in ten sheep express exclusively gay sicfμal preferences) showed small but distinct _differences in a part of the brain called the J:ij,p'qthalamus when compared with rams that[tiieferred to mate with ewes. The diffcrenc"~(~ii.s in a particular region of the hypothalamus . the preoptic nucleus. The region is generally almost twice as laigc in Illms as in ewes, but in gay rams its size was almost identical to that in ' "straight" females. · · These fin4!nga matched those of the neuroscientist Simori li.eV:ay .in his studies of the brains of gay men: His work has alwavs been considered controversial, partly bec;use the brains he studied were mostly from men who had died of AIDS. So it was, not clear whether the differences were reh.ted to the disease or to sexual orientation. The results of the sheep srudy would indicate that the differences in fact were reiated to orientation. In a separate study released in 2004, a group of Itltlian geneticists led bv Ancirea Camperio-Ciani of tne Universig· of Padua ........................... continued pg-32 Page 30 Dally l.uncJ,t:and Olhner ~ Open J Jam dally Happy hour 3-6 & 9-close $ 1. 75-160% $2.25-230% Bud U/Mlch·l.llla Dtaws HolklO)'I and Special &vent, Excluded. Monthly Move In~.. ,.,.-:': .. ,,' Page 31 71 6 S MAIN STREE:T, JCPL.IN, MISSOURI (41 7) 627•903S JCPLtN's A~T.ERNATIVE NIGHTCLUB ------' Be Seen with the s Advertise with us! (918) 835-7887 (417) 437-2275 ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net www.OzarksStar.com Page 32 Editors Rant cont. from pg 4 .. A Missouri Discrimination Bill House Bill 328, introduced by Rep. Baker proposes to eliminate state funds to any entity-public or private-that has a nondiscrimination policy that exceeds federal protections against discrimination. While this bill was introduced in direct response to the University of Missouri, which last year added "sexual orientation" to the list of groups protected under their nondiscrimination policy, it will have drastic effects on businesses, organizations, and charities all over the state. There are hundreds of public and private entities in Missouri which rely on state funds for financial suppon. Last month, Pulaski County, Arkansas Circuit Judge Tim Fox struck down a 1999 regulation by the state's Child Welfare Agency Review Board that said homosexuals could not be foster parents. Fox said the board had exceeded its mandate to protect the health, safety or welfare of foster children, and he issued an order barring· enforcement of the rule. Meanwhile, state legislators are considering a bill. that would prohibit homosexuals from. ~ecomirig adoptive or foster parents. Rep~ Bob Adams, D-Sheridan, and Sen. Jim Holt, RSpringdale, filed House Bill 1119. The bill would order the Human Services Department or any agency involved in adoption and foster <1Ce not to place a child with homosexual parents or in a home that has a homosexual adult. The bill also says that Arkansas public polity should preserve public morality with respect to childreh in the foster care system: · "'Lesbianism is so ra t in some of the schools in southeast ma that they'll only let one girl go the bathroom ..... How is it that- that's happened to us?" Sen. Tom Coburn, (R-OK} Assoc. Press, October 11, 2004 This is only a sampling of what we are up against here in America. Yes, it's time write to your Senators, get out the protest signs and go back to work. Holiday party time is over a we must dig out the combat boots (or Joan Crawford pumps if your prefer), prepare to fight a difficult battle to defeat discriminatory laws that do and will govern us. C.D. Ward/Editor in Chief Heart to Heart from pg-29 may have provided the answer to one of the greatest paradoxes of homosexuality: the Darwinian dead-end. How can homosexuality be genetic when gay men don't have children? The researchers' findings suggest that the same genetic fuctors-as yet unidentified-linked to homosexuality in men may also be linked to increased fertility in women. "This is a novel finding," Dr. Le Vay said. "We think of it as genes for 'male homosexuality', but it might really be genes for sexual attraction to men. These could predispose men towards homosexuality and women towards 'hyper-heterosexuality', causing women to have more sex with men and thus have more offspring." Twin studies have also revealed some strong evidence for a biological basis.]. Michael Bailey and Richard Pillard studied the gayness between monozygotic (or identical) twins, dizygotic ( or fraternal) twins, and non-related adopted brothers. They found that 52% of identical twins were both self-identified homosexuals, 22% of fraternal twins were gay, and only 5% of nonrelated adopted brothers were so. Bailey and Pillard repeated the study with the samf results· and later cxp~ririients found· similar evidence in Jcm,ales .. These studies seem to conclusively demonstrate that there is at least some genetic component that leads to the development of homosexuality. However, it is important to note that none of these studies suggests that there is a single "gay gene." In fact, they all seem to indicate a more. likely scenario of numerous genetic and environmental influences. It's also important to realize that none of these studies can be considered conclusive. Much more research needs to be done, but science seems to be pointing towards biological factors in detcrmuiing our sexuality. Is being gay a choice? Only in the sense that, while we inay not make the choice to be atttllctcd to the same sex, we do make choices about whether we act on those attractions or not. We choose whc.ther we wili live our lives honestly or in the closet. We choose whether to iove as our.hearts desire or to deny an integral part of who we are. Arc we born gay? Maybe a better question would be arc WC born to love? Benjamin Disraeli once said, "We arc all born for love. It is the principle of existence, and its only end." If we don't have a choice in who we love, is it really a choice at all? Page 33 If you're looking for a real treat, however, consider staying 20 miles south in the up-and-coming oceanfront village of Delray Beach, at the spectacular and very gay-friendly Sundy House Inn. This historic compound is worth a visit just for dinner at the stellar De la Tierra Restaurant, where you might sample such globally inspired treats as baked stuffed baby conch with plantain salad, and ancho-cinnamon pork tenderloin with sweet corn, Manchego cheese, onion chutney, and baby com. This 1902 inn, surrounded by magnificent botanical gardens, offers plenty of leg room, including several one- and two-bedroom apartments with laundry facilities and fully stocked kitchens. For the ultimate in pampering, opt for the fabulous Honeymoon Cottage, which is outfitted with a Jacuzzi tub, fireplace, flat-screen plasma TV, DVD player, and VCR. Far removed from Palm Beach's stuffy confines, the Sundy House Inn nevertheless ranks among the area's most sumptuous hideaways. _Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and nine additional travel guides. The Little Black Book Bice Ristorante (313 1/2 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, 561-835-1600). The Breakers (1 South County Rd., Palm Beach, 561-655-6611 or 888-273-2537, www.thebrcakers.com). Chesterfield Palm Beach (363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, 561-659-5800 or 800-243-7871, www.chestcrficldpb.com). Chuck and Harold's (207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, 561-659-1440). CityPlace (700 S. Rosemary Ave., 561-366-1000, www.cityplacc.com). Cabana (118 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-833-4773). Cupids Cabaret (4430 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-642-5299). 5101 (5101 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 561-585-2379). Flagler Museum Gust ofi Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, 561-655-2833). Four Seasons Ocean Grand (2800 S. Ocean Blvd., 561-582- 2800 or 800-819-5053, w-ww.fourseasons.com). Grandview Gardens B&B (1608 W. Lake Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-833-9023, www.gcandview-gardens.net). Hamburger Heaven (314 S. County Rd., Pa!m Beach, 561-655-5277). H.G. Roosters (823 Belvedere Rd., \YI est Palm Beach, 561-832-9119). Hibiscus House (501 30th St., West Palm Beach, 561-863-5633 or 800-203-4927, www.hibiscushouse.com). Hotel Biba (320 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach, 561-832-0094, www.hotelbiba.com). Kashmir (1651 S. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, 561- 649-5557). Norton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Way, Palm Beach, 561-832- 5196). Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau (561-233-3000, www.palmbeachfl.com). Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-832-7469). Respectable Street Cafe (518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, 561-832-9999). Reson Lounge (CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-805-9600). Rhythm (3800 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 561-833-3406). Sundy House Inn (106 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, FL, 561-272-5678, www.sundyhouse.com). Spring Events in Eureka Springs, Arkansas Based in the heart of the Ozarks, Diversity Pride Events invites you to visit our little town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for Fall & Spring Diversity Weekends, romantic Getaways, special Concerts & other Pride Events. Diversitv Pride Events is committed to producing - quality events for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender (GLBTs) and Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAGs), of ALL ages! Our events are for GLBTs and their Straight friends & family to enjoy together! COMMUNITY MEAL $4.CC DONATION MCC JCPLIN 29 □ 2 E. 20TH ST. JOPLIN, MISSOURI EVERY WED. 6 PM Page 34 Seo es by Jack Fertig :MARCH 2005 "Enjoy magic, Sagittarius!" Sun conjunct Uranus brings wild surprises and inspirations to light. This line-up in Pisces will make those surprises especially mystical, artistic, and otherworldly. ARIES (March 21 to April 20): Let one of your more spiritual friends take you to church, synagogue, mosque, Wiccan circle, seance, or whatever. It won't lead you to any conversion, but vou will gain new perspectives so that you can reconsider your ideals. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): What does "success" really mean to you? Think about it long and hard, and the answer may surprise you. A shock from your boss is likely to be a blessing in disguise. Be ready for new opportunities in unexpected directions. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Your mouth is likely to get you into trouble, but you're used to that. Try keeping your ears and mind open, instead of your mouth, and what you stand to learn can start you thinking in radically new ways. CANCER Qune 22 to July 22): This is a great time to explore new erotic adventures, and all kinds of barriers can falL Doubie-check your safety precautions - from standard prophylaxis to safe words. Don't be shy; just be careful! LEO (july 23 to August 22): Recent weirdness in your relationship - or about nor having one - is coming to a head. It's time to get clear about what's going on. Even if things get briefly ugly, they'wili improve in the long run. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): See a doctor, acupuncturist, or other health practitioner right now. There's probably nothing seriousiy wrong, but any lingering - or normally invisible problems are now easiest to identify and soive. LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): Take in the strangest show you can find. Open your mind to consider the most preposterous artistic notions you can expose yourself to, and find your own creative abilities stimulated in directions that will amaze you. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): If your home life was ever normal, it won't be now. Plumbing, foundations, and parents can offer very rude surprises, but they're easier to deal with now than later. Community involvement offers unusual rewards. SAGITIARIUS (November 22 to December 20): Your mouth is further ahead of your brain than usual, and your brain seems to be meandering along some very odd paths. Enjoy whimsy, magic, music, and art; leave any mathematical or logical efforts for later. CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): You like your accounts in perfect order, but they rarely work out so well. Any glitches and surprises become clearer now, probably with happy outcome. Rethinking your priorities can also turn up some interesting twists. AQUARIUS Qanuary 20 to Feb~a.ty 18): Your favorite hobby, re-inventing yourself, suddenly presents a crisis with startling possibilities, as it collides against your highest ideal, selfawareness. Letting go of control and admitting what you don't know - your two least favorite things to do - open you up to greater knowledge. PISCES (Febrwuy 19 to March 19): Deep, deep in the murkiest depths of your soul - like some subaquatic creature - there is a profound revelation offering both illumination and shock. Take time out for quiet medit:2.tio~ to get more enlightenment - and to get burned less. Jiuk Fertig !Ms been 'fllorleing as a -professional astrologer sina 1977 and is a fo,mding mnnber of the Association for Astrological Networking. Page 35 BUSH BUDGET CUTS HURT THOSE LIVING WITH HIV/ AIDS, PUTS OTHERS AT RISK Gaywire Release: February 7, 2005 "This budget does not reflect the concern President Bush showed during his State of the Union for H!V and Alps care and prevention," said HRC Vice President of Policy David Smith WASHINGTON - As President Bush introduced his 2006 budget today, the Human Rights Campaign expressed grave con~em about the requested funding of crucial HIV/ AIDS programs. With the exception of modest increases for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the National Institutes for Health, most other programs that affect people living with HIV/ AIDS were flat-funded or saw budget cuts. "This budget does not reflect the c~>0cern President Bush showed during his State of the Union for HIV and AIDS care and prevention," said HRC Vice President of Policy David M. Smith. "Unfortunately, the President's actions do not match his words." The Ryan White CARE Act, which addresses the unmet health needs of persons living with HIV/ AIDS, was highlighted in the President's State of the Union Address last week. Yet the budget request for the program included only a ~odest $10 million increase, all of which 1s earmarked for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). All other programs covered by the Ryan White CARE Act were flat funded. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) saw a $4 million cut to its budget for HIV/ AIDS prevention and survei~ance. At the same time, unproven · non-science-based abstineoce-oniy programs, which do not include education about how HIV/ AIDS is transmitted, received $38 ~llion in additional funding. A recent studv at Texas A&M University showed that teenagers taking abstinence-onlv sex education programs endorsed. by the President became increasingly ;exuallv active, which is the exact opposite eff~ct that the program is designed to have. "Programs which focus on abstinence as the sole means of preventing HIV/ AIDS put oq.r young people at tremendous risk," said Smith. "The President has repeatedly stated his commitment to combating the spread of HIV. We have to question that com1:°itment when his ideology consistently outweighs sound scientific facts." "The young people of this country ?eed leadership that recognizes the · 1mpor~ance of comprehensive prevention educanon, and we hope to work with leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress to make sure thev get it "added Smith. , ' Despite the President's recognition that HIV/ AIDS is a growing problem in communities of color, the Minoritv AIDS initiative was flat-funded. Al~o, $14 million was cut from the Housing for_ Persons Living With AIDS program, which helps people living with HIV/ AIDS afford housing.· Having stable living conditions increases the chances of ~trict adherence to drug regimens, which 1s necessary for fighting HIV/ AIDS and also prevents the development of medication-resistant strains of the virus. Unfortunately, President Bush's budget also includes Medicaid cuts of at lea.st $45 billion over the next 1 0 years. These cuts would greatly affect a · program that is responsible for providing health care to 55 percent of all adults living with AIDS and 90 percent of all children. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexuai and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Page 36 Four States Community Directory -Bars- Nightclubs- -Restaurants- Arkansas, Fayetteville (479) Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-130 Ron's Place- - - 523 W. Poplar- 479-442-3052 Wild-On . -3570 W. 6th- - - - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - • -479-782-1845 Arkansas, Hot Sprin&s (501) Club One Eleven- - 111 Gilden St- -620-4111 Our House Lounge - 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-2744 Discovery- - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - · 501-666-6900 The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070 Missouri, Joplin (417) Ree's- .. • 716 S. Main•••••• -417-627-9035 Missouri, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - 3715 Main St- - 816-561-2600 Belle Star's- - 1321 Gnnd Ave- - - -816-421-1288 Club NV - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Main St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidemeet Bar -413 E. 3rd- - - - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon 370? Main St- 816- 931-1430 Missouri, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700 Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial••••• -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors - -1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -405-601-7200 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th E:tpwy 405-9-47-2351 Copa- - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730 Finish Llne -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730 Hi-Lo Club - 1221 NW SOth- - - -405-843-1722 Lido- - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- 405-525-0730 Partners- -2805 NW 36th St - - • - • 405-942-2199 Sisters- - 2120 NW 39th St - - - • - -405-521-9533 The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave - • - - 405-947-9361 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - • •- 918-836-8700 Club Maverick· • 822 S. Sheridan · 918-835-3301 End Up Club- - 424 S. Memorial- - 918-836-2480 Heads & Tails- 7944 E. 2bt - - • - 918-660-7878 Club Majestic- 124 N. Boston 918-584-949-4 Renegades- - 1649 S. Main -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 TNT's - .. - 2! 14 S. Memorial- 918-660-0856 Yellow-Bricic-Rci- -2630 E. 15th- 918-293-0304 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730 Ingrids Kitchen- -3701 N. Youngs- - -405-946-8444 Topanga Grill&: Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 -LodgingMI111ouri, Joplin (417) Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Missouri, Ava Catus Canyon Campground- - - - - 417-683-9199 Mlasouri, Lampe KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Hollywood.Hotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 -OrganizationsArkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - · · · - -479-451-8066 Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC Uving Spring- - - - - - - - - • - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Little Rock (501) Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - www.dsra.org Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut - -11AM PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938 Missouri,Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, · · · · 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - • c -10:30.AM Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Ml111011ri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalat Church - - - -417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- 417-881-1900 ShowMe MO Pride • - - - - - . - --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PFLAG-Springfield- - - - - - - -417-889-1059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklalloma City (405) Cathedral of Hone- - 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE The Cente.r• ~ 21;5 NW 39th St. - • - - 405-524-6000 Tribal Fire - - - - • - - - - - -www.tribalfireokc.com Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - •• -POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Page 37 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- 918-743-4297 MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 SSRA - - • • • • • • • •·· www.soonerstatetodeo.com TOHR- - - - - - - - PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- - 918-834-4194 Tulsa Rough Riders- -www.tulsaroughriden.com . -Business ServicesArkansas, Eureka Spring~ Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com . Missouri, Eureka . . Shelter Insurimcc- -Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Missouri, Joplin (417) . Body Swim Massage Therapy- - - -417~825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-.0077 RE/MAX~ - -CatheLetts----- 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangcline Rd- - 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 4170673-1181 Missouri, Springfield (417) Priscilla's - • - - 1918 s: Glenstone - -417-881-8444 Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Spas N Such- - : - 808 N. 15th - • - --918-258-7727 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Century21 • -4301 NW 63rd #100 - 405- 840-2106 Jungl«;Reds - • - 2200 NW ~wy- - - 405-524-5733. Piece T~·R~ein~ef-2131 NW 39th~ -405-528-2223 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Elite Bookstore -,.814 S. Sheridan- -918-838-8503 Kelly Kirliy, CPA.~ 4815 S Harvard- 918-747-5466 Underguy.com .. -825 E. 3rd. - - - 918-829-0824 Priscilla's- __ :7925 E: 41st . -918-627-4884 Pnscill;'.s : · - -. 5634 w. Skelly • • - --918-446-6336 Priscilla:!".; -: i 1344 E. 11th •• - •.. 918-438-4224 Piiscillai- -~ :.·2333 E. 71st, •• - • -- 918-499-1661 co~ntiy jn which one - the one th.at happens to co ches of the federal govemme¢t - . 'activat~s' ,'its 'Ba~e by demoniiiIIg, scapegoatibg, :i11d_actively perseci:f~ng homos, a tiny a11'd: relatively defenseles!, minority Jt~put,licans tell the ' . th that the and lesbians. is a thr~at to the American family, Western civilizllri<>n,. aQd, as one bigwig R recently put it, 'tlie. survival of the earth.' At some point the Rs are either g()ing to have to .rp.hlce good on their rhetoric and actually cl.b so,giething about all the homos 'out,theie imperiling the surviva.l ir (hey, maybe we're .for global warming?), or they're going to have to knoc;k it off." _;.:. SJPdic~t~d • columnist Dan. Savage, Dec. 29; · Pag~ 38 NEW cART□□ Ns "A Couple _of Guy~"· A Couple of guys• ~~~ Page39 Achella, Bear Nak Corsets, Kenneth C Rope, lby's Toys. -May 1 $100 througli · Marc'1 15, 2005 $115 J\tarclf 1~;;;; ~pril 15 $150 after April 15 Rev Pat· Sebastian Sheryl Dee Spo Stephanie r Teny Brown VictorTella X ska, Kansas. kansas e run package . . ar!nformation, usltr04@aol.com ntest, Cigar ring, Fetish nee ai;id ies Included Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] The Star Magazine, February 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 2 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 1, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele Lady Bunny Michael Dee Douglas Glen Steve T. Urie Paula Martinec Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Michael Hinzman Jack Ferlig Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southwest Missouri Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, January 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 1 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/143 The Star, May 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/219 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/178 Alternatives to the bar scene anti-gay foster care ban Bars Deep Inside Hollywood discrimination Don't Ask Don't Tell gay tv Gay/lesbian city Lesbian Notions National Stonewall Democrats nightclubs Planet Dee Qscopes scholarships Studio@NV The Merchant of Venice The Star Scene travel Tulsa Uncle Mikey https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2fb2209e3e1cae984a20e51ed8c45792.jpg 36dffe1a710d2521ca5d924dc3681179 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c84cc81c2ec9b7199eb8c883804f7ce3.pdf 412eb87f38d447b23c5bec3947ad6a67 PDF Text Text ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com "The homosexual agenda is destroying this nation." "1 honestly think it’s the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam. They have infiltrated City Councils. They are after your 2 year olds for indoctrination." State Representative, District 84, Sally Kern. Compiled by Star staff Photo: Rally at Memorial Park Oklahoma City. ¯hese sentiments expressed by State Representative Sally Kern were taped at a Republican gathering who had invited her to speak on what some term the homosexual agenda. The tape was given to the Victory Fund, a national gay & lesbian political activist group and placed on ¥outube, where it has now been heard by over 1,000,000 people. It has garnered international attention with responses that have overwhelmed Youtube, and to say that the lines of communication with Ms. Kern were jammed would be a classic understatement. Ellen Degeneres was not surprised when she tried to contact Sally Kern after playing the youtube video on her show and couldn’t even leave a message. Although the audience was obviously not in agreement with Sally, Ellen appealed to Miss Kern on the air, stating that she wanted to talk to her, that she obviously had some misinformation. Although some responses received by Ms Kern were supportive, the vast majority were not, and many were threatening and are being investigated by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. At a Press Conference at the Church of the Open Arms March 11, Cimarron Alliance President Richard Ogden, among many others, denounced Ms. Kern’s remarks and stated that she should apologize or be censured by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As he put it, "These are hateful words that can result in hateful actions, This is about accountability, not freedom of expression." It was pointed out that only 3 months APRIL 2008 earlier, Stephen Domer of Oklahoma City was murdered because he was gay. So far Ms. Kern has refused to apologize and the Speaker of the House, Republican Chris Benge of Tulsa, has stated he will not call for Ms. Kern to be censured. However Governor Brad Henry stated that he advised her to "Think before you speak. Oklahomans have love and tolerance for all people. I don’t think this rhetoric represents Oklahoma." P-Flag of Oklahoma has asked for a meeting with her, but has gotten no response. Her statement that the gay community was a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam drew fire from both military personnel and Oklahoma’s Muslim community. At the Church press conference Richard Ogden pointed out that one of the four people on United Airlines Flight 93 who overpowered the hijackers who were heading the airliner to the White House, Mark Bingham, was gay. Another speaker at the conference, Jerre B. Fine, a Air Force veteran, stated that she was honored to serve her country and that Sally Kern’s comments that gays were a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam, and were a cancer in the toe of society were very hurtful on a personal level. She pointed out that "I served my country dutifully and honorably for 6 years of my life. We need protection not only from outside forces trying to destroy America, but also we need protection from within from people like Sally Kern." On March 14 there was a rally at Memorial Park featuring signs along Classen Boulevard encouraging rush hour travelers to honk to show opposition to Representative Kern’s remarks. The event got extensive television coverage, and featured many community leaders. Most important of all was that the responses from OKC’s commuters were overwhelmingly supportive. In a recent Tulsa World poll, the question was: Would you sign the petition to have Sally Kern removed from office? .............. Continued PAGE 5 ��®MISS GAY TULSA PAGEANT April 25th 10prn. Featuring - Miss Gay Tulsa America - Melody Micheals and Miss Gay Oklahoma Lindsey Paige. for more information email: information@downtownplazatulsa.com 2 the STAR vwvw.ozarksstar.com �1 DS (2437) Recognized by Keller Williams For outstanding achievement 2005 and 2006 R~ALTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOI~ Whether buying or selling I’ll work hardforyo~ Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for order blank. ,J www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �APRIL, State News continues on page 6, 9, 11 and 23 LGBT History looks at the life of Tallulah Bankahead, Actress Movies, TV, Stage and Radio World Briefs By Rex Wockner Wockner News Service ~ DEEP ~INSIDE HOLLYWOOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for George Clooney and Simon ~ WiNE Devre Jackson reviews wines of Northem Italy. Beer-Battered Onion Rings from Bob & Jim’s Care, Greycliff, Montana. Gay Travelers: Bus Trips & Tours Out of Town: Chicago STAR SCENE Snapshots from around the State. Paparazzi on page 25 FITNESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Photo byVictor Gorin 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Embrace the Passior o£ the Prom. Pride Prom 2008 makes comeback to PAC By Joey De TULSA, OK__ When the sun sets April 19, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center will heat up with the passion of Spain as the University of Tulsa’s Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay and Transgender alliance present Pride Prom 2008, "Bailamos!" The event, which has called the PAC home for three years, offers BLGT youth and their friends the opportunity to celebrate the prom season with their chosen date. ’~A lot of BLGT youth can’t take the prom date of their choice (to their high school’s prom), this is an opportunity to express themselves freely," says Steven Hulford, one of the organization’s leaders. For the TU-BLGTA, Pride Prom is a way to give back to the community and make memories for BLGTA youth, regardless of if they are TU students or not. "We are in or eighth year of doing this event," says Hulford. "Each year it has grown from being in the Great Hall of the Allen Chapman Activity Center (a building on campus), to what it is now." According to Hulford, this year’s Spanish theme was picked from a long list of ideas. "We wanted to do something completely different from what we had done in the past," he says noting previous themes of Hollywood and water. "We’re calling it ’Bailamos’ because the literal translation is ’we dance’." At the event, Hulford says youth can expect all the food, music and fun of a traditional high school prom. In addition, attendees will have access to a "Resource Row," that will feature organizations who provide quality services to BLGT youth. Beginning at 7:30, the event runs until 11:00 and does not require formal dress. "The only things we don’t allow are torn jeans and shorts, other than that people are welcome to dress how they feel comfortable. www.ozarksstar.com People have come in formal prom attire and have come in polo shirts and slacks," explains Mr. Hulford. Tickets for Pride Prom 2008 are $10 in advance at www.myticketoffice.com and $12 at the door. For information on sponsorship and branding opportunities, contact the group’s advisor, Nancy Eggen at 918.744.9182. SOONER STATE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION HOLDS OKLAHOMA CITY TOURNAMENT Leroy Cobb & Laurie Proole MC’s at Angles Furndraiser for Sooner State Softball 26 teams ( 21 men’s, 5 women’s) came together at Boomtown Field and the Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City March 15-16 to enjoy the comraderie of softball competition. Now in its 5th year, the Sooner State Softball Association offers the GLBT community the opportunity to show off their skills or learn the game among friends. According to SSSA Commissioner Leroy Comp, it also provides a way "to see some great softball." The SSSA is part of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, a confederation of GLBT athletic teams in both the United States and Canada. New players are always welcome, so if you’d like to try your hand, call Mr.Comp and (405) 408 2533 or e-mail him at cutupok@aol.com. FRONT PAGE CONTINUED: Yes: 129 No: 86 I don’t know: 6 The results of this question represent the opinions of 221 people with the following demographic profile: Oklahomans: 80.5 % Male: 127 Female: 94 In response to Kern’s statement that Eureka Springs City Council was controlled by gays. A press statement was issued by the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce and the straight Mayor, Dani Joy: "Since its founding in 1879, Eureka Springs has been and remains welcoming to all visitors and residents without regard to their race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. It is our hope that all people would aspire to this ideal. Because of the timeless beauty of our architecture and landscape, the friendliness of our citizens and our welcoming attitude toward all visitors, we remain a destination for people from all walks of life. Eureka Springs will remain a city eager to provide all visitors a fulfilling vacation experience." Mayor Dani Joy" Oklahomans have spoken out, we’ve demonstrated, protested, sent letters and email to our elected officials, and have gained international attention. Media from around the world has covered the embarrassing tirade of Rep. Kern. This international spodight may be to our advantage. Our activist groups have experienced an influx of out of state contributions since the stoW broke. We’ve gotten the attention of national and international advocacy organizations. We have discovered many new main stream allies in Oklahoma. The House and Senate leadership may allow the five hate crimes bills currently before them to receive full consideratioia. There is a positive side to this degrading display of (Shame on Sally) Most importantly we have the right to vote, and Sally was voted into office. Come November and in future elections know your candidate before you mark that spot on the ballot. It could make an important difference in our future. the STAR 5 �editor Dear Editor, When is enough, really enough? We have been reading and watching the national news about Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, saying "gay agenda is a greater threat to America than terrorism." Although we do not live in Oldahoma, we have been visiting your great state for over 30 years. We are extremely concerned when a public official such as an elected State Representative makes such remarks. ¯his is really nothing short of a "hate crime" in itselfl It is one thing for a regular citizen of the country to make remarks such as this but when a public official says it, then it is obviously crossing the line. As gay and lesbian citizens of the United States, we have as much right as anybody else to expect full citizenship. When people such as Ms. Kern spews her hatred to the people of Oklahoma it is WRONG ! It propels hatred in schools, churches and throughout the entire community. Many years ago we took on Anita Bryant for her anti-homosexual drive and we won! So, our dear brothers and sisters in Oklahoma ............. have you had enough? Gays and Lesbians throughout the country are fighting for their rights and each and every individual gay and lesbian person in each state must do their part. We cannot suggest an action to take against Ms. Kern however we feel very strongly that action MUST BE TAKEN in whatever form necessary. Whether a full stage sit-in, a recall of her government seat in your State House or whatever. ..... something NEEDS TO BE DONE AND NOW~ Many years have passed since we just stood on the sidelines and took whatever was handed to us, and we never, want to return to those days. We are extremely proud of the progress that gays and lesbians have made. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have a very vibrant gay and lesbian community, much more so than most cities around the country their size. So instead of just bitching and moaning and groaning about Mrs. Kern, we wish all the gays and lesbians in Oklahoma the best success with this matter. Cordially, Donald Pile and Ray Williams 6 the STAR OkEq Den,o.unces Rep. Sally Kem’s Ant oGay Tirade TULSA, OK (PR) __Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) deplores the sentiments expressed by Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) in a YouTube video now generating a firestorm. National and local media outlets are closely covering the controversy sparked by Kern’s claim that homosexuality is "the biggest threat that our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam." In a triple play of intolerance, Rep. Kern offends lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans, thousands of women and men defending the United States from terrorist attacks, and Muslims worldwide. Yet, she remains completely unapologetic, citing her right to freedom of speech and claiming, "I have never endorsed or supported any hateful action targeting individuals on the other side of this debate and never will." Rep. Kern’s legislative track record belies her remarks. In 2006, Rep. Kern sponsored legislation that xvould have denied funding to public libraries that refused to segregate books addressing LGBT themes. Rep. Kern has repeatedly used her public office to demonize LGBT Oklahomans and to attempt to deny them the exact same civil liberties she now defends so passionately. This is the height of hypocrisy. "OkEq firmly supports Rep. Kern’s constitutional tight to express her viexvs, but vociferously objects to the actions she takes to prevent LGBT Oklahomans from attaining justice and equality. When elected officials use their power to defame entire categories of people, they abuse the freedom of speech embedded in the First Amendment and violate their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their constituents," asserts Justice Waidner, OkEq Executive Director. OkEq calls upon the many fair-minded members of the Oklahoma legislature to condemn Rep. Kern’s comments and to pass immediately a state hate crimes law that encompasses sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. We ask for the House and Senate leadership to allow the five hate crimes bills currently before them to receive full consideration on the floor. www.ozarksstar.com �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �4815 S. Harvard Gay men and lesbians face many special tax situations, whether single or as couples. Proudly serving Tulsa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �TULSA, OK (PR) __ Health Outreach Prevention Education, Inc. (H.O.P.E.) celebrated its 10th anniversar~ Xgrednesday, March 12, 2008. Invited guests and honorees celebrated at the Dennis R. Nell Fxtuality Center, a long-time community partner where H.O.P.E.’s services began in 1996. The evening included hors d’ oeuvres and recognized key individuals who have been instrumental in the growth and success of the organization. "H.O.P.E. provides a vita! service in the fight against HIV by testing those at risk and also educating the community on safer sex practices. By virtue of their HIV testing being free and anonymous, people at risk can more easily know their status and help stop the transmission of HIV," stated Stephen Eberle, advisory board and 10th Anniversary committee member. In recognition of H.O.P.E.’s 10th Anniversary, the following people and organizations received recognition for the significant impact they have had on the agency since its inception: Ms. Kristi Frisbie, Mr. Jeremy Simmons, the Oklahoma State Department of Health HIWSTD Division, Ms. Janie Nicklas and the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership Grants Committee, Tulsa CARES, Community of Hope Church, Ms. Debi Sanditen, Dr. Damon Baker, and Oklahomans for Equality. Health Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.P.E.) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has served Tulsa and surrounding communities since 1998. H.O.P.E. is proud to be recognized as one of the largest and most comprehensive health promotion facilities in Oklahoma, and is the only free, anonymous HIV testing site in a 23-county area. H.O.P.E. also operates the statewide HIWsexually transmitted disease (STD) resource hotline and conducts a variety of targeted outreach efforts focusing on men, women, and under served populations. H.O.P.E. also offers free and low-cost Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing and education services. H.O.P.E. provides a comfortable place for people to learn their health status and can connect clients to a variety of medical and social support services. H.O.EE. is supported in part by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, as well as various private foundations, including the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership, the MAC AIDS Fund, and the George B. Kaiser Family Foundation. Raising awareness of HIV/AIDS remains vitally important, as the infection rate remains steady every year in the United States. Young people and minorities are disproportionately affected, but HIV does not discriminate. By knowing your status, you are better able to protect yourself and others. Prevention education and testing are keys to decreasing the stigma and infection rate of HIV. For more information about HIV or sexually transmitted infections, call the Oklahoma HIWSTD Resource Hotline, 1-800-535-MDS (2437). www.ozarksstar.com RESERVE YOUR SPAOE HOW Deadline Thursday IViay t 5th Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. the STAR 9 �by Liz Highteyman Past Out, which looks at the life 0fTallulah Bankhead, Actress Movies, TV;, Stage and Radio, Breakthrough acting success eluded Banld~ead in New York, and in 1923 she moved to London on the advice of an astrologer. There, she quickly achieved fame, especially among young working-class women. Over the next eight years she appeared in two dozen \VC-est End plays, which were wildly popular with fans, if not always acclaimed by critics. Documents declassified in 2000 revealed that the British intelligence service investigated her - groundlessly, it turned out - for allegedly seducing a group of Eton schoolboys. Bankhead earned considerable income, but spent profligately; by the end of the decade, she was broke and accepted a contract offer from Paramount Studios. In Hollywood, she hosted parties at her mansion that were said to have "no boundaries," and she attended shindigs at lesbian actress Alia Nazimova’s lavish Garden of Allah estate. An emergency hysterectomy due to advanced gonorrhea did little to curb her omnivorous sexual appetite. "My daddy warned me about men and booze," she famously quipped, "but he never mentioned a word about women and cocaine." Bankhead had flings with Gary Cooper and - allegedly - with Marlene Dieterich, but Greta Garbo apparently spurned her advances. Upon meeting Joan Crawford, who was then married to Douglas Fairbanks Jr., she remarked, "I’ve had an affair with your husband. You’ll be next." Though Bankhead often bragged about her sexual conquests, many believed she exaggerated for the sake of publicity. Indeed, her comments suggested that she did not particularly enjoy sex. "The conventional position makes me claustrophobic," she once said, "and the others give me a stiff neck or lockjaw." Regarding Bankhead’s orientation, long-time companion Patsy Kelly - one of the first actresses to come out as a lesbian - said it "mostly it depended on Tallulah’s mood...When she’d get caught up with a man, she’d go quite hetero on us." Who was Tallu]lah Bankhead ? cades after her heyday in the 1920s and 1930s, self-described "ambisextrous" stage and screen star Tallulah Bankhead is as famous for her bad-girl antics as for her acting talent. e ~ Bankhead was born to a prominent political family in Huntsville, Ala., on January 31, probably in !903 (the year is subject to debate); her mother died shortly thereafter from childbirth complications. Seeking to keep his two unruly daughters out of trouble, her father, a U.S. Congressman, sent them to convent schools, but these proved conducive venues for Bankhead’s first sexual experiences with other girls. Though plump and plain as a child, Bankhead blossomed as an adolescent; at age 15, she won a movie magazine beauty contest with a prize of a small film role. Chaperoned by an aunt, she took up residence at the Mgonquin Hotel in New York City, a favored haunt of the Broadway elite. There, Bankhead was seduced by renowned actress Eva Le Gallienne and met Estelle Winwood, an older English actress who would become a life-long friend and sometime lover. Bankhead also counted among her liaisons British student Napier Alington and jazz great Billie Holiday, but she turned down a casting couch invitation from John Barrymore. 10 the STAR Bankhead married once, to actor John Emery in 1937, but they divorced four years later with no children. She then bought an estate in West&ester County, where she lived for extended periods with Winwood and with Kelly. She also surrounded herself with numerous pets and her "caddies" - young men who mixed her drinks, lit her constant cigarettes, and sometimes provided sexual services. Follmving in her father’s footsteps, she became increasing involved in politics, campaigning for Democratic candidates and supporting both anti-Nazi and anti-Communist causes. Bankhead disliked movie acting, and her larger-than-life style ~vas better suited to the stage than the screen. After making several unsuccessful Hollywood films, she returned to acting on Broadway and with national touring companies, receiving critical acclaim for her performances in The Little Foxes (1939) and The Skin of Our Teeth (1942). Though bitterly disappointed at being passed over for the role ofScarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, she still took on occasional movie projects, including her most famous role as a shipwrecked journalist in Alfred Hitchcock’s Lifeboat (1944). In the early 1950s, Bantdxead emceed The Big Show, a popular variety program on NBC Radio; when radio gave way to television, she appeared as a guest on shows such as The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour. She also starred in a one-woman Las Vegas nightclub act and wrote a best-selling autobiography. But as Bankhead aged, her www.ozarksstar.com �years of hard drinking and drug use caught up with her, and she became a caricature of her former self. Many of her gay male fans failed to take her efforts seriously, laughing through her performance as Blanche DuBois in a 1956 revival of A Streetcar Named Desire. Before her death from pneumonia in 1968, Bankhead’s final roles were intentionally absurd, induding turns as a demented mother in the British horror flick Fanatic (1965) - retitled Die! Die! My Darling! in the United States - and as the Black Widow on the Batman television series. When producer William Dozier explained his vision for the latter role, she reportedly replied, "Don’t talk to me about camp, dahling, I invented it!" For further reading: Bret, David. 1997. Tallulah Bankhead: A Scandalous Life (Robson Books). Lobenthal, Joe. 2004. Tallulah! The Life and Times of a Leading Lady (HarperCollins). McLellan, Diana. 2000. The Girls: Sappho Goes to Hollywood (Robson Books). OK Mozart Festvai Announces 24th Season, June 13=21 TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tourism is a growing industry in Oklahoma, and the OK Mozart International Festival continues to enhance dais growth by attracting visitors to Bartlesville each June for one of the state’s most renowned cultural events. From June 13-21, the Festival’s 24th season promises to delight audiences from across the state and country with an outstanding array of concert artists and world-class musicians and performances, ranging from classical concerts to Jazz and everything in between. The line-up of renowned guest artists includes Mark O’Connor, Barry Douglas, Anne-Marie McDermott, Frederica yon Stade, Branford Marsalis, Peter Nero, and Ben Vereen. Plus, the New York Theatre Ballet is performing Sleeping Beauty. www.ozarksstar.com Amici New York, the Festival’s beloved orchestra-in-residence, returns as it has each year since the Festival’s founding in 1985. These musicians are soloists in their own right and perform in many of the most prestigious ensembles throughout the year. Paul Neubauer, music director, returns with his All-Star Chamber Ensemble featuring members of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. This year’s Festival will celebrate four great American composers: George Gershwin, Elliott Carter, Charles Wuorinen and Joan Tower, according to Neubauer. 3rd. To order, call 918.336.9800, visit www. okmozart.com or in person at 500A South Dewey, Bartlesville. The Festival is made possible in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council and many corporate and individual patrons. The OK Mozart Festival is a member of Green Country Marketing Assn., one of 11 multi-county organizations working with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the Oklahoma Travel Industry Assn. and the other 10 multi-county associations to promote the state tourism industry. "We will also have Mozart,Tchalkovsky and Jimi Hendrix. Please join us for an exhilarating OK Mozart Festival." According to Scott Black, executive director, the 2008 festival offers some positive changes, including three series of entertainment options for the major concerts, money-saving ticket packages and many new and free Showcase events. These events, usually during non-concert hours, offer tours, historical talks, childreffs activities, luncheons and performances. "The 2008 Festival marks our 24th season of offering an internationally recognized event that puts Northeast Oklahoma on the map alongside larger cities that host similar summer festivals--San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Aspen," Black said. Most concerts take place in the Bartlesville Community Center concert hall, acdaimed for its near-perfect acoustics. Inside the Community Hall, the Moz-Art Gallery and OKM Gift Shop provide shopping pleasure for visitors. An exquisite on-site restaurant, Cafd Mozart, offers delicious three-course dinners and delightful lunches. The all-time favorite Woolaroc Outdoor Concert, taking place on June 20 at the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, features Amici New York with conductor’ Michael Krajewski. Nestled on the shores of a tranquil lake, this concert under the stars provides a relaxing, fun way to enjoy beautiful music. When darkness falls, a spectacular finale of fireworks lights the sky, signaling an end to the unforgettable evening. Season tickets and packages are available now with general sales beginning March Creating Community for People iving with H ViA DS 50t c (3) Non Profit Orgauization Our House, Too offers a vadety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. the STAR 11 �Gay arid Gray r g: Cor cerr s SAN FRANCISCO, CA__ More than 70% of lesbian and gay and respondents over age 40 reported concerns about losing the ability to care for themselves in a recent study conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. The majority also feared becoming sick or disabled, being dependent on others, and outliving their savings. When asked which resources they would rely on for long-term financial and social care as they age, less than 8% of respondents said they would place significant reliance on long-term care insurance, leaving us to wonder how prepared lesbians and gay men are for the kinds of health issues that often come with old age. Respondents placed the most emphasis on: Health care insurance: 22% Medicare: 20% Personal savings: 19% Social Security: 16% 65% of respondents expect for provide care to a partner sometime in the future, 44% for a parent, and 34% for a friend. However, respondents were less certain of who would care for them - 59% said a partner would be there to help care for them, 29% a friend, and 20% no one. Research Shows Growing Old a Concern for Many Lesbians and Gay Mot A significant 20% of gay male and 38% of lesbian respondents over age 40 have children Oust 4% of gay men and 12% of lesbians reported the children to be under age 18). Sometimes it is easy forget how many gay-boomers had children before they came out, and some gays and lesbians will be able to rely on their children for care. The majority of respondents have completed a Living Will and the majority have a Power of Attorney, but less than 50% have completed an Estate Will or set up a Living Trust. (Hospitals often require a visiting partner to present a living ~ in order to enter his or her partner’s hospital room.) 49% of respondents said they are at least fairly confident that they would be treated with dignity and respect by medical personnel, but 19% expressed concerns that they have little confidence in this being the case. Some views of retirement and old age are much more positive. Respondents look forward to: traveling (79%), having more time for personal interests (74°/0), and peace and relaxation (60%). In addition, lesbians were more likely to report looking forward to spending more time with friends and family than gay men. 12 the STAR DEMOGRAPHICS of this "over 40" study: The median age is 52. 69% of respondents are male, 30% female, and 1% transgen der. More than 96% of respondents identified as gay or lesbian. The remainder identified their sexual orientation as bisexual, queer or questioning. 53% of respondents reported that they are completely out. However, 15% are somewhat or not very out. The median respondent in all age categories reported plans to retire at age 62. The vast majority of respondents over age 62 have already retired. 73% of respondents have a college degree. 33% of female respondents and 46% of male respondents are single or do not live with a significant other. Lesbians are more likely to be partnered than gay men. The majority own single family homes. www.ozarksstar.com �By’ Rex Wockner Wockner News Service iranian fears e×ecution if sent home Mehdi Kazemi fears he’l! be executed if the United Kingdom forces him to return to Iran. Kazemi went to London to study in 2005 and Iranian officials later arrested his boyfriend, Parham, charged him with sodomy and executed him, according to Kazemi’s father. Kazemi then sought asylum in Britain but was rejected. In 2006, he then fled to the Netherlands, which detained him and is nmv preparing to return him to the UK. The UK had been planning to send Kazemi back to Iran ~vhen he returned to British soil but, on March 13, following extensive media coverage and political pressure, the Home Office agreed to review his case one more time before forcing him to go home. "The Iranian authorities have found out that I am a homosexual and they are looking for me," Kazemi said in a recent letter to UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. tn a statement given to activist groups, Kazemi elaborated: "Around [the] end of April 2006, my uncle called me again and informed me that my father had informed him that the authorities had executed Parham and that I must not return to Iran as the authorities would do the same to me .... Parham was charged with the crime of being homosexual and was executed." According to Kazemi’s father, Parham named Mehdi as his lover prior to his execution. Leading British gay activist Peter Tatchell commented: "The Home Office decision to deport Mehdi back to Iran is shameful and reckless .... Gay men in Iran are hanged from public cranes using the barbari method of slow strangulation." Tatchell said the UK government is "callous and more interested in cutting asylum w~w.ozarksstar.com numbers than in ensuring a fair, just and compassionate asylum system." Britain’s Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association also has taken up Kazemi’s cause, saying that "deporting gay and lesbian people to Iran is akin to deporting Jews back to Nazi Germany." Meanwhile, The Independent reported March 7 that an Iranian lesbian who fled to Britain after her girlfriend was arrested and sentenced to death by stoning also is at risk of being sent home. Pegaah Emambakhsh, 40, issued a statement March 6 saying: "I will never, never go back. If I do I know I will die." Emambakhsh’s asylum claim was rebuffed by the Court of Appeal in February. She now plans to ask the High Court to review the case. Iran is known to have executed several teens and men accused of engaging in sodomy, although in nearly all the cases that have been publicized in recent years the individuals were accused of other crimes as well, such as rape. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has said it suspects that other charges often are tacked onto sodomy cases to prevent the public outrage that would accompany executions carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. The group also has said it believes executions solely for gay sex are taking place .out of the public eye. "Our suspicions [are] that their current practice really is to rid society of lesbians and gay men," the organization said last year. Human Rights Watch, on the other hand, has said it cannot fully document any executions in Iran in recent years carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. Last September, during a speech at Columbia University in New York City, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was asked about the nation’s treatment of gay people. He responded: "We in Iran -- we in Iran, firstly, we don’t have hamjensbaz [a derogatory term for homosexuals meaning people with loose morals who chase people of the same gender for sexual pleasure] like you have in your country. In our country, there is no such a thing. In Iran, such a thing does not -- in Iran, in Iran, absolutely such a thing doe not exist as a phenomenon. I don’t know who told you otherwise." ILGA conference canceled The International Lesbian and Gay Association has canceled its 24th World Conference which was to take place in Quebec City, Canada, May 14 to 18. "A recent site visit] confirmed the impressions of the current lack of preparedness at this late date and the lack of funding necessary for the conference to take place," ILGA’s board co-chairs said in a statement. The primary lo.cal organizer was the Coalition gale et lesbienne du Qudbec. ILGA did not reschedule the conference but did put out "a formal call for new proposals from ILGA member organizations for hosting the world conference later this year." It gave interested parties less than a month to submit proposals. The board said any local organizer must take on partial responsibility for paying for the gathering. "ILGA does not have the capacity to fully fund the conference," the co-chairs said. "The local hosts have in the past fundraised for resources, especially to bring scholars from the Global South." ILGA is a 30-year-old federation of more than 600 GLBT organizations and associated members, such as city governments, from 90 countries. ............ Continued PAGE 27 the STAR 13 �Until he crossed over to the PG-13 Law and Order SVU, Chris Metoni was most notorious for gay sex scenes ~uad full- frontal nudity Deep ~nside Hol!~,wooeL repora¢ on new projeHrsjbr George Cloon~ and Simon Callow. Clooney Is Fantastic Mr. Fox 2?~hat’s the connection bevween the Coen Brothers’ dark, violent No Country for Old Men and the upcoming animated family feature Xhe Fantastic Mr. Fox? Besides Coen collaborator George Ctooney in the starring voice role, that would be gay superproducer Scott Rudin, the man whose recent Oscar acceptance speech included a loving thank you to his ~artner (which was then s~rangely excised from the A~demyk o~cial transcript). Rudin tends to go where the hits are, ~d this ~es Anderson-directed, Ctooney and Care Blanchett-voiced feature, abou~ a quick-witted fox and three unpleasant f~rmers t~,in~ to do him in, looks like a sure!re holiday hit..~d in this instance, hohday means Christmas of 2009. But not to worD~ C!ooney has Burn ~ter Read in~ {the next one from the Coens) arriv ing during the interim. OZ. And now Meloni is set,t,’o become even more family-friendl): He 1! star in Gym Teacher: Th~ Movie ~o{ Nickelodeon £s a down’on’his-luck coaCh wing dinated thi., be a ment - art teacher Mr. sircom, will a obsessive ~he movie Black about a with~ the film and this time with (slightly) ~,. u,.ll, a dark drama about a woman with a compulsive need to pull out her own hair one strand at k tirile (sounds like Todd Haynes’ Safei but Creepier), ~vill star not 0nly the legendary ~ren Black (Nashvillei but also musician Rickie Lee Jones. No word yet on when the movie will be, ready for an audience, but ifArcher~ firs~ f?ature is any indication, ir will be one ~at audiences wofft soon forget. American audiences remember him best as the joy~ttlly ~a.)[ heat attack victim who put the "funerN in Four XWeddings and a Funeral. BUt now gay" Brit character actor Simon Callow gets his own wedding, , even if it is something of an odd one. Hes starring in the recen@ wrapped Chemical We~lding, about a shy p;cofessor who manages to bring legendary occult figure Aleister Crowl~ back to life. And if that plot weren’t oddball enough, there’s the ~lm’s linefig. e" it was co-written by Bruce Dickinson, a name metal fans will know as the teader of the hugely successful rockers Iron Maiden. ~e sure-to-be-destined-for-cult-status film is due for release later this year. No ~v,ord yet on whether Or not Iron Maidens songs will hog the soundtrack spotlight. George Clooney www.ozarksstar.com �Reds Moccagatta Barbaresco 1999, 2000 Produttori Del Barbaresco 1999, 2000 Poderi Colla Pinot Noir 2006 A few years backl I had the opportunity to visit friends in northern Italy. We spent our time in the Piedmont region in a small town called Alba. Piedmont, in Italian, means at the foot of the mountain, he main grape grown there is the distinished Nebbiolo, which is the base for the med Barolo, Barbaresco and Gattinara (Barbera and Dolcetto) among others. Also popular is Barbera from Alba & Asti. Barolos are dch, rose-scented wines, robust and tannic, capable of (and often requiring) long aging. Ur~fortunat~ly they are often prohibitively expensive. Barbaresco, made to be drunk earlier than Barolos, can be the more affordable choice, ~u Another Piedmont creation that achieved worldwide fame is the Vermouth, which was first created by Benedetto Carpano in his wine shop n~ar the Tudn Stock Exchange. The classic American Martini cocktail takes its name from the most known Italian producer of dry vermouth, Martini & Rossi. Piedmont was one of the first Italian regions to embrace the industrial revolution and in 1899 the automotive giant Fiat (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was established there, I thought rd shed some light on the wines from this part of the wodd. You can always dig deeper by checking out my reference links. Piemonte is also known fol~ its Gorgonzola, Castelmagn0, (a local blue Cheese), zabaione, vinegar, d~e and ri¢otto dishes; wild game, and braised meat dishes, such as Bollito Mist0, a sf[ew of four to five different meats. Milan, the large the namesake ~ dip food, usualt beaten eggS, tl Saut~ it in butte known for its ri( sauces~ post rn saffron~ pumpki asparag;Js~ ~au panett(~ne. city of Lombardia, is ~ilanese; meaning tO -iin pieces of meat, into br~adcrumbs, and then .ombardiais also well ~nd dsotto dishes, cream c~eese course, Use of aVi01i, (tortelli di zucca), ge,freshwater fish and Farnese Montepulciano 2006 Whites Bongiovanni Arneis 2006 Masi/Masianco Pino Grigio/Verduzzo 2006 Marchetti Verdicchio 2006 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. The Veneto is atso an important w ne region, highlighted by So&re, Bardolino; Pr~secco, (sparkling wine), Valpolioella and the flagship Ar~rone. Veneto~ being on the ~aSt, naturally braces deligl~ts from the sea. All kinds of seafood ar~ relished here. But the Veneto is quite diverse culinadly speaking. It is also renowned for its v~getables~ grains and meat as welt. Risot{o, especially from Vialone Nano rice, and polenta are staples. ¯ Common Vegetables include winter squash, radicchio, asparagus, beans, and other legumes. Friuli, the north-eastern most region of Italy is hallmarked by Austrian; Hungarian, Slovenian and Croatian influences. These include but are not limited to Viennese. ._~tww.ozark~star.co_ ~..................... Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: WineSpectator.com FoodandWine.com Wikipedia.org WineCountry.it Masi.it Farnese-vini.com allrecipes.com/Howto/Italian-Wine-CountryPiedmont ��Cozume| Join our gay and lesbian group aboard Carnival Conquest~ as we set sail from Galveston and call on the beautiful ports in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises. We offer: Our fantastic Halloween Costume Party, Nightly Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book eedy and save. Ask how to receive $75 shipboard credit! call for complete details. Ratea aad =valhbiRty axe ~ubjec¢ to change without noti e. "Ihis is not an alLgay cruise. Ship ~try: Panama For information & Reservations www.GayribbeanCruises.com NCarnrval. �by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Actually a bus trip isn’t all that bad, especially when you are traveling with other fun people. Although ,ve have never taken a bus trip across the country (and dofft think that we ever would) we have a lot of friends who have and enjoyed it greatly. We have taken several "day bus trips" from San Francisco, Las Vegas and on the east coast and all of them were quite interesting. From Las Vegas we took the bus trip to Hoover Dam and to the smaller casino cities of Laughlin. These bus trips were extremely inexpensive in that they drop you offat a couple of casinos and assume that you will gamble a lot. Most of them even throw in flee lunch and dinner and drinks. Sometimes they even thro~v in an afternoon show. Most all of the people that go to Las Vegas are truly a different breed and aren’t interested in taking bus tours and we have found that the ones who do are more enjoyable and interesting to talk with. In San Francisco it is just so much easier taking a bus trip to either the Wine Country or down to Carmel and Monterey and Pebble Beach. They drop you off right in the center of town and pick you up at the same location a couple of hours later. You certainly don’t have any parking problems as when you drive there, and a bus trip to the Wine Country gives you a much better opportunity to taste all the different wines without having to worry about a DUI while drive back to San Francisco. On the east coast we have taken "day bus trips" in Boston, New York City, Washington, D. C. and Philadelphia. Being such histori- 18 th÷$TAR cal cities this is a great way to really get to see everything. Parking in large cities is such a challenge and the buses seem to always have their own parking areas close to whatever attraction you are going. Even smaller cities like Savannah, Georgia offers extremely interesting bus tours around the city. But if you’re really up to it, then take a bus tour all across the country. They stop every evening at the designation lodging facility and you’re on your own until the next morning. You don’t have to dine or socialize with anybody other than your own choosing. Check out your local Sunday newspapers in the travel section and they usually have ads for these bus tours. Small towns that have casino gambling are always having specials. We have seen ads where you pay $50.00 up front for a 5 day bus tour which includes your traveling, hotels, food and drinks and shows! Plus, you get the $50.00 back in gaming money at the casino. You can’t stay at home that cheap! Some people enjoy taking bus trips down to Mexico which certainly saves the hassle of driving your own automobile across the border and you certainly are in a position to feel safer. Most bus companies are regulated rather stringently, and especially when driving to Mexico you need to feel safe. ..................... Continued page 27 www.ozarksstar.com �INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TRAVEL ASSOCIATION and FUNMAPS, COM By Donald Pile and Kay Williams IGLTA is the world’s leading travel trade association committed to gro,ving and enhancing its member’s gay and lesbian tourism business through education, promotion and networking. You can search, contact and utilize their members around the world for all your travel needs. Whether you are looking for a gay travel business in your local city/town or a tour around the world, their members understand your travel needs. By going to their website, www.iglta.com you can search through their entire database of gay and straight IGLTA members to find just what you are looking for. Founded in 1983 with 25 founding members, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is today a 1000 plus member strong and growing organization of gay, lesbian and community friendly travel professionals. IGLTA members represent both retailers and suppliers as well as travel columnists like ourselves. They represent travel agencies, tour operators, resorts, hotels, motels, Bed and Breakfasts, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, local tourist offices, regional and national tourist boards and the travel media. John Tanze!l is the Executive Director and their international headquarters is located at 915 Middle River Drive, Suite #306, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Their toll-free telephone number is: 1-800-448-8550. In May 2008, IGLTA will take Sin City by storm! From April 30 until May 4, 2008, Las Vegas will host the Annual Convention of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. The host hotel is the Flamingo. That website is: http://www.iglta.orglconvention/and that website is your one stop shop. Here is where you will find updates, registration information, hotel and air information as well as anything else you could possibly want to learn about this one of a kind event. Among the many workshops that will be taking place are: Vegas Adventures, How to Buy/Sell Unique Destinations, How to Access the Gay and Lesbian www.ozarksstar.corn Market, Internet Marketing, L World - Why Lesbians may be your best customers, Gay Comfort Hotel Programs, Marketing Strategies for Staying Competitive in the Gay & Lesbian Tourism Market, Unique destinations for Gay & Lesbian Travel, Teaming Up with Gay and Lesbian Events, Guerilla Marketing and Hotel/Bed and Breakfast trends. Legendary author Armistead Maupin will be our keynote speaker for the event. There will also be a National Trade Show in conjunction with the Convention. Anxong the many National sponsors of the IGLTA are:Airlines, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Center, MGM-MIRAGE, Canada Tourism Commission, Wyndam Hotels and Resorts, HARRAH’S, AIG Travel Insurance, Alamo Car Rentals, National Car Rentals, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Macy’s Department Stores, Ottawa Tourism Center, Marriott Hotels and Resorts and this is only a portion of the national sponsors. If you go to their website you can check out their list of activities and the calendar of events. They list over a dozen every month all around the ~vorld. OutWest Global Adventures is one of our favorites. Check out their website at www.outwestadventures. com. or email them at: info@outwestadventures.corn and their phone number is 800-743-0458. They schedules all over the world. feature a "places to see" page and great maps of each city so that you can find your way around easily. They have brochures on the following cities: Asbury Park, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Austin, Baltimore, Banff/Jasper, Boston, Brooklyn, Calgary, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Fire Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Halifax, Houston, Jacksonville, Key West, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Long Island, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Miami and Miami Beach, Minneapolis, Montreal, Myrtle Beach, Napa Valley, New Hope, New Orleans, New York City, Niagara, Okanagan Valley, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Provincetown, Quebec City, Rehoboth Beach, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatoon, Seattle, Sonoma County/Russian River, South Dakota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Washington D.C., Whistler and Wilton Manors. Hopefully in the near future they will come out with a funmap brochure for Missouri featuring Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield and Joplin. Funmap brochures can be picked up free at hundreds of bars around the country and you can also check them out on line at www.funmaps.com. Their maps are the most circulated gay publication in the world, with 3.5 million users every year. FUNMAPS.com is the leading authority for gays and lesbians visiting anywhere in the United States and Canada. They have yearly "funmap brochures" on all of the major cites in the country. They have been publishing their brochures for over 25 years. Alan Beck is the publisher and lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We were fortunate to be his guests at his lovely estate there. His life-partner Nick is a wonderful person and they had a house guest, Norma from the Northeast who was a delight. Alan is one of the most charming gentlemen that we have ever met. The brochures feature accommodations, restaurants/cafes, night life and shopping. Their funmaps brochures also ~heSTAR t9 �Matsuya serves excellent sushi and Japanese fare, including such knock-’out starters as deep-fried chicl~en wings and whitefish with smelt roe. Although many imitators have opened nearby, Mia Francesca remains the best place in the neighborhood for sophisticated but simple Northern Italian fare. You could survive solely- on the flaky, freshly baked cinnanmn rolls that accompany every" meat at the hallowed Swedish diner Ann Sather, which has several gay-popular locations. Chicago Diner, and serves that �A swank, smoke-free lounge known for its colorful cocktails and slick crowd, Minibar opened somewhat recently and has become a favorite affer~work spot. A circuit-boy favorite on weekends, Circuit pulses with a feverish tate-ni~t dance crowd even at midweek, when Latin nights are a hit. °l~ne stylish Berlin disco draws a decidedly fiankier and more alternative crowd than most of the preppy haunts in Lakeview. Nearby Spin is an eclectic gay club with an alla~es crowd and fun dance music. Charlie’s brinas in fans ofcountry~ffestern music, while the Gentry on Halsted is ~ Boystown branch of downtowffsppo ular piano bar, favored for happy hour and later for live cabaret. Leather-and-Levi’s types cruise the Cell Block. Steamworks Chicago is a popular, clean, well-run sauna - it’s one of the nicest such facilities in the country. cheese, and a ranow-smoky sauce. One of the most talked-ab0ut new eateries in the area, Anteprima turns out superb modern Italian fare and has a wan’. dining room with pressed-tin ceilings and a s~.~ded patio in back. Don’t pass up the grilled quail marinated in honey with balsan~ic vinegar and pancetta. A lively and atmospheric bistro with a decidedly queer following, Tomboy serves tempting fare like pan-seared duck with crimini mushrooms mid a port glaze, T’S is a friendly, gay-popular restaurant and bar - it s a favorite lesbian date spot, known for healthful American food. ~hste of Heaven Baker), is a great pick for delectable breakfasts and lunches, plus iCresh-baked snacks throughout the day - the flied-egg sandwiches and peaches-and-cream French toast are favorites in the morning. Ano~er wonderful spot to satisfy your sugar fix is Sweet Occasions, which serves some of the thickest and richest ice cream in the city, plus fantast,c cupcakes, cherry cobbler, and homemade fudge. It’s hard not to love this old-fashioned parlor with ice-cream sundaes named for the seven deadly sins. The "Lust" (a chipotle brownie topped with cinnamon ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and red hots) may leave you lusting t~br another trip to these two charming Chicago neighborhoods ..... www.ozarksstar.com {5eSTAR 21 �our entire lives! "17hey were crispy, tender and extremely delicious. We naturally had to get their recipe to share with our readers. After lunch we had some of their home-made apple pie which was great, but not as great as the onion rings. If you’re ever in that part of the country, be sure and stop by and dine there. They have no phone, no address with just a small sign in front but you can’t miss it as it is the only restaurant in town. We asked our waitress who owned the restaurant and she said, "Bob & Jim’. She had ,vorked there for over 3 years and had never met them. Rather strange, but as long as they make extraordinary onion rings, we don’t care. BOB & IIM’S CAFE So, when you’r traveling, you never know what you might find. Sometimes it turns out good and sometimes it turns out bad, but just keep on "truckin". Greydiff, Montana We love to dine at fine restaurants around the country but sometimes we hit upon a little diner that looks as though it is just the "perfect" place to stop. Last fall on our driving trip back from Seattle, Washington we were driving thru Montana around noonish and we were both getting hungry so we decided to pull into the next to~vn and get something to eat. Lo and behold the next town in Montana was Greycliff, a town of about 450 people (if you count the two of us). Really not much there except it is right on the Interstate. When we walked into the only restaurant in town, they KNEW that we were not from their fair town, or even that we were from Montana! All eyes were upon us. The last time that anyone in the restaurant had ever seen that many diamond rings was when they went to their local Walmart! We were the only ones there that didn’t wear cowboy hats, blue jeans, cowboy boots or bib overalls. We really thought about turning right around and walking back to our auto, but decided to stay. Our waitress was rather like Flo from the TV series, ALICE with a rather shrieking voice but pleasant. We had been dining for the past two weeks on west coast seafood so decided to try something a little more middle American so we ordered a chicken flied steak lunch. Our waitress, whose real name was Minnie May suggested that we also order the onion rings which she said were the best in the entire State of Montana. We almost didn’t order them but she kept insisting so ~ve did. To our pleasant surprise, they were some of the finest onion rings that we have ever had in 22 th~STAR Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. www.ozarksstar.com �XANDER, CAPTURES MR GAY US ofA MI 2008 TITLE AT ANGLES By Victor Gorin OkJahomans for Equa] ity opens new exhibit featuring artist Amie Montedoro at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-theartist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, April 3, 2008, for the opening of it’s April exhibit, paintings by Amie Montedoro. Winners Xander & 1 st runnerup Owen McCord OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ A new facet of pageantry was introduced to Oklahoma when the first contest for male impersonation was held in Oklahoma City March 12-15. q-he national competition for this new division of the US of A system, Mr Gay US of A, concluded at Angles with the crowning of Xander of Tennessee with 1st alternate Owen McCord of Atlanta, Georgia. This new contest is owned by the first Mr. Gay US ofA MI, the famous Gage Gatlin and his partner Brenda Quayle. Mr.Gatlin wowed the audience with a style that even made some gay men swoon, talent garnered from years of experience beginning in Jacksonville, Florida. Gage and Brenda have made their home in Tulsa, having begun this contest in August of this year. Mr.Gatlin has gone into retirement, however he will still perform for large charity events. They are looking forward to next year’s contest, which will feature contestants winning preliminary or regional contests, of which there are already 10 planned. ~wvw.ozarksstar.com Montedoro’s art is a refreshing look at the beauty of women who have taken charge of their own sexuality. The feminine form, as the perfect balance between the sacred and the profane, embodies the duplicity that is woman; as Madonna, as Whore. The eldest daughter of accomplished architect and educator Richard Montedoro (Norman, Ok.), Amie has been taught from a young age the importance of self expression. A tactile artist, Amie prefers to create her art not with brushes or tools; rather she uses her fingers to apply all but the most intricate of details and finishing touches. From concept to creation, Amie uses traditional techniques along with the relationship garnered from having her hands actually create the form and emotion of women who are sexually comfortable, capable, and liberated. The exhibit will remain up through the month of April, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Ttflsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Kern Responds to Activist Criticisms OKI~A_HOMA CITY, OK (PR) __State Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) issued the following statement in response to the criticisms of homosexual activists who have objected to a recent speech she gave on their efforts to promote their agenda at both the federal and state level. "To put this simply, as a Christian I believe homosexuality is not moral. Obviously, you have the right as an American to choose that lifestyle, but I also have the right to express my views and my fellow Oklahomans have the right to debate these issues. "In recent years homosexual activists have begun to aggressively promote their agenda through the political process, often providing substantial financing to candidates who agree with their views, including many running for state legislative races. National publications such as Time, The Atlantic and USA Today have noted that trend. That is their right, just as it is my right to voice opposition to their agenda, which I have been asked to do at several public forums in recent months. That’s what democracy is all about. It appears some homosexual activists believe only one group is allowed a voice in this debate. I disagree. ’~k vigorous debate on an issue is not ’hate speech’ - it’s free speech. I have made clear my opposition to the agenda of homosexual activists, but I have never endorsed or supported any hateful action targeting individuals on the other side of this debate and never will. The fact that many gay rights activists claim anyone opposing their agenda is engaging in ’hate speech’ says more about them than me. "Most Oklahomans are socially conservative and believe marriage is a sacred institution, the union of one man and one woman, and that the traditional family is worth protecting and preserving. When I campaigned for office, I promised my constituents to stand up for those values, and I do not apologize for keeping my word." theSTAR 23 ���By Ronald Blake By the time you read this, the Academy Awards gadabouts will be looking forward to next year’s red carpet faux pas. You will likely have listened ad nauseam to the incessant prattling of that sham fashion critic Joan Rivers. You will probably be joining the droves of lemmings to rent the Oscar winning movies at the corner Blockbuster. I will now beseech your participation for my health version of the body’s Academy Awards. I promise to shut up when the music starts to play. The winner for best editing goes to the reticular activating system, or the RAS as it is known to the medical snobs, q-his system was responsible for filtering all the unnecessary dreck that made its way to your brain during the past year. It decided what was important for you to pay attention to. It concluded that 99% of the sensory input that approached your cerebral cortex was to be ignored. Without this RAS, you would likely have been bombarded with an overload of drab detail all around you. The kind of overload you would experience while on the drug LSD, which does temporarily disable the RAS. The winner for best supporting role goes to the diaphragm. This veteran provided enough action and drama for five hysterical queens. It was capable of providing sufficient pressure change in your thoracic cavity to send blood soaring happily back to the heart on many an occasion. It has so ardently allowed you to give that much needed extra push while grunting and groaning on the toilet. It was even so 26 theSTAR chivalrous to accompany you to the health club and save you from muscle tears during your heavy lifting exercises. The best makeup award is presented to the circulatory system for its presentation of the numerous bruises that you displayed to the world. These hematomas are more than just clotted blood masses and it is long overdue that the Academy finally recognizes these purveyors of black and blue marks. They maintained their iridescent beauty until the body naturally reabsorbed the escaped blood that clotted just beneath the skin’s surface. There were many nonainees for great body parts and their exciting roles. With all due respect to the aforementioned winners, the body does function as a whole and winning team. Keep learning about your anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is what will keep you healthy and prepare you for the recipient of the lifetime achievement award. This column is brought to you by that guy who frequendy and sophomorically ordered Whopper sandwiches while in the McDonald’s drive-throughs in his carefree youth. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be castigated at www.goblakefimess.com. The best leading role goes to the lungs. This organ is usually secondary to the perennial favorites such as the heart, brain, or the stomach. This year the voters spoke and showed the world that nobody puts the lungs in a corner. This tour de force has provided the heart with all its oxygen which in turn has provided the properly conditioned blood for your brain’s processing of your impure thoughts and the stomach’s digesting of those roast beef sandwiches ladled with horsey sauce. The best director goes to the adrenaline. This litde behemoth was responsible for preparing all your body parts for that fight or flight reaction when you came face to face with that curmudgeonly pit bull in the park. Audience members cheered furiously when you chose the flight version and outpaced the Hound of the Baskervilles and then leapt that six foot brick wall to the safety of those hydrangea bushes on the other side. Only a capable director could cajole you out of your slothful ways to negotiate that feat. www.ozarksstar.com �GAY TRAVELERS: Almost al! the bus tours allow their passengers to take their own food with them and if you are careful and not out in the open about it, you can take your own liquor for a 5 o’clock drink or two. We know several people who have taken a bus tour from California to Alaska and they all say that it was splendid. Buses nowadays are not like yesterday. They are all extremely comfortable with air-cushioned suspension. They of course all have restrooms on board and they make frequent stops for dining and shopping. On the longer tours they usually have a host/hostess traveling with you to answer any and all questions. Sometimes in one’s life it just makes more sense to take a bus tour rather than driving your own automobile. If this is something that might be in your future plans we highly suggest that perhaps you might start offwith just a day trip and see how you like it and then progress to a longer one. There are a lot of single people taking these bus tours so for the single people out there, you don’t need to feel alone when traveling. We have made good acquaintances on our day tours that we took several years ago and still keep in touch with them. Bus tours are not for everybody but perhaps it might be something to look into for your future travel plans. And speaking of Las Vegas, "Gay Days & Nights Las Vegas" is coming up July 3rd thru the 6th. This wil! be their 2nd year of presenting the Gay Days & Nights. Presenting sponsor Cirque du Soleil will be featuring special events and discounts throughout the Gay Days & Nights July 3-6, to showcase their Las Vegas productions. Attendees of Gay Days & Nights Las Vegas will have an opportunity to see any or all of the shows combined with invitationonly special events, drawings and incentives planned for each night including LOVE at Mirage, KA at MGM Grand, ZUMANITY at New-York Hote! & Casino and Mystere at Treasure Island. PARIS Hotel & Casino is the host accommodations and you can check them out at Parislasvegas.com. For more information check their website at http://www.gaydaysandnights.com/. Also when going to Las Vegas be sure and check out http://www.lasvegaspride.org/. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! ~,wvw.ozarksstar.com British gays f~ght b{ood ban A new British group called Bloodban is seeking to overturn the nation’s ban on blood donation by non-celibate gay men, the BBC reported March 7. Organizers are circulating a petition that they plan to deliver to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The National Blood Service believes gay men are too high-risk because of the short gap between one’s getting infected with HIV and when the virus can be detected by a blood test. Bloodban says people should be excluded based on their lifestyle, not because of their membership in a particular social group. ~e activists propose that gay men be banned as donors only if they have had unprotected sex in the past 18 months. israeli bashers sent to prison Four Jerusalem gay-bashers were sent to prison for two to eight years March 6 by the Tel Aviv District Court, Ynetnews reported. Typically, the bashers used a decoy cruiser to pick up men seeking sex with men at Tel Aviv’s old central bus station. Once in the victim’s car, the decoy would direct him to another location where the other bashers joined in beating, stripping and robbing the victim. Two other men have been indicted for nearly identical crimes at Jerusalem’s central bus station. In one case, one of the bashers bit off a portion of one victim’s ear, Ynet said. Netherlands plans legalization of park sex People having sex in the park xvill be expected to do so only after dark and out of public viexv. They also must not leave condoms lying about. Meanxvhile, the police institute’s National Diversity Expertise Center is advising other cities to follow Amsterdam’s lead. It said legalizing park sex would help protect gay men from queer-bashers. The Amsterdam branch of the Dutch national gay group COC (now knoxvn only by its formal initials) xvelcomed the nexvs. "Cruising is something belonging to all times and banning it does not work anyway," said chairman Dennis Boutkan. "They do it surreptitiously and mostly without others being annoyed by it. By agreeing on rules of behavior, safety can be increased." Spanish gay-marriage PIVt wins reelection Spanish voters re-elected Prime Minister Josd Luis Rodrlguez Zapatero on March 9, apparently unperturbed that he made Spain one of only six nations that grant gay couples access to full marriage. Zapatero’s Socialist party took 43.7 percent of the vote, besting the conservative Popular Party, which grabbed 40.1 percent. Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa and the U.S. state of Massachusetts also have opened up ordinary marriage to same-sex couples. SGYrdneff. GLBT Mardi as Picks Gayest Song Ever. S~qDNEY, AU __ ABBA’s Dancing Queen, which has been ranked by visitors to Australia’s SameSame.com.au website as the gayest song of all time in a list compiled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. It will no longer be illegal to have sex in Amsterdam’s Vondel Park under regulations set to take effect later this year, De Telegraaf reported March 7. The Village People’s YMCA came in second, followed by Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive. "Why should we try to maintain something that is actually impossible to maintain, which also causes little bother for others and, for a certain group, actually signifies much pleasure?" asked Oud-Zuid district Alderman Paul van Grieken. "The list was compi]ed in the lead-up to the 30th Anniversary of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to look back on the catalogue of popular music to decide which of them are truly worthy to be labelled a camp classic," SameSame.com.au said. th÷STAR 27 �by Jack Fertig April 2008 "Recharge your batteries, Taurus!" Venus entering Aries provides a challenging spark to the profound re-evaluations of responsibility being raised by Pluto and Saturn. Be patient, take the long view, and rise to the challenge of seeing how your impulses can be harnessed to deep and necessary changes. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Venus is in your sign, and it’s a great time for a makeover. Looking good professionally is more important than just looking gorgeous, so freshen up your work as well as your appearance. Looking good in lieu of accomplishment will fool no one. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Allow yourself time to be alone. Recharge your batteries; take time to think about important issues, to organize hobbies or crafts, or to look more critically at some of your creative efforts. When you need fresh air, do some volunteer work. GEMINi (May 21 - June.20): Throwing yourself into some community efforts will bdng you to unanticipated challenges. You can overcome them, but will have to re-evaluate how you network with others, and how you support and use community structures. SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 o December 20): You could accomplish a great deal, earning fame and fortune. The creative impulse that should feed such progress is more likely to be a distraction. Harnessing that power productively is challenging. Don’t give in to impulse. Structure and discipline are now your best bet. CAPRICORN (December 21 -January 19): Suddenly focusing on what you value about your home and tribe, you can become very assertive and defensive. Try to take a longer view, asserting the value of your clan as part of a larger community or humanity, not distinct from it. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): To become even more comfortable with your deepest, most private feelings about sex and/or death, you need to challenge yourself to examine these most irrational mysteries with some logic. Find someone with whom you can discuss your secret feelings. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): The fault is probably not with your partner and friends, but in what you imagine - wrongly - to be their chief assets. Try to see what they offer and what you offer to them in a new light, one that will improve all your relationships. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Making useful connections may feel cynical. The truth is, you tend to be a little too romantic and shouldn’t be shy about basing relationships on something practical. Focus your urge to edit on yourself; others rarely appreciate it. LEO (July 23 .- August 22): You’re suddenly impatient to make your mark in a new territory. Stop and think. Rather than wasting this energy in some egoistic indulgence, you can apply your skills to present your most valued ideas and talents. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Be bold and daring. Traits you’ve experienced as liabilities can prove very advantageous if you try playing with them - perhaps in dark, subversive ways. Erotic role play can unlock power where you thought you were weak. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Nice people can argue nicely. Assert your points respectfully and hear your partner - or your opponent - out. Be open to new perspectives on cherished traditions. Some long-accepted history als0 needs a fresh look. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): You’re itching to make some much-needed innovations at work. As good as. your ideas are, be sure to discuss any plans with colleagues, and not just for diplomacy’s sake. You can learn from their ideas and improve upon your own improvements. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve 3". Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Spdngs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �tis÷ s Support those who support us, DOWNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 \Vest 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 v~vw.realacceptance.com HABANA INN 2200 bD,v4 39TH F~XPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK x~vw.anglesclub.com BkaMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VgAy Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 v~vw.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com www.ozarksstar.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline GUSHER’S RESTAURMNT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the HVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphoms@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ¯he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAlVlE: Address: CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: th÷STAR 29 �Keller Williams Realty Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ,REALACCEPTANCE,COM mdaekfinitio,n..; the cos,int [Re f,gr m,,ost to..... e a amerence llves of.u...s, oT (~Lt~l Teens in Oklahoma.) You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: www. openarmsproject.org 30 t5eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com ��drugs +, HIL.~ Learn ~t~he Link �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com APRIL 2008 "The homosexual agenda is destroying this nation." "1 honestly think it’s the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam. They have infiltrated City Councils. They are after your 2 year olds for indoctrination." State Representative, District 84, Sally Kern. Compiled by Star staff Photo: Rally at Memorial Park Oklahoma City. ¯hese sentiments expressed by State Representative Sally Kern were taped at a Republican gathering who had invited her to speak on what some term the homosexual agenda. The tape was given to the Victory Fund, a national gay & lesbian political activist group and placed on ¥outube, where it has now been heard by over 1,000,000 people. It has garnered international attention with responses that have overwhelmed Youtube, and to say that the lines of communication with Ms. Kern were jammed would be a classic understatement. Ellen Degeneres was not surprised when she tried to contact Sally Kern after playing the youtube video on her show and couldn’t even leave a message. Although the audience was obviously not in agreement with Sally, Ellen appealed to Miss Kern on the air, stating that she wanted to talk to her, that she obviously had some misinformation. Although some responses received by Ms Kern were supportive, the vast majority were not, and many were threatening and are being investigated by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. At a Press Conference at the Church of the Open Arms March 11, Cimarron Alliance President Richard Ogden, among many others, denounced Ms. Kern’s remarks and stated that she should apologize or be censured by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As he put it, "These are hateful words that can result in hateful actions, This is about accountability, not freedom of expression." It was pointed out that only 3 months earlier, Stephen Domer of Oklahoma City was murdered because he was gay. So far Ms. Kern has refused to apologize and the Speaker of the House, Republican Chris Benge ofTulsa, has stated he will not call for Ms. Kern to be censured. However Governor Brad Henry stated that he advised her to "Think before you speak. Oklahomans have love and tolerance for all people. I don’t think this rhetoric represents Oklahoma." P-Flag of Oklahoma has asked for a meeting with her, but has gotten no response. Her statement that the gay community was a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam drew fire from both military personnel and Oklahoma’s Muslim community. At the Church press conference Richard Ogden pointed out that one of the four people on United Airlines Flight 93 who overpowered the hijackers who were heading the airliner to the White House, Mark Bingham, was gay. Another speaker at the conference, Jerre B. Fine, a Air Force veteran, stated that she was honored to serve her country and that Sally Kern’s comments that gays were a bigger threat than terrorism or Islam, and were a cancer in the toe of society were very hurtful on a personal level. She pointed out that "I served my country dutifully and honorably for 6 years of my life. We need protection not only from outside forces trying to destroy America, but also we need protection from within from people like Sally Kern." On March 14 there was a rally at Memorial Park featuring signs along Classen Boulevard encouraging rush hour travelers to honk to show opposition to Representative Kern’s remarks. The event got extensive television coverage, and featured many community leaders. Most important of all was that the responses from OKC’s commuters were overwhelmingly supportive. In a recent Tulsa World poll, the question was: Would you sign the petition to have Sally Kern removed from office? ..............Continued PAGE 5 ®MISS GAY TULSA PAGEANT April 25th 10prn. Featuring - Miss Gay Tulsa America - Melody Micheals and Miss Gay Oklahoma Lindsey Paige. for more information email: information@downtownplazatulsa.com 2 the STAR vwvw.ozarksstar.com 1 DS (2437) Recognized by Keller Williams For outstanding achievement 2005 and 2006 R~ALTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOI~ Whether buying or selling I’ll work hardforyo~ Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for order blank. ,J www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 APRIL, State News continues on page 6, 9, 11 and 23 LGBT History looks at the life ofTallulah Bankahead, Actress Movies, TV, Stage and Radio World Briefs By Rex Wockner - Wockner News Service ~DEEP ~INSIDE HOLLYWOOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for George Clooney and Simon ~WiNE Devre Jackson reviews wines of Northem Italy. Beer-Battered Onion Rings from Bob & Jim’s Care, Greycliff, Montana. Gay Travelers: Bus Trips & Tours Out of Town: Chicago STAR SCENE Snapshots from around the State. Paparazzi on page 25 FITNESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Photo byVictor Gorin 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Embrace the Passior o£ the Prom. Pride Prom 2008 makes comeback to PAC By Joey De TULSA, OK__ When the sun sets April 19, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center will heat up with the passion of Spain as the University ofTulsa’s Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay and Transgender alliance present Pride Prom 2008, "Bailamos!" The event, which has called the PAC home for three years, offers BLGT youth and their friends the opportunity to celebrate the prom season with their chosen date. ’~A lot of BLGT youth can’t take the prom date of their choice (to their high school’s prom), this is an opportunity to express themselves freely," says Steven Hulford, one of the organization’s leaders. For the TU-BLGTA, Pride Prom is a way to give back to the community and make memories for BLGTA youth, regardless of if they are TU students or not. "We are in or eighth year of doing this event," says Hulford. "Each year it has grown from being in the Great Hall of the Allen Chapman Activity Center (a building on campus), to what it is now." According to Hulford, this year’s Spanish theme was picked from a long list of ideas. "We wanted to do something completely different from what we had done in the past," he says noting previous themes of Hollywood and water. "We’re calling it ’Bailamos’ because the literal translation is ’we dance’." At the event, Hulford says youth can expect all the food, music and fun of a traditional high school prom. In addition, attendees will have access to a "Resource Row," that will feature organizations who provide quality services to BLGT youth. Beginning at 7:30, the event runs until 11:00 and does not require formal dress. "The only things we don’t allow are torn jeans and shorts, other than that people are welcome to dress how they feel comfortable. People have come in formal prom attire and have come in polo shirts and slacks," explains Mr. Hulford. Tickets for Pride Prom 2008 are $10 in advance at www.myticketoffice.com and $12 at the door. For information on sponsorship and branding opportunities, contact the group’s advisor, Nancy Eggen at 918.744.9182. SOONER STATE SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION HOLDS OKLAHOMA CITY TOURNAMENT Leroy Cobb & Laurie Proole MC’s at Angles Furndraiser for Sooner State Softball 26 teams ( 21 men’s, 5 women’s) came together at Boomtown Field and the Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City March 15-16 to enjoy the comraderie of softball competition. Now in its 5th year, the Sooner State Softball Association offers the GLBT community the opportunity to show off their skills or learn the game among friends. According to SSSA Commissioner Leroy Comp, it also provides a way "to see some great softball." The SSSA is part of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, a confederation of GLBT athletic teams in both the United States and Canada. New players are always welcome, so if you’d like to try your hand, call Mr.Comp and (405) 408 2533 or e-mail him at cutupok@aol.com. FRONT PAGE CONTINUED: Yes: 129 No: 86 I don’t know: 6 The results of this question represent the opinions of 221 people with the following demographic profile: Oklahomans: 80.5 % Male: 127 Female: 94 In response to Kern’s statement that Eureka Springs City Council was controlled by gays. A press statement was issued by the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce and the straight Mayor, Dani Joy: "Since its founding in 1879, Eureka Springs has been and remains welcoming to all visitors and residents without regard to their race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. It is our hope that all people would aspire to this ideal. Because of the timeless beauty of our architecture and landscape, the friendliness of our citizens and our welcoming attitude toward all visitors, we remain a destination for people from all walks of life. Eureka Springs will remain a city eager to provide all visitors a fulfilling vacation experience." Mayor Dani Joy" Oklahomans have spoken out, we’ve demonstrated, protested, sent letters and email to our elected officials, and have gained international attention. Media from around the world has covered the embarrassing tirade of Rep. Kern. This international spodight may be to our advantage. Our activist groups have experienced an influx of out of state contributions since the stoW broke. We’ve gotten the attention of national and international advocacy organizations. We have discovered many new main stream allies in Oklahoma. The House and Senate leadership may allow the five hate crimes bills currently before them to receive full consideratioia. There is a positive side to this degrading display of (Shame on Sally) Most importantly we have the right to vote, and Sally was voted into office. Come November and in future elections know your candidate before you mark that spot on the ballot. It could make an important difference in our future. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 editor Dear Editor, When is enough, really enough? We have been reading and watching the national news about Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, saying "gay agenda is a greater threat to America than terrorism." Although we do not live in Oldahoma, we have been visiting your great state for over 30 years. We are extremely concerned when a public official such as an elected State Representative makes such remarks. ¯his is really nothing short of a "hate crime" in itselfl It is one thing for a regular citizen of the country to make remarks such as this but when a public official says it, then it is obviously crossing the line. As gay and lesbian citizens of the United States, we have as much right as anybody else to expect full citizenship. When people such as Ms. Kern spews her hatred to the people of Oklahoma it is WRONG ! It propels hatred in schools, churches and throughout the entire community. Many years ago we took on Anita Bryant for her anti-homosexual drive and we won! So, our dear brothers and sisters in Oklahoma............. have you had enough? Gays and Lesbians throughout the country are fighting for their rights and each and every individual gay and lesbian person in each state must do their part. We cannot suggest an action to take against Ms. Kern however we feel very strongly that action MUST BE TAKEN in whatever form necessary. Whether a full stage sit-in, a recall of her government seat in your State House or whatever. ..... something NEEDS TO BE DONE AND NOW~ Many years have passed since we just stood on the sidelines and took whatever was handed to us, and we never, want to return to those days. We are extremely proud of the progress that gays and lesbians have made. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have a very vibrant gay and lesbian community, much more so than most cities around the country their size. OkEq Den,o.unces Rep. Sally Kem’s Ant oGay Tirade TULSA, OK (PR) __Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) deplores the sentiments expressed by Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) in a YouTube video now generating a firestorm. National and local media outlets are closely covering the controversy sparked by Kern’s claim that homosexuality is "the biggest threat that our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam." In a triple play of intolerance, Rep. Kern offends lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans, thousands of women and men defending the United States from terrorist attacks, and Muslims worldwide. Yet, she remains completely unapologetic, citing her right to freedom of speech and claiming, "I have never endorsed or supported any hateful action targeting individuals on the other side of this debate and never will." Rep. Kern’s legislative track record belies her remarks. In 2006, Rep. Kern sponsored legislation that xvould have denied funding to public libraries that refused to segregate books addressing LGBT themes. Rep. Kern has repeatedly used her public office to demonize LGBT Oklahomans and to attempt to deny them the exact same civil liberties she now defends so passionately. This is the height of hypocrisy. "OkEq firmly supports Rep. Kern’s constitutional tight to express her viexvs, but vociferously objects to the actions she takes to prevent LGBT Oklahomans from attaining justice and equality. When elected officials use their power to defame entire categories of people, they abuse the freedom of speech embedded in the First Amendment and violate their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their constituents," asserts Justice Waidner, OkEq Executive Director. So instead of just bitching and moaning and groaning about Mrs. Kern, we wish all the gays and lesbians in Oklahoma the best success with this matter. Cordially, Donald Pile and Ray Williams OkEq calls upon the many fair-minded members of the Oklahoma legislature to condemn Rep. Kern’s comments and to pass immediately a state hate crimes law that encompasses sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. We ask for the House and Senate leadership to allow the five hate crimes bills currently before them to receive full consideration on the floor. 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 4815 S. Harvard Gay men and lesbiansface many special tax situations, whether single or as couples. Proudly serving Tulsa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com TULSA, OK (PR) __ Health Outreach Prevention Education, Inc. (H.O.P.E.) celebrated its 10th anniversar~ Xgrednesday, March 12, 2008. Invited guests and honorees celebrated at the Dennis R. Nell Fxtuality Center, a long-time community partner where H.O.P.E.’s services began in 1996. The evening included hors d’ oeuvres and recognized key individuals who have been instrumental in the growth and success of the organization. "H.O.P.E. provides a vita! service in the fight against HIV by testing those at risk and also educating the community on safer sex practices. By virtue of their HIV testing being free and anonymous, people at risk can more easily know their status and help stop the transmission of HIV," stated Stephen Eberle, advisory board and 10th Anniversary committee member. In recognition of H.O.P.E.’s 10th Anniversary, the following people and organizations received recognition for the significant impact they have had on the agency since its inception: Ms. Kristi Frisbie, Mr. Jeremy Simmons, the Oklahoma State Department of Health HIWSTD Division, Ms. Janie Nicklas and the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership Grants Committee, Tulsa CARES, Community of Hope Church, Ms. Debi Sanditen, Dr. Damon Baker, and Oklahomans for Equality. Health Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.P.E.) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has served Tulsa and surrounding communities since 1998. H.O.P.E. is proud to be recognized as one of the largest and most comprehensive health promotion facilities in Oklahoma, and is the only free, anonymous HIV testing site in a 23-county area. H.O.P.E. also operates the statewide HIWsexually transmitted disease (STD) resource hotline and conducts a variety of targeted outreach efforts focusing on men, women, and under served populations. H.O.P.E. also offers free and low-cost Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing and education services. H.O.P.E. provides a comfortable place for people to learn their health status and can connect clients to a variety of medical and social support services. H.O.EE. is supported in part by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, as well as various private foundations, including the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund, the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership, the MAC AIDS Fund, and the George B. Kaiser Family Foundation. Raising awareness of HIV/AIDS remains vitally important, as the infection rate remains steady every year in the United States. Young people and minorities are disproportionately affected, but HIV does not discriminate. By knowing your status, you are better able to protect yourself and others. Prevention education and testing are keys to decreasing the stigma and infection rate of HIV. For more information about HIV or sexually transmitted infections, call the Oklahoma HIWSTD Resource Hotline, 1-800-535-MDS (2437). RESERVE YOUR SPAOE HOW Deadline Thursday IViay t 5th Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 by Liz Highteyman Past Out, which looks at the life 0fTallulah Bankhead, Actress Movies, TV;, Stage and Radio, Who was Tallu]lah Bankhead? ~ecades after her heyday in the 1920s and 1930s, self-described "ambisextrous" stage and screen star Tallulah Bankhead is as famous for her bad-girl antics as for her acting talent. Bankhead was born to a prominent political family in Huntsville, Ala., on January 31, probably in !903 (the year is subject to debate); her mother died shortly thereafter from childbirth complications. Seeking to keep his two unruly daughters out of trouble, her father, a U.S. Congressman, sent them to convent schools, but these proved conducive venues for Bankhead’s first sexual experiences with other girls. Though plump and plain as a child, Bankhead blossomed as an adolescent; at age 15, she won a movie magazine beauty contest with a prize of a small film role. Chaperoned by an aunt, she took up residence at the Mgonquin Hotel in New York City, a favored haunt of the Broadway elite. There, Bankhead was seduced by renowned actress Eva Le Gallienne and met Estelle Winwood, an older English actress who would become a life-long friend and sometime lover. Bankhead also counted among her liaisons British student Napier Alington and jazz great Billie Holiday, but she turned down a casting couch invitation from John Barrymore. Breakthrough acting success eluded Banld~ead in New York, and in 1923 she moved to London on the advice of an astrologer. There, she quickly achieved fame, especially among young working-class women. Over the next eight years she appeared in two dozen \VC-est End plays, which were wildly popular with fans, if not always acclaimed by critics. Documents declassified in 2000 revealed that the British intelligence service investigated her - groundlessly, it turned out - for allegedly seducing a group of Eton schoolboys. Bankhead earned considerable income, but spent profligately; by the end of the decade, she was broke and accepted a contract offer from Paramount Studios. In Hollywood, she hosted parties at her mansion that were said to have "no boundaries," and she attended shindigs at lesbian actress Alia Nazimova’s lavish Garden ofAllah estate. An emergency hysterectomy due to advanced gonorrhea did little to curb her omnivorous sexual appetite. "My daddy warned me about men and booze," she famously quipped, "but he never mentioned a word about women and cocaine." Bankhead had flings with Gary Cooper and - allegedly - with Marlene Dieterich, but Greta Garbo apparently spurned her advances. Upon meeting Joan Crawford, who was then married to Douglas Fairbanks Jr., she remarked, "I’ve had an affair with your husband. You’ll be next." Though Bankhead often bragged about her sexual conquests, many believed she exaggerated for the sake of publicity. Indeed, her comments suggested that she did not particularly enjoy sex. "The conventional position makes me claustrophobic," she once said, "and the others give me a stiff neck or lockjaw." Regarding Bankhead’s orientation, long-time companion Patsy Kelly - one of the first actresses to come out as a lesbian - said it "mostly it depended on Tallulah’s mood...When she’d get caught up with a man, she’d go quite hetero on us." Bankhead married once, to actor John Emery in 1937, but they divorced four years later with no children. She then bought an estate in West&ester County, where she lived for extended periods with Winwood and with Kelly. She also surrounded herself with numerous pets and her "caddies" - young men who mixed her drinks, lit her constant cigarettes, and sometimes provided sexual services. Follmving in her father’s footsteps, she became increasing involved in politics, campaigning for Democratic candidates and supporting both anti-Nazi and anti-Communist causes. Bankhead disliked movie acting, and her larger-than-life style ~vas better suited to the stage than the screen. After making several unsuccessful Hollywood films, she returned to acting on Broadway and with national touring companies, receiving critical acclaim for her performances in The Little Foxes (1939) and The Skin of Our Teeth (1942). Though bitterly disappointed at being passed over for the role ofScarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, she still took on occasional movie projects, including her most famous role as a shipwrecked journalist in Alfred Hitchcock’s Lifeboat (1944). In the early 1950s, Bantdxead emceed The Big Show, a popular variety program on NBC Radio; when radio gave way to television, she appeared as a guest on shows such as The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour. She also starred in a one-woman Las Vegas nightclub act and wrote a best-selling autobiography. But as Bankhead aged, her 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com years of hard drinking and drug use caught up with her, and she became a caricature of her former self. Many of her gay male fans failed to take her efforts seriously, laughing through her performance as Blanche Du- Bois in a 1956 revival ofA Streetcar Named Desire. Before her death from pneumonia in 1968, Bankhead’s final roles were intentionally absurd, induding turns as a demented mother in the British horror flick Fanatic (1965) - retitled Die! Die! My Darling! in the United States - and as the Black Widow on the Batman television series. When producer William Dozier explained his vision for the latter role, she reportedly replied, "Don’t talk to me about camp, dahling, I invented it!" For further reading: Bret, David. 1997. Tallulah Bankhead: A Scandalous Life (Robson Books). Lobenthal, Joe. 2004. Tallulah! The Life and Times of a Leading Lady (HarperCollins). McLellan, Diana. 2000. The Girls: Sappho Goes to Hollywood (Robson Books). OK Mozart Festvai Announces 24th Season, June 13=21 TULSA, OK (PR) __ Tourism is a growing industry in Oklahoma, and the OK Mozart International Festival continues to enhance dais growth by attracting visitors to Bartlesville each June for one of the state’s most renowned cultural events. From June 13-21, the Festival’s 24th season promises to delight audiences from across the state and country with an outstanding array of concert artists and world-class musicians and performances, ranging from classical concerts to Jazz and everything in between. The line-up of renowned guest artists includes Mark O’Connor, Barry Douglas, Anne-Marie McDermott, Frederica yon Stade, Branford Marsalis, Peter Nero, and Ben Vereen. Plus, the New York Theatre Ballet is performing Sleeping Beauty. Amici New York, the Festival’s beloved orchestra-in-residence, returns as it has each year since the Festival’s founding in 1985. These musicians are soloists in their own right and perform in many of the most prestigious ensembles throughout the year. Paul Neubauer, music director, returns with his All-Star Chamber Ensemble featuring members ofThe Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. This year’s Festival will celebrate four great American composers: George Gershwin, Elliott Carter, Charles Wuorinen and Joan Tower, according to Neubauer. "We will also have Mozart,Tchalkovsky and Jimi Hendrix. Please join us for an exhilarating OK Mozart Festival." According to Scott Black, executive director, the 2008 festival offers some positive changes, including three series of entertainment options for the major concerts, money-saving ticket packages and many new and free Showcase events. These events, usually during non-concert hours, offer tours, historical talks, childreffs activities, luncheons and performances. "The 2008 Festival marks our 24th season of offering an internationally recognized event that puts Northeast Oklahoma on the map alongside larger cities that host similar summer festivals--San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Aspen," Black said. Most concerts take place in the Bartlesville Community Center concert hall, acdaimed for its near-perfect acoustics. Inside the Community Hall, the Moz-Art Gallery and OKM Gift Shop provide shopping pleasure for visitors. An exquisite on-site restaurant, Cafd Mozart, offers delicious three-course dinners and delightful lunches. The all-time favorite Woolaroc Outdoor Concert, taking place on June 20 at the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, features Amici New York with conductor’ Michael Krajewski. Nestled on the shores of a tranquil lake, this concert under the stars provides a relaxing, fun way to enjoy beautiful music. When darkness falls, a spectacular finale of fireworks lights the sky, signaling an end to the unforgettable evening. Season tickets and packages are available now with general sales beginning March 3rd. To order, call 918.336.9800, visit www. okmozart.com or in person at 500A South Dewey, Bartlesville. The Festival is made possible in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council and many corporate and individual patrons. The OK Mozart Festival is a member of Green Country Marketing Assn., one of 11 multi-county organizations working with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the Oklahoma Travel Industry Assn. and the other 10 multi-county associations to promote the state tourism industry. Creating Community for People iving with H ViA DS 50t c (3) Non Profit Orgauization Our House, Too offers a vadety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 11 Gay arid Gray r g: Cor cerr s SAN FRANCISCO, CA__ More than 70% of lesbian and gay and respondents over age 40 reported concerns about losing the ability to care for themselves in a recent study conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. The majority also feared becoming sick or disabled, being dependent on others, and outliving their savings. When asked which resources they would rely on for long-term financial and social care as they age, less than 8% of respondents said they would place significant reliance on long-term care insurance, leaving us to wonder how prepared lesbians and gay men are for the kinds of health issues that often come with old age. Respondents placed the most emphasis on: Health care insurance: 22% Medicare: 20% Personal savings: 19% Social Security: 16% 65% of respondents expect for provide care to a partner sometime in the future, 44% for a parent, and 34% for a friend. However, respondents were less certain ofwho would care for them - 59% said a partner would be there to help care for them, 29% a friend, and 20% no one. Research Shows Growing Old a Concernfor Many Lesbians and Gay Mot A significant 20% of gay male and 38% of lesbian respondents over age 40 have children Oust 4% of gay men and 12% of lesbians reported the children to be under age 18). Sometimes it is easy forget how many gay-boomers had children before they came out, and some gays and lesbians will be able to rely on their children for care. The majority of respondents have completed a Living Will and the majority have a Power of Attorney, but less than 50% have completed an Estate Will or set up a Living Trust. (Hospitals often require a visiting partner to present a living~in order to enter his or her partner’s hospital room.) 49% of respondents said they are at least fairly confident that they would be treated with dignity and respect by medical personnel, but 19% expressed concerns that they have little confidence in this being the case. Some views of retirement and old age are much more positive. Respondents look forward to: traveling (79%), having more time for personal interests (74°/0), and peace and relaxation (60%). In addition, lesbians were more likely to report looking forward to spending more time with friends and family than gay men. DEMOGRAPHICS of this "over 40" study: The median age is 52. 69% of respondents are male, 30% female, and 1% transgen der. More than 96% of respondents identified as gay or lesbian. The remainder identified their sexual orientation as bisexual, queer or questioning. 53% of respondents reported that they are completely out. However, 15% are somewhat or not very out. The median respondent in all age categories reported plans to retire at age 62. The vast majority of respondents over age 62 have already retired. 73% of respondents have a college degree. 33% of female respondents and 46% of male respondents are single or do not live with a significant other. Lesbians are more likely to be partnered than gay men. The majority own single family homes. 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com By’ Rex Wockner Wockner News Service iranian fears e×ecution if sent home Mehdi Kazemi fears he’l! be executed if the United Kingdom forces him to return to Iran. Kazemi went to London to study in 2005 and Iranian officials later arrested his boyfriend, Parham, charged him with sodomy and executed him, according to Kazemi’s father. Kazemi then sought asylum in Britain but was rejected. In 2006, he then fled to the Netherlands, which detained him and is nmv preparing to return him to the UK. The UK had been planning to send Kazemi back to Iran ~vhen he returned to British soil but, on March 13, following extensive media coverage and political pressure, the Home Office agreed to review his case one more time before forcing him to go home. "The Iranian authorities have found out that I am a homosexual and they are looking for me," Kazemi said in a recent letter to UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. tn a statement given to activist groups, Kazemi elaborated: "Around [the] end of April 2006, my uncle called me again and informed me that my father had informed him that the authorities had executed Parham and that I must not return to Iran as the authorities would do the same to me.... Parham was charged with the crime of being homosexual and was executed." According to Kazemi’s father, Parham named Mehdi as his lover prior to his execution. Leading British gay activist Peter Tatchell commented: "The Home Office decision to deport Mehdi back to Iran is shameful and reckless.... Gay men in Iran are hanged from public cranes using the barbari method of slow strangulation." Tatchell said the UK government is "callous and more interested in cutting asylum numbers than in ensuring a fair, just and compassionate asylum system." Britain’s Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association also has taken up Kazemi’s cause, saying that "deporting gay and lesbian people to Iran is akin to deporting Jews back to Nazi Germany." Meanwhile, The Independent reported March 7 that an Iranian lesbian who fled to Britain after her girlfriend was arrested and sentenced to death by stoning also is at risk of being sent home. Pegaah Emambakhsh, 40, issued a statement March 6 saying: "I will never, never go back. If I do I know I will die." Emambakhsh’s asylum claim was rebuffed by the Court ofAppeal in February. She now plans to ask the High Court to review the case. Iran is known to have executed several teens and men accused of engaging in sodomy, although in nearly all the cases that have been publicized in recent years the individuals were accused of other crimes as well, such as rape. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has said it suspects that other charges often are tacked onto sodomy cases to prevent the public outrage that would accompany executions carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. The group also has said it believes executions solely for gay sex are taking place .out of the public eye. "Our suspicions [are] that their current practice really is to rid society of lesbians and gay men," the organization said last year. Human Rights Watch, on the other hand, has said it cannot fully document any executions in Iran in recent years carried out solely for the crime of consensual adult gay sex. Last September, during a speech at Columbia University in New York City, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was asked about the nation’s treatment of gay people. He responded: "We in Iran -- we in Iran, firstly, we don’t have hamjensbaz [a derogatory term for homosexuals meaning people with loose morals who chase people of the same gender for sexual pleasure] like you have in your country. In our country, there is no such a thing. In Iran, such a thing does not -- in Iran, in Iran, absolutely such a thing doe not exist as a phenomenon. I don’t know who told you otherwise." ILGA conference canceled The International Lesbian and Gay Association has canceled its 24th World Conference which was to take place in Quebec City, Canada, May 14 to 18. "A recent site visit] confirmed the impressions of the current lack of preparedness at this late date and the lack of funding necessary for the conference to take place," ILGA’s board co-chairs said in a statement. The primary lo.cal organizer was the Coalition gale et lesbienne du Qudbec. ILGA did not reschedule the conference but did put out "a formal call for new proposals from ILGA member organizations for hosting the world conference later this year." It gave interested parties less than a month to submit proposals. The board said any local organizer must take on partial responsibility for paying for the gathering. "ILGA does not have the capacity to fully fund the conference," the co-chairs said. "The local hosts have in the past fundraised for resources, especially to bring scholars from the Global South." ILGA is a 30-year-old federation of more than 600 GLBT organizations and associated members, such as city governments, from 90 countries. ............Continued PAGE 27 w~w.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 Deep ~nside Hol!~,wooeL repora¢ on newprojeHrsjbr George Cloon~ and Simon Callow. Until he crossed over to the PG-13 Law and Order SVU, Chris Metoni was most notorious for gay sex scenes ~uad fullfrontal nudity OZ. And now Meloni is set,t,’o become even more family-friendl): He 1! star in Gym Teacher: Th~ Movie ~o{ Nickelodeon £s a down’on’his-luck coaCh wing Clooney Is Fantastic Mr. Fox 2?~hat’s the connection bevween the Coen Brothers’ ment - dark, violent No Country for Old Men and the upcoming animated family feature Xhe Fantastic Mr. Fox? Besides Coen collaborator George Ctooney in the starring voice role, that would be gay superproducer Scott Rudin, the man whose recent Oscar acceptance speech included a loving thank you to his ~artner (which was then s~rangely excised from the A~demyk o~cial transcript). Rudin tends to go where the hits are, ~d this ~es Anderson-directed, Ctooney and Care Blanchett-voiced feature, abou~ a quick-witted fox and three unpleasant f~rmers t~,in~ to do him in, looks like a sure!re holiday hit..~d in this instance, hohday means Christmas of 2009. But not to worD~ C!ooney has Burn ~ter Read in~ {the next one from the Coens) arriv ing during the interim. dinated thi., be a art teacher Mr. sircom, will a obsessive ~he movie Black about a with~ the film and this time with (slightly) ~,.u,.ll, a dark drama about a woman with a compulsive need to pull out her own hair one strand at k tirile (sounds like Todd Haynes’ Safei but Creepier), ~vill star not 0nly the legendary ~ren Black (Nashvillei but also musician Rickie Lee Jones. No word yet on when the movie will be, ready for an audience, but ifArcher~ firs~ f?ature is any indication, ir will be one ~at audiences wofft soon forget. American audiences remember him best as the joy~ttlly ~a.)[ heat attack victim who put the "funerN in Four XWeddings and a Funeral. BUt now gay" Brit character actor Simon Callow gets his own wedding, , even if it is something of an odd one. Hes starring in the recen@ wrapped Chemical We~lding, about a shy p;cofessor who manages to bring legendary occult figure Aleister Crowl~ back to life. And if that plot weren’t oddball enough, there’s the ~lm’s line e" it was co-written by Bruce fig. Dickinson, a name metal fans will know as the teader of the hugely successful rockers Iron Maiden. ~e sure-to-be-destined- for-cult-status film is due for release later this year. No ~v,ord yet on whether Or not Iron Maidens songs will hog the soundtrack spotlight. George Clooney www.ozarksstar.com A few years backl I had the opportunity to Piemonte is also known fol~ its Gorgonvisit friends in northern Italy. We spent our zola, Castelmagn0, (a local blue Cheese), time in the Piedmont region in a small town zabaione, vinegar, d~e and ri¢otto dishes; called Alba. Piedmont, in Italian, means at wild game, and braised meat dishes, such the foot of the mountain, as Bollito Mist0, a sf[ew of four to five different meats. ~uhe main grape grown there is the distinished Nebbiolo, which is the base for the Milan, the large city of Lombardia, is med Barolo, Barbaresco and Gattinara the namesake ~ ~ilanese; meaning tO (Barbera and Dolcetto) among others. Also dip food, usualt -iin pieces of meat, into popular is Barbera from Alba & Asti. Baro- beaten eggS, tl br~adcrumbs, and then los are dch, rose-scented wines, robust Saut~ it in butte .ombardiais also well and tannic, capable of (and often requiring) known for its ri( ~nd dsotto dishes, cream long aging. Ur~fortunat~ly they are often sauces~ post rn c~eese course, Use of prohibitively expensive. Barbaresco, made saffron~ pumpki aVi01i, (tortelli di zucca), to be drunk earlier than Barolos, can be asparag;Js~ ~au ge,freshwater fish and the more affordable choice, panett(~ne. Another Piedmont creation that achieved The Veneto is atso an important w ne worldwide fame is the Vermouth, which region, highlighted by So&re, Bardolino; was first created by Benedetto Carpano Pr~secco, (sparkling wine), Valpolioella in his wine shop n~ar the Tudn Stock and the flagship Ar~rone. Exchange. The classic American Martini cocktail takes its name from the most Veneto~ being on the ~aSt, naturally known Italian producer of dry vermouth, braces deligl~ts from the sea. All kinds of Martini & Rossi. seafood ar~ relished here. But the Veneto is quite diverse culinadly speaking. It is Piedmont was one of the first Italian also renowned for its v~getables~ grains regions to embrace the industrial revolu- and meat as welt. Risot{o, especially from tion and in 1899 the automotive giant Fiat Vialone Nano rice, and polenta are staples. (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was Common Vegetables include winter ¯ established there, squash, radicchio, asparagus, beans, and other legumes. I thought rd shed some light on the wines from this part of the wodd. You can always Friuli, the north-eastern most region of dig deeper by checking out my reference Italy is hallmarked by Austrian; Hungarian, links. Slovenian and Croatian influences. These include but are not limited to Viennese. Reds Moccagatta Barbaresco 1999, 2000 Produttori Del Barbaresco 1999, 2000 Poderi Colla Pinot Noir 2006 Farnese Montepulciano 2006 Whites Bongiovanni Arneis 2006 Masi/Masianco Pino Grigio/Verduzzo 2006 Marchetti Verdicchio 2006 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: WineSpectator.com FoodandWine.com Wikipedia.org WineCountry.it Masi.it Farnese-vini.com allrecipes.com/Howto/Italian-Wine-Country- Piedmont ._~tww.ozark~star.co_~..................... Cozume| Join our gay and lesbian group aboard Carnival Conquest~ as we set sail from Galveston and call on the beautiful ports in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises. We offer: Our fantastic Halloween Costume Party, Nightly Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book eedy and save. Ask how to receive $75 shipboard credit! call for complete details. Ratea aad =valhbiRty axe ~ubjec¢ to change without noti€e. "Ihis is not an alLgay cruise. Ship ~try: Panama For information & Reservations www.GayribbeanCruises.com NCarnrval. by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Actually a bus trip isn’t all that bad, especially when you are traveling with other fun people. Although ,ve have never taken a bus trip across the country (and dofft think that we ever would) we have a lot of friends who have and enjoyed it greatly. We have taken several "day bus trips" from San Francisco, Las Vegas and on the east coast and all of them were quite interesting. From Las Vegas we took the bus trip to Hoover Dam and to the smaller casino cities of Laughlin. These bus trips were extremely inexpensive in that they drop you offat a couple of casinos and assume that you will gamble a lot. Most of them even throw in flee lunch and dinner and drinks. Sometimes they even thro~v in an afternoon show. Most all of the people that go to Las Vegas are truly a different breed and aren’t interested in taking bus tours and we have found that the ones who do are more enjoyable and interesting to talk with. In San Francisco it is just so much easier taking a bus trip to either the Wine Country or down to Carmel and Monterey and Pebble Beach. They drop you off right in the center of town and pick you up at the same location a couple of hours later. You certainly don’t have any parking problems as when you drive there, and a bus trip to the Wine Country gives you a much better opportunity to taste all the different wines without having to worry about a DUI while drive back to San Francisco. On the east coast we have taken "day bus trips" in Boston, New York City, Washington, D. C. and Philadelphia. Being such historical cities this is a great way to really get to see everything. Parking in large cities is such a challenge and the buses seem to always have their own parking areas close to whatever attraction you are going. Even smaller cities like Savannah, Georgia offers extremely interesting bus tours around the city. But if you’re really up to it, then take a bus tour all across the country. They stop every evening at the designation lodging facility and you’re on your own until the next morning. You don’t have to dine or socialize with anybody other than your own choosing. Check out your local Sunday newspapers in the travel section and they usually have ads for these bus tours. Small towns that have casino gambling are always having specials. We have seen ads where you pay $50.00 up front for a 5 day bus tour which includes your traveling, hotels, food and drinks and shows! Plus, you get the $50.00 back in gaming money at the casino. You can’t stay at home that cheap! Some people enjoy taking bus trips down to Mexico which certainly saves the hassle of driving your own automobile across the border and you certainly are in a position to feel safer. Most bus companies are regulated rather stringently, and especially when driving to Mexico you need to feel safe. .....................Continued page 27 18 th÷$TAR www.ozarksstar.com INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN TRAVEL ASSOCIATION and FUNMAPS, COM By Donald Pile and Kay Williams IGLTA is the world’s leading travel trade association committed to gro,ving and enhancing its member’s gay and lesbian tourism business through education, promotion and networking. You can search, contact and utilize their members around the world for all your travel needs. Whether you are looking for a gay travel business in your local city/town or a tour around the world, their members understand your travel needs. By going to their website, www.iglta.com you can search through their entire database of gay and straight IGLTA members to find just what you are looking for. Founded in 1983 with 25 founding members, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is today a 1000 plus member strong and growing organization of gay, lesbian and community friendly travel professionals. IGLTA members represent both retailers and suppliers as well as travel columnists like ourselves. They represent travel agencies, tour operators, resorts, hotels, motels, Bed and Breakfasts, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, local tourist offices, regional and national tourist boards and the travel media. John Tanze!l is the Executive Director and their international headquarters is located at 915 Middle River Drive, Suite #306, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Their toll-free telephone number is: 1-800-448-8550. In May 2008, IGLTA will take Sin City by storm! From April 30 until May 4, 2008, Las Vegas will host the Annual Convention of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. The host hotel is the Flamingo. That website is: http://www.iglta.orglconvention/ and that website is your one stop shop. Here is where you will find updates, registration information, hotel and air information as well as anything else you could possibly want to learn about this one of a kind event. Among the many workshops that will be taking place are: Vegas Adventures, How to Buy/Sell Unique Destinations, How to Access the Gay and Lesbian Market, Internet Marketing, L World - Why Lesbians may be your best customers, Gay Comfort Hotel Programs, Marketing Strategies for Staying Competitive in the Gay & Lesbian Tourism Market, Unique destinations for Gay & Lesbian Travel, Teaming Up with Gay and Lesbian Events, Guerilla Marketing and Hotel/Bed and Breakfast trends. Legendary author Armistead Maupin will be our keynote speaker for the event. There will also be a National Trade Show in conjunction with the Convention. Anxong the many National sponsors of the IGLTA are:Airlines, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Center, MGM-MIRAGE, Canada Tourism Commission, Wyndam Hotels and Resorts, HARRAH’S, AIG Travel Insurance, Alamo Car Rentals, National Car Rentals, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Macy’s Department Stores, Ottawa Tourism Center, Marriott Hotels and Resorts and this is only a portion of the national sponsors. If you go to their website you can check out their list of activities and the calendar of events. They list over a dozen every month all around the ~vorld. OutWest Global Adventures is one of our favorites. Check out their website at www.outwestadventures. com. or email them at: info@outwestadventures. corn and their phone number is 800-743-0458. They schedules all over the world. FUNMAPS.com is the leading authority for gays and lesbians visiting anywhere in the United States and Canada. They have yearly "funmap brochures" on all of the major cites in the country. They have been publishing their brochures for over 25 years. Alan Beck is the publisher and lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We were fortunate to be his guests at his lovely estate there. His life-partner Nick is a wonderful person and they had a house guest, Norma from the Northeast who was a delight. Alan is one of the most charming gentlemen that we have ever met. The brochures feature accommodations, restaurants/cafes, night life and shopping. Their funmaps brochures also feature a "places to see" page and great maps of each city so that you can find your way around easily. They have brochures on the following cities: Asbury Park, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Austin, Baltimore, Banff/Jasper, Boston, Brooklyn, Calgary, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Fire Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Halifax, Houston, Jacksonville, Key West, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Long Island, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Miami and Miami Beach, Minneapolis, Montreal, Myrtle Beach, Napa Valley, New Hope, New Orleans, New York City, Niagara, Okanagan Valley, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Provincetown, Quebec City, Rehoboth Beach, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Saskatoon, Seattle, Sonoma County/Russian River, South Dakota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Washington D.C., Whistler and Wilton Manors. Hopefully in the near future they will come out with a funmap brochure for Missouri featuring Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield and Joplin. Funmap brochures can be picked up free at hundreds of bars around the country and you can also check them out on line at www.funmaps.com. Their maps are the most circulated gay publication in the world, with 3.5 million users every year. www.ozarksstar.corn ~heSTAR t9 Matsuya serves excellent sushi and Japanese fare, including such knock-’out starters as deep-fried chicl~en wings and whitefish with smelt roe. Although many imitators have opened nearby, Mia Francesca remains the best place in the neighborhood for sophisticated but simple Northern Italian fare. You could survive solely- on the flaky, freshly baked cinnanmn rolls that accompany every" meat at the hallowed Swedish diner Ann Sather, which has several gay-popular locations. Chicago Diner, and serves that A swank, smoke-free lounge known for its colorful cocktails and slick crowd, Minibar opened somewhat recently and has become a favorite affer~work spot. A circuit-boy favorite on weekends, Circuit pulses with a feverish tate-ni~t dance crowd even at midweek, when Latin nights are a hit. °l~ne stylish Berlin disco draws a decidedly fiankier and more alternative crowd than most of the preppy haunts in Lakeview. Nearby Spin is an eclectic gay club with an alla~ es crowd and fun dance music. Charlie’s brinas in fans ofcountry- ~ffestern music, while the Gentry on Halsted is ~ Boystown branch ofdowntowffsppoular piano bar, favored for happy hour and later for live cabaret. Leather-and-Levi’s types cruise the Cell Block. Steamworks Chicago is a popular, clean, well-run sauna - it’s one of the nicest such facilities in the country. cheese, and a ranow-smoky sauce. One of the most talked-ab0ut new eateries in the area, Anteprima turns out superb modern Italian fare and has a wan’. dining room with pressed-tin ceilings and a s~.~ded patio in back. Don’t pass up the grilled quail marinated in honey with balsan~ic vinegar and pancetta. A lively and atmospheric bistro with a decidedly queer following, Tomboy serves tempting fare like pan-seared duck with crimini mushrooms mid a port glaze, T’S is a friendly, gay-popular restaurant and bar - it s a favorite lesbian date spot, known for healthful American food. ~hste of Heaven Baker), is a great pick for delectable breakfasts and lunches, plus iCresh-baked snacks throughout the day - the flied-egg sandwiches and peaches-and-cream French toast are favorites in the morning. Ano~er wonderful spot to satisfy your sugar fix is Sweet Occasions, which serves some of the thickest and richest ice cream in the city, plus fantast,c cupcakes, cherry cobbler, and homemade fudge. It’s hard not to love this old-fashioned parlor with ice-cream sundaes named for the seven deadly sins. The "Lust" (a chipotle brownie topped with cinnamon ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and red hots) may leave you lusting t~br another trip to these two charming Chicago neighborhoods..... www.ozarksstar.com {5eSTAR 21 our entire lives! "17hey were crispy, tender and extremely delicious. We naturally had to get their recipe to share with our readers. After lunch we had some of their home-made apple pie which was great, but not as great as the onion rings. If you’re ever in that part of the country, be sure and stop by and dine there. They have no phone, no address with just a small sign in front but you can’t miss it as it is the only restaurant in town. We asked our waitress who owned the restaurant and she said, "Bob & Jim’. She had ,vorked there for over 3 years and had never met them. Rather strange, but as long as they make extraordinary onion rings, we don’t care. BOB &IIM’S CAFE Greydiff, Montana So, when you’r traveling, you never know what you might find. Sometimes it turns out good and sometimes it turns out bad, but just keep on "truckin". We love to dine at fine restaurants around the country but sometimes we hit upon a little diner that looks as though it is just the "perfect" place to stop. Last fall on our driving trip back from Seattle, Washington we were driving thru Montana around noonish and we were both getting hungry so we decided to pull into the next to~vn and get something to eat. Lo and behold the next town in Montana was Greycliff, a town of about 450 people (if you count the two of us). Really not much there except it is right on the Interstate. When we walked into the only restaurant in town, they KNEW that we were not from their fair town, or even that we were from Montana! All eyes were upon us. The last time that anyone in the restaurant had ever seen that many diamond rings was when they went to their local Walmart! We were the only ones there that didn’t wear cowboy hats, blue jeans, cowboy boots or bib overalls. We really thought about turning right around and walking back to our auto, but decided to stay. Our waitress was rather like Flo from the TV series, ALICE with a rather shrieking voice but pleasant. We had been dining for the past two weeks on west coast seafood so decided to try something a little more middle American so we ordered a chicken flied steak lunch. Our waitress, whose real name was Minnie May suggested that we also order the onion rings which she said were the best in the entire State of Montana. We almost didn’t order them but she kept insisting so ~ve did. To our pleasant surprise, they were some of the finest onion rings that we have ever had in Let us promote your business in a UNIQUE & DIVERSE market. Call STAR ADVERTISING today. 22 th~STAR www.ozarksstar.com XANDER, CAPTURES MR GAY US ofA MI 2008 TITLE AT ANGLES By Victor Gorin Winners Xander & 1 st runnerup Owen McCord OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ A new facet of pageantry was introduced to Oklahoma when the first contest for male impersonation was held in Oklahoma City March 12-15. q-he national competition for this new division of the US ofA system, Mr Gay US ofA, concluded at Angles with the crowning ofXander ofTennessee with 1st alternate Owen McCord ofAtlanta, Georgia. This new contest is owned by the first Mr. Gay US ofA MI, the famous Gage Gatlin and his partner Brenda Quayle. Mr.Gatlin wowed the audience with a style that even made some gay men swoon, talent garnered from years of experience beginning in Jacksonville, Florida. Gage and Brenda have made their home in Tulsa, having begun this contest in August of this year. Mr.Gatlin has gone into retirement, however he will still perform for large charity events. They are looking forward to next year’s contest, which will feature contestants winning preliminary or regional contests, of which there are already 10 planned. OkJahomans for Equa] - ity opens new exhibit featuring artist Amie Montedoro at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-theartist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, April 3, 2008, for the opening of it’s April exhibit, paintings by Amie Montedoro. Montedoro’s art is a refreshing look at the beauty ofwomen who have taken charge of their own sexuality. The feminine form, as the perfect balance between the sacred and the profane, embodies the duplicity that is woman; as Madonna, as Whore. The eldest daughter of accomplished architect and educator Richard Montedoro (Norman, Ok.), Amie has been taught from a young age the importance of self expression. A tactile artist, Amie prefers to create her art not with brushes or tools; rather she uses her fingers to apply all but the most intricate of details and finishing touches. From concept to creation, Amie uses traditional techniques along with the relationship garnered from having her hands actually create the form and emotion of women who are sexually comfortable, capable, and liberated. The exhibit will remain up through the month ofApril, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Ttflsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Kern Responds to Activist Criticisms OKI~A_HOMA CITY, OK (PR) __State Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) issued the following statement in response to the criticisms of homosexual activists who have objected to a recent speech she gave on their efforts to promote their agenda at both the federal and state level. "To put this simply, as a Christian I believe homosexuality is not moral. Obviously, you have the right as an American to choose that lifestyle, but I also have the right to express my views and my fellow Oklahomans have the right to debate these issues. "In recent years homosexual activists have begun to aggressively promote their agenda through the political process, often providing substantial financing to candidates who agree with their views, including many running for state legislative races. National publications such as Time, The Atlantic and USA Today have noted that trend. That is their right, just as it is my right to voice opposition to their agenda, which I have been asked to do at several public forums in recent months. That’s what democracy is all about. It appears some homosexual activists believe only one group is allowed a voice in this debate. I disagree. ’~k vigorous debate on an issue is not ’hate speech’ - it’s free speech. I have made clear my opposition to the agenda of homosexual activists, but I have never endorsed or supported any hateful action targeting individuals on the other side of this debate and never will. The fact that many gay rights activists claim anyone opposing their agenda is engaging in ’hate speech’ says more about them than me. "Most Oklahomans are socially conservative and believe marriage is a sacred institution, the union of one man and one woman, and that the traditional family is worth protecting and preserving. When I campaigned for office, I promised my constituents to stand up for those values, and I do not apologize for keeping my word." ~wvw.ozarksstar.com theSTAR 23 By Ronald Blake Bythe time you read this, the Academy Awards gadabouts will be looking forward to next year’s red carpet faux pas. You will likely have listened ad nauseam to the incessant prattling of that sham fashion critic Joan Rivers. You will probably be joining the droves of lemmings to rent the Oscar winning movies at the corner Blockbuster. I will now beseech your participation for my health version of the body’s Academy Awards. I promise to shut up when the music starts to play. The winner for best editing goes to the reticular activating system, or the RAS as it is known to the medical snobs, q-his system was responsible for filtering all the unnecessary dreck that made its way to your brain during the past year. It decided what was important for you to pay attention to. It concluded that 99% of the sensory input that approached your cerebral cortex was to be ignored. Without this RAS, you would likely have been bombarded with an overload of drab detail all around you. The kind of overload you would experience while on the drug LSD, which does temporarily disable the RAS. The winner for best supporting role goes to the diaphragm. This veteran provided enough action and drama for five hysterical queens. It was capable of providing sufficient pressure change in your thoracic cavity to send blood soaring happily back to the heart on many an occasion. It has so ardently allowed you to give that much needed extra push while grunting and groaning on the toilet. It was even so chivalrous to accompany you to the health club and save you from muscle tears during your heavy lifting exercises. The best makeup award is presented to the circulatory system for its presentation of the numerous bruises that you displayed to the world. These hematomas are more than just clotted blood masses and it is long overdue that the Academy finally recognizes these purveyors of black and blue marks. They maintained their iridescent beauty until the body naturally reabsorbed the escaped blood that clotted just beneath the skin’s surface. The best leading role goes to the lungs. This organ is usually secondary to the perennial favorites such as the heart, brain, or the stomach. This year the voters spoke and showed the world that nobody puts the lungs in a corner. This tour de force has provided the heart with all its oxygen which in turn has provided the properly conditioned blood for your brain’s processing of your impure thoughts and the stomach’s digesting of those roast beef sandwiches ladled with horsey sauce. The best director goes to the adrenaline. This litde behemoth was responsible for preparing all your body parts for that fight or flight reaction when you came face to face with that curmudgeonly pit bull in the park. Audience members cheered furiously when you chose the flight version and outpaced the Hound of the Baskervilles and then leapt that six foot brick wall to the safety of those hydrangea bushes on the other side. Only a capable director could cajole you out of your slothful ways to negotiate that feat. There were many nonainees for great body parts and their exciting roles. With all due respect to the aforementioned winners, the body does function as a whole and winning team. Keep learning about your anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is what will keep you healthy and prepare you for the recipient of the lifetime achievement award. This column is brought to you by that guy who frequendy and sophomorically ordered Whopper sandwiches while in the McDonald’s drive-throughs in his carefree youth. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be castigated at www.goblakefimess.com. 26 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com GAY TRAVELERS: Almost al! the bus tours allow their passengers to take their own food with them and ifyou are careful and not out in the open about it, you can take your own liquor for a 5 o’clock drink or two. We know several people who have taken a bus tour from California to Alaska and they all say that it was splendid. Buses nowadays are not like yesterday. They are all extremely comfortable with air-cushioned suspension. They of course all have restrooms on board and they make frequent stops for dining and shopping. On the longer tours they usually have a host/hostess traveling with you to answer any and all questions. Sometimes in one’s life it just makes more sense to take a bus tour rather than driving your own automobile. If this is something that might be in your future plans we highly suggest that perhaps you might start offwith just a day trip and see how you like it and then progress to a longer one. There are a lot of single people taking these bus tours so for the single people out there, you don’t need to feel alone when traveling. We have made good acquaintances on our day tours that we took several years ago and still keep in touch with them. Bus tours are not for everybody but perhaps it might be something to look into for your future travel plans. And speaking of Las Vegas, "Gay Days & Nights Las Vegas" is coming up July 3rd thru the 6th. This wil! be their 2nd year of presenting the Gay Days & Nights. Presenting sponsor Cirque du Soleil will be featuring special events and discounts throughout the Gay Days & Nights July 3-6, to showcase their Las Vegas productions. Attendees of Gay Days & Nights Las Vegas will have an opportunity to see any or all of the shows combined with invitationonly special events, drawings and incentives planned for each night including LOVE at Mirage, KA at MGM Grand, ZUMANITY at New-York Hote! & Casino and Mystere at Treasure Island. PARIS Hotel & Casino is the host accommodations and you can check them out at Parislasvegas.com. For more information check their website at http://www.gaydaysandnights.com/. Also when going to Las Vegas be sure and check out http://www.lasvegaspride.org/. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! British gays f~ght b{ood ban A new British group called Bloodban is seeking to overturn the nation’s ban on blood donation by non-celibate gay men, the BBC reported March 7. Organizers are circulating a petition that they plan to deliver to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The National Blood Service believes gay men are too high-risk because of the short gap between one’s getting infected with HIV and when the virus can be detected by a blood test. Bloodban says people should be excluded based on their lifestyle, not because of their membership in a particular social group. ~e activists propose that gay men be banned as donors only if they have had unprotected sex in the past 18 months. israeli bashers sent to prison Four Jerusalem gay-bashers were sent to prison for two to eight years March 6 by the Tel Aviv District Court, Ynetnews reported. Typically, the bashers used a decoy cruiser to pick up men seeking sex with men at Tel Aviv’s old central bus station. Once in the victim’s car, the decoy would direct him to another location where the other bashers joined in beating, stripping and robbing the victim. Two other men have been indicted for nearly identical crimes at Jerusalem’s central bus station. In one case, one of the bashers bit off a portion of one victim’s ear, Ynet said. Netherlands plans legalization of park sex It will no longer be illegal to have sex in Amsterdam’s Vondel Park under regulations set to take effect later this year, De Telegraaf reported March 7. "Why should we try to maintain something that is actually impossible to maintain, which also causes little bother for others and, for a certain group, actually signifies much pleasure?" asked Oud-Zuid district Alderman Paul van Grieken. People having sex in the park xvill be expected to do so only after dark and out of public viexv. They also must not leave condoms lying about. Meanxvhile, the police institute’s National Diversity Expertise Center is advising other cities to follow Amsterdam’s lead. It said legalizing park sex would help protect gay men from queer-bashers. The Amsterdam branch of the Dutch national gay group COC (now knoxvn only by its formal initials) xvelcomed the nexvs. "Cruising is something belonging to all times and banning it does not work anyway," said chairman Dennis Boutkan. "They do it surreptitiously and mostly without others being annoyed by it. By agreeing on rules of behavior, safety can be increased." Spanish gay-marriage PIVt wins reelection Spanish voters re-elected Prime Minister Josd Luis Rodrlguez Zapatero on March 9, apparently unperturbed that he made Spain one of only six nations that grant gay couples access to full marriage. Zapatero’s Socialist party took 43.7 percent of the vote, besting the conservative Popular Party, which grabbed 40.1 percent. Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa and the U.S. state of Massachusetts also have opened up ordinary marriage to same-sex couples. SGYrdneff. GLBT Mardi as Picks Gayest Song Ever. S~qDNEY, AU __ ABBA’s Dancing Queen, which has been ranked by visitors to Australia’s SameSame.com.au website as the gayest song of all time in a list compiled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The Village People’s YMCA came in second, followed by Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive. "The list was compi]ed in the lead-up to the 30th Anniversary of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to look back on the catalogue of popular music to decide which of them are truly worthy to be labelled a camp classic," SameSame.com.au said. ~,wvw.ozarksstar.com th÷STAR 27 by Jack Fertig April 2008 "Recharge your batteries, Taurus!" Venus entering Aries provides a challenging spark to the profound re-evaluations of responsibility being raised by Pluto and Saturn. Be patient, take the long view, and rise to the challenge of seeing how your impulses can be harnessed to deep and necessary changes. ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Venus is in your sign, and it’s a great time for a makeover. Looking good professionally is more important than just looking gorgeous, so freshen up your work as well as your appearance. Looking good in lieu of accomplishment will fool no one. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Allow yourself time to be alone. Recharge your batteries; take time to think about important issues, to organize hobbies or crafts, or to look more critically at some of your creative efforts. When you need fresh air, do some volunteer work. GEMINi (May 21 - June.20): Throwing yourself into some community efforts will bdng you to unanticipated challenges. You can overcome them, but will have to re-evaluate how you network with others, and how you support and use community structures. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Making useful connections may feel cynical. The truth is, you tend to be a little too romantic and shouldn’t be shy about basing relationships on something practical. Focus your urge to edit on yourself; others rarely appreciate it. LEO (July 23 .- August 22): You’re suddenly impatient to make your mark in a new territory. Stop and think. Rather than wasting this energy in some egoistic indulgence, you can apply your skills to present your most valued ideas and talents. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Be bold and daring. Traits you’ve experienced as liabilities can prove very advantageous if you try playing with them - perhaps in dark, subversive ways. Erotic role play can unlock power where you thought you were weak. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Nice people can argue nicely. Assert your points respectfully and hear your partner - or your opponent - out. Be open to new perspectives on cherished traditions. Some long-accepted history als0 needs a fresh look. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): You’re itching to make some much-needed innovations at work. As good as. your ideas are, be sure to discuss any plans with colleagues, and not just for diplomacy’s sake. You can learn from their ideas and improve upon your own improvements. 28 theSTAR SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 o December 20): You could accomplish a great deal, earning fame and fortune. The creative impulse that should feed such progress is more likely to be a distraction. Harnessing that power productively is challenging. Don’t give in to impulse. Structure and discipline are now your best bet. CAPRICORN (December 21 -January 19): Suddenly focusing on what you value about your home and tribe, you can become very assertive and defensive. Try to take a longer view, asserting the value of your clan as part of a larger community or humanity, not distinct from it. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): To become even more comfortable with your deepest, most private feelings about sex and/or death, you need to challenge yourself to examine these most irrational mysteries with some logic. Find someone with whom you can discuss your secret feelings. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): The fault is probably not with your partner and friends, but in what you imagine - wrongly - to be their chief assets. Try to see what they offer and what you offer to them in a new light, one that will improve all your relationships. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve 3". Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Spdngs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com tis÷ s Support those who support us, DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 \Vest 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 bD,v4 39TH F~XPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK x~vw.anglesclub.com BkaMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VgAy Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 v~vw.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 v~vw.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the HVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphoms@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c2 lgoldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURMNT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ¯he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAlVlE: Address: St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com th÷STAR 29 Keller Williams Realty Whether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. ,REALACCEPTANCE,COM mdaekfinitio,n..; the cos,t f,gr m,,ost of.u...s, to..... e a amerence in [Re llves oT (~Lt~l Teens in Oklahoma.) You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: www. openarmsproject.org 30 t5eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com drugs +, HIL.~ Learn ~t~he Link Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] The Star Magazine, April 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 4 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Li Highleyman Devre Jackson Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, March 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 3 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/249 The Star Magazine, May 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/244 After Dark Amie Montedoro Bailamos Bars Deep Inside Hollywood demographics fitness health HIV/AIDs testing HOPE HOPE 10 year anniversary horoscopes Iran-execution LGBT history Mardi Gras mixology Mozart Festival Night clubs Our House paparazzi Past Out Q Scopes Sally Kern Star Advertisers Star classifieds Star Scene Too travel https://history.okeq.org/files/original/733b2f2153340c0152c8ddfe54b6ed5d.jpg 06b85fa3864a1cd9fb22b85f79874359 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f877c3716f55d1351dd0b5dc72bdb505.pdf cbaefc1fc50913638b9cd20f6f15b445 PDF Text Text ~nty one years ago was a world that many young people never k~ew or could comprehend. No openly gay person had been elected to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans were few and far less influential. Only 3 years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the Federal court system) that would prohibit a public school teacher from even making a positive statement about the GLBT community in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful statements about our community without any fear that someone would challenge their remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late) ~ganizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. Nate Black, one of the co-chairs says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the Pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride 2008 will be just as incredible of a celebration as ever. Spanning over two weeks, with an event almost every evening, Tulsa Pride 2008 has something for everyone. "There will be some differences, but the spirit of the celebration is the same. It is still going to be a joyful, invigorating experience that xvill spark the same sense of pride and freedom in our community," ride Tutso PI IDE ?008 ��2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �walk or drag yourself to Tulsa Pride 2008 By Joey De It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride 2008 is a series of events you won’t want to miss. "We have our three anchor events: the gala, the parade and block party, and the picnic," explains Pride co-chair Nate Black. "There ~vill be some differences from the past, but the spirit of Tulsa Pride is as vibrant as ever." Here is a brief look at the events of Tulsa Pride 2008. For a complete listing, maps and details, visit www.tulsapride.org May 30 - "Sisters in Song" concert at All Souls Unitarian Church. May 31- Wear your rainbow attire and enjoy a day at America’s favorite zoo with your friends and family. Tnat night, join the Equality Gala and celebrate the GLBT community at Cain’s Ballroom. Jun. 1 - Rev. Barney McLaughlin and members of Tulsa’s faith community will be hosting "Spiritual Equality," an interfaith service at Bethany Christian Church. Jun. 2 - Join PFLAG at the Circle Cinema for a free screening of "Anyone and Everyone," a film about families struggling to accept their GLBT youth. Jun. 4 - Cheer the Drillers to victory and enjoy an old-fashioned ballpark picnic. Tickets must be bought in advance. That evening, Lochran Theatre’s "He&vig and the Angry Inch," opens. The show will play at various locations through the 15th. Jun. 5 - Enjoy the works of 60 artists at "More Color," a one-night ex~hibition at the Equality Center. Jun. 6 - Open Arms Youth Project Fashion Show. Jun. 7 - Dine at the OkEq Family Taco Dinner benefiting PFLAG, then join the Pride Parade and Block Party, with two stages of entertainment. Youth Services of Tulsa will be hosting a concert in their Coffee House for those under 21 and child care will be available for those under 12 at the Equality Center. Jun. 8 - Texas Hold’era at the Equality Center. Jun. 10 - Leather and Fetish fashion show at the Equality Center. Jun. 11 - Join the "Gender Avengers" for an evening of monologues and plays addressing transgender issues. Jun. 12 - Learn about raising kids in a diverse world at the Downtown Library. Speakers will be available and books attacked for their "inappropriate" messages will be displayed. Jun. 13 - Screen "The ~A’ Word," a film with no audio or subtitles, about 10 deaf lesbians. Jun. 14 - Walce up early for the YST fun run before the Equality Festival at Centennial Park on 6th and Peoria! www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 ��OKC P DE EEKEND AN EVENT TRULY ’COMING OF AGE" By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It can be hard to fathom, but OKC Pride is now 21. Had the event been a child born 21 years ago, that person would now be ready to legally enjoy the bars. Instead a spirit of human determination was born in rocky Oklahoma soil, with the joyful trappings that come with living in the Bible Belt’s buckle, q-his beginning came to Oklahoma through the brave organization of about a dozen people. As Paul Thompson recAls, "We didfft know if there wotdd be 10 people marching or a hundred." The Ku Klux Klan had promised to meet the marchers when they came over the N.W. 39th Street hill with hostile confrontation. When around 400 marchers came over the hill, the Klansmen waiting in Safeway’s (now Homeland) parking lot promptly left the scene, and a proud tradition began. It was a world that many young people never knew or could comprehend. No openly gay person had been elected to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans were few and far less influential. Only 3 years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the Federal court system) that would prohibit a public school teacher from even making a positive statement about the GLBT community in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful statements about our community without any fear that someone would challenge their remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late) Today the Pride Festival and Parade truly showcases the theme by showing how far we’ve come. Festival booths not only feature openly gay public office holders (now even on the State level with the appointment of Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth), but also gay political organizations of Democrats and Republicans, as well as straight politicians & parties who are proud to speak out for us and seek our vote. Social organizations (from rodeo to softball), and religious www.ozarksstar.com groups bring us all together in glamorous diversity. There are countless more business organizations proud to seek out the gay community to make a buck. Last but not least, nothing compares to the mosaic of the GLBT community and their friends, people from all walks of life together in Pride. EVENTS: June 14 Saturday OKC Pride at the Zoo 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For the first time there will be a gay day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. It will be a great way to begin the week’s festivities with family and/or friends. There is information about a special reduced rate inside every OKC Pride Participation Packet, so come out, enjoy the day and wish the animals a good week too! June 15 Sunday OKC Pride Day of Worship Cathedral of Hope & Church of the Open Arms ( both UCC) will be planning special worship celebrations to commemorate Pride Week. If you have felt left out or excluded from worship, these churches are ready to welcome you just as you are. June 20- OKC Pride Parade Now moved to Friday evening stepping off at 7 p.m. the route is unchanged. Beginning at Memorial Park ( N.W. 36th & Classen) it proceeds north on Classen two blocks north ofN.W. 39th Street, turns around on Classen and then proceeds west on N.W. 39th. Our Grand Marshall will be Joe Salmonese, the chair of the national Human Rights Campaign. Preceding the Parade will be a Strip Show ( signifying the N.W. 39th Street Strip) featuring some of our wildest and finest entertainers. Then the crowd cheers on as the parade’s first arrivals enjoy the finest climax ever enjoyed at any event. As the Parade concludes those in the mood will be ready to party, giving new meaning to a wild weekend while remembering how Pride brings us together. Still at Oklahoma Cit)?s Memorial Park at N.W. "36th & Classen, the Festival will run from noon until 10 p.m. Saturday June 21, and from noon until 5 p.m. June 22 Sunday. There will be many booths featuring organizations you can learn from or even consider joining, as well as endless types of merchandise. There will be entertainment as well Following the Festival conclusion at 5 p.m. Sunday, Church of the Open Arms has their Annual Pride Ice Cream Social, which will featuring the Therapy Sisters in concert. There’s no better way to cool off, enjoy the fun & music and recap the xveekend. This is an event you don’t want to miss, it’s there for all of us. For more infornaation pick up a Pride Guide at your favorite clubs, " or check out the website at wwv.okcpride. com DBAT Celebrates Pride by Hosting a Diversity Job Fair TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Diversity Business Association of Tulsa (DBAT), a program of Oklahomans for Equality, is hosting a Diversity Job Fair on June 13th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The event, being held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Downtown Tulsa, will bring together lgbt job seekers and lgbt-friendly employers in a safe and comfortable environment, allowing for open dialogue and alleviating fears of discrimination. The Diversity Job Fair offers a unique opportunity for diversity-conscious employers to access the wealth of skilled and talented members of the lgbt community. Additionally, job seekers are given an unprecedented connection to companies that are lgbtfriendly. F~r more information or if your company is interested in participating in the job fair, contact Susan Hartman at dbat@okeq.org or call 918-698-2977. June 21- 22 OKC Pride Festival the STAR 5 �By David Benkof Should gay-rights advances be put on hold until all LGBT people can be included? On this question, the position held by the most prominent voices in the gay community is so inconsistent it borders on incoherent. Last year, most leading gay-rights organizations rejected the advice of congressional experts including Rep. Barney Frank (DMass.) and pushed for an unlikely-to-pass version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that included gender identity. \Vc~hen the broader bill was replaced with an ENDA that covered only sexual orientation, hundreds of gay and lesbian groups lobbied Congress to vote "no" on what was the most important piece of gayrights legislation in a decade. Indeed, seven Democrats who had previously been reliable votes for pro-gay bills opposed ENDA because it did not include protections for transgender people. LGBT activists defended this stance in a variety of ways, but the basic argument xvas that no part of the community should gain civil rights at the expense of other parts. Of course, had that been the approach of voting-rights activists after the Civil War, African-Americans would have forfeited the vote until women gained suffrage a halfcentury later - and they, in turn, may have been asked to wait for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before gaining the right to vote. In any event, supporters of what became known as "United ENDA" characterized their position as a principled one, believing that LGB rights without T rights were worse than no rights at all, and that (Evita show tune be damned) politics is not "the art of the possible." This pose is simply unsustainable, as an examination of transgender military inclusion shows. The Web sites of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; the Human Rights Campaign; Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays; and many other groups 6 the STAR advocate for an ENDA that includes gender identity, but the T is glaringly missing when it comes to military issues. ~nese organizations push for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to serve openly in the armed forces, but don’t lobby on behalf of transgender people who want to serve their country. They certainly don’t insist that any repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT) be linked to equality for transgender servicemembers. There are only three ways LGBT organizations can react to this imbalance with any sort of integrity: One, they could refuse to support the repeal of DADT unless it is accompanied by a new policy that prohibits the military from discriminating on the basis of gender identity. Two, they could admit that their ENDA strategy was wrong and agree to accept an LGB-only workplace bill until such time as the votes are there to pass a more inclusive ENDA. Three, they could articulate pub!icly and precisely why discrimination against transgender people in the military is more legitimate than private-sector discrimination against them - and why it is more legitimate than discrimination against lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals in the military. I would certainly prefer the second solution, but I could respect the other two approaches. My hunch, though, is that none of these stances will be adopted. The status quo is strong evidence that the "United ENDA" stance is not primarily about political principles. It’s about the internal power dynamics in the LGBT community, which have caused gay leaders to draw the line at an inclusive ENDA. No such mobilization has taken place over transgender people in the military, so there has been no perceived need for an ultimatum on that issue. Yet. David Benkof was a longtime gay columnist, historian, and entrepreneur (as David Bianco). He is openly bisexual, but as an Orthodox Jew he is guided by Jewish law in the areas ofsexvtality andfamily life. He can be reached at DavidBenkof@aol.com. www.ozarksstar.com �F~E BEER & HOT DO~ For a Family’s Dinner brought by the neighbors after the Death of Bettsie. Be sure to look on the bottom of the dish to see what neighbor brought it! Original Mo~,ie will be shown @ 7 pm dUl-h’~g dim-let. Ist Eplsede of Series will be shown immediately fo!!o~d.ug $10 D~nat~n to OG~,A inc]ludes ~nner ~$1GNING www.ozarksstar.com Meet and Greet Leslie Jordan - From Sordid Lives, Will & Grace My Trip Down The :PINK CARPET the STAR 7 �@ Coming of e ~ulsa PRIDE ar~ 2008 ONE NIGHT ONLY ThuP~day, June 5, 2008, 5:G0prn to 9:0~m atthe Dennis R. Nell Equali~ C~nt~r, Corner of 4th and Keno~, dov~ov,~ Tuls~ the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Directed by David Gatigan Oklahoma City June 8, 2008 at 8pro wv~v.ozarksstar.com the 8TAP, 9 �interview Interview by Victor Gorin eslie Jordan arrived in this world during 1955 in the Heartland of the Bible Belt, born and grown up in Chattanooga,Tennessee.. AI[ho@ ~rowing up was ~ostly nor easy, he made le~nonade o[it of lemons and marie his experiences work for him, taking a bus to HoIly~vood and never looking back. His credits are coundess, with app~ces on TV shows too numerous m men- tion them but in~ih&ag Reba and Will and Grace(which garnered him an E . Re is an accomplished playwright with his first success Like a Dog on Linoleum" followed by Hysterical B redness and other Southern Tragedies. Among his film successes i~’thd camp} dassic ’Sordid I[ives" (where he portrayed the drag que~ Brother Boy), which will be a n~w ~ series o£ LOGO ~ning July 23. His new book, "My, Trip down the P~ ~t:’ is 7h~ Slory of his life with his @s dd downs, tragedies, ~ es and tri~phs, and the story o~a flamboyant ~ who has ~y found hirrisel£ He is portr~iying his life ~lSo in a one man play of the same title in Olda~oma ~it~ June 8, for this is a must re~d and a must see. He shares his thoug~is with ~E LESHE: Well I v,~as the Pips Printing guy, and t also was the elevator operator that took people to Ha~bu}ger Hell in a Taco Bel! co~ercial, i was the ~h~ck Full of Nuts coit~e boy, a]l kinds of commercials. ~ ~ ~ 10 the,STAR www.ozarksstar.com �ma$~e that possible. ~CTOR~ g,q~.en does your new book COme *utJune 3~ and Iamso which is Ga~ ~cOholigm and RddiC’ : are some gay" activists wh6 feei that fl~bSya~t gay characters in the ueenS hinder the s{~u~le answer to Ilow iS tr~sggn: : and see me, I promise the STAR tl �Dracula of Free Speech, Kirk Humphreys, Pdses From the Po litica Grave by James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY) Just as the mythic Dracula of Transylvania came back from the dead to spread horror among the peasants, so has the flesh-and-blood Kirk Humphreys come back from the politically dead to fling his homophobic horror in the hall~ of Oklahoma City’s public schools. In 1997, a fundamentalist censorship group ponied up with an Oklahoma County judge willing to make an informal ruling that the "Tin Drum" was child pornography and that copies of it could be seized in Oklahoma County wherever it could be found whether in private homes or public libraries. Reborn in the blood of his religion and bred in the desiccated dessert of intolerance, Kirk Humphreys was recently appointed by the Oklahoma City School Board to fill the position of chair until an election is held in February, 2009. Despite the facts that the film had been released in 1979, received major film awards, and not anyone prior to Humphreys had made a legal claim of obscenity against the film, Humphreys again smelled blood and was hot on the trail of what he thought would surely be a victory for fundamentalist decency. ~hinking that the cross of his religion would trump all blasphemers and dissolve the First and Fourth Amendments he encouraged the court case to proceed. Coming above ground with his first public election to the Putnam City school Board in 1987, he rose to bigger things as mayor of OKC in 1998. He resigned during his second term to run for U. S. Senate which he lost to Dr. Tom Coburn, 25% to 61%. Settling back into his businessman’s grave of multiple real estate dealings, one would have thought that we had heard the last of Mr. Humphreys. So why the concern regarding his reappearance? During his time as Mayor of OKC, he was the driving force behind the 2001 attempt to prevent Cimarron Alliance, a GLBT advocacy group, from exercising their First Amendment right to free speech with the display of banners promoting gay/lesbian equality. However, the shining light of Federal District Court Judge Robin Cauthron, exorcised the demon of Humphreys and as she ruled in favor of Cimarron Alliance and enjoined the City Council from interfering with Cimarron’s banner display on the utility poles. Hitherto the sacred utility poles had been the exclusive marketplace for hetero organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, rodeos, and other civic clubs. Did I mention the earlier "Tin Drum" video law suit? 12 the STAR Federal District Court Judge Ralph ~hompson, however, found that the film is not child pornography, and went on to criticize that the County Judge, Richard Freeman, had made a serious error in judgment pertaining to what constitutes pornography and allowing the OKC police, carte blanche, to search homes and businesses without a warrant. Both of the lost lawsuits backed by Kirk Humphreys cost hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in expenses and attorney fees which resulted in higher property taxes. ¯hough the "Tin Drum" adventure was publicly lead by former District Attorney Bob Macy, as mayor and the boss of the OKC police chief, I feel that Humphreys was certainly in the loop and should have had more sense and better advise in calling off the figurative police dogs. If the past is prologue, I think we can expect some more Humphreys hauntings at the expense of the Oklahoma City taxpayers. It’s been shown that the Constitution, its Bill of Rights, and especially the First Amendment, if applied in time, can counter the poisonous vapors that waft from Humphreys. �Wockner News Service Congress’ highest-ranking vet calls f.or DADT repeal Carly Simon: ’I don’t consider myself" to be not gay WASHINGTON, DC __ U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., whose military rank was the highest of any veteran now in Congress, has urged fellow lawmakers to join him in repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that bars open gays from the military. Sestak’s comments came at the Equality Forum, an annual GLBT conference and festival in Philadelphia. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246), which would repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and allow GLB personnel to serve openly, has 142 co-sponsors in total. "Veterans like Adm. Sestak, who have dedicated their lives to serving this country, are leading the movement in Congress to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," said Aubrey Sarvis of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. "These lawmakers agree with senior military officers, including former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:John Shalikashvili and retired Army Maj. Gen. Vance Coleman, that when it comes to defusing IEDs, tending to injured troops, deciphering enemy codes and flying reconnaissance missions -- sexual orientation is irrelevant. Seventy-nine percent of the American people agree with them and it is time that Congress finally repeal this law." A version of the measure, known as ENDA, that protects sexual orientation but not gender identity has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. In an interview published May 1 in the San Francisco gay weeldy Bay Area Reporter, ’70s pop-music legend Carly Simon said, "I don’t consider myself to be not gay." The double-negative quasi-coming-out occurred when interviewer Gregg Shapiro inquired: "After speaking with you this morning, I’m going to be interviewing Cyndi Lauper regarding her True Colors tour, which features gay and straight artists performing to raise money for the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBT organizations. I’m wondering if Cyndi called you and asked you to be a part of the True Colors tour, might you get involved?" Simon replied: "Well, the part that I could be involved in is the gay and lesbian part. The part that would be hard for me is to commit to a tour because I’m not very comfortable being onstage. But the part that would be easiest for me would be singing on behalf of all of us. I don’t consider myself to be not gay." Shapiro responded: "Wow! Well, it’s great to have you as part of the family." "Thank you!" Simon said. "I mean, I’ve enlarged all of my possibilities. There are a lot of extremely personal stories to tell about that, but we won’t go into that right now. Let’s just say that it just depends upon who I’m with." www.ozarksstar.com Frank: Transgender people were terrible lobbyists Openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, DMass., says transgender people did a terrible job of lobbying for inclusion in the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Sestak, a three-star admiral who spent 31 years in the Navy, is one of 17 congressional veterans co-sponsoring the repeal bill. "It is easy for me to see why Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell should be repealed," Sestak said May 3. "Once you have served in war and faced danger with a gay service member, how can you come home and say gay people should not enjoy equal rights?" Attempts to contact Simon through her publicist, record label and MySpace page were unsuccessful as of press time. "I’ve never seen a worse job of lobbying done by the transgender community," Frank told the Oregon gay newspaper Just Out in its May 2 issue. "They seem to think that all they had to do was to get the gay and lesbian community to say ’OK.’ I think they thought that this was a train, and that they were a car on the train." "I said to them, ’You’ve got to work this, you’ve got to lobby people.’ They did a terrible job of lobbying, and so we didn’t have the votes," Frank said. First ot3enlv legislator dle Illinois Larry McKeon, Illinois’ first openly gay and first openly HIV-positive state legislator, died May 13 of a severe stroke. He was 63. McKeon represented a district of Chicago’s North Side in the state House of Representatives from 1997 to 2007. An Army veteran and former cop, McKeon also served as Mayor Richard M. Daley’s liaison to the GLBT community prior to his election to public office. McKeon retired last year, citing health issues related to HIV and cancer. ........ More U. S. News page 27 the STAR 13 �recently confessed to the fact that she attracts gays like a moth to a light, hall the men that like me are gay, k’~ ~e. I have a really strong gaydar. I do love gay men though,~ Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres are planning to marD: Ellen has said she is "thrilled" at the r~ing by the California supreme court to overturn the state’s ban on gay marri~e. True Co .ors pP g Alexander Payne "Hung" Up at HBO Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Payne (for Sideways, not his litde-usedbut-stilbcredit-getting screer~ptay for I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) has a new pro’ect9 up his ste~we. And it~ about what’s in one man’s pants. Hung, a comedy pilot on track at HBO, will be Payne’s [IW-directing debut, from a script by Dmitry Lip~n. creator of%e Riches. ~md the subiect matter? What happens when a~l average, middle-aged basketbal! coach learns how to put his exceptionally large’~- penis to better ~e. NO actor has signed on yet to play the gifted guy, but casting is scheduled m begi n soon. If picked up for series, it will be, a; the very least, the first show" of its k5nd. But wi!I there be a Boogie Nights-style revea! shot? Or will it remain a mysteiT? Either way, expect a big deal to made about this one. STAR Cyndi LaUper~ colors are brighter than ever. F~li~Wing [tie Success of last year’s landmark tofir, Latimer is back to help the Human Ri~ts Campaign, theS~ue Colors Fund of StOnewall C~r~i-nuni~? Foundation, PFLa~G and the Centertink Network of BLGT community cemers. Holb~voodactress edl3 ship only the closet. of Foster, 45, is believed to have called offher relationship with movie producer Cydney Bernard after a series of arguments. The couple were together for 14 years and have two children ~x;~om Fosrer g~ve birth to and Bernard adopted, according to the British Daily Mail tabloid. Famous for just wanting to have fun, Lau per will be bringing her tour to the Zoo Amphitheater in Oklahoma City on Jun. 23. Joining Cyndi wilt be The B-52s, joan J~tr ~d The Blackhearts, ~mdy Belt of Erasure. Margaret Cho and Girl tn A Coma. *~ ....... with host Cars on rvresslev, for ticket" tmormarion or a full list ofto[,r dates, visit ~"~,.~,,, truecolorstour corn " " www.ozarksstar.com �Pt~oto by: Bill Gaddis The fo owing is getting hot out. Tulsa’s wonderful sprir~g ,h, as played out. Here are a coupl~ tips I d like {o pass along that may add to your summer enjoyment of vino..F,irstly, for white win~S, you know/get ern ~ld! And as the~e Wines warm up in your glass, the fruit flavors open Up to~. I really like this gradual experience. Many times, we finish a bottle so fast when sharing with friends that we don’t even notice. For red wines, put a chill on ’era as well. NOT too c.o, ld but just cool enough so that you’re not drinking warm glug. Remember, room temperatu~’e can mean a whole different thing during the summer. Proper stem ware can also make a big difference this time of year. Riedel glasses are among the best althougt~ not recommended poolside. Here are some wines for both red & white lovers. Calistoga Cellars Chardonnay 2006 This vintage was just released in ket. If you liked the ’05, this will really hit the mark. It’s li beautifully balanced mix of ripe pear and the wine is medium bodied soft finish. A favodte of l visit McGilrs on 21rst St. Vincent Pouilly-Fuisse in several This Pouilly-Fuisse areas belonging to th~ oak barrels The wine is created by Jean-Jac( owner of the Made-Antoicelebrated Chateau "). nette Vincent make a He blends the White flowwell balanced ers are on t finish. I first discovered s wine over at 1740/wine bar on Boston n~ear 18th. This Chardonnay from France i~ quite good. Michel Picard Vouvray This is Chenin Blanc from the Loi of France. Fresh aromas of apricot & on the nose and the finish is fruity and~~ slightly off dry. Enjoy this from with me,is that include shellfish to desserts like apple pies with vanilla ice cream. Ochoa Garnacha Rose 2006 This Rose wine is made entirely from Grenache grapes. The color of is a result of the short maceration period that helps to maintain the fragrant aromas and fresh flavors. A well structured Spanish wine with plenty of well-rounded fruit and balanced acidity. Food pairings include pasta, salads and vegetables. Produtorri del Barbaresco 2004 I had a chance to visit this winery when I was northern Italy. The grape is Nebbiolo and it’s one of the most important wine grape varieties of Italy’s Piedmont region. Flavors of violets, tar, cherries, truffles, tobacco & prunes come to mind. Although ~ ut the tannins, these producers make their wines more their youth. This bottle is also affordable and has received high acclaim from wine critics. Serious meat oriented pastas would go well with this wine. Toad 2006 This ;I, comes ~ where Zinf~ long h offering i~ ~ Sirah. It~!a really great Cacophony Zinfandel Hollow Zinfandel ppellation les thdve upon the nights. This new 20% Petit & jammy wine that’s a :e~.for barbecued meats. :i~va/Sparkling wine NV. Th~ rfclude; 50% Macabeo, 15% Xarelolo. This iJwhat you may be used ne or U S sparkling :he Spanish create a : old world version from wine is quite affordable pleasantly surprise you. ~s ~s a good wine to fall back on as you ;lebrate the summer months. ~ And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/wv,rw.WineS pec~ator.co m www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org is.~grape can take years to age and www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 15 �9t8.585,5898 ® 800.585,5101 West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74t 19 16 theSTAR e www.q plazatulsa.com June 2008 �TW’s-AFAB Catering �by Donald Pile and Ray Williams LUNA VISTA B & B aJmost knocked us over. At night we saw more stars in the sky than we ever see here in the Midwest. "Morltezuma’s Castle" There are fabulous places to visit and there are "beyond Fabulous" places to visit. Luna Vista in Rimrock, Arizona is such a place. Driving out to California on a recent trip we were guests of Kala (pronounced Calla is in Calla Lily) and her husband Frank at their "beyond Fabulous" Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast. Located just about 20 miles southeast of Sedona and just about 3 miles offthe Interstate, this has to be one of the finest and most unusual places that we have been. However to get there you get off the pavement and drive about three miles around curvy hilly, rocky and treacherous gravel and dirt roads to make your arrival. But after arriving, it is ~vorth the trip. After making the last turn you are aghast when you see this place. It is like you have arrived at the Ponderosa! Kala and Frank were residents of the East Coast and after 9111 they decided that it was time for a major move. They purchased the property in Rimrock, remodeled, repaired, built on, put in a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and many more additions and finally opened their new B and B in February, 2004 and it has been an instant success ever since. We stayed in the Don Diego (Zorro) suite. Our bathroom was 18 feet by 20 feet and included our own Jacuzzi. Our shower was 6 feet by 8 feet and included a steam room and a double vanity, bidet and every kind of amenity that you would possibly want. Our linens were 400-threat count Egyptian cotton and of course they were ironed before putting them on the beds! Oh! Did we mention that they have heated towel racks in the bathroom? Each room came with a DVDITFIVHS, CD player, etc. A bottle of wine is in every room for the guests. The grounds are fabulous. They are very pet-friendly and even have a dog run and a horse run should you care to bring your horse. Not into driving? Then use their helicopter pad and fly right in! They serve a full-course breakfast every day and on Sundays’ a full brunch. And we are not talking a muffin and coffee, but a full sit-down breakfast with wanes, breakfast steak, eggs, potatoes, etc. Nothing is left out. Guests have the full run of the house and property including an office where you can check your e-mails and work online if need be. But the most important thing about Luna Vista are the owners, KALA AND FRANK. Nxey genuinely care about their guests and cater to their every need. Tney love life and it shows. In all of our travels, they are the most sincere, heartwarming and friendly people that we have ever met. On our last night there, Kala and Frank hosted a party in our honor and invited severn of their neighbors and area antiques dealers. They fixed enough food for an entire army. Everyone was so interesting in their own way. The woman The moment that Kala opened the door to welcome us in, we I~IEW that we were going in for a big treat and we were! She is dive, animated, professional, entertaining and a great hostess. Frank ALWAYS has a smile on his face and is very excited about everything. Together they make a great team and we know that they will be in the bed and breakfast business for many years. They can’t help it if they were born straight! It happens in the best of families. Everyone is welcome at Luna Vista and we do mean everybody! We stayed there for three days and didn’t even want to go anywhere else. However one day we did drive over to Montezuma’s Castle and on to Montezumgs Lake which was extremely interesting. But the red enjoyment was taking advantage of the Luna Vista B and B and the many amenities it has to offer. It is located on 16 acres and you can take a long hike through the woods and river area. The flowers were blooming everywhere. The sights and aromas 18 theSTAR Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast www.ozarksstar.com �Les residents want Wockner News Wire Nxree residents of the Greek island of Lesbos have filed suit in an attempt to reclaim the word "lesbian" and stop the group Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece (OLKE) from using it. Gay women are believed to have adopted the word in memory of Sappho, a poet who lived on the island in the sixth century B.C. and wrote about love between women. Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast next door to them bakes fantastic desserts and another neighbor is a spiritual advisor and yet another creams beautiful "cactus" lamps and objects. She presented us xvith one of her creations. The next time you really xvant to get away from everything and truly have a memorable experience, book yoursdf a xveek at the "beyond fabulous" Luna Vista. Their website is: wxvxv.lunavistabandb.com or call 800-611-4788. They have been featured in many travel publications from coast to coast. To get to Rimrock either fly into Flags{aff or Phoenix, rent an auto and drive. That is unless you’re already driving, then just drive on Interstate 17 and take the 293 Exit. The plaintiffs claim the alleged theft of "lesbian" from the island’s residents amounts to "psychological and moral rape." An OLKE spokeswoman called the case "ridiculous" but an Athens court will hear the matter on June 10. Quotable Quotes Cuba’s parliament is studying proposals to legalize same-sex unions and give gay couples the benefits that people in traditional marriages enjoy. "The freedom of sexual choice and gender identity are exercises in equality and social justice," said Mariela Castro, daughter of President Raul Castro,. We stayed xvith them on a return trip from California and our "beyond fabnlous" experiences continued while staying there. We don’t make many promises, but trust us on this one, we promise that you will have one of the finest and most enjoyable weeks of your life xvith Kala and Frank. Alxvays remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for order blank. www.ozarksstar.corn ~}~eSTAR t9 �of Town B~ A~&’~w Colli~ W-eekend Getaways from Portland, Oregon with a marionberry vinaigreue. For more sophisticated fare, book a table at the Gower Street Bistro, which presents creative regional dishes, such as pan-seared sea scallops with roaste&cre~ corn, eNgplant, and tJancetta. You might spend the mornings in Cannon Beach strolling along the sand, admiring the many geological formations just Offshore, such as the famous, 237-~bot-tall Haystack Rocla Do as locals do and grab a cup of delicious java at Sleepy Mgnk C~ff?e Roasters (alofig with £ ~hick sli~e ofch0~latechip pumpkin bread)before you Set Out[ %nture south of Cannori Beach and youll pass throt~ Oswald West S~te Park, which is laced with hiking trails that weave through 01d-gro~f0rest; leading down tO the ~ch. End your day in fianky itS, with its quirlg, cafes and galleri~i perhaps enjoying a glass of Oregon wine at Vino, a snaz~ little Wine bar that also ser~e~ plate~ of delici0u] chkrcuterie and cheeSe. Between Manzanita and CannOn Beach in tiny Arch Cape, the gay-owned Ocean Point Inn comprises three oceanfront suites with chic, contempo~ furnishings, fiatscreen TVs, and gas fireplaces. Guests can enjoy a ~de range of treatments at the inn’s spa. It’s one of the most romantic accommodations along the coast. I-5} Within 30 miles of Portland, in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley; you’ll find some of the leading wineries in ~e United States - the area ha~ become Oregon’s Gannon Beach o~rs some ofthe best sunset-viewing on the West Coast. (Photo by Andrew Collins) Hip and cosmopolitan Portland continues to emerge as a popular urban vacation destination for gay" and lesbian travelers, thanks in part to its stellar restaurant scene, liberal social climate, and artsy personalit~: But another major draw of this charmed city is its proxmaity to so many breathtakingly beautiful places that make perfect two- to three-day getaways. In an afternoon’s drive, you can explore the rugged Oregon Coast, tile lush Willamette Valley wine country, or the high desert outdoor recreation mecca of Bend. Here’s a look at three ideal weekend getaways from the Portland area, all of them centered on communities with an increasing number of gay-owned or gay-friendly accommodations and restaurants. especially renowned for iris pinot noirs. If you have only a day to tour the region, focus your efforts a~ound the rural, hilly Yamhill area, home to such esteemed vineyards as Willakenzie, Penner,Ash, and Adelsheim. Just a short drive south, in the Dundee Hills. standouts include Archery Summit, Sokot Blosser, and Domaine Serene. ~ese are among dozens of wineries with tasting rooms open m the public. ~Ihis part of the valley abounds with excellent restaurants, too. An intimate spot serving relatively affordable French fare, Cuvee sits along the quiet main drag of tiny Carlton and is a fine place to end a day ofwine-t~asting. Among the several stellar restauvamts in Dundee, check out Tina’s, a bustling bistro that features creative American fare emphasizing ingredients from r delicious dish is the seared halibut local cheeks with diced "Ihere tic and rooms, each with a As vou Camaon Beach and Manzanita (a 90-minute drive via U.S. 26) From downtown Pordand, U.S. 26 leads west over the dramatic Coast Mountains to northern Oregon’s spectacular and relatively macrowded coast, a highlight of which is dapper Cannon Beach, a low-keyed munity set along a striking stretch of beach. Quite a few gays and lesbians (including Pordand-based filmmaker Gus Van Zant) own or rent summer homes here or in nearby beach towns, such as funk)" Manzauita and upscale Gearhart. The quieter south end of Cannon Beach. known as Tolovana Park. has a slightly more artsy feel. Here you might spend the night at the delightful Inn at Cannon Beach, a tasteful complex of contemporar5 two-srory cottages that open around a central courtyard with fragrant flower gardens and Adirondack chairs. Itk steps from the beach, and next door to’the Warren House Pub. a casual, gay-friendly spot that brews its own excellent beer and serves tast7 comfort food, such as grilled pankocrusted oysters, and house-smoked-salmon salad 20 f~eSTAR gene. Here scene of any Oregon city with parks ~nd ri~:e vci~ opportunities for recreation. A attraction is the Owen Ros~ Garden, where more than d Nearb); a former chicken-processing plant houses the Fifth Street Market, now a complex of fascinati~ shops and enticing restaurants, mclu&ng one of the regions best dining choices, Marche. Here you can ry such memorable fare as 0yen-roasted local mussels with a saffron-cream, and smoked pork chops with rhubarb chum~ From April through De~emher, check out the neaiby Saturday Market, Where ente~iners pei~form and close to 200 artisans, farmers, and cooks sell their wares. www.ozarksstar.com �OAXACA RESTAURANT Sed0na, Arizona Pronounced (Wa-ha&a) this Mexican restaurant in Sedona offers exciting food. With breath-taking scenery and beautiful views from their rooftop cantina, Oaxaca has earned it’s title "Local Secret/Big Find" by Travelocity.com. Tnis old world stTle Mexican restaurant is located in Uptown Sedona and offers casual dining with an extensive menu with a taste of every palate. Carl Butler, the owner and a registered dietitian has created a delicious menu with a healthy approach. Oaxaca serves up heart healthy, reduced fat and low cholesterol recipes which are full of flavo!! Oaxaca serves a wide range of Mexican, Southwest, American and Vegetarian dishes with authentic favorites Such as fajitas and chile rellenos. It is no wonder why people have been dining there for years and years and many people drive out of their way when traveling, just to dine there! You certainly will have a wonderful dining experience, enjoying the exciting flavors of their food and looking at the fabulous mountain scenery. q-hey are open daily: 10:30 AM to 9 PM. Happy hour: 3 PM to 6 PM. Breakfast buffet: Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AiM to 10:30 AM. q-hey are located at 321 North Highway 89A in Sedona, Arizona. .............................. CHILE RELLENOS Next Page theSTAR 21 �di i g° New art exhibit feat rOkEq Cdebrates ing artist Dennis Olson Ca i£ornia Ru ing £or at the Dennis Ro Neill Marriage Equa ity Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) - May 15, 2008 __ Today, in a 4-3 decision, the California State Supreme Court ruled in favor of full marriage equality for same-sex couples. The decision follows lawsuits by fifteen couples who challenged the constitutionality of the state’s marriage ban. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 5-9pm, Thursday, June 5, 2008, for the opening of their June exhibit, paintings by Oklahoma City resident Dennis Olson. This event will correlate with the onenight-only Tulsa Pride "More Color" art show featuring works by sixty artists. Dennis Olson’s exhibit will remain up through the month of June, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Imsbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Quotable Quotes "I respect the Court’s decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling." California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: 22 theSTAR "This historic decision is a victory for fairness and opportunity for hundreds of thousands of loving, committed couples and their families in California," said Justice Waidner, Oklahomans for Equality Executive Director. "We continue to work and hope for the day when families in every state have the basic protections that come with marriage." A growing number of states provide recognition of same-sex relationships. Including California, eight states plus the District of Columbia allow couples to marry or confer rights and benefits similar to marriage. However, the Defense of Marriage Act still prohibits the Federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages approved in individual states. In November, Californians vote on a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution by defining marriage as between one man and one woman. If passed, this constitutional amendment would overturn the California Supreme Court’s ruling. "Many Americans believe that marriage equality will be a reality in their lifetimes," noted Waidner. "Organizations in every corner of this country are working hard to achieve the kanerican dream of equality and justice for all. We are all inspired by the California marriage decision and look forward to the day when every American in every state and territory will have the opportunity to realize their hopes and dreams by marrying the person they love." w~v.ozarksstar.com �Sound of Music Headlines Lyric’s 2008 Stammer Season OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Tickets for Lyric Theatre’s 2008 summer season of musicals are now on sale. Lyric "Iheatre, Oklahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, proudly continues its 46-year tradition of producing stellar Broadway-style shows for the people of Oklahoma. Lyric’s four summer season productions will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City. From June 24th through 28th, Lyric will open the season with The Sound of Music, presented for the first time on the Civic Center stage. This timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein family classic tells the story of Maria, a young, spirited, would-be nun who is appointed as governess for the seven children of a widowed sea captain. Lyric’s next production, Swing!, will run from July 8th through 12th. Swing! is a celebration of the music and dance phenomenon that swept the nation in the ’30s and ’40s. This all-singing, all-dancing evening of music features over thirty incredible numbers guaranteed to put audiences "in the mood!" Lyric will bring a beloved movie musical to the stage from July 22nd through 26th. Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is the fresh, wholesome tale of Adam Pontipee and his unkempt, burly brothers who kidnap six townswomen for the winter in hopes of finding love and companionship. Their well-meaning, but hilarious shenanigans of courtship are played out in boisterous song and dance. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers will feature Broadway performers Elisa Van Duyne as Milly and Jim Sorensen as Adam. (rated G) Concluding Lyric’s 2008 summer season is a modern musical hit, Urinetown, the Musical, fresh off the Broadway stage. The title might give off the impression that the play is about nothing more than a town that indulges itself in bathroom related humor. In reality, Urinetown, the Musical, written by Greg Kotis, a New York playwright who specializes in socially relevant comedies, is a hilarious melodrama about a town plagued by drought. In a mad attempt to regulate ,#cater consumption, the government forces www.ozarksstar.com its citizens to use pay-per-use amenities, monopolized by the Urine Good Company. Urinetown satirizes corporate and political greed, the idealism of rebellion, and also spoofs on the art of musical theatre itself, all set to a score bursting with a big Broadway sound. "Urinetown ~von the 2002 Tony Award for Best Original Score and is lauded on Broadway as one of the smartest, most comical musicals of this century;" explains Nick Demos, Lyric’s Artistic Director. There is nothing offensive about it, other than an unattractive title!" Urinetown plays from August 5th through 9th, and guarantees a unique night of unprecedented laughter. (rated PG) Single tickets to all Civic Center productions start at $27. Four-Show Season Ticket packages are also still available and start at just $80, as are the Three-Show Family Packages which include The Sound of Music, Swing!, and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. For more info visit www.lyrictheatreokc.com or call (405) 524-9312. TOM KOVACH MAKES HISTORY WINNING A SEAT ON NOR_MAN’S CITY COUNCIL By Victor Gorin NORMAN, OK__ Tom Kovach, an out gay Democrat was elected to the Norman City Council representing Ward 2 in a runoff against political consultant Chebon Marshall. The race began running against 2 opponents, Mr. Marshall and Michael McKee. Although Chebon Marshall got the most votes, he did not get a majority of the total votes. Mr. Kovach was in second place, so as per Oklahoma election law, this resulted in a runoff election. Although vastly outspent, Mr. Kovach made up for this with hard work and determination, and making known his stands on issues to make the city better. As he puts it, " Throughout the campaign we stuck mainly to the issues, which were mainly public safety and storm water." His efforts won the endorsement of both the Sierra Club and the Norman Homeowner’s Alliance. Photo: Tom Kovach by Victor Gorin designed to turn conservative voters against him close to the election named him as endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats ( explaining for those who didn’t know that it was a gay rights organization within the Democratic Party), and a member of the American Civil Liberties Union (both true). Despite this distraction from the issues, his sincerity and practical message carried him to victory. He has lived in Norman over 40 years, much of that in Ward 2. His partner of over 10 years, Will Weir, is also an activist volunteer with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, P-Flag, GLSEN, and helping people with disabilities. Mr. Weir won Norman’s Human Pdghts Award in 2007. Tom made history being Oklahoma’s 3rd openly gay elected public official The last 2 were Oklahoma State Representative A1 McAffrey (Democrat District 88, elected 2006) and Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth (Democrat District 1, first elected 2002). The first was Dr. David also elected to the Norman City Council in 2001, who Tom remembers as "Someone who stood up for many issues which are now being considered by a more progressive city council, and we owe a lot to him" As for his future he is optimistic, stating that" I have been active in the city, spe~ng before the city council many times. N~ey know me well, and I think we have a good working relationship. I look forward to working with the seasoned members of the council, and look forward to working with Mayor (Cindy) Rosenthal." There was rumor mongering about his sexual orientation, and a literature drop {:h®$TAR 23 �Photo’s by Victor G. & Jud / G. @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa 24 @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Steve’s Hideawa t, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City �By Greg Steele Club Rachael n downtown Jade Esteban portraying his one man play Inns III, The Gay and Lesbian History of the Wodd at OKC’s Indiv dual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery Laura Belmonte, President Oklahomans for Equality and OKC Pride Publicity Coordinator Michael Cich at the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit hosted by Cimarron Alliance Oklahoma ( Reverend Lo rce his friend Alex with their friends at May P-Flag Meeting. www.ozarksstar.com Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Male Co-Chair Paul Thompson Gay ’Star Trek’ actor George Takei is to marry his partner Brad Altman in California congratulates Reverend Loyce Newton-Edwards on her ordination as a UCC minister at Church of the Open Arms. ~ �Swimsuit C01tect 0n Men From Mensuas _Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collection for Men fiaturing swimwear by Bask#, Mensuas, IV2N Bodywear and Timoteo. Jvat in time for sumrne~ these new swimsuits are great for t,6e beach or laying by the i)ool. TAMPA, FL 0)RWEB) __ Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collection for Men featuring swimsuits by Baskit, Mensuas, N2N Bodyxvear and Timoteo. Just in time for summer, these nexv sxvimsuits are great for the beach or laying by the pool Timeoteo Swim Bikini Mensuas has carried N2N Bod),wear swimsuits for several years. The N2N Bodywear 2008 Sxvimsuits include the Catalina Competitor, Corona Competitor, Cosmo Competitor and the X-Poser. The new and daring designs xvill sure to get you noticed at the beach. Mensuas has team up xvith Tulio to create the exciting nexv Mensua~ Swim Bikini in four new styles for 2008. Modeled by Levi Poulter, these unique swimsuit designs represent a bold and exciting trend in mens sxvimxvear. Mensuas new operations center is located in the suburbs of Tampa, F1. The new operations center allows customers orders to be processed faster and alloxv the Baskit Orange Lucky 7 3.5" Swim Bikini California Muscle Capri Blue Swim Teaser q-hong availability of more future products at their website. Our customer’s satisfaction with the products they order and the amount of time it takes to receive their order is number one priority at Menuas. Mensuas wants to become number one shopping source for customers to order their underwear and sxvimwear for themselves or for the man in their life. ages. All packages shipped discreetly to our customers to ensure privacy. Mensuas is offering their customers a 10% discount on their next order, please enter promotion code undies08 at checkout and receive the 10% discount on your order total excluding shipping charges. Website: www.mensuas.com Mensuas always offer free shipping on all orders totaling $25.00 or more for US and Canada customers. We offer great international shipping rates. All orders received by 3:00 PM EST are shipped the same business day by USPS regular mail. All items shipped from Mensuas are tracked from the Post Office to ensure customers packages can be traced in case of lost or mishandled pack Mensuas Swim Bikini Timeoteo Swim Bikini 26 t~~eSTAR California Muscle Dolce Swim Brief www.ozarksstar.com �Judy Shepard, executive director of the Foundation, said, "Wearing the Erase Hate pendant is a great way for people to express how they feel and promote the values of understanding, compassion and acceptance that were so important to Matthew," Adding, "It has been ten years since the death of my son. Although we can not replace Matthew, we can join together to help spread the message of erasing hate." K ight will i;i M tthew hepard Foundation ~ h~i~ kick off National GayPride month with a symbolic dusk commitment ceremony at the faamed West Hollywood hotspot, The Abbey. At 8pm, couples from aroufid the nation will "tie the knot" in an event officiated by the Mayor of West Holly~vood and witnessed by Judy Shepard. Couples will be wearing the Matthew Shepard Erase Hate pendant courtesy of Love and Pride jewehy designer, Udi Behr. Love and Pride is the first online jewelry destination for people who believe in equality, diversity and tolerance for all. www.!oveandpride.com Behr created the Erase Hate pendant for Judy Shepard, in memory of her son, Matthew Shepard, who was the victim of a brutal anti-gay hate crime in rural Wyoming ten years ago. His murder brought national attention to the issue of hate crime legislation and was a watershed moment in the fight for gay civil rights. Behr remarks, "A public commitment ceremony is a great way to join together and strengthen our two messages; ’Celebrating Love’ and ’Erasing Hate.’" 100% of net proceeds from sales of the pendant assist the Matthew Shepard Foundation. v~’~v.ozarkssta r.com The parade lineup will start at 10 AM on Meadow Street, next to the Arvest Bank. Parade will start promptly at 12 Noon. A brief Pride rally will be held at the end of the parade in the V/alton Arts Center Parking Lot. Mayor Jeffrey Prang comments, "The City of West Hollywood supports marriage equality and continues to work hard for changes in California law." Adding, "We will not stop fighting for our rights as no government can prevent us from loving whom we choose." For more details, float and or speaker applications, please go to NWA Pride’s web site at www.nwapride.org. Volunteers still needed! World renowned recording artist Steve Oliver will perform the classic ceremonial march Pachelbel Canon in D major. "A Star Studded Night" Gala in Fayettevillle CEREMONY REGISTRATION FORM: www.MatthewShepard.org/GetMarried WEST HOLL,,~Y~VO,OD, CA (,P,R) __ On June 4, 2008i !G)~atomy star T.R. bicycles, vehicles and especially this election year, proudly wave rainbow and American flags. PRIDE PARADE OF NW" ARKANSAS FAYETTEVILLE AR (PR) __ NWA PRIDE announces the 2nd Annual NWA PRIDE PARADE, A Celebration of Diversity and Community, will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Parade organizers invite GLBTs aald Straight allies to come together in solidarity in support of equal rights for all. It is NWA Pride’s great pleasure to honor Chris Harmon as this year’s Grand Marshal. Chris has been an unsung hero as founder of the NWA POSITIVE LINKS BUDDY PROGRAM and is currently a board member of the NWA GLBT Community Center. The Buddy Program provides information and much needed peer-to-peer support for people living with HIV and AIDS. Chris and Program volunteers maintain a food bank, make personal visits, help with chores, transportation and provide many other resources for 1Mng a positive life. Parade participants and spectators are encouraged to be artistic, have fun and show your pride. (Kid friendly and appropriate for public locations) Paint your face, wear costumes, dress up your pets, horses, FAYETTEVILLE, AR (PR) __ The NXX/A GLBT Community Center will host their 2nd Annual Fund Raising Gala "A Star Studded Night" on Friday, June 27 at the Clarion Inn located at 1255 S. Shiloh Drive in Fayetteville. The Ball Room ~vill be delightfully decorated resembling the glitz and glamor of a Hollywood party. Gala Guests’ will enjoy the fun and excitement of a "night among the stars" as guests become our Celebrities in an evening filled with great food, dancing and music provided by Dance Enhance Entertainment. The evening will begin with a lavish Prime Rib, Chicken or Vegetarian Buffet entree as well as silent auctions and special speakers which include the Rev. Lowell Grisham of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Shawn Coker the Chairperson of The NWA Diversity Council and Vice President of Diversity Business Practices of Tyson Foods. Throughout the evening guests’ will be casting their vote for the "Star of the Night" Award which will be given to the person who raises the most money through a $1 ballot. Advance tickets for the event are $50 each or $400 per table of 8 and may be purchased on-line at http:/Avww.nwaglbtcc.org or by calling 1-888-361-9222 or in person at Tymythy’s Hair Salon located at 130 E. Poplar St. Suite B in Fayetteville. Tickets will not be available at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. and a Cash Cocktail bar will be open throughout the night. Formal Attire or Celebrity Costumes are recommended. th÷STAR 27 �by Jack Fertig June 2008 "Take bo~d risks, Aquarius!" Everyone is being just a bit too fabulous for words! Mercury is retrograde, so his alignment with Venus and the Sun is a bit more like a collision of verbosity and overaffected efforts at charm. Mars in Leo is feeding the frenzy. Remember Lucy and Ethel at charm school? It’s that kind of week! ARIES (Narch 20 -April 19): Baby wants to play, but you are atypically given more to talk than action now. Chatty word games and rambling are not usually your style, but go with it for now. Don’t be afraid to look silly. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Buying or tossing out household items could easily be a mistake. Instead try rearranging things and seeing them in a new light. This is a great time to locate problems in domestic finances, but solving them should wait a few weeks. GEMINI (May 2t - Jun.e 20): You’re going to trip over your tongue no matter what you’re talking about. Best to keep it light, nonconfrontational, and all in good humor so you can laugh with your friends over your own malapropisms and faux pas. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 o December 21}): Misunderstandings with your partner actually open new doors that could improve your relationship. Explore new pleasures and possibilities together. If anything seems disappointing, you might want to try again a few weeks later. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Anyone playing around should make regular visits to the clinic. When was your last time? If you have a clean bill of health, you can have a great time practicing any erotic techniques you’d like to develop. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Be creative! Be daring! Take bold risks and be willing to fall down and look utterly ridiculous. A good pratfall can be endearing, helping to improve your partnership orto find a good candidate for one. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): You have the housecleaning energy and lack of focus typical of a speed freak. Try to concentrate on one specific task or goal at a time. You’ll soon be dissatisfied with the results, but that’s OK. Housework always needs redoing! CANCER (June 21- Ju~y 22): Hide the plastic, and keep the cash out of reach. Any urge to display your good taste is best done as tasteful restraint - and no, that doesn’t mean buying handcuffs that match the bedposts! Take time out with someone you value most. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Everyone says you look fabulous - and you do! You’re all cranked up, looking and thinking three steps ahead, but are you really three steps ahead going in the right direction? Check with friends who care about more than looking fabulous. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Someone behind the scenes offers to help you up the ladder. Some secrets may be revealed in the process, but that can also work in your favor. Everyone’s screwing up some these days, but your mistakes - and the way you handle them - look good! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You could charm anyone into believing your stories and arguments, even if they contain mistakes. Leave room for later revisions! Better just to radiate charm and energy; save the important facts for later. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Seems everybody wants a taste of what you’ve got! If you do play around, none of it will be secret. You could get a reputation as a great lover, but what would your boss and your partner say? METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �Support those who support us. DOWNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com DIVERSITY PRIDE EVENTS P. O. BOX 3158 Eure "ka Springs, AR 72631 479-253-2555 www.diversitypride.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowshi 311 S Klein Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73108 405-761-1878 www.myspace.com/expressionsokc HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747~5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.ctubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com www.ozarksstar.com SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~’xw,wv.c21 goldcastle.com OK JAZZ HALL OF FAME 111E. lstSt Tulsa, OK 918-596-1001 www.okjazz.org CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 TOLBERT THEATER 400 W. Sheridan Oklahoma City, OK 405-297-2264 www.tickets.com GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn 9 8-835-?887 DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or rnoneyorder to: OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 The STAR PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158-1718 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 St: Zip:. Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: theSTAR �Chuck Breckenridge ~ether buying or selling I’)). work hard for your[ 30 tB÷STAR ................... www.ozarksstar.com ��We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or promiscuous behavior in a positive light in our public schools. We oppose the erosion of our military readiness through openly practicing hornosexuals serving in the military We oppose the promotion of homosexuality, the elimination of laws against sodomy, and the granting of minority protection or special status to any person based upon sexua~ preference or llfestyb choice. We are committed to equal treatment of all service members and believe all patriotic Americans should be allowed to serve our country without discrimination, persecution or violence. We support legislation barring workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. We support the full inclusion of gay and lesbian families in the life of our nation and seek equal responsibilities, benefits and protections for these families. Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma. �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document ~nty one years ago was a world that many young people never k~ew or could comprehend. No openly gay person had been elected to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans were few and far less influential. Only 3 years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the Federal court system) that would prohibit a public school teacher from even making a positive statement about the GLBT community in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful statements about our community without any fear that someone would challenge their remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late) ride ~ganizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. Nate Black, one of the co-chairs says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the Pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride 2008 will be just as incredible of a celebration as ever. Spanning over two weeks, with an event almost every evening, Tulsa Pride 2008 has something for everyone. "There will be some differences, but the spirit of the celebration is the same. It is still going to be a joyful, invigorating experience that xvill spark the same sense of pride and freedom in our community," Tutso PI IDE ?008 2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com walk or drag yourselfto Tulsa Pride 2008 By Joey De It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride 2008 is a series of events you won’t want to miss. "We have our three anchor events: the gala, the parade and block party, and the picnic," explains Pride co-chair Nate Black. "There ~vill be some differences from the past, but the spirit ofTulsa Pride is as vibrant as ever." Here is a brief look at the events ofTulsa Pride 2008. For a complete listing, maps and details, visit www.tulsapride.org May 30 - "Sisters in Song" concert at All Souls Unitarian Church. May 31- Wear your rainbow attire and enjoy a day at America’s favorite zoo with your friends and family. Tnat night, join the Equality Gala and celebrate the GLBT community at Cain’s Ballroom. Jun. 1 - Rev. Barney McLaughlin and members ofTulsa’s faith community will be hosting "Spiritual Equality," an interfaith service at Bethany Christian Church. Jun. 2 - Join PFLAG at the Circle Cinema for a free screening of "Anyone and Everyone," a film about families struggling to accept their GLBT youth. Jun. 4 - Cheer the Drillers to victory and enjoy an old-fashioned ballpark picnic. Tickets must be bought in advance. That evening, Lochran Theatre’s "He&vig and the Angry Inch," opens. The show will play at various locations through the 15th. Jun. 5 - Enjoy the works of 60 artists at "More Color," a one-night ex~hibition at the Equality Center. Jun. 6 - Open Arms Youth Project Fashion Show. Jun. 7 - Dine at the OkEq Family Taco Dinner benefiting PFLAG, then join the Pride Parade and Block Party, with two stages of entertainment. Youth Services ofTulsa will be hosting a concert in their Coffee House for those under 21 and child care will be available for those under 12 at the Equality Center. Jun. 8 - Texas Hold’era at the Equality Center. Jun. 10 - Leather and Fetish fashion show at the Equality Center. Jun. 11 - Join the "Gender Avengers" for an evening of monologues and plays addressing transgender issues. Jun. 12 - Learn about raising kids in a diverse world at the Downtown Library. Speakers will be available and books attacked for their "inappropriate" messages will be displayed. Jun. 13 - Screen "The ~A’ Word," a film with no audio or subtitles, about 10 deaf lesbians. Jun. 14 - Walce up early for the YST fun run before the Equality Festival at Centennial Park on 6th and Peoria! www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 OKC P DE EEKEND AN EVENT TRULY ’COMING OF AGE" By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It can be hard to fathom, but OKC Pride is now 21. Had the event been a child born 21 years ago, that person would now be ready to legally enjoy the bars. Instead a spirit of human determination was born in rocky Oklahoma soil, with the joyful trappings that come with living in the Bible Belt’s buckle, q-his beginning came to Oklahoma through the brave organization of about a dozen people. As Paul Thompson recAls, "We didfft know if there wotdd be 10 people marching or a hundred." The Ku Klux Klan had promised to meet the marchers when they came over the N.W. 39th Street hill with hostile confrontation. When around 400 marchers came over the hill, the Klansmen waiting in Safeway’s (now Homeland) parking lot promptly left the scene, and a proud tradition began. It was a world that many young people never knew or could comprehend. No openly gay person had been elected to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans were few and far less influential. Only 3 years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the Federal court system) that would prohibit a public school teacher from even making a positive statement about the GLBT community in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful statements about our community without any fear that someone would challenge their remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late) Today the Pride Festival and Parade truly showcases the theme by showing how far we’ve come. Festival booths not only feature openly gay public office holders (now even on the State level with the appointment of Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth), but also gay political organizations of Democrats and Republicans, as well as straight politicians & parties who are proud to speak out for us and seek our vote. Social organizations (from rodeo to softball), and religious groups bring us all together in glamorous diversity. There are countless more business organizations proud to seek out the gay community to make a buck. Last but not least, nothing compares to the mosaic of the GLBT community and their friends, people from all walks of life together in Pride. EVENTS: June 14 Saturday OKC Pride at the Zoo 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For the first time there will be a gay day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. It will be a great way to begin the week’s festivities with family and/or friends. There is information about a special reduced rate inside every OKC Pride Participation Packet, so come out, enjoy the day and wish the animals a good week too! June 15 Sunday OKC Pride Day ofWorship Cathedral of Hope & Church of the Open Arms ( both UCC) will be planning special worship celebrations to commemorate Pride Week. Ifyou have felt left out or excluded from worship, these churches are ready to welcome you just as you are. June 20- OKC Pride Parade Now moved to Friday evening stepping off at 7 p.m. the route is unchanged. Beginning at Memorial Park ( N.W. 36th & Classen) it proceeds north on Classen two blocks north ofN.W. 39th Street, turns around on Classen and then proceeds west on N.W. 39th. Our Grand Marshall will be Joe Salmonese, the chair of the national Human Rights Campaign. Preceding the Parade will be a Strip Show ( signifying the N.W. 39th Street Strip) featuring some of our wildest and finest entertainers. Then the crowd cheers on as the parade’s first arrivals enjoy the finest climax ever enjoyed at any event. As the Parade concludes those in the mood will be ready to party, giving new meaning to a wild weekend while remembering how Pride brings us together. June 21- 22 OKC Pride Festival Still at Oklahoma Cit)?s Memorial Park at N.W. "36th & Classen, the Festival will run from noon until 10 p.m. Saturday June 21, and from noon until 5 p.m. June 22 Sunday. There will be many booths featuring organizations you can learn from or even consider joining, as well as endless types of merchandise. There will be entertainment as well Following the Festival conclusion at 5 p.m. Sunday, Church of the Open Arms has their Annual Pride Ice Cream Social, which will featuring the Therapy Sisters in concert. There’s no better way to cool off, enjoy the fun & music and recap the xveekend. This is an event you don’t want to miss, it’s there for all of us. For more infornaation pick up a Pride Guide at your favorite clubs, " or check out the website at wwv.okcpride. com DBAT Celebrates Pride by Hosting a Diversity Job Fair TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Diversity Business Association ofTulsa (DBAT), a program of Oklahomans for Equality, is hosting a Diversity Job Fair on June 13th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The event, being held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Downtown Tulsa, will bring together lgbt job seekers and lgbt-friendly employers in a safe and comfortable environment, allowing for open dialogue and alleviating fears of discrimination. The Diversity Job Fair offers a unique opportunity for diversity-conscious employers to access the wealth of skilled and talented members of the lgbt community. Additionally, job seekers are given an unprecedented connection to companies that are lgbtfriendly. F~r more information or if your company is interested in participating in the job fair, contact Susan Hartman at dbat@okeq.org or call 918-698-2977. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 By David Benkof Should gay-rights advances be put on hold until all LGBT people can be included? On this question, the position held by the most prominent voices in the gay community is so inconsistent it borders on incoherent. Last year, most leading gay-rights organizations rejected the advice of congressional experts including Rep. Barney Frank (DMass.) and pushed for an unlikely-to-pass version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that included gender identity. \Vc~hen the broader bill was replaced with an ENDA that covered only sexual orientation, hundreds of gay and lesbian groups lobbied Congress to vote "no" on what was the most important piece of gayrights legislation in a decade. Indeed, seven Democrats who had previously been reliable votes for pro-gay bills opposed ENDA because it did not include protections for transgender people. LGBT activists defended this stance in a variety of ways, but the basic argument xvas that no part of the community should gain civil rights at the expense of other parts. Of course, had that been the approach of voting-rights activists after the Civil War, African-Americans would have forfeited the vote until women gained suffrage a halfcentury later - and they, in turn, may have been asked to wait for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before gaining the right to vote. In any event, supporters ofwhat became known as "United ENDA" characterized their position as a principled one, believing that LGB rights without T rights were worse than no rights at all, and that (Evita show tune be damned) politics is not "the art of the possible." This pose is simply unsustainable, as an examination of transgender military inclusion shows. The Web sites of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; the Human Rights Campaign; Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays; and many other groups advocate for an ENDA that includes gender identity, but the T is glaringly missing when it comes to military issues. ~nese organizations push for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to serve openly in the armed forces, but don’t lobby on behalf of transgender people who want to serve their country. They certainly don’t insist that any repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT) be linked to equality for transgender servicemembers. There are only three ways LGBT organizations can react to this imbalance with any sort of integrity: One, they could refuse to support the repeal ofDADT unless it is accompanied by a new policy that prohibits the military from discriminating on the basis of gender identity. Two, they could admit that their ENDA strategy was wrong and agree to accept an LGB-only workplace bill until such time as the votes are there to pass a more inclusive ENDA. Three, they could articulate pub!icly and precisely why discrimination against transgender people in the military is more legitimate than private-sector discrimination against them - and why it is more legitimate than discrimination against lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals in the military. I would certainly prefer the second solution, but I could respect the other two approaches. My hunch, though, is that none of these stances will be adopted. The status quo is strong evidence that the "United ENDA" stance is not primarily about political principles. It’s about the internal power dynamics in the LGBT community, which have caused gay leaders to draw the line at an inclusive ENDA. No such mobilization has taken place over transgender people in the military, so there has been no perceived need for an ultimatum on that issue. Yet. David Benkofwas a longtime gay columnist, historian, and entrepreneur (as David Bianco). He is openly bisexual, but as an OrthodoxJew he is guided byJewish law in the areas ofsexvtality andfamily life. He can be reached at DavidBenkof@aol.com. 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com F~E BEER & HOT DO~ For a Family’s Dinner brought by the neighbors after the Death of Bettsie. Be sure to look on the bottom ofthe dish to see what neighbor brought it! Original Mo~,ie will be shown @ 7 pm dUl-h’~g dim-let. Ist Eplsede of Series will be shown immediately fo!!o~d.ug $10 D~nat~n to OG~,A inc]ludes ~nner ~$1GNING Meet and Greet Leslie Jordan - From Sordid Lives, Will & Grace My Trip Down The :PINK CARPET www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 @ Coming of e ~ulsa PRIDE ar~ 2008 ONE NIGHT ONLY ThuP~day, June 5, 2008, 5:G0prn to 9:0~m atthe Dennis R. Nell Equali~ C~nt~r, Corner of 4th and Keno~, dov~ov,~ Tuls~ the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Directed by David Gatigan Oklahoma City June 8, 2008 at 8pro wv~v.ozarksstar.com the 8TAP, 9 interview Interview by Victor Gorin eslie Jordan arrived in this world during 1955 in the Heartland of the Bible Belt, born and grown up in Chattanooga,Tennessee.. AI- [ho@ ~rowing up was ~ostly nor easy, he made le~nonade o[it of lemons and marie his experiences work for him, taking a bus to HoIly~ vood and never looking back. His credits are coundess, with app~ces on TV shows too numerous m mention them but in~ih&ag Reba and Will and Grace(which garnered him an E . Re is an accomplished playwright with his first success Like a Dog on Linoleum" followed by Hysterical B redness and other Southern Tragedies. Among his film successes i~’thd camp} dassic ’Sordid I[ives" (where he portrayed the drag que~ Brother Boy), which will be a n~w~series o£ LOGO ~ningJuly 23. His new book, "My, Trip down the P~~t:’ is 7h~ Slory of his life with his @s dd downs, tragedies, ~ es and tri~phs, and the story o~a flamboyant ~who has ~yfound hirrisel£ He is portr~iying his life ~lSo in a one man play of the same title in Olda~oma ~it~ June 8, for this is a must re~d and a must see. He shares his thoug~is with~E LESHE: Well I v,~as the Pips Printing guy, and t also was the elevator operator that took people to Ha~bu}ger Hell in a Taco Bel! co~ercial, i was the ~h~ck Full of Nuts coit~e boy, a]l kinds of commercials. ~ ~ ~ 10 the,STAR www.ozarksstar.com ma$~e that possible. ~CTOR~ g,q~.en does your new book COme *utJune 3~ and Iamso which is Ga~ ~cOholigm and RddiC’ : are some gay" activists wh6 feei that fl~bSya~t gay characters in the ueenS hinder the s{~u~le answer to Ilow iS tr~sggn: : and see me, I promise the STAR tl Dracula ofFree Speech, Kirk Humphreys, Pdses From the Po litica Grave by James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY) Just as the mythic Dracula ofTransylvania came back from the dead to spread horror among the peasants, so has the flesh-and-blood Kirk Humphreys come back from the politically dead to fling his homophobic horror in the hall~ of Oklahoma City’s public schools. Reborn in the blood of his religion and bred in the desiccated dessert of intolerance, Kirk Humphreys was recently appointed by the Oklahoma City School Board to fill the position of chair until an election is held in February, 2009. Coming above ground with his first public election to the Putnam City school Board in 1987, he rose to bigger things as mayor ofOKC in 1998. He resigned during his second term to run for U. S. Senate which he lost to Dr. Tom Coburn, 25% to 61%. Settling back into his businessman’s grave of multiple real estate dealings, one would have thought that we had heard the last of Mr. Humphreys. So why the concern regarding his reappearance? During his time as Mayor of OKC, he was the driving force behind the 2001 attempt to prevent Cimarron Alliance, a GLBT advocacy group, from exercising their First Amendment right to free speech with the display of banners promoting gay/lesbian equality. However, the shining light of Federal District Court Judge Robin Cauthron, exorcised the demon of Humphreys and as she ruled in favor of Cimarron Alliance and enjoined the City Council from interfering with Cimarron’s banner display on the utility poles. Hitherto the sacred utility poles had been the exclusive marketplace for hetero organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, rodeos, and other civic clubs. Did I mention the earlier "Tin Drum" video law suit? 12 the STAR In 1997, a fundamentalist censorship group ponied up with an Oklahoma County judge willing to make an informal ruling that the "Tin Drum" was child pornography and that copies of it could be seized in Oklahoma County wherever it could be found whether in private homes or public libraries. Despite the facts that the film had been released in 1979, received major film awards, and not anyone prior to Humphreys had made a legal claim of obscenity against the film, Humphreys again smelled blood and was hot on the trail ofwhat he thought would surely be a victory for fundamentalist decency. ~hinking that the cross of his religion would trump all blasphemers and dissolve the First and Fourth Amendments he encouraged the court case to proceed. Federal District Court Judge Ralph ~hompson, however, found that the film is not child pornography, and went on to criticize that the County Judge, Richard Freeman, had made a serious error in judgment pertaining to what constitutes pornography and allowing the OKC police, carte blanche, to search homes and businesses without a warrant. Both of the lost lawsuits backed by Kirk Humphreys cost hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in expenses and attorney fees which resulted in higher property taxes. ¯hough the "Tin Drum" adventure was publicly lead by former District Attorney Bob Macy, as mayor and the boss of the OKC police chief, I feel that Humphreys was certainly in the loop and should have had more sense and better advise in calling off the figurative police dogs. If the past is prologue, I think we can expect some more Humphreys hauntings at the expense of the Oklahoma City taxpayers. It’s been shown that the Constitution, its Bill of Rights, and especially the First Amendment, if applied in time, can counter the poisonous vapors that waft from Humphreys. Wockner News Service Congress’ highest-ranking vet calls f.or DADT repeal WASHINGTON, DC __ U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., whose military rank was the highest of any veteran now in Congress, has urged fellow lawmakers to join him in repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that bars open gays from the military. Sestak, a three-star admiral who spent 31 years in the Navy, is one of 17 congressional veterans co-sponsoring the repeal bill. "It is easy for me to see why Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell should be repealed," Sestak said May 3. "Once you have served in war and faced danger with a gay service member, how can you come home and say gay people should not enjoy equal rights?" Sestak’s comments came at the Equality Forum, an annual GLBT conference and festival in Philadelphia. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246), which would repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and allow GLB personnel to serve openly, has 142 co-sponsors in total. "Veterans like Adm. Sestak, who have dedicated their lives to serving this country, are leading the movement in Congress to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," said Aubrey Sarvis of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. "These lawmakers agree with senior military officers, including former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:John Shalikashvili and retired Army Maj. Gen. Vance Coleman, that when it comes to defusing IEDs, tending to injured troops, deciphering enemy codes and flying reconnaissance missions -- sexual orientation is irrelevant. Seventy-nine percent of the American people agree with them and it is time that Congress finally repeal this law." Carly Simon: ’I don’t consider myself"to be not gay In an interview published May 1 in the San Francisco gay weeldy Bay Area Reporter, ’70s pop-music legend Carly Simon said, "I don’t consider myself to be not gay." The double-negative quasi-coming-out occurred when interviewer Gregg Shapiro inquired: "After speaking with you this morning, I’m going to be interviewing Cyndi Lauper regarding her True Colors tour, which features gay and straight artists performing to raise money for the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBT organizations. I’m wondering if Cyndi called you and asked you to be a part of the True Colors tour, might you get involved?" Simon replied: "Well, the part that I could be involved in is the gay and lesbian part. The part that would be hard for me is to commit to a tour because I’m not very comfortable being onstage. But the part that would be easiest for me would be singing on behalf of all of us. I don’t consider myself to be not gay." Shapiro responded: "Wow! Well, it’s great to have you as part of the family." "Thank you!" Simon said. "I mean, I’ve enlarged all of my possibilities. There are a lot of extremely personal stories to tell about that, but we won’t go into that right now. Let’s just say that it just depends upon who I’m with." Attempts to contact Simon through her publicist, record label and MySpace page were unsuccessful as of press time. Frank: Transgender people were terrible lobbyists Openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, DMass., says transgender people did a terrible job of lobbying for inclusion in the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act. A version of the measure, known as ENDA, that protects sexual orientation but not gender identity has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. "I’ve never seen a worse job of lobbying done by the transgender community," Frank told the Oregon gay newspaper Just Out in its May 2 issue. "They seem to think that all they had to do was to get the gay and lesbian community to say ’OK.’ I think they thought that this was a train, and that they were a car on the train." "I said to them, ’You’ve got to work this, you’ve got to lobby people.’ They did a terrible job of lobbying, and so we didn’t have the votes," Frank said. First ot3enlv Illinois legislator dle Larry McKeon, Illinois’ first openly gay and first openly HIV-positive state legislator, died May 13 of a severe stroke. He was 63. McKeon represented a district of Chicago’s North Side in the state House of Representatives from 1997 to 2007. An Army veteran and former cop, McKeon also served as Mayor Richard M. Daley’s liaison to the GLBT community prior to his election to public office. McKeon retired last year, citing health issues related to HIV and cancer. ........More U. S. News page 27 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 recently confessed to the fact that she attracts gays like a moth to a light, hall the men that like me are gay, k’~ ~e. I have a really strong gaydar. I do love gay men though,~ Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres are planning to marD: Ellen has said she is "thrilled" at the r~ing by the California supreme court to overturn the state’s ban on gay marri~e. Alexander Payne "Hung" Up at HBO Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Payne (for Sideways, not his litde-usedbut- stilbcredit-getting screer~ptay for I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) has a new pro’ect9 up his ste~we. And it~ about what’s in one man’s pants. Hung, a comedy pilot on track at HBO, will be Payne’s [IW-directing debut, from a script by Dmitry Lip~n. creator of%e Riches. ~md the subiect matter? What happens when a~l average, middle-aged basketbal! coach learns how to put his exceptionally large’~- penis to better ~e. NO actor has signed on yet to play the gifted guy, but casting is scheduled m begi n soon. If picked up for series, it will be, a; the very least, the first show" of its k5nd. But wi!I there be a Boogie Nights-style revea! shot? Or will it remain a mysteiT? Either way, expect a big deal to made about this one. Holb~voodactress edl3 ship only the closet. of True Co .ors pP g Cyndi LaUper~ colors are brighter than ever. F~li~Wing [tie Success of last year’s landmark tofir, Latimer is back to help the Human Ri~ts Campaign, theS~ue Colors Fund of StOnewall C~r~i-nuni~? Foundation, PFLa~G and the Centertink Network ofBLGT community cemers. Famous for just wanting to have fun, Lau per will be bringing her tour to the Zoo Amphitheater in Oklahoma City on Jun. 23. Joining Cyndi wilt be The B-52s, joan J~tr ~d The Blackhearts, ~mdy Belt of STAR www.ozarksstar.com Foster, 45, is believed to have called offher Erasure. Margaret Cho and Girl tn A Coma. relationship with movie producer Cydney with host Carson r*v~ ressl.ev,.f.or.tic.ket." t.mor- Bernard after a series of arguments. The marion or a full list ofto[,r dates, visit ~~",.~,,, couple were together for 14 years and have truecolorstour corn two children ~x;~om Fosrer g~ve birth to and " " Bernard adopted, according to the British Daily Mail tabloid. Pt~oto by: Bill Gaddis getting hot out. Tulsa’s wonderful sprir~g ,h,as played out. Here are a coupl~ tips I d like {o pass along that may add to your summer enjoyment of vino..F,irstly, for white win~S, you know/get ern ~ld! And as the~e Wines warm up in your glass, the fruit flavors open Up to~. I really like this gradual experience. Many times, we finish a bottle so fast when sharing with friends that we don’t even notice. For red wines, put a chill on ’era as well. NOT too c.o,ld but just cool enough so that you’re not drinking warm glug. Remember, room temperatu~’ e can mean a whole different thing during the summer. Proper stem ware can also make a big difference this time of year. Riedel glasses are among the best althougt~ not recommended poolside. Here are some wines for both red & white lovers. www.ozarksstar.com The fo owing is Calistoga Cellars Chardonnay 2006 This vintage was just released in ket. If you liked the ’05, this will really hit the mark. It’s li beautifully balanced mix of ripe pear and the wine is medium bodied soft finish. A favodte of l visit McGilrs on 21rst St. Vincent Pouilly-Fuisse This Pouilly-Fuisse in several areas belonging to th~ The wine is created by Jean-Jac( celebrated Chateau nette Vincent He blends the well balanced ers are on t finish. I first discovered s wine over at 1740/wine bar on Boston n~ear 18th. This Chardonnay from France i~ quite good. Michel Picard Vouvray This is Chenin Blanc from the Loi of France. Fresh aromas of apricot & on the nose and the finish is fruity and~~ slightly off dry. Enjoy this from with me,is that include shellfish to desserts like apple pies with vanilla ice cream. oak barrels owner of the Made-Antoi- "). make a White flow- Ochoa Garnacha Rose 2006 This Rose wine is made entirely from Grenache grapes. The color of is a result of the short maceration period that helps to maintain the fragrant aromas and fresh flavors. A well structured Spanish wine with plenty of well-rounded fruit and balanced acidity. Food pairings include pasta, salads and vegetables. ut the tannins, these producers make their wines more their youth. This bottle is also affordable and has received high acclaim from wine critics. Serious meat oriented pastas would go well with this wine. Toad Cacophony Zinfandel 2006 This ;I, Hollow Zinfandel comes ~ ppellation where Zinf~ les thdve upon the long h nights. This new offering i~ ~ 20% Petit Sirah. It~!a really great & jammy wine that’s a :e~.for barbecued meats. :i~va/Sparkling wine NV. Th~ rfclude; 50% Macabeo, ~ 15% Xarelolo. This iJwhat you may be used ne or U S sparkling :he Spanish create a : old world version from wine is quite affordable pleasantly surprise you. ~s ~s a good wine to fall back on as you ;lebrate the summer months. And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Produtorri del Barbaresco 2004 I had a chance to visit this winery when I was northern Italy. The grape is Nebbiolo and it’s one of the most important wine grape varieties of Italy’s Piedmont region. Flavors of violets, tar, cherries, truffles, tobacco & prunes come to mind. Although ~is.~grape can take years to age and Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/wv,rw.WineSpec~ator.com www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org the STAR 15 9t8.585,5898 ® 800.585,5101 West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74t 19 e www.q plazatulsa.com 16 theSTAR June 2008 TW’s-AFAB Catering by Donald Pile and Ray Williams LUNA VISTA B & B "Morltezuma’s Castle" aJmost knocked us over. At night we saw more stars in the sky than we ever see here in the Midwest. There are fabulous places to visit and there are "beyond Fabulous" places to visit. Luna Vista in Rimrock, Arizona is such a place. Driving out to California on a recent trip we were guests of Kala (pronounced Calla is in Calla Lily) and her husband Frank at their "beyond Fabulous" Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast. Located just about 20 miles southeast of Sedona and just about 3 miles offthe Interstate, this has to be one of the finest and most unusual places that we have been. However to get there you get off the pavement and drive about three miles around curvy hilly, rocky and treacherous gravel and dirt roads to make your arrival. But after arriving, it is ~vorth the trip. After making the last turn you are aghast when you see this place. It is like you have arrived at the Ponderosa! Kala and Frank were residents of the East Coast and after 9111 they decided that it was time for a major move. They purchased the property in Rimrock, remodeled, repaired, built on, put in a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and many more additions and finally opened their new B and B in February, 2004 and it has been an instant success ever since. We stayed in the Don Diego (Zorro) suite. Our bathroom was 18 feet by 20 feet and included our own Jacuzzi. Our shower was 6 feet by 8 feet and included a steam room and a double vanity, bidet and every kind of amenity that you would possibly want. Our linens were 400-threat count Egyptian cotton and of course they were ironed before putting them on the beds! Oh! Did we mention that they have heated towel racks in the bathroom? Each room came with a DVDITFIVHS, CD player, etc. A bottle of wine is in every room for the guests. The grounds are fabulous. They are very pet-friendly and even have a dog run and a horse run should you care to bring your horse. Not into driving? Then use their helicopter pad and fly right in! They serve a full-course breakfast every day and on Sundays’ a full brunch. And we are not talking a muffin and coffee, but a full sit-down breakfast with wanes, breakfast steak, eggs, potatoes, etc. Nothing is left out. Guests have the full run of the house and property including an office where you can check your e-mails and work online if need be. But the most important thing about Luna Vista are the owners, KALA AND FRANK. Nxey genuinely care about their guests and cater to their every need. Tney love life and it shows. In all of our travels, they are the most sincere, heartwarming and friendly people that we have ever met. On our last night there, Kala and Frank hosted a party in our honor and invited severn of their neighbors and area antiques dealers. They fixed enough food for an entire army. Everyone was so interesting in their own way. The woman The moment that Kala opened the door to welcome us in, we I~IEW that we were going in for a big treat and we were! She is dive, animated, professional, entertaining and a great hostess. Frank ALWAYS has a smile on his face and is very excited about everything. Together they make a great team and we know that they will be in the bed and breakfast business for many years. They can’t help it if they were born straight! It happens in the best of families. Everyone is welcome at Luna Vista and we do mean everybody! We stayed there for three days and didn’t even want to go anywhere else. However one day we did drive over to Montezuma’s Castle and on to Montezumgs Lake which was extremely interesting. But the red enjoyment was taking advantage of the Luna Vista B and B and the many amenities it has to offer. It is located on 16 acres and you can take a long hike through the woods and river area. The flowers were blooming everywhere. The sights and aromas Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast 18 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast next door to them bakes fantastic desserts and another neighbor is a spiritual advisor and yet another creams beautiful "cactus" lamps and objects. She presented us xvith one of her creations. The next time you really xvant to get away from everything and truly have a memorable experience, book yoursdf a xveek at the "beyond fabulous" Luna Vista. Their website is: wxvxv.lunavistabandb.com or call 800-611-4788. They have been featured in many travel publications from coast to coast. To get to Rimrock either fly into Flags{aff or Phoenix, rent an auto and drive. That is unless you’re already driving, then just drive on Interstate 17 and take the 293 Exit. We stayed xvith them on a return trip from California and our "beyond fabnlous" experiences continued while staying there. We don’t make many promises, but trust us on this one, we promise that you will have one of the finest and most enjoyable weeks of your life xvith Kala and Frank. Alxvays remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for order blank. Les residents want Wockner News Wire Nxree residents of the Greek island of Lesbos have filed suit in an attempt to reclaim the word "lesbian" and stop the group Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece (OLKE) from using it. Gay women are believed to have adopted the word in memory of Sappho, a poet who lived on the island in the sixth century B.C. and wrote about love between women. The plaintiffs claim the alleged theft of "lesbian" from the island’s residents amounts to "psychological and moral rape." An OLKE spokeswoman called the case "ridiculous" but an Athens court will hear the matter on June 10. Quotable Quotes Cuba’s parliament is studying proposals to legalize same-sex unions and give gay couples the benefits that people in traditional marriages enjoy. "The freedom of sexual choice and gender identity are exercises in equality and social justice," said Mariela Castro, daughter of President Raul Castro,. www.ozarksstar.corn ~}~eSTAR t9 of Town B~ A~&’~w Colli~ W-eekend Getaways from Portland, Oregon Oregon’s Gannon Beach o~rs some ofthe best sunset-viewing on the West Coast. (Photo by Andrew Collins) with a marionberry vinaigreue. For more sophisticated fare, book a table at the Gower Street Bistro, which presents creative regional dishes, such as pan-seared sea scallops with roaste&cre~ corn, eNgplant, and tJancetta. You might spend the mornings in Cannon Beach strolling along the sand, admiring the many geological formations just Offshore, such as the famous, 237-~bot-tall Haystack Rocla Do as locals do and grab a cup ofdelicious java at Sleepy Mgnk C~ff?e Roasters (alofig with £ ~hick sli~e ofch0~latechip pumpkin bread)before you Set Out[ %nture south of Cannori Beach and youll pass throt~ Oswald West S~te Park, which is laced with hiking trails that weave through 01d-gro~f0rest; leading down tO the ~ch. End your day in fianky itS, with its quirlg, cafes and galleri~i perhaps enjoying a glass of Oregon wine at Vino, a snaz~ little Wine bar that also ser~e~ plate~ of delici0u] chkrcuterie and cheeSe. Between Manzanita and CannOn Beach in tiny Arch Cape, the gay-owned Ocean Point Inn comprises three oceanfront suites with chic, contempo~ furnishings, fiatscreen TVs, and gas fireplaces. Guests can enjoy a ~de range oftreatments at the inn’s spa. It’s one of the most romantic accommodations along the coast. I-5} Within 30 miles of Portland, in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley; you’ll find some ofthe leading wineries in ~e United States - the area ha~ become especially renowned for iris pinot noirs. Ifyou have only a day to tour the region, focus your efforts a~ound the rural, hilly Yamhill area, home to such esteemed vineyards as Willakenzie, Penner,Ash, and Adelsheim. Just a short drive south, in the Dundee Hills. standouts include Archery Summit, Sokot Blosser, and Domaine Serene. ~ese are among dozens ofwineries with tasting rooms open m the public. Hip and cosmopolitan Portland continues to emerge as a popular urban vacation destination for gay" and lesbian travelers, thanks in part to its stellar restaurant scene, liberal social climate, and artsy personalit~: But another major draw of this charmed city is its proxmaity to so many breathtakingly beautiful places that make perfect two- to three-day getaways. In an afternoon’s drive, you can explore the rugged Oregon Coast, tile lush Willamette Valley wine country, or the high desert outdoor recreation mecca of Bend. Here’s a look at three ideal weekend getaways from the Portland area, all of them centered on communities with an increasing number of gay-owned or gay-friendly accommodations and restaurants. Camaon Beach and Manzanita (a 90-minute drive via U.S. 26) ~Ihis part of the valley abounds with excellent restaurants, too. An intimate spot serving relatively affordable French fare, Cuvee sits along the quiet main drag oftiny Carlton and is a fine place to end a day ofwine-t~asting. Among the several stellar restauvamts in Dundee, check out Tina’s, a bustling bistro that features creative American fare emphasizing ingredients from local r delicious dish is the seared halibut cheeks with diced "Ihere tic and rooms, each with a As vou From downtown Pordand, U.S. 26 leads west over the dramatic Coast Mountains to northern Oregon’s spectacular and relatively macrowded coast, a highlight ofwhich is dapper Cannon Beach, a low-keyed munity set along a striking stretch of beach. Quite a few gays and lesbians (including Pordand-based filmmaker Gus Van Zant) own or rent summer homes here or in nearby beach towns, such as funk)" Manzauita and upscale Gearhart. The quieter south end of Cannon Beach. known as Tolovana Park. has a slightly more artsy feel. Here you might spend the night at the delightful Inn at Cannon Beach, a tasteful complex of contemporar5 two-srory cottages that open around a central courtyard with fragrant flower gardens and Adirondack chairs. Itk steps from the beach, and next door to’the Warren House Pub. a casual, gay-friendly spot that brews its own excellent beer and serves tast7 comfort food, such as grilled pankocrusted oysters, and house-smoked-salmon salad gene. Here scene of any Oregon city with parks ~nd ri~:e vci~ opportunities for recreation. A attraction is the Owen Ros~ Garden, where more than d Nearb); a former chicken-processing plant houses the Fifth Street Market, now a complex of fascinati~ shops and enticing restaurants, mclu&ng one of the regions best dining choices, Marche. Here you can ry such memorable fare as 0yen-roasted local mussels with a saffron-cream, and smoked pork chops with rhubarb chum~ From April through De~emher, check out the neaiby Saturday Market, Where ente~iners pei~form and close to 200 artisans, farmers, and cooks sell their wares. 20 f~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com OAXACA RESTAURANT Sed0na, Arizona Pronounced (Wa-ha&a) this Mexican restaurant in Sedona offers exciting food. With breath-taking scenery and beautiful views from their rooftop cantina, Oaxaca has earned it’s title "Local Secret/Big Find" by Travelocity.com. Tnis old world stTle Mexican restaurant is located in Uptown Sedona and offers casual dining with an extensive menu with a taste of every palate. Carl Butler, the owner and a registered dietitian has created a delicious menu with a healthy approach. Oaxaca serves up heart healthy, reduced fat and low cholesterol recipes which are full of flavo!! Oaxaca serves a wide range of Mexican, Southwest, American and Vegetarian dishes with authentic favorites Such as fajitas and chile rellenos. It is no wonder why people have been dining there for years and years and many people drive out of their way when traveling, just to dine there! You certainly will have a wonderful dining experience, enjoying the exciting flavors of their food and looking at the fabulous mountain scenery. q-hey are open daily: 10:30 AM to 9 PM. Happy hour: 3 PM to 6 PM. Breakfast buffet: Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AiM to 10:30 AM. q-hey are located at 321 North Highway 89A in Sedona, Arizona. .............................. CHILE RELLENOS Next Page theSTAR 21 di i g° New art exhibit feat ring artist Dennis Olson at the Dennis Ro Neill Equality Center TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 5-9pm, Thursday, June 5, 2008, for the opening of their June exhibit, paintings by Oklahoma City resident Dennis Olson. This event will correlate with the onenight- only Tulsa Pride "More Color" art show featuring works by sixty artists. Dennis Olson’s exhibit will remain up through the month ofJune, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Imsbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Quotable Quotes "I respect the Court’s decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling." California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: OkEq Cdebrates Ca i£ornia Ru ing £or Marriage Equa ity TULSA, OK (PR) - May 15, 2008 __ Today, in a 4-3 decision, the California State Supreme Court ruled in favor of full marriage equality for same-sex couples. The decision follows lawsuits by fifteen couples who challenged the constitutionality of the state’s marriage ban. "This historic decision is a victory for fairness and opportunity for hundreds of thousands of loving, committed couples and their families in California," said Justice Waidner, Oklahomans for Equality Executive Director. "We continue to work and hope for the day when families in every state have the basic protections that come with marriage." A growing number of states provide recognition of same-sex relationships. Including California, eight states plus the District of Columbia allow couples to marry or confer rights and benefits similar to marriage. However, the Defense of Marriage Act still prohibits the Federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages approved in individual states. In November, Californians vote on a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution by defining marriage as between one man and one woman. If passed, this constitutional amendment would overturn the California Supreme Court’s ruling. "Many Americans believe that marriage equality will be a reality in their lifetimes," noted Waidner. "Organizations in every corner of this country are working hard to achieve the kanerican dream of equality and justice for all. We are all inspired by the California marriage decision and look forward to the day when every American in every state and territory will have the opportunity to realize their hopes and dreams by marrying the person they love." 22 theSTAR w~v.ozarksstar.com Sound ofMusic Headlines Lyric’s 2008 Stammer Season OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Tickets for Lyric Theatre’s 2008 summer season of musicals are now on sale. Lyric "Iheatre, Oklahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, proudly continues its 46-year tradition of producing stellar Broadway-style shows for the people of Oklahoma. Lyric’s four summer season productions will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City. From June 24th through 28th, Lyric will open the season with The Sound of Music, presented for the first time on the Civic Center stage. This timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein family classic tells the story of Maria, a young, spirited, would-be nun who is appointed as governess for the seven children of a widowed sea captain. Lyric’s next production, Swing!, will run from July 8th through 12th. Swing! is a celebration of the music and dance phenomenon that swept the nation in the ’30s and ’40s. This all-singing, all-dancing evening of music features over thirty incredible numbers guaranteed to put audiences "in the mood!" Lyric will bring a beloved movie musical to the stage from July 22nd through 26th. Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is the fresh, wholesome tale ofAdam Pontipee and his unkempt, burly brothers who kidnap six townswomen for the winter in hopes of finding love and companionship. Their well-meaning, but hilarious shenanigans of courtship are played out in boisterous song and dance. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers will feature Broadway performers Elisa Van Duyne as Milly and Jim Sorensen as Adam. (rated G) Concluding Lyric’s 2008 summer season is a modern musical hit, Urinetown, the Musical, fresh off the Broadway stage. The title might give off the impression that the play is about nothing more than a town that indulges itself in bathroom related humor. In reality, Urinetown, the Musical, written by Greg Kotis, a New York playwright who specializes in socially relevant comedies, is a hilarious melodrama about a town plagued by drought. In a mad attempt to regulate ,#cater consumption, the government forces its citizens to use pay-per-use amenities, monopolized by the Urine Good Company. Urinetown satirizes corporate and political greed, the idealism of rebellion, and also spoofs on the art of musical theatre itself, all set to a score bursting with a big Broadway sound. "Urinetown ~von the 2002 Tony Award for Best Original Score and is lauded on Broadway as one of the smartest, most comical musicals of this century;" explains Nick Demos, Lyric’s Artistic Director. There is nothing offensive about it, other than an unattractive title!" Urinetown plays from August 5th through 9th, and guarantees a unique night of unprecedented laughter. (rated PG) Single tickets to all Civic Center productions start at $27. Four-Show Season Ticket packages are also still available and start at just $80, as are the Three-Show Family Packages which include The Sound of Music, Swing!, and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. For more info visit www.lyrictheatreokc. com or call (405) 524-9312. TOM KOVACH MAKES HISTORY WINNING A SEAT ON NOR_MAN’S CITY COUNCIL By Victor Gorin NORMAN, OK__ Tom Kovach, an out gay Democrat was elected to the Norman City Council representing Ward 2 in a runoff against political consultant Chebon Marshall. The race began running against 2 opponents, Mr. Marshall and Michael McKee. Although Chebon Marshall got the most votes, he did not get a majority of the total votes. Mr. Kovach was in second place, so as per Oklahoma election law, this resulted in a runoff election. Although vastly outspent, Mr. Kovach made up for this with hard work and determination, and making known his stands on issues to make the city better. As he puts it, " Throughout the campaign we stuck mainly to the issues, which were mainly public safety and storm water." His efforts won the endorsement of both the Sierra Club and the Norman Homeowner’s Alliance. There was rumor mongering about his sexual orientation, and a literature drop Photo: Tom Kovach by Victor Gorin designed to turn conservative voters against him close to the election named him as endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats ( explaining for those who didn’t know that it was a gay rights organization within the Democratic Party), and a member of the American Civil Liberties Union (both true). Despite this distraction from the issues, his sincerity and practical message carried him to victory. He has lived in Norman over 40 years, much of that in Ward 2. His partner of over 10 years, Will Weir, is also an activist volunteer with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, P-Flag, GLSEN, and helping people with disabilities. Mr. Weir won Norman’s Human Pdghts Award in 2007. Tom made history being Oklahoma’s 3rd openly gay elected public official The last 2 were Oklahoma State Representative A1 McAffrey (Democrat District 88, elected 2006) and Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth (Democrat District 1, first elected 2002). The first was Dr. David also elected to the Norman City Council in 2001, who Tom remembers as "Someone who stood up for many issues which are now being considered by a more progressive city council, and we owe a lot to him" As for his future he is optimistic, stating that" I have been active in the city, spe~ng before the city council many times. N~ey know me well, and I think we have a good working relationship. I look forward to working with the seasoned members of the council, and look forward to working with Mayor (Cindy) Rosenthal." www.ozarksstar.com {:h®$TAR 23 Photo’s by Victor G. & Jud / G. @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideawa t, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City 24 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City By Greg Steele Club Rachael n downtown Jade Esteban portraying his one man play Inns III, The Gay and Lesbian History of the Wodd at OKC’s Indiv dual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery Laura Belmonte, President Oklahomans for Equality and OKC Pride Publicity Coordinator Michael Cich at the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit hosted by Cimarron Alliance Oklahoma ( Reverend Lo rce his friend Alex with their friends at May P-Flag Meeting. Gay ’Star Trek’ actor George Takei is to marry his partner Brad Altman in California Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Male Co-Chair Paul Thompson congratulates Reverend Loyce Newton-Edwards on her ordination as a UCC minister at Church of the Open Arms. www.ozarksstar.com ~ Swimsuit C01tect 0n Men From Mensuas _Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collectionfor Menfiaturing swimwear by Bask#, Mensuas, IV2N Bodywear and Timoteo. Jvat in timefor sumrne~ these new swimsuits are great for t,6e beach or laying by the i)ool. TAMPA, FL 0)RWEB) __ Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collection for Men featuring swimsuits by Baskit, Mensuas, N2N Bodyxvear and Timoteo. Just in time for summer, these nexv sxvimsuits are great for the beach or laying by the pool Timeoteo Swim Bikini Mensuas has carried N2N Bod),wear swimsuits for several years. The N2N Bodywear 2008 Sxvimsuits include the Catalina Competitor, Corona Competitor, Cosmo Competitor and the X-Poser. The new and daring designs xvill sure to get you noticed at the beach. Mensuas has team up xvith Tulio to create the exciting nexv Mensua~ Swim Bikini in four new styles for 2008. Modeled by Levi Poulter, these unique swimsuit designs represent a bold and exciting trend in mens sxvimxvear. Mensuas new operations center is located in the suburbs of Tampa, F1. The new operations center allows customers orders to be processed faster and alloxv the California Muscle Capri Blue Swim Teaser q-hong availability of more future products at their website. Our customer’s satisfaction with the products they order and the amount of time it takes to receive their order is number one priority at Menuas. Mensuas wants to become number one shopping source for customers to order their underwear and sxvimwear for themselves or for the man in their life. Mensuas always offer free shipping on all orders totaling $25.00 or more for US and Canada customers. We offer great international shipping rates. All orders received by 3:00 PM EST are shipped the same business day by USPS regular mail. All items shipped from Mensuas are tracked from the Post Office to ensure customers packages can be traced in case of lost or mishandled pack Baskit Orange Lucky 7 3.5" Swim Bikini ages. All packages shipped discreetly to our customers to ensure privacy. Mensuas is offering their customers a 10% discount on their next order, please enter promotion code undies08 at checkout and receive the 10% discount on your order total excluding shipping charges. Website: www.mensuas.com Mensuas Swim Bikini Timeoteo Swim Bikini California Muscle Dolce Swim Brief 26 t~~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com WEST HOLL,,~Y~VO,OD, CA (,P,R) __ On June 4, 2008i !G)~atomy star T.R. K ight will i;i M tthew hepard Foundation ~ h~i~ kick off National Gay- Pride month with a symbolic dusk commitment ceremony at the faamed West Hollywood hotspot, The Abbey. At 8pm, couples from aroufid the nation will "tie the knot" in an event officiated by the Mayor ofWest Holly~vood and witnessed by Judy Shepard. Couples will be wearing the Matthew Shepard Erase Hate pendant courtesy of Love and Pride jewehy designer, Udi Behr. Love and Pride is the first online jewelry destination for people who believe in equality, diversity and tolerance for all. www.!oveandpride.com Behr created the Erase Hate pendant for Judy Shepard, in memory of her son, Matthew Shepard, who was the victim of a brutal anti-gay hate crime in rural Wyoming ten years ago. His murder brought national attention to the issue of hate crime legislation and was a watershed moment in the fight for gay civil rights. Behr remarks, "A public commitment ceremony is a great way to join together and strengthen our two messages; ’Celebrating Love’ and ’Erasing Hate.’" 100% of net proceeds from sales of the pendant assist the Matthew Shepard Foundation. v~’~v.ozarksstar.com Judy Shepard, executive director of the Foundation, said, "Wearing the Erase Hate pendant is a great way for people to express how they feel and promote the values of understanding, compassion and acceptance that were so important to Matthew," Adding, "It has been ten years since the death of my son. Although we can not replace Matthew, we can join together to help spread the message of erasing hate." Mayor Jeffrey Prang comments, "The City of West Hollywood supports marriage equality and continues to work hard for changes in California law." Adding, "We will not stop fighting for our rights as no government can prevent us from loving whom we choose." World renowned recording artist Steve Oliver will perform the classic ceremonial march Pachelbel Canon in D major. CEREMONY REGISTRATION FORM: www.MatthewShepard.org/GetMarried PRIDE PARADE OF NW"ARKANSAS FAYETTEVILLE AR (PR) __ NWA PRIDE announces the 2nd Annual NWA PRIDE PARADE, A Celebration of Diversity and Community, will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Parade organizers invite GLBTs aald Straight allies to come together in solidarity in support of equal rights for all. It is NWA Pride’s great pleasure to honor Chris Harmon as this year’s Grand Marshal. Chris has been an unsung hero as founder of the NWA POSITIVE LINKS BUDDY PROGRAM and is currently a board member of the NWA GLBT Community Center. The Buddy Program provides information and much needed peer-to-peer support for people living with HIV and AIDS. Chris and Program volunteers maintain a food bank, make personal visits, help with chores, transportation and provide many other resources for 1Mng a positive life. Parade participants and spectators are encouraged to be artistic, have fun and show your pride. (Kid friendly and appropriate for public locations) Paint your face, wear costumes, dress up your pets, horses, bicycles, vehicles and especially this election year, proudly wave rainbow and American flags. The parade lineup will start at 10 AM on Meadow Street, next to the Arvest Bank. Parade will start promptly at 12 Noon. A brief Pride rally will be held at the end of the parade in the V/alton Arts Center Parking Lot. For more details, float and or speaker applications, please go to NWA Pride’s web site at www.nwapride.org. Volunteers still needed! "A Star Studded Night" Gala in Fayettevillle FAYETTEVILLE, AR (PR) __ The NXX/A GLBT Community Center will host their 2nd Annual Fund Raising Gala "A Star Studded Night" on Friday, June 27 at the Clarion Inn located at 1255 S. Shiloh Drive in Fayetteville. The Ball Room ~vill be delightfully decorated resembling the glitz and glamor of a Hollywood party. Gala Guests’ will enjoy the fun and excitement of a "night among the stars" as guests become our Celebrities in an evening filled with great food, dancing and music provided by Dance Enhance Entertainment. The evening will begin with a lavish Prime Rib, Chicken or Vegetarian Buffet entree as well as silent auctions and special speakers which include the Rev. Lowell Grisham of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Shawn Coker the Chairperson ofThe NWA Diversity Council and Vice President of Diversity Business Practices ofTyson Foods. Throughout the evening guests’ will be casting their vote for the "Star of the Night" Award which will be given to the person who raises the most money through a $1 ballot. Advance tickets for the event are $50 each or $400 per table of 8 and may be purchased on-line at http:/Avww.nwaglbtcc.org or by calling 1-888-361-9222 or in person at Tymythy’s Hair Salon located at 130 E. Poplar St. Suite B in Fayetteville. Tickets will not be available at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. and a Cash Cocktail bar will be open throughout the night. Formal Attire or Celebrity Costumes are recommended. th÷STAR 27 by Jack Fertig June 2008 "Take bo~d risks, Aquarius!" Everyone is being just a bit too fabulous for words! Mercury is retrograde, so his alignment with Venus and the Sun is a bit more like a collision of verbosity and overaffected efforts at charm. Mars in Leo is feeding the frenzy. Remember Lucy and Ethel at charm school? It’s that kind of week! ARIES (Narch 20 -April 19): Baby wants to play, but you are atypically given more to talk than action now. Chatty word games and rambling are not usually your style, but go with it for now. Don’t be afraid to look silly. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Buying or tossing out household items could easily be a mistake. Instead try rearranging things and seeing them in a new light. This is a great time to locate problems in domestic finances, but solving them should wait a few weeks. GEMINI (May 2t - Jun.e 20): You’re going to trip over your tongue no matter what you’re talking about. Best to keep it light, nonconfrontational, and all in good humor so you can laugh with your friends over your own malapropisms and faux pas. CANCER (June 21- Ju~y 22): Hide the plastic, and keep the cash out of reach. Any urge to display your good taste is best done as tasteful restraint - and no, that doesn’t mean buying handcuffs that match the bedposts! Take time out with someone you value most. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Everyone says you look fabulous - and you do! You’re all cranked up, looking and thinking three steps ahead, but are you really three steps ahead going in the right direction? Check with friends who care about more than looking fabulous. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Someone behind the scenes offers to help you up the ladder. Some secrets may be revealed in the process, but that can also work in your favor. Everyone’s screwing up some these days, but your mistakes - and the way you handle them - look good! LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You could charm anyone into believing your stories and arguments, even if they contain mistakes. Leave room for later revisions! Better just to radiate charm and energy; save the important facts for later. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Seems everybody wants a taste of what you’ve got! If you do play around, none of it will be secret. You could get a reputation as a great lover, but what would your boss and your partner say? SAGITTARIUS (November 22 o December 21}): Misunderstandings with your partner actually open new doors that could improve your relationship. Explore new pleasures and possibilities together. If anything seems disappointing, you might want to try again a few weeks later. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Anyone playing around should make regular visits to the clinic. When was your last time? If you have a clean bill of health, you can have a great time practicing any erotic techniques you’d like to develop. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Be creative! Be daring! Take bold risks and be willing to fall down and look utterly ridiculous. A good pratfall can be endearing, helping to improve your partnership orto find a good candidate for one. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): You have the housecleaning energy and lack of focus typical of a speed freak. Try to concentrate on one specific task or goal at a time. You’ll soon be dissatisfied with the results, but that’s OK. Housework always needs redoing! METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747~5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.ctubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com Support those who support us. DIVERSITY PRIDE EVENTS P. O. BOX 3158 Eure"ka Springs, AR 72631 479-253-2555 www.diversitypride.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowshi 311 S Klein Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73108 405-761-1878 www.myspace.com/expressionsokc HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Hk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~’xw,wv.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com OKJAZZ HALL OF FAME 111E. lstSt Tulsa, OK 918-596-1001 www.okjazz.org TOLBERT THEATER 400 W. Sheridan Oklahoma City, OK 405-297-2264 www.tickets.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com 9 8-835-?887 OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or rnoneyorder to: NAME: Address: City:. Phone: The STAR PO Box 581718 Tulsa, OK 74158-1718 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) St: Zip:. Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR Chuck Breckenridge ~ether buying or selling I’)). work hard for your[ ................... 30 tB÷STAR www.ozarksstar.com We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or promiscuous behavior in a positive light in our public schools. We oppose the erosion of our military readiness through openly practicing hornosexuals serving in the military We oppose the promotion of homosexuality, the elimination of laws against sodomy, and the granting of minority protection or special status to any person based upon sexua~ preference or llfestyb choice. We are committed to equal treatment of all service members and believe all patriotic Americans should be allowed to serve our country without discrimination, persecution or violence. We support legislation barring workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. We support the full inclusion of gay and lesbian families in the life of our nation and seek equal responsibilities, benefits and protections for these families. Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, May 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250 The Star Magazine, July 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/247 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248 After Dark Barney Frank Bars Carly Simon DADT Repeal Dennis Olson dining Don't Ask Don't Tell ENDA horoscope Joe Sestak Larry McKeon Lesbos Leslie Jordan Lyric Theatre marriage equality MCC church military inclusion Night club Paparazzi on the Prowl pride Parade Qscopes Quotable Quotes Star Advertisers Star Scene starclassifieds swimsuits Tom Kovach TR Knight travel wine https://history.okeq.org/files/original/154f2f2fcee03752682bfb546e5c68e8.jpg 2275d17c80c91478905eae575cff8c9a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/bc2b1a7c707215dc99984815b45065a8.pdf b531b2d6733aa47abafe0147ac7624ea PDF Text Text ��2 the STAR wwvv.ozarksstar.com �By Victor Gorin Photo: Nate Borofiky, Doris Muramatsu, Blue Door owner Greg Johnson, & Ty Greenstein OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Valentine’s Day crowd at the Blue Door was trttly treated by the extraordinary innovation and harmonies of Girlyman, a gay band of 3 musicians, Nate Borofsky, Doris Muramatsu and Ty Greenstein, who wowed the house with their awesome harmonies & creative style. As Nate put it, their music has been influenced by "the Indigo Girls, Simon & Garfunkel, the Mamas and Papas, and Bach." Their style, if it could be labeled, is a blend of folk, pop and bluegrass best described by Ty as "alt folk" The full house audience consisted mostly of the Blue Door’s regular folk & innovative music fans, but also featured many "Blue Door virgins", and they were not disappointed. This trio, which has previously graced Oklahoma, once opened for the Indigo Girls here in 2004, and was ready to please a capacity crowd even though they admitted they didn’t know what to expect. Masterminded by their soundperson/tour manager Heather "Turtle" Brooks, they blend their talents and insight in a way that has to be heard to be believed. So far they have recorded 3 CD’s, the latest entitled "Joyful Signs." As for their clever name, it was not inspired by the famous California Governor Schwarzenegger who in fact made that "girlyman" expression famous 2 years after the band was formed, although they do welcome the publicity. As Muramutsu puts it, "It’s playful and fun. The name Girlyman puts that all out there and lets us play with it." That they did, and they’ll win over even more new fans xvhen they play Oklahoma again. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 �Art Show by Shawn Wilson.and Merry Schepers. Michael Buble’ in OKC; "It is the ideal portrayal of America," says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in the touring production. ~ DEE[P INSIDE HO~-t-~OOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Madonna and Ian Ziering. GLBT History, Past Out looks at the life of FTM pioneer Lou Sullivan. Devre Jackson reviews Australian Shiraz Bayou Crawfish Etouffee a feature at Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans ~ C~AO "~’R~VS~. Gay Travelers: Entertainers Out of Town: Chelsea, Manhattan Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans lvlen from all over the world converge on Palm Springs for spring break. Surprise performances happening all weekend long! F~T~ESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Cast of "RENT" 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �LGBT Votes Sway Towards Hi11 Clinton Farrell to be best man £or brother’s gay wedding It was announced during the Sundance Film Festival that the Edward Norton/Colin Farrell cop drama "Pride and Glory" has been pushed back till 2009, even though it has been complete since last November. Farrell commented on this during the press junket for "In Bruges," trying to convince everyone that the delay has nothing to do with the quality of the movie. [via HollywoodElsewhere] All Gore Endorses Gay Marriage Photo by: David Gabber LOS ANGELES, CA __Not only is the Democratic presidential primary ticket a historic celebration of diversity, but exit polls from Super Tuesday celebrated history as well. Polling orga,xizations from around the country asked three questions never before found on exit poll surveys: Did voters pick a xvoman? Did voters pick a black man? Did voters identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? We are part of histor): Resoundingly, voters answered two of the three questions similarly, picking Hillary Clinton as their candidate and identifying as LGBT. In California, of the gay voters (4% of total), 63% voted for Clinton, 29% for Obama and 1% stayed around for E&vards. In New York, 7% of voters identified as LGBT, and out of them 59% voted for Clinton, 36% for Obama and 3% for Edwards. In a recent survey conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBT market research compan); **tore than 90percent ofgays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64percent ofstraight citizens. Queer folk are twice as likely as s~,’aightfolk to vote in midterm elections. DUBLIN, IRELAND __ Hollywood star Colin Farrell is preparing for his next big role - best man at his brother’s gay wedding. The actor will stand beside his sibling Eamonn when he marries long-term partner Steven Mannion in Provincetown, Massachusetts this spring. Farrell is dose to his brother and helped chose Mannion’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring, when Eamonn proposed last year. A family friend tells the National Enquirer: "Colin is a firm believer in gay rights and he is proud of his brother. "He took Eamonn shopping for rings and intends to pick up the tab for the wedding." "I think that gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women, to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage," Gore said. ’~d I don’t understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage to allow it by gays and lesbians. Shouldn’t we be promoting that kind of faithfulness and loyalty to one’s partner regardless of sexual orientation? Gore hinted that he would come around to support same-sex marriage as early as 2006, when speaking to a group of gay-rights activists, but his latest comments represent Gore’s first formal endorsement of equal marriage rights. Recognized by Keller Williams gor out~anding achievement 2005 and 2006 RE&LTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOi~ WbetherbuyingorsellingI’llworkhardfbryou, W~NW.ozarksstar.corn the STAR �Can Larry Craig be Found Guilty in the Court o£Public Opinion? OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ On the facts as argued by the ACLU in a friend of the court filing, and outlined in this story from ~wccw.Bloomberg.com ( http://tinyurl. com/2b7hew ), to me it looks as if the wily and cunning coyote, Larry Craig, will get off again, pardon the pun, by thumbing his nose at the decency he pretends to legislate from the floor of the United States Senate. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock since late last summer, Senator Larry Craig of Idaho, now in his last session of Congress since he’s promised to resign, but will change his mind if enough people beg him to stay was charged with disruptive behavior in the Minneapolis airport when observed by an undercover policeman engaging in what the cop says was sexual solicitation. ¯here is a 1970 precedent in Minnesota that private solicitation of sexual activity in a private place can not be found illegal, as spying by police in a public restroom is an unreasonable search and therefore unconstitutional. The Court has yet to rule on Craig’s appeal of his guilty plea to the charge. Craig has since stated that his guilty plea was entered into in haste and without legal advice as he wanted to keep the charge out of public notice. Craig’s peculiar pantomime with his hands and feet, though laughable, is not illegal which is a good thing for him since his coitus ~vas interrupted by a too-eager cop wanting to score another statistic. Diversity Business Association of Tulsa 6 the STAR Though there was no exposure of body parts or verbal utterances, it’s clear to me that Craig was after an airport quickie, and whether or not his appeal is accepted or rejected his action in the restroom stall refutes his claim that he isn’t gay. - .. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wro9sg~ with being gay but there is something wrong with using your Senate vote to de~rive honest men and women their equality under the law even as they work to contribute to a decent American society. If you listened to the taped interview of the Idaho Senator and the cop you must have noticed that Craig certainly had his battle hardened defense at ful! bore, strengthened as if he had done a few practice runs before. Just how self-assured would YOU be in this situation if you were claiming innocence of the charges and the sign language described? However, in the public court of reasonable opinion, I think Larry Craig would be found guilty with forethought and conspiracy of multiple counts to commit hypocrisy. Unfortunately, this crime is not punished by any jail sentence or fine. Craig’s punishment will have to be the resignation of his office and a return to, can I say, private life as a civilian where he will no doubt write a book describing the pain he’s endured from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and his hounding from office by the Puritans of public decency, the very constituency he claimed to represent? SF~UALITY~VD SPIRITUALITY CONFERENCE ~mosexuality is Neither ness nor Sin ~ ~ Friday March 7, urday March 8 ersity of Central Oklahoma, Edmond Register online at www.PFLAGOKC.org or call Church of the Open Arms (405) 525 9555 www.ozarksstar.com �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �Proudly serving ~Asa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Crooner Comes ByJoey De ~~e’s blonde, he’s beautiful and his new style of classic crooning will be coming to the stage of the Oklahoma City Ford Center Mar. 4. Michael Bubld, the international superstar who has earned himself a place in music history with such hits as "Feelin’ Good," is coming to Oklahoma City as part of his third major US concert tour. All of the shows on the first leg of his 2007-2008 tour sold out in record time. Buble’ brings an irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma to the concert stage, and will perform hits from his current CD "Call me Irresistible and many other classics. 621 E. 4th S~reet Tulsa, OK 74120 OI~NING RECEPTION THURSDAY, iV~RCH 6 6-9PM i%n-Sal 3-gpm through March 29 TULSA, OK__ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, March 6, 2008, for the opening of it’s March exhibit "Now and Zen", featuring local artists Shawn Wilson and Merry Schepers. Shawn Wilson has been a professional artist for 25 years. A native Oklahoman, she moved to New York at 18 years old and within a short time was regularly selling her pen and -ink drawings to New Yorker magazine. She studied sculpture at New York’s famed Art Students’ League, and over the years has shown sculpture in galleries in New York, San Francisco and Atlanta. Shawn also paints-oil on canvas-and most notably, ’sumi-~’, 0apanese inkbrush painting). She studied this ancient art form with one of the few bona fide masters here in the U.S., Koho Yamamoto of NYC. Sumi-6 suits Shawn’s artistic abilities to a ’t’, as her work in all mediums concentrates on the essence of the subject rather than the details. Bubl& new CD, which he calls "my remark on the state of love," contains feeling that ,vill surprise and delight fans and impress those new to his music. "Irresponsible" contains more of Bubl& buoyant, modern interpretations and songs by such greats as Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton and Cy Coleman. Michael won his first Grammy Award this year. The Grammy is for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for "Call Me Irresponsible", which shot to #1, topping the charts around the world. The album included the #1 hit single "Everything", and was the fastest trip to #1 in three years on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. To purchase concert tickets go to www.ticketmaster. corn or visit the Ford Center box office. Visit www. michaelbuble.com for concert schedule. .................. Continued page 27 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 �By Joey De what can be said about "f~nt" that hasfft (and sometimes infamous) rock-opera that changed Br6adway forever ,,,ill be closing its doors on the great ~q~ite Way in Jtm~ but before it dora, the national tour will be making several stops in th~ Midwest. "Rent" is the story, of a colorful collectiot~ of frien& in Manhattan’s East End around the tiim end of the eighties. Surrounded by" povert.>; the onset of the MDS epi&mic and the rise of corporate commercialism, this group of artists defies the norm and redefines the boundaries of love. " says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in promise ofAmerica is a country of tolerance harmony. just doesn’t l~appen in rea! life, there is so much hatred utopian and unreal ~ bom~daries." ’°Rent" are persona!. "This show was the first shame and that Resnick says he connected with privately as a him want was a major 998, the summer when I first characters rand connected. It became a dream m be in the sho~; and people joked with me in High School about it because I’m so close to Mark." According to the performer, taking on the role of the show’s filmmaking n~xrator was not too much of a srxetch. "Mark and Jed are both slightly neurotic, Jewish N ew Yorkers." he laughs. "I latched on to our surface similarities and then was able to discover this~gs I didn’t realize about b~n. Things like his passion for art and fl~e ~ower it has to affect change." Photo: Jed Resnick �Cathedral of Hope Donates Scarves to Wilson Schoo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ For the fourth year in a row members of the Cathedral of Hope made scarves for Wilson Elementary School; In 2004 the church "adopted" Wilson for a number of service projects, since Wilson was their neighborhood school and included children from homeless shelters and section eight housing. Annual projects include collecting schoo! supplies, donating tissues during cold season, and sewing scarves every winter. This year members worked over two nights creating over 60 scarves. One couple also donated gloves and hats. On Tuesday, February 5, church members delivered the goodies to the school. According to pastor, the Rev. Dr. Scott Jones, "The assistant principal told us that every year the kids look forward to the day the scarves are handed out and that they wear them every day a~er that." Nancy Sanders, who has helped with the project every year said, "It’s always a lot of fun for the kids and fun for us too." the STAR �Love on tb~e Nile Deep b~4de HolI)~ood, reports on n~projects for Madonna and Ian Zierine~ Madonna khad to happen. Madonna mous disdain fbr her acting the camera. The finished product is recently premiered at the Berli~ mttsement. It stars the band Gogol Bordello) in a loose, in common with Madonna’s with her later it a refreshing new path uphill cred mountain to climb, but almost a lock that distribution reinvention will be as an aut~ur. Ian Ziering Move~ from Stretch marks, bloated ankles, ous. At least, that’s xvhat the makers given the success of other new comedy stars as a mar (The Constant Gardener) looks like eyeliner - a good to be starring in a romance set jandro ~Am~ena bar (The will direct the film, about a slave (Oscar in love with his mistress at the dawn of the Christian era, Paradise Now) co-stars as a zea!her statuette for The Constant variety of roles in movies like ~nd Definitel> Maybe, and this a~s-yetStarts shooting this month - promises to eclectic. a!most unani- )..ueer Cinema" in the early of a small miracle when a gay indie movie rea! theaters outside Trevor is one of those movies. Goodman, of unknowns, about queer the suddenly deep waters of adult life, appreciation that the recent "new naturalist" films of upstart directors like Andrew getting from critics and when the fihn gets released in May. © STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Ragged Blade Cor cer City February 29 h Oklahoma Photo by Mike W/site: Ashley Saphian, Isaac Cherry, Jerry Rabushka, Zach Jett ST LOUIS, MO (P/R) __ They are faster! louder! more blues! and more country! Ragged Blade has made four theatrical excursions to the IAO in Oklahoma City and now they’re on tap for a concert of Music worth waiting for. An evening of original pop, country, blues, and ballads by songwriter & playwright Jerry Rabushka. You’ll hear songs from some of the plays that have come to the IAO last year, and some newly hatched music with Rabushka’s trademark deep emotion and beautiful harmonies. Hang out with us for co01 country songs. No Luck At Home, the bluesy and sexually charged, Wrong Side Of Town, and Jerry’s lonely ballad Diner 4 AM. The band: Zach Jett (vocals) has toured with Ragged Blade for over a year and has been to the IAO for Woofl. The Road Show and Love of Last Resort. Ashley Saphian (vocals) has performed in several RB plays and concerts. Isaac Cherry (drums) has toured nationally as a solo drummer and with such bands as Animal 13 on the east coast and the Malibu Minstrels on the west. Jerry Rabushka (keyboard and vocals) has written & produced several musicals, was nominated for a national award for outstanding Instrumental Recording by New York based Outmusic in 2003, and received an award from the St. Louis Arts For Life Foundations for his original score to the musical, The Soviet Tango. IAO Gallery, 811 N. Broadway Oklahoma City 405-232-6060 8:00 EM. $5.00 cover At that price you can bring LOTS of friends!! For more info please visit www.raggedblade.com or www.iaogallery. org March 2008 the STAR 13 �by Liz Highleyman~~ Past Out, which looks at the life 0fFTM pioneer L0u Sullivan. Who was Lou Sullivan ? ouis Graydon Sullivan was a pioneer of the transgender movement - not just as an organizer, but as perhaps the first female-to-male (FTM) transsexual to identify publicly as a gay man. Born in June 1951 and named Sheila Jean, Sullivan grew up in a working-class family in a suburb of Milwaukee, \Vgis. He was educated at Catholic schools and took a secretarial job at the University of Wisconsin after graduating from high school. Though Sullivan later recalled that he had enjoyed "playing boys" as a child, his issues around gender and sexuality came to the fore when he was a teenager. "I look in the mirror and say to myself, ’That’s you, Sheila. That girl over there is you.’ It seems so funny," he wrote in his diary at age 14. Before long he started wearing men’s-style white shirts and ties, eventually adding men’s slacks, shoes, and hairstyle. By the early 1970s, Sullivan self-identified as a "heterosexual female transvestite who was sexually attracted to gay men," and had embarked on a long-term relationship with an effeminate man. Sullivan was active in the nascent gay liberation movement, which embraced gender-bending and favored the androgynous aesthetic of the broader counterculture. He was involved with Milwaukee’s first gay rights group, the Gay People’s Union (GPU), and helped produce its newsletter. Jumping into the controversy over drag within the women’s movement, he wrote "A Transvestite Answers a Feminist" 14 the STAR for GPU News in 1973, followed a year later by "Looking Towards Transvestite Liberation," which was widely reprinted in other gay and lesbian publications. Over the next few years, Sullivan’s gender identity shifted from transvestite to transsexual. In 1975, he and his boyfriend moved to San Francisco; as a parting gift, his supportive family gave him a good suit and an heirloom pocket watch engraved "Go West Young Man." But even amid the city’s queer milieu, Sullivan had difficulty finding others like himselfi "I want to look like what I am," he once wrote, "but don’t know what someone like me looks like." Though still presenting as a woman in his job as a secretary for the Wilson Sporting Goods company, most of the rest of the time Sullivan fully cross-dressed and lived as a gay man, hanging out in gay bars and enjoying an adventurous sex life. Sullivan sought sex-reassignment surgery in the late 1970s, but was repeatedly denied because he openly identified as ~y at a time when people undergoing the procedure were expected to adopt stereotypical heterosexual opposite-sex gender roles. "They were invested in taking sissy gay boys and transforming them into straight women, and taking tomboy women who were socially unacceptable and changing them into straight men," according to fellow FTM Shadow Morton. Sullivan recalled that one gender clinic told him he could not possibly live as a gay man, since gay men were primarily interested in large penises. Sullivan’s frustration led him to campaign for the removal of homosexuality as a contraindication for sex reassignment - an effort that finally succeeded in the late 1980s. At a time when most gender services focused on male-to-female transsexuals, he volunteered as the first FTM peer counselor with San Francisco’s Janus Information Facility (a clearinghouse for information about transsexuality) and wrote the earliest informational booldet for transmen, _Information for the Female to Male Cross-Dresser and Transsexual_ (1980). He later authored a biography of early 20th-century "passing woman" Jack Bee Garland. Sullivan was a co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California (now the GLBT Historical Society), helping to ensure that it was inclusive of transgender lives. In 1979, after several refusals from established university-based gender dinics, Sullivan found sympathetic therapists and doctors and began taking testosterone. He had a double mastectomy and started a new technician job where co-workers had never known him as a woman. He finally underwent genital surgery in 1986, but experienced complications and never fully recovered; that same year, he was diagnosed as HIV positive. "I took a certain pleasure," he wrote, "in informing the gender clinic that even though their program told me I could not live as a gay man, it looks like I’m going to die like one." Sullivan devoted his final years to building the network of FTM contacts he had acquired over a decade into an organization, and eventually a visible movement. In 1986, he began holding peer-support get-togethers for people on the male transgender spectrum, which evolved into the present-day FTM International - today the largest and longest-running organization of its kind. Yet he continued to take the time to answer the many letters he received from transmen around the world, hoping to dispel the sense of isolation he had felt. Sullivan died of an AIDS-related illness in March 1991, after malting plans to ensure that the organization he created would continue. "Lou Sullivan left behind a mailing list of about 230 names, a roll of stamps, the model of inclusion in his support group, and the ethic of service to a community he hoped would someday exist," said de facto successor Jamison Green. "Now it almost does. In life and since his death, he has been an inspiration for many transmen, both gay and straight." w~,wv.ozarksstar.corn �1) Langmeil Three Gardens Barossa Valley ’05- Shiraz, Grenache and Mourv~dre. Smooth and round, with raspberry & plum most prominent/lean finish. 2) Yellow Tail Reserve Shiraz ’06- Ripe and aromatic. The past 2 vintages have scored some high points with national wine critics/ worth checking out. 3) Yalumba Y Series Shiraz-Viognier 2006Spicy, but the mix of Viognier makes a presence of lychee and peach. 4) Molly Dooker The Boxer 2006 - Ripe and smoky. A mouthful of raspberry with white pepper. A state allocated wine/very hard to find bottle here in town so if ya see it, get it! 5) Marquis Phillips Sarah’s Blend 2005Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot. Check out the Roogle on the label. It’s cross between an Eagle and a Kangaroo and signifies the friendship between the US and Australia. Great taste/recommended. 6) Lindemans Padthaway Reserve 2005Generous cherry and raspberry flavors. From the Hunter Valley about and hour and a half from Sydney. Also gets rave reviews. And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/www.WineSpectator.com www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org �By Joey De An Italian-Creole restaurant in New Orleans. Photo: David Barlo,~ a,~d A,,~a,~da Ba/on Copyright Joa*¢ Marcus 2007 TULSA, OK __ One of America’s most beloved musicals, "Annie" is celebrating its 30th anniversary tour, and giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is coming to the Tulsa PAC March 4-9. With music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meeban, ’%nhie" is again directed by lyricist Martin Charnin, who directed the original 1977 Broadxvay production. After xvinning seven Tony Axvards in 1977, including Best blusica!, Book and Score the shoxv ran for 2,377 performances and is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadxvay history. With one of Broadxvay’s most memorable scores, including t~ the Hard-Knock Life" and ’"~ tomorrow,""" ~(~n ni e, "is the feel-good shoxv to bring a smile to any, face. Tickets may be purchased at 596-7111, via the internet at wwxv. MyTicketOffice.com or by visiting the PAC box oft{ce. Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 Seepage 29for o,’der blank. the ~TA~ Bayou Crawfish Etouffee 1/4 pound butter 4 cups chopped onions 2 cups chopped green peppers 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chopped garlic 4 cups sliced mushrooms 1 1/2 teaspoons flour Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 4 dashes Tabasco sauce 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 cups whipping cream 1 cup half-and-half 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce Melt butter in large heavy-duty pot. Add onions, peppers, garlic and all seasonings. Saute, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent (15 minutes). Add mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Add flour and mix thoroughly for 1 minute, stirring often. Add whipping cream and half-and-half. Cook until cream thickens but does not boil, stirring often. Add tomato sauce and cook for 15 minutes. Add desired meat, seafood or crawfish. Stirring often, cook until meat or vegetables are done. The longer you let the sauce cook, the more flavorful it becomes. More on PASCAL’S MANALE Restaurant see page 22 www.ozarksstar.com �c ONOUES T Join our gay and Imbian group aboard Carnival Cow, quest© ~ we set sail from Galvesm~ and call o~ the beaurifhi ports in Monrego Ba); Grand Cayman and Cx~zumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises, We offer: Our fr~ntasdc Halloweml Costume Part),, Nighdy Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book early and save. Ask how m receive $75 shipboard cre<~t! For information & Reservations www.GaydbbeanCruisesocom �by Donald Pile and Ray Williams One of the manygreat things about travelin~ .... is, besides meeting interestin,~,p eople and visitin g beautiful places, sometimes you also get to see FABULOUS ENTERTAINERS. The past few- )mars We were fortunate to be able to see these entertainers in action. They ernb0dy all that is good in a true entertainer. ...... fun, funny; sometimes elegant and they all put on a great show. THE COUNT.S, B&EXIS DEL LAGO of Paris, New York and HollDvood. one of the most remarkable, amazing and elegant pers0nalilties that we have,ever met in our travels. She was the most elegant drag queen ofthe 80 s New York City, she then moved to \Vest Hollywooa and 6pened a wonderful antiques b(~utique shop. She WAS Marlene Dietrich, afI day and every day[ Sh£ is the cla~;iest add best &essed of them all. She *~,-~as (~nd stil! is) a r~al star when everyone else was just pretending. She performed on stage, movies and tete~2ision. She was a bi~ hit at the famous Pyramid Club in New York and with the Andy Wathol group. Her latest "Countess Alexis with Ray Williams" Lypsinka Frank Marino 18 the STAR moade, SUPERSTAR IN A HOUSEDRESS, only proves how classy,she still iS. And always hers,d£ She believed in herself as most people don t. MOst people either dont have the, courage to be themselve~s,o,~ are s,o unsure about wh~ they are that they cant. As the Countess stares, It wasrft that I was so fabulous, it is just that the others were so stupid. \Ve have never seen her when she &dnt look hke a milhon dollars. She ALWAYS makes a grain entrance where ever she goes. And why not? She ~s N~e Countess : Check out http:lt~wv.youtube.com/watch?v=lG2DATQ_dlA to see a fabulous sm,en minute fihn clip. LYPSINKA, whose real name is John Epperson lives in New York City. We caught his act at the AI~ Theatre in San Francisco. His production is entitled "LYPSINKM THE BOX.ED SET" He is one of the most intelligent performers around. He does Gisele MacKenzie, Frances Faye, Conme Franos, Llbby Morns, Dorothy Sqmres and the 50 s musical ,con Delores Gray. He performs all over the United States and gets standing ovations where,)er he performs. It is remarkable the staging and entertaini~ag this entertainer does. You will be dazed by his performance. Unlike marli, performers he stretches the boundaries. ~e H~llDvood Reporter says L smka ~s hke nothing you ve seen before. Theamcat art,stry that ne er seems to slow down" The New York ~mes says "I.ypsinka is a fascinating, ftmny and disturbing spectacle." From the opening scene ro the finale this performer never lets down the audience. He is absolute dynamite. Audiences go back year after year to see him perform. And on top of everything else l~}m just happens to be a very nice person. For a listing of his performances and other information about him go to ww~:lypsinka.corn. FRANK MARINO, who performs at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas , is another performer who puts on a great show. He does his "_Joan River’s’ routine and has been wowing audiences for years and years in I.as Vegas. The straights in the audience really get into his show and why not? He and his cast and crmv put on a class act show. He emcees the’show and introduces the different performers who do Chef. Shirley MacLaine, Tina, and many others. Tlaeir show is sold out almost every night. It is basically a musicallcomedy revie~v with gorgeous gowns, feathers, glitter, etc. Frank changes cosrurnes between every set which gives a grear dimension to the show. When going to Las Vegas next time, be sure and catch the show. His web site is ~x~;frankmarino.com ............................. Continued next page v~w.ozarksstar.com �Creating Community for People ~ivin9 with H~V/AIDS .A 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit O~ganization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIM+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistanoe to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrism mjr@yahoo.oom. �)ff~rs little in the way of attractions, unless, of course, you count shopping as a form of sightseeing. If you wander along West 20th through West 27th streets in the block west of 10th Avenue, you’ll find storefront after storefront of cutting-edge art galleries - check out www.chelseaartga~leries.com for details on upcoming shows. Fans of dance should note two important neighborhood institutions: the art deco Joyce Theater, which hosts high-quality dance companies throughout the year, and the dramatic Dance Theater Workshop, around the corner, which also presents acclaimed concerts throughout the year. The neighborhood draws plenty of foodies to its Chelsea Market, a bustling concourse of gourmet food stalls in which you’ll find tantalizing Thai food, savory soups, fine wines, heavenly baked goods, and lots more. Neighborhood s recently as the mid-1990s, relatively few visitors spent time in Chelsea, the neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side between Midtown and Greenwich Village. Today, however, Chelsea abounds with gay bars, coo! restaurants, diverting shops, avant-garde galleries, and an increasing number of hotels. It’s become arguably the city’s hottest destination for gay visitors, and a wonderful neighborhood to spend a weekend or short vacation. This part of the city was developed in the 1830s by clergyman Clement Clark Moore, author of"A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("~B~vas the night before Christmas..."), whose family owned most of the area. Well into the mid-20th century, Chelsea was a drab, lower-income neighborhood where workers at nearby garment factories and river docks lived in cheap boardinghouses and rickety, airless tenements. But as gays began moving here in the ’70s and ’80s, gentrification gradually took hold. And in recent years, the neighborhood has developed cachet among both residents and visitors as one of the trendiest areas in the city as well as one of the nation’s most dynamic gay communities. Chelsea comprises roughly the blocks between 5th Avenue and the Hudson River, with 14th Street forming the neighborhood’s southern boundary. Most locals consider 23rd Street to be its northern edge, but others argue the border extends as far north as 28th or even 32nd Street. For all practical purposes - particularly in terms of retail, dining, and clubbing - you’ll find the most intriguing businesses between 14th and 23rd streets. And where gay-popular establishments are concerned, the main drag is 8th Avenue, with 7th Avenue a close runner-up. Additionally, 9th and 10th avenues have witnessed the tide of gentrification in recent years, particularly as top galleries have moved into the western reaches of Chelsea. 20 the STAR In fact, restaurants have become one of the neighborhood’s leading draws. There are the obvious bastions of gay social life, such as Viceroy and Food Bar for rather standard American chow, and campy VYNL, which is known for its eclectic Asian and international dishes, plus outstanding martinis. Gym buffs on high-protein diets favor Better Burger, with its menu of lean, char-grilled burgers and fresh-squeezed juices. Other hot spots include the funky Thai restaurant Room Service, known for such ldcky creations as Thai-spicy tuna salad and chile-rubbed salmon; and Suenos, which serves some of the most innovative regional Mexican fare in the city - be sure to try the duck-confit quesadillas with poached pears and ancho chileso For weekend brunch, don’t miss East of Eighth, which turns out first-rate contemporary American food and offers lively cabaret in the evenings. Few spots are more popular at lunchtime than Dish, a glorified diner of sorts, which is also known for its relaxing Saturday and Sunday brunch. Snackers and noshers will find plenty of toothsome options, including F&B Gudtfood for gourmet hot dogs and European-style street food, Murray’s for some of the city’s finest bagels, and Pinkberry, for the mysterious yogurt-esque frozen-dessert snacks that have taken the city by storm. On the west side of the neighborhood, you can count on the Red Cat for a terrific meal of creative American fare, such as a fantastic paprika-roasted cod with spicy escarole and an anchovy-almond sauce. At cozy Tia Pol, choose from a long list of outstanding Spanish tapas, while the much-hyped Craftsteak is your go-to for superb cuts of beef- it’s part of Tom Colicchio’s (ofTV’s Top Chef) growing restaurant empire. Chelsea has become the epicenter of gay nightlife in New York City (although it’s fair to say that the Hells Kitchen and East Village neighborhoods provide plenty of competition). There are the trendy spots, such as G Lounge, a sea of coiffed and smartly dressed men hobnobbing around a central bar or relaxing in mod lounge chairs; and the long-running Splash, a two-floor temple of chic gay clubbing known for its go-go dancers and throbbing music. Quirky Barracuda cultivates a mixed arty and cruisy bunch, while the bilevel Eagle caters to the usual set of bears, leather men, and ardent porn enthusiasts (old-fashioned blue movies play on the video screens). www.ozarksstar.com �Rawhide is an old-school neighborhood bar with an age-diverse following, and the friendly Gym Sportbar has become the darling of the post-workout crowd. Locals hangouts like View Bar and XES can seem empty or bustling depending on the night, and a couple of pulsing warehouse discos, Rush and Stereo, round out the scene. Chelsea has relatively few hotel rooms compared with other key Manhattan neighborhoods, but it’s a 10- to 20-minute walk (or a short cab or subway ride) from the scads of hotels in Midtown. What you will find in Chelsea, however, are several properties with reasonable rates, most catering heavily to the gay market. A favorite of history buffs is the raffish Hotel Chelsea, the city’s tallest building when it was built in the 1880s. This bohemian hostelry has been the home of all sorts of fascinating characters, from William Burroughs to Jasper Johns to Allen Ginsberg: Just up the street, the modern and rather basic Chelsea Savoy Hotel has a terrific location at the corner of West 23rd Street and 7th Avenue, and rooms here can run as low as $99 nightly. Among the big chains, there’s a Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea on West 25th Street, and the Hampton Inn Chelsea on West 24th Street. Both of these are clean, well-managed, and affordable. This hip neighborhood is rapidly developing, though, and within a few years you’ll find a number of additional hotels to choose from. For instance, the trendy hotel brand Indigo is planning a 122-room property for 127 West 28th Street, to open in early 2009. And, just a short walk east of Chelsea in a similarly vibrant area, you might consider the uber-cool W New York Union Square, a swank stunner that occupies the 1911 beaux-arts Guardian Life building and contains Todd English’s bustling Olives restaurant and Rande Gerber’s see-and-be-seen Underbar. Or check into Ian Schrager’s luxuriously re-imagined Gramercy Park Hotel, a glam boutique hotel overlooking the elegant park of the same name. Among smaller, gay-oriented properties, a reliable pick is the Chelsea Pines Inn, which occupies a charming 1850s town house in the heart of the neighborhood. Rooms with semiprivate bath (sink and shower are in your room, but the toilet is shared with several other rooms on same floor) start at $140, while rooms with private baths begin at $175. An even better value, with rates beginning around $130 for shared-bath units, the Chelsea Lodge is set along handsome West 22nd Street and contains 22 cozy, clean, and pleasantly furnished rooms. When you consider that generic, bland chain properties in Midtown can charge well over $400 per night, these two intimate and friendly Chelsea hideaways are a real bargain. And you can use the money you save to dine well in the neighborhood’s dozens of inviting eateries. 1- 800 - 535-AI DS (2437) Okllahoma’s H V/STD Hot ine PRO TECT YO F PROTECT YOUR PA ° F,¢ee. me~ HIV testify, t~ 20 H.O.P;~. Tes~:~ng C~inic ~ens Oetreach Pr~ram www.ozarksstar.com the STAR :)1 �~ 6, 2008 ItMian’Creole restaurant in New Orleans Fotmded in 1913, this family-run, ItaJian, Creole restaurant is 8) i New Orle~s at baxbecued shrimp. N~is . from the se~,ice to the decor. oyster bar ~nd on ~e hflf shel! and fll ~es of cocktails. We offer Sp~cialfies and delicio~ stea~, ~ i in traddtion; ir ~ s and ~hes it out daily in ~e ~tO lmltate~ !tiNe;Andwhenyou! We&esday thru Friday : thru Saturda); 5 PM to closing ~d cloSed 0h �WHITE PARTY SPRING BREAK 2008 PRESENTS THREE DAYS AND FOUR NIGHTS OF THE BEST PARTIES ON THE PLANET !’~"~ Men from all over the world converge on Palm Springs : April 17.21, 2008. Surprise performances happening aft weekend long! PALM SPRINGS, CA (PR) This is the event that attracts men from all over the world to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, CA ! Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Spring Break happens at new date in 2008--April 17-21, with an action-packed weekend of non-stop parties, superstar performances and the hottest men from all over the globe. Totally new for 2008: the sexy Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party, happening Friday, will let it all hang out. Saturday’s main event: White Party - Boogie Fever celebrates 30 years of dance music. Not to mention Sunday’s Extreme T Dance, an over-the-top dance event taking the action farther than it’s ever been before. Weekend passes are on sale now at www.CircuitTicket.com. Express Weekend Passes ($350 until Feb. 15) include: Absolute priority access to all weekend events; Access to VIP lounge at the Saturday White Party and Sunday T Dance; Official White Party Spring Break Gift Bag and Unlimited complimentary bottled water at White Party and T Dance. Weekend Passes ($250 until Feb. 15) include: Express Entrance to White Party, T Dance & Closing Party; complementary admission to Thursday Welcome Party, plus a $25 add-on for admission to Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party. For additional information or to purchase passes in advance online, visit: www.jeffreysanker.com or vcww.circuiticket.com. For more information, call (310) 360-6100. The host hotel for White Party 2008 is the fabulous Wyndham Palm Springs, the center of all the poolside action, home to nighttime events and location of the official welcome center. For reservations, call: (760) 322-6000. Mention WP when making reservations to receive a special rate. Back by popular demand: The ultimate VIP treatment lets you experience White Party in the lap of luxury with a range of personalized services right at your fingertips. Again in 2008, White Party Spring Break offers a limited number of luxurious VIP packages to make your weekend truly unforgettable. Packages include a range of options such as premium accommodations, lavish amenities including a personal concierge, private cabanas, security escorts and special upgrades. All packages feature exclusive VIP bottle service at Saturday night’s White Party and the Sunday T Dance. Visit: www. jeffreysanker.com for more details. March 2008 The STAR 23 ��and the �By Ronald Blake esterday was my thirty-ninth birthday. I chose to wake with the roosters and run a five kilometer race to begin my fete of this event. I ruminated on my choice of a celebratory method be.fore, during, and after this competition. I discovered many reasons ~vhy I dragged my partner and our little canine companion along with me to this athletic spectacle. There is not much traffic on an early Saturday morning when you are headed to a physical challenge. I was able to really notice the mountains when I wasn’t beset by droves of angry, chafed, rush-hour motorists. I realized that the mountains were even more majestic with their verdant hue given the recent rains here in the desert. The rising sun added its paintbrush to this mountain landscape with its spangling of yellows and oranges. A good reason to get up and run. We drove past the Phoenix International Raceway on our journey to the starting line. I have lived in the Valley of the Sun for over three years and had never seen this imposing NASCAR edifice. It was quietly assuming its regnant place alongside its panoply of mountains. We also had never been to the location of this gala running affair. It too was nestled next to the mountains and was a magnificent oasis in the ribald desert landscape. I felt a contemporary thrill of a Louis and Clark moment as I gazed upon virgin ground. A good reason to get up and run. There were other people at the race site when I arrived. These people also had running shoes and were stretching. These people also brought friends, family members, and their little dogs too. These people also ran the course, sweated, and finished completely exhausted. I wasn’t the only one early to bed and early to rise. We shared camaraderie and a commonality that morning. A good reason to get up and run. I received a T-shirt, bananas, a medal, an olio of donated sundries, and some friendly discourse through out my experience. It did cost me twentyfive dollars to participate but I am not offering any regrets. I could just as easily have spent that money on a well-earned hangover but I already have plenty of those notched in my craw! of fame. I am pleased with my assortment of newly acquired memorabilia. A good reason to get up and run. There was live music after the race. It was provided by your quintessential three men and a lady cover band. The backdrop was a cupola adorned, ornate clubhouse and a lake begirded with palm trees. I would have settled for anything at that time. I had just felt the intrinsic satisfaction of completing an arduous task and the extrinsic reward of a salvo of cheers for my fait accompli. A very good reason to get up and run. I am thirty-nine today and I wil! be forty next year. I have no control over the passage of time. I will continue to enjoy my flight through the ages and I will continue to augment my reasoning for getting up and running...until the flight ends. ~sis health andfitness column is brought to you by that gvgy who noticed that sex act is followed by sexagenarian in the dictionary. ~at connect the dots guy is Ron Blake and he can be vivified at www.goblakefimess. co~n, www.ozarksstar.com �ART SHOW: Between sumi-d, drawings, oil paintings and sculpture, Shawn’s work has been shown and sold in dozens of one-woman and group showings and through commissioned work. Merry Schepers is also a native Otdahoman whose works in porcelain, clay and multimedia embrace a broad stylistic spectrum from flying porcelain vessels to shamanic, archetypal masks to functional stoneware. She earned her BA from Montclair State University (N.J.) and has worked in clay for over thirteen years. As a member of the Alternative Outsider artists, she participates in that group’s annual show. She also shows in galleries in Tulsa, Ok. and Fayetteville, AR. and participates in Tulsa’s Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of March, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. Nae Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for A1 McAffrey To Speak At OK County Democrats Medallion Dinner OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __M is the Representative for House District 88 and will be the Master of Ceremonies for our Medallion Dinner. The Oklahoma County Democrats Medallion Dinner, with Jim Roth and Al McAffrey, will be taking place on March 8, 2008 at the Regal Room (Ned’s Catering), 625 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 73118. Visit the website for updated information, sponsor & ticket prices, and easy online ticket purchasing. www.okcountydemocrats.org Oklahoma Governor say’s NO to National Real ID Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Ga); Bisexual & Tram’gender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equali~y Center. Oklahoma City mayor challenges citizens to loose 1 million pounds OKLAHOMA CITY - With a button-popping spread of cornbread, sausage and gravy, chicken fried steak and pecan pie designated as Oklahoma’s official state meal, it’s no surprise that Oklahoma City’s mayor wants to put the city on a diet. Mick Cornett has challenged the city to shed 1 million pounds as its New Year’s resolution. (PR) The federal effort to create a national identity card, called the Real ID card, would take us one step closer to a surveillance society, erode our right to privacy and put our personal information at risk. Luckily, governors in five states, including Oklahoma, courageously rejected this invasive law. Now we need these governors to stand their ground so that Congress will be forced to repeal this horrifying program! Real ID would force all states to connect their DMV databases to one single interlinked system -- facilitating government tracking of ordinary Americans. It would also expose our most sensitive personal information to criminal identity theft. Thanks to your Governor, this invasive law -- and the dramatic tax increases required to pay its massive price tag -- was courageously rejected in Oklahoma. Help make sure that no American is forced to use the costly "Big Brother" Real ID card. The national Real ID card will take away our privacy and treat all Americans like enemies of the state! www.ozarksstar.corn "The nature of the questions LGBT human rights defenders were asked, repeatedly trying to link homosexuality and pedophilia, simply shows how far our stubborn opposition is ready to go to put obstacles before LGBT groups on their way to recognition as members of civil society," the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) said in a statement. Just two of many reasons the right wing hates McCain. 1. Same-sex marriage. McCain refuses to support a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. 2. Stem-cell research. McCain would relax restrictions on federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research, which critics consider tantamount to abortion. BERLIN (AP) __ A new Berlin memorial to the Nazis’ gay victims should be ready within months, officials said Thursday. The $890,000 memorial to gay victims will be located in Berlin’s Tiergarten Park, across from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Culture Minister Bernd Neumann said. Homosexuality was banned under the Nazis. Tens of thousands of people, primarily men, were arrested, and many were sent to concentration camps. BEIJING (AFP) Chinas Ministry of Health is set to implement its first ever national programme to curb the spread of HIV/ AIDS among gay men. "The programme aims to strengthen measures to prevent and control the deadly disease among the homosexual community," the China Daily quoted Wang \greizhen, a senior official with the ministry’s HIWAIDS prevention department, as saying. "By learning more about gay people, we can better protect them against this incurable disease. Studies are under way in several cities to collect information on gay men, such as their.., behavioural patterns." The programme will also deliver special funding and technical support to gay men, Wang said, without giving further details. There are over 700 thousand gay men with HIV/AIDS in China. the STAR 27 �"Be cor~servative with money, Gemini!" As Mars enters Cancer, productive efforts are easily clouded by moods and misunderstandings. While he opposes Pluto, frustrations can gain exaggerated importance. You may feel like you need an oar to propel your craft forward, but what you may really need is a shovel to dig to the root of existing challenges. ARIES (March 20 -Apri~ 19): Yours is the sign of the lone wolf, but you are now aiming for the role of head of the household. The responsibilities and obligations really don’t suit you. Try for the position of "elder statesperson" or dowager instead. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Little domestic arguments can explode way too easily. Are you just being stubborn? How important are those details, anyway? Your arguments may be more aesthetic than logical, but they should still be explainable in a calm, friendly manner. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your sexual appetite is surging, but so is your deeper desire for commitment. One is so much more easily satisfied than the other that you might find any effort frustrating. Try seeing the glass as half full. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Is your partner being too aggressive, or are you just being stubborn? You can do something about the latter. Fights come easily, but so does passion. You really need a struggle. Be nice, and you could get a good one! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Wanting too much can be a great spur to action, but acting impulsively on excessive desire is a sure path to accidents and illness. Meditate, think ahead, and confide in a friend with a cooler head before acting. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Acting on your playful urges will have far-reaching ramifications. Focus those desires responsibly and creatively. Infuriating people is not a mark of success per se, but be bold enough to risk pissing off the right people for the right reasons. GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): Be very careful and conservative with your money. Household and proper~ investments or any renegotiation of debt should be checked out very thoroughly. Sexual urges may take an emotional cost, challenging you to think more about your deeper needs. CANCER (June 21 -July 22): Acting on impulse can transform your relationship, and probably not for the better. Channel that energy into thinking ahead and talking about what you want, what your partner wants, and how you can deepen your connection. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Worrying about your health or work only makes problems - real or imagined - worse. Take positive steps, and check out anything that bears watching. Remember the difference between focus and obsession, and stick to the task at hand. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your political aims are coming from somewhere deep in your gut, which is fine. But sensible strategy should come from your brilliant-butnow-vacationing brain. Artistic, creative expressions will give you the outlet you need. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Courtesy is usually your strongest conviction. Now other deep beliefs provoke you to speak up against authority. Think carefully about mouthing off to the police or your boss. If you want to raise hell, find a public demonstration that suits your politics. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your urge for arguments seems to be coming out of nowhere. Try to focus that energy toward digging into topics that interest you. Take up a good challenge to keep your mind busy and your mouth out of trouble! 28 the STAR METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. UrJe Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM CommUnity Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed Day! www.ozarksstar.com �DO\VNTOWN PLAZA of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 wvw.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cig; OK 405-528-2221 wwv.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant RENT the Musical Tulsa PAC 918-596-7111 www.myticketoffice.com SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK w~:anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 w~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklaboma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Tulsa, OK j udygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREE~I; Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 www.ozarksstar.com want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ~he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm City:. OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: St: Zip: Phone: 29 �Keller Williams Realty \Vihether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. (ng~finitiqn easy) - growing up GAY in OK is You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: WWW. openarmsproject.org 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar, com ��drugs �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document 2 the STAR wwvv.ozarksstar.com By Victor Gorin Photo: Nate Borofiky, Doris Muramatsu,Blue Door owner Greg Johnson, & Ty Greenstein OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Valentine’s Day crowd at the Blue Door was trttly treated by the extraordinary innovation and harmonies of Girlyman, a gay band of 3 musicians, Nate Borofsky, Doris Muramatsu and Ty Greenstein, who wowed the house with their awesome harmonies & creative style. As Nate put it, their music has been influenced by "the Indigo Girls, Simon & Garfunkel, the Mamas and Papas, and Bach." Their style, if it could be labeled, is a blend of folk, pop and bluegrass best described by Ty as "alt folk" The full house audience consisted mostly of the Blue Door’s regular folk & innovative music fans, but also featured many "Blue Door virgins", and they were not disappointed. This trio, which has previously graced Oklahoma, once opened for the Indigo Girls here in 2004, and was ready to please a capacity crowd even though they admitted they didn’t know what to expect. Masterminded by their soundperson/tour manager Heather "Turtle" Brooks, they blend their talents and insight in a way that has to be heard to be believed. So far they have recorded 3 CD’s, the latest entitled "Joyful Signs." As for their clever name, it was not inspired by the famous California Governor Schwarzenegger who in fact made that "girlyman" expression famous 2 years after the band was formed, although they do welcome the publicity. As Muramutsu puts it, "It’s playful and fun. The name Girlyman puts that all out there and lets us play with it." That they did, and they’ll win over even more new fans xvhen they play Oklahoma again. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3 Art Show by Shawn Wilson.and Merry Schepers. Michael Buble’ in OKC; "It is the ideal portrayal ofAmerica," says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in the touring production. ~ DEE[P INSIDE HO~-t-~OOD Deep Inside Hollywood, reports on new projects for Madonna and Ian Ziering. GLBT History, Past Out looks at the life ofFTM pioneer Lou Sullivan. Devre Jackson reviews Australian Shiraz Bayou Crawfish Etouffee a feature at Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans ~C~AO "~’R~VS~. Gay Travelers: Entertainers Out of Town: Chelsea, Manhattan Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans lvlen from all over the world converge on Palm Springs for spring break. Surprise performances happening all weekend long! F~T~ESS Introspection can lead you to better understand yourself and ultimately to achieve greater happiness. ON THE COVER: Cast of "RENT" 4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com LGBT Votes Sway Towards Hi11 Clinton LOS ANGELES, CA __Not only is the Democratic presidential primary ticket a historic celebration of diversity, but exit polls from Super Tuesday celebrated history as well. Polling orga,xizations from around the country asked three questions never before found on exit poll surveys: Did voters pick a xvoman? Did voters pick a black man? Did voters identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? We are part of histor): Resoundingly, voters answered two of the three questions similarly, picking Hillary Clinton as their candidate and identifying as LGBT. In California, of the gay voters (4% of total), 63% voted for Clinton, 29% for Obama and 1% stayed around for E&vards. In New York, 7% of voters identified as LGBT, and out of them 59% voted for Clinton, 36% for Obama and 3% for Edwards. In a recent survey conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), a leading LGBTmarket research compan); **tore than 90percent ofgays and lesbians vote in U.S. presidential elections, compared to 64percent ofstraight citizens. Queerfolk are twice as likely as s~,’aightfolk to vote in midterm elections. Farrell to be best man £or brother’s gay wedding DUBLIN, IRELAND __ Hollywood star Colin Farrell is preparing for his next big role - best man at his brother’s gay wedding. The actor will stand beside his sibling Eamonn when he marries long-term partner Steven Mannion in Provincetown, Massachusetts this spring. Farrell is dose to his brother and helped chose Mannion’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring, when Eamonn proposed last year. A family friend tells the National Enquirer: "Colin is a firm believer in gay rights and he is proud of his brother. "He took Eamonn shopping for rings and intends to pick up the tab for the wedding." It was announced during the Sundance Film Festival that the Edward Norton/Colin Farrell cop drama "Pride and Glory" has been pushed back till 2009, even though it has been complete since last November. Farrell commented on this during the press junket for "In Bruges," trying to convince everyone that the delay has nothing to do with the quality of the movie. [via HollywoodElsewhere] All Gore Endorses Gay Marriage Photo by: David Gabber "I think that gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women, to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage," Gore said. ’~d I don’t understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage to allow it by gays and lesbians. Shouldn’t we be promoting that kind of faithfulness and loyalty to one’s partner regardless of sexual orientation? Gore hinted that he would come around to support same-sex marriage as early as 2006, when speaking to a group of gay-rights activists, but his latest comments represent Gore’s first formal endorsement of equal marriage rights. Recognized by Keller Williams gor out~anding achievement 2005 and 2006 RE&LTY Chuck Breckenridge 918-706-1887 REALTOi~ WbetherbuyingorsellingI’llworkhardfbryou, W~NW.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 6 the STAR Diversity Business Association of Tulsa Can Larry Craig be Found Guilty in the Court o£Public Opinion? OKI~AHOMA CITY, OK __ On the facts as argued by the ACLU in a friend of the court filing, and outlined in this story from ~wccw.Bloomberg.com ( http://tinyurl. com/2b7hew ), to me it looks as if the wily and cunning coyote, Larry Craig, will get off again, pardon the pun, by thumbing his nose at the decency he pretends to legislate from the floor of the United States Senate. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock since late last summer, Senator Larry Craig of Idaho, now in his last session of Congress since he’s promised to resign, but will change his mind if enough people beg him to stay was charged with disruptive behavior in the Minneapolis airport when observed by an undercover policeman engaging in what the cop says was sexual solicitation. ¯here is a 1970 precedent in Minnesota that private solicitation of sexual activity in a private place can not be found illegal, as spying by police in a public restroom is an unreasonable search and therefore unconstitutional. The Court has yet to rule on Craig’s appeal of his guilty plea to the charge. Craig has since stated that his guilty plea was entered into in haste and without legal advice as he wanted to keep the charge out of public notice. Craig’s peculiar pantomime with his hands and feet, though laughable, is not illegal which is a good thing for him since his coitus ~vas interrupted by a too-eager cop wanting to score another statistic. Though there was no exposure of body parts or verbal utterances, it’s clear to me that Craig was after an airport quickie, and whether or not his appeal is accepted or rejected his action in the restroom stall refutes his claim that he isn’t gay. - .. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wro9sg~ with being gay but there is something wrong with using your Senate vote to de~rive honest men and women their equality under the law even as they work to contribute to a decent American society. Ifyou listened to the taped interview of the Idaho Senator and the cop you must have noticed that Craig certainly had his battle hardened defense at ful! bore, strengthened as if he had done a few practice runs before. Just how self-assured would YOU be in this situation if you were claiming innocence of the charges and the sign language described? However, in the public court of reasonable opinion, I think Larry Craig would be found guilty with forethought and conspiracy of multiple counts to commit hypocrisy. Unfortunately, this crime is not punished by any jail sentence or fine. Craig’s punishment will have to be the resignation of his office and a return to, can I say, private life as a civilian where he will no doubt write a book describing the pain he’s endured from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and his hounding from office by the Puritans of public decency, the very constituency he claimed to represent? SF~UALITY~VD SPIRITUALITY CONFERENCE ~mosexuality is Neither ~ness nor Sin ~ Friday March 7, urday March 8 ersity of Central Oklahoma, Edmond Register online at www.PFLAGOKC.org or call Church of the Open Arms (405) 525 9555 www.ozarksstar.com www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Proudly serving ~Asa & OKC’s GLBT communities since 1982 8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com 621 E. 4th S~reet Tulsa, OK 74120 OI~NING RECEPTION THURSDAY, iV~RCH 6 6-9PM i%n-Sal 3-gpm through March 29 TULSA, OK__ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, March 6, 2008, for the opening of it’s March exhibit "Now and Zen", featuring local artists Shawn Wilson and Merry Schepers. Shawn Wilson has been a professional artist for 25 years. A native Oklahoman, she moved to New York at 18 years old and within a short time was regularly selling her pen and -ink drawings to New Yorker magazine. She studied sculpture at New York’s famed Art Students’ League, and over the years has shown sculpture in galleries in New York, San Francisco and Atlanta. Shawn also paints-oil on canvas-and most notably, ’sumi-~’, 0apanese inkbrush painting). She studied this ancient art form with one of the few bona fide masters here in the U.S., Koho Yamamoto of NYC. Sumi-6 suits Shawn’s artistic abilities to a ’t’, as her work in all mediums concentrates on the essence of the subject rather than the details. ..................Continued page 27 Crooner Comes ByJoey De ~~e’s blonde, he’s beautiful and his new style of classic crooning will be coming to the stage of the Oklahoma City Ford Center Mar. 4. Michael Bubld, the international superstar who has earned himself a place in music history with such hits as "Feelin’ Good," is coming to Oklahoma City as part of his third major US concert tour. All of the shows on the first leg of his 2007-2008 tour sold out in record time. Buble’ brings an irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma to the concert stage, and will perform hits from his current CD "Call me Irresistible and many other classics. Bubl& new CD, which he calls "my remark on the state of love," contains feeling that ,vill surprise and delight fans and impress those new to his music. "Irresponsible" contains more of Bubl& buoyant, modern interpretations and songs by such greats as Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton and Cy Coleman. Michael won his first Grammy Award this year. The Grammy is for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for "Call Me Irresponsible", which shot to #1, topping the charts around the world. The album included the #1 hit single "Everything", and was the fastest trip to #1 in three years on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. To purchase concert tickets go to www.ticketmaster. corn or visit the Ford Center box office. Visit www. michaelbuble.com for concert schedule. www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 By Joey De what can be said about "f~nt" that hasfft (and sometimes infamous) rock-opera that changed Br6adway forever ,,,ill be closing its doors on the great ~q~ite Way in Jtm~ but before it dora, the national tour will be making several stops in th~ Midwest. "Rent" is the story, of a colorful collectiot~ of frien& in Manhattan’s East End around the tiim end of the eighties. Surrounded by" povert.>; the onset of the MDS epi&mic and the rise of corporate commercialism, this group of artists defies the norm and redefines the boundaries oflove. " says Jed Resnick, who plays Mark in promise ofAmerica is a country of tolerance harmony. just doesn’t l~appen in rea! life, there is so much hatred utopian and unreal ~ bom~daries." ’°Rent" are persona!. "This show was the first shame and that Resnick says he connected with privately as a him want was a major 998, the summer when I first characters rand connected. It became a dream m be in the sho~; and people joked with me in High School about it because I’m so close to Mark." According to the performer, taking on the role of the show’s filmmaking n~xrator was not too much of a srxetch. "Mark and Jed are both slightly neurotic, Jewish N ew Yorkers." he laughs. "I latched on to our surface similarities and then was able to discover this~gs I didn’t realize about b~n. Things like his passion for art and fl~e ~ower it has to affect change." Photo: Jed Resnick Cathedral ofHope Donates Scarves to Wilson Schoo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ For the fourth year in a row members of the Cathedral of Hope made scarves for Wilson Elementary School; In 2004 the church "adopted" Wilson for a number of service projects, since Wilson was their neighborhood school and included children from homeless shelters and section eight housing. Annual projects include collecting schoo! supplies, donating tissues during cold season, and sewing scarves every winter. This year members worked over two nights creating over 60 scarves. One couple also donated gloves and hats. On Tuesday, February 5, church members delivered the goodies to the school. According to pastor, the Rev. Dr. Scott Jones, "The assistant principal told us that every year the kids look forward to the day the scarves are handed out and that they wear them every day a~er that." Nancy Sanders, who has helped with the project every year said, "It’s always a lot of fun for the kids and fun for us too." the STAR Deep b~4de HolI)~ood, reports on n~projectsfor Madonna and Ian Zierine~ Madonna khad to happen. Madonna mous disdain fbr her acting the camera. The finished product is recently premiered at the Berli~ mttsement. It stars the band Gogol Bordello) in a loose, in common with Madonna’s with her later it a refreshing new path uphill cred mountain to climb, but almost a lock that distribution reinvention will be as an aut~ur. a!most unani- Ian Ziering Move~ from Stretch marks, bloated ankles, ous. At least, that’s xvhat the makers given the success of other new comedy stars as a mar STAR Love on tb~e Nile (The Constant Gardener) looks like eyeliner - a good to be starring in a romance set jandro ~Am~ena bar (The will direct the film, about a slave (Oscar in love with his mistress at the dawn of the Christian era, Paradise Now) co-stars as a zea!- her statuette for The Constant variety of roles in movies like ~nd Definitel> Maybe, and this a~s-yet- Starts shooting this month - promises to eclectic. )..ueer Cinema" in the early ofa small miracle when a gay indie movie rea! theaters outside Trevor is one of those movies. Goodman, of unknowns, about queer the suddenly deep waters of adult life, appreciation that the recent "new naturalist" films of upstart directors like Andrew getting from critics and when the fihn gets released in May. © www.ozarksstar.com Ragged Blade Cor cer Oklahoma City February 29 h Photo by Mike W/site: Ashley Saphian, Isaac Cherry, Jerry Rabushka, ZachJett ST LOUIS, MO (P/R) __ They are faster! louder! more blues! and more country! Ragged Blade has made four theatrical excursions to the IAO in Oklahoma City and now they’re on tap for a concert of Music worth waiting for. An evening of original pop, country, blues, and ballads by songwriter & playwright Jerry Rabushka. You’ll hear songs from some of the plays that have come to the IAO last year, and some newly hatched music with Rabushka’s trademark deep emotion and beautiful harmonies. Hang out with us for co01 country songs. No Luck At Home, the bluesy and sexually charged, Wrong Side OfTown, and Jerry’s lonely ballad Diner 4 AM. The band: Zach Jett (vocals) has toured with Ragged Blade for over a year and has been to the IAO for Woofl. The Road Show and Love of Last Resort. Ashley Saphian (vocals) has performed in several RB plays and concerts. Isaac Cherry (drums) has toured nationally as a solo drummer and with such bands as Animal 13 on the east coast and the Malibu Minstrels on the west. Jerry Rabushka (keyboard and vocals) has written & produced several musicals, was nominated for a national award for outstanding Instrumental Recording by New York based Outmusic in 2003, and received an award from the St. Louis Arts For Life Foundations for his original score to the musical, The Soviet Tango. IAO Gallery, 811 N. Broadway Oklahoma City 405-232-6060 8:00 EM. $5.00 cover At that price you can bring LOTS of friends!! For more info please visit www.raggedblade.com or www.iaogallery. org March 2008 the STAR 13 by Liz Highleyman~~ Past Out, which looks at the life 0fFTM pioneer L0u Sullivan. Who was Lou Sullivan ? ouis Graydon Sullivan was a pioneer of the transgender movement - not just as an organizer, but as perhaps the first female-to-male (FTM) transsexual to identify publicly as a gay man. Born in June 1951 and named Sheila Jean, Sullivan grew up in a working-class family in a suburb of Milwaukee, \Vgis. He was educated at Catholic schools and took a secretarial job at the University ofWisconsin after graduating from high school. Though Sullivan later recalled that he had enjoyed "playing boys" as a child, his issues around gender and sexuality came to the fore when he was a teenager. "I look in the mirror and say to myself, ’That’s you, Sheila. That girl over there is you.’ It seems so funny," he wrote in his diary at age 14. Before long he started wearing men’s-style white shirts and ties, eventually adding men’s slacks, shoes, and hairstyle. By the early 1970s, Sullivan self-identified as a "heterosexual female transvestite who was sexually attracted to gay men," and had embarked on a long-term relationship with an effeminate man. Sullivan was active in the nascent gay liberation movement, which embraced gender-bending and favored the androgynous aesthetic of the broader counterculture. He was involved with Milwaukee’s first gay rights group, the Gay People’s Union (GPU), and helped produce its newsletter. Jumping into the controversy over drag within the women’s movement, he wrote "A Transvestite Answers a Feminist" 14 the STAR for GPU News in 1973, followed a year later by "Looking Towards Transvestite Liberation," which was widely reprinted in other gay and lesbian publications. Over the next few years, Sullivan’s gender identity shifted from transvestite to transsexual. In 1975, he and his boyfriend moved to San Francisco; as a parting gift, his supportive family gave him a good suit and an heirloom pocket watch engraved "Go West Young Man." But even amid the city’s queer milieu, Sullivan had difficulty finding others like himselfi "I want to look like what I am," he once wrote, "but don’t know what someone like me looks like." Though still presenting as a woman in his job as a secretary for the Wilson Sporting Goods company, most of the rest of the time Sullivan fully cross-dressed and lived as a gay man, hanging out in gay bars and enjoying an adventurous sex life. Sullivan sought sex-reassignment surgery in the late 1970s, but was repeatedly denied because he openly identified as ~y at a time when people undergoing the procedure were expected to adopt stereotypical heterosexual opposite-sex gender roles. "They were invested in taking sissy gay boys and transforming them into straight women, and taking tomboy women who were socially unacceptable and changing them into straight men," according to fellow FTM Shadow Morton. Sullivan recalled that one gender clinic told him he could not possibly live as a gay man, since gay men were primarily interested in large penises. Sullivan’s frustration led him to campaign for the removal of homosexuality as a contraindication for sex reassignment - an effort that finally succeeded in the late 1980s. At a time when most gender services focused on male-to-female transsexuals, he volunteered as the first FTM peer counselor with San Francisco’s Janus Information Facility (a clearinghouse for information about transsexuality) and wrote the earliest informational booldet for transmen, _Information for the Female to Male Cross-Dresser and Transsexual_ (1980). He later authored a biography of early 20th-century "passing woman" Jack Bee Garland. Sullivan was a co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California (now the GLBT Historical Society), helping to ensure that it was inclusive of transgender lives. In 1979, after several refusals from established university-based gender dinics, Sullivan found sympathetic therapists and doctors and began taking testosterone. He had a double mastectomy and started a new technician job where co-workers had never known him as a woman. He finally underwent genital surgery in 1986, but experienced complications and never fully recovered; that same year, he was diagnosed as HIV positive. "I took a certain pleasure," he wrote, "in informing the gender clinic that even though their program told me I could not live as a gay man, it looks like I’m going to die like one." Sullivan devoted his final years to building the network ofFTM contacts he had acquired over a decade into an organization, and eventually a visible movement. In 1986, he began holding peer-support get-togethers for people on the male transgender spectrum, which evolved into the present-day FTM International - today the largest and longest-running organization of its kind. Yet he continued to take the time to answer the many letters he received from transmen around the world, hoping to dispel the sense of isolation he had felt. Sullivan died of an AIDS-related illness in March 1991, after malting plans to ensure that the organization he created would continue. "Lou Sullivan left behind a mailing list of about 230 names, a roll of stamps, the model of inclusion in his support group, and the ethic of service to a community he hoped would someday exist," said de facto successor Jamison Green. "Now it almost does. In life and since his death, he has been an inspiration for many transmen, both gay and straight." w~,wv.ozarksstar.corn 1) Langmeil Three Gardens Barossa Valley ’05- Shiraz, Grenache and Mourv~dre. Smooth and round, with raspberry & plum most prominent/lean finish. 2) Yellow Tail Reserve Shiraz ’06- Ripe and aromatic. The past 2 vintages have scored some high points with national wine critics/ worth checking out. 3) Yalumba Y Series Shiraz-Viognier 2006- Spicy, but the mix of Viognier makes a presence of lychee and peach. 4) Molly Dooker The Boxer 2006 - Ripe and smoky. A mouthful of raspberry with white pepper. A state allocated wine/very hard to find bottle here in town so if ya see it, get it! 5) Marquis Phillips Sarah’s Blend 2005- Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot. Check out the Roogle on the label. It’s cross between an Eagle and a Kangaroo and signifies the friendship between the US and Australia. Great taste/recommended. 6) Lindemans Padthaway Reserve 2005- Generous cherry and raspberry flavors. From the Hunter Valley about and hour and a half from Sydney. Also gets rave reviews. And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Mr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/www.WineSpectator.com www.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org By Joey De Photo: David Barlo,~ a,~d A,,~a,~da Ba/on CopyrightJoa*¢ Marcus 2007 TULSA, OK __ One of America’s most beloved musicals, "Annie" is celebrating its 30th anniversary tour, and giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is coming to the Tulsa PAC March 4-9. With music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meeban, ’%nhie" is again directed by lyricist Martin Charnin, who directed the original 1977 Broadxvay production. After xvinning seven Tony Axvards in 1977, including Best blusica!, Book and Score the shoxv ran for 2,377 performances and is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadxvay history. With one of Broadxvay’s most memorable scores, including t~ the Hard-Knock Life" and ’"~tomorrow,""~"(~nnie,"is the feel-good shoxv to bring a smile to any, face. Tickets may be purchased at 596-7111, via the internet at wwxv. MyTicketOffice.com or by visiting the PAC box oft{ce. Get the STAR delivered to your home or office. 12 issues only $33.95. Send Check or Money Order to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 the ~TA~ Seepage 29for o,’der blank. An Italian-Creole restaurant in New Orleans. Bayou Crawfish Etouffee 1/4 pound butter 4 cups chopped onions 2 cups chopped green peppers 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chopped garlic 4 cups sliced mushrooms 1 1/2 teaspoons flour Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper 4 dashes Tabasco sauce 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 cups whipping cream 1 cup half-and-half 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce Melt butter in large heavy-duty pot. Add onions, peppers, garlic and all seasonings. Saute, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent (15 minutes). Add mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Add flour and mix thoroughly for 1 minute, stirring often. Add whipping cream and half-and-half. Cook until cream thickens but does not boil, stirring often. Add tomato sauce and cook for 15 minutes. Add desired meat, seafood or crawfish. Stirring often, cook until meat or vegetables are done. The longer you let the sauce cook, the more flavorful it becomes. More on PASCAL’S MANALE Restaurant see page 22 www.ozarksstar.com cONOUES T Join our gay and Imbian group aboard Carnival Cow,quest© ~ we set sail from Galvesm~ and call o~ the beaurifhi ports in Monrego Ba); Grand Cayman and Cx~zumel. There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than aboard a funship with Gayribbean Cruises, We offer: Our fr~ntasdc Halloweml Costume Part),, Nighdy Mixers and SO MUCH MORE ! Book early and save. Ask how m receive $75 shipboard cre<~t! For information & Reservations www.GaydbbeanCruisesocom by Donald Pile and Ray Williams "Countess Alexis with Ray Williams" Lypsinka Frank Marino One of the manygreat things about travel.in~ is,.besid.es me.eting interestin,~,people and visiting beautiful places, sometimes you also get to see FABULOUS ENTERTAINERS. The past few- )mars We were fortunate to be able to see these entertainers in action. They ernb0dy all that is good in a true entertainer. ...... fun, funny; sometimes elegant and they all put on a great show. THE COUNT.S, B&EXIS DEL LAGO of Paris, New York and HollDvood. one of the most remarkable, amazing and elegant pers0nalilties that we have,ever met in our travels. She was the most elegant drag queen ofthe 80 s New York City, she then moved to \Vest Hollywooa and 6pened a wonderful antiques b(~utique shop. She WAS Marlene Dietrich, afI day and every day[ Sh£ is the cla~;iest add best &essed of them all. She *~,-~as (~nd stil! is) a r~al star when everyone else was just pretending. She performed on stage, movies and tete~2ision. She was a bi~ hit at the famous Pyramid Club in New York and with the Andy Wathol group. Her latest moade, SUPERSTAR IN A HOUSEDRESS, only proves how classy,she still iS. And always hers,d£ She believed in herself as most people don t. MOst people either dont have the, courage to be themselve~s,o,~ are s,o unsure about wh~ they are that they cant. As the Countess stares, It wasrft that I was so fabulous, it is just that the others were so stupid. \Ve have never seen her when she &dnt look hke a milhon dollars. She ALWAYS makes a grain entrance where ever she goes. And why not? She ~s N~e Countess : Check out http:lt~wv.youtube.com/watch?v=lG2DATQ_dlA to see a fabulous sm,en minute fihn clip. LYPSINKA, whose real name is John Epperson lives in New York City. We caught his act at theAI~ Theatre in San Francisco. His production is entitled "LYPSINKM THE BOX.ED SET" He is one of the most intelligent performers around. He does Gisele MacKenzie, Frances Faye, Conme Franos, Llbby Morns, Dorothy Sqmres and the 50 s musical ,con Delores Gray. He performs all over the United States and gets standing ovations where,)er he performs. It is remarkable the staging and entertaini~ag this entertainer does. You will be dazed by his performance. Unlike marli, performers he stretches the boundaries. ~e H~llDvood Reporter says L smka ~s hke nothing you ve seen before. Theamcat art,stry that ne er seems to slow down" The New York~mes says "I.ypsinka is a fascinating, ftmny and disturbing spectacle." From the opening scene ro the finale this performer never lets down the audience. He is absolute dynamite. Audiences go back year after year to see him perform. And on top of everything else l~}m just happens to be a very nice person. For a listing of his performances and other information about him go to ww~:lypsinka.corn. FRANK MARINO, who performs at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas , is another performer who puts on a great show. He does his "_Joan River’s’ routine and has been wowing audiences for years and years in I.as Vegas. The straights in the audience really get into his show and why not? He and his cast and crmv put on a class act show. He emcees the’show and introduces the different performers who do Chef. Shirley MacLaine, Tina, and many others. Tlaeir show is sold out almost every night. It is basically a musicallcomedy revie~v with gorgeous gowns, feathers, glitter, etc. Frank changes cosrurnes between every set which gives a grear dimension to the show. When going to Las Vegas next time, be sure and catch the show. His web site is ~x~;frankmarino.com .............................Continued next page 18 the STAR v~w.ozarksstar.com Creating Community for People ~ivin9 with H~V/AIDS .A 50~. c (3) Non P~ofit O~ganization Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIM+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistanoe to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.oom. Neighborhood s recently as the mid-1990s, relatively few visitors spent time in Chelsea, the neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side between Midtown and Greenwich Village. Today, however, Chelsea abounds with gay bars, coo! restaurants, diverting shops, avant-garde galleries, and an increasing number of hotels. It’s become arguably the city’s hottest destination for gay visitors, and a wonderful neighborhood to spend a weekend or short vacation. This part of the city was developed in the 1830s by clergyman Clement Clark Moore, author of"A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("~B~vas the night before Christmas..."), whose family owned most of the area. Well into the mid-20th century, Chelsea was a drab, lower-income neighborhood where workers at nearby garment factories and river docks lived in cheap boardinghouses and rickety, airless tenements. But as gays began moving here in the ’70s and ’80s, gentrification gradually took hold. And in recent years, the neighborhood has developed cachet among both residents and visitors as one of the trendiest areas in the city as well as one of the nation’s most dynamic gay communities. Chelsea comprises roughly the blocks between 5th Avenue and the Hudson River, with 14th Street forming the neighborhood’s southern boundary. Most locals consider 23rd Street to be its northern edge, but others argue the border extends as far north as 28th or even 32nd Street. For all practical purposes - particularly in terms of retail, dining, and clubbing - you’ll find the most intriguing businesses between 14th and 23rd streets. And where gay-popular establishments are concerned, the main drag is 8th Avenue, with 7th Avenue a close runner-up. Additionally, 9th and 10th avenues have witnessed the tide of gentrification in recent years, particularly as top galleries have moved into the western reaches of Chelsea. 20 the STAR )ff~rs little in the way of attractions, unless, of course, you count shopping as a form of sightseeing. If you wander along West 20th through West 27th streets in the block west of 10th Avenue, you’ll find storefront after storefront of cutting-edge art galleries - check out www.chelseaartga~leries.com for details on upcoming shows. Fans of dance should note two important neighborhood institutions: the art deco Joyce Theater, which hosts high-quality dance companies throughout the year, and the dramatic Dance Theater Workshop, around the corner, which also presents acclaimed concerts throughout the year. The neighborhood draws plenty of foodies to its Chelsea Market, a bustling concourse of gourmet food stalls in which you’ll find tantalizing Thai food, savory soups, fine wines, heavenly baked goods, and lots more. In fact, restaurants have become one of the neighborhood’s leading draws. There are the obvious bastions of gay social life, such as Viceroy and Food Bar for rather standard American chow, and campy VYNL, which is known for its eclectic Asian and international dishes, plus outstanding martinis. Gym buffs on high-protein diets favor Better Burger, with its menu of lean, char-grilled burgers and fresh-squeezed juices. Other hot spots include the funky Thai restaurant Room Service, known for such ldcky creations as Thai-spicy tuna salad and chile-rubbed salmon; and Suenos, which serves some of the most innovative regional Mexican fare in the city - be sure to try the duck-confit quesadillas with poached pears and ancho chileso For weekend brunch, don’t miss East of Eighth, which turns out first-rate contemporary American food and offers lively cabaret in the evenings. Few spots are more popular at lunchtime than Dish, a glorified diner of sorts, which is also known for its relaxing Saturday and Sunday brunch. Snackers and noshers will find plenty of toothsome options, including F&B Gudtfood for gourmet hot dogs and European-style street food, Murray’s for some of the city’s finest bagels, and Pinkberry, for the mysterious yogurt-esque frozen-dessert snacks that have taken the city by storm. On the west side of the neighborhood, you can count on the Red Cat for a terrific meal of creative American fare, such as a fantastic paprika-roasted cod with spicy escarole and an anchovy-almond sauce. At cozy Tia Pol, choose from a long list of outstanding Spanish tapas, while the much-hyped Craftsteak is your go-to for superb cuts of beef- it’s part ofTom Colicchio’s (ofTV’s Top Chef) growing restaurant empire. Chelsea has become the epicenter of gay nightlife in New York City (although it’s fair to say that the Hells Kitchen and East Village neighborhoods provide plenty of competition). There are the trendy spots, such as G Lounge, a sea of coiffed and smartly dressed men hobnobbing around a central bar or relaxing in mod lounge chairs; and the long-running Splash, a two-floor temple of chic gay clubbing known for its go-go dancers and throbbing music. Quirky Barracuda cultivates a mixed arty and cruisy bunch, while the bilevel Eagle caters to the usual set of bears, leather men, and ardent porn enthusiasts (old-fashioned blue movies play on the video screens). www.ozarksstar.com Rawhide is an old-school neighborhood bar with an age-diverse following, and the friendly Gym Sportbar has become the darling of the post-workout crowd. Locals hangouts like View Bar and XES can seem empty or bustling depending on the night, and a couple of pulsing warehouse discos, Rush and Stereo, round out the scene. Chelsea has relatively few hotel rooms compared with other key Manhattan neighborhoods, but it’s a 10- to 20-minute walk (or a short cab or subway ride) from the scads of hotels in Midtown. What you will find in Chelsea, however, are several properties with reasonable rates, most catering heavily to the gay market. A favorite of history buffs is the raffish Hotel Chelsea, the city’s tallest building when it was built in the 1880s. This bohemian hostelry has been the home of all sorts of fascinating characters, from William Burroughs to Jasper Johns to Allen Ginsberg: Just up the street, the modern and rather basic Chelsea Savoy Hotel has a terrific location at the corner ofWest 23rd Street and 7th Avenue, and rooms here can run as low as $99 nightly. Among the big chains, there’s a Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea on West 25th Street, and the Hampton Inn Chelsea on West 24th Street. Both of these are clean, well-managed, and affordable. This hip neighborhood is rapidly developing, though, and within a few years you’ll find a number of additional hotels to choose from. For instance, the trendy hotel brand Indigo is planning a 122-room property for 127 West 28th Street, to open in early 2009. And, just a short walk east of Chelsea in a similarly vibrant area, you might consider the uber-coolWNew York Union Square, a swank stunner that occupies the 1911 beaux-arts Guardian Life building and contains Todd English’s bustling Olives restaurant and Rande Gerber’s see-and-be-seen Underbar. Or check into Ian Schrager’s luxuriously re-imagined Gramercy Park Hotel, a glam boutique hotel overlooking the elegant park of the same name. Among smaller, gay-oriented properties, a reliable pick is the Chelsea Pines Inn, which occupies a charming 1850s town house in the heart of the neighborhood. Rooms with semiprivate bath (sink and shower are in your room, but the toilet is shared with several other rooms on same floor) start at $140, while rooms with private baths begin at $175. An even better value, with rates beginning around $130 for shared-bath units, the Chelsea Lodge is set along handsome West 22nd Street and contains 22 cozy, clean, and pleasantly furnished rooms. When you consider that generic, bland chain properties in Midtown can charge well over $400 per night, these two intimate and friendly Chelsea hideaways are a real bargain. And you can use the money you save to dine well in the neighborhood’s dozens of inviting eateries. 1-800-535-AIDS (2437) Okllahoma’s H V/STD Hot ine PROTECT YO F PROTECT YOUR PA ° F,¢ee. me~HIV testify, t~ 20 H.O.P;~. Tes~:~ng C~inic ~ens Oetreach Pr~ram www.ozarksstar.com the STAR :)1 ~ 6, 2008 ItMian’Creole restaurant in New Orleans Fotmded in 1913, this family-run, ItaJian,Creole restaurant is 8) i New Orle~s at baxbecued shrimp. N~is . from the se~,ice to the decor. oyster bar ~nd on ~e hflf shel! and fll ~es of cocktails. We offer Sp~cialfies and delicio~ stea~, ~ i in traddtion; ir ~ s and ~hes it out daily in ~e ~tO lmltate~ !tiNe;Andwhenyou! We&esday thru Friday : thru Saturda); 5 PM to closing ~d cloSed 0h March 2008 WHITE PARTY SPRING BREAK 2008 PRESENTS THREE DAYS AND FOUR NIGHTS OF THE BEST PARTIES ON THE PLANET !’~"~ Men from all over the world converge on Palm Springs : April 17.21, 2008. Surprise performances happening aft weekend long! PALM SPRINGS, CA (PR) This is the event that attracts men from all over the world to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, CA ! Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Spring Break happens at new date in 2008--April 17-21, with an action-packed weekend of non-stop parties, superstar performances and the hottest men from all over the globe. Totally new for 2008: the sexy Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party, happening Friday, will let it all hang out. Saturday’s main event: White Party - Boogie Fever celebrates 30 years of dance music. Not to mention Sunday’s Extreme T Dance, an over-the-top dance event taking the action farther than it’s ever been before. Weekend passes are on sale now at www.CircuitTicket.com. Express Weekend Passes ($350 until Feb. 15) include: Absolute priority access to all weekend events; Access to VIP lounge at the Saturday White Party and Sunday T Dance; Official White Party Spring Break Gift Bag and Unlimited complimentary bottled water at White Party and T Dance. Weekend Passes ($250 until Feb. 15) include: Express Entrance to White Party, T Dance & Closing Party; complementary admission to Thursday Welcome Party, plus a $25 add-on for admission to Boxers and Briefs Underwear Party. For additional information or to purchase passes in advance online, visit: www.jeffreysanker.com or vcww.circuiticket.com. For more information, call (310) 360-6100. The host hotel for White Party 2008 is the fabulous Wyndham Palm Springs, the center of all the poolside action, home to nighttime events and location of the official welcome center. For reservations, call: (760) 322-6000. Mention WP when making reservations to receive a special rate. Back by popular demand: The ultimate VIP treatment lets you experience White Party in the lap of luxury with a range of personalized services right at your fingertips. Again in 2008, White Party Spring Break offers a limited number of luxurious VIP packages to make your weekend truly unforgettable. Packages include a range of options such as premium accommodations, lavish amenities including a personal concierge, private cabanas, security escorts and special upgrades. All packages feature exclusive VIP bottle service at Saturday night’s White Party and the SundayT Dance. Visit: www. jeffreysanker.com for more details. The STAR 23 and the By Ronald Blake esterday was my thirty-ninth birthday. I chose to wake with the roosters and run a five kilometer race to begin my fete of this event. I ruminated on my choice of a celebratory method be.fore, during, and after this competition. I discovered many reasons ~vhy I dragged my partner and our little canine companion along with me to this athletic spectacle. There is not much traffic on an early Saturday morning when you are headed to a physical challenge. I was able to really notice the mountains when I wasn’t beset by droves of angry, chafed, rush-hour motorists. I realized that the mountains were even more majestic with their verdant hue given the recent rains here in the desert. The rising sun added its paintbrush to this mountain landscape with its spangling of yellows and oranges. A good reason to get up and run. We drove past the Phoenix International Raceway on our journey to the starting line. I have lived in the Valley of the Sun for over three years and had never seen this imposing NASCAR edifice. It was quietly assuming its regnant place alongside its panoply of mountains. We also had never been to the location of this gala running affair. It too was nestled next to the mountains and was a magnificent oasis in the ribald desert landscape. I felt a contemporary thrill of a Louis and Clark moment as I gazed upon virgin ground. A good reason to get up and run. There were other people at the race site when I arrived. These people also had running shoes and were stretching. These people also brought friends, family members, and their little dogs too. These people also ran the course, sweated, and finished completely exhausted. I wasn’t the only one early to bed and early to rise. We shared camaraderie and a commonality that morning. A good reason to get up and run. I received a T-shirt, bananas, a medal, an olio of donated sundries, and some friendly discourse through out my experience. It did cost me twentyfive dollars to participate but I am not offering any regrets. I could just as easily have spent that money on a well-earned hangover but I already have plenty of those notched in my craw! of fame. I am pleased with my assortment of newly acquired memorabilia. A good reason to get up and run. There was live music after the race. It was provided by your quintessential three men and a lady cover band. The backdrop was a cupola adorned, ornate clubhouse and a lake begirded with palm trees. I would have settled for anything at that time. I had just felt the intrinsic satisfaction of completing an arduous task and the extrinsic reward of a salvo of cheers for my fait accompli. A very good reason to get up and run. I am thirty-nine today and I wil! be forty next year. I have no control over the passage of time. I will continue to enjoy my flight through the ages and I will continue to augment my reasoning for getting up and running...until the flight ends. ~sis health andfitness column is brought to you by that gvgy who noticed that sex act is followed by sexagenarian in the dictionary. ~at connect the dots guy is Ron Blake and he can be vivified at www.goblakefimess. co~n, www.ozarksstar.com ART SHOW: Between sumi-d, drawings, oil paintings and sculpture, Shawn’s work has been shown and sold in dozens of one-woman and group showings and through commissioned work. Merry Schepers is also a native Otdahoman whose works in porcelain, clay and multimedia embrace a broad stylistic spectrum from flying porcelain vessels to shamanic, archetypal masks to functional stoneware. She earned her BA from Montclair State University (N.J.) and has worked in clay for over thirteen years. As a member of the Alternative Outsider artists, she participates in that group’s annual show. She also shows in galleries in Tulsa, Ok. and Fayetteville, AR. and participates in Tulsa’s Blue Dome Arts Festival. The exhibit will remain up through the month of March, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. Nae Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’sfor Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks equal rightsfor Lesbian, Ga); Bisexual & Tram’gender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation ofthe Dennis R. Neill Equali~y Center. Oklahoma City mayor challenges citizens to loose 1 million pounds OKLAHOMA CITY - With a button-popping spread of cornbread, sausage and gravy, chicken fried steak and pecan pie designated as Oklahoma’s official state meal, it’s no surprise that Oklahoma City’s mayor wants to put the city on a diet. Mick Cornett has challenged the city to shed 1 million pounds as its New Year’s resolution. A1 McAffrey To Speak At OK County Democrats Medallion Dinner OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __M is the Representative for House District 88 and will be the Master of Ceremonies for our Medallion Dinner. The Oklahoma County Democrats Medallion Dinner, with Jim Roth and Al McAffrey, will be taking place on March 8, 2008 at the Regal Room (Ned’s Catering), 625 NW Grand Blvd, OKC, 73118. Visit the website for updated information, sponsor & ticket prices, and easy online ticket purchasing. www.okcountydemocrats.org Oklahoma Governor say’s NO to National Real ID (PR) The federal effort to create a national identity card, called the Real ID card, would take us one step closer to a surveillance society, erode our right to privacy and put our personal information at risk. Luckily, governors in five states, including Oklahoma, courageously rejected this invasive law. Now we need these governors to stand their ground so that Congress will be forced to repeal this horrifying program! Real ID would force all states to connect their DMV databases to one single interlinked system -- facilitating government tracking of ordinary Americans. It would also expose our most sensitive personal information to criminal identity theft. Thanks to your Governor, this invasive law -- and the dramatic tax increases required to pay its massive price tag -- was courageously rejected in Oklahoma. Help make sure that no American is forced to use the costly "Big Brother" Real ID card. The national Real ID card will take away our privacy and treat all Americans like enemies of the state! "The nature of the questions LGBT human rights defenders were asked, repeatedly trying to link homosexuality and pedophilia, simply shows how far our stubborn opposition is ready to go to put obstacles before LGBT groups on their way to recognition as members of civil society," the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) said in a statement. Just two of many reasons the right wing hates McCain. 1. Same-sex marriage. McCain refuses to support a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. 2. Stem-cell research. McCain would relax restrictions on federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research, which critics consider tantamount to abortion. BERLIN (AP) __ A new Berlin memorial to the Nazis’ gay victims should be ready within months, officials said Thursday. The $890,000 memorial to gay victims will be located in Berlin’s Tiergarten Park, across from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Culture Minister Bernd Neumann said. Homosexuality was banned under the Nazis. Tens of thousands of people, primarily men, were arrested, and many were sent to concentration camps. BEIJING (AFP) Chinas Ministry of Health is set to implement its first ever national programme to curb the spread of HIV/ AIDS among gay men. "The programme aims to strengthen measures to prevent and control the deadly disease among the homosexual community," the China Daily quoted Wang \greizhen, a senior official with the ministry’s HIWAIDS prevention department, as saying. "By learning more about gay people, we can better protect them against this incurable disease. Studies are under way in several cities to collect information on gay men, such as their.., behavioural patterns." The programme will also deliver special funding and technical support to gay men, Wang said, without giving further details. There are over 700 thousand gay men with HIV/AIDS in China. www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 27 "Be cor~servative with money, Gemini!" As Mars enters Cancer, productive efforts are easily clouded by moods and misunderstandings. While he opposes Pluto, frustrations can gain exaggerated importance. You may feel like you need an oar to propel your craft forward, but what you may really need is a shovel to dig to the root of existing challenges. ARIES (March 20 -Apri~ 19): Yours is the sign of the lone wolf, but you are now aiming for the role of head of the household. The responsibilities and obligations really don’t suit you. Try for the position of "elder statesperson" or dowager instead. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Little domestic arguments can explode way too easily. Are you just being stubborn? How important are those details, anyway? Your arguments may be more aesthetic than logical, but they should still be explainable in a calm, friendly manner. GEMINI (May 21 - Jun~ 20): Be very careful and conservative with your money. Household and proper~ investments or any renegotiation of debt should be checked out very thoroughly. Sexual urges may take an emotional cost, challenging you to think more about your deeper needs. CANCER (June 21 -July 22): Acting on impulse can transform your relationship, and probably not for the better. Channel that energy into thinking ahead and talking about what you want, what your partner wants, and how you can deepen your connection. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Worrying about your health or work only makes problems - real or imagined - worse. Take positive steps, and check out anything that bears watching. Remember the difference between focus and obsession, and stick to the task at hand. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Your political aims are coming from somewhere deep in your gut, which is fine. But sensible strategy should come from your brilliant-butnow- vacationing brain. Artistic, creative expressions will give you the outlet you need. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Courtesy is usually your strongest conviction. Now other deep beliefs provoke you to speak up against authority. Think carefully about mouthing off to the police or your boss. If you want to raise hell, find a public demonstration that suits your politics. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your urge for arguments seems to be coming out of nowhere. Try to focus that energy toward digging into topics that interest you. Take up a good challenge to keep your mind busy and your mouth out of trouble! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your sexual appetite is surging, but so is your deeper desire for commitment. One is so much more easily satisfied than the other that you might find any effort frustrating. Try seeing the glass as half full. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Is your partner being too aggressive, or are you just being stubborn? You can do something about the latter. Fights come easily, but so does passion. You really need a struggle. Be nice, and you could get a good one! AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): Wanting too much can be a great spur to action, but acting impulsively on excessive desire is a sure path to accidents and illness. Meditate, think ahead, and confide in a friend with a cooler head before acting. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Acting on your playful urges will have far-reaching ramifications. Focus those desires responsibly and creatively. Infuriating people is not a mark of success per se, but be bold enough to risk pissing off the right people for the right reasons. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. UrJe Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM CommUnity Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and Blessed Day! 28 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com DO\VNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 wvw.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma Cig; OK 405-528-2221 wwv.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant RENT the Musical Tulsa PAC 918-596-7111 www.myticketoffice.com SUSAN HARTMAN Independent Broker Oklahoma and Arkansas 918-698-2977 susanlhartman@gmail.com ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK w~:anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 w~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklaboma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES www.gayribbeancruises.com 877-560-8318 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 www.realacceptance.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREE~I; Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lakewood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: ~he STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City:. St: Zip: Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com 29 Keller Williams Realty \Vihether buying or selling I’ll work hard for you. (ng~efiansityiq)n - growing up GAY in OK is You can help our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more Info: WWW. openarmsproject.org 30 the STAR www.ozarksstar,com drugs Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] The Star Magazine, March 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 3 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text Image Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Highleyman Devre Jackson Chaz Ward Victor Gorin Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, February 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/245 The Star Magazine, April 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 4 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/244 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/249 Al Gore Bars Blue Door cartoons Cathedral of Hope Deep Inside Hollywood entertainers entertainment fitness Gay marriage health Hillary Clinton HIV/AIDs HOPE horoscope Larry Craig MCC church Michael Buble Mick Cornett Night clubs Our House paparazzi Past Out Quotable Quotes Ragged Blade Real ID card recipes Star Advertisers Star classifieds Star Scene Too travel https://history.okeq.org/files/original/88073056f2827072b9870be931b101d0.jpg d8fdc9557c15ac479efc121424369e84 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7c13f359888fb68a2427eb6a06bac2ad.pdf 37679881844b513e2d8f1434a2e90b8b PDF Text Text ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com MAY 2008 An Exclusive Interview With OGRA’s 4 Term President, Klint Wieden One of the longest running and largest of Gay Rodeo Organizations in the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) system, Oklahoma’s Great Plains Rodeo will kick off it’s 23rd year. A fun filled weekend May 23 through May 25th 2008. The event will be held in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. Photo: Klint Wieden with his horse Cherokee. "I grew up in the small northwest Oklahoma town ofArnett. I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am." Klint told the Star. PAGE-12 Newly revamped drag-free Tulsa Pride 2008 unveiled By Joey De OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ~The fun begins with the Great Plains Rodeo Kickoff Party hosted at the Finishline Thursday, May 22 featuring the current reigning OGRA Royalty. This is a great chance to meet and greet, dance and party, and ready yourself for the weekend to come. State Fairgrounds on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25, beginning at 8 a.m. both days. To keep the weekend wild the Texas Gay Rodeo Association will host their Texas T Party on that Saturday in the Copa from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. featuring fantastic food and fun. The host hotel for the Rodeo is the Hilton Garden Inn, and there is a block of rooms available at a special rate from May 22-26 that will be available until May 16 or until they sell out, whichever comes first. Registration for the event happens Friday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets are available from OGRA members for $10 or $15 at the gate. The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization and member of the International Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised of 28 state/provincial associations throughout the United States and Canada. OGRA is proud to be the first association seated at the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985 For more information check out the OGRA website at www.ogra.net. The Rodeo takes place at the Oklahoma TULSA, OK __ Organizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. "We have made a lot of changes to the entire celebration," says Nate Black, one of the co-chairs. Black says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. "People don’t kno,v downtown. They don’t know how to get here, they don’t know where to park, they don’t know how many things are down here and growing," Black says. "We have moved the events to ................ Continued Page 5 ��i 7 West 7th Street (corner 7th & ~3oulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74ii9 www.ozarksstar.com �1:800o535oAtDS (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTKOT YOUR PAR www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 �Join us for our biggest issue of the year! PRIDE 2008. Be a part of RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW Deadline Thursday l~ay t 5f.h Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. �Mr OkAahoma Continentall Benefits OYP Tulsao By Judy G. Charles Frederick Mr Oklahoma Continental 2008 TULSA, OK __ March 28th, Singer and entertainer Chades Frederick, Mr. Oklahoma Continental, began one of the many benefits planned to support Openarms Youth Project in Tulsa to a standing room only crowd. Many parents and grandparents of the entertainers were in attendance. David Dees, owner of Club Majestic, 124 N. Boston, Tulsa, donated the use of the dub for this worthy benefit. ~he event raised $770 for OYE. Entertainers were Sabastyn Croft, Tazia Kennedy, Cort, Brooke Kennedy-Miss OK National Queen, Mindy Bartlett, KC Morgan, Kordylia Kennedy, Alex Kennedy, Iman Scott-Miss Goddess 2007, Daphne Rio and Nicole Poverty-Miss OYE. Donations to benefit the GLBT youth group, many who are or were homeless just because they are gay, can be made to Openarms Youth Project, 2015-B S. Lakewood, Tulsa, Ok. 74112, or contact Tim or Ken at 918838-7104. TULSA PRIDE: give people a reason to check it (downtown) out, but also to come enjoy our new center and see how many resources are available." The first big change this year that Black notes is the separation of the Pride Festival from the Pride Parade. This year, the parade will occur June 7 and the festival will occur June 14. For the latest updates on the Tulsa Pride Celebration, visit their web site at www. tulsapride.org. 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit OKC Following a national trend, the Pride Parade will be held in the evening, escaping the oppressive summer sun. The parade will fol!ow a new route, taking it from the Brady Arts District through downtown to the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Saturday, May 10, 9am-5pm, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City When the parade ends at 4th and Kenosha, the new Pride Block Party will kick off: "There will be 2 stages of entertainment, beer tents, vendors and all kinds of activities," says Black, who also notes that national music sensation Eric Himan will be performing. Black also says that for those with children, the second floor of the equality center will be open to provide licensed babysitters for a small fee. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Cimarron Alliance Foundation wil! host the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit a one-day event with four sessions of workshops. This year’s summit features more extensive workshops about our state legislature - by far the most attended session last year - and programs appealing to college students and young adults. There will also be two community forums. A week later, the Diversity Festival will kick off in Centennial Park just west of6th & Peoria. Black says that the newly revamped festival will feature two stages of entertainment with a multi-ethnic array of performers, an international food court, children’s area, local vendors and more. The 2007 LGBT Leadership Summit was successful beyond expectations. LGBT and LGBT-friendly persons and organizations acquired tools and guidance to more effectively manage themselves and, more importantly, better collaborate with others to accomplish common goals. According to Black, including other faith and ethnic communities is not an attempt to "de-gay" Pride, but to help create community allies. "We have to realize our commitment to justice can not be for the gay community only. We have to speak out against racism and against bigotry. "The GLBT community is in every population," "By increasing our alliances we strengthen our own commitment for our people." Workshops The 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit is a one-day event with four sessions of up to five workshops per session. Workshops will address five topics: ’This is still a gay pride event," Black emphasizes. There will be a leather fashion show, there will be drag queens, and there xvill be rainbows. It’s still very gay, but it is also more professional and more inclusive." The final major change that Black says will be occurring is the moving of the www.ozarksstar.com Diversity Gala to the historic Cain’s Ballroom. Black says that not only does this help to create an emphasis on downtown, but it also provides much needed space for the event to grow. Leadership Development O Organization Development - non-profits, fundraising, etc. o Government- politics and the legislative process ® Personal Development - spirituality, equality, etc. o Anti-violence - anti-bullying, hate crimes, etc. For more information go to: wvcw.cimarronalliance.org the STAR 5 �Loving the Hater Wlaile Hating the Hate The writer gives some specific examples of public, peaceful protest that we can engage in to show that LGBTs are neither the doormats nor the monsters our enemies make us By James Nimmo to be. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ I found a link recently to a blog (vavw.bilerico.com) that contains a comment (http://tinyurl. com/4qdbph) written in reaction to reading the main story about the Oklahoma City chapter of PFLAG and their recording of Rep. Sally Kern (http://tinyurl.com/2zbpgn) that catches Kern in her spider web of hubris and cant. It’s odd that our suppressors are either afraid to be in the same room with us, fearing for their own bodily integrity, keeping their knees close together; or they, dismiss us as dippy airheads, frivolous and irresponsible. How can we be both at the same time? Like the author, I too am very disappointed with the approach of "loving the hater while hating the hate." Of course, I respect our supporters who use their close relationship with Jesus to try and gain support for LGBT citizens and other minorities who are used for verbal target practice in the ~var for suppression of civil rights. I’m delighted the Oklahoma City PFLAG chapter was able to document the duplicity of Sally Kern and record with her permission the lies she later reported as irresponsibility on the part of PFLAG. This single incident should show you the arrogance and madness that is being passed offas legislative Republican leadership. Not one elected official in Oklahoma from either major party has come strongly to the defense and support of the LGBT taxpayers living in Oklahoma. Had Kern used race, skin color, or ethnic origin as her subject I bet the rent she would be rene~ving her teaching certificate and looking for a school that would hire her. The First Amendment guarantees both sides the freedom to practice their respective religious viewpoints and the market place in which to talk about them. However, this same First Amendment does NOT give either side permission to encode their religious viewpoints into CIVIL law. I feel this is where we miss the boat in establishing our birthright to equal treatment under judicial law, and not the ten laws of Deuteronomy. There will always be a Bible verse to trump the opposing Bible verse resulting in a version of ping-pong skirmishes with Jesus as the referee. 6 the STAR Their response shows more about the fiction in their minds then about the truth of our lives. Until we get out of the religious justification business the more we’ll be dragged into its historical quagmire. Look at the present wars being fought around the world and you’ll see religious intolerance at the root. Our LGBT equality will have to be established in the legislatures and the courthouses in all fifty states without religious prejudice tipping the scales of justice. �www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 �e Comling o~ Age 8 the STAR w-ww.ozarksstar.com �©irecYed bs/Davd Geligan Oklahoma OiV June 8~ 2008 at 8pnq Brot~-~e~ Boy www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 �by Liz Highleyman What is the history o£GLAAD ?? For more than two decades, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has served as the queer community’s watchdog against biased portrayals of lesbian, ga); bisexual, and transgender people in the media. Up until the final decades of the 20th century, representations of LGBT people in l{lms, television, popular music, and mainstream publications - if present at all - typically focused on scandal or ridicule. The burst of gay activism and visibility in the late 1960s spurred a conservative backlash, and by the mid-1980s, the community was staggering under the weight of the AIDS epidemic, as people with HIV faced stigma exacerbated by media portrayals depicting them as a danger to the "general population." In 1985, the New York LGBT community was embroiled in a debate about closure of the .city’s gay bathhouses and grew- increasingly alarmed about sensationalistic AIDS coverage in the New York Post. That November, a group of long-time activists including Vito Russo, Arnie Kantrowitz, Jim Owles, and Darrell Yates Rist called a town meeting that drew more than 700 participants. Heeding the exhortation of author Jewetle Gomez to "take responsibility for what is being said about us," they formed the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The group began as a grassroots effort, using phone trees and monthly newsletters to issue alerts about offensive media portrayals of LGBT people. Among its earliest victories, in 1987 GLAAD persuaded the New York Times to finally use the word "gay" rather than "homosexual." Ti~e following year, the New York group hired its first full-time executive director, Craig Davidson. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Richard Jennings and others started a new chapter focused on the Hollywood entertainment industry. The bicoastal organization’s clout continued to grow, enabling it to secure an apology from comedian Johnny Carson for saying "fag" on the air, followed by the suspension ofAndy Rooney by CBS for homophobic and racist comments. In 1992, Entertainment Weekly named GLAAD one of the 100 most powerful entities in Hollywood. Before long, new GLAAD chapters arose in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. But in 1995, the local groups merged into a centralized national organization with a single board, and a staff based in New York and Los Angeles; two years later, former Showtime executive Joan Garry took the helm. Over the next decade, GLAAD initiated projects focusing on communities of color (including Spanish and Chinese language media), sports media, faith-based groups, and youth. GLAAD continued to exert insider pressure, and, when needed, to organize larger public protests against biased portrayals - like Sharon Stone’s murderous bisexual temptress in the film Basic Instinct (1992) - or the omission of queer content, such as excising 10 the STAR a male-male kiss from the television show Melrose Place. Homophobic song lyrics by rapper Eminem and Jamaican dancehall artists Beenie Man and Buju Banton were other targets. GLAAD also reacted to current events, such as the murders of Matthew Shepard and transgender teen Gwen Araujo, as well as homophobic outbursts by the likes of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell and Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. But in keeping with its mission of promoting "fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation," GLAAD also sought to shape positive portrayals. It consulted on television and movie scripts featuring LGBT characters and themes, pitched sympathetic stories to mainstream publications, provided spokespersons for talk shows, and trained queer individuals and groups in how to effectively use the media. In addition to wielding the "stick" of protest, the organization also dangled the "carrot" of praise, introducing the GLAAD Media Awards in 1990 to recognize favorable representations of the community and its issues. After considerable pressure from LGBT media, the organization agreed in 2007 to honor them along with nongay outlets. By 2005, when Garry turned over leadership to Neil Giuliano - the openly gay former Republican mayor of Tempe, Ariz. - the organization had a budget approaching $7.5 million and a staff of more than 40. Yet GLAAD’s explosive growth, insider strategy, and increased emphasis on star-studded events did not sit well with some activists who felt the organization had moved too far from its grassroots origins. Further, some were unhappy with tactics they regarded as censorship, such as the successful pressure campaign to cancel conservative commentator Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s television show. GLAAD has "a political agenda that is murky at best - at worst, it is dangerous to free speech, artistic expression, and the interests of LGBT people," wrote activist Michae! Bronski. "Judging the accuracy of a news report is much different than judging art. GLAAD can deal with these issues by getting out of show business and back into watchdog media commentary." Despite the criticism, GLAAD continues with its goal of"changing people’s hearts and minds through what they see in the media." According to the organization, "What people see at the movies or read in the newspaper shapes how they view and treat the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people around them, and we have a responsibility to make sure those images foster awareness, understanding and respect." For further reading: Bronski, Michael. 2005. ~Not So GLAAD Anymore." Z Magazine (May 1). Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. www.glaad.org. Gross, Larry: 2002. Up From Invisibility: Lesbians, Gay Men and the Media in America (Columbia University Press). www.ozarksstar.com �OkEq Announces Anrmat Equality Gala Saturday, May 3t, 6pm, Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main Ave TULSA, OK__ (ENEWS) Oklahomans for Equality is excited to announce its annual Equality Gala, held this year at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom. Benefiting OkEq, the Gala honors Lifetime Achievement Axvard xvinner Charles Faudree, Community Heroes George Kaiser Family Foundation and Carol Crawford, and Russ Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award winner Nancy Day: The program features a champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception, live entertainment by Jared Tyler and Valerie Eskridge accompanied by Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, dinner by Taste Catering and wine donated by Loring Wine Company. Don’t miss the black tie event of the season, celebrating Tulsa’s rich diversity. Sponsorship information and tickets are available at: wxvw.okeq.org Co ° munity for People iving with H P !iA1D 8 A 501 c (3) Non Profit O~:gan:izatlon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. VVe provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrism mj r@yahoo.com. www.0zarksstar.c0m New exhibit featuring artist Ann Marie Distefano at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Emmy Award Winner Leslie Jordan (Brother Boy) In Oklahoma City. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, May 1, 2008, for the opening of it’s May exhibit, paintings by Ann Marie Distefano. Ann Marie’s paintings emerge from an aspiration to reclaim the spiritual dignity of art. "I want to make art that might open for the receptive viewer the window onto eternity," states Distefano. She continues, "My paintings are ’plugged into’ an inner source within myself that is very deep and sometimes unknown. What I seek to achieve is independence of artistic and philosophical fashions. My goal as an artist is to reveal an ineffable presence, the contemplation of which can lead the viewer towards an intuitive recognition of his or her own inherent radiance." OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Leslie Jordan famed "Sordid Lives" star, will bring his one man show, "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet" to OKC June 8th at the Tolbert Theater @ Stage Center. "In 1982, Leslie Jordan jumped offa Greyhound bus from the hills of Tennessee, said ’hello’ to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television and film roles to his credit, he is probably best remembered for ’Kyle’ hapless ex-con on Muphey Brown, ’Resplendent Man’ entrepreneurial super hero on Lois and Clark, and can currently be seen recurring as ’Mr. Beverly Leslie’ on the hit series, \Vgill & Grace. Mr. Jordan just finished a stint on the two hit series, Ally McBeal and Boston Public as ’Dr. Benjamin Harris’ cloning expert turned new-age reverend turned science teacher turned drama coach. Mr. Jordan has also had a successful stage career. He played ’Brother Boy’ a Tammy Wynette fixated drag queen, in Del Shores hit play Sordid Lives and went on to star in the film adaptation of that play. He also has won every award for best supporting actor LA gives in theatre (Back Stage West Garlands, LA Weekly, LA Drama Critics Circle) for his portrayal of’Peanut Leroy’ a sodden aging homosexual in the runaway hit, Southern Baptist Sissies. Distefano, a native Bostonian, has been living in Tulsa for the past four years. She is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. The reception will be generously catered by donation by Baxter’s Interurban Grill. The exhibit will remain up through the month of May, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq. org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq)_. OkEq seeks the STAR 11 �By Victor Gorin ooking forward to the upcoming Great Plains Rodeo, O.G.R.A. President Klint Wieden shares his thoughts and hopes not only for this event but for OGRA and the gay cowboys and cowgirls of Oklahoma. Originally from the small Oklahoma community of Arnett, he grew up as a typical Oklahoma cowboy, belonging to both 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. He went on to OSU where he majored in animal science and business, and now resides in OFdahoma City with his current career of copier sales while enjoying being a cowboy on the side. We appreciate him sharing his time with us. Victor: How many years has the Great Plains Regional Rodeo been in Oklahoma City? Klint: This is our 23rd year, and it has been held for the last 15 years at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. It began with a group of people looking for an avenue where they could have friendly competition, socialize together and work together. It was a place for people who had something in common, a love of rodeo. They were gay cowboys who didn’t really feel that they fit into the gay scene at that time. The I.G.R.A. ( International Gay Rodeo Association) was formed, and O.G.R.A ( Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) was among the first state organizations. At the same time, the founders felt that they could also help the community by being a major fundraiser for charities of the community. Victor: A tradition that continues to this day. Klint: Besides the competition and fun involved, fundraising is truly what the rodeo all over the country. It was also read by my parents, who I had not been out with, who accepted me for the gay cowboy I was. Victor: Gay just happens, but cowboys are made. So how did it happen that you are a cowboy? Photo: Klint Wieden President OGRA Klint: I grew in the small northwest Oklahoma town of Arnett, 18 people in my graduating class. Arnett is a farming and ranching community, I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am. Like many straight people, I thought you had to be flamboyant and feminine to be gay, and that wasn’t me. Once I learned there were country gay bars with cowboys, and gay rodeos, I thought" wow!" I fit in. That was great to kno~v. is all about. \Ve raise money all year long to put it on, and then take the proceeds from that to give back to local charities. Victor: Is it still a regional rodeo? Klint: It had formerly been the Great Plains Regional Rodeo, representing other states as well. Today it is the Great Plains Rodeo, an event solely of OGRA. There is another organization in Tulsa, the Sooner State Rodeo Association, who also has their own rodeo. Victor: Of course the situation is much better than it was over 25 years ago. There were probably a lot of gay cowboys who felt they couldn’t be themselves and fit into what they perceived the gay community to be at that time. But even today straight people are astounded that there are gay cowboys, much less a rodeo. Klint: A couple a years ago the Daily Oklahoman wrote about our rodeo. \Vhat was to be a small paragraph turned into a front page story, hit the AP wires and was read Victor: Of course the movie Brokeback Mountain had an enormous impact on America as a whole. I’m sure it had a special effect for the gay rodeo scene. Klint: It made people aware, both gay and straight, that there were people in that lifestyle who happened to be gay. So many gay cowboys could really relate to it, felt we had to hide for fear of not being accepted by our families, friends, bosses, or even the gay communir): Victor: So how rewarding has your hard work been with OGRA? Klint: \Veil this is my 4th term as the President of OGRA, I’ve been the rodeo director. I’m very out and very proud of what I’m doing. I have no problem telling businesses, like my dry cleaners, my dentist, my veterinarian that I support them, I’m a gay cowboy, and I’d like their support for our ............ Continued PAGE 23 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com �Wockner News Service Foreman eaves Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman quit his job April 15 and moved to San Francisco to head up the Gay & Lesbian Rights Program at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. The fund provides more grant support to GLBT organizations than aW other nongay foundation in the U.S. Foreman was at the Task Force for five years and is credited with grmving the staff to 54 full-timers and doubling the organizanon’s budget to $10 million. "I’m incredibly privileged to have had this job for the last five years, and to have been paid to be gay for the last 18," Foreman said in an interview. "There are so many people who give their hearts and souls to our movement without any compensation or for ridiculously low salaries, and that certainly includes LGBT journalists. ’Tm also overwhelmed with pride in our people," he said. "One thing I hear a lot in my travels is: ’There’s no such thing as a gay community. No one’s on the same page. In a few years we’ll all be assimilated, etc., etc.’ I couldn’t disagree more. "Name me one community -- or family, for that matter -- where everyone agrees and everyone gets along. That’s not community, but banality.... No, there’s no monolithic gay community, but there are dozens and dozens of communities within our larger movement and they’re accomplishing amazing things every day. There’s community everywhere I go -- some purely social, others religious, others political, others professional. "While we do have a very, very long way to go, the fact that we’ve made so much progress while being such a tiny minority and against such mighty opponents is, to me, proof positive that we do indeed have a vibrant people and community." www.ozarksstar.com PlanetOut to selll Advocate, Out, Myson, porn mags PlanetOut Inc. is selling The Advocate and Out magazines -- as well as The Out Traveler, HIVPlus, three porn magazines and book publisher Alyson Publications -- to an affiliate of the gay TV network here! for $6 million. The sale price is far !ess than the $31.1 million PlanetOut Inc. paid for the magazines and book compaW when it bought LPI Media Inc. and SpecPub Inc. in 2005. PlanetOut Inc. reported a loss of $51.2 million last year. The company xvill continue to own and operate Gay.com and PlanetOut.com. In January, PlanetOut Inc. "retained Allen & Company, LLC to assist the company in evaluating strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company," a press release said. The corporation also announced in January "that it will no longer be providing quarterly or annual earnings guidance and will not hold quarterly earnings calls." The porn magazines included in the sale to Regent Releasing and Unzipped. A fourth SpecPub Inc. porn magazine, known as [2], has ceased publication, but the sale will include the trademark "[2]," PlanetOut Inc. CEO Karen Magee said via e-mail. Obama grants interview to Advocate Under fire for not speaking with local and regional gay cations, presidential candidate Barack Obama sat down for an interviexv with Advocate.corn on April 10. "The gay press may feel like I’m not giving them enough love. But basically, all press feels that xvay at times;’ Obama said. "Obviously, when you’ve got limited amount of time, you’ve got so many oudets. We tend not to do a whole bunch of specialized press .... But I haven’t been silent on gay issues. What’s happened is, I speak oftentimes to gay issues to a public general audience" Obama said he supports passage of a federal law protecting transgender people from discrimination but he’s not sure there’s support in Congress for the move. A bill outlawing job discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals has passed the House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. "I have been clear about my interest in including gender identity in legislation, but I’ve also been honest ~vith the groups that I’ve met with that it is a heavy lift through Congress," he said. "\Ve’ve got some Democrats who are willing to vote for a non-inclusive bill but we lose them on an inclusive bill, and we just may not be able to generate the votes" Obama said he understands gay people’s frustration with candidates such as himself(and Hillary Clinton) who support, civil-union but not marriage for same-sex couples,’ I strongly respect the right of samesex couples to insist that even if we got complete equality in benefits, it still wouldn’t be equal because the same ~vord, marriage, assigned to it; he said. "I understand that, 3ective is also the broader ,olitical and ’ historical context in which I’m opera ing" MORE PAGE 27 the STAR 13 �Rata Esparza Slays ’Era in 2518 Eventually, all the Broadway stars try their tuck in Hollywood. And it Was just ~ matter of time before Raul Esparza, the han&ome Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner (both for _Company_ and TabooL wandered west. Xhe bisexual actor has already fom~.d success on the small screen, cast m a recurring ro!e on A C s h,t Pushing Daisies. BUt n~w he ma.v be s,tepping wlay outside the feel-good box he ~ been in - hes in t~ to play a s~riaI killer in Wes Craven~ latest ~een-horror fihm, 2518. Concerning a group 0fkids being stalked by a killer believed to have died on the birthday they share in common, the film will co’star teenage collies Shareeka epps (Half-Nelson). No production or release dates yet, but the scary stuffis due to shoot soon. 0 pe ) and Cosby Gay Cast Populates C vas Shifting the Canvass. an indie drama due m rackJe the complicated lives of a group of BrooMyn friends aAer 9/11. has cast several ~:aces fan~iliar to queer audiences. notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyem~e Ja4k~on. t~t seen on film as rugby player M~k Bingha~n in United 93, and cur~endy on Broadway in the hit music~ 3~adu, Jackson will star as a heterosexuN W~ Srree~ executive involved with a group of gay ffien&. Rounding out the c~st is ~& in ~e HNI alum Scott "~,ompson, ~ well as John Paul Pimc (best remembered ~ the hotW go-go boy in N’icD and Gedde Watanabe (last seen reD,lart~ as a gay nurse on ER, but forever kmown as ’Long D~ Dong" from SNteen CanNes). ~le film rolls in June and promises ~meos ~- several ~-yevunn~ed New ~brk ni~tti~e personalties. Goes to Jail Moore kmows how hard it is for an ; a break from the business so lately she~ been a low-risk comeback? Get on indie-film bus. And that’s exacdy what he’s been doing, recently starring in the .’ist drama Flawless with Michael Caine. nd now set to shoot gay writer-director d~tchell Llchtenste~ns (Teeth) latest film. Happy Tears. She’s i~ good compan> ~oo, ~ih~e-fitm veteran P~ker Posey has signed ,n toplay lvloore’s youn get sibling. ~2ne kama focuses on the two estranged sisters me selfLaggrandizing, the other bitter and ~dn~) as they re-establish their relationlip and deal with their elderly father’s progressive dementia. Shooting now in i~hiiadelphia, look for the happiness sometim~ in 2009. who finds herself from a mate taste, 2010. Notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyenne Jack, on. Photo: By Ben Strothmann 14 the STAR wv~,.ozarksstar.com �Brief history from around the There is a lot to learn about this versatile wine. There are plenty of good Rieslings to taste. Let~ start with Australian offerings. They are noted fbr their oily- texture and citrus fruit flavors in their youth and a smooth balance of freshness and acid as they age. New Zealand Riesling was first planted in the 1970s and has flourished in the relatively cool climate of the Marlborough area. In comparison to Australian Riesting, New Zealand produces lighter and more delicate wines that range from sweet to dry. New York, particularly in ~e Finger Lakes region, was one of the eaMiest U.S, producers of Pdesling. Plantings started to appear in California by 1857 and fbllowed in xNSshington State in 1871. New ~tbrk Riesling generally has a characteristic effervescent light body with a similarly light, mellow flavor, The wine can be dynamic though rarely robust, and ranges from dry to sweet. New York is also a notable producer of Riesling based Ice Wine, although a large majority of New ~%rk ke Wine is made from Vidal Blanc and Vigno~es. In the Pacific Northwest there is a stark contrast in Riesling production. ~Ihe grape is currently on the rise in ~VZ~shington State but on the decline in neighboring Oregon. Pdesling from this area ranges from dr?" to sweet, m~d has a crisp lighmess that bodes well for e~sy drin~ng. Often there will be an easily detectable peach and mineral complex. Some Washington State winemakers, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, are adapting Germau-style Rieslingproduction methods, and even parmering with well&~own German vinmers like Dr. Ernest Loosen to create specialty wines such as the Eroig~ Riesling, www.ozarksstar.com ][n Cati~brnia, Riesling lags far behind in popularity to Chardonnay ~d is not as commonly planted. A notable exception is opment of high quality Late Harvest So i]~r, the Late Harvest wines produced are in the Anderson Valleys (north of Santa Rosa) where is more likely to encourage dte needed botutis develop. ~ae Riesling that does ~ fornia tends to be softer, fuller, a diverse flavors than a "tTpical" ~ smoked meats, ofBonW Doon, F Mountain A~v~& with dedicated completely to With high acidity and peach has deveto area is re t facility . white sausages, crab cakes gouda & grwere~ :this wine can be paired as an cake, apples/pears, caramel/ wmilla ice creaan, [, citric, With German Riesling, ,nit of ~vin e Pr~dikat (QmP) PRAY-dee-kahq. It is the defined by the 1971. There are six subcategories categor?; ranked from determine various levels .are: K)~BINE~, SP/&TLESE BEEI?J);NAUSLESE, EISWEIN, ENBEERENAUSLESE. Each care fined by a minimum sugar content of the which varies {::rotn region to region. The focus sugar content embodies the theoW that grapes with bdgher sugar levels are riper and therefore yield richer wines with deep colors and intense flavors. Schm~ Sohne Relax ’06 Job JOS P~Urn/Spatlese ’04 Jakob Dem~er/Kabinett ’06 ~ ’06 Pacific Rim CaliforSeries Australia ’06 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Although Riesling is best known from GermaW’s Mosel-Saa>Rmver, Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Rheingau m:eas, wines from Alsace and Austria attain equal greatness. France’ Alsace’s are coveted for their high sugar levels and endless aging abili9~. Food Paring Riesling is a versatile wine for pairing with food because of its balance of sugar and acidity: tt can ~ paired with Thai and Chinese cuisine and various . types of dishes prepared more on the spicy side. One can also enjoy this wine with spicy ham, pork with pineapple chutney, stir-fried snow peas with spicy shrimp, crab, turkey, barbequed or Vlr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/vcww.Win eS pectator.com ,#~,~v. FoodandWin e.co m www.Wikipedia.org the STAR 15 �HOST HOTEL OVER FLOW HOTEL 801 South Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 1511 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 ¯35-9~2-1400 ¯ 1-877-STAY-HGI 405-840-5557 ��by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Campbell Street, Springfield, MO Early 1900’s ~or many years, Springfield, Missouri has gotten a bad rap fi’om the gay and lesbian community all over the country. Even many of our straight friends have been hesitant about visiting Springfield. Like many cities in the "Bible Belt", Springfield has had in the past a reputation for being extremely conservative and even homophobic. Well, readers, things have CHANGED and for the better ! At the invitation of the Springfield, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau we visited Springfield last month. They showed us their beautiful city, their museums, attractions, galleries, dining options and we must admit that we are now in love with Springfield, Missouri and we lmow that all of our gay and lesbian readers from coast to coast will also be. Springfield, Mo. is a very "vibrant and alive" city and everybody is welcome. As our readers kmow, we are a "very out’ gay couple and we were shown the highest respect everywhere we went in Springfield. There are gays and lesbians working in every field of employment in Springfield and nearly all of them are "out". MaW of the large National companies at first were hesitant to move their offices and headquarters to Springfield but things have changed and for a variety of reasons. We want to thank so many of the younger gays and lesbians that we met while we were in Springfield for their honesty and hard work that to made this happen. Now with that being said, let us tell you about the "new and improved" Springfield, Missouri. With a population of over 420,000 for metropolitan Springfield, it is the third largest city in the State and offers an unbelievable array of surprises for any traveler. When so many cities in the country are down-sizing and doing nothing to improve their cities, the 18 theSTAR Springfield, Mo. community has grown in every ~vay imaginable in their arts, business, sports, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Their "new and improved" downtown area is something that most cities can only dream about. All within walking distance you can admire the works of local and regional artists in more than 15 galleries, artist’s studios and other venues where you can encounter sculpture, pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography and hand blown glass demonstrations. In addition you have a choice of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and cafes to dine. In Springfield, they MADE it happen! Springfield has over 6,000 hotel/motel rooms and over 600 dining options. So whatever you are into, you will find it in Springfield! Metropolitan Springfield has so much to offer in the way of attractions, historical places to visit and things to see. FANTASTIC CAVERNS is a must see for any first time visitor to Springfield. They open daily at 8 AM until dusk. You ride thru this ancient underground cave that has massive formations. The tour is 50 minutes and your driver will explain the entire history of the cave to you. THE SPRINGFIELD ART MUSEUM is the permanent home for some 8,500 art objects representing thousands of years of culture. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday and are located at 111 E. Brookside Dr. The SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE at the historic Landers Theatre is Missouri’s oldest and largest civic theatre. This season includes Gypsy, A Tuna Christmas, the Miracle Worker and Seussical to name just a few of their productions. "WILD BILL" HICKOK SHOOTOUT SITE in Park Central Square, right downtown is the site of the nations first recorded shootout and helped solidify the reputation of Wild Bill. Look for the marker on www.ozarksstar.com �Stage coach terra cotta on Springfidd garage. East. Markers are also located in the street showing where each man stood during the shoot out. The RAILROAD HISTORICAL Museum, 1300 No. Grant Ave. is dedicated to the preservation of railroading and you can step into a locomotive, commuter car and caboose. The MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME, 3861 E. Stan Musial Drive includes thousands of sports memorabilia, exhibits and displays and of course the Springfield Cardinals Baseball team which is the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and plays at Hammonds Field. Bass Pro has their big store at !935 South Campbell Ave with everything imaginable in the sports line. Tired of seeing everything yet? Well, Springfield offers a lot more things to see! The AIR AND MILITARY Museum of the Ozarks is a "hands-on" museum of military history. They are located at 2305 E. Kearney St. The Brown Derby Store at 2023 S. Glenstone offers a world-class wine selection unmatched in the Midwest. The Commercial Street Historical District (between \Vashington Ave. and Lyon Ave. is a self-guided tour which is a 6 block adventure. With a seasonal farmers market, chocolate factory, the city’s oldest tavern, new micro-brewery, antiques/art galleries, this is a great walking tour. DICKERSON PARK ZOO, 1401 W. Norton Road allows visitors to get up dose with hundreds of animals. DISCOVERY CENTER is an interactive hands-on science center and is located downtown at 438 E. St. Louis St. The TENT THEATRE is celebrating their 45th season this summer. www.ozarksstar.com This summer’s productions include Cyrano de Bergerac, June 11-14 and June 16-21, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, June 25-28, June 30-July 3, and our favorite, Anything Goes with lyrics and music by Cole Porter, July 9-12, July 14-20. The Theatre and Dance Department at Missouri State University in Sprinbffield offers a wide range of theatre and dance programs. The Gay and Lesbian Center of the Ozarks, 518 E. CommerciaI Street in Springfield supports the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the greater Springfield, Missouri region by organizing and sponso> ing community activities and by increasing public understanding and appreciation of LGBT citizens. Josh Comp is the President and is doing a magnificent job. Their phone number is 417-869-3978. They organize Pridefest and help organize the annual variety show, the Queen City Cabaret. They are close partners with FOCUS - LGBT professionals group and with APO, Blossom women’s group, the First Sunday Community Potluck. They provide free professional counseling through the Forest Institute. They have an Individual and Community Services Advocate who provides services to the community and have a youth group program for LGBT youth which meets once a week and every fourth Friday. They provide an outlet for many social and support groups. They have been operating since !996 and are one of the oldest Gay and Lesbian Centers in the State. Volunteers are always needed so give them a call and donate a couple hours a week. For nightlife, they have the new CLUB 821 that is getting a lot of attention throughout the entire Midwest. ~xey are located at 821 West College, just 8 blocks West of the downtown area and NEVER A COVER ! (vavw.club821.corn) and phone (417) 866-4821 Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 4 PM to 1 AM. and happy hour is daily 4 PM to 7 PM. This bar just But the most important time we had in Springfield during our recent visit there was the "DOWNTOWN AREA". The "new:" dmvntmvn area is FABULOUS !!!!! Check out their wonderful website at www.itsalldowntown.corn \re particularly enjoyed having breakfast at Galley’s Breal’~ast Care downtown at 220 East Walnut. The setting is a wonderful old nostalgic care of the past but yet has new and innovative delicious food with service to match. The owners and staff are doing it EXACTLY RIGHT! This is the only place to have breakfast in Springfiel!! Nonna’s Italian American Care, 306 South Avenue is wonderful. Although they offer non-Italian choices, why bother? Their Italian menu is what it is all about. And it is GOOD! Our best dining experience for dinner was at the Kai Restaurant, 306 South Campbell. This new downtown Photo: Donald Pie, Rob Bel (owner Club 821) & restaurant is one of the finest in Ray Williams at Club 821, Springfield, ~Ossouri the country with great atmosphere, great service and extremely great food. Continued page 27 {HeSTAR 19 �of Town By Andrew Collins Bakimore, Maryland dozens of shops. Also che& out the Baltimore Maritime Museum, National Aquarium, and World Trade Center (which offers fine views from its 27th-floor observation decD. A regal grassy knoll south of the harbor, Federal Hill Park rises majestically above downtox~qa, and the Inner Harbor. It’s an ideal spot to laze under the sun on warm afternoons. The surrounding eponymous neighborhood has loads of inviting cafes and bars, and the neighborhood’s American Visionary Art Museum ingeniously blends two historic -warehouses within a striking contemporary structure. East of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point may be America’s best-preserved Cx3lonial waterfront, with its perfectly maintained Federa!-sryle town houses, Baltimore’s gay epicenter ties north of downtown in historic Mount Vernon, which you reach by strolling north from the Inner Harbor up the city’s backbone, Charles Street. The neighbothood is anchored by Mount Vernon Square and its 178-foot-high Washington /vlonument. Nearby are the outstanding Waiters Art Museum and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the oldest and one of the most prestigious classical music schools in the country. kbffll need to drive or take a bus up Charles Street to reach the leaf), 140-acre campus of Johns Hopkins University, which is ideal for strolling and is next to the state’s largest museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art. West of Johns Hopkins, Hampden is a good oldfashioned "Ba~vl’mer" neighborhood, a former mill-workers’ community that has more recently developed a bounty of hip boutiques, galleries, and cafes. (John Waters, who lives nearby, occasionally strolls these parts and set his movie _Pecker_ here.) Baltimore’s mostpopular lesbian bar, Sapphos, is ])art ofthe bustling Grand Central *lu~ in the heart ofthe Mount Vernon neighborhood. (Photo by Andrew Collins) If you haven’t been to Baltimore in a while, you owe yourself a visit. This friendly, unassuming city has experienced a virtual rebi,~h over the past 15 years, rehabilitating its handsome Inner Harbor by converting dilapidated piers and ,vharves into museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, and condominiums. Often featured in the movies of camp filmmaker and native son John \V-aters, Baltimore has also developed increased cachet as a welcoming gay and lesbian destination, with its many GLBT-ffiendly businesses. Fortunately, the ci.ty’s success hasn’t gone to its head. It’s hard to find a more genuine and down-to-earth breed of urbanites than the residents of Baltimore, who retain a special affection for their hometown. You may be lured to Baltirnore by the many highly publicized ’ Inner Harbo, r and indeed most attractions set around downtowns of these museums and entertainment centers live up to their billing. But be sure to save rime to explore the man), quirky- residential neighborhoods, a few of which - Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point - are within easy walking distance of downtown. The Inner Harbor thrived for years as a shipping crossroads before falling into a state of blight. Its conversion into an entertainment and museum district has made it one of the most engaging and picturesque harbors in America. Popular attractions include the glassenc!osed Harborplace pavilions, where you can browse through 20 t~®STAR \Vhen you’re craving a memorable meal, remember that Baltimore’s cooking is full of flavor - the city- even has its o,vn spice, Old Bay Seasoning, a feisty, concoction of 16 seasonings sprinkled mostly on shellfish but required by some locals on seemingly everything but ice cream. If you’re on the run, iust wander through the copious food stalls in the Harborplace pavilions. It may look like a zoo of tourists, but yoffd be surprised how many locals graze here. Many of these places offer top-notch local seafood - particularly oysters, clams, and Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Walk a bit south ro Federal Hill, along South Charles or Light streets, and you’ll find dozens of appealing eateries, including one of the best little restaurants in the city~ the Bicycle Bistro, where you might dine on grilled rack of lamb with a pineapple-poblano-pepper chutney, or porcini-crusted sea scallops. East of the harbor, there’s superb dining in the city’s Little Italy (Boccaccio, with such seasonal delights as local clams and mussels in a pernod-tomato broth, is a particular standout), and in nearby Fells Point, talented chef Nancy Longo helms the kitchen at Pierpoint, which is known for such inventive contemporary regional fare as smoked crab cakes, and ftied Maryland chicken breast with parmesan grits. Mount Vernon has dozens of excellent, gay-popular restaurants. At nile high end, opulently decorated Ixia scores high marks for its wellchosen wine list and superbly rendered cuisine, including grilled baby octopus with lemon-fennel confit, and lobster-crab mac-andcheese with a creamy Fontina sauce. Across the street, Sacha’s is a great spot for toothsome grazing - the many "small plates" include crisp french fries in a cone with Old Bay-seasoned creme fraiche, www.ozarksstar.com �and fried green tomatoes topped vdth lump crab meat. Continue up Charles Street and yoff!l come to trendy Donna’s, a cheerful and modern space where an arts)- crowd mingles over light salads, roasted veggie sandwiches, fresh coffee, and fantastic tiramisu. %e Hdmand has become renowned }br its spics; well-prepared kd~han food (it’s owned by the brother of A~hanistan’s president, Harold Kharzai), and Motmt Vernon Stable and Saloon is a perfect late-night venue for chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, and similarly comforting pub standar~Is. Finally, don’t miss City Care. an airy and inviting iava joint that also serves food and wine. Make the trip a bit north toward Johns Hopkins to reach Ixia’s sister restaurant, the lovably kitschy Paper Moon Diner, which is open choice. Near here in the Hampden neighborhood is the notable for the massive pink flamingo dangling from the front of the btfilding (not to mention tasty comfort fare like Belgian wanes topped with fresh berries, and famously good meatlo~). There’s als0 great coffee to be sipped nearby at Common Ground coffeehouse, and delicious Mexican food served within the funky confines of Holy Frijoles. property" ~ns kudos ~br its helpful service, romantically decorated roo~s, ~d afternoon tea and refreshments. In Mount Vernon, the historic 1924 Clarion Peabody Court, with its 104 handsomely outfitted rooms, enthusiastically welcomes gay and lesbian travelers. You’ll ~e ~ town house bars. Other esteemed in DyCanton. This stunner appreciate one of the ci~’s Baltimore gay-bar-goers congregate mostly at a handful of mainstays. Yuppies and stand-and-model types flock almost religiously to Gr~d Ceiatral, a large, multi-level complex that consists of a video lounge, dance bar, billiards room, and outdoor deck. Also on-site is the s[vanky lesbian bar, Sapphos, with its comfy living-room-esque decor and soft lighting. ~£ other major club i~i the n’eighborhood is Club Hippo, whose r~putation for gr~at music draws a wide mix of revelers, ga34 straight, old, and young. It’s a great place to cut loose, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights. When it gets late, the party moves to Club 1722, an 18-and-over ~er-hours club open on Fridays and Saturdays into the ~ee- hours. The,tiki-themed Coconuts Caf~ is another Mr. Vernon hangout thats popular xvith lesbians, while Club Bunns caters heavil~ to Baltimore’s sizable African-kanerican gay community and has a legendary happy hour. Leather aficionados head a few blocks up Charles to the Eagle, which, though lacking any serious back-room action, nevertheless cultivates as racy, an atmosphere as any bar in town. A classic dive that’s been serving the gay community for more than 60 years (longer, say" some, than [my bar in America), Leon’s is especially popular late on weekend evenings. Nearby Jay’s on Read is ~ das~ i~ia~o bar, and Club Phoenix is a laid-back neighborhodd hangout with a small dance area and some highly entertaining drag sho~s. In Federal Hill, the Rowan Tree is a friendly neighbor~iood spot with an eclectic crowd, and over in the up-and-coming Canton section of Baltimore, The Quest caters to fans of go-go dancers. Baltimore hotels have become slightly more expensive over the years, as the city has become a serious tourist and convention destination, but rates are still much lower than in nearby Washington, D.C. Most visitors choose properties near the Inner Harbor, dose to great restaurants and attractions. An excellent option here is the Pier 5 Hotel, a hip and lively boutique property with whimsically decorated, spacious rooms, many directly facing the Inner Harbor. The same owners run the elegant, historic (and allegedly haunted) Admiral Fells Inn in nearby Fells Harbor - this charming old-world www.ozarksstar.com heSTAR 21 �KAI REffAURANT & AFTER DARK LOUNGE Missouri For an absolutely fabtflous dining experience we highly suggest you try the new KAI RESTAURANT. It is located in the new and revitalized downtown area at 306 South Campbell. From the moment you walk thru the front door you will KNOW that you are in for a very special treat. Downstairs they have the KAI After Dark Lounge which has a very eclectic modern decor. Xhey have terrific bartenders who know how to serve every kind of drink imaginable. But the real treat is going upstairs to the KAI Restaurant where they serve "Modern Japanese Cuisine" in an unbelievable setting. ~he restaurant is dark, sexy, exciting, exotic and absolutely spectacular! Go to their website’s gallery to see for yourself. We haven’t been anywhere in the Midwest that can possibly compare to our dining experience there. Our server was extremely knowledgeable as to what was on the menu and offered good suggestions. He was a true professional. We started offwith the "Hot Rock" which is one of the restaurant’s specialties. It came with thinly sliced rare top sirloin woked on a hot stone presentation. You put one slice at a time on the sizzling hot stone and it cooks in seconds. Dip it into the sauce and you have some of the finest appetizers that we have ever had. Other Kai specialities included their Kuslyaki Filet, Kobe Beef Carpaccio and their Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. ~hey offer a full range of soups and salads including their Kai salad, Ika Sansai Salad, Seaweed Salad, Tri Tuna Salad and their Honey Walnut Mango Chicken Salad. For their entrees they offer everything from Teriyaki to black cod, sea bass to New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Kai Surf and Turf. Other entrees included Seven Samurai with seven kinds of fish on top of a California Roll, Drunken Tiger which is spicy tuna with asparagus wrapped with grilled tuna, Fantastic Four, with shrimp tempura, crab, spice tuna with fried eel on top. For desserts they offer a wide choice for any pallet including Irish chocolate cake, banana chocolate spring rolls, creme brulee, tiramisu and cheesecake. Xhe table next to us had been coming back almost every week since they opened. They get a lot of diners who came back again and again and again just because this restaurant knows how to do things the right way! It is just that simple! Kai Restaurant is in an old downtown building that they completely remodeled to perfection. We know that with all their professionalism that they will be in business for many years. When traveling around the country we find that so many restaurants try to copy each other and the Kai Restaurant is itself and it’s own creation and that is what makes it so special. By the way, their prices are extremely reasonable. No trip to Springfield, Mo. would be complete if you don’t have a wonderful dining experience at the Kai Restaurant. Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 5:00 PM to 1:15 AM. For reservations call 417-8320077 and check out their website, www.kaiafterdark.com. People go to a restaurant not only to dine but to have a fabtflous dining experience and trust us on this one, you will have a "beyond fabulous" dining experience. When you get the best and innovative decor, great food and great service, you know you have found the perfect place! Congratulations to the owners and stafffor making the KAI Restaurant so special. 22 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �"While we beat our chests and proclaim ourselves the xvorld’s largest superpower, it is foolish to expect that we Americans, with only 6 percent of the world’s population, can automatically impose our xv~ll on everyone else." [p. 25] "... [~he...war in Iraq has led to a devastaring drop in world approval of the United States and sharp divisions between Muslim and Non-Muslim communities. It has provided more recruits for anti-American terrorist organizations, cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, and above all, caused loss of human life on a tragically large scale. A failure to understand the culture and history of other parts of the world has exacted a great price." ~. 28] "We cannot afford the toll that multiple Iraq-like mistakes would take on America, especially as we deal xvith emerging nations whose power and influence will become great as time passes." [p. 29] "Preemptive military engagements in the absence of an act of war against us have not proven successful. Vietnam and Iraq are dramatic examples." [p. 41] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. "Forty other countries now have a higher life expectancy than the United States, in no small part because 45 million Americans have no health insurance. When ~vill we act?" [p. 7] "... [I]t is morally imperative that we provide universal health coverage for all Ameficans...We must not rule out considering a new approach that moves away from the current rodeo. Very often they do. It’s a lot of hard work, it is very rewarding, but every year right after the Rodeo ends we start planning for the next one. Victor: Do straight people still sometimes get thrown by the idea of a gay cowboy? Klint: They don’t associate what they perceive to be a masculine lifestyle to be a part of how they perceive the gay lifestyle. So in part we are educating the public as a whole, and even still some parts of the gay community, that we come from every facet of life. Victor: So what’s in store for this year? Klint: We have a great reputation, one of the largest rodeos of the IGRA system. We have a new rodeo director from Florida, Jim Mitchell and Assistant directors Travis Parker ofOGRA & Michael Fontenot of Florida. We’re doing all kinds of promotions not only in Oklahoma but also surrounding states, and we expect people from all parts of the country. This year we are hosting the I.G.R.A.’s Board of Directors Meeting, so trustees from all of their rodeo associations throughout the United States and Canada will be here. As with tradition, all we donate stays in Oklahoma. This year we are helping out two major charities, Other Options and Rain Oklahoma. Victor: So who should join OGRA? Does one have to be a rancher or cowboy? Klint: We have many members who have never ridden a horse or worked with cattle. We welcome people who many walks of life who embrace cowboys and western heritage. As we raise money for our community, we need talented people who want to help us make a difference. employer-based system...Those who have health insurance are already paying the costs for the uninsured, who often end up in hospital emergency rooms...The uninsured wait to get help until they reach a medical crisis. This drives costs higher. There is no excuse for another presidential term to end without implementing universal health insurance." [p.p. 84-5] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. www.ozarksstar.com Victor: I think that’s an invitation. Thanks for all you and OGRA do for gay Oklahoroans, including our cowboys and cowgirls, and we can look forward to another great event. VOTER I~GISTRATION Voter registration applications may be submitted at any time. However, a valid application must be received at a motor license agency or a designated voter registration agency, or postmarked (if submitted by mail), more than 24 days prior to an election in order for the applicant to participate in that election. Deadlines for submitting valid voter registration applications prior to the 2008 statewide elections are as follows: Primary Election Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, July 29 - Election Runoff Primary Election Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, August 26 - Election General Election Friday, October 10 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, November 4 - Hection CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION Changes in political affiliation may not be made during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which a change in political affiliation can be made before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which a change in political affiliation can be made after the closed period is September 1. OTHER IMPORTANT DATES Last day to request absentee ballot for July 29 Primary Hection Wednesday, July 23 Vote early at your County Hection Board office Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday, July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM Monday, July 28, 8 AM - 6 PM Candidate Filing for federal, state, legislative and county offices June 2 - 4 wvcw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html theSTAR 23 �Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa 24 @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City �By Greg Steele on the prowl ~e 84 & Robin Dorner with The City S~Ni~i atthe fundraiser for State Senator Andrew Rice! Marlett is runn ng aga nst the nfamous sai ~ I(em. Democratic U£. senate candidate (currently State Senator) Andrew Rice with Richard Ogden Chairperson Cimarron Alliance Foundation at a fantastic fundraiser at Ogden’s home. victor G06~ ~e~nt~ O~l~h;ma C0rpora~ tion Commissioner Jim R6tha plaque with a 45 of one is his favodte inspirations, Dion’s "Abraham Martin & Johi~2 www.ozarksstar.com State Representative A! McAffrey with Oklahbrna County Democratic Party co-chair Elle~ Ste~SS at Oklahoma City fundraiser for McAffrey. : �By Ronald Blake ho wants to see you achieve health, fitness, and overall well-being? It seems like everyone wants to see you fit into that smaller size of pants or cut back on your smoking. We live in a soci.ety where it is horrible to think that people die. You need to take advantage of this munificence of the masses. Government agencies are always watching out for you. The FDA is monitoring what medications are safe for your consumption. The FAA will not let you fly with Joe Camel smoke swirling aimlessly around the cabin. The CDC monitors the incidences of West Nile virus outbreaks in all the 50 states. Your local agency on aging center will even see to it that you have a fan or air conditioner to place in your window if you can’t afford to buy one. Your taxes are ~vorking to help you after all. Restaurants and fast food establishments are even seeking to give you healthier food. Subway leads the pack of retailers by offering you groovy grinders and showcasing the slimmed down Jared as proof of eating right. Numerous restaurants are shrinking their portion sizes and now only offering enough to satisfy one hippopotamus’ appetite. Applebee’s is one example of this sensible change. They even charge a little less for this good idea. Gosh, even Hamburglar and Grimace are putting apple slices in Happy Meals. smoking cessation classes. The Cancer Society will tell you when you should get a pap smear, colorectal check, skin screening, and breast exam. There are support groups for autism, anger management, gambling addictions, mental illnesses, and many more. If you can Google it, it is out there waiting to be uncovered by you. Even money-hungry Hollywood types have your best interests in mind. "Supersize Me" was that documentary about McDonalds and the Big Mac that put the fast-food giant into a Dow Jones suicide watch. The behemoth hamburger franchiser changed their menu in response to this fat-laden epiphany. Michael Moore took on the health care industry and all the cigar-chomping politicos inside the Beltway in his documentary "Sicko". He exposed the Swiss cheese health coverage we have for the denizens of this great land. There have even been movies like a "Beautiful Mind" and "Rain Man" that have shown a superb story but have also given us a better understanding of health issues like mental illnesses. Finally, we even have philanthropists like Bill Gates, Oprah, Bono, and numerous others who are giving money to charities to improve the lives of others. These methods include education and training. Education is one of the greatest factors affecting poor health. More educated individuals are less likely to smoke, drink, or engage in drug activity than those individuals who lack a proper education. If you want to achieve it, you must seek it. It should not be difficult; there is assistance around every corner. Excuses are around every corner too. Choose your corner care- fully. This health and fitness coltunn is brought to you by that guy who has an analog mind in a digital world. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be shaken from his reverie at w~wv.goblakefitness.com. There are not-for-profit agencies out there that are a website away from accessing information for better health. The American Lung Association will tell you where to find 26 t~÷STAR w~vw.ozarksstar.com �SPRINGFIELD, MO. NATIONAL NEV S opened last October and has quickly become extremely popular. Why? Because of the owner and staff. Rob knows how to treat customers and has hired a very professional staff. Michelte, the bar manager is the kind of bartender that everybody wants. She is fun, funny, lively, interesting, professional and you can tell that she really enjoys her job. Why can’t all bartenders across the country be like this? The other bartenders there are great also. We found everybody in this bar to be extremely friendly. How many times have you walked into a bar only to be sitting at the bar all by yourself and no one talks to you. Trust us, it won’t happen in this bar! NoY. governor .snpports Another fun place is JR’s Nightclub, 504 E. Commercial, (417) 864-2823. This is the bar "where men are comfortable, but everyone is welcome". They are open Monday thru Saturday, 5 to 1:30 AM and Sunday, 2 PM to midnight. When you walk in, people either know you or they don’t and if they don’t know you, they will shortly. Everyone is friendly. The bartenders and owner are friendly. After a couple of drinks you will know everybody in the bar. And isn’t that the idea of going to a bar, to meet other people? JR’s is the only bar in Springfield that is open on Sundays. Other places to visit are Martha’s Vineyard and Latin Vibes which features special gay shows on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If your needing to get around the city, contact Fisk Limousines, www.fisklimo.com or give them a call at 417.862.2900. They give the best service in the entire Midwest. Springfield, Missouri is indeed a city with a great future. They want EVERYONE to visit their beautiful city. We did and we certainly enjoyed our stay there as we know that all of our readers will. The Convention & Visitors Bureau has one of the best websites in the nation, www.springfieldadventures.com. Be sure and check it out. Our thanks to Susan Wade, Public Relations Manager, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. She is simply "the Best of the Best" and so professional, and to Mark Templeton of Springfield. same-sex marrmge New York Gov. David Patterson said April 7 that he supports legalization of same-sex marriage. Speaking by video link to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s awards dinner in Manhattan, Patterson said: "We xvill push on and bring full marriage equality to New York state. And when xve have done that, xve’re going to do more. We’re going to protect young people from bullies. We’re going to protect against the discrimination of people in the transgender community, and xve’re going to fight for decent and affordable health care for all citizens in this state." "If you xvill join with me, and if xve xvork hard enough, xve can change the face of Nexv York, which will be the catalyst to changing national policy," he said. Patterson had planned to attend the dinner but was stuck in Albany dealing with budget problems. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! www.ozarksstar.com t~:~ {~.STAR 27 �by Jack Fertig May 2008 "Articulate conflicts, Cancer!" The Sun in Taurus offers the comforts and pleasantries of spring. Now, however, Sol is aspecting asteroid Chiron in Aquarius and new planet Eris, stirring up the question of where to settle down and with whom. Think beyond habits, and be open to surprises! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Individualist though you are, you belong with some tribe - however awkwardly. A clash of values is inevitable, but not catastrophic. Give yourself room to be not at the center of the group, but at the edge - perhaps even the leading edge. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your own personality is both a key and an impediment to success. Meditate and talk with a confidante. Issues of fitting in and reconciling different communities in your world seem like complications, but actually point to a solution. GEMINi (May 21 - June 20): You’re too easily tempted into arguments with others.-Better to look within and resolve your own conflicts. Knocking those around with a friend and establishing a philosophical framework are important. Just know that the real debate is internal. SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 = December 20): Team sports or games - anything from charades to rugby - can help you understand your own thought processes, or perhaps learn how to keep your mouth from getting you into trouble. You’ll never get that one perfect, but you can make progress! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Being a capricious Cappy could get expensive. Entertain members of your family or tribe at home or through some community event, staying ever mindful of your budget. Asking others to contribute can help strengthen your bonds. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Fitting in with your family can be a problem. Imagine that you are adopted and speak a different language. What would you try to say? You wouldn’t want to be just like everyone else, so celebrate your uniqueness, and they’ll love you as you are. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. You may expose a few secrets, but that will probably do some good for you and others concerned. Even if there is a price to pay, you will find greater value in speaking up. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Time to review that famous "gay agenda." How do your goals and ideals fit in with your immediate queer community and your sense of the broader community? Articulating the conflicts and exploring the issues could put you into a position of leadership. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Your ambitions can easily lead to arguments. That’s OK, as long as the point of the argument is to better understand _what’s_ right, not _who’s_ right. To fix a relationship, try seeing it in a different light. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New ideas, even those that seem to come way out of left field, can help solve problems at work and with your health. (Chiropractic?) Don’t underestimate possibilities, wacky as they may seem, offered by other GLBT folks. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Rethinking group allegiances and community identity should prove helpful in understanding your sexual potential - not just as a lover, but as an erotic healer. Explore new forms of erotic play and perception. You can do this actively and/or academically. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Some housecleaning, literally or metaphorically, is important to improve your relationship or to help you be ready for one. An eccentric older relative or community elder offers an inspirational role model METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! 28 t~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �Support those who support us. DOWNTO\~N PLea of TULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\rAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NV4 39TH EXPRESS\gAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~wv.habanainn.com www.ozarksstar.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR 211 S. Garnett Tulsa, OK 74128 vavw.realacceptance.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GREAT PLAINS RODEO E O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 www.ogra.net GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lake~vood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #133 Tulsa, OK 74145 OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 Address: PHOTOGRAPHY." City: JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 St:__.Zip:. Phone: } CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: theSTAR 29 �Keller Willia Chu~ Whether buying or selling I’11~ ............... work hard fo (d,efinitiqn - growing up GAY in OK is not easy) You can he~p our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more info: www. openarrnsproject.org e-mail: ~di~o~alCar~oon@q~;yndica~.co m 30 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com �34 Bourbon St. ~04~37!-5450 Torch �TW’s-AFAB Catering G L B T G A Z I N K P �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document ESTABLISHED 2003 www.ozarksstar.com MAY 2008 One of the longest running and largest of Gay Rodeo Organizations in the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) system, Oklahoma’s Great Plains Rodeo will kick off it’s 23rd year. A fun filled weekend May 23 through May 25th 2008. The event will be held in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ~The fun begins with the Great Plains Rodeo Kickoff Party hosted at the Finishline Thursday, May 22 featuring the current reigning OGRA Royalty. This is a great chance to meet and greet, dance and party, and ready yourself for the weekend to come. The host hotel for the Rodeo is the Hilton Garden Inn, and there is a block of rooms available at a special rate from May 22-26 that will be available until May 16 or until they sell out, whichever comes first. Registration for the event happens Friday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets are available from OGRA members for $10 or $15 at the gate. The Rodeo takes place at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25, beginning at 8 a.m. both days. To keep the weekend wild the Texas Gay Rodeo Association will host their Texas T Party on that Saturday in the Copa from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. featuring fantastic food and fun. The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (OGRA) is a nonprofit organization and member of the International Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is comprised of 28 state/provincial associations throughout the United States and Canada. OGRA is proud to be the first association seated at the first ever IGRA Convention in 1985 For more information check out the OGRA website at www.ogra.net. An Exclusive Interview With OGRA’s 4 Term President, Klint Wieden Photo: Klint Wieden with his horse Cherokee. "I grew up in the small northwest Oklahoma town ofArnett. I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am." Klint told the Star. PAGE-12 Newly revamped drag-free Tulsa Pride 2008 unveiled By Joey De TULSA, OK __ Organizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration are promising the public that this year’s events will be anything but boring. "We have made a lot of changes to the entire celebration," says Nate Black, one of the co-chairs. Black says the changes are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement into the pride observance and to help promote the revitalization of downtown. "People don’t kno,v downtown. They don’t know how to get here, they don’t know where to park, they don’t know how many things are down here and growing," Black says. "We have moved the events to ................ Continued Page 5 i 7 West 7th Street (corner 7th & ~3oulder Ave) e Tulsa, Ok 74ii9 www.ozarksstar.com 1:800o535oAtDS (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTKOT YOUR PAR www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3 Join us for our biggest issue of the year! PRIDE 2008. Be a part of RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW Deadline Thursday l~ay t 5f.h Serving the Oklahoma GLBT community since 2003. Mr OkAahoma Continentall Benefits OYP Tulsao By Judy G. Charles Frederick Mr Oklahoma Continental 2008 TULSA, OK __ March 28th, Singer and entertainer Chades Frederick, Mr. Oklahoma Continental, began one of the many benefits planned to support Openarms Youth Project in Tulsa to a standing room only crowd. Many parents and grandparents of the entertainers were in attendance. David Dees, owner of Club Majestic, 124 N. Boston, Tulsa, donated the use of the dub for this worthy benefit. ~he event raised $770 for OYE. Entertainers were Sabastyn Croft, Tazia Kennedy, Cort, Brooke Kennedy-Miss OK National Queen, Mindy Bartlett, KC Morgan, Kordylia Kennedy, Alex Kennedy, Iman Scott-Miss Goddess 2007, Daphne Rio and Nicole Poverty-Miss OYE. Donations to benefit the GLBT youth group, many who are or were homeless just because they are gay, can be made to Openarms Youth Project, 2015-B S. Lakewood, Tulsa, Ok. 74112, or contact Tim or Ken at 918- 838-7104. TULSA PRIDE: give people a reason to check it (downtown) out, but also to come enjoy our new center and see how many resources are available." The first big change this year that Black notes is the separation of the Pride Festival from the Pride Parade. This year, the parade will occur June 7 and the festival will occur June 14. Following a national trend, the Pride Parade will be held in the evening, escaping the oppressive summer sun. The parade will fol!ow a new route, taking it from the Brady Arts District through downtown to the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. When the parade ends at 4th and Kenosha, the new Pride Block Party will kick off: "There will be 2 stages of entertainment, beer tents, vendors and all kinds of activities," says Black, who also notes that national music sensation Eric Himan will be performing. Black also says that for those with children, the second floor of the equality center will be open to provide licensed babysitters for a small fee. A week later, the Diversity Festival will kick off in Centennial Park just west of6th & Peoria. Black says that the newly revamped festival will feature two stages of entertainment with a multi-ethnic array of performers, an international food court, children’s area, local vendors and more. According to Black, including other faith and ethnic communities is not an attempt to "de-gay" Pride, but to help create community allies. "We have to realize our commitment to justice can not be for the gay community only. We have to speak out against racism and against bigotry. "The GLBT community is in every population," "By increasing our alliances we strengthen our own commitment for our people." ’This is still a gay pride event," Black emphasizes. There will be a leather fashion show, there will be drag queens, and there xvill be rainbows. It’s still very gay, but it is also more professional and more inclusive." The final major change that Black says will be occurring is the moving of the Diversity Gala to the historic Cain’s Ballroom. Black says that not only does this help to create an emphasis on downtown, but it also provides much needed space for the event to grow. For the latest updates on the Tulsa Pride Celebration, visit their web site at www. tulsapride.org. 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit OKC Saturday, May 10, 9am-5pm, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Cimarron Alliance Foundation wil! host the 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit a one-day event with four sessions of workshops. This year’s summit features more extensive workshops about our state legislature - by far the most attended session last year - and programs appealing to college students and young adults. There will also be two community forums. The 2007 LGBT Leadership Summit was successful beyond expectations. LGBT and LGBT-friendly persons and organizations acquired tools and guidance to more effectively manage themselves and, more importantly, better collaborate with others to accomplish common goals. Workshops The 2008 LGBT Leadership Summit is a one-day event with four sessions of up to five workshops per session. Workshops will address five topics: Leadership Development O Organization Development - non-profits, fundraising, etc. o Government- politics and the legislative process ® Personal Development - spirituality, equality, etc. o Anti-violence - anti-bullying, hate crimes, etc. For more information go to: wvcw.cimarronalliance.org www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5 Loving the Hater Wlaile Hating the Hate By James Nimmo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ I found a link recently to a blog (vavw.bilerico.com) that contains a comment (http://tinyurl. com/4qdbph) written in reaction to reading the main story about the Oklahoma City chapter of PFLAG and their recording of Rep. Sally Kern (http://tinyurl.com/2zbpgn) that catches Kern in her spider web of hubris and cant. Like the author, I too am very disappointed with the approach of "loving the hater while hating the hate." Ofcourse, I respect our supporters who use their close relationship with Jesus to try and gain support for LGBT citizens and other minorities who are used for verbal target practice in the ~var for suppression of civil rights. I’m delighted the Oklahoma City PFLAG chapter was able to document the duplicity of Sally Kern and record with her permission the lies she later reported as irresponsibility on the part of PFLAG. This single incident should show you the arrogance and madness that is being passed offas legislative Republican leadership. Not one elected official in Oklahoma from either major party has come strongly to the defense and support of the LGBT taxpayers living in Oklahoma. Had Kern used race, skin color, or ethnic origin as her subject I bet the rent she would be rene~ving her teaching certificate and looking for a school that would hire her. The First Amendment guarantees both sides the freedom to practice their respective religious viewpoints and the market place in which to talk about them. However, this same First Amendment does NOT give either side permission to encode their religious viewpoints into CIVIL law. I feel this is where we miss the boat in establishing our birthright to equal treatment under judicial law, and not the ten laws of Deuteronomy. There will always be a Bible verse to trump the opposing Bible verse resulting in a version of ping-pong skirmishes with Jesus as the referee. The writer gives some specific examples of public, peaceful protest that we can engage in to show that LGBTs are neither the doormats nor the monsters our enemies make us to be. It’s odd that our suppressors are either afraid to be in the same room with us, fearing for their own bodily integrity, keeping their knees close together; or they, dismiss us as dippy airheads, frivolous and irresponsible. How can we be both at the same time? Their response shows more about the fiction in their minds then about the truth of our lives. Until we get out of the religious justification business the more we’ll be dragged into its historical quagmire. Look at the present wars being fought around the world and you’ll see religious intolerance at the root. Our LGBT equality will have to be established in the legislatures and the courthouses in all fifty states without religious prejudice tipping the scales of justice. 6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7 Comling o~ eAge 8 the STAR w-ww.ozarksstar.com ©irecYed bs/Davd Geligan Oklahoma OiV June 8~ 2008 at 8pnq Brot~-~e~ Boy www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 9 by Liz Highleyman What is the history o£GLAAD ?? For more than two decades, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has served as the queer community’s watchdog against biased portrayals of lesbian, ga); bisexual, and transgender people in the media. Up until the final decades of the 20th century, representations of LGBT people in l{lms, television, popular music, and mainstream publications - if present at all - typically focused on scandal or ridicule. The burst of gay activism and visibility in the late 1960s spurred a conservative backlash, and by the mid-1980s, the community was staggering under the weight of the AIDS epidemic, as people with HIV faced stigma exacerbated by media portrayals depicting them as a danger to the "general population." In 1985, the New York LGBT community was embroiled in a debate about closure of the .city’s gay bathhouses and grew- increasingly alarmed about sensationalistic AIDS coverage in the New York Post. That November, a group of long-time activists including Vito Russo, Arnie Kantrowitz, Jim Owles, and Darrell Yates Rist called a town meeting that drew more than 700 participants. Heeding the exhortation of author Jewetle Gomez to "take responsibility for what is being said about us," they formed the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). The group began as a grassroots effort, using phone trees and monthly newsletters to issue alerts about offensive media portrayals of LGBT people. Among its earliest victories, in 1987 GLAAD persuaded the New York Times to finally use the word "gay" rather than "homosexual." Ti~e following year, the New York group hired its first full-time executive director, Craig Davidson. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Richard Jennings and others started a new chapter focused on the Hollywood entertainment industry. The bicoastal organization’s clout continued to grow, enabling it to secure an apology from comedian Johnny Carson for saying "fag" on the air, followed by the suspension ofAndy Rooney by CBS for homophobic and racist comments. In 1992, Entertainment Weekly named GLAAD one of the 100 most powerful entities in Hollywood. Before long, new GLAAD chapters arose in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. But in 1995, the local groups merged into a centralized national organization with a single board, and a staff based in New York and Los Angeles; two years later, former Showtime executive Joan Garry took the helm. Over the next decade, GLAAD initiated projects focusing on communities of color (including Spanish and Chinese language media), sports media, faith-based groups, and youth. GLAAD continued to exert insider pressure, and, when needed, to organize larger public protests against biased portrayals - like Sharon Stone’s murderous bisexual temptress in the film Basic Instinct (1992) - or the omission of queer content, such as excising a male-male kiss from the television show Melrose Place. Homophobic song lyrics by rapper Eminem and Jamaican dancehall artists Beenie Man and Buju Banton were other targets. GLAAD also reacted to current events, such as the murders of Matthew Shepard and transgender teen Gwen Araujo, as well as homophobic outbursts by the likes of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell and Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. But in keeping with its mission of promoting "fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation," GLAAD also sought to shape positive portrayals. It consulted on television and movie scripts featuring LGBT characters and themes, pitched sympathetic stories to mainstream publications, provided spokespersons for talk shows, and trained queer individuals and groups in how to effectively use the media. In addition to wielding the "stick" of protest, the organization also dangled the "carrot" of praise, introducing the GLAAD Media Awards in 1990 to recognize favorable representations of the community and its issues. After considerable pressure from LGBT media, the organization agreed in 2007 to honor them along with nongay outlets. By 2005, when Garry turned over leadership to Neil Giuliano - the openly gay former Republican mayor ofTempe, Ariz. - the organization had a budget approaching $7.5 million and a staff of more than 40. Yet GLAAD’s explosive growth, insider strategy, and increased emphasis on star-studded events did not sit well with some activists who felt the organization had moved too far from its grassroots origins. Further, some were unhappy with tactics they regarded as censorship, such as the successful pressure campaign to cancel conservative commentator Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s television show. GLAAD has "a political agenda that is murky at best - at worst, it is dangerous to free speech, artistic expression, and the interests of LGBT people," wrote activist Michae! Bronski. "Judging the accuracy of a news report is much different than judging art. GLAAD can deal with these issues by getting out of show business and back into watchdog media commentary." Despite the criticism, GLAAD continues with its goal of"changing people’s hearts and minds through what they see in the media." According to the organization, "What people see at the movies or read in the newspaper shapes how they view and treat the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people around them, and we have a responsibility to make sure those images foster awareness, understanding and respect." For further reading: Bronski, Michael. 2005. ~Not So GLAAD Anymore." Z Magazine (May 1). Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. www.glaad.org. Gross, Larry: 2002. Up From Invisibility: Lesbians, Gay Men and the Media in America (Columbia University Press). 10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com OkEq Announces Anrmat Equality Gala Saturday, May 3t, 6pm, Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N Main Ave TULSA, OK__ (ENEWS) Oklahomans for Equality is excited to announce its annual Equality Gala, held this year at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom. Benefiting OkEq, the Gala honors Lifetime Achievement Axvard xvinner Charles Faudree, Community Heroes George Kaiser Family Foundation and Carol Crawford, and Russ Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award winner Nancy Day: The program features a champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception, live entertainment by Jared Tyler and Valerie Eskridge accompanied by Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, dinner by Taste Catering and wine donated by Loring Wine Company. Don’t miss the black tie event of the season, celebrating Tulsa’s rich diversity. Sponsorship information and tickets are available at: wxvw.okeq.org Co ° munity for People iving with H P !iA1D8 A 501 c (3) Non Profit O~:gan:izatlon Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. VVe provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. We invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail harrismmjr@yahoo.com. www.0zarksstar.c0m New exhibit featuring artist Ann Marie Distefano at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-9pm, Thursday, May 1, 2008, for the opening of it’s May exhibit, paintings by Ann Marie Distefano. Ann Marie’s paintings emerge from an aspiration to reclaim the spiritual dignity of art. "I want to make art that might open for the receptive viewer the window onto eternity," states Distefano. She continues, "My paintings are ’plugged into’ an inner source within myself that is very deep and sometimes unknown. What I seek to achieve is independence of artistic and philosophical fashions. My goal as an artist is to reveal an ineffable presence, the contemplation of which can lead the viewer towards an intuitive recognition of his or her own inherent radiance." Distefano, a native Bostonian, has been living in Tulsa for the past four years. She is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. The reception will be generously catered by donation by Baxter’s Interurban Grill. The exhibit will remain up through the month of May, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq. org. This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for Equality (OkEq)_. OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Emmy Award Winner Leslie Jordan (Brother Boy) In Oklahoma City. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Leslie Jordan famed "Sordid Lives" star, will bring his one man show, "My Trip Down The Pink Carpet" to OKC June 8th at the Tolbert Theater @ Stage Center. "In 1982, Leslie Jordan jumped offa Greyhound bus from the hills ofTennessee, said ’hello’ to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television and film roles to his credit, he is probably best remembered for ’Kyle’ hapless ex-con on Muphey Brown, ’Resplendent Man’ entrepreneurial super hero on Lois and Clark, and can currently be seen recurring as ’Mr. Beverly Leslie’ on the hit series, \Vgill & Grace. Mr. Jordan just finished a stint on the two hit series, Ally McBeal and Boston Public as ’Dr. Benjamin Harris’ cloning expert turned new-age reverend turned science teacher turned drama coach. Mr. Jordan has also had a successful stage career. He played ’Brother Boy’ a Tammy Wynette fixated drag queen, in Del Shores hit play Sordid Lives and went on to star in the film adaptation of that play. He also has won every award for best supporting actor LA gives in theatre (Back Stage West Garlands, LA Weekly, LA Drama Critics Circle) for his portrayal of’Peanut Leroy’ a sodden aging homosexual in the runaway hit, Southern Baptist Sissies. the STAR 11 By Victor Gorin ooking forward to the upcoming Great Plains Rodeo, O.G.R.A. President Klint Wieden shares his thoughts and hopes not only for this event but for OGRA and the gay cowboys and cowgirls of Oklahoma. Originally from the small Oklahoma community of Arnett, he grew up as a typical Oklahoma cowboy, belonging to both 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. He went on to OSU where he majored in animal science and business, and now resides in OFdahoma City with his current career of copier sales while enjoying being a cowboy on the side. We appreciate him sharing his time with us. Victor: How many years has the Great Plains Regional Rodeo been in Oklahoma City? Klint: This is our 23rd year, and it has been held for the last 15 years at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. It began with a group of people looking for an avenue where they could have friendly competition, socialize together and work together. It was a place for people who had something in common, a love of rodeo. They were gay cowboys who didn’t really feel that they fit into the gay scene at that time. The I.G.R.A. ( International Gay Rodeo Association) was formed, and O.G.R.A ( Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) was among the first state organizations. At the same time, the founders felt that they could also help the community by being a major fundraiser for charities of the community. Victor: A tradition that continues to this day. Klint: Besides the competition and fun involved, fundraising is truly what the rodeo Photo: Klint Wieden President OGRA is all about. \Ve raise money all year long to put it on, and then take the proceeds from that to give back to local charities. Victor: Is it still a regional rodeo? Klint: It had formerly been the Great Plains Regional Rodeo, representing other states as well. Today it is the Great Plains Rodeo, an event solely of OGRA. There is another organization in Tulsa, the Sooner State Rodeo Association, who also has their own rodeo. Victor: Of course the situation is much better than it was over 25 years ago. There were probably a lot of gay cowboys who felt they couldn’t be themselves and fit into what they perceived the gay community to be at that time. But even today straight people are astounded that there are gay cowboys, much less a rodeo. Klint: A couple a years ago the Daily Oklahoman wrote about our rodeo. \Vhat was to be a small paragraph turned into a front page story, hit the AP wires and was read all over the country. It was also read by my parents, who I had not been out with, who accepted me for the gay cowboy I was. Victor: Gay just happens, but cowboys are made. So how did it happen that you are a cowboy? Klint: I grew in the small northwest Oklahoma town ofArnett, 18 people in my graduating class. Arnett is a farming and ranching community, I rode horses and worked cattle my whole life, so that’s really who I am. Like many straight people, I thought you had to be flamboyant and feminine to be gay, and that wasn’t me. Once I learned there were country gay bars with cowboys, and gay rodeos, I thought" wow!" I fit in. That was great to kno~v. Victor: Of course the movie Brokeback Mountain had an enormous impact on America as a whole. I’m sure it had a special effect for the gay rodeo scene. Klint: It made people aware, both gay and straight, that there were people in that lifestyle who happened to be gay. So many gay cowboys could really relate to it, felt we had to hide for fear of not being accepted by our families, friends, bosses, or even the gay communir): Victor: So how rewarding has your hard work been with OGRA? Klint: \Veil this is my 4th term as the President of OGRA, I’ve been the rodeo director. I’m very out and very proud of what I’m doing. I have no problem telling businesses, like my dry cleaners, my dentist, my veterinarian that I support them, I’m a gay cowboy, and I’d like their support for our ............ Continued PAGE 23 12 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com Foreman eaves Task Force National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman quit his job April 15 and moved to San Francisco to head up the Gay & Lesbian Rights Program at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. The fund provides more grant support to GLBT organizations than aW other nongay foundation in the U.S. Foreman was at the Task Force for five years and is credited with grmving the staff to 54 full-timers and doubling the organizanon’s budget to $10 million. "I’m incredibly privileged to have had this job for the last five years, and to have been paid to be gay for the last 18," Foreman said in an interview. "There are so many people who give their hearts and souls to our movement without any compensation or for ridiculously low salaries, and that certainly includes LGBT journalists. ’Tm also overwhelmed with pride in our people," he said. "One thing I hear a lot in my travels is: ’There’s no such thing as a gay community. No one’s on the same page. In a few years we’ll all be assimilated, etc., etc.’ I couldn’t disagree more. "Name me one community -- or family, for that matter -- where everyone agrees and everyone gets along. That’s not community, but banality.... No, there’s no monolithic gay community, but there are dozens and dozens of communities within our larger movement and they’re accomplishing amazing things every day. There’s community everywhere I go -- some purely social, others religious, others political, others professional. "While we do have a very, very long way to go, the fact that we’ve made so much progress while being such a tiny minority and against such mighty opponents is, to me, proof positive that we do indeed have a vibrant people and community." Wockner News Service PlanetOut to selll Advocate, Out, Myson, porn mags PlanetOut Inc. is selling The Advocate and Out magazines -- as well as The Out Traveler, HIVPlus, three porn magazines and book publisher Alyson Publications -- to an affiliate of the gay TV network here! for $6 million. The sale price is far !ess than the $31.1 million PlanetOut Inc. paid for the magazines and book compaW when it bought LPI Media Inc. and SpecPub Inc. in 2005. PlanetOut Inc. reported a loss of $51.2 million last year. The company xvill continue to own and operate Gay.com and PlanetOut.com. In January, PlanetOut Inc. "retained Allen & Company, LLC to assist the company in evaluating strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company," a press release said. The corporation also announced in January "that it will no longer be providing quarterly or annual earnings guidance and will not hold quarterly earnings calls." The porn magazines included in the sale to Regent Releasing and Unzipped. A fourth SpecPub Inc. porn magazine, known as [2], has ceased publication, but the sale will include the trademark "[2]," PlanetOut Inc. CEO Karen Magee said via e-mail. Obama grants interview to Advocate Under fire for not speaking with local and regional gay cations, presidential candidate Barack Obama sat down for an interviexv with Advocate.corn on April 10. "The gay press may feel like I’m not giving them enough love. But basically, all press feels that xvay at times;’ Obama said. "Obviously, when you’ve got limited amount of time, you’ve got so many oudets. We tend not to do a whole bunch of specialized press.... But I haven’t been silent on gay issues. What’s happened is, I speak oftentimes to gay issues to a public general audience" Obama said he supports passage of a federal law protecting transgender people from discrimination but he’s not sure there’s support in Congress for the move. A bill outlawing job discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals has passed the House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate. "I have been clear about my interest in including gender identity in legislation, but I’ve also been honest ~vith the groups that I’ve met with that it is a heavy lift through Congress," he said. "\Ve’ve got some Democrats who are willing to vote for a non-inclusive bill but we lose them on an inclusive bill, and we just may not be able to generate the votes" Obama said he understands gay people’s frustration with candidates such as himself(and Hillary Clinton) who support, civil-union but not marriage for same-sex couples,’ I strongly respect the right ofsamesex couples to insist that even ifwe got complete equality in benefits, it still wouldn’t be equal because the same ~vord, marriage, assigned to it; he said. "I understand that, 3ective is also the broader ,olitical and ’ historical context in which I’m opera ing" MORE PAGE 27 www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13 Rata Esparza Slays ’Era in 2518 Eventually, all the Broadway stars try their tuck in Hollywood. And it Was just ~ matter of time before Raul Esparza, the han&ome Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner (both for _Company_ and TabooL wandered west. Xhe bisexual actor has already fom~.d success on the small screen, cast m a recurring ro!e on A Cs h,t Pushing Daisies. BUt n~w he ma.v be s,tepping wlay outside the feel-good box he ~ been in - hes in t~ to play a s~riaI killer in Wes Craven~ latest ~een-horror fihm, 2518. Concerning a group 0fkids being stalked by a killer believed to have died on the birthday they share in common, the film will co’star teenage collies 0 pe ) and Shareeka epps (Half-Nelson). No production or release dates yet, but the scary stuffis due to shoot soon. Gay Cast Populates C vas Shifting the Canvass. an indie drama due m rackJe the complicated lives of a group of BrooMyn friends aAer 9/11. has cast several ~:aces fan~iliar to queer audiences. notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyem~e Ja4k~on. t~t seen on film as rugby player M~k Bingha~n in United 93, and cur~endy on Broadway in the hit music~ 3~adu, Jackson will star as a heterosexuN W~ Srree~ executive involved with a group of gay ffien&. Rounding out the c~st is ~& in ~e HNI alum Scott "~,ompson, ~ well as John Paul Pimc (best remembered ~ the hotW go-go boy in N’icD and Gedde Watanabe (last seen reD,lart~ as a gay nurse on ER, but forever kmown as ’Long D~ Dong" from SNteen CanNes). ~le film rolls in June and promises ~meos ~- several ~-yevunn~ed New ~brk ni~tti~e personalties. Cosby Goes to Jail Moore kmows how hard it is for an ; a break from the business so lately she~ been a low-risk comeback? Get on indie-film bus. And that’s exacdy what he’s been doing, recently starring in the .’ist drama Flawless with Michael Caine. nd now set to shoot gay writer-director from a d~tchell Llchtenste~ns (Teeth) latest film. mate Happy Tears. She’s i~ good compan> ~oo, ~ih~e-fitm veteran P~ker Posey has signed taste, ,n toplay lvloore’s younget sibling. ~2ne kama focuses on the two estranged sisters me selfLaggrandizing, the other bitter and ~dn~) as they re-establish their relationlip and deal with their elderly father’s progressive dementia. Shooting now in 2010. i~hiiadelphia, look for the happiness sometim~ in 2009. who finds herself Notably up-and-coming gay actor Cheyenne Jack,on. Photo: By Ben Strothmann 14 the STAR wv~,.ozarksstar.com Brief history from around the There is a lot to learn about this versatile wine. There are plenty ofgood Rieslings to taste. Let~ start with Australian offerings. They are noted fbr their oily- texture and citrus fruit flavors in their youth and a smooth balance of freshness and acid as they age. New Zealand Riesling was first planted in the 1970s and has flourished in the relatively cool climate of the Marlborough area. In comparison to Australian Riesting, New Zealand produces lighter and more delicate wines that range from sweet to dry. ][n Cati~brnia, Riesling lags far behind in popularity to Chardonnay ~d is not as commonly planted. A notable exception is opment ofhigh quality Late Harvest So i]~r, the Late Harvest wines produced are in the Anderson Valleys (north of Santa Rosa) where is more likely to encourage dte needed botutis develop. ~ae Riesling that does ~ fornia tends to be softer, fuller, a diverse flavors than a "tTpical" ~ ofBonW Doon, F Mountain A~v~& with dedicated completely to With high acidity and peach has deveto area is re t facility [, citric, With German Riesling, of ~vine Pr~dikat (QmP) PRAY-dee-kahq. It is the defined by the 1971. ,nit New York, particularly in ~e Finger Lakes region, was one ofthe eaMiest U.S, producers ofPdesling. Plantings started to appear in California by 1857 and fbllowed in xNSshington State in 1871. New ~tbrk Riesling generally has a characteristic effervescent light body with a similarly light, mellow flavor, The wine can be dynamic though rarely robust, and ranges from dry to sweet. New York is also a notable producer ofRiesling based Ice Wine, although a large majority ofNew ~%rk ke Wine is made from Vidal Blanc and Vigno~es. In the Pacific Northwest there is a stark contrast in Riesling production. ~Ihe grape is currently on the rise in ~VZ~shington State but on the decline in neighboring Oregon. Pdesling from this area ranges from dr?" to sweet, m~d has a crisp lighmess that bodes well for e~sy drin~ng. Often there will be an easily detectable peach and mineral complex. Some Washington State winemakers, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, are adapting Germau-style There are six subcategories categor?; ranked from determine various levels .are: K)~BINE~, SP/&TLESE BEEI?J);NAUSLESE, EISWEIN, ENBEERENAUSLESE. Each care fined by a minimum sugar content of the which varies {::rotn region to region. The focus sugar content embodies the theoW that grapes with bdgher sugar levels are riper and therefore yield richer wines with deep colors and intense flavors. Although Riesling is best known from Germa- W’s Mosel-Saa>Rmver, Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Rheingau m:eas, wines from Alsace and Austria attain equal greatness. France’ Alsace’s are coveted for their high sugar levels and endless aging abili9~. Food Paring Riesling is a versatile wine for pairing with food because ofits balance ofsugar and acidity: tt can ~ paired with Thai and Chinese cuisine and various Rieslingproduction methods, and even parmering . types ofdishes prepared more on the spicy side. with well&~own German vinmers like Dr. Ernest One can also enjoy this wine with spicy ham, Loosen to create specialty wines such as the Eroig~ pork with pineapple chutney, stir-fried snow peas Riesling, with spicy shrimp, crab, turkey, barbequed or www.ozarksstar.com smoked meats, . white sausages, crab cakes gouda & grwere~ :this wine can be paired as an cake, apples/pears, caramel/ wmilla ice creaan, Schm~ Sohne Relax ’06 Job JOS P~Urn/Spatlese ’04 Jakob Dem~er/Kabinett ’06 ~ ’06 Pacific Rim Califor- Series Australia ’06 And as always, I say go to your favorite wine shop, ask questions and purchase a bottle or two. Share some food & wine with friends and check this out for yourself. Vlr. D also hosts wine & food events known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts of Tulsa. References include: the ABC’s of wine by James Laube/vcww.WineSpectator.com ,#~,~v.FoodandWine.com www.Wikipedia.org the STAR 15 HOST HOTEL 801 South Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 ¯35-9~2-1400 ¯ 1-877-STAY-HGI OVER FLOW HOTEL 1511 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 405-840-5557 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams Campbell Street, Springfield, MO Early 1900’s ~ormany years, Springfield, Missouri has gotten a bad rap fi’om the gay and lesbian community all over the country. Even many of our straight friends have been hesitant about visiting Springfield. Like many cities in the "Bible Belt", Springfield has had in the past a reputation for being extremely conservative and even homophobic. Well, readers, things have CHANGED and for the better ! At the invitation of the Springfield, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau we visited Springfield last month. They showed us their beautiful city, their museums, attractions, galleries, dining options and we must admit that we are now in love with Springfield, Missouri and we lmow that all of our gay and lesbian readers from coast to coast will also be. Springfield, Mo. is a very "vibrant and alive" city and everybody is welcome. As our readers kmow, we are a "very out’ gay couple and we were shown the highest respect everywhere we went in Springfield. There are gays and lesbians working in every field of employment in Springfield and nearly all of them are "out". MaW of the large National companies at first were hesitant to move their offices and headquarters to Springfield but things have changed and for a variety of reasons. We want to thank so many of the younger gays and lesbians that we met while we were in Springfield for their honesty and hard work that to made this happen. Now with that being said, let us tell you about the "new and improved" Springfield, Missouri. With a population of over 420,000 for metropolitan Springfield, it is the third largest city in the State and offers an unbelievable array of surprises for any traveler. When so many cities in the country are down-sizing and doing nothing to improve their cities, the Springfield, Mo. community has grown in every ~vay imaginable in their arts, business, sports, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Their "new and improved" downtown area is something that most cities can only dream about. All within walking distance you can admire the works of local and regional artists in more than 15 galleries, artist’s studios and other venues where you can encounter sculpture, pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography and hand blown glass demonstrations. In addition you have a choice of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and cafes to dine. In Springfield, they MADE it happen! Springfield has over 6,000 hotel/motel rooms and over 600 dining options. So whatever you are into, you will find it in Springfield! Metropolitan Springfield has so much to offer in the way of attractions, historical places to visit and things to see. FANTASTIC CAVERNS is a must see for any first time visitor to Springfield. They open daily at 8 AM until dusk. You ride thru this ancient underground cave that has massive formations. The tour is 50 minutes and your driver will explain the entire history of the cave to you. THE SPRINGFIELD ART MUSEUM is the permanent home for some 8,500 art objects representing thousands of years of culture. They are open Tuesday thru Sunday and are located at 111 E. Brookside Dr. The SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE at the historic Landers Theatre is Missouri’s oldest and largest civic theatre. This season includes Gypsy, ATuna Christmas, the Miracle Worker and Seussical to name just a few of their productions. "WILD BILL" HICKOK SHOOTOUT SITE in Park Central Square, right downtown is the site of the nations first recorded shootout and helped solidify the reputation ofWild Bill. Look for the marker on 18 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com Stage coach terra cotta on Springfidd garage. East. Markers are also located in the street showing where each man stood during the shoot out. The RAILROAD HISTORICAL Museum, 1300 No. Grant Ave. is dedicated to the preservation of railroading and you can step into a locomotive, commuter car and caboose. The MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME, 3861 E. Stan Musial Drive includes thousands of sports memorabilia, exhibits and displays and of course the Springfield Cardinals Baseball team which is the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and plays at Hammonds Field. Bass Pro has their big store at !935 South Campbell Ave with everything imaginable in the sports line. Tired of seeing everything yet? Well, Springfield offers a lot more things to see! The AIRAND MILITARY Museum of the Ozarks is a "hands-on" museum of military history. They are located at 2305 E. Kearney St. The Brown Derby Store at 2023 S. Glenstone offers a world-class wine selection unmatched in the Midwest. The Commercial Street Historical District (between \Vashington Ave. and Lyon Ave. is a self-guided tour which is a 6 block adventure. With a seasonal farmers market, chocolate factory, the city’s oldest tavern, new micro-brewery, antiques/art galleries, this is a great walking tour. DICKERSON PARK ZOO, 1401 W. Norton Road allows visitors to get up dose with hundreds of animals. DISCOVERY CENTER is an interactive hands-on science center and is located downtown at 438 E. St. Louis St. The TENT THEATRE is celebrating their 45th season this summer. This summer’s productions include Cyrano de Bergerac, June 11-14 and June 16-21, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, June 25-28, June 30-July 3, and our favorite, Anything Goes with lyrics and music by Cole Porter, July 9-12, July 14-20. The Theatre and Dance Department at Missouri State University in Sprinbffield offers a wide range of theatre and dance programs. But the most important time we had in Springfield during our recent visit there was the "DOWNTOWN AREA". The "new:" dmvntmvn area is FABULOUS !!!!! Check out their wonderful website at www.itsalldowntown. corn \re particularly enjoyed having breakfast at Galley’s Breal’~ast Care downtown at 220 East Walnut. The setting is a wonderful old nostalgic care of the past but yet has new and innovative delicious food with service to match. The owners and staff are doing it EXACTLY RIGHT! This is the only place to have breakfast in Springfiel!! Nonna’s Italian American Care, 306 South Avenue is wonderful. Although they offer non-Italian choices, why bother? Their Italian menu is what it is all about. And it is GOOD! Our best dining experience for dinner was at the Kai Restaurant, 306 South Campbell. This new downtown restaurant is one of the finest in the country with great atmosphere, The Gay and Lesbian Center of the Ozarks, 518 E. CommerciaI Street in Springfield supports the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the greater Springfield, Missouri region by organizing and sponso> ing community activities and by increasing public understanding and appreciation of LGBT citizens. Josh Comp is the President and is doing a magnificent job. Their phone number is 417-869-3978. They organize Pridefest and help organize the annual variety show, the Queen City Cabaret. They are close partners with FOCUS - LGBT professionals group and with APO, Blossom women’s group, the First Sunday Community Potluck. They provide free professional counseling through the Forest Institute. They have an Individual and Community Services Advocate who provides services to the community and have a youth group program for LGBT youth which meets once a week and every fourth Friday. They provide an outlet for many social and support groups. They have been operating since !996 and are one of the oldest Gay and Lesbian Centers in the State. Volunteers are always needed so give them a call and donate a couple hours a week. For nightlife, they have the new CLUB 821 that is getting a lot of attention throughout the entire Midwest. ~xey are located at 821 West College, just 8 blocks West of the downtown area and NEVER A COVER ! (vavw.club821.corn) and phone (417) 866-4821 Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 4 PM to 1 AM. and happy hour is daily 4 PM to 7 PM. This bar just Photo: Donald Pie, Rob Bel (owner Club 821) & Ray Williams at Club 821, Springfield, ~Ossouri great service and extremely great food. Continuedpage 27 www.ozarksstar.com {HeSTAR 19 of By Andrew Collins Town Bakimore, Maryland Baltimore’s mostpopular lesbian bar, Sapphos, is ])art ofthe bustling Grand Central €*lu~ in the heart ofthe Mount Vernon neighborhood. (Photo by Andrew Collins) If you haven’t been to Baltimore in a while, you owe yourself a visit. This friendly, unassuming city has experienced a virtual rebi,~h over the past 15 years, rehabilitating its handsome Inner Harbor by converting dilapidated piers and ,vharves into museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, and condominiums. Often featured in the movies ofcamp filmmaker and native son John \V-aters, Baltimore has also developed increased cachet as a welcoming gay and lesbian destination, with its many GLBT-ffiendly businesses. Fortunately, the ci.ty’s success hasn’t gone to its head. It’s hard to find a more genuine and down-to-earth breed of urbanites than the residents of Baltimore, who retain a special affection for their hometown. You may be lured to Baltirnore by the many highly publicized attractions set around downtown’s Inner Harbor, and indeed most of these museums and entertainment centers live up to their billing. But be sure to save rime to explore the man), quirky- residential neighborhoods, a few of which - Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point - are within easy walking distance of downtown. The Inner Harbor thrived for years as a shipping crossroads before falling into a state of blight. Its conversion into an entertainment and museum district has made it one of the most engaging and picturesque harbors in America. Popular attractions include the glassenc! osed Harborplace pavilions, where you can browse through dozens of shops. Also che& out the Baltimore Maritime Museum, National Aquarium, and World Trade Center (which offers fine views from its 27th-floor observation decD. A regal grassy knoll south of the harbor, Federal Hill Park rises majestically above downtox~qa, and the Inner Harbor. It’s an ideal spot to laze under the sun on warm afternoons. The surrounding eponymous neighborhood has loads of inviting cafes and bars, and the neighborhood’s American Visionary Art Museum ingeniously blends two historic -warehouses within a striking contemporary structure. East of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point may be America’s best-preserved Cx3lonial waterfront, with its perfectly maintained Federa!-sryle town houses, Baltimore’s gay epicenter ties north of downtown in historic Mount Vernon, which you reach by strolling north from the Inner Harbor up the city’s backbone, Charles Street. The neighbothood is anchored by Mount Vernon Square and its 178-foot-high Washington /vlonument. Nearby are the outstanding Waiters Art Museum and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, the oldest and one of the most prestigious classical music schools in the country. kbffll need to drive or take a bus up Charles Street to reach the leaf), 140-acre campus ofJohns Hopkins University, which is ideal for strolling and is next to the state’s largest museum, the Baltimore Museum ofArt. West ofJohns Hopkins, Hampden is a good oldfashioned "Ba~vl’mer" neighborhood, a former mill-workers’ community that has more recently developed a bounty of hip boutiques, galleries, and cafes. (John Waters, who lives nearby, occasionally strolls these parts and set his movie _Pecker_ here.) \Vhen you’re craving a memorable meal, remember that Baltimore’s cooking is full of flavor - the city- even has its o,vn spice, Old Bay Seasoning, a feisty, concoction of 16 seasonings sprinkled mostly on shellfish but required by some locals on seemingly everything but ice cream. If you’re on the run, iust wander through the copious food stalls in the Harborplace pavilions. It may look like a zoo of tourists, but yoffd be surprised how many locals graze here. Many of these places offer top-notch local seafood - particularly oysters, clams, and Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Walk a bit south ro Federal Hill, along South Charles or Light streets, and you’ll find dozens of appealing eateries, including one of the best little restaurants in the city~ the Bicycle Bistro, where you might dine on grilled rack of lamb with a pineapple-poblano-pepper chutney, or porcini-crusted sea scallops. East of the harbor, there’s superb dining in the city’s Little Italy (Boccaccio, with such seasonal delights as local clams and mussels in a pernod-tomato broth, is a particular standout), and in nearby Fells Point, talented chef Nancy Longo helms the kitchen at Pierpoint, which is known for such inventive contemporary regional fare as smoked crab cakes, and ftied Maryland chicken breast with parmesan grits. Mount Vernon has dozens of excellent, gay-popular restaurants. At nile high end, opulently decorated Ixia scores high marks for its wellchosen wine list and superbly rendered cuisine, including grilled baby octopus with lemon-fennel confit, and lobster-crab mac-andcheese with a creamy Fontina sauce. Across the street, Sacha’s is a great spot for toothsome grazing - the many "small plates" include crisp french fries in a cone with Old Bay-seasoned creme fraiche, 20 t~®STAR www.ozarksstar.com and fried green tomatoes topped vdth lump crab meat. Continue up Charles Street and yoff!l come to trendy Donna’s, a cheerful and modern space where an arts)- crowd mingles over light salads, roasted veggie sandwiches, fresh coffee, and fantastic tiramisu. %e Hdmand has become renowned }br its spics; well-prepared kd~han food (it’s owned by the brother ofA~hanistan’s president, Harold Kharzai), and Motmt Vernon Stable and Saloon is a perfect late-night venue for chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, and similarly comforting pub standar~Is. Finally, don’t miss City Care. an airy and inviting iava joint that also serves food and wine. property" ~ns kudos ~br its helpful service, romantically decorated roo~s, ~d afternoon tea and refreshments. In Mount Vernon, the historic 1924 Clarion Peabody Court, with its 104 handsomely outfitted rooms, enthusiastically welcomes gay and lesbian travelers. You’ll ~e ~ town house bars. Other esteemed in Dy- Canton. This stunner Make the trip a bit north toward Johns Hopkins to reach Ixia’s sister restaurant, the lovably kitschy Paper Moon Diner, which is open choice. Near here in the Hampden neighborhood is the notable for the massive pink flamingo dangling from the front of the btfilding (not to mention tasty comfort fare like Belgian wanes topped with fresh berries, and famously good meatlo~). There’s als0 great coffee to be sipped nearby at Common Ground coffeehouse, and delicious Mexican food served within the funky confines of Holy Frijoles. appreciate one of the ci~’s Baltimore gay-bar-goers congregate mostly at a handful of mainstays. Yuppies and stand-and-model types flock almost religiously to Gr~d Ceiatral, a large, multi-level complex that consists ofa video lounge, dance bar, billiards room, and outdoor deck. Also on-site is the s[vanky lesbian bar, Sapphos, with its comfy living-room-esque decor and soft lighting. ~£ other major club i~i the n’eighborhood is Club Hippo, whose r~putation for gr~at music draws a wide mix of revelers, ga34 straight, old, and young. It’s a great place to cut loose, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights. When it gets late, the party moves to Club 1722, an 18-and-over ~er-hours club open on Fridays and Saturdays into the ~ee- hours. The,tiki-themed Coconuts Caf~ is another Mr. Vernon hangout thats popular xvith lesbians, while Club Bunns caters heavil~ to Baltimore’s sizable African-kanerican gay community and has a legendary happy hour. Leather aficionados head a few blocks up Charles to the Eagle, which, though lacking any serious back-room action, nevertheless cultivates as racy, an atmosphere as any bar in town. A classic dive that’s been serving the gay community for more than 60 years (longer, say" some, than [my bar in America), Leon’s is especially popular late on weekend evenings. Nearby Jay’s on Read is ~ das~ i~ia~o bar, and Club Phoenix is a laid-back neighborhodd hangout with a small dance area and some highly entertaining drag sho~s. In Federal Hill, the Rowan Tree is a friendly neighbor~iood spot with an eclectic crowd, and over in the up-and-coming Canton section ofBaltimore, The Quest caters to fans of go-go dancers. Baltimore hotels have become slightly more expensive over the years, as the city has become a serious tourist and convention destination, but rates are still much lower than in nearby Washington, D.C. Most visitors choose properties near the Inner Harbor, dose to great restaurants and attractions. An excellent option here is the Pier 5 Hotel, a hip and lively boutique property with whimsically decorated, spacious rooms, many directly facing the Inner Harbor. The same owners run the elegant, historic (and allegedly haunted) Admiral Fells Inn in nearby Fells Harbor - this charming old-world www.ozarksstar.com heSTAR 21 KAI REffAURANT & AFTER DARK LOUNGE Missouri For an absolutely fabtflous dining experience we highly suggest you try the new KAI RESTAURANT. It is located in the new and revitalized downtown area at 306 South Campbell. From the moment you walk thru the front door you will KNOW that you are in for a very special treat. Downstairs they have the KAI After Dark Lounge which has a very eclectic modern decor. Xhey have terrific bartenders who know how to serve every kind of drink imaginable. But the real treat is going upstairs to the KAI Restaurant where they serve "Modern Japanese Cuisine" in an unbelievable setting. ~he restaurant is dark, sexy, exciting, exotic and absolutely spectacular! Go to their website’s gallery to see for yourself. We haven’t been anywhere in the Midwest that can possibly compare to our dining experience there. Our server was extremely knowledgeable as to what was on the menu and offered good suggestions. He was a true professional. We started offwith the "Hot Rock" which is one of the restaurant’s specialties. It came with thinly sliced rare top sirloin woked on a hot stone presentation. You put one slice at a time on the sizzling hot stone and it cooks in seconds. Dip it into the sauce and you have some of the finest appetizers that we have ever had. Other Kai specialities included their Kuslyaki Filet, Kobe Beef Carpaccio and their Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. ~hey offer a full range of soups and salads including their Kai salad, Ika Sansai Salad, Seaweed Salad, Tri Tuna Salad and their Honey Walnut Mango Chicken Salad. For their entrees they offer everything from Teriyaki to black cod, sea bass to New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Kai Surf and Turf. Other entrees included Seven Samurai with seven kinds of fish on top of a California Roll, Drunken Tiger which is spicy tuna with asparagus wrapped with grilled tuna, Fantastic Four, with shrimp tempura, crab, spice tuna with fried eel on top. For desserts they offer a wide choice for any pallet including Irish chocolate cake, banana chocolate spring rolls, creme brulee, tiramisu and cheesecake. Xhe table next to us had been coming back almost every week since they opened. They get a lot of diners who came back again and again and again just because this restaurant knows how to do things the right way! It is just that simple! Kai Restaurant is in an old downtown building that they completely remodeled to perfection. We know that with all their professionalism that they will be in business for many years. When traveling around the country we find that so many restaurants try to copy each other and the Kai Restaurant is itself and it’s own creation and that is what makes it so special. By the way, their prices are extremely reasonable. No trip to Springfield, Mo. would be complete if you don’t have a wonderful dining experience at the Kai Restaurant. Their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 5:00 PM to 1:15 AM. For reservations call 417-832- 0077 and check out their website, www.kaiafterdark.com. People go to a restaurant not only to dine but to have a fabtflous dining experience and trust us on this one, you will have a "beyond fabulous" dining experience. When you get the best and innovative decor, great food and great service, you know you have found the perfect place! Congratulations to the owners and stafffor making the KAI Restaurant so special. 22 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com "While we beat our chests and proclaim ourselves the xvorld’s largest superpower, it is foolish to expect that we Americans, with only 6 percent of the world’s population, can automatically impose our xv~ll on everyone else." [p. 25] "... [~he...war in Iraq has led to a devastaring drop in world approval of the United States and sharp divisions between Muslim and Non-Muslim communities. It has provided more recruits for anti-American terrorist organizations, cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, and above all, caused loss of human life on a tragically large scale. A failure to understand the culture and history of other parts of the world has exacted a great price." ~. 28] "We cannot afford the toll that multiple Iraq-like mistakes would take on America, especially as we deal xvith emerging nations whose power and influence will become great as time passes." [p. 29] "Preemptive military engagements in the absence of an act of war against us have not proven successful. Vietnam and Iraq are dramatic examples." [p. 41] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. "Forty other countries now have a higher life expectancy than the United States, in no small part because 45 million Americans have no health insurance. When ~vill we act?" [p. 7] "... [I]t is morally imperative that we provide universal health coverage for all Ameficans... We must not rule out considering a new approach that moves away from the current employer-based system...Those who have health insurance are already paying the costs for the uninsured, who often end up in hospital emergency rooms...The uninsured wait to get help until they reach a medical crisis. This drives costs higher. There is no excuse for another presidential term to end without implementing universal health insurance." [p.p. 84-5] Source: David Boren, A Letter to America (2008). Norman, OK : University of Okla. Press. rodeo. Very often they do. It’s a lot of hard work, it is very rewarding, but every year right after the Rodeo ends we start planning for the next one. Victor: Do straight people still sometimes get thrown by the idea of a gay cowboy? Klint: They don’t associate what they perceive to be a masculine lifestyle to be a part of how they perceive the gay lifestyle. So in part we are educating the public as a whole, and even still some parts of the gay community, that we come from every facet of life. Victor: So what’s in store for this year? Klint: We have a great reputation, one of the largest rodeos of the IGRA system. We have a new rodeo director from Florida, Jim Mitchell and Assistant directors Travis Parker ofOGRA & Michael Fontenot of Florida. We’re doing all kinds of promotions not only in Oklahoma but also surrounding states, and we expect people from all parts of the country. This year we are hosting the I.G.R.A.’s Board of Directors Meeting, so trustees from all of their rodeo associations throughout the United States and Canada will be here. As with tradition, all we donate stays in Oklahoma. This year we are helping out two major charities, Other Options and Rain Oklahoma. Victor: So who should join OGRA? Does one have to be a rancher or cowboy? Klint: We have many members who have never ridden a horse or worked with cattle. We welcome people who many walks of life who embrace cowboys and western heritage. As we raise money for our community, we need talented people who want to help us make a difference. Victor: I think that’s an invitation. Thanks for all you and OGRA do for gay Oklahoroans, including our cowboys and cowgirls, and we can look forward to another great event. VOTER I~GISTRATION Voter registration applications may be submitted at any time. However, a valid application must be received at a motor license agency or a designated voter registration agency, or postmarked (if submitted by mail), more than 24 days prior to an election in order for the applicant to participate in that election. Deadlines for submitting valid voter registration applications prior to the 2008 statewide elections are as follows: Primary Election Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, July 29 - Election Runoff Primary Election Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, August 26 - Election General Election Friday, October 10 - Registration Deadline Tuesday, November 4 - Hection CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION Changes in political affiliation may not be made during the period from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year. The last day on which a change in political affiliation can be made before the closed period is May 31; the first day on which a change in political affiliation can be made after the closed period is September 1. OTHER IMPORTANT DATES Last day to request absentee ballot for July 29 Primary Hection Wednesday, July 23 Vote early at your County Hection Board office Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday, July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM Monday, July 28, 8 AM - 6 PM Candidate Filing for federal, state, legislative and county offices June 2 - 4 wvcw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR 23 Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G. @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa 24 @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City Democratic U£. senate candidate (currently State Senator) Andrew Rice with Richard Ogden Chairperson Cimarron Alliance Foundation at a fantastic fundraiser at Ogden’s home. By Greg Steele on the prowl victor G06~ ~e~nt~ O~l~h;ma C0rpora~ tion Commissioner Jim R6tha plaque with a 45 of one is his favodte inspirations, Dion’s "Abraham Martin & Johi~2 ~e 84 & Robin Dorner with The City S~Ni~i atthe fundraiser for State Senator Andrew Rice! Marlett is runn ng aga nst the nfamous sai ~ I(em. State Representative A! McAffrey with Oklahbrna County Democratic Party co-chair Elle~ Ste~SS : at Oklahoma City fundraiser for McAffrey. www.ozarksstar.com By Ronald Blake ho wants to see you achieve health, fitness, and overall well-being? It seems like everyone wants to see you fit into that smaller size of pants or cut back on your smoking. We live in a soci.ety where it is horrible to think that people die. You need to take advantage of this munificence of the masses. Government agencies are always watching out for you. The FDA is monitoring what medications are safe for your consumption. The FAA will not let you fly with Joe Camel smoke swirling aimlessly around the cabin. The CDC monitors the incidences ofWest Nile virus outbreaks in all the 50 states. Your local agency on aging center will even see to it that you have a fan or air conditioner to place in your window ifyou can’t afford to buy one. Your taxes are ~vorking to help you after all. Restaurants and fast food establishments are even seeking to give you healthier food. Subway leads the pack of retailers by offering you groovy grinders and showcasing the slimmed down Jared as proof of eating right. Numerous restaurants are shrinking their portion sizes and now only offering enough to satisfy one hippopotamus’ appetite. Applebee’s is one example of this sensible change. They even charge a little less for this good idea. Gosh, even Hamburglar and Grimace are putting apple slices in Happy Meals. There are not-for-profit agencies out there that are a website away from accessing information for better health. The American Lung Association will tell you where to find smoking cessation classes. The Cancer Society will tell you when you should get a pap smear, colorectal check, skin screening, and breast exam. There are support groups for autism, anger management, gambling addictions, mental illnesses, and many more. If you can Google it, it is out there waiting to be uncovered by you. Even money-hungry Hollywood types have your best interests in mind. "Supersize Me" was that documentary about McDonalds and the Big Mac that put the fast-food giant into a Dow Jones suicide watch. The behemoth hamburger franchiser changed their menu in response to this fat-laden epiphany. Michael Moore took on the health care industry and all the cigar-chomping politicos inside the Beltway in his documentary "Sicko". He exposed the Swiss cheese health coverage we have for the denizens of this great land. There have even been movies like a "Beautiful Mind" and "Rain Man" that have shown a superb story but have also given us a better understanding of health issues like mental illnesses. Finally, we even have philanthropists like Bill Gates, Oprah, Bono, and numerous others who are giving money to charities to improve the lives of others. These methods include education and training. Education is one of the greatest factors affecting poor health. More educated individuals are less likely to smoke, drink, or engage in drug activity than those individuals who lack a proper education. If you want to achieve it, you must seek it. It should not be difficult; there is assistance around every corner. Excuses are around every corner too. Choose your corner carefully. This health and fitness coltunn is brought to you by that guy who has an analog mind in a digital world. That guy is Ron Blake and he can be shaken from his reverie at w~wv.goblakefitness.com. 26 t~÷STAR w~vw.ozarksstar.com SPRINGFIELD, MO. opened last October and has quickly become extremely popular. Why? Because of the owner and staff. Rob knows how to treat customers and has hired a very professional staff. Michelte, the bar manager is the kind of bartender that everybody wants. She is fun, funny, lively, interesting, professional and you can tell that she really enjoys her job. Why can’t all bartenders across the country be like this? The other bartenders there are great also. We found everybody in this bar to be extremely friendly. How many times have you walked into a bar only to be sitting at the bar all by yourself and no one talks to you. Trust us, it won’t happen in this bar! Another fun place is JR’s Nightclub, 504 E. Commercial, (417) 864-2823. This is the bar "where men are comfortable, but everyone is welcome". They are open Monday thru Saturday, 5 to 1:30 AM and Sunday, 2 PM to midnight. When you walk in, people either know you or they don’t and if they don’t know you, they will shortly. Everyone is friendly. The bartenders and owner are friendly. After a couple of drinks you will know everybody in the bar. And isn’t that the idea of going to a bar, to meet other people? JR’s is the only bar in Springfield that is open on Sundays. Other places to visit are Martha’s Vineyard and Latin Vibes which features special gay shows on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If your needing to get around the city, contact Fisk Limousines, www.fisklimo.com or give them a call at 417.862.2900. They give the best service in the entire Midwest. Springfield, Missouri is indeed a city with a great future. They want EVERYONE to visit their beautiful city. We did and we certainly enjoyed our stay there as we know that all of our readers will. The Convention & Visitors Bureau has one of the best websites in the nation, www.springfieldadventures. com. Be sure and check it out. Our thanks to Susan Wade, Public Relations Manager, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. She is simply "the Best of the Best" and so professional, and to Mark Templeton of Springfield. Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! NATIONAL NEV S NoY. governor .snpports same-sex marrmge New York Gov. David Patterson said April 7 that he supports legalization of same-sex marriage. Speaking by video link to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s awards dinner in Manhattan, Patterson said: "We xvill push on and bring full marriage equality to New York state. And when xve have done that, xve’re going to do more. We’re going to protect young people from bullies. We’re going to protect against the discrimination of people in the transgender community, and xve’re going to fight for decent and affordable health care for all citizens in this state." "If you xvill join with me, and if xve xvork hard enough, xve can change the face of Nexv York, which will be the catalyst to changing national policy," he said. Patterson had planned to attend the dinner but was stuck in Albany dealing with budget problems. www.ozarksstar.com t~:~{~.STAR 27 by Jack Fertig May 2008 "Articulate conflicts, Cancer!" The Sun in Taurus offers the comforts and pleasantries of spring. Now, however, Sol is aspecting asteroid Chiron in Aquarius and new planet Eris, stirring up the question of where to settle down and with whom. Think beyond habits, and be open to surprises! ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Individualist though you are, you belong with some tribe - however awkwardly. A clash of values is inevitable, but not catastrophic. Give yourself room to be not at the center of the group, but at the edge - perhaps even the leading edge. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your own personality is both a key and an impediment to success. Meditate and talk with a confidante. Issues of fitting in and reconciling different communities in your world seem like complications, but actually point to a solution. GEMINi (May 21 - June 20): You’re too easily tempted into arguments with others.-Better to look within and resolve your own conflicts. Knocking those around with a friend and establishing a philosophical framework are important. Just know that the real debate is internal. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Time to review that famous "gay agenda." How do your goals and ideals fit in with your immediate queer community and your sense of the broader community? Articulating the conflicts and exploring the issues could put you into a position of leadership. LEO (July 23 -August 22): Your ambitions can easily lead to arguments. That’s OK, as long as the point of the argument is to better understand _what’s_ right, not _who’s_ right. To fix a relationship, try seeing it in a different light. VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): New ideas, even those that seem to come way out of left field, can help solve problems at work and with your health. (Chiropractic?) Don’t underestimate possibilities, wacky as they may seem, offered by other GLBT folks. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Rethinking group allegiances and community identity should prove helpful in understanding your sexual potential - not just as a lover, but as an erotic healer. Explore new forms of erotic play and perception. You can do this actively and/or academically. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Some housecleaning, literally or metaphorically, is important to improve your relationship or to help you be ready for one. An eccentric older relative or community elder offers an inspirational role model 28 t~eSTAR SAG~TTAR~US (November 22 = December 20): Team sports or games - anything from charades to rugby - can help you understand your own thought processes, or perhaps learn how to keep your mouth from getting you into trouble. You’ll never get that one perfect, but you can make progress! CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Being a capricious Cappy could get expensive. Entertain members of your family or tribe at home or through some community event, staying ever mindful of your budget. Asking others to contribute can help strengthen your bonds. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Fitting in with your family can be a problem. Imagine that you are adopted and speak a different language. What would you try to say? You wouldn’t want to be just like everyone else, so celebrate your uniqueness, and they’ll love you as you are. PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. You may expose a few secrets, but that will probably do some good for you and others concerned. Even if there is a price to pay, you will find greater value in speaking up. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Chdst MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM MCC of the Living Spring 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM Have a God filled and BleSSed Day! www.ozarksstar.com Support those who support us. DOWNTO\~N PLea ofTULSA 17 West 7th Street Tulsa, OK 918-585-5898 www.downtownplazatulsa.com HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-2221 www.habanainn.com KELLY KIRBY, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK www.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836-8700 www.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Tulsa, OK 918-584-9494 www.clubmajestictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE 11730 E. 11TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\rAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 www.habanainn.com THE LEDO 2200 NV4 39TH EXPRESS\gAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 ~wv.habanainn.com DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CNTR CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE 211 S. Garnett Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 74128 Tulsa, OK vavw.realacceptance.com 918-706-1887 GREAT PLAINS RODEO E O. BOX 12485 Oklahoma City, OK 73157 www.ogra.net GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com HOPE TESTING CLINIC 3540 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 9:30 AM MCC of the LIVING SPRING 17 Elk Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 479-253-9337 Worship Sundays 6pm OKC PRIDE, INC PO BOX 60296 Oklahoma City, OK 73146 www.okcpride.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT 2015 -B S. Lake~vood Tulsa, OK 74112 918-838-7104 www. openarmsproject.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oklahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 PHOTOGRAPHY." JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 } CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-840-2106 www.c21 goldcastle.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn DALLAS CVB Dallas, TX www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com Want the STAR delivered to your home or business? 12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1 st of each month. Complete the form below and send with a check or moneyorder to: The STAR 5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #133 Tulsa, OK 74145 (Single Copies $3.00 per issue) NAME: Address: City: St:__.Zip:. Phone: Check enclosed Money Order Start Date: www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR 29 Keller Willia Chu~ Whether buying or selling I’1.....1.....~..... work hard fo (d,efinitiqn - growing up GAYin OK is not easy) You can he~p our teens. Support Open Arms Youth Project. For more info: www. openarrnsproject.org e-mail: ~di~o~alCar~oon@q~;yndica~.com 30 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com ~34 Bourbon St. 04~37!-5450 Torch TW’s-AFAB Catering G L B T G A Z I N K P Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] The Star Magazine, May 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 01, 2008 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwestern Missouri Western Arkansas Southeastern Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available star Media, Ltd Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Charles (Chaz) Ward Victor Gorin Greg Steele James Nimmo Joey D. Victor Gorin Romeo San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ronald Blake Ray Williams Jack Fertig Liz Higheyman Devre Jackson Judy G. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Star Magazine, April 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/244 The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250 After Dark Ann Marie Distefano art Bars David Patterson Deep Inside Hollywood dining Equality Gala fitness Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Deformation GLAAD Great Plains Rodeo health horoscopes Leslie Jordan MCC church National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Night club Obama Our House Paparazzi on the Prowl Past Out PlanetOut Inc Q Scopes Quotable Quotes Star Advertisers Star classifieds Star Scene Too travel https://history.okeq.org/files/original/89f8e2022d4acda55cc39154025555b4.png ed5cb71e41abcec0d98a51ce5d172685 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b098b8b1074d6363cb359c1e05617e59.pdf 244c6d1d51b041218b658a102efe12ad PDF Text Text ����������������� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document PROUDLY SERVING TH E LG BT COMM U N IT Y. slie Jordan Best Actor at the New York Film and Video Festival for his portrayal of "Brother Boy~ in the film Sordid Lives and several Best Supporting Actor Awards for his work as "Peanut" in Southern Baptist Sissies, from the Los Angeles Drama Critics' Circle, LA. Weekly, a Backstage West Garland, a Maddy, a Robby, and the Ovation Award OPENS ONE MAN TOUR DE.FORCE IN HOLLYWOOD · A.t ih& tl~hant A&1lum 1beater, for mort. information& vi&it "'"'"'·brolhtrboy.GOm Meet Lallie In t:1111 monthl OzarbSl:arWO:lltOn Yac:1111onir· bJ DonllldP11e anc1 RayWllla1111. Page 2 Page 3 7204 East Pine, Tulsa, OK (918) 836-8700 www .bambooloungetulsa.com 0-amboo Lounge Whtrt £vi11ont I& tlapp1 from Optn To c.lo&t The Ozarks Star Is On The Move The future looks bright for the Ozarks Star. We have contracted with a new printing company an:d will be increasing our distribution to 5000 by January 2005. This increase will not only allow us to ship more copies to our distributors, but also allows us to increase the number of distribution points. In addition qualifies us to accept advertising through a national advertising agency. This increase in revenue from national advertisers should help keep our ad rates at a very . reasonable cost to you. We are working on adding new content and are open for suggestion from our readers. You can write to us or send an email to the addresses listed on this page. More content and new advertiser's means aJarger magazine, so stay tuned and watch us grow. The Ozarlcs Star is on the move and is fast becoming THE STAR of the four states region. On October 15th I was the very honored recipient of an award,presented by Metropolitan Community Church of Joplin at their · 7th anniversary dinner, for outstanding . service to the GLBT Community and · Church Family. The plaque read, "In promoting diversity and cooperation through the development and implementation of the Ozarks Star. A MCC 2004 · Outstanding Citizen and Member". I thank Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin Pastor Steve T. Urie and members, for this recognition and extend my appreciation for their efforts in building a more united community. Have a great Thanksgiving! C.D. Ward A call for better health ... Well, rhe summer is over, fall is inviting us into winter so what's next? Several opportunities to have fun, comribute to our community and make every effort to stay well. For this edition let's visit the "staying well" issue. Seems like we have been outsourcing out both sides of our wonderful face ... Bush that is. While denying us the opportuniry to purchase more cost effective medications under the guise and arrogance chat only our FDA can protect us while on the other side we find that a full half of our flu vaccine is brought into this country from overseas. Bush supporters will claim he knows best and the rest of us will reap the benefits or lack thereof. Not many of us were around for the 1918 Flu Epidemic that vriped out whole military camps, not the children or aged but strapping recruits, young healthy men. Some of us wiil just say, "I never take the flu shot anyway, it always made me sick." And some of us Rill simply fade inro biissful ( unless of course, we're the ones who get sick ) who cares, "it's not my worry." \X,'eii the parenting in me doesn't do the "the sky's falling in panic" but :t is aiways good to use common sense and take care of onese:f. The information below is taken off the Center for Disease Controls website ( :s rw ,cdc gp ) and is reproducible. It is good basic hygiene ... that thing our mothers' taught us and we seem to have forgotten ... well it's time to refresh our minds and get with the program. Stay well this flu season and follow these guidelines: Good Health Habits o A void close cont:act. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. • St:ay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. ( Steve adds this ... if your boss is more concerned about you being out sick, how will he or she like it if half of you are out sick ... stay home and get well ) o Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. o Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. ( Steve adds ... wash, wash, wash ... it's doesn't hurt and will keep you healthy ... I still want big flashing red lights at every public bathroom exit that goes off when you don't wash your hands ) 0 Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Until next time, be blessed, be safe and be Page 6 Gaytt,ire Release: Log Cabin Republicans File Suit to Overturn Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy'' Turning Over Policy Vital to National Security Interests Say Lawyers (Washington, Dq-Lawyers on behalf of Log Cabin Republicans are filing suit this morning against the United States government seeking to overturn the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which requires the discharge of gay and lesbian service members. Log Cabin Republicans v: United States of America will be filed in the United States Federal E>istrict Court for the Central District of California. Log Cabin ig filing the suit on behalf of its· gay and lesbian members· cutrently serving in the United Stlltes Armed Forces. "Public opinion, the experience of our allies, and the national security interests of our nation all lead to the inescapable conclusion that gays and lesbians ghould be allowed to serve openly and honestly in our milituy," said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Patrick Guerriero. "A lawsuit should not he ne.cessary, when public opinion overwhelmingly f-avon gays and lesbians serving. openly and honestly. A lawsuit should not he necessafy when the aperience of our allie_i in·~~ war .on terror, including Great Britain, Is~el arid Auatralia, all allow gays and leshtaris to s¢ie openly and.honestly. A lawsuit iMllkl .riot be nece~,~ when outinili~ bas lost The suit asserts that the ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy imposes a ·discriminatory set of rules on gay and lesbian members of the Armed Forces in violation of .their constitutional rights of due· process, freedom of speech, and equal protection. The challenge requests a declru:ation that the policy is uncomtitutional, and a preliminary and permanent injunction enjoining the government from enforcing the policy. "\ Global law firm White & Case LLP is representing Log Cabin Republicans on a pro bono basis. The White & Case team is being led by Dan Woods and Marty Meekins from the Firm's Los .Angeles office. "Previous challenges to the policy failed mainly because Bowers v. Hardwick allowed governmental criminalization of homosexual conduct, but recent Supreme Court decisions demand an immediate reconsideration of the policy under the U.S. Constitution, which is why White & Case was so interested in being invoh-ed,'' said Woods, head. of White & Case's litigation practice in Los Angeles. Woods said those key decisions include Romer v. Evans, where in 1996 the Supreme Court held that government-sponsored discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans could not be justified. solely by animus or "morality." In 2003, the Court overruled Bowers in Lawrence v. State of Texas, and held the constitutional fundamental right to .privacy; includes .the right for gay and lesl>ian .Amcricang to enme in private, intimate relationships without State in,terference. Finally, the Supreme Court most recently limited. the Defense Departmtnt's discretion to. infringe upon Conatitutional due process rights in Hamdi v. Rumsfcld, which held. that enemy combatants, even in wartime, must be afford~d due process rights. ....................... ~ntmueefpage 25 thousands· 0£ needed m:iUtiITT ..--------persii~~ I under thla policy. However, under these circutnili:ancei, where we ate a nation at ~ fighting a global war against terrorism, we can no longer sit by and w~t fur our elected officials to find the political counge to do the right thing,'' aaid Guerriero. For Men In The OZarks "TM 4rgttf Min'., l.aa,tp,ground in ti» U~~ Full RV Hookup's, Tent Sites, Cabins, Lodge Rooms, Hot Tub/sauna, Pool, Cafe, Theme Weekends, Convenience Store, Clc:>thing Optional. Call 417-683-9199 or visit our website www .cactuscanyoncampground.com Page 7 our ON VAl.ATION "Trav4'Iiag in the gay friendly world" by Donald Pile and Ray Williams gaytravelers@aol.com OUR SEPTEMBER WEST COAST TRIP We have returned from our three week -------------------1 driving trip to the West Coast and what a fun and exciting and interesting trip it was. First we drove to Santa Rosa, New Mexico (but just to sleep). The next morning we drove in to Sedona, Arizona where we stayed at the Iris Garden Inn, www.irisgardeninn.com. Brian Johnson & Richard Hoffman recently purchased it and have made a lot of improvements. They are originally from Ohio and decided to move to Arizona. Their Inn is wonderful and they are doing lots of improvements on it. They are extremely hospitable hosts. Brian's sister and brother in law, Llsa and Rick had come from Ohio and were visiting also. They were delightful. As you know a LOT of straight people can be fun and wonderful just like we can! We gave a "Sordid Lives" Movie Party the second night there and everyone hooted and hollered throughout the entire mo,"ie. Brian and Richard had special margaritas for everyone. After two days in beautiful Sedona we drove to Las Vegas where we helped our dear friend, Ole Borresen celebrate his birthday. Ole was the former chef for Liberace and owns a wonderful B & B there. Check out his website at: members.aol.com/haven00069 /. . We always have a grand time with Ole. He is such a great host. Then on to West Hollywood where we always stay with our very dear friend, Raymond Bilbool at his utterly fabulous SECRET GARDEN B & B which is located in the Hollywood Hills. Such a grand estate! He usually reserves the guest cottage for us. He gets a very eclectic clientele staying there. Staying there were Daniella Cesarei the noted photographer and her partner, Lotte Jeffs, the noted freelance writer and journalist from London. They write for DIV A· magazine, the major Lesbian newspaper in Europe. . They were charming, witty, intelligent and wonderful. We had a wonderful time with them. ( right photo: "Ray, with Lotte Jeffs, the noted fee Lmce writer with her life partmr, Daniella Cessari, the noted free lance pbotogr11phe:r from Londcnj Also staying at the Secret Garden was Rick McKay, the New York producer and director. His latest film, "BROADWAY - The Golden Years By The Legends Who Were There" has just been released. We were lucky enough to see a screening of it and it is a MUST SEE movie. It is the most important, ambitious and comprehensive film ever made about America's most celebrated indigenous art form. For anyone into Broadway this is a movie that you simply cannot miss. Through interviews it chronicles the Broadway stage for long years past. This is truly a magnificent film. Rick not only wrote, edited, produced and directed the film, he also produced the film. What an outstanding talented man he is! Theatre historians and buffs for years to come will be thankful that he produced this epic. Be sure and check out the web site: www.bro.idwaythemovie.com/ dvd.htm .. .... continued page•26 Page 8 de The local & national media Is really getting to me today! \Vhy doesn't the media put this "outraged" father on the hot seat and ask Cheney how a father can support a president, administration and party that constantly uses the "gay card" to get votes and denies his own daughter equal rights? Why doesn't he stand up and support his own daughter! They use the gay issue to frighten conservative voters all the time. The daughter is out as a lesbian. He didn't reveal anything. And it is NOT anything to be ashamed of or hide. Kerry had every right to answer the question as he did. And I'm glad he brought it up. I just wish he would have gone further and pointed out her father's hypocrisy! Deborah Eureka Springs, AR Dear Editor, We wanted to keep you updated on what was happening with the Tulsa Rough Riders, a new club in Tulsa. We had our very first Club.Night at the End Up Club this past Sarurday and it was a BLAST! There were about 70 folks showed up give-or-take a few (with MOST in leather) and members of other iocai clubs such as T.U.L.S.A., the Driller Bears, and the Tulsa Dungeon Society also dropped by to show their suppon. Even some of the male dancers got in on the act by wearing leather G-strings and harnesses. We had a table of bondage/leather items that were for auction or given away to lucky ticket hoiders, and we had a WILD lea,her Post Office Game. continued next column ....... We also wanted to thank you for all the support you and the Ozarks Star have shown us these past f~ months as we got organized. You have no idea how much it has been and is now appreciated. Jerry S. President, Tulsa Rough Riders $450 BILLION GAY & LESBIAN MARKET TARGETED BY NEW SATELLITE NETWORK GtryWire Press Release_ North America's first 24 hour adult movie network has been successfully launched by two companies, XXXVISION.TV and WORLD VIEW NETWORKS of MIAMI FLORIDA. Targeting the burgeoning $450 billion a year gay and lesbian market,the XXX rated network is now available with a 24 hour a dav, seven day a week service. Included in tbe network package are three separate channels: BACKROOM: Europe's Number 1, 100% GAY XXX channel,now available to North America. FREEXTV: movies featuring a variety of alternative adult genres. XDREAM TV: featuring straight and amateur orientated movies. Although VIACOM's MTV announced its first channel (LOGO) catering to the lifestyle, it won't be available u1;1til sometime in 2005. In the meantime XXXVISION.TV hopes to reach the estimated 12-15 million household market by early fall. The fully digital satellite system which retails for $449 US, $599 CDN includes a full two (2) year subscription and. all the necessary equipment for reception. More information is available at the website: <www.xxxvision.tv> My boy friend found out I was screwing around with another guy. He got so mad he told my Lover! Page 10 October 14, 2004 Gaywire Release: NEW YORK STATE TO RECOGNIZE CANADIAN MARRIAGES OF SAME SEX COUPLES Influx of.Same-sex Couples will provide Economic Boost Toronto-Yesterday the New York State and Local Retirement System announced it will treat Canadian marriages of same-sex couples the same as any other marriage for purposes of retirement benefits and obligations. The decision was communicated in a letter dated October 8 from the state Comptroller to Mark Daigneault, a state employee who wrote in September asking how getting married in Canada would affect retirement benefits for him, his same-sex partner and their two children. (see Daigneault's letter at www.prideagenda.org) In state Comptroller Hevesi's letter, he tells Daigneault, "Based on current law, the Retirement System will recognize a same- sex Canadian marriage in the same manner as an opposite-sex New York marriage, under the principle of comity. That principle has been legal practice pursuant to New York Court of Appeals rulings for many; years." "Everyone deserves to.have their marriages recognized, both at home and abroad," said Laurie ·Arton, of Canadians for Equal Marriage. "This is good news for the thousands of samesex couples who have married in Canada. The decision of New York State to recognize Canadian marriages of same-sex couples demonstrates the increasing acceptance of our marriages. The legal principle that jurisdictions recognize each others' validly performed marriages is well established, and there's no reason the law should applied differently to same-sex couples." "Same-sex couples who reside in New York now have a dear incentive to marry in Canada," said Cicely McWtlliam, of Caoadians·for Equal Marriage. "The economic impact of all those couples traveling to Canada and having their weddings here will be significant. Being a beacon of equality pays economic dividends." A survey released July 1 by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada and Environics found that the number of Canadians agreeing that gays and lesbians should be allowed to get married has increased. Currently, 57% agree, the highest level since CRIC first asked the question two years ago. The number disagreeing currently stands at 38%. Quotable ·Quotes "When I came out and I went through all I did, I did it undcrstlnding that it essentially. would bc[comc] this kind of cultural wave. . .. And my position was just to be steady and try to have as much elegance and grace as po.ssible, while never shying away from the gay question. I knew people would get used to the &.ct that I'm gay and there'd be no weirdness about it, and that eventually the focus would be back on the music." Singer k.d. laog to the Miami gay publication The Weekly An Oklahoma Entertainment Legend by Star writer Chaz I've known Ginger, aka Grcgoooola to some of his older friends, since we were children in 1972. We both worked at a salon in Oklahoma City called the "Beauty Bar". Our work stations were side by side with no partitions. This made for no privacy at all, which lead to constant hilariously fun times, with each of us trying to wreck the other during the sometimes long busy days. Giggles and snickers would bring on painful laughter and one of us would have to remove ourself from the area. It was by no definition, boring working next to him. I had just recently moved back to Oklahoma City from Las Vegas when we met and Greg, who had at that time never seen the flash and glitter of show biz city, wanted to go. We planned a short vacation and decided to make the trip. We didn't think his car could make it so it had to be my El Camino. Now for those of you who know what an El Camino is, you have to imagine Ginger's 5' legs in the cab with no adjustable scats. Solution, hang those long mother's out the v.-"indowl You guessed it, with shorts up to his crotch and a pair of wedge's on those size 15's. I-40 has never been the same and the truckers were going into Cardiac Attest. We did make it to Vegas without incident and the first place we had to go in glamor town was, you guessed it again, the big girls shoe shop! We had a great time, an experience that I personally cherish. Ginger Lamar's career now spans some 35 years of entcltlining the gay community. He has gained the respect of not only his LGBTS audience, but his peers as well. Ginger's show's arc not to be considered "Drag Shows" He is a talented entcttliner who is impersonating a women. A career that stllrtcd in 1969 when the Midwest culture was very different from now. An atmosphere of police harassment, gay bashing and general intolerance of the gay community. He has weathered the storm's and remains an icon in the gay entertainment arena. "At that particular time, there was a law in the state, that when you performed in drag, you had to wear three articles of men's clothing, somewhere underneath your gown. You had to do something underneath, to be legal, if not, you could be arrested. They raided places a lot more often then, at that time it was not liquor by the drink, it was bring your own bottle. Often there were police raids, and when that happened- ............................. continNed page 22 Page 12 o i e.nent! for PFLA®s/GLBTis (p~r~t1ts,. fde:nds ,& f~lj.es/.of lesbians & gays) Fall Diver•··, Weekend N:ovem~t 5.~2004 ~ureka' Springs~ Arkansas , . . .. ·ances1. . . re . best western · town · inn. of th · arks rk hotel l'RGUS 1ui;.. Ot •' (to be announced) Oanee I, E...A....C.....H... Winningteam! male/female . female/female male/male for more details .-ww. 1-versity ride.com 479.253.2555 Page 13 Office Licensed in Missouri, Arhnsas, Illinois & Colorado www.shelterinsurance.com This Is Shelter Country. Here in our community you will find Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're proud to serve this community and our customers. Call today and ask about our services. Life-Worker's Comp. -Home-Auto-Farm-Business Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF Post Office Box 339 Eureka, Missouri 63025 Tel: (636) 938-5500 Fax: (636) 938-3539 gtainter@shelterinsurance.com Beeks In Review How the Homosexuals Saved Civilization by Cathy Crimmins: A shrewd and irreverent cultural history of the customs, fashions, and figures of gay life in the twentieth and the early twenty-first centuries-and how they have changed all of us jor the better. The "global queering" of America has been gradually .shaping the way straight people talk, think, dress, and eat. Over the past fifty years, the line between what is "straight" and what is "gay" has blurred to the point that most heterosexuals are unaware of the vast contributions gay men have made to American culture. How the Homosexuals Saved Civilization presents a broad yet incisive look at. how an unusual "immigrant" group, homosexual men, have become so influential on mainstream American culture. The general public's tastes and consumer choices in food, fashion, humor, literature, and body image are becoming decidedly more gay. And Ameri<;a has shown a real interest in TV shows with gay content and themes, such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy; Will & Grace; and Six Feet Under. Overall, it's hip to be gay, even if you're straight. How the Homosexuals Saved Civilization tells us somethine: about ourselves as a society. It celebrates the unique perspective of gay men and e{plains how essentiai their vitality has been to our civilization. Page 15 The Ozarks Star November 2004 Page 16 The Ozarks Star 1 NIOO$ft., TAX lNCt.UtmD HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL g~ EXCLUDED WWW.HOLL YWOODitOTELOKC.COM 405-947-2351 November 2004 vp debate;, that Miry really cleat! Whil~ .rig!lt~o .A:iid it's the c1~ua. ilie teal i dy Bunny Takes n ,,· a a ,, ·A Political Commentary: · am trying to decipher the lunacy surrounding ;''Maryg:i.tc". No, I don't mean the attitudc-y :queen who works the door at many large NYC · · lubs, but rather the non-controversy uncling Kerry's reference to Dick Cheney's . off- spring, Mary. It all started with a question at the last presidential debate "Do you oclievc homosexuality is a choice?". Kind of a w~d question, since THAT was an issue a de~c or two ago. The issue at hand NOW is · · so why not ask what the bout that? Anyway Bush's simple a,nswcr was "I don't know". (Unfortunately, "I don't·know" would li.lso have to be Bush's answer to "How do you spell Iraq?". and "What ii2·+ 2?" and "Is Cheney human?') ~ut ~cr:ry mad/~ example of Cheney's lesbian , daughter Miry, 1 " • • he. felt sh.c'.s being who ·sh.c was born·. . . . ilic coiitroversy.began. Jfaving lost all 3 a~oatcs iina sc¢hig the gap in · tlic ·polls between ttie~ 2. candict#cs. cJosing, the ·i,:cpublicans began a desperate, s~ns~ess (though · inexplicably effective) . spin. to·. dis~i:t voters from Kerry's inorc solid viiiion:~fot Hie nation. <:Lynne Cheney lashed out against Kerry with ".tbi,s is not a ~od man" · blicans cried . :foul because Mary was a " , even though she works for her fatlicrts .very public · ! Kercy then issued a'b,pically mealymouthed statement to patch · · • up. At least . • some newscasters brought up. in the John Edwards after the senator mentioned the fact NOT be crca,~g.fircworks now. B,ut what discussjoii. i~ thJit.]wif by c;i~ting, ~he of the republican posittoh· 611 .. c. would dcnv his own flesh arid c of the · " ·· fos~ ag¥n; in the spin. · · · ·. · ·.· tp;~) giidtioi!,s ·"'" . . . . . :Airicricl!tl trqops t<:> their detths nc.ccllcss : t1stifie.d war?". Well, what is :woi:s~ SUGGESTING that lie sent.tl:i~ <it .a.ctuallv SENDIN<; THEM??!!! Hei:e;s an exaniple ih drag teims: RuPlilil tdl~ m~:''Bit~h! You stole my eyeliner!" aajl answer; "I can't believe yo~ .th~ sj~ta~gtirl!" to shift the gui}i.to lier for .. •ANSWERING HER ACC:US:tVI10N have my own eyeliner-arid here it is as proof', "I don't wear youi: ch:cap brand, hooker!", or "Arc you on crack again, bccyotch?", etc. continued next page 19 . Page 19 Lady Bunny from pg-18 And when it comes to gay marriage, make no mistake that the real issue is that Bush was so scared by the recent inroads towards legalizing gay unions in California, Massachusetts and New Paltz, NY , that he has proposed a constitutional amendment to ban it-a measure which even many of his fellow republicans denounced as extreme and unnecessary. And speaking of unnecessary, for a giggle, please check out an cxcctpt of Lynne Cheney's hilariously schmaltzy, soft-porn novel SISTERS from 1981 www.whitehousc.org/ administration/ sisters.asp ,vith a bi-sexual heroine. Here's a sample: "The young woman was heavily powdered, but quite attractive, a curvesome creature, rounded at bosom and cheek. When she smiled, even her teeth seemed puffed and rounded, like tiny ivory pillows." Yucch! Since when do dykes ( or anyone else, for that matter) get turned on by puffy pillow-teeth? Elizabeth Edwards said in a radio address that Kerry's mention of Miry shouldn't be causing such outrage, . unless the Chcneys were ashamed of their daughter's sexuality. This rotten book by Mary's mom suggests that perhaps they arc ashamed of it's author's homosexual tendencies too. As well as her bestiality, cuz that Dick Cheney is a toad! .OKC GLBT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HOLDS MEETING Press Release 10/22/04 Oklahoma City, OK About 35 GLBT business-people and professionals attended Thursday's meeting to kick off a new GLBT business association for OKC, which was at least twice the number expected by organizers, according to committee member Monty Milburn. This turnout certainly implies strong interest in fonrung a grciup, which is long overdue in OKC. Evidence of at least one potential benefit of a "Gay and Lesbian chamber of commerce" was provided by the number of attendees taking advantage of the. opportunity to do some networking .. Other potential benefits mentioned by Milburn, who presented an overview of the organizing committee's suggestions for the new gro:up, included networking with the "str~t'~ business coriimwiity, promoting Ok:Widfu':t City's GLBT C:oaimub.ity, and "mentoring" new Giiy businesses. Milburn, a realtor with the Town & Country Crew - affiliated with Keller Williams Realty, presented the committee's ideas by making a very focused presentation that was obviously the result of the hard work of a motivated group of people, which included Milburn, Rob Howard, Stacey Young, Chris Finney, and Jason Campbell. Jason Campbell mentioned their experience at this year's Pride Festival, when the Town and Country Crew rented a booth in M~morial Park and ran it the. two days of the Festival, prior to the annual Pride Parade. He said that the contacts they made at that booth during thoic two days subsequently brought in $750,000 worth of business to · their real estate office - certainly one indication of the economic potential of Oklahoma City's GLBT Community. The group's next meeting will be Wednesday, November 3rd at 6:30PM at Keller Williams Realty, 2630 NW Expressway. For more information, contact Monty at monty@townandcountrycrew.com. Introducing A_!_k Uncle Mikey Advice Column! Hello Kittens. Uncle Mikey here. I have, as they say, exploded onto the scene. I must say that I had a rather unusual experience that I fee! compelled to share with you. I am sure you are sitting on rhe edge of your seats awaiting my fabulous words to enlighten and uplift you. Well, forget about it! Who do I look like? Glinda of the North? Well, Kittens, here it goes. I hope you enjoy the sheer amusement - which is mv life. I was at the doctors office. (Oh no Kittens. Don't worry. It was a routine wash and wax. At my age one must be persistent with maintenance and upkeep, you know.) Anyhow, I was exiting the office when I had a rather uplifting experience. His name is Romance - named by me of course - and he is the flavor of the week. Dish is but a mere _expression of this Adonis. Therefore, I invited him home and now cannot get him to leave. Heed my advice Kittens never feed them or they will never leave. He insists he cannot live without me. I told him that he could stay until I am no longer amused. So now it is official - my first houseboy. I have sem him to pick up my laundry and now I am all yours - so let us get to it. I hope· he remembered the bag, as I had him cake Mr. Tiddles with him. Mr. Tiddles is my love child, of sorts. He is a Persian Cat. You know that cats were revered as Gods throughout history. Well, he is mv widdle riddles and is mommvs baby. He displays a royal disposition to be sure. We have been through many a · rough relationships. He was a gift by my first husband, or was it mv third? Hmm who knows? I lost count after a while. Liz only thinks she is the div~ of marriage. I have more skeletons in my closet than Liz, Madge, and Ricky all put together. It took many men to keep me in the life of which I have grown accustomed. Anyhow, you wonder who Uncle Mikey is? Well, I am going to tell you, Kittens. I am the diva of life and love, sex and lust. Yes, I am here to spread my fairy dust onto all of you lonely Kittens out there. So write and share with me your glorious quandary and I shall give you the gift of my many years in Gaydom. So whatever is on your mind, do tell - I love a good dish. However, remember when writing, that you are addressing a queen, so do not ask that which you do not want a truthful and insightful, while fabulously delicious, response. Uncle Mikey is fair and kind (unless provoked by ignorance) to all who seek the wisdom of which oniy a queen may possess. Uncle Mikey tells it like it is and does not hold back. So get those fingers wrapped around my uh oh wait those are my houseboy instructions! Anyhow, get those fingers tapping and write to me at Unclemikey4you@Ao[com, and I will be sure to give you my utmost attention just as soon as Romance completes my entertainment for the evening. Until we meet again, may you find joys untoid and settle not - insist on cab fare Kittens! Smooches, Your humble (snickers) guide into Queerdom - Uncle Mikey Undemikey4you@Aol.com, Uncle Mikey is • chanctcr from Freelance wdter Michael Hinzman. Michael has been writing for ten year~. UtilDiog hi1 1tudic1, and life experience to help others in his community, through humor and !ouod 2dvicC':. Miducl applied his study of psychology 2nd creative writing, ;as ~:ell hi~ c:xtcntivc b2.ckground in menta.l health Direct c:.1rc lo bring a new styi~ t.od approach to hdping othen- tfich:1.d's oth«:":r works c;;.n be viewed at -· Micliac! is in proce,~ now with 2 sm21l publishing hou?-e working on his first pubHshcd fiction:,i novel, "Dragomir," Which will be out eariy 2005. l Page 21 A Benefit to be held for The Healing Quilt Project of the Ozarks Springfield, MO October 21, 2004 The Edge Club in Springfield, Missouri will hdst a benefit for The Healing Quilt Project of the Ozarks, a nonprofit organization of Springfield on November 6, 2004 at 9pm. Roxanne LaMoore and a cast of colorful favorites will be performing in memory of past performers Bette Davis, Ruby Flame and Tigress, among others. There will be a i3.00 cover charge. Proceeds from the "Threads of TimeReflections of the Past" fund-raiser event will go toward bringing a large portion of the Aids Memorial Quilt to Springfield for World Aids Month in December and to purchase much needed supplies for the Quilt Workshop. The Healing Quilt Project organization serves people with terminal illness and provides emotional support for those dealing with the loss of a loved one, through out the Ozarks by giving them a quilt for warmth and creating a memory quilt in remembrance. They also offer workshops and presentations to the community. The Quilt Project is located at, 823 W. Walnut, Springfield, MO 65806. Contributions should be directed to Founder/ Director Rick McCormack (417) 865-4358 or ( 417) 864-8,99. Website www .healingquilt.com MARY KAY t Than look lo Miry .Kew- \bll ftnd th!- lawt (l!Miend-o,lcrs OOOld!ldad furyuu.wtth emyto"... t.Lt"-flif ;lltA.,& - .t..c.. v ~ QJR git 1he hdtmt latlb wihri Mam:e ••• cr,da~bein ~ Independent BeaJty Cortdtrrt. . 41N~73·1181 .........,..,&11111/jUJDUDlldl yov, SIR, MAy 1 Ginger Latr1Ar in most clubs was a buzzer you pushed to get itl; and if there was a raid, they woulcl:push the·b~zer & blink lights. Itfetyone woul<i le~ve the dance floclr, beciitise it. was :illcgitl to danse &. .clrlrik. _So, y~>n would· go sit, & by .. the tim:'e#hey, came in, everyone would be sitiiri.g & talking. When they left ~cryonei w11.s back up & dancing again". · · When ask'ed if he plans to retire anytime soon, he replied ''Not as lopg as I can get into these spike beds and walk. I refuse to give in to flat's". Still performing in Oklahoma City at Club Rox located in the Hollywood Hotel Suites the first Saturdav of each month and the Boom Boom Room at 2807 NW 36th St every Sunday. The show at the Boom Boom will have an entire new look beginning Sunday November 7th. Called the "G" Spot the show will be featuring. live interviews, guesf appearances along with performances by Ginger and guest. 'The new show is going to be hilariously fun and very entertaining", Ginger said. Knowing Ginger, you can count on a fun ,entertaining evening at any of his shows. The Ozarks Star is proud to feature Ms Ginger Lamar, an entertainment legend in his own time. Another. example of multitalented people of the Four States region deserviJ:ig of community recognition. We also CQ~tiilaie Ginger aoci:liis life partncr'J:E. vrlio celtj:,~ted their 30th a~~ive,rssuy: on Ailgtlst 31st, 2004. To get an in-depth look into Ginger's life present 'and past, view some very glamorous plioto's and· ltcep up i:o date on his performance schedule, visit the official web sit at www.giogerlamar.com. Page 23 Creator: Paula Martinac has been writing for the gay and lesbian press for more than 20 years. She served for three years as the co-chair of the board of directors of New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgeoder Community Center, where she founded a groundbreaking reading series called "In Our Own Write." Lesbian Notions by Paula Ma.rtioac November, 2004 And the Winner Is ••. As the presidential campaign enters its final stage, more and· more lawn. signs are popping up in my neighborhood, which is in a swing county in. a .. swing st:lte. So far, the KerryEdwards sigtis ·.outnumber. the Bush-Cheney ones about 7:.toit ~ not. sutp · · · this liberal coo~cssibnal district: the · election werf ar cleattut as the signs on i:ny street! The truth is, it's going to be a down-tothe- wire nail-biter; and because; of t;hat,it would be wise for· us to think beyond Nov. 2 (maybe beyond December, given likely·votiog irregularities). What.is in store .for the ~y community if <leorge W. Bush \Vins? What will happen if John Kerry beats liim? In. either outcome, there will be. a lot of work . ahead • albeit of distinct varieties - for our movement. Outcome No. 1: Four More Years ... If Bush wins, will his gay~·. continue? True, he will no longer need gay marriage as · a punching ~~· to· distract voters from the war in Iraq or the continuing weak economy. For that .o:iatter, he will no longer need the religious right, which made aotigay policies a condition of its support. The best the gay community could hope for in this scenario is that we simply fall off Bush's radar screen, entering a period of neglect much like the first years of his administration, in which we kept doggedly working _under_ the White House radar and pulled off major victories in .:..Lawrence v. Te:xas_ and ..:..Goodrich v. Department of Public Health_. Io the worst-case scenario (which I think is more likely), the antigay right would be further emboldened by a Bush win, and he would pay them back for their loyalty with more aotigay judicial appointments. Since federal judges sit for life, that could turn back the clock on out rights for a generation. And because right-wing state and local officials would also claim a mandate, the gay community would spend the oe:xt four years fending off attacks at ~ levels of government, constantly on red alert for attempts to roll back the few rights we've Il'WlAgCd to· secure. - C'Ven · ones as benign as domestic partnership. We've seen the tip of this iceberg already, and it's clear that there would have to be a huge defensive effort against it. Many more of us would have to engage actively in contacting our representatives about votes on legislation and judicial appointments, and to convince our straight. family members and friends to do the same. (You can register for gay-specific updates at www.hrc.org; for broader libc:tal updates, visit www.pfaw.org.) Many more of us would have to work for moderate or progressive candidates or run for office ourselves. Outcome No. 2: "Don't Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out• Seo. John Kerry's campaign has touted his 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign and has held him fonwrd as "a powerful voice in the ongoing fight for civil rights." Although Kerry has a laudable progay tecord in the Senate on everything from the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) to gays in the military to HIV/ AIDS funding, ......... continued P-ge -25 Deep Inside ,HollyWood Magnolias_ and _First Wives Club_ screenwriter Robert Harling, will bring many of the original characters up to the present date, with oil Iring J.R. Ewing now rwining the moat powerful. energy company on the planet. Look for the aamc big cowboy hats, wicked plot tuma, and vicious backstabbing that made the original aeries 10 much fun. Romeo, meanwhile, ia hoping for the return of Charlene Tilton. . by:Romeo San Vicente November 2004 Nlxo.n. M-.ta Roosevelt One. wu, tg,g1.0t.ed to, hav.e had an a£fiur with a woman; tμe other juat recently. confirmed having a leabian relationship. That used to be the only common ground bctw:een Eleanqr Roosevelt and Cynthia Nixon. But now Nixon wil) play Franklin Roosevelt's fl.rat lady in .thc. l@O movie _\Varm Springa_. With .Kenneth •~agh u· FDR. the film will tell di:e 11toiy o.f }.looacvdt'a life before .he became prctidcnt, from hie time in the New York Stllte .. ~tc tq hi.• polio diagnoiia in 1921 atld. the y:arioua curca he ,ought afterward. Helmeci · by .veteran TV movie ditector Jo1epl1,, Sirgent, production ia acheduled to begin any minute with a probable 2005 air date. nn t,hen, Nixon faaatici can get their fix wit,h Roi>crt Altma,n'a .... Tanner. on Tanner..:. now airing on ShoW,time. ~ J.R. Lookalike South.fork Randi, h@a a ~lift in ita fu~. Aa if bigscreen temakes of cvciy 1V series ever ci:eated, from ....Dukes of Hazzard_ to _MiamfViiiC..::, weren't enough, Robert Lukctic .CJ..c;gally Blonde~ ia in negotjations to direct a feature-film version of thc,Jong-ruoning hit TV aeriea ...Dallas_. The movie, to be scripted by _Steel Schumacher Enten _ Ci.'QWded Room_ _ Andrew Uoyd Webber's P~tom of the Open.... Joel ~huniachcr'a latest film~ opens this Christmas. Meanwhile, the hardworking gay director ia already diving into his next projei:t, _The Crowded Room_, a complete abour.-face from a big romantic musical, Bueq on Daniel Keyes' book. .. The Minda of Billy Milligan_. _Room_ centers on a mentally ill min, ch~d with kidnapping and rape, who ia also discovered to have 2-4 aeparate peraonalitiea brought on by yeua of childhood sexual abu,e. The project bu been in and out of development for ycan, and at different times hu had cveiy major director from Steven Soderbci'gh to Gus Van Sant elated to helm it, and actors from BJ:lld Pitt to Scan Penh to Billy Crudup attached to atar. Now that Schumacher ia on board, the mystery of who'll run with all 24 lead, ahould be aolved aoon. _ Playing It Straight_: The Movie Once upon a time - OK. it wu just cul.let .. thia year - there wu a· doomed gay rcality aerie, called _Playing It Straight... in which gay men acted atraight to trick an unwitting bachclorette. Apparc11dy, no one but Romeo tuned in, and 10 it wu quickly cancelled, the winner forever unknown.· Now that show'• title ia · getting a aecobd chance. In production, the movie _Playing It Stralght.. hu nothing to do with the cancelled aliow except the potential for a little identity confuaion. The plot revolve• around a man who relic, on relationship advice from hi, gay identical twin. Unfortunately, too much homo advice botchea the hcteto' bliaa, and big laugha cnaue • or 10 it's hoped, unlc11 keeping that title turns out to be bad luck. Not that Romeo is aupentitioua or anything. ·, _Romeo San Vicente thinb having a gay twin would only increase the competition. He can be reached care of thia publication or at DccpinaidcHollywood@qayndicate.com._ Page 25 Don't.Ask Don't Tdlfrompg-6 ''These decisions require a reexamination of the reasoning employed in prior decisions upholding the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, and they compel a finding and declaration by the court that the policy violates the Constitution,'' added Woods. White & Case lawyers are well versed in the constitutional issues involved with the service of gays md lesbians in. the United States Armed Forces. Last year, White & Case helped draft m amici brief submitted by the Log Cabin Republicans in support of the petitioners in the Supreme Court's case of Lawrence v. State of Texas, arguing successfully that m American's right to liberty under the Due Process clause includes the right to engage iti private consensual conduct without governmental intervention. In the early 1990s, the Firm also successfully represented Keith Meinhold in the . landmark decision in Mcinhold v. U.S. Department of Defense, which challenged the military's previous prohibition of gays and lesbians in the military. ''This case is fundamentally about correcting a misguided governmental policy based on prejudice towards gay and lesbian Americans. A decade of experience with the policy demonstrates that it actually weakens our national defense/' said Meekins. "It seems especially offensive to compd members of the Armed Forces, who fight to protect our liberty, to deny them their constitutional right to freedom of speech and to engage in private, intimate relationships." Guerriero said that he is confident that this challenge will result in the end of this discriminatory policy and ultimately a stronger U.S. military because highly trained, dedicated gay and lesbian soldiers will no longer be forced out simply because they disclose their sexual orientation Lesbian Notions from pg-23 the fact is he's spent the better part of tliis campaign dodging us and our issues, granting two brief, last-minute interviews to the gay press. He has also taken every opportunity (including in those interviews) to stress that he and John Edwards oppose gay marriage and favor separate-but-equal civil unions - a position that annoys and disappoints many of us. Still, in the interest of replacing a dishonest, corrupt administration, the gay movement has (rightfully, I think) cut ~ .a lot of slack. And it's likely that Pre.sidcnt Kerry would be generous in his appointments of openly gay officials to his administration, reinstating a tone of inclusion md fairness. That would be no small achievement, given that the mood in Washington under Bush has been one of increasingly unchecked hostility toward us. A fot of us might be satisfied with a change in tone under Kerry - but, then, that would simply . be returning to where we left off at the st:ut of 2001. If Ketty is elected, one danger is .that most of us would breathe a sigh of relief and sit back, waiting for change. But, in fact, the lesbian and gay community as a whole would still have an enormous job ahead.of it - that of holding the new president to his assertion of being a civil;-:rights leader. After all, he's. made no big promises to us, as Clinton did with gays in the military, and it will be up to us to push him for change. For with a shift in tone in Washington come opportunities • if not for marriage rights, then possibly for the passage of ENDA, a bill Kerry cosponsored, or even for· an end to "don't ask, don't tell," a policy he strongly opposed. A good slogan for us under Kenys White House would be, "Don't expect too much, but don't accept too little." _PIUJA Martinac is a umbda Literary · · and canbt m«bed care of this p,1blkAtion or at usbi4nNotions@qsyndicau.com . J>age Z§ G11 Tr4wlmfrom -page 7 . . This is a DVD that you must have for your library. The producer and agent, Joe Spotts witb his life partner, Michael WU mo/staying-at the B & B We have kriown them for years. Joe is the agent for several cntcrt2incrs including J.J. BuUock, Tammy Faye Baker and Leslie )ordan (Brother Boy in Sotdid Lives). He also is the· agent for Ruby Ann Boxcar! Joe is currently producing Leslie Jordan in. his one man show in Los -Angclcis , "Lac A Dog On Linoleum" We were there opening night and it wa's _tremendous! Not sin~c WC saw Elaine Stritch. - "At_Libcrty'' have we had such a d~tfiil evening at the thca~. Leslie pours his heart out to the audience. IJ; is a biographical sketch of his life.You ~ la~ (riotously), cry, ponder and delve into your own sense of being. This is. high dnma at is beat! From di_e land of hat-wearing southern belles addictcci to high driuna and painkillers comci. the unbelievably true talcs of a boy who fell o-iit of the womb and w,idca:~ hls Mama's high hells, hopped a_ G~yhound bus for "Hollywcird," and has never looked back! Leslie is one of those rare entertainers who is not afraid to show himself to his audicnc_e. It is gut wrenching! Even thou WC saw it weeks ago WC still think about it every day. If' you loved him in the movie Sordid Lives, then you will love his new play even more. · Seeing Leslie.Jordan perform on stage was absolutely a delight. After seeing him on numerous television shows and in movies we just knew tiiAt seeing him in his new stage production worild be else .. AND IT WAS! If you _ LIVES, then vou will like this stage production just· u much. It was a biographic sketch of his entire life ~th no holds batted. From his days of~-4rugs and_ sex, Leslie goes tbiu the entire production tcllirig it just how it wu. _ From his early years in school thtu Sotdid I:ivc8 he tells 81S story. It was fun, funny, sad and really made qne think about their- own life. He bad die entire audience in the Dahn of his hand the entire show. • At the end he received a standing ovation which he so richly deserved. After the show we got to talk with Leslie about his life and other matters. He is a gem of a guy and so sincere. He grew up in Tennessee and knew at an early age that he HAD to get out. As we all know, even today people in Tennessee arc not ill that tolerant. And thank goodness he got out of Tennessee to give laughter to millions of us. Leslie lives in the greater Los Angeles area and we just hope sometime in the near future that he can find that perfect someone to spend the rest of his life with. He devotes much of his time and talents to charity events throughout the country. We are just hoping that he takes his current production on the road and throughout America. We arc hoping that a DVD is soon to be released and a USA tour should be coming sometime soon. Leslie has thousands of fans throughout the · country. Our special thanks to his producer and agent, Joe Spotts who lives in Palm Springs. Our dear friend, Raymond, owner. of the Secret Garden· had great dinner parties for us. He is one "of the nicest, sweetest and caring people that we have ever met. We also went to the Getty Art Museum while we were there and went to several of the new bars that opened in L. A. But the real enjoyment is visiting with the different guests staying at the Secret Garden After a hectic, exciting, interesting and fun-filled week in Los Angles we drove to Palm Springs and we will have to tell you all about that in our next column. For more infomation on Do,wld 11ndR.ay or visit their web 'W'Wfl!.lxmutoum. com Page27 Seo es by Jack Fcrt1g November 2004 "Don't waste money, Gemini!" Ma.rs square Saturn is never pretty. Worse yet, Mars is not at his best in Libra, nor is Saturn very happy in Cancer, Look out for turf battles and rigid attitudes. ARIES (Ma.rch 21 to April 20): Domestic squabbles are nea.rly inevitable now, Lingering issues should be handled in a mature, serious fashion. Some rough play could help relieve stress, but if you're not experienced with kink, agree on a safeword and make limits very clear, TAURUS (April 21 to May 20): Misunderstandings at work feed resentments and make for harder work as well as a rougher workplace, Communication is the key to cooperation. If you can read and follow memos while your nose is pressed to the grindstone, you'll get through. GEMINI (May 21 to June 21): Resist impulses to invest right now, don't waste money on lottery tickets, and budget carefully if you must indulge in "retail therapy." Dancing, telllll sports, or anything else that gets you sweating while in good company will prove valuable, CANCER Qune 22 to July 22): Even the slightest problem at home cw have a huge emotional impact. Too sensitive? That's part of it, but just part. Cooperative housework can help - but it's the coopention that's more important than the actual housework. LEO Quly 23 to August 22): You're a natural ch=er, but now you have an odd need to cha.rm above and beyond the usual, revealing inner stresses deep beneath your surface. A massage and introspective chats will help to release those stresses. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22): Are your friends carrying their weight, or do you get s~k too often with the tab? Social responsibilities can bum a hole in your wallet. Chlltitable donations may need prioritizing and review. Let moochy friends go dutch! LIBRA (September 23 to October 21): l?e professional and assertive, but cooperative - and for heaven's sake, don't take yourself too seriously. If you maintain a careful balanc'e, you can be monarch of all you survey. If you slip, you may win a title, but you'll surely lose respect, SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21): Comfort may be found in ancient spiritual teachings. The _Malus Maleficarum_ does not count! Confront religious conflicts from your own childhood, or get some perspective on the rites and teachings of something very different, SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 20): The stars recommend dungeon pllrties now, but if B & D is not your cup of tea, you may find yourself in a political confrontation of medieval proportions. Then you'll wish you had the manacles and ball gag! CAPRICORN (December 21 to January 19): Who's the boss? Telllllwork is very important now, but be very Cllteful about hierarchical structure. If you respect everybody's positions wd finesse your way through the minefield of office policies, you'll go very fa.r in the long run. AQUARIUS 0anua.ry 20 to Februa.ry 18): Resist all temptation to argue - and temptlltion will be fierce. You can't win a.rguments right now, and you Cll1l lea.rn lots if you just shush and listen. Questions a.re good. You can even ask some very pointed questions - just don't a.rgue. PISCES (Febru.uy 19 to Ma.rch 19): It's an ideal· time to explore some of the kinkier md rougher sides of sex play. Tell. your pa.rtner or a well-chosen friend what you really want to try out. Yes, it's good to be ca.reful, but don't be shy! Jade Fertig has been fllorking a.s a professional astrologer since 1977 and 4 a founding member of tlJe .Association for .A.stro/c,gical Net'fllorleing. He 1:1in be reached for consMltations at 415-864- 8302, tbroNgh bis website at http:/ /fllfllflJ.st4rjllck..com Page 28 Four States Community Directory -Bars- NightclubsArkansas, Fayetteville (479) Ron's Place- - 523 \".'. P:;plar- - - - - 479-442-3052 Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - -479-571-1300 Wild-On - - - - - -3570 W. 6th- - - - - - 479-521-9453 Arkansas, Fort Smith (479) Kinkeads- 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - -479-783-9988 Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - -479-782-1845 Arkansas, Little Rock (SCH) Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- --501-664-2744 Discovery- - 1021 JenieRd- -· - - - - 501-666-6900 The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070 Ml111ouri, JopHa (417) Ree's• - • - 716 S. Main - - - - - - -417-627-9035 Mi&so-.irl, Kansas City (816) Buddies - - - - - - - 3715 ~ St- - - - 816-561-2600 DB Warehouse- -1915 Main;St- - - -816-471-1575 Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - -- - 816-561-0625 Sidestrcet Bar - - - -413 B. 3rd- - - - 816-531-1775 Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430 Mlssoari, Springfield (417) The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - --417-831<-4700 Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572 Oz Bar• 504 E. Commercial - - - - • -417-831-9001 Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036 Rumors• -1109 E. Commercial- - 417-873-2225 Oklahoma, Oklalaoma City (465) Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - - -405-843-1722 Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th &pwy- - 405-525-0730 Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Bxpwy - 405-947-2351 Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351 Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - - -405-601-7200 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) Bamboo Lounge- 720-4 E. Pine - - --918-836-8700 Club Maverick• - 822 S. Sheridan - 918-835-3301 Heads & Tails- - 7944 E. 21st - - - - - - 918-660-7878 Chm Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - -918-584-9494 New Age Renegades- -1649 S. Main - -918-585-3405 Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - -918-838-9792 Silver Star- -1565 S. Sheridan - - - - - -918-834-4234 T«x>l Box- 1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - 918-584-1308 Yellow Brick: Road- - 2630 E. 15th - - -918-293-0304 -Lodging- Milsouri, Jeplia (417) Faces Gucsthouse B&B --- -- -417-621-9915 Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800 Mlaoari,Ava Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - 417-683-9199 Mlasouri, Lampe KOKOMOCampground-- - 41"P79-5084 Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex-405-947-2351 Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- -405-528-2221 -Organizations- Arkansas, Eureka Springs MCC Living Spring- - - - - - -870-253-9337 Arkansas, Avoca Natural State Naturists- - - - - -- - - -479-451-8066 Kansas, Pittsburg (620) River of Life Church - 1709 N Walnut -11!\M PSU-QSA. . 1701 S. Broadway- - 620-231-0938 Missouri, Joplin (417) MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - - - 6PM UCCFF--204 N. Jackson Ave, - - - -10:30AM Aids Project Ozarks- 513 Kentucky- 417-624-5788 Missouri, Springfield (417) Rainbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206 Unitarian Universalist Church - 417-833-2723 APO- - - 1901 E. Bennett, suite D- - 4 i 7-881-1900 Show}.fe MO Pride --417-864-4459 GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978 PPL.AG-Springfield- - - - - - - - - -417-889-i059 PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@hotmail.com Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405) Cathedral of Hope- - 600 NW 13th St- 232-HOPE Oklahoma, McAlester McPride- - - -POBo~ 1515, McAlester, OK 74502 Oklahoma, Tulsa (918) MCC United- -1623 N. Maplewood- -918-838-1715 -Business Services-Missouri, Earek.a Shelter Insurance- --Greg Tainter- - 636-938-5500 Mis1011ri, Joplin (417) Body Swim Massage Therapy- -417-825-5800 Charles Burt Realtors-Vicki Bronson-- -434-0077 RE/MAX - - - -Cathe Letts- - - - 417-483-5313 Office Max- -440 Rangel.inc Rd- 417-623-1007 Joan Szymanski- Beauty Consult,- 417-673-1181 NightThings Boutique-719 MainSt- 417-659-9913 Missouri, Spriagflcld (417) Pri5cilla's - - • • 1918 S. Glenstone - -417-881-8444 Oldahem•, Oklahoma City Ccntury21 - -4301 NW 63rd #100 -· 405- 840-2106 Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - - 405-755-8600 Oklahoma, Tulsa Kelly Kirby,CPA-4815 S Harvard - - 918-747-5466 Underguy.com - - -825 E. 3rd - - - 877-7-BOXERS Priscilla's - - - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - - -918-627-4884 Priscilla's - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - --918-446-633(; Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - •· 918-438-4224 Priscilla's - - • • 2333 E. 71st - - - - - - 918--t99-1661 f 1 I I I 1 Page 29 The Ozarks Star November 2004 Mis 71 6 S MAIN STREET, JOPLIN, MISSOURI (41 7) 6_2.7-9035 Page 30 . . . . . . .· ... _only $6.00 {or t:l:ie. rd,, arid only 25 c~ti for ~h:additional word;:}., ...... 4bd, 4bth, forqi:μ clitining, large kitchen. libracy/ offi~e, full basement, iotted heat/ air., 3200 Sq. Ft., beautifully restored, quiet residential· Roanoke adjacent. Priced under $140,000. $$Price Reduced$$ Call Vicki at Charles Burt Realtors 417:.434-,0077 o~ 800-782-7~22. · ·e . . . Star 0n-Line. Check out our website for Daily hr~~king GLBl' news. w:ww.ozarksstir:com · .• . Need A Howe ~~: A,4verclse hctc for only $6.00 £int JS '11J'ords,,25 cents for each additionaf ~rd. Advertising Representative's Part Time: For Kansas City, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas, Kansas and Joplin. Commission based compensation. Work in the LGBTS business community. Mail qualifications to: Ozarks Star 24-01 E. 32nd St., Suite 10-243 Joplin, MO 64804. Bed & Breakfast: Own your own B&B? Bdaμtiful 4 bed 4 bath 3200sqft fully. fi.u"J~j~hcd in Joplin, MO For Sale. Call Vicki Bronson at Charles Burt Realtors 417-434-0077 1010 E. 20th Joplin MO64804 800-782-7822 I I I l Page 31 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] The Ozark Star Magazine, November 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 11 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Ozark Star’s first issue began in August of 2004. Before this Issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) then follows The Star (2005) and The Metro Star (2008) This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Star Media, Ltd. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Star Media, Ltd. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 1, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource C.D. Ward Greg Steele, Randy Vineyard Steve T. Urie Donald Pile Ray Williams Chaz Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Southeast Kansas Eastern Oklahoma The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Ozark Star Magazine, October 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 10 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/176 The Ozark Star Magazine, December 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 12 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/142 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/173 adult movie network Advice Bars Cathy Crimmins Deep Inside Hollywood Don't Ask Don't Tell Gay and Lesbian Ginger Lamar GLBT business association health How the Homosexuals saved civilization Lady Bunny Lesbian Notions Marygate media Night clubs Qscopes Quotable Quotes same sex marriage The Healing Quilt Project The Star Scene travel Uncle Mikey https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fde1a9761350847c7ca749221f2138d3.jpg 8039f31ad599420794be715e9d37cd0d https://history.okeq.org/files/original/5d64a9536a7dcf81d4335137285214d6.pdf 18be45b7c1aef2ceb9e62a532f7f20e5 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart February 15- March 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 3 Barnes & Noble Censors Paper TULSA - Barnes & Noble’s recently opened Tulsa store has denied equal access to Tulsa Family News as a distribution point. Tulsa Family News approached Barnes & Noble after observing a stand for Tulsa People in the lobby of their 71st store. Cynthia Carnahan, spokesperson for that location, said that store manager, Diane Elliott, would not allow Tulsa Family News ~FFN) because the store had already had a few complaints about the Lesbian & Gay rifles they carry. Hliott, in conversation with TFN publisher, Tom Neal, said-that Tulsa People and Urban Tulsa (both of which had been given permission to distribute) were "acceptable" because they were of "general interest". Camahan indicated that the objection was based on the Chance that non-Gays might complain rather than on any specific content issue (editor’s note: TFN and the Tulsa Worm are comparable in content). Regional manager, Jim Van Natter, at press time, had decided to ban all free publications in the stores over which he had responsibility. He says was motivated; in part, by the problems in stores in locations see B & N, page 11 Gay Basher Gets Bashed TOHR Leadership: Kelly Kirby, Tim Gillean, & Miriam Childers Leaders Organize in Tulsa & OKC Largent Counter Anti-Gay Amendment Mtg. toCommunity organizers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City called March 4, 10 am MCC-Tulsa Congressman Steve Largent will attend a meeting with the Lesbian/Gay communities on Sat. March 4, at 10 am. hosted by the Metropolitan Community Church of-Greater Tulsa and Tulsa Family News. This meeting is an historic event since it will be the first time ever that an Oklahoma Member of Congress has met with Lesbian & Gay constituents in state. Mr. Largent, who.has record o£~ .making anti;;G~y. expressed his desire to represent all persons in his district. community meetings to warn of an anti-Gay amendment that State Rep. Bill Graves of Oklahoma City has introduced into the current legislative session. In a Oklahoma House of Representative press release, the following is attributed to Graves, "this type of lifestyle [homosexuality] must not be allowed to continue ff we are going to ’maintain a moral, orderly society. ’" Graves added, "...we have seen pro:homosexual groups in other states obtain minority and protected status from .discrimination...history has shown that in nations wher such policies have succeeded, moral disintegration has soon followed...it is~incredible that such programs would even be seriously proposed in view of the fact that-homosexuals are the ones who have brought us the deadly AIDS plague". If passed by the Oklahoma House and Senate, House Joint Resolution 1018 would create a state ballot question to amend the Constitution adding" the following."¯ "Section" 2.1 Neither" the State of. Oklah0ma,. through any of its branches or departments, or any of ~ts agencaes, political subdivisions, municipalities, counties or school districts sl~:enact, adopt, or,enforce-any statute, rule, regulation, Ordinance or policy whereby homosexual, lesbian, or bisexual orientation, conduct, practices, or relationships shall constitute or otherwise be the see HJR 1018, page 11 Helms to Try to Ban Homosexuality Gay Officials Going to White House "Gay" Books Most Often Attacked Gingrich to Hold Anti.Gay Hearings WASHINGTON- Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) has introduced a bill (S. 25) entitled"Prohibition of Homosexuality as a Legitimate.or Normal. Lifestyle" that would bar any federal agency from spending money "to encourage its employees or officials to accept homosexuality," The Helms-measure would also bar federal agencies from recruiting homosexuals for employment. The measure has no cosponsors, has not been referred to any Senate committee and has not been scheduled for anyfurther aetionyet. There is ....also no House counterpart. DC -- In what many observers say is clearly an effort by the Clinton administration to mend badly damaged fences with lesbian and gay voters, some 30 gay and lesbian dected officials have been invited to a meeting at the White House in late February or early March. "We want them [administration officials] to give us some indication that, yes, they do care about us, that weare an important community, an important part ,of their constituency," said San Francisco Supervisor Susan Leal, who was asked to put the meeting together. ?At the same time, we also want to hear that they’re not going to be giving in to the far right." Ideally, Lealthinks those who should be present would be Health & Human Services See. Shalala, Atty. Gen. Reno & AIDS policy coordinator Patsy Fleming. But the administration has made no commilments about who actually will attend the meeting yet. "I think for perception it’s important for the President to be there," Leal said. "We’re planning that he comes and blesses the thing and says, "This is my thing, and thanks for coming, and here are my ideas.’" PHILADELPHIA - The American Library Assn; says 2 lesbian and gay children s books continue to be among the "most challenged" at schools and libraries around the country. Michael Willhoite’s Daddy’s Roommate headed the.ALA’s list of books drawing the greatest number of attempts to have it removed from bookshelves in the U.S. - the 2rid year in arow the book has topped the ALA list.Tied in 2nd place on the book suppression list was Leslea Newman’s Heather Has Two Mommies. Both books depict gays and ,lesbians as heads of families.Another gay~oriented tiffed on the ALA’s list was Charles Silverstein’s The New Joy of Gay Sex. DC -- According to the Human Utah & So. Dakota Want to Ban Same- Gender Marriage SALT LAKEC1TY-Legislators m Utah have introduced a measure to prohibit same-sex marriages and lawmakers in South Dakota have quickly passed a similar law in the state House, sending it on to the state Senate for approval.Activists believe both measures have been introduced now because of the see Marrriage, page 9 Dallas Council OK’s Anti-Bias Rule DALLAS -- The Dallas City Council voted 9 to 6 to include marital status and sexual orientation anti-bias protections for city workers in a 2rid test of the issue after the city attorney ruled that the council’s 1st vote earlier in January may not have see Dallas, page 9 TULSA - A Gay Tulsa man reported to TFN that he was assaulted in mid-January at the Tulsa Promenade Shopping Center parking lot. His assailant, a man in his 20’ s, sprang out, yelling "hey queer-boy". The intended victim (whom we’ll call "Joe" since he spoke on condition ofanonymity to protect his employment-editor’s note) said that "of course, I turned around." His assailant attempted see Basher, page 9 Speaker at King Service Slanders Gays - No Apology From Organizers TULSA - On Sunday, January 15, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Society held an interfaith memorial service in honor of slain civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. This was part of a series of King events in Tulsa. Bishop ,Ron Young, former Tulsa City Commissioner, and pastor of the Pentecostal Bridegroom Church of Philadelphia, ~vas the main speaker for the event,, held at Boston Ave. Methodist Church, Young listed homosexuality, with spouse and child abuse, drug see ML King, page 9 Conviction;inr Miss. Murder Trial MISSISSIPPI -- February 13, 1995 -- Rejecting the HIV and Newt Gingrich said at a town gay panic arguments Of the meeting in ,Ga.., that the House defense, ajury convicted Marvin will hold hearings Sought by Lou McClendon, 17, Friday for the Sheldon of the anti,gay slayingof two gay men near Traditional Values Coalition. "I Laurel, MS. Circuit Judge Billy do think at some point this spring Landrum, who earlier had reor summer, ft. we.can have a on~ leased the HIV status of both day hearing on whether or not victimsto the jury, Sentenced taxpayer money is being spent to MeClendon to two consecutive promote things that are literally life prison terms for the murders of Robert Waiters and Joseph grotesque;.tha.t, that’ s alegitimate request, HRCF reported Shoemake. Gingrich as saying. The defense attorney, J. Since the Republicans won Ronald Parrish, whose legal decontrol of Congress in Nov., fense strategy included arguSheldon has told reporters that ments based on the the HIV status Gingrich-had pledged ~o. hold-.- ¯ anti, Sexual orientation, of. the hearings on a array of proposals victims, Continued his anti-gay -.including limiting AIDS tirade after the triaE Parrish reVention programs, imposing decried the verdict, calling it a ral"controls on public school defeat for "people who want to curricula, and limits on counkeep their children safe from seling & materials aimed at Gay people trolling the streets.’" & Lesbian youth. Elizabeth "NGLTF is pleased that the Birch, HRCF’s new executive see Murder, page 9 director, said, "The Republican leadership is clearly coming under pressure from anti-gay extremists. The Speaker should reject this extremism and keep focused on issues important to mainstream America." Rights Campaign Fund, Speaker Fede �"Gays & Lesbians under attack, what do we do? Act up, fight back! People with AIDS under attack, what do we do? Act-up, fight back!" -~ ACT UP slogan One look at page one of this paper is enough to see that indeed, Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals, Transgendered persons, people withAIDS are under attack in Tulsa, in the Oklahoma Legislature, in Washington and around the world. In Tulsa, a veteran is assaulted for no reason than he has rainbow triangles on a chain (with his dog .tags). Under Oklahoma law, this ts not a hate crime. But not all attacks are active. Some folks just achieve similar results by their passivity or inaction. For example, Tulsa’s OOPS Editor’s note: last month Kelly Kirk, wrote an excellent story of which only half got printed thru’ ou.r error. The bottom ofhis story gottost somewhere on an dectronic desktop. Our~tpologies to Kelly. The complete story runs below. - TN In honor of International Human Rights Day, the Human Rights Commission and Human Rights Department of the City of Tulsa hosted a reception on Monday, December 19, 1994. Addressing the gathering, Commission Chair Eddie Faye Gates spoke of past accomplishments and achievements in the human rights arena globally. International Human Rights Day was started by the United Nations to monitor humanrights. Ms. Gates noted that the United States is still on the list of human rights violators in the area of prisoner treatment, particularly 23 hourper daylockdowns where inmates aren’t exposed to sunlight. She noted also a distinction between humanfights monitored globally and civil rights which are maintained by national governments. Ms. Gates noted that while things are less than perfect, we have adequate legislation and agreement in the important areas of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, and ethnic origin, leaving the basic rights of Gay men and Lesbians as the last frontier to be crossed. Tulsa Mayor Susan Savage remarked on the irony of a speaker in town recently to address city employees on sensitivity issues being quite surprised when he met her, expecting the Mayor to be male. She echoedCommi ssioner Gates comments on the need to see Human Rights, page 9 sometimes Gay-friendly mayor & staff pretend that no city !employees have told them about !and-Gay discrimination by other city employees. If the problem were acknowleged, our mayor, who’s clearly opposed to discrimination based on gender and other statuses, might have to risk some of her political future by issuing an executive order banning anti-Gay discrimination in city employment. Now at a state-level, there’s been little doubt that our legislature has had little regard for minority views. After all this is a body whose first official act" upon statehood was to pass segregation ("Jim Crow’) laws. Ours is a state where our institutions (OU, agencies, etc.) only do the "right thing" after a court compels them to do so. But the current proposal of radical right loon, Rep. Bill Graves, HJR 1018 (which would amend our constitution to institutionalize anti-Gay bias as though it needs any help here) is just part of the same attack on Lesbian & Gay citizens. The sad On the evening of Dec. 18, I was given a gift of love by several peoplein our community. I would like to opeuly thank them and the businesses for their love and support: Scott Johnson, Steve Tucker, Green Country Cloggers, Sensuous, Kris Kohl, Lola, Dana Doyle, "Tigger" Taylor, Anita Richards, Slutisha (Pat), Janalyn Watt, "rl’iger" Rawlings, Winnie O’Keeffe, Jane Rother, The Silver Star, TNT’ s andmyfamily. Lots of work goes into a great benefit and making things nm smooth. The businesses give their time, space and money for these events to take place. The people running these events are tireless in their effort in keeping thing happy and helpful. The many volunteers work up acts, jokes, beauty, signs and sayings to help promote these events. I really enjoyed the benefit. It brought back may memories of the entertainers’ fLrst appearances and shows when I as more active. I laughed and cried with joy and delight at the many people war are so willing to donate, participate and keep our community spirit together and high with the purpose ofhelping those of us in need. I appreciate all of yo,u who in the last 16 montfi~ ffli~ liii~e prayed and sat with me, picked me up, cheered me up listened to me, visited with me, and checked. on me. For someone with long term disabilities, it means a great deal to the heart- the head always follows - but the heart consumes love from you and keep our tuner sprite lifted so that we can make it to the next day. It stays the depression and gives you a smile. It is really true friends that keep you going. 1 love you, my true friends. Sincerely, Wanda Sumter thing is that this resolution will likely .pass if it’s not killed in committee. There are only a handful of Oklahoma.legislators who have to courage not to join an attack on us. And though I am a native son, proud of my state on those occasions when it lives up to its promise, I have little faith in our fellow .citizens not to fall prey to the Nazi-like propaganda about Lesbian and Gay lives. At the federal level, Oklahoma’s entire Congressional delegation is hostile to their own Lesbian & Gay constituents. The Human Rights Campaign Fund, the nation’s largest Lesbian & Gay organization, began its national effort to get Congress members to sign a pledge not to discriminatein their own hiring based primarily on the prejudice of TulSa’s Rep. Jim Inhofe (now Senator) because of a Tulsa World story. Tulsans, of course, have known of Inhofe’s bias for almost 20 years. Sen. Nickles ,goes around to small towns like See Fight Back. page 11 Carbon Copy US Rep, Steve Largent_ 2424 E. 21st, Ste. 510 Tulsa, Oklahoma Dear Representative Largent: As a representative of all our citizens, I hope you will ease off on the homosexuals. Tom Neal’ s father is an MD [retired-editor] - the other children are "normal". Dr. McDonald’s daughter is Lesbian - his other children are "normal". My daughter and two Aunts are Lesbian - the rest of us are "normal". Y ou are apparendy "normal". So I hope you realize that all citizens need equal (not special) opportunities. Your humble constituent, Phil Diggdon, MD Fellow, American College of Surgeons Diplomate, American Board of Urology PS: By the way, I did vote for you; we all have certain, blind spots. Carbon Copy Editors, Tulsa World January 31 I, too, was shocked at Bishop Ron Young’ s comments at the Martin Luther King Jr. March and Interfaith Memorial Service. I was elated to be there, wished the ’~,h’ol~ city could march together, hear the beautiful mnsic and the young man who so ..,e,!oquenflydeliver,e~t, Rev. King’ s I I4ave A Dream.’ Many years ago, my father took me to hear Rev. King speak in Tulsa - before he was well known. [ will never forgethim. Inmy opinion, Bishop Young’s derogatory remarks about the Lesbian & Gay Community m no way represent what Rev. King or his family stand for, work towards, or died for. I certaiul,y agree that, at the b’ee Letters, page 9 TULSA FAMILY NEWS 918:832-0233 Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents of this publication are protected by POB 4140, Tulsa US copyright 1995 by Tulsa Family News and OK 74159 TulsaNews@aol.com may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publisher/Editor Publication of a name or photo does not indicate Tom Neal that~ person’s sexual orientation. Asst. Editor tdorrespondence is assumed to be for publicaJames Christjohn tion unless otherwise noted, must be signed & Writers/contributors becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. Kharma Amos All correspondence should be sent to the address Kelly Kirby above. Each readeris entitled to one free copy of Maur~en Curtin each edition at distribution locations. Additional Staff Photographer copies are available at Tomfoolery! JD Jamett Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S.. Memorial 835-5083 *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria 744-0896 *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 *Metropole, 1902 E. 11 587-8811 *Silver Star Saloon,, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Renegades, 1649 S. Main 585-3405 *Rex, 6101 E. Admiral 835-1055 *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial 660-0856 *Time n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial 664-8299 *Tool Box, 1338 EJ3rd 584-1308 *Whittier Cafe, 416 S, Lewis 582-2400 Businesses/Services Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 74%9506 Blue Moon Bakery 492-4918 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743 -5272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 592-1521 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 First Franklin Financial, Bob Hardy 628-8745 Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria, Ste. 100 744-9595 *Java Dave’s, LincolnPlaza 592-33 i7 International Tours 341-6866 Kerfs Flowers, 1635 .E. 15 599-8070 Major Affairs 587-8108 *Midtown Theater, 3i9 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 Phoenix Mortgage Corp. 592 -7700 Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston 587-8333 uppy Pause II, llth & Mingo 838-7626 oyal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, ’.1438 S. Boston 584~0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan 832-0233 Westcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza 583-1500 Organizations B/L/G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583 -9780 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74128 Rainbow Business Guild, 4th Monday @ 7pm 254-2100 Rainbow Village, POB 50403; 74150-0403 599-8423 Shanti Hotline 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581 =0902~ 743-4117 Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Lealme M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Jonathan & Dee Nicholas, Realtors 749-3000, 800-539-7767 Richard Reeder, MS, Ps¢chotherapy 581-0902, 743-4117 Religious & Educational Organizations Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr 2627B E. 11 628-0594 *Community of Hope, 1347 N. YoIe 838-7232 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University Of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University. Center at Tulsa ~ �I IIII I IIIII I I lliliill Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. P.O. Box 52729 Tulsa, ~)K 74152 February/March 1995 Volume 15 Number 2 The ~,iews expre~ed elsewhere In Tulsa Family News are not necessarily the views ~TOHR. l’erml,~sion Is grmtted to reprint Information contained within the TOHR Reporter page along with other itent~, muhrr Tulsa Oklahomans FOr Human Rights is on the move and the excitement and activity is contagious. The participation of each and every one of you is appreciated and embraced.° If you are still watching from the side, please jump on board, we need your hell:). Our FOCUS Groups have come and gone and the programs as a result of these groups are being formed and put on the calendar now. Some of the Ideas that were born of the FOCUS Groups are happening now. A COMMUNITY calendar is being put together, a lending library is scheduled to start a book drive soon, womens support groups are forming now as well as a membership drive for women in the form of a dance. These are only a few of the programs recommended by the Focus GrouPs, we need volunteers to lead others. If you.have an idea, let’s hear it. The COMMUNITY CENTER needs $$$$$ and a space. A fund has been established for direct donations, make a note-on You[ Check., T_a~e a m_ oment ..... to creato’a Vlsl~ri inyoutTieadof ~l~{~eht~[ hSe~tir~g~lSlace fO~all Gays, Lesbiarisl Bi-sexualSal~d Ttansgeridered people. Envision the fun,-fellowshi p and sense of community we can and will create with the establishment of a COMMUNITY center. Help TOHR turn this vision into a reality now. Join TOHR today as we move Into the future. Tim E. Gillean President News Items... Members’, Representatives 1. G-at3’ underwood is running tbr Democratic Chairperson of Tulsa County He is requesting th_at anyone interested in bg.jn_K_c_hai!y,~..r:s_op_in..t.heirdi___sJ .ri~L~_o_n_t_aet/]j!u j_tl_8.~6_=_2 ~13..-L 2. Thank you to everyone who ~ttended the Town HallMeeting. B"e are keeping an eye on this house resolution and will be in contact. Another resolution has been introduced and we are watching it also. Thanks to Kelly Kirby for his leadership in this work. 3. FEB. 18th THE METRO MENS CHORUS will be performinl~ at All Souls Unitarian located at 29th and Harvard at 8:00pro. Thanks to PFLAG for bringing ~hem to Tulsa. Lets all attend and support this event. Donations are $10.00 at the door. BISEXUAL, LESBIAN AND GAY ISSUES INFORMATION AND REFERRALS Tim Gillean - President Tim Henry - 1st Vice President Miriam Childers - 2nd Vice President Aaron Martin - Secretary Kelly Kirby - Treasurer Lynn Smith - Fund Raising Owen - Help Line Coordinator Mike Sheldon - Reporter Editor Brannon Crain - Activities Director 743-GAYS (4297) March Meeting 6:30pm Social time 7:00pm meeting starts 4154 So. Harvard "Gafl~ering Place" By and for bu t not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Communities. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV TESTING CLINIC FREE ANONYMOUS Daytime Testing Monday-Thursday by Appointment 749-4194 Finger Stick Method Membership Application Name Address City State ’Zip [] Yes I want to be a contributing member of Tulsa Oklahomaus for Human Rights. Please accept payment as described below: [] $10 Limited Income/Student Membership [] $20 Regular MemberShip [] $35 Organizational/Household Membership [] $100 .Sustaining Membership ............... Signature [] I am currently receiving TOHR mailings and the Tulsa Family News [] I mn not on the mailing list [] I would like to volunteer help with: [] HIV Counselor [] Event Planning and Party Prepamtious [] Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual HelpLine [] Exocutive Board Member [] Monthly Meeting Support Phone Every Thursday Evening 7:00-8:30 p.m. 4154 So. Harvard Suite H-I ~ ¢l~ck payablc to Tu~ Okhhomm~ for Human Right& Donatiom on~buted to TOHR ovtr ~ membcnd~ fee~ are Tax Deductible �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Initiative to Bar Gay Adoptions in Wash. St. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Organizers of the Citizens’ Alliance of Washington have filed petition papers with the state to gather signatures to put a ballot measure before state voters in November that would bar gays and lesbians from adopting children in the state. Some 180,000 valid signatures are need to put the measure on the ballot. The same group tried unsuccessfully last year to put an anti-gay rights measure before Washington voters. FL Anti-Bias Law Wins WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Voters in West Palm Beach rejected an attempt to repeal the "’sexual orientation" clause from its anti-bias ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodation. Voters rejected the repeal move by 54% to 44% in the special election. Conservatives Try to Bar The Advocate BATAVIA, Ohio - The American Family Assn. and a local Christian Coalition chapter have asked the Clermont County Library’s board to bar libraries from circulating The Advocate, clai.ming a recent issue of the national gay magazine-depicted male and female genitals on its cover. Two years ago-several local residents tried to force library officials to bar The Advocate at the libraries without SUCCESS. British Military Keeps Lists of Gays on File? LONDON - BBC television news has reported that the British government is investigating charges that the nation’s Ministry of Defense keeps a computer database~ listing suspected homosexual s in the armed forces. The charges of the secret computer files were made by onetime British Navy officer Edmund Hall, who is about to publish a book onhomosexnality in the country’s military forces. Hall also charged that police can get access to the information in the files, which includes information on civilian acquaintances of members of the armed forces. The BBC quotes a government security officer as saying the data proteclaon agency was in the process of investigating the charges. British Study: ’Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles’ CHICAGO - A study of"Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles" in the Journal ofthe American Medical Association reports on sexual behavior of Britons. Conducted between 1986-94, the study included face-to-face interviews as well as an extensive anonymousquestionnair~ about more personal sexual behavior that respondents completed themselves in private. Th~ researchers found that the "safe sex" education message being enhanced by either a sexually exclusive relationship or condom use seems to be getting through to the British public. A total of 27% of the men and 36% of the women endorsed exclusive relationships, while 75% of the men and 81% of the women supported the use of condoms. During the last year, unsafe sex was reported by just 6% of the men and 4% of the women. As withU.S, efforts, the British search for data concerning the HIV epidemic was hampered by political considerations. In 1989, then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher vetoed the study because of "its intrusiveness and its unacceptability to the British people." The study eventually was funded by a large grant from the Wellcome Trust. Milk Institute Opens in San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO - Civic leaders, organizers and commtmi~ty representatives held formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies launching the Harvey Milk Institute, which will begin its first term on Jan. 23. The Institute will be the largest adult education program devoted to gay and lesbian studies with more than 200 students already enrolled in more than 50 class offerings. Reflecting Milk’s own sense of "street smarts," the Institute’s classes cover such topics as: "Lesbian Literature 1700 to the Present," "Creative Block and the Queer Artist," "Prostitution 101," and "Auto Mechanics for Women & Men." BBC Bans Activist Group LONDON - Worried that gay rights activists in the British group OutRage would publicly identify famous and influential closeted homosexuals in the U.K., the BBC has barred OutRage members from I speaking live on its radio and I television program~. OutRage voted early in January to out well-known but closeted homosexuals in the country if their public activities or inactivities harm gays andlesbians. In a press statement, OutRage condemned the BBC’s ban as "outrageous censorship" that it said "effectively silet~ces a whole section of lesbian and gay opinion." A spokesperson for the BBC, however, said the issue isn’t censorship but a question of whether the broadcasting agency should risk being involved in statements .OutRage members might make that"could neither be supported by facts nor which have any particular public interest." Talk Show Host’s AntiGay Obituaries Banned DENVER- After reading obittmries of gay men who have died of AIDS and identifying them repeatedly as "ex-sodomites" on his daily cable TV program, aired on a fundamentalist Christian station, host Bob Enyart has been told by KWHD-TV to stop. Enyart’s display of "sodomite" obituaries exploded into controversy in mid-January when showed a photograph and obituary of James Bybee, describing him as "a former sodomite...exsodomite. He’s dead." Members of Bybee’s own church expressed outrage with the religious broadcasting channel, and Bybee’s lover, Don Dias, told reporters he intended to sue both the station and Enyart. The station has instituted a policy forbidding such identifications, saying "we didn’t want to seem like we were harassing people." Trade Center Suspect, Also Gay Bar Bomber? NEW YORK - In a bizarre development, U.S. attorneys said that one of the defendants charged with plotting to blow up the Worl d Trade Center in a 1993 explosion that killed 6 and injured more than 1,000 people, was responsible for an earlier bombing. Federal prosecutors said in a court statement said E1 Sayyid Nosair, one of the 11 defendants in the case, planned and carried out the April 21, 1990, bombing of Uncle Charlie’s Downtown, a popular Greenwich Village gay bar. Two bar patrons and an employeet were hurt in the attack when a 6- [ inchpipebombhiddeninametal The defendants hailed the European Commission decision a vindication of their claims trash can in the club exploded. Then Mayor David Dinkins called the bomb attack "an antihomosexual" act, but police at the time said they had no evidence the explosion was bias related. throughout that consent should bea defense to charges of assault when the SM activity was consensual and resulted in no lasting harm. Attorneys for the 3 men argued that their arrest and conviction violated their rights to privacy under the European Convention of Human Rights, to which the United Kingdofia is a signatory. "Freedom Riders" to Head for Camp Sister Spirit in Mississippi LOS ANGELES - With the backing of activist/producer Robin Tyler and Metropolitan Community Church founder the Rev. Troy Perry, plans have been announced for Gay & Lesbian Freedom Riders to bus in up to 1,000 lesbians and gay men to Ovett, Miss., wherethe lesbian/ feminist Camp Sister Spirit has been the object of repeated attacks by hostile locals. The Freedom Riders will be coordinated with local groups around the country and are scheduled to arrive in Ovett on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-30. The activists bussing in will help finish building fences around the camp to provide greater security for the camp, and other building projects at Sister Spirit. "Instead of just praying for these women, we are putting legs on our prayers and inviting people to join us in Mississippi," Perry said. For additional information contact either the MCC Offices in Los Angeles at (213) 464-5100, or Robin Tyler’s L.A. offices at (818) 893-4075. SM Case Appealed to Euro pean Court STRASBOURG, France - An application by 3 of the 16 defendants in a consensual sadomasochism case known as "Operation Spanner" have won the approval of the European Commission of Human Rights for a full heating of their appeal before the European Court of Human Rights,probably in 1996. Roland Jaggard, 47, along with Tony Brown, 58, and Colin Laskey, 52, were among 16 men arrested by London police in 1990 and convicted of assault for their SM activities despite arguing they were consenting adults acting in their homes. The police brought the charges after seemg a videotape the men had made of their sexual activities. 2nd Conference for Lesbigays in Criminal Justice SetPALM SPRINGS, Calif. - The 2nd annual International Conference of Lesbian & Gay Criminal Justice Professionals has been slated for Friday, Sept. 8, in Palm Springs, along with a number of related events in the greater Los Angeles area from Sept. 1 to 10. Sponsored by the Golden State Peace Officers Assn., the conference itself will cover topics including: maproving workplace conditions for gays & lesbians, coming out on the job, organizing police associations, the impact of AIDS on criminal justice professionals, working with the larger lesbian & gay community, and using computer technology. The 10day related events will include a tour of the L.A. police academy, ride-alongs with local on-duty police officers, and a tour of the Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance. For additional information in North & South America, contact: GSPOA, PO Box 45605, Los Angeles, CA 90046 USA;phone+ 1 (213) 7394121; or E-mail to gspoa@aol.com. In Europe, Asia, Africa or Australia, contact: Lesbian & Gay Police Assn. (LAGPA), BM LAGP A, London, WC1N 3XX, United Kingdom; phone +44 (0) 1426943011; or E-mail to lagpa@murph.demon.co.uk. Survey of CA Activists SACRAMENTO, Calif. -AIDS, the economy and crime are the major issues for lesbians and gay men in California according to a first of its kind survey of political activists in the state. The poll of 500 gays and lesbians was conducted byphone in July of 1994 by Drs. Eric Schockman and Nadine Koch of the University of Southern California for the statewide LIFE 2747 E. 15th St. Tulsa, Okla. 74104 Photography Pager 621-5597 Johnny Geren, Massage Therapist 742-1992 �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Lobby. The survey also found that bias on the job, domestic partnership, and health care reform were also on the activists’ agenda. A majority says the political positions of candidates, not their sexual orientation, is most important in casting their votes. Some 91% of the activists said they had given money to an AIDS organization during the past 4 years, 3/4ths said they had contributed to a gay rights group during that period, and about half said they had given to a candidate? s election campaign. Although a majority (51%) said they approve of more "radical" tactics and alarge majority (68%) said groups like Queer Nation and ACT UP had been effective, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (81%) identified themselves as political "moderates." USC Gets Gay Archives LOS ANGELES - Over 2 million historical and cultural items chronicling 20th century gay life and politics, one of the largest such collections in the world, is to be housed at the University of Southern California. The university agreed to accept the archives - the result of .merging two collections based m Los Angeles. "One of our problems as gay and lesbian people is finding our roots," said John O’ Brien of the One Institute which supervises the collections. "It’ s so important for people to know who and what they came from." The universi,ty will provide space on campus for the material ru exchange for scholastic access to the material, which consists of collections from One Inc. and the International Gay & Lesbian Archives dating back to 1942. Cincinnati Will Host Annual Gay Repul~licans CINCINNATI - The national gay Republican Log Cabin Federation has announced that its 1995 convention will be held Aug. 25-27 in Cincinnati, and is expected to be the largest gathering of gay and lesbian Republicans in history. The Log Cabin Club of Greater Cincinnati got the support of the Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau in its bid to hold the national convention in the city, beating out Boston, Dallas, Las Vegas and. Salt Lake Cityl LCC/ Cincinnati President Sam Collins also said Delta Airlines has signed on as the 1st corporate sponsor of the Convention this year. A boycott of Cincinnati was initially called after voters there in 1993 approved the repeal of the city’s gay rights ordinance. That repeal has since been declared unconstitutional by a federal court. "Boycotts are about anger, notabout setting apolitical agenda," said Rich Tafel, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Log Cabin Republicans. "We will accomplish more through education, not confrontation. By stressing the values that we share with the people of Cincinnati, we are convinced that we can make progress toward equality and reconciliation." "We are excited and honored," said Collins. "We have 7 months of hard work ahead of us as we prepare for what will be a showcase of Cincinnati hospitality.’" LAPD Anti-Gay Incident? LOS ANGELES - Rights activists and civil libertarians have told the Los Angeles Police Dept. they would "not tolerate" anti-gay harassment by city police officers. The warnings came after news accounts by an eye,witness reporter and photographer on a police ridealong who said they saw a police officer verbally abuse a young homeless gay man who had reported a robbery as 7 other officers stood by and did nothing about the incident. Lorri Jean of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center told reporters, "We have a message: We will not tolerate hate crimes being perpetrated againstourpeopleby theLAPD." The ACLU of Southern California has also called for an investigation of 7 other alleged anti-gay incidents involving L.A. police officers. LAPD officials said an internal affairs investigation has already been launched. CO Hate-Crimes Law DENVER - With the wounds from the anti-gay Amendment 2 still fresh, Colorado Rep. Ken Chlouber has introduced legislation that would add sexual orientation to the state’s hatecrimes laws. The 1988 legislation already bars intimidation ok physical harm based on race, color, ancestry, religion or national origin. Colorado for Family Values, which backed Amendment Two, termed Chlouber’s proposed measure "ridiculous." A CFV spokesperson said the legislation might be used in an attempt to silence clergy who condemn homosexuality in their sermons. Associated Press Refuses Job Protections NEW YORK - The Associated Press, the largest news wire service in the world, has refused a union proposal to formally bar workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. The AP announced ~that it would only prohibit erfiployment bias based on categories covered by federal law - age, sex, race, creed, color, national origin, disability and veteran’ s status. A spokesperson for the Wire Services Guild called AP’s policy "disingenuous." In addition to being a major news source of daily newspapers and electronic media, AP ironically has also now become the main source of national news for scores of the country’ s larger gay newspapers. Shocking Report on Hate Crimes in Arizona PHOENIX - The Arizona Human Rights Fund has released the 1st study of anti-gay crimes in the state, showing some disturbing trends. The AHRF report fonnd that anti-gay attacks were the major hate-crime in the city ofTempeandthe 2ndleading bias-based crime in Phoenix. The study also reports that a large portion (39%) of the anti-gay crimes reported were "extremely violent," involving assaults, arson and 5 reported homicides in the state. AHRF also found that according to police, reported anti-gay bias crimes increased dramatically - 300% in Tempe and 88% in Phoenix in 1994 over the previous year. In a press statement, AHRF’s Mark Colledge said, "The murder of 5 ga.y men in Arizona in 1994 points to the fact that gays and lesbians are being murdered and brutally attacked simply because of who they are. These crimes are not simply against individual gays and lesbians, but are an attack upon the entire communityy Minneapolis Partners Benefits Loses in Court MINNEAPOLIS - A Minnesota state appeals court has ruled that the city of Minneapolis can not extend health care benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian workers because state law doesn’t officially recognize same-sex couples. The court ruled 2-1 that the city council exceeded its authority in offering the domestic partner health care benefits in 1993. The ruling upholds a lower court ruling against the city’ s partners policy which had been challenged by a taxpayer who argued the policy violates the state’s policy "favoring marriage of heterosexual couples." It was not P-FLAG Parents, Friends & Family of Lesbians & Gays Tulsa, Oklahoma Area Chapter POB 52800, 74152, Helpline 918-749-4901 OKC Metro Men’s Chorus immediately known if the city will appeal the decision to the state supreme court. N.Y. Attorney General Omits Anti-Gay Bias ALBANY, N.Y.- New York Attorney General Dennis Vacco, who came under fire for his campaign last year against an open lesbian candidate for the office, has issued an order barring hiring bias that pointedly does not include sexual orientation. The state’s two preceding ¯ attorneys general had included sexual orientation in their executive orders even though the state has no law prohibiting antigay employment di s cri mi n ation. A spokesperson for Vacco said the attorney general felt sexual orientation was a "personal, private issue that has nothing to do with a person’ s employment." Mandatory Tests Proposed for Injured Residents in Utah SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah state House of Representatives has approved and sent to the Senate a measure that would make injured state residents rescued by public safety officers or others obligated to take tests to ensure they are notinfected with HIV or other diseases. Opponents of the legislation say the bill is an unnecessary intrusion and that police, fire and emergency officers should routinely take precautions against infections while doing their jobs. Link Between Lesbianism & Banned Drug? NEW-YORK - A recently published report in the journal Developmental Psychology indicates that the daughters of women who took the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES), widely used by pregnant women to help prevent miscarriages, are m ore likely to be bisexuals or lesbians than the daughters of women who did not take the drug. Researchers at Columbia University, led by Dr. Heino Meyer-Bahlburg, reported in their work that eight of some 117 women whose mothers had taken DES while carrying them had bisexual or lesbian tendencies. None of the 117 in a separate control group whose mothers did not take DES during their pregnancies were bisexuals or lesbians, however. The ¯ Columbia University researchers also made similar comparisons of men whose mothers had been given DES during their pregnancies. But that comparative study found no differences for males exposed to_ the artificial estrogen. Police Raid AIDS Benefit SAN FRANCISCO - Some 40 San Francisco police officers and about 20 state Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) agents raided a New Year’s Eve AIDS fundraiser, arresting 11 people and setting the stage for up to 3 official inquiries and possibly a series of lawsuits. Party-goers have charged that during the raid police officers covered their badges, roughed people up, used unnecessary choke-holds, punched people in the face, made anti-gay remarks, and performed illegal searches. Police officials have denied the charges, saying the raid of the fundraising party for Visual Aid, an organization that helps artists with AIDS preserve and promote their works., Wash’ t anti-gay at all and was just a "routine part" of several raids of "illegal nightclubs" conducted the same night. Several party-goers, however, have told reporters and city officials that officers used expressions like "fucking faggots" during the raid, punched at least two people at the event, and refused to identify themselves or hid their badges, and seized money, lighting and musical equipment illegally. S.F. Film Festival Head Presumed Dead SAN FRANCISCO - Mark Finch, the well-liked and respected director of the San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival operated by the organization Frameline, has been reported mis sing and is now considered an "unconfirmed suicide" by the California Highway. Patrol. Finch’s briefcase was found by CHP officers on a pedestrian walkway on the Golden Gate Bridge Saturday evening, Jan. 14, although authorities have not found any body as yet. Officials characterized some of the letters inside the briefcase as "suicide notes." Last June’s film festival attracted some 55,000 people to see more than 300 films at three locations in San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose. W hitt mrk_,a[e 416 S. Lewis, 582-2400 Sat. Feb. 18, 8pm, $10, All Souls Unitarian Come on in for some NOTE NEW LOCATION: 29th & Peoria good family -style cooking! �Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Changing Portrait ehiCh found that only i in 6 was apparentl y are infected ~by of the Epidemic WASHINGTON - Dr. Harold Jaffee of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said at the 2nd National Conference on Human Retroviruses that the majority of the estimated 800,000 Americans believed to be infected with HIV are unaware of their HIV stares. In reporting a new statistical portrait of the epidemic, Jaffee reported recent CDC data that indicates that the new infection rate among gay and bisexual men has leveled off after 13 years of relentless increases. The data indicates that: women now account for more that 18% of all newly reported cases during recent years; nearly 60% of all new cases are reported among racial minorities; gay and bisexual mean last year represented 43 % of all new cases - down from 47% the yearbefore. Jaffee said, "Heterosexual .contact is becoming increasingly Important, especially for young Hispanics and blacks in cities and in small Southern cities and tting appropriate treatment to prevent AIDS-related pneumonia. Complications of AIDS : Leading Cause of Death WASHINGTON - Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported at the 2nd National Conference on Human Retroviruses indicates that HIV infection is now the leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 2 5 and44. The new data means. that AIDS has now surpassed accidental injuries as the cause of death for people in the age group. AIDS is also now the leading cause of death for all people in 79 of the country’ s 169 largest cities, according to the new CDC data. Long-Term Survivors BOSTON - Researchers report that they have uncovered significant new dues about why some people infected with HIV remain healthy for up to 15 years after being infected - findings that scientists say could lead to important new approache s to both treatment and research. In reports in the New England Journal ofMedicine, researchers say that some of the "long-term survivors" they study have developed potent antibodies against the virus, some have elevated levels of specialized cells that battle HIV, and some unusually weakened strains of the vires. While most men and women infected with HIV develop full-blown AIDS and die within 6 to 12 years, some 5 percent have lived with unimpaired immune systems and without disease for 15 years or more. Dr. Ronald Desrosier, one of the researchers in this study, said the apparent immunity to AIDS of some long-term survivors offers fresh evidence that using weakened strains of the virus rather than dead ones may offer a path to the development of safe vaccines. One study from a large team at the National Institute of ALlergy and Infectious Disease, the government’s main AIDS research center, focused on survivors infected with a genetically normal and highly virulent strain of the virus but who seem to possess supereffective immune responses that are able to hold the virus in check. Another study involved volunteer subjects who have remained healthy for 10 to 15 years afterinfection. Researchers at New York University found that the levels of HIV in the volunteers’ cells were unusually low and that the CD8 cells of their immune sy stems proved to be powerful killers of the virus far more powerful, in fact, than the same type of cells found in patients who develop full-blown towns." Jaffee also noted a recent national study of 2,500 people newly diagnosed as HIV -positive which found that nearly 60% weren’t tested until they had already becomeill with anAIDSrelated disease and another study of 222 infants infected with HIV AIDS. The scientists said their findings suggest new paths toward therapies and the possibility of creating vaccines to induce the same type of immunity that the long-term survivors apparently possess naturally. Scientists Link Kaposi’s & New Virus WASHINGTON - Dr. Patrick S. Moore and Dr. Yuan Chang, researchers at Columbia University, have reported they have found strong evidence that a newly identified virus in the herpes group, which they’ve tentatively named Kaposi Sarcoma Ass ociated Herpes Virus (KSHV), may cause Kaposi’ s sarcoma, a cancer that strikes some people with AIDS. While Moore would not say categorically that the new virus actually causes KS, other experts believe it does. Dr. Steven Miles of the University of California at Los Angeles said that his team and others in the U.S. and England had confirmed the findings. Moore’ s research team found evidence of KSHV in 95% of the 21 patients with KS they studied, while only one of the 21 who did not have KS showed signs of KSHV - which he said was probably the result of a technical error. The scientists also found evidence of KSHV in tissue from 21 African adults & children. ’Blocking’ Protein Found in Saliva WASHINGTON - A study reported on at the 2nd National Conference on Human Retroviruses indicates scientists with the National Institute of Dental Research have identified a protein in human saliva that blocks HIV from infecting cells. The researchers said the discovery sheds light on why kis sing and oral sex do not appear to be significant routes Of AIDS spread. Only about a dozenAIDS cases have been traced to oral contact since the epidemic began nearly 14 years ago. The anti-AIDS protein, discovered by Dr. Tessie McNeely and Dr. Sharon Wahl, adheres to the surface of white blood cells and blocks HIV from infecting them. Despite its adhesiveness, the scientists have dubbed the substance SLPI (pronounce "slippy"), for "secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor." One area of future research will be whether SLPI could be added to condoms or douches to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. The protein’ s natural function is apparently to protect mucous membranes against the body’s own proteindestroying proteins. U.S. Businesses & AIDS WAS HINGTON - According to a poll of some 794 U.S. see Health Briefs, page 7 F!-DELITY HO_/V E HE_ALTH CA_RE, INC. Main Office 113 E. Paul St. 905 No. Highway 51 Pauls Valley, OK 73075 Coweta, OK 74429 (405) 238-6487 (918) 486-1174 (800) 999-3442 7319 No. MacArthur Okla. City, OK 73132 (405) 722-0551 Caring for Life We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hour per day, seven days as week. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’ s, LPN’ s) Home health aides Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation Private duty nursing Companion sitter services -This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices at 800-999-3442 with specific treatment issues. Clinical Trials* now Open for Treatment of HIV Disease. and Related Infections Nevirapine...HIV Treatment Oral vs. IV Ganciclovir...CMV Retinitis Treatment Zithromax-Biaxin-Ethambutol...MAC Treatment *must meet inclusion & exclusion criteria. For more information, call 918-743-1000, ext. ’HIV’ between 10am - 4pm. To receive more information about new clinical trials as they are available, .send your name & address to: Jeffrey Beal, M.D. 1560 E. 21st St, Ste. 210 Tulsa, OK 74114 �Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs companies by the American ~infection, while the body’s Management Association, 38% ~immtme system pours out as of the firms reported having dealt many as 2 billion white blood with at least one worker infected cells to fight off the infection. with HIV or who had AIDS This enormous battle between during 1994. The figure the immune system and the represents a 15% increase over a invading virus, the researchers similar poll the previous year. say, is one of the reasons the The survey also reported that vxrus so quickly develops 26% of the companies that have resistance to medications unless had an employee with HIV/AIDS it is treated early in the infection. had implemented a companyStudy Questions Care wide policy on the workers with SAN FRANCISCO- Researchthe disease, but of firms that had ers studying patient care for had no infected workers only " AIDS patients with pneumoma 17% had set up employment and other severe respiratory policies conce ruing the disease. ailments at the intensive care The association’s research unit of San Francisco General director said that apparently Hospital have raised questions businesses "wait until the first about the cost-effectiveness and instance of AIDS or HIV medical efficacy of such care. infection before putting together Between 1988 and 1991, only policies." 24% of those who got intensive ’Titanic Struggle’ of HIV care for severe respiratory NEW YORK - New research illnesses associated with AIDS by 2 independent teams of left the hospital alive, the scientists indicates that the researchers found. During the immune system of people period from 1986 to 1988, that infected with HIV is engaged in number had been39%. Similarly, a "titanic struggle" with the the cost of saving lives had grown body’ s defenses. Scientists at the to more than $215,000 during Aaron Diamond AIDS Research the 1988-91 period - more than Center in New York and a team double the $94,500 cost for the at the University of Alabama earlier years. and Oxford University reported Dr. Robert Wachter, who led their findings in the journal the study, said it was unclear Nature. According to their study why more patients were dying, o.f people infected with HIV, the but said he suspected those who researchers estimated that came to the hospital’ s ICU were between 100 million and a billion in later stages of the disease. viruses are produced every day Wachter said it was not time to during the initial stages of suggest that the hospital start den~ing such expensive, ~.lowsuccess ICU treatment, but he did suggest th~i~"h’~itals’with significant numbers of such patients begin considering the issue of when such care might be best withdrawn. AIDS Caregivers Study SAN FRANCISCO - A study by the University of California at San Francisco indicates that friends and family members of people with AIDS can be a crucial source of support and strength for the ill person although, they can also unintentionally be unhelpful and Offensive. Often, friends and family members are confused or unsure about how bey can give the most support to their loved ones. The UCSF study identified helpful and unhelpful behaviors from the point of view of aperson with the disease, and offers guidance for those who care but aren’ t sure how to offer support to someone with AIDS. Some of the unhelpful behaviors identified in the study include avoiding interaction, acting embarrassed or ashamed, breaking confidentiality, and criticizing one’s medical care. More helpful behaviors identified by the study include .expressi.ng love or concern, interacting naturally, and offering practical assistance. The study followed 136 couples gay and non-gay - in the San Francisco Bay Area for 5 years and was published in London publication AIDS Care Magazine. Women in Drug Trials WASHINGTON- The National Task Force on AIDS Drug Development has recommended that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration require researchers to include more women in all stages of clinical trials for drugs for serious and life-threatening diseases, including AIDS. An FDA spokesperson said the recommendation had been accepted and would be acted on as soon as possible. Women and advocacy groups have complained that drug trials to treat diseases such as AIDS excluded women, or only brought them in late, because of concerns about the drug’s effects on the female reproductive system and child-bearing functions. Without the participation of women in the trials, they complained, there would be little or no data on possible effects the drug might have on them when the drugs came up for FDA approval. SEC Investigation of Florida Viatical Firm FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has gone to court to force United Benefits Group of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to hand over records of its investors, employees, financial results, tax returns and other inform ation. United Benefits Group, a viatical settlement broker that arranges the sale of AIDS patients’ life insurance policies to investors, has refused to tell regulators how it sells the policies and what becomes of the money. The company’s attorney claims that because the company is not selling securities, it does not have to obey the SEC’ s directives. The SEC says it needs to review the documents to determine whether there have been violations of, federal securities laws, according to SEC regional director Chuck Senatore. Philadelphia HIV Bias Suit Moves Forward PHILADELPHIA- U.S. District Court Judge John Padova has refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by John Woolfolk, who claims he was denied medical services in the HealthPass program because he is infected with HIV. The judge decided that a jury should decide whether a city physician and the managers of HealthPass, which is financed by state and federal funds, violated the Americans With Disabilities Act and the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. Judge Padov a said that a doctor "who receives federal funds to provide healthcare benefits may not withhold medical benefits wi.thout reasonable accommodation. "" Sandra J. Hill, M.S. Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Butler, RN MS Specialized in HIV Care Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care in a homelike, loving setting? Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services Until now - no where ...... We have many insurance provider affiliations - if you belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 Announcing the opening of Mohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people riving with A!DS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North Tulsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals. The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour our new facility. To arrange a tour or for more information, call our offices at 918-425-1354 Accepting Medicare, Medicaid. private pay and private insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated Mohawk Living Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK~ (918) 425-1354 ~ 1995 - Design One Associates / Perspective Magazine �Southwest A viatical company. now open right here in Tulsa. W en you’re living with AIDS, you can’t afford ~ ~ to be without the money needed to pay your day to day expenses. You can sell your life insurance policy and easily acquire the kind of money that can improve your life. We sit down face to face and help you get the most from your policy quickly and confidentially. We work with many financial sources, so your doctor and insurance company are not flooded with requests for records and paperwork. We work for you. A Quality of Life Alternative S. Hazard E. 41 st St. Southwest 2919 Welborn Dallas, Texas 75219 800/559-4790 Tulsa Office 4146 So. Harvard, Suite F-5 Tulsa, OK 74135-2610 918-747-3320 �Human RightS, omp.2 celebrate our diversity, the changing facd,s of the workplace, and the need to furth6r understand and accomodate persons based on their sexual orientation. Other Human Rights Commissioners present, along with Department staff; were recognized for their work. The City of Tulsa will be hosting the 47th Annual Conference of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies next August. Event co-chairs Maynard Ungerman, local philanthropist, and Jerry Goodwin, publisher of the Oklahoma Eagle, were also recognized. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) was represented by Tim Gillean, Ric & Kelly Kirby. Letters, frompage2 very least, an apology is due from ~he Commemorative Society. Discrimination is not what that memorial service was to be about. My friends, both homosexual and heterosexual, and I were there to affirm one another, to dispel intolerance and prejudice. Bishop Young’s remarks did -just the opposite. Marilyn & Charles Murphy Marriage, ompage 1 possibility that Hawaii’s Supreme Court may rule same-sex marriages legal in that state, making it possible for gays and lesbians to legally marry in Hawaii and return home where th eir weddings might otherwise be legally valid." Clearly this is a preemptive strike against recognition of .our loving unions," said Robert Bray of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. Murder, frompoge l jury saw past the AIDS-phobic and homophobic rhetoric presented by the defense in this case." said Beth Barrett, NGLTF spokesperson. "The jury recognized that HIV status is never an excuse for murder." ,It is unfortunate that, even after the trial, the defense attorney continues to use outdated stereotypes and homophobia in an attempt to defame the gay and lesbian community of Mississippi,"Barrett added. NGLTF will continue to monitor developments in Mississippi. Organizers point to the murder of a third gay man under similar circumstances in Indianola and the potential for continued tension at the lesbian-feminist retreat, Camp Sister Spirit, in Ovett, as reasons for their concern. "Given the murders and the history of harassment in Mississippi, we continue to be deeply concerned for the safety of gay men and lesbians in that state," Barrett said. The jury, including five black jurors, convicted McClendon, who is black, of the murders of the two white men which occured on Oct. 8, 1994. I~i;l~l lllg|, . from p,age 1 to grab the raihbow triangles necklace worn by "Joe". "Joe", who Spent a number of years in an elite US military unit, reports that his self-defense training kicked in and the assailant was on the ground with his arms twisted behind his back in just a few moments. Later, "Joe" contacted the Tulsa District Attorney’ s office which was able to locate the assailant through the emergency room records which matched "Joe’s"description of the assailant and his likely injuries. ML from page 1 abuse, and I~lophilia, as some of the ills h~,.sees in contemporary society. He s~ecifically characterized these as "slavery." Several persons were seen leaving the service after Bishop Young made his remarks. Tulsa Family News staff attended the service and immediately after the service asked Young about including homosexuality in a list of violent and abusive crimes. Young’s response was that his views were justified by "the Word of God". When asked how he would compare Bible passages which he believes condemn homosexuality to passages once used to justify slavery, Young refused to answer. The reaction of other religious and community leaders involvedin the service varied. School Superintendent John Thompsonrefused comment. Sister Sylvia Schmidt, executive director of Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry expressed dismay not only at Young’s anti-Gay remarks but also his sexist ones. After the service, the Rev. David Wiggs of Boston Ave. Methodist promised as a member of the ML King Commemorative Society to raise_ the issue at the next Society meeting. Society board members, Yolanda Charney, formerly of the Jewish Federation and Nancy Day of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, promised to raise the issue of an apology to the Lesbian & Gay communities for Young’s remarks. The Society’s president, the Rev. Andrew Phillips, remarked to the Tulsa Worm that he hoped that the Society could give an apology. Since the event, the Society has met but so far has not responded to Tulsa Family News’ complaints. Nancy Day, not speaking officially for the Society, said that it had decided not to apologize because they did not want to set a precedent. She related that it was decided that the Society would set up a committee to establish guidelines for future speakers. The Society’s president, the Rev. Andrew Phillips, however, when contacted by the Tulsa World, refused comment. Tulsa’s Family of Faith Metropolitan Community Church issued a statement condemning Young’s remarks: %..Family of Faith takes great offense at the inclusion of such prejudice in an "interfaith" service which includes those churches that believe as we do, that homosexuality is a Godgiven orientation....it seems unthinkable that a service dedicated to a civil rights leader who advocated’ non-violent’ protest and equal rights for all would be a place people gather to hear a message advocating...the oppression of Gay and Lesbians." from page 1 i~al i~;1~1 been legal. Councilwoman Donna Bloomer, a supporter of the Eagle Forum, said the -group would join with organizers from Operation Rescue and the state’s Christian Coalition chapter in an effort to force the new job protections to the ballot. The measure adopted by the Council, however, got support not only from city and state gay rights organizations, but also highprofile backing from Dallas Mayor Steve Barlett, a conservative Republican, and from Coretta Scott King, who wrote in support o f the ordinance. Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law William GFaham as "Cole Porter-- One of a Kind" Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. Tuesday, February 28 2 and7p.m, shows John H. Williams Theatre -- Tulsa Performing Arts Center Tickets: $12 Matinee. $15 Evening Enjoy conversation and song with one of AmericaZs premier composers. Songsfromthe following musicals will be featured: Panama Hattie, Paris, Red Hot and Blue, Rosalie, Silk Stockings, Something to Shout About, The Gay Divorce, The New Yorkers, You Never Know, You’ll Never Get Rich and Wake Up and Dream. Make plans to see this superb one-man musical drama! �Religion Briefs Prime Timers New Bishop Does Holy Unions by Beverly Haney ofMCC-Greater Tulsa Editor’s note: this is the balance of the column begun in last month s paper. The topic is the writings of St. Paul & homosexuality. Verse 26 is the only place in the Bible that can be used to. refer to Lesbian sex because it refers to "’unnatural" sexual relations and, as the term is used today, unnatural sex means homosexuality. As we have seen, however, Paul uses para physin to mean something out of the ordinary an not something unnatural or immoral as it has been translated. So the reference to female sexual relations that are "’beyond the ordinary" could mean many things. We know that it was considered unclean to have sex with a woman during menstruation, or for a woman to have sex with an uncircumcised man. Actually there is not reason to read homosexuality in the pas sage at all because in all of the ancient texts, this is a subject that is not discussed and there is no reason to think that Paul would bring it up now. It is also believed that the word "likewise" set up a parallel between what women do and what the men do. This parallel could also mean that the women and the men are having sex that is "’out of the ordinary". There is not reason to conclude that this passage means-Lesbian sex. The burden of proof rests ~ith those making the claim. Paul uses the words. "degrading passions" and "shameless acts" to describe the sexual acts he is referring to. The Greek word translated as "degrading" is atimia. It means something not held in honor, not respected, or not highly valued. There is no moral condemnation in this word and when he uses the same word elsewhere, there is never any moral condemnataon in his meaning. He uses the word when he talks of chamber pots and long hair. The other Greek word that is translated as "shameless acts" is aschemosyne: Literally, the word means not according to form, not nice, or unseemly. In other places, Paul Uses this work to describe a man who refuses to give his daughter in marriage and also to describe genitals. Never does the word imply moral condemnation but only social disapproval. During the time of Patti, homosexuality between men was common in Greek and Roman societies They thought it was perfectly natural for men to be attracted to other men..It is obvious that Paul didn’t really disapprove of homosexuality, so why did he bring it up at all? This will be the topic for next month’s article. Homosexuality was never brought up by Jesus Himself, so it is necessary to find out why Paul brought it up. Prime Timers of Tulsa and Eastern LOS ANGELES The Rev. Pant ~.~,.OklahomawillwelcomeDanielleShreve, Egertson, newly installed as a Lutheran co-ordinator of volunteers for the H’IV bishop in Southern California, told his Resource Consortium, as speaker for their congregation that he has performed 3 Sunday, March 5th meeting at 4 pm at the same-sex holy unions at his North Gathering Place, 4154 S. Harvard. Hollywood church even though such Ms. Shreve will discuss volunteer ceremomes violate the policies of the opportunities and training available at the Resource Consortium and in the general parent Evangelical Lutheran Church of America against "blessing of a community. homosexual relationship." Egertson said A committee will also be formed to the ceremonies were done "with dignity plan their 2nd anniversary dinner. Other upcolmng events include the Orlando, and reverence" and that 10 other Lutheran Florida CR Convention in May and one pastors and 4 bishops in the area also conducted the rites for same-sex couples. for the International Primetimers in Dallas in October. For more info. call 437-2878. Gay Pastor to Stay OAKLAND, Calif. With the overwhelming support of members of his congregaaon at St. Paul Lutheran Church in defiance of an order that he be fired because he’s gay, the Rev. Ross Merkel has been allowed to keep his post as pastor by officials of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Merkel was defrocked in February 1994 after telling his cong.regation that he is gay on the 15th anmversary commemorating his relationship with his lover. The ELCA’s official policy is to allow gay clergy only if they remain celibate. But because of the overwhelming support from his congregataon at St. Paul’s, the regional governing church synod has allowed Merkel to remain in his post, although it barred him from appointing anyone to fill posts at the 18 other congregauons in the area which he had had authority over. Interfaith AIDS Ministry The AmericanTheater Co. has dedicated its Wednesday, March 8th "preview" performance of The Crucible to Interfaith AIDS Ministry as a benefit. Tickets m:e $10 with discounts for students and groups. Persons under 16 years are 1/2 price. Call 438-2437 for more info. and tickets. Tickets are also available at Tomfoolery! The performance will be at 8 pm at the Williams Theater in the Perf. Arts Center. Rainbow Business Guild The Rainbow Business Guild will meet Feb. 26 at 7 pm at Tao Tao Restaurant at 6219 E. 61st. RGB is an organization for Lesbian/Gay & Gay-friendly businesses. For more info. call 254-2100 Women’s Sadie Hawkins Dance Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) will hold a women’s dance atAll Soul’s Unitarian Dance. This smoke-free, alcohol-free event will double as a menabership drive for TOHR. The cover charge of $5 individual or $5 couple can be applied to TOHR membership. Child care will be provided. This eventis part of a series of women’ s TOHR events planned by TOHR women at a recent focus group. Condo for leasewalk to River Parks 2 bed, 1 bath, central HVAC, ceiling fans through-out, washer/dryer, all appliances, landscaped, fenced patio with storage. Exterior maintenance, yard service, water, trash pick-up, etc. provided. 2 pools available. $550/month+deposit. Call 745-0358. For lease: nice two bedroom house at the lake near Wagoner. Scculity walled/ fenced. Double care garage, laundry & storage room. Swimming pool privileges (seasonal). This house is 10cated on our home property. Prefer males. Clean, trustworthy, discreet & proof of affordability required. $375/ month, first,last & $200 deposit required at beginniug of contract. Hey guys or girls, like your own retreat or live-in year around place at the lake? We are totally remodeling one now. If you want to try your hand on this one and save mucho bucks, take over this one for only $17,500. Lots of room for boats, etc. Call Glenn or Bill at 918-462-7265. New Records for Oklahoma Leather TULSA Last October 22, the SilverStar Saloon hosted the Mr. Oklahoma Leather 1995 Contest with over 400 leather supporters in attendance and $3000 raised for Oklahoma charities record numbers, according to T.U.L.S.A. president, Amie Holder. T.U.L.S.A. (Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association) has produced the contest since its inception six years ago. Larry Everett won the title of Mr. Oklahoma Leather 1995. This contest is a preliminary to the International Mr. Leather (IML) contest in Chicago this May. Judges for ~he contest included NLA International 94, Mark Frazier; International Ms. Leather 94, Cindy Bookout; International Mr. Drummer 94-95, Keith Hunt; Mr. Gulf Coast Drummer 94, Pant Jaques; Mr. Oklahoma Daddy 94, Mark Touchstone; Mr. Tulsa Leather 93, Ron Greenwood; and Mistress Mir. According to Holder, "Interest in leather is at an all time high in Oklahoma. Across the country, we have become the state to watch for serious leather contenders.’" Cindy Bookont and Paul Jaques are both from Oklahoma. In additirn, MS. Gulf Coast Leather 95, "Shadow" and the first nmner up to International Mr. Leather 94, Terry Gatewood, are also from Oklahoma. Two charities were selected as this years beneficiaries: Raint)ow Village, Inc. of Tulsaand Other Options, Inc. of Oklahoma City. T.U.L.S.A. presented a $1500 check to each at the Miss Oklahoma Pageant on Jan. 29. Rainbow Village helps persons living with AIDS/HIV to control their own lives. They help to provide education and counseling to intervening in day-to-day hardships. Other Options provides AIDS/ HIV education through resource books, seminars and networking professional services. "1994 was the best year ever for the leather community in Oklahoma. We are looking forward to 1995 with great anticipation, "added Holder. For more information contact T.U.L.S.A., PO Box 33076, Tulsa, OK 74153-1076, (918) 838-1222. Metropolitan-Community Church of Greaver Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday service, 10:45 am Wednesday service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays, 6:00 pm 1623 N. Maplewood Tulsa, OK 74115 Phone: (918) 838-1 715 Bless The Lord At All Times CHRISTIAN CENTER Sunday School, 9:45 Sunday Service, 11 am Tues. Minister’s Class, 7:30 Wed. Choir Rehearsal, 7 pm ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice 2627-B East llth, 583-7815, messages, Eddie Cook, pastor To do justice, love mercy& to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 Because everyone has a right to be blessed by God! 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 I I �II Fight Back co.,’ om p. 2 Drumwright talking regularly about how homosexuals are a threat to our very culture. Hello - is this really a burning issue for small town or rural Oklahoma? After all, we know how small town Oklahoma is just being over-run by homosexuals. Both senators have been stalling a meeting with Lesbian/Gay constituents for over a year now. Maybe the theory is that if you never meet with folks you’ ve decided to hate, then you never have to reconsider your views. It’ s similar to Nazi techniques for dehumanizing Nazi victims so that it’ s easier to murder them. If they met with us they might find we all have something in common. The one bit of hope in all this is that Rep. Steve Largent appears to be keeping a promise made in the campaign to come to the Metropolitan Commuaity Church of Greater Tulsa. Who knows what will come of this but just meeting with us here in Oklahomais more than has ever happened. We may have to agree to disagree on many things but Mr. I_argent may be serious in wanting to represent zll Tulsans. So after this mostly gloomy assessment, what can w e do ? We mus t begin to organize seriously, as though we are fighting for our fives - which we may be doing. Only a handful of you are members of and involved in TOHR. Whatever its .faults, it’ s a good starting place. We must start thinking about politics, no matter how tedious and frustrating they are. We will only really get decent representation when we are organized enough to deliver dollars and votes. It’s possible. Dallas has 3 of 14 Gay city councilors which is the result of years of organizing. We will begin to have a chance when we elect a Lesbians and Gay men to the Tulsa City Council and to our state legislature. Art Justis, newly elected to district 6 only got 575 votes on Feb. 14. There are probably more than 575 queens m the Silver Star and Concessions alone on a Sat. night. The answer is: get involved, give a damn, fred a place where your donation of time (maybe more important than money) can make a difference. Register to vote and then, vote! Call your state legislator. Call Inhofe and Nickles, even if it feels like an exercise in frustration. Numbers make a difference. Get involved with the new Lesbian and Gay Political Action Committee. If you’re Republican, join Log Cabin Republicans and work for our lives and well-being as well as your pocketbook. If you don’t like politics, then help PWLA’s or Lesbian & Gay youth or TOHR’s community center project, or fill a need yet unfilled. Just do something. HJR 1018, cont’dfromp. 1 basi~of 6t enti[le any person or class of persons to have or claim any minority status, quota preferences, protected status or claim of discrimination." "Section 2.2 No board of educaton in this state shall allow the teaching of homosexuality, lesbianism or bisexuality as natural lifestyles." "Section 2.3 No person who is a homosexual, bisexual or lesbian shall be permitted to adopt or provide foster care to any child in this state." Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, a non-profit organization based in New York, issued a review of the Graves’ resolution. Attorney Suzaune Goldberg states that HJR 1018 "suffers fatal legal flaws". Goldberg suggests that the amendment if passed by the voters would be quickly challenged and such a challenge would probably succeed. Kelly Kirby and Tim Gillean (past president and current president respectively) of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) led a meeting of about 50 persons at the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa on N, cont’d from p. 1 such as Boulder, CO where there are so many papers there is not room enough. TFN publisher Neal pointed out to Van Natter that Tulsa has fewer free publications. Neal added that it seems that banning all free publications seemed at odds with the mission of booksellers, as well as appearing to be a cover for discriminatory behavior since Barnes & Noble did not seem to have any problem with space for free papers until a Gay one asked for access. Neal stated, "Barnes & Noble’ s decision to sell Lesbian and Gay books and magazines but to refuse a community newspaper equal access says that Barnes & Noble wants to take money from the Lesbian & Gay communities while discriminating against us." Tulsa Family News has forwarded its complaint of discrimination to Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Parents, Friends & Families of Lesbians & Gays, Tulsa’s Human Rights Commission as well as to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. At press time, TFN continues to work with Barnes & Noble’ s New York corporate offices to resolve this conflict. Comments may be directed to Cynthia Camahan, community relations co-ordinator at 250-5034,r fax: 250-0576. January 30. Kirby urged those attending to contact their representatives and members of the Rules Committee to discourage support for the resolution and to remain alert to future developments while the Legislature is in session. Kirby explained that the resolution had to given a hearing by the committee to which i.t has been assigned in order to be voted on by the full House of Representives. However, even if the resolution is kept in committee without a hearing, Graves can attempt to add it as an amendment to other bills. Pat Reaves of Simply Equal OKC said that a similar, meeting was held in Oklahoma City recently. Oklahoma House of Representatives leadership was non-commital when contacted about HJR 1018 but it is wall known that Rep. Graves is not well thought of by many of his peers. However, some political observers worry that this resolution might pass if it gets to a "floor" vote just because few Oklahoma legislators have the courage to vote in any way except what might be seen as antiGay. For more info, contact TOHR at 743-4297 or TFN at 832-0233. NEVER KNOW WHAT.TO::EXPECT! !! , INC 1229 S. M EMOR!~:....O:R..;~I.:TULSA --918-835-5083 Fdulous RSVP Cruis for Caribbean - Feb, Costa Rica - April, Alaska - July Airline/Hotel Reservations, Ticket Pick-Up Cruise/Tour Packages, Group & Incentive Programs OK’s Only "No" Charge 918-341-6866 IGTAService Affiliate(Internat’l Gay Travel Assoc.) [ I 10%Off Repairs il Certified Mobile Auto Service I Manual Drive Train & Axles 1438 s. Beslen, ?~1=0 ! Brakes I Engine Performance ! Suspension & Steering I Heating & Air Conditioning I Engine Repair9 I Electrical Systems Motor Home Rental & Repair Fleet Service Available Free or low-cost towing F,’[eorlow-c ,sttowing 438-33 3, 591 0597 pager I �FAMILY FI =NCES Facts: -85% of failed mortgages are due to the owner becoming disabled and un@Je to pay. - 1 out of 3 people will become disabled or contract an incurable disease and will not be able to earn their income. - Actuaries tell us: a person has a better chance of becoming disabled between the ages of 35 and 65, than of dying before that age. Questions to ask when shopping for Disability Income Insurance: * How disabled must I be to collect the benefit ? A policy’ s definition of disability is the Your ability to earn an income is something most people take for granted .... many people tend to forget, however, is that it’s also a person’s most valuable asset. Financial consultant, Leanne Gross What If You Get Sick? Did you know...there was insurance that will protect your income? That’s right...your salary, the old paycheck, the piece of paper that pays the bills. And why not? We insure our cars, our homes, and.our personal belongings. Yet we don’t insure the one thing which makes all o.f the above possible, our ability to earn an income. Its name is Disability Income Insurance ( D.I. coverage ). Disability Income insurance is a monthly expense ; however , should you become unable to work, a D.I. plan will send you a check each month to help pay the bills. Look at it this way... You pay into an insurance plan for five years and then become disabled. Within three years, you will have recouped your expenses and, in most cases, will continue to draw a benefit check. Three years is nothing, people, should you become disabled. single most important provision. Some policies require total disability or define it as the inability to engage in any gainful occupation (stay away from these type of policies). Look for plans which will cover partial disability. * What if I was able to return to my own profession, but my earnings were reduced? Ideally, your benefit - or a portion of it - should be payable, even if you return to your own occupation at a reduced income. * Can I continue my disability.coverage if my health declines ? Some disability policies allow the insurance company to terminate the policy or to refuse renewal in the event of an insured’s ailing health. To avoid these problems and the inconveniences they .create, be sure that the policy you purchase is noncancelable and guaranteed to be renewable to age 65. This means the insurance company can’ t cancel or refuse to renew the policy, change the terms of the policy or increase the premium after the policy is issued. * What does the policy exclude from coverage ? No exclusions is the best (of course). Do make a point to check-in on each and every exclusion, they may not pertain to you. * How long must I be disabled before I start receiving benefits ? Most insurance companies require a self-insuring period of at least 30 days after a disability occurs. During this "elimination period", no benefits are paid. Therefore, to avoid financial hardship, it’s important to coordinate your elimination period with your emergency funds and any employer-provided salary continuation plans. * Will I be protected against inflation ? Make sure you can add a rider that will increase your disability benefit to protect you against the erosion of your disability check. Your ability to earn an income is something most people take for granted. What many people tend to forget, however, is that it’s also a person’s most valuable asset. Disability income insurance offers one of the most reliable, practical ways to protect your financial health when your physical health is ailing. It provides a continued, regular income until you’re able to return to work. To ensure the plan you choose is right for you and your financial situation, consult with your financial advisor or insurance representative. A Friend for a Friend Art Show & Sale A Friend for a Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the HIV/ AIDS community and their pets will hold an Art Show & Sale on April 29 & 30. Artists and craftspersons, and aspiring ones, are encouraged to donate works for the cause. All proceeds from this sale are used for AIDS support. A Friend for a Friend serves the HIV/ AIDS communities by caring for the boarding, feeding and veterinary care of PWLA’s pets, as well as making hospital visits and other support. For more information and to help, please call Alice Wilder Bates at 747-6827. All artwork donations are needed by April 15th. AIDS is a preventable disease! You can provide prevention education! Get the training, Save a life, The Minority Task Force is sponsoring an HIV/AIDS training program on Feb. 17, 6-9 pm and Feb. 18, 9-5 pm at Antioch Baptist Church, 2123 No. Frankfort. For more information, call Tessie at 749-4194 or 800-474-4872, or Reggy at 744-1000. Lesbian or Gay and Republican? Contact Tulsa Log Cabin Republicans care of this paper: POB 4140, 74159 or at TulsaNews@aol.com BLUE MOON 918-492-4918 Available at Tomfoolery! Quilted Bear, Eastland Also, birthday cakes and special orders available. A. BAKERY FOR DOCS CHERRY STREET PSYCHOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES Eating Disorders Same Sex Relationships Co-Dependency Issues Trauma Recovery. Chemical Dependency/Relapse Prevention FOR INFORMPITION ON tlNIQIIE ~/~RDGflIME THflIT Wlkk H~VE YOU YOUR kOVER INTiMaTE Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC J. Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS 1515 South Lewis Tulsa, OK (918)-743-4117 (918)-581-0902 (918) 497-0165 Serving a Diverse Community �Tulsa HIV & AIDS Anthology Begun Words and pictures on; about and by persons in the Tulsa area are being collected for use in a book to benefit Rainbow Village. This anthology will showcase the strength, courage, humor and talents of the many people here in the heartland who are fighting the battle agmnst AIDS. Choose your weapon: pen, pencil, taperecorder, paintbrush or camera! Honor a friend or family member; bring a smile or a tear; unlock the window of the soul! Showcase a talent! The anthology will include: short stories, poetry, journal entries, humor, 1 st person or biographical sketches, artwork and photography. In other words, anything that can be set down on paper. Whether you want to write about AIDS from your pet’ s point-of-view, draw a cartoon, tear a poignant page from a journal, write a segment from your own life or share a letter or a prayer, all submissions are welcome. Family and friends may want to honorlovedones by submitting their works so their talents will live on. Submissions can be hand-written, typed or on tape. Since we would like to include as many works as possible in the book, we ask that submissions be limited to five (5) typewritten pages. Artwork from pen and ink to photographs are also being considered. Do not send original artwork. Send copies or color photocopies as the work cannot be returned. Complete confidentiality will be respected. Submissions may be anonymous. Names will only be ihcluded with the authors’, artists’, or in the case of posthumous submissions, family member’s consent. All materials received will be given the same consideration. Every submission may not appear in the anthology, but all will be read and preserved. All submissions must be received by April 1, 1995. Materials may be sent care of Tulsa Family News, POB 4140, Tulsa 74159. For more info., call 832-2333. Her husband, Harvey, proves to be a fascinating character as he gradually by Barry Hensley, changes from a loving, supportive husCirculation Department Supervisor band to a confused and divisive man as Tulsa City-County Library his wive’s career advances and her inner turmoil surfaces. His complete disintegration into bitterness is illustrated by You saw themovie, now read the book! In case yofi missed the recent NBC movie, Cammermeyer’s recollection of the perhere are the basics: Margarethe Cammeriod following their divorce when, "after meyer was the highest ranking officer in my weekly visits with my sons, Harvey the U.S. military to would line up the boys challenge the military’s and make them join him ...Margarethe anti,Gay policy. She was in jeering at me. They would chant ’Dyke, a decorated Army nurse, Cammermeyer was 24 years into her satisqueer.’ These little men, fying career, when, in the highest ranking ages 4 to 11, yelling, their faces twisted in pain and 1989, she was interofficer in the U.S. confusion." viewed for admission to Fortunately, the Army War College time often heals, and military to Cammermeyer’s children and asked about her challenge the sexual orientation. After have become unwavering pausing for amoment, she in their support for her. military’s Along with her devoted said, "I am alesbian." She was formally discharged companion, they now anti-Gay polley... form a family which is, in in 1992, solely because of her sexual orientation, after being given many ways, very conventional. several opportunities to change her answer. Cammermeyer’s military ordeal is Her book reveals a personal life not harrowing. After reading about her logic, courage and honesty, one soon realizes unlike many people who realize their sexual identity after being married and that there are, indeed, heroes and role models in the Gay community. She is an having children. Juggling a career while important figure as she continues her holding together a "traditional family unit", in the process of acknowledging advocacy for human rights. Her book is timely, inspiring and written in an easyher true sexual orientation makes quite a to-read style. story. READ ALL ABOUT IT Check the Tulsa City-County Library catalog for this book, or call the Central Library’s Reader’s Services department at 596-7966. Some other recent library additions of interest include: *Girlfriend Number One: Lesbian Life in the 90s (edited by Robin Stevens) *Hearing Us Out: Voices from the Gay and Lesbian Community (by Roger Sutton) *The Burning Library: Essays (by Edmund White} *Men on Men 5: Best New Gay Fiction Introducing Official Play Gear Enterprises, Ltd. at Tomfoolery! 1565 So. Sheridan Wembl~y Center 7116 S. Mingo #102 60% off 2" Wood Blinds Custom Chairs from $299.00 Framed Prints & Accessories ~-~:]C:omplete Design MORE New CDs $18,99-I 1.99 pre-owned CDs $7,99-8,99 W.e’ll give you $4.88 lot your used Cds �Miss Gay Oklahoma USA Pageant SALOON ¯"~-~:~: Pool Night.... $4.00 Beer Bust Fi~I~. ~vo-Step Lessons 8pm - 10pm M~T.R DANiEl,S $4.00 Beer Bust Dance Music All Night Winner Cherry Morgan, (ca’.) with Coca, Laura Brooks, Ivana Bereal & Fallon Scott Country and Dance Mix $4.00 Beer Bust The Best Night Out in Tulsa ~’1<~:~: T,ine-Dance Lessons 8pro - 10pro $4.00 Beer Bust Miss Gay Tulsa, March 9-10 Benefit for Larry Everett, Mr. Okla. Leather ’95 on March 17, Razzle Dazzle in May Come see Glen on Wednesdays! (918) 834-4234 / 1565 S. Sheridan - Tbl~a, OK Wed - Sun 7 pm - 2 am / Mon - Tues Closed Miss Sadie Brooks One contestant strikes a pose. Festive & fabulous - Concessions, 3340 So. Peoria was full of talent, fashion and fun at David Bridgrnan’s 1995 Miss Gay Oklahoma USA Pageant. Photos: JD Jamett Thurs- Sun 9-2 v 3340 S. Peoria Tulsa v 918-744-0896 ~-~ NO COVER \ II ~l \ BeerBust~-I NIl _Shot Spec,als ~[ll St. P. atty’s Party Fri. March 17 & / / D.~CE PA~Y! i~ �Tulsa DISCREET BI GUY: bi attr M 5 3 t 30, 30s ~so attr cln cut guy ,discreet Call me- 923017 Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR A FRIEND: Dennis WM 33 brn/brn i 95, 6’, just moved here mainly looking for friends923201 Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR A COWBOY: 25, 5’Z 125, brn/blu, Ikg for a cowboy 25-35 who has his act together- . 923357 THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad "Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (,) A busy sign~l.=iMen ~n the line. Call again later. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 Tulsa CUDDLE UP: GWM 20 6’2 brn/hzl, iso romantic 18-25 loves attention to cuddle and kiss923701 NW AR SKIP 34, 6’1, bm/blu 170, iso indiv in lhe Springfield/Liltle Rock area bi, but ingxp, iso someone either gay or bi, looks not impt, good pers, and willing to e,T,per ment, li-ke to get togelher 171 get ~ck to you923205 T,ulsa TALK TO ME: Tony, 27, 6, stocky 230, married WM bi, iso other married or bi men who are stocky like me, iso someone discreet and alot of fun great art tude, to ta k W tt~; ~24320 ~. Tulsa COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE, 30 fun, vers qu et ~n ghts long walks and n~ovies !"~ :-~! 924465 Tulsa MED STUDENT: Scott, 24, 5 9, 180 2nd yr reed student, ski rq.!.etball and tennis, discreet, like all sports, movies and have a good tim~ give me a call~ . 924591 Tulsa SEXY WEIGHTLIFTER: 27 (+) looking for sexy men 2038~ weightlifling and [un921988 OK City BLONDE HAIR/BLUE EYES: Michael, 24 GWM iso someone 24-30, 5’7 i45, blu,, bind hair, mustache~ think you d like to talk, give me a ~:a11921631 OK city OUTDOOR J:UN: Mike, 24, NW area, blnd/blu, 5’7 145, kg for another GWMmasc, enjoy walking hiking, campihg, outdoors, like to Spend t me and get to know give me acall 921632 Tulsa HOT MEN warited, 29 5’11, 185 cln cut bb, int in cln cut masc hot men, 23-35 for fun921997 Oklahoma City CITY MEN: 36, 6’1, 175, like to meet men in the city for good tih~es, intlv a message like to meet i8-36, masculine, of course- 917126 Tulsa TOM 21 Y/O~:6’2, dk bm curly hair, eyes, semi musc, wide sh0ulders,32w, looking for friends,~ get together and be friends ~22575 Tulsa COLLEGE STUDENT: Adolfo, like swimming, reading, dancing~ student, hisp 5’7 180 reed b~ild, dk cxion, olive, dk /dk, must Ikg for other bi or gay. white or hisp males in the area for fun, friendship poss re- give me a call-922622 Tulsa INEXPERIENCED SEEKS SAME: Mitch, very young 35, b~n/brn 5’10, 165, very inexp, Smooth looking for similar- for. poss relationship- 922668 Norman PASS THE POPCORN: Eddie, 5’8,1,55,~ 34; very hands, athl, musci want to meet.other romantic men to Shbre 6 nic~ quiet romaritic eve, favorite movie, eating popcorn and getting to know each other- Iv a msg- 922251 Norman COMPANION WANTED: Edward, Ikg for male companions in the area, watch some movies, pop popcorn, spend some fun time together922251 friendship fun and poss relationship if this sounds good Iv a message- 918048 OK CLEAN FUN: James, latin male, iso GWM 18-21 for clean fun give me a calb 916423 Tulsa FIT AND FURRY: Jerry ,GWM mid 40s, phys fit, 5’5,160, hairy, iso GWM for g,reat times, Iv a message and we II get together- 918764 OK PAT 22 145, blu/blnde, iso the same around the same age, not really exp, if u like, Iv a message- 917403 Oklahoma City BEAR .SEEKS SAME: Bill, WM bear 3.3 6’2 230, brn/grn, into western hathe~-and boots same from 28-40 rel- ~15624 Midwest City LOOKING FOR LOVE! Steve, new to area; Iookin.q for love! pref single G~M betw 18-25, 6’3, 25, brn/hzl, smokers pref, like Dur~geons and Dragons, Bars, int Iv a message~ ~20023 Oklahoma City LOVING AND LASTING: Wayne, 47, heavy built, Ikg for younger who will care as much for me as for them, want a loving long lasting rel- int give me a call ~ 915635 Oklahoma City FONZIE LOOKALIKE: 46, 179, 5’10, work out 3x wk, brn/grri look like the fonz, like to meet a TV or TS forrlunch dinner fun, for posslong rel want a ~el with a TV or TS- 921102 Oklahoma City EVERY TUESDAY: 36, 6’1,175, 33w, like to meet 1.8-25 inexp a plus~ int Iv a message, in Oklahoma °~City every Tuesday- 919287 Stillwater BRAD GWM 26, 5’9 175 brn/blu, Wide vat of int, looking for guys in my area918818 Tulsa DINNER DATE: Nick, 26, int are swimming, horseback riding,shopping dinner and movies, int in meeting nice people ~ 178 brn!blu Iv a message917815 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our cornp0t~6zed system.will~~walk you ...... through the rest. Have a pen ready to wr te down your box number " -. : ’ -. i~ ~::..; . ’ ! ~.~ ..... ~. Tulsa,F, RIENDSHIP/FUN.~ Tom, men, 20-30 masc gdlkg, for Oklahoma City STEVEN arn, enioy hearing fro~n~ ~ny(:;n~- 915744 ,~.=- Oklahoma Cit~PARTY WITH A BEAR:~,Sam~,-44, hairy chest and ba~k iso someone to go to gay parties. 916011 Tulsa LONG BLONDE HAIR: Jonathan, 19 6’5,.tall and slender, long bind hair, greyish ~reen eyes, iso someone,-18-25 t0 dance, have fun poss rel with- 919144 Stillwater COUPLE OF HOT GUYS-GWMC 23 & 24, 5’10, 170, 135, both brn/brn-semi students @ OSU Ikg 4 SWM 21-.~! 27 couples 2 4 entertainment in the area dancing, dinners, movies, like to meet 914388 Tulsa FUN AND FRIENDSHIP: Tom, 25, 6’2 250, brn/hzl, is0 fun friendship and poss more in the area, Iv a message- ~19290 Tulsa DISCREET FUN: Cute bi cd, 35 5’3 135 iso aggr stocky male for discreet fun 919566 Norman OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY Adam, 22, go to OU 6’2 200 34 w brn/bm iso someone 21 ~45, if ur int give me a call- 915608 OK HEALTHY BODYBUILDER: 6’2, 213, bodybuilder, like music prof’l iso male- 20-40, like staying at home, like non smokers- healthy- 916439 OK FOOTBALL PLAYER: Rodney18 6’2 215, sandy bind/bin like to play football, sports, like music-like to Swim- There’s no charge to leave a greeting: _ 1-900’976-LESB $1.99,~,. �,,.the Save the Nation Project presents... HIV Education & Treatment March 15 Sex & Nineties Dating May 17 Self Esteem & Attitudes June 21 Sex With Intimacy for Men fouri, free meetings designed especially. -for . .,.gay and ¯ . bisexual men for more information call the Save the Nation Project at 918-584-4983 Aflend one or all of the presentations. Get Educated! Knowledge = Power! \ / � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart February 15- March 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 3 Barnes & Noble Censors Paper TULSA - Barnes & Noble’s recently opened Tulsa store has denied equal access to Tulsa Family News as a distribution point. Tulsa Family News approachedBarnes &Noble after observing a stand for Tulsa People in the lobby of their 71st store. Cynthia Carnahan, spokesperson for that location, said that store manager, Diane Elliott, would not allow Tulsa Family News ~FFN) because the store hadalready had a few complaints about the Lesbian & Gay rifles they carry. Hliott,inconversation with TFN publisher, Tom Neal, said-that Tulsa People and Urban Tulsa (both of which had been given permission to distribute) were "acceptable" because they were of "general interest". Camahan indicated that the objection was based on the Chance that non-Gays might complain rather than on any specific content issue (editor’s note: TFN and the Tulsa Worm are comparable in content). Regional manager, Jim Van Natter, at press time, had decided to ban all free publications in the stores over which he had responsibility. He says was motivated; in part, by the problems in stores in locations see B & N, page 11 Helms to Try to Ban Homosexuality WASHINGTON- Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) has introduced a bill (S. 25) entitled"Prohibition of Homosexuality as a Legitimate. or Normal. Lifestyle" that would bar any federal agency from spending money "to encourage its employees or officials to accept homosexuality," The Helms-measure would also bar federal agencies from recruiting homosexuals for employment. The measure has no cosponsors, has not been referredtoany Senate committee and has not been scheduled for anyfurther aetionyet. There is ....also no House counterpart. Utah & So. Dakota Want to Ban Same- Gender Marriage SALTLAKEC1TY-Legislators m Utah have introduced a measure to prohibit same-sex marriages and lawmakers in South Dakota have quickly passed a similar law in the state House, sending it on to the state Senate for approval.Activists believe both measures have been introduced now because of the see Marrriage, page 9 Largent Mtg. March 4, 10 am MCC-Tulsa Congressman Steve Largent will attend a meeting with the Lesbian/Gay communities on Sat. March4, at 10 am. hostedby the Metropolitan Community Church of-Greater Tulsa and Tulsa Family News. - This meeting is an historic event since it will be the first time ever that an Oklahoma Member of Congress has met with Lesbian&Gay constituents in state. Mr. Largent, who.has record o£~ .making anti;;G~y. expressed his desire to represent all persons in his district. TOHR Leadership: Kelly Kirby, Tim Gillean, & Miriam Childers Leaders Organize in Tulsa &OKC to Counter Anti-GayAmendment Community organizers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City called community meetings to warn of an anti-Gay amendment that State Rep. Bill Graves of Oklahoma City has introduced into the current legislative session. In a Oklahoma House of Representative press release, the following is attributed to Graves, "this type of lifestyle [homosexuality] must not be allowed to continue ff we are going to ’maintain a moral, orderly society. ’" Graves added, "...we have seen pro:homosexual groups in other states obtain minority and protected status from .discrimination...history has shown that in nations wher such policies have succeeded, moral disintegration has soon followed...it is~incredible that such programs would even be seriously proposed in view of the fact that-homosexuals are the ones who have brought us the deadly AIDS plague". IfpassedbytheOklahomaHouseand Senate, HouseJointResolution 1018 would create a state ballot question to amend the Constitution adding" the following."¯ "Section" 2.1 Neither" the State of. Oklah0ma,. through any of its branches or departments, or any of ~ts agencaes, political subdivisions, municipalities, counties or school districts sl~:enact, adopt, or,enforce-any statute, rule, regulation, Ordinance or policy whereby homosexual, lesbian, or bisexual orientation, conduct, practices, or relationships shall constitute or otherwise be the see HJR 1018, page 11 Gay Officials Going to White House DC -- In what many observers say is clearly an effort by the Clinton administration to mend badly damaged fences with lesbian and gay voters, some 30 gay and lesbian dected officials have been invited to a meeting at theWhite House in late February or early March. "We want them [administration officials] to give us someindication that, yes, they do care about us, that weare an important community, an important part ,of their constituency," said San Francisco Supervisor Susan Leal, whowas asked toputthe meeting together. ?At the same time, we also want to hear that they’re not going to be giving in to the far right." Ideally, Lealthinks those who should be present would be Health & Human Services See. Shalala, Atty. Gen. Reno & AIDS policy coordinator Patsy Fleming. But the administration has madeno commilments about who actually will attend the meeting yet. "I think for perception it’s important for the President to be there," Leal said. "We’re planning that he comes and blesses the thing and says, "This is my thing, and thanks for coming, and here aremyideas.’" "Gay" Books Most Often Attacked PHILADELPHIA - The American Library Assn; says 2 lesbian and gay children s books continue to be among the "most challenged" at schools and libraries around the country. Michael Willhoite’s Daddy’s Roommate headed the.ALA’s list ofbooks drawing the greatest number of attempts to have it removed from bookshelves in the U.S. - the 2rid year in arow the book has topped the ALA list.Tied in2ndplace on the book suppression list was Leslea Newman’s Heather Has Two Mommies. Both books depict gays and ,lesbians as heads of families.Another gay~oriented tiffed on the ALA’s list was Charles Silverstein’s The New Joy ofGay Sex. Dallas Council OK’s Anti-Bias Rule DALLAS -- The Dallas City Council voted 9 to 6 to include marital status and sexual orientation anti-bias protections for city workers in a 2rid test of the issue after the city attorney ruled that the council’s 1st vote earlier in January may not have see Dallas, page 9 Gingrich to Hold Anti.Gay Hearings DC -- According to the Human Rights Campaign Fund, Speaker Newt Gingrich said at a town meeting in ,Ga.., that the House will hold hearings SoughtbyLou Sheldon of the anti,gay Traditional Values Coalition. "I do think at somepoint this spring or summer,ft.we.can have a on~ day hearing on whether or not taxpayermoney is being spent to promote things that are literally grotesque;.tha.t, that’ s alegitimate request, HRCF reported Gingrich as saying. Since the Republicans won control of Congress in Nov., Sheldon has told reporters that Gingrich-had pledged ~o. hold-.- hearings on a array of proposals -.including limiting AIDS FeredVe ention programs, imposing ral"controls on public school curricula, and limits on counseling & materials aimed at Gay & Lesbian youth. Elizabeth Birch, HRCF’s new executive director, said, "The Republican leadership is clearly coming under pressure from anti-gay extremists. The Speaker should reject this extremism and keep focused on issues important to mainstream America." Gay Basher Gets Bashed TULSA - A Gay Tulsa man reported to TFN that he was assaulted in mid-January at the Tulsa Promenade Shopping Center parking lot. His assailant, a man in his 20’ s, sprang out, yelling "hey queer-boy". The intended victim (whom we’ll call "Joe" since he spoke on condition ofanonymity toprotect his employment-editor’s note) said that "of course, I turned around." His assailant attempted see Basher, page 9 Speaker at King Service Slanders Gays - No Apology From Organizers TULSA - On Sunday, January 15, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Society held an interfaith memorial service in honor of slain civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. This waspartofa series ofKingevents in Tulsa. Bishop ,Ron Young, former Tulsa City Commissioner, and pastor of the Pentecostal Bridegroom Church of Philadelphia, ~vas the main speaker for the event,, held at Boston Ave. Methodist Church, Young listed homosexuality, with spouse and childabuse, drug see ML King, page 9 Conviction;inr Miss. Murder Trial MISSISSIPPI -- February 13, 1995 -- Rejecting the HIV and gay panic arguments Of the defense, ajury convicted Marvin McClendon, 17, Friday for the slayingof two gay men near Laurel, MS. Circuit Judge Billy Landrum, who earlier had released the HIV status of both victimsto the jury, Sentenced MeClendon to two consecutive life prison terms for the murders of Robert Waiters and Joseph Shoemake. The defense attorney, J. Ronald Parrish, whose legal defense strategy included arguments basedonthe the HIV status ¯ anti, Sexual orientation, of. the victims, Continued his anti-gay tirade after the triaE Parrish decried the verdict, calling it a defeat for "people who want to keep their children safe from people trolling the streets.’" "NGLTF is pleased that the see Murder, page 9 "Gays & Lesbians under attack, what do we do? Act up, fight back! People with AIDS under attack, what do we do? Act-up, fight back!" -~ ACT UP slogan One look at page one of this paper is enough to see that indeed, Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals, Transgendered persons, people withAIDS are under attack in Tulsa, in the Oklahoma Legislature, in Washington and around the world. In Tulsa, a veteran is assaulted fornoreason thanhehas rainbow triangles on a chain (with his dog .tags). Under Oklahoma law, this ts not a hate crime. But not all attacks are active. Some folks just achieve similar results by their passivity or inaction. For example, Tulsa’s OOPS Editor’s note: last month Kelly Kirk, wrote an excellentstory of which only halfgotprinted thru’ ou.r error. The bottom ofhis story gottost somewhere on an dectronic desktop. Our~tpologies to Kelly. The complete story runs below. - TN In honor of International Human Rights Day, the Human Rights Commission and Human Rights Department of the City of Tulsa hosted a reception on Monday, December 19, 1994. Addressing the gathering, Commission Chair Eddie Faye Gates spoke of past accomplishments and achievements in the human rights arena globally. International Human Rights Day was started by the United Nations to monitorhumanrights. Ms. Gates noted that the United States is still on the list ofhuman rights violators in the area of prisoner treatment, particularly 23 hourperdaylockdowns where inmates aren’t exposed to sunlight. She noted also a distinctionbetweenhumanfights monitored globally and civil rights which are maintained by national governments. Ms. Gates noted that while things are less than perfect, we have adequate legislation and agreement in the important areas of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, and ethnic origin, leaving the basic rights of Gay men and Lesbians as the last frontier to be crossed. Tulsa Mayor Susan Savage remarked on the irony of a speaker in town recently to address city employees on sensitivity issues being quite surprised when he met her, expecting the Mayor to be male. She echoedCommi ssioner Gates comments on the need to see Human Rights, page 9 sometimes Gay-friendly mayor & staff pretend that no city !employees have told them about !and-Gay discriminationby other city employees. If the problem were acknowleged, our mayor, who’s clearly opposed to discrimination based on gender and other statuses, might have to risk some of her political future by issuing an executive order banning anti-Gay discrimination in city employment. Now at a state-level, there’s been little doubt that our legislature has had little regard for minority views. After all this is a body whose first official act" upon statehood was to pass segregation ("Jim Crow’) laws. Ours is a state where our institutions (OU, agencies, etc.) only do the "right thing" after a court compels them to do so. But the current proposal of radical right loon, Rep. Bill Graves, HJR 1018 (which would amend our constitution to institutionalize anti-Gay bias - as though it needs any help here) is just part of the same attack on Lesbian & Gay citizens. The sad On the evening of Dec. 18, I was given a gift of love by several peoplein ourcommunity. I would like to opeuly thank them and the businesses for their love and support: Scott Johnson, Steve Tucker, GreenCountry Cloggers, Sensuous, Kris Kohl, Lola, Dana Doyle, "Tigger" Taylor, Anita Richards, Slutisha (Pat), Janalyn Watt, "rl’iger" Rawlings, Winnie O’Keeffe, Jane Rother, The Silver Star,TNT’ s andmyfamily. Lots of work goes into a great benefit and making things nm smooth. Thebusinesses give their time, space and money for these events to take place. The people running these events are tireless in their effort in keeping thing happy and helpful. The many volunteers work up acts, jokes, beauty, signs and sayings to help promote these events. I really enjoyed the benefit. It brought back may memories of the entertainers’ fLrstappearances and shows when I as more active. I laughed and cried with joy and delight at the many people war are so willing to donate, participate and keep our community spirit together and high with the purpose ofhelping those of us in need. I appreciate all of yo,u who in the last 16 montfi~ ffli~ liii~e prayed and sat with me, picked me up, cheeredme up listened to me, visited withme, and checked. on me. For someone with long term disabilities, it means a great deal to the heart- the head always follows - but the heart consumes love from you and keep our tuner sprite lifted so that we can make it to the next day. It stays the depression and gives youa smile. It is really true friends that keep you going. 1 love you, my true friends. Sincerely, Wanda Sumter thing is that this resolution will likely .pass if it’s not killed in committee. There are only a handful of Oklahoma.legislators who have to courage not to join an attack on us. And though I am a native son, proud of my state on those occasions when it lives up to its promise, I have little faith in our fellow .citizens not to fall prey to the Nazi-like propaganda about Lesbian and Gay lives. At the federal level, Oklahoma’s entire Congressional delegation is hostile to their own Lesbian & Gay constituents. The Human Rights Campaign Fund, the nation’s largest Lesbian & Gay organization, began its national effort to get Congress members to sign a pledge not to discriminatein their own hiring based primarily on the prejudice of TulSa’s Rep. Jim Inhofe (now Senator) because of a Tulsa World story. Tulsans, of course, have known of Inhofe’s bias for almost 20 years. Sen. Nickles ,goes around to small towns like See Fight Back. page 11 Carbon Copy US Rep, Steve Largent_ 2424 E. 21st, Ste. 510 Tulsa, Oklahoma Dear Representative Largent: As a representative of all our citizens, I hope you will ease off on the homosexuals. Tom Neal’ s father is anMD [retired-editor] - the other children are "normal". Dr. McDonald’s daughter is Lesbian - his other children are "normal". My daughter and two Aunts are Lesbian - the rest of us are "normal". Youare apparendy "normal". So I hope you realize that all citizens need equal (not special) opportunities. Your humble constituent, Phil Diggdon, MD Fellow, American College of Surgeons Diplomate, American Board of Urology PS: By the way, I did vote for you; we all have certain, blind spots. Carbon Copy Editors, Tulsa World January 31 I, too, was shocked at Bishop Ron Young’ s comments at the Martin Luther King Jr. March and Interfaith Memorial Service. I was elated to be there, wished the ’~,h’ol~ city could march together, hear the beautiful mnsic and the young man who so ..,e,!oquenflydeliver,e~t, Rev. King’ s I I4ave A Dream.’ Many years ago, my father took me to hear Rev. King speak in Tulsa - before he was well known. [ will never forgethim. Inmyopinion, Bishop Young’s derogatory remarks about the Lesbian & Gay Community m no way represent what Rev. King or his family stand for, work towards, or died for. I certaiul,y agree that, at the b’ee Letters, page 9 TULSA FAMILY NEWS 918:832-0233 Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the POB 4140, Tulsa entire contents of this publication are protected by OK 74159 US copyright 1995 by Tulsa Family News and TulsaNews@aol.com may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publisher/Editor Tom Neal Asst. Editor James Christjohn Writers/contributors Kharma Amos Kelly Kirby Maur~en Curtin Staff Photographer JD Jamett Publication of a name or photo does not indicate that~ person’s sexual orientation. tdorrespondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property ofTulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each readeris entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution locations. Additional copies are available at Tomfoolery! Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S.. Memorial *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th *Metropole, 1902 E. 11 *Silver Star Saloon,, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades, 1649 S. Main *Rex, 6101 E. Admiral *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 EJ3rd *Whittier Cafe, 416 S, Lewis Businesses/Services Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance Blue Moon Bakery Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan First Franklin Financial, Bob Hardy Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria, Ste. 100 *Java Dave’s, LincolnPlaza International Tours Kerfs Flowers, 1635 .E. 15 Major Affairs *Midtown Theater, 3i9 E. 3 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI Phoenix Mortgage Corp. Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston ~uppy Pause II, llth & Mingo oyal Travel, 6927 S. Canton *Ross Edward Salon, ’.1438 S. Boston *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan Westcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza Organizations B/L/G Alliance, University of Tulsa 835-5083 744-0896 749-1563 587-8811 834-4234 585-3405 835-1055 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-2400 74%9506 492-4918 743 -5272 254-2100 592-1521 838-8503 628-8745 744-9595 592-33 i7 341-6866 599-8070 587-8108 584-3112 664-2951 592-7700 587-8333 838-7626 496-2410 584~0337 749-6301 747-3322 832-0233 583-1500 583-9780 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74128 Rainbow Business Guild, 4th Monday @ 7pm 254-2100 Rainbow Village, POB 50403; 74150-0403 599-8423 Shanti Hotline 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans forHumanRights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581=0902~ 743-4117 Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Lealme M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Jonathan & Dee Nicholas, Realtors 749-3000, 800-539-7767 Richard Reeder, MS, Ps¢chotherapy 581-0902, 743-4117 Religious & Educational Organizations Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr 2627B E. 11 628-0594 *Community of Hope, 1347 N. YoIe 838-7232 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University Of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University. Center at Tulsa II IIII I IIIII I I lliliill Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. P.O. Box 52729 Tulsa, ~)K 74152 February/March 1995 Volume 15 Number 2 The ~,iews expre~ed elsewhere In Tulsa Family News are not necessarily the views ~TOHR. l’erml,~sion Is grmtted to reprint Information contained within the TOHR Reporter page along with other itent~, muhrr Tulsa Oklahomans FOr Human Rights is on the move and the excitement and activity is contagious. The participation of each and every one of you is appreciated and embraced.° If you are still watching from the side, please jump on board, we need your hell:). Our FOCUS Groups have come and gone and the programs as a result of these groups are being formed and put on the calendar now. Some of the Ideas that were born of the FOCUS Groups are happening now. A COMMUNITY calendar is being put together, a lending library is scheduled to start a book drive soon, womens support groups are forming now as well as a membership drive for women in the form of a dance. These are only a few of the programs recommended by the Focus GrouPs, we need volunteers to lead others. If you.have an idea, let’s hear it. The COMMUNITY CENTER needs $$$$$ and a space. A fund has been established for direct donations, make a note-on You[ Check., T_a~e a m_oment .....to creato’a Vlsl~ri inyoutTieadof ~l~{~eht~[ hSe~tir~g~lSlace fO~all Gays, Lesbiarisl Bi-sexualSal~d Ttansgeridered people. Envision the fun,-fellowshi p and sense of community we can and will create with the establishment of a COMMUNITY center. Help TOHR turn this vision into a reality now. Join TOHR today as we move Into the future. Tim E. Gillean President News Items... 1. G-at3’ underwood is running tbr Democratic Chairperson of Tulsa County He is requesting th_at anyone interested in bg.jn_K_c_hai!y,~..r:s_op_in..t.heirdi___sJ .ri~L~_o_n_t_aet/]j!uj_tl_8.~6_=_2 ~13..-L 2. Thank you to everyone who ~ttended the Town HallMeeting. B"e are keeping an eye on this house resolution and will be in contact. Another resolution has been introduced and we are watching it also. Thanks to Kelly Kirbyfor his leadership in this work. 3. FEB. 18th THE METRO MENS CHORUS will be performinl~ at All Souls Unitarian located at 29th and Harvard at 8:00pro. Thanks to PFLAG for bringing ~hem to Tulsa. Lets all attend and support this event. Donations are $10.00 at the door. Members’, Representatives Tim Gillean - President Tim Henry - 1st Vice President Miriam Childers - 2nd Vice President Aaron Martin - Secretary Kelly Kirby - Treasurer Lynn Smith - Fund Raising Owen - Help Line Coordinator Mike Sheldon - Reporter Editor Brannon Crain - Activities Director BISEXUAL, LESBIAN AND GAY ISSUES INFORMATION AND REFERRALS 743-GAYS (4297) March Meeting 6:30pm Social time 7:00pm meeting starts 4154 So. Harvard "Gafl~ering Place" Daytime Testing Monday-Thursday by Appointment 749-4194 By and for bu t not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Communities. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV TESTING CLINIC FREE ANONYMOUS Finger Stick Method Membership Application Name Address City State Phone Signature [] I would like to volunteer help with: [] HIV Counselor [] Event Planning and Party Prepamtious ’Zip [] Yes I want to be a contributing member of Tulsa Oklahomaus for Human Rights. Please accept payment as described below: [] $10 Limited Income/Student Membership [] $20 Regular MemberShip [] $35 Organizational/Household Membership [] $100 .Sustaining Membership ............... [] I am currently receiving TOHR mailings and the Tulsa Family News [] I mn not on the mailing list [] Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual HelpLine [] Exocutive Board Member [] Monthly Meeting Support ~¢l~ck payablc to Tu~ Okhhomm~ for Human Right& Donatiom €on~buted to TOHR ovtr~membcnd~ fee~ are Tax Deductible Every Thursday Evening 7:00-8:30 p.m. 4154 So. Harvard Suite H-I News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Initiative to Bar Gay Adoptions in Wash. St. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Organizers of the Citizens’ Alliance of Washington have filed petition papers with the state to gather signatures to put aballotmeasure before state voters in November that would bar gays and lesbians from adopting children in the state. Some 180,000 valid signatures are need to put the measure on the ballot. The same group tried unsuccessfully last year to put an anti-gay rights measure before Washington voters. FL Anti-Bias Law Wins WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Voters in West Palm Beach rejected an attempt to repeal the "’sexual orientation" clause from its anti-bias ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodation. Voters rejected the repeal move by 54% to 44% in the special election. Conservatives Try to Bar The Advocate BATAVIA, Ohio - The American Family Assn. and a local Christian Coalition chapter have asked the Clermont County Library’s board to bar libraries from circulating The Advocate, clai.ming a recent issue of the national gay magazine-depicted male and female genitals on its cover. Two years ago-several local residents tried to force library officials to bar The Advocate at the libraries without SUCCESS. British Military Keeps Lists of Gays on File? LONDON - BBC television news has reported that the British government is investigating charges that thenation’s Ministry of Defense keeps a computer database~ listing suspected homosexuals in thearmedforces. The charges of the secret computer files were made by onetime British Navy officer Edmund Hall, who is about to publish abook onhomosexnality in the country’s military forces. Hall also charged that police can get access to the information in the files, which includes information on civilian acquaintances of members of the armed forces. The BBC quotes a government security officer as saying the dataproteclaonagency was in the process of investigating the charges. British Study: ’Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles’ CHICAGO -A study of"Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles" in the Journal oftheAmerican Medical Association reports on sexual behavior of Britons. Conducted between 1986-94, the study included face-to-face interviews as well as an extensive anonymousquestionnair~ about more personal sexual behavior that respondents completed themselves in private. Th~ researchers found that the "safe sex" education message being enhanced by either a sexually exclusive relationship orcondom use seems to be getting through to the British public. A total of 27% of the men and 36% of the women endorsed exclusive relationships, while 75% of the men and 81% of the women supported the use of condoms. During the last year, unsafe sex was reported by just 6% of the men and 4% of the women. As withU.S, efforts, theBritish search for data concerning the HIV epidemic was hampered by political considerations. In 1989, then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher vetoed the study because of "its intrusiveness and its unacceptability to the British people." The study eventually was funded by a large grant from the Wellcome Trust. Milk Institute Opens in San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO - Civic leaders, organizers and commtmi~ty representatives held formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies launching the Harvey Milk Institute, which will begin its first term on Jan. 23. The Institute will be the largest adult education program devoted to gay and lesbian studies with more than 200 students already enrolled in more than 50 class offerings. Reflecting Milk’s own sense of "street smarts," the Institute’s classes cover such topics as: "Lesbian Literature - 1700 to the Present," "Creative Block and the Queer Artist," "Prostitution 101," and "Auto Mechanics forWomen & Men." BBC Bans Activist Group LONDON - Worried that gay rights activists in the British group OutRage would publicly identify famous and influential closeted homosexuals in the U.K., the BBC has barred OutRage members from I speaking live on its radio and I television program~. OutRage voted early in January to out well-known but closeted homosexuals in the country if their public activities or inactivities harm gays andlesbians. In a press statement, OutRage condemned the BBC’s ban as "outrageous censorship" that it said "effectively silet~ces a whole section of lesbian and gay opinion."A spokesperson for the BBC, however, said the issue isn’t censorship but a question of whether the broadcasting agency should risk being involved in statements .OutRage members mightmake that"could neither be supported by facts nor whichhave any particular public interest." Talk Show Host’s Anti- Gay Obituaries Banned DENVER- After reading obittmries of gay men who have died of AIDS and identifying them repeatedly as "ex-sodomites" on his daily cable TV program, aired on a fundamentalist Christian station, host Bob Enyart has been told by KWHD-TV to stop. Enyart’s display of "sodomite" obituaries exploded into controversy in mid-January when showed a photograph and obituary of James Bybee, describing him as "a former sodomite...exsodomite. He’s dead." Members of Bybee’s own church expressedoutrage withthereligious broadcasting channel, and Bybee’s lover, Don Dias, told reporters he intended to sue both the station and Enyart. The station has instituted a policy forbidding such identifications, saying "we didn’t want to seem like we were harassing people." Trade Center Suspect, Also Gay Bar Bomber? NEW YORK - In a bizarre development, U.S. attorneys said that one of the defendants charged with plotting to blow up theWorldTrade Centerin a 1993 explosion that killed 6 and injured more than 1,000 people, was responsible for an earlier bombing. Federal prosecutors said in a court statement said E1 Sayyid Nosair, one of the 11 defendants in the case, planned and carried out the April 21, 1990, bombing of Uncle Charlie’s Downtown, a popular Greenwich Village gay bar. Two bar patrons and an employeet The defendants hailed the were hurt in the attack when a 6- [ European Commission decision inchpipebombhiddeninametal a vindication of their claims trash can in the club exploded. Then Mayor David Dinkins called the bomb attack "an antihomosexual" act, but police at the time said they had no evidence the explosion was bias related. "Freedom Riders" to Head for Camp Sister Spirit in Mississippi LOS ANGELES - With the backing of activist/producer Robin Tyler and Metropolitan Community Church founder the Rev. Troy Perry, plans have been announced for Gay & Lesbian Freedom Riders to bus in up to 1,000 lesbians and gay men to Ovett, Miss., wherethe lesbian/ feminist Camp Sister Spirit has been the object of repeated attacks by hostile locals. The Freedom Riders will be coordinated with local groups around the country and are scheduled to arrive in Ovett on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-30. The activists bussing in will help finish building fences around the camp to provide greater security for the camp, and other building projects at Sister Spirit. "Instead of just praying for these women, we are putting legs on our prayers and inviting people to join us in Mississippi," Perry said. For additional information contact either the MCC Offices in Los Angeles at (213) 464-5100, or Robin Tyler’s L.A. offices at (818) 893-4075. SM Case Appealed to Euro pean Court STRASBOURG, France - An application by 3 of the 16 defendants in a consensual sadomasochism case known as "Operation Spanner" have won the approval of the European Commission of Human Rights for a full heating of their appeal before the European Court of HumanRights,probably in 1996. Roland Jaggard, 47, along with Tony Brown, 58, and Colin Laskey, 52, were among 16 men arrested by London police in 1990 and convicted of assault for their SM activities despite arguing they were consenting adults acting in their homes. The police brought the charges after seemg a videotape the men had made of their sexual activities. throughout that consent should bea defense to charges of assault when the SM activity was consensual and resulted in no lasting harm. Attorneys for the 3 men argued that their arrest and conviction violated their rights to privacy under the European Convention of Human Rights, to which the United Kingdofia is a signatory. 2nd Conference for Lesbigays in Criminal Justice Set- PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - The 2nd annual International Conference of Lesbian & Gay Criminal Justice Professionals has been slated for Friday, Sept. 8, in Palm Springs, along with a number of related events in the greater Los Angeles area from Sept. 1 to 10. Sponsored by the Golden State Peace Officers Assn., the conference itself will cover topics including: maproving workplace conditions for gays & lesbians, coming out on the job, organizing police associations, the impact ofAIDS on criminaljustice professionals, working with the larger lesbian & gay community, and using computer technology. The 10- day related events will include a tour of the L.A. police academy, ride-alongs with local on-duty police officers, and a tour of the Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance. For additional information in North & South America, contact: GSPOA, PO Box 45605, Los Angeles, CA 90046 USA;phone+ 1 (213) 739- 4121; or E-mail to gspoa@aol.com. In Europe, Asia, Africa or Australia, contact: Lesbian & Gay Police Assn. (LAGPA), BM LAGP A, London, WC1N 3XX, United Kingdom; phone +44 (0) 1426- 943011; or E-mail to lagpa@murph.demon.co.uk. Survey of CA Activists SACRAMENTO,Calif. -AIDS, the economy and crime are the major issues for lesbians and gay men in California according to a first of its kind survey ofpolitical activists in the state. The poll of 500 gays and lesbians was conducted byphone in July of 1994 by Drs. Eric Schockman and Nadine Koch of the University of Southern Californiafor the statewide LIFE Photography Pager 621-5597 2747 E. 15th St. Tulsa, Okla. 74104 Johnny Geren, Massage Therapist 742-1992 News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Lobby. The survey also found that bias on the job, domestic partnership, and health care reform were also on the activists’ agenda. A majority says the political positions of candidates, not their sexual orientation, is most important in casting their votes. Some 91% of the activists said they had given money to an AIDS organization during the past 4 years, 3/4ths said they had contributed to a gay rights group during thatperiod, and abouthalf said they had given to a candidate? s election campaign. Although a majority (51%) said they approve of more "radical" tactics andalargemajority (68%) said groups like Queer Nation and ACT UPhad been effective, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (81%) identified themselves as political "moderates." USC Gets Gay Archives LOS ANGELES - Over 2 million historical and cultural items chronicling 20th century gay life and politics, one of the largest such collections in the world, is to be housed at the University of Southern California. The university agreed to accept the archives - the result of .merging two collections based m Los Angeles. "One of our problems as gay and lesbian people is finding our roots," said John O’ Brien of the One Institute which supervises the collections. "It’ s so important for people to know who and what they came from." The universi,ty will provide space on campus for the material ru exchange for scholastic access to the material, which consists of collections from One Inc. and the International Gay & Lesbian Archives dating back to 1942. Cincinnati Will Host Annual Gay Repul~licans CINCINNATI - The national gay Republican Log Cabin Federation has announced that its 1995 convention will be held Aug. 25-27 in Cincinnati, and is expected to be the largest gathering of gay and lesbian Republicans in history. The Log Cabin Club ofGreater Cincinnati got the support of the Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau in its bid to hold the national convention in the city, beating out Boston, Dallas, Las Vegas and. Salt Lake Cityl LCC/ Cincinnati PresidentSam Collins also said Delta Airlines has signed on as the 1st corporate sponsor of the Convention this year. A boycott of Cincinnati was initially called after voters there in 1993 approved the repeal of the city’s gay rights ordinance. That repeal has since been declared unconstitutional by a federal court. "Boycotts are about anger, notabout setting apolitical agenda," said Rich Tafel, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Log Cabin Republicans. "We will accomplish more through education, not confrontation. By stressing the values that we share with the people of Cincinnati, we are convinced that we can make progress toward equality and reconciliation." "We are excited and honored," said Collins. "We have 7 months of hard work ahead of us as we prepare for what will be a showcase of Cincinnati hospitality.’" LAPD Anti-Gay Incident? LOS ANGELES - Rights activists and civil libertarians have told the Los Angeles Police Dept. they would "not tolerate" anti-gay harassment by city police officers. The warnings came after news accounts by an eye,witness reporter and photographer on a police ridealong who said they saw a police officer verbally abuse a young homeless gay man who had reported a robbery as 7 other officers stood by and did nothing about the incident. Lorri Jean of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center told reporters, "We have a message: We will not tolerate hate crimes being perpetrated againstourpeoplebytheLAPD." The ACLU of Southern California has also called for an investigation of 7 other alleged anti-gay incidents involving L.A. police officers. LAPD officials said an internal affairs investigation has already been launched. CO Hate-Crimes Law DENVER - With the wounds from the anti-gay Amendment 2 still fresh, Colorado Rep. Ken Chlouber has introduced legislation that would add sexual orientation to the state’s hatecrimes laws. The 1988legislation already bars intimidation ok physical harm based on race, color, ancestry, religion or national origin. Colorado for Family Values, which backed Amendment Two, termed Chlouber’s proposed measure "ridiculous." A CFV spokesperson said the legislation might be used in an attempt to silence clergy who condemn homosexuality in their sermons. Associated Press Refuses Job Protections NEW YORK - The Associated Press, the largest news wire service in the world, has refused a union proposal to formally bar workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. The AP announced ~that it would only prohibit erfiployment bias based on categories coveredby federal law - age, sex, race, creed, color, national origin, disability and veteran’ s status. A spokesperson for the Wire Services Guild called AP’s policy "disingenuous." In addition to being a major news source of daily newspapers and electronic media, AP ironically has also now become the main source of national news for scores of the country’ s larger gay newspapers. Shocking Report on Hate Crimes in Arizona PHOENIX - The Arizona HumanRights Fundhas released the 1st study of anti-gay crimes in the state, showing some disturbing trends. The AHRF reportfonnd that anti-gay attacks were the major hate-crime in the cityofTempeandthe2ndleading bias-based crimeinPhoenix. The study also reports that a large portion (39%) of the anti-gay crimes reported were "extremely violent," involving assaults, arson and 5 reported homicides in the state. AHRF also found that according to police, reported anti-gay bias crimes increased dramatically - 300% in Tempe and 88% in Phoenix in 1994 over the previous year. In a press statement, AHRF’s Mark Colledge said, "The murder of5 ga.y men in Arizona in 1994 points to the fact that gays and lesbians are being murdered and brutally attacked simply because of who they are. These crimes are not simply against individual gays and lesbians, but are an attack upon the entire communityy Minneapolis Partners Benefits Loses in Court MINNEAPOLIS -A Minnesota state appeals court has ruled that the city of Minneapolis can not extend health care benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian workers because state law doesn’t officially recognize same-sex couples. The court ruled 2-1 that the city council exceeded its authority in offering the domestic partner health care benefits in 1993. The ruling upholds a lower court ruling against the city’ s partners policy which had been challenged by a taxpayer who argued the policy violates the state’s policy "favoring marriage of heterosexual couples." It was not immediately known if the city will appeal the decision to the state supreme court. N.Y. Attorney General Omits Anti-Gay Bias ALBANY, N.Y.- New York Attorney General Dennis Vacco, who came under fire for his campaign last year against an open lesbian candidate for the office, has issued anorderbarring hiring bias that pointedly does not include sexual orientation. The state’s two preceding ¯attorneys general had included sexual orientation in their executive orders even though the state has no law prohibiting antigay employment discrimination. A spokesperson for Vacco said the attorney general felt sexual orientation was a "personal, private issue that has nothing to do with aperson’ s employment." Mandatory Tests Proposed for Injured Residents in Utah SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah state House of Representatives has approved and sent to the Senate a measure that would make injured state residents rescued by public safety officers or others obligated to take tests to ensure they are notinfected with HIV or other diseases. Opponents of the legislation say the bill is an unnecessary intrusion and that police, fire and emergency officers should routinely take precautions against infections while doing their jobs. Link Between Lesbianism & Banned Drug? NEW-YORK - A recently published report in the journal Developmental Psychology indicates that the daughters of women who took the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES), widely used by pregnant women to help prevent miscarriages, are m ore likely to be bisexuals or lesbians than the daughters ofwomenwho did not take the drug. Researchers at Columbia University, led by Dr. Heino Meyer-Bahlburg, reported in their work that eight of some 117 women whose mothers had taken DES while carrying them had bisexual or lesbian tendencies. None of the 117 in a separate control group whose mothers did not take DES during their pregnancies were bisexuals or lesbians, however. The ColumbiaUniversityresearchers also made similar comparisons ofmen whose mothers had been given DES during their pregnancies. But that comparative study found no differences for males exposed to_ the artificial estrogen. Police Raid AIDS Benefit SAN FRANCISCO - Some 40 SanFrancisco police officers and about 20 state Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) agents raided a New Year’s Eve AIDS fundraiser, arresting 11 people and setting the stage for up to 3 official inquiries and possibly a series of lawsuits. Party-goers have charged that during the raid police officers covered their badges, roughed people up, used unnecessary choke-holds, punched people in theface, made anti-gay remarks, andperformed illegal searches. Police officials have denied the charges, saying the raid of the fundraising party for Visual Aid, an organization that helps artists with AIDS preserve and promote their works., Wash’ t anti-gay at all and was just a "routine part" of several raids of "illegal nightclubs" conducted the same night. Several party-goers, however, have told reporters and city officials that officers used expressions like "fucking faggots" during theraid,punched at least two people at the event, and refused to identify themselves or hid their badges, and seized money, lighting and musical equipment illegally. S.F. Film Festival Head Presumed Dead SAN FRANCISCO - Mark Finch, the well-liked and respected director of the San Francisco International Lesbian &Gay Film Festival operated by the organization Frameline, has beenreportedmissing and isnow considered an "unconfirmed suicide" by the California Highway. Patrol. Finch’s briefcase was found by CHP officers on a pedestrian walkway on the Golden Gate Bridge Saturday evening, Jan. 14, although authorities have not found any body as yet. Officials characterized some of the letters inside the briefcase as "suicide notes." Last June’s film festival attracted some 55,000 people to see more than 300 films at three locations in San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose. P-FLAG Parents, Friends & Family of Lesbians & Gays Tulsa, Oklahoma Area Chapter POB 52800, 74152, Helpline 918-749-4901 OKC Metro Men’s Chorus Sat. Feb. 18, 8pm, $10, All Souls Unitarian NOTE NEW LOCATION: 29th & Peoria ¯ W hitt mrk_,a[e 416 S. Lewis, 582-2400 Come on in for some goodfamily -style cooking! Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Changing Portrait apparentl y are infected ~by AIDS. The scientists said their ’Blocking’ Protein of the Epidemic WASHINGTON - Dr. Harold Jaffee of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said at the 2nd National Conference on Human Retroviruses that the majority of the estimated 800,000 Americans believed to beinfected withHIV areunaware of their HIV stares. In reporting a new statistical portrait of the epidemic, Jaffee reported recent CDC data that indicates that the new infection rate among gay and bisexual men has leveled off after 13 years of relentless increases. Thedataindicates that: women now account for more that 18% ofall newlyreported cases during recent years; nearly 60% of all new cases are reported among racial minorities; gay and bisexual mean last year represented43% ofall new cases - down from47% the yearbefore. Jaffee said, "Heterosexual .contact is becoming increasingly Important, especially for young Hispanics and blacks in cities and in small Southern cities and towns." Jaffee also noted a recent national study of 2,500 people newly diagnosed as HIV-positive which found that nearly 60% weren’t tested until they had already becomeill with anAIDSrelated disease and another study of 222 infants infected with HIV ehiCh found that only i in 6 was tting appropriate treatment to prevent AIDS-related pneumonia. Complications of AIDS : Leading Cause of Death WASHINGTON - Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported at the 2nd National Conference onHumanRetroviruses indicates that HIV infection is now the leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 2 5 and44. The new data means. that AIDS has now surpassed accidental injuries as the cause of death for people in the age group. AIDS is also now the leading cause of death for all people in 79 of the country’ s 169 largest cities, according to the new CDC data. Long-Term Survivors BOSTON - Researchers report that they have uncovered significant new dues about why some people infected with HIV remain healthy for up to 15 years after being infected - findings that scientists say could lead to important new approache s to both treatment and research. In reports in the New England Journal ofMedicine, researchers say that some of the "long-term survivors" they study have developed potent antibodies against the virus, some have elevated levels of specialized cells that battle HIV, and some unusually weakened strains of the vires. While most men and women infected with HIV develop full-blown AIDS and die within 6 to 12 years, some 5 percent have lived with unimpairedimmune systems and without disease for 15 years or more. Dr. Ronald Desrosier, one of the researchers in this study, said the apparent immunity to AIDS of some long-term survivors offers fresh evidence that using weakened strains of the virus rather than dead ones may offer a path to the development of safe vaccines. One study from a large team at the National Institute of ALlergy and Infectious Disease, the government’s main AIDS research center, focused on survivors infected with a genetically normal and highly virulent strain of the virus but who seem to possess supereffective immune responses that are able to hold the virus in check. Another study involved volunteer subjects who have remained healthy for 10 to 15 years afterinfection. Researchers at New York University found that the levels of HIV in the volunteers’ cells were unusually low and that the CD8 cells of their immune sy stems proved to be powerful killers of the virus - far more powerful, in fact, than the same type of cells found in patients who develop full-blown findings suggest new paths toward therapies and the possibility of creating vaccines to induce the same type of immunity that the long-term survivors apparently possess naturally. Scientists Link Kaposi’s & New Virus WASHINGTON - Dr. Patrick S. Moore and Dr. Yuan Chang, researchers at Columbia University, have reported they have found strong evidence that a newly identified virus in the herpes group, which they’ve tentatively named Kaposi Sarcoma Ass ociated Herpes Virus (KSHV), may cause Kaposi’ s sarcoma, a cancer that strikes some people with AIDS. While Moore would not say categorically that the new virus actually causes KS, other experts believe it does. Dr. Steven Miles of the University of California at Los Angeles said that his team and others in the U.S. and England had confirmed the findings. Moore’ s research team found evidence ofKSHV in 95% of the 21 patients withKS they studied, while only one of the 21 who did not have KS showed signs of KSHV - which he said was probably the result of a technical error. The scientists also found evidence ofKSHV in tissue from 21 African adults & children. Found in Saliva WASHINGTON - A study reported on at the 2nd National Conference on Human Retroviruses indicates scientists with the National Institute of Dental Research have identified a protein in human saliva that blocks HIV from infecting cells. The researchers said the discovery sheds light on why kissing andoral sex donot appear to be significant routes Of AIDS spread. Only aboutadozenAIDS cases have been traced to oral contact since the epidemic began nearly 14 years ago. The anti-AIDS protein, discovered by Dr. Tessie McNeely and Dr. Sharon Wahl, adheres to the surface of white blood cells and blocks HIV from infecting them. Despite its adhesiveness, the scientists have dubbed the substance SLPI (pronounce "slippy"), for "secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor." One area of future research will be whether SLPI could be added to condoms or douches to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. The protein’ s natural function is apparently to protect mucous membranes against the body’s own proteindestroying proteins. U.S. Businesses & AIDS WASHINGTON - According to a poll of some 794 U.S. see Health Briefs, page 7 F!-DELITY HO_/V E HE_ALTH CA_RE, INC. 113 E. Paul St. Pauls Valley, OK 73075 (405) 238-6487 Main Office 905 No. Highway 51 Coweta, OK 74429 (918) 486-1174 (800) 999-3442 7319 No. MacArthur Okla. City, OK 73132 (405) 722-0551 Caringfor Life We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hour per day, seven days as week. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’ s, LPN’ s) Home health aides Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation Private duty nursing Companion sitter services -This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices at 800-999-3442 with specific treatment issues. Clinical Trials* now Open for Treatment of HIV Disease. and Related Infections Nevirapine...HIV Treatment Oral vs. IV Ganciclovir...CMV Retinitis Treatment Zithromax-Biaxin-Ethambutol...MAC Treatment *must meet inclusion & exclusion criteria. For more information, call 918-743-1000, ext. ’HIV’ between 10am - 4pm. To receive more information about new clinical trials as they are available, .send your name & address to: Jeffrey Beal, M.D. 1560 E. 21st St, Ste. 210 Tulsa, OK 74114 Health Briefs Health Briefs Health companies by the American Management Association, 38% of the firms reportedhaving dealt with at least one worker infected with HIV or who had AIDS during 1994. The figure represents a 15% increase over a similar poll the previous year. The survey also reported that 26% of the companies that have had an employeewithHIV/AIDS had implemented a companywide policy on the workers with the disease, but of firms that had had no infected workers only " 17% had set up employment policies conce ruing the disease. The association’s research director said that apparently businesses "wait until the first instance of AIDS or HIV infection before putting together policies." ’Titanic Struggle’ of HIV NEW YORK - New research by 2 independent teams of scientists indicates that the immune system of people infected with HIV is engaged in a "titanic struggle" with the body’ s defenses. Scientists at the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center in New York and a team at the University of Alabama and Oxford University reported their findings in the journal Nature. According to their study o.f people infected with HIV, the researchers estimated that between 100 million and a billion viruses are produced every day during the initial stages of ~infection, while the body’s ~immtme system pours out as many as 2 billion white blood cells to fight off the infection. This enormous battle between the immune system and the invading virus, the researchers say, is one of the reasons the vxrus so quickly develops resistance to medications unless it is treated early in the infection. Study Questions Care SAN FRANCISCO- Researchers studying patient care for AIDS patients with pneumoma and other severe respiratory ailments at the intensive care unit of San Francisco General Hospital have raised questions about the cost-effectiveness and medical efficacy of such care. Between 1988 and 1991, only 24% of those who got intensive care for severe respiratory illnesses associated with AIDS left the hospital alive, the researchers found. During the period from 1986 to 1988, that numberhadbeen39%. Similarly, the costof saving lives had grown to more than $215,000 during the 1988-91 period - more than double the $94,500 cost for the earlier years. Dr. Robert Wachter, who led the study, said it was unclear why more patients were dying, but said he suspected those who came to the hospital’ s ICU were in later stages of the disease. Wachter said it was not time to suggest that the hospital start Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs den~ing such expensive, ~.lowsuccess ICU treatment, but he did suggest th~i~"h’~itals’with significant numbers of such patients begin considering the issue of when such care might be best withdrawn. AIDS Caregivers Study SAN FRANCISCO - A study by the University of California at San Francisco indicates that friends and family members of people with AIDS can be a crucial source of support and strength for the ill person - although, they can also unintentionally be unhelpful and Offensive. Often, friends and family members are confused or unsure about how bey can give the most support to their loved ones. The UCSFstudy identified helpful and unhelpful behaviors from the pointofview ofaperson with the disease, and offers guidance for those who care but aren’ t sure how to offer support to someone with AIDS. Some of the unhelpful behaviors identified in the study include avoiding interaction, acting embarrassed or ashamed, breaking confidentiality, and criticizing one’s medical care. More helpful behaviors identified by the study include .expressi.ng love or concern, interacting naturally, and offering practical assistance. The study followed 136 couples - gay and non-gay - in the San Francisco Bay Area for 5 years Health Briefs and was published in London publication AIDS Care Magazine. Women in Drug Trials WASHINGTON- The National Task Force on AIDS Drug Development has recommended that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration require researchers to include more women in all stages of clinical trials for drugs for serious and life-threatening diseases, including AIDS. An FDA spokesperson said the recommendation had been accepted and would be acted on as soon as possible. Women and advocacy groups have complained that drug trials to treat diseases such as AIDS excluded women, or only brought them in late, because of concerns about the drug’s effects on the female reproductive system and child-bearing functions. Without the participation of women in the trials, they complained, there would be little or no data on possible effects the drug might have on them when the drugs came up for FDA approval. SEC Investigation of Florida Viatical Firm FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has gone to court to force United Benefits Group of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to hand over records of its investors, employees, financial results, tax returns and other inform ation. United Benefits Group, a viatical settlement broker that arranges the sale of AIDS patients’ life insurance policies to investors, has refused to tell regulators how it sells the policies and what becomes of the money. The company’s attorney claims that because the company is not selling securities, it does not have to obey the SEC’ s directives. The SEC says it needs to review the documents to determine whether there have been violations of, federal securities laws, according to SEC regional director Chuck Senatore. Philadelphia HIV Bias Suit Moves Forward PHILADELPHIA-U.S. District Court Judge John Padova has refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by John Woolfolk, who claims he was denied medical services in the HealthPass program because he is infected with HIV. The judge decided that a jury should decide whether a city physician and the managers of HealthPass, which is financed by state and federal funds, violated the Americans With Disabilities Act and the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. Judge Padova said that a doctor "who receives federal funds to provide healthcare benefits may not withhold medical benefits wi.thout reasonable accommodation. "" Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Butler, RN MS Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services We have many insurance provider affiliations - ifyou belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 Sandra J. Hill, M.S. Accepting Medicare, Medicaid. private pay andprivate insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care in a homelike, loving setting? Until now - no where...... Announcing the opening of Mohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people riving with A!DS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North Tulsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals. The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour our new facility. To arrange a tour or for more information, call our offices at 918-425-1354 Mohawk Living Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK~ (918) 425-1354 ~1995 - Design One Associates / Perspective Magazine Southwest A viatical company. now open right here in Tulsa. Wen you’re living with AIDS, you can’t afford ~ ~ to be without the money needed to pay your day to day expenses. You can sell your life insurance policy and easily acquire the kind of money that can improve your life. We sit down face to face and help you get the most from your policy quickly and confidentially. We work with many financial sources, so your doctor and insurance company are not flooded with requests for records and paperwork. We work for you. A Quality ofLife Alternative Southwest 2919 Welborn Dallas, Texas 75219 800/559-4790 S. Hazard E. 41 st St. Tulsa Office 4146 So. Harvard, Suite F-5 Tulsa, OK 74135-2610 918-747-3320 Human RightS, omp.2 celebrate our diversity, the changing facd,s of the workplace, and the need to furth6r understand and accomodate persons based on their sexual orientation. Other Human Rights Commissioners present, along withDepartment staff; were recognized for their work. The City of Tulsa will be hosting the 47th Annual Conference of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies next August. Event co-chairs Maynard Ungerman, local philanthropist, and Jerry Goodwin, publisher of the Oklahoma Eagle, were also recognized. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) was represented by Tim Gillean, Ric & Kelly Kirby. Letters, frompage2 very least, an apology is due from ~he Commemorative Society. Discrimination is not what that memorial service was to be about. My friends, both homosexual and heterosexual, and I were there to affirm one another, to dispel intolerance and prejudice. Bishop Young’s remarks did -just the opposite. Marilyn & Charles Murphy Marriage, ompage 1 possibility that Hawaii’s Supreme Court may rule same-sex marriages legal in that state, making it possible for gays and lesbians to legally marry in Hawaii and return home where th eir weddings might otherwise be legally valid." Clearly this is a preemptive strike against recognition of .our loving unions," said Robert Bray of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. Murder, frompoge l jury saw past the AIDS-phobic and homophobic rhetoric presented by the defense in this case." said Beth Barrett, NGLTF spokesperson. "The jury recognized that HIV status is never an excuse for murder." ,It is unfortunate that, even after the trial, the defense attorney continues to use outdated stereotypes and homophobia in an attempt to defame the gay and lesbian communityofMississippi,"Barrettadded. NGLTF will continue to monitor developments in Mississippi. Organizers point to the murder of a third gay man under similar circumstances in Indianola and the potential for continued tension at the lesbian-feminist retreat, Camp Sister Spirit, in Ovett, as reasons for their concern. "Given the murders and the history of harassment in Mississippi, we continue to be deeply concerned for the safety of gay men and lesbians in that state," Barrett said. The jury, including five black jurors, convicted McClendon, who is black, of the murders of the two white men which occured on Oct. 8, 1994. I~i;l~l lllg|, . from p,age 1 to grab the raihbow triangles necklace wornby "Joe". "Joe", who Spent anumber of years in an elite US military unit, reports that his self-defense training kicked in and the assailant was on the ground with his arms twisted behind his back in just a few moments. Later, "Joe" contacted the Tulsa District Attorney’ s office which was able to locate the assailant through the emergency room records whichmatched "Joe’s"description of the assailant and his likely injuries. ML from page 1 abuse, and I~lophilia, as some of the ills h~,.sees in contemporary society. He s~ecifically characterized these as "slavery." Several persons were seen leaving the service after Bishop Young made his remarks. Tulsa Family News staff attended the service and immediately after the service asked Young about including homosexuality in a list of violent and abusive crimes. Young’s response was that his views werejustifiedby "the Word of God". When asked how he would compare Bible passages whichhe believes condemn homosexuality to passages once used to justify slavery, Young refused to answer. The reaction of other religious and community leaders involvedin the service varied. School Superintendent John Thompsonrefused comment. Sister Sylvia Schmidt, executive director of Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry expressed dismay not only at Young’s anti-Gay remarks but also his sexist ones. After the service, the Rev. David Wiggs of Boston Ave. Methodist promised as a member of the MLKing Commemorative Society to raise_ the issue at the next Society meeting. Society board members, Yolanda Charney, formerly of the Jewish Federation and Nancy Day of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, promised to raise the issue of an apology to the Lesbian & Gay communities for Young’s remarks. The Society’s president, the Rev. Andrew Phillips, remarked to the Tulsa Wormthat he hoped that the Society could give an apology. Since the event, the Society has met but so far has not responded to Tulsa Family News’ complaints. Nancy Day, not speaking officially for the Society, said that ithad decidednot toapologize because they did not want to set a precedent. She related that it was decided that the Society would set up a committee to establish guidelines for future speakers. The Society’s president, the Rev. Andrew Phillips, however, when contacted by the Tulsa World, refused comment. Tulsa’s Family of Faith Metropolitan Community Church issued a statement condemning Young’s remarks: %..Family of Faith takes great offense at the inclusion of such prejudice in an "interfaith" service which includes those churches that believe as we do, that homosexuality is a Godgiven orientation....it seems unthinkable that a service dedicated to a civil rights leaderwhoadvocated’non-violent’ protest and equal rights for all would be a place people gather to hear a message advocating...the oppression of Gay and Lesbians." i~al i~;1~1 from page 1 been legal. Councilwoman Donna Bloomer, a supporter of the Eagle Forum, said the -group would join with organizers from Operation Rescue and the state’s Christian Coalition chapter in an effort to force the new job protections to the ballot. The measure adopted by the Council, however, got support not only from city and state gay rights organizations, but also highprofile backing from Dallas Mayor Steve Barlett, a conservative Republican, and from Coretta Scott King, who wrote in support o f the ordinance. William GFaham as Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. "Cole Porter-- One of a Kind" Tuesday, February 28 2 and7p.m, shows John H. Williams Theatre -- Tulsa Performing Arts Center Tickets: $12 Matinee. $15 Evening Enjoy conversation and song with one of AmericaZs premier composers. Songsfromthe following musicals will be featured: Panama Hattie, Paris, Red Hot and Blue, Rosalie, Silk Stockings, Something to Shout About, The Gay Divorce, The New Yorkers, You Never Know, You’ll Never Get Rich and Wake Up and Dream. Make plans to see this superb one-man musical drama! by Beverly Haney ofMCC-Greater Tulsa Editor’s note: this is the balance ofthe column begun in last month s paper. The topic is the writings of St. Paul & homosexuality. Verse 26 is the only place in the Bible that can be used to. refer to Lesbian sex because it refers to "’unnatural" sexual relations and, as the term is used today, unnatural sex means homosexuality. As we have seen, however, Paul uses para physin to mean something out of the ordinary an not something unnatural or immoral as it has been translated. So the reference to female sexual relations that are "’beyond the ordinary" could mean many things. We know that it was considered unclean to have sex with a woman during menstruation, or for a woman to have sex with an uncircumcised man. Actually there is not reason to read homosexuality in the passage at all because in all of the ancient texts, this is a subject that is not discussed and there is no reason to think that Paul would bring it up now. It is also believed that the word "likewise" set up a parallel between what women do and what the men do. This parallel could also mean that the women and the men are having sex that is "’out of the ordinary". There is not reason to conclude that this passage means-Lesbian sex. The burden ofproof rests ~ith those making the claim. Paul uses the words. "degrading passions" and "shameless acts" to describe the sexual acts he is referring to. The Greek word translated as "degrading" is atimia. It means something not held in honor, not respected, or not highly valued. There is no moral condemnation in this word and when he uses the same word elsewhere, there is never any moral condemnataon in his meaning. He uses the word when he talks of chamber pots and long hair. The other Greek word that is translated as "shameless acts" is aschemosyne: Literally, the word means not according to form, not nice, or unseemly. In other places, Paul Uses this work to describe a man who refuses to give his daughter in marriage and also to describe genitals. Never does the word imply moral condemnation but only social disapproval. During the time of Patti, homosexuality between men was common in Greek and Roman societies They thought it was perfectly natural for men to be attracted to other men..It is obvious that Paul didn’t really disapprove of homosexuality, so why did he bring it up at all? This will be the topic for next month’s article. Homosexuality was never brought up by Jesus Himself, so it is necessary to find out why Paul brought it up. Religion Briefs Prime Timers New Bishop Does Holy Unions Prime Timers of Tulsa and Eastern LOS ANGELES The Rev. Pant ~.~,.OklahomawillwelcomeDanielleShreve, Egertson, newly installed as a Lutheran bishop in Southern California, told his congregation that he has performed 3 same-sex holy unions at his North Hollywood church even though such ceremomes violate the policies of the parent Evangelical Lutheran Church of America against "blessing of a homosexual relationship." Egertson said the ceremonies were done "with dignity and reverence" and that 10 other Lutheran pastors and 4 bishops in the area also conducted the rites for same-sex couples. Gay Pastor to Stay OAKLAND, Calif. With the overwhelming support of members of his congregaaon at St. Paul Lutheran Church in defiance of an order that he be fired because he’s gay, the Rev. Ross Merkel has been allowed to keep his post as pastor by officials of the Evangelical Lutheran Church ofAmerica. Merkel was defrocked in February 1994 after telling his cong.regation that he is gay on the 15th anmversary commemorating his relationship with his lover. The ELCA’s official policy is to allow gay clergy only if they remain celibate. But because of the overwhelming support from his congregataon at St. Paul’s, the regional governing church synod has allowed Merkel to remain in his post, although it barred him from appointing anyone to fill posts at the 18 other congregauons in the area which he had had authority over. Interfaith AIDS Ministry TheAmericanTheater Co. has dedicated its Wednesday, March 8th "preview" performance ofThe Crucible to Interfaith AIDS Ministry as a benefit. Tickets m:e $10 with discounts for students and groups. Persons under 16 years are 1/2 price. Call 438-2437 for more info. and tickets. Tickets are also available at Tomfoolery! The performance will be at 8 pm at the Williams Theater in the Perf. Arts Center. co-ordinator of volunteers for the H’IV Resource Consortium, as speaker for their Sunday, March 5th meeting at 4pm at the Gathering Place, 4154 S. Harvard. Ms. Shreve will discuss volunteer opportunities and training available at the Resource Consortium and in the general community. A committee will also be formed to plan their 2nd anniversary dinner. Other upcolmng events include the Orlando, Florida CR Convention in May and one for the International Primetimers in Dallas in October. For more info. call 437-2878. Rainbow Business Guild The Rainbow Business Guild will meet Feb. 26 at 7 pm at Tao Tao Restaurant at 6219 E. 61st. RGB is an organization for Lesbian/Gay & Gay-friendly businesses. For more info. call 254-2100 Women’s Sadie Hawkins Dance Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) will hold a women’s dance atAll Soul’s Unitarian Dance. This smoke-free, alcohol-free event will double as a menabership drive for TOHR. The cover charge of $5 individual or $5 couple can be applied to TOHR membership. Child care will be provided. This eventis part of a series of women’ s TOHR events planned by TOHR women at a recent focus group. Condo for leasewalkto River Parks 2 bed, 1 bath, central HVAC, ceiling fans through-out, washer/dryer, all appliances, landscaped, fenced patio with storage. Exterior maintenance, yard service, water, trash pick-up, etc. provided. 2 pools available. $550/month+deposit. Call 745-0358. For lease: nice two bedroom house at the lake near Wagoner. Scculity walled/ fenced. Double care garage, laundry & storage room. Swimming pool privileges (seasonal). This house is 10cated on our home property. Prefer males. Clean, trustworthy, discreet & proof of affordability required. $375/ month,first,last&$200 depositrequired at beginniug of contract. Hey guys or girls, like your own retreat or live-in year around place at the lake?Weare totally remodeling one now. If you want to try your hand on this one and save mucho bucks, take over this one for only $17,500. Lots of room for boats, etc. Call Glenn or Bill at 918-462-7265. New Records for Oklahoma Leather TULSA Last October 22, the SilverStar Saloon hosted the Mr. Oklahoma Leather 1995 Contest with over 400 leather supporters in attendance and $3000 raised for Oklahoma charities record numbers, according to T.U.L.S.A. president, Amie Holder. T.U.L.S.A. (Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association) has produced the contest since its inception six years ago. Larry Everett won the title of Mr. Oklahoma Leather 1995. This contest is a preliminary to the International Mr. Leather (IML) contest in Chicago this May. Judges for ~he contest includedNLA International 94, Mark Frazier; International Ms. Leather 94, Cindy Bookout; International Mr. Drummer 94-95, Keith Hunt; Mr. Gulf Coast Drummer 94, Pant Jaques; Mr. Oklahoma Daddy 94, Mark Touchstone; Mr. Tulsa Leather 93, Ron Greenwood; and Mistress Mir. According to Holder, "Interest in leather is at an all time high in Oklahoma. Across the country, we have become the state to watch for serious leather contenders.’" Cindy Bookont and Paul Jaques are both from Oklahoma. In additirn, MS. Gulf Coast Leather 95, "Shadow" and the first nmner up to International Mr. Leather 94, Terry Gatewood, are alsofrom Oklahoma. Twocharities were selected as this years beneficiaries: Raint)ow Village, Inc. of Tulsaand Other Options, Inc. ofOklahoma City. T.U.L.S.A. presented a $1500 check to each at the Miss Oklahoma Pageant on Jan. 29. Rainbow Village helps persons living with AIDS/HIV to control their own lives. They help to provide education and counseling to intervening in day-to-day hardships. Other Options provides AIDS/ HIV education through resource books, seminars and networking professional services. "1994 was the best year ever for the leather community in Oklahoma. We are looking forward to 1995 with great anticipation, "added Holder. For more information contact T.U.L.S.A., PO Box 33076, Tulsa, OK 74153-1076, (918) 838-1222. 1623 N. Maplewood Tulsa, OK 74115 Metropolitan-Community Church of Greaver Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday service, 10:45 am Wednesday service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays, 6:00 pm Phone: (918) 838-1 715 Bless The Lord At All Times CHRISTIAN CENTER Sunday School, 9:45 Tues. Minister’s Class, 7:30 Sunday Service, 11 am Wed. Choir Rehearsal, 7 pm 2627-B East llth, 583-7815, messages, Eddie Cook, pastor Because everyone has a right to be blessed by God! ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice To to humbly our God... Micah 6:8 II do justice, love mercy& walk with 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 II Fight Back co.,’ om p. 2 Drumwright talking regularly about how homosexuals are a threat to our very culture. Hello - is this really a burning issue for small town or rural Oklahoma? After all, we know how small town Oklahoma is just being over-run by homosexuals. Both senators have been stalling a meeting with Lesbian/Gay constituents for over a year now. Maybe the theory is that if you never meet with folks you’ ve decided to hate, then you never have to reconsider your views. It’ s similar to Nazi techniques for dehumanizing Nazi victims so that it’ s easier to murder them. If they met with us they might find we all have something in common. The one bit ofhope in all this is that Rep. Steve Largent appears to be keeping a promise made in the campaign to come to the Metropolitan Commuaity Church of Greater Tulsa. Whoknows what will come of this but just meeting with us here in Oklahomaismore than has everhappened. Wemay have to agree to disagree onmany things but Mr. I_argent may be serious in wanting to represent zll Tulsans. So after this mostly gloomy assessment, whatcanwedo?Wemustbegin toorganize seriously, as though we are fighting for our fives - which we may be doing. Only a handful of you are members of and involved in TOHR. Whatever its .faults, it’ s a good starting place. We must start thinking about politics, no matterhow tedious and frustrating they are. We will only really get decent representation when we are organized enough to deliver dollars and votes. It’s possible. Dallas has 3 of 14 Gay city councilors which is the result of years of organizing. Wewill begin to have a chance when we elect a Lesbians and Gay men to the Tulsa City Council and to our state legislature. Art Justis, newly elected to district 6 only got 575 votes on Feb. 14. There are probably more than 575 queens m the Silver Star and Concessions alone on a Sat. night. The answer is: get involved, give a damn, fred a place where your donation of time (maybe more important than money) can make a difference. Register to vote and then, vote! Call your state legislator. Call Inhofe and Nickles, even if it feels like an exercise in frustration. Numbers make a difference. Get involved with the new Lesbian and Gay Political Action Committee. If you’re Republican, join Log Cabin Republicans and work for our lives and well-being as well as your pocketbook. If you don’t like politics, then help PWLA’s or Lesbian & Gay youth or TOHR’s community center project, or fill a need yet unfilled. Just do something. N, cont’dfrom p. 1 such as Boulder, CO where there are so many papers there is not room enough. TFN publisher Neal pointed out to Van Natter that Tulsa has fewer free publications. Neal added that it seems that banning all free publications seemed at odds with the mission of booksellers, as well as appearing to be a cover for discriminatory behavior since Barnes & Noble did not seem to have any problem with space for free papers until a Gay one asked for access. Neal stated, "Barnes & Noble’ s decision to sell Lesbian and Gay books and magazines but to refuse a community newspaper equal access says that Barnes & Noble wants to take money from the Lesbian & Gay communities while discriminating against us." Tulsa Family News has forwarded its complaint of discrimination to Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Parents, Friends & Families of Lesbians & Gays, Tulsa’s Human Rights Commission as well as to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. At press time, TFN continues to work with Barnes & Noble’ s New York corporate offices to resolve this conflict. Comments may be directed to CynthiaCamahan, community relations co-ordinator at 250-5034,r fax: 250-0576. HJR 1018, cont’dfromp. 1 basi~of 6t enti[le any person or class of persons to have or claim any minority status, quota preferences, protected status or claim of discrimination." "Section 2.2 No board of educaton in this state shall allow the teaching of homosexuality, lesbianism or bisexuality as natural lifestyles." "Section 2.3 No person who is a homosexual, bisexual or lesbian shall be permitted to adopt or provide foster care to any child in this state." Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, a non-profit organization based in New York, issued a review of the Graves’ resolution. Attorney Suzaune Goldberg states that HJR 1018 "suffers fatal legal flaws". Goldberg suggests that the amendment if passed by the voters would be quickly challenged and such a challenge would probably succeed. Kelly Kirby and Tim Gillean (past president and current president respectively) of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) led a meeting of about 50 persons at the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa on January 30. Kirby urged those attending to contact their representatives and members of the Rules Committee to discourage support for the resolution and to remain alert to future developments while the Legislature is in session. Kirby explained that the resolution had to given a hearing by the committee to which i.t has been assigned in order to be voted on by the full House ofRepresentives. However, even if the resolution is kept in committee without a hearing, Graves can attempt to add it as an amendment to other bills. Pat Reaves of Simply Equal OKC said that a similar, meeting was held in Oklahoma City recently. Oklahoma House of Representatives leadership was non-commital when contacted about HJR 1018 but it is wall known that Rep. Graves is not well thought of by many of his peers. However, some political observers worry that this resolution might pass if it gets to a "floor" vote just because few Oklahoma legislators have the courage to vote in any way except what might be seen as anti- Gay. For more info, contact TOHR at 743-4297 or TFN at 832-0233. NEVER KNOW WHAT.TO::EXPECT! !! , INC 1229 S. MEMOR!~:....O:R..;~I.:TULSA --918-835-5083 Fdulous RSVP Cruis for Caribbean - Feb, Costa Rica - April, Alaska - July Airline/Hotel Reservations, Ticket Pick-Up Cruise/Tour Packages, Group & Incentive Programs OK’s Only "INGoT"ASeArvffiiclieatCe(hIanrtgeern9a1t’8l -3G4a1y-6T8r6a6vel Assoc.) [ 10%Off Repairs I il Certified Mobile Auto Service I ! Brakes Manual Drive Train & Axles I Engine Performance Electrical Systems 1438 s. Beslen, ?~1=0 ! Suspension & Steering Motor Home Rental & Repair I Heating & Air Conditioning Fleet Service Available I Engine Repair9 F,’[eorlow-c ,sttowing I 438-33 3, 591 0597 pager Free or low-cost towing I FAMILY FI =NCES Financial consultant, Leanne Gross What If You Get Sick? Did you know...there was insurance that will protect your income? That’s right...your salary, the old paycheck, the piece of paper that pays the bills. And why not? We insure our cars, our homes, and.our personal belongings. Yet we don’t insure the one thing which makes all o.f the above possible, our ability to earn an income. Its name is Disability Income Insurance ( D.I. coverage ). Disability Income insurance is a monthly expense ; however , should you become unable to work, a D.I. plan will send you a check each month to help pay the bills. Look at it this way... You pay into an insurance plan for five years and then become disabled. Within three years, you will have recouped your expenses and, in most cases, will continue to draw a benefit check. Three years is nothing, people, should you become disabled. Facts: -85% of failed mortgages are due to the owner becoming disabled and un@Je to pay. - 1 out of 3 people will become disabled or contract an incurable disease and will not be able to earn their income. - Actuaries tell us: a person has a better chance ofbecoming disabled between the ages of 35 and 65, than of dying before that age. Questions to ask when shopping for Disability Income Insurance: * How disabled must I be to collect the benefit ? A policy’ s definition of disability is the Your ability to earn an income is something most people take for granted.... many people tend to forget, however, is that it’s also a person’s most valuable asset. single most important provision. Some policies require total disability or define it as the inability to engage in any gainful occupation (stay away from these type of policies). Look for plans which will cover partial disability. * What if I was able to return to my own profession, butmyearnings werereduced? Ideally, your benefit - or a portion of it - should be payable, even if you return to your own occupation at a reduced income. * Can I continue my disability.coverage if my health declines ? Some disability policies allow the insurance company to terminate the policy or to refuse renewal in the event of an insured’s ailing health. To avoid these FOR INFORMPITION ON tlNIQIIE ~/~RDGflIME THflIT Wlkk H~VE YOU YOUR kOVER INTiMaTE (918) 497-0165 problems and the inconveniences they .create, be sure that the policy youpurchase is noncancelable and guaranteed to be renewable to age 65. This means the insurance company can’ t cancel or refuse to renew the policy, change the terms of the policy or increase the premium after the policy is issued. * What does the policy exclude from coverage ? No exclusions is the best (of course). Do make a point to check-in on each and every exclusion, they may not pertain to you. * How long must I be disabled before I start receiving benefits ? Most insurance companies require a self-insuring period of at least 30 days after a disability occurs. During this "elimination period", no benefits are paid. Therefore, to avoid financial hardship, it’s important to coordinate your elimination period with your emergency funds and any employer-provided salary continuation plans. * Will I be protected against inflation ? Make sure you can add a rider that will increase your disability benefit to protect you against the erosion of your disability check. Your ability to earn an income is something most people take for granted. Whatmanypeople tend to forget, however, is that it’s also a person’s most valuable asset. Disability income insurance offers one of the most reliable, practical ways to protect your financial health when your physical health is ailing. It provides a continued, regular income until you’re able to return to work. To ensure the plan you choose is right for you and your financial situation, consult with your financial advisor or insurance representative. A Friend for a Friend Art Show & Sale A Friend for a Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the HIV/ AIDS community and their pets will hold an Art Show & Sale on April 29 & 30. Artists and craftspersons, and aspiring ones, are encouraged to donate works for the cause. All proceeds from this sale are used for AIDS support. A Friend for a Friend serves the HIV/ AIDS communities by caring for the boarding, feeding and veterinary care of PWLA’s pets, as well as making hospital visits and other support. For more information and to help, please call Alice Wilder Bates at 747-6827. All artwork donations are needed by April 15th. AIDS is a preventable disease! You can provide prevention education! Get the training, Save a life, The Minority Task Force is sponsoring an HIV/AIDS training program on Feb. 17, 6-9pm and Feb. 18, 9-5 pm at Antioch Baptist Church, 2123 No. Frankfort. For more information, call Tessie at 749-4194 or 800-474-4872, or Reggy at 744-1000. Lesbian or Gay and Republican? Contact Tulsa Log Cabin Republicans care of this paper: POB 4140, 74159 or at TulsaNews@aol.com BLUE MOON A. BAKERY FOR DOCS 918-492-4918 Available at Tomfoolery! Quilted Bear, Eastland Also, birthday cakes and special orders available. CHERRY STREET PSYCHOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES Eating Disorders Co-Dependency Issues Same Sex Relationships Trauma Recovery. Chemical Dependency/Relapse Prevention Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Serving a J. Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS 1515 South Lewis Tulsa, OK (918)-743-4117 (918)-581-0902 Diverse Community Tulsa HIV & AIDS Anthology Begun Words and pictures on; about and by persons in the Tulsa area are being collected for use in a book to benefit Rainbow Village. This anthology will showcase the strength, courage, humor and talents of the many people here in the heartland who are fighting the battle agmnst AIDS. Choose your weapon: pen, pencil, taperecorder, paintbrush or camera! Honor a friend or family member; bring a smile or a tear; unlock the window of the soul! Showcase a talent! Theanthology will include: shortstories, poetry, journal entries, humor, 1 st person or biographical sketches, artwork and photography. In other words, anything that can be set down on paper. Whether you want to write about AIDS from your pet’ s point-of-view, draw a cartoon, tear a poignant page from a journal, write a segment from your own life or share a letter or a prayer, all submissions are welcome. Family and friends may want to honorlovedones by submitting theirworks so their talents will live on. Submissions can be hand-written, typed or on tape. Since we would like to include as many works as possible in the book, we ask that submissions be limited to five (5) typewritten pages. Artwork from pen and ink to photographs are also being considered. Do not send original artwork. Send copies or color photocopies as the work cannot be returned. Complete confidentiality will be respected. Submissions may be anonymous. Names will only be ihcluded with the authors’, artists’, or in the case ofposthumous submissions, family member’s consent. All materials received will be given the same consideration. Every submission may not appear in the anthology, but all will be read and preserved. All submissions must be received by April 1, 1995. Materials may be sent care of Tulsa Family News, POB 4140, Tulsa 74159. For more info., call 832-2333. READ ALL ABOUT IT by Barry Hensley, Circulation Department Supervisor Tulsa City-County Library You saw themovie, now read the book! In case yofi missed the recentNBC movie, here are the basics: Margarethe Cammermeyer was the highest ranking officer in the U.S. military to challenge the military’s anti,Gay policy. She was a decorated Army nurse, 24 years into her satisfying career, when, in 1989, she was interviewed for admission to the Army War College and asked about her sexual orientation. After pausing foramoment, she said, "Iamalesbian." She was formally discharged in 1992, solely because ...Margarethe Cammermeyer was the highest ranking officer in the U.S. military to challenge the military’s anti-Gay polley... of her sexual orientation, after being given several opportunities to change heranswer. Her book reveals a personal life not unlike many people who realize their sexual identity after being married and having children. Juggling a career while holding together a "traditional family unit", in the process of acknowledging her true sexual orientation makes quite a story. Her husband, Harvey, proves to be a fascinating character as he gradually changes from a loving, supportive husband to a confused and divisive man as his wive’s career advances and her inner turmoil surfaces. His complete disintegration into bitterness is illustrated by Cammermeyer’s recollection of the period following their divorce when, "after my weekly visits with my sons, Harvey would line up the boys and make them join him in jeering at me. They would chant ’Dyke, queer.’ These little men, ages 4 to 11, yelling, their faces twisted in pain and confusion." Fortunately, time often heals, and Cammermeyer’s children have become unwavering in their support for her. Along with her devoted companion, they now form a family which is, in many ways, very conventional. Cammermeyer’s military ordeal is harrowing. After reading about her logic, courage and honesty, one soon realizes that there are, indeed, heroes and role models in the Gay community. She is an important figure as she continues her advocacy for human rights. Her book is timely, inspiring and written in an easyto- read style. Check the Tulsa City-County Library catalog for this book, or call the Central Library’s Reader’s Services department at 596-7966. Some other recent library additions of interest include: *Girlfriend Number One: Lesbian Life in the 90s (edited by Robin Stevens) *Hearing Us Out: Voices from the Gay and Lesbian Community (by Roger Sutton) *The Burning Library: Essays (by Edmund White} *Men on Men 5: Best New Gay Fiction Introducing Official Play Gear Enterprises, Ltd. at Tomfoolery! 1565 So. Sheridan Wembl~y Center 7116 S. Mingo #102 60% off 2" Wood Blinds Custom Chairs from $299.00 Framed Prints & Accessories ~-~:]C:omplete Design MORE New CDs $18,99-I 1.99 pre-owned CDs $7,99-8,99 W.e’ll give you $4.88 lot your used Cds SALOON ¯"~-~:~: Pool Night.... $4.00 Beer Bust Fi~I~. ~vo-Step Lessons 8pm - 10pm M~T.R DANiEl,S $4.00 Beer Bust Dance Music All Night Country and Dance Mix $4.00 Beer Bust The Best Night Out in Tulsa ~’1<~:~: T,ine-Dance Lessons 8pro - 10pro $4.00 Beer Bust Miss Gay Tulsa, March 9-10 Benefit for Larry Everett, Mr. Okla. Leather ’95 on March 17, Razzle Dazzle in May Come see Glen on Wednesdays! (918) 834-4234 / 1565 S. Sheridan - Tbl~a, OK Wed - Sun 7 pm - 2 am / Mon - Tues Closed Miss Gay Oklahoma USA Pageant Winner Cherry Morgan, (ca’.) with Coca, Laura Brooks, Ivana Bereal & Fallon Scott Miss Sadie Brooks One contestant strikes a pose. Festive & fabulous - Concessions, 3340 So. Peoria was full of talent, fashion and fun at David Bridgrnan’s 1995 Miss Gay Oklahoma USA Pageant. Photos: JD Jamett ~[ll St. P.atty’s Party Fri. March 17 Thurs- Sun 9-2 v 3340 S. Peoria Tulsa v ~-~ NO COVER \ / II \ & / ~l BeerBust~-I D.~CE PA~Y! NIl _Shot Spec,als i~ 918-744-0896 Tulsa DISCREET BI GUY: bi attr Tulsa MED STUDENT: Scott, 24, M 5 3 t 30, 30s ~so attr cln cut 5 9, 180 2nd yr reed student, ski guy ,discreet Call me- 923017 rq.!.etball and tennis, discreet, like all sports, movies and have a Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR good tim~ give me a call~ A FRIEND: Dennis WM 33 . brn/brn i 95, 6’, just moved here 924591 mainly looking for friends- 923201 Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR A COWBOY: 25, 5’Z 125, brn/blu, Ikg for a cowboy 25-35 who has his act together- . 923357 THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad "Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (,) A busy sign~l.=iMen ~n the line. Call again later. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 Tulsa CUDDLE UP: GWM 20 6’2 brn/hzl, iso romantic 18-25 loves attention to cuddle and kiss- 923701 NW AR SKIP 34, 6’1, bm/blu 170, iso indiv in lhe Springfield/Liltle Rock area bi, but ingxp, iso someone either gay or bi, looks not impt, good pers, and willing to e,T,per ment,li-ke to get togelher 171 get ~ck to you- 923205 T,ulsa TALK TO ME: Tony, 27, 6, stocky 230, married WM bi, iso other married or bi men who are stocky like me, iso someone discreet and alot of fun great art tude, to ta k W tt~; ~24320 ~. Tulsa COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE, 30 fun, vers qu et ~n ghts long walks and n~ovies !"~ :-~! 924465 Tulsa SEXY WEIGHTLIFTER: 27 (+) looking for sexy men 20- 38~ weightlifling and [un- 921988 OK City BLONDE HAIR/BLUE EYES: Michael, 24 GWM iso someone 24-30, 5’7 i45, blu,, bind hair, mustache~ think you d like to talk, give me a ~:a11- 921631 OK city OUTDOOR J:UN: Mike, 24, NW area, blnd/blu, 5’7 145, kg for another GWMmasc, enjoy walking hiking, campihg, outdoors, like to Spend t me and get to know give me acall 921632 Tulsa HOT MEN warited, 29 5’11, 185 cln cut bb, int in cln cut masc hot men, 23-35 for fun- 921997 Oklahoma City CITY MEN: 36, 6’1, 175, like to meet men in the city for good tih~es, intlv a message like to meet i8-36, masculine, of course- 917126 Tulsa TOM 21 Y/O~:6’2, dk bm curly hair, eyes, semi musc, wide sh0ulders,32w, looking for friends,~ get together and be friends ~22575 Tulsa COLLEGE STUDENT: Adolfo, like swimming, reading, dancing~ student, hisp 5’7 180 reed b~ild, dk cxion, olive, dk /dk, must Ikg for other bi or gay. white or hisp males in the area for fun, friendship poss re- give me a call-922622 Tulsa INEXPERIENCED SEEKS SAME: Mitch, very young 35, b~n/brn 5’10, 165, very inexp, Smooth looking for similar- for. poss relationship- 922668 Norman PASS THE POPCORN: Eddie, 5’8,1,55,~ 34; very hands, athl, musci want to meet.other romantic men to Shbre 6 nic~ quiet romaritic eve, favorite movie, eating popcorn and getting to know each other- Iv a msg- 922251 Norman COMPANION WANTED: Edward, Ikg for male companions in the area, watch some movies, pop popcorn, spend some fun time together- 922251 Midwest City LOOKING FOR LOVE! Steve, new to area; Iookin.q for love! pref single G~M betw 18-25, 6’3, 25, brn/hzl, smokers pref, like Dur~geons and Dragons, Bars, int Iv a message~ ~20023 Oklahoma City FONZIE LOOKALIKE: 46, 179, 5’10, work out 3x wk, brn/grri look like the fonz, like to meet a TV or TS forrlunch dinner fun, for posslong rel want a ~el with a TV or TS- 921102 friendship fun and poss relationship if this sounds good Iv a message- 918048 Tulsa FIT AND FURRY: Jerry ,GWM mid 40s, phys fit, 5’5,- 160, hairy, iso GWM for g,reat times, Iv a message and we II get together- 918764 Oklahoma City EVERY TUESDAY: 36, 6’1,175, 33w, like to meet 1.8-25 inexp a plus~ int Iv a message, in Oklahoma °~City every Tuesday- 919287 Stillwater BRAD GWM 26, 5’9 175 brn/blu, Wide vat of int, looking for guys in my area- 918818 Tulsa DINNER DATE: Nick, 26, int are swimming, horseback riding,shopping dinner and movies, int in meeting nice people ~ 178 brn!blu Iv a message- 917815 Recording your ad: Tulsa LONG BLONDE HAIR: Jonathan, 19 6’5,.tall and slender, long bind hair, greyish ~reen eyes, iso someone,-18-25 t0 dance, have fun poss rel with- 919144 Tulsa FUN AND FRIENDSHIP: Tom, 25, 6’2 250, brn/hzl, is0 fun friendship and poss more in the area, Iv a message- ~19290 Tulsa DISCREET FUN: Cute bi cd, 35 5’3 135 iso aggr stocky male for discreet fun 919566 Norman OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY Adam, 22, go to OU 6’2 200 34 w brn/bm iso someone 21 ~45, if ur int give me a call- 915608 Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it short and OK HEALTHY BODYBUILDER: simple. Just describe yourself and 6’2, 213, bodybuilder, like music what you’re looking for. Our prof’l iso male- 20-40, like cornp0t~6zed system.will~~walk you staying at home, like non ...... smokers- healthy- 916439 through the rest. Have a pen ready to _ wr te down your box number " OK FOOTBALL PLAYER: -. : ’ -. i~ ~::..; . Rodney18 6’2 215, sandy ’ ! ~.~ ..... ~. bind/bin like to play football, Tulsa,F,RIENDSHIP/FUN.~ Tom, sports, like music-like to Swimmen, 20-30 masc gdlkg, for OK CLEAN FUN: James, latin male, iso GWM 18-21 for clean fun give me a calb 916423 OK PAT 22 145, blu/blnde, iso the same around the same age, not really exp, if u like, Iv a message- 917403 Oklahoma City BEAR .SEEKS SAME: Bill, WM bear 3.3 6’2 230, brn/grn, into western hathe~-and boots same from 28-40 rel- ~15624 Oklahoma City LOVING AND LASTING: Wayne, 47, heavy built, Ikg for younger who will care as much for me as for them, want a loving long lasting rel- int give me a call ~ 915635 Oklahoma City STEVEN arn, enioy hearing fro~n~ ~ny(:;n~- 915744 ,~.=- Oklahoma Cit~PARTY WITH A BEAR:~,Sam~,-44, hairy chest and ba~k iso someone to go to gay parties. 916011 Stillwater COUPLE OF HOT GUYS-GWMC 23 & 24, 5’10, 170, 135, both brn/brn-semi students @ OSU Ikg 4 SWM 21-.~! 27 couples 2 4 entertainment in the area dancing, dinners, movies, like to meet 914388 There’s no charge to leave a greeting: 1-900’976-LESB $1.99,~,. ,,.the Save the Nation Project presents... \ / March 15 May 17 June 21 HIV Education & Treatment Sex & Nineties Dating Self Esteem & Attitudes Sex With Intimacy for Men fouri, free meetings designed especially. -for . .,.- gay and ¯ . bisexual men for more information call the Save the Nation Project at 918-584-4983 Aflend one or all of the presentations. Get Educated! Knowledge = Power! Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1995] Tulsa Family News, February 15-March 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 3 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 15-March 14, 1995 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online Text PDF Language A language of the resource Engllish Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversations toward Tulsa's Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Kharma Amos Kelly Kirby Maureen Curtin JD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/494 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, January 15-February 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 2 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 'Freedom Riders' A Friend for a Friend activism adoption AIDS panic AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV discrimination AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV education AIDS/HIV longterm survivors AIDS/HIV research AIDS/HIV treatment American Library Association anti-bias law anti-bias policy arts and entertainment attorneys Barnes and Noble Barry Hensley Bars Beverly Haney Bill Clinton British Broadcasting Company (BBC) businesses censorship Christianity and Homosexuality churches employment discrimination estate planning Family Finances fraud gay bashing gay panic harassment Harvey Milk Institute hate crimes homophobia Human Rights Campaign Fund Interfaith AIDS Ministries International Conference of Lesbian and Gay Criminal Justice Professionals Jesse Helms Kaposi's sarcoma Leanne Gross letters to the editor LGBT history Log Cabin Republicans Margarethe Cammermeyer Mark Finch marriage Metropolita Community Church of Greater Tulsa military inclusion Mr. Oklahoma Leather Murder Newt Gingrich Obituaries Partner Benefits performing arts personals police brutality police harassment Prime Timers of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma Rainbow Business Guild Read All About It religion research restaurants S&M Sadie Hawkins Dance San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival schools sexual orientation discrimination Steve Largent studies surveys terrorism TOHR Reporter Tom Neal Tulsa Family News Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers Association (TULSA) viatiacation violence workplace discrimination https://history.okeq.org/files/original/40237cdb4fd69e531511ea9b43d930a6.jpg 5c7009d97b29f7eb7e7869a79e383591 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/32ad4b0838b116aadfcf77540969e98b.pdf 973bf6ae607416db96bb8a9c2c37ded2 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart April 15 - May 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 5 Lesbian/Gay Community Center Campaign Begins Tim Gillean, president of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), announced the beginning of a fundraising campaign for a community center for Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual communities. After months of work with donors, bankers and community activists and organizations, Gillean noted that an appropriate building has been located and that negotiations art Uiide~ way with possible tenants and major donors. "We have secured a promise of a matching funds ~ant- that would match accumulated donations made by members of our see Center, page 7 Youth at Risk: Understanding & Supporting Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Youths; Planned Parenthood Hosts Workshop on April 28 TFN writer Cooper & Col. Cammermeyer, photo: Cooper Col. Cammermeyer at TU by Laurie Cooper Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, an decorated member of the US Armed Forces spoke in March at the University of Tulsa to an audience of over 300 about her experiences of being forced out of the US Reserve because of being Lesbian. Her experience was dramatized in a recent television fihn which diva Barbara Streisand produced. TFN asked Laurie Cooper, a Lesbian and also a member of the US Reserves, to interview Greta Cammermever. Q: In your lecture you talked about the strategy of "dehumanizing the enemy’" - making it easier to hate them. With the visibili~,, ofyourfilm "Serving In Silence" and "rehumamzing the enemy" and showing people that gays are human, does itfrustiate you that progress seems to be made so slowly? see Cammermeyer, page 3 Montana: Police Were to Register Convicted Gays HELENA, Mont.- The Montana state Senate gave m to a popular outcry and stripped a provision from a sex-offender measure tlmt would have forced anyone convicted of homosextml acts to register with police officials for the remainder of their lives. A voice vote to remove the provision without further debate followed au outpouring from constituents fnrious about the proposed legislation. The measure would have placed consenting gay and lesbian adults in the same category as murderers and rapists. The bill had initially been approved by the Senate on only the day before by a storming vote of 41 to 8, even though both supporters and opponents of the measure agreed that it probably would have had no actual impact. Although same-sex sex - even mnong consenting adults - is a felony m~der Montana law, there are no indications anyone has ever been convicted in the state under thc statutes. The proposed measure created a fitror ~ter state Senator A! Bishop- said homosext~d acts are"even worse than a violent Sexual act.’" see Montana. page 3 Planned Parenthood of Eastern Oklahoma & Western Arkansas, Inc. will present a one-day workshop on April 28, on understanding and supporting Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Youth. Joel W. Wells, Ph.D. professor of Family and Consumer Sciences at the Univer_sity of Northern Iowa, a noted author about homosexuality and see Youth, page 7 Radio Host Ann Williams: Talkshows & Censorphip Ann Williams fascinated members of Tulsa s Gay & Lesbian business organizauon, Rainbow Business Gt~ild, with her plans for "liberal," and possibly even Lesbian/ Gay talk radio in her new job as program director for Taylor Satellite Talk (TST). This new service of Tulsabased Taylor Communications is a direct-to-home satellite network scheduled to begin in June. Williams, who was joined by her spouse, photographer Jim O. Williams, also spoke about what she felt were the see Williams, page 7 Evangelist Robertson Slams Anti-Gay Violence VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Pat Robertson, who has rarely had anytlfing positive to say about gays and lesbians, took a brief, haJting Step during the broadcast of his "700 Club" television program to deuounce violence against homosexuals. "We abhor violence against homosexnals," Robertson said. "We would counsel strongly, in relation to homosexuality, that yon can hold vonr religious beliefs withont beating people up and being violent." Mel White, a Metropolitan Community Church miuister who had fasted 23 days in jail after being arrested for trying to have a lueetmg with Robertson, called Robertsou" s statement small but very real victory.’" When Robertson fiually agreed to drop trespassing charges against Wlfite and meet the MCC pastor iu his jail cell, one of the things Wlfite asked was that Robertson, for ~vhom he was once a ghost writer, shonld publicly denounce antigay violence. "I con~atulate Pat on saying the words we’ve ~vaited so long to hear," \\qfite said ,alter the broadcast. Gingrich: Gays Should Have No Rights in Court WASHIN’GTON-After a public meeting about Lesbian & Gay issues with his sister, Candac’e Gingrich, who is Lesbian, House Speaker Newt Gingrich rm~kled gay rights activists by saying the next day that workers who are fired because they are homosexual should not’have a right to file discrimination lawsnits in federal courts. When he appeared with Iris sister immediately after their meeting to answer reporters" questions, the House Speakerhad nrged tolerauce for homosexnals in America. But at a press conference ,alter being lobbied by his sister, Gingrich suggested the courts should apply their own "kind of "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy to such bias snits based on sexual orientation, and that gaypositive counseling programs in public school were used to "recrnit" homosexuals. Saying that although employers should not ask, Gingrich said employees should-not have any legal recourse in the courts if they were fired because of their sextml orientation. "I don’ t think that" s grounds for federal legal involvemem," Gingrich said. see Gingrich, page 3 Tim G illean, David Lhevine & Kelly Kirby, photo: Cooper Cty. Demo. Party Adds Gays at Biennial Comm. Meeting by Laurie Cooper On April 1st at Hale High School, the Tulsa County Democrats held their biennial Central Committee Meetinff. The theme of the meeting was "Children, Compassmn and Caring"; this theme provided a stark contrast to the potentially brutal and destructive agenda of the Republican "Contract with America". Included in the order of business during the four hour meeting was: * election of county party officers for a two year term; * election of state central committee members, and * passage of resolutions to be forwarded to the state and congressional district meetings. Elected to two year terms as Count)" officers were Dr. David Lhevine, Chair; Laurie Phillips, Co-Chair; aud Eric Bolusky, Secretary. Dr. Lhevine’s nomination as Chair was offered by Gary Underwood. In January and February, Mr. Underwood had shared with TiDHR members the usefulness of becoming involved with the political process As a continuauon of this outreach effort, Dr. Lhevine attended the March monthly meeting of TOHR and shared his vision of the future of the Tulsa County Democratic part3", continued on page 3 Anti-Gay Violence Documented MONTGOMERY, Ala. Ho~nosexnals bore the brunt of bias-lnotivated violence m the U.S. last year, according to the atmual study Klanwatch Project of the Sonthem Poverty Law Center. In its annnal report to lmv e~fforcement agencies, the Klanwatch Project also warned that the white supremacist ~oup Aryan Nation is expanding ral~idly after years of decline Klanwatch saidit determined that and-gay bias lay behind 25% of the hate-based assaults and nearly two-thirds of the homidides it tracked. The group determines motivation by exanfining a numbei of factor’s including statements made by the assailant, the de~ee of force used, crime location, robber)," and statemeuts made by friendg and community leader~. Utah’s Anti-Marriage Bill SALT LAKE CITY - Gov. Mike Leavitt has signed a bill passed recently by the Utah LeNslature that bars recognizing same-sex marriages, even if legally performed elsewhere. Activists in the. state have begun orgamzlng to fight the bill see Utah. page 11 Judge Says Pentagon Policy Unconstitutional NEW YORK - The Clinton administration" s colnpromise "’don’t ask, don’t tell’" military policy on gays and lesbians ih the armed forces has been declared unconstitutional by a federal district court judge ~:ho ruled the policy violates the free speech and due process rights of homosexuals in the conntrv’s military services. Federal Judge Eugene Nickerson of U.S. see Military, page 7 U.N. Asks About Civil Rights for U.S, Gays NEW YORK - The United Nations Human Rights Committee heard for the first time representatives of the U.S. Justice Department outline the mixed civil rights status of homosexuals in the United States. Deval Patrick, Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division of the Justice see UN, page 3 �918-832-0233 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 Tu]saNews@aol.com ~ub~is !ditor Tom Neal Assistant Editor Jmnes Christjohn Writers/contributors Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin Staff Photographer JD Jamett Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the,’entire contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by Tulsa Famil v News mid may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written pemfission from the publisher. Publication of a uame or photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientauo~: Correspondeuce is assumed to be for publicatiou unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to tile address above. Each reader is entitled to one free copy of each editiou at distribution locations. Addi tional copies are available at Tomfooleo.’ ! Steve Largent.- Full of It? Dear Editor: The headline "US Rep. I_argent Open to Jobs Protection Bill" on the front page of the last Tulsa Family News canght my eye, for it implies that Rep. Largent lnay indeed have a social conscience. And the last sentence of the article accomp,’mying the headline states "that some observers i~fferred that Largent ~night consider supporting a nondiscrimination bill that protects Lesbians m~d Gay men," once he researches it. I doubt it. I have a letter from Rep. Largent dated March 6, two days after meeting with Lesbiaus and Gays in Tulsa, in which he makes the following statements: 1. "\Vhile I am strongly supportive of each individual’s Constitutional civil rights, I do not believe that some segments of our society should have greater rights thaa~ others based on their sex, age, race, level of abilities, or behavior.’" 2. "’. . I do not believe ’sexual orientation" qualifies as a criteria for special civil rights laws. No one" s behavior should qualify them for special protection by thglcourts.’" 3. "I am sa~fied that current civil rights legislation prrYides a sufficient level of constitutional protection to serve each and every member of our society regardless of their sex, age, race, religion or level of ability." Frown these statements, cleaf-ly Mr. Largent will see the Eanploy~nent Non-Discrimi-nation Act not as providing fairness,but as providing greater rights. I do not take comfort in Mr. Largent" s seeming concern that it is wrong to fire a Gax man for no cause other than his sexual orientatirn, because I tl~ak his concern is as shoddy as is Iris reasoning. Sii~.cerely, Les Ennnett Dear Mr. E~mnett: Thank you for contacting me with your views. I always al~preciate hearing from people I work for and represent. When I took the oath of office, I pledged to "defend and uphold the Constitution." I firmly intend to do so. While I ,’un strongly supportive each individual’s Constitutional civil rights, 1 do not believe that some segments of our society should have greater rights thau others based on their sex, age, race level of abilities, or behavior. H.R. 382 attempts to make"sexnal preference" a new protected minority-classification under the nation" s civil fights laws. There are m,’mv reasons to oppose such laws. First, I do not believ~ "’sexual orientation" qualifies as a critefia for special civil rights protection. No one" s behavior should quali~’ them for special protection by the courts. Allowing such would violate the constitutional principle of .equal protection under the law--opening a pandora" s box for any type of behavior to qualify for civil rights protection. Second, large segments of the country hold deep moral and religious beliefs regarding the appropriateness of leNtimizing offensive behavior. By protecting certmn types of behavior through legislation, the federal governmen! lnav be mandating associations mad practices that create violations of conscience for many citizens. I mn satisfied thai’current civil }ights leNslation provides a sufficient level of constitutional protection to serve each and every member of our society regardless of their sex, age’, race, religion or level of ability. Thmak you again for 3our colmnents. I would appreciat~ 3our prayers and further suggestions regardiug this or other issues on your lnind. Sincerely, Steve Imrgent Thanks Again, Tulsa! I’m writing to thank yon once again for your support & generosity. "Ful~a has been on the fore[¥ont for some time in supporting its titleholders & charities statewide. On March 17th, you turned out at the Silver Star & gave $435.00 for my travel fund to compete in Chicago at International Mr. Leather Memorial Day weekend. Special Thanks to Amie Holder, Link, Pat Wilson (Sluticia), Steve Tucker, Green, Country Cloggers, & T.U.L.S.A. for putung on the event. Also, a very special thamks to the owners of the Silver Star mad my sponsors, Steve & John, for allowing the fundraiser to go on at their club. In addition to this fnndraiser, theTool Box techificiaa~s have held 2 fun&’aisers at the Tool Box in the past 6 mouths, including a garage.sale on April 1 st that brought in over S265.00. Thank you Roy \Vilcoxin & Tool Box Teclmicians for your continued support as well I will continue to serve you with honor & pride. If there is anything you n~ed me to do to support other causes or chariues, just ask. Yours tufty, Larry Everett Mr OK Leather 1995 Miscellany According to the Newsletter of the Tulsa Chapter of PFLAG, Youth Services of Tulsa is holding a volunteer gaining for its educational/social/support gronp for Lesbian. Gay, Bisexual or questiomng youth 15-20 on Saturday, April 22, from 9am to 4pro in the colfference room of Youth Services of Tulsa~ 302 So. Chevemae. For info: call Lisa at 582-6061. Gay & Lesbian young adults may be interested in the 2rid ammal Anytown, Oklahoma, a hmnan relations camp that looks at prejudice reduction. This Anytown will be held July 23-29 at Cmnp Waluhili on Lake Fort Gibson. The cost of the progrmn is $190 but some scholarships are available. Applications must be received by May 15. For info. call 583-1361. Tulsa Area Prime Timers will meet Sun. Mav 7 at 4pro at the Resource Ctr. 4t54 S. Harvard. After the meeting, this ~oup for Gay & Bisexual men over 40 will Share a pot luck dimmer. On April 23 the group will go the the Azalea Festival in ~Muskogee Also "a gardening group is forming. For more iofo, call 747-8121 or write POB 52118, Tulsa 74152-0118. In closing, the Log Cabin Corral, a Gav Republican newsletter reprints the following with credit to Mad magazine: The Contract with America (truthful post-election version) WE promise to revive the policies of Reaganomics (despite the fact they tripled the national debt) hoping that maybe they’ll work this time around! WEpromise to throw everyone in America to the mercy of the Free Market System...E~XCEPT for our friends the Defense Contractors. Tobacco Growers and S &L Operators ! WEpromise to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club. 1229 S. Memorial 835-5(/83 *Ban’accnda’s Wild NightsiDom~a’s Crazy Days 2405 E. Adnfiral 582-4340 *Concessions. 3340 S. Peoria 744-0896 *Lola’s. 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 *Mela’opole, 1902 E. 11 587-8811 *Silver Star Saloou, 1565 Shefidan 834-4234 *Renegades, 1649 S Main 585~3405 *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memofial 660-0856 *Time n’Tiuae Again. 1515 S. Memorial 664-8299 *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 *Whittier Cal’e, 416 S. Lewis 582-2400 Businesses/Services *B,’ua~es & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 7l 250-5034 Blne Moon Bakery 492-4918 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743 -5272 Budget \Vindo~v Treatlnents. 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 Certified *loNe Auto Repair 438-3393, pager: 591-0597 Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 592-1521 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838~8503 *Java Dave’s, Lincoln Plaza 592-3317 International Tours 341-6866 Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Lonp-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587-8108 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 Mortgages by’ Desigu 342-4252 Phoenix Mortgage Corp. 592-7700 Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston 587-8333 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S Canton 496-2410 *Ross E&vard Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan 832-0233 \Vestcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza 583-1500 Organizations B L;G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *HI\; Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H- 1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74128 Rainbow Business Guild 254-2100 Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 Save the Nation, Indian Health Care 584-4983 Shanti Hotline 749-7898 Tulsa O "ldalmmans lbr Hmnan Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR (Jay HelpLine (hffo.) 743-429"7 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform,Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental ttealth, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Batch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 Chem" St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Fideli’ty Home Health (are, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E Skelly 745-1111 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Leanne M Gross, Fina~]cial Plmufing 744-0102 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Mohawk Living Center, 3910 Park Rd: 425-1354 Jonathan & Dee Nicholas. Realtors 749-3000, 800-539-7767 Richard Reeder, MS; Psychotherapy 581-0902, 743-4117 Religious & Educational Organizations Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr 2627B E. 11 628-0594 *Community of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 838-7232 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1"441 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman ~tudent Center. U~fiversitv of Tulsa *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule-. Grouud Floor *Universitx Center at Tulsa *indicates a distribution poiut Constitution...so xve can avoid dealing with the defict for years while it’s out being approved by the 37 states necessary to ratify it~ WE promise to talk up a storm about the need for health care reform while simultaneously accepting millions of dollars from insurance lobbyists to keep fl~c whole rotten system the way It IS .... WE promise above all to accuse anyone who disagrees with us of being unAmerica, to blast the "!iberal" media for reporting auything negative about us... [and it goes on - TFN] �Cammermeyer cont’d from p. 1 A: I think what has been exciting to me is to remember where we started mad where I started five years ago. My attordeys saying, "Grete, there isn’ t asnowball’ s chance that anywhere the courts are going to rule in our favor or that anything is going to happen and all we can hope for is that enougl~ cases going through the courts that the government will be forced to sort of look at this Issue again." Whathappened instead was that it seemed to be the right time and the right place an our point in society... I spent about six weeks lobbying and saw changes take place in Congress over those six months [of the moratorium]. Tiffs issue of human sexuality had never been talked about by old petple like us. The-youth of today were talking about human sexuality alfthe time... So, what we have is an old population of people who are setting the staudards andthe laws who are out of touch with the reality and morals of today’ s generation. We are being offered a forum because the kids of today are saying "What’ s the problem?" I don’ t expect that anything is going to change overnight but there are some things that have - the world recognizes that there are gays and lesbians in the military. Like it or not they are there. Q: When all of these issues came about, did you have a way of putting yourself through what I call a "Lesbian 101" in order to educate yourself about the community? A: Some of that I am not going to respond to. Some of it I will. We will leave the "’I01" out and talk about it in the context when I first separated from the military and the reception when I was asked t’o speak at the gay rights, rally. It ~v.as over~vhelming to have 20,000 people g~ve me a standing ovation for the first tmie and this was days after my actual scparatiou... I’ m still learning and I read, and I have gotten books from the 50’ s of what fern and butch and all of these things what they meant and what the culture was at the time and women’ s friendships and how those have changed over time. So, it is like trying to mnnerse myself in culture that, first, I never kaaew existed and, then secondly, that I am a part of and realize that there is a diversity in this culture as well as the diversity as in any other and it doesn’ t mean that you have to buy into all of it. Q: In recognition that this is Oklahoma, the "’Buckle of the Bible Belt", is there a specific role that religion or spirituali& plays for you? A: l)iane and I are active in the Church of Religions Science at tiffs time. I think that it is through that spiritual basis that onr lives have been totally changed. I used to feel that my world was measured byexternal validation and that it was somehow a giving up of myself to the coutrol of others. Wheu I had to shed my rod form, part of what happeued was that ao longer did I need that external validation of who 1 was, and what becmne more salient was that tuner meaning, that sense of inner peace and feeling that there is nothing that I cannot do if I mn supposed to be doing it. I don’ t think that yon will ever find me regretting even the toughest decisions having to do with [such things as] any divorce, that those were the best decisions of the time and that there had to be.a reason why I had to go through this pare. Q: There are some very powerful comments and thoughts yot; shared [in the book] about Vietnam. With those feelings about Vietnam, have you in your own mind resolved them? A: You know, I was thinking just the other day of how much I have resolved them. I have come to the point of having extraordinary respect for the resistors, which speaks to how far I have come from feeling that they were traitors and skipping out of their responsibility to the American way - and coming to understand, because of my own experience of late of having to challenge the military that I love and the country that I love. And seeing that the people who felt so strongly about the horrors of Vietnam, they made the decision to leave the country rather than fight an immoral war, immoral in theireyes. Being where I am now, having to leave the military and fight it because I believe that it is unconstitutional - the law as it exists now- that with every breath I will continue to fight for overturning that particular ban .... it has given me a new respect for the difficulties they [the resistors] had in making those decisions to leave- and I must say that I could never have imagined myself saying that three or four years ago. It’ s actually the first time I have ever said it to anybody. Q: Last night somebody had asked you ifyou had thought about apolitical career. Since integrity isso important to you, how in the world can you be a politician? A: I don’ t know rather or not there is a match. I do believe inthe"Peter Principle" and so there is a certain concern that I have about a mismatch between w hatever future career I may have and the type of leadership style that I have and how I like to work a system for the good of an individual... that’ s why I’ m not really quite sure of how I will move, whether it will be to first See about a political appointment and see whether or not I could tolerate it or whether it would be so binding and against my belief system, because I do have very strong feelings about iL Q: You commented last night that you lost your military career but you gained your freedom, as you coined it, "In Your Face Freedom." If you.had a message to us what would your message be? A: We do end up sort of compartmentalizing people by the roles that they are allowed to have in society and that those roles are created by the dominant society mad that part of learning about other people and about other ways of being, other non-traditional families, is to opeu ourselves up to that. And What I have decided that we ought to focus on is that on October 1 lth, National Coming Out Day, that something new is that the gay community is to invite a heterosexual couple home for dinner. With that we open up that dialogue of"Our home is just like yours" and be~n to break down the wall of separation. And what we have glory in, I think, is that the ufix of friends that we have is from the breadth of all combinations - that we are not bound in a heterosexOal world, we are not boundin a ....homosexual world, but rather that we have both. It’ s more a matter of "We’ re all here" - and it’s an acknowledgement of the egalitarian position that we all share. Gingrich cont’d from p. 1 don’t think you have a right of filing a federal lawsnit or of getting the federal government to protect you based on your sexual behavior." He went on to say, "You have had, clearly, examples of what is, in effect, recruitment ~n so-called counseling programs. So I’ m Very cautious about the idea that you want to have active h0mo~xuals in junior high school and high school explaining to young people that they have all these various wonderful options." Ehzabeth Birch, of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, said, "His remarks are disingenuous after he appeared...with his sister.~.and told the truth about American famihes.. Montana cont’d from p. 1 Hundreds of people flooded the Capitol and the governor’ s office with phone calls, faxes and letters denouncing the bill. Despite its dramatic about-face, the state Senate nevertheless rejected an opportunity at the same time to suspend the floor rules and debate repealing the state’ s deviate sexual conduct statute, one of the country’ s most draconian anti-gay laws, carrying a possible lO-year prison sentence and fines of up to $50,000. Utah cont’d from p. 1 legally, and many rights advocates have begun what’s being called "Olympics Out of Utah," an effort to convince Olympic Game officials not to select the state, widely considered a leading contender, as the site of the 2002 winter games. Democrats cont’d from p. 1 Kelly Kirby, Tim Gillean, Ken Draper,Rob Hill, Laurie Cooper and Bruce Lewis were among the precinct officers who attended the Committee meeting. Kelly Kirby and Rob Hill were also nominatedand elected by precinct official s to serve on thestate Cer~tral Comm~:~iee. The State Central Committee develops the statewide political platform’l~r the Democratic Party. As one of the last items of the meeting’ s agenda, fourteen party platform resolutions were adopted. The text of Resolution #7 is provided in its entirety: "Be it resolved that the Tulsa County Democrat party supports fairness and justice for all individuals or groups regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, race or disability. We support equal rights in public accomodations, employment, and housing for all Americans.’" The Democratic Party is seeking the involvement of people who believe that equal rights extend to all individuals. Volunteer opportunities with the Tulsa Cry. Democratic Party and with the Young Democrats can be investigated by calling the Democratic headquarters at 742-2457. UN cont’dfrom p. 1 Department, admitted to the committee that bias because of race, ethnic origin, gender and orientation continue to be problems in the U.S. Patrick told the committee, which is gathering information from U.S. officials on the United States’ ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, that the problems ~’vereff t simply the results of historical bias in the country but "current, real life, pernicious discrimination of the here and now." Patrick assured the committee that the Clinton administration remains committed to the goal of expanding opporttufities for all American citizens in education, employment and the economy, and that there would be ~’no retreat from that commimaent." Robin Kane, of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, praised Patrick as a "’very articulate spokesperson...who undei:stands the limitations that are placed on the Justice Departu~ent because of lack of civil rights laws [for Lesbians & G~ys]" TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS! A stinging comedy of sex and politics!" -Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE "1 RRESISTI BLE!" -Kevin Thomas,.LOS ANGELES TIMES "DELIGHTFUL! A warm, sentimental film from one of Cuba’s major directors!" -Caryn.James, THE NEW YORK TIMES "A TRIUMPH! ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST PROVOCATIVE FILMS OF THE NEW YEAR]" -Peter Travers. ROLLING.STONE ONE MAN IS ABOUT I0 CHALLENGE 2000 YEARS OF TRADITION, ES Movies 8, Opens April 19th 68th & Memorial, 250-4513 SAVOR THE FLAVOR Movies 8 Opens 4/28 �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Louisville Leaders Held for Civil Disobedience I,OUISVILLE, Ky. - Police arrested 25 activists on trespassing charges in the I Jouisville Board of Aldermen chiuubers alter they refused to leave when the aldermen voted 7 to 4 against a proposed antidiscrimination measure that would have added sexual orientation to the city’s anti-bias ordinance As soon as it was clear that the aldermen had rclected the racism’e, I protester ~l~ray~d a can of air freshener in the ,air and yelled, "The stenchin this morn is foul!" Some 50 people then stood in silent protest holding signs reading, "’Waiting for Justice" until police warned them they would be arrested. Aboul 25 of the demonstrators refused to leave and were then arrested. Carla Wallace of the Fairness Campaign, wlfich has pushed for the measure for the past 4 years, said of the protest, "’There comes a time in the life of every civil rights movement.., to stand before the body politic and demand accountability for crimes committed ~]nder protection of law. Our refusal to passively accept this assault to our freedom is an affirmation of our commitment to the high and noble task before us."In addition to Wallace, others arrested at the protest included;: Everett Hoffman, executive, director of the ACLU of Kentucky;. Dr. George Edwards of the Southern Presbyterian Seminary; Dr. Hal Warheim, a theology professor also with the senfinary; Jane lIope :rod Reba Coffman, board members of P-FLAG in Louisville, and attorney Eric Grmfinger. Gays Raise $2.5 Mil. for San Francisco Library SAN FRANCISCO - San Franosco’s new public library is currently being constructed at city expense. But because of bu~tget constraints, the city added no new funds to the librarY’s budget for new acquisitions, meaning the new library would have to be filled with little more than the material the old library already had on its shelves. But an enterprising citizens’ advisory conunittee set up a special fundraising effort directed at -affinity groups" to help finance new materials and resources at the new facility - including a .proposed new gay and lesbian resources center. In a burst of gay civic pride, gays and lesbians in the city Contributed some $2,596,822 toward the new "’gay wing" at the library - the largest amount raised among any of the groups supporting various specialized facilities in the new library. The figure represents about a third of the total $7,938,504 raised for new facilities at the library. Lesbian Mayor of S.F.? SAN FRANCISCO ~ Itlooks as if the woman Sen. Jesse Hehns likes to refer to as "’that damn lesbian" is on the verge of deciding whether or not to ~ake what would be the first senous bid by an openly gay politician for the city’s mayoral seat. Roberta ,~kchtenberg told reporters from her office in Waslfington, D.C., in early April that she may leave the increasingly hostile political environment of the nation’s capital, where she is ea~ assistant secretary for civil rights in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to possibly enter the mayoral race this November. "’I am very seriously considering it and will make my decision within a matter of a fe~, days,’" Achtenberg sai.d. Achtenberg made history in 1993 when the then city supervisor faced U.S. Senate confirmation to the HUD post. During the televised Senate debate over her confirmation, which normally would have generated little attention, anti-gay legislators repeatedly attacked Achtenberg’s nomination with Helms leading the offensive, referring to her as a "damn lesbian’" because she rode in the city’s gay pride march along with her long-time partner, Judge Mary Morgan, and their son. Gingrich to Lead San Francisco Pride Parade SAN" FRANCISCO - San Francisco’s Lesbian & Gay Freedom Day Parade this June took a sudden turn toward becoming a "perfect family thing" with the announcement that the grand marshal for the huge event will be Candace Gingrich, the half-sis{er of House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Robert Allen, president of the parade committee, said, "She was selected primarily because of the statement it makes and the media response .... I think it’S really a treaf that she’s not afraid to say he" s full of shit. ~[t’ s the perfect family thing. Gingnch, who will be one of four marshals-in the 25th annual event, becmne an instant celebrity earlier tiffs year when she went, on a highly publicized lobbying mission to her brother" s Capitol Hill offices in behalf of the Human Rights Campaign Fund. ’Tales of the City ’ Wins PeabodyAward ATHENS, Ga. - The Britishproduced television mini-series of Amfistead Maupin" s ."Tales of the City," which aired on the .PBS network last year has won a Peabody Award for its portrayal of San Francisco in the mid1970s PBS pulled out of producing the follow-up "’More Tales of City"despite the oriNnal nfiniseries" enormous popularity and critical acclaim after "Tales’" came under intense criticism by conservative pressure ~oups and politicians. Mayor Fined for Refusing ’Gay Pride’ Proclamation HAMILTON’, Canada - Bob Morrow, the mayor of Hamilton, has been fined $5,000 by the Ontario Human Rights Commission for refusing to issue a gay pride proclmnation in the city in 1991. Morrow personally will have to pay the fine because such proclamations are in the hands of the mayor, not the city government in general. Death Threats Against Greg Louganis WASHINGTON The Washington Post reports that due to death threats against Greg Louganis since disclosing that he has AIDS, the Lambda Rising bookstore in Washington said it had to take added security precautions for his book-signmg appearance there. Some 2,000 people showed up and more than 300 people had to be turned away due to the crowd. Louganis’ recently published autobiography, Breaking the Surface, is already in its 7th printing, the publisher said. Court Rules Against Gay Couple for Bank Loan LOS ANGELES -U.S. District Judge Mariana Pfaelzer has ruled that the California Federal Bank was within its rights in refusing to give a special discounted home loan to Jeffrey Bagley, a bank vice president,_and his partner. Judge Pfaelzer gave summary -judgment to the bank in the lawsuit filed by Bagley against his employer. The bank contended that Bagley did not quality for the special discounted loans, which are a standard benefit the bank offers its mm-ried employees, because he and Iris partner are not legally married. Maine Postpones Rights Measure AUGUSTA, Maine Gay rights advocates ~n Maine have announced that they will not introduce a statewide antidiscmnination measure in the legislatm:e this yezr, concerned that voters who are already faced with an anti-gay ballot measure wotdd find a competing measure confusing. "This issue is too important to risk confusing matters by putting a partially competing measure (the antidiscrimination bill) on the ballot as well," Patricia Ryan of the Maiue Human Rights Commission said. "We believe voters will say that Maine, as a state, won’ t discriminate, and we want them to have a clear shot at that issue." Attorneys for the Maine Human Rights Commission determined the gay rights bill probably would be declared a "competing measure" to the anti-gay ballot referendum and would therefore have to go before the voters as wellifit was brought before the legislature. British Priests Blessing Secret Gay Marriages -LONDON The London Times reports that a number of Church of England priests - as many as 60 of them -have been secretly conducting marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples in churches around England, even though the priests face expulsion if they are discovered by church officials. The paper reported that the priests have conducted hundreds of gay and lesbian unions despite being officially prohibited by the Church of England. "I had no idea they were having the ceremonies in church," Ven George Austin, the archdeacon of York told the Times. "It’ s such a perversion of a church wedding that you shouldn’t even have to point out it is wrong." St. Patrick’s Day Parades NEW YORK - Making good on a promise that they would indeed march in the annual St. Patrick’ s Day parade, some 70 gay rights activists were arrested as they attempted to have their own march in New York. A U.S. District Court judged had turned down a request by the Irish Lesbian & Gay Organization to overturn a rule barring the group from participating in the city parade and the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals uphdd the lower court decision on Mar. 16. In Cambridge, Mass., a large contingent frmn the IrishAmerican Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Group of ’Boston, marched peacefully in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade there. BOSTON - South Boston’s controversial "protest" St. Patrick" s Day march, which has already become the cause of a case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court because organizers refused to allow Irish gays and lesbians to participate, also turned down a request by a group of former military members with HIV or AIDS to join the event as well. When asked why the ailing veterans were being excluded, Jo!m Hurley of the South Boston War Veterans Council, declined to comment, saying only that the organizers of the protest don’t give reasons for who is and isn’t allowed to march. Classical CO for Gay Men LOS ANGELES - A CD from a major recording company explicitly being marketed to gay men has been launched by Warner Classics - and Beethoven will never be quite the same. Described as "75 minutes of musical passion for men." the CD is called "Sensual Classics Too," following up on the title of an earlier - and heterosexualoriented - popular disk Warner released in 1992 and that is still on the classical music charts. Making it even clearer who the intended audience for the disk is, the cover shows two hairy-armed men half-undressed and tenderly holding each other. It’{ enough to get your classical motor running -which is exactly what Warner wants. Lesbians Blocked from Conference on Women NEW YORK In an unusual alliance, China and the Vatican are blocking women’s groups they disapprove of- including lesbian organizations - from attending a major United Nations conference on women slated for $30/hour - in, call for out rates Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax sttuatlons whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 PhotographyJ.D. Jamett 621-5597 Licensed Massage Therapist Specializing in: ¯ Pager: 672-2035 ¯ Therapeutic ¯ Shiatsu ¯ Sports �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News later this year. Hundreds of delegates and non-gov.ernmental organizations (NGOs) havebeen meeting at U.N. headquarters in New York, reviewing the credentials of delegates to the conference to be held in Beijing in September. China has used its position as host of the conference to denY credentials to women’s groups from Taiwan and Tibet neither of:which China recognizes as indepe-ndent nations. The :Vatican also raised objections inan effort to exclude women’ s groups that don’ t agree with the Catholic Church’s positions on abortion, birth control and homosexuality. Delegates from China seconded the Vatican’s objections to lesbian groups, citing its own laws against homosexuality. Another Custody Battle DETROIT - Carol Hess, a lesbian who helped rear the 2 children of her deceased lover, is fighting the children’s father, Russel Overton, in court for custody of thetwo boys. Overton won provisional custody of the 2 children earlier in March, but Judge William Giovan has now given Hess weekend visitation rights and said he will shortly decide if Hess has any legal .standing to ask for custody of the 10- and 13-year-old sons o fher partner of 20 years, Leigh Porter, who died in January.. Gays & Government Security Clearances WASHINGTON - A General Accounting Office review of 3 U.S. government departments and 5 federal agencies has concluded that the federal government has stopped using homosexuality as a reason for refusing security clearances to civiliml employees mid contractors. The GAO reviewed records from the U.S. State, Defense and Energy Departments, as well as the FBI, the Office of Personnel Manage~nent, the U.S. Infornlation Agency, the Secret Service and the Customs Service. Ahnost ,all feder,’d agencies in the past had routinely refused to give gays and lesbians security clearance, ~naintailfing that homosexuals were snbject to being blackmailed. Trouble Over Benefit Plan at CalTech/JPL PASADENA, Calif. - A number of major U.S. universities - including Harvard, S tanford, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - have extended domestic partner benefits to their gay and lesbian s taffers with little or no controversy. But plans by the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) to begin offering same-sex partner benefits beginning May 1 may set off a firestorm,~The plan would extend health insurance benefits to the same-sex partners of the school’ s staff and faculty~ although opposite-sex couples would be not be eligible because the university says such couples have the option of legally marrying. The controversy over the plan, however, is arising largely because CalTech, along with its best-known facility, the Jet Propulsion Laboratories, are the largest employers in the region andbecause JPLis heavily involved in both governmentrelated research and the public school system. Conservative anti-gay critics of the move have been bombarding members of Congress in an effort to derail the benefit proposal. Opponents say they don’t want school children in the area to see gay and lesbian relationships as the same as heterosexual marriage and they are telling members of Congress that they don’t want federal tax money that goes to CalTech and JPL used to provide benefits to homosextml partners. "’Our institutions should, in whatever way possible, help mmntain heterosexual Inarriage as ,’m ide,’d," said one critic. Best Actor Oscar "Nominee Always Out LOS ANGELES Popular British actor Nigel Hawthorne, ~vho has been nominated for an Academy Award for his role in "’The Madness of King George,’" told the Advocate that he is gay mid that he has "’never been a closet queen.’" The 65-year-old Ha~vthorue, who is perhaps bestknowll to Americans for Iris role on the popular British-made TV series "Yes, Minister," said he will be attendiug die glitzy Oscar ceremonies with his long-time partner, writer Trevor Beathmu. Interviewed in the British newspaper Today, Beuthanl was eqnally candid about their relationship. "\Ve’ re just a dear old married couple. It’s not a qnestion of Nigel mid me coining out we’ ve uever been in," he said. "Heterosext/~L& Proud" Campaign in Australia BRISBANE, Australia - The Australian newsmagazine Brother Sister reports that an organization calling itself the International Heterosexual Foundation is planning to ldunch a $4 million anti-gay ad campaign in the country. The publication says the group’s national advertising campaign will be aimed at teena:gers’, ~ing electronic and print spots, because it is "deeply concerned with the overt propagation of deviant sexual practices." The campaign reportedly is being called "Heterosexual and Proud Of It." A spokesperson for the foundation said the campaign was aimed to counter what it says is pro-gay material being put before the public by AIDS agencies. "Enormous amounts of public monies are being spent to promote homosexu,~lity under the gmse of HIV/AIDS awareness," Kris Picketing 0f the group said. Drag Queen ’Ring’Foiled LAS VEGAS - Police in Las Vegas have charged two transvestites with stealing clothing from the Rare Breed store, and said the 2 are part of a ring of drag queen thieves who authorities believe have stolen thousands of dollars worth of women’s clothes and jewelry. Police said the 2, whom they refused to identify because of their on-going investigation, were involved with up to 5 other transvestites who shoplifted merchandise from local stores that they later ~old in order to buy drugs. Transsexual Brit Takes Case to European Court BRUSSELS, Belgium - A woman identified in official records as "’P" has filed a complaint with die European Court of Justice, charging that she was fired from her job with the Cornwall County Council in Great Britain after she told supervisors she was undergoing a sex-change operation. A British labor panel said "P’" was not protected trader the countD,’ s sex discrimination laws, mid the county council said die woman was not fired because of the surgery but because it had too many workers. In her complaint before the European Court, how ever, the woman claims the council had offered h~r a salary rinse and a new contract before she said she was undergoing the sex change. The womanis asking the European C6urt to determine whether transsexuals are protected under European Union statutes, even if national laws don’ t extend such protections. Swedish Sports Star Gay STOCKHOLM- WhenSwedish authorities announced that a neeNazi skinhead had confessed to the Mar. 11 brutal stabbing death oficehockey star Peter Karlsson, one of the reasons given by the 19-year-old for killing Karlsson was that the 2 9-year-old hockey pro had made sexual advances to him. Police say Karlsson was stabbed more than 60 times in nearby Vasteras after he had left a local discotheque to go home. It is the 2nd brutal slaying of a gay man in the Stockholm area in the~past few months. Bomb Threat at Canadian Bookstore VANCOUVER- Canada’ s gayoriented Little Sister’ s bookstore has been the object of a bomb threat, that the store’s manager believes is the work of an antigay extremist religious fanatic. The single-page hand-written letter threatened "a day of reckoning," with references to Sodom and Gomorrah and other religious allusions. Little Sister’ s manager Janine Fnller denounced the threat, which police respondedto quickly, saying, "I think people who are true Christian~ would condemn that kind of sentiment of hate.’" In February, the store also received a telephoned bomb threat. Police checked the store thoroughly then, but found no explosives but they did warn workers at Little S~ster’s to be watctfful of suspicious parcels and cus toulers. No One Can Get Rep. Frank’s Name...Straight WASHINGTON - Rep. Barney Frank - or at least how politicos pronotmce his name - has setoff another flap. In Jmn|ary, die Rep. Dick Armey, the 2nd. ranking House Republican, referred to the openly gay Frank as "Barney Fag" during a radio interview, which he later.said was a slip of the ton~le. Now James Carville, a prominent Democratic Party consultant who helped orchestrate President Clinton’s 1992 presidential bid, referred to the Massachusetts Democrat as "Barney Fife," the inept and incompetent depmy in die Audv Griffith television show. Ironically, Carville was criticizing Armey for his "Barney Fag" mistake when he refen:ed to Frank as "Barney Fife "" Carville said he had an excuse for his slip of the tongue, :however, since h( is president of ah Andy Griffith Show Fan Club andh"ad be,eli thinkifiglabout the r Bamey Fife characte~-~ffhen hc made the :mistake. "Wbat did Dick Armey have on his mind when he said what he did’?" Carville asked Vive La Difference! French Say Gay Pres. OK PARIS - The Paris newspaper Liberation has reported the results of a poll of some 1002 registered French voters" views of the upcoming presidential campaign. The paper reported that the Illico-Radio FG poll indicated that 85% of the respondents agreed that TV campaigns aimed specifically at gay men to help stem the spread of HIV were needed. Perhaps even more surprising, the poll also found that 71% of those mlsweri~ig pollsters’ questions indicated,they would vote for a presidential candidate, even if it was disclosed he had had a gay relationship. British Airline Goes After Gay Market SAN FRANCISCO - Virgin Atlantic Airways. the imiovativc mid enterprising British airline noted for such amemties as mflight massages and personal video screens, is now offering gay- and lesbian-themed tour packages from the U.S. to London, with fly-ons to Paris and Amsterdmn. The three-night four-day tours, which industr~ watchers say is a first for a majo’r airline, start at $679 and are promoted with such up-front names as "’Out in London" s West End" and"London Proper~G ay Paree." The packages include round-trip airfare, hotel accolmnodations from tourist to first class, transfers, theater tickets in London, contiuenud breakfasts mid other little perks. Elizabeth. Hlinko of Virgin Aflandc said "’Gays and lesbimas are a wonderful group of people who enjoy traveling..That’s a group we want to attract to our airline. "" Low or Old Low How aboitt a new look for your love nest? Come see Bryan, Ken or Tim at our fab~dous designer showroom with definitely NOT designer prlees! Budget ~Vindow Treatments & MORE! ~,~,,t~, e,,,~,,, G~a ~ .... 7116 S. lM][in~o, ~te. 109. 254-2100 1438 S. Boston, Tulsa �m Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Fast HIV Test Found i BRUSSELS - Belgian scientists s~y that they have developed an HIV test that can directly detect the presence of HIV in just a few days of being infected instead of the usual months-long wait required before current tests are effective at detecting antibodies produced by the body. "Usually you have to wait about 3 months after exposure before knowing whether you are HIV-positive,’.’said Prof. Jose Rem~cle of Namur University.."But.with this one we ¢~a detect.the virus: a day, or:so later. 7: The,ne.~ ~test,differs. from: o~ers in that it check~specifically far HIV; ~rather than antibodies which ’can 0nly be detected several months following infection. The manufacturer is seeking approval for sales elsewhere in Europe and the U.S. The tests are expected to cost about $10 each. HIV Contact Tracing Suggested ATLANTA - A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscored the way HIV can spread .to insidiously. Researcl~ers at the University of Pittsburghlinked a single prisoner with HIV with 50 other people who were also infected either through shared hypodermic needles or sex. Even more worrisome, the scientists found that of the 50 who had been infected, 24 were unaware they were infected. The researchers and CDC officials said the study indicates that contact tracing, especially of drug users and prisoners infected with HIV, may be of value in fighting ~e spread of HIV. -Setback in Vac._cine Research WASHINGTON- ,am experimental AIDS vaccine that appeared to work in adult monkeys kills newborn monkeys, scientists report in the current issue of the journal Science. Earlier studies with adnlt monkeys were encouraging to researchers "! who thought a weakened version of HIV itself conld be used in the vaccine. But the study - which used a weakened form of the virus in monkeys - suggests that such a strategy could actually lead to infection instead "’This approach to un AIDS vaccine is fnll of hidden danger,’" said Dr. Ruth Ruprecht of Harvard University m~d" the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Rupre.cht’s.team administered awacciue of HIV with:key genes.removed-to:4 newborn,monkeys: Althongh none~v.ere exposed, to full HIV, 2 ofthe monkeys died of~the diseaseand 2 now, have severe.. ~ immune deficiency. EPA StudyingParasite in Water WASHINGTON - Carol Browner, administrator of the Enviromnental Protection Agency, has called for research on how to protect drinking water supplies in the U.S. from the cryptosporidium parasite. The EPA has already set tip a special study ~oup on the microbe which has b~.en s.hown to be extremely infectious, even ru rmnute amounts. The parasite can cause severe diarrhea in healthy adults, but it can be fatal to individu~s with weakenedimmtme systems, such as people with AIDS. Doubts About Early AIDS Case NEW YORK - New medical evidence suggests that what was believed to be the earliest documented case of AIDS may not in fact have been the disease. EXamination of Stored tis sue samples taken from David Carr, a man who died in 1959 from mysterious symptoms, prompted 2 University of Manchester doctors in 1990 to attribute the symptoms to AIDS. But .when Dr. David Ho, head of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Ceuter in New York, recently tested the samples, he cotdd only isolate HIV in one smnple that had been sent to trim. Further testing showed the tissues sent .to Ho were from at least two different people. In Ho’s opinion, there is no longer proof that Carr died of AIDS. Althongh Uuiversity of Manchester officials reject Ho’s findings, the university is planning further investigation. Poor ~Prospects for AIDS Drug LONDON "--New, highly resistaifi Strains of HIV ~re dirmning hop~ that aigroniising new dhsg Of tltugs WilI be able to control the deadly virus as effectively as researchers’had hoped just a few months ago. Researchers reported in the-British medical journal Nature that some strains of the virus are now able to simultaneously ward off the effects of as many as six drug compotmds. Although researchers say the new findings aren" t the end of the road for the potent class of drugs known as protease inhibitors, the latest discovery, is a serious setback for what had been considered an encouraging strategy for combating the deadly virus. Protease inhibitors, which work by preventing the AIDS virus from replicating, are under study by several companies. Scientists at Merck Research Laboratories in West Point, Pa., say it now appears that extended use of such drugs can create strains of the virus that are a thousand times more resistant than the original virus. Case of Infant HIV Remission LOS ANGELES - According to a report in the New England Journal ofMedicine, the white blood cells of a baby apparently have succeeded where every drug and potential vaccine against HIV have so far failed. According to researchers reporting in the journal, the tufidentified infant has become the first thorouglfly documented case of an individual whose own natural body defense may have fought off the infection. Dr. Yvom~e Bryson of the UCLA AID~ Institute said, "It used to seem like heresy to say that you could potentially even eli~nin~te the virus. And now I think that we caasay .that that is a possibility. ?’ Th~ repoi’t sh~ th~ 16~l~y kb(th’~: vi~u~ from his’ infected mothefaiad’~Xmnifiafi 0ns afte~ birth c01ffimiedflifit h~Was itffected. Retesting again at age two months, the baby still tested positive for the virus. Bu! tests at age 13 months revealed that the virus had disappeared. The infant is now five years old and he continues, the scientists say, to show no signs of HIV and is tlwiving. Researchers said they were initially skeptical of the test resul’ts and suspected a clinical error. But they retrieved all the child’s original blood samples and did extensive doublechecking. They found no mistakes, and no virus in the little boy. Screening for HIV Subtypes BOSTON - Max Essex, chair of Harvard University’s AIDS Institute, toldaregional colfference on AIDS that the U.S. should begin blood screening to determine if extremely ilffectious subtypes of HIV that are fueling spread of the virus among heterosexuals in Africa and Asia are in this country as well. "We don’t really know if they are in the U.S.," Essex said. "It’s logical to assume that they should be." Essex said it is critical that the highly infectious virus subtypes be identified FI_DELITY HO_/v E HEALTH CARE, INC. Main Office 113 E. Paul St. 905 No. Highway 51 Pauls Valley, OK 73075 Coweta, OK 74429 (405) 238-6487 (91.8) 486-1174 (800) 999-3442 7319 No. MaeArthur Okla. City, OK 73132 (405) 722-0551 Caring for Life We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hour per day, seven days as week. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’ s, LPN’ s) Home health aides Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation Private duty nursing " Companion sitter services This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices at 800-999-3442 with specific treatment issues. CHERRY STREET PSYCHOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES Eating Disorders Same Sex Relationships Co-Dependency Issues Trauma Recovery Chemical Dependency/Relapse Prevention Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC J. Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS 1515 South Lewis Tulsa, OK (918)-743-4117 (918)-581-0902 Serving a Diverse Community �More Health Briefs because they may not become apparent until an epidemic is full-blown. HIV Infection in the Elderl~ ATLANTA - Two studies, both of them small, published in AIDS Clinical Care suggest HIV among people over 60 may go undiagnosed longer because doctors don’t consider the elderly at risk for infection, and that how older Americans get HIV may be very different than most health .care, wqrkers ,think. One study of patients~ages. 60 .to 83 with HIV. at.an Atlanta h0spithl:f0und that ifi 15of the 20 cases~,where~ithe s6urc~ Oi~ transmission was 16a6~ni-Hi~-w~ ~6ntractedddaer through:Sex: or by Iv drug use. Blood tran~filSi6iis, ~ffer~ .the r0Ui~ "~ tram.mission in ouly 3 of the cases. :In the 2nd study, researchers examined sernm samples of 170 elderly patients who died between 1992-93 at New York’s Harlem Hospital. The researchers found that6% -of themen and-:-9% of:~the women were infected with HIV, although most or all of the infections .were um, uspected at time of death. The studies authors suggested that health care workers., should rake sexual anddrug use histories of elderly patients. House,Cuts AIDS Housing $ WASHINGTON -~ The House. of RepreSentativeshas:approved some $17.1 billion in-federal Spending cuts, including eliminating federal funding for Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA). An amendment offered by Rep. Christopher Shays (RrConn.) to restore the $186 million in HOPWA funds was blocked by Republican lawmakers. White HOuse Chief of staff Leon Panetta promises apresidential Veto of the bill in its present form,. m,,,tary con,’d rom, p. 1 District Court in Brooklyn ruled that the 1993 policy that Congress forced the administration to adopt violates the freedom of speech of the sxx gay and lesbian military personnel who brought the suit and discriminates against homosexuals. Matt Coles, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union representing the.6 service members, said the guidelines, .which are part. of the: National Defense Authorization Act of 1993, were based entirely, on prejudice and-e~pecied-negative ~tions of heterosexual members of the military. The act violated gay and lesbian officers’ constitutional rights to free speech and .equal protection under the law; he argued m court. "Congress -betrayed theConstitution by caving in to the prejudices of others," Coles said. Government attorneys-had arg,ued that the unique~demands of~[Jaenatior;~:armed forces rbxtuire Special rUles. The attorneys " for thegovernment argued that overturning the policy could damage military effectiveness. Judge Nickerson agreed with lawyers for the six that they. v~ere in effect being forced to live a li:e in order to serve their country. Judge Nickerson ruled that"the policy.., is not only inherently deceptive, it also offers powerful inducements to homosexuals to lie." He added that the current policy "craftily sought to avoid the First Amendment" and "twisted the English language in ways that are nothing less than Orwellian." In rejecting the government’s arguments, Judge Nickerson wrote: "Even if defendants do believe that heterosexual service members will be so ups~et by a.co-orker s mere statement of homosexuality cont’d from p. 1 as not to #ork co-operatively in the unit, homophobia, and award-winning con..,suda a belief does not justify a sultant will lead the workshop. It is open to health professionals, social service discriminatory policy." Pentagon spokesman Ken Bacon said providers, therapists and clergy. after the decision that the government The Planned Parenthood Training would appeal the ruling. "We bdieve our Institute offers this workshop as a response policy is constitutional and we intend to to the alarming rate of suicide in Lesbian/ defend the policy," he said. "The Gay/Bisexual youth and to the experiences Department [of Defense] has told the of Planned Parenthood’s Lesbian mad-Gay volunteers and workers who sought mid Department of Justi~ that we want them to appeal, the policy. ¯ found little support from their schools, Despite the ~meq~ivocal nature of Judge churches Or homes. The miss:ion of Nickerson’ s. ruling, it oul.y applies to the Planned Parenthood hasat:its~hearvnot two active duty service members and four ;: only.fami!yplauning and reproducti~,e reservists in the case itself and does.not. choice, but:~ials6 the.empowerm.ent.~of keep the military.from-continuing.to7 individuals tO ldad healthy; happy and discharge other gays and lesbians who ~se×ually fulfilling lives, regardless of come out. It is the first direct constitutional sexual orientation. Planned Parenthood challenge to the compromise Don~t Ask -hopes to be at the forefront of advocacy Don’t Tell policy, accepted by Presl for Lesbian/Gay issues. Clinton. Formoreinformation, call the Education DepL at 587-1101, ext..4. " ~ cOnt’d fromp: l " : cont’dfrom p. 1 communities up to $10,000," said Gillean. "However, to make this ~zork, weneed reali reasons, she was forced off the air suppor’t .from everyone -in our. . ¯from KWGS. Williams noted.that she communities. The d0nationof $10 from received positive comments even when 100 people is important as is the $1000 she aired "controversial" programs (for from one-. We welcome one-time -example, Gay & Lesbian issues) but that donations butm0ntllly pledges, even of it appeared that station management had $5 or $10 a month are critical to making censored her due to pressure from a Radical this dream a reality." Right TU donor, perhaps also .with the Gillean added that TOHR is discussing. Christian Coalition targeung her setting up a direct debit and credit card underwriters..Station manager Frank debit system to make donating on a Cristal also threatened her with immediate monthly -pledge basis easier. Any censorship if Williams saidanything on donations directed to the .Community theair after.she was giyen notice. Center will be limited to that project, and since TOHR is.a tax-exempt organization~. I NeXt RBG meeting is Tues. April 25 7pmat the Whittier Cafe; :can .be tax-deductable. For more ] . ’ Call 254-2100, RSVP. information, call TOHR at 743-4297. 1. YO ut h Center - Williams 745-1111 Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care ~n a homelike, loving setting? Until now - no where ...... Announcing the opening of Mohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people living with AIDS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North Tulsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour our new facility. To arrange a tour or.for more information, call our offices at 918~125-1354 Accepting Medicare. Medicaid. private pay and private insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated. Mohawk Living Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK ¯ (918) 425-1354 Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Com.pensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-95.04 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. �~ -- Letter from the Pm~ddent: As I reflect on the last month I feel like I’ve been on a roller coaster ride. We began the period since our last reporter waiting to he~r about the 3 grant proposals we had applied for: We waited and inquired to no avail. Then on March 24th the newscame, we had received all3 of thegrants. This made us.feel wonderful as this really expands the outreach of TOHR. During our bdef moments of excitement we realized that the grant begin on April 1st. This meant we needed to start implementation immediately. A Human Resource committee is now in place and job descriptions are being written. We will be hiring an additional full time person. During this pedod we also heard fror~ the,local grant we. had wdtten 2 letters of interest for and thesehaVe to bO’totally repackaged.and submitted as full proposals by the!4th of Apdl, Still, this is all good for TOHR. I will keep you updated. .The Community Centeris go ng full steam ahead andwe are accepting donations now. What we will be requesting is monthly pledges as well as one timedonations. The monthly pledges will be and integral part of the financing package. Please think about what would be comfortable for you and make the pledge or donation today. We have located a building that will work very well for the Center and have put together a proposed monthly budget for anyone who is interested. To continue my ride on the roller coaster, we had some lively debate at the April membership meeting that quite frankly left me confused and shell shocked. When I accepted this position it was with the vision that the community needed to be more cohesive. I have worked very hard to achieve this goal and continue to do so daily. This meeting made me question the effectiveness of my efforts. I found myself conducting a meeting with more than a fdendly debate taking place. Being a first time board member, I was not equipped to diffuse this discussion. I simply ended it. I apologize to anyone I offended or that felt suppressed by my action. It was all I knew to do. Let me say now that as President of TOHR my vision remains the same, to unify the community to resolve matters that affect us. There will be times when one of us does not understand the actions of others. We are all working for a common goal and should stay focused on that goal.. Our goal will not be achieved until we all work together. TOHR is a community based organization and every member is requested to participate in our meetings and events, but matters of personal conflict should remain just that. Remember the vision is to unite, for united is the only way we can achieve our goals. Please come to a meeting or TOHR sposored event, we rely on your participation and support to expand our programs. Until next month. Tim Bash-Back Training April 29th 10am to 12pm $ i 5 per person A great self defense class that can benefit each of us. Come in your sweats and your tennis shoes, "’The Gathering Place" 4154 South Harvard Helpline Training and Update April 22nd, 10:00- 12:00 Training for all current and nexv volunteers. All volunteers need to attend "The Gathcring Place" 4154 South BISEXUAL, LESBIAN AND GAY ISSUES INFORMATION AND REFERRALS Call for Committee It’s Follie time again ! Anyone interested in.serving on a committee for creating conversation and exploring ways TOHR can help with implementation and passage of the Report from the Human Rights Committee, Please call the Help Line and leave your name and number. 743-4297 An.vone interested in volunteering for the Follies Committee or interested in sharingthier talent with the rest of our Tulsa Family, please call L.v~n at 743-0132 743-GAYS (4297) By and for but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Communities. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Daytime Testing Monday-Thursday by Appointment 749-4194 HIV TESTING CLINIC FREE ANONYMOUS Finger Stick Method Every Thursday Evening 7:00-8:30 p.m. 4154 So. Harvard Suite H-1 The Sadie Hawkins Women’s Dance was a blast. TOHR would like to thank everyone who made the dance possible. The turnout was great and we got some nc~" member & made some new friends. TOHR ~ill continue to support these events so ifyou have an idea let us "know. Additional thanks go to: Carol & Sue for the great music. Renee for taking tickets, Miriam for being the boss, Marvita for the balloons, chairs, tables, Dee for the balloons, Joan for tickets, Laurie for ¢ver~.C.hing, Melanie for all her help, Jim & Don for serving drinks, Tim & Ken for manning the TOHR booth, Pam for the soda, R~’. Alico Jones for the coasters, the Black & \Vhite Committee for providing child care & general support, Aaron for child care and all of you who participated in the dance. Thanks. ¢ommunitp enter Monthly Pledges Membership Application Name Address State Zip- [] Yes I want.to be a oontributing member of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Please accept pa)~x~cnt as described below: [] $10 Limited lnoome/Student M~mbership [] $20 Regular Memb~hip [] $35 Organizational/Household Membership I-I $100 Sustainin8 Membership [] I am currently reaei,dn8 TOHR mailings and the Tulsa F,amib" Nest,s [] I am not on tl~ mailing list f-I I would like to volunteer help wi~: [] HIV Counselor [] E~nt Planning and Pare. Preparations [] Lesbhn/Gay/Bisexuai HolpLin¢ [] Executive 8mrd Member [] Mon~.v Mcain~ Suppoa $100 Mo. $75 Mo. $50 Mo. 545 Mo. $40 Mo~ $35 Mo. $20 Mo. $10 Mo. Mail to TOHR P.O. Box 52729 Tulsa OK. 74152 Altn: Cehter Center Stage One Time Donations Spotlight $2500 - $5000 Lead Actor $1500- $2499 gfpporting A~: $750 - $1499 Cast Member $300- $749 Audience $100 - $299 Extra $ �I S u N DAYS I BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER - SUnday School 9:45, Moming. Worship::Service 1-1:00." 2627-B East 11th. Call 583-7815 for Info. BLGA - University of Tulsa. 6:30 p.m. Canterbury Center. COMMUNITY OF HOPE (United Methodist) Faith and Struggle Group - discussion group, subjects vary. 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship Service 6:00. 1347 North Yale. Call 8387232 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Morning Worship Service 11:00. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info. MCC OF GREATER TULSA - Morning Worship Service 10:45 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. IAPRIL 15 I DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. IAPR~L 16/EASTERI "HOPE IS ALIVE" - Easter Cantata. 11:00 a.m. Family of Faith. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info, 1TuEsDAYs MINISTER’S CLASS - Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center. 7:30 p.m. 2627-B East 1 lth. Call 583-7815 for Info. Wednesdays AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER - Bible Study 7:00. MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. I I 18 19 I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP - BiMonthly meeting. 6:30 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 749-4901 for Info. 24 IMAY 3 FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 749-4901 for Info. IMAY 4 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - A Spin off of the Christian Right’s Nat’,l Day of Prayer. Gay and Lesbian community will meet to pray for an end to prejudice and discrimination in the church. Call 6221441 for more Info. 29 DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale, Call 838-7232 for Info. 6 of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. SPOUSES For spouses of Gay/Les/Bi/Trans. 7:00-7:30 p.m. social 7:30-8:30 meeting. Call 749-4901 for Info. Sponsored by PFLAG. I IMAY 7 PRIME TIMERS - Monthly Meeting 4:00 p.m. - "The Gathering Place" 4154 South Harvard, Ste. H. Call 747-8121 for info. PFLAG 1011102 - Monthly meeting 6:307:30’p.m:- 4154 South Harvard, Ste~.H. Call 749-4901 for Info. RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p:m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary. Sixth of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHR/Community. I 13 7:00 - 8:30 pm Results Hours: 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Call 749-4194 for Info, PRAYER.TIME-7:00.p,m, MCC~ofGreater Tulsa.¯ 1623 .North Maplewood~ Call 8381715 for Info. FAMILY-CHORALE = Weekly I TULSA practice 9:30. Lola’s. 2630 E. 15th Street. DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS - Meets weekly at 11:00 pm, Provides confidential support for recovering addicts, Community of Hope, 1347 North Yale, Call 838-7232 for Info, course: Sponsored by TOHPJCommunity of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info, TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. 4297 for Info. IMAY I I IMAY I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 749-4901 for Info. IMAY 1 8-21 IM , , 2 1. REV. ELDER NANCY WILSON - Evening Service - 6:00 p.m. at Family of Faith MCC - 5451-E South Mingo: Also featuring Tulsa Family Chorale. Call 622-1441 for Info. I I 27 29 I FEED THE HOMELESS - Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church at 5:30 p.m. and caravan to Day Center for the Homeless. Call 838-7232 for Info, SCELLANEOUS ROU P. I MCC .DISTRICT CONFERENCE - South Central District(OK, TX, LA, AR) Southern "Hills Mardott at 71st and Lewis. Workshops/Services/Banquet. Keynote: Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson: Call 622-1441 for more Info. [MAY 19-21 HERLAND SPRING RETREAT - Women’s Retreati Roman Nose State Park. Sponsored by Hedand ofOklahoma City. Call 405~720-0044 for Info. 28 DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. 7:00 p.m. Call 743- 17 26 GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL RODEO - OK State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. Call 405-943-0843 for more Info. IMAY 16 I TOHR BOARD MEETING. 22 RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m. Call 254-2100 for location. RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary. - Final week of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHR/Community of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. "~ IMAY I South Gary. - Seventh of an eight week I ISATURDAYS IMAY IMAY 1s I RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Alien Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 THE BANNED, Oklahoma’s Gay Band, For Carpool Info. call 838-2121. WOMEN’S SATURDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB - 6:30 p.m. Hong Kong Restaurant 4307-B South Sheddan, I RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary Fourth of an eight week course. Sponsored by,.,. ~ TOHR{Community of Hope/BLG~,(TU). ,Call 838-7232 for Info. IA.e p, L I MAYDAY - Celebration in Oklahoma .I GAY City. Featuring musical entertainment by FEED THE HOMELESS -. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church at 5:30 and caravan to Day Center for the Homeless. Call 838-7232 for Info. IAPRIL 2 TOHR MEMBERSHIP - Monthly meeting 6:30 social hour 7:00 p.m. meeting. "The Gathering Place" - 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H. Call 743-4297 for Info. IMAY 2 1 ITHURsDAYs 16-STEP EMPOWERMENT GROUP FOR WOMEN - 7:00, Women’s support group, Community of Hope, 1347 North Yale, Call 838-7232 for Info, CO-DEPENDENCY SUPPORT GROUP Weekly meeting 7:30, Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E South M[ngo, Cal! 622-1441 for Info, (Regula[ Meetings begin Mamh 23) HIV TESTING - TOHR Clinic, Free and Anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required, Walk in test hours: IMAY TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 7434297 for Info. IA P R I L I IMAY 1 I RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary. Fifth of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHPJCommunity of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY TOHR BOARD MEETING - 7:00 p.m. IAPRIL IMONDAYS " " " : I BIBLE STUDY- 6:30:p.m. Comm0nity of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. LAMBDA BOWLING LEAGUE - Bowling begins at 8:45. Sheridan Lanes 3121 South Sheridan. BLESS .THE LORD AT ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER - Choir Practice 7:00, 2627-B East 1 lth. Call 583-7815 for Info, FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Potluck 6:30, Bible Study 7:00, Choir Practice 8:00, 5451E.South Mingo, Call 622-1441 for Info, IMAY IAPRIL 17 RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary - Third of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHR/Community of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info, IAPRIL THE BANNED - GayBand - Practice weekly in OKC. Call 838-2121 for Info. I i MEETINGS LAGPAC - Lesbian-and Gay Political Action Committee. Call 838-1222 for Info. LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS - Gay and Lesbian Republican Group. Call 832-0233 for Info. - SWAN’~ Sirigle Women’s Activity Network. TOHR CLINIC - In addition to Thursday Clinic Hours (see Thursdays), offers daytime testing by appointment Monday Thursday from 10 am - 5 p.m. Call 7494194 for appointment. TOHR HELPLINE - Staffed daily 8:00 ,p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Call 743-GAYS. TULSA - Tulsa Uniform .and Leather Seekers Association. Call 838-1222 for !.nfo. ,, WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB Meets-at varying locations the 2rid or 3rd Wednesday of each month. . Do:you.have a.group ,or event _that should be listed in the TOHR Community Calendar? If so, please Call us at 838-2121; " Every effort Was made to ensurethe accuracy and completeness of this calendar, however, neither Tulsa Family News nor TOHR assumes responsibility for errors or omissions. I �QUALITY VE "~T ISVIATICATION? " ’- ..........HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT.WORK? Viaticafion is:the process through which :a person .... living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment ~-:. Withyourwritten permission, we gather medical and -fr0mthe facevalUe of their insurance policy." insurance records with which to determine your policy’s -- value. Then, a setflemnt offer is presented toyou, You may always decline the offer with no obligation: whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is .... made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your . Generally, t0be eligible for a viatical settlement you policy, and you owe us nothing. must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coveragein either an individual term, whole WHO IS:ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? ~e, orag~ouppolicy. HOW MUCH IS MY POHCY WORTH? IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICEFOR ME ? HOWISSO~HWEST : VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many ¢ompanie.s offer viadcal setdements, doing business only by bulk advertising and. 1-800 numbers. They tlansfer yo,ur imurance an0 medical.records by mail, and do business from another statel At Southwest¥iatical., webefieve you should be assured of. complete confidentiality and the. best possible service by working with us in person, face-to,face. We are involved on a community lkvel, and are responsible directly to our local community. By .working with yOuin, pers’~m; but at the same time h~ving access to nationwide financial resources, we are IVlany factors influence whether viaticating your life ~ ......... ’-<The value:bf~~;6u~ :iife i.ii~i~fan~e-p01iey4n-a vi~itieal. ,:,.~..insuran.~:~S~.the~b~s~ financial alternative available for able to deliver the best: Value: on your policy :available ~. tod,~y..And because o~ o~ established reso~ces, we can ;-) .~:~ ~etflemem. is determined by-the, specifics Of your .p01icy.::!,: ’you. S ofithwest-Viaticalcan digcuss all ofthefactors with : 7 deliver a.set~ement in less than a third, the time o .ther . ,:.andyour uikique medical situati6n. Not every p0li*yd:~ 2.?; ~ou~dy01i~{dnl~er~on, in detailandc~mreco~end -:~ ~ companie~ ,take. bY m~il, typically in f~wer than30.days. suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically an experienced. Certified Financial Planner to assist you ’We!ll do takes what it. ~ inplanning~e.best°utc°mefr°mY0uruniquefinancial: your.poli~y and medica! history ........ situation.. . " to findthe hestsolution for you, South Harvard Southwest East 41st Street I 4146 Suite F-5 2919 Welborn Dallas, Texas 75219 800/559-4790 Tulsa Office 4146 So. Harvard, Suite F-5 Tulsa, OK 74135-2610 918-747-3320 �,[ by Beverly H¢zey, MCC of Greater Tulsa In February, I talked about Paul’ s letter to the Romans. This is the text used most frequently by Christians who argue against homosexuality and the article discussed the words in the text. I would like to discuss why Paul felt it necessary to talk about homosexuality at all. At this time, homosexuality between men was an accepted part of life in Roman and Greek cultures. In Romans, Paul indicates that homosexuality was socially unacceptable just as long hair was socially unacceptable. In two passages in this chapter, Paul uses strong language to discuss sin. They occur before and after the section on homosexuality but not in it. In Verse 18 of the first chapter, Paul talks about the "ungodliness and wickedness" of people who suppress the truth. "Ungodliness" and "wickedness" are the translation of the Greek words asebeia and adibia. Adibia occurs again in verse 29. This verse lists several things that are ethically wrong, but no sexual offenses. Paul refers to cleanliness or purity laws in Leviticus are still part of Jewish life. It is obvious that Paul is making an issue.of Jewish purity laws here. Jesus was never concerned about purity laws and the Gentile Romans had no such concerns so w.hy is Paul bringing it up? In verses 22-25, Paul accuses the Christians in Rome ofidolatl~. His concern was that they still had their idols and were worshipping them as well .as God. Paul then states two results of their idolatry: one is uncleanness, mad the other, real sin. Paul calls their sexual deeds degra~ting, because of their purity laws and were shameful, dishonorable. He calls their t~Nt~g~,to i,mpose them Oll Gentile other deeds wickedness, evil, malice. The ~hrist~ans. Paul was known to side with terminology itself shows a deliberate the Gentile Christians but he had to be contrast between what is socially tactful to try not to offend anyone. Part of unacceptable and what is ethically wrong. his letter to the Romans addresses Jewish Three times Paul repeats this phrase, "God Christians, playing on their sense of gave them up." This phrase separates superiority. He wants to win their good Paul’s lecture into different sections. He will, so he seemingly takes their side by begins verse 24 with, "therefore God gave putting down the Gentiles for their them up in the lusts of their hearts to homosexual acts. By chapter 2, Paul has impurity." Paul is introducing the first :. gently turned th~"conversation arotmd and effect of their idolatry. Paul digresses in .- is rebuking those,,who judge others. His praise of God but .......;~ ,: ~ language gets " - : ¯ brings himself " and naive rg~adl.n~ ot~ stronger as he ~ J~nffs.ta~dm~ back in verse 26 points out their the Scripture has led many sincere by repeating his real sil~~ of the ~ollower~ d Jesus astray. They oppose JewishChristians. phrase, "for these reasons God gave and oppress lesbian and gay people in Theg-- steal them up to commit adultery, the name of the Apostle Paul." degrading and rob temples. passions." In verse Paul calls for - Father Daniel A. Helmlnlah 28, Paul starts purity of the heart. talking about the second effect of idolatry, Likewise, Paul doesn’t let the Gentile "God gave .them up to a base mind and Christians off the hook. In chapter 9, he things that should not be done." This list rebukes them for feeling they are superior is what Paul really considers sin but there to the Jewish Christians. is nothing sexual in the list. In actuality, Paul’s reference to The question arises whether Paul really homosexuality serves as a rhetorical disapproves of homosexuality. Paul’s function alone. He chose homosexuality letter addresses two groups: gentile because it was not a sensitive issue. The Christians and Jewish Christians. Paul debate over clean and unclean food was a was about to journey to Rome to vi sit the hot issue as well as whether circumcision Church and he was paving the way for his was required for conversion to visit. Keep in mind, whether Christians Christianity. Homosexuality was a point should keep Jewish purity laws was a hot of differenCe, but apparently there was no debate. The "Council of Jerusalem" as argument over it. The Gentiles were well recorded in Acts 15, decreed that Gentiles aware of the Jews’ attitude toward converted to Christians need not be homosexuality, but they shrugged the circumcised nor keep other Jewish laws whole thing off. In chapter 2, verse 22, Just like the church today with its denominations fighting over doctrine, the church then fought over doctrine. Jewish Christians believed that they were superior Paul even condenms.the .Icws for judging the Geutiles lbr their idolatry. Thc wholc pu~ose of Romans is a lcct;,’c on thc sin ofjud~ng others. Ronmns 14: 13-14 says. "let us ~eretbre no longer pass judgcmcnt on one mlother, but resolve instead never to pnl a stumbling block or laindrancc m the wav of another. I know and am persuaffed in the Lord Jesus that nothing ~s unclean in itself; but it is unclcm~ I’or anyone who flfi~s it nnclean. "" In his book entitled, What the Ihbh, Really Says About Homose.ruali~, b~ l)r. D~el A. HelmiNg, a Roman {?a~mlic priest, wfites:"A long-standing and naivc reading of the Scripture has led man~ sincere followers of Jesus astray. Thcv op~se ~d oppress lesbian ~d gay peoplc in ~e nmne of ~e A~sfle Paul. Bolstcrcd by sociN prejudice and zeNous iu thcir sex~ self-fighteotmness, C~sfians havc been misreading Paul’s letter to lhc Romps ~d rejecting members of the C~sfi~ co~u~tv because of it. "" Yet, to ins~e ~e t~fity of ~lievers was a major reason for Paul’ s writings. Paul insisted on fM~ andlove as ~e dfings that really matter ~n Christ. By nusunderstanding Paul’s argument, people unwittingly rely on tastes and customs .instead of the Word of God. They ~guc about what"s dirty or unclean,.disputc who’s pure and impure, aud pll heterosexuM against homosexuM. Tiros. they divide and splinter the church ovcr what does not matter in Cl~st. In God’s name they foment hatred mid [’ncl oppressio~ ~d disrnpt ,sodiety at largc. They comet a grave injusfi~ - the very offehse that Patti’ s letter meant to cotmter. Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa k comes with 1 moonroof, 2 airbags, 6 stereo speakers, aad a slew of accolades. Where God [rplifts All-People Sunday Service. 10:45 ~nn Wednesday Service. 6:30 pm Home Cell"Gronps, 2nd & 4th Suuda\ s "lhmda’s labors resulted in a new ~ar that’s the strongest, safest, quietest, best i~crtbrming, and most fl~cl-ct~cicnt Accord ever7 ,llotorTivm~ I’~bmarv 1994 1623 No..X Iaplewood, Tulsa 74115. 838-1715 "Few cars ot’[’cr ~ts astute a I)]cnd o|’slnoofll ride and adroit road handlintz. "l’hc most frequent remark t’rom editors exiting tim Accord after their drives: ’N<~x\" that is a great ride? "" (;arm~dDrivez January 199-I "\Vhilc l londa goes a~z~.mst the mainstream trcntb, the latest Accord is (}no of die best-engineered cars t~day-with a SCIISC 0~" purpose that sets it apart t~off~ the crowd? Popuhv’,~irm~: ~ lay 1994 "Few vehicles have capn~rcd the hearts and minds of Amcricat~ mttonmbilc buyers like the I londa ..\ccord7 ,llotorTivm/. I’~bruarv 1994 ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice I I To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly With our God... Micah 6:8 ] 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Accord EX Sedan don carlton 3900 S. Memorial ¯ Tulsa, OK 74145 (918) 622-3636 Bless The Lord At All Times CHRISTIAN CENTER Sunday School, 9:45 Sunday Services, 11 am & 6:30 pm Tues. Minister’s Class, 7:30 Wed. tntercessionary Prayer, 7 pm 2627-B East 11th, 583-7815, messages, Eddie Cook, pastor Because everyone has a right to be blessed by God! 2 �Elder Nancy Wilson at Family Of Faith READ ALL ABOUT IT bv Barry Henslev Tulsd Ci&-Co’un~. Library The results of the November 1992 elections included the passage of an unprecedented piece of legislation "known as Amendment 2, in Colorado. It effectively banned any city or town in the state, including the three which already .had gay rights laws,, from including the :words sexual orientation in auv antidiscrimination !aws. This amendment passed by 53% of the vote after a divisive campmgn led by the group Colorado for Fmnily Values. In "Gas" Politics vs Colorado and America,:" author Stephen Bransford explains ONE side of the story of the origins of this law and the impassioned people who focused most of their daih" lives during the election can~paign to fife passage of this amendment. Bransford explains his theory that this law was really just a necessary correction of unfairand restrictive gay fights laws which he alleges preveuted average citizens from fully realizing their rights to religious freedom. He believes that protecting gay citizens from tmreasonable haras_sment, firings and denial of housing, places an excessive burden ou other c~tizens who may have a personal or religious right to discmninate. In short, gay rights laws infringe on personal freedo~ns more than Amen&nent 2 infringes on the rights of gay citizens to equal treatment under the law. Br~asford’ s writing sUle is elementary, with many one mad two-word sentences. He often slants his arguments by using [the. author says about Colorado’s Amendment 2]: "It had yielded a polltleal vletory for fairness & justlee, not a moral Vletory for the reli4ous tight " His next sentence: "’Th~ " Colorado approach reeo$nlzed the fact thdt. llke h or not. Amerlea has retreated from its Judeo-Chrlstlan roots." He is apparently unable to see the eontradletlon. incomplete information and iaflannnatolx language. Situations are superficiallY, explained to appeal to basic fear~. Sympathetic readers will nod in agreement. Others will easily note contradictions throughout the book. An example of this is when Bransford claims that neither morals uor religious bias had an3 part of Alnendment 2’ s passage: "It had yielded a political victory for faimess mad justice, not a moral victory for the ,religious right." His next sentex~ce: "The Colorado approach recognized the fact that, like it or not, America has retreated from its Judeo-Christian roots." He is appareutly tmable to see the contradiction. Bransford’s astonislnuent at a Colorado judge blocking enforce~nent of 2 results in tiffs: "Like the assumption of ixmocence, why cau’ta good law be constitutional until proven otherwise?". His criteria for determining what is a "’good" law, other than majority rule, is not explained. The U.S. Supreme Court recently a~eed to decide tiffs case, and the result will have a widespread impact. This book is an important exmnple of the mindset and logic of the people who calnpaigned so vehemently to pass Amendment 2. Should tiffs subject arise locally, this book will provide a valtmble eyeopener for you to share with relatives, coworkers and politicians. Check the Central Library Readers Service departmeut at 596-7966 for tiffs title mad books on the other side of tiffs debate, such as "Created Equal: Why Gay Rights Matter to America" by Michael Nava, and "’A More Perfect Union: Why Straight America Must Stand Up for Gay Rights" by Richard Mohr. Other recent.titles of interest include: *"Uncharted Lives: Understanding the Life Passages of *"Science of Desire: The Search for the Gay Gene" by Dean Hanaer Gay Men" by Stmfley Siegel *"Soldier Of the Year" by Jose Zuniga *"Queer mad Loathing" by David Feinberg *"Dance Against Time"’by Diane Sohvav The Reverend Elder Nancy L. Wilson will be presenting a special message at . Fatnily of Faith Metropolitan Commmffty Church, 5451-E South Mingo, on Sunday, May 21st at 6:00 p.m. Rev. Wilson, who will be in Tulsa for the South Central District Conference hosted at the Mamott Southern Hills from May 18 - 21, is : currently the Vice MOderator of the Univers~ Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and he Senior Pastor of Metropolitan~-C0mm~nity Church of Los Ang¢l~s. ; - ~: - :~ . Nancy Wilson has been active in the Universal Fellowship siuce 1972. She was first elected to the Board of Elders of the Universal Fellowslfip of Metropolitan Community Churches in 1976, and has subsequently been re-elected to four consecutive terms. Rev. Wilson has recently completed work on gay and lesbian theology and her book, Outing the Bible, will be publishedby Harper/Collins in the sunlmerof this year. Elder Wilson has been the UFMCC representative in front of the National Council of Church~s at the General Assembly mad the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches. She remains in the forefront of human fights issues. Famil y of Faith welcomes the Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson as she comes to present a message to the gay and lesbian religious community of Tulsa Tulsa -Family Chorale, Tulsa’ s gay and lesbian chorus sponsored.by Lola’s, will be performing at the service. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please call 622-1441. WE UNDERSTAND. TWO WORDS TOO SIMPLE TWO SECONDS 2 That’s all the time it takes to say ’,We Understand" But how often do .you hear your real estate agent say them? Experience the power of TWO! The Nicholas Team. Jonathan & Dee Nicholas and their team of licensed associates will make buying and selling a home a positive experience. So, TAKE TWO and call us in the Morning! Club RSVP Puerto Vallarta, Mexico April 23-30 and November tl-l& ’95 From 595 lncludef: 7 night6 accommodation. All meal& Imported & domeftic beverage6. ~ Club RSVP celebrity entertainment.. Club RSVP activitie& *Per oer6on double occupancy price ba6ed on A19ril 23 Club RSVR Jonathan & Dee Nicholas " (918) 749-3000 "Selling the Dream, the Nicholas Team !" RE/MAX Metropolitan, REALTORS 6400 S. Lewis, Tulsa, OK 74136 ~it:ooalll to t:ooalll. Gratuitie6 are included. Call International Tours 9/8-34/-686~ �but nolle has come to have more meamng Raising a fanfily,hedging against inflation, or to provoke more action than that of saving tax dollars or building equit) vs home ownership. A sense of prid~ and payi,ng rent’can also be sufficient to security, of permanence and belonging, p_r~voke the decision - it’s time to enjoy as well as having invesunent, eqtuty, tax h’~ine ownership. Interestingly, ag~, shelter & retirement benefits - all position in life, or economic status have contribute to the desire and motivation to little or nothing to do with one’s ability to own one’s own home. own their own home. Usually it is those As a commtmity of Gay men & Lesbians, other value oriented factors aforewe find ourselves to be as diverse as the mentioned. general population in seeking to attain Perhaps your goal is to build that perfect balance in our dream home or lives. Often con~noveuptoalarger .... Choosing a Realtor can become fronting the perhome situated in a almost as sonal struggles of d i f f e r e n fitting in, transition perlTeet property....Who are they? neighborhood. or knowing where Are they working for me? Will- Maybe it’s a we belong, we they understand the needs, values matter of diverhesitate to estasifying yourinvesblish ourselves in or security issues of Gay people? tment potential traditional ways. Is and rental pro-. this because we don’t want to’? Not perty is your goal. necessarily! More.times than not it, is a Whatever it is, from first time homebuyer matter Of being equipped with sufficient to property baron, nothing happens until knowledge and information from which action is taken. Where does the process to base an intelligent decision or form a begin? In today’s econolmcenvironment, positive direction. In other words, when with your mortgage lender! Doesn’t it we or anyone can come to grips with make sense to start with where the money "how" we can achieve any goal, be it comes from in order to establish what home ownership, career advancement or can realistically buy and borrow? ]~his a satisfying personal relationship, the procegs is referred to as prequalification. ability to realize that goal increases 100%. Essentially it is a process of analyzing Home ownership is something each of income, d~bt, and your credit history to us can experience. Yet within the determine a maximum loan amount and American Gay culture, there exists a property value suited to your financial considerably lower percentage of home profile. ownership "compared to other social Tiffs consultation service is typically ~oups. Understanding why this occurs is providedat no cost and should deliver to as simple as understanding traditional you a wealth of information, options mad American values of how and when home choices (including a cost estimate mad ownership plays into the life eqtmtion. breakdown specific to projected purchase For many it is when they find themselves price) from which to base your decisions. involved in a committed relationship. Knowing what you can then achieve, it’s stressful as findln, tl~t Bud Wharton, Mortgages By Design, Inc. Author ofSellTrac 2000. asales training" program for loan officers and Realtors, Bud Wharton is a national speaker, sales trainer and mortgage banker. Bud addresses thousands of industry professionals each year, training in the area~, of business development, technical expertise and motivation. The American Dream has been expressed in mlmerous ways over time, time to visit with a Realtor. All too often tlfis process is mistakcnly rcvc~:scd Choosing a Realtor can bccoulc almost as stressflil as finding that perfcct propcrty.,. mad a flood of questions cross your ufind. Who are they? Are they worki’ng lk)r mc? Do they ki~ow how to truly negotiate on my behalf? \\’ill they laldcrstand thc uccds. values or security issncs of gay pcoplc? Are they a property specialist m thc arca or neigl~borhood I ,’an intcrcsted iu? Arc they more interested in making the salc or mb~d" ng a satisfied customer? If you cannot . put these.questions to rest in making one of the biggest economic decisions of vonr life, it’s time tostep.back: Going into a bad situation would be like-receiving an improper medical diagnosis from a lcss than competent practitioner - vou’rc uncomfortable! This is anotli’e~ good reasou to start with your mortgage lender, as they work with Realtors every &U and have a keeu perception, based on experience, who can best represent your needs. Over the COlmng tuonths in this cohunn. TheHomefront, ~ve will cxplorc various aspects of the home ownership process and experience. The next subject will be credit and yore" rating. More people think their credit is worse than it really is by mortgage lending standards, hi many cas~s it is easier to get a home mortgage than it is to get a VISA card! No credit does not equal bad credit, and bad credit Is morc appropriately defined byits severity. \Vc will discuss how for~vi]lg a lender can bc and those special alternate’loan programs designed to overcome credit challenges. (editors #tote: Bud Wharton ts vice president of Mortgages By Design. hw. Claremore, OK - serving all of Green Country.) PRID.E Renting and considering Buying? Moving up or Investing? Credit Problems? Mortgages By Design will custom fit the right home loan to YOUR needs! - -~ ~;i~i /t / -~ \ ~ No. Cost Credit Counseling 1st Time Home Buyer Lock & Shop 0% to 3% Down ~’No Pre-Qualifying Construction Best Interest Rates Refinancing We want to show you how you can experience the American Dream of owning your own home. Because we’re not trying to sell you anything (we provide a service) you can expect No Pressure, No Hassle and No Hidden Agendas. Our goal is to create solutions! If you need a Realtor who will work for YOU, we can help take the guess work out of the selection process and gladly refer you tosomeone most suited to your likes and needs. For Detail~ CalL" BUD WHARTON Vice President Branch Manager (918) 342~4252 Serving Tulsa and Surrounding Communities FINANCING THE ALL AMERICAN DREAM Mortgages By Design Gives Back To Our Community For e~ch Ioen d(~,ed, we w~l donate $100.00 to Tulsa OkJahomans For Human Rights or to ~e foundalJon of your choice. �Red Earth Bears Spring Activities Red Em-th Bem’s was ofliciallv bona on DecefliSai: 11.1994. Anal being less thm~ four monflls old still qualifies us for cub slams (besides, if you feel like a cub. you m’e a cub). But we" re a very big cub& we" re getting large’r by dm month. We have close to 5b paid members and over a lnmdred on our mailing list uow. The steeriug committee decided daere" s uo mason to have only one REB event each moud]. April & May will bear muldple opportmfi tie~ for bears, cubs and their adufirers to get together. And remember, you don" t have to be a member of Red Earth Bem’s (REB) to participate in may of our outiugs. Responsible RoommateWanted ’for a Taste of Local Flavor" Jim & Brent Invite You to Chelsea’s_ On Saturday, ~i\pril 22. the Show Me Bears (SMB) re’five in OKC. The next day REB will host ,’m al’temoon B 5~() B cookout for the St Louis Club. This. potluck cookout is set for lfigh uoon to 3pm. This event is ,also the deadliue for folks to turn in their ideas for the REB logo. Ou Sat.. April 29. REB plans to lffke in the Wichita Mouutains in SW OK. The trail head is about 1,Q hours from OKC so we" 11 leave at 7:30am in order to savor some quality mountaiu moruiug time. We’ll hike d~rot|gh forests, grasslmlds mad a beautiflfl water-filled canyon Afterwards, we’ll eat al the fmnous Meets restaur,’mt. We’ll arrive back in OKC around eight or mue o" clock. The next day. Sun. April 30, REB will go bowling. Tiffs is fine make-up event originally plmmed in Marcia. We’ 11 meet at Brmlswick Heritage Bowl just south of N’W 122nd mid Pem~ in OKC at lpln. The finals of a gay bowling toummneut coiucides with our bowliug so the 1,’rues OU Sat. May 6, First Splash in Austiu always attracts a healflay bear contingent. A low-priced package tliat includes tent accolnmodations mid food is available. Call Jerolne Scheer at the REB phone number - 405732-9808. On Suu. afternoon, May 21, a Bear Bust is plmmed for ]Levis in OKC. During the Memorial Day weekend. REB heads to the very woofy gay rodeo in OKC wifla a pool party on Monday.. Fiually, a cmnping trip ts plammd for Lake Tlmnderbird ou Jmm 10th, mid the Gay Pride.festivities will end the month. Other summer activities include a weekeud trip to Tulsa (Tulsa REB folks: tell us what to do tlfis weekend) mad a Bear Hug at the Habmaa hm in Aug. or Sept. The REB Newsletter is published with your help of ma manual lnembership fee of ten dollars. REB’s address is Red Earth Bears, PO Box 57561, OKC, OK 73157-7561. You cma call us at 405-732-9808 or email us at almaokc@aol.com or Serving Lunch & Dinner. Noon to 10pro Eclectic Menu * Moderate Prices FOR SALE: Beautifully remodeled lake home. Adult Acco/nnlodalions Frank Green, Jr. Host Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 Approximatel.v 4 miles north of Wagoner, near entrm~ce to recreation park. Ideal for weekenders or year ’round tranquil living. Features include large rec room, living-bedroom combo with fireplace, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen plus dining room. Patio. Large 10t; chain-link fence. Mature trees Priced at only $26,500 for quick sale. Come see for 3,ourself’. Phone 462-7265 ~end $.~.95 eheek or money order 6528 D-I E ]Ol~,l Tul~,~, OK 741~I,3-675-1 Must enelo~.~ )’our signatur~ and statement staling: that ~u ~ 21. _,._~...~__~__j_._.~_~._~_~_. .__.~_._. .___~___,,_.~ ¯art ~’ontest ~ Pool Shootout Manual Drive Train & Axles Engine Performance Electrical Systems Suspension & Steering Motor Home Rental & Repair Heating & Air Conditioning Fleet Service Available Free or low-cost towing �Tulsa INEXPERIENCED: Mitch, brngrey/brn 35, very smooth, inexperienced, eager to meet similar, smoker, thats about it- ~22668 Mcallister CAMPING AND FISHING: GWM, iso a rel, 50, 190, blu/blnd, Ikg for someone 30-50, love photography, camping, fishing, gardening, qua time with my lover, only those sincere need apply- ~36350 Oklahoma City FRIENDS OR MORE: GWM 26 5’0 brn/hzl, vers likes bowling movies tired of bar scene iso GWM for friendship maybe more- ~36590 Stillwater BI WM: Virgin WM iso other bi wm to have fun with, give me a call Bill- ~36630 Oklahoma City BOB, 47, let’s see what we can get into- let’s talk - ~36845 Oklahoma City MANY INTERESTS: Marvin, WM 6’2, 225, many interests, get in touch asap, like to talk to you! ~30131 Oklahoma City DON 47, want a hot guy, give me a ca11~36792 Oklahoma City PAT, 22, Ikg for someone be~een 18-25, 150, blnd/blu grn 5’8, Ikg for honest person, Iv a message- ~30162 Tulsa MITCH: 35 5’10, 165, brn/brn, Smoker, ve.ry smooth and very inexp and Ikg to meet with someone for friendship poss rel, give me a call- ~22668 Tulsa WEIGHTLIFTER: Mike, I am 5’11,185, blnd/blu, cln shaven cln cut musc build, 23-35 ht/wt athl build into athletics, wtlifting,~30269 Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) Ft. Smith NEWLY SINGLE: Joe, just ended a 6 yr rel, looking to , meet new friends, 37, brn/b]u, 6, 175, if ur interested, give me a call- work nights, home days~36985 "3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (.) Muskogee JB, if u would like Iv a message I’m professiona 6’1 ] 90, IJ~g for someone to have some good times with, ~37018 Muskegee HOPELESS ROMANTIC: DWayne 32 5’9 195 brn/hzl, hopeless romantic iso same for fun and friendship~30485 THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2) To record your FREE Due to our large volume of calls, if you can’t get thru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. -~Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 W, Memphis LOOKING FOR A FRIEND: Donny, int are spending time with my companion, dinner; shopping,looking for a friend, I’m 2,0, iso 18-40, long short bm hair, 5 6, attr, Ikg to ha~,e a good time and spend time together- ~36404 Tulsa PROFESSIONAL SEEKS SAME: GWM Ron, 6’, blnd/gn, 185 44c 30w, prfl iso GWM nofi smoker, 25-40 Iv a messager ~36407 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what ~0u want to say. Keep it short and simple. Just describ.e yourself .and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system wilt walk you through the rest. Have a 0en ready to write down your box number. AR SHARE MY LIFE: Kenny, looking for a man to share my life with,talk to and get to know, give me a call- ~37263 Tulsa DISCREET FRIENDS: Randy, attr 35 married bi wm, iso daytime fun, 25-40, discreet friends- e28807 AR HAIRY HAWG RIDERS: Eric, recently divorced 6’2 200, brn/blu, like hairy men and cowboys, like to ride hawgs to like to getogether with you too- ~29005 : Tulsa ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT: Bob, GBM 33, 5’7, 155, iso sim WM to date and~ much more I’m bright, honest handsome like life and learning, like most entertainment, give me a call- ~29444 Tulsa CALL ME: Mitch, 5’10, 170 brn/grey brn e~,es young looking, smooth, inexp, smoker like to party someone with the same int, if ur interested give me a call- ~29894 Jacksonville DANNY 20, soon to be 21 iso same area, willing to travel, varied interests give me a call ~31236 Stillwater VERY AI"rRACTIVE 19 clean athletic masc iso WM 18-25 Iv a message- ~30287 FEVER? OK LOOKING FOR A FRIEND: Mitch, 35, brn/brngrey, 5’10 165i smoker, like to party, iso someone as inexp as me,, age not really impt- ~22668 Westville BI OR GAY MEN: Ken, bi, 6’, 165, brn/hzl, med build, attr outgoin.q easyfloing, smoker, drink-lightly, lobbing for other bi or gay men, give me a call- ~30841 Tulsa FUN IN TULSA: BM, iso some fun here in the area gve me a call- ~31534 Oklah,o~a City MARVIN 28 WM 6 3 brn/blu, vers, need to meet someone into role playing if ur into it give me a call- ~30131 Rogers SLIM AND SMOOTH: David, 5’10 160 dk/dk smooth, 29w~ looking to meet other guys for good time~, give me a call~31876 Choto CLASSICAL LITERATURE: Mark, 6’~, 200, brn/.hzl, tremaire like to find kindred out there,also like tv, romantic having fun, like classical literature, Poe, Lovecraft, Shakespeare, open to new things, if this sounds int give me a call- ~28131 Tulsa DIS.C, REET BI GUY: bi attr WM 5 3 130, 30s iso attr dn cut guy ,disc~reet call me~23017 Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR A FRIEND: Dennis WM 33 brn/brn 195, 6’, "ust moved here ma~nty looking fo~: fnends- ~23201 Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR A COWBOY: 25, 5’7 125, brn/blu, Ikg for a cowboy 25-35 who has his act together- ~23357 Tulsa CUDDLE UP: GWM 20 6’2 brn/hzl, iso romantic 18-25 loves attention ~to cuddle and kiss~23701 NW AR SKIP 34, 6’1, bm/blu 170, iso indiv in.the Springfield/Lithe Rock area bi, but inexp~ iso someone either gay or bi, looks not impt, good pers, and willin~ to experiment, l~e to get together III get back to youe23205 T,ulsa TALK TO ME: Tony, 27, 6, stocky 230, married WM bi, iso othe~ married-or bi men who are stocky like me, iso someone discreet andalot of fun great attitude, to talk with- ~24320 1-800-326-MEET 1-900-976-LESB �Gay Pride Picnic June 18 Mohawk Park Thurs- Sun 9-2 v~ 3340 $. Peoria Tulsa v 918-744-0896 FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Easter Weekend SALOON Special Food for Sunday Now Open at Noon on Sat. & Sun. Cash Drawing M-F, 6-8pm YOU’LL NEVER KNOW.": WHAT TO-! EXPECT!!! FItR~. Pool Night.... $4.00 Beer Bust FRRR Two-Step Lessons 8pro.- 10pm M~T.~, DANClgl~S $4.00 Beer Bust Dance Music ,All Night Country and Dance Mix $4.00 Beer Bust The Best Night Out in Tulsa :: INC FREE I-dne-Dance Lessons 8pm - 10pm $4.00 Beer Bust 1229 S. MEMORIAL DR. o..TULSA - 918-835-5083 ~: Tulsa’s Huge Patio Bar (918) 834-4234 / 1565 S. Sheridan - TuLsa, OK Wed - Sun 7 pm - 2 am / Mon - Tues Closed � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart TFNwriter Cooper & Col. Cammermeyer,photo: Cooper April 15 - May 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 5 Col. Cammermeyer at TU by Laurie Cooper Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, an decorated member of the US Armed Forces spoke in March at the University of Tulsa to an audience of over 300 about her experiences of being forced out of the US Reserve because of being Lesbian. Her experience was dramatized in a recent television fihn which diva Barbara Streisand produced. TFN asked Laurie Cooper, a Lesbian and also amember of the US Reserves, to interview Greta Cammermever. Q: In your lecture you talked about the strategy of "dehumanizing the enemy’" - making it easier to hate them. With the visibili~,, ofyourfilm "Serving In Silence" and "rehumamzing the enemy" andshowing people that gays are human, does itfrustiateyou thatprogress seems to be made so slowly? see Cammermeyer, page 3 Montana: Police Were to Register Convicted Gays HELENA, Mont.-The Montana state Senate gave m to a popular outcry and stripped a provision from a sex-offendermeasure tlmt would have forced anyone convicted of homosextml acts to register with police officials for the remainder of their lives. A voice vote to remove the provision without further debate followed au outpouring from constituents fnrious about the proposed legislation. The measure would have placed consenting gay and lesbian adults in the same category as murderers and rapists. The bill had initially been approved by the Senate on only the day before by a storming vote of 41 to 8, even though both supporters and opponents of the measure agreed that it probably would have hadno actual impact. Although same-sex sex - even mnong consenting adults - is a felony m~der Montana law, there are no indications anyone has ever been convicted in the state under thc statutes. The proposed measure created a fitror~ter state Senator A! Bishop- said homosext~d acts are"even worse than a violent Sexual act.’" see Montana. page 3 Lesbian/Gay Community Center Campaign Begins Tim Gillean, president ofTulsaOklahomans forHuman Rights (TOHR), announced the beginning ofa fundraising campaign for a community center for Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual communities. Aftermonths of work with donors, bankers and community activists and organizations, Gillean noted that an appropriate building has been located and that negotiations art Uiide~ way with possible tenants and major donors. "We have secured a promise of a matching funds ~ant- that would match accumulated donations made by members of our see Center, page 7 Youth at Risk: Understanding & Supporting Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Youths; Planned Parenthood Hosts Workshop on April 28 Planned Parenthood of Eastern Oklahoma & Western Arkansas, Inc. will present a one-day workshop on April 28, on understanding and supporting Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Youth. Joel W. Wells, Ph.D. professor of Family and Consumer Sciences at the Univer_sity of Northern Iowa, a noted author about homosexuality and see Youth, page 7 Radio Host Ann Williams: Talkshows & Censorphip Ann Williams fascinated members of Tulsa s Gay & Lesbian business organizauon, Rainbow Business Gt~ild, with her plans for "liberal," and possibly even Lesbian/ Gay talk radio in her new job as program director for Taylor Satellite Talk (TST). This new service of Tulsabased Taylor Communications is a direct-to-home satellite network scheduled to begin in June. Williams, who was joined by her spouse, photographer Jim O. Williams, also spoke about what she felt were the see Williams, page 7 Evangelist Robertson Slams Anti-Gay Violence VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Pat Robertson, who has rarely had anytlfing positive to say about gays and lesbians, took a brief, haJting Step during the broadcast of his "700 Club" television program to deuounce violence against homosexuals. "We abhor violence against homosexnals," Robertson said. "We would counsel strongly, in relation to homosexuality, that yon can hold vonr religious beliefs withont beating people up and being violent." Mel White, a Metropolitan Community Church miuister who had fasted 23 days in jail after being arrested for trying to have a lueetmg with Robertson, called Robertsou" s statement small but very real victory.’" When Robertson fiually agreed to drop trespassing charges against Wlfite and meet the MCC pastor iu his jail cell, one of the things Wlfite asked was that Robertson, for ~vhom he was once a ghost writer, shonld publicly denounce antigay violence. "I con~atulate Pat on saying the words we’ve ~vaited so long to hear," \\qfite said ,alter the broadcast. Gingrich: Gays Should Have No Rights in Court WASHIN’GTON-After a public meeting about Lesbian & Gay issues with his sister, Candac’e Gingrich, who is Lesbian, House Speaker Newt Gingrich rm~kled gay rights activists by saying the next day that workers who are fired because they are homosexual should not’have a right to file discrimination lawsnits in federal courts. When he appeared with Iris sister immediately after their meeting to answer reporters" questions, the House Speakerhad nrged tolerauce for homosexnals in America. But at a press conference ,alter being lobbied by his sister, Gingrich suggested the courts should apply their own "kind of "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy to such bias snits based on sexual orientation, and that gaypositive counseling programs in public school were used to "recrnit" homosexuals. Saying that although employers should not ask, Gingrich said employees should-not have any legal recourse in the courts if they were fired because of their sextml orientation. "I don’ t think that" s grounds for federal legal involvemem," Gingrich said. see Gingrich, page 3 Tim Gillean, DavidLhevine& Kelly Kirby,photo: Cooper Cty. Demo. Party Adds Gays at Biennial Comm. Meeting by Laurie Cooper On April 1st at Hale High School, the Tulsa County Democrats held their biennial Central Committee Meetinff. The theme of the meeting was "Children, Compassmn and Caring"; this theme provided a stark contrast to the potentially brutal and destructive agenda of the Republican "Contract with America". Included in the order of business during the four hour meeting was: * election of county party officers for a two year term; * election of state central committee members, and * passage of resolutions to be forwarded to the state and congressional district meetings. Elected to two year terms as Count)" officers were Dr. David Lhevine, Chair; Laurie Phillips, Co-Chair; aud Eric Bolusky, Secretary. Dr. Lhevine’s nomination as Chair was offered by Gary Underwood. In January and February, Mr. Underwood had shared with TiDHR members the usefulness of becoming involved with the political process As a continuauon of this outreach effort, Dr. Lhevine attended the March monthly meeting ofTOHR and shared his vision of the future of the Tulsa County Democratic part3", continued on page 3 Anti-Gay Violence Documented MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Ho~nosexnals bore the brunt of bias-lnotivated violence m the U.S. last year, according to the atmual study Klanwatch Project of the Sonthem Poverty Law Center. In its annnal report to lmv e~fforcement agencies, the Klanwatch Project also warned that the white supremacist ~oup Aryan Nation is expanding ral~idly after years of decline Klanwatch saidit determined that and-gay bias lay behind 25% of the hate-based assaults and nearly two-thirds of the homidides it tracked. The group determines motivation by exanfining a numbei of factor’s including statements made by the assailant, the de~ee of force used, crime location, robber)," and statemeuts made by friendg and community leader~. Utah’s Anti-Marriage Bill SALTLAKECITY - Gov. Mike Leavitt has signed a bill passed recently by the Utah LeNslature that bars recognizing same-sex marriages, even if legally performed elsewhere. Activists in the. state have begun orgamzlng to fight the bill see Utah. page 11 Judge Says Pentagon Policy Unconstitutional NEW YORK - The Clinton administration" s colnpromise "’don’t ask, don’t tell’" military policy on gays and lesbians ih the armed forces has been declared unconstitutional by a federal district court judge ~:ho ruled the policy violates the free speech and due process rights of homosexuals in the conntrv’s military services. Federal Judge Eugene Nickerson of U.S. see Military, page 7 U.N. Asks About Civil Rights for U.S, Gays NEW YORK - The United Nations Human Rights Committee heard for the first time representatives of the U.S. Justice Department outline the mixed civil rights status of homosexuals in the United States. Deval Patrick, Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division of the Justice see UN, page 3 918-832-0233 ~ub~is !ditor POB 4140 Tom Neal Assistant Editor Tulsa, Oklahoma Jmnes Christjohn 74159-0140 Writers/contributors Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin Staff Photographer Tu]saNews@aol.com JD Jamett Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the,’entire contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by Tulsa Famil v News mid may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written pemfission from the publisher. Publication of a uame or photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientauo~: Correspondeuce is assumed to be for publicatiou unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to tile address above. Each reader is entitled to one free copy of each editiou at distribution locations. Addi tional copies are available at Tomfooleo.’ ! Steve Largent.- Full of It? Dear Editor: The headline "US Rep. I_argent Open to Jobs Protection Bill" on the front page of the last Tulsa Family News canght my eye, for it implies that Rep. Largent lnay indeed have a social conscience. And the last sentence of the article accomp,’mying the headline states "that some observers i~fferred that Largent ~night consider supporting a nondiscrimination bill that protects Lesbians m~d Gay men," once he researches it. I doubt it. I have a letter from Rep. Largent dated March 6, two days after meeting with Lesbiaus and Gays in Tulsa, in which he makes the following statements: 1. "\Vhile I am strongly supportive of each individual’s Constitutional civil rights, I do not believe that some segments of our society should have greater rights thaa~ others based on their sex, age, race, level of abilities, or behavior.’" 2. "’. . I do not believe ’sexual orientation" qualifies as a criteria for special civil rights laws. No one" s behavior should qualify them for special protection by thglcourts.’" 3. "I am sa~fied that current civil rights legislation prrYides a sufficient level of constitutional protection to serve each and every member of our society regardless of their sex, age, race, religion or level of ability." Frown these statements, cleaf-ly Mr. Largent will see the Eanploy~nent Non-Discrimi-nation Act not as providing fairness,but asproviding greater rights. I do not take comfort in Mr. Largent" s seeming concern that it is wrong to fire a Gax man for no cause other than his sexual orientatirn, because I tl~ak his concern is as shoddy as is Iris reasoning. Sii~.cerely, Les Ennnett Dear Mr. E~mnett: Thank you for contacting me with your views. I always al~preciate hearing from people I work for and represent. When I took the oath of office, I pledged to "defend and uphold the Constitution." I firmly intend to do so. While I ,’un strongly supportive each individual’s Constitutional civil rights, 1 do not believe that some segments of our society should have greater rights thau others based on their sex, age, race level of abilities, or behavior. H.R. 382 attempts to make"sexnal preference" a new protected minority-classification under the nation" s civil fights laws. There are m,’mv reasons to oppose such laws. First, I do not believ~ "’sexual orientation" qualifies as a critefia for special civil rights protection. No one" s behavior should quali~’ them for special protection by the courts. Allowing such would violate the constitutional principle of .equal protection under the law--opening a pandora" s box for any type of behavior to qualify for civil rights protection. Second, large segments of the country hold deep moral and religious beliefs regarding the appropriateness of leNtimizing offensive behavior. By protecting certmn types of behavior through legislation, the federal governmen! lnav be mandating associations mad practices that create violations of conscience for many citizens. I mn satisfied thai’current civil }ights leNslation provides a sufficient level of constitutional protection to serve each and every member of our society regardless of their sex, age’, race, religion or level of ability. Thmak you again for 3our colmnents. I would appreciat~ 3our prayers and further suggestions regardiug this or other issues on your lnind. Sincerely, Steve Imrgent Thanks Again, Tulsa! I’m writing to thank yon once again for your support&generosity. "Ful~a has been on the fore[¥ont for some time in supporting its titleholders & charities statewide. On March 17th, you turned out at the Silver Star & gave $435.00 formy travel fund to compete in Chicago at International Mr. Leather Memorial Day weekend. Special Thanks to Amie Holder, Link, Pat Wilson (Sluticia), Steve Tucker, Green, Country Cloggers, & T.U.L.S.A. for putung on the event. Also, a very special thamks to the owners of the Silver Star mad my sponsors, Steve & John, for allowing the fundraiser to go on at their club. In addition to this fnndraiser, theTool Box techificiaa~s have held 2 fun&’aisers at the Tool Box in the past 6 mouths, including a garage.sale on April 1 st that brought in over S265.00. Thank you Roy \Vilcoxin & Tool Box Teclmicians for your continued support as well I will continue to serve you with honor & pride. If there is anything you n~ed me to do to support other causes or chariues, just ask. Yours tufty, Larry Everett Mr OK Leather 1995 Miscellany According to the Newsletter of the Tulsa Chapter of PFLAG, Youth Services of Tulsa is holding a volunteer gaining for its educational/social/support gronp for Lesbian. Gay, Bisexual or questiomng youth 15-20 on Saturday, April 22, from 9am to 4pro in the colfference room of Youth Services of Tulsa~ 302 So. Chevemae. For info: call Lisa at 582-6061. Gay & Lesbian young adults may be interested in the 2rid ammal Anytown, Oklahoma, a hmnan relations camp that looks at prejudice reduction. This Anytown will be held July 23-29 at Cmnp Waluhili on Lake Fort Gibson. The cost of the progrmn is $190 but some scholarships are available. Applications must be received by May 15. For info. call 583-1361. Tulsa Area Prime Timers will meet Sun. Mav 7 at 4pro at the Resource Ctr. 4t54 S. Harvard. After the meeting, this ~oup for Gay & Bisexual men over 40 will Share a pot luck dimmer. On April 23 the group will go the the Azalea Festival in ~Muskogee Also "a gardening group is forming. For more iofo, call 747-8121 or write POB 52118, Tulsa 74152-0118. In closing, the Log Cabin Corral, a Gav Republican newsletter reprints the following with credit to Mad magazine: The Contract with America (truthful post-election version) WE promise to revive the policies ofReaganomics (despite the fact they tripled the national debt) hoping that maybe they’ll work this time around! WEpromiseto throw everyone in America to the mercy of the Free Market System...E~XCEPT for our friends the Defense Contractors. Tobacco Growers and S&L Operators ! WEpromise to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club. 1229 S. Memorial *Ban’accnda’s Wild NightsiDom~a’s Crazy Days 2405 E. Adnfiral *Concessions. 3340 S. Peoria *Lola’s. 2630 E. 15th *Mela’opole, 1902 E. 11 *Silver Star Saloou, 1565 Shefidan *Renegades, 1649 S Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memofial *Time n’Tiuae Again. 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Whittier Cal’e, 416 S. Lewis Businesses/Services *B,’ua~es & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 7l Blne Moon Bakery Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria Budget \Vindo~v Treatlnents. 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 Certified *loNe Auto Repair 438-3393, pager: Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan *Java Dave’s, Lincoln Plaza International Tours Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 Lonp-Garou, 2747 E. 15 Major Affairs *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI Mortgages by’ Desigu Phoenix Mortgage Corp. Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo Royal Travel, 6927 S Canton *Ross E&vard Salon, 1438 S. Boston *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan \Vestcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza Organizations B L;G Alliance, University of Tulsa 835-5(/83 582-4340 744-0896 749-1563 587-8811 834-4234 585~3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-2400 250-5034 492-4918 743 -5272 254-2100 591-0597 592-1521 838~8503 592-3317 341-6866 599-8070 742-1992 587-8108 584-3112 664-2951 342-4252 592-7700 587-8333 838-7626 496-2410 584-0337 749-6301 747-3322 832-0233 583-1500 583-9780 Interfaith AIDS Ministries *HI\; Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H- 1 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 Rainbow Business Guild Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 Save the Nation, Indian Health Care Shanti Hotline Tulsa O"ldalmmans lbr Hmnan Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR (Jay HelpLine (hffo.) 743-429"7 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform,Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 438-2437, 800-284-2437 749-4194 748-3111 749-4901 74128 254-2100 599-8423 584-4983 749-7898 Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental ttealth, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Batch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 Chem" St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Fideli’ty Home Health (are, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E Skelly 745-1111 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Leanne M Gross, Fina~]cial Plmufing 744-0102 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Mohawk Living Center, 3910 Park Rd: 425-1354 Jonathan & Dee Nicholas. Realtors 749-3000, 800-539-7767 Richard Reeder, MS; Psychotherapy 581-0902, 743-4117 Religious & Educational Organizations Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr 2627B E. 11 628-0594 *Community of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 838-7232 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1"441 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman ~tudent Center. U~fiversitv of Tulsa *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule-. Grouud Floor *Universitx Center at Tulsa *indicates a distribution poiut Constitution...so xve can avoid dealing with the defict for years while it’s out being approved by the 37 states necessary to ratify it~ WEpromise to talk up a storm about the need for health care reform while simultaneously accepting millions of dollars from insurance lobbyists to keep fl~c whole rotten system the way It IS .... WE promise above all to accuse anyone who disagrees with us of being unAmerica, to blast the "!iberal" media for reporting auything negative about us... [and it goes on - TFN] Cammermeyer cont’dfrom p. 1 A: I think what has been exciting to me is to remember where we started mad where I started five years ago. Myattordeys saying, "Grete, there isn’ t asnowball’ s chance that anywhere the courts are going to rule in our favor or that anything is going to happen and all we can hope for is that enougl~ cases going through the courts that the government will be forced to sort oflook at this Issue again." Whathappened instead was that it seemed to be the right time and the right place an our point in society... I spent about six weeks lobbying and saw changes take place in Congress over those six months [ofthe moratorium]. Tiffs issue of human sexuality had never been talked about by old petple like us. The-youth of today were talking about human sexuality alfthe time... So, what we have is an old population of people who are setting the staudards andthe laws who are out of touch with the reality and morals of today’ s generation. Weare being offered a forum because the kids of today are saying "What’ s the problem?" I don’ t expect that anything is going to change overnight but there are some things that have - the world recognizes that there are gays and lesbians in the military. Like it or not they are there. Q: When all ofthese issues came about, did you have a way of putting yourself through what I call a "Lesbian 101" in order to educate yourself about the community? A: Some of that I am not going to respond to. Some ofit I will. We will leave the "’I01" out and talk about it in the context when I first separated from the military and the reception when I was asked t’o speak at the gay rights, rally. It ~v.as over~vhelming to have 20,000 people g~ve me a standing ovation for the first tmie and this was days after my actual scparatiou... I’m still learning and I read, and I have gotten books from the 50’ s of what fern and butch and all of these things what they meant and what the culture was at the time and women’ s friendships and how those have changed over time. So, it is like trying to mnnerse myself in culture that, first, I never kaaew existed and, then secondly, that I am a part of and realize that there is a diversity in this culture as well as the diversity as in any other and it doesn’ t mean that you have to buy into all of it. Q: In recognition that this is Oklahoma, the "’Buckle ofthe Bible Belt", is there a specific role that religion or spirituali& playsfor you? A: l)iane and I are active in the Church of Religions Science at tiffs time. I think that it is through that spiritual basis that onr lives have been totally changed. I used to feel that my world was measured byexternal validation and that it was somehow a giving up of myself to the coutrol of others. Wheu I had to shed my rod form, part of what happeued was that ao longer did I need that external validation of who 1 was, and what becmne more salient was that tuner meaning, that sense of inner peace and feeling that there is nothing that I cannot do if I mn supposed to be doing it. I don’ t think that yon will ever find me regretting even the toughest decisions having to do with [such things as] any divorce, that those were the best decisions of the time and that there had to be.a reason why I had to go through this pare. Q: There are some very powerful comments and thoughts yot; shared [in the book] about Vietnam. With those feelings about Vietnam, have you in your own mind resolved them? A: You know, I was thinking just the other day of how much I have resolved them. I have come to the point of having extraordinary respect for the resistors, which speaks to how far I have come from feeling that they were traitors and skipping out of their responsibility to the American way - and coming to understand, because ofmy own experience of late of having to challenge the military that I love and the country that I love. And seeing that the people who felt so strongly about the horrors ofVietnam, theymade the decision to leave the country rather than fight an immoral war, immoral in theireyes. Being where I am now, having to leave the military and fight it because I believe that it is unconstitutional - the law as it exists now- that with every breath I will continue to fight for overturning that particular ban....it has given me a new respect for the difficulties they [the resistors] had in making those decisions to leave- and I must say that I could never have imagined myself saying that three or four years ago. It’ s actually the first time I have ever said it to anybody. Q: Last night somebody had asked you ifyou had thought aboutapolitical career. Since integrity isso important to you, how in the world can you be a politician? A: I don’ t know rather or not there is a match. I do believe inthe"Peter Principle" and so there is a certain concern that I have abouta mismatchbetweenwhateverfuture careerImay have and the type ofleadership style that I have and how I like to work a system for the good of an individual... that’ s why I’mnot really quite sure ofhow I will move, whether it will be to first See about a political appointment and see whether or not I could tolerate it or whether it would be so binding and against my belief system, because I do have very strong feelings about iL Q: You commented last night that you lost your military career but you gained your freedom, as you coined it, "In Your Face Freedom." Ifyou.had a message to us what would your message be? A: We do end up sort of compartmentalizing people by the roles that they are allowed to have in society and that those roles are created by the dominant society mad that part of learning about other people and about other ways of being, other non-traditional families, is to opeu ourselves up to that. And What I have decided that we ought to focus on is that on October 1 lth, National Coming Out Day, that something new is that the gay community is to invite a heterosexual couple home for dinner. With that we open up that dialogue of"Our home is just like yours" and be~n to break down the wall of separation. And what we have glory in, I think, is that the ufix of friends that we have is from the breadth of all combinations - that we are not bound in a heterosexOal world, we are not boundin a ....homosexual world, butrather that wehave both. It’ s more a matter of "We’ re all here" - and it’s an acknowledgement of the egalitarian position that we all share. Gingrich cont’dfrom p. 1 don’t think you have a right of filing a federal lawsnit or of getting the federal government to protect you based on your sexual behavior." He went on to say, "You have had, clearly, examples of what is, in effect, recruitment ~n so-called counseling programs. So I’m Very cautious about the idea that you want to have active h0mo~xuals in junior high school and high school explaining to young people that they have all these various wonderful options." Ehzabeth Birch, of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, said, "His remarks are disingenuous after he appeared...with his sister.~.and told the truth about American famihes.. Montana cont’dfrom p. 1 Hundreds of people flooded the Capitol and the governor’ s office with phone calls, faxes and letters denouncing the bill. Despite its dramatic about-face, the state Senate nevertheless rejected an opportunity at the same time to suspend the floor rules and debate repealing the state’ s deviate sexual conduct statute, one of the country’ s most draconian anti-gay laws, carrying a possible lO-year prison sentence and fines of up to $50,000. UN cont’dfrom p. 1 Department, admitted to the committee that bias because of race, ethnic origin, gender and orientation continue to be problems in the U.S. Patrick told the committee, which is gathering information from U.S. officials on the United States’ ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, that the problems ~’vereff t simply the results of historical bias in the country but "current, real life, pernicious discrimination of the here and now." Patrick assured the committee that the Clinton administration remains committed to the goal of expanding opporttufities for all American citizens in education, employment and the economy, and that there would be ~’no retreat from that commimaent." Robin Kane, of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, praised Patrick as a "’very articulate spokesperson...who undei:stands the limitations that are placed on the Justice Departu~ent because of lack ofcivil rights laws [for Lesbians &G~ys]" "A TRIUMPH! ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST PROVOCATIVE FILMS OF THE NEW YEAR]" -Peter Travers. ROLLING.STONE ONE MAN IS ABOUT I0 CHALLENGE 2000 YEARS OF TRADITION, ES Movies 8, Opens April 19th 68th & Memorial, 250-4513 Utah cont’dfrom p. 1 legally, and many rights advocates have begun what’s being called "Olympics Out of Utah," an effort to convince Olympic Game officials not to select the state, widely considered a leading contender, as the site of the 2002 winter games. Democrats cont’dfrom p. 1 Kelly Kirby, Tim Gillean, Ken Draper,Rob Hill, Laurie Cooper and Bruce Lewis were among the precinct officers who attended the Committee meeting. Kelly Kirby and Rob Hill were also nominatedand electedbyprecinctofficials to serve on thestate Cer~tral Comm~:~iee. The State Central Committee develops the statewide political platform’l~r the Democratic Party. As one of the last items of the meeting’ s agenda, fourteen party platform resolutions were adopted. The text of Resolution #7 is provided in its entirety: "Be it resolved that the Tulsa County Democrat party supports fairness and justice for all individuals or groups regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, race or disability. We support equal rights in public accomodations, employment, and housing for all Americans.’" The Democratic Party is seeking the involvement of people who believe that equal rights extend to all individuals. Volunteer opportunities with the Tulsa Cry. Democratic Party and with the Young Democrats can be investigated by calling the Democratic headquarters at 742-2457. TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS! A stinging comedy of sex and politics!" -Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE "1RRESISTIBLE!" -Kevin Thomas,.LOS ANGELES TIMES "DELIGHTFUL! A warm, sentimental film from one of Cuba’s major directors!" -Caryn.James, THE NEW YORK TIMES SAVOR THE FLAVOR Movies 8 Opens 4/28 News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Louisville Leaders Held for Civil Disobedience I,OUISVILLE, Ky. - Police arrested 25 activists on trespassing charges in the I Jouisville Board of Aldermen chiuubers alter they refused to leave when the aldermen voted 7 to 4 against a proposed antidiscrimination measure that would have added sexual orientation to the city’s anti-bias ordinance As soon as it was clear that the aldermen had rclected the racism’e, I protester ~l~ray~d a can of air freshener in the ,air and yelled, "The stenchin this morn is foul!" Some 50 people then stood in silent protest holding signs reading, "’Waiting for Justice" until police warned them they would be arrested. Aboul 25 of the demonstrators refused to leave and were then arrested. Carla Wallace of the Fairness Campaign, wlfich has pushed for the measure for the past 4 years, said of the protest, "’There comes a time in the life of every civil rights movement.., to stand before the body politic and demand accountability for crimes committed ~]nder protection of law. Our refusal to passively accept this assault to our freedom is an affirmation of our commitment to the high and noble task before us."In addition to Wallace, others arrested at the protest included;: Everett Hoffman, executive, director of the ACLU of Kentucky;. Dr. George Edwards of the Southern Presbyterian Seminary; Dr. Hal Warheim, a theology professor also with the senfinary; Jane lIope :rod Reba Coffman, board members of P-FLAG in Louisville, and attorney Eric Grmfinger. Gays Raise $2.5 Mil. for San Francisco Library SAN FRANCISCO - San Franosco’s new public library is currently being constructed at city expense. But because of bu~tget constraints, the city added no new funds to the librarY’s budget for new acquisitions, meaning the new library would have to be filled with little more than the material the old library already had on its shelves. But an enterprising citizens’ advisory conunittee set up a special fundraising effort directed at -affinity groups" to help finance new materials and resources at the new facility - including a .proposed new gay and lesbian resources center. In a burst of gay civic pride, gays and lesbians in the city Contributed some $2,596,822 toward the new "’gay wing" at the library - the largest amount raised among any of the groups supporting various specialized facilities in the new library. The figure represents about a third of the total $7,938,504 raised for new facilities at the library. Lesbian Mayor of S.F.? SAN FRANCISCO ~ Itlooks as if the woman Sen. Jesse Hehns likes to refer to as "’that damn lesbian" is on the verge of deciding whether or not to ~ake what would be the first senous bid by an openly gay politician for the city’s mayoral seat. Roberta ,~kchtenberg told reporters from her office in Waslfington, D.C., in early April that she may leave the increasingly hostile political environment of the nation’s capital, where she is ea~ assistant secretary for civil rights in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to possibly enter the mayoral race this November. "’I am very seriously considering it and will make my decision within a matter of a fe~, days,’" Achtenberg sai.d. Achtenberg madehistory in 1993 when the then city supervisor faced U.S. Senate confirmation to the HUD post. During the televised Senate debate over her confirmation, which normally would have generated little attention, anti-gay legislators repeatedly attacked Achtenberg’s nomination with Helms leading the offensive, referring to her as a "damn lesbian’" because she rode in the city’s gay pride march along with her long-time partner, Judge Mary Morgan, and their son. Gingrich to Lead San Francisco Pride Parade SAN" FRANCISCO - San Francisco’s Lesbian & Gay Freedom Day Parade this June took a sudden turn toward becoming a "perfect family thing" with the announcement that the grand marshal for the huge event will be Candace Gingrich, the half-sis{erofHouse Speaker Newt Gingrich. Robert Allen, president of the parade committee, said, "She was selected primarily because of the statement itmakes and the media response.... I think it’S really a treaf that she’s not afraid to say he" s full of shit. ~[t’ s the perfect family thing. Gingnch, who will be one of four marshals-in the 25th annual event, becmne an instant celebrity earlier tiffs year when she went, on a highly publicized lobbying mission to her brother" s Capitol Hill offices in behalf of the Human Rights Campaign Fund. ’Tales of the City ’ Wins PeabodyAward ATHENS, Ga. - The Britishproduced television mini-series of Amfistead Maupin" s ."Tales of the City," which aired on the .PBS network last year has won a Peabody Award for its portrayal of San Francisco in the mid- 1970s PBS pulled out of producing the follow-up "’More Tales ofCity"despite the oriNnal nfiniseries" enormous popularity and critical acclaim after "Tales’" came under intense criticism by conservative pressure ~oups and politicians. Mayor Fined for Refusing ’Gay Pride’ Proclamation HAMILTON’, Canada - Bob Morrow, the mayor of Hamilton, has been fined $5,000 by the Ontario Human Rights Commission for refusing to issue a gay pride proclmnation in the city in 1991. Morrow personally will have to pay the fine because such proclamations are in the hands of the mayor, not the city government in general. Death Threats Against Greg Louganis WASHINGTON - The Washington Post reports that due to death threats against Greg Louganis since disclosing that he has AIDS, the Lambda Rising bookstore in Washington said it had to take added security precautions for his book-signmg appearance there. Some 2,000 people showed up and more than 300 people had to be turned away due to the crowd. Louganis’ recently published autobiography, Breaking the Surface, is already in its 7th printing, the publisher said. Court Rules Against Gay Couple for Bank Loan LOS ANGELES -U.S. District Judge Mariana Pfaelzer has ruled that the California Federal Bank was within its rights in refusing to give a special discountedhome loan to Jeffrey Bagley, a bank vice president,_and his partner. Judge Pfaelzer gave summary -judgment to the bank in the lawsuit filed by Bagley against his employer. The bank contended that Bagley did not quality for the special discounted loans, which are a standard benefit the bank offers its mm-ried employees, because he and Iris partner are not legally married. Maine Postpones Rights Measure AUGUSTA, Maine Gay rights advocates ~n Maine have announced that they will not introduce a statewide antidiscmnination measure in the legislatm:e this yezr, concerned that voters who are already faced with an anti-gay ballot measure wotdd find a competing measure confusing. "This issue is too important to risk confusing matters by putting a partially competing measure (the antidiscrimination bill) on the ballot as well," Patricia Ryan of the Maiue Human Rights Commission said. "We believe voters will say that Maine, as a state, won’ t discriminate, and we want them to have a clear shot at that issue." Attorneys for the Maine Human Rights Commission determined the gay rights bill probably would be declared a "competing measure" to the anti-gay ballot referendum and would therefore have to go before the voters as wellifit was brought before the legislature. British Priests Blessing Secret Gay Marriages -- LONDON The London Times reports that a number of Church of England priests - as many as 60 of them -have been secretly conducting marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples in churches around England, even though the priests face expulsion if they are discovered by church officials. The paper reported that the priests have conducted hundreds ofgay and lesbian unions despite being officially prohibitedby the Church of England. "I had no idea they were having the ceremonies in church," Ven George Austin, the archdeacon of York told the Times. "It’ s such a perversion ofa church wedding that you shouldn’t even have to point out it is wrong." St. Patrick’s Day Parades NEW YORK - Making good on a promise that they would indeed march in the annual St. Patrick’ s Day parade, some 70 gay rights activists were arrested as they attempted to have their own march in New York. A U.S. District Courtjudged had turned down a request by the Irish Lesbian & Gay Organization to overturn a rule barring the group from participating in the city parade and the 2nd Circuit Court ofAppeals uphddthe lowercourt decision on Mar. 16. In Cambridge, Mass., a large contingent frmn the Irish- American Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Group of ’Boston, marched peacefully in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade there. BOSTON - South Boston’s controversial "protest" St. Patrick" s Day march, which has already become the cause of a case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court because organizers refused to allow Irish gays and lesbians to participate, also turned down a request by a group of former military members with HIV or AIDS to join the event as well. When asked why the ailing veterans were being excluded, Jo!m Hurley of the South Boston War Veterans Council, declined to comment, saying only that the organizers of the protest don’t give reasons for who is and isn’t allowed to march. Classical CO for Gay Men LOS ANGELES - A CD from a major recording company explicitly being marketed to gay men has been launched by WarnerClassics - and Beethoven will never be quite the same. Described as "75 minutes of musical passion for men." the CD is called "Sensual Classics Too," following up on the title of an earlier - and heterosexualoriented - popular disk Warner released in 1992 and that is still on the classical music charts. Making it even clearer who the intended audience for the disk is, the cover shows two hairy-armed men half-undressed and tenderly holding each other. It’{ enough to get your classical motor running -which is exactly what Warner wants. Lesbians Blocked from Conference on Women NEW YORK In an unusual alliance, China and the Vatican are blocking women’s groups they disapprove of- including lesbian organizations - from attending amajor United Nations conference on women slated for Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax sttuatlons whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 Photography- J.D. Jamett 621-5597 $30/hour - in, call for out rates Licensed Massage Therapist Specializing in: ¯ Pager: 672-2035 ¯ Therapeutic ¯ Shiatsu ¯ Sports News Briefs News later this year. Hundreds of delegates and non-gov.ernmental organizations (NGOs) havebeen meeting at U.N. headquarters in New York, reviewing the credentials of delegates to the conference to be held in Beijing in September. China has used its position as host ofthe conference to denY credentials to women’s groups from Taiwan and Tibet - neither of:which China recognizes as indepe-ndent nations. The :Vatican also raised objections inan effort to exclude women’ s groups that don’ t agree with the Catholic Church’s positions on abortion, birth control and homosexuality. Delegates from China seconded the Vatican’s objections to lesbian groups, citing its own laws against homosexuality. Another Custody Battle DETROIT - Carol Hess, a lesbian who helped rear the 2 children of her deceased lover, is fighting the children’s father, Russel Overton, in court for custody ofthetwo boys. Overton won provisional custody of the 2 children earlier in March, but Judge William Giovan has now given Hess weekend visitation rights and said he will shortly decide if Hess has any legal .standing to ask for custody of the 10- and 13-year-old sons o fher partner of20 years, Leigh Porter, who died in January.. Gays & Government Security Clearances WASHINGTON - A General Accounting Office review of 3 U.S. government departments and 5 federal agencies has concluded that the federal government has stopped using homosexuality as a reason for refusing security clearances to civiliml employees mid contractors. The GAO reviewed records from the U.S. State, Defense and Energy Departments, as well as the FBI, the Office of Personnel Manage- ~nent, the U.S. Infornlation Agency, the Secret Service and the Customs Service. Ahnost ,all feder,’d agencies in the past had routinely refused to give gays and lesbians security clearance, ~naintailfing that homosexuals were snbject to being blackmailed. Trouble Over Benefit Plan at CalTech/JPL PASADENA, Calif. - A number of major U.S. universities - Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News including Harvard, Stanford, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - have extended domestic partner benefits to their gay andlesbian staffers withlittle or no controversy. But plans by the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) to begin offering same-sex partner benefits beginning May 1 may set off a firestorm,~The plan would extend health insurance benefits to the same-sex partners of the school’ s staff and faculty~ although opposite-sex couples would be not be eligible because the university says such couples have the option of legally marrying. The controversy over the plan, however, is arising largely because CalTech, along with its best-known facility, the Jet Propulsion Laboratories, are the largest employers in the region andbecauseJPLis heavily involved in both governmentrelated research and the public school system. Conservative anti-gay critics of the move have been bombarding members of Congress in an effort to derail the benefit proposal. Opponents say they don’t want school children in the area to see gay and lesbian relationships as the same as heterosexual marriage and they are telling members of Congress that they don’t want federal tax money that goes to CalTech andJPLused to provide benefits to homosextml partners. "’Our institutions should, in whatever way possible, help mmntain heterosexual Inarriage as ,’m ide,’d," said one critic. Best Actor Oscar "Nominee Always Out LOS ANGELES Popular British actor Nigel Hawthorne, ~vho has been nominated for an Academy Award for his role in "’The Madness of King George,’" told the Advocate that he is gay mid that he has "’never been a closet queen.’" The 65-year-old Ha~vthorue, who is perhaps bestknowll to Americans for Iris role on the popular British-made TV series "Yes, Minister," said he will be attendiug die glitzy Oscar ceremonies with his long-time partner, writer Trevor Beathmu. Interviewed in the British newspaper Today, Beuthanl was eqnally candid about their relationship. "\Ve’ re just a dear old married couple. It’s not a qnestion of Nigel mid me coining out we’ ve uever been in," he said. "Heterosext/~L& Proud" Campaign in Australia BRISBANE, Australia - The Australian newsmagazine Brother Sister reports that an organization calling itself the International Heterosexual Foundation is planning to ldunch a $4 million anti-gay ad campaign in the country. The publication says the group’s national advertising campaign will be aimed at teena:gers’, ~ing electronic and print spots, because it is "deeply concerned with the overt propagation of deviant sexual practices." The campaign reportedly is being called "Heterosexual and Proud Of It." A spokesperson for the foundation said the campaign was aimed to counter what it says is pro-gay material being put before the public by AIDS agencies. "Enormous amounts of public monies are being spent to promote homosexu,~lity under the gmse of HIV/AIDS awareness," Kris Picketing 0f the group said. Drag Queen ’Ring’Foiled LAS VEGAS - Police in Las Vegas have charged two transvestites with stealing clothing from the Rare Breed store, and said the 2 are part of a ring of drag queen thieves who authorities believe have stolen thousands of dollars worth of women’s clothes and jewelry. Police said the 2, whom they refused to identify because of their on-going investigation, were involved with up to 5 other transvestites who shoplifted merchandise from local stores that they later ~old in order to buy drugs. Transsexual Brit Takes Case to European Court BRUSSELS, Belgium - A woman identified in official records as "’P" has filed a complaint with die European Court of Justice, charging that she was fired from her job with the Cornwall County Council in Great Britain after she told supervisors she was undergoing a sex-change operation. A British labor panel said "P’" was not protected trader the countD,’ s sex discrimination laws, mid the county council said die woman was not fired because of the surgery but because it had too many workers. In her complaint before the European Court, how ever, the woman claims the council had offered h~r a salary rinse and a new contract before she said she was undergoing the sex change. The womanis asking the European C6urt to determine whether transsexuals are protected under European Union statutes, even if national laws don’ t extend such protections. Swedish Sports StarGay STOCKHOLM-WhenSwedish authorities announced that a nee- Nazi skinhead had confessed to the Mar. 11 brutal stabbing death oficehockey star Peter Karlsson, one of the reasons given by the 19-year-old for killing Karlsson was that the 2 9-year-old hockey pro had made sexual advances to him. Police say Karlsson was stabbed more than 60 times in nearby Vasteras after he had left a local discotheque to go home. It is the 2nd brutal slaying of a gay man in the Stockholm area in the~past few months. Bomb Threat at Canadian Bookstore VANCOUVER-Canada’ s gayoriented Little Sister’ s bookstore has been the object of a bomb threat, that the store’s manager believes is the work of an antigay extremist religious fanatic. The single-page hand-written letter threatened "a day of reckoning," with references to Sodom and Gomorrah and other religious allusions. Little Sister’ s manager Janine Fnller denounced the threat, which police respondedto quickly, saying, "I think people who are true Christian~ would condemn that kind of sentiment of hate.’" In February, the store also received a telephoned bomb threat. Police checked the store thoroughly then, but found no explosives - but they did warn workers at Little S~ster’s to be watctfful of suspicious parcels and cus toulers. No One Can Get Rep. Frank’s Name...Straight WASHINGTON - Rep. Barney Frank - or at least how politicos pronotmce his name - has setoff another flap. In Jmn|ary, die Rep. Dick Armey, the 2nd. ranking House Republican, referred to the openly gay Frank as "Barney Fag" during a radio interview, which he later.said was a slip of the ton~le. Now James Carville, a prominent Democratic Party consultant who helped orchestrate President Clinton’s 1992 presidential bid, referred to the Massachusetts Democrat as "Barney Fife," the inept and incompetent depmy in die Audv Griffith television show. Ironically, Carville was criticizing Armey for his "Barney Fag" mistake when he refen:ed to Frank as "Barney Fife "" Carville said he had an excuse for his slip of the tongue, :however, since h( is president of ah Andy Griffith Show Fan Club andh"ad be,eli thinkifiglabout the r Bamey Fife characte~-~ffhen hc made the :mistake. "Wbat did Dick Armey have on his mind when he said what he did’?" Carville asked Vive La Difference! French Say Gay Pres. OK PARIS - The Paris newspaper Liberation has reported the results of a poll of some 1002 registered French voters" views of the upcoming presidential campaign. The paper reported that the Illico-Radio FG poll indicated that 85% of the respondents agreed that TV campaigns aimed specifically at gay men to help stem the spread of HIV were needed. Perhaps even more surprising, the poll also found that 71% of those mlsweri~ig pollsters’ questions indicated,they would vote for a presidential candidate, even if it was disclosed he had had a gay relationship. British Airline Goes After Gay Market SAN FRANCISCO - Virgin Atlantic Airways. the imiovativc mid enterprising British airline noted for such amemties as mflight massages and personal video screens, is now offering gay- and lesbian-themed tour packages from the U.S. to London, with fly-ons to Paris and Amsterdmn. The three-night four-day tours, which industr~ watchers say is a first for a majo’r airline, start at $679 and are promoted with such up-front names as "’Out in London" s West End" and"London Proper~G ay Paree." The packages include round-trip airfare, hotel accolmnodations from tourist to first class, transfers, theater tickets in London, contiuenud breakfasts mid other little perks. Elizabeth. Hlinko of Virgin Aflandc said "’Gays and lesbimas are a wonderful group of people who enjoy traveling..That’s a group we want to attract to our airline. "" Low or Old Low How aboitt a new look for your love nest? Come see Bryan, Ken or Tim at our fab~dous designer showroom with definitely NOT designer prlees! Budget ~Vindow Treatments & MORE! ~,~,,t~, e,,,~,,, G~a ~.... 7116 S. lM][in~o, ~te. 109. 254-2100 1438 S. Boston, Tulsa m Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Fast HIV Test Found i BRUSSELS - Belgian scientists s~y that they have developed an HIV test that can directly detect the presence of HIV in just a few days of being infected instead of the usual months-long wait required before current tests are effective at detecting antibodies produced by the body. "Usually you have to wait about 3 months after exposure before knowing whether you are HIV-positive,’.’said Prof. Jose Rem~cle of Namur University.."But.with this one we ¢~a detect.the virus: a day, or:so later. 7: The,ne.~ ~test,differs. from: o~ers in that it check~specifically far HIV; ~rather than antibodies which ’can 0nly be detected several months following infection. The manufacturer is seeking approval for sales elsewhere in Europe and the U.S. The tests are expected to cost about $10 each. HIV Contact Tracing Suggested ATLANTA - A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscored the way HIV can spread .to insidiously. Researcl~ers at the University of Pittsburghlinked a single prisoner with HIV with 50 other people who were also infected either through shared hypodermic needles or sex. Even more worrisome, the scientists found that of the 50 who had been infected, 24 were unaware they were infected. The researchers and CDC officials said the study indicates that contact tracing, especially of drug users and prisoners infected with HIV, may be of value in fighting ~e spread of HIV. -Setback in Vac._cine Research WASHINGTON- ,am experimental AIDS vaccine that appeared to work in adult monkeys kills newborn monkeys, scientists report in the current issue of the journal Science. Earlier studies with adnlt monkeys were encouraging to researchers "! who thought a weakened version of HIV itself conld be used in the vaccine. But the study - which used a weakened form of the virus in monkeys - suggests that such a strategy could actually lead to infection instead "’This approach to un AIDS vaccine is fnll of hidden danger,’" said Dr. Ruth Ruprecht of Harvard University m~d" the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Rupre.cht’s.team administered awacciue of HIV with:key genes.removed-to:4 newborn,monkeys: Althongh none~v.ere exposed, to full HIV, 2 ofthe monkeys died of~the diseaseand 2 now, have severe.. ~ immune deficiency. EPA StudyingParasite in Water WASHINGTON - Carol Browner, administrator of the Enviromnental Protection Agency, has called for research on how to protect drinking water supplies in the U.S. from the cryptosporidium parasite. The EPA has already set tip a special study ~oup on the microbe which has b~.en s.hown to be extremely infectious, even ru rmnute amounts. The parasite can cause severe diarrhea in healthy adults, but it can be fatal to individu~s with weakenedimmtme systems, such as people with AIDS. Doubts About Early AIDS Case NEW YORK - New medical evidence suggests that what was believed to be the earliest documented case of AIDS may not in fact have been the disease. EXamination of Stored tissue samples taken from David Carr, a man who died in 1959 from mysterious symptoms, prompted 2 University of Manchester doctors in 1990 to attribute the symptoms to AIDS. But .when Dr. David Ho, head of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Ceuter in New York, recently tested the samples, he cotdd only isolate HIV in one smnple that had been sent to trim. Further testing showed the tissues sent .to Ho were from at least two different people. In Ho’s opinion, there is no longer proof that Carr died of AIDS. Althongh Uuiversity ofManchester officials reject Ho’s findings, the university is planning further investigation. Poor ~Prospects for AIDS Drug LONDON "--New, highly resistaifi Strains ofHIV ~re dirmning hop~ that aigroniising new dhsg Of tltugs WilI be able to control the deadly virus as effectively as researchers’had hoped just a few months ago. Researchers reported in the-British medical journal Nature that some strains of the virus are now able to simultaneously ward off the effects of as many as six drug compotmds. Although researchers say the new findings aren" t the end of the road for the potent class ofdrugs known as protease inhibitors, the latest discovery, is a serious setback for what had been considered an encouraging strategy for combating the deadly virus. Protease inhibitors, which work by preventing the AIDS virus from replicating, are under study by several companies. Scientists at Merck Research Laboratories in West Point, Pa., say it now appears that extended use of such drugs can create strains of the virus that are a thousand times more resistant than the original virus. Case of Infant HIV Remission LOS ANGELES - According to a report in the New England Journal ofMedicine, the white blood cells of a baby apparently have succeeded where every drug and potential vaccine against HIV have so far failed. According to researchers reporting in the journal, the tufidentified infant has become the first thorouglfly documented case of an individual whose own natural body defense may have fought off the infection. Dr. Yvom~e Bryson ofthe UCLA AID~ Institute said, "It used to seem like heresy to say that you could potentially even eli~nin~te the virus. And now I think that we caasay .that that is a possibility. ?’ Th~ repoi’t sh~ th~ 16~l~y kb(th’~: vi~u~ from his’ infected mothefaiad’~Xmnifiafi0ns afte~ birth c01ffimiedflifit h~Was itffected. Retesting again at age two months, the baby still tested positive for the virus. Bu! tests at age 13 months revealed that the virus had disappeared. The infant is now five years old and he continues, the scientists say, to show no signs of HIV and is tlwiving. Researchers said they were initially skeptical of the test resul’ts and suspected a clinical error. But they retrieved all the child’s original blood samples and did extensive doublechecking. They found no mistakes, and no virus in the little boy. Screening for HIV Subtypes BOSTON - Max Essex, chair of Harvard University’s AIDS Institute, toldaregional colfference on AIDS that the U.S. should begin blood screening to determine if extremely ilffectious subtypes of HIV that are fueling spread of the virus among heterosexuals in Africa and Asia are in this country as well. "We don’t really know if they are in the U.S.," Essex said. "It’s logical to assume that they should be." Essex said it is critical that the highly infectious virus subtypes be identified FI_DELITY HO_/v E HEALTH CARE, INC. 113 E. Paul St. Pauls Valley, OK 73075 (405) 238-6487 Main Office 905 No. Highway 51 Coweta, OK 74429 (91.8) 486-1174 (800) 999-3442 7319 No. MaeArthur Okla. City, OK 73132 (405) 722-0551 Caringfor Life We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hour per day, seven days as week. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’ s, LPN’ s) Home health aides Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation Private duty nursing " Companion sitter services This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices at 800-999-3442 with specific treatment issues. CHERRY STREET PSYCHOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES Eating Disorders Co-Dependency Issues Same Sex Relationships Trauma Recovery Chemical Dependency/Relapse Prevention Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Serving a J. Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS 1515 South Lewis Tulsa, OK (918)-743-4117 (918)-581-0902 Diverse Community More Health Briefs because they may not become apparent until an epidemic is full-blown. HIV Infection in the Elderl~ ATLANTA - Two studies, both of them small, published in AIDS Clinical Care suggest HIV among people over 60 may go undiagnosed longer because doctors don’t consider the elderly at risk for infection, and that how older Americans get HIV may be very different than most health .care, wqrkers ,think. One study of patients~ages. 60 .to 83 with HIV. at.an Atlanta h0spithl:f0und that ifi 15of the 20 cases~,where~ithe s6urc~ Oi~ transmission was 16a6~ni-Hi~-w~ ~6ntractedddaer through:Sex: or by Iv drug use. Blood tran~filSi6iis, ~ffer~ .the r0Ui~ "~ tram.mission in ouly 3 of the cases. :In the 2nd study, researchers examined sernm samples of 170 elderly patients who died between 1992-93 at New York’s Harlem Hospital. The researchers found that6% -of themen and-:-9% of:~the women were infected with HIV, although mostor all of the infections .were um,uspected at time of death. The studies authors suggested that health care workers., should rake sexual anddrug use histories of elderly patients. House,Cuts AIDS Housing $ WASHINGTON -~ The House. of RepreSentativeshas:approved some $17.1 billion in-federal Spending cuts, including eliminating federal funding for Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA). An amendment offered by Rep. Christopher Shays (RrConn.) to restorethe $186 million inHOPWAfunds was blocked by Republican lawmakers. White HOuse Chief of staff Leon Panetta promises apresidential Veto of the bill in its present form,. m,,,tary con,’d rom, p. 1 District Court in Brooklyn ruled that the 1993 policy that Congress forced the administration to adopt violates the freedom of speech of the sxx gay and lesbian military personnel who brought the suit and discriminates against homosexuals. Matt Coles, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union representing the.6 service members, said the guidelines, .which are part. of the: National Defense Authorization Act of 1993, were based entirely, on prejudice and-e~pecied-negative ~tions of heterosexual members of the military. The act violated gay and lesbian officers’ constitutional rights to free speech and .equal protection under the law; he argued m court. "Congress -betrayed the- Constitutionby caving in to the prejudices of others," Coles said. Government attorneys-had arg,ued that the unique~demands of~[Jaenatior;~:armed forces rbxtuire Special rUles. The attorneys " forthegovernment argued thatoverturning the policy could damage military effectiveness. Judge Nickerson agreed with lawyers for the six that they. v~ere in effect being forced to live a li:e in order to serve their country. Judge Nickerson ruled that"the policy.., is not only inherently deceptive, it also offers powerful inducements to homosexuals to lie." He added that the current policy "craftily sought to avoid the First Amendment" and "twisted the English language in ways that are nothing less than Orwellian." In rejecting the government’s arguments, Judge Nickerson wrote: "Even if defendants do believe that heterosexual service members will be so ups~et by a.co-- orker s mere statement ofhomosexuality as not to #ork co-operatively in the unit, ..,suda a belief does not justify a discriminatory policy." Pentagon spokesman Ken Bacon said after the decision that the government would appeal the ruling. "We bdieve our policy is constitutional and we intend to defend the policy," he said. "The Department [of Defense] has told the Department of Justi~ that we want them to appeal, the policy. ¯ Despite the ~meq~ivocal nature ofJudge Nickerson’ s. ruling, it oul.y applies to the two active duty service members and four reservists in the case itself and does.not. keep the military.from-continuing.to7 discharge other gays and lesbians who come out. It is the first direct constitutional challenge to the compromise Don~t Ask Don’t Tell policy, accepted by Presl Clinton. Center - " ~ cOnt’dfromp: l " communities up to $10,000," said Gillean. "However, to make this ~zork, weneed suppor’t .from everyone -in our. communities. The d0nationof $10 from 100 people is important as is the $1000 from one-. We welcome one-time donations butm0ntllly pledges, even of $5 or $10 a month are critical to making this dream a reality." Gillean added that TOHRis discussing. setting up a direct debit and credit card debit system to make donating on a monthly -pledge basis easier. Any donations directed to the .Community Center will be limited to that project, and sinceTOHRis.a tax-exempt organization~. :can .be tax-deductable. For more information, call TOHR at 743-4297. YOuth cont’dfrom p. 1 homophobia, and award-winning consultant will lead the workshop. It is open to health professionals, social service providers, therapists and clergy. The Planned Parenthood Training Institute offers this workshop as aresponse to the alarming rate of suicide in Lesbian/ Gay/Bisexual youth and to the experiences of Planned Parenthood’s Lesbian mad-Gay volunteers and workers who sought mid found little support from their schools, churches Or homes. The miss:ion of Planned Parenthood hasat:its~hearvnot ;: only.fami!yplauning and reproducti~,e choice, but:~ials6 the.empowerm.ent.~of individuals tO ldad healthy; happy and ~se×ually fulfilling lives, regardless of sexual orientation. Planned Parenthood -hopes to be at the forefront of advocacy for Lesbian/Gay issues. Formoreinformation, call the Education DepL at 587-1101, ext..4. Williams : cont’dfrom p. 1 reali reasons, she was forced off the air . ¯from KWGS. Williams noted.that she received positive comments even when she aired "controversial" programs (for -example, Gay & Lesbian issues) but that it appeared that station management had censoredherdue topressure from a Radical Right TU donor, perhaps also .with the Christian Coalition targeung her underwriters..Station manager Frank Cristal also threatened her with immediate censorship if Williams saidanything on theair after.she was giyen notice. I NeXt RBG meeting is Tues. April 25 ] 7pmat the Whittier Cafe; 1. . ’ Call 254-2100, RSVP. 745-1111 Accepting Medicare. Medicaid. private pay andprivate insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated. Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care ~n a homelike, loving setting? Until now - no where...... Announcing the opening ofMohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people living with AIDS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North Tulsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour our new facility. To arrange a tour or.for more information, call our offices at 918~125-1354 Mohawk Living Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK¯ (918) 425-1354 Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Com.pensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-95.04 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. ~Letter from the Pm~ddent: As I reflect on the last month I feel like I’ve been on a roller coaster ride. We began the period since our last reporter waiting to he~r about the 3 grant proposals we had applied for: We waited and inquired to no avail. Then on March 24th the newscame, we had received all3 of thegrants. This made us.feel wonderful as this really expands the outreach of TOHR. During our bdef moments of excitement we realized that the grant begin on April 1st. This meant we needed to start implementation immediately. A Human Resource committee is now in place and job descriptions are being written. We will be hiring an additional full time person. During this pedod we also heard fror~ the,local grant we. had wdtten 2 letters of interest for and thesehaVe to bO’totally repackaged.and submitted as full proposals by the!4th of -- Apdl, Still, this is all good for TOHR. I will keep you updated. .The Community Centeris go ng full steam ahead andwe are accepting donations now. What we will be requesting is monthly pledges as well as one timedonations. The monthly pledges will be and integral part of the financing package. Please think about what would be comfortable for you and make the pledge or donation today. We have located a building that will work very well for the Center and have put together a proposed monthly budget for anyone who is interested. To continue my ride on the roller coaster, we had some lively debate at the April membership meeting that quite frankly left me confused and shell shocked. When I accepted this position it was with the vision that the community needed to be more cohesive. I have worked very hard to achieve this goal and continue to do so daily. This meeting made me question the effectiveness of my efforts. I found myself conducting a meeting with more than a fdendly debate taking place. Being a first time board member, I was not equipped to diffuse this discussion. I simply ended it. I apologize to anyone I offended or that felt suppressed by my action. It was all I knew to do. Let me say now that as President of TOHR my vision remains the same, to unify the community to resolve matters that affect us. There will be times when one of us does not understand the actions of others. We are all working for a common goal and should stay focused on that goal.. Our goal will not be achieved until we all work together. TOHR is a community based organization and every member is requested to participate in our meetings and events, but matters of personal conflict should remain just that. Remember the vision is to unite, for united is the only way we can achieve our goals. Please come to a meeting or TOHR sposored event, we rely on your participation and support to expand our programs. Until next month. Tim Bash-Back Training April 29th 10am to 12pm $ i 5 per person A great self defense class that can benefit each of us. Come in your sweats and your tennis shoes, "’The Gathering Place" 4154 South Harvard Helpline Training and Update April 22nd, 10:00- 12:00 Training for all current and nexv volunteers. All volunteers need to attend "The Gathcring Place" 4154 South Call for Committee Anyone interested in.serving on a committee for creating conversation and exploring ways TOHR can help with implementation and passage of the Report from the Human Rights Committee, Please call the Help Line and leave your name and number. 743-4297 It’s Follie time again ! An.vone interested in volunteering for the Follies Committee or interested in sharingthier talent with the rest ofour Tulsa Family, please call L.v~n at 743-0132 BISEXUAL, LESBIAN AND GAY ISSUES INFORMATION AND REFERRALS 743-GAYS (4297) By and for but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Communities. Daytime Testing Monday-Thursday by Appointment 749-4194 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV TESTING CLINIC FREE ANONYMOUS Finger Stick Method Membership Application Name Address State Zipf- I I would like to volunteer help wi~: [] HIV Counselor [] E~nt Planning and Pare. Preparations Every Thursday Evening 7:00-8:30 p.m. 4154 So. Harvard Suite H-1 [] Yes I want.to be a oontributing member of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Please accept pa)~x~cnt as described below: [] $10 Limited lnoome/Student M~mbership [] $20 Regular Memb~hip [] $35 Organizational/Household Membership I-I $100 Sustainin8 Membership [] I am currently reaei,dn8 TOHR mailings and the Tulsa F,amib" Nest,s [] I am not on tl~ mailing list [] Lesbhn/Gay/Bisexuai HolpLin¢ [] Executive 8mrd Member [] Mon~.v Mcain~ Suppoa The Sadie Hawkins Women’s Dance was a blast. TOHR would like to thank everyone who made the dance possible. The turnout was great and we got some nc~" member & made some new friends. TOHR ~ill continue to support these events so ifyou have an idea let us "know. Additional thanks go to: Carol & Sue for the great music. Renee for taking tickets, Miriam for being the boss, Marvita for the balloons, chairs, tables, Dee for the balloons, Joan for tickets, Laurie for ¢ver~.C.hing, Melanie for all her help, Jim & Don for serving drinks, Tim & Ken for manning the TOHR booth, Pam for the soda, R~’. Alico Jones for the coasters, the Black & \Vhite Committee for providing child care & general support, Aaron for child care and all of you who participated in the dance. Thanks. ¢ommunitp enter Monthly Pledges Center Stage One Time Donations $100 Mo. $75 Mo. $50 Mo. 545 Mo. $40 Mo~ $35 Mo. $20 Mo. $10 Mo. Mail to TOHR P.O. Box 52729 Tulsa OK. 74152 Altn: Cehter Spotlight $2500 - $5000 Lead Actor $1500- $2499 gfpportingA~: $750 - $1499 Cast Member $300- $749 Audience $100 - $299 Extra $ ISuNDAYS I BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER - SUnday School 9:45, Moming. Worship::Service 1-1:00." 2627-B East 11th. Call 583-7815 for Info. BLGA - University of Tulsa. 6:30 p.m. Canterbury Center. COMMUNITY OF HOPE (United Methodist) - Faith and Struggle Group - discussion group, subjects vary. 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship Service 6:00. 1347 North Yale. Call 838- 7232 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Morning Worship Service 11:00. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info. MCC OF GREATER TULSA - Morning Worship Service 10:45 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. THE BANNED - GayBand - Practice weekly in OKC. Call 838-2121 for Info. IMONDAYS " " " : I BIBLE STUDY- 6:30:p.m. Comm0nity of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. LAMBDA BOWLING LEAGUE - Bowling begins at 8:45. Sheridan Lanes 3121 South Sheridan. 1TuEsDAYs I MINISTER’S CLASS - Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center. 7:30 p.m. 2627-B East 1 lth. Call 583-7815 for Info. Wednesdays AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER - Bible Study 7:00. MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. BLESS .THE LORD AT ALL TIMES 7:00 - 8:30 pm Results Hours: 7:00 - 9:00 CHRISTIAN CENTER - Choir Practice 7:00, pm, Call 749-4194 for Info, 2627-B East 1 lth. Call 583-7815 for Info, FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Potluck 6:30, PRAYER.TIME-7:00.p,m, MCC~ofGreater Bible Study 7:00, Choir Practice 8:00, 5451- Tulsa.¯ 1623 .North Maplewood~ Call 838- E.South Mingo, Call 622-1441 for Info, 1715 for Info. ITHURsDAYs I TULSA FAMILY-CHORALE = Weekly 16-STEP EMPOWERMENT GROUP FOR practice 9:30. Lola’s. 2630 E. 15th Street. WOMEN - 7:00, Women’s support group, Community of Hope, 1347 North Yale, Call 838-7232 for Info, CO-DEPENDENCY SUPPORT GROUP - Weekly meeting 7:30, Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E South M[ngo, Cal! 622-1441 for Info, (Regula[ Meetings begin Mamh 23) HIV TESTING - TOHR Clinic, Free and Anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required, Walk in test hours: ISATURDAYS I NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS - Meets weekly at 11:00 pm, Provides confidential support for recovering addicts, Community of Hope, 1347 North Yale, Call 838-7232 for Info, IAPRIL 15 I DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. IAPR~L 16/EASTERI "HOPE IS ALIVE" - Easter Cantata. 11:00 a.m. Family of Faith. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info, IAPRIL 17 I RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary - Third of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHR/Community of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info, IAPRIL 18 I TOHR BOARD MEETING - 7:00 p.m. TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 743- 4297 for Info. IAPRIL 19 I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP - Bi- Monthly meeting. 6:30 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 749-4901 for Info. IA P R I L 2 1 .I FEED THE HOMELESS -. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church at 5:30 and caravan to Day Center for the Homeless. Call 838-7232 for Info. IAPRIL 24 I RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary Fourth of an eight week course. Sponsored by,.,. ~ TOHR{Community of Hope/BLG~,(TU). ,Call 838-7232 for Info. IA.e p, L 29 I DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale, Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY 1 I RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary. Fifth of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHPJCommunity of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY 2 I TOHR MEMBERSHIP - Monthly meeting 6:30 social hour 7:00 p.m. meeting. "The Gathering Place" - 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H. Call 743-4297 for Info. IMAY 3 I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 749-4901 for Info. IMAY 4 I NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - A Spin off of the Christian Right’s Nat’,l Day of Prayer. Gay and Lesbian community will meet to pray for an end to prejudice and discrimination in the church. Call 622- 1441 for more Info. IMAY 6 I GAY MAYDAY - Celebration in Oklahoma City. Featuring musical entertainment by THE BANNED, Oklahoma’s Gay Band, For Carpool Info. call 838-2121. WOMEN’S SATURDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB - 6:30 p.m. Hong Kong Restaurant 4307-B South Sheddan, IMAY 7 I PRIME TIMERS - Monthly Meeting 4:00 p.m. - "The Gathering Place" 4154 South Harvard, Ste. H. Call 747-8121 for info. PFLAG 1011102 - Monthly meeting 6:30- 7:30’p.m:- 4154 South Harvard, Ste~.H. Call 749-4901 for Info. RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p:m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary. Sixth of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHR/Community. of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. SPOUSES For spouses of Gay/Les/Bi/Trans. 7:00-7:30 p.m. social 7:30-8:30 meeting. Call 749-4901 for Info. Sponsored by PFLAG. IMAY 13 I DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY 1s I RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Alien Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary. - Seventh of an eight week course: Sponsored by TOHPJCommunity of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info, IMAY 16 TOHR BOARD MEETING. 7:00 p.m. TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 743- 4297 for Info. IMAY 17 I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 749-4901 for Info. IMAY 1 8-21 I MCC .DISTRICT CONFERENCE - South Central District(OK, TX, LA, AR) Southern "Hills Mardott at 71st and Lewis. Workshops/Services/Banquet. Keynote: Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson: Call 622-1441 for more Info. [MAY 19-21 I HERLAND SPRING RETREAT - Women’s Retreati Roman Nose State Park. Sponsored by Hedand ofOklahoma City. IMAY 22 RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m. Call 254-2100 for location. RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Allen Chapman Activity Center (TU) - 440 South Gary. - Final week of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHR/Community of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. "~ IMAY 26 28 I GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL RODEO - OK State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. Call 405-943-0843 for more Info. IMAY 27 I DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY 29 I FEED THE HOMELESS - Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church at 5:30 p.m. and caravan to Day Center for the Homeless. Call 838-7232 for Info, S C E L L A N E O U S I ROU P. MEETINGS LAGPAC - Lesbian-and Gay Political Action Committee. Call 838-1222 for Info. LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS - Gay and Lesbian Republican Group. Call 832-0233 for Info. - SWAN’~ Sirigle Women’s Activity Network. TOHR CLINIC - In addition to Thursday Clinic Hours (see Thursdays), offers daytime testing by appointment Monday - Thursday from 10 am - 5 p.m. Call 749- 4194 for appointment. TOHR HELPLINE - Staffed daily 8:00 ,p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Call 743-GAYS. TULSA - Tulsa Uniform .and Leather Seekers Association. Call 838-1222 for Call 405~720-0044 for Info. IM , , 2 1. i REV. ELDER NANCY WILSON - Evening Service - 6:00 p.m. at Family of Faith MCC - 5451-E South Mingo: Also featuring Tulsa Family Chorale. Call 622-1441 for Info. !.nfo. ,, WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB Meets-at varying locations the 2rid or 3rd Wednesday of each month. . Do:you.have a.group ,or event _that should be listed in the TOHR Community Calendar? Ifso, please Call us at 838-2121; " Every effort Was made to ensurethe accuracy and completeness of this calendar, however, neither Tulsa Family News nor TOHR assumes responsibility for errors or omissions. QUALITY VE "~TISVIATICATION? " ’- ..........HOWDOESA Viaticafion is:the process through which :a person.... - SETTLEMENT.WORK? living withan terminal illness can receive a cash payment -fr0mthe facevalUe of their insurance policy.- ~-:. Withyourwritten permission, we gather medical and " insurance records with which to determine your policy’s WHOIS:ELIGIBLE FOR A -- value. Then, a setflemnt offer is presented toyou, You may always decline the offer with no obligation: VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is .... made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your . Generally, t0be eligible for a viatical settlement you policy, and you owe us nothing. must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coveragein either an individual term, whole ~e, orag~ouppolicy. IS VIATICATING MY HOW MUCH IS MY POHCY WORTH? POLICY THE RIGHT HOWISSO~HWEST : VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many ¢ompanie.s offer viadcal setdements, doing business only by bulk advertising and. 1-800 numbers. Theytlansfer yo,urimurancean0medical.records by mail, and do business from another statel At Southwest¥iatical., webefieve you should be assured of. complete confidentiality and the.best possible service by working with us in person, face-to,face. We are involved on a community lkvel, and are responsible directly to our local community. By .working with yOuin,pers’~m; but at the same time CHOICEFOR ME? h~ving access to nationwide financial resources, we are IVlany factors influence whether viaticating your life ~ able to deliver the best: Value: on your policy :available ......... ’-<The value:bf~~;6u~ :iife i.ii~i~fan~e-p01iey4n-a vi~itieal. ,:,.~..insuran.~:~S~.the~b~s~ financial alternative available for ~. tod,~y..And because o~ o~ established reso~ces, we can ;-) .~:~ ~etflemem. is determined by-the, specifics Of your.p01icy.::!,: ’you. Sofithwest-Viaticalcan digcuss all ofthefactors with : 7 deliver a.set~ement in less than a third, the time o.ther . ,:.andyour uikique medical situati6n. Not every p0li*yd:~ 2.?; ~ou~dy01i~{dnl~er~on,indetailandc~mreco~end -:~ ~ companie~ ,take. bY m~il, typically in f~wer than30.days. suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically an experienced. Certified Financial Planner to assist you ’We!ll do what it. takes ~ inplanning~e.best°utc°mefr°mY0uruniquefinancial: to findthe hestsolution for you, your.poli~y and medica! history ........ situation.. . " Southwest South Harvard East 41st Street I 4146 Suite F-5 2919 Welborn Dallas, Texas 75219 800/559-4790 Tulsa Office 4146 So. Harvard, Suite F-5 Tulsa, OK 74135-2610 918-747-3320 by Beverly H¢zey, MCCofGreater Tulsa In February, I talked about Paul’ s letter to the Romans. This is the text used most frequently by Christians who argue against homosexuality and the article discussed the words in the text. I would like to discuss why Paul felt it necessary to talk about homosexuality at all. At this time, homosexuality between men was an accepted part of life in Roman and Greek cultures. In Romans, Paul indicates that homosexuality was socially unacceptablejust as long hair was socially unacceptable. In two passages in this chapter, Paul uses strong language to discuss sin. They occur before and after the section on homosexuality but not in it. In Verse 18 of the first chapter, Paul talks about the "ungodliness and wickedness" of people who suppress the truth. "Ungodliness" and "wickedness" are the translation of the Greek words asebeia and adibia. Adibia occurs again in verse 29. This verse lists several things that are ethically wrong, but no sexual offenses. Paul refers to cleanliness or purity laws in Leviticus are still part of Jewish life. It is obvious that Paul is making an issue.of Jewish purity laws here. Jesus was never concerned about purity laws and the Gentile Romans had no such concerns - so w.hy is Paul bringing it up? In verses 22-25, Paul accuses the Christians inRome ofidolatl~. His concern was that they still had their idols and were worshipping them as well .as God. Paul then states two results of their idolatry: one is uncleanness, mad the other, real sin. Paul calls their sexual deeds degra~ting, shameful, dishonorable. He calls their other deeds wickedness, evil, malice. The terminology itself shows a deliberate contrast between what is socially unacceptable and what is ethically wrong. Three times Paul repeats this phrase, "God gave them up." This phrase separates Paul’s lecture into different sections. He begins verse 24 with, "therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity." Paul is introducing the first effect of their idolatry. Paul digresses in praise of God but .......;~ ,: brings himself "~J~" nf-fs.:ta~dm¯ ~ back in verse 26 by repeating his phrase, "for these reasons God gave them up to degrading passions." In verse 28, Paul starts talking about the second effect of idolatry, "God gave .them up to a base mind and things that should not be done." This list is what Paul really considers sin but there is nothing sexual in the list. The question arises whether Paul really disapproves of homosexuality. Paul’s letter addresses two groups: gentile Christians and Jewish Christians. Paul was about to journey to Rome to vi sit the Church and he was paving the way for his visit. Keep in mind, whether Christians should keep Jewish purity laws was a hot debate. The "Council of Jerusalem" as recorded in Acts 15, decreed that Gentiles converted to Christians need not be circumcised nor keep other Jewish laws Just like the church today with its denominations fighting over doctrine, the church then fought over doctrine. Jewish Christians believed that they were superior kcomes with 1 moonroof, 2 airbags, 6 stereo speakers, aad a slewofaccolades. "lhmda’s labors resulted in a new ~ar that’s the strongest, safest, quietest, best i~crtbrming, and most fl~cl-ct~cicnt Accord ever7 ,llotorTivm~ I’~bmarv 1994 "Few cars ot’[’cr ~ts astute a I)]cnd o|’slnoofll ride and adroit road handlintz. "l’hc most frequent remark t’rom editors exiting tim Accord after their drives: ’N<~x\" that is a great ride? "" (;arm~dDrivez January 199-I "\Vhilc l londa goes a~z~.mst the mainstream trcntb, the latest Accord is (}no of die best-engineered cars t~day-with a SCIISC 0~" purpose that sets it apart t~off~ the crowd? Popuhv’,~irm~: ~ lay 1994 "Few vehicles have capn~rcd the hearts and minds ofAmcricat~ mttonmbilc buyers like the I londa ..\ccord7 ,llotorTivm/. I’~bruarv 1994 AccordEXSedan don carlton because of their purity laws and were t~Nt~g~,to i,mpose them Oll Gentile ~hrist~ans. Paul was known to side with the Gentile Christians but he had to be tactful to try not to offend anyone. Part of his letter to the Romans addresses Jewish Christians, playing on their sense of superiority. He wants to win their good will, so he seemingly takes their side by putting down the Gentiles for their homosexual acts. By chapter 2, Paul has :. gently turned th~"conversation arotmd and .- is rebuking those,,who judge others. His ~ language gets and naive rg~adl.n~ ot~ stronger as he 3900 S. Memorial ¯ Tulsa, OK 74145 (918) 622-3636 the Scripture has led many sincere ~ollower~ dJesus astray. They oppose and oppress lesbian and gay people in the name of the Apostle Paul." - Father Daniel A. Helmlnlah points out their real sil~~ of the JewishChristians. Theg-- steal commit adultery, and rob temples. Paul calls for purity of the heart. Likewise, Paul doesn’t let the Gentile Christians off the hook. In chapter 9, he rebukes them for feeling they are superior to the Jewish Christians. In actuality, Paul’s reference to homosexuality serves as a rhetorical function alone. He chose homosexuality because it was not a sensitive issue. The debate over clean and unclean food was a hot issue as well as whether circumcision was required for conversion to Christianity. Homosexuality was a point of differenCe, but apparently there was no argument over it. The Gentiles were well aware of the Jews’ attitude toward homosexuality, but they shrugged the whole thing off. In chapter 2, verse 22, Paul even condenms.the .Icws for judging the Geutiles lbr their idolatry. Thc wholc pu~ose of Romans is a lcct;,’c on thc sin ofjud~ng others. Ronmns 14: 13-14 says. "let us ~eretbre no longer pass judgcmcnt on one mlother, but resolve instead never to pnl a stumbling block or laindrancc m the wav of another. I know and am persuaffed in the Lord Jesus that nothing ~s unclean in itself; but it is unclcm~ I’or anyone who flfi~s it nnclean. "" In his book entitled, What the Ihbh, Really Says About Homose.ruali~, b~ l)r. D~el A. HelmiNg, a Roman {?a~mlic priest, wfites:"A long-standing and naivc reading of the Scripture has led man~ sincere followers of Jesus astray. Thcv op~se~doppress lesbian~dgay peoplc in ~e nmne of ~e A~sfle Paul. Bolstcrcd by sociN prejudice and zeNous iu thcir sex~ self-fighteotmness, C~sfians havc been misreading Paul’s letter to lhc Romps ~d rejecting members of the C~sfi~ co~u~tv because of it. "" Yet, to ins~e ~e t~fity of ~lievers was a major reason for Paul’ s writings. Paul insisted on fM~ andlove as ~e dfings that really matter ~n Christ. By nusunderstanding Paul’s argument, people unwittingly rely on tastes and customs .instead of the Word of God. They ~guc about what"s dirty or unclean,.disputc who’s pure and impure, aud pll heterosexuM against homosexuM. Tiros. they divide and splinter the church ovcr what does not matter in Cl~st. In God’s name they foment hatred mid [’ncl oppressio~ ~d disrnpt ,sodiety at largc. They comet a grave injusfi~ - the very offehse that Patti’ s letter meant to cotmter. Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God [rplifts All-People Sunday Service. 10:45 ~nn Wednesday Service. 6:30 pm Home Cell"Gronps, 2nd & 4th Suuda\ s 1623 No..X Iaplewood, Tulsa 74115. 838-1715 ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice I To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly With our God... Micah 6:8 ] I 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK74146 . (918) 622-1441 Bless The Lord At All Times CHRISTIAN CENTER Sunday School, 9:45 Tues. Minister’s Class, 7:30 Sunday Services, 11 am & 6:30 pm Wed. tntercessionary Prayer, 7 pm 2627-B East 11th, 583-7815, messages, Eddie Cook, pastor Because everyone has a right to be blessed by God! 2 ,[ READ ALL ABOUT IT bv Barry Henslev Tulsd Ci&-Co’un~. Library The results of the November 1992 elections included the passage of an unprecedented piece of legislation "known as Amendment 2, in Colorado. It effectively banned any city or town in the state, including the three which already .had gay rights laws,, from including the :words sexual orientation in auv antidiscrimination !aws. This amendment passed by 53% of the vote after a divisive campmgn led by the group Colorado for Fmnily Values. In "Gas" Politics vs Colorado and America,:" author Stephen Bransford explains ONE side of the story of the origins of this law and the impassioned people who focused most of their daih" lives during the election can~paign to fife passage of this amendment. Bransford explains his theory that this law was really just a necessary correction of unfairand restrictive gay fights laws which he alleges preveuted average citizens from fully realizing their rights to religious freedom. He believes that protecting gay citizens from tmreasonable haras_sment, firings and denial of housing, places an excessive burden ou other c~tizens who may have a personal or religious right to discmninate. In short, gay rights laws infringe on personal freedo~ns more than Amen&nent 2 infringes on the rights of gay citizens to equal treatment under the law. Br~asford’ s writing sUle is elementary, with many one mad two-word sentences. He often slants his arguments by using [the. author says about Colorado’s Amendment 2]: "It had yielded a polltleal vletory for fairness & justlee, not a moral Vletory for the reli4ous tight " His next sentence: "’Th~ " Colorado approach reeo$nlzed the fact thdt. llke h or not. Amerlea has retreated from its Judeo-Chrlstlan roots." He is apparently unable to see the eontradletlon. incomplete information and iaflannnatolx language. Situations are superficiallY, explained to appeal to basic fear~. Sympathetic readers will nod in agreement. Others will easily note contradictions throughout the book. An example of this is when Bransford claims that neither morals uor religious bias had an3 part of Alnendment 2’ s passage: "It had yielded a political victory for faimess mad justice, not a moral victory for the ,religious right." His next sentex~ce: "The Colorado approach recognized the fact that, like it or not, America has retreated from its Judeo-Christian roots." He is appareutly tmable to see the contradiction. Bransford’s astonislnuent at a Colorado judge blocking enforce~nent of 2 results in tiffs: "Like the assumption of ixmocence, why cau’ta good law be constitutional until proven otherwise?". His criteria for determining what is a "’good" law, other than majority rule, is not explained. The U.S. Supreme Court recentlya~eed to decide tiffs case, and the result will have a widespread impact. This book is an important exmnple of the mindset and logic of the people who calnpaigned so vehemently to pass Amendment 2. Should tiffs subject arise locally, this book will provide a valtmble eyeopener for you to share with relatives, coworkers and politicians. Check the Central Library Readers Service departmeut at 596-7966 for tiffs title mad books on the other side of tiffs debate, such as "Created Equal: Why Gay Rights Matter to America" by Michael Nava, and "’A More Perfect Union: Why Straight America Must Stand Up for Gay Rights" by Richard Mohr. Other recent.titles of interest include: *"Uncharted Lives: Understanding the Life Passages of *"Science of Desire: The Search for the Gay Gene" by Dean Hanaer Gay Men" by Stmfley Siegel *"Soldier Of the Year" by Jose Zuniga *"Queer mad Loathing" by David Feinberg *"Dance Against Time"’by Diane Sohvav Elder Nancy Wilson at Family Of Faith The Reverend Elder Nancy L. Wilson will be presenting a special message at . Fatnily of Faith Metropolitan Commmffty Church, 5451-E South Mingo, on Sunday, May 21st at 6:00 p.m. Rev. Wilson, who will be in Tulsa for the South Central District Conference hosted at the Mamott Southern Hills from May 18 - 21, is : currently the Vice MOderator of the Univers~ Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and €he Senior Pastor of Metropolitan~-C0mm~nity Church of Los Ang¢l~s. ; - ~: - :~ . Nancy Wilson has been active in the Universal Fellowship siuce 1972. She was first elected to the Board of Elders of the Universal Fellowslfip of Metropolitan Community Churches in 1976, and has subsequently been re-elected to four consecutive terms. Rev. Wilson has recently completed work on gay and lesbian theology and her book, Outing the Bible, will be publishedby Harper/Collins in the sunlmerof this year. Elder Wilson has been the UFMCC representative in front of the National Council of Church~s at the General Assembly mad the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches. She remains in the forefront of human fights issues. Family of Faith welcomes the Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson as she comes to present a message to the gay and lesbian religious community of Tulsa Tulsa -Family Chorale, Tulsa’ s gay and lesbian chorus sponsored.by Lola’s, will be performing at the service. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please call 622-1441. WE UNDERSTAND. TWO WORDS TOO SIMPLE TWO SECONDS 2 That’s all the time it takes to say ’,We Understand" But how often do .you hear your real estate agent say them? Experience the power of TWO! The Nicholas Team. Jonathan & Dee Nicholas and their team of licensed associates will make buying and selling a home a positive experience. So, TAKE TWO and call us in the Morning! Jonathan & Dee Nicholas " (918) 749-3000 "Selling the Dream, the Nicholas Team!" RE/MAX Metropolitan, REALTORS 6400 S. Lewis, Tulsa, OK 74136 Club RSVP Puerto Vallarta, Mexico April 23-30 and November tl-l& ’95 From 595 lncludef: 7 night6 accommodation. All meal& Imported & domeftic beverage6. ~ Club RSVP celebrity entertainment.. Club RSVP activitie& *Per oer6on double occupancy price ba6ed on A19ril 23 Club RSVR ~it:ooalll to t:ooalll. Gratuitie6 are included. Call International Tours 9/8-34/-686~ Bud Wharton, Mortgages By Design, Inc. AuthorofSellTrac2000. asales training" program for loan officers and Realtors, Bud Wharton is a national speaker, sales trainer and mortgage banker. Bud addresses thousands of industry professionals each year, training in the area~, ofbusiness development, technical expertise and motivation. The American Dream has been expressed in mlmerous ways over time, but nolle has come to have more meamng or to provoke more action than that of home ownership. A sense of prid~ and security, of permanence and belonging, as well as having invesunent, eqtuty, tax shelter & retirement benefits - all contribute to the desire and motivation to own one’s own home. As a commtmity ofGay men & Lesbians, we find ourselves to be as diverse as the general population in seeking to attain balance in our lives. Often confronting the personal struggles of fitting in, transition or knowing where we belong, we hesitate to establish ourselves in traditional ways. Is this because we don’t want to’? Not necessarily! More.times than not it, is a matter Of being equipped with sufficient knowledge and information from which to base an intelligent decision or form a positive direction. In other words, when we or anyone can come to grips with "how" we can achieve any goal, be it home ownership, career advancement or a satisfying personal relationship, the ability to realize that goal increases 100%. Home ownership is something each of us can experience. Yet within the American Gay culture, there exists a considerably lower percentage of home ownership "compared to other social ~oups. Understanding why this occurs is as simple as understanding traditional American values of how and when home ownership plays into the life eqtmtion. For many it is when they find themselves involved in a committed relationship. Raising a fanfily,hedging against inflation, saving tax dollars or building equit) vs payi,ng rent’can also be sufficient to p_r~voke the decision - it’s time to enjoy h’~ine ownership. Interestingly, ag~, position in life, or economic status have little or nothing to do with one’s ability to own their own home. Usually it is those other value oriented factors aforementioned. Perhaps your goal is to build that perfect dream home or ....Choosing a Realtor can become ~noveuptoalarger almost as stressful as findln, tl~t home situated in a d i f f e r e n perlTeet property....Who are they? neighborhood. Are they working for me? Will- Maybe it’s a they understand the needs, values matter of diversifying yourinvesor security issues of Gay people? tment potential and rental pro-. perty is your goal. Whatever it is, from first time homebuyer to property baron, nothing happens until action is taken. Where does the process begin? In today’s econolmcenvironment, with your mortgage lender! Doesn’t it make sense to start with where the money comes from in order to establish what can realistically buy and borrow? ]~his procegs is referred to as prequalification. Essentially it is a process of analyzing income, d~bt, and your credit history to determine a maximum loan amount and property value suited to your financial profile. Tiffs consultation service is typically providedat no cost and should deliver to you a wealth of information, options mad choices (including a cost estimate mad breakdown specific to projected purchase price) from which to base your decisions. Knowing what you can then achieve, it’s time to visit with a Realtor. All too often tlfis process is mistakcnly rcvc~:scd Choosing a Realtor can bccoulc almost as stressflil as finding that perfcct propcrty.,. mad a flood of questions cross your ufind. Who are they? Are they worki’ng lk)r mc? Do they ki~ow how to truly negotiate on my behalf? \\’ill they laldcrstand thc uccds. values or security issncs of gay pcoplc? Are they a property specialist m thc arca or neigl~borhood I ,’an intcrcsted iu? Arc they more interested in making the salc or mb~d"ng a satisfied customer? Ifyou cannot . put these.questions to rest in making one of the biggest economic decisions of vonr life, it’s time tostep.back: Going into a bad situation would be like-receiving an improper medical diagnosis from a lcss than competent practitioner - vou’rc uncomfortable! This is anotli’e~ good reasou to start with your mortgage lender, as they work with Realtors every &U and have a keeu perception, based on experience, who can best represent your needs. Over the COlmng tuonths in this cohunn. TheHomefront, ~ve will cxplorc various aspects of the home ownership process and experience. The next subject will be credit and yore" rating. More people think their credit is worse than it really is by mortgage lending standards, hi many cas~s it is easier to get a home mortgage than it is to get a VISA card! No credit does not equal bad credit, and bad credit Is morc appropriately defined byits severity. \Vc will discuss how for~vi]lg a lender can bc and those special alternate’loan programs designed to overcome credit challenges. (editors #tote: Bud Wharton ts vice president ofMortgages By Design. hw. Claremore, OK - serving all of Green Country.) PRID.E Renting and considering Buying? Moving up or Investing? Credit Problems? Mortgages By Design will custom fit the right home loan to YOUR needs! ~- -~ /t - ~ ;i~i / \ ~ No. Cost Credit Counseling ~’No 1st Time Home Buyer Lock & Shop 0% to 3% Down Pre-Qualifying Construction Best Interest Rates Refinancing We want to show you how you can experience the American Dream of owning your own home. Because we’re not trying to sell you anything (we provide a service) you can expect No Pressure, No Hassle and No Hidden Agendas. Our goal is to create solutions! If you need a Realtor who will workfor YOU, we can help take the guess work out of the selection process and gladly refer you tosomeone most suited to your likes and needs. For Detail~ CalL" BUD WHARTON Vice President Branch Manager (918) 342~4252 Serving Tulsa and Surrounding Communities Mortgages By Design Gives Back To Our Community For e~ch Ioen d(~,ed, we w~l donate $100.00 to Tulsa OkJahomans For Human Rights or to ~e foundalJon of your choice. FINANCINGTHEALL AMERICAN DREAM Responsible Roommate- Wanted ’for a Taste Jim Red Earth Bears Spring Activities Red Em-th Bem’s was ofliciallv bona on DecefliSai: 11.1994. Anal being less thm~ four monflls old still qualifies us for cub slams (besides, if you feel like a cub. you m’e a cub). But we" re a very big cub& we" re getting large’r by dm month. We have close to 5b paid members and over a lnmdred on our mailing list uow. The steeriug committee decided daere" s uo mason to have only one REB event each moud]. April & May will bear muldple opportmfi tie~ for bears, cubs and their adufirers to get together. And remember, you don" t have to be a member of Red Earth Bem’s (REB) to participate in may of our outiugs. ofLocal Flavor" & Brent Invite You to Chelsea’s_ On Saturday, ~i\pril 22. the Show Me Bears (SMB) re’five in OKC. The next day REB will host ,’m al’temoon B5~()B cookout for the St Louis Club. This. potluck cookout is set for lfigh uoon to 3pm. This event is ,also the deadliue for folks to turn in their ideas for the REB logo. Ou Sat.. April 29. REB plans to lffke in the Wichita Mouutains in SW OK. The trail head is about 1,Q hours from OKC so we" 11 leave at 7:30am in order to savor some quality mountaiu moruiug time. We’ll hike d~rot|gh forests, grasslmlds mad a beautiflfl water-filled canyon Afterwards, we’ll eat al the fmnous Meets restaur,’mt. We’ll arrive back in OKC around eight or mue o" clock. The next day. Sun. April 30, REB will go bowling. Tiffs is fine make-up event originally plmmed in Marcia. We’ 11 meet at Brmlswick Heritage Bowl just south of N’W 122nd mid Pem~ in OKC at lpln. The finals of a gay bowling toummneut coiucides with our bowliug so the 1,’rues Serving Lunch & Dinner. Noon to 10pro Eclectic Menu * Moderate Prices FOR SALE: Beautifully remodeled lake home. ~end $.~.95 eheek or money order Approximatel.v 4 miles north of Wagoner, near entrm~ce to recreation park. Ideal for weekenders or year ’round 6528 D-I E ]Ol~,l Adult Acco/nnlodalions tranquil living. Features include large rec room, living-bedroom Tul~,~, OK 741~I,3-675-1 Frank Green, Jr. Host combo with fireplace, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen plus dining room. Patio. Large 10t; Must enelo~.~ )’our signatur~ and Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 chain-link fence. Mature trees statement staling: that ~u~21. Priced at only $26,500 for quick _,._~...~__~__j_._.~_~._~_~_.€.__.~_._.€.___~___,,_.~ sale. Come see for 3,ourself’. Phone 462-7265 ¯art ~’ontest ~ Pool Shootout Manual Drive Train & Axles Engine Performance Electrical Systems Suspension & Steering Motor Home Rental & Repair Heating & Air Conditioning Fleet Service Available Free or low-cost towing OU Sat. May 6, First Splash in Austiu always attracts a healflay bear contingent. A low-priced package tliat includes tent accolnmodations mid food is available. Call Jerolne Scheer at the REB phone number - 405- 732-9808. On Suu. afternoon, May 21, a Bear Bust is plmmed for ]Levis in OKC. During the Memorial Day weekend. REB heads to the very woofy gay rodeo in OKC wifla a pool party on Monday.. Fiually, a cmnping trip ts plammd for Lake Tlmnderbird ou Jmm 10th, mid the Gay Pride.festivities will end the month. Other summer activities include a weekeud trip to Tulsa (Tulsa REB folks: tell us what to do tlfis weekend) mad a Bear Hug at the Habmaa hm in Aug. or Sept. The REB Newsletter is published with your help of ma manual lnembership fee of ten dollars. REB’s address is Red Earth Bears, PO Box 57561, OKC, OK 73157-7561. You cma call us at 405-732-9808 or email us at almaokc@aol.com or Tulsa INEXPERIENCED: Mitch, brngrey/brn 35, very smooth, inexperienced, eager to meet similar, smoker, thats about it- ~22668 Mcallister CAMPING AND FISHING: GWM, iso a rel, 50, 190, blu/blnd, Ikg for someone 30-50, love photography, camping, fishing, gardening, qua time with my lover, only those sincere need apply- ~36350 THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) "3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (.) Due to our large volume of calls, if you can’t get thru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. -~- Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 W, Memphis LOOKING FOR A FRIEND: Donny, int are spending time with my companion, dinner; shopping,looking for a friend, I’m 2,0, iso 18-40, long short bm hair, 5 6, attr, Ikg to ha~,e a good time and spend time together- ~36404 Tulsa PROFESSIONAL SEEKS SAME: GWM Ron, 6’, blnd/gn, 185 44c 30w, prfl iso GWM nofi smoker, 25-40 Iv a messager ~36407 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what ~0u want to say. Keep it short and simple. Just describ.e yourself .and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system wilt walk you through the rest. Have a 0en ready to write down your box number. 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Smith NEWLY SINGLE: Joe, just ended a 6 yr rel, looking to , meet new friends, 37, brn/b]u, 6, 175, if ur interested, give me a call- work nights, home days- ~36985 Muskogee JB, if u would like Iv a message I’m professiona 6’1 ] 90, IJ~g for someone to have some good times with, ~37018 AR SHARE MY LIFE: Kenny, looking for a man to share my life with,talk to and get to know, give me a call- ~37263 Tulsa DISCREET FRIENDS: Randy, attr 35 married bi wm, iso daytime fun, 25-40, discreet friends- e28807 AR HAIRY HAWG RIDERS: Eric, recently divorced 6’2 200, brn/blu, like hairy men and cowboys, like to ride hawgs to like to getogether with you too- ~29005 : Tulsa ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT: Bob, GBM 33, 5’7, 155, iso sim WM to date and~ much more I’m bright, honest handsome like life and learning, like most entertainment, give me a call- ~29444 Tulsa CALL ME: Mitch, 5’10, 170 brn/grey brn e~,es young looking, smooth, inexp, smoker like to party someone with the same int, if ur interested give me a call- ~29894 Oklahoma City BOB, 47, let’s see what we can get into- let’s talk - ~36845 Oklahoma City MANY INTERESTS: Marvin, WM 6’2, 225, many interests, get in touch asap, like to talk to you! ~30131 Oklahoma City PAT, 22, Ikg for someone be~een 18-25, 150, blnd/blu grn 5’8, Ikg for honest person, Iv a message- ~30162 Tulsa WEIGHTLIFTER: Mike, I am 5’11,185, blnd/blu, cln shaven cln cut musc build, 23-35 ht/wt athl build into athletics, wtlifting,~30269 Muskegee HOPELESS ROMANTIC: DWayne 32 5’9 195 brn/hzl, hopeless romantic iso same for fun and friendship- ~30485 Jacksonville DANNY 20, soon to be 21 iso same area, willing to travel, varied interests give me a call ~31236 Stillwater VERY AI"rRACTIVE 19 clean athletic masc iso WM 18-25 Iv a message- ~30287 OK LOOKING FOR A FRIEND: Mitch, 35, brn/brngrey, 5’10 165i smoker, like to party, iso someone as inexp as me,, age not really impt- ~22668 Westville BI OR GAY MEN: Ken, bi, 6’, 165, brn/hzl, med build, attr outgoin.q easyfloing, smoker, drink-lightly, lobbing for other bi or gay men, give me a call- ~30841 Tulsa FUN IN TULSA: BM, iso some fun here in the area gve me a call- ~31534 Oklah,o~a City MARVIN 28 WM 6 3 brn/blu, vers, need to meet someone into role playing if ur into it give me a call- ~30131 Rogers SLIM AND SMOOTH: David, 5’10 160 dk/dk smooth, 29w~ looking to meet other guys for good time~, give me a call- ~31876 Choto CLASSICAL LITERATURE: Mark, 6’~, 200, brn/.hzl, tremaire like to find kindred out there,also like tv, romantic having fun, like classical literature, Poe, Lovecraft, Shakespeare, open to new things, if this sounds int give me a call- ~28131 Tulsa DIS.C,REET BI GUY: bi attr WM 5 3 130, 30s iso attr dn cut guy ,disc~reet call me- ~23017 Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR A FRIEND: Dennis WM 33 brn/brn 195, 6’, "ust moved here ma~nty looking fo~: fnends- ~23201 FEVER? Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR A COWBOY: 25, 5’7 125, brn/blu, Ikg for a cowboy 25-35 who has his act together- ~23357 Tulsa CUDDLE UP: GWM 20 6’2 brn/hzl, iso romantic 18-25 loves attention ~to cuddle and kiss- ~23701 NW AR SKIP 34, 6’1, bm/blu 170, iso indiv in.the Springfield/Lithe Rock area bi, but inexp~ iso someone either gay or bi, looks not impt, good pers, and willin~ to experiment,l~e to get together III get back to youe23205 T,ulsa TALK TO ME: Tony, 27, 6, stocky 230, married WM bi, iso othe~ married-or bi men who are stocky like me, iso someone discreet andalot of fun great attitude, to talk with- ~24320 1-800-326-MEET 1-900-976-LESB Gay Pride Picnic June 18 Mohawk Park Thurs- Sun 9-2 v~ 3340 $. Peoria Tulsa v 918-744-0896 FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Easter Weekend Special Food for Sunday Now Open at Noon on Sat. & Sun. Cash Drawing M-F, 6-8pm YOU’LL NEVER KNOW.": WHAT TO-! EXPECT!!! :: INC 1229 S. MEMORIAL DR. o..TULSA - 918-835-5083 ~: Tulsa’s Huge Patio Bar SALOON FItR~. Pool Night.... $4.00 Beer Bust FRRR Two-Step Lessons 8pro.- 10pm M~T.~, DANClgl~S $4.00 Beer Bust Dance Music ,All Night Country and Dance Mix $4.00 Beer Bust The Best Night Out in Tulsa FREE I-dne-Dance Lessons 8pm - 10pm $4.00 Beer Bust (918) 834-4234 / 1565 S. Sheridan - TuLsa, OK Wed - Sun 7 pm - 2 am / Mon - Tues Closed Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1995] Tulsa Family News, April-May 1995; Volume 2, Issue 5 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 15-May 14, 1995 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online Text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper Periodical Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa's Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin JD Jamet Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/497 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, March 15-April 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 4 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 1995 Academy Awards activism AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV education AIDS/HIV reporting AIDS/HIV research AIDS/HIV testing Ann Williams arts and entertainment attorneys Barney Frank Barry Hensley Bars Beverly Haney businesses Candice Gingrich censorship churches civil disobedience civil rights Community Center custody Democratic party Don't Ask Don't Tell drag queens estate planning Family of Faith Metropolitan Community Church Federal Security Clearance Greg Louganis Grethe Cammermeyer health homophobia housing International Heterosexual Foundation Klanwatch letters to the editor LGBT politicians marketing marriage Murder Nancy Wilson Newt Gingrich Nigel Hawthorne Ontario Human Rights Commission Partner Benefits Pat Robertson Peabody Awards performing arts personals Peter Karlsson Planned Parenthood Read All About It Red Earth Bears restaurants sex offender registry shoplifting sodomy laws Southern Poverty Law Center St. Patrick's Day Stephen Bransford Steve Largent TOHR Reporter Tom Neal Tulsa Family News Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing United Nations Human Rights Committee University of Tulsa viatication https://history.okeq.org/files/original/98519b0f75818b99e1541c683ae3c2c7.jpg 0c805022ce4fa43e15e94a9e7b7af1ce https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e860a6f92d59402e8c2ba8ad9ce797b3.pdf ecdac2bda370639bfe9ed8a1601986f3 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart 400 Expected at So. Central MCC District Conference May 15 - June 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 6 Hope Candle Light Tour: Big Bucks for AIDS Care & OK HIV/AIDS Conference Precious in God’s Sight: Sacred Earth, Sacred People The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) will hold tlie 1995 annual conference for its South Central District on May !8-21 at Tulsa’s Southern Hills Marriott. 1902 East 71st Street, 493-7000. During the conference, participants will elect a District Coordinator at the District Business meeting as well as worshiping together. The Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson, pastor of MCC Los Angeles will speak at the opening and see Conference, page 3 TULSA, OK - Organizers of the fifth Hope Candlelight Tour hope to raise nearly $100,000 for two AIDS service organizations: St. Joseph’s House and tLaAN, Regional AIDS Interfaith Network of EaStern Oklahoma. Despite heavy rains that lowered attendance on May 6 & 7. respectable crowds made their way from several elegma~ homes that had been opened in one of Tulsa’s most elite neighborhoods, see Hope, page 11 Family of Faith Welcomes New Pastor Nancy Horvath TOHR Endorses Lesbian/ Gay Marriage Resolution The Reverend Nancy Horvath began as pastor of MCC Family of Faith Sunday May 7. Horvath, recently pastor of MCC Joie de Vivre in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is joined in Tulsa by her spouse, Barb Horvath-Zurn and their 3 year old son,Zach. TFN recently had the opportunity to discuss her background, her experiences in Baton Rouge and hopes for and challenges of Tulsa with Pastor see Horvath. page 3 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) unanimously endorsed at its April membership meeting a resolution calling for Lesbians and Gay men to marrx legally. The resolution reads: Because marriage is. a fundamental right under our Constitution, and becasue the Constitution guarantees equal protection of the law, see Resolution, page 3 Tulsa Gay Churches Honor 44th National Day of Prayer TULSA, OK - The Metropolitan Community Churches ofTnlsa, Family of Faith Metropolitan Community Church and°the Metropolitan Community Church of" Greater Tulsa honored the 44th National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 4 in a ceremony at Bartlett Square in downtown Tulsa. Pastors Alice Jones and Nancy Horvath with a small number of lay people prayed for greater tolerance and respect for.all persons ...... ; The following is of the statement read to the participants and onlookers: "We pray for an end to the hatred of which the Oklahoma City bombing, the most recent massacre in see Prayer, page 11 Pride ’95 Logo - Artist: Kelly Vandiver Tulsa Pride Picnic- Sunday June 18th, Mohawk Park OKC Parade- June 24th TOHR Follies- June 30th The Tulsa Pride Picnic will be held on Sunday, June 18, at Mohawk Park in Shelter #6 off of Cherokee Drive. Beginning at noon, the picnic will offer free drinks, food will be available at low cost and community organizations and businesses will offer information and goods at booths under the trees During the afternoon, volleyball and softball games will be.held and atz2pm; Tulsa FamilyChorale and the OklahOma city Gay Marching Band will perform. Volunteers are needed to help with food and with clean-up. Community organizations or businesses see Pride, page 14 Lesbian Clinton Official to Run For SF Mayor WASHINGTON - The Clinton administration has lost its highest ranking openly gay official with the announcement that Roberta Achtenberg would resign her post as an assistant secretary in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In her letter of resignation to Presiden! Clinton, Achtenberg said she would step down effective April 30. Achtenberg will return to her home in San Francisco where she is expected to run for mayor see Lesbian Mayor, page 3 Civil Rights Protections Proposed in Poland WARSAW - Prompted by pressures to conform to the mandates of the European Union, which the country wants to join, a special commission that is working on drafting a postCommunist constituuon for Poland has included legal protections th at would extend protections based on sexual orientation. Sixteen of the 29 parliamentary deputies who are drafting the constitution voted to include the constitutional see Poland, page 7 Ex-Klan Leader Wants PWA’s to be Tattooed LOS ANGELES - David Duke, the former Ku Klux Klan leader who also served as a Lomsiana state representative, recently told The Advocate that people infected with AIDS should be tattooed in the genital area, "maybe even with glow-in-thedark ink." Duke, ~vhois currently considenng running for governor of Louisiana, explained that the AIDS tattoos would serve as a warning to prospective sexual partners. Duke also said he see Duke. page 3 Researchers: AIDS Major Victory in Oregon Education Efforts Work SAN FRANCISCO- According to health researchers at the University of California at San Francisco, there is growing evidence that a substantial decrease in the rate of ttlV infection can be and has been achieved through intensive prevention efforts aimed at those most at risk in the AIDS epidemic, and that the major stumbling block to curbing the spread of the virus among vulnerable populations are outmoded social policies. The report, published, in the Journal see Education, page 7 SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled that local and county governments cannot pass laws that discriminate against gays. The ruling strikes down ann-gay rights ordinances passed in some 27 Oregon cities and counties during the past 2 years and upholds alaw passed by the state legislature prohibiting such local measures. The appeals court panel unanimously ruled that the state legislature has preemptive rights over matters of "substantive policy" issues such as civil rights legislation. Work Equality Project NE\V YORK - New York state Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, the state’s only openly gay le~slator and the co-chair of the International Network of Lesbian & Gay Officials,joined with New York City Councilman Tom Duane and San Francisco Supervisor Carol Migden and the Wall Street Project in launching a program to promote non-discrimination policies by businesses and institutions throughout the country. Known as the "Equality Principles on Sexual Orientation," the guidelines are designed to see Work Project, page 3 Rainbow Business Guild Chooses 1995 Officers Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay & Lesbian/Gay friendly business organization, Rainbow Business Guild, elected new officers at its April meeting. Founding officers, Tim Gillean, Frank Going & Kevin Palmer turned over leadership to Leanne Gross, and Bud Wharton, co-chairs, Barbara Bellar, secretary, and Tom Neal, treasurer. RBG will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 22 at 7pm at the. O!iveGarden Restmarant at Utica Square. Dinner dues fi~e $10. Rainbow BuSiness Grild ig~open to business owners, professionals, company empl~.~;e~~ students and others interested in business with a Lesbian Gay perspective. For more info. call 832-0233. Virginia High Court Rules Against Lesbian Mom RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia Supreme Court split 43 in ruling that Sharon Bottoms could be denied custody of her 3-year-old son Tyler because she is a lesbian and her sexual orientation could lead to the child facing social condemnation growing up. The court overturned a state appeals court ruling that would have allowed Bottoms to get custody of her son, whose custody is being challenged by the woman’s mother. In the court majority decision, Justice A. Christian Compton said, "The mother is an unfit custodian at this time, and the child’s best interests would be promoted by awarding custody to the grandmother.’" Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, said of the decision, "’Anyone who truly cares about families should be morally outraged that the government has taken a child from his own loving mother because of ether people’s pre judices. This is an anti-famil v decision that is clearly notin th~ best interests of the child." Virginia activists are see Mom, page 7 Military Update Court Victory for Sailor AI,EXANDRL~, Va. - Navy Lt. Paul Thomasson has become the latest member of the U.S. armed forces to challenge the "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. Thomasson’s lawyers argued in court that the policy not only is a violation of constitutional guarantees of free speech, but that the Navy by enforcing it against Thomasson would be kicking out "one of its finest" service members. Thomasson, in addition to his stellar record first as a pilot and later in a Washington, D.C. staff post, has received glowing commendations from former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Colin Powell whom he hel .ped prepare for congressional testimony, among other Navy brass. The Navy is trying to discharge Thomasson, however, because the day after the new see Military, page 7 �918-832-0233 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-01z10 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher~ditor Tom Neal Assistant E~litor James Christjohn Writers/contributors Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin Staff Photographer JD Jamett Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by Tulsa F~mily News and may not be reproduced either in whol~m’in@art wi.thout written permission from the publisher. Public~ti0n of a name or photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution locations. Additional copies are available atTomfoolery! Civil Rights For Tulsa Lesbians & Gay Men Who Decides What’s Best for Us? by Tom Neal. publisher i’diversity"training that includes Issues of sexual orientation and to collect hate crime statistics for attacks based on actual or perceived sexual orientation Officially, at least, none of these actions have been taken now five months later. followed up to see what Savage Many of you remember the raucous and bruising public hearings held almost a year ago by the City of Tulsa’s Human Rights Commission and its Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation. Some of you may know that these two bodies revised their report and sent it to our Mayor, M. Susan Savage and to our City Council. Few of you probably know what, if anything, has happened since then. The report had several recommendations. One called on the City Council to mnend our current human rights ordinance to add the words, sexual orientation. This would protect heterosexuals, homosexuals and "bisexuals from invidious discrimination. Court rulings thus far have held that discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation is illegal only where the term, sexual orientation or its equivalent, affectional orientation, etc. is explicitly used. At this time, our City Council is overwhelmingly hostile to such protections. . The other recommendations, however, were not directed at the City Council. These recommendahons call for our Mayor to issue executive orders banning discrimination in c~ty hiring, to order our police dept. to begin You may be thinking of many of the same questions Tulsa Family News has been asking, i.e., what progress has been made, and if nothing, why not? You may want to know who’s representing us, and what kind of job are they doing. You may be surprised at how little is going on. A few members of the Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation met with the Mayor, but apparently haven’t has done. Apparently they didn’t even ask her to do much, i.e., implement the reco~rmiendations of the report that call for action on the part of the Mayor, not the City Council. Savage has since refused to protect city employees from discrimination (see TFN v.2 #4). Savage also promised toissue a generic condemnation of discrimination. These sorts of statements rarely do Lesbians and Gay men any good, since the statements are usually seen as applying to "legitimate" minorities and women. Where we’re not explicitly included, we "re usually excluded. Committee members should have rejected this idea as soon as Mayor Savage said it. So who are the folks - representing us? They i~n,c.lude Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby, past presidents of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR); Nancy McDonald of local & regional PFLAG; Bill Hinkle, also of PFLAG, and others. These folks are individuals of courage who have histories of fighting for fair treatment of Lesbians and Gay men. It seems we have good folks trying to represent our interests, but are they? Some of this group seem to have selected a stealth strategy. see Who Decides, page 3 by Robert Bray Right aroun~l this time of year I get my annual reminders that my loving relationship with my partner John is not worth much in the eyes of society. Perhaps it’s my income tax returns, which give me no opdon except to file single because our union is not "valid." Or maybe it’s the mailbox of invitations atmouncmg the June weddings of my straight friends and relatives. Or it could be all those glowing bride and groom advertisements just in time for the upcoming nuptial season. Marriage has been on my mind a lot lately. To be honest, I’m not certain if it’s my wedding I’mpondering (wehaven’tbegun those discussions ye0. But the subject of same-sex marriage is rapidly rising into the consciousness of many Americans and has already made national headlines and front-page news around the country. And it’s clearly in the cross-sights of the Radical Right. Aggressive pre-emptive strikes against same-sex marriage have already been launched in at least three states with more attacks expected. Alaska, Utah and South Dakota have or are now facing pro-active bans on same-sex marriage. They clearly are designed to head off an affirmative ruling expected later this year or early 1996 on a pending gay marriage casein Hawaii. A Congressional threat may be forthcoming, too. Newt Gingrich rarely misses an opportunity to demean gay relationships. In 1992, the Republican Party specifically stated an oppositaon to same-sex marriages in its Platform. The issue is sure to be raised as we enter a new election cycle. The Radical Right plans to capitalize on society’s vigorous opposition to same-sex marriage and use it as a fundraising and political orgamzing weapon to streng~en its "traditional family values agenda. Expect more attacks on not only same-sex marriage but also gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families, including foster parenting, adoption and child custody. It’s time for our side to sound the alarm. We are asking for the equal right to marry the one we love and care for, just as non-gay ...we, as a community, must learn how to get involved in the polltleal proeess....while we’re waiting for the [Sexual Orientation] Committee sehmoaze civil rights protections into being, call your councilperson and the mayor... Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S. Memorial 835-5083 *Barraccuda’s Wild Nights/Donna’s Crazy Days 2405 E. Admiral 582-4340 *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria 744-0896 *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 *Metropole, 1902 E. 11 587-8811 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Renegades, 1649 S. Main 585-3405 *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial 660-0856 *Time n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial 664-8299 *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 *Whittier Cafe, 416 S. Lewis 582-2400 Businesses/Services *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Blue Moon Bakery 492-4918 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Ming~, Ste. 102 254-2100 Certified Moble Auto Repair 438-3393, pager: 591-0597 Creative Collection, 152t E. 15 592-1521 *Devena’s Gallery for Photo~aphy, 13 E. Brady 58%2611 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 *Java Dave’s, Lincoln Plaza 592-3317 International Tours 341-6866 Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Loup-Garou; 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587-8108 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584~3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 Mortgages by Design 342-4252 Phoenix Mortgage Corp. 592-7700 Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston 587-8333 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan 832-0233 Westcopa Salon; Lincoln Plaza 583~1500 Organizations BiL/G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. BOX 52118 74128 Rainbow Business Guild 254~2100 Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 S~ve the Nation, Indian Health Care 584-4983 Shanti Hotline 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (info.) 743-4297 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Learme M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Mohawk Living Center, 3910 Park Rd. 425-1354 Jonathan & Dee Nicholas, Realtors 749-3000, 800-539-7767 Richard Reeder, MS, Psychotherapy 581-0902, 743-4117 Religious & Educational Organizations Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr 2627B E. 11 628-0594 *Community of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 838-7232 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa *indicates a distribution point Americans do. Many same-sex couples share the same responsibilities as married couples. However, nowhere in the United States do they receive the same recognition or benefits, not even in communities with domestic partnership laws. Of course, gay, lesbian and bisexual people are as diverse as non-gay people. Many would not choose to marry even if they could. However, virtually all gay see Marriage, page 3 �Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights, Who Decides? They seem to propose that if we all just keep quiet about these issues, we can sneak them through city government. Interestingly, these same folks said similar things prior to the human rights commission hearings last spring. They suggested that if we just kept the public and the press uninformed, that we could avoid conflict and get this ordinance passed. Obviously neither happened. We would argue that this approach is not only undemo~ cratic, but is politically naive. Tulsa Family News recognizes that the members of the S tanding Committee on Sexual Orientation have no legal obligation to meet with our community organizations, nor to solicit the breadth of opinion from those ] whom they proport to represent. j However, we suggest that the Standing Committee has a powerful ethical obligation to discuss their strategies with those whose rights remain denied. Practically speaking, this "behind the scenes maneuvering" will not be enough at some point and they will need us. You would think that these folks would be going to TOHR, toour churches, to Prime Timers, to the Women’s Supper Clubs and other groups to let our communities know where we stand and what’w~ need to do to help. Besides giving them the support they need, we, as a community, must learn how to get involved in the political process. We have the opportunity cont’dfrom p. 2 to show the city that we’re part of this city. In the meantime, while we’re wa~ for the Committee schmooze civil fights protections into being, call your coun-cilperson and the mayor. Ask to meet with your connselor and the Mayor. It’s your right. Mayor Savage: 596-7411, fax: 596-9010, City Council: 5961990. For those interested in getting involved in theseissues, TOHR has established a Civic Affairs committee to organize community efforts. It will meet next on Monday, June 5 at 7pm at the Gathering Room of the HIV Resource Consortium. TFN editorials represent the views of the writer- not those of advertisers nor other contributors. Letters are welcome. I Marriage cont’d from p. 2 people prefer that they -- and not the state should have the right to decide whether and whom to marry. The subject of same-sex marriage offers many political challenges and organizing opportunities and numerous questions for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists. It’s time for that dialogue to begin. Questions that may need to be considered as we move this issue forward: ¯ Do we really need or want the right to marry? ¯ Do bisexual activists have a different view of this subject than gay and lesbian people? ¯ Are there differences in the way gay men and lesbians analyze the institution of marriage? ¯ What about concerns that the institution of marriage itself gay or straight -- perpetuates a moral hierarchy with different economic and social privileges? -- Those in couples (viewed as "’monogamous") receive social and economic rewards because of their implied moral status. Meanwhile, single people (viewed as "’promiscuous") do not. This community discussion and dialogue must also include an awareness of the orgamzing and education efforts of grassroots groups, including the Hawaii Equal Rights Marriage Project and Na Mamo o Hawai’i. Na Manlo, a new statewide civil rights group of indigenous gay, lesbian, bisexual aud transgender people, is doing work around homophobia, racism and classism and how they connect to the marriage issue. As we advance the issue of our right to marry, we must not perpetuate the myth that marriage is the only way that "true" families are organized. We need To have and to hold. It’s about havlnd the rights andresponsibilities of leSM and soeietal reeognltlon of our loving unions. to advance simultaneously both our right to marry and a redefinition of "family" that is an honest reflection of the diversity of family structures extended families, step-families, single par.e.nt households, grandparents rinsing grandchildren, divorced parents, adopted children, foster families. We must nnite with-the majority of others who do not fit the model that is considered "traditional." What is your role in the samesex marriage battle? There are manyways togetinvolved. First, help get the word out. Educate the public. Tell your faniily, friends and coworkers about same-sex marriage issues. Sponsor a community forum on tllis topic. Write letters to die editor and get the press to cover the subject. Also, you can take action. Consider organizing a marriage license "’refuse-in" at your local city clerk office. Get an organization you are involved in to sign on to the Lambda Marriage Resolution a document supported by numerous national organizations, including Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), Latino/a Lesbian & Gay Organization, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Gay & Lesbian Parents Coalition International, and many more. Tohave andtohold. It’s about having the rights and responsibilities of legal and societal recognition of our loving umons. It’s about holding close not only our loved ones, but also the democratic principles of fairness and equality often denied us because of who we are and whom we love. And most of all, it’s about creating and strengthening diverse families and forming relationships free of discrimination and prejudice. Robert Bray is longtime staff member of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. TOHR co,,ed from p. Resolved, the State should permit Gay cmd Lesbian couples to marry and share fully and equally in the rights and responsibilities of marriage. This resolution sponsored by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, Na " " seenext column to right Work. cont’d from p. 1 "provide a framework for an ethical standard that all corporations, universities, and other institutions can voluntarily -embrace in their business practices." Businesses that sign the principles would commit themselves to not discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or H1V status in sales, purchasing or employment practices. The 8point non-discrimination policy statement states: "To become successful in the ever-competitive world of business, a company must strive to create an environment in which all employees are treated with respect. Through the cultivating of diversity in the wprkplace, a company can draw fully upon the potential, for creativity and commitment represented by all its employees. Implementation of these Equality Principles on Sexual Orientation are an important step in that direction. 1. Explicit prohibitions against discrimination based on sexual orientation will be included in the company’s written employment policy statement. 2. Discrimination against HIV positive employees or those with AIDS will be strictly prohibited. 3. Employee groups, regardless of sexual orientation, will be given equal standing with other employee associations. 4. Diversity training will include sexual orientataon issues. 5. Spousal benefits will be offered to domestic partners of employees, regardless of sexual orientation, on an equal basis with those granted to married employees. 6. Company adve.rtisi~ag policy will bar negative sexual orientation stereotypes and will not discriminate in media advertising on the basis of sexual orientation. 7. Companies will not discriminate in the sale and purchase of goods and services on the basis of sexual orientation. 8. Written non-discrimination policies on sexual orientation must be disseminated throughout the company. A senior company official will be appointed to monitor compliance corporate wide. Mamo o Hawaii mid the Hawaii Equal Rights Marriage Project. A Hawaii court decision may legalize same gender marriage by the end of this year or early next vear. New Love or Old Love How about a new look for your Unique Gifts Spring Sale in Lincoln Plaza corner of 15th & Peoria 584-4606 M-F 10-8 Sat. 10-5 Incense - 20 Sticks for $1 Wide Variety of T-shirts & Ties Art Deco Lamps love nest? Come see Bryan. Ken or Tim at our laborious designer showroom with definitely NOT designer priee~! Budget Window Treatment~ & MORE! R~ow eu,~,,,, o~la M~. 7116 S. ]VIin¢o. Ste. 10~. ~52~-~100 Mayor cont’d fromp. 1 in a race already crowded with a number of candidates. In her letter to Clinton, Achtenberg, a former city supervisor, said she was stepping down from her HUD post in order to "become a candidate for mayor of San Francisco" to bring a "workable, reform-minded city government that recaptures. San Francisco’s greatness." In 1993, Clinton ............... to oversee the fair housing and equal opportunity division of HUD. She was confirmed to the post afteralong and often nasty debate on the Senate floor, with conservatives, led by Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) portraying her as a "’dangerous radical" and "dmnn lesbian." In her letter to the. President, Achtenberg thanked Clinton for his support in "’a challenging confirmation process." But she went on to say that "I feel the need to return to the city I Call home.’" Conf. cont’d from p. l closing services on Thu~sdav and Sun.day. Others leading worship services are the Reverend Sandi Robinson, president, Samaritan College, Judy Dale, district coordinator, Great Lakes District-UFMCC, the Reverend Renee Phillips, pastor of MCC. Lubbock and the Reverend Dexter Brecht, pastor of Vieux Carre MCC New Orleans. Saturday night,after a banquet, there will be a dance. Both Tulsa congregations, MCC Greater Tulsa and MCC Family of Faith. plan hospitality suites for conference participants: The Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson will speak on Sunday evening, May 21st at Family of Faith. For more information about the conference, call 838-1715 or 622-1441. Duke cont’d from p. 1 believed HIV was first transmitted when a human had sex with a monkey in Africa. Puppy Pause II All Breeds Dog Grooming llth & Mingo 838-7626 Open Tuesday Saturday at 8am. Call for appointments. Walk-ins also welcome. �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News UK Gay Military Ban Becomes Political Issue~ LONDON - A spokesman for! the British Defense Ministry told Parliament that the country’s policy of excluding gays from the British armed forces had the full support of the Conservative Party government and that ,allowing gays in the nation’s military was "not compatible with securing the ailns of the armed forces." The Labor Party had earlier called for ending the ban on gays and lesbians in the country’ s military as part of the party’s official platform. David Clark, the defense spokesman lbr the Labor Party, called the exclusionary policy an"infringement on civil liberties" and added, "’It is important in the modern world that military law is as near as possible in accord with civilian law. "" Bias Charged at N.M. Job Corps Center ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.Despite complaints to adininistrators of harassment, threats and assaults aimed at gay and lesbians students and staff, acuvists in the Lesbian Avengers .charge that the managers of the U.S. Job Corps in Albuquerque have refused to do anything to put a halt to the anti-gay activities. The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force has ~lso charged that administrators of thc Job Corps center there have not returned repeated phone calls about the on-going troubles at the center. The Job Corps is a division of the U.S. Labor Department and teaches young people various employment skills. NEA Nixes Grant for Lesbian-Themed Play SANFRANCISCO - The National Endowment for the Arts has rejected the recommendation by its peer advisory panels and voted against funding a stage adaptation of a novel by San Francisco-based lesbian writer Jewell Gomez. The $13,000 grant was to have gone to pay for the African-American performance troupe Urban Bush Women’s production Of Gomez’s "’Bones and Ash: A Gilda Story.’" Peer review panel recommendations are rarely rejected. The case of the "NEA Four"- Andreas Serrano, Holly flughes, Tim Miller and Karen Fiuel v - was a highly publicized and controversial exception. Gomez herself said she believes the endowment rejected the grant because her story has a lesbian protagonist. "We were pretty much ~xpecting [approval of the grant] because we had gotten Phase.Two approval, and to not get Phase Three is weird, unless you really screwed up or something,’" she said. Waybourn Leaves Victory Fund WASHINGTON - Gay rights activist William Waybourn, founder of the Gay & Lesbian Victory. Fund. has announced he will retire as the head of the Washington, D.C.-based PAC. A long-time Dallas activist, Waybourn said in a prepared statement that he had no irmnediate plans, but was leaving the 4-year-old Victory Fund to promote new ideas in the agency. "It is my philosophy that organizations tltrive .best when new leadership and fresh ideas are enconraged,’" lie said. ’Creating Change’ Conferen ce Announced WASHINGTON- The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force has annotmced that its 8th annual Creating Change conference will take place Nov. 8-12 in Detroit. Among the issues slated to be covered durin.g.the conference are: orgamzlng in rural communities, organizing people of faith, same-sex marriage rights, anti-violence work, and organizing in the workplace. For additional information and registration, contact NGLTF at (202) 332-6483, ext. 3329. Lesbians at White House Conference WASHINGTON -Attending the White House Conference on Aging as delegates May 2-5 are long-time lesbian activists Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, cofounders of the Daughters of Bilitis. The couple will introduce a resolution during the conference calling for for greater vis!bility, for lesbian and gay aging issues in future conferences. The White House conference agenda had originally included lesbian and gay issues when publi shed in October 1994; but when the final agenda was published this February, the item had been dropped. Martin and Lyon were named as delegates to the conference by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) respectivel ,W. Sexually ’Ambiguous’ UK Bishop Elevated LONDON - David Hope, the Bishop of London who recently ackalowledged under pressure from British activists that he is sexually "an~biguous", has been named by Prime Minister Jolm Major as the next Archbishop of York, the 2nd highest clergy man in the Church of England. "People should not be stereotyped sexually and sonle may describe themselves as being homosexual," Hope said in March after being urged by the fights ~oup Outrage to co~ne out. "For some the area is slightly grayer, and that is the sort of area I find my self in." Following the azmouncelnent of his elevation, Hope said he would use his new position to resolve differences about homosexuality within the church. "It is my business to insure that all who are involved are given a proper voice and a proper ear, and there is a proper process of listening to the debate," he said. "At the present _ time I am just a little concerned that the debate is causing rather mor e heat than light. "’ Members of Congress Keep Anti-Bias Policies \VASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign Fund announced at a press conference that 287 of the 535 members of the U.S. Congress do not discriminate against gays and lesbians in employment in their staff office positions. The HRCF survey reported that 223 of 435 House members and 64 of 100 senators had signed nondiscrimination affirmations. Absent from the HRCF list were House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas). GOP presidential candidate and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas, however, was included on the non-bias listing. Speaking at a news conference, Elizabeth Birch, HRCF’s executive director, said it was "encouraging that the critical bloc of moderate swing votes in this Congress supports the concept of equal treatment."Last year a similar HRCF survey reported that 296 members of Congress - 225 House members and 71 senators - agreed to similar anti-bias policies in their offices, tojunior and senior lfigh schools, Jury Rejects but will not include it in bundles it sells to elementary schools. Apple got caught in the embarrassing PR flap in Febnmry when Voyager charged that Apple had insisted it remove "cOntroversial" material .about abortion and homosexuality. Spokespersons-for both Apple and Voyager said they were reasonably happy with the agreement they had reached on distributing the CD textbook. Death Threat Against AIDS Fear Defense BROWNSVILLE, Texas Jurors hearing a murder case rejected the defense offered by attorneys for Edgardo Arrona, 21, that he had shot a gay man, Oscar Anderson, 53, to death because he feared he had been exposed to HIV ,and been forced into years of sex and drugs by the older ~nan. Arrona confessed to shootinv Anderson last Auoust bnt claruled lie had done so beeause the older man, a teacher, had lured lfim into sex and drug use as a teenager and lie was concerned about contracting AIDS. Although Anderson in fact was HIV positive, Arrona has continued to test negative for the virus. Prosecutors, whom the jury a~eed with in finding Arrona gnilty, had argued that the younger man had continued to return to Anderson’s apartment for several years withont showing any indic,~tions he wasn’ t a willing participant. Philly Woos Gay Travel Assn. Convention PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia’s Convention and Visitors Bureau has joined with PrideFestin an effort to draw the 1997 annual convention of the International Gay Travel Association to the "City of Brotherly Love." The IGTA convention is expected to bring more than 1,000 travel agents and tourism specialists to wherever it holds its annual meeting. The city’s Convention & Visitors Bureau is one of a handful around the country including New York and San Francisco - that have in the past few years begun actively luring gay and lesbian tourists and travelers-. PrideFest, the city’s annual gay pride celebration, is slated for May 7-10 in 19~7. Apple Settles Dispute SAN JOSE, Calif,-The San Jose Mercury News reports that Apple Computer has agreed to keep a CD-ROM history textbook that it will be distributing after a public outcry that Apple wascensoring material about abortion and homosexuality. In the reported agreement with the Voyager Company of New York, Apple with include the CD textbook "Who Built America?" in bundled software it distributes Journalist Deb Price S AN JOS E, Calif.- OutNowL the San-Jose gay and lesbian uewspaper, reports that the announcement of a scheduled Jnne 24 visit by syndicated columnist Deb Price for a booksigmng has led to a telephone death tlweat. The paper reports that the death threat, which has been handed over to police, was called in to the answering machine at the Sisterspirit Bookstore in the city’s Billy DeFrank Lesbian & Gay Community Center after the upcoming booksigning was announced. OutNow! quoted part of the phone threat as saying, "I just want to say, if Deb Price appears at your bookstore on June 24th, I’ll personally colne in and shoot her. I tlfink fags are wrong. I think this is the stupidest thing that ever happened; feminist rights groups, f ing gay rights groups make me sick; f ing I’ll shoot her; got that?" The paper said Price had been informed of the threat and had no intention of altering her plans for the booksigning for her new book, And Say Hi to Joyce: America’ s First Gay Column Comes Out." Gingrich to Lead HRCF ’Coming Out Day’ Job WASHINGTON - Candace Gingrich, the lesbian half-sister of House Speaker Newt Gingrich, has been hired by the Washington D.C.-based gay aud lesbian lobbying group the Human Rights Campaign Fund to head up its National Coming Out Project. The project culminates Oct. 11 with National Coming Out Day, an event that got launched several years ago in New Mexico and has since become a popular event nationwide to encourage gay and lesbian visibility. Gingrich, 28, kicks off her new job on April 25 Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 14~8 S. Boston, Tulsa Photography J.D. damett 621-5597 �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News with a town meeting in Seattle as part ofa34-city tour encouraging participation in National Coming Out Day. School Board Member Defeats Opponents LOS ANGELES - Openly gay Los Angeles school board member Jeff Horton, targeted for defeat by religious rightsupported opponents, handily won reelection, garnering 61% of the vote, more than his 2 fundamentalist-backed candidates combine d. His opponents, Peter Ford who was being backed by the Traditional Values Coalition, and Linda Jones, the Christian Coalition candidate, had focused on unseating Horton because of his support for gay-positive programs in the city’s huge school system. Students Protest Mel White Speech GREEN BAY, Wisc. Conservative student Republicans at the University of Wisconsin have objected to school officials over using student fees to payfor an upcoming speech to be given by the Rev. Mel White, a minister with the Metropolitan Community Church and one-time ghost writer for Pat Robertson. The Republican students charged that the $4,000 fee for White’ s speech was "’fiscally inappropriate" because of tight budgets at the school. But representatives of the unive.rsity.’ s lesbian and gay orgamzatlon said the conservative students just didn’ t "want the lifestyle discussed." The school says it hasno plans to cancel White’ s scheduled May 4 appearance on campus. Another Idaho Anti-Gay Ballot Measure BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Statestnan reports that the Idaho Citizens Alliance will soon introduce another anti-gay initiative only 5 months after voters in the state rejected the organization’ s first anti-gay measure. The paper quoted an !CA spokesman who said the new anti-gay ~neasure would not deal with employment but would aim at restricting how public libraries and schools deal with materials relating to homosexuality. Rights activists say such a ballot measure would be a waste of time and money after last November’s voter rejection of ICA’s anti-gay I work with in3e~g.~ty during an initiative. era of turmOl£.With librettist ¯ Alan Brody, Child has fashioned ’Morality Police" Attack Gays in Palestine Whitman’.s life into an allegorical opera written for the concert NABLUS, West Bank - The stage, making generous use of Reuter news service reports that the poet’s own essays, letters, 3 Palestiman men kidnapped a poetry and other writings. 51-year-old man from his shop In "Reckoning Time: A Song and shot him in the legs 6 times of Walt Whitman," the tide role because they believed him to be is sung by abaritone. Peter Doyle, gay. The news agency quoted Whitman’s longtime working unnamed sources that said the class lover, speaks his part, with men were part of a group of the exception of one simple love "morality police" who had song. The plot of the work recently begun kidnapping gays evolves through the dialogue and prostitutes in the West Bank, between the two performers. 2 others of whom were also shot Aussie ’Gaymes’ Hit By in the legs. Serial Killer’s Victims Far-Right Protesters May Have Been Gay ADELAIDE, Australia - The Australian gay newspaper SAN FRANCISCO- Police say Brother/Sister reports that anti-they believe a British man, gay protesters broke into a public already suspected of crisspool where the annual Australian crossing the globe under false National Gaymes was slated to identities in a string of killings, hold a swimming event and used may have targeted victims who a dye to stain the pool purple. An were.gay or bisexual ina series anonymous caller phoned local of grisly torture-murders with newspapers and television links from Mexico to Thailand stations and said the vandalism to San Diego and San Francisco. was the responsibility of the farAuthorities say John Martin right National Action Scripps, 35, of Hertfordshire, orgamzati’on. England, traveled around the ’Consumer Reports’ world after escaping from a jail in Great Britain on drug charges Rates Condoms and is wanted in connection with WASHINGTON - The May at least three murders - and Issue of Consumer Reports wanted for questioning about the includes the findings of its test of mysterious disappearances of reliability of condoms. The others. Singapore police say they consumer magazine tested 6,500 believe Scripps, who was latex condoms, representing 37 arraigned in Singapore on April brands. The magazine reports 18 on charges of killing Gerard sbme surprising findings: Lowe, a South African man Several types of the Trojan brand, whose dismembered remmns for example, frequently failed were recovered from a harbor in the air-inflation test, a basic March, used a 10,000-volt stun check of condom elasticity. The gun on his victims before killing magazine also found that some and mutilating them. Authorities brands that advertise as being say Scripps is also a suspect in "’stronger" were in fact not as the murders of Timothy strong as others in its tests. Others McDowall, 32, in Mexico; Sheila that promote themselves as Damude and her 22-year-old son "thin" weren’t particularly thin, Darin in Thailand; and Tommy the magazine reports, and some Wenger, 25, in San Francisco. of the thinnest broke more easily. Gay Poet Immortalized The best performing brands, BOSTON- Earlier this year, the according to Consumer Reports, were Sheik Excita Extra Ribbed, opera. "Ha?r. vey Milk" had its premiere ~n Texas, memoriRamses Extra Ribbed and Sheik Classic. The magazine named alizing the openly gay politician’ s life. In April, another Protex’s Touch condom as the opera got its world premiere ~n "’best buy.’" Boston immortalizing another Cal. Legis. Punts Gays gay icon - Civil War poet Walt SACIL~kMENTO, Calif. - The Whitman. Composer Peter Child California Assembly" s education says his new opera, "’Reckoning committee refused on a party~ Time: A Song of Walt line split 8-8 vote to send to the Whitman," represents the legislature a bill spousored by struggle of an artist to live and lesbian Assembly Member $30/hour - in, call for out rates timber industry lobbyist just 4 added sexual orientation to the state’s educational anti-bias laws. Opponents of the measure objected that the measure would give "special rights" to gays and lesbians and denounced homo~ sexuals as "ungodly" and "dirty." Kuehl urged the committee to send the measure on to the Assembly, declaring that the "witnesses for the opposition make our argument for us. Listen to what they said here. This is exactly the hatred we face every day. This is the .reason we need this bill. This is the moral decay at the heart of our society, that breeds hate and division.’" Domestic Partners OK’d CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The Chapel Hill Town Council has unanimously passed a domestic partners measure covering municipal employees. The measure, the second of its kind in North Carolina, provides for family leave and sets up limits on the work relationships of city workers and their domestic partners. The measure also allows city residents to register their domestic partnerships, whether same-sex or oppositesex, for a $50 fee but extends no direct benefits. blocks from LIFE Lobby’s offices and the tragic bombing in Oklahoma City, authorities took no chances and evacuated the entire building. No explosive device was found. Laurie McBride, LIFE’s executive director, said the caller had "wanted to let us kiaow that in tiffs climate of political violence. we are hated.’" Kentucky Mayor Refuses to Sign Anti-Bias Order LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson has refused to sign an executive ordcr extending anti-bias protectious to city workers based on scxnal orientation. Abramson said statc law restricts control over personnel policies and practiccs in Kentucky to city councils. boards of aldermen and other legislative bodies, not chicf executives of the cities. He citcd a legal.opinion by the city" s law director in refusing to sign the executive order. But gay rights activists disagreed and chargcd that Abramson was ducking thc issue. Eric Graninger, legal counsel for the Fairness Campaign~ said, "While thc aldermen can set minimum job requiremerits for city employees, the mayor ~ legally add more." Graninger.said the city’s law director was "’building a legal closet for the mayor to hide in.’" Far-Right Group Wants ’Pro-Famil y Contract’ WASHINGTON-The Cllristim~ Action Network held a press conference in the nation’ s capital and proposed a "Pro-Family Contract with America." TheCAN "’Contract" calls for reviving a total ban On ~ays mid Iesbians in the armed forces and would restrict federal funds from going to school districts tlial provide positive counseling for gay or lesbian students. CAN called on Congress to enact its ’:’Contract" or face the prospect Of a 3rd ~arty being formed. Rich Tafel, execunve directory of the Gay lobbying group Log Cabin Republicans, warned the GaP leadership, however, that the far-right wing" s agenda would divide the party and undermine the GaP’s prospects for keeping its narrow congressional majority. "If the Christian Action Network is trying to pick a fight, they’ll get one," Tafel saidl Kansas City Considers Gay Rights Measure LAWRENCE, Kan. - Lawrence, seat of the Umversity of Kansas, has become the first city in the state to extend anti-bias protections based on sexual Orientation. The Lawrence City Commission voted 3-2 to ad~t sextud orientation to the city’s existing anti-discrimination ordinance, which bars bias in employment, housing and public accommodation. The measure must still pass a 2rid reading before the commissioners, but there have been no indications the vote is likely to change when the added language comes up again in early May. Calif. Lobbying Offices Target of Bomb Threat SAC1La, MENTO, Calif. - The offices of the LIFE Lobby, a gay and AIDS lobbying organization in Califonfia’ s state capital, were evacuated after an anonymous caller telephoned a bomb tllreat and warned the lobby’ s workers to "’get out of the building unless you want to die." Following closely on the April 24 mailbomb killing in Sacrmnento of a Nathanael Mattingly KiM Licensed Massage Therapist Specializing in: Pager: 672-2035 Sheila Kuehl that would have ¯ Therapeul~i¢ ¯ Shiatsu ¯ Sports salon estetica 749-0777 The Queen of the Galaxy presents the best damn hair in town! 3509 S. Peoria - 2nd Level - Tulsa, OK 74105 �Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Researchers Find No HIV Risk from Health Care Worl~ers ATLANTA - In the largest study of AIDS transmission from health care workers to patients done to date, scientists found .no evidence that the vires was passed to pataents, according to a report in the Annals oflnternal Medicine. Many people in the U.S. have been concerned about the pos sible risk of infection after the Centers for Disease Control & Prcvenuon determined 3 years ago that a Florida dent[st., transmitied HIV to 6 of his patients. The new study by the CDC covered more than 221,000 ~a~ients of 64, physicians, dentists and other health care.workers who are infected with the virus. The researchers found only 113 infected patients out of the 22,000 examined, and of those epidemiological and genetic evidence showed that all came from other sources, not from any of the health care workers. 2 Pilots Sue United Airlines LOS ANGELES - T~vo pilots have filed an employment discrimination lawsuit against United Airlines, charging that the airline barred them from flying because they are infected with HIV. The case is the first of its "kind filed by commercial airhne pilots under the" Americans With Disabilities Act, according to the pilots’ lawyers and some AIDS organizations. United, the largest airline in the U.S., !nsists.that, in the interest of public safety, it acted correctly in grounding the pilots under regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration. The suit, filed in federal court by R. Christopher Prilliman of Dallas and PaulRafalowski of Laguna Beach, Calif., c6ritends that the pilots were grounded after the airline learned Dentcd Association, while more dentists they were HIV-positive, despite the fact are willing ~o treat patients who are infected that they passed physicals given by United~. ~"with HIV, many are still reluctant to have and the FAA earlier in 1994. Uuited~S such patients. The survey reported that medical director, Dr. Gary Kohn, said the 67% of the dentists surveyed would treat airline received information from the such patients, even if they could refer pilots’ doctors last year "that led us to them to other health care workers..A believe they had a disqualifying condition" similar survey in 1986 found only about under FAA standards. Although he 47% of the dentists said they would trea! declined to comment on the case, an FAA infected patients. But the survey alsofound spokesperson said that being HIV-positive that 32% said they would not pick dentistry does not preclude a pilot from being again as a medical career because of fears approved for flying. of being exposed to HIV. And 75% of the dentists also said they were afraid to show CMV Retinitis Drug Effective any willingness to treat HIV-positive CHICAGO -Small injected doses.of an patients .out.of concerns they might lose experimental drug. have proven to be other patients. effective in checking the devastating eye damage common among people with Hormone May Curb KS Tumors AIDS, according to researchers at the LONDON - A hormone found in pregnant Uuiversitv of California. According to women, known as human chorionic reports i’n Ophthalmology and the gonadotropin, may have an important role American Journal of Ophthalmology, 3 in treating Kaposi’s sarcoma, a skin and small diuical trials showed the anti-viral blood vessel cancer that affects ma~.y drug cidofovir, which is also -known as patients with HIV, according to a report ~n HPlVlPC, stopped the progress of CMV the British journal Nature. Dr. Robert retinitis for months. Dr. William R. GaHo and other researchers with the Freeman, an ophthalmologist at the National Cancer Institute report that the University of California at San Diego, hormone kills KS in the test tube, and that and his colleagues reported in the journals in experiments with mice it reduced tumors that the drug has proven so effective at caused by injections of KS cells. The NCI this stage in the limited diuical trials that scientists found that the injected KS cells, more than ~ hundred patients, in San Diego which normally cause tumors in mice, are now receiving "maintenance" were not able Xo do so if they had been injections regularly. What is not known exposed to the hormone before being yet, however, is whether cidofovir will be injected. Mice that had been treated with effective over a prolonged period of time the hormone for a week prior to being or if patients may begin to develop a injected with KS cells also did not develop resistance to it. tumors or developed small ones, the researcher reported. The scientists also Dentists and HIV Infection presented cases of 2 women who had KS, CHICAGO - According to a survey but whose cancer lesions inexplicably published in the Journal of the American disappeared during or after pregnancy. "This is the first demonstration of an antirumor property of (the hormone), and offers a new strategy for treating patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma," the scientists said. Condom Breakage Questioned WASHINGTON - Tests of the new polyurethane Avanti condom have produced conflicting results, and the Food & Drug Administration, which approved Avanti for sale in the U.S..in 1991, has called for further testing: Regular latex condoms break in about 2% of the cases, according to FDA tests, and Avanti’s manufacturer London International/ Schmid Labs had presented the FDA with its o.wn studies that showed breakage rates ran~ng between 0.4% and 2.1% when it applied for approval to sdl the condom ~n the U.S. But 5 subsequent studies by the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development and conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Family Planning. Council found failure ratesfor the Avanti ranging from 4% to 15% with an overall breakage rate of 9.6% - so high a rate that the council stopped testing the Avanti in 1994 even though all its studies had involved fairly small numbers of couples. Dr. Susan Alpert of the FDA, however, defended the agency’s approval of the Avanti polyurethane condom, even if it turns out to have a higher breakage rate, because up to 7% of the American population is allergic to latex. Cancers Linked to Virus BOSTON - A newly discovered type of herpes virus causes 2 cancers associated with AIDS according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine. Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law FI-DELITY HO-AAE HE- LTH CARE, INC. Main Office 113 E. Paul St. 905 No. Highway 51 Pauls Valley, OK 73075 Coweta, OK 74429 (405) 238-6487 (918) 486-1174 (800) 999-3442 7319 No. MacArthur Okla. City, OK 73132 (405) 722-0551 Caring for Life We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hour per.day, seven days as week. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’ s, LPN’ s) Home health aides Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Medical Social Serv.ices In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation Private duty nursing Companion sitter services This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices at 800-999-3442 with specific treatment issues. Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation ¯ 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. �Health Briefs HeaLth Briefs Health Briefs According to scientists from Columbia University, both B cell lymphoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma, are caused by a herpes . vmas known as KSHV, 1st discovered in skin lesions of patients with KS. Drs. Yuan Chang and Patrick Moore report that the newly identified virus causes all KS cancers, not just those in people with ¯ AIDS. They.also report f’mding the cancer virus cells in 8 patients who suffered from AIDS,associated B cell lymphoma, a canCer of the body’s immune system. ’Reasonable, Pricing’ Requirement Dropped WASHINGTON-The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has dropped its~ requirement that U.S. drug manufacturers charge a "reasonable" price for products developed in conjunction with government-sponsored research. NIH Director Harold Varmus said the agency found that "the pricing clause has driven the industry away from potentially beneficial scientific collaborations" with government researchers "without providing an offsetting benefit to the public?’ Under the clause, adoptedin 1989 amid protests over the price of the AIDS drug AZT, the public was supposed to benefit from drugs produced with the advantage of taxpayer-funded research. Once the policy was implemented, however, companies held back from using NIH research because they could not guarantee that they would regain an investment in product development, said Carl Feldbaum, president of Biotechnology Industry Organization. HIV Protein Discovery WASHINGTON - Researchers have discovered how an HIV protein, called Vpr, forces its way into ceils. Vpr enters the cell’s nucleus more quickly than other proteins and makes the cell help do its job, found Univ. of Pennsylvania pathologist David Weiner. Vpr hijacks a protein naturally present in human cells, one that moves specific steroid hormones through calls: Tests showed that some of these steroids activate HIV production and suppress immune cells, Weiner reported in the April 11 issue of Proceedings ofthe National Academy ofSciences. W~en Vpr was, added, the protein used the steroids’ cellular pathway to getto the call nucleus and prompted steroid overproduction to help it produce HIV. Weiner found that the abortion drug RU-486, which is known to block steroid overproduction in other diseases, also blocked Vpr. HIV-infected cells treated with RU-486 produced 70 percent less virus than untreated cells, he found. Weiner warned, however, that it is still too early to know whether the drug would work in humans. ~ Test to Predict AIDS Onset? PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh reported in the Annals oflnternal Medicine that theyhave developed a new HIV test that may help doctors predict how soon people infected with the virus will develop AIDS. According to Dr. John Mellors, director of the Pitt Treatment Evaluation Union that developed the "branched DNA signal amplification" test, it may also .help physicians decide what course of treatment is best for each patient. The new test measures the amount of HIV in the blood stream, a reliable indicator of how rapidly the individual will become ill with AIDS. Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care in a homelike, loving setting? Education cont~d from p. 1 Military ’b~the American Medtcal Assoctatton, was prepared by scientists at the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies-at UC-San Francisco, directed by Thomas Coates and Jeff Stryker. "Carefully tailored, targeted, credible, and. persistent" AIDS education eampaigus; the report says, haveproven highly successful in dramatically reducing-the spread Of HIV. The report says thai in San Francisco, an estimated 8,000 people were infected with HIV in 1982 when the epidemic had barely begun~ But 10 years Iater- with intehse preverition efforts, particularly-among gay.and bisexual-men, in ethnic communities and among intravenous drug users - the annual infection rate had dropped to 1,000, according to the city’s health department. As many as 40,000 to 80,000 new HIV infections are reported annually in the United States, and the numbers are rising steadily in most other cities because "AIDS is largely a disease of behaviors" and few communities have faced the problem candidly, the report’s authors argue. "Education and prevention efforts for. AIDS continue to be limited by society’s unwillingness to explore and discuss frankly sexual and drug-use behaviors that risk the spread of HIV infection," they say. policy went into effect last year he notified his c.ommanding officer in writing, "I am gay’. cont~d from p; 1 Gay Sailor to Remain In Navy= BALTIMORE’- U.S. District Judge Joseph Young has ordered the Navy not to discharge Lt: Richard Selland, who told .his commanding officer in 1993 that he was gay. Judge Young granted Selland an injunction ~that orders the Navy allow the gay sailor toremain in the Navy while he continues his court battle againstthe Pentagon,s "’don’t ask, don’t tell" policy that continues to exclude gay and.l~sbian military personnel. Mom ont’d from p. 1 collecting letters denouncing the decision. In addition, the Metropolitan Connnunity Church (MCC) had declared this Mother’s Day, May 18, a "national day of prayer" for Bottoms and her partner, April Wade. Poland cont’d from p. l protections; 6 opposed the prohibitions; 7 deputies abslained. The commission has recently added a number of liberal provisions aimed at bringing Poland’s 43year-old constitution up to date and more in line with requirements of the European Parliament, which already mandates nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation. Only one other nation - South Africa - has included constitutional protections specifically aimed at barring bias agaxnst gays and l~sbians. SUDD ENLY THE COH ETITORS ALL LO OK LIKE WA ,NABES. Until now - no where ...... Announcing the opening of Mohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people living with AIDS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North Talsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals. The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour our new facility. To arrange a tour or for more information, call our offices at 918-425~1354 Accepting Medicare, Medicaid. private pay and private insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated. Mohawk Living Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK- (918) 425-1354 ~ 1995 - Design One Associates / Per~pectiv~ Magazine ~MITSUBISHI The New ThinKtng ,n Automobiles" Sandra J. Hill, M.S. Air conditioning, alloy wheels, am/fm cassette with 6 speakers, power sunroof, dohc - 16 valve & much morel. From $15,695 �Reporter Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights. P.O. Box 52729 Tulsa, OK 74152 May/June 1995 Volume 15 Number 5 The views e.~pressed elsewhere in Tulsa Fame.Iv News are not necessarily the views of TOHR. Permission is granted to reprint information contained within the TOHR Reporter page along with other itemv, under the b.vh’ne. "submitted by TOHR ". contained elsewhere in Tulsa Family Ne~,s. ~ Letter from the President: Another month has gone by and what a great one it has benn. I would like to thank everyone who has made a monthly pledge or donation to the Community Center. We .are still working very hard to make this vision a reality. Remember the monthly pledges are an integral part of our financing package so please give it some thought as we can all benefit from a Community Center. T.O.H.R. is continuing to grow and our programs are expanding. We have appointed Claudette Peterson as directorof HIV Programs. Claudette will supervise the additiona employees and administer Ihe grants currently in place as well as the ones we are still waiting to hear from. Let’s all welcome Claudette and give her a big THANK. YOU for her hard work, Claudette has already proven herself to be an invaluable asset to T.O.H.R. through her previous position as Clinic Director, I would like to thank Rob Hill for the educational Seminar presented to the Helpline volunteers. We plan to repeat thisseminar inthe very near future so that those who were unable to attend will have the ability to participate. Thanks again Rob. ¯ picnicThe prideever~picniCLet youriS jUstpRiDEaroundshowthe comerfor thisandfestiveWe needdayinV°lunteerSthe park. to man the .T.O.H.R. booth and help clean up the park. Your participation will insure this to be the best T.O.H.R; FOLLIES 1995 is well into the planning stage with the date setfor June 30th at All Souls in Emerson Hall. This will be one of our largest fundraisers of the year so let’s all come out and support the 6rganization as well as the performers. The money from the Follies goes to supporting ortgoing programs of T.O.H.R. Please attend the monthly meeting or a T.O.H.R. sponsored event, we rely on your participation to continue these programs. Thanks, Tim BISEXUAL, LESBIAN AND GAY ISSUES INFORMATION AND REFERRALS ommunitp enter - 743-GAYS (4297) By and for but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Communities. Monthly Pledges $100 Mo. $75 Mo. $50 Mo. . $45 Mo. . $40 Mo. .. $35 Mo. , $20 Mo. $10 Mo. Mail to TOHR P.O. Box 52729 Tulsa OK. 74152 Attn: Center ,_.._ Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Pdghts HIV TESTING CLINIC Daytime Testing Monday-Thursday by Appointment 749-4194 FREE ANONYMOUS Finger Stick Method Membership Application Name Address City State Phone Signature [] I would like to x~luntecr help with: [] HIV Counselor [] Event Planning and Party Preparations Zip, Every Thursday Evening 7:00-8:30 p.m 4154 So. Harvard Suite H- 1 []Yes I want to be a contributing member of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Please accept payment as described below: [] $10 Limited Income/Student Membership [] $20 Regular Membership [] $35 Organizational/Household Membership [] $100 Sustaining Membership [] I am currently ~¢¢iving TOHR mailings and the Tulsa Famil~ News [] I am not on the mailing list [] Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual He!pLine [] Executive Board Member [] Monthly Meeting Support Center Stage One Time Donations Spotlight $2500 - $5000 Lead Actor $1500 - $2499 Supporting Actor $750 - $1499 Cast Member $300- $749 Audience $100 - $299 Extra $ Wish List For TOHR Clinic_ (We are adding staffbut have no more $ for equipment) Bookshelves 2 desks Industrial shelving Filing cabinets (locks a plus) 2 trash cans (office size) Folding tables 2 desk chairs �I SUNDAYS BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER - Sunday School 9:45, Moming Worship Service 11:00. 2627-B East 11th. Call 583-7815. for Info. BLGA - University of Tulsa. 6:30 p.m. Canterbury Center. COMM.UNITY OF HOPE (United Methodist) - Evening Worship Service 6:00. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Morning Worship Service 11:00. 5451-E South Mingo, Call 622-1441 for Info. MCC OF GREATER TULSA - Morning Worship Service 10:45 - 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. THE BANNED - Gay Band - Practice weekly in OKC. Call 838-2121 forlnfo. I MONDAYS LAMBDA BOWLING LEAGUE - Bowling begins at 8:45. Sheridan Lanes 3121 South Sheridan. ITUESDAYS " ¯ MINISTER’S CLASS - Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center. 7:30 p.m. 2627B East 11th. Call 583-7815 for Info. AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER - Bible Study 7:00. MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. Final week of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHR/i3ommunity of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY 26 DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. WOMEN’S COFFEE HOUSE Java Dave’s. 3310 South Peoria. 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Call Beeper 646-6455 for more info. I IU,Y RESCUING THE BIBLE -6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 15 IMAY 16 I TOHR BOARD MEETING. 7:00 p.m. TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 7434297 for Info. IMAY 17 FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 583-5147 for Info. IMAY 18-21 MCC DISTRICT CONFERENCE - South Central District IOK, TX, LA, AR) Southern Hills Marriott at 71st and Lewis. Workshops/Services/Banquet. Keynote: Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson. Call 622-1441 for more Info. IMAY ls-21 I 21 INT’L AIDS CANDLE LIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE. Call 438-2437 for more info. REV. ELDER NANCY WILSON - Evening Service - 6:00 p.m. at Family of Faith MCC - 5451-E South Mingo. Also featuring Tulsa Family Chorale. Call 622-1441 for Info. IM, Y =2 RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m. Call 254-2100 for location. RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. ¯. - 28 I I I I IJUN. I IJUN. FEED THE HOMELESS - Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church at 5:30 p.m. and caravan to Day Center for the Homeless. Call 838-7232 for lnfo. 3 WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB - Hong Kong Restaurant - 4307 B South Sheridan Road. 6:30 p.m. IJUNE 7:00 p.m. 5 LAGPAC - The Gathering Place.. ~,154 South Harvard. Meets directly following TOHR Ad Hoc Meeting. Call 838-1222 for more Info. TOHR AD HOC COMMITTEE ON CIVIC AFFAIRS - Organizational Meeting. Need ~volunteers from other organizations. 7:00 p.m. The Gathering Place. 4154 South Harvard. Call 838-2121 for more Info. TOHR MEMBERSHIP MEETING. Monthly Meeting. 6:30 Social 7:00 p.m. Meeting. The Gathering Place. 4154 South Harvard. Ste. H. Call 743-4297 for lnfo. FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 583-5147 for Info. 10 PFLAG PICNIC. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Call 749-4901 for more info. 14 17 COMMUNITY-WIDE GOSPEL SING - Kick off pride week with a gospel sing at Family of Faith MCC 5451-E South Mingo. WIll include MCC Tulsa and other area churches. Call 622-1441 for more info. OK FLAMES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL McLain High School. $5/ticket. 7:30 p.m. Call beeper 646-6455 for more info. IJ UNE 18 TULSA PRIDE PICNIC - Annual Gay Pride Celebration held at Mohawk Park. Food/DrinWFun/Games/EntertainmenL Also booths and information distribution. Minimal charges for food this year, Beer still free. 12:00 - 6:00. Call 832-0233 for Info. IJu. FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154South Harvard - Lower Level: Call 583-5147 for ~ Info. IJuN~ 24 --,DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 20 TOHR BOARD MEETING. 7:00 p.m. TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 7434297 for Info. Do you have a group or event that should be listed in the TOHR Community Calendar? If I for Info. I u.. 25 Oklahoma City. I Assemble from 12:00 - 2:00 at the park. WEDNESDAY N;GHT WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB- La Nortena. 6408 South Peoria. 6:30 p.m. IJ u N E 21 COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICES. MCC of Greater Tulsa. Special for Gay Pride Week. Also includes Family of Faith MCC and other area churches. 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. GAY PRIDE PARADE. 14 OKLAHOMA HIV/AIDS CONFERENCE Sponsored by HIV Resource Consortium. Workshops, Speakers, etc. Space is limited to first 300. Doubletree at Warren Place. Call 74g-4194 for more info. IJu. ! IJ u N E I 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 1 2 1= HIV TESTING - TOHR Clinic. Free and Anonymous testing using flngerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in test hours: 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Results Hours: 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Call 749-4194 for Info. PRAYER TIME - 7:00 p.m. MCC of Greater Tulsa. 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. TULSA FAMILY CHORALE Weekly practice 9:30 pro. Lola’s. 2630 E. 15th St. !SATURDAYs NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS - Meets weekly at 11:00 pm. Provides confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. I DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m, 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. OK FLAMES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Union High School. $5/ticket. 7:30 p.m. Call beeper 646-6455 for more info. IMAY 29 8 GREEN COUNTRY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS LEAGUE. Muskogee Library. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Call 682-8204 for more Info. iJ U N E PFLAG BOARD MEETING.. Call 742-8565 for more info. I IJ u N E DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info: IJ u N E HERLAND SPRING RETREAT - Women’s Retreat. Roman Nose State Park. Sponsored by Heriand of Oklahoma City. Call 405-720-0044 for Info. IM,Y 26 GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL RODEO - OK State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. Call 405-943-0543 for more Info. .Community of Hope - 1347 North Yale. Seventh of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHPJCommunity of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. ITHuRsOAYs 16-STEP EMPOWERMENT GROUP FOR WOMEN - 7:00. Women’s support group. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. CO-DEPENDENCY SUPPORT GROUPWeekly meeting 7:30. Family of Faith MCC. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 6221441 for Info, I WEDNESDAYS IMAY 13 I CAR WASH - To benefit Family of Faith MCC. Quik Trip on 71st across from Sam’s. Donations only. IMAY BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER - Choir Practice 7:00. 2627-B East 1 lth. Call 583-7815 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Potluck 6:30. Bible Study 7:00. Choir Practice 8:00. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info. Parade ends at Habana Inn with a party. IJUN 2S I RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m. Call 254-2100 for location. I I JUNE 29 FEED THE HOMELESS - Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church at 5:30 p.m. and caravan to Day Center for the Homeless. Call 838-7232 for Info. ROU P MEETINGS LAGPAC - Lesbian and Gay Political Action Committee. Call 838-1222 for Info, LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS - Gay and Lesbian Republican Group. Call 832-0233 for Info. SWAN - Single Women’s Activity Network. TOHR CLINIC - In addition to Thursday Clinic Hours (see Thursdays), offers daytime testing by appointment Monday Thursday from 10 am - 5 p.m. Call 74941 94 for appointment. .TOHR HELPLINE - Staffeddaily 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Call 743-GAYS. TULSA- Tulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers Association, Call 838-1222 for Info, WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB - Meets at varying locations the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of each month. so, please call us at 838-2121. Every. effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this calendar; however, neither Tulsa Family News nor TOHR assumes responsibility for errors or omissions. I �UALITY " OF LIFg AI TERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illnesS, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole "life, or a group p~31icy. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlenmt offer is presented to you.. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer yourinsurance andmedical records by mail, and do business from another state. IS VIATICATING MY .POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MF2 How MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and ~0ur unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range-from 60% to 90% of apolicy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. Many factors influence whether viati’dating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and your family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to assxst you in planning the best outcome from your unique financial situation. At Southwest Viatical, webelieve you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you inperson, butat the Same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And. because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a-third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. South Harvard N East 41st Street Southwest I 4146 Suite F-5 2919 Welborn Dallas, Texas 75219 800/559-4790 Tulsa Office 4146 So. Harvard, Suite F-5 Tulsa, OK 74135-2610 918’747,3320 Y �H o rv at h READ ALL ABOUT IT by Barry Hensley Supervisor, Circulation Department Tulsa City-County Library howeve{, is a rather simplistic stereotype of a ruthless patriarch whose religious belief controls every fiber of his being. Tom is ultimately banned from his family and virtually adopted by Jod’s parents. The thought processes of these characters may help readers understand what some families go through when these situations Author Robert Donaghe’s first novel, Common Sons, is just the thing if you’re looking for some light, spring reading with a message. In the arise. small town of Common, In contrast to Tom’s New Mexico, in 1965, father, the Unitarian By c.hoosln~ to Joel Ree~ is going to high minister is also an remam...Joe.and school and working on the important character. He Tom make the family farm. A strong, tries to convince Tom that bright boxer, Jot strikes the biblical references to important up a friendship with Tom, homosexuality refer to a statement that the quiet son of the new lack of commitment or preacher. Eventually, binding in relationships. runrdn~ to the straight laced Tom makes Tom soon realizes that coasts is not the a very public, drunken his relationship with Joel way to chan~e pass at Joel and they both does not fit this criteria, must come to terms with since they are loyal and hearts and minds feelings that they don’t dedicated to each other. and prove t~e understand. Joel, an The interesting setting agnostic, rather easily of this book, not in an accepts the realization of urbanareaoragay ghetto, relationship. his homosexuality as but in a rural village, T~s is an normal, while Tom, after makes this book unique years of very strict current gay uplfftln ovel that among indoctrinatxon, is torn fiction. At the end of the emph~zes the apart emotionally. book, a younger classEventually, through the mate has moved to San im~rtanee o~ support of the school Francisco and writes Joel f mlhes and coach, Joel’s family, a and Tom, chastising them eommunltles Unitarian mimster and a for staying in their "hick younger classmate, Joel town." By choosing to reeo nlzln the and Tom realize that their remain in Common, Joel dfffergnt forms of dedication and love for and Tom make the one another is more love and important statement that important than what the running to the coasts is eommhment. rest of the town thinks. not the way to change The pivotal characters hearts and minds and in this story are the boys’ prove the validity of their fathers. Joel’s dad at first assumes that relationship. Joel i~ just going through a phase, but This is an uplifting novel that soon realizes the seriousness of the emphasizes the importance of families relationship between Jot and Tom. He and communities recognizing the different also understands that his boy has not forms of love:and commitment. Common changed, only the perception of his son Sons is an old fashioned love story with has changed, and Joel’s courage and humor and some interesting plot twists character are still intact. Tom’s father, that make an entertaining read. Other authors of Lesbian and Gay fiction available at the Tulsa City-County Library include: JosephHansen, Katherine V. Forrest, Robert Ferro, Isabel Miller and Paul Russell. Check for rifles by these authors at the ~ Readers Services department of the Central Library, or call 596-7966. These bookstores welcome Tulsa Family News & your trade: Barnes & Noble, 71st near Memorial Media Play, 71st near Mingo Scribner’s, Utica Square Can’t find us at your favorite bookstore? Ask them why. cont’dfrom p. 1 Horvath. Before g~ing to Joie de Vivre, Horvath ,kad .prayed; "send me anywhere, but not the South, Lord." Originally from Minneapolis, and coming into the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches from a Presbyterian background, Horvath had some culture shock amving in South Louisiana, in the heart of Jimmy Swaggart ministry. Joie de Vivre’s congregation was diverse. Part French Catholic, part Baptist with some Pentacostal thrown in, Horvath found herself merging traditions- empowering Baptists and Pentacostals to genuflect and Catholics to raise their hands in praise as each felt moved to do so. Horvath said that local Catholic priests had fewer objections to their parishioners being involved with a Gay/Lesbian inclusive congregarion than to those folks leaving the Catholic Church - Gay was ok but if you leave the Catholic Church, you’re going to hell! Pastor Horvath adds that the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) allows joint membership in an MCC church as well as another - such another Protestant or Catholic congregation. Horvath is committed to a "strong empowerment of the laity" and to growing the churches she leads. In Baton Rouge, a city of about 350,000, attendance rose from an average of 19 per Sunday to 70 per Sunday. While Horvath notes that MCC’s are not a "Gay churches," they are open and affirming of all, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Heterosexual. She adds that while the Church cannot be closeted and fill its mission of a healthy way to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered, individuals who cannot be open can be part of the church. ?Sexuality and sex are gifts from God. God created sex to be pleasureful though it can be abused to hurt ourselves andto hurt others..." Horvath and her spouse, Barb hope to serve as role models of healthy ways of being Lesbian and Gay. Family of Faith services are held on Sundays at l lain, on Wednesdays a potluck dinner is held at 6:30, followed by Bible study at 7pm. Prayer p. 1 Rwanda, and the ongoing violence in Bosnia are the most .horrible examples. We also pray to end the more subtle forms of hate that poison our communities. We condemn the anti-Arab sentiment thai began to show its ugliness just after the Oklahoma City bombing. We are grateful that our Lesbian and Gay communities were not falsely accused because we know that such an accusation would provide the excuse for violence based on the hate that already exists. While we pray for fair treatment for all people, we pray especially for an end to the prejudices of heterosexism, sexism and racism in the Church. We pray that the Church will no 16nger allow itself to be used as men’s and women’s means of oppressing others who are different from themselves." The National Day of Prayer was coordinated by Focus on the Family, a radical right religious/political organization. Tulsa Congressman Steve Largent serves on the advisory board for the effort. Other groups in Tulsa marked the day With a lunch at a downtown hotel attended by Cathy Keating, wife of Oklahoma’s governor and Terry Largent, the wife of Congressman Largent. OPEN! ¯ Save 50% & More on New Books. ¯ Choose from thousands of new and used books. 1130 South Harvard 587-7799 Open M-F 10-7, Sat. 1,0-6 Sun. 12-5 Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, I0:45 am Wednesday Service; 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 83 8-1715 ¯ Sunday Services 1 I:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm.Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice ] To dojusttce, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 �FAMILY FINANCES Your Credit Record by Leanne Gross Cash worked just fine for our ancestors. They would go to the market, select what they needed, & hand their dollars, rubles, or plasters over to the merchant. In some societies, barter was the practice: a bushel of corn for a bucket of fish. A receipt or a paper trail for tax purposes was not part of the transaction. Today, it’s not unusual to carry just enough cash to make it to the next automated teller machine. Credit has evolved into the currency of choice. Between gas, groceries, department stores and major credit grantors like VISA, Master Card & American Express, most of us are toting an ever-growing ~senal of shiny plastic debit car~.s in our wallets. That, no matter how you feel about the phenomenon, makes your credit ’history more important than ever. Because creditors are in the business of making money, they issue cards only to people deemed worthy credit risks. Before granting approval, your application is always screened by a commercial credit bureau. There are three major national companies with offices in most large cities: Equifax Credit Information Services, TransUnion Credit Information Corp. & TRW Corp. All creditors have slightly different criteria for granting credit. Generally, it’s based on a point-scoring system keyed to factors such as income, level of education,how long you’ ve lived at your present address, what kinds of assets & checking/ savings accounts you have, your promptness in paying bills and similar socio-economic information. CCCS, a non-profit organization supported by major credit grantors & corporations, offers free counseling service and budget planning through office across America. Call 800-388CCCS to find out where the nearest office is. If it looks like you’re going to fall behind to the point where you may not be able to meet you monthly minimum payments, you should immediately notify the credit grantor. If you have a good reason & you expect to be able to solve the problem in a reasonable amount of time, most ~orantors are open to working mething out. The credit grantor wants to collect his/her money at the least cost possible. If he/she knows up front what the problem . tlbe Frank Green, J.r. Host 50 Wall Street ~lt Accomrnodatio~ Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501/253-8281 "for a Taste of Local Flavor" Jim & Brent Invite.You to Chelsea’s Corner Cafe & Bar Care: Gay-owned 253-7457 Bar: Gay-friendly 273-6723 #10 Mountain at Center Historic Downtown Eureka Springs Arkansas Serving Lunch & Dinner, Noon to 10pm Eclectic Menu * Moderate Prices is & when he/she can reasonably expect to be paid, hetshe.won’t have to invest ~ap.~ore time or money into g~d~"’that ~count collected. The U.S. Federal Trade commission cautions against relying on commercial credit repair companies that offer to miraculously clear up any financial troubles you might run into. The only thing that can repair a credit history is time & the reconciliation of your debts. Credit repair companies may be able to help you to manage your debts (for a fee), but so can nonprofit groups like CCCS, credit unions, & community extension services affiliated with local tmiversities. Though they utilize massive data banks & sophisticated computer systems, credit bureaus are run by human beings. An occasional mistake in your credit historyis possible. If you’vebeen denied credit for no apparent reason, you have the right, under the fair credit reporting act, to ask the bureau for an explanation & a copy of your file if you act within 30 days. ffyou choose to dispute the accuracy of anything ~n your file, you need to notify the bureau in writing, explaining the diso:epancy. The credit bureau then investigates the matter. If their claim cannot be verified or is found to be inaccurate, the information you’ve challenged will then be deleted from your report. On the other hand, if you disagree with the results of their investigation, you have the right to have a brief statement explaining your side of the story added to your file. For this reason,many financial counselors recommend that you examine your credit bureau report every 3 - 4 years. All credit bureaus are required to forward a copy of the consumer’s file upon request. If the request isn’t tied to a specific appeal, there is usually a $10 - $15 charge. Like it or not, the mountain of junk mail credit card solicitations we receive every week is evidence thatthe credit culture is here to stay. In many ways, cash & barter systems were much simpler. Stuffing a fish in those envelopes would be impractical. AWADAGIN PRATT A Piano Powerhouse.t Friday, June 9 7 p.m. Chapman Music Hall Tulsa PAC Tickets: $10-$12 adults ¯ $10-$8 chil&’eniseniors Call: 596-7111 Winner, 1992 International Nautnburg Piano Competition His sold-out Tulsa debut last year was among the most talked about performances of the season. RAIN-Oklahoma, an interfaith AIDS service organization, is seeking an Executive Director (position based in Oklahoma City). Successful applicant will have a demonstrated ability to work within and across cultural lines and within the religious community. Other requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree, three years experience in the field of HW/AIDS, experience in personnel management in the human services setting, Oklahoma certification as an AIDS Educator (or the ability to obtain same). Salary range - $30,000-35,000 and benefits, depending on experience. Resumes to ED Search Committee, 924 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City OK 73102. RAIN is an equal opportunity employer. . RSVP Tropical Caribbean Feb. 11-18,1996, $795-1950 Deep Caribbean Feb. 18-25,1996, $795-1950 Mexican Riviera March 17-24,1996, $795-2495 French Canada June 30 - July 7,1996, $895-2295 Call International Tours 9z8-34z-6866 �this notion either and it is The Homefront I from often compounded by the The underwriter (God) of course who has the power to grant understanding and c’onciliatibn based on circum~anees, ones pattern of credit use or abuse and what is being done or has been done since the last incident to correct the problem. The power is really in your argument! Easy-does-it! Simply pray in writing vs. orally. Your ability to articulate in writing is important, but not to the degree that you need to be a Pulitzer that being gay and ~’vSCOnception ing bad credit are somehow BUD WHARTON Author of SellTrac 2000, a ¯sales training program for loan officers and Realtors, Bud Wharton is a national speaker, sales trainer and mortgage banker. Bud addresses thousands of industry professionals each year, training in the areas of business development, technical expertise and motivation. Buying a home is something most of us look forward to. All to often, the "looking forward to" ends in a reluctance to pursue the dream based on our assumed knowledge of how bad our credit .report looks. This is so prevalent in American thinking that consumers continue to believe their credit rating will be the #1 reason for credit denial. The gay and lesbian culture is not immune synonymous terms. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, credit is important but it is not all-important! In fact the real problem in dealing with credit issues in the mortgage process is not so much how bad the credit i s, but rather the lenders inability to help the borrower understand just how to address .the problem successfully. This ~s somewhat philosophical in nature, the difference being attitude: why vs. why not or basic solution orientation. A good analogy as to how to deal with credit issues (or at least our perception of what equals unacceptable credit) is to understand the common denominator between some forms of religion and credit. An excellent analogy as both subjects yield a reward based on the assumption of goodness, acceptance or approval. Because we sometimes screw-up, we find ourselves in need of forgiveness. Religion advocates prayer and contrition to reconcile ourselves, thus fulfilling the forgiveness equation and the slate is wiped clean. Credit on the other hand offers a similar concept as absolution for bad credit can be achieved using similar principles, except the prayer part must be written as opposed to spoken. Who are we writing to? "Rdi~ion advocates prayer and contrltlon_Credlt on the other hand offers a similar concert, as absolution for ba~l eredlt can be aehleved..." Prize winning author. This.is where your lender can help. Think of them as your attorney presenting your case before a judge. They should know how to do flaeir job and represent you; articulatingin terms and methods of argument acceptable to reason and logic compelling the underwriter to understand and accept your viewpoint. Why bring it up? Your goal is home ownership. Standing between you and that goal may be your credit report or your perception of your credit standing. If there is an obstacle, any obstacle, it’s important to understand that the obstacle, whatever it is, does not mean an automatic no. When confronting WE UNDERSTAND. TWO WORDS TOO SIMPLE TWO SECONDS 2 That’s all the time it takes to say "We Understand" But how often do you hear your real estate agent say them? this situation it is important to think in terms of over, under, around or through! That’s how problems are solved. And if your loan officer doesn’t understand that ~e you need another loan officer. After all, who do they think you are anyway, the customer? If you’ve been staying away from exploring the opportunity of owning your own home because of what you think your credit looks like; stop and get it together. Here’s what you need to do. First of all, contact your mortgage lender and ask to be prequalified for a home loan Make an appointment to meet with them. If they want to do it all over the phone, they obviously don’t care enough about you, the customer, to invest the time in meeting with youpersonally. The personal meeting is important. You’ve got a sales job to do and part of that is being comfortable that this loan officer is capable of understanding your circumstances and needs and your developing confidence in them. Not all loan tracers are created equal.* Second, you want them to pull a credit report and there are two types of reports. The first is a basic credit profile pulled from three different bureaus and should be done for you at no cost. The second type of report is more extensive and involves the reporting agency verifying employment, checking public records and interviewing you the borrower for accuracy of data. This report costs about $60.00. Anyone who’s up to speed in today’s business environment can have your full credit report (the first type mentioned) in a matter of a minute or two and again, there should be no cost for this service. If the lender wants to charge you, again it’s time to find a service oriented lender willing to invest in you as their prospective customer. As you review the report with your loan officer be open and candid about whatever might be disclosed. This will allow you both to brainstorm strategies in structuring your explanation of any derogatory information. If you have experienced a bankruptcy, don’t worry about it, just explain it. Solutions to this are commonplaceand it doesn’t take an entire lifetime to recover. Included in this prequalification will be an analysis of your income and employment history. Combined with your credit profile, you may qualify for more than you ever imagined; and sooner too[ But then there’s the cash requirements. How much do you need and do you really have to save it up? This is the subject of our next discussion here on THE HOMEFRONT. (Editors Note: Bud Wharton is Vice President of Mortgages By Design, Inc., Claremore. OK; serving all of Green Country.) PRIDEoyo mp Renting and considering Buying? Moving up or Investing?Credit Problems? i t~ Mortgages By Design will custom fit the right home loan to YOUR needs! ~" No Cost Credit Counseling 1st Time Home Buyer Lock & Shop 0% to 3% Down No Cbst Pre-Qualifying Experience the power of T~O! The Nicholas Team. Jonathan & Dee Nicholas and their team of licensed associates will make buying and selling a home a positive experience. Construction Best Interest Rates Refinancing Mortgages By I~ign Gives Back To Our Community For each10an closed, we will donate $100.00 So, TAKE TWO and call us in the Morning[ to Tulsa 0klahomans For Human Rights or tolthe foundation of your choice. Jonathan & Dee Nicholas For Detail~ CalL" BUD WH,ARTON (918) 749-3000 Vice President~./Branch Manager "Selling the Dream, the Nicholas Team!" Serving Tulsa and Surrounding Communities RE/MAX Metropolitan, REALTORS 6400 S. Lewis, Tulsa, OK 74136 (918) 342-4252 Financing the All American Dream �Sat. 5/13, 11pm Bad Girls Are Back! Robbie Walker, K~is Kohl, Natasha Hall & GuesL, Sun. 5/14, Tim’s 8th Annual 36th Birthday Taurus, Mother’s Day & Full Moon Blowout Sat. 5/27, Hollywood Creations (5 hot guys!) Pride cont’d from p. 1 interested in having a booth should contact Tomfoolery! at 832-0233. ....Follies~ A TOHR tradition continues. The plans for the 1995 TOHR follies are well under way. Follies has been one of TOHR’s largest fund-raisers. This year’s theme is "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert", & it will mark the follie’s 15th year. The Follies will be held on Friday, June 30th, at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria. The doors open at 7:30pm with the show starting at 8:00pm. Advance tickets are $8.00, & they can be purchased at Tomfoolery (in the Silver Star Saloon at 1565 S. Sheridan); Floral Design Studios, 3404 S. Peoria; & Budget Window Treatments, 7116 S. Mingo. Tickets will also be available the day of the Gay Pride Picnic at the TOHR booth. It’s not too late to be a part of this wonderful event. For more information, call the TOHR helpline at 743-4297. BAD BOYZ CLUB u ...,_,o~e cont’d from p. 1 Several of Tulsa’s most well known community volunteers, Joan Flint, Terry Williams, and Peggy Helmerich lent their names and energy to the event. Businessman Charles Faudree came up with the idea originally and was joined by P.S. "Pat" Gordon, Judy Fisher, Francis Fisher, Julie Kruger, Ouida Merrifield, Sally Minshall, Monnie Mooberry, Patty Orbison, Nancy Renberg, Francesanne Tucker and Nancy Vaughn on the organizing committtee. Patrons were entertained at a May 4 event held in several homes that were not on the general tour. The final patrons event will be held at George Kravis’ new home on June 21. Many, many businesse contributed to this event but Michael Bennett, Steve Wright, Rusty Brumble, and Mark Lackey (Lackey of Cuisine by Design) were recognized for their contributions. The 1995 Oklahoma .HIV/AIDS Conference will be presented by the HIV Resource Consortium. on June 12-14 at the Doubletree Hotel, Warren Hace. The conference title is "Caring...for each other, sharing...our stories, and nurturing...our spirit." Space is limited. Call Beverly Stanley at 749-4194 for more information. Gay Mothers’ Support Group A self-led support group for Gay morns is meeting to deal with the ma~y challenges and issues facing Lesbian mothers. The group is free and open to all Gay morns. It meets Thursdays at 7pro at member’s homes. Call for info. 742-1313. 1229 So, MEMORIAL, 835-5083 TU SA’S HUGE PATIO BAR Sat. dune 3, Pride Pteni¢ #enefit Show, IO:3O#m $3 cover includes beer bust, $I dud Dry Dottles all nitel 2405 E. 4dmlral O.oeu Tues.-Sun. $g2-434# Parking in #~¢k Responsible Roommate Wanted MO.RE " New CDs $16.99-I 1.99 " pre-owne.d. CDs $7.99-8.99 W.e II give you $4,88 TOr your used Cds. South Tulsa area NONSMOKER, GWM has room to rent in large 3 bedroom house, preferably to same. Must be employed, clean, trustworthy and discreet. References, first month’s rent & deposit required. $250 per month, washer/dryer, cable TV, all utilities & basic phone included. Call 493-2868. �Tulsa FRIEND AND COMPANION: Robert, GBM, 26, Ikg for GM to be my friend and companion- =38530 Oklahoma City BOB, like to have same fun, 47, looking for 18-50, give me a ca11=39484 looking like to go out to movies, go do’ something, or stay here and watch movies, give me a call- =37738 Tulsa DISCREET FUN: 27, 6’ 180 med build, professional looking for same private discreet fun,w/someane 18-29 fit, Oklahoma City DANNY, 22, 6’2, blk/brn, looking for GWM 20-30, for friendship, pass tel if ur interested, like swimming going out having fun- give me a call- =38627 OK DISCREET FUN: John,i6’, 172 bm/bm, Ikg for married guys who are looking for discreet fun, givelme a ca11=39557 Oklahoma.City FRIENDS AND FUN: WM, 40s Masc iso str ading guys with slim musc builds for friendship fun, =37776 bm/.blu grn~ int give me a call- =38255 Tulsa LIKE TO MEET: Mike, 35, 6’1, brn/bm 195. like to meet talk to people, if ur int, like to have fun and a good time, give me a call- =39587 AR FONE,FUN: Kenny int in meeting other guys,~ and doing interesting things and lone fen, give mea call- =37906 Oklahoma City DAVID 27, stable, secure, looking for a basic honest guy interestecl in a tel- =38757 THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (.) Due to our large volume of calls; if you can’t get thru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISAiMC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 Oklahoma City OUTDOOR LOVER: Greg 25, GWM iso fun and love outdoors, 6’3, professional, g~ve me a call, looking for someone no games, like to go out and have fun but not really into the bar scene- =38923 Oklahoma City ANDRE 20 looking for a gay man, in the area, give me a ca11=38049 Oklahoma Cily SHE MALES: Tracy, int in meeting 1V’s She Males, in the area give me a call- bye! =39139 OK TONY 24 6 215 brn/brn, mustache, goatee bind hair, hairy, love 3 stoogeslooking for a father figure, Marlboro man, very romantic, Iv a message and VII get back to you as soon as I can, hopingMr. Right Ikg for monog tel only- =39172 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down ,what you want to say. Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. Tulsa BRIAN 21, GWM, 6’I, 220, like romance, vers, Ikg for long term monog tel, someone to start one with, iso profq GWM open minded, ages 20-40, Ikg for someone who likes to have a good time, would have intell conversation=39693 Oklahoma City CAMPING AND COMPUTERS: Robert 28 BIWM married looking for someone int in a discreet rel, if that’s you Iv a message-int are camping, computers, really int in hearing from you=39721 Mcallister LASTING RELATIONSHIP: Gene, WM, 50, 190, blu/blnd, int in a lasting rel, down to earth, not into bars, like video photography camping fishing and quiet eves at home gardening, just relaxing and enjoying each other- u be 30-50- =39758 Oklahoma CityLOOKING FOR A ---FRIEND:-35, looking for pass rel;-friends,~ and just be honest, will reply to allblk/gm reed build attr- Thanks! =37313 Oklahoma Ci~/LOOKING FOR A LOVER: Mark looking for someone to have a rel with, 24, give ~ a call- thanks- =37392 ~ Bay PEN PAL: Ricki, 29, int in males, 18-30, 6’I 150, int in any guy writing to me -write asap=37660 Tulsa FUZZY CUDDLER: looking for a fuzzy cuddler, WGM 36 bm/blu 155 vers (+) hlthy attr, isa fun with another pas attitude person,if this sounds good Iv a message- =37586 Tulsa POSSlB~ LOVER: Alan, 6’2 17.5, dk bm/blu hairy defined build, looking to get together for good times, pass relationship- =37945 Tulsa PART~ BOY: GBM 33, musc build, seeks masc men, 25-40 race unimpt, party boy, likes to pan’y- =38092 Tulsa NEW TO AREA: 34, want to meet new guys, new to the area, for friendship, 5’10 bm/bm, Ikg for friends first, Ikg for good caring people to share times with give me a call- =38169 N. Uttle Rock CAMPING AND HIKING: Cliff bm/bm, WM, fun to be around, camping hiking, isa a guy to have fun or friendship- =38463 Tulsa PROFESSIONAL GWM 30 6’3 180, bin/bin, iso guys between 21-30 for friendship loss tel, attr, like outdoors, movies reading and dining out if ur intereasted give me a tall- =38358 Tulsa INUJ~RIENCED: Mitch, bmgrey/bm 35, ve~ smooth, inexperienced, eager to meet similar, smoker, thats abeut iF =22668 Mcallister CAMPING AND FISHING: GWM, isa a tel, 50, 190, blu/blnd, Ikg for someone 30-50, love photography, camping, fishing, gardening, qual time with my lover, only those ~incere need apply- =36350 W, Memphis LOOKING FOR A FRIEND: Donfiy, int are spending time with my companion, dinner, shopping,looking for a friend, I’m 20 isa 18-40, long sh6rt brn hai~’, 5’6, attr, Ikg to have a good time and spend time together- =36404 Tulsa PROFESSIONAL SEEKS SAME: GWM Ran, 6’, blnd/gn, 185 44c 30w, so GWM non smoker, 25-40 Iv a message- =36407 Oklahoma City FRIENDS OR MORE: GWM 26 5’0 bm/hzl, vers likes bowling movies tired of bar scene iso GWM for friendship maybe more=36590 Stillwater BI WM: Virgin WM iso other bi wm to have fun with, give me a call Bill- ~36630 E. Tulsa GWM 19, 5’!0, 140, dk blnd/grn, isa young cln cut companion, 18-26- =37612 Oklahoma City DON 47, want a hot guy, give me a call- =36792 Oklahoma City DISCREET FUN: 36 Brn grey hair 170 6’1 good shape like to meet 18~30 for discreet fun, give me a call- inexp a plus- wanna have some fun, call me- =37691 Tulsa MITCH: 35 5’10, 165, bm/bm, Smoker, very smooth and very inexp and Ikg to meet with someone for friendship loss rel, g~ve me a ca11=22668 Oklahoma City WANNA DATE? Lance looking for someone in the area 28 145 sandy bind blu; med build, iso somearie be~veen 18~30 nice Ft. Smith NEWLY SINGLE: Joe, just ended a 6 yr tel, looking to meet new friends, 37, bm/blu, 6’, 175, if ur interested, give me a call- work nights, home days- =36985 Re-Write Summer, What be~ter way to spend your summer than with someone special? Personal ads. like these, are one of the most effective and affordable ways to meet new people, Place Your FREE Ad Now. And get.ready to introduce yourself-. to a whole new summer. ~o Muskogee JB, if u would like Iv a message I’m professional 6’1 190, Ikg for someone to have some good times with, =37018 AR SHARE MY UFE: Kenny, looking for a man to share my life with, talk to and get to know, give me a call- =37263 Tulsa DISCREET FRIENDS: Randyl attr 35 married bi wm, iso daytime fun, 2540, discreet friends-=28807 AR HAIRY HAWG RIDERS: Eric, recently divorced 6"2 200~ brn/blu, like hairy men and cowboys, like to ride hawgs to like to get~gether with you too=29005 Tulsa ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT: Bob, GBM 33, 5’7, 155, iso sim WM to date and much more Fm bright;honest handsome like life and learning, like most entertainment, give me a call- =29444 �FRI ~*~AT DANCE PARTY! Tulsa’s Lorgesl & H~esf Dance Club Live DJ & Light Show Mr. Robbie Walker & The Sunday Slam (Pa~ris Grey, Kris Kohl, Ivana B. Real & Michde Ross) $4 Beer Bust & Special Shots Thurs., Fri. & Sun.. 9-I No Cover Thurs. $2 Cover Fri., Sat. & Sun. Thurs. Sun 9.2,3340 S. Peoria Tulsa , 918.744.0896 TENTH ANNUAL GREAT PI A1NS REGIONAL 100TH SANCTIONED I.G.RA. RODEO SALOON Sunday, 5/21 Gay Pride Picnic Benefit Variety Show Sunday, 5/28 10:30pro Miss Silver Star Pageant Show Night at the Star Beginning Sunday, 6/4 With FaHon Scott & Friends No Cover, Out of State Entertainers $4 Beer Bust 9pro-lain, $1 Rattlesnakes Wed.. Free Pool & $4 Beer Bust Thur. - MaLe Dancers ~1 Beer Bust & Dance Music Fri. ¯ Country & Dance Mix, $4 Beer Bust ~at. ¯ Best Night Out in Tulsa Sun. ¯ Free Line Dance Lessons 8-10pro & $4 Beer Bust Open 7-2am, Wed. ¯ Sun. 854-4234, 1565 So. Sheridan R 0 D E 0 OKLAHOMA CITY RODEO INTORMATION (405) 943-0343 MAY 26, 27 & 28 HOTEL INFORMATION TRAVEL INFORMATION CLARION / COMFORT INN TRAVEL INC. 4345 N. L~COLN BLOt) 1-800-880-1053 or (405) 737-5353 1-800-741-2741 or (405) 528-2741 BOOTH RENTAL (405) 848-2766 AD ~NTOI~MATION (405) 521-1378 BUCKLE SPONSORSHIP (405) 478-4820 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Periodical Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart May 15 - June 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 6 400 Expected at So. Central MCC District Conference Precious in God’s Sight: Sacred Earth, Sacred People The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) will hold tlie 1995 annual conference for its South Central District on May !8-21 at Tulsa’s Southern Hills Marriott. 1902 East 71st Street, 493-7000. During the conference, participants will elect a District Coordinator at the District Business meeting as well as worshiping together. The Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson, pastor ofMCC Los Angeles will speak at the opening and see Conference, page 3 Family of Faith Welcomes New Pastor Nancy Horvath The Reverend Nancy Horvath began as pastor ofMCC Family of Faith Sunday May 7. Horvath, recently pastor of MCC Joie de Vivre in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is joined in Tulsa by her spouse, Barb Horvath-Zurn and their3 year old son,Zach. TFNrecently had the opportunity to discuss her background, her experiences in Baton Rouge and hopes for and challenges of Tulsa with Pastor see Horvath. page 3 Tulsa Gay Churches Honor 44th National Day of Prayer TULSA, OK - The Metropolitan Community Churches ofTnlsa, Family ofFaith MetropolitanCommunity Church and°the Metropolitan Community Church of" Greater Tulsa honored the 44th National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 4 in a ceremony at Bartlett Square in downtown Tulsa. Pastors Alice Jones and Nancy Horvath with a small number of lay people prayed for greater tolerance and respect for.all persons...... ; Thefollowing is of the statement read to the participants and onlookers: "We pray for an end to the hatred of which the Oklahoma City bombing, the most recent massacre in see Prayer, page 11 Pride ’95 Logo - Artist: Kelly Vandiver Tulsa Pride Picnic- Sunday June 18th, Mohawk Park OKC Parade- June 24th TOHR Follies- June 30th The Tulsa Pride Picnic will be held on Sunday, June 18, at Mohawk Park in Shelter #6 off of Cherokee Drive. Beginning at noon, the picnic will offer free drinks, food will be available at low cost and community organizations and businesses will offer information and goods at booths under the trees During the afternoon, volleyball and softball games will be.held and atz2pm; Tulsa Family- Chorale and the OklahOma city Gay Marching Band will perform. Volunteers are needed to help with food and with clean-up. Community organizations or businesses see Pride, page 14 Lesbian Clinton Official to Run For SF Mayor WASHINGTON - The Clinton administration has lost its highest ranking openly gay official with the announcement that Roberta Achtenberg would resign her post as an assistant secretary in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In her letter of resignation to Presiden! Clinton, Achtenberg said she would step down effective April 30. Achtenberg will return to her home in San Francisco where she is expected to run for mayor see Lesbian Mayor, page 3 Researchers: AIDS Education Efforts Work SAN FRANCISCO- According to health researchers at the University of California at San Francisco, there is growing evidence that a substantial decrease in the rate of ttlV infection can be and has been achieved through intensive prevention efforts aimed at those most at risk in the AIDS epidemic, and that the major stumbling block to curbing the spread of the virus among vulnerable populations are outmoded social policies. The report, published,in the Journal see Education, page 7 Civil Rights Protections Proposed in Poland WARSAW - Prompted by pressures toconform to the mandates of the European Union, which the country wants to join, a special commission that is working on drafting a post- Communist constituuon for Poland has included legal protections th at would extend protections based on sexual orientation. Sixteen of the 29 parliamentary deputies who are drafting the constitution voted to include the constitutional see Poland, page 7 Major Victory in Oregon SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled that local and county governments cannot pass laws that discriminate against gays. The ruling strikes down ann-gay rights ordinances passed in some 27 Oregon cities and counties during the past 2 years and upholds alaw passed by the state legislature prohibiting such local measures. The appeals court panel unanimously ruled that the state legislature has preemptive rights over matters of "substantive policy" issues such as civil rights legislation. Ex-Klan Leader Wants PWA’s to be Tattooed LOS ANGELES - David Duke, the former Ku Klux Klan leader who also served as a Lomsiana state representative, recently told The Advocate that people infected with AIDS should be tattooed in the genital area, "maybe even with glow-in-thedark ink." Duke, ~vhois currently considenngrunningforgovernor of Louisiana, explained that the AIDS tattoos would serve as a warning to prospective sexual partners. Duke also said he see Duke. page 3 Work Equality Project NE\V YORK - New York state Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, the state’s only openly gay le~slator and the co-chair of the International Network of Lesbian & Gay Officials,joined withNew York City Councilman Tom Duane and San Francisco Supervisor Carol Migden and the Wall Street Project in launching a program to promote non-discrimination policies by businesses and institutions throughout the country. Known as the "Equality Principles on Sexual Orientation," the guidelines are designed to see Work Project, page 3 Hope Candle Light Tour: Big Bucks for AIDS Care & OK HIV/AIDS Conference TULSA, OK - Organizers of the fifth Hope Candlelight Tour hope to raise nearly $100,000 for two AIDS service organizations: St. Joseph’s House and tLaAN, Regional AIDS Interfaith Network of EaStern Oklahoma. Despite heavy rains that lowered attendance on May 6 & 7. respectable crowds made their way from several elegma~ homes that had been opened in one of Tulsa’s most elite neighborhoods, see Hope, page 11 TOHR Endorses Lesbian/ Gay Marriage Resolution Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) unanimously endorsed at its April membership meeting a resolution calling for Lesbians and Gay men to marrx legally. The resolution reads: Because marriage is. a fundamental right under our Constitution, and becasue the Constitution guarantees equal protection of the law, see Resolution, page 3 Rainbow Business Guild Chooses 1995 Officers Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay & Lesbian/Gay friendly business organization, Rainbow Business Guild, elected new officers at its April meeting. Founding officers, Tim Gillean, Frank Going & Kevin Palmer turned over leadership to Leanne Gross, and Bud Wharton, co-chairs, Barbara Bellar, secretary, and Tom Neal, treasurer. RBG will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 22 at 7pm at the. O!iveGarden Restmarant at Utica Square. Dinner dues fi~e $10. Rainbow BuSiness Grild ig~open to business owners, professionals, company empl~.~;e~~ students and others interested in business with a Lesbian Gay perspective. For more info. call 832-0233. Virginia High Court Rules Against Lesbian Mom RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia Supreme Court split 4- 3 in ruling that Sharon Bottoms could be denied custody of her 3-year-old son Tyler because she is a lesbian and her sexual orientation could lead to the child facing social condemnation growing up. The court overturned a state appeals court ruling that wouldhave allowed Bottoms to get custody of her son, whose custody is being challenged by the woman’s mother. In the court majority decision, Justice A. Christian Compton said, "The mother is an unfit custodian at this time, and the child’s best interests would be promoted by awarding custody to the grandmother.’" Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, said of the decision, "’Anyone who truly cares about families should be morally outraged that the government has taken a child from his own loving mother because of ether people’s pre judices. This is an anti-famil v decision that is clearly notin th~ best interests of the child." Virginia activists are see Mom, page 7 Military Update Court Victory for Sailor AI,EXANDRL~, Va. - Navy Lt. Paul Thomasson has become the latest member of the U.S. armed forces to challenge the "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. Thomasson’s lawyers argued in court that the policy not only is a violation of constitutional guarantees of free speech, but that the Navy by enforcing it against Thomasson would be kicking out "one of its finest" service members. Thomasson, in addition to his stellar record first as a pilot and later in a Washington, D.C. staff post, has received glowing commendations from former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Colin Powell whom he hel.ped prepare for congressional testimony, among other Navy brass. The Navy is trying to discharge Thomasson, however, because the day after the new see Military, page 7 918-832-0233 Publisher~ditor POB 4140 Tom Neal Assistant E~litor Tulsa, Oklahoma James Christjohn 74159-01z10 Writers/contributors Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin Staff Photographer TulsaNews@aol.com JD Jamett Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by Tulsa F~mily News and may not be reproduced either in whol~m’in@art wi.thout written permission from the publisher. Public~ti0n of a name or photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution locations. Additional copies are available atTomfoolery! Civil Rights For Tulsa Lesbians & Gay Men Who Decides What’s Best for Us? by Tom Neal. publisher i’diversity"training that includes followed up to see what Savage Many of you remember the raucous and bruising public hearings held almost a year ago by the City of Tulsa’s Human Rights Commission and its Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation. Some of you may know that these two bodies revised their report and sent it to our Mayor, M. Susan Savage and to our City Council. Few of you probably know what, if anything, has happened since then. The report had several recommendations. One called on the City Council to mnend our current human rights ordinance to add the words, sexual orientation. This would protect heterosexuals, homosexuals and "bisexuals from invidious discrimination. Court rulings thus far have held that discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation is illegal only where the term, sexual orientation or its equivalent, affectional orientation, etc. is explicitly used. At this time, our City Council is overwhelmingly hostile to such protections. . The other recommendations, however, were not directed at the City Council. These recommendahons call for our Mayor to issue executive orders banning discrimination in c~ty hiring, to order our police dept. to begin Issues of sexual orientation and to collect hate crime statistics for attacks based on actual or perceived sexual orientation Officially, at least, none of these actions have been taken now five months later. ...we, as a community, must learn how to get involved in the polltleal proeess....while we’re waiting for the [Sexual Orientation] Committee sehmoaze civil rights protections into being, call your councilperson and the mayor... You may be thinking of many of the same questions Tulsa Family News has been asking, i.e., what progress has been made, and if nothing, why not? You may want to know who’s representing us, and what kind of job are they doing. You may be surprised at how little is going on. Afew members of the Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation met with the Mayor, but apparently haven’t has done. Apparently they didn’t even ask her to do much, i.e., implement the reco~rmiendations of the report that call for action on the part of the Mayor, not the City Council. Savage has since refused to protect city employees from discrimination (seeTFN v.2 #4). Savage also promised toissue a generic condemnation of discrimination. These sorts of statements rarely do Lesbians and Gay menany good, since the statements are usually seen as applying to "legitimate" minorities and women. Where we’re not explicitly included, we "re usually excluded. Committee members should have rejected this idea as soon as Mayor Savage said it. So who are the folks - representing us? They i~n,c.lude Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby, past presidents of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR); Nancy McDonald of local & regional PFLAG; Bill Hinkle, also of PFLAG, and others. These folks are individuals of courage who have histories of fighting for fair treatment of Lesbians and Gay men. It seems we have goodfolks trying to represent our interests, but are they? Some of this group seem to have selected a stealth strategy. see Who Decides, page 3 by Robert Bray Right aroun~l this time of year I get my annual reminders that my loving relationship with my partner John is not worth much in the eyes of society. Perhaps it’s my income tax returns, which givemeno opdon except to file single because our union is not "valid." Or maybe it’s the mailbox of invitations atmouncmg the June weddings of my straight friends and relatives. Or it could be all those glowing bride and groom advertisements just in time for the upcoming nuptial season. Marriage has been onmymind a lot lately. To be honest, I’m not certain if it’s my wedding I’mpondering (wehaven’tbegun those discussions ye0. But the subject of same-sex marriage is rapidly rising into the consciousness of many Americans and has already made national headlines and front-page news around the country. And it’s clearly in the cross-sights of the Radical Right. Aggressive pre-emptive strikes against same-sex marriage have already been launched in at least three states with more attacks expected. Alaska, Utah and South Dakota have or are now facing pro-active bans on same-sex marriage. They clearly are designed to head off an affirmative ruling expected later this year or early 1996 on a pending gay marriage casein Hawaii. A Congressional threat may be forthcoming, too. Newt Gingrich rarely misses an opportunity to demean gay relationships. In 1992, the Republican Party specifically stated an oppositaon to same-sex marriages in its Platform. The issue is sure to be raised as we enter a new election cycle. The Radical Right plans to capitalize on society’s vigorous opposition to same-sex marriage and use it as a fundraising and political orgamzing weapon to streng~en its "traditional family values agenda. Expect more attacks on not only same-sex marriage but also gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families, including foster parenting, adoption and child custody. It’s time for our side to sound the alarm. We are asking for the equal right to marry the one we love and care for, just as non-gay Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S. Memorial *Barraccuda’s Wild Nights/Donna’s Crazy Days 2405 E. Admiral *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th *Metropole, 1902 E. 11 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades, 1649 S. Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Whittier Cafe, 416 S. Lewis Businesses/Services *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 Blue Moon Bakery Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Ming~, Ste. 102 835-5083 582-4340 744-0896 749-1563 587-8811 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-2400 250-5034 492-4918 743-5272 254-2100 Certified Moble Auto Repair Creative Collection, 152t E. 15 *Devena’s Gallery for Photo~aphy, 13 E. Brady *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan *Java Dave’s, Lincoln Plaza International Tours Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 Loup-Garou; 2747 E. 15 Major Affairs *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI Mortgages by Design Phoenix Mortgage Corp. Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan Westcopa Salon; Lincoln Plaza Organizations BiL/G Alliance, University of Tulsa 438-3393, pager: 591-0597 592-1521 58%2611 838-8503 592-3317 341-6866 599-8070 742-1992 587-8108 584~3112 664-2951 342-4252 592-7700 587-8333 838-7626 496-2410 584-0337 749-6301 747-3322 832-0233 583~1500 583-9780 Interfaith AIDS Ministries *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 Prime-Timers, P.O. BOX 52118 Rainbow Business Guild Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 S~ve the Nation, Indian Health Care 438-2437, 800-284-2437 749-4194 748-3111 749-4901 74128 254~2100 599-8423 584-4983 Shanti Hotline - 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans forHuman Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (info.) 743-4297 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Learme M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Mohawk Living Center, 3910 Park Rd. 425-1354 Jonathan & Dee Nicholas, Realtors 749-3000, 800-539-7767 Richard Reeder, MS, Psychotherapy 581-0902, 743-4117 Religious & Educational Organizations Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr 2627B E. 11 628-0594 *Community of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 838-7232 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa *indicates a distribution point Americans do. Many same-sex couples share the same responsibilities as married couples. However, nowhere in the United States do they receive the same recognition or benefits, not even in communities with domestic partnership laws. Of course, gay, lesbian and bisexual people are as diverse as non-gay people. Many would not choose to marry even if they could. However, virtually all gay see Marriage, page 3 Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights, Who Decides? They seem to propose that if we all just keep quiet about these issues, we can sneak them through city government. Interestingly, these same folks said similar things prior to the human rights commission hearings last spring. They suggested that if wejust kept the public and the press uninformed, that we could avoid conflict and get this ordinance passed. Obviously neither happened. We would argue that this approach is not only undemo~ cratic, but is politically naive. Tulsa Family News recognizes that the members of the Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation have no legal obligation to meet with our community organizations, nor to solicit the breadth of opinion from those I whom they proport to represent. j However, we suggest that the Standing Committee has a powerful ethical obligation to discuss their strategies with those whose rights remain denied. Practically speaking, this "behind the scenes maneuvering" will not be enough at some point and they will need us. You would think that these folks would be going to TOHR, toour churches, to Prime Timers, to the Women’s Supper Clubs and other groups to let our communities know where we stand and what’w~ need to do to help. Besides giving them the support they need, we, as a community, must learn how to get involved in the political ] process.Wehave the opportunity cont’dfrom p. 2 to show the city that we’re part of this city. In the meantime, while we’re wa~ for the Committee schmooze civil fights protections into being, call your coun-cilperson and the mayor. Ask to meet with your connselor and the Mayor. It’s your right. Mayor Savage: 596-7411, fax: 596-9010, City Council: 596- 1990. For those interested in getting involved in theseissues, TOHR has established a Civic Affairs committee to organize community efforts. It will meet next on Monday, June 5 at 7pm at the Gathering Room of the HIV Resource Consortium. TFN editorials represent the views of the writer- not those of advertisers nor other contributors. Letters are welcome. Marriage cont’dfrom p. 2 people prefer that they -- and not the state should have the right to decide whether and whom to marry. The subject of same-sex marriage offers many political challenges and organizing opportunities and numerous questions for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists. It’s time for that dialogue to begin. Questions that may need to be considered as we move this issue forward: ¯ Do we really need or want the right to marry? ¯ Do bisexual activists have a different view ofthis subject than gay and lesbian people? ¯ Are there differences in the way gay men and lesbians analyze the institution of marriage? ¯ What about concerns that the institution of marriage itself gay or straight -- perpetuates a moral hierarchy with different economic and social privileges? -- Those in couples (viewed as "’monogamous") receive social and economic rewards because of their implied moral status. Meanwhile, single people (viewed as "’promiscuous") do not. This community discussion and dialogue must also include an awareness of the orgamzing and education efforts of grassroots groups, including the Hawaii Equal Rights Marriage Project and NaMamoo Hawai’i. Na Manlo, a new statewide civil rights group of indigenous gay, lesbian, bisexual aud transgender people, is doing work around homophobia, racism and classism and how they connect to the marriage issue. As we advance the issue of our right to marry, we must not perpetuate themyththatmarriage is the only way that "true" families are organized. Weneed To have and to hold. It’s about havlnd the rights andresponsibilities of leSM and soeietal reeognltlon of our loving unions. to advance simultaneously both our right to marry and a redefinition of "family" that is an honest reflection of the diversity of family structures extended families, step-families, single par.e.nt households, grandparents rinsing grandchildren, divorced parents, adopted children, foster families. Wemust nnite with-the majority of others who do not fit the model that is considered "traditional." What is your role in the samesex marriage battle? There are manyways togetinvolved. First, help get the word out. Educate the public. Tell your faniily, friends and coworkers about same-sex marriage issues. Sponsor a community forum on tllis topic. Write letters to die editor and get the press to cover the subject. Also, you can take action. Consider organizing a marriage license "’refuse-in" at your local city clerk office. Get an organization you are involved in to sign on to the Lambda Marriage Resolution a document supported by numerous national organizations, including Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), Latino/a Lesbian & Gay Organization, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Gay & Lesbian Parents Coalition International, and many more. Tohave andtohold. It’s about having the rights and responsibilities of legal and societal recognition of our loving umons. It’s about holding close not only our loved ones, but also the democratic principles of fairness and equality often denied us because ofwho we are and whom we love. And most of all, it’s about creating and strengthening diverse families and forming relationships free of discrimination and prejudice. Robert Bray is longtime staff member of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. TOHR co,,edfrom p. Resolved, the State should permit Gay cmd Lesbian couples to marry and share fully and equally in the rights and responsibilities ofmarriage. This resolution sponsored by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, Na " " seenext column to right Work. cont’dfrom p. 1 "provide a framework for an ethical standard that all corporations, universities, and other institutions can voluntarily -embrace in their business practices." Businesses that sign the principles would commit themselves to not discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation orH1V status in sales, purchasing or employmentpractices. The 8- point non-discrimination policy statement states: "To become successful in the ever-competitive world of business, a company must strive to create anenvironment in which all employees are treated with respect. Through the cultivating of diversity in the wprkplace, a company can draw fully upon the potential, for creativity and commitment represented by all its employees. Implementation of these Equality Principles on Sexual Orientation are an important step in that direction. 1. Explicit prohibitions against discrimination based on sexual orientation will be included in the company’s written employment policy statement. 2. Discrimination against HIV positive employees or those with AIDS will be strictly prohibited. 3. Employee groups, regardless of sexual orientation, will be given equal standing with other employee associations. 4. Diversity training will include sexual orientataon issues. 5. Spousal benefits will be offered to domestic partners of employees, regardless of sexual orientation, on an equal basis with those granted to married employees. 6. Company adve.rtisi~ag policy will bar negative sexual orientation stereotypes and will not discriminate in media advertising on the basis of sexual orientation. 7. Companies will not discriminate in the sale and purchase of goods and services on the basis of sexual orientation. 8. Written non-discrimination policies on sexual orientation must be disseminated throughout the company. A senior company official will be appointed to monitor compliance corporate wide. Mamo o Hawaii mid the Hawaii Equal Rights Marriage Project. A Hawaii court decision may legalize same gender marriage by the end of this year or early next vear. Unique Gifts in Lincoln Plaza corner of 15th & Peoria 584-4606 M-F 10-8 Sat. 10-5 Spring Sale Incense - 20 Sticks for $1 Wide Variety of T-shirts & Ties Art Deco Lamps New Love or Old Love How about a new look for your love nest? Come see Bryan. Ken or Tim at our laborious designer showroom with definitely NOT designer priee~! Budget Window Treatment~ & MORE! R~ow eu,~,,,, o~la M~. 7116 S. ]VIin¢o. Ste. 10~. ~52~-~100 Mayor cont’dfromp. 1 in a race already crowded with a number of candidates. In her letter to Clinton, Achtenberg, a former city supervisor, said she was stepping down from her HUD post in order to "become a candidate for mayor of San Francisco" to bring a "workable, reform-minded city government that recaptures. San Francisco’s greatness." In 1993, Clinton ............... to oversee the fair housing and equal opportunity division of HUD. She was confirmed to the post afteralongandoften nasty debate on the Senate floor, with conservatives, led by Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) portraying her as a "’dangerous radical" and "dmnn lesbian." In her letter to the. President, Achtenberg thanked Clinton for his support in "’a challenging confirmation process." But she went on to say that "I feel the need to return to the city I Call home.’" Conf. cont’dfrom p. l closing services onThu~sdav and Sun.day. Others leading worship services are the Reverend Sandi Robinson, president, Samaritan College, Judy Dale, district coordinator, Great Lakes District-UFMCC, the Reverend Renee Phillips, pastor of MCC. Lubbock and the Reverend Dexter Brecht, pastor of Vieux Carre MCC New Orleans. Saturday night,afterabanquet, there will be a dance. Both Tulsa congregations, MCC Greater Tulsa and MCC Family of Faith. plan hospitality suites for conference participants: The Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson will speak on Sunday evening, May 21st at Family of Faith. For more information about the conference, call 838-1715 or 622-1441. Duke cont’dfrom p. 1 believed HIV was first transmitted when a human had sex with a monkey in Africa. Puppy Pause II All Breeds Dog Grooming llth & Mingo 838-7626 Open Tuesday - Saturday at 8am. Call for appointments. Walk-ins also welcome. News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News UK Gay Military Ban and controversial exception. Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Rep. anti-bias policies in their offices, tojunior and senior lfigh schools, Becomes Political Issue~ LONDON - A spokesman for! the British Defense Ministry told Parliament that the country’s policy of excluding gays from the British armed forces had the full support of the Conservative Party government and that ,allowing gays in the nation’s military was "not compatible with securing the ailns of the armed forces." The Labor Party had earlier called for ending the ban on gays and lesbians in the country’ s military as part of the party’s official platform. David Clark, the defense spokesman lbr the Labor Party, called the exclusionary policy an"infringement on civil liberties" and added, "’It is important in the modern world that military law is as near as possible in accord with civilian law. "" Bias Charged at N.M. Job Corps Center ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Despite complaints to adininistrators of harassment, threats and assaults aimed at gay and lesbians students and staff, acuvists in the Lesbian Avengers .charge that the managers of the U.S. Job Corps in Albuquerque have refused to do anything to put a halt to the anti-gay activities. The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force has ~lso charged that administrators of thc Job Corps center there have not returned repeated phone calls about the on-going troubles at the center. The Job Corps is a division of the U.S. Labor Department and teaches young people various employment skills. NEA Nixes Grant for Lesbian-Themed Play SANFRANCISCO - The National Endowmentforthe Arts has rejected the recommendation by its peer advisory panels and voted against funding a stage adaptation of a novel by San Francisco-based lesbian writer Jewell Gomez. The $13,000 grant was to have gone to pay for the African-American performance troupe Urban Bush Women’s production Of Gomez’s "’Bones and Ash: A Gilda Story.’" Peer review panel recommendations are rarely rejected. The case of the "NEA Four"- Andreas Serrano, Holly flughes, Tim Miller and Karen Fiuel v - was a highly publicized Gomez herself said she believes the endowmentrejected the grant because her story has a lesbian protagonist. "We were pretty much ~xpecting [approval of the grant] because we had gotten Phase.Two approval, and to not get Phase Three is weird, unless you really screwed up or something,’" she said. Waybourn Leaves Victory Fund WASHINGTON - Gay rights activist William Waybourn, founder of the Gay & Lesbian Victory. Fund. has announced he will retire as the head of the Washington, D.C.-based PAC. A long-time Dallas activist, Waybourn said in a prepared statement that he had no irmnediate plans, but was leaving the 4-year-old Victory Fund to promote new ideas in the agency. "It is my philosophy that organizations tltrive .best when new leadership and fresh ideas are enconraged,’" lie said. ’Creating Change’ Conferen ce Announced WASHINGTON-The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force has annotmced that its 8th annual Creating Change conference will take place Nov. 8-12 in Detroit. Among the issues slated to be covered durin.g.the conference are: orgamzlng in rural communities, organizing people of faith, same-sex marriage rights, anti-violence work, and organizing in the workplace. For additional information and registration, contact NGLTF at (202) 332-6483, ext. 3329. Lesbians at White House Conference WASHINGTON-Attending the White House Conference on Aging as delegates May 2-5 are long-time lesbian activists Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, cofounders of the Daughters of Bilitis. The couple will introduce a resolution during the conference calling for for greater vis!bility, for lesbian and gay aging issues in future conferences. The White House conference agenda had originally included lesbian and gay issues when published in October 1994; but when the final agenda was published this February, the item had been dropped. Martin and Lyon were named as delegates to the conference by Sen. Dianne Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) respectivel,W. Sexually ’Ambiguous’ UK Bishop Elevated LONDON - David Hope, the Bishop of London who recently ackalowledged under pressure from British activists that he is sexually "an~biguous", has been named by Prime Minister Jolm Major as the next Archbishop of York, the 2ndhighest clergy man in the Church of England. "People should not be stereotyped sexually and sonle may describe themselves as being homosexual," Hope said in March after being urged by the fights ~oup Outrage to co~ne out. "For some the area is slightly grayer, and that is the sort of area I find my self in." Following the azmouncelnent of his elevation, Hope said he would use his new position to resolve differences about homosexuality within the church. "It is my business to insure that all who are involved are given a proper voice and a proper ear, and there is a proper process of listening to the debate," he said. "At the present _ time I am just a little concerned that the debate is causing rather mor e heat than light. "’ Members of Congress Keep Anti-Bias Policies \VASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign Fund announced at a press conference that 287 of the 535 members of the U.S. Congress do not discriminate against gays and lesbians in employment in their staff office positions. The HRCF survey reported that 223 of 435 House members and 64 of 100 senators had signed nondiscrimination affirmations. Absent from the HRCF list were House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas). GOP presidential candidate and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas, however, was included on the non-bias listing. Speaking at a news conference, Elizabeth Birch, HRCF’s executive director, said it was "encouraging that the critical bloc of moderate swing votes in this Congress supports the concept ofequal treatment."Last year a similar HRCF survey reported that 296 members of Congress - 225 House members and71 senators - agreed to similar Jury Rejects AIDS Fear Defense BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Jurors hearing a murder case rejected the defense offered by attorneys for Edgardo Arrona, 21, that he had shot a gay man, Oscar Anderson, 53, to death because he feared he had been exposed to HIV ,and been forced into years of sex and drugs by the older ~nan. Arrona confessed to shootinv Anderson last Auoust bnt claruled lie had done so beeause the older man, a teacher, had lured lfim into sex and drug use as a teenager and lie was concerned about contracting AIDS. Although Anderson in fact was HIV positive, Arrona has continued to test negative for the virus. Prosecutors, whom the jury a~eed with in finding Arrona gnilty, had argued that the younger man had continued to return to Anderson’s apartment for several years withont showing any indic,~tions he wasn’ t a willing participant. Philly Woos Gay Travel Assn. Convention PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia’s Convention and Visitors Bureau has joined with PrideFestin an effort to draw the 1997 annual convention of the International Gay Travel Association to the "City of Brotherly Love." The IGTA convention is expected to bring more than 1,000 travel agents and tourism specialists to wherever it holds its annual meeting. The city’s Convention & Visitors Bureau is one of a handful around the country - including New York and San Francisco - that have in the past few years begun actively luring gay and lesbian tourists and travelers-. PrideFest, the city’s annual gay pride celebration, is slated for May 7-10 in 19~7. Apple Settles Dispute SANJOSE, Calif,-The SanJose Mercury Newsreports that Apple Computer has agreed to keep a CD-ROM history textbook that it will be distributing after a public outcry that Apple wascensoring material about abortion and homosexuality. In the reported agreement with the VoyagerCompany ofNew York, Apple with include the CD textbook "Who Built America?" in bundled software it distributes but will not include it in bundles it sells to elementary schools. Apple got caught in the embarrassingPRflap inFebnmry when Voyager charged that Apple had insisted it remove "cOntroversial" material .about abortion and homosexuality. Spokespersons-for both Apple and Voyager said they were reasonably happy with the agreement they had reached on distributing the CD textbook. Death Threat Against Journalist Deb Price SANJOSE, Calif.- OutNowL the San-Jose gay and lesbian uewspaper, reports that the announcement of a scheduled Jnne 24 visit by syndicated columnist Deb Price for a booksigmng has led to a telephone death tlweat. The paper reports that the death threat, which has been handed over to police, was called in to the answering machine at the Sisterspirit Bookstore in the city’s Billy DeFrank Lesbian & Gay Community Center after the upcoming booksigning was announced. OutNow! quoted part of the phone threat as saying, "I just want to say, if Deb Price appears at your bookstore on June 24th, I’ll personally colne in and shoot her. I tlfink fags are wrong. I think this is the stupidest thing that ever happened; feminist rights groups, f ing gay rights groups make me sick; f ing I’ll shoot her; got that?" The paper said Price had been informed of the threat and had no intention of altering her plans for the booksigning for her new book, And Say Hi to Joyce: America’ s First Gay Column Comes Out." Gingrich to Lead HRCF ’Coming Out Day’ Job WASHINGTON - Candace Gingrich, the lesbian half-sister of House Speaker Newt Gingrich, has been hired by the Washington D.C.-based gay aud lesbian lobbying group the Human Rights Campaign Fund to head up its National Coming Out Project. The project culminates Oct. 11 with National Coming Out Day, an event that got launched several years ago in New Mexico and has since become a popular event nationwide to encourage gay and lesbian visibility. Gingrich, 28, kicks offhernewjob on April 25 Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 Photography J.D. damett 621-5597 14~8 S. Boston, Tulsa News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News with a town meeting in Seattle as rejection of ICA’s anti-gay I Sheila Kuehl that would have timber industry lobbyist just 4 part ofa34-city tour encouraging participation in National Coming Out Day. School Board Member Defeats Opponents LOS ANGELES - Openly gay Los Angeles school board memberJeffHorton, targeted for defeat by religious rightsupported opponents, handily won reelection, garnering 61% of the vote, more than his 2 fundamentalist-backed candidates combine d. His opponents, Peter Ford who was being backed by the Traditional Values Coalition, and Linda Jones, the Christian Coalition candidate, had focused on unseating Horton because of his support for gay-positive programs in the city’s huge school system. Students Protest Mel White Speech GREEN BAY, Wisc. - Conservative student Republicans at the University of Wisconsin have objected to school officials over using student fees to payfor an upcoming speech to be given by the Rev. Mel White, a minister with the Metropolitan Community Church and one-time ghost writer for Pat Robertson. TheRepublican students charged that the $4,000 fee for White’ s speech was "’fiscally inappropriate" because of tight budgets at the school. But representatives of the unive.rsity.’ s lesbian and gay orgamzatlon said the conservative students just didn’ t "want the lifestyle discussed." The school says it hasno plans to cancel White’ s scheduled May 4 appearance on campus. Another Idaho Anti-Gay Ballot Measure BOISE, Idaho - The Idaho Statestnan reports that the Idaho Citizens Alliance will soon introduce another anti-gay initiative only 5 months after voters in the state rejected the organization’ s first anti-gay measure. The paper quoted an !CA spokesman who said the new anti-gay ~neasure would not deal with employment but would aim at restricting how public libraries and schools deal with materials relating to homosexuality. Rights activists say such a ballot measure would be a waste of time and money after last November’s voter initiative. ’Morality Police" Attack Gays in Palestine NABLUS, West Bank - The Reuter news service reports that 3 Palestiman men kidnapped a 51-year-old man from his shop and shot him in the legs 6 times because they believed him to be gay. The news agency quoted unnamed sources that said the men were part of a group of "morality police" who had recently begun kidnapping gays and prostitutes in the WestBank, 2 others of whom were also shot in the legs. Serial Killer’s Victims May Have Been Gay SAN FRANCISCO- Police say they believe a British man, already suspected of crisscrossing the globe under false identities in a string of killings, may have targeted victims who were.gay or bisexual ina series of grisly torture-murders with links from Mexico to Thailand to San Diego and San Francisco. Authorities say John Martin Scripps, 35, of Hertfordshire, England, traveled around the world after escaping from a jail in Great Britain on drug charges and is wanted in connection with at least three murders - and wanted for questioning about the mysterious disappearances of others. Singapore police say they believe Scripps, who was arraigned in Singapore on April 18 on charges of killing Gerard Lowe, a South African man whose dismembered remmns were recovered from a harbor in March, used a 10,000-volt stun gun on his victims before killing and mutilating them. Authorities say Scripps is also a suspect in the murders of Timothy McDowall,32, in Mexico; Sheila Damude and her 22-year-old son Darin in Thailand; and Tommy Wenger, 25, in San Francisco. Gay Poet Immortalized BOSTON- Earlier this year, the opera. "Ha?r.vey Milk" had its premiere ~n Texas, memorializing the openly gay politician’ s life. In April, another opera got its world premiere ~n Boston immortalizing another gay icon - Civil War poet Walt Whitman. ComposerPeter Child says his new opera, "’Reckoning Time: A Song of Walt Whitman," represents the struggle of an artist to live and work with in3e~g.~ty during an era of turmOl£.With librettist ¯ Alan Brody, Child has fashioned Whitman’.s life intoanallegorical opera written for the concert stage, making generous use of the poet’s own essays, letters, poetry and other writings. In "Reckoning Time: A Song of Walt Whitman," the tide role is sungbyabaritone. PeterDoyle, Whitman’s longtime working class lover, speaks his part, with the exception of one simple love song. The plot of the work evolves through the dialogue between the two performers. Aussie ’Gaymes’ Hit By Far-Right Protesters ADELAIDE, Australia - The Australian gay newspaper Brother/Sister reports that anti-- gay protesters broke into a public pool where the annual Australian National Gaymes was slated to hold a swimming event and used a dye to stain the pool purple. An anonymous caller phoned local newspapers and television stations and said the vandalism was the responsibility of the farright National Action orgamzati’on. ’Consumer Reports’ Rates Condoms WASHINGTON - The May Issue of Consumer Reports includes the findings of its test of reliability of condoms. The consumer magazine tested 6,500 latex condoms, representing 37 brands. The magazine reports sbme surprising findings: Several types of theTrojanbrand, for example, frequently failed the air-inflation test, a basic check of condom elasticity. The magazine also found that some brands that advertise as being "’stronger" were in fact not as strong as others in its tests. Others that promote themselves as "thin" weren’t particularly thin, the magazine reports, and some of the thinnest broke more easily. The best performing brands, according to Consumer Reports, were Sheik Excita Extra Ribbed, Ramses Extra Ribbed and Sheik Classic. The magazine named Protex’s Touch condom as the "’best buy.’" Cal. Legis. Punts Gays SACIL~kMENTO, Calif. - The California Assembly" s education committee refused on a party~ line split 8-8 vote to send to the legislature a bill spousored by lesbian Assembly Member added sexual orientation to the state’s educational anti-bias laws. Opponents of the measure objected that the measure would give "special rights" to gays and lesbians and denounced homo~ sexuals as "ungodly" and "dirty." Kuehl urged the committee to send the measure on to the Assembly, declaring that the "witnesses for the opposition make our argument for us. Listen to what they said here. This is exactly the hatred we face every day. This is the .reason we need this bill. This is the moral decay at the heart of our society, that breeds hate and division.’" Domestic Partners OK’d CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The Chapel Hill Town Council has unanimously passed a domestic partners measure covering municipal employees. The measure, the second of its kind in North Carolina, provides for family leave and sets up limits on the work relationships of city workers and their domestic partners. The measure also allows city residents to register their domestic partnerships, whether same-sex or oppositesex, for a $50 fee but extends no direct benefits. Kansas City Considers Gay Rights Measure LAWRENCE,Kan. -Lawrence, seat of the Umversity of Kansas, has become the first city in the state to extend anti-bias protections based on sexual Orientation. The Lawrence City Commission voted 3-2 to ad~t sextud orientation to the city’s existing anti-discrimination ordinance, which bars bias in employment, housing and public accommodation. The measure must still pass a 2rid reading before the commissioners, but there have been no indications the vote is likely to change when the added language comes up again in early May. Calif. Lobbying Offices Target of Bomb Threat SAC1La,MENTO, Calif. - The offices of the LIFE Lobby, a gay and AIDS lobbying organization in Califonfia’ s state capital, were evacuated after an anonymous caller telephoned a bomb tllreat and warned the lobby’ s workers to "’get out of the building unless you want to die." Following closely on the April 24 mailbomb killing in Sacrmnento of a blocks from LIFE Lobby’s offices and the tragic bombing in Oklahoma City, authorities took no chances and evacuated the entire building. No explosive device was found. Laurie McBride, LIFE’s executive director, said the caller had "wanted to let us kiaow that in tiffs climate of political violence. we are hated.’" Kentucky Mayor Refuses to Sign Anti-Bias Order LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson has refused to sign an executive ordcr extending anti-bias protectious to city workers based on scxnal orientation. Abramson said statc law restricts control over personnel policies and practiccs in Kentucky to city councils. boards of aldermen and other legislative bodies, not chicf executives of the cities. He citcd a legal.opinion by the city" s law director in refusing to sign the executive order. But gay rights activists disagreed and chargcd that Abramson was ducking thc issue. Eric Graninger, legal counsel for the Fairness Campaign~ said, "While thc aldermen can set minimum job requiremerits for city employees, the mayor~legally add more." Graninger.said the city’s law director was "’building a legal closet for the mayor to hide in.’" Far-Right Group Wants ’Pro-Famil y Contract’ WASHINGTON-TheCllristim~ Action Network held a press conference in the nation’ s capital and proposed a "Pro-Family Contract with America." The- CAN "’Contract" calls for reviving a total ban On ~ays mid Iesbians in the armed forces and would restrict federal funds from going to school districts tlial provide positive counseling for gay or lesbian students. CAN called on Congress to enact its ’:’Contract" or face the prospect Of a 3rd ~arty being formed. Rich Tafel, execunve directory of the Gay lobbying group Log Cabin Republicans, warned the GaP leadership, however, that the far-right wing" s agenda would divide the party and undermine the GaP’s prospects for keeping its narrow congressional majority. "If the Christian Action Network is trying to pick a fight, they’ll get one," Tafel saidl $30/hour - in, call for out rates Pager: 672-2035 KiM Licensed Massage Therapist Specializing in: ¯ Therapeul~i¢ ¯ Shiatsu ¯ Sports Nathanael Mattingly salon estetica 749-0777 The Queen of the Galaxy presents the best damn hair in town! 3509 S. Peoria - 2nd Level - Tulsa, OK 74105 Health Briefs Health Researchers Find No HIV Risk from Health Care Worl~ers ATLANTA - In the largest study of AIDS transmission from health care workers to patients done to date, scientists found.no evidence that the vires was passed to pataents, according to a report in the Annals oflnternal Medicine. Many people in the U.S. have been concerned about the possible risk of infection after the Centers for Disease Control & Prcvenuon determined 3 years ago that a Florida dent[st., transmitied HIV to 6 ofhis patients. The new study by the CDC covered more than 221,000 ~a~ients of 64, physicians, dentists and other health care.workers who are infected with the virus. The researchers found only 113 infected patients out of the 22,000 examined, and of those epidemiological and genetic evidence showed that all came from other sources, not from any of the health care workers. 2 Pilots Sue United Airlines LOS ANGELES - T~vo pilots have filed an employment discrimination lawsuit against United Airlines, charging that the airline barred them from flying because they are infected with HIV. The case is the first of its "kind filed by commercial airhne pilots under the" Americans With Disabilities Act, according to the pilots’ lawyers and some AIDS organizations. United, the largest airline in the U.S., !nsists.that, in the interest of public safety, it acted correctly in grounding the pilots under regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration. The suit, filed infederal courtby R. Christopher Prilliman of Dallas and PaulRafalowski of Laguna Beach, Calif., c6ritends that the pilots Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs were grounded after the airline learned they were HIV-positive, despite the fact that they passed physicals given by United~. and the FAA earlier in 1994. Uuited~S medical director, Dr. Gary Kohn, said the airline received information from the pilots’ doctors last year "that led us to believe they had a disqualifying condition" under FAA standards. Although he declined to comment on the case, an FAA spokesperson said that being HIV-positive does not preclude a pilot from being approved for flying. CMV Retinitis Drug Effective CHICAGO -Small injected doses.of an experimental drug. have proven to be effective in checking the devastating eye damage common among people with AIDS, according to researchers at the Uuiversitv of California. According to reports i’n Ophthalmology and the American Journal of Ophthalmology, 3 small diuical trials showed the anti-viral drug cidofovir, which is also -known as HPlVlPC, stopped the progress of CMV retinitis for months. Dr. William R. Freeman, an ophthalmologist at the University of California at San Diego, and his colleagues reported in thejournals that the drug has proven so effective at this stage in the limited diuical trials that more than ~ hundred patients, in San Diego are now receiving "maintenance" injections regularly. What is not known yet, however, is whether cidofovir will be effective over a prolonged period of time or if patients may begin to develop a resistance to it. Dentists and HIV Infection CHICAGO - According to a survey published in the Journal ofthe American Dentcd Association, while more dentists are willing~o treat patients whoare infected ~"with HIV, many are still reluctant to have such patients. The survey reported that 67% of the dentists surveyed would treat such patients, even if they could refer them to other health care workers..A similar survey in 1986 found only about 47% of the dentists said they would trea! infected patients. But the survey alsofound that32% said they wouldnot pick dentistry again as a medical career because of fears of being exposed to HIV. And 75% of the dentists also said they were afraid to show any willingness to treat HIV-positive patients .out.of concerns they might lose other patients. Hormone May Curb KS Tumors LONDON -Ahormone found inpregnant women, known as human chorionic gonadotropin, may have an important role in treating Kaposi’s sarcoma, a skin and blood vessel cancer that affects ma~.y patients with HIV, according to a report ~n the British journal Nature. Dr. Robert GaHo and other researchers with the National Cancer Institute report that the hormone kills KS in the test tube, and that in experiments with mice it reduced tumors caused by injections of KS cells. The NCI scientists found that the injected KS cells, which normally cause tumors in mice, were not able Xo do so if they had been exposed to the hormone before being injected. Mice that had been treated with the hormone for a week prior to being injected with KS cells also did not develop tumors or developed small ones, the researcher reported. The scientists also presented cases of 2 women who had KS, but whose cancer lesions inexplicably disappeared during or after pregnancy. "This is the first demonstration of an antirumor property of (the hormone), and offers a new strategy for treating patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma," the scientists said. Condom Breakage Questioned WASHINGTON - Tests of the new polyurethane Avanti condom have produced conflicting results, and the Food &Drug Administration, which approved Avanti for sale in the U.S..in 1991, has called for further testing: Regular latex condoms break in about 2% of the cases, according to FDA tests, and Avanti’s manufacturer London International/ Schmid Labs had presented the FDA with its o.wn studies that showed breakage rates ran~ng between 0.4% and 2.1% when it applied for approval to sdl the condom ~n the U.S. But 5 subsequent studies by the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development and conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Family Planning. Council found failure ratesfor the Avanti ranging from 4% to 15% with an overall breakage rate of 9.6% - so high a rate that the council stopped testing the Avanti in 1994 even though all its studies had involved fairly small numbers of couples. Dr. Susan Alpert of the FDA, however, defended the agency’s approval of the Avanti polyurethane condom, even if it turns out to have a higher breakage rate, because up to 7% of the American population is allergic to latex. Cancers Linked to Virus BOSTON - A newly discovered type of herpes virus causes 2 cancers associated with AIDS according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine. FI-DELITY HO-AAE HE- LTH CARE, INC. 113 E. Paul St. Pauls Valley, OK 73075 (405) 238-6487 Main Office 905 No. Highway 51 Coweta, OK 74429 (918) 486-1174 (800) 999-3442 7319 No. MacArthur Okla. City, OK 73132 (405) 722-0551 Caring for Life We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hour per.day, seven days as week. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’ s, LPN’ s) Home health aides Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Medical Social Serv.ices In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation Private duty nursing Companion sitter services This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices at 800-999-3442 with specific treatment issues. Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation ¯1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. Health Briefs HeaLth According to scientists from Columbia University, both B cell lymphoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma, are caused by a herpes . vmas known as KSHV, 1st discovered in skin lesions of patients with KS. Drs. Yuan Chang and Patrick Moore report that the newly identified virus causes all KS cancers, not just those in people with ¯ AIDS. They.also report f’mding the cancer virus cells in 8 patients who suffered from AIDS,associated B cell lymphoma, a canCer of the body’s immune system. ’Reasonable,Pricing’ Requirement Dropped WASHINGTON-TheNational Institutes of Health (NIH) has dropped its~ requirement that U.S. drug manufacturers charge a "reasonable" price for products developed in conjunction with government-sponsored research. NIH Director Harold Varmus said the agency found that "the pricing clause has driven the industry away from potentially beneficial scientific collaborations" with government researchers "without providing an offsetting benefit to the public?’Under the clause, adoptedin 1989 amid protests over the price of the AIDS drug AZT, the public was supposed to benefit from drugs produced with the advantage of taxpayer-funded research. Once the policy was implemented, however, companies held backfrom using NIH research because they could not guarantee that they would regain an investment in product development, said Carl Feldbaum, president of Biotechnology Industry Organization. HIV Protein Discovery WASHINGTON - Researchers have Briefs Health Briefs discovered how an HIV protein, called Vpr, forces its way into ceils. Vpr enters the cell’s nucleus more quickly than other proteins andmakes the cell help do itsjob, found Univ. of Pennsylvania pathologist David Weiner. Vpr hijacks a protein naturally present in human cells, one that moves specific steroid hormones through calls: Tests showed that some of these steroids activate HIV production and suppress immune cells, Weiner reported in the April 11 issue of Proceedings ofthe NationalAcademy ofSciences. W~en Vpr was, added, the protein used the steroids’ cellular pathway to getto the call nucleus and prompted steroid overproduction to help it produce HIV. Weiner found that the abortion drug RU-486, which is known to block steroid overproduction in other diseases, also blocked Vpr. HIV-infected cells treated with RU-486 produced 70 percent less virus than untreated cells, he found. Weiner warned, however, that it is still too early to know whether the drug would work in humans. ~ Test to Predict AIDS Onset? PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh reported in the Annals oflnternal Medicine that theyhave developed a new HIV test that may help doctors predict how soon people infected with the virus will develop AIDS. According to Dr. John Mellors, director of the Pitt Treatment Evaluation Union that developed the "branched DNA signal amplification" test, it may also .help physicians decide whatcourse oftreatment is best for each patient. The new test measures the amount of HIV in the blood stream, a reliable indicator ofhow rapidly the individual will become ill with AIDS. Education cont~dfrom p. 1 ’b~the American MedtcalAssoctatton, was prepared by scientists at the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies-at UC-San Francisco, directed by Thomas Coates and Jeff Stryker. "Carefully tailored, targeted, credible, and. persistent" AIDS education eampaigus; the report says, haveproven highly successful in dramatically reducing-the spread Of HIV. The report says thai in San Francisco, an estimated 8,000 people were infected with HIV in 1982 when the epidemichad barely begun~ But 10 years Iater- with intehse preverition efforts, particularly-among gay.and bisexual-men, in ethnic communities and among intravenous drug users - the annual infection rate had dropped to 1,000, according to the city’s health department. As many as 40,000 to 80,000 new HIV infections are reported annually in the United States, and the numbers are rising steadily inmostothercities because"AIDS is largely a disease of behaviors" and few communities have faced the problem candidly, the report’s authors argue. "Education and prevention efforts for. AIDS continue to be limited by society’s unwillingness to explore and discuss frankly sexual and drug-use behaviors that risk the spread of HIV infection," they say. Military cont~dfrom p; 1 policy wentinto effect last year he notified his c.ommanding officer in writing, "I am gay’. Gay Sailor to Remain In Navy= BALTIMORE’- U.S. District Judge Joseph Young has ordered the Navy not to discharge Lt: Richard Selland, who told .his commanding officer in 1993 that he was gay. Judge Young granted Selland an injunction ~that orders the Navy allow the gay sailor toremain in the Navy while he continues his court battle againstthe Pentagon,s "’don’t ask, don’t tell" policy that continues to exclude gay and.l~sbian military personnel. Mom €ont’dfrom p. 1 collecting letters denouncing the decision. In addition, the Metropolitan Connnunity Church (MCC) had declared this Mother’s Day, May 18, a "national day of prayer" for Bottoms and her partner, April Wade. Poland cont’dfrom p. l protections; 6 opposed the prohibitions; 7 deputies abslained. The commission has recently added a number of liberal provisions aimed at bringing Poland’s 43- year-old constitution up to date and more in line with requirements of the European Parliament, which already mandates nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation. Only one other nation - South Africa - has included constitutional protections specifically aimed at barring bias agaxnst gays and l~sbians. Accepting Medicare, Medicaid. private pay andprivate insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated. Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care in a homelike, loving setting? Until now - no where...... Announcing the opening of Mohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people living with AIDS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North Talsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals. The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour our new facility. To arrange a tour or for more information, call our offices at 918-425~1354 Mohawk Living Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK- (918) 425-1354 ~1995 - Design One Associates / Per~pectiv~ Magazine Sandra J. Hill, M.S. SUDD ENLY THE COH ETITORS ALL LO OK LIKE WA ,NABES. ~MITSUBISHI The New ThinKtng ,n Automobiles" Air conditioning, alloy wheels, am/fm cassette with 6 speakers, power sunroof, dohc - 16 valve & much morel. From $15,695 Reporter Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights. P.O. Box 52729 Tulsa, OK 74152 May/June 1995 Volume 15 Number 5 The views e.~pressed elsewhere in Tulsa Fame.Iv News are not necessarily the views ofTOHR. Permission is granted to reprint information contained within the TOHR Reporter page along with other itemv, under the b.vh’ne. "submitted by TOHR ". contained elsewhere in Tulsa Family Ne~,s. ~ Letter from the President: Another month has gone by and what a great one it has benn. I would like to thank everyone who has made a monthly pledge or donation to the Community Center. We .are still working very hard to make this vision a reality. Remember the monthly pledges are an integral part of our financing package so please give it some thought as we can all benefit from a Community Center. T.O.H.R. is continuing to grow and our programs are expanding. We have appointed Claudette Peterson as directorof HIV Programs. Claudette will supervise the additiona employees and administer Ihe grants currently in place as well as the ones we are still waiting to hear from. Let’s all welcome Claudette and give her a big THANK. YOU for her hard work, Claudette has already proven herself to be an invaluable asset to T.O.H.R. through her previous position as Clinic Director, I would like to thank Rob Hill for the educational Seminar presented to the Helpline volunteers. We plan to repeat thisseminar inthe very near future so that those who were unable to attend will have the ability to participate. Thanks again Rob. ¯ picnicThperideever~picniCLet youjrUiSstpRiDEaroundshowthe comethrfiosarndfestiveWe needdayinV°luntepearSrkth.e to man the .T.O.H.R. booth and help clean up the park. Your participation will insure this to be the best T.O.H.R; FOLLIES 1995 is well into the planning stage with the date setfor June 30th at All Souls in Emerson Hall. This will be one of our largest fundraisers of the year so let’s all come out and support the 6rganization as well as the performers. The money from the Follies goes to supporting ortgoing programs of T.O.H.R. Please attend the monthly meeting or a T.O.H.R. sponsored event, we rely on your participation to continue these programs. Thanks, Tim BISEXUAL, LESBIAN AND GAY ISSUES INFORMATION AND REFERRALS 743-GAYS (4297) By and for but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Communities. Daytime Testing Monday-Thursday by Appointment 749-4194 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Pdghts HIV TESTING CLINIC FREE ANONYMOUS Finger Stick Method Every Thursday Evening 7:00-8:30 p.m 4154 So. Harvard Suite H- 1 Membership Application Name Address City State Phone Signature [] I would like to x~luntecr help with: [] HIV Counselor [] Event Planning and Party Preparations Zip, []Yes I want to be a contributing member of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Please accept payment as described below: [] $10 Limited Income/Student Membership [] $20 Regular Membership [] $35 Organizational/Household Membership [] $100 Sustaining Membership [] I am currently ~¢¢iving TOHR mailings and the Tulsa Famil~ News [] I am not on the mailing list [] Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual He!pLine [] Executive Board Member [] Monthly Meeting Support ommunitp enter - Monthly Pledges Center Stage One Time Donations ,_.._ $100 Mo. Spotlight $75 Mo. $2500 - $5000 . $50 Mo. Lead Actor . $45 Mo. $1500 - $2499 .. $40 Mo. Supporting Actor , $35 Mo. $750 - $1499 $20 Mo. Cast Member $10 Mo. $300- $749 Mail to TOHR Audience P.O. Box 52729 $100 - $299 Tulsa OK. 74152 Extra Attn: Center $ Wish List For TOHR Clinic_ (We are adding staffbut have no more $ for equipment) Bookshelves 2ISUNDAYS BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER - Sunday School 9:45, Moming Worship Service 11:00. 2627-B East 11th. Call 583-7815. for Info. BLGA - University of Tulsa. 6:30 p.m. Canterbury Center. COMM.UNITY OF HOPE (United Methodist) - Evening Worship Service 6:00. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Morning Worship Service 11:00. 5451-E South Mingo, Call 622-1441 for Info. MCC OF GREATER TULSA - Morning Worship Service 10:45 - 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. THE BANNED - Gay Band - Practice weekly in OKC. Call 838-2121 forlnfo. I MONDAYS LAMBDA BOWLING LEAGUE - Bowling begins at 8:45. Sheridan Lanes 3121 South Sheridan. ITUESDAYS " ¯ MINISTER’S CLASS - Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center. 7:30 p.m. 2627- B East 11th. Call 583-7815 for Info. IWEDNESDAYS AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER - Bible Study 7:00. MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER - Choir Practice 7:00. 2627-B East 1 lth. Call 583-7815 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Potluck 6:30. Bible Study 7:00. Choir Practice 8:00. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info. ITHuRsOAYs 16-STEP EMPOWERMENT GROUP FOR WOMEN - 7:00. Women’s support group. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. CO-DEPENDENCY SUPPORT GROUPWeekly meeting 7:30. Family of Faith MCC. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622- 1441 for Info, HIV TESTING - TOHR Clinic. Free and Anonymous testing using flngerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in test hours: 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Results Hours: 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Call 749-4194 for Info. PRAYER TIME - 7:00 p.m. MCC of Greater Tulsa. 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. TULSA FAMILY CHORALE Weekly practice 9:30 pro. Lola’s. 2630 E. 15th St. !SATURDAYs I NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS - Meets weekly at 11:00 pm. Provides confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY 13 I CAR WASH - To benefit Family of Faith MCC. Quik Trip on 71st across from Sam’s. Donations only. DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY 15 I RESCUING THE BIBLE -6:30 - 8:30 p.m. .Community of Hope - 1347 North Yale. Seventh of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHPJCommunity of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY 16 I TOHR BOARD MEETING. 7:00 p.m. TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 743- 4297 for Info. IMAY 17 I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 583-5147 for Info. IMAY 18-21 I MCC DISTRICT CONFERENCE - South Central District IOK, TX, LA, AR) Southern Hills Marriott at 71st and Lewis. Workshops/Services/Banquet. Keynote: Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson. Call 622-1441 for more Info. IMAY ls-21 I HERLAND SPRING RETREAT - Women’s Retreat. Roman Nose State Park. Sponsored by Heriand of Oklahoma City. Call 405-720-0044 for Info. IM,Y 21 I INT’L AIDS CANDLE LIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICE. Call 438-2437 for more info. REV. ELDER NANCY WILSON - Evening Service - 6:00 p.m. at Family of Faith MCC - 5451-E South Mingo. Also featuring Tulsa Family Chorale. Call 622-1441 for Info. IM, Y =2 I RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m. Call 254-2100 for location. RESCUING THE BIBLE - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Final week of an eight week course. Sponsored by TOHR/i3ommunity of Hope/BLGA (TU). Call 838-7232 for Info. IMAY 26 I WOMEN’S COFFEE HOUSE Java Dave’s. 3310 South Peoria. 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Call Beeper 646-6455 for more info. IU,Y 26 - 28 I GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL RODEO - OK State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. Call 405-943-0543 for more Info. DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info: IMAY 29 FEED THE HOMELESS - Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church at 5:30 p.m. and caravan to Day Center for the Homeless. Call 838-7232 for lnfo. IJ u N E 3 WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB - Hong Kong Restaurant - 4307 B South Sheridan Road. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG BOARD MEETING.. 7:00 p.m. Call 742-8565 for more info. IJUNE 5 LAGPAC - The Gathering Place.. ~,154 South Harvard. Meets directly following TOHR Ad Hoc Meeting. Call 838-1222 for more Info. TOHR AD HOC COMMITTEE ON CIVIC AFFAIRS - Organizational Meeting. Need ~volunteers from other organizations. 7:00 p.m. The Gathering Place. 4154 South Harvard. Call 838-2121 for more Info. TOHR MEMBERSHIP MEETING. Monthly Meeting. 6:30 Social 7:00 p.m. Meeting. The Gathering Place. 4154 South Harvard. Ste. H. Call 743-4297 for lnfo. FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 583-5147 for Info. IJ u N E 8 ! GREEN COUNTRY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS LEAGUE. Muskogee Library. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Call 682-8204 for more Info. IJUN. 10 I DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m, 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. OK FLAMES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL - Union High School. $5/ticket. 7:30 p.m. Call beeper 646-6455 for more info. iJ U N E 1 2 I PFLAG PICNIC. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Call 749-4901 for more info. IJUN. 1= 14 I OKLAHOMA HIV/AIDS CONFERENCE - Sponsored by HIV Resource Consortium. Workshops, Speakers, etc. Space is limited to first 300. Doubletree at Warren Place. Call 74g-4194 for more info. IJu. 14 I WEDNESDAY N;GHT WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB- La Nortena. 6408 South Peoria. 6:30 p.m. IJ u N E 21 COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICES. MCC of Greater Tulsa. Special for Gay Pride Week. Also includes Family of Faith MCC and other area churches. 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154South Harvard - Lower Level: Call 583-5147 for Info. ~ IJuN~ 24 --,- DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838-7232 for Info. I u.. 25 GAY PRIDE PARADE. Oklahoma City. Assemble from 12:00 - 2:00 at the park. Parade ends at Habana Inn with a party. IJUN 2S I RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m. Call 254-2100 for location. IJUNE 29 I FEED THE HOMELESS - Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church at IJ u N E 17 COMMUNITY-WIDE GOSPEL SING - Kick off pride week with a gospel sing at Family of Faith MCC 5451-E South Mingo. WIll include MCC Tulsa and other area churches. Call 622-1441 for more info. OK FLAMES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL - McLain High School. $5/ticket. 7:30 p.m. Call beeper 646-6455 for more info. IJ UNE 18 TULSA PRIDE PICNIC - Annual Gay Pride Celebration held at Mohawk Park. Food/DrinWFun/Games/EntertainmenL Also booths and information distribution. Minimal charges for food this year, Beer still free. 12:00 - 6:00. Call 832-0233 for Info. IJu. 20 TOHR BOARD MEETING. 7:00 p.m. TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 743- 4297 for Info. 5:30 p.m. and caravan to Day Center for the Homeless. Call 838-7232 for Info. ROU P MEETINGS LAGPAC - Lesbian and Gay Political Action Committee. Call 838-1222 for Info, LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS - Gay and Lesbian Republican Group. Call 832-0233 for Info. SWAN - Single Women’s Activity Network. TOHR CLINIC - In addition to Thursday Clinic Hours (see Thursdays), offers daytime testing by appointment Monday - Thursday from 10 am - 5 p.m. Call 749- 41 94 for appointment. .TOHR HELPLINE - Staffeddaily 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Call 743-GAYS. TULSA- Tulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers Association, Call 838-1222 for Info, WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB - Meets at varying locations the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of each month. ¯ . Do you have a group or event that should be listed in the TOHR Community Calendar? If so, please call us at 838-2121. Every. effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this calendar; however, neither Tulsa Family News nor TOHR assumes responsibility for errors or omissions. UALITY " OF LIFg AI TERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illnesS, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole "life, or a group p~31icy. How MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and ~0ur unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range-from60% to90% ofapolicy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlenmt offer is presented to you.. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY .POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MF2 Many factors influence whether viati’dating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with youand yourfamilyinperson, in detail andcanrecommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to assxst you in planning the best outcome from your unique financial situation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. Theytransferyourinsuranceandmedicalrecords by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, webelieve you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you inperson, butat the Same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And. because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a-third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Southwest South Harvard East 41st Street I 4146 Suite F-5 N 2919 Welborn Dallas, Texas 75219 800/559-4790 Tulsa Office 4146 So. Harvard, Suite F-5 Tulsa, OK 74135-2610 918’747,3320 Y READ ALL ABOUT IT by Barry Hensley Supervisor, Circulation Department Tulsa City-County Library Author Robert Donaghe’s first novel, Common Sons, is just the thing if you’re looking for some light, spring reading with a message. In the small town of Common, New Mexico, in 1965, Joel Ree~is going to high school and workingon the family farm. A strong, bright boxer, Jot strikes up a friendship with Tom, the quiet son of the new preacher. Eventually, straight laced Tom makes a very public, drunken pass at Joel and they both must come to terms with feelings that they don’t understand. Joel, an agnostic, rather easily accepts the realization of his homosexuality as normal, while Tom, after years of very strict indoctrinatxon, is torn apart emotionally. Eventually, through the support of the school coach, Joel’s family, a Unitarian mimster and a younger classmate, Joel and Tom realize that their dedication and love for one another is more important than what the rest of the town thinks. The pivotal characters in this story are the boys’ fathers. Joel’s dad at first assumes that Joel i~ just going through a phase, but soon realizes the seriousness of the relationship between Jot and Tom. He also understands that his boy has not changed, only the perception of his son has changed, and Joel’s courage and character are still intact. Tom’s father, howeve{, is a rather simplistic stereotype of a ruthless patriarch whose religious belief controls every fiber of his being. Tom is ultimately banned from his family and virtually adopted by Jod’s parents. The thought processes of these characters may help readers understand what some families go through when these situations By c.hoosln~ to remam...Joe.and Tom make the important statement that runrdn~ to the coasts is not the way to chan~e hearts and minds and prove t~e relationship. T~s is an uplfftln ovel that emph~zes the im~rtanee o~ f mlhes and eommunltles reeo nlzln the dfffergnt forms of love and eommhment. arise. In contrast to Tom’s father, the Unitarian minister is also an important character. He tries to convinceTomthat the biblical references to homosexuality refer to a lack of commitment or binding in relationships. Tom soon realizes that his relationship with Joel does not fit this criteria, since they are loyal and dedicated to each other. The interesting setting of this book, not in an urbanareaoragay ghetto, but in a rural village, makes this book unique among current gay fiction. At the end of the book, a younger classmate has moved to San Francisco and writes Joel andTom, chastising them for staying in their "hick town." By choosing to remain in Common, Joel and Tom make the important statement that running to the coasts is not the way to change hearts and minds and prove the validity of their relationship. This is an uplifting novel that emphasizes the importance of families andcommunities recognizing the different forms of love:and commitment. Common Sons is an old fashioned love story with humor and some interesting plot twists that make an entertaining read. Other authors of Lesbian and Gay fiction available at the Tulsa City-County Library include: JosephHansen, Katherine V. Forrest, Robert Ferro, Isabel Miller and Paul Russell. Check for rifles by these authors at the ~ Readers Services department of the Central Library, or call 596-7966. These bookstores welcome Tulsa Family News & your trade: Barnes & Noble, 71st near Memorial Media Play, 71st near Mingo Scribner’s, Utica Square Can’t find us at your favorite bookstore? Ask them why. Horvath cont’dfrom p. 1 Horvath. Before g~ing to Joie de Vivre, Horvath ,kad .prayed; "send me anywhere, but not the South, Lord." Originally from Minneapolis, and coming into the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches from a Presbyterian background, Horvath had some culture shock amving in South Louisiana, in the heart of Jimmy Swaggart ministry. Joie de Vivre’s congregation was diverse. Part French Catholic, part Baptist with some Pentacostal thrown in, Horvath found herself merging traditions- empowering Baptists and Pentacostals to genuflect and Catholics to raise their hands in praise as each felt moved to do so. Horvath said that local Catholic priests had fewer objections to their parishioners being involved with a Gay/Lesbian inclusive congregarion than to those folks leaving the Catholic Church - Gay was ok but if you leave the Catholic Church, you’re going to hell! Pastor Horvath adds that the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) allows joint membership in an MCC church as well as another - such another Protestant or Catholic congregation. Horvath is committed to a "strong empowermentof the laity" and to growing the churches she leads. In Baton Rouge, a city of about 350,000, attendance rose from an average of 19 per Sunday to 70 per Sunday. While Horvath notes that MCC’s are not a "Gay churches," they are open and affirming of all, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Heterosexual. She adds that while the Church cannot be closeted and fill its mission of a healthy way to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered, individuals who cannot be open can be part of the church. ?Sexuality and sex are gifts from God. God created sex to be pleasureful though it can be abused to hurt ourselves andto hurt others..." Horvath and her spouse, Barb hope to serve as role models of healthy ways of being Lesbian and Gay. Family of Faith services are held on Sundays at l lain, on Wednesdays a potluck dinner is held at 6:30, followed by Bible study at 7pm. Prayer p. 1 Rwanda, and the ongoing violence in Bosnia are the most .horrible examples. We also pray to end the more subtle forms of hate that poison our communities. We condemn the anti-Arab sentiment thai began to show its ugliness just after the Oklahoma City bombing. We are grateful that our Lesbian and Gay communities were not falsely accused because we know that such an accusation would provide the excuse for violence based on the hate that already exists. While we pray for fair treatmentforall people, wepray especially for an end to the prejudices of heterosexism, sexism and racism in the Church. We pray that the Church will no 16nger allow itself to be used as men’s and women’s means of oppressing others who are different from themselves." The National Day of Prayer was coordinated by Focus on the Family, a radical right religious/political organization. Tulsa Congressman Steve Largent serves on the advisory board for the effort. Other groups in Tulsa marked the day With a lunch at a downtown hotel attended by Cathy Keating, wife of Oklahoma’s governor and Terry Largent, the wife of Congressman Largent. OPEN! ¯ Save 50% & More on New Books. ¯ Choose from thousands of new and used books. 1130 South Harvard 587-7799 Open M-F 10-7, Sat. 1,0-6 Sun. 12-5 Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, I0:45 am Wednesday Service; 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715 ¯ Sunday Services 1 I:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm.Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice ] To dojusttce, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 FAMILY FINANCES Your Credit Record by Leanne Gross Cash worked just fine for our ancestors. They would go to the market, select what they needed, & hand their dollars, rubles, or plasters over to the merchant. In some societies, barter was the practice: a bushel of corn for a bucket of fish. A receipt or a paper trail for tax purposes was not part of the transaction. Today, it’s not unusual to carry just enough cash to make it to the next automated teller machine. Credit has evolved into the currency of choice. Between gas, groceries, department stores and major credit grantors like VISA, Master Card & American Express, most of us are toting an ever-growing ~senal of shiny plastic debit car~.s in our wallets. That, no matter how you feel about the phenomenon, makes your credit ’history more important than ever. Because creditors are in the business of making money, they issue cards only to people deemed worthy credit risks. Before granting approval, your application is always screened by a commercial credit bureau. There are three major national companies with offices in most large cities: Equifax Credit Information Services, Trans- Union Credit Information Corp. & TRW Corp. All creditors have slightly different criteria for granting credit. Generally, it’s based on a point-scoring system keyed to factors such as income, level of education,how long you’velived at your present address, what kinds of assets & checking/ savings accounts you have, your promptness in paying bills and similar socio-economic information. CCCS, a non-profit organization supported by major credit grantors & corporations, offers free counseling service and budget planning through office across America. Call 800-388- CCCS to find out where the nearest office is. If it looks like you’re going to fall behind to the point where you may not be able to meet you monthly minimum payments, you should immediately notify the credit grantor. If you have a good reason & you expect to be able to solve the problem in a reasonable amount of time, most ~orantors are open to working mething out. Thecredit grantor wants to collect his/her money at the least cost possible. If he/she knows up front what the problem . tlbe ~ltAccomrnodatio~ Frank Green, J.r. Host 50 Wall Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501/253-8281 "for a Taste ofLocal Flavor" Jim & Brent Invite.You to Chelsea’s Corner Cafe & Bar Care: Gay-owned Bar: Gay-friendly 253-7457 273-6723 #10 Mountain at Center Historic Downtown Eureka Springs Arkansas Serving Lunch & Dinner, Noon to 10pm Eclectic Menu * Moderate Prices is & when he/she can reasonably expect to be paid, hetshe.won’t have to invest ~ap.~ore time or money into g~d~"’that ~count collected. The U.S. Federal Trade commission cautions against relying on commercial credit repair companies that offer to miraculously clear up any financial troubles you might run into. The only thing that can repair a credit history is time & the reconciliation of your debts. Credit repair companies may be able to help you to manage your debts (for a fee), but so can nonprofit groups like CCCS, credit unions, & community extension services affiliated with local tmiversities. Though they utilize massive data banks & sophisticated computer systems, creditbureaus are run by human beings. An occasional mistake in your credit historyis possible. Ifyou’vebeen denied credit for no apparent reason, you have the right, under the fair credit reporting act, to ask the bureau for an explanation & a copy of your file if you act within 30 days. ffyou choose to dispute the accuracy of anything ~n your file, you need to notify the bureau in writing, explaining the diso:epancy. The credit bureau then investigates the matter. If their claim cannot be verified or is found to be inaccurate, the information you’ve challenged will then be deleted from your report. On the other hand, if you disagree with the results of their investigation, you have the right to have a brief statement explaining your side of the story added to your file. For this reason,many financial counselors recommend that you examine your credit bureau report every 3 - 4 years. All credit bureaus are required to forward a copy of the consumer’s file upon request. If the request isn’t tied to a specific appeal, there is usually a $10 - $15 charge. Like it or not, the mountain of junkmail credit card solicitations we receive every week is evidence thatthe credit culture is here to stay. In many ways, cash&barter systems weremuch simpler. Stuffing a fish in those envelopes would be impractical. AWADAGIN PRATT A Piano Powerhouse.t Friday, June 9 7 p.m. Chapman Music Hall Tulsa PAC Tickets: $10-$12 adults ¯$10-$8 chil&’eniseniors Call: 596-7111 Winner, 1992 International Nautnburg Piano Competition His sold-out Tulsa debut last year was among the most talked about performances of the season. RAIN-Oklahoma, an interfaith AIDS service organization, is seeking an Executive Director (position based in Oklahoma City). Successful applicant will have a demonstrated ability to work within and across cultural lines and within the religious community. Otherrequirements include aBachelor’s Degree, three years experience in the field of HW/AIDS, experience in personnel management in the human services setting, Oklahoma certification as an AIDS Educator (or the ability to obtain same). Salary range - $30,000-35,000 and benefits, depending on experience. Resumes to ED Search Committee, 924 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City OK 73102. RAIN is an equal opportunity employer. . RSVP Tropical Caribbean Feb. 11-18,1996, $795-1950 Deep Caribbean Feb. 18-25,1996, $795-1950 Mexican Riviera March 17-24,1996, $795-2495 French Canada June 30 - July 7,1996, $895-2295 Call International Tours 9z8-34z-6866 The Homefront I BUD WHARTON Author of SellTrac 2000, a ¯sales training programfor loan officers and Realtors, Bud Wharton is a national speaker, sales trainer and mortgage banker. Bud addresses thousands of industry professionals each year, training in the areas of business development, technical expertise and motivation. Buying a home is something mostofus look forward to. All to often, the "looking forward to" ends in a reluctance to pursue the dream based on our assumed knowledge ofhow bad our credit .report looks. This is so prevalent in American thinking that consumers continue to believe their credit rating will be the #1 reason for credit denial. The gay andlesbianculture is notimmune from this notion either and it is often compounded by the ~’vSinCgOnbcaedpticornetdhiattabreeinsgogmaeyhaonwd synonymous terms. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, credit is important but it is not all-important! In fact the real problem in dealing with credit issues in the mortgage process is not so much how bad the creditis, but rather the lenders inability to help the borrower understand just how to address .the problem successfully. This ~s somewhat philosophical in nature, the difference being attitude: why vs. why not or basic solution orientation. A good analogy as to how to deal with credit issues (or at least our perception of what equals unacceptable credit) is to understand the common denominator between some forms of religion and credit. An excellent analogy as both subjects yield a reward based on the assumption of goodness, acceptance or approval. Becausewe sometimes screw-up, we find ourselves in need of forgiveness. Religion advocates prayer and contrition to reconcile ourselves, thus fulfilling the forgiveness equation and the slate is wiped clean. Credit on the other hand offers a similar concept as absolution for bad credit can be achieved using similar principles, except the prayer part must be written as opposed to spoken. Who are we writing to? The underwriter (God) of course who has the power to grant understanding and c’onciliatibn based on circum~anees, ones pattern of credit use or abuse and what is being done or has been done since the last incident to correct the problem. The power is really in your argument! Easy-does-it! Simply pray in writing vs. orally. Your ability to articulate in writing is important, but not to the degree that you need to be a Pulitzer "Rdi~ion advocates prayer and contrltlon_Credlt on the other hand offers a similar concert, as absolution for ba~l eredlt can be aehleved..." Prize winning author. This.is where your lender can help. Think of them as your attorney presenting your case before a judge. They should know how to do flaeir job and represent you; articulatingin terms andmethods of argument acceptable to reason and logic compelling the underwriter to understand and accept your viewpoint. Why bring it up? Your goal is home ownership. Standing between you and that goal may be your credit report or your perception of your credit standing. If there is an obstacle, any obstacle, it’s important to understand that the obstacle, whatever it is, does not mean an automatic no. When confronting this situation it is important to think in terms of over, under, around or through! That’s how problems are solved. Andif your loan officer doesn’t understand that ~e you need another loan officer. After all, who do they think you are anyway, the customer? If you’ve been staying away from exploring the opportunity of owning your own home because of what you think your credit looks like; stop and get it together. Here’s what you need to do. First of all, contact your mortgage lender and ask to be prequalified for a home loan Make an appointment to meet with them. If they want to do it all over the phone, they obviously don’t care enough about you, the customer, to invest the time in meeting with youpersonally. The personal meeting is important. You’ve got a sales job to do and part of that is being comfortable that this loan officer is capable of understanding your circumstances and needs and your developing confidence in them. Not all loan tracers are created equal.* Second, you want them to pull a credit report and there are two types of reports. The first is a basic credit profile pulled from three different bureaus and should be done for you at no cost. The second type of report is more extensive and involves the reporting agency verifying employment, checking public records and interviewing you the borrower for accuracy of data. This report costs about $60.00. Anyone who’s up to speed in today’s business environment can have your full credit report (the first type mentioned) in a matter of a minute or two and again, there should be no cost for this service. If the lender wants to charge you, again it’s time to find a service oriented lender willing to invest in you as their prospective customer. As you review the report with your loan officer be open and candid about whatever might be disclosed. This will allow you both to brainstorm strategies in structuring your explanation of any derogatory information. If you have experienced a bankruptcy, don’t worry about it, just explain it. Solutions to this are commonplaceand it doesn’t take an entire lifetime to recover. Included in this prequalification will be an analysis of your income and employment history. Combined with your credit profile, you may qualify formore than youever imagined; and sooner too[ But then there’s the cash requirements. How much do you need and do you really have to save it up? This is the subject ofournext discussion here on THE HOMEFRONT. (Editors Note: Bud Wharton is Vice President ofMortgages By Design, Inc., Claremore. OK; serving all ofGreen Country.) WE UNDERSTAND. TWO WORDS TOO SIMPLE TWO SECONDS 2 That’s all the time it takes to say "We Understand" But how often do you hear your real estate agent say them? Experience the power of T~O! The Nicholas Team. Jonathan & Dee Nicholas and their team of licensed associates will make buying and selling a home a positive experience. So, TAKE TWO and call us in the Morning[ Jonathan & Dee Nicholas (918) 749-3000 "Selling the Dream, the Nicholas Team!" RE/MAX Metropolitan, REALTORS 6400 S. Lewis, Tulsa, OK 74136 PRIDEoyo mp Renting and considering Buying? Moving up or Investing?Credit Problems? i t~ ~" Mortgages By Design will custom fit the right home loan to YOUR needs! No Cost Credit Counseling 1st Time Home Buyer Lock & Shop 0% to 3% Down Financing the AllAmerican Dream No Cbst Pre-Qualifying Construction Best Interest Rates Refinancing Mortgages By I~ign Gives Back To Our Community For each10an closed, we will donate $100.00 to Tulsa 0klahomans For Human Rights or tolthe foundation of your choice. ForDetail~ CalL" BUD WH,ARTON Vice President~./Branch Manager (918) 342-4252 Serving Tulsa and SurroundingCommunities Sat. 5/13, 11pm Bad Girls Are Back! Robbie Walker, K~is Kohl, Natasha Hall & GuesL, Sun. 5/14, Tim’s 8th Annual 36th Birthday Taurus, Mother’s Day & Full Moon Blowout Sat. 5/27, Hollywood Creations (5 hot guys!) BAD BOYZ CLUB 1229 So, MEMORIAL, 835-5083 TU SA’S HUGE PATIO BAR MO.RE " New CDs $16.99-I 1.99 " pre-owne.d. CDs $7.99-8.99 W.e II give you $4,88 TOr your used Cds. Pride cont’dfrom p. 1 interested in having a booth should contact Tomfoolery! at 832-0233. ....Follies~ A TOHR tradition continues. The plans for the 1995 TOHR follies are well under way. Follies has been one of TOHR’s largest fund-raisers. This year’s theme is "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert", & it will mark the follie’s 15th year. The Follies will be held on Friday, June 30th, at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria. The doors open at 7:30pm with the show starting at 8:00pm. Advance tickets are $8.00, & they can be purchased at Tomfoolery (in the Silver Star Saloon at 1565 S. Sheridan); Floral Design Studios, 3404 S. Peoria; & Budget Window Treatments, 7116 S. Mingo. Tickets will also be available the day of the Gay Pride Picnic at the TOHR booth. It’s not too late to be a part of this wonderful event. For more information, call the TOHR helpline at 743-4297. u ...,_,o~e cont’dfrom p. 1 Several of Tulsa’s most well known community volunteers, Joan Flint, Terry Williams, and Peggy Helmerich lent their names and energy to the event. Businessman Charles Faudree came up with the idea originally and was joined by P.S. "Pat" Gordon, Judy Fisher, Francis Fisher, Julie Kruger, Ouida Merrifield, Sally Minshall, Monnie Mooberry, Patty Orbison, Nancy Renberg, Francesanne Tucker and Nancy Vaughn on the organizing committtee. Patrons were entertained at a May 4 event held in several homes that were not on the general tour. The final patrons event will be held at George Kravis’ new home on June 21. Many, many businesse contributed to this event but Michael Bennett, Steve Wright, Rusty Brumble, and Mark Lackey (Lackey of Cuisine by Design) were recognized for their contributions. The 1995 Oklahoma .HIV/AIDS Conference will be presented by the HIV Resource Consortium. on June 12-14 at the Doubletree Hotel, Warren Hace. The conference title is "Caring...for each other, sharing...our stories, and nurturing...our spirit." Space is limited. Call Beverly Stanley at 749-4194 formore information. Gay Mothers’ Support Group A self-led support group for Gay morns is meeting to deal with the ma~y challenges and issues facing Lesbian mothers. The group is free and open to all Gay morns. It meets Thursdays at 7pro at member’s homes. Call for info. 742-1313. Sat. dune 3, Pride Pteni¢ #enefit Show, IO:3O#m $3 cover includes beer bust, $I dud Dry Dottles all nitel 2405 E. 4dmlral O.oeu Tues.-Sun. $g2-434# Parking in #~¢k Responsible Roommate Wanted South Tulsa area NONSMOKER, GWM has room to rent in large 3 bedroom house, preferably to same. Must be employed, clean, trustworthy and discreet. References, first month’s rent & deposit required. $250 per month, washer/dryer, cable TV, all utilities & basic phone included. Call 493-2868. Tulsa FRIEND AND COMPANION: Robert, GBM, 26, Ikg for GM to be my friend and companion- =38530 Oklahoma City DANNY, 22, 6’2, blk/brn, looking for GWM 20-30, for friendship, pass tel if ur interested, like swimming going out having fun- give me a call- =38627 Oklahoma City DAVID 27, stable, secure, looking for a basic honest guy interestecl in a tel- =38757 THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (.) Due to our large volume of calls; if you can’t get thru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISAiMC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 Oklahoma City OUTDOOR LOVER: Greg 25, GWM iso fun and love outdoors, 6’3, professional, g~ve me a call, looking for someone no games, like to go out and have fun but not really into the bar scene- =38923 Oklahoma City ANDRE 20 looking for a gay man, in the area, give me a ca11- =38049 Oklahoma Cily SHE MALES: Tracy, int in meeting 1V’s She Males, in the area give me a call- bye! =39139 OK TONY 24 6 215 brn/brn, mustache, goatee bind hair, hairy, love 3 stoogeslooking for a father figure, Marlboro man, very romantic, Iv a message and VII get back to you as soon as I can, hopingMr. Right Ikg for monog tel only- =39172 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down ,what you want to say. Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. Oklahoma City BOB, like to have same fun, 47, looking for 18-50, give me a ca11- =39484 OK DISCREET FUN: John,i6’, 172 bm/bm, Ikg for married guys who are looking for discreet fun, givelme a ca11- =39557 Tulsa LIKE TO MEET: Mike, 35, 6’1, brn/bm 195. like to meet talk to people, if ur int, like to have fun and a good time, give me a call- =39587 Tulsa BRIAN 21, GWM, 6’I, 220, like romance, vers, Ikg for long term monog tel, someone to start one with, iso profq GWM open minded, ages 20-40, Ikg for someone who likes to have a good time, would have intell conversation- =39693 Oklahoma City CAMPING AND COMPUTERS: Robert 28 BIWM married looking for someone int in a discreet rel, if that’s you Iv a message-int are camping, computers, really int in hearing from you- =39721 Mcallister LASTING RELATIONSHIP: Gene, WM, 50, 190, blu/blnd, int in a lasting rel, down to earth, not into bars, like video photography camping fishing and quiet eves at home gardening, just relaxing and enjoying each other- u be 30-50- =39758 Oklahoma CityLOOKING FOR A ---FRIEND:-35, looking for pass rel;-friends,~ - and just be honest, will reply to allblk/ gm reed build attr- Thanks! =37313 Oklahoma Ci~/LOOKING FOR A LOVER: Mark looking for someone to have a rel with, 24, give ~ a call- thanks- =37392 ~ Bay PEN PAL: Ricki, 29, int in males, 18-30, 6’I 150, int in any guy writing to me -write asap- =37660 Tulsa FUZZY CUDDLER: looking for a fuzzy cuddler, WGM 36 bm/blu 155 vers (+) hlthy attr, isa fun with another pas attitude person,if this sounds good Iv a message- =37586 E. Tulsa GWM 19, 5’!0, 140, dk blnd/grn, isa young cln cut companion, 18-26- =37612 Oklahoma City DISCREET FUN: 36 Brn grey hair 170 6’1 good shape like to meet 18~30 for discreet fun, give me a call- inexp a plus- wanna have some fun, call me- =37691 Oklahoma City WANNA DATE? Lance looking for someone in the area 28 145 sandy bind blu; med build, iso somearie be~veen 18~30 nice looking like to go out to movies, go do’ something, or stay here and watch movies, give me a call- =37738 Oklahoma.City FRIENDS AND FUN: WM, 40s Masc iso str ading guys with slim musc builds for friendship fun, =37776 AR FONE,FUN: Kenny int in meeting other guys,~ and doing interesting things and lone fen, give mea call- =37906 Tulsa POSSlB~ LOVER: Alan, 6’2 17.5, dk bm/blu hairy defined build, looking to get together for good times, pass relationship- =37945 Tulsa PART~ BOY: GBM 33, musc build, seeks masc men, 25-40 race unimpt, party boy, likes to pan’y- =38092 Tulsa NEW TO AREA: 34, want to meet new guys, new to the area, for friendship, 5’10 bm/bm, Ikg for friends first, Ikg for good caring people to share times with give me a call- =38169 Tulsa DISCREET FUN: 27, 6’ 180 med build, professional looking for same private discreet fun,w/someane 18-29 fit, bm/.blu grn~ int give me a call- =38255 N. Uttle Rock CAMPING AND HIKING: Cliff bm/bm, WM, fun to be around, camping hiking, isa a guy to have fun or friendship- =38463 Tulsa PROFESSIONAL GWM 30 6’3 180, bin/bin, iso guys between 21-30 for friendship loss tel, attr, like outdoors, movies reading and dining out if ur intereasted give me a tall- =38358 Tulsa INUJ~RIENCED: Mitch, bmgrey/bm 35, ve~ smooth, inexperienced, eager to meet similar, smoker, thats abeut iF =22668 Mcallister CAMPING AND FISHING: GWM, isa a tel, 50, 190, blu/blnd, Ikg for someone 30-50, love photography, camping, fishing, gardening, qual time with my lover, only those ~incere need apply- =36350 W, Memphis LOOKING FOR A FRIEND: Donfiy, int are spending time with my companion, dinner, shopping,looking for a friend, I’m 20 isa 18-40, long sh6rt brn hai~’, 5’6, attr, Ikg to have a good time and spend time together- =36404 Tulsa PROFESSIONAL SEEKS SAME: GWM Ran, 6’, blnd/gn, 185 44c 30w, so GWM non smoker, 25-40 Iv a message- =36407 Oklahoma City FRIENDS OR MORE: GWM 26 5’0 bm/hzl, vers likes bowling movies tired of bar scene iso GWM for friendship maybe more- =36590 Stillwater BI WM: Virgin WM iso other bi wm to have fun with, give me a call Bill- ~36630 Oklahoma City DON 47, want a hot guy, give me a call- =36792 Tulsa MITCH: 35 5’10, 165, bm/bm, Smoker, very smooth and very inexp and Ikg to meet with someone for friendship loss rel, g~ve me a ca11- =22668 Ft. Smith NEWLY SINGLE: Joe, just ended a 6 yr tel, looking to meet new friends, 37, bm/blu, 6’, 175, if ur interested, give me a call- work nights, home days- =36985 Re-Write Summer, What be~ter way to spend your summer than with someone special? Personal ads. like these, are one of the most effective and affordable ways to meet new people, Place Your FREE Ad Now. And get.ready to introduce yourself-. to a whole new summer. ~o Muskogee JB, if u would like Iv a message I’m professional 6’1 190, Ikg for someone to have some good times with, =37018 AR SHARE MY UFE: Kenny, looking for a man to share my life with, talk to and get to know, give me a call- =37263 Tulsa DISCREET FRIENDS: Randyl attr 35 married bi wm, iso daytime fun, 25- 40, discreet friends-=28807 AR HAIRY HAWG RIDERS: Eric, recently divorced 6"2 200~ brn/blu, like hairy men and cowboys, like to ride hawgs to like to get~gether with you too- =29005 Tulsa ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT: Bob, GBM 33, 5’7, 155, iso sim WM to date and much more Fm bright;honest handsome like life and learning, like most entertainment, give me a call- =29444 FRI ~*~AT DANCE PARTY! Tulsa’s Lorgesl & H~esf Dance Club Live DJ & Light Show Mr. Robbie Walker & The Sunday Slam (Pa~ris Grey, Kris Kohl, Ivana B. Real & Michde Ross) $4 Beer Bust & Special Shots Thurs., Fri. & Sun.. 9-I No Cover Thurs. $2 Cover Fri., Sat. & Sun. Thurs. Sun 9.2,3340 S. Peoria Tulsa , 918.744.0896 SALOON Sunday, 5/21 Gay Pride Picnic Benefit Variety Show Sunday, 5/28 10:30pro Miss Silver Star Pageant Show Night at the Star Beginning Sunday, 6/4 With FaHon Scott & Friends No Cover, Out of State Entertainers $4 Beer Bust 9pro-lain, $1 Rattlesnakes Wed.. Free Pool & $4 Beer Bust Thur. - MaLe Dancers ~1 Beer Bust & Dance Music Fri. ¯ Country & Dance Mix, $4 Beer Bust ~at. ¯ Best Night Out in Tulsa Sun. ¯ Free Line Dance Lessons 8-10pro & $4 Beer Bust Open 7-2am, Wed. ¯ Sun. 854-4234, 1565 So. Sheridan TENTH ANNUAL GREAT PI A1NS REGIONAL 100TH SANCTIONED I.G.RA. RODEO R 0DE0 OKLAHOMA CITY RODEO INTORMATION (405) 943-0343 BOOTH RENTAL (405) 848-2766 MAY 26, 27 & 28 HOTEL INFORMATION CLARION / COMFORT INN 4345 N. L~COLN BLOt) 1-800-741-2741 or (405) 528-2741 AD ~NTOI~MATION (405) 521-1378 TRAVEL INFORMATION TRAVEL INC. 1-800-880-1053 or (405) 737-5353 BUCKLE SPONSORSHIP (405) 478-4820 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1995] Tulsa Family News, May 15-June 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 6 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa's Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 15-June 14, 1995 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin JD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper Periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/498 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, April 15-May 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 5 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 1995 AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV education AIDS/HIV research anti-bias law Apple Computer arts and entertainment attorneys Australian National Gaymes Barry Hensley Bars blindness businesses cancer Candice Gingrich censorship children churches civil rights condoms Consumer Reports contraception Convention and Visitors Bureau Creating Change custody David Duke Deb Price domestic partners Don't Ask Don't Tell editorial employment discrimination employment protection estate planning Family Finances Family of Faith Family of Faith Metropolitan Community Church Follies Revue Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund gay bashing Great Plains Regional Rodeo homophobia Hope Candlelight Tour Human Rights Campaign Fund Kaposi's sarcoma Leanne Gross LGBT clergy LGBT politicians marriage Mel White Metropolitan Christian Church of Greater Tulsa military inclusion Murder National Endowment for the Arts OutNOW! Parents People Living With AIDS performing arts personals PFLAG picnic parade Pride protests RAIN Rainbow Business Guild Read All About It Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) representation restaurants Robert Donaghe sexual orientation discrimination threats TOHR Reporter Tom Neal torture Tulsa Family News Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches viatication Victory Fund violence https://history.okeq.org/files/original/54cfdeab7a0a2f4caf9928a283bcbfb9.jpg bfa331ed2a2a354c21891cdd72f7c6b0 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/0f605e7feeb19ace67e07484871daff3.pdf 1621027d99ef4b436cb36f33c8feeb22 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart FRIENDS IN UNITY IN REMEMBRANCE: .TULSA FAMILY NEWS AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN OF DIVERSE SEXUAL ORIENTATION MARK VICKERS COMMUNITY AWARDS HIV/AI DS ACTIVIST PRIDE PI.CNIC OKC PARADE TOHR FOLLIES by Tom Neal In the African-American community, there are men who have sex with other men but who do not see themselves as Gay or Bisexual. These men may never be reached by messages target Gay & Bi men about safer sex and HIV/AIDS. Reaching these men is part of the mission of Friends in Unity Social Organization (FUSO), a three year old community based organization (CBO) that is run by and for African-American men of diverse sexual See FUSO, page 16 Rec~auy Tulsa lost one of its most passionate activists to complications of AIDS. Mark Vickers, who had only recently turned 38, left Tulsa and his world a better place. Mark was best known for his work as an HIV/AIDS activist. According to one of his friends, the Rev. Leslie Penrose, Mark became involved in HIV/AIDS issues in the middle 80’s. Mark was involved in the formation of the HIV Resource Cousorfitwn even "before it had that name. seepage 6 British Court Rejects Military Ban Challenge LONDON - Britain’s High Court has reluctantly thrown out a bid to allow homosexuals to serve in the armed forces. The court rejected a legal challenge by four service members dismissed for being gay. However, the judge said the Bfiti.shpol icy probably wotfldn’t survive much longer because it was "against the fide of history." Jeanette Smith, Graeme Grady, John B eckett and Duncan Lustig-Prean challenged the Defense Ministry in the High Court, but lost the appeal although not without moral support from the court. Lord Justice Simon Brown said he was refusing the application with "hesitation and with regret" but he said that the decision on the future of the policy must lie with others, specifically with the government and with Parliament. After the court ruling, the four discharged service members and their supporters held a press conference where spokeswoman Angela Mason said they were considering an appeal of the twojudge High Court ruling. The imnistry saidit was satisfied with the ruling. Defense Ministry spokeswoman Ailsa McIntyre said at a press conference following the court ruling, "We See British, page ]2 June 15 -July 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 7 Pride Logo by Kelly Vandiver Lesbian/Gay Pride Celebrations kick off officially in Tulsa with the annual Pride PiCnic held at Mohawk Park Pavilion no. 6. The picnic begins at noon. The organizers of this year’s picnic have designated the Gay & Lesbian Commumty Center as the beneficiary of any funds raised. As in-the past, beverages are free and there is no admission fee except a $1 per car charged by the park at the p~k entrance. Organizers are requesting a $2 See Awards, page 3 EDITORIAL/LETTERS, PAGE 2 DIRECTORY, PAGE 2 NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 4 HEALTH BRIEFS, PAGE 6 TOHR REPORTER, PAGE 10 EVENTS CALENDAR, PAGE 11 FINANCIAL ADVICE, PAGE12 YOUR HOROSCOPE, PAGE 18 TULSA ACTIVISTS ATTEND DALLAS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Over the Memorial Day weekend, several Tulsa activists journeyed to Dallas to brush.up on leadership skills at the 2nd Leadership Lambda Conference held at the Anatole Hotel. Tulsa Oklahomans ’for Human Rights (TOHR) president, Tim Gillean, Bud Wharton, co-chair of the Rainbow Business Guild. businessman Rick Phillips and Tom Neat, Tulsa Family News publisher attended a variety of workshops, ranging from the nuts & bolts of political campaign organizing to time management, and fundraising. The keynote speaker was former debutant, former CBS news producer and ACT-UP Lesbian activist, Ama Northrop. Other nationally known work~ shop leaders were Evan Wolfson, a top attorney with Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. Dallas board member of the Human Rights Campaign Fun (HRCF) Lori Masters and others representing Dallas organi- PERSONALS, PAGE 19 donation for food which after zationsandWashingtOnoneslike ~seet~a~e 6 , ’~ the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. Canadian Court OKs Same-Sex Adoptions Administration Won’t Enter Amend, 2 Case Anti-Gay Court Ruling in Cincinnati’s Measure Rhode Island OKs Anti-Bias Law TORONTO - An Ontario Court has cleared the way for four lesbian couples to adopt children, in what may be a landmark decision in the country. "There is a huge emotional advantage to a child to be adopted and not to just be in the joint custody, but to have two people that they know for absolutely sure are their parents and will always be their parents no matter what," said Miriam Kanfman. Kaufman is the biological mother of 2 children, Jacob and Abiva, but her partner Roberta Benson of Toronto had no legal fight to adopt the youngsters before Judge James Paul Nevins of the Ontario Court’ s provincial division, declared adoption limited to opposite-sex couples was discriminatory. The judge issued adoption orders for all the couples in the case. Four lesbian couples won similar adoption rights in the case. All four cases involved couples in which one of the women was the biolo~cal parent of the children. It remains unclear how the court ruling might affect gay and lesbian couples trying to adopt when that’s not the case. Brenda Cossman, a family-law professor at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School, said the ruling becomes powerful ammmfition See Canada, pare 12 WASHINGTON - The Clinton Administration has declined to join in an important Supreme Court case that is expected determine whether states can prohibit local legislation protecting lesbians and gay men against discrimination. U.S. Attorney General Janet Rent said the administration has decided not to participate in the Supreme Court case involving Colorado’s Amendment 2 because the federal government is not ~ party to the law in question. Voters in Colorado narrowly approved the ballot measure which was subsequently declared unconstitntional by the state’s Supreme Court. The measure passed by popular vote in 1992 specifically bans laws that prohibit discrimination against gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals. "There was no federal program or federal statute involved," Reno said, "and so we determined thal at this point the federal government should not participate.’" Amendment 2, which has spawned a handful of similar state and local measures prohibiting gay rights protections around the country, would ban all Colorado and local la~vs or regulations that protec~ See Colorado. page 13 CINCINNATI- Cincilmafi’ s onagain, off-again anti -gay measure is now back in place following a federal appeals court ruling. The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a lower court erred when it overturned a measure that city voters approved in 1993 which excludes sexual orientation as a basis for civil rights protecnons. Last year a U.S. District Court declared the referendum unconstitutional because it attempts to deny civil liberties of an identifiable group of people. The appeals court ruling, however, said homosexuals are "an unidentifiable group or class of individuals whose identity is defined by subjective and unapparent characteristics such "as innate desires, drives and thoughts.’" Gay rights advocates were stamaed by the ruling and said they would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is already slated to hear a similar case resulting from Colorado’s Amendment 2. PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Rhode Island has become the ninth state in the country to approve ¯ legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation when the state Senate, after 11 years of trying, narrowly approved the measure on a 2~21 vote. The "bill, which has already been approved by the state House of Representatives, now goes to Gov. Lincoln Almond, a Republican, who has already indicated he would sign the measure into law. The bill bars discrimination in the s tate in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit. Religious organizations are exempt from the state law. Opponents of the civil rights bill attempted without luck to add a series of amendments, including one that would have forced the issue to a state ballot vote and another that would have specifically excluded the Boy Scouts of America. Photos Inside: Follies Revue& Family of Faith National Conf. Delegates, ~i~rter~" seepage 12 i �918-832-0233 PUB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol~E0m Publisher/Editor Tom Neal Assistant Editor James Christjohn Writers/contributors Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin Staff Photographer JD Jamett Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the’:.~nti*r~:~onten’ts of this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by Tulsa Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or phi0 does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. U0rrespondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each reader is entitled to on%free copy of each edition at distribution locations. Additional copies are available at Tomfoolery! This for Tuls~:~~am~)!y News: But this uncharaE~ri~ti~iz bre~iity doesn’t mean thatit!’s~not .heartfelt or true. T~il ~a’~ :’Lesbian/Gay/Bi/ Transgendered Folks, Family & Friends are!~r.~tty..remarkabl e and wondel~t~~2’)~U-i 7:"/ " ¯ Whii~"~{~ ~h~nl y perfect, we have much about which to be three;- we, ~ lis folks w:hose hard Work and dedication we’ve seen andwantyoU all to know abotit) They’ve accomplished. much and there’s more being planned.of which -to be proud. Tulsa’s.a great town, that’s jus.t going tO get bett~r with each of us helping. - Tom Neal, editor VIEL- . r sOlq = BP gE-HET rnen~ ~tasc_alinitj~ depends on Ille R Although I rarely agree with vour opinions, I must applaud your recent editorial regarding "Civil Rights for Tulsa Lesbians & Gay Men: Who Decides What’s Best for Us?". Until the Human Rights Commission’s hearings last year, I was not politically involved at all. However, when I learned that my rights and the rights of my family were being talked about, I felt it my obligation to become involved. I find it hard to believe that I was the only person who got involved and worked up about the Gay Rights issue only to be left out of the decision making. To those of us who are not in the know, or who don’t run in the circles of people that are privileged enough to hear about what is going on behind the scenes, it seems as if the ball has been dropped. While I am sure that the same people who have always been fighting for Gay rights are still doing their part and doing it to the best of their ability, their failure to inform the commtmity at large and ask for more involvement does not promote involvement from those who have not been previously involved. In fact, when people like me who are interested in doing their part can’t even seem to find out what is happening, who to talk to etc., it nearly promotes political apathy. I understand that experience and tact are useful characteristics in people who are trying to change things in the face of the difficulty that comes from politics. But, I believe that each and every person in our community has useful skills and life experiences that will aid our fight against discrimination. Not necessarily do I want to be the person sitting and chatting with the Mayor, but I do feel like a meaningful discussion between the entire Gay/Lesbian community of Tulsa and the people who are leading the struggle would benefit everyone. Thank you for brining this issue out of the closet. It is my hope that this will indeed strike up a dialogue. We’ve given the Mayor and the City Council plenty of time with which to ponder the Human Rights Commission’s recommendations. Now, it’s time we talk about what to do next. Debbie Harding, Tulsa OOPS! Tulsa~Family News made a mistake-in our May issue, v.2 #6. We announced the date of the Oklahoma City Pride Parade as Saturday, June 24. It is ac .tgally Sunday, June 25. We regret this and hope you, our readers, were not inconvenienced. . Tulsa Fatnily News wouldlike to assure our readers that the inclusion of the announcement of a Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Civic Affairs committee meetingat the, end of the editorial, Civil Rights for Tulsa Lesbians & Gay Men. Who Decides What’s Best for Us? in no way represented the views of TOHR nor should readers infer that the commi ttee shared our editorial opinion. While Tulsa Family News hoped we had made this distinction clear by identifying the column as the editor’s opxmon and by a disclaimer at the end of the column, we regret, that some folks may have perceived it otherwise. Tulsa Family News has not provided subscripuons directly prior to this issue. We have encouraged folks who wouldlike to receive Tulsa Family News by mail to join Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. (TOHR). This has been our way of supporting TOHR since a membership in TOHR entitles the member to a monthly delivery of this paper. Recently, we have a complaint about not receiving Tulsa Family News quickly enough by mail. We must direct those complaints to TOHR. While staff from Tulsa Family News do help as volunteers with the TOHR mailing, the organization controls the timing. Messages for TOHR president, Tim Gillean, may be left at 743-4297. Tulsa Family News has also received several complaints from individuals who would like to receive Tulsa Family News but who do not care to support TOHR. For those who would prefer to receive discreet home delivery directly from Tulsa Family News (mailed within 3 days of our publication date), please send $15 for a 12 month subscription, $8 for 6 months. Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S. Memorial 835-5083 *Barraccuda’s Wild Nights/Douna’s Crazy Days 2405 E. Admiral 582-4340 744-0896 *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 *Metropole, 1902 E. 11 587-8811 834-4234 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades, 1649 S. Main 585-3405 660-0856 *TNT’s, 2114 S, Memorial *Time n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial 664-8299 584-1308 *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 582-2400 *Whittier Cafe, 416 S. Lewis 585-3134 *Interurban, 717 S. Houston . .Tulsa Businesses,.Services, & Professionals 743-1000 Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 747-9506 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 Kelly Kirby, CPA, PUB 14011, 74159 747-5466 425-1354 *Mohawk Pride Center, 3910 Park Rd. Jonathan & Dee Nicholas, Realtors 749-3000, 800-539-7767 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Blue Moon Bakery 492-4918 743~5272 BroOkside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria Budget Window Treatments; 7116 S0~ Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 Certified Moble Auto Repair 438:3393, pager: 591-0597 *Columbia Place, 1519 E. 15 587-5803 592-1521 Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 " *Devena’ s GalleryTor Photography, 13 E: Brady 587-2611 838-8503 ~Elite Book~ & Videos, 821S. Sheridan *Heirloom Designs, 2814 E. 15 742-5665 *Imagination.s, Lincoln Plaza, 15th &Peoria 584~4606 . .341-6866 International Tours. 599-8070 Ken’s Flo~vers,’I635 E. 15 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587 -8108 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 Mortgages by Design ...... 342~4252: Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston 587-8333. Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 584-0337 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston *Scribner’ s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan 832-0233 Westcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza 583-1500 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B~E. 11 628-0594 583-9780 B/L/G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa 838-7232 *Community of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 298-4648 Dignity/Integrity 622-1441 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo Friends In Unit3’, Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 748-3111 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4901 P-FLAG, PUB 52800 74152 74128 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 749-4195 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 254-2100 Rainbow Business Guild 599-8423 Rainbow Village, PUB 50403, 74150-0403 584-4983 Save the Nation, Indian Health Care 749-7898 Shanti Hotline Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, (TOHR) PUB 52729 74152 743-4297 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 838-1222 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa *Chelsea’s Comer Cafe, 10 Mountain St. DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. *King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *Purple Iris Irm, Route 6, Box 339 *The Woods, 50 Wall S t. 501-253-7457 501-253-6807 501-253-5~45 800-231-1+42 501-253-8748 501-253-8281 *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th *Triangle Association, 2136 NW 39th 405-525-2437 405-843-8378 �Tulsa Family News Pride Awards The editors of Tulsa Family News encounter many, many folks in the course of covering news in and about the Lesbian/Gay/Bi communities. To commemorate Tulsa Pride, Tulsa Family News would like to recognize a number of folks’and businesses with our "Thumbs Up" and "Thumbs Down" awards. This list is not comprehensive of all the folks doing good (or bad) deeds in Tulsa. If there are folks whom you think should be recognized next year, please write us with their names and good/bad deeds. Thank you. Thumbs Up Award: Ric & Kelly Kirby - Service to community - TOHR & HIV AdvOcacy Nancy & Joe McDonald - Service to community - PFLAG Lisa Pottorf - Lesbian/Gay/Bi,Youth Outreach Kharma Amos - Service to community - Family of Faith MCC Derrick Davis & RF Renfro - Service to community - FUSO Dennis Nei,lt, BiltHinkle .&-Barbara Longwirth - -Service to community - Human Rights Commission Alice Jones - Eongtime Service to community - MCC Greater Tulsa Brian Jackson - Service to community - HI3/advocacy Janice Nicklas - Service to community - HIV advocacy Phil Wiley & Vernon Jones - Service to community - HIV advocacy & more Alice Wilder Bates - Service to community - A .Friend for A Friend Marty Newman.- Service to community - Black & White & more The Tulsa Worm for its improved coverage of Lesbian & Gay issues. Tulsa Congressman Steve Largent for a historic 1 st meeting with his Gay & Lesbian constituents. Thumbs Down Award: Java Dave’s & Dave Neighbors - for responding to bias against Lesbian/Gay patrons by trying to get rid of Lesbian/Gay and other "alternative" patrons and for censoring community newspapers. City Councilor John Benjamin - for promoting prejudice and for a general disregard for human rights in Tulsa The Martin ,Luther King Jr. Commemorative Society - for failing to apologize for’the anti-Gay comments of their speaker at the King ceremonies. Thursday. June 29 7:00- 9:00 p.m. Downtown Library Room next to Aaronson Auditorium This meeting is called b,y concerned. Gay/Lesbian citizens. This is a meeting to facilitate communication between every existing Gay & Lesbian Group in Tulsa. - Senators Don Nickles & James Inhofe for refusing to meet with their Lesbian & Gay constituents. the ~ulsa World for its anti-Gay advertising policies. li= ii-1/-,!3 lfyou are livino in Tulsa and are parr of the Gay/Lesbian communi~ . YOU NEED TO BE AT THIS ;V~EETI.N(;. ,/) II lil l)pens June I~, I (~am-I Opnn, June ~/4-,_-11), I~am-midni~ht, July I-4, ~am.midni~ht, July ~, I(~am-~pm �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Gramm Woos Religious Right With Military Issue LYNCHBURG, Va. - Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas) told the graduating .class at Jerry Fal well’ s Liberty University that hc would support overturning the "don’ t ask, don’ t tell" policy of allowing gays and lesbians in the armed forces in an apparent effort by the GOP presidential hopeful to shore up support among the religious right wing of the party. ’~Let’ s overturn Bill Clinton’s destructive and unworkable policy on gays-in the military," Gramm told the Liberty University commencement audience, although he did not specify what policy he supported. The current policy, however, was a compromise reached between Clinton and Senate conservatives-includingGramm - after Clinton said he wanted to end the ban on homosexuality in the country’ s military altogether. Grmnm also said he supports prayer in public schools, restrictions on abortions, and rejection of a UN treaty on children" s rights because it does not define a fetus as a child Phil Gramm’s Blue Movie Investment? WASHINGTON - Sen -Phil Grmmn. who als0"Said at Liberty University that .the country is facing a "moral’crisis," has de~fied investing money 20 years ago in a soft-pore film entitled "’Truck Stop Women." Gramm’ s former brother-in-law, George Caton, told the New Republic that Gramm had invested money in the fihn in 1974. Caton also said the film was never made mad that he offered to return Gramm" s money to him, but ttmt the Texas conservative had i nstead insisted that it be invested in a film making fun of former President Richard Nixon. Gramm denied investing either in the porn film or knowing anything about an anti-Nixon picture. ’Homos’ in the Military WASHINGTON - Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningharn (R-San Diego) turned the sometimes acrimonious House of Representatives floor debates into a particularly nasty affair Thursday, May 11, by saying that the people who back an environmental bill before Congress are the same people who "want to put homos in the military." "Is there any shocking doubt?" Cunningham said on the House floor. "The same.people that would vote to cut defense $177 billion, the same ones that would put homos in the military, the same ones that would not fund..." At this point Rep. Patricia Schroeder, a Democrat from Colorado, tried to object by calling "Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chairman" several times. But Cunningham cut her off abruptly, saying, "No I will not sit down, socialist." Rep. Barney Frank(DMass.) said on the House floor, "Trying to prove anything to the Member from California goes beyond the pale of my oath [of office], and I won’ t try. I will say that we are not here talking about the merits .of that issue [gays in the military]. We are talking about the gratuitously bigoted formulation of it by which it was injected into this debate.’" Later Cunningham showed up at a press conference called by the Human Rights Campmgn Fund and was invited by Elizabeth Birch, HRCF’s executive director, to apologize for his remarks. Cunningham said, "If the term ’homos in the military’ is offensive, I apologize." He insisted, however, that he has not changed his mind about opposing gays and lesbians in the armed forces. General Motors Puts Ads in Gay Magazine DETROIT- General Motors has become the 1st of the country’s "Big Three" automakers to advertise in the gay press in the U.S. The May issue of Out magazine includes a 2-page ad ffr GM’s Saturn auto. It is the . same ad layout GM currently uses in other publications around the country. A spokesperson for the automaker said the advertising decision was based simply on "another opportunity to ~each a group within our market - that is, people wh~ would Wobably purchase an import." British Police Force Begins Gay Recruiting BRIGHTON, England - The pofice in the British south-coast county of East Sussex have made history in the United Kingdom by becoming the first constabulary in .the country to solicit gays and lesbians to join its force. Sussex police have put ads in Brilain’ s gay Pink Paper inviting gays and lesbians to apply for some 350 vacancies currently openin the force. Wlfile Britain’ s military forces exclude homosexuals, the country’s police services have no such prohibition. But the Sussex police are the first in British history to actively recruit gays and lesbians as officers. Mark Lamb, head of personnel with the Sussex police Said, "Society is coming around to the idea that the sexuality of an individual is no big deal and we share that view." East Sussex includes several popular vacation spots, such as Beachy Head, Rye and Brighton, which has a large and politically active community. The move by the Sussex police followed a meeting between John Smith, head of the Brighton Police, and gay and lesbian activists. Buddhists to Perform Same-Sex Weddings LOS ANGELES - The World Tribune,. the newspaper of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist Association, has reported that the religious group will now perform wedding services for same-sex couples, the same as it now does for opposite-sex couples. The newspaper quoted Fred Zaitsu, SGI’s general director, who said the change reflected the Buddhist "spirit of nondiscrimination and equality." Soka Gakkai International is the largest Buddhist religious group in the United States. Dyke March in New York NEW YORK - New York’s Lesbian Avengers is planning another Dyke March, slated as part of this year’s New York Gay Pride events on Saturday, June 24. Last year’ s International Dyke March drew some 20,000 women. The theme of this year’ s march is "Snatch the Power." Nathanael Mattingly salon estetica 749-0777 County Revokes Human Rights Protections. TAMPA, Fla. - The Hillsborougia County Commission has decided on a 4-3 vote to repeal the "sexual orientation" section of the county’s human rights ordinance. Activists had expected the repeal move after 2 new conservative members were elected to the commission in last year’ s elections. Rights activists said they would challenge the repeal in court. Cammermeyer Honored by Jewish Women SEATTLE Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer was one of 3 women given the Hannah SolomOn Award by the National Counfil of Jewish Women. Cammermeyer, the highest ranking officer to challenge the military ban on gay and lesbian service members, was selected for the honor in recognition of her work for the rights and freedoms of others. Justice Dept. Settles Military Suit with Pruitt WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has settled a 1983 lawsuit filed by Dusty Prultt that would change her status from an involuntary discharge from the U.S. Army because she said she was a lesbian to a voluntary retirement with the rank of major. Pruitt, a minister with the Metropolitan Community Churchin Lakewood, Calif., said she was ."overjoyed" with the proposed settlement, which would allow her to be eligible for retirement benefits. North Carolina Film Festival Controversy DURHAM, N.C. - Headed by leaders of the county Republican Party and the Christian Coalition, scores of local anti-gay protesters showed up at the Durham County Commission Monday, May 22, to demand that plans to hold a gay film festival in June at the Carolina Theatre should be halted. Virginia Bunton, secretary of the Durham County Republican Party, told the commissioners, "We would prefer that the community not be exposed to this lifestyle.... We’ re supposed to be protecting our citizens from some things they need to be protected from, and that includes pornography." Bunton said she had seen none of the films slated to be shown as part of the film festival held in conjunction with the annual North Carolina Pride ’95 celebration June 9-12in Durham. Even so, Bunton said she intends to ask the state Attorney General t o preview the films to determine if they are pornography under North Carolina law. The county commissioners ducked a direct attack of the film festival, and instead passed a resolution asking the Carolina’ s trustees to provide "parental guidance" for films that had no ratings and to consider "downplaying’" its. advertising for the festi val’s offerings: - " " " Transsexuals Get 2 ID’s LONDON- With typical British sang-froid, the London Transport system has announced that it will begin issuing 2 ID cards to transsexuals who are in the processing of changing their gender. One card will show the eardholder dressed as a male, the other as a female to help tickettakers in the city’s subway system. To qualify for the dual ID cards, the individuals must be under the care of a physician or psychiatrist. Amnesty Charges Rights Violations in Romania BUCHAREST - Amnesty International, the human rights watchdog group based m London, has strongly criticized whatit says are continuing rights violations in Romania 5 years after the overthrow of the repressive regime of Nicolea Ceausescu. Amnesty condemned what it says are restrictions on the rights of free speech, the illtreatment or torture of prisoners and the detention of homosexuals simply because of their sexual orientation. Amnesty acknowledged that things haveimproved for many people in Romania since Ceausescu was deposed, but complained that government assurance that human rights would be protected had not been honored and that abuses were continuing in the country. ALA Group Announces 1995 Book Awards CHICAGO - The American Library Association’s Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Book Awards Committee has announced the winners of its 1995 book awards. The top winners were: "Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence" by Marion Dane Bauer; "Skin: Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant The Queen of the Galaxy presents the best damn hair in town! Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 3509 $. Peoria- 2nd Level - Tulsa, OK 74105 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa.74159 �¯ News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Talldng About Sex, Class & Literature" by Dorothy Allison; "Uncommon Heroes: A Celebration of Heroes & Role Models for Gay & Lesbian Americans" by Phillip Sherm an and Samuel Bernstein. The awards will be formally presented at the 25th anniversary ALA’ s Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Task Force conference in Chicago on June 24. GLAAD Takes on Mel Gibson’s Latest Film LOS ANGELES ~ The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) took to the streets to hand out leaflets outside theaters in a half-dozen cities protesting the opening of the Mel- Gibson film "Braveheart." Ellen Carton, GLAAD’s executive directory said, "We can’ t fmd any heart in ’Braveheart.’ There’ s nothing brave about prejudice and violence." GLAAD said the portrayal of the gay English King Edward II in the film was "a throwback to the classic celluloid ’queer’ played for laughs." The film. opened at theaters around the country on May 24. Lesbian Rights Group Gets Huge Grant SAN FRANCISCO - The National Center for Lesbian Rights here has received a whopping $450,000 grant from the Joyce Mertz-Gilmore Foundationin New York. NCLR is a public interest law group that fights discrimination against lesbians thro.ughout the U.S. The group says it will use part of its new funding to beef up membership, with a goal of 15,000 new members by 1997. Part of the membership drive will include setting up its own home pages on the Internet’ s .World Wide Web where it hopes ~t can reach thousands of women with access to few support resources. Discrimination Adds to ¯ Health Problems NEW YORK - According to a report in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, gay men who directly experience homophobia, anti-gay violence or discrimination are 2 to 3 times as likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, stressrelated sexual problems, suicidal thoughts and other negative pressures. Researchers at the Columbia School of Public I~lealth studied 741 gay men in New York City and concluded that the men who experienced anti-gay discrimination or violence suffered significantly greater mental distress than those who do not. The s tudy also found that those who also blamed their own homosexuality as the cause of the discrimination or violence were even more likely to experience emotional stress. The researchers also found that gay men who had gone through such anti-gay experiences dealt with the stress more effectively ff they "felt connected to the gay community." Museum’s Multicultural Wedding Exhibit OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Museum has just opened a historical exhibit covering wedding customs from Native American traditional ceremonies to contemporary same-sex holy unions. The multicultural exhibit includes material from the Museum’s large historical collection of photographs, costumes and memorabilia, as well as materials on loan from other museums and private collections. The exhibit tracks how couples meet, engagement customs, prewedding, celebrations, nuptial ceremomes and honeymoons, with short histories of how the customs evolved. Among the wedding garments, ranging from a Japanese kimono to a 19th century embroideredladdalgown from Turkey, are the matching pair of colorful shirts worn by two men during their wedding. Gay Albanian Group Gets Official Recognition TIRANE, Albania - In just over one year after forming in 1994, the Gay Albania Society has moved from being a secretive, illegal association in what was once the hardest of the hard-line Communist nations, to helping convince the national parliament to repeal its anti-gay laws earlier this year, tonow winning official recognition, the Open Media Research Institute has reported. Tlie Gay Albania Society was secretly formed with an anonymous membership in March 1994. By the beginning of this year, the society had been instrumental in convincing the Albanian Parliament to drop Article 137, which carried a maximum 10 year prison se Ross EDWARD ntence simply:~for....... being homosexual." When the new penal code went into effect at the beginning of June, the Albania government also extended formal recognition of the Gay Albania Society as a registered citizens’ association representing the interests of a class of the COuntl’y. Lesbian Parental Case Goes to N.Y, High Court NEW YORK - The New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, has begun hearings that will decide whether one partner of same-sex couples can adopt the biological child of the other partner. The case involves a lesbian who is attempting to adopt the 5-year-old biological daughter of her mate. The 2 women, identified only as P.I. and G.M. in court documents, have been a couple for 19 years. The women Want to have joint parental rights to their daughter because only a legal parent can make certain decisions for a child under state law. Beatrice Dohrn of the Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, which is handling the appeal, said the case was being appealed to New York’s highest court because it would "determine whether children with 2 gay parents may ever have a legally recognized relationship with both their moms or dads," Earlier this year, alower court refused to grant the adoption, insisting that if it granted G.M. parental rights it would have to deny P.I., who is the biological mother, her rights as the girl’ s mother. Gay Conference Costs Iowa University DES MOINES, Iowa-The Iowa le~slatur,e has stripped the state’ s university system of some $100,000 in funding which may - or may not - have been the result of a successful international gay studies conference held last year at the University of Iowa. Earlier in May, state Rep. Charles Hurley sponsored an amendment to the state’s $752 million university budget that would have prohibited any state funded educational institutions of higher learning from spending public funds for "’encouraging or supporting homosexuality as a positive alternative lifestyle."’ The anti-gay amendment passed the House by a 50-21 vote. The state Senate rejected Hurley’s legalrights since it would almost amendment, but went on to cut $100,000 that it had planned to include in university budgets this year. Hurley and other legislators - said the funding cut was a result of the University of Iowa’ s "InQueery/InTheory/ InDeed" academic conference in November 1994. Campus lesbian & gay groups said they would continue to sponsor the conference despite the near passage of the measure. inevitably lead t6 a court case in the state. Green and Storrs say they will go ahead with their planned Jewish wedding ceremony on June 22 whether they get the license or not. ¯ Annual Conference of Gay & Lesbian-Jews NEW YORK - The annual International Conference of Gay & Lesbian Jews will meet in New York July 27-30 at the New York Sheraton Hotel. Themed "Gay & Lesbian Jews: Taking Our Place in the 21st Century," the conference expects more ll~an 1,000 people to attend, and will feature a keynote address of Yael Dayan, a member of the Israeli Knesset Or parliament. The confab is being hosted by New York’s Congregauon Beth Simchat Torah and additional information is available by phone at: (212) 929-9498. West Virginia University OKs Domestic Partners MORGANTOWN,W.Va.-The University of West Virginia has approved a school domestic parmers policy that will, for the first time in the state, include the partners of regastered same-sex staff, faculty and students. Qualified couples who register their relationship through the university will be eligible for a variety of benefits. Country’s Largest Gay Meg Hits the Internet NEW YORK - Out magazine, the country’s largest selling lesbigay news publication, has entered the cyber universe of the Internet’s increasingly popular World Wide Web that will for the first time in gay publishing history be sponsored by Apple Computer. Out has set up its "Web site" on the Internet in time for June’s gay pride celebrations around the country, and will include regularly updated pride information from a score of lesbian and gay publications in New York, Washington D.C./Seattle, Los An geles, San Francisco, and other cities. The World Wide Web site address for the publication is: http://www.out.com and wil! include reader forums where Internet readers can carryon discussions with others on the Web. Mayor, City Attorney Want Gay Couple to Get Marriage License ITHACA, N.Y: - The Ithaca (N.Y.) Journal has reported that Mavor Benjamin Nichols and Cit~ Attorney Charles Guttman both want the city council to order thecity clerk to issue a marriage license to 2 gay men who plan on getting married late in June. The couple, Toshav Greene and Phillip Storrs, applied for the license in May and ended up. meeting with a number of the city’s elected leaders, many of whom say they now agree the city should issue the license. Nichols in fact urged the city council to pass a resolution calling on the state to !.egalize same-sex marriages. It is uncertain whether the license will actually be issued, and perhaps more important, what such a license would legally mean in terms of the couple’s $30/hour - in, call for out rates 1438 S. Boston, Tulsa ~Llcense~ Specializing in: ¯ Pager: 672-2035 ¯ Therapeutic ¯ Shiatsu ¯ Sports BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria -743-5272 -.’,: Corner of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! �cont’d fi’om p. 1 Fight for Your Vickers Mark also served on the board of Rights Mee;ting. directors for Regional AIDS Interfaith TULSA, OK - Local activists begin grassroots civil fights effort to address the stalled City of Tulsa Human Rights Cormnittee Report on Civil Rights based on sexual orxentation. On Monday evening, June 5, a steering cohamittee was formed to call a community-wide meeting. Steering Committee members, Bob Ritz, Kharma Amos, Debbie Harding and Tom Neal have called a meeting, FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS - A communttv meeting for Civil Rights for Lesbians an’d Gays; for Thursday, June 29 from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Downtown Tulsa City/County Public Library in the room adjacent to Aaronson Auditorium. Because Tulsa has so many community organizations, steering committee members feel that the most appropriate way to organize is to have a forum where representatives from each of the existing orgamzations and members of the Gay; Lesbian community at large can meet to discuss publically goals and strategies. FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS - A community meeting for Civil Rights for Lesbians and Gays will begin with a review of what’s happened since the emotional Human Rights Commission’s public hearings held in May 1994. The steering committee hopes that out of this meeting will Come goals and tasks that all parts of the community can support. The organizers hope that this meettng will help pull the Gay/Lesbian community together into a cohesive, action-oriented group. Clubs, churches, organizations, ~,-zd businesses are encouraged to have representation at this meeting. For more information, call 838-2121. Network, the Oklahoma United Methodist AIDS Task Force and the Tulsa AIDS Coalition. He founded Rainbow Village, a project focused on providing shelt, r to persons living with AIDS. In 1993 his work was recognized with the Richard Shackleford HIV Memorial Award and with the United Way Evergreen Spirit Award. Mark also helped to change profoundly the response of the r~nite-d-Methodi~t Church of Oklahoma to HIV/AIDS. He met with Oklahoma’s bishop and with leaders of the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference. He also helped to found Community of Hope, a worship community" of the United Methodist Church. At their recent conference, Oklahoma Methodists honored Mark Vickers with an extremely rare moment of silence and prayer. Mark is remembered by his spouse of 7 years, Brad Mulholland. Last July, Brad and Mark celebrated a Blessing of Commitment with Community of Hope. Many, many friends and family cherish his life and good works which testify to the strength of his commitment. Tulsa Police Dept. Seeks Help on Case TULSA- Detective Vema Wilson of the Tulsa Police Dept. is seeking any information readers might have regarding the murder of the late Chris WilcuttYormerly of Bartlesville. Wilcutt, who frequently cross-dressed, went by the name of "Roxy." He was last seen walking east on llth St., leaving Metropole at about 1 am early on Sunday, Feb. 26. Police describeWilcutt as Caucasian, 5’-9", 220# with brown hair & hazel eyes. When last seen he was wearing a black dress with gold trim and a blond/red wig. Any information about his movements on Sat. Feb. 25 or early Sun. Feb. 26 is sought by Tulsa Police. You may call Detective Wilson at 596-9142 or call anonymously at 596-COPS. Tulsa Pride, OKC Parade & TOHR Follies expenses will go to the Bnildmg Fund. Picnic goers are encouraged to bring some extra cash because a number of community organizations and businesses will have booths with food, information or merchandise. Sales at these booths benefits the individual organization/business. On Sat. June 17, several Tulsa churches are having a gospel sgng-fest and on Wed. June 21, the MCC’s are having a joint worship service. On Friday, June 23, fabulous Dallas comic, Paul Williams, will perform at ConcessionS. On the following Sunday, the State-wide Pride Parade will be held in Oklahoma City, beginning at Memorial Park at NW 35 & Classen and ending at the Habana Inn. Several Tulsa businesses are planning floats. TOHR will hold its i5th annual Follies on June 30. A number of other events are planned for the remainder of the June, please consult the community calendar for details. Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiality and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Butler, RN MS For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Community Specialized in HIV Care Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care in a homelike, loving setting? Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services Until now - no where ..... ; We have many insurance provider affiliations - if you belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30,4:30 pm, 743-1000 Announcing the opening of Mohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people riving with AIDS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North qfialsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour Our new facility. To arrange a tour or for more information, call our offices at 918-425-1354 Accepting Medicare, Medicaid. private pay and private insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated. Mohawk Pride Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK. (918) 425-1354 �QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a dash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIAT ICAL SETTLEMENT ? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viaticatlon, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determtne your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLI CY T HE RI GHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors influence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and your family in person, in detail and can recormnend an experienced Certified Financial Plmmer to assist you in plmming the best outcome from your mfique finmacial situation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer yourinsurance andmedicalrecords by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete cortfidentiality and the best possible senice bv working with us in person, fac,e-to-face. We are involved on a community level, ~nd are responsible .directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we .are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today, An&because~of our established resources, we c,’m deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, t3pically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for yOu. Sou.thwest 7 Home Office 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 �Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Possible Major patients. with HIV at birth and is still "not sick at all." " More Blacks/HispanicsWith HIV Breakthrough in HIV Fight SAN FRANCISCO - Researchers with ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease~ ......... HIV Home Test Worthwhile the University of California at San Control & Prevention has reported that; SAN FRANCISCO - Researchers at the Francisco reported at the annual the number of new AIDS cases among University of California at San Francisco convention of the American Society for white gay men has fallen off between 3% haveurgedthe U.S. government to approve Biochemistry and Molecular Biology that and 20% in 3 U.S. cities most hard hit by a kit that allows people to test themselves a "designer drug" known as a protease the epidemic - New York, Los Angeles for HIV in their own homes - citing a new inhibitor may help keep HIV from and San Fran cisco - during the past 5 study indicating that millions might be replicating and mutating in the body. Dr. years. The number of AIDS cases among likely to use it. According to the survey of Charles Cralk told the convention that the black gay men in those same cities, nearly 21,000 people by the UCSF computer-designed drug, which has only however, has risen dramatically in the scientists published in the New England been tested in laboratories so far, same period. In San Francisco the number Journal ofMedicine, 29% said they would apparently blocks a crucial enzyme m of infections grew 53%, in New York probably use the home test if it were HIV, making it impossible for the virus to 49%, andin Los Angeles 48% since 1989. available. The survey also found that of reproduce itself and mutate. In laboratory Nationally, the number of new cases people considered "at risk" for infection, tests, the drug kept HIV from infecting 42% said they would use the home test, among gay men grew 31% during the past new calls in test tubes and prevented it 5 years, the CDC data indicates, while the and31% indicated they would prefer using national figures increased 79% among from duplicating itself in already-invaded the home test rather than other options. cells. If the protease inhibitor works as black gay men and 61% among Hispanic Dole to Co-Sponsor Ryan effectively in humans as it has in the gays. White CARE Measure laboratory, Craik and his colleagues Infants with HIV May Live Years WASHINGTON - The Log Cabin believe it could be the most important CHICAGO - Babies born with HIV may Repubficans, the gay and lesbian lobbying breakthrough in fighting HIV and AIDS live for many years, even until they are organization, has announced that Senate to date. teenagers, without getting sick and it may Majority Leader Robert Dole of Kansas Hospital Costs for AIDS Spiral take that long before anyone realizes they has agreed to sign as a co-sponsor of the WASHINGTON - According to a study carry the virus, a new study published in Ryan White CARE Reauthorization Act. by the National Public Healthand Hospital I the journal Pediatrics says. Most Rich Tafel, LCR’s executive director, said, Institute, the hospital costs of individual pediatricians have believed that AIDS"This is a major victory for gay atients with AIDS can be as high as infected newborns die by the time they’re Republicans and the AIDS community. 260,000 per year, and in some urban toddlers, researchers say. Dr. Samuel I"m confident that Sen. Dole will remain hospitals can occupy more than 7% of the Grubman led a study of 42 children ages personally involved in the effort to pass available beds daily. The study also found 9 to 15 who were"born with HIV and [the measure] quickly, and will be a that patients with AIDS average 12 treated at Children’s Hospital of New unifying influence among the Republicans hospital days per stay, significantly above Jersey in Newark in June 1993. Ten of the in the Senate." the 7.2 day average stay for other patients, children showed no symptoms of the CDC Ends Newborn HIV Testing Because many patients with AIDS depend infection, while 8 showed some minor WASHINGTON - In a starding move, on Medicaid, Medicare or other public signs of illness - but not _enough to be U.S. officials have ended the anonymous funds to pay for their care, the study diagnosed. Thirty-six of the 42 showed no testing of newborns for HIV. The concludes that if Congress makes large signs of illness until they were at least 4 cuts in Medicaid ’Medicare funding many years old, Dr. Gmbman reported. One 14hospitals will have to restrict care of AIDS year-old ~d in her program was infected ~ cancellation of the $10 million HIV testing program was announced at a congressional hearing shortly before a congressman urged Congress to require authorities to inform all mothers of the results of the tests. The tests have been conducted anonymously in 45 states since 1988. FBI Spied on AIDS Groups WASHINGTON - Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Center for Constitutional Rights indicate that the FBI has kept a number of AIDS and gay rights organizations under surveillance since the early 1980s when the g~oup ACT UP began. The FBI denied spying on the groups and said it merely passed information along to local authorities about possible violence by members of the groups. Among the organizations the FBI kept records on - in addition to ACT UP - were: the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the Coalition for Lesbian & Gay Rights, and Senior Action in a Gay Environment, a social services agency for older gays and lesbians. Despite the FBI’s denials, the agency released 0nly 22 of its 199 pages of files on ACT UP, claiming the rest of the file was confidential because of "ongoing lawenforcement activity" involving ACT UP. Anesthetic: Another Possible HIV Transmission Route SYDNEY - HIV can exist for as long as 4 hours in anesthetic, according to a report published in the Medical Journal of Australia. The researchers who did the report say their findings could explain how 4 women in Australia became infect ed with HIV in a single day in 1989 while Now Open! He r]oom Designs Gifts, Fragrances, Crystal, Bears, Antiques, Brass, Womens Boutique, Complete Interior & Exterior Design 2814 East 15th Streel, 742-5665, Across from Carpet City T-Shirt Sale! FI-~ELITY HQN~E HE-ALTH CA-RE, INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-34/!2 Unique Gifts in Lincoln Plaza corner of 15th & Peoria 584-4606, M-S 10-8, Sun. 12-5 Co=ed Naked Big Johnson Grateful Dead Far Side Over 300 Designs! Pride Special Mention Ad to Get 10% off T°s We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hours/day, seven days/week. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s; LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric .care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. Sandra J. Hill, M. S. 745-1111 This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. �Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs being treated by a doctor there who ~as not himself infected. The researcl~ers concluded that the ability of the virus to survive raises the possibility Of transmission via multidose anesthetic vials, which allow a doctor to administer several anesthetic doses on different patients. The Australian scientists suggested that multidose anesthetic vials should be discontinued and the reusing syringes for anesthetic should be avoided unless they have first been thoroughly decontaminated. Medical Group Endorses Needle Exchanges CHICAGO - The annual convention of the Illinois State Medical Society has called for legislation that would legally allow "responsible commumty groups" to set up needle-swap programs in the state. Dr. Raymond Hoffman, the society’s president, called needle-exchange programs a "potentially useful tool to curb the spread of HIV" without increasing the use of illegal drugs. Needle-Swap Program ,Works BALTIMORE - Baltimore’s needle .exchange program has been so successful an attracting IV drug users to swap used hypodermic needles for clean ones that Dr. Peter Beilenson, the city’s health commissmner, wants to double the number of need le-swap sites in the city. The city’ s program, launched at the beginning of this year, had expected to attract about 500 people during its first year of operation, Instead, the program has drawn some 2,300 people during its first 5months of operation. The city’s monitoring of the programs also indicates that IV drug users are now shanng needles half as often as before. House Military Subcommittee OKs Anti-HIV Measure WASHINGTON - The national security military personnel subcommittee of the House of Representatives has voted to approve an amendment sponsored by Rep. Robert Dornan (R-Calif.), the subcommittee chairman, that would bar abortions at armed forces hospitals and authorize discharging military personnel infected with HIV. The nation’s armed forces currently prohibit individuals with HIV from joining; but troops diagnosed after.recruitment are permitted to continue serving as long as their health allows and are not allowed to serve outside tile U.S. The Defense Department and the Department of the Army both oppose Doman’s measure, which would mandate honorable discharge within 6 months of diagnosis. Calif. Assembly OKs Medicinal Marijuana Measure SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Assembly has narrowly OKed legislation by a 41-30 vote that would permit p.hysicians to prescribe marijuana cigarettes for patients who are terminally or chronically ill, although a number of conservative legislators objected that the bill would promote drug usein the state. If the measure in fact does become law, physicians would be able to prescribe marajuana for their patients with AIDS, cancer, glaucoma or multiple .sclerosis. The bill still requires approval by the Senate and the signature bf Gov. Pete Wilson f0 become law. Last year Wilson Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law .~eLq.~d a similar measure because he said ’’at ~;~uld not work unless the federal government also ended its ban on prescribing marijuana cigarettes. Hillary Clinton Launches Pediatric HIV Campaign WASHINGTON- Citing a study showing that treatment can reduce the risk of mothers transmitting HIV-to their newborns, Hillary Rodham Clinton has launched a campaign urging pregnant women to get tested for the virus. The campaign, designed by the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, "will .reach out and give women the information they need to protect their own health and the health of their children," she said. Clinton also said that, according to the National Institutes of Health study, almost 6,000 American women infected with HIV give birth annually and, without treatment, 20% to 25% of those babies are born infected.. AIDS Fundraiser Expects $5M HOLLYWOOD - The 2nd annual California AIDS Ride, a 550-mile bicycle trek from San Francisco to Hollywood that has just ended, is expected to raise more than $5 milli on, making it the largest AIDS fundraiser in the U.S. Among the some 1,800 bike riders, about 10 have AIDS and up to 250 are HIV-positive. Celeb Judith Light of the TV comedy "Who’s the Boss?" said after the 7-day ride, "It looked impossible, but it was possible because of everyone’s commitment." Gelid Moves to Univ. of Maryland BETHESDA, Md. - Dr. Robert C. Gallo, one of the country’s best-known and most controversial AIDS researchers, will set up his Institute of Human Virology atthe University of Maryland’s Medical Biotechnology Center in the hopes of attracting other prominent scientists and biotechnology finns to contribute their discoveries. Gallo said that the institute will .work on basic research and developing vacones, gene therapies, and new drugs to fight HIV - as well-as gain a deeper understanding of the biology behind the virus. Gallo had been with the National Institutes of Health for 30 years. HIV-Infected Women at Higher Risk for Cervical Cancer TORONTO- Early data-from the Canadian Women’s HIV Study Group indicates that women infected with HIV are at greater risk of being stricken with severe cervical cancer than uninfected women. The study group’s preliminary data found that half of some 300 women infected with HIV that were examined also had HPV - the human papilloma virus associated with cervical cancer. Dr. Catherine Hankins, one of the study’s chief investigators, also said that a fifth of the women examined had squamous dysplasia, an early indicator associated with the cancer. The rates found in the study were at least double those expected in the general population. AIDS Project-k.A. Looking for Conservative PR Firm LOS ANGELES - One of the first acts of Allen Carrier after taking over as director of communications for the AIDS ProJectLos Angeles is to try to find a public relations firm in. Washington D.C. with solid links to the Republican Party. Carrier says APLA wants a GOP-cormected PR firm to conduct an HIV education campaign aimed at members of Congress. APLA is the 2rid largest AIDS agency in the U.S. with a $20 million yearly budget. Trees, Sunshine, Laughter, Fun, Community, Challenge! AHA! WHEE! Woman for Woman A Ropes Course Day Saturday, July 15, 8am, 5p~n " $30, meals included, Camp Loughridge in Sapulpa Offered by Nancy Vitali, ropes instructor & Mary Todd, president; Learning Unlimited Corp. Call LUC at 622-3292for questions Or to enroll. Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekendand evening appointments are available. I~ ~i Feb. 11r~8;,l:996, $795-1950 _-R$ VP I Feb. 18-25,1996, $795-1950 Mexican Riviera March 17-24., 1~996, $795-2495 I~ French Ca~ June 30 - July7; 1996, International Tours 9z8-34/-6866 �e Best Little Homo in Texas Gay Comic Paul J. Williams Friday, June 23 One Show Only $5 Tickets 10 pm Concessions Nightclub - 3340 S. Peoria - 744-0896 One Dollar of Every Tickel Sold is Douated to the TOHR Building Fuad Advauce Tickets Available - Budget Wiudow Treat~nents. 7116 S. Miugo & Floral Desiga Studios, 3404 S. Peoria & From TOHR Members HIV TESTING CLINIC FREE & ANONYMOUSE FINGER STICK METHOD By and for, but not exclusive to the lesbian, gay & bisexual communities New Hours for Your Convenience! Monday & Thursday Evening 7 to 8:30pm for Testing 7 to 9:00pm for Results Daytime Testing Monday-Thursday By Appointment Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 918-749-4194 4154 South Harvard Suite H-1 Call for Directio/as �.~ ~ ~ . ..,~’~, - ~ ~. ~ A Corn~erviceBrouQht to You by TOHR and Tui.~a Fatal1 ..... BLESS THE IORD..AT, ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER- Sunday School 9:45, Morning Worship Service 11:00. 2627-B East 11th. Call 583-7815 for Info~ BLGA - University of Tulsa. 6:30 p.m. Canterbury Center. COMMUNITY OF HOPE (United Methodist) Evening Worship Service 6:00. 1347 North Yale, Call 838-7232 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Morning Worship Service 11:00. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info. .MCC OF GREATER TULSA - Morning Worship Service 10:45 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. THE BANNED - Gay Band - Practice weekly IJ u N E 1 4 WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB - La Nortena. 6408 South Peoria. 6:30 p.m. IJ.u N E 1 COMMUNITY-WIDE GOSPEL SING Kick off pride week with a gospel sing at Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E South Mingo. Will include MCC Tulsa, Bless the Lord at All Times, Community of Hope and other area churches. Call 622-1441 for more info. OK FLAMES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL - McLain High School. $5/ticket. 7:30 p.m Call beeper 646-6455 for more info. FAMILY OF FAITH SPAGHETTI DINNER - 5:30 p.m. prior to Gospel Sing. Donations only. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. IJ u N E 18 IJ UNE 18 ITHURSDAYS 16-STEP EMPOWERMENT GROUP FOR WOMEN - 7:00. Women’s support group. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale, Call FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP I Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154South Harvard - Lower Level 5147 for Info. 23 CHURCH GARAGE SALE - Family of Faith members put on a very large garage sale. Call 622-1441 for address, etc. DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 8387232 for Info. 25 IJ UNE FEED THE HOMELESS - Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church IJ.,u N~E 2 1 COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICES. MCC of Greater Tulsa. Special for Gay Pride Week.. Also includes Family of Faith MCC and other ~area churches, 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. I IJu N E 27 RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m. Olive Garden - $10. Call 254-2100 for Info, ~ " I ISATURDAYS NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS - Meets weekly at 11:00 pm. Provides confidential support.~ for recovering addicts. Community of Hope, 1 8 TOHR BOARD MEETING. 7:00 p.m. TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 743-4297 for Info. WOMEN’S COFFEE HOUSE - Java Dave’s. 3310 South Peoria. 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Call Beeper 646-6455 for more info. {JULY 5 FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG, 4154 South Harvard- Lower Level. Call 5835147 for Info, IJ ULY I I JULY 22 I DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 8387232 for Info. 8 I JULY 10 24 I RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Mor~thly Meeting 7:00 p.m, Call 254-2100 for Info. FESTIVAL OF PRAISE - 1st ever MCC musical festiva (MCC’s from OK, TX, LA). Lawton OK. 1:00 4:00. Followed by weiner roast. For Carpool information call 622-1441. IJULY 19 I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m, PFLAG. 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 5835147 for Info, I I I MISCELLAN EOUS GROUP MEETINGS GLAS Gay & Lesbian Student Association - TJC Southeast Campus. Call 631-7632 for info. PFLAG 101/102 Monthly meeting 6:30-7:30 p.m. 4154 South Harvard, Ste. H. Call 749-4901 for Info. LAGPAC- Lesbian and Gay Political Action Committee. Call 838-1222 for Info. SPOUSES For spouses of Gay/Les/Bi/Trans. 7:00-7:30 p.m. social 7:30-8:30 meeting. Call 749-4901 for Info.. Sponsored .by PFLAG. LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS - Gay and Lesbian ~Republican Group. Call 8320233 for jnfo, TOHR TOHR CLINIC- In addition to.Thursday Clinic HOurs (see Thurs~lays)~ offers daytime testing by appointment Monday - Thursday from 10 am - 5 p,m. Call 29 at 5:30 p,m, and caravan to Day Center for the Homeless, Call 838-7232 for Info, FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS Community meeting for Civil Rights for Lesbians & Gays, Every organization should have a representative and YOU NEED TO BE THERE, 7:00 - 9:00 p,m, Downtown Library, Lecture room next tO Aaronson Auditorium, Call 838-2121 for more info, " Anonymous testing usingfingerst!pk method. No appointment required. Walk in test.hours: 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Results Hours: 7:00 -.9:00 pm. Call 749:4194 for Info. PRAYER TIME - 7:00 p.m. MCC of Greater Tulsa. 1623 North Maplewood;~,. Call 8381715 for Info. TULSA FAMILY CHORALE Weekly practice 9:30 pm. Lola’s. 2630 E. 15th St. DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 8387232 for Info. I ew~ CO-DEPENDENCY SUPPORT GROUP Weekly ~ting 7:30? E~{~ 0~ Ea[th MCC. ~51-E South Mingo. Ca1162~’~:~1 for Info. HIV TESTING - TOHR~Ii~;’ "Free and I !J u L Y 3 o N TOHR FOLLIES TOHR’s annual entertainment extravaganza. Many new performers. 8:00 p.m. All Soul’s Unitarian Church. 2932 South Peoria Call 743-4297 f0rTicket Information. IJ U LY 24 IJ UN E TOHR BOARD MEETING. 7:00 p.m. TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 743-4297 for Info. I GAY COMEDY NIGHT Paul J. Williams will appear to benefit TOHR. $5 Cover - Advance tickets or at the door. 10:00 p.m..at Concessions. 3340 South Peoria. Call 744-0896 for Info, IJUN E Ij u N E Call 583- TULSA PRIDE PICNIC - Annual Gay Pride Celebration held at Mohawk Park, Shelter #6. Food/Drink/Entertainment. Also booths and information distribution. Minimal charges for food this year. Beer still free. 12:00- 6:00. Ceremony and exhibition softball/volleyball begin at 2:00. Call 832-0233 for Info. 20 " I TUESDAYS I MINISTER’S CLASS - Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center. 7:30 p.m. 2627-B East 1 lth. Call 583-7815 for Info. GAY PRIDE PARADE. Oklahoma City. Assemble from 12:00 - 2:00 at the park. Parade ends at Habana Inn with a party. VVV GAY PRIDE WEEK ..~, AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER - Bible Study 7:00/ MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. BLESS THE LORD. AT ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER - Choir Practice ~7:00. 2627-B East 11th. Call 583-7815 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH ’MCC - Potluck 6:30. Bible Study 7:00. Choir Practice 8:00. 5451E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info. IJ u N E 25 ..... HIV TESTING :~.TOHR Clinic. Free and;; Anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in test hours: 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Results Hours: 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Call 749:4194 for Info, LAMBDA .BOWLING LEAGUE - Bowling begins at 8:45. Sheridan Lanes 3121 South Sheridan. I JUNE 7 ~ MEMBERSHIP MEETING. Monthly Meeting. 6:30 Social 7:00 p.m, Meeting. "l"he Gathering Place. 4154 RIGHTS LEAGUE. Muskogee Library:. 6:00-p.m. - 9:00 p,m. Write P.O. Box 614 - Muskogee, OK 74402 for more Info. SWAN Network. Single Women’s iActivity Info. WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S SUPPER. CLUB - Meets at varying locations :~the 2rid or 3rd Wednesday of each month. Do you have a group or event that should be listed in the TOHR Community Calendar? If so, please c~ll us at 838-2121. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of th s calendar; however, neither Tulsa Family News nor TOHR assumes responsibility for errors or omissions. I �Colorado cont’d from p. 1 are obviously very pleased that the policy of excluding homosexuals from the armed forces has been examinedin deptlj during the judicial review and that the court has concluded that it is lawful." In argmng against the policy, attorney for the four, David Pannick, told the High Court justices that the main reason behind the ban is simply that some service members feel uncomfortable around .homosexuals, a prejudice that’s been used .m the pas t about black and Jewish member s m the armed forces. "’I invite your Lordships to conclude that this purported justification is quite simply a disgrace," he told Lord Justice Simon Brown of the court. "The armed forces are pandering to the worst types of prejudice about wholly irrelevant characteristics." British Defense Ministry officials maintain that homosexuals pose a problem for the military because their presence could undermine morale and effectiv eness. The ministry also argues that gays and lesbians pose a potential security risk - an argument th at even U.S. military officials have abandoned for lack of evidence. Canada cont’d from p. 1 for activists fighting for equal rights in the courts throughout Canada. "I think that even thoughit strictly speakingisn’t going to. be binding in other provinces," she said, "it shows that the arguments are not without legal precedent now and in fact are qmte reasonable and I think will certainly help them make their cases." Mixed. Ruling from Canada’s Supreme Court OTTAWA -The Canadian Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex couples are not eligible for the same public spousal pension benefits as other cot!pies in the country. The high court ruling, however, also concludes that discrimination based~ on sexual orientation is prohibited unde~’ Canada’s Charter of Rights - the first time the country’s Supreme Court has d.efinitively ruled on the issue. The court ruled 5-4 that James Egan and John Nesbit, a British Columbia gay couple who have lived together since 1948, are not entitled to receive spousal pension benefits under Canada’ s Old Age Security Act. The court concluded that the refusal to extend the pension benefits to the couple amounted to discrimination in violation of the Charter of Rights, but that the exclusion was justifiable discriminauon because the legislature’s goal in setting up the co untry’s pension system was to help poorer elderly women. The court also said that Parliament had decided to extend certain financial support to married couples, which the court concluded is by its nature a heterosexual institution. Community Photos Kharma Amos & the Rev. Nancy Horvath of Family of Faith MCC have been chosen ,for leadership positions at the nan’onal Metropolitan Community Church conventz’on and on the So. Central District Committee. respectively. Photo: Neal Canadian Appeals Court Overturns Sodomy Law TORONTO - An Ontario appeals court has unanimously ruled that a law making consensual anal intercourse illegal unless the two people are mamed or above the age of 18 is a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The 3judge Ontario Court of Appeals ruled that the criminal code provision violates the Charter because it penalizes gay men. Justice Rosalie Abella said in her opinion that the law "arbitrarily disadvantages gay men by denying to them until they are 18 a choice available at the age of 14 for those who are not gay, namely their choice of sexual expression with a consenting parmer to whom they are not married." ¯ Folks from Follies Revue ’95 which benefits H1WA1DS services. Photo: Jamett ’ PRI DEofo mz,,. Falrn ss. 1s Renting and considering Buying Moving u orlnvestin’~ Credit Problems. Mortgages By Design w,l, custom fit the right home loan to YOUR needs! l,q91 n. " Non-,Part _ ~ Financing the All American Dream This groundbreaking project showed broad bipamsan support for the pnnople that lesbian and gay people should not b~ singled out for dtscnmanauon. Call or write your Senators and Representative and ask ~em to join their collnagucs and ban discrimination in their ernployment prances, Call the Capitol Switchboard Today: 202-224-3121 Leading file Fight at the National Levd for Lesbian and Gay Equ,~lity. I101 14thStreet. NW Suite200 Washing~on. DC 20005 I . " For Detail.% CalL" " BUD WHARTON Vice President/Branch Manager S~ng T~a a~ Surrounding Communities . Su~unding Communiti~ �III Colorado co.t, o=p. 1 homosexuals from discrimination. The ¯ state Supreme Court ruled last year ~at the measure is unconstitutional becaus’e it violates the fundamental right for a class of individuals to participate equally in the political process. HRCF Reacts to Justice Dept. Decision on Amendment 2 .WASHINGTON-Below is apress release Issued by the Human Rights Campaign Fund regarding the Justice Department’s decision not to enter a brief in the U.S. Supreme Court appeal of Colorado’s antigay Amendment 2: The Clinton Administration has refused to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Colorado’s anti-gay Amendment 2 as the high court prepares to decide on the constitutionality of the discriminatory measure. The Haman Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the nation’s leading civil rights coalition, had requested that the Administration file a friend~ofthe-court brief calling on the Supreme Court to overturn Amendment 2. "This was a bad legal and political decision," said HRCF Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. "Staying silent in this case gives aid and comfort to extremists who wouldn’t support the President under any circumstances, and gravely disappoints fair-mindedAmericans. Most people support equal rights for lesbian and gay people and oppose the kind of discrimination embodied in Amendment 2." Amendment 2 is the ,ordy-statewide.anti-gay measure passed by voters. Last year, voters in Idaho and Oregon defeated anu-gay initiatives in the midst of the Republican sweep. The 1992 Colorado measure would overturn local laws prohibiting discriminationand prevent state and local governments from passing similar laws in the future. Colorado’s Supreme Court last year. struck down Amendment 2 as unconstitutional, declaring that the measure denied supporters of equal rights for lesbian and gay people the basic right to participate in the democratic process. "The issue before the court is one of fundamental fairness, and whether any group of Americans should be denied access to the democratic process," Birch said. "The federal government has a dear interest in standing up for these fundamental principles .We are extremely disappointed in this decision, but in the end the Supreme Court will decide on the merits of the case."HRCF was the largest single financial contributor to the legal challenge against Amendment 2. The nation’s largest lesbian and gay political organization, HRCF works to end discrimination, secure equal rights, and protect the health and safety of all Americans. NGLTF Statement on Reno’s Amendment 2 Decision WASHINGTON - The following is a press statement issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force after U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno’s announcement: According to Justice Department officials, the Department does frequently file briefs even in those cases where no federal program or statute is involved. ~The Att0me~Geia~al i01d the press that she did not consider the political issues belfind the case, and instead focused on constitutional questions and federal intervention. However, published reports indicate that heated discussions regarding the political, and legal implications of filing a brief were taking place within the Justice ,:tOepartment and between the Justice Department and the White House, Reports indicate that presidential advisor George Stephanopoulos had expressed concern about the political ramifications if the Administration fried a brief. President Bill Clinton last year denounced ballot measures such as Colorado’s Amendment 2 as discriminatory and divisive, saying at the time that "those who would legalize discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or any other grounds are gravely mistaken about the values that make our nation strong." "Clearly, we’re angry that this Administration would refuse to take a stand against discrimination," said Kerry Lobel, Deputy Director at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "The President denounced these types of ballot measures last year. It’s dismrbingto see the President reject this chance to back up those comments with decisive action, especially when this is one of the most important gay-related cases to ever reach the Supreme Court. We look to the President to act on principle, not just speak about it." Colorado’s Amend. 2 dangerously allows the majority of voters to limit the civil rights and political access of one group of citizens - in this case, gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. Amend. 2 permits discrimination against certain citizens, and then blocks those citizens from using the established legislative r process to seek relief from that discrimination.These are the issues that will be facing the Supreme Court as it decides the fate of Amendment 2.’" Calif. Attorney General Supports Amend. 2 SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Attorney General Dan Lungren has stunned rights activiffts in the state by joining 6 other attorneys general from around the country in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Colorado’s antigay ballot measure. Lungren told reporters that he was not endorsing Amend. 2 itself, but had signed an amicus (friend of the court) brief asking that the country’s high court overturn the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that declared Amend. 2 unconstitutional because it was overly broad and vague. He said he signed the amlcus brief because the Colorado court had declared that any "independently identifiable group" is entitled to equal protection in ~e Constitution. This, Lungren said, could g~ve constitutional protections to "deadbeat dads,blue-eyed people, bald people, fat people" and others. Robert Bra~ of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force said in a prepared statement: "It is disingenuous for the California Attorney General to imply that by granting gay people protection from discrimination, it opens the door for any ’special interest group’ to seek rights...’. Lungren xs playing the politics of scarcity:.. [and] implies that by expanding protections to some, it-disprivileges others." k comes with 1 moonroof, 2 airbags, 6 stereo speakers, and a slewofaccolades. "l{onda’s labors resulted in a nc\v car that’s tim strongest, satEst. quietest, best perfbrmin.~, and most flmI-efficient Accord ever:" Motor’l)rnd. Fcbrtzary 1994 "Few cars offer zts astute a blend of smnnth ride and adroit mad handling.The mnst freqt,ent remark from cditnrs exiting the Accord after dmir drives: ’Now that is a grcat ridc:’" Carandl)tivet: Jannarx.: 1994 "\\’lille Honda goes against the mainstream trends, tl~c latest Accord is one of the best-engineered cars mdav-wkh a sense of pnrpose that sets it ap~irt frnm the crmvd:’ PopubtrSdena; ~lay 1994 Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa "Few vehicles ha\’e captnred the hearts anti minds of American antonmbile buyers like the I Io ~da Accnrd:’ Motor’lh,nd. l’i:bruary 1994 Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715 Accord EX Sedan don carlton 3900 S. Memorial ¯ Tulsa, OK 74145 (918) 622-3636 ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6~30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice I To do justice, love:mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 I | 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 �Sports From A Lesbian/Gay Perspective NBA Star’s Candid Ta~ in ’Sports Illustrated" NEW YORK - Dennis Rodman, the flamboyant San Antonio Spurs player, made the cover this Sports Illustrated- in itself not particularly newsworthy, even if the orange-haired Rodman is gussied up in a bright tank top, metallic hot pants and a dog collar studded with rhinestones. More noteworthy - especially considering the often up-tight macho world of professional sports - are Rodman’s fairly candid views on homosexuality. The pro basketball hop,pster told the magazine that he oftel~ goesTo gay bars, has no problems hugging or kissing men friends and, although saying he has never had sex with another man, said, "I visualize being with another man." Rodman is quoted in the magazine as saying, "Everybody visualizes being gay ~ they think, ’Should I do it or not?’ The. reason they can’t is because they think it’s unethical. They think it’s a sin. Hell, you’re not bad if you’re gay, and it doesn’t make you any less of a person." CBS Sportscaster Rankled by Lesbians in Pro Golf WILMINGTON, Del. - CBS-TV sportscaster Ben Wright has been ordered to a meeting with the CBS Sports department in New York and at least temporarily pulled from reporting on the Ladies Profe~,ssional Golf Assn. championshipi~in Delaware after a Delaware newspaper quoted him as saving that "lesbians.i~ the sport hurt women s golf" and are:turning it into a "butch game" which would cause sponsors to drop women’s golf. Wright was also quoted by the Wilmington N~ws-Joumal as saying that women are "handicappe,~ by having boobs" because it makes it difficult for them "to keep their left arm straight... Their boobs get in the way." LPGA officials said they knew of. no problems with sponsors because of any concerns over lesbians in tournament play. Robin Kane of _the~__~National Gay & Lesbian Task Force sai&, "Lesbians don’t hurt women’s golf- Ben Wright hurts women’s golf, and his own profession as well. Such outrageous and demeamng comments certainly raise questions about Wright’s ability to cover women’s sports fairly." KOIN-TV of Portland, Ore., broadcast coverage of the 1991 Masters Golf Tournament that included an ethnic slur in referring to a Japanese golfer. In the footage aired by the station, Wright remarks, "" former champions aplenty Watson and Nicklaus at 4-under, with the Jap Ozaki, who is striking a blow for the foreigners.’" AIDS Takes High Five’ Baseball Player OAKLAND, Calif. - Glenn Burke, the openly gay former Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder, has died of complications related to AIDS. Burke was widely believed among teammates to be gay whenhe startedplaying pro baseball in 1976, and after quitting the game reader duress in 1980 he said he believed he had been shoved out of the game because of homophobia in pro sports. In addition to a short but impressive career with both the A’s and the Dodgers, Burke is credited with starting one of the most popular and common signals of victory in professional sports today - the "high-five" sign. suggested readings, included in the book, are excerpts from books ("One. Teenager by Barry Hensley in Ten," "Long Time Passing: Lives of Older Lesbians," "No Turning Back") Circulation Supervisor Tulsa City-County Library and periodicals ("Christian Century," "Christopher Street"). One of the most sensitive topics facing This book also includes examples of gays,lesbians andbisexualsinour society Services for the gay positive church, which is how religion deals with sexual can be adapted to local Situations. These orientation.Theconstant,negativerhetoric that comes from some powerful leaders include Communion Services, Services of Healing for Those Affected by AIDS has led many gay people to dismiss and Services of Union for organized religion, partihomosexual couples. The cularly Christianity. HomoOne o[ the most sexuality and Christianity final part of "The Welsensitive topics coming Congregation"is an are sometimes assumed to elaborate bibliography bemuttmlly exclusive. "The faeln~ Gays, Welcoming Congregation" which has over 70 entries of Leslalans and addresses this and other books, films, sermons and Bisexuals in our periodicals of interest. pertinent issues with a soeiety is laow structure of guidelines for This bookis notjustfor organized churches. It will congregations attempting to religion deals include gay persons in their also be helpfnl for people, with sexual of any sexual orientation, churches, orientation. The who are searching for just Although published by the right spot to fulfill their the Unitarian Universalist constant, ne~atlve commitment of faith. It Association, ~airdy for use rlaetorie that includes many examiin UU churches, these comes,,,fr°m some nations of biblical passages guidelines can be used by that are often used to deny any group or denomination, powerlul leaders homosex,aals equality, and Beginning with suggestions laas led many how thosepassages are often for determining where your Gay people toused out--of context and congregation stands On the topic of sexual orientation, dismiss or~anlzed ultimately contradict other passages. As a result, this is this guide continues with ten religion .... good information to draw detailed workshops to help understand the unique on when a biblical debate problems and concerns of homosexuals, on sexual orientation arises. This:pra~tical"guide; While not foi:"use Workshop topics include "Gender Socialization and Homophobia," "Biblical in every religious situation, is a thought provoking attempt to create a positive Perspectives on Homosexuality" and religious environment for homosexuals. "How Homophobia Hurts Heterosexuals." It is a welcome resource. Each workshop explanation includes what Check for "The Wel coming materials will be needed, how to structure Congregation" in the Readers Services the workshop, how much time each part department on the 2nd floor of Central of the workshop should take and what Library, or call 596-7966. readings participants need to read. The READ ALL ABOUT IT | J O,fi,,~er recent library additions of interest include: J [ *, The Unofficial Gay Manual," by Kevin Dilallo and Jack Krumholtz * ’Bxsexuaht e e "e ted a e II- ,, " ’y:AR aderandSourc book, di byT,,h,om sG ller I’ ** ,,?IDS andthe HIV Progr,,a~,s Services for Libraries,’ by W. Bernard Lukenbill Breaking Surface,’ byand Greg Louganis I I Ask a bookseller about corporate and teacher’s discounts in addition to our other discount prices!! % Current NY Times Hardcover Bestsellers . - % off Current NY Times Papbrback Bestsellers All Hardcover Books* *except Bargain Books �FAMILY FI.NANCES THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE INSURANCE by Leanne Gross The question I am asked most often is "why do I, a single person with no children need. life insurance?" Our community has a vital need for life insurance !! 1. Even if we put both parties’ names on property and/or assets, the partner left behind will have to pay taxes on the half of the property or assets she inherits. Ask your lawyer. You will be surprised. Life insurance proceeds are tax free. If .you do nothing else, buy enough life insurance to cover taxes and fees so your partner can keep what you have both worked so hard to acquire. .2. A life insurance beneficiary has the greatest chance of receiving the ~roceeds than any other option on the market. There are a few legal cases where the family contested; however, the judge usually tries you will build up equity within your policy. to honor the wishes of the deceased, The cash value will be available to you or especially if there arejointassets involved. Notei The owner of a life policy can". , ,.y~u can~use one of the many options such a~’ a) paid-up additional lille coverage b) change the beneficiary by simply signing stop-payments and let the policy pay for a form. So, should the relationship not itself c) use the cash for personal use endure the bumpy road, a life policy through a draw and/or loan. beneficiary can always be changed. Note: When you use the cash in a policy, A life insurance p~licy is the best and this act will affect the value of your policy simplest way to assure your wishes are (the amount your beneficiary would carried out and your partner will be cared receive). forwhen you are gone.What a wonderful Why would anyone purchase a cash honor to present to your mate. What value plan? wonderful peace of mind for you. 1. The cash build up.in the policy is a 3. Because Of the AIDS threat, a life wonderful feature for the living. If cash is insurance policy could be the answer to a needed, it is available for the asking. No stable financial lifestyle. Today, if one loan applications. No begging, at the bank. contracts an incurable disease, there are 2. Cash value policies are level avenues to sell your policy or cashin your premiums. A very important feature. No policy to maintain your present lifestyle. Life insurance is designed for the living as .surprise.s. Term poli~ies are available with mcreasmg or decreasing premiums. well as the ones left behind. Increasing premiums continue to cost you There are too many misleading stories more and more with each year. Decreasing about life ~nsurance and the benefits premiums will decrease through time. available, so, on that note, let’s discuss the However, no more premiums means no facts about life coverage. more coverage. You may be in bad health No longer are there just two types of life or too old to replace your plan. Be careful! insurance policies available. Companies 3. The cash whic~ builds within the have discovered there is a need for a cash value plan.accumulates tax-deferred. var~.’ety of life coverage plans to fit the As your money earns additional cash .variety of lives. A person trained in life .through interest and ~v!dends paid by the insurance will be able to assist in selecting Insurance company, ~t ~s not taxed until the policy which best fits your needs. withdrawn. Therefore, aninsurance policy However, to understand the basics, I will can also help you to save for retirement or discuss term life insurance and cash value college. You can kill two birds with one life insurance. stone ....... Life Insurance and Retirement Term is like renting an apartment. Rent Plan for one premium. ¯ is cheaper. How.ever, you pay and pay, Don’t misunderstand me, life insurance never owning your own home, never should not be your only retirement plan or having an asset, never building your .savings avenue. You must first have the financial standingl insurance need (which we have discussed). A cash value life policy is like buying A cash value policy can just help with your home. A little more expensive, but retirement and/or savings, whereas a term policy doesn’t allow you any options other than life coverage. This leads to a cormnon debate: Buy Term and invest the difference. To make a long story short, in 10 to 15 years, a cash value policy will OU! perform buying Term and investing the difference, due mainly to tax advantages. Run the numbers for yourself, I have. I HRCF Launches Membership Drive WASHINGTON - Pointing out how dramatically far-right anti-gay organizations like the Christian Coalition have outstripped lesbian and gay rights groups, the Human Rights Caml~aign Fund (HRC.F) has announced that it is launching a massive membershi p drive during June at gay pride events in more than 100 cities in 47 states around the countr)i. With 100,000 members currently, HRCF nevertheless notes that the Christian Coalition has a claimed membership of 1.5 million people. "Thelargest right-wing group has 10 times as many members as the largest organizafi, on fighting for Gay and Lesbian equality,’ said Brian Albert, who is heading up the hundreds of volunteers who will be canvassing for new members during June. ’qlae more people who come out for equal rights and join HRCF, the better ,we’ll be able to fight the battles ahead. Membership rathe group is $20 per year. The group’s address is: Human Rights Campaign Fund, PO Box 1396, Washington DC 20013. HRCF will have a representative at the Tulsa Pride Picnic on Sunday, June 18 to provide information and the opportunity to become a member. 832.0233 ¯ ] 565 S. Sheridc~n, inside the Silver Stor S~loon ¯ ! 0pro - ] am Thursdays & Sundoys ¯ ] 0pro - 2ore Fridays & Soturd0ys �FUSO orientation. R.F. Renfro, public relations officer.for FUSO, says that the organization seeks to promote unity, education, cultural awareness, with a specific goal "to build bridges where gaps exist and tear down the walls of bad communication thathavedivided us." Its mission statement adds that the organization seeks to be a progressive force within the African-American commumty. R.F. Renfro and Derrick Davis work with Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services (MTSAS). They do most of the Tulsa HIV/AIDS outreach that targets men of color of diverse sexual orientation. Davis also works with Morton Comprehesive Services as a case manager. Renfro expressed his frustration with the many obstacles to providing both preventative education and providing access to services for persons living with HIV or AIDS. These issues range from racism in Tulsa generally, and racism in Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay communities specifically, to. religiously based anti-Gay prejudice Ln the AfricanAmerican commtmity tO a lack of access to knowledge and resources regarding HIV/AIDS services and programs. Renfro quotes a friend, Ernestine Hill, formerly of the Oklaho.ma State Dept. of Health, as sayzng, "you have to meet people where they are." He elaborates that is the reason for avoiding labels like Gay or Bisexual which may be more accepted in the non-Black communities. In the AfricanAmerican community, especially among younger men, the attitude may be that they don’t consider themselves homosexual. A man having sex with another man might say to himself or to others, "I’m just freaking" or "I’m just getting off" while considering himself to be heterosexual. One particular difficulty in providing education and services in Tulsa’s African-American corn mtmity is the lack of privacy. With many members of the community working in health services in clinics or hospitals all over the city, it is often difficult to maintain confidentiality. This potential for exposure to loved ones, friends, family and church creates such fear in individuals that Renfro knew of a number of cases where individuals had avoided getting life-saving/enhancing treatment because of privacy concerns. Many of the fears relating to family and church are compounded by attitudes of the African-American church toward homosexuality. Renfro states that the,_c~rches,,seem quite willing tO:~’cc~ tithe~ from homosexual members and to accept their participation as long as the church doesnrt have to "know" about those members’ sexual orientation, or about HIV or AIDS. Renfro knows of cases It all boils down to respeetlng cultural dlfferenees, then finding common ground. where not only a person living with AIDS was forced to leave a church, along with his family. He also notes that a fdw congregations, in particular, Shiloh Baptist, have been very open in dealing with HIV/AIDS issues. Renfro, who was ordained in January at Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, has learned not to argue theology With ministers who say homosexuality is an abomination. He relies personally on a view that God knew him before he knew himself, and counts on God correcting anything which God finds displeasirig in him. In addition to current educational efforts, FUSO is seeking its Internal Revunue Service tax-exempt status so that it can expand its services. In the longer term, it hopes to have its own building on the north side of Tulsa where it can provide information, testing" and counseling, a food pantry and medical equipment. Presently, many of those services are available at the HIV Resource Consortium. However, its location is a problem and it can be an intimidating place because people of color don’t see volunteers or staff members who are of color or even posters or magazines featuring people of color, such as the "Protect the Blood" campaign which targets African-Americans. Right now, FUSO is setting up a support group for persons living with HIV/AIDS, and also hopes to host meetings where local speakers, such as JeffBeal, M.D., can speak about local clinical trials of experimental treatments and new drug therapies. Interestingly, Renfro finds that the AIDS epidemic has opened a door for Gay issues in the African-American community, as well as finding some common ground beyond real, cultural differences. The disease doesn’t care if you’re White, Black, Jewish, Catholic, Methodist, etc. Another part of FUSO is community building. An informal tradition of "families" or mentoring occurs. Renfro notes that it is.hard to be young, Black, male and Gay-. He adds it is hard enough to be accepted in the larger community (Tulsa), and even harder to deal with possible rejection in the AfricanAmerican community. One of the benefits to mentoring is that it gives older folks an opportunity to let the younger ones know that there is more to being Gay than j.ust sex, that there are models for love and relationships. Friends in Unity Social Organization also seeks to be a leader for African-Americans in the Lesbian/Gay communities. Renfro states other Lesbian and Gay organizations and their leadership should not assume they know the needs of AfricanAmericans, or presume to speak for them. He adds that they are willing to engage in discussion about their needs and broader community issues. He says that he is proud to be a Black man who loves Black men, that he is proud of his culture and will not compromise who he is. It all boils down to respecting cultural differences, then finding common ground. For more information about Friends in Unity Social Organization, write POB 8542, Tulsa, OK 74101 or call 4254905. ). otography J.D. Jamett 621-5597 Q Wlnitti o ooe 416 S Lew~s s Now serving Sunday breakfast, 7am-2pm ROOMMATE , tll ,e GF looking for roommate, Midtown Tulsa, 3/1.5/1 Central H&A, washer/dryer Cable, all utilities for $300 a month. Please only serious roo~nmate inquires, 646-3323. u Owners/Hosts: Maureen & Joyce ,. The Purple Iris Inn Accommodations Frank Green, Jr. Host 50 Wall Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 RR 6, Box 339 Eureka Springs. Arkansas 72632 501-253-8748 501/253-8281 OOOOO000000000000000000000000000 ¯ ¯ ¯ A UTHENTIC ITALIA N CUISINE FRESH RAINBOF/ ¯ TROUT ¯ ¯ Jerry A. Wilson (sol) 2s3-73~ ¯ 1-800-:231-1442 "O ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 0 0 of Eureka Springs Su an & James De (501) 253-6807 Closed ~/ednesday Owners 5 Center Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ , ^KINGS HI-WAY ¯ ¯ o ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ O ¯ ¯ ¯ 96 Kings H~,hway ¯ Hwy. 62 W. ¯ Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ ¯ OO000000000000000000000000000000 ¯ �Left to right: Al Reese, Larry Everett, Peter Schoonheim, Photo: Ron Volanti, Jr. Oklahoma’s Own Larry Everett Wins International Mr. Leather CHICAGO - Larry Everett of Collinsville was selected as International Mr. Leather 1995, outplacing over 50 other entrants in the 17th year 0f the popular leather contest. Everett, who is also Mr. Oklahoma Leather this year, represented Tulsa’s Silver Star Saloon and is the first Oklahoma resident to win the ritle. Larry, who is 34, is a member of Tool Box Technicians and an honorary member of Tulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers Associates. Larry is active in several community rights and HIV care organizations and has worked in local and state Republican politics. He has traveled over 6,000 miles representing the state of Oklahoma. The contest was held in Chicago’s Congress Theater.- In addition to prize winning leathermen from around the world (London, Amsterdam, Toronto, and the US), the cohtest featured entertainment by video star, Jeff Stryker, Mark Davis and Michael Griffith. Also, the 1st Intemarional Mr. Leather, David Kloss of San Francisco, who won in 1979, walked down the rtmway sixteen years later to thunderous applause. First runnerup was A1 Reese of San Diego & Peter Schoonheim of Amsterdam was 2nd rmmer-up. JUNE 25th Folllow us to OKC t?or The Gag Pride Parade JULY 1 st Invitational VolleybM1 Tournament And at 10:30 that evenfing~Var~etj¢ Show: Singers, Magicians, and Drag :Divas.~ 11229 So Memorial, .835050~g3 TULSA’S HUGE PATJ[© gAP N The first family of lesbian and gay travel guides proudly announces its newest addition! SALOON June 16 The first and only fulk~olor gay and lesbian accommodations guide.Features 450 pages of ephotographs, detailed descriptions, multiple .cross index, and much more. ~ Sid Spenser, lopm, $3 cover June 25 Sadie Brooks & the Ft. Smith Invasion July 13 ° DAMRON Miss Northeastern Oklahoma USofA Pageant MA!.L ORDER August 1~ The ultimate resource forgay and lesbian travelle~ around the world. ~ Miss Gay Oklahoma For-a free catalog call ~.~,~,~ USofA At-Large Pageant (800) 462~654 o Sundays or write: Damron Company PO Box 422458 San Francisco. CA 9414T2458 Show Nite at the Star with Fallon Scott ~ ¢:~ ~ ~ii::i:: ....~ 834"4234, 1565 S. Sheridan!iW_~Sun. 7-2am ~ ’!’:": :"~!!?-Y!’!!’!-e"-~!?-::":"-~5~?:":":":"?:":"57 !~!:":"-’-~~-" ~ !!?-’:":":":"??:!!?!’!’!’--"!:~:!:££-7:.:~::%2! :--"£-:£-"--":?!!!:!-::£-9"!!:!~:~. !,_-9 !-"! !’::__.._~ ~;~;:..:.’;~ ~ �Dallas Gay Comic to Appear Junei 23 ¯ at Concessions Paul J. Williams,"The B est Little Homo in Texas" will perform his nationally acclaimed stand-up comedy routine at Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria on Friday, June 23 at 10 pm. An openly Gay comic, Williams has appeared at a number of leading comedy dubs across the United States. Humor with a Southern flair, Texasbased comic Williams has a strong following for his hilarious views on growing up in the South. Formerly with the wildly successful comedy group, Less Miserable, Paul has created his own show of original characters and stand-up comedy entitled The Best Little Homo in Texas. Paul’s stand-up covers everything from his being a "creative" child in .a conservative Southern Baptist home to his experiences as a single, Gay white male. In between, Paul introduces you to several different characters who are based loosely on people he has known. Concessions, The Perspective and !nfemo Productions teamed up to bring Williams to Tulsa for Oldahoma Gay Pride Week. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) has been selected by the producers to receive $1 of each ticket sold as a donation to the TOHR fund to establish a Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Tickets are $5. Advance tickets are now on sale at ConcesSions Nightclub, Budget .Window Treatments,and Floral Design Studios and from TOHR Members. Tickets will also be on sale at the TOHR booth at Tulsa’s Pride Picnic, June 18. CANCER June 22-July 23 Your present partner isn’t really there " for you--probably because (s)he is going through a personal crisis and needs the help more .than you do. If you’re just beginning a relationship, hold back. There’s more baggage, than you need. LEO ARIES March 21-April 20 If there are sensitive topics you’ve been avoiding, now is the time to speak your mind. Family relationships are particnlarly positive. Stand up for yourself on big issues. Keep the peace flowing by letting the little stuff go by. TAURUS April 20-May 21 You’ re full of energy and, though you’ re w orking hard now, you are being rewarded for it too. People around you support your efforts. !f you have been thinking about taking a gamble, now is the time to begin your venture. GEMINI May 21-June 22 You’ll have more money coming in than usual this month, and cash flows out just as fast. Partners can be a financial drain. Help out; just don’t go overboard with your generosity. Yes, your lover really does understand you! Don’t fear the commitment. July 23-August 23 You’ve had some setbacks recently. Though that phase is over, it’s lime to look at the consequences of your actions and make sense of it all. Don’t beat yourself up; just decide where you to go from here. VIRGO August 23-September 23 You may be tempted to end a long standing relationship, but it’s better to talk it out. Your serious partnerships are trying to shift to a new level; don’t chicken out because it seems like too much work. LIBRA ~1 ou September can make 23-October great strides23in your career; but the gratification doesn’t come fast enough. It may seem like you’re just plodding along, but. the nose to the grindstone approach is exactly what will bring you to success. SCORPIO October. 23-November 23 A project you completed some time ago finally pays off--just when you had almost given up hope. Spend some of the coming, coming, coming vicious, vicious, vicious vicious, vicious;, vicious vicious, vicious, vicious s~n, soon, soon Thum,, June 22 $5 Cover Male & Female Contestants Sun,, June 25 $2 Cover S~cial Guest. Mr, Tony Sinclair urs.Sun 9.2 v3340S, Peoria Tulsa v 918.744.0896. money on a vacation to a romantic locale, preferably with a lover who shares your exotic fantasies. SAGI’I-rARIUS Nov. 23-Dec. 22 Existing relationships heat up and your parmer’s good financial fortune rubs off on you.A new relationship can start now, mostly based on physical magnetism. Have fun, as long as you don’t let your hormones talk. you into anything permanent. CAPRICORN Dec. 22-January 21 The month begins with fatigue for you; let yourself slack off a bit. You’ll get lots of support when you express your needs and your love for others verbally. By midmonth, you’ll be highly energetic and motivated by the success of a new venture. AQUARIUS Jan. 21-February 20 It is critical that you maintain a positive attitude. You’ve taken a lot of chances lately but keep the faith, and you’ll prevail. Use your dreams to solve the problems your eonseious mind can’t seem to answer. PISCES February 20-March 21 . You have been looking at a friend through rose-colored glasses and they’re not as reliable as you hoped~ Let’s face it, you’ve been had. Though you’re not usually the assertive type, it’s time to quit playing doormat and stand up for yourself. �Oklahoma City BI "IV: Carolyn, subm bi TV iso BM who is well built, wardrobe I know you’ll love, 6’2. like to dance, and have lots of fun- ~15186 Tulsa LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS: Brian, int in athl music wttfiting movies staying home and pass long term relationships- ~26107 Norman SINCERE FRIENDSHIP: Richard, GWM 50 y/o p~nl Ikg4 someone 25-35 for sincere frndshp and psbly more. ~41552 THAT PHONE! Tulsa LOOKING FOR FRIENDS: Steve, GWM 30 y/o into travel, movies, quite eve’s at home, Ikg4 frnds to hang out with. ~41606 HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: ! ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 To record your FREE Tulsa ’Family Personal ad Call: t-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3)To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call:the 900 number & Press the star key (,) Due ~o our large volume of cal ~, if you can’t get thru, s mp y try your call lateK 900 blockedg. TW 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 LOOKING TO,MEET: David, 33, like to have a goodtime Ikg to meet Other men, if ur interested give me a call~41380 Stillwater FOOTBALL AND SOCCER: Mike, 26, like to play .football soccer, like to work out likes to have a good time young pref, ra~:e not an issue, if u like give me a call- "e41488 Tulsa BI WM: Michael, 25, WM bi marrie~.. 6’2 210 iso clean daytime fun, Ikg for male friends 20-35, no heavies plsIv a message- ~41433 J Fayettville FUN AND FRIENDSHIP: David, 35 y/o GWM tall, slndr, cute, shy top Ikg4 petite for frndshp and more! ~41544 MANFINDER SALUTESI GAY PRIDE MONTH Wichita ENJOY LIFE WITH: Larry, 40 y/o generous, p~nl Ikg4 young man 1820 to enjoy life with. I enjoy travel and financial frdm. call me! ~3329 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it short and sin~ple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. Tulsa TWO-STEPPER: Craig, hiv+ attr bm/bm 1891bs into movies, dancing 2step, swmng, bkng, Ikg4 attr. masc non smoking btm for romance and psble LTR e41608 looking for someone no games, like to go out and have fun but not really into the bar scene- ~38923 Oklahoma City SHE MALES: Tracy, int in meeting TV’s She Males, in the area give me a call- bye! ~39139 OK TONY 24 6 215 bm/brn, mustache, goatee bind hair, hairy, love 3 stoogeslooking for a father figure, Marlboro man, very romantic, Iv a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, hoping Mr. Right Ikg for monog rel only- ~39172 Oklahoma City BOB, like to have . fun, 47, looking for 18-50, give mea ca11~39484 Tulsa LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP: Ray, 24 y/a 6’1 Oklahoma City CAMPING AND COMPUTERS: Robert 28 BIWM married looking for someone int in a discreet rel, if thafs you Iv a message-int are camping, computers, really int in hearing from youe39721 Mcallister LASTING RELATIONSHIP: Gene, WM, 50, 190~ blu/blnd, intin a lasting rel, down to earlh, not into bars, like video photography camping fishing and quiet eves at home gardening, just rel~ing and enjoying each other- u be 30-50- ~39758 Oklahoma .City LOOKINGFOR A FRIEND: 35, looking for pass ml, friends, ¯ and.-j0~i"be hor~est, will reply to ablk/gm reed bu d attr- Thanks! ~37313 Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR A Mark ooking for someone to ~a~a rel with, 24, give me a Re.Write Summer, What better way to speod~vour " Summer than (vith s’O.m~6~e i ~pecial? Personal ads. like these,-are orie of, the most effeGive and aEordable ways to meet new people, Place Your FREE~’No’~ ’ ,~d get ready toin~oduce.yourself-~ -to a whole new summ~ ~i~ ,,. ’i- ,,~- ;.,, . :~ ,~ ...... Tulsa PARTY BOY: ~BM 313~ ~qsc bUild, seeks masc men, 25:-~0"~!~r~pf~ party boy, likes to porty~ .~,,.3~2~ i~ iii. ,:.~_.",~ Tulsa NEW TO AI~A: 3:4,~_~ to meet new guys~ new to the a.reo;.,fo~,friendship, 5’ I0. bmibrn, ~38~ :6.9.. ~ ~.~/~,.~;,~,~.~ - 2,621bs new to scene, into sports, " I m hoping to meet Someone for LTR rLOV~R~ . ~41724 call- thanks- ~37392 Tulsa BODY BUILDER: Jim, Im a body builder wm 5’11 1701bslkg4 wm 25-45 in gd shp for rltnshp ~41830 .Bay PEN PAL:,~icki, 29, int in males;i:18-30, 61 150;. nt n any build; professional guy writing to me -write asap~37660 bm/.blu grn,.m~ ~v~.me,a ca I-~38255 Tulsa FISHING AND OUTDOORS: Steve, 5’6 1551bs bm/hzl I’m an artist, into fshng, outdoors,travel Ikg2 meet guys wilh ~a Wide varietyof intrst ~-call me!- ~’ ....... ~41841 Tulsa FUZZY CUDDLER: looking for a fuzzy cuddler, WGM 36 bin/ blu 155 v~rs (+) hlthy attr, iso fun with another pos attitude person,if -~this sounds good Iva message- ~ ~37586 Tulsa PROFESSIONAL~GWM*3OW3 180, brn/brn, iso guys: b~tween 2] :30 for Fusta DINING AND MOVIES: Mike, 40, brn/brn, gdlkg, int are diningout movies fishing, Ikg for guys between 18- 25, tp Ikg for well end’d guys give me a call- E. Tulsa GWM 19, 5"10,140, dk blnd/grn; iso young cln cut companion, 18-26- ~37612 friendship pass rel, a~, like outdoors, mowes reading and dining Cur if ur .~ intereosted c lye me a call- ~38358 Oklahoma City ANDRE 20 looking br a gay man, in the area, give me a ca11~38049 drinker/smoker =402 Tulsa FRIEND AND COMPANION: Robert, GBM, 26, Ikg for GM to be my friend and companion- ~38530 OK DISCREET FUN: John, 6’, 172 bm/brn, Ikg for married guys who are looking for discreet fun, give me a ca11~39557 Oklahoma City DANNY, 22, 6’2, blk/brn, looking for GWM 20-30, for friendship pass rel if ur interests, like swimming going out having fun- give me a call- ~38627 Tulsa LIKE TO MEET: Mike, 35, 6’1, bm/brn 195, like to meet talk to people, if ur int, like to have fun and a good time, give me a call- ~39587 Oklahoma City DAVID 27, stable, secure, looking for a basic honest guy interested in a rel- e38757 Tulsa BRIAN 21, GWM, 6"i, 220, like romance, vers, Ikg for long term monde rel, someone to start one with, iso prof~l GWM open minded, ages 20-40, Ikg for someone who likes to have a good Oklahoma City OUTDOOR LOVER: Greg 25, GWM iso fun and love outdoors, 6’3, professional, give me a call, ..~’~::.~" ~ time, would have intell conversation~39693 Oklahoma City WANNA DATE? Lance looking for someone in the area 28 145 sandy bind blu, med build, iso someone between 18-30 nice looking like to go out to movies, g0 do something, or stay here and watch movies, give me a call- e37738 Oklahoma City FRIENDS AND FUN: WM, 40s Mas~: iso str acting guys with slim musc builds for friendship fun, ~37776 AR FONE FUN : Kenny int in meeting other guys, and doing interesting things and lone fun, g~ve me a ca11~37906 Tulsa POSSIBLE LOVER: Alan, 6’2 175, dk brn/blu hairy defined build, looking to get together for good times, pass relationship- ~37945 , . N. U~e R~k NIKIN~ Cliff brn/~, around, camping hiking, i~ a g~ ~ have ~n or kiendship- ~38463 Oklahoma City DISCREET FUN: 36 Brn grey hair 170 6’1 good shape like to meet 18-30 for discreet fun, give me a call- inexp a pluswanna have some~n, call me~37691 ~40122 NW Oklahoma COWBOY HORSE BREEDER: GWM, 40s, nw part of OK,, iso GWM W/ cattle/horse experience, happy in levis as well as tuxedo, iso str acting, facial hair, alotOf hair a plus, if ur interested in a gd life eve me a call, non pri~a~ ai,~t ~,;~e .~ 8~2~’ ~t. 8 g 1-900-740-GUYS I~-, $1 ~ ~ 41~-~1-~ : �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart June 15 -July 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 7 FRIENDS IN UNITY AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN OF DIVERSE SEXUAL ORIENTATION by Tom Neal In the African-American community, there are men who have sex with othermenbut who do not see themselves as Gay or Bisexual. These men may never be reached by messages target Gay & Bi men about safer sex and HIV/AIDS. Reaching these men is part of the mission of Friends in Unity Social Organization (FUSO), a three year old community based organization (CBO) that is run by and for African-American men of diverse sexual See FUSO, page 16 British Court Rejects Military Ban Challenge LONDON - Britain’s High Court has reluctantly thrown out a bid to allow homosexuals to serve in the armed forces. The court rejected a legal challenge by four service members dismissed for being gay. However, the judge said the Bfiti.shpol icy probably wotfldn’t survive much longer because it was "against the fide of history." Jeanette Smith, Graeme Grady, JohnBeckett and Duncan Lustig-Prean challenged the Defense Ministry in the High Court, but lost the appeal - although not without moral support from the court. Lord Justice Simon Brown said he was refusing the application with "hesitation and with regret" but he said that the decision on the future of the policy must lie with others, specifically with the government and with Parliament. After the court ruling, the four discharged service members and their supporters held a press conference where spokeswoman Angela Mason said they were considering an appeal of the twojudge High Court ruling. The imnistry saidit was satisfied with the ruling. Defense Ministry spokeswoman Ailsa McIntyre said at a press conference following the court ruling, "We See British, page ]2 IN REMEMBRANCE: MARK VICKERS HIV/AIDS ACTIVIST Rec~auy Tulsa lost one of its most passionate activists to complications of AIDS. Mark Vickers, who had only recently turned 38, left Tulsa and his world a better place. Mark was best known for his work as an HIV/AIDS activist. According to one of his friends, the Rev. Leslie Penrose, Mark became involved in HIV/AIDS issues in the middle 80’s. Mark was involved in the formation of the HIV Resource Cousorfitwn even "before it had that name. seepage 6 Canadian Court OKs Same-Sex Adoptions TORONTO - An Ontario Court has cleared the way for four lesbian couples to adopt children, in what may be a landmark decision in the country. "There is a huge emotional advantage to a child to be adopted and not to just be in thejoint custody, but to have two people that they know for absolutely sure are their parents and will always be their parents no matter what," said Miriam Kanfman. Kaufman is the biological mother of 2 children, Jacob and Abiva, but her partner Roberta Benson of Toronto had no legal fight to adopt the youngsters before Judge James Paul Nevins of the Ontario Court’ s provincial division, declared adoption limited to opposite-sex couples was discriminatory. The judge issued adoption orders for all the couples in the case. Four lesbian couples won similar adoption rights in the case. All four cases involved couples in which one of the women was the biolo~cal parent of the children. It remains unclear how the court ruling might affect gay and lesbian couples trying to adopt when that’s not the case. Brenda Cossman, a family-law professor at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School, said the ruling becomes powerful ammmfition See Canada, pare 12 .TULSA FAMILY NEWS COMMUNITY AWARDS See Awards, page 3 EDITORIAL/LETTERS, PAGE 2 DIRECTORY, PAGE 2 NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 4 HEALTH BRIEFS, PAGE 6 TOHR REPORTER, PAGE 10 EVENTS CALENDAR, PAGE 11 FINANCIAL ADVICE, PAGE12 YOUR HOROSCOPE, PAGE 18 PRIDE PI.CNIC OKC PARADE TOHR FOLLIES Pride Logo by Kelly Vandiver Lesbian/Gay Pride Celebrations kick off officially in Tulsa with the annual Pride PiCnic held at Mohawk Park Pavilion no. 6. The picnic begins at noon. The organizers of this year’s picnic have designated the Gay & Lesbian Commumty Center as the beneficiary of any funds raised. As in-the past, beverages are free and there is no admission fee except a $1 per car charged by the park at the p~k entrance. Organizers are requesting a $2 TULSA ACTIVISTS ATTEND DALLAS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Over the Memorial Day weekend, several Tulsa activists journeyed to Dallas to brush.up on leadership skills at the 2nd Leadership Lambda Conference held at the Anatole Hotel. Tulsa Oklahomans ’for Human Rights (TOHR) president, Tim Gillean, Bud Wharton, co-chair of the Rainbow Business Guild. businessman Rick Phillips and Tom Neat, Tulsa Family News publisher attended a variety of workshops, ranging from the nuts & bolts of political campaign organizing to time management, and fundraising. The keynote speaker was former debutant, former CBS news producer and ACT-UP Lesbian activist, Ama Northrop. Other nationally known work~ shop leaders were Evan Wolfson, a top attorney withLambdaLegal Defense and Education Fund. Dallas board member of the Human Rights Campaign Fun (HRCF) Lori Masters and others representing Dallas organidonation for food which after zationsandWashingtOnoneslike PERSONALS, PAGE 19 ~seet~a~e 6 , ’~ the Gay &Lesbian Victory Fund. Administration Won’t Enter Amend, 2 Case WASHINGTON - The Clinton Administration has declined to join in an important Supreme Court case that is expected determine whether states can prohibit local legislation protecting lesbians and gay men against discrimination. U.S. Attorney General Janet Rent said the administration has decided not to participate in the Supreme Court case involving Colorado’s Amendment 2 because the federal government is not ~ party to the law in question. Voters in Colorado narrowly approved the ballot measure whichwas subsequently declared unconstitntional by the state’s Supreme Court. The measure passed by popular vote in 1992 specifically bans laws that prohibit discrimination against gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals. "There was nofederal program orfederal statute involved,"Reno said, "and so we determined thal at this point the federal government should not participate.’" Amendment 2, which has spawned a handful of similar state and local measures prohibiting gay rights protections around the country, would ban all Colorado and local la~vs or regulations that protec~ See Colorado. page 13 Anti-Gay Court Ruling in Cincinnati’s Measure CINCINNATI-Cincilmafi’ s onagain, off-again anti -gay measure is now back in place following a federal appeals court ruling. The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a lower court erred when it overturned a measure that city voters approved in 1993 which excludes sexual orientation as a basis for civil rights protecnons. Last year a U.S. District Court declared the referendum unconstitutional because it attempts to deny civil liberties of an identifiable group of people. The appeals court ruling, however, said homosexuals are "an unidentifiable group or class of individuals whose identity is defined by subjective and unapparent characteristics such "as innate desires, drives and thoughts.’" Gay rights advocates were stamaed by the ruling and said they would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is already slated to hear a similar case resulting from Colorado’s Amendment 2. Rhode Island OKs Anti-Bias Law PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Rhode Island has become the ninth state in the country to approve legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation when the state Senate, after 11 years of trying, narrowly approved the measure on a 2~- 21 vote. The "bill, which has already been approved by the state House of Representatives, now goes to Gov. Lincoln Almond, a Republican, who has already indicated he would sign the measure into law. The bill bars discrimination in the s tate in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit. Religious organizations are exempt from the state law. Opponents of the civil rights bill attempted without luck to add a series of amendments, including one that would have forced the issue to a state ballot vote and another that would have specifically excluded the Boy Scouts of America. Photos Inside: i Follies Revue& Family of Faith National Conf. ~i~rter~" Delegates, ¯ seepage 12 918-832-0233 PUB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol~E0m Publisher/Editor Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the’:.~nti*r~:~onten’ts of Tom Neal this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by Tulsa Family Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writers/contributors phi0 does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Kharma Amos U0rrespondence is assumed to be for publication unless other- Laurie Cooper wise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Maureen Curtin Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address Staff Photographer above. Each reader is entitled to on%free copy of each edition at JD Jamett distribution locations. Additional copies are available atTomfoolery! This for Tuls~:~~am~)!y News: But this uncharaE~ri~ti~iz bre~iity doesn’t mean thatit!’s~not .heartfelt or true. T~il ~a’~ :’Lesbian/Gay/Bi/ Transgendered Folks, Family & Friends are!~r.~tty..remarkable and wondel~t~~2’)~U-i 7:"/ " ¯ Whii~"~{~~h~nly perfect, we have much about which to be VIEL- . r sOlq = BP gE-HET rnen~ ~tasc_alinitj~ depends on IlleR three;- we, ~ lis folks w:hose hard Work and dedication we’ve seen andwantyoU all to know abotit) They’ve accomplished. much and there’s more being planned.of which -to be proud. Tulsa’s.a great town,that’s jus.t going tO get bett~r with each of us helping. - Tom Neal, editor OOPS! Tulsa~Family News made a mistake-in ourMay issue, v.2 #6. We announced the date of the Oklahoma City Pride Parade as Saturday, June 24. It is ac.tgally Sunday, June 25. We regret this and hope you, our readers, were not inconvenienced. . Tulsa Fatnily News wouldlike to assure our readers that the inclusion of the announcement of a Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Civic Affairs committee meetingat the, end of the editorial, Civil Rights for Tulsa Lesbians & Gay Men. Who Decides What’s Best for Us? in no way represented the views of TOHR nor should readers infer that the commi ttee shared our editorial opinion. While Tulsa Family News hoped we had made this distinction clear by identifying the columnas the editor’s opxmon and by a disclaimer at the end of the column, we regret, that some folks may have perceived it otherwise. Although I rarely agree with vour opinions, I must applaud your recent editorial regarding "Civil Rights for Tulsa Lesbians & Gay Men: Who Decides What’s Best for Us?". Until the Human Rights Commission’s hearings last year, I was not politically involved at all. However, when I learned that my rights and the rights of my family were being talked about, I felt it my obligation to become involved. I find it hard to believe that I was the only person who got involved and worked up about the Gay Rights issue only to be left out of the decision making. To those of us who are not in the know, or who don’t run in the circles of people that are privileged enough to hear about what is going on behind the scenes, it seems as if the ball has been dropped. While I am sure that the same people who have always been fighting for Gay rights are still doing their part and doing it to the best of their ability, their failure to inform the commtmity at large and ask for more involvement does not promote involvement from those who have not been previously involved. In fact, when people like me who are interested in doing their part can’t even seem to find out what is happening, who to talk to etc., it nearly promotes political apathy. I understand that experience and tact are useful characteristics in people who are trying to change things in the face of the difficulty that comes from politics. But, I believe that each and every person in our community has useful skills and life experiences that will aid our fight against discrimination. Not necessarily do I want to be the person sitting and chatting with the Mayor, but I do feel like a meaningful discussion between the entire Gay/Lesbian community of Tulsa and the people who are leading the struggle would benefit everyone. Thank you for brining this issue out of the closet. It is my hope that this will indeed strike up a dialogue. We’ve given the Mayor and the City Council plenty of time with which to ponder the Human Rights Commission’s recommendations. Now, it’s time we talk about what to do next. Debbie Harding, Tulsa Tulsa Family News has not provided subscripuons directly prior to this issue. We have encouraged folks who wouldlike to receive Tulsa Family News by mail to join Tulsa Oklahomans for HumanRights.(TOHR). This has been our way of supporting TOHR since a membership in TOHR entitles the member to a monthly delivery of this paper. Recently, we have a complaint aboutnotreceiving Tulsa Family News quickly enough by mail. Wemust direct those complaints toTOHR. While stafffrom Tulsa Family News do help as volunteers with the TOHR mailing, the organization controls the timing. Messages for TOHR president, Tim Gillean, may be left at743-4297. Tulsa Family News has also received several complaints from individuals who would like to receive Tulsa Family News but who do not care to support TOHR. For those who would prefer to receive discreet home delivery directly from Tulsa Family News (mailed within 3 days of our publication date), please send $15 for a 12 month subscription, $8 for 6 months. Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S. Memorial *Barraccuda’s Wild Nights/Douna’s Crazy Days 2405 E. Admiral *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th *Metropole, 1902 E. 11 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades, 1649 S. Main *TNT’s, 2114 S, Memorial *Time n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Whittier Cafe, 416 S. Lewis *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 835-5083 582-4340 744-0896 749-1563 587-8811 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-2400 585-3134 . .Tulsa Businesses,.Services, & Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 Kelly Kirby, CPA, PUB 14011, 74159 747-5466 *Mohawk Pride Center, 3910 Park Rd. 425-1354 Jonathan & Dee Nicholas, Realtors 749-3000, 800-539-7767 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Blue Moon Bakery 492-4918 BroOkside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743~5272 Budget Window Treatments; 7116 S0~ Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 Certified Moble Auto Repair 438:3393, pager: 591-0597 *Columbia Place, 1519 E. 15 587-5803 Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 " 592-1521 *Devena’ s GalleryTor Photography, 13 E: Brady 587-2611 ~Elite Book~ & Videos, 821S. Sheridan 838-8503 *Heirloom Designs, 2814 E. 15 742-5665 *Imagination.s, Lincoln Plaza, 15th &Peoria 584~4606 International Tours. . .341-6866 Ken’s Flo~vers,’I635 E. 15 599-8070 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587-8108 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 Mortgages by Design ...... 342~4252: Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston 587-8333. Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’ s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan 832-0233 Westcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza 583-1500 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B~E. 11 628-0594 B/L/G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Community of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 838-7232 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 Friends In Unit3’, Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, PUB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74128 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild 254-2100 Rainbow Village, PUB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 Save the Nation, Indian Health Care 584-4983 Shanti Hotline 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans forHuman Rights, (TOHR) PUB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa *Chelsea’s Comer Cafe, 10 Mountain St. 501-253-7457 DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. 501-253-5~45 *King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W 800-231-1+42 *Purple Iris Irm, Route 6, Box 339 501-253-8748 *The Woods, 50 Wall S t. 501-253-8281 *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th 405-525-2437 *Triangle Association, 2136 NW 39th 405-843-8378 Tulsa Family News Pride Awards The editors of Tulsa Family News encounter many, many folks in the course of covering news in and about the Lesbian/Gay/Bi communities. To commemorate Tulsa Pride, Tulsa Family News would like to recognize a number of folks’and businesses with our "Thumbs Up" and "Thumbs Down" awards. This list is not comprehensive of all the folks doing good (or bad) deeds in Tulsa. If there are folks whom you think should be recognized next year, please write us with their names and good/bad deeds. Thank you. Thumbs Up Award: Ric & Kelly Kirby - Service to community - TOHR & HIV AdvOcacy Nancy & Joe McDonald - Service to community - PFLAG Lisa Pottorf - Lesbian/Gay/Bi,Youth Outreach Kharma Amos - Service to community - Family of Faith MCC Derrick Davis & RF Renfro - Service to community - FUSO - -- Dennis Nei,lt, BiltHinkle .&-Barbara Longwirth - Service to community - Human Rights Commission Alice Jones - Eongtime Service to community - MCC Greater Tulsa Brian Jackson - Service to community - HI3/advocacy Janice Nicklas - Service to community - HIV advocacy Phil Wiley & Vernon Jones - Service to community - HIV advocacy & more Alice Wilder Bates - Service to community - A .Friend for A Friend Marty Newman.- Service to community - Black & White & more The Tulsa Worm for its improved coverage of Lesbian & Gay issues. Tulsa Congressman Steve Largent - for a historic 1 st meeting with his Gay & Lesbian constituents. Thumbs Down Award: Java Dave’s & Dave Neighbors - for responding to bias against Lesbian/Gay patrons by trying to get rid of Lesbian/Gay and other "alternative" patrons and for censoring community newspapers. City Councilor John Benjamin - for promoting prejudice and for a general disregard for human rights in Tulsa The Martin ,Luther King Jr. Commemorative Society - for failing to apologize for’the anti-Gay comments of their speaker at the King ceremonies. Thursday. June 29 7:00- 9:00 p.m. Downtown Library Room next to Aaronson Auditorium Senators Don Nickles & James Inhofe - This meeting is called b,y concerned. Gay/Lesbian citizens. This is a meeting to facilitate communication between every existing Gay & Lesbian Group in Tulsa. - for refusing to meet with their Lesbian & Gay constituents. lfyou are livin-o in Tulsa and are parr of the Gay. /Lesbian communi~ the ~ulsa World for its anti-Gay advertising policies. YOU NEED TO BE AT THIS ;V~EETI.N(;. li= ii-1/-,!3 ,/) II lil July l)pens June I~, I (~am-I Opnn, June ~/4-,_-11), I~am-midni~ht, I-4, ~am.midni~ht, July ~, I(~am-~pm News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Gramm Woos Religious Right With Military Issue LYNCHBURG, Va. - Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas) told the graduating .class at Jerry Fal well’ s Liberty University that hc would support overturning the "don’ t ask, don’ t tell" policy of allowing gays and lesbians in the armed forces in an apparent effort by the GOP presidential hopeful to shore up support among the religious right wing of the party. ’~Let’ s overturn Bill Clinton’s destructive and unworkable policy on gays-in the military," Gramm told the Liberty University commencement audience, although he did not specify what policy he supported. The current policy, however, was a compromise reached between Clinton and Senate conservatives-includingGramm - after Clinton said he wanted to end the ban on homosexuality in the country’ s military altogether. Grmnm also said he supports prayer in public schools, restrictions on abortions, and rejection of a UN treaty on children" s rights because it does not define a fetus as a child Phil Gramm’s Blue Movie Investment? WASHINGTON - Sen -Phil Grmmn. who als0"Said at Liberty University that .the country is facing a "moral’crisis," has de~fied investing money 20 years ago in a soft-pore film entitled "’Truck Stop Women." Gramm’ s former brother-in-law, George Caton, told the New Republic that Gramm had invested money in the fihn in 1974. Caton also said the film was never made mad that he offered to return Gramm" s money to him, but ttmt the Texas conservative had i nstead insisted that it be invested in a film making fun of former President Richard Nixon. Gramm denied investing either in the porn film or knowing anything about an anti-Nixon picture. ’Homos’ in the Military WASHINGTON - Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningharn (R-San Diego) turned the sometimes acrimonious House of Representatives floor debates into a particularly nasty affair Thursday, May 11, by saying that the people who back an environmental bill before Congress are the same people who "want to put homos in the military." "Is there any shocking doubt?" Cunningham said on the House floor. "The same.people that would vote to cut defense $177 billion, the same ones that would put homos in the military, the same ones that would not fund..." At this point Rep. Patricia Schroeder, a Democrat from Colorado, tried to object by calling "Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chairman" several times. But Cunninghamcuther offabruptly, saying, "No I will not sit down, socialist." Rep. Barney Frank(DMass.) said on the House floor, "Trying to prove anything to the Member from California goes beyond the pale of my oath [of office], and I won’ t try. I will say that we are not here talking about the merits .of that issue [gays in the military]. We are talking about the gratuitously bigoted formulation of it by which it was injected into this debate.’" Later Cunningham showed up at a press conference called by the Human Rights Campmgn Fund and was invited by Elizabeth Birch, HRCF’s executive director, to apologize for his remarks. Cunningham said, "If the term ’homos in the military’ is offensive, I apologize." He insisted, however, that he has not changed his mind about opposing gays and lesbians in the armed forces. General Motors Puts Ads in Gay Magazine DETROIT-General Motors has become the 1st of the country’s "Big Three" automakers to advertise in the gay press in the U.S. The May issue of Out magazine includes a 2-page ad ffr GM’s Saturn auto. It is the . same ad layout GM currently uses in otherpublications around the country. A spokesperson for the automaker said the advertising decision was based simply on "another opportunity to ~each a group within our market - that is, people wh~ would Wobably purchase an import." British Police Force Begins Gay Recruiting BRIGHTON, England - The pofice in the British south-coast county of East Sussex have made history in the United Kingdom by becoming the first constabulary in .the country to solicit gays and lesbians to join its force. Sussex police have put ads in Brilain’ s gay Pink Paper inviting gays and lesbians to apply for some 350 vacancies currently openin the force. Wlfile Britain’ s military forces exclude homosexuals, the country’s police services have no such prohibition. But the Sussex police are the first in British history to actively recruit gays and lesbians as officers. Mark Lamb, head ofpersonnel with the Sussex police Said, "Society is coming around to the idea that the sexuality of an individual is no big deal and we share that view." East Sussex includes several popularvacation spots, such as Beachy Head, Rye and Brighton, which has a large and politically active community. The move by the Sussex police followed a meeting between John Smith, head of the Brighton Police, and gay and lesbian activists. Buddhists to Perform Same-Sex Weddings LOS ANGELES - The World Tribune,. the newspaper of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist Association, has reported that the religious group will now perform wedding services for same-sex couples, the same as it now does for opposite-sex couples. The newspaper quoted Fred Zaitsu, SGI’s general director, who said the change reflected the Buddhist "spirit of nondiscrimination and equality." Soka Gakkai International is the largest Buddhist religious group in the United States. Dyke March in New York NEW YORK - New York’s Lesbian Avengers is planning another Dyke March, slated as part of this year’s New York Gay Pride events on Saturday, June 24. Last year’ s International Dyke March drew some 20,000 women. The theme of this year’ s march is "Snatch the Power." County Revokes Human Rights Protections. TAMPA, Fla. - The Hillsborougia County Commission has decided on a 4-3 vote to repeal the "sexual orientation" section of the county’s human rights ordinance. Activists had expected the repeal move after 2 new conservative members were elected to the commission in last year’ s elections. Rights activists said they would challenge the repeal in court. Cammermeyer Honored by Jewish Women SEATTLE Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer was one of 3 women given the Hannah SolomOn Award by the National Counfil of Jewish Women. Cammermeyer, the highest ranking officer to challenge the military ban on gay and lesbian service members, was selected for the honor in recognition of her work for the rights and freedoms of others. Justice Dept. Settles Military Suit with Pruitt WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has settled a 1983 lawsuit filed by Dusty Prultt that would change her status from an involuntary discharge from the U.S. Army because she said she was a lesbian to a voluntary retirement with therankofmajor. Pruitt, a minister with the Metropolitan Community Churchin Lakewood, Calif., said she was ."overjoyed" with the proposed settlement, which would allow her to be eligible for retirement benefits. North Carolina Film Festival Controversy DURHAM, N.C. - Headed by leaders ofthe county Republican Party and theChristian Coalition, scores oflocal anti-gay protesters showedup attheDurhamCounty Commission Monday, May 22, to demand that plans to hold a gay film festival in June at the Carolina Theatre should be halted. Virginia Bunton, secretary of the Durham County Republican Party, told the commissioners, "We would prefer that the community notbe exposed to this lifestyle.... We’re supposed to be protecting our citizens from some things they need to be protected from, and that includes pornography." Bunton said she had seen none of the films slated to be shownas part of the film festival held in conjunction with the annual North Carolina Pride ’95 celebrationJune 9-12in Durham. Even so, Bunton said she intends to ask the state Attorney General t o preview the films to determine if they are pornography under North Carolina law. The county commissioners ducked a direct attack of the film festival, and instead passed a resolution asking the Carolina’ s trustees to provide "parental guidance" for films that had no ratings and to consider "downplaying’" its. advertising for the festi val’s offerings: - " " " - Transsexuals Get 2 ID’s LONDON-With typical British sang-froid, the LondonTransport system has announced that it will begin issuing 2 ID cards to transsexuals who are in the processing of changing their gender. One card will show the eardholder dressed as a male, the other as a female to help tickettakers in the city’s subway system. To qualify for the dual ID cards, the individuals must be under the care of a physician or psychiatrist. Amnesty Charges Rights Violations in Romania BUCHAREST - Amnesty International, the human rights watchdog group based m London, has strongly criticized whatit says are continuing rights violations in Romania 5 years after the overthrow of the repressive regime of Nicolea Ceausescu. Amnestycondemned what it says are restrictions on the rights of free speech, the illtreatment or torture of prisoners and thedetentionofhomosexuals simply because of their sexual orientation. Amnesty acknowledged thatthings haveimproved for many people in Romania since Ceausescu was deposed, but complained that government assurance that human rights would be protected had not been honored and that abuses were continuing in the country. ALA Group Announces 1995 Book Awards CHICAGO - The American Library Association’s Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Book Awards Committee has announced the winners of its 1995 book awards. The top winners were: "Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence" by Marion Dane Bauer; "Skin: Nathanael Mattingly salon estetica 749-0777 The Queen of theGalaxy presents the best damn hair in town! 3509 $. Peoria- 2nd Level - Tulsa, OK 74105 Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa.74159 ¯ News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Talldng About Sex, Class & I~lealth studied 741 gay men in ntence simply:~for.......being state Senate rejected Hurley’s legalrights since it would almost Literature" by Dorothy Allison; "Uncommon Heroes: A Celebration of Heroes & Role Models for Gay & Lesbian Americans" by Phillip Sherm an and Samuel Bernstein. The awards will be formally presented at the 25th anniversary ALA’ s Gay, Lesbian&Bisexual Task Force conference in Chicago on June 24. GLAAD Takes on Mel Gibson’s Latest Film LOS ANGELES ~ The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) took to the streets to hand out leaflets outside theaters in a half-dozen cities protesting the opening of the Mel- Gibson film "Braveheart." Ellen Carton, GLAAD’s executive directory said, "We can’ t fmd any heart in ’Braveheart.’ There’ s nothing brave about prejudice and violence." GLAAD said the portrayal ofthe gay EnglishKing Edward II in the film was "a throwback to the classic celluloid ’queer’ played for laughs." The film. opened at theaters around the country on May 24. Lesbian Rights Group Gets Huge Grant SAN FRANCISCO - The National Center for Lesbian Rights here has received a whopping $450,000 grant from the Joyce Mertz-Gilmore FoundationinNewYork. NCLR is a public interest law group that fights discrimination against lesbians thro.ughout the U.S. The group says it will use part of its new funding to beef up membership, with a goal of 15,000 new members by 1997. Part of the membership drive will include setting up its own home pages on the Internet’ s .World Wide Web where it hopes ~t can reach thousands ofwomen with access to few support resources. Discrimination Adds to ¯Health Problems NEW YORK - According to a report in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, gay men who directly experience homophobia, anti-gay violence or discrimination are 2 to 3 times as likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, stressrelated sexual problems, suicidal thoughts and other negative pressures. Researchers at the Columbia School of Public New York City and concluded that the men who experienced anti-gay discrimination or violence suffered significantly greatermental distress than those whodonot. The s tudy also found that those who also blamed their own homosexuality as the cause of the discrimination or violence were even more likely to experience emotional stress. The researchers also found that gay men who had gone through such anti-gay experiences dealt with the stress more effectively ff they "felt connected to the gay community." Museum’s Multicultural Wedding Exhibit OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Museum has just opened a historical exhibit covering wedding customs from Native American traditional ceremonies to contemporary same-sex holy unions. The multicultural exhibit includes material from the Museum’s large historical collection of photographs, costumes and memorabilia, as well as materials onloanfrom othermuseums and private collections. The exhibit tracks how couples meet, engagement customs, prewedding, celebrations, nuptial ceremomes and honeymoons, with short histories of how the customs evolved. Among the wedding garments, ranging from a Japanese kimono to a 19th century embroideredladdalgown from Turkey, are the matching pair of colorful shirts worn by two men during their wedding. Gay Albanian Group Gets Official Recognition TIRANE, Albania - Injust over one year after forming in 1994, the Gay Albania Society has moved from being a secretive, illegal association in what was once the hardest of the hard-line Communist nations, to helping convince the national parliament to repeal its anti-gay laws earlier this year, tonow winning official recognition, the Open Media Research Institute has reported. Tlie Gay Albania Society was secretly formed with an anonymous membership in March 1994. By the beginning of this year, the society had been instrumental in convincing the Albanian Parliament to drop Article 137, which carried a maximum 10 year prison se homosexual." When the new penal code went into effect at the beginning of June, the Albania government also extended formal recognition of the Gay Albania Society as a registered citizens’ associationrepresenting the interests of a class of the COuntl’y. Lesbian Parental Case Goes to N.Y, High Court NEW YORK - The New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, has begunhearings that will decide whether one partner of same-sex couples can adopt the biological child of the other partner. The case involves a lesbian who is attempting to adopt the 5-year-old biological daughter of her mate. The 2 women, identified only as P.I. and G.M. in court documents, have been a couple for 19 years. The women Want to have joint parental rights to their daughter because only a legal parent can make certain decisions for a child under state law. Beatrice Dohrn of the Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, which is handling the appeal, said the case was being appealed to New York’s highest court because it would "determine whether children with 2 gay parents may ever have a legally recognized relationship with both their moms or dads," Earlier this year, alower court refused to grant the adoption, insisting that if it granted G.M. parental rights it would have to deny P.I., who is the biological mother, her rights as the girl’ s mother. Gay Conference Costs Iowa University DES MOINES, Iowa-The Iowa le~slatur,e has stripped the state’ s university system of some $100,000 in funding which may - or may not - have been the result of a successful international gay studies conference held last year at the University of Iowa. Earlier in May, state Rep. Charles Hurley sponsored an amendment to the state’s $752 million university budget that would have prohibited any state funded educational institutions ofhigher learning from spending public funds for "’encouraging or supporting homosexuality as a positive alternative lifestyle."’ The anti-gay amendment passed the House by a 50-21 vote. The amendment, but went on to cut $100,000 that it had planned to include in university budgets this year. Hurley and other legislators - said the funding cut was a result of the University of Iowa’ s "InQueery/InTheory/ InDeed" academic conference in November 1994. Campuslesbian & gay groups said they would continue to sponsor the conference despite the near passage of the measure. Country’s Largest Gay Meg Hits the Internet NEW YORK - Out magazine, the country’s largest selling lesbigay news publication, has entered the cyber universe of the Internet’s increasingly popular World Wide Web that will for the first time in gay publishing history be sponsored by Apple Computer. Out has set up its "Web site" on the Internet in time for June’s gay pride celebrations around the country, and will include regularly updated pride information from a score of lesbian and gay publications in New York, Washington D.C./Seattle, Los An geles, San Francisco, and other cities. The World Wide Web site address for the publication is: http://www.out.com and wil! include reader forums where Internet readers can carryon discussions with others on the Web. Mayor, City Attorney Want Gay Couple to Get Marriage License ITHACA, N.Y: - The Ithaca (N.Y.) Journal has reported that Mavor Benjamin Nichols and Cit~ Attorney Charles Guttman both want the city council to order thecity clerk to issue a marriage license to 2 gay men who plan on getting married late in June. The couple, Toshav Greene and Phillip Storrs, applied for the license in May and ended up. meeting with a number of the city’s elected leaders, many of whom say they now agree the city should issue the license. Nicholsin fact urged the city council to pass a resolution calling on the state to !.egalize same-sex marriages. It is uncertain whether the license will actually be issued, and perhaps more important, what such a license would legally mean in terms of the couple’s inevitably lead t6 a court case in the state. Green and Storrs say they will go ahead with their planned Jewish wedding ceremony on June 22 whether they get the license or not. ¯Annual Conference of Gay & Lesbian-Jews NEW YORK - The annual International Conference of Gay & Lesbian Jews will meet in New YorkJuly 27-30 at the New York Sheraton Hotel. Themed "Gay & Lesbian Jews: Taking Our Place in the 21st Century," the conference expects more ll~an 1,000 people to attend, and will feature a keynote address of Yael Dayan, a member of the Israeli Knesset Or parliament. The confab is being hosted by New York’s Congregauon Beth Simchat Torah and additional informationis available byphone at: (212) 929-9498. West Virginia University OKs Domestic Partners MORGANTOWN,W.Va.-The University of West Virginia has approved a school domestic parmers policy that will, for the first time in the state, include the partners of regastered same-sex staff, faculty and students. Qualified couples who register their relationship through the university will be eligible for a variety of benefits. BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria -743-5272 -.’,: Corner of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! Ross EDWARD 1438 S. Boston, Tulsa $30/hour - in, call for out rates ~Llcense~ Specializing in: ¯ Pager: 672-2035 ¯ Therapeutic ¯ Shiatsu ¯ Sports Fight for Your Rights Mee;ting. TULSA, OK - Local activists begin grassroots civil fights effort to address the stalled City of Tulsa Human Rights Cormnittee Report on Civil Rights based on sexual orxentation. On Monday evening, June 5, a steering cohamittee was formed to call a community-wide meeting. Steering Committee members, Bob Ritz, Kharma Amos, Debbie Harding and Tom Neal have called a meeting, FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS - A communttv meetingfor Civil Rightsfor Lesbians an’d Gays; for Thursday, June 29 from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Downtown Tulsa City/County Public Library in the room adjacent to Aaronson Auditorium. Because Tulsa has so many community organizations, steering committee members feel that the most appropriate way to organize is to have a forum where representatives from each of the existing orgamzations and members of the Gay; Lesbian community at large can meet to discuss publically goals and strategies. FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS - A community meeting for Civil Rights for Lesbians andGays will begin withareview of what’s happened since the emotional Human Rights Commission’s public hearings held in May 1994. The steering committee hopes that out of this meeting will Come goals and tasks that all parts of the community can support. The organizers hope that this meettng will help pull the Gay/Lesbian community together into a cohesive, action-oriented group. Clubs, churches, organizations, ~,-zd businesses are encouraged to have representation at this meeting. For more information, call 838-2121. Vickers cont’dfi’om p. 1 Mark also served on the board of directors for Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, the Oklahoma United Methodist AIDS Task Force and the Tulsa AIDS Coalition. He founded Rainbow Village, a project focused on providing shelt, r to persons living with AIDS. In 1993 his work was recognized with the Richard Shackleford HIV Memorial Award and with the United Way Evergreen Spirit Award. Mark also helped to change profoundly the response of the r~nite-d-Methodi~t Church of Oklahoma to HIV/AIDS. He met with Oklahoma’s bishop and with leaders of the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference. He also helped to found Community of Hope, a worship community" of the United Methodist Church. At their recent conference, Oklahoma Methodists honored Mark Vickers with an extremely rare moment of silence and prayer. Mark is remembered by his spouse of7 years, Brad Mulholland. Last July, Brad and Mark celebrated a Blessing of Commitment with Community of Hope. Many, many friends and family cherish his life and good works which testify to the strength of his commitment. Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Butler, RN MS Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services We have many insurance provider affiliations - ifyou belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30,4:30 pm, 743-1000 Tulsa Police Dept. Seeks Help on Case TULSA- Detective Vema Wilson of the Tulsa Police Dept. is seeking any information readers might have regarding the murder of the late Chris WilcuttYormerly of Bartlesville. Wilcutt, who frequently cross-dressed, went by the name of "Roxy." He was last seen walking east on llth St., leaving Metropole at about 1 am early on Sunday, Feb. 26. Police describeWilcutt as Caucasian, 5’-9", 220# with brown hair & hazel eyes. When last seen he was wearing a black dress with gold trim and a blond/red wig. Any information about his movements on Sat. Feb. 25 or early Sun. Feb. 26 is sought by Tulsa Police. You may call Detective Wilson at 596-9142 or call anonymously at 596-COPS. Tulsa Pride, OKC Parade & TOHR Follies expenses will go to the Bnildmg Fund. Picnic goers are encouraged to bring some extra cash because a number of community organizations and businesses will have booths with food, information or merchandise. Sales at these booths benefits the individual organization/business. On Sat. June 17, several Tulsa churches are having a gospel sgng-fest and on Wed. June 21, the MCC’s are having a joint worship service. On Friday, June 23, fabulous Dallas comic, Paul Williams, will perform at ConcessionS. On the following Sunday, the State-wide Pride Parade will be held in Oklahoma City, beginning at Memorial Park atNW 35 & Classen and ending at the Habana Inn. Several Tulsa businesses are planning floats. TOHR will hold its i5th annual Follies on June 30. A number of other events are planned for the remainder of the June, please consult the community calendar for details. Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiality and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Della Blackburn, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Community Accepting Medicare, Medicaid. private pay andprivate insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated. Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care in a homelike, loving setting? Until now - no where..... ; Announcing the opening ofMohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people riving with AIDS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North qfialsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour Our new facility. To arrange a tour or for more information, call our offices at 918-425-1354 Mohawk Pride Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK. (918) 425-1354 QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a dash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viaticatlon, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% ofa policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determtne your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors influence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and yourfamily in person, in detail and can recormnend an experienced Certified Financial Plmmer to assist you in plmming the best outcome from your mfique finmacial situation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transferyourinsurance andmedicalrecords by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete cortfidentiality and the best possible senice bv working with us in person, fac,e-to-face. We are involved on a community level, ~nd are responsible .directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we .are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today, An&because~of our established resources, we c,’m deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, t3pically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for yOu. Sou.thwest 7 Home Office 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 Health Briefs Health Possible Major Breakthrough in HIV Fight SAN FRANCISCO - Researchers with the University of California at San Francisco reported at the annual convention of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology that a "designer drug" known as a protease inhibitor may help keep HIV from replicating and mutating in the body. Dr. Charles Cralk told the convention that the computer-designed drug, which has only been tested in laboratories so far, apparently blocks a crucial enzyme m HIV, making it impossible for the virus to reproduce itself and mutate. In laboratory tests, the drug kept HIV from infecting new calls in test tubes and prevented it from duplicating itself in already-invaded cells. If the protease inhibitor works as effectively in humans as it has in the laboratory, Craik and his colleagues believe it could be the most important breakthrough in fighting HIV and AIDS to date. Hospital Costs for AIDS Spiral WASHINGTON - According to a study by the National Public Healthand Hospital I Institute, the hospital costs of individual ~atients with AIDS can be as high as 260,000 per year, and in some urban hospitals can occupy more than 7% of the available beds daily. The study also found that patients with AIDS average 12 hospital days per stay, significantly above the 7.2 day average stay for other patients, Because many patients with AIDS depend on Medicaid, Medicare or other public funds to pay for their care, the study concludes that if Congress makes large cuts in Medicaid ’Medicare funding many hospitals will have to restrict care ofAIDS Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health patients. More Blacks/HispanicsWith HIV ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease~ Control & Prevention has reported that; the number of new AIDS cases among white gay men has fallen off between 3% and 20% in 3 U.S. cities most hard hit by the epidemic - New York, Los Angeles and San Fran cisco - during the past 5 years. The number of AIDS cases among black gay men in those same cities, however, has risen dramatically in the same period. In San Francisco the number of infections grew 53%, in New York 49%, andin Los Angeles 48% since 1989. Nationally, the number of new cases among gay men grew 31% during the past 5 years, the CDC data indicates, while the national figures increased 79% among black gay men and 61% among Hispanic gays. Infants with HIV May Live Years CHICAGO - Babies born with HIV may live for many years, even until they are teenagers, without getting sick and it may take that long before anyone realizes they carry the virus, a new study published in the journal Pediatrics says. Most pediatricians have believed that AIDSinfected newborns die by the time they’re toddlers, researchers say. Dr. Samuel Grubman led a study of 42 children ages 9 to 15 who were"born with HIV and treated at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey in Newark in June 1993. Ten of the children showed no symptoms of the infection, while 8 showed some minor signs of illness - but not _enough to be diagnosed. Thirty-six of the 42 showed no signs of illness until they were at least 4 years old, Dr. Gmbman reported. One 14- year-old ~d in her program was infected FI-~ELITY HQN~E HE-ALTH CA-RE, INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-34/!2 Weprovide comprehensive home health services 24 hours/day, seven days/week. The range ofservices include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s; LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric .care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. with HIV at birth and is still "not sick at all." " ......... HIV Home Test Worthwhile SAN FRANCISCO - Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco haveurgedthe U.S. government to approve a kit that allows people to test themselves for HIV in their own homes - citing a new study indicating that millions might be likely to use it. According to the survey of nearly 21,000 people by the UCSF scientists published in the New England Journal ofMedicine, 29% said they would probably use the home test if it were available. The survey also found that of people considered "at risk" for infection, 42% said they would use the home test, and31% indicated they wouldpreferusing the home test rather than other options. Dole to Co-Sponsor Ryan White CARE Measure WASHINGTON - The Log Cabin Repubficans, the gay and lesbian lobbying organization, has announced that Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole of Kansas has agreed to sign as a co-sponsor of the Ryan White CARE Reauthorization Act. Rich Tafel, LCR’s executive director, said, "This is a major victory for gay Republicans and the AIDS community. I"m confident that Sen. Dole will remain personally involved in the effort to pass [the measure] quickly, and will be a unifying influence among the Republicans in the Senate." CDC Ends Newborn HIV Testing WASHINGTON - In a starding move, U.S. officials have ended the anonymous testing of newborns for HIV. The Briefs Health Briefs cancellation of the $10million HIV testing program was announced ata congressional hearing shortly before a congressman urged Congress to require authorities to inform all mothers of the results of the tests. The tests have been conducted anonymously in 45 states since 1988. FBI Spied on AIDS Groups WASHINGTON - Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Center for Constitutional Rights indicate that the FBI has kept a number of AIDS and gay rights organizations under surveillance since the early 1980s when the g~oup ACT UPbegan. The FBI denied spying on the groups and said it merely passed information along to local authorities about possible violence by members of the groups. Among the organizations the FBI kept records on - in addition to ACT UP - were: the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the Coalition for Lesbian & Gay Rights, and Senior Action in a Gay Environment, a social services agencyforoldergays andlesbians. Despite the FBI’s denials, the agency released 0nly 22 of its 199 pages of files on ACT UP, claiming the rest of the file was confidential because of "ongoing lawenforcement activity" involving ACT UP. Anesthetic: Another Possible HIV Transmission Route SYDNEY - HIV can exist for as long as 4hours in anesthetic, according to a report published in the Medical Journal of Australia. The researchers who did the report say their findings could explain how 4 women in Australia became infect ed with HIV in a single day in 1989 while Now Open! He r]oom Designs Gifts, Fragrances, Crystal, Bears, Antiques, Brass, Womens Boutique, Complete Interior & Exterior Design 2814 East 15th Streel, 742-5665, Across from Carpet City Unique Gifts in Lincoln Plaza corner of 15th & Peoria 584-4606, M-S 10-8, Sun. 12-5 T-Shirt Sale! Co=ed Naked Big Johnson Grateful Dead Far Side Over 300 Designs! Pride Special Mention Ad to Get 10% off T°s Sandra J. Hill, M.S. 745-1111 Health Briefs Health Briefs Health being treated by a doctor there who ~as not himself infected. The researcl~ers concluded that the ability of the virus to survive raises the possibility Of transmission via multidose anesthetic vials, which allow a doctor to administer several anesthetic doses on different patients. The Australian scientists suggested that multidose anesthetic vials should be discontinued and the reusing syringes for anesthetic should be avoided unless they have first been thoroughly decontaminated. Medical Group Endorses Needle Exchanges CHICAGO - The annual convention of the Illinois State Medical Society has called for legislation that would legally allow "responsible commumty groups" to set up needle-swap programs in the state. Dr. RaymondHoffman, the society’s president, called needle-exchange programs a "potentially useful tool to curb the spread ofHIV" without increasing the use of illegal drugs. Needle-Swap Program ,Works BALTIMORE - Baltimore’s needle .exchange program has been so successful an attracting IV drug users to swap used hypodermic needles for clean ones that Dr. Peter Beilenson, the city’s health commissmner, wants to double thenumber ofneed le-swap sites in the city. The city’ s program, launched at the beginning of this year, had expected to attract about 500 people during its first year of operation, Instead, the program has drawn some 2,300 people during its first5months of operation. The city’s monitoring of the programs also indicates that IV drug users Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs are now shanng needles half as often as before. House Military Subcommittee OKs Anti-HIV Measure WASHINGTON - The national security military personnel subcommittee of the House of Representatives has voted to approve anamendment sponsoredby Rep. Robert Dornan (R-Calif.), the subcommittee chairman, that would bar abortions at armed forces hospitals and authorize discharging military personnel infected with HIV. The nation’s armed forces currently prohibit individuals with HIV from joining; but troops diagnosed after.recruitment are permitted to continue serving as long as their health allows and are not allowed to serve outside tile U.S. The Defense Department and the Department of the Army both oppose Doman’s measure, which would mandate honorable discharge within 6 months of diagnosis. Calif. Assembly OKs Medicinal Marijuana Measure SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Assembly has narrowly OKed legislation by a 41-30 vote that would permit p.hysicians to prescribe marijuana cigarettes for patients who are terminally or chronically ill, although a number of conservative legislators objected that the bill wouldpromote drug usein the state. If the measure in fact does become law, physicians would be able to prescribe marajuana for their patients with AIDS, cancer, glaucoma or multiple .sclerosis. The bill still requires approval by the Senate and the signature bf Gov. Pete Wilson f0 become law. Last year Wilson Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekendand evening appointments are available. .~eLq.~d a similar measure because he said ’’at ~;~uld not work unless the federal government also ended its ban on prescribing marijuana cigarettes. Hillary Clinton Launches Pediatric HIV Campaign WASHINGTON-Citing a study showing that treatment can reduce the risk of mothers transmitting HIV-to their newborns, Hillary Rodham Clinton has launched a campaign urging pregnant women to get tested for the virus. The campaign, designedby the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, "will .reach out and give women the information they need to protect their own health and the health of their children," she said. Clinton also said that, according to the National Institutes of Health study, almost 6,000 American women infected with HIV give birth annually and, without treatment, 20% to 25% of those babies are born infected.. AIDS Fundraiser Expects $5M HOLLYWOOD - The 2nd annual California AIDS Ride, a 550-mile bicycle trek from San Francisco to Hollywood that has just ended, is expected to raise more than $5 milli on, making it the largest AIDS fundraiser in the U.S. Among the some 1,800 bike riders, about 10 have AIDS and up to 250 are HIV-positive. Celeb Judith Light of the TV comedy "Who’s the Boss?" said after the 7-day ride, "It looked impossible, but it was possible because of everyone’s commitment." Gelid Moves to Univ. of Maryland BETHESDA, Md. - Dr. Robert C. Gallo, one of the country’s best-known and most controversial AIDS researchers, will set up his Institute of Human Virology atthe University of Maryland’s Medical Biotechnology Center in the hopes of attracting other prominent scientists and biotechnology finns to contribute their discoveries. Gallo said that the institute will .workonbasic researchanddeveloping vacones, gene therapies, and new drugs to fight HIV - as well-as gain a deeper understanding of the biology behind the virus. Gallo had been with the National Institutes of Health for 30 years. HIV-Infected Women at Higher Risk for Cervical Cancer TORONTO- Early data-from the Canadian Women’s HIV Study Group indicates that women infected with HIV are at greater risk of being stricken with severe cervical cancer than uninfected women. The study group’s preliminary data found that half of some 300 women infected with HIV that were examined also had HPV - the human papilloma virus associated with cervical cancer. Dr. Catherine Hankins, one of the study’s chiefinvestigators, also said that a fifth of the women examined had squamous dysplasia, an early indicator associated with the cancer. The rates found in the study were at least double those expected in the general population. AIDS Project-k.A. Looking for Conservative PR Firm LOS ANGELES - One of the first acts of Allen Carrier after taking over as director of communications for the AIDS ProJect- Los Angeles is to try to find a public relations firm in. Washington D.C. with solid links to the Republican Party. Carrier says APLA wants a GOP-cormected PR firm to conduct an HIV education campaign aimed at members of Congress. APLA is the 2rid largest AIDS agency in the U.S. with a $20 million yearly budget. Trees, Sunshine, Laughter, Fun, Community, Challenge! AHA! WHEE! Woman for Woman A Ropes Course Day Saturday, July 15, 8am, 5p~n " $30, meals included, Camp Loughridge in Sapulpa Offered by Nancy Vitali, ropes instructor & Mary Todd, president; Learning Unlimited Corp. Call LUC at 622-3292for questions Or to enroll. I~~i Feb. 11r~8;,l:996, $795-1950 _-R$VP I Feb. 18-25,1996, $795-1950 Mexican Riviera I~ March 17-24., 1~996, $795-2495 French Ca~ June 30 - July7; 1996, International Tours 9z8-34/-6866 e Best Little Homo in Texas Gay Comic Paul J. Williams Friday, June 23 One Show Only $5 Tickets 10 pm Concessions Nightclub - 3340 S. Peoria - 744-0896 One Dollar of Every Tickel Sold is Douated to the TOHR Building Fuad Advauce Tickets Available - Budget Wiudow Treat~nents. 7116 S. Miugo & Floral Desiga Studios, 3404 S. Peoria & From TOHR Members HIV TESTING CLINIC FREE & ANONYMOUSE FINGER STICK METHOD By and for, but not exclusive to the lesbian, gay & bisexual communities New Hoursfor Your Convenience! Monday & Thursday Evening Daytime Testing 7 to 8:30pm for Testing Monday-Thursday 7 to 9:00pm for Results By Appointment Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 918-749-4194 4154 South Harvard Suite H-1 Call for Directio/as ~ ~ . .~ ..,~’~, ~. - ~~ ....A.Corn~~erviceB.ro.uQ.h.t.to You by..T~,OHR and Tui.~a Fatal1" New~ " ~ " CO-DEPENDENCY SUPPORT GROUP - Weekly ~ting 7:30? E~{~ 0~ Ea[th MCC. ~51-E South Mingo. Ca1162~’~:~1 for Info. HIV TESTING - TOHR~Ii~;’ "Free and BLESS THE IORD..AT, ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER- Sunday School 9:45, Morning Worship Service 11:00. 2627-B East 11th. Call 583-7815 for Info~ BLGA - University of Tulsa. 6:30 p.m. Canterbury Center. COMMUNITY OF HOPE (United Methodist) - Evening Worship Service 6:00. 1347 North Yale, Call 838-7232 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH MCC - Morning Worship Service 11:00. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info. .MCC OF GREATER TULSA - Morning Worship Service 10:45 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. THE BANNED - Gay Band - Practice weekly HIV TESTING :~.TOHR Clinic. Free and;; Anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in test hours: 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Results Hours: 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Call 749:4194 for Info, LAMBDA .BOWLING LEAGUE - Bowling begins at 8:45. Sheridan Lanes 3121 South Sheridan. ITUESDAYS I MINISTER’S CLASS - Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center. 7:30 p.m. 2627-B East 1 lth. Call 583-7815 for Info. AUTHORITY OF THE BELIEVER - Bible Study 7:00/ MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. BLESS THE LORD. AT ALL TIMES CHRISTIAN CENTER - Choir Practice ~7:00. 2627-B East 11th. Call 583-7815 for Info. FAMILY OF FAITH ’MCC - Potluck 6:30. Bible Study 7:00. Choir Practice 8:00. 5451- E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for Info. ITHURSDAYS 16-STEP EMPOWERMENT GROUP FOR WOMEN - 7:00. Women’s support group. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale, Call Anonymous testing usingfingerst!pk method. No appointment required. Walk in test.hours: 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Results Hours: 7:00 -.9:00 pm. Call 749:4194 for Info. PRAYER TIME - 7:00 p.m. MCC of Greater Tulsa. 1623 North Maplewood;~,. Call 838- 1715 for Info. TULSA FAMILY CHORALE Weekly practice 9:30 pm. Lola’s. 2630 E. 15th St. ISATURDAYS I NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS - Meets weekly at 11:00 pm. Provides confidential support.~ for recovering addicts. Community of Hope, IJ u N E 1 4 I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG. 4154- Ij u N E 3 o I !J u L Y 1 8 I WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S SUPPER CLUB - La Nortena. South Harvard - Lower Level Call 583- TOHR FOLLIES TOHR’s annual TOHR BOARD MEETING. 7:00 p.m. 6408 5147 for Info. entertainment extravaganza. Many new TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call South Peoria. 6:30 p.m. performers. 8:00 p.m. All Soul’s 743-4297 for Info. IJ.u N E 1 7 COMMUNITY-WIDE GOSPEL SING - Kick off pride week with a gospel sing at Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E South Mingo. Will include MCC Tulsa, Bless the Lord at All Times, Community of Hope and other area churches. Call 622-1441 for more info. OK FLAMES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL - McLain High School. $5/ticket. 7:30 p.m Call beeper 646-6455 for more info. FAMILY OF FAITH SPAGHETTI DINNER - 5:30 p.m. prior to Gospel Sing. Donations only. 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. Unitarian Church. 2932 South Peoria Call 743-4297 f0rTicket Information. WOMEN’S COFFEE HOUSE - Java Dave’s. 3310 South Peoria. 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Call Beeper 646-6455 for more info. IJ U LY 5 I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP - Meeting. 6:30 p.m. PFLAG, 4154 South Harvard- Lower Level. Call 583- 5147 for Info, IJ u N E 18 25 VVV GAY PRIDE WEEK IJ UNE 18 TULSA PRIDE PICNIC - Annual Gay Pride Celebration held at Mohawk Park, Shelter #6. Food/Drink/Entertainment. Also booths and information distribution. Minimal charges for food this year. Beer still free. 12:00- 6:00. Ceremony and exhibition softball/volleyball begin at 2:00. Call 832-0233 for Info. IJ UNE 20 TOHR BOARD MEETING. 7:00 p.m. TOHR Office. 41st & Harvard. Call 743-4297 for Info. IJ.,u N~E 2 1 I COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICES. MCC of Greater Tulsa. Special for Gay Pride Week.. Also includes Family of Faith MCC and other ~area churches, 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for Info. IJUNE 23 I GAY COMEDY NIGHT Paul J. Williams will appear to benefit TOHR. $5 Cover - Advance tickets or at the door. 10:00 p.m..at Concessions. 3340 South Peoria. Call 744-0896 for Info, IJUN E 24 CHURCH GARAGE SALE - Family of Faith members put on a very large garage sale. Call 622-1441 for address, etc. DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838- 7232 for Info. IJ u N E 25 I GAY PRIDE PARADE. Oklahoma City. Assemble from 12:00 - 2:00 at the park. Parade ends at Habana Inn with a party. IJu N E 27 RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Monthly Meeting 7:00 p.m. Olive Garden - $10. Call 254-2100 for Info, IJ UN E 29 FEED THE HOMELESS - Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale. Meet at church IJ ULY 8 DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838- 7232 for Info. FESTIVAL OF PRAISE - 1st ever MCC musical festiva (MCC’s from OK, TX, LA). Lawton OK. 1:00 4:00. Followed by weiner roast. For Carpool information call 622-1441. IJULY 10 I PFLAG 101/102 Monthly meeting 6:30-7:30 p.m. 4154 South Harvard, Ste. H. Call 749-4901 for Info. SPOUSES For spouses of Gay/Les/Bi/Trans. 7:00-7:30 p.m. social 7:30-8:30 meeting. Call 749-4901 for Info.. Sponsored .by PFLAG. at 5:30 p,m, and caravan to Day Center TOHR for the Homeless, Call 838-7232 for Info, FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS Community meeting for Civil Rights for Lesbians & Gays, Every organization should have a representative and YOU NEED TO BE THERE, 7:00 - 9:00 p,m, Downtown Library, Lecture room next tO Aaronson Auditorium, Call 838-2121 for more info, MEMBERSHIP MEETING. Monthly Meeting. 6:30 Social 7:00 p.m, Meeting. "l"he Gathering Place. 4154 {JULY 19 I FAMILY AIDS SUPPORT GROUP Meeting. 6:30 p.m, PFLAG. 4154 South Harvard - Lower Level. Call 583- 5147 for Info, IJULY 22 I DANCE CLASS - Community of Hope. 8:00 p.m. 1347 North Yale. Call 838- 7232 for Info. IJULY 24 I RAINBOW BUSINESS GUILD - Mor~thly Meeting 7:00 p.m, Call 254-2100 for Info. IMISCELLAN EOUS GROUP MEETINGS GLAS Gay & Lesbian Student Association - TJC Southeast Campus. Call 631-7632 for info. LAGPAC- Lesbian and Gay Political Action Committee. Call 838-1222 for Info. LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS - Gay and Lesbian ~Republican Group. Call 832- 0233 for jnfo, SWAN Single Women’s iActivity Network. TOHR CLINIC- In addition to.Thursday Clinic HOurs (see Thurs~lays)~ offers daytime testing by appointment Monday - Thursday from 10 am - 5 p,m. Call RIGHTS LEAGUE. Muskogee Library:. Info. 6:00-p.m. - 9:00 p,m. Write P.O. Box WEDNESDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S 614 - Muskogee, OK 74402 for more SUPPER. CLUB - Meets at varying Info. locations :~the 2rid or 3rd Wednesday of each month. Do you have a group or event that should be listed in the TOHR Community Calendar? If so, please c~ll us at 838-2121. I Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of th s calendar; however, neither Tulsa Family News nor TOHR assumes responsibility for errors or omissions. Colorado cont’dfrom p. 1 are obviously very pleased that the policy of excluding homosexuals from the armed forces has been examinedin deptlj during the judicial review and that the court has concluded that it is lawful." In argmng against the policy, attorney for the four, David Pannick, told the High Courtjustices that the main reason behind the ban is simply that some service members feel uncomfortable around .homosexuals, a prejudice that’s been used .m the pastaboutblack andJewishmembers m the armed forces. "’I invite your Lordships to conclude that this purported justification is quite simply a disgrace," he told Lord Justice Simon Brown of the court. "The armed forces are pandering to the worst types of prejudice about wholly irrelevant characteristics." British Defense Ministry officials maintain that homosexuals pose a problem for the military because their presence couldundermine moraleandeffectiveness. The ministry also argues that gays and lesbians pose a potential security risk - an argument th at even U.S. military officials have abandoned for lack of evidence. Canada cont’dfrom p. 1 for activists fighting for equal rights in the courts throughout Canada. "I think that even thoughit strictly speakingisn’t going to. be binding in other provinces," she said, "it shows that the arguments are not without legal precedent now and in fact are qmte reasonable and I think will certainly help them make their cases." Mixed. Ruling from Canada’s Supreme Court OTTAWA-TheCanadian Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex couples are not eligible for the same public spousal pension benefits as other cot!pies in the country. The high court ruling, however, also concludes that discrimination based~ on sexual orientation is prohibited unde~’ Canada’s Charter of Rights - the first time the country’s Supreme Court has d.efinitively ruled on the issue. The court ruled 5-4 that James Egan and John Nesbit, a British Columbia gay couple whohave lived together since 1948, are not entitled to receive spousal pension benefits under Canada’ s Old Age Security Act. The court concluded that the refusal to extend the pension benefits to the couple amounted to discrimination in violation of the Charter of Rights, but that the exclusion was justifiable discriminauon because the legislature’s goal in setting up the co untry’s pension system was to help poorer elderly women. The court also said that Parliament had decided to extend certain financial support to married couples, which the court concluded is by its nature a heterosexual institution. Canadian Appeals Court Overturns Sodomy Law TORONTO - An Ontario appeals court has unanimously ruled that a law making consensual anal intercourse illegal unless the two people are mamed or above the age of 18 is a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The 3- judge Ontario Court of Appeals ruled that the criminal code provision violates the Charter because it penalizes gay men. Justice Rosalie Abella said in her opinion that the law "arbitrarily disadvantages gay men by denying to them until they are 18 a choice available at the age of 14 for those who are not gay, namely their choice of sexual expression with a consenting parmer to whom they are not married." Community Photos Kharma Amos & the Rev. Nancy Horvath ofFamily ofFaith MCC have been chosen and on the So. Central District Committee. respectively. Photo: Neal ,for leadership positions at the nan’onal Metropolitan Community Church conventz’on Folks from Follies Revue ’95 which benefits H1WA1DS services. Photo: Jamett ¯ ’ PRIDEofo mz,,. Falrn ss. 1s Renting and considering Buying Moving u orlnvestin’~ Non-,Part _ " " l,q91n. Credit Problems. Mortgages By Design w,l, custom fit the right home loan to YOUR needs! . " BUDWHARTON S~ng T~a a~ ~. Su~unding Communiti~ I For Detail.% CalL" Vice President/Branch Manager Surrounding Communities This groundbreaking project showed broad bipamsan support for the pnnople that lesbian and gay people should not b~ singled out for dtscnmanauon. Call or write your Senators and Representative and ask ~em to join their collnagucs and ban discrimination in their ernployment prances, Call the Capitol Switchboard Today: 202-224-3121 Leading file Fight at the National Levd for Lesbian and Gay Equ,~lity. I101 14thStreet. NW Suite200 Washing~on. DC 20005 Financing the AllAmerican Dream IIIColorado co.t, o=p. 1 homosexuals from discrimination. The ¯ state Supreme Court ruled last year ~at the measure is unconstitutional becaus’e it violates the fundamental right for a class of individuals to participate equally in the political process. HRCF Reacts to Justice Dept. Decision on Amendment 2 .WASHINGTON-Below is apress release Issued by the Human Rights Campaign Fund regarding the Justice Department’s decision not to enter a brief in the U.S. Supreme Court appeal of Colorado’s antigay Amendment 2: The Clinton Administration has refused to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Colorado’s anti-gay Amendment 2 as the high court prepares to decide on the constitutionality of the discriminatory measure. The Haman Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the nation’s leading civil rights coalition, hadrequested that the Administration file a friend~ofthe- court brief calling on the Supreme Court to overturn Amendment 2. "This was a bad legal and political decision," said HRCF Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. "Staying silent in this case gives aid and comfort to extremists who wouldn’t support the President under any circumstances, and gravely disappoints fair-mindedAmericans. Most people support equal rights for lesbian and gay people and oppose the kind of discrimination embodied in Amendment 2." Amendment 2 is the ,ordy-statewide.- anti-gay measure passed by voters. Last year, voters in Idaho and Oregon defeated anu-gay initiatives in the midst of the Republican sweep. The 1992 Colorado measure would overturn local laws prohibiting discriminationand prevent state and local governments from passing similar laws in the future. Colorado’s Supreme Court last year. struck down Amendment 2 as unconstitutional, declaring that the measure denied supporters of equal rights for lesbian and gay people the basic right to participate in the democratic process. "The issue before the court is one of fundamental fairness, and whether any group of Americans should be denied access to the democratic process," Birch said. "The federal government has a dear interest in standing up for these fundamental principles.We are extremely disappointed in this decision, but in the end the Supreme Court will decide on the merits of the case."HRCF was the largest single financial contributor to the legal challenge against Amendment 2. The nation’s largest lesbian and gay political organization, HRCF works to end discrimination, secure equal rights, and protect the health and safety of all Americans. NGLTF Statement on Reno’s Amendment 2 Decision WASHINGTON - The following is a press statement issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force after U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno’s announcement: According to Justice Department officials, the Department does frequently file briefs even in those cases where no federal program or statute is involved. ~The Att0me~Geia~al i01d the press that she did not consider the political issues belfind the case, and instead focused on constitutional questions and federal intervention. However, published reports kcomes with 1 moonroof, 2 airbags, 6 stereo speakers, and a slewofaccolades. "l{onda’s labors resulted in a nc\v car that’s tim strongest, satEst. quietest, best perfbrmin.~, and most flmI-efficient Accord ever:" Motor’l)rnd. Fcbrtzary 1994 "Few cars offer zts astute a blend of smnnth ride and adroit mad handling.The mnst freqt,ent remark from cditnrs exiting the Accord after dmir drives: ’Now that is a grcat ridc:’" Carandl)tivet: Jannarx.: 1994 "\\’lille Honda goes against the mainstream trends, tl~c latest Accord is one of the best-engineered cars mdav-wkh a sense of pnrpose that sets it ap~irt frnm the crmvd:’ PopubtrSdena; ~lay 1994 "Few vehicles ha\’e captnred the hearts anti minds ofAmerican antonmbile buyers like the I Io ~da Accnrd:’ Motor’lh,nd. l’i:bruary 1994 AccordEXSedan don carlton 3900 S. Memorial ¯ Tulsa, OK 74145 (918) 622-3636 indicate that heated discussions regarding the political, andlegal implications offiling a brief were taking place within the Justice ,:tOepartment and between the Justice Department and the White House, Reports indicate that presidential advisor George Stephanopoulos had expressed concern about the political ramifications if the Administration fried a brief. President Bill Clinton last year denounced ballot measures such as Colorado’s Amendment 2 as discriminatory and divisive, saying at the time that "those who would legalize discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or any other grounds are gravely mistaken about the values that make our nation strong." "Clearly, we’re angry that this Administration would refuse to take a stand against discrimination," said Kerry Lobel, Deputy Director at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "The President denounced these types of ballot measures last year. It’s dismrbingto see the President reject this chance to back up those comments with decisive action, especially when this is one of the most important gay-related cases to ever reach the Supreme Court. We look to the President to actonprinciple, notjust speak about it." Colorado’s Amend. 2 dangerously allows the majority of voters to limit the civil rights and political access of one group of citizens - in this case, gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. Amend. 2 permits discrimination against certain citizens, and then blocks those citizens from using the established legislative r process to seek relief from that discrimination.These are the issues that will be facing the Supreme Court as it decides the fate of Amendment 2.’" Calif. Attorney General Supports Amend. 2 SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Attorney General Dan Lungren has stunned rights activiffts in the state by joining 6 other attorneys general from around the country in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Colorado’s antigay ballot measure. Lungren told reporters that he was not endorsing Amend. 2 itself, but had signed an amicus (friend of the court) brief asking that the country’s high court overturn the Colorado Supreme Court ruling that declared Amend. 2 unconstitutional because it was overly broad and vague. He said he signed the amlcus brief because the Colorado court had declared that any "independently identifiable group" is entitled to equal protection in ~eConstitution. This, Lungren said, could g~ve constitutional protections to "deadbeat dads,blue-eyed people, bald people, fat people" and others. Robert Bra~ of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force said in a prepared statement: "It is disingenuous for the California Attorney General to imply that by granting gay people protection from discrimination, it opens the door for any ’special interest group’ to seek rights...’. Lungren xs playing the politics of scarcity:.. [and] implies that by expanding protections to some, it-disprivileges others." Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715 ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6~30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice I To do justice, love:mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 I | 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Sports From A Lesbian/Gay Perspective NBA Star’s Candid Ta~ in ’Sports Illustrated" NEW YORK - Dennis Rodman, the flamboyant San Antonio Spurs player, made the cover this Sports Illustrated- in itself not particularly newsworthy, even if the orange-haired Rodman is gussied up in a bright tank top, metallic hot pants and a dog collar studded with rhinestones. More noteworthy - especially considering the often up-tight macho world of professional sports - are Rodman’s fairly candid views on homosexuality. The pro basketball hop,pster told the magazine that he oftel~ goesTo gay bars, has no problems hugging or kissing men friends and, although saying he has never had sex with another man, said, "I visualize being with another man." Rodman is quoted in the magazine as saying, "Everybody visualizes being gay ~ they think, ’Should I do it or not?’ The. reason they can’t is because they think it’s unethical. They think it’s a sin. Hell, you’re not bad if you’re gay, and it doesn’t make you any less of a person." CBS Sportscaster Rankled by Lesbians in Pro Golf WILMINGTON, Del. - CBS-TV sportscaster Ben Wright has been ordered to a meeting with the CBS Sports department in New York and at least temporarily pulled from reporting on the Ladies Profe~,ssional Golf Assn. championshipi~in Delaware after a Delaware newspaper quotedhim as saving that "lesbians.i~ the sport hurt women s golf" and are:turning it into a "butch game" which would cause sponsors to drop women’s golf. Wright was also quoted by the Wilmington N~ws-Joumal as saying that women are "handicappe,~ by having boobs" because it makes it difficult for them "to keep their left arm straight... Their boobs get in the way." LPGA officials said they knew of. no problems with sponsors because of any concerns over lesbians in tournamentplay. RobinKaneof_the~__~National Gay &Lesbian Task Force sai&, "Lesbians don’t hurt women’s golf- BenWrighthurts women’s golf, and his own profession as well. Such outrageous and demeamng comments certainly raise questions about Wright’s ability to cover women’s sports fairly." KOIN-TV of Portland, Ore., broadcast coverage of the 1991 Masters Golf Tournament that included an ethnic slur in referring to a Japanese golfer. In the footage aired by the station, Wright remarks, "" former champions aplenty - Watson and Nicklaus at 4-under, with the Jap Ozaki, who is striking a blow for the foreigners.’" AIDS Takes High Five’ Baseball Player OAKLAND, Calif. - Glenn Burke, the openly gay former Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder, has died of complications related to AIDS. Burke was widely believed among teammates to be gay whenhe startedplaying pro baseball in 1976, and after quitting the game reader duress in 1980 he said he believed he had been shoved out of the game because of homophobia in pro sports. In addition to a short but impressive career with both the A’s and the Dodgers, Burke is credited with starting one of the most popular and common signals of victory in professional sports today - the "high-five" sign. READ ALL ABOUT IT suggested readings, included in the book, are excerpts from books ("One. Teenager by Barry Hensley in Ten," "Long Time Passing: Lives of Circulation Supervisor Older Lesbians," "No Turning Back") Tulsa City-County Library and periodicals ("Christian Century," One of the most sensitive topics facing "Christopher Street"). gays,lesbians andbisexualsinour society This book also includes examples of is how religion deals with sexual Services for the gay positive church, which orientation.Theconstant,negativerhetoric can be adapted to local Situations. These that comes from some powerful leaders include Communion Services, Services has led many gay people to dismiss of Healing for Those Affected by AIDS organized religion, parti- and Services of Union for cularly Christianity. Homo- One o[ the most homosexual couples. The sexuality and Christianity final part of "The Welare sometimes assumed to sensitive topics coming Congregation"is an bemuttmlly exclusive. "The faeln~ Gays, elaborate bibliography Welcoming Congregation" Leslalans and which has over 70 entries of addresses this and other Bisexuals in our books, films, sermons and pertinent issues with a periodicals of interest. structure of guidelines for soeiety is laow This bookis notjustfor congregations attempting to religion deals organized churches. It will include gay persons in their with sexual also be helpfnl for people, churches, of any sexual orientation, Although published by orientation. The who are searching for just the Unitarian Universalist constant, ne~atlve the right spot to fulfill their Association, ~airdy for use rlaetorie that commitment of faith. It in UU churches, these includes many examiguidelines can be used by comes,,,fr°m some nations of biblical passages any group or denomination, powerlul leaders that are often used to deny Beginning with suggestions laas led many homosex,aals equality, and for determining where your how thosepassages are often congregation stands On the Gay people to- used out--of context and topic of sexual orientation, dismiss or~anlzed ultimately contradict other this guide continues with ten religion.... passages. As a result, this is detailed workshops to help good information to draw understand the unique on when a biblical debate problems and concerns of homosexuals, on sexual orientation arises. Workshop topics include "Gender This:pra~tical"guide; While not foi:"use Socialization and Homophobia," "Biblical in every religious situation, is a thought - Perspectives on Homosexuality" and provoking attempt to create a positive "How Homophobia Hurts Heterosexuals." religious environment for homosexuals. Each workshop explanation includes what It is a welcome resource. materials will be needed, how to structure Check for "The Wel coming the workshop, how much time each part Congregation" in the Readers Services of the workshop should take and what department on the 2nd floor of Central readings participants need to read. The Library, or call 596-7966. J O,fi,,~er recent library additions of interest include: J | [ *, The Unofficial Gay Manual," by Kevin Dilallo and Jack Krumholtz I II-* ,,’Bx" sexuah’ty:AReaderandSourcebook,"edited byT,,h,omasGeller I’ * ,,?IDS and HIV Progr,,a~,s and Services for Libraries,’ by W. Bernard Lukenbill I * Breaking the Surface,’ by Greg Louganis Ask a bookseller about . - % corporate and teacher’s off discounts in addition to Current NY Times our other discount prices!! Papbrback Bestsellers % Current NY Times All Hardcover Books* Hardcover Bestsellers *except Bargain Books FAMILY FI.NANCES THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE INSURANCE by Leanne Gross The question I am asked most often is "why doI, a single person withno children need. life insurance?" Our community has a vital need for life insurance !! 1. Even if we put both parties’ names on property and/or assets, the partner left behind will have to pay taxes on the half of the property or assets she inherits. Ask your lawyer. You will be surprised. Life insurance proceeds are tax free. If .you do nothing else, buy enough life insurance to cover taxes and fees so your partner can keep what you have both worked so hard to acquire. .2. A life insurance beneficiary has the greatest chance of receiving the ~roceeds than any other option on the market. There are a few legal cases where the family contested; however, thejudge usually tries to honor the wishes of the deceased, especially if there arejointassets involved. Notei The owner of a life policy can". change the beneficiary by simply signing a form. So, should the relationship not endure the bumpy road, a life policy beneficiary can always be changed. A life insurance p~licy is the best and simplest way to assure your wishes are carried out and your partner will be cared forwhen you are gone.What a wonderful honor to present to your mate. What wonderful peace of mind for you. 3. Because Of the AIDS threat, a life insurance policy could be the answer to a stable financial lifestyle. Today, if one contracts an incurable disease, there are avenues to sell your policy or cashin your policy to maintain your present lifestyle. Life insurance is designed for the living as well as the ones left behind. There are too many misleading stories about life ~nsurance and the benefits available, so, on that note, let’s discuss the facts about life coverage. Nolonger are therejust two types oflife insurance policies available. Companies have discovered there is a need for a var~.’ety of life coverage plans to fit the .variety of lives. A person trained in life insurance will be able to assist in selecting the policy which best fits your needs. However, to understand the basics, I will discuss term life insurance and cash value life insurance. Term is like renting an apartment. Rent ¯ is cheaper. How.ever, you pay and pay, never owning your own home, never having an asset, never building your financial standingl A cash value life policy is like buying your home. A little more expensive, but you will buildupequity within your policy. The cash value will be available to you or , ,.y~u can~use one of the many options such a~’ a) paid-up additional lille coverage b) stop-payments and let the policy pay for itself c) use the cash for personal use through a draw and/or loan. Note: When you use the cash in a policy, this act will affect the value of your policy (the amount your beneficiary would receive). Why would anyone purchase a cash value plan? 1. The cash build up.in the policy is a wonderful feature for the living. If cash is needed, it is available for the asking. No loan applications. No begging, at the bank. 2. Cash value policies are level premiums. A very important feature. No .surprise.s. Term poli~ies are available with mcreasmg or decreasing premiums. Increasing premiums continue to cost you more andmore with each year. Decreasing premiums will decrease through time. However, no more premiums means no more coverage. You may be in bad health or too old to replace your plan. Be careful! 3. The cash whic~ builds within the cash value plan.accumulates tax-deferred. As your money earns additional cash .through interest and ~v!dends paid by the Insurance company, ~t ~s not taxed until withdrawn. Therefore, aninsurancepolicy can also help you to save for retirement or college. You can kill two birds with one stone.......Life Insurance and Retirement Plan for one premium. Don’t misunderstand me, life insurance should not be your only retirement plan or .savings avenue. You must first have the insurance need (whichwehave discussed). A cash value policy can just help with retirement and/or savings, whereas a term policy doesn’t allow you any options other than life coverage. This leads to a cormnon debate: Buy Term and invest the difference. To make a long story short, in 10 to 15 years, a cash value policy will OU! perform buying Term and investing the difference, due mainly to tax advantages. Run the numbers for yourself, I have. I HRCF Launches Membership Drive WASHINGTON - Pointing out how dramatically far-right anti-gay organizations like the Christian Coalition have outstripped lesbian and gay rights groups, theHumanRights Caml~aignFund (HRC.F) has announced that it is launching a massive membershi p drive during June at gay pride events in more than 100 cities in 47 states around the countr)i. With 100,000 members currently, HRCF nevertheless notes that the Christian Coalition has a claimed membership of 1.5 million people. "Thelargest right-wing group has 10 times as many members as the largest organizafi,on fighting for Gay and Lesbian equality,’ said Brian Albert, who is heading up the hundreds of volunteers who will be canvassing for new members during June. ’qlae more people who come out for equal rights and join HRCF, the better ,we’ll be able to fight the battles ahead. Membership rathe group is $20 per year. The group’s address is: Human Rights Campaign Fund, PO Box 1396, Washington DC 20013. HRCF will have a representative at the Tulsa Pride Picnic on Sunday, June 18 to provide information and the opportunity to become a member. 832.0233 ¯ ] 565 S. Sheridc~n, inside the Silver Stor S~loon ¯ ! 0pro - ] am Thursdays & Sundoys ¯ ] 0pro - 2ore Fridays & Soturd0ys FUSO orientation. R.F. Renfro, public relations officer.for FUSO, says that the organization seeks to promote unity, education, cultural awareness, with a specific goal "to buildbridges where gaps exist and tear down the walls of bad communication thathavedivided us." Its mission statement adds that the organization seeks to be a progressive force within the African-American commumty. R.F. Renfro and Derrick Davis work with Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services (MTSAS). They do most of the Tulsa HIV/AIDS outreach that targets men of color of diverse sexual orientation. Davis also works with Morton Comprehesive Services as a case manager. Renfro expressed his frustration with the many obstacles to providing both preventative education and providing access to services for persons living withHIV orAIDS. These issues range from racism in Tulsa generally, and racism in Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay communities specifically, to. religiously based anti-Gay prejudice Ln the African- American commtmity tO a lack of access to knowledge and resources regarding HIV/AIDS services and programs. Renfro quotes a friend, Ernestine Hill, formerly of the Oklaho.ma State Dept. of Health, as sayzng, "you have to meet people where they are." He elaborates that is the reason for avoiding labels like Gay or Bisexual which may be more accepted in the non-Black communities. In the African- American community, especially among younger men, the attitude may be that they don’t consider themselves homosexual. A man having sex with anothermanmight say to himself or to others, "I’m just freaking" or "I’m just getting off" while considering himself to be heterosexual. One particular difficulty in providing education and services in Tulsa’s African-American cornmtmity is thelack ofprivacy. With many members of the community working in health services in clinics or hospitals all over the city, it is often difficult to maintain confidentiality. This potential for exposure to loved ones, friends, family and church creates such fear in individuals that Renfro knew of a number of cases where individuals had avoided getting life-saving/enhancing treatment because of privacy concerns. Many of the fears relating to family and church are compounded by attitudes of the African-American church toward homosexuality. Renfro states that the,_c~rches,,seem quite willing tO:~’cc~tithe~ from homosexual members and to accept their participation as long as the church doesnrt have to "know" about those members’ sexual orientation, or about HIV or AIDS. Renfro knows of cases It all boils down to respeetlng cultural dlfferenees, then finding common ground. where not only a person living with AIDS was forced to leave a church, along with his family. He also notes that a fdw congregations, in particular, Shiloh Baptist, have been very open in dealing with HIV/AIDS issues. Renfro, who was ordained in January at Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, has learned not to argue theology With ministers who say homosexuality is an abomination. He relies personally on a view that God knew him before he knew himself, and counts on God correcting anything which God finds displeasirig in him. In addition to current educational efforts, FUSO is seeking its Internal Revunue Service tax-exempt status so that it can expand its services. In the longer term, it hopes to have its own building on the north side of Tulsa where it can provide information, testing" and counseling, a food pantry and medical equipment. Presently, many of those services are available at the HIV Resource Consortium. However, its location is a problem and it can be an intimidating place because people of color don’t see volunteers or staffmembers who are of color or even posters or magazines featuring people of color, such as the "Protect the Blood" campaign which targets African-Americans. Right now, FUSO is setting up a support group for persons living with HIV/AIDS, and also hopes to host meetings where local speakers, such as JeffBeal, M.D., can speak about local clinical trials of experimental treatments and new drug therapies. Interestingly, Renfro finds that the AIDS epidemic has opened a door for Gay issues in the African-American community, as well as finding some common ground beyond real, cultural differences. The disease doesn’t care if you’re White, Black, Jewish, Catholic, Methodist, etc. Another part of FUSO is community building. An informal tradition of "families" or mentoring occurs. Renfro notes that it is.hard to be young, Black, male and Gay-. He adds it is hard enough to be accepted in the larger community (Tulsa), and even harder to deal with possible rejection in the African- American community. One of the benefits to mentoring is that itgives olderfolks an opportunity to let the younger ones know that there is more to being Gay than j.ust sex, that there are models for love and relationships. Friends in Unity Social Organization also seeks to be a leader for African-Americans in the Lesbian/Gay communities. Renfro states other Lesbian and Gay organizations and their leadership should not assume they know the needs of African- Americans, or presume to speak for them. He adds that they are willing to engage in discussion about their needs and broader community issues. He says that he is proud to be a Black man who loves Black men, that he is proud of his culture and will not compromise who he is. It all boils down to respecting cultural differences, then finding common ground. For more information about Friends in Unity Social Organization, write POB 8542, Tulsa, OK 74101 or call 425- 4905. otography J.D. Jamett 621-5597 ). Wlnitti o ooe Q 416 S Lew~s s Now serving Sunday breakfast, 7am-2pm ROOMMATE , tll ,e ,. GF looking for roommate, u Accommodations Midtown Tulsa, 3/1.5/1 Central H&A, washer/dryer Frank Green, Jr. Host Cable, all utilities for $300 50 Wall Street a month. Please only Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 serious roo~nmate inquires, 646-3323. 501/253-8281 A UTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE FRESH RAINBOF/ TROUT of Eureka Springs Su an & James De Owners (501) 253-6807 5 Center Street Closed ~/ednesday Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Owners/Hosts: Maureen & Joyce The Purple Iris Inn RR 6, Box 339 Eureka Springs. Arkansas 72632 501-253-8748 OOOOO000000000000000000000000000 Jerry A. Wilson (sol) 2s3-73~ 1-800-:231-1442 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 0 0 o ¯ ¯ ¯ O ¯ ¯ , ^KINGS HI-WAY 96 Kings H~,hway ¯ Hwy. 62 W. ¯ Eureka Springs, AR 72632 OO000000000000000000000000000000 ¯ ¯ ¯ "O ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Left to right: Al Reese, Larry Everett, Peter Schoonheim, Photo: Ron Volanti, Jr. Oklahoma’s Own Larry Everett Wins International Mr. Leather CHICAGO - Larry Everett of Collinsville was selected as International Mr. Leather 1995, outplacing over 50 other entrants in the 17th year 0f the popular leather contest. Everett, who is also Mr. Oklahoma Leather this year, represented Tulsa’s Silver Star Saloon and is the first Oklahoma resident to win the ritle. Larry, who is 34, is a member ofTool Box Technicians and an honorary member ofTulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers Associates. Larry is active in several community rights and HIV care organizations and has worked in local and state Republican politics. He has traveled over 6,000 miles representing the state of Oklahoma. The contest was held in Chicago’s Congress Theater.- In addition to prize winning leathermen from around the world (London, Amsterdam, Toronto, and the US), the cohtest featured entertainment by video star, Jeff Stryker, Mark Davis and Michael Griffith. Also, the 1st Intemarional Mr. Leather, David Kloss of San Francisco, who won in 1979, walked down the rtmway sixteen years later to thunderous applause. First runnerup was A1 Reese of San Diego & Peter Schoonheim of Amsterdam was 2nd rmmer-up. JUNE 25th Folllow us to OKC t?or The Gag Pride Parade JULY 1 st Invitational VolleybM1 Tournament And at 10:30 that evenfing~Var~etj¢ Show: Singers, Magicians, and Drag :Divas.~ 11229 So Memorial, .835050~g3 TULSA’S HUGE PATJ[© gAP N The first family of lesbian and gay travel guides proudly announces its newest addition! The first and only fulk~olor gay and lesbian accommodations guide.- Features 450 pages of ephotographs, detailed descriptions, multiple .cross index, and much more. ~ ° DAMRON MA!.L ORDER The ultimate resource forgay and lesbian travelle~ around the world. ~ For-a free catalog call ~.~,~,~ (800) 462~654 o or write: Damron Company ~ ¢:~ ~ ~ii::i:: ....~ PO Box 422458 San Francisco. CA 9414T2458 SALOON June 16 Sid Spenser, lopm, $3 cover June 25 Sadie Brooks & the Ft. Smith Invasion July 13 Miss Northeastern Oklahoma USofA Pageant August 1~ Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA At-Large Pageant Sundays Show Nite at the Star with Fallon Scott ~834"4234, 1565 S. Sheridan!iW_~Sun. 7~-;2~a;:m..:.’;~~ ’!’:"::"~!!?-Y!’!!’!-e"-~!?-::":"-~5~?:":":":"?:":"57!~!:":"-’-~~-"~!!?-’:":":":"??:!!?!’!’!’--"!:~:!:££-7:.:~::%2!:--"£-:£-"--":?!!!:!-::£-9"!!:!~:~.!,_-9!-"!!’::__.._~ Dallas Gay Comic to Appear Junei 23 ¯at Concessions Paul J. Williams,"TheBest LittleHomo in Texas" will perform his nationally acclaimed stand-up comedy routine at Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria on Friday, June 23 at 10 pm. An openly Gay comic, Williams has appeared at a number of leading comedy dubs across the United States. Humor with a Southern flair, Texasbased comic Williams has a strong following for his hilarious views on growing up in the South. Formerly with the wildly successful comedy group, Less Miserable, Paul has created his own show oforiginal characters and stand-upcomedy entitled The Best Little Homo in Texas. Paul’s stand-up covers everything from his being a "creative" child in .a conservative Southern Baptist home to his experiences as a single, Gay white male. In between, Paul introduces you to several different characters who are based loosely on people he has known. Concessions, The Perspective and !nfemo Productions teamed up to bring Williams toTulsaforOldahomaGayPride Week. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) has been selected by the producers to receive $1 of each ticket sold as adonation to theTOHRfundto establish a Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Tickets are $5. Advance tickets are now on sale at ConcesSions Nightclub, Budget .Window Treatments,and Floral Design Studios and from TOHR Members. Tickets will also be on sale at the TOHR booth at Tulsa’s Pride Picnic, June 18. ARIES March 21-April 20 If there are sensitive topics you’ve been avoiding, now is the time to speak your mind. Family relationships areparticnlarly positive. Stand up for yourself on big issues. Keep the peace flowing by letting the little stuff go by. TAURUS April 20-May 21 You’re full ofenergy and, though you’re working hardnow, you arebeing rewarded for it too. People around you support your efforts. !f you have been thinking about taking a gamble, now is the time to begin your venture. GEMINI May 21-June 22 You’ll have more money coming in than usual this month, and cash flows out just as fast. Partners can be a financial drain. Help out; just don’t go overboard with your generosity. Yes, your lover really does understand you! Don’t fear the commitment. CANCER June 22-July 23 Your present partner isn’t really there " for you--probably because (s)he is going through a personal crisis and needs the help more .than you do. If you’re just beginning a relationship, hold back. There’s more baggage, than you need. LEO July 23-August 23 You’ve had some setbacks recently. Though that phase is over, it’s lime to look at the consequences of your actions and make sense of it all. Don’t beat yourself up; just decide where you to go from here. VIRGO August 23-September 23 You may be tempted to end a long standing relationship, but it’s better to talk it out. Your serious partnerships are trying to shift to anew level; don’t chicken out because it seems like too much work. LIBRA ~1ou Sceapntemmabkeer 2g3r-eOatctsotbriedre2s3in your career; but the gratification doesn’t come fast enough. It may seem like you’re just plodding along, but. the nose to the grindstone approach is exactly what will bring you to success. SCORPIO October.23-November 23 A project you completed some time ago finally pays off--just when you had almost given up hope. Spend some of the coming, coming, coming vicious, vicious, vicious vicious, vicious;, vicious vicious, vicious, vicious s~n, soon, soon Thum,, June 22 $5 Cover Male & Female Contestants Sun,, June 25 $2 Cover S~cial Guest. Mr, Tony Sinclair urs.Sun 9.2 v3340S, Peoria Tulsa v 918.744.0896. money on a vacation to a romantic locale, preferably with a lover who shares your exotic fantasies. SAGI’I-rARIUS Nov. 23-Dec. 22 Existing relationships heatup and your parmer’s good financial fortune rubs off on you.A new relationship can start now, mostly based on physical magnetism. Have fun, as long as you don’t let your hormones talk. you into anything permanent. CAPRICORN Dec. 22-January 21 The month begins with fatigue for you; let yourself slack off a bit. You’ll get lots of support when you express your needs and your love for others verbally. By midmonth, you’ll be highly energetic and motivated by the success ofanew venture. AQUARIUS Jan. 21-February 20 It is critical that you maintain a positive attitude. You’ve taken a lot of chances lately butkeep the faith, and you’ll prevail. Use your dreams to solve the problems youreonseious mindcan’tseemto answer. PISCES February 20-March 21 . You have been looking at a friend through rose-colored glasses and they’re not as reliable as you hoped~ Let’s face it, you’ve been had. Though you’re not usually the assertive type, it’s time to quit playing doormat and stand upfor yourself. Oklahoma City BI "IV: Carolyn, subm bi TV iso BM who is well built, wardrobe I know you’ll love, 6’2. like to dance, and have lots of fun- ~15186 Fayettville FUN AND FRIENDSHIP: David, 35 y/o GWM tall, slndr, cute, shy top Ikg4 petite for frndshp and more! ~41544 Tulsa LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS: Brian, int in athl music wttfiting movies staying home and pass long term relationships- ~26107 Norman SINCERE FRIENDSHIP: Richard, GWM 50 y/o p~nl Ikg4 someone 25-35 for sincere frndshp and psbly more. ~41552 THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: ! ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 To record your FREE Tulsa ’Family Personal ad Call: t-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3)To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call:the 900 number & Press the star key (,) Due ~o our large volume of cal ~, if you can’t get thru, s mp y try your call lateK 900 blockedg. TW 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 LOOKING TO,MEET: David, 33, Tulsa LOOKING FOR FRIENDS: Steve, GWM 30 y/o into travel, movies, quite eve’s at home, Ikg4 frnds to hang out with. ~41606 Tulsa TWO-STEPPER: Craig, hiv+ attr bm/bm 1891bs into movies, dancing 2step, swmng, bkng, Ikg4 attr. masc non smoking btm for romance and psble LTR e41608 Tulsa LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP: Ray, 24 y/a 6’1 2,621bs new to scene, into sports, " I m hoping to meet Someone for LTR . ~41724 Tulsa BODY BUILDER: Jim, Im a body builder wm 5’11 1701bslkg4 wm 25-45 in gd shp for rltnshp ~41830 Tulsa FISHING AND OUTDOORS: Steve, 5’6 1551bs bm/hzl I’m an artist, into fshng, outdoors,travel Ikg2 meet guys wilh ~a Wide varietyof intrst ~-call me!- ~’....... like to have a goodtime Ikg to meet Other ~41841 men, if ur interested give me a call- ~41380 Stillwater FOOTBALL AND SOCCER: Mike, 26, like to play .football soccer, like to work out likes to have a good time young pref, ra~:e not an issue, if u like give me a call- "e41488 Tulsa BI WM: Michael, 25, WM bi marrie~.. 6’2 210 iso clean daytime fun, Ikg for male friends 20-35, no heavies pls- Iv a message- ~41433 J MANFINDER SALUTESI GAY PRIDE MONTH Wichita ENJOY LIFE WITH: Larry, 40 y/o generous,p~nl Ikg4 young man 18- 20 to enjoy life with. I enjoy travel and financial frdm. call me! ~3329 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it short and sin~ple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. Fusta DINING AND MOVIES: Mike, 40, brn/brn, gdlkg, int are diningout movies fishing, Ikg for guys between 18- 25, tp Ikg for well end’d guys give me a call- ~40122 NW Oklahoma COWBOY HORSE BREEDER: GWM, 40s, nw part of OK,, iso GWM W/ cattle/horse experience, happy in levis as well as tuxedo, iso str acting, facial hair, alotOf hair a plus, if ur interested in a gd life eve me a call, non drinker/smoker =402 Tulsa FRIEND AND COMPANION: Robert, GBM, 26, Ikg for GM to be my friend and companion- ~38530 Oklahoma City DANNY, 22, 6’2, blk/brn, looking for GWM 20-30, for friendship pass rel if ur interests, like swimming going out having fun- give me a call- ~38627 Oklahoma City DAVID 27, stable, secure, looking for a basic honest guy interested in a rel- e38757 Oklahoma City OUTDOOR LOVER: Greg 25, GWM iso fun and love outdoors, 6’3, professional, give me a call, looking for someone no games, like to go out and have fun but not really into the bar scene- ~38923 Oklahoma City SHE MALES: Tracy, int in meeting TV’s She Males, in the area give me a call- bye! ~39139 OK TONY 24 6 215 bm/brn, mustache, goatee bind hair, hairy, love 3 stoogeslooking for a father figure, Marlboro man, very romantic, Iv a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, hoping Mr. Right Ikg for monog rel only- ~39172 Oklahoma City BOB, like to have .. fun, 47, looking for 18-50, give mea ca11- ~39484 Oklahoma City ANDRE 20 looking br a gay man, in the area, give me a ca11- ~38049 OK DISCREET FUN: John, 6’, 172 bm/brn, Ikg for married guys who are looking for discreet fun, give me a ca11- ~39557 Tulsa LIKE TO MEET: Mike, 35, 6’1, bm/brn 195, like to meet talk to people, if ur int, like to have fun and a good time, give me a call- ~39587 Tulsa BRIAN 21, GWM, 6"i, 220, like romance, vers, Ikg for long term monde rel, someone to start one with, iso prof~l GWM open minded, ages 20-40, Ikg for someone who likes to have a good time, would have intell conversation- ~39693 Oklahoma CityCAMPING AND COMPUTERS: Robert 28 BIWM married looking for someone int in a discreet rel, if thafs you Iv a message-int are camping, computers, really int in hearing from youe39721 Mcallister LASTING RELATIONSHIP: Gene, WM, 50, 190~ blu/blnd, intin a lasting rel, down to earlh, not into bars, like video photography camping fishing and quiet eves at home gardening, just rel~ing and enjoying each other- u be 30-50- ~39758 Oklahoma .City LOOKINGFOR A FRIEND: 35, looking for pass ml, friends, ¯ and.-j0~i"be hor~est, will reply to ablk/ gm reed bu d attr- Thanks! ~37313 Oklahoma City LOOKING FOR A rLOV~R~ Mark ooking for someone to ~a~a rel with, 24, give me a call- thanks- ~37392 .Bay PEN PAL:,~icki, 29, int in males;i:18-30, 61 150;. nt n any guy writing to me -write asap- ~37660 Tulsa FUZZY CUDDLER: looking for a fuzzy cuddler, WGM 36 bin/ blu 155 v~rs (+) hlthy attr, iso fun with another pos attitude person,if -~this sounds good Iva message- ~ ~37586 E. Tulsa GWM 19, 5"10,140, dk blnd/grn; iso young cln cut companion, 18-26- ~37612 Oklahoma City DISCREET FUN: 36 Brn grey hair 170 6’1 good shape like to meet 18-30 for discreet fun, give me a call- inexp a pluswanna have some~n, call me- ~37691 Oklahoma City WANNA DATE? Lance looking for someone in the area 28 145 sandy bind blu, med build, iso someone between 18-30 nice looking like to go out to movies, g0 do something, or stay here and watch movies, give me a call- e37738 Oklahoma City FRIENDS AND FUN: WM, 40s Mas~: iso str acting guys with slim musc builds for friendship fun, ~37776 AR FONE FUN : Kenny int in meeting other guys, and doing interesting things and lone fun, g~ve me a ca11- ~37906 Tulsa POSSIBLE LOVER: Alan, 6’2 175, dk brn/blu hairy defined build, looking to get together for good times, pass relationship- ~37945 Re.Write Summer, What better way to speod~vour " Summer than (vith s’O.m~6~ei~pecial? Personal ads. like these,-are orie of, the most effeGive and aEordable ways to meet new people, Place Your FREE~’No’~ ’ ,~d get ready toin~oduce.yourself-~ -to a whole new summ~~i~ ,,. ’i- ,,~- ;.,, . :~ ,~ ...... Tulsa PARTY BOY: ~BM 313~ ~qsc bUild, seeks masc men, 25:-~0"~!~r~pf~ party boy, likes to porty~ .~,,.3~2~ i~ iii. ,:.~".,~ Tulsa NEW TO AI~A: 3:4,~_~ to meet new guys~ new to the a.reo;.,fo~,friendship, 5’ I0. bmibrn, ~38~ :6.9..~ ~.~/~,.~;,~,~.~ - build; professional pri~a~ ai,~t~,;~e.~ 8~2~’ ~t. ..~’~::.~" ~ , . bm/.blu grn,.m~ ~v~.me,a ca I-~38255 N. U~e R~k NIKIN~ Cliff brn/~, around, camping hiking, i~ a g~ ~ have ~n or kiendship- ~38463 Tulsa PROFESSIONAL~GWM*3OW3 180, brn/brn, iso guys: b~tween 2] :30 for friendship pass rel, a~, like outdoors, mowes reading and dining Cur if ur .~ - intereosted c lye me a call- ~38358 8 g 1-900-740-GUYS I~-, $1~~41~-~1-~ : Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1995] Tulsa Family News, June 15-July 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 7 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 15-July 14, 1995 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin JD Jamett Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/499 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, May 15-June 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 6 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 1995 aboution adoption African Americans AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV research AIDS/HIV testing Amendment 2 American Library Association Amnesty International anti-bias law anti-gay legislation arts and entertainment attorneys Barry Hensley Bars Black and White Party Buddhism businesses California AIDS Ride censorship churches civil rights Community Awards custody Dave Fleischer Dennis Rodman Domestic Partnership Don't Ask Don't Tell estate planning Family Finances Family of Faith National Conference Delegates Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fight For Your Rights Follies Revue Friends in Unity Social Organization (FUSO) fundraising Gay Albania Society Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Gay Lesbian and Bisexual Book Awards Grethe Cammermeyer Hannah Solomon Award hate speech health Hillary Clinton homophobia horoscopes Human Rights Campaign Fund International Conference of Gay and Lesbian Jews International Mr. Leather Larry Everett Latinx Leadership Lambda /conference Leanne Gross Lesbian Avengers letters to the editor Mark Vickers marketing marriage medical malpractice medical marijuana military inclusion Murder National Center for Lesbian Rights National Council of Jewish Women National Gay and Lesbian Task Force needle exchange Out Magazine parade Parents Paul J. Williams performing arts personals Phil Gramm picnic pornography Pride Pride Awards Read All About It religion representation restaurants Ryan White care Act Scott W. Alexander sexual orientation discrimination Soka Gakkai Internation Buddhist Association sports TOHR Reporter Tom Neal Transgender Tulsa Family News Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing viatication weddings https://history.okeq.org/files/original/89ecb38f24ba7b165accd3a27ea0b22a.jpg b4f0acbb23e8acbff2ddf05fc2db8ca8 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/9c3b66c12f037981d3f2f984cba0536a.pdf ed1085a3634bd5d2a337205971be2492 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart Lesb, ian Couple Appl=es for Tulsa Marriage License TULSA, OK - Kharma Amos & Debbie Harding raised eyebrows and awareness with their application for a marriage license at the Tulsa County Courthouse. Accompanied by Tulsa Family News publisher, Tom Neal and reporters from channels 2, 6 & 8 as well as radio KVOO, KRMG and The Tulsa World, the two women presented their blood tests and requested a marriage license. TulsaCounty Clerk staff refused the application, stating that Oklahoma statutes limit marriage to opposite gender couples. see License, page 5 Black & White Inc, Dining & Dancing For Charity Dollars TULSA, OK - Black & White Charities, Inc. will again throw the parties of the summer, all to raise funds for worthy community charities. This year’s event will gather dollars to benefit Project Open Mind of Parents, Friends & Family of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG), The HIV Resource Consortium and Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay Community Center project. Project Open Mind is a public education media campaign by PFLAG National See Black & White, page 5 July 15 - August 14, 1995, Volume,2, Issue 8 OKC Parade, Tulsa & Muskogee0 Pride PhotoS: JD Jamett & Tom Neal Green Country Human Rights League Rainbow Village Housing for PLWA’s TULSA, OK - Over 40 people worshiped, planted a tree and worked in the sweltering Oklahoma sturtmer heat to get Rainbow Village, a 60+ year old house ready for its first residents Saturday, July 8 was the final"work day" for volunteers, Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Straight, who came together under the leadership of volunteer co-ordinator, see Village, page 5 TOHR Follies Draw Crowd & Net $1700+ Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) held its 15th Follies, a volunteer revue to raise fnnds for the human rights organization, see TOHR Reporter, page 8 New Community Group Organizing TULSA, OK - FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS - A community meeting for Civil Rights for Lesbians and Gays, was held on Thtirsday, June 29 and attracted over 25 community activists to discuss the stalled City of Tulsa HumanRights Committee Report on Civil Rights based on sexual orientation and more. The gathering was remarkable for having much more diverse representation than is typical a.t meetings of Tulsa community orgamzataons. Women and men were nearly equally represented and members of FUS O, Tulsa’s African-American men’s group and several Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay~ Bi youth attended as well. The purpose of the forum was to create .a venue wh. ere representatives from exist~ mg orgamzauons and members of the Gay/Lesbian community at large could meet to discuss publically goals and strategies for the communities. Several action areas emerged and participants volunteered according to their interests. These sub-committees included: political action organizing (contact: Laurie Cooper), speakers bureau (contact: Tom Neal), youth issues (contact: Thomas Knott & John Ayers) as well as several others: These meetings are open to all who share these goals. The next meeung is July 20.7pro also at the Central Library. For more information, call 838-2121. Britain May End Military Ban on Lesbians & Gays Supreme Court Rains on Boston’s Parade Task Force Endorses Proposed Anti-Bias Law Incident at White House LONDON - The London Telegraph reports that Britain’s ban against homosexuals, in the country’s armed forces, just upheld by Great Britain’s High Court, appears to be headed toward an end nonetheless. According to the paper, Armed Forces Minister Nicholas Soames has recommended to Defense Secretary Malcolm Rifkind that an independent panel review the policy and work out some "compromise" of the outright ban currently in place. The Telegraph quoted an unnamed senior Defense Ministry source as saying, "Although in theory the team wil!~ start with a blank sheet, it will be the means b~ which a compromise is achieved. We need a way out of this, mad commissioning the s mdy is the way.A possible com~ promise would be to end the ban in support areas but mainiain it where service personnel are operating in close confines and in dangerous circumstances." Defense Ministry officials apparently feel that the complete ban against gays and lesbians in the armed forces is no longer sustainable. In June, the High Court upheld the ban, but even so the justices expressed discomfort with the prohibition. "’It seems to See British. page 10 WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court has rnled that private organizations that hold parades have a constitutional fight to exclude any group they want to from participating in the event. In a setback for gay and lesbian rights activists, the unanimous decision ruled that organizers of private parades are allowed under the Constitution’s free speech guarantees of the First ,amaendment to keep any .group they want from participating m a parade. The decision insists that parades are inherently a form of free expression and that states cannot require sponsors to alter their message by including any group that w ants to participate. The case the cottrt ru!ed on started in !992 when the IrishAmerican Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Group of Boston was refused permission to march in the £1ty’s annnal St. Patrick’s’ Day Parade. The Supreme Court’s ruling on Monday, June 19, overturned the lower court decisions, saying that the veterans have the right to select parade contingents and to determine whether each unit’s message is ]n agreement with theoverall theme and aims of the parade. See Boston, page 10 WASHINGTON -The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force released the following statement about the re-introduction of proposed legislation barring dis’crimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation. The statement is attributed to Melinda Paras, NGLTF’ s executive director, "On behalf of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, I am pleased to endorse the Emp!oyment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 1995. The bill would ban employment discrinnnation on the basis of sexual orientation. Such a measure would permit all Americans to work without regard to sexual orientation.’" "This long overdue legislation would make illegal the discfinfination present in the lives of Americans everyday. The fight to work is the co’rne~stone of the American dream., yet far too many hard working people are refused work, fired, or harassed because of their perceived sexual orientation.’" "Sexual orientation does not effect a person’s ability to contribute in the workplace yet gay, lesbian, and bisexual people continue to be’isolated, stigmatized and persecuted in and out of the workplace. Without this measure, the threat of legal discrimiSee Task Force, page lO WASHINGTON - The \Vhite House issued a letter from President Clinton addressed to the 45 gay and lesbian officials who had attended ameeting with high level administration officials at the Executive Offices in June, The Clinton letter apologized for what the president called "inappropriate and insensitive treatment" after White House guards put on blue rubber gloves ~o admit the guests. Althoughit was somewhat tarnished and overshadowed by the glove flap, the meeting with administration officials was an unprecedented occasion. With nearly half the country’ s elected openly gay officials there, it was the first time such a delegation had been invited to the White House to meet with top adininistration officials President Clinton himself was not present. The 4-hour private discussion included Housing Sec. Henry Cisneros, Health & Human Services Sec. Donna Shalala, White House Counsel Abner Mikva, and Clinton aide G~orge Stephanopoulos. Officials promised support for many issues but said that change is slow. Aside from the glove flap, gay and lesbians leaders expressed disappointment with the administration’s failure to stand up see White House, page 3 Prom pts Official Apology Safe Space on the Internet for Gay Youth by Chris Thomas OutNO W.t- San Jose, California The "Dmnien Starr case" has called attention to some of the pitfalls awaiting teenagers who use computer networks to communicate with faceles s strangers around the world. For a young person beginning to question their sexual orientauon, such anonymity can sometimes be a liberating factor. But cyberspace is filled with diversions and traps that can engulf a naive net- surfer, and the challenge is to find those spots which offer genuine help and safety. One such place is the Youth Assistance Organization, see Youth Net. page 3 INSIDE LETTERS, PAGE 2 DIRECTORY, PAGE 2 NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 4 HEALTH BRIEFS, PAGE 6 CALENDAR, PAGE 9 FINANCES, PAGE 12 HOROSCOPES, PAGE 12 PERSONALS, PAGE 15 �918-832-0233 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma ’74!59-0140 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher/Editor Tom Neal Assistant Editor James Christjohn Writers/contributors Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin Staff Photographer JD Jamett Carbon Copy: S. Savage 200 Civic Center Tulsa OK 74103 Mayor Savage: Let me take the opportunity to. introduce myself. My name is Timothy J. Miller, & I am representing myself along with many others like myself in not only Tulsa, but the metropolitan area. In the past I have worked for a very prominent Tulsa family in the property management fields as Director of Administration, successfully managed a .distinguished apartment community,. & am currently a manager for a large regional restaurant chain. I consider myself to be fair, openminded, & objective. I am writing as a concerned constituent, & feel I am not being fully represented in City .Government. About 5 to 6 months ago, a report was sent to you with recommendations dealing with the Civil Rights of Lesbians & Gays: As of yet, I have seehlittle response to tiffs report, not onlyby the City Council, but the Mayor’ s office as well It is time to see these issues as critical. Executive orders must be given to ban discri .mination of any kind, including sexual orientation, pertaining to city hirragas well as those aireaay employed by the city, including the police & fire departments. The time has also come to add the words "sexual orientation" to our human fights ordinance. I believe this measure would easily pass with you actively supporting the issue. With your active support of these issues, I believe that not only would Tulsa benefiL but the metropolitan area as well. .Other city governments seeTulsa as a guiding light. It is time tbr Tulsa to move boldly ahead & become the forenmn~r it has always been. Timothy J Miller The Savage response: Dear Mr. Miller: Thank you for your letter about the recommendations from the Human Rights Commission. As you may know under the terms of the Tulsa City Charter all changes to the ordinance must be approved by the council. Members of the Sexual Orientation Committee of the Human Rights Commission who have spoken to council members do not share your belief that the changes would pass easily. see next col. below Youth Speak Issued on Or before the 15th of each month, the~aNg,contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 19~’by ~’~alsa Famfly News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or ph,],ote does not indicate that persoffs sexual orientation. L;orrespondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole propertv of Tulsa Farnil v News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution points. Additional copies are available at Tomfoolery~ Youth Speak Out on Bias All cultures or groups of people have a stereotype. We’ ve all heard how Blacks are lazy; Jews are stingy; Women are too emotional; and. especially how Gays are perverts or pansies. Well, while in some cases these may betrue, not everyone is like that. Stereotypes help perpetuate a negative image. The images everyone gets, even some Gays, persuade them to avoid the fact that we a re all human. We, as a group, need to form a bond and stick together, helping each other. Something that the Gay youth needs to understand is that they can be anyone they want to be. Anyone can be feminine or masculine;’ male or female; just as long as they have a mentor gniding them, giving sports tips, make-up tips & mainly emotional support. The main point is ~that we are all a diverse group of people, & this is why we need’ to value our friends & family; yet not base our lives on stereotypes alone... Thomas Knott, A.K.A. Terra Starr Editor’s note: Thomas is a youth activist in Tulsa. Selective ID’ing at Bars? As a semi-regular patron of all Tulsa bars, itbothers me greatly that "selective carding" still seems exists in 1995. I have no problem at all producing my driver’s license when asked to do so, but I feel (out Of respect) that all members of my party be asked to do so. Furthermore, as a courtesy to all bar patrons, everyone should be required to show identification. There are times that I have seen people who I know are underage allowed into bars without showing ID while I have been asked to show mine. It really angers me to be told by a doorperson that "He looks 21 & you don’t." Could you please tell me what a 21-year-old looks like? It is my hope that this letter will bring an important issue to the eyes of barmanagers & owners before it gets out of hand. Sincerely, K. Green The existing City of Tulsapersounel policies specifically ban discrimination & encourage all hiring to be on the basis of merit. Our 4000 employees are a diverse representative group & we work diligently to encourage an accepting workplace. M. Susan Savage, Mayor Editor’s note: the Mayor implies current city policies provide protections based on sexual orientation - they do not do so. Personnel policies do not require action by the City Council but can be changed by the Mayor. For those who would like to receive discreet home delivery of Tulsa Family News, please send $15 for a 12 month subscription, $8 for 6 months. Or at least that is what many right wing activists claim, and can we blame them? being gay certainly is not immoral, however the Gay community could definitely stand some xmprovement. Take for instance Riverside drive, almost every night one can spot at least three or four different men cruising the walk for a one night trick. I have even had the unfortunate experience of seeing two men engaged in sex with one another right there in the mens room. This hardly speaks well for the commumty. And how many men find themselves employing the term "fish" when in reference to women. A lack of sexual attraction is not just cause for such vile disrespect. Sexism is just as wrong as homophobia, yet it appears to be more prevalent in the Gay community than in the general community. Hear any good racist jokes recently? I have and they are absolutely disgusting. I think that it is apalling that one can rant and rave about how they want equal rights, and then make racial slurs that would put KKK members to shame. Members of our community are constantly demanding equal rights for themselves, but it is very rare to see a Gay-or Bisexual male take a strong and firm stand againstsexism; or to see someone who is white stand up and fight racial predjudice And the thing that d~fines Gay men is not tricking in the bathrooms of Riverside. If we don’ t want critism from the general public, then we shouldn’ tgive them anything to criticize in the first place. "It is hard to give respect to someone who does not return it to others." - John Ayers Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S. Memorial 835-5083 *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Admiral 582-4340 *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria 744-0896 *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Renegades, 1649 S. Main 585-3405 *TNT~ s, 2114 S. Memorial 660-0856 *Time n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial 664-8299 *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 584-!308 *Whittier Cafe, 416.S. Lewis 582-2400 *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 74325272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 *Columbia Place, 1519 E. 15 587-5803 592-1521 Creative Collection, 1521 E: 15 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743 -4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 *Devena’ s Gallery for Photography, 13 E. Brady 587-2611 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Leaune M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 *Heirloom Designs, 2814 E. 15 742-5665 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotheral~y, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 International Tours 341-6866 599-8070 Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747--5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587-8108 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 P1 664-2951 425- !354 *Mohawk Pride Center, 3910 Park .Rd. Mortgages by Design 342-4252 Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston 587-8333 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 584-0337 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston *Scribnef s Bookstore, 1942 UticaSquare 749-6301 747-3322 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S Sheridan 832-0233 Westcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza 583-1500 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Cluistian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 B/L!G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Community of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 838-7232 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 Friend8 in Unity, POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H:I 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P:O, Box 52118 74128 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild 254-2100 Rainbdw Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 Save the Nation, Indian Health Care 584-4983 Shanti Hotline 749-7898 TulsaOklahomans for Human Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. ~King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *Purple Iris Inn, Route 6, Box 339 *Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton *The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-6807 501-253-5445 800-231-1442 501-253-8748 501-253-2204 501-253-8281 *The Diner, 2124 NW 39th *Jungle Red, The Habana Inn *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th *Triangle Associaiion, 2136 NW 39tb 405-528-5133 405-524-5733 405-525-2437 ~ q5-843-8378 �White House cont’di omp. I for several gay rights issues and bluntly warned that millions of gay voters ~ay sit out the next election unless the predident takes concrete steps to show his support. "We’re saying, give us areason to go back and have our people vote for you," said San Francisco Supervisor Susan Leal, who organized the meeting." Nearly an hour of the meeting time involved a"heated dialogue" with Mikva about the Clinton administration’s decision earlier in June not to join in a legal challenge of a Colorado anti-gay rights measure now up for review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The measure bans laws and policies designedto protect homosexuals from discrimination. Bruce Lehman, commissioner of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and one of the Clinton admini stration’ s openly gay officials, said he had urged the White House to attack the Colorado measure. Even¯ so, Lehman said, the meeting itself was "just another one of the many firsts" in the Clinton administration that benefit the gay and lesbian community. Meanwhile, the White House announced that it had appointed Marsha Scott - a close Clinton associate - to a new, first-ever post as liaison to the gay community. White House officials were both embarrassed and exasperated by the glove¯ incident that marred the first-ever "goodwill" meeting June 13 with the gay and lesbian officials from around the country at a time when President Clinton’s standing among gays and lesbians is probably lower than it has ever been. ~ Eljay Bowron, director of the Secret 5ev¢i~c~, apologized for a "regrettable" mistake when _guards blue rubber gloves to allow the delegation in for the meeting. Bowron said AIDS education efforts in the agency would be stepped up. The guards put on the gloves after they learned the gay group was scheduled to pass through ~the eastern entrance of the White House. Oregon state Rep. George Eighmey later said a guard had told him, when asked why the guards wore gloves, that they were wearing them "to protect ourselves" - apparently from HIV. Reaction among the lesbian and gay officials attending the White House meetrag, which actually took place at the ExecutiveOfficenearby, ranged frompolitical perplexity to livid outrage. "It’s a mixed bag,’" said Susan Leal, a county supervisor from San Francisco, who helped to arrange the meeting. She said having the meeting with top-level administration officials was a breakthrough in itself, but added that she wasn’t overwhelmed by any concrete results. Tom Ammiano, another San Francisco supervisor attending the .meeting, was more blunt: "If the Clinton administration can’t take care of its own people, if its level of understanding is so low, how can they take care of us? I’ve lost my own lover to AIDS, and this is one of the basest, ignorant, homophobic reaction to AIDS I can imagine. A first-grader will tell you that you’re not going to get AIDS by putting someone’s camera through a metal detector...." Pride-Photos The Rev. Leslie Penrose, Brad Mulholland & volunteers plant a tree to honor the memory of Rainbow Village founder, Mark Vickers. Photo: Neal Family of Faith Metropolitan Community Church at the statewide Lesbian/Gay Pride Parade in Oklahoma City. Photo: Neal Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa booth at Tulsa’s Pride Picnic in Mohawk Park. Photo: JD Jamett Black & White Charities, Inc. booth at Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay Pride Picnic in Mohawk Park. Photo: JDJamett Youth Net cont’d fromp. 1 a group with several Bay Area connections. "We give youth questioning their sexuality an option; rather than run away to a city hoping to find others like themselves, youth will have a safe place to turn to one another," says Christian Williams, 19, a co-founder of YAO and a student intern at Sun Mierosystems Inc. in Mountain View. YAO, which also goes by the name "youth.org" for its Intemet site, went online in February with the donation of three computer workstations from Sun. YAO didn’t happen over mght; it was a project long envisioned by co-founder Reid Fishler, 19, owner of Long Island Information Inc.,. a New York-based Intemet services provider. "We are special because of one thing," says Fishler. "We are teens helping teens. We are not adults who have decided that we should "give some thing back to the community’; we are teens who have all made it through or are making it through, life as a gay, lesbian, or bisexual teenager." While recent media focus has been on the negative aspects of what can happen when gay youth roam the Internet, people at YAO see a positive side to all the attention. "We feel such incidents only reinforce theimportance of services like ours," says Williams. "For youth who have been abandoned by their families or, worse, thrown out for who they are, YAO can serve as both aresource of agencies and services to turn to for help, as an alternative to the streets, and as a place to receive the emotional healing and support - the understanding that comes from another .young pelson." Many of the YAO volunteers are involved in other safe spaces for gay teens on the Internet. Mary L. Gray, 25, is a graduate student at San Francisco State University and is a co-moderator of the Usenetnewsgroup soc.support.youth.gaylesbian-bi, which was formed in 1994 following the largest vote ever in support of a new newsgroup in the more than 10year history of Usenet. Fishier, Williams, and others also moderate areal-time Relay Chat channel called #gayteen. The channel is moderated to ensure that "’net sex" doesn’t take place, and that it remains asafe place for gay and questioning youth. Over 500 us’ers have registered on the channel, which is protected by several "bots," automatons which help enforce the policies of the elaannel and keep undesirable or disruptive individuals from violating the space. And YAO is teaming up with other gay youth groups to make even more resources available. OutProud is a San Jose based youth service which recently established an Internet presence after two years on America Online. The group has developed a database of over 3,500 contacts for gay and questioning youth, and YAO has indexed the database and made it availsee Youth Net, page 13 Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 No. Cincinnati, 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanta PI., 742-7381 Trinity 501 So. Cincinnati, 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You ?. �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Anti-Bias Law in Florida PT. LAUDERDALE Following a heated 5-hour Broward County Commission meeting, the body voted to adopt an antibias measure prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the county by a 6-1 margin. Anti-gay fundamentalists immediately said they would launch an effort to gather enough signatures to repeal the ordinance. Britain’s Ch. 4 Premieres ’Dyke TV’ LONDON - The chief executive of Britain’s Channel 4 TV, Michael Grade, has defended the station’s increasingly controversial lineup of programming after it premiered the latest in a string of programs dealing with sexual issues that culminated in midJune with the debut of "Dyke TV.’" a 15 hour-long late-night show specifically aimed at the country’s lesbian community. Grade denied charges that the independent network was prorooting pornography or appealmg to prurient interests inlaunchlug the programs and said it was all part of the station’s responsibility to "’reflect society." "’People are fascinated by sex," Grade said. "’It’s a question of whether you take a healthy interes~ mad explore that in a seriousminded way, or whether you do it in an unhealthy way, which is to exploit people." Technicality Allows 2 BritishWomento Wed IJONDON - The London tabloid The People has reported on what it called the country’s first sanae-sex marriage sched’uled for Junc 28 The paper reported that t’he marriage between Tracie-Mme Scott mad Tina-Louise Dixon was possible because Scott, a former merchant semnan mad the father of 3 children, is still technically male under British regulations even though he has had a sexchange operation. Victory Fund Gets New Chief Announced WAStllNGTON David Clarenbach, a former Wisconsin state representative who held a seat in the state legislature for 9 tcrms, has been named to repl acc William Waybourn as exc~tivc director of the Gay & Lcsbian Victory Fund. In a press statement, C arenbach said "One of my goals as to bring an outsxde-theB’eltway wake-up call to the nation’s .capitol. The rest of the country is way ahead of Washington in recognizing the contributions of gay and lesbian citizeus. In a related matter, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced that Waybourn had joined the media watchdog group as its new managing director. Lesbian Launches Mayoral Bid SAN FRANCISCO - Roberta Achtenberg, who left a post as undersecretary for civil rights in the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Clinton Administration earlier this year, officially launched her campaign to become the first openly gay mayor of San Francisco. Achtenberg, a lesbian rights attorney and former county supervisor, faces an uphill battle in a crowded fidd that includes incumbent Mayor Frank Jordan and former CaliforniaAssembly Speaker Willie Brown, perhaps the state’s most influential Democrat. "She will be the first lesbian big-city mayor in the country," said Christine Kehoe, a San Diego city councilwoman who hdped kick off the campaign drive here. "And that’s why we’re here this morning. Roberta shows whatwe can achieve when we participat e fully in the life of our community." Rights Measure in N.H; CONCORD, N.H. - A measure has been introduced in the New Hampshire Legislature that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientauon in the state. A similar measure failed when introduced in the legislature 2 years ago after strong objection from church leaders. Hearings are not expected to begin on the proposed legislation until the end of this year. One Aussie Leader: Pro Gay Marriage SYDNEY - Governor-General Sir Bill Hayden, Queen Elizabeth’s appointed Crown officer in Australia, drew wildly mixed reactions for a recent speech in which he endorsed the idea of same-sex marriages, adoptions by gay and lesbian couples, and legally allowing euthanasia for terminally ill patients who want it. S ome church 1 e~leYg~md p61iticians in the country denounced Hayden’s suggestions, which are considered the most progressive made by any major government official anywhere in the world to date. A government spokesperson said Hayden’s speech reflected his own views, and not those of either the Australian government or Queen Elizabeth. Hayden’s recommendation that gay men be routinely tested for HIV, however, drew harsh criticism from AIDS groups in the country as unnecessary for proper healthcare safety. Other Aussie Leader: Against Gay Marriages SYDNEY - The Australian gay publication Brother Sister reports that Prime Minister Paul Keating has rebuffed a recent call by Australian Governor General Bill Hayden to legally recognize same-sex relationships and to extend adoption rights to gays and lesbians in the country. Keating is quoted as saying in Parliament,"I have my own personal views; social views on these things, but these are not a matter of govemmentpolicy. We don’tmakelaws governing these things." Hayden, who represents the British Crown as the nominal head of state in the Commonwealth country, earlier endorsed both same-sex mamages and legal adoption rights for gays and lesbians. "When society took the decision to no longer regard the practice of homosexuality as a threat to established, monogamous marriage, regarded as the cornerstone of society for so long, certain inevitable consequences followed." Hayden said during a speech. "Certain rights flowed to homosexuals in the wake of that decision and unanticipated changed to community Standards followed.’" The Governor General’s office later made it clear, hrwever, that Hayden was not speaking for the government or Queen Elizabeth, whom he represents in the ountry. Town Nixes ’Gay Pride’ ALAMEDA, Calif.-A normally "routine" proclamation designating June as Gay Pride Month has been rejected in this community on the east side,of the San Francisco Bay after anti-gay conser- BROOKSIDE JEWELRY Corner of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! dreds to pack a city council meeting. The resolution, usually anuncontroversial matter, failed even to receive a second at the council meeting The council hearing on the proposed proclamataon lasted nearly 4 hours. Religious conservatives claimed the rejected proclamation was victory for "traditional family Values." Canadian Province May Allow Joint Adoption VICTORIA, British - Canadian news sources report that the provincial government in British Columbia has introduced legislation that would permit same sex couples to adopt children the same as heterosexual couples. The proposed change in the province’s adoption regulations would let both partners legally adopt a child, giving them joint parental rights and responsibilities. Quebec and Saskatchewan provinces both permit gay and lesbian couples to adopt children already, and an Ontario provincial court has declared that province’s restrictaons against same-sex couples adopting children to be unconstitutional. Coors Adds Domestic Partners Benefits BOULDER, Colo. - The University of Colorado newspaper, the Colorado Daily, has reported that the Coors Brewing Company of Golden, Colo., once the object of an intense national boycott by gays and lesbians, has voted unanimously to extend employee benefits to the samesex domesticpartners of its workers. Since the widespread boycott of the 1970s and 1980s, the company has added non-discrimanation protections based on sexual orientation to its employment guidelines, and the brewcry also has a company-sanctioned gay and lesbian employee group. "’There are still a lot of unanswered questions about the relationship between the Coors family, the [Coors] Foundation, and the company," Sue Anderson of Equality Colorado. told the paper. "But if we’re ’just talking about the corporation, this is a great move forward." Members of the Coors family and its private Coors Foundation have backed a wide variety of archconservative and anti-gay groups and politiciahs for decades, which led initially to the boycott. The Coors Brewing Company, however, has since gone out of its way to distinguish itself from the financial giving of the family and the foundation. Amnesty International Cites Police Abuses LONDON - The London-based human rights watchdog group Arunesty International has publicly called on the govermnent of Albania to live up to its obligations and agreements under international law and put a halt to abuses of its citizens, including political prisoners, Greeks living in the country, and homosexuals. "In certmn cases the ill-treatment has been so severe that it has amounted to torture," a statement from AI said. "In at least five cases the victim died, apparently as a result of the injuries they suffered." The organization also called on the government to set up methods of responding to citizen complaints of police abuse and brutality to deal with the problem. Guinness To Do Gay Ads LONDON - The Financial Times of London has reported that Guirmess, the famed British brewery best known for its stout ales,, plans to begin using a gay male couple in some of its future TV ad campaigns in the United Kingdom to promote its popular alcoholic beverages. Although the firm did not give details of the TV advertising, it did indicate that the TV spots would make it clear that the 2 men in them were gay men. The finn also said it would use the popular conntry-western tune "Stand By Your Man" in the ads. ILGA World Conference RIO DE JANEIRO - The 17th world conference of the International Lesbian & Gay Association ended in Brazil on Sunday, June 25, with a gay pride parade along Rio’ s Copacabana beach. During the week-long conference of more than 300 delegates representing countries from around the globe, ILGA took the following actions: - Denounced anti-gay violence in Latin America - including Brazil itself - and condenmed the execution of gays and lesbians in some Islamic countries; - Praised the decriminalization of homosexual sodomy in the IIIIII 4649 South Peoria 743-5272 vatives turned out in the hun- 14~38 S. Boston, Tulsa robert owen freeman architectural & interior design consulting architectural renderings pob 52621, tulsa, ok 74152 918.747.0880 �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs Australian state of Tasmania; - Announced plans to launch campaigns to draw attention to the continued criminalizing of gay and lesbian sex in Chile, Ecuador and Nicaragua; - Said the organization had ratified all the international treaties and conventions of the United Nations to help assure its recogration as a consulting Non Governmental Organization (NGO) with the UN. The organization also elected Jordi Petit of Barcelona, Spain, and Inge Wallaert of Antwerp, Belgium, as its new secretariesgeneral. D’Emilio Takes Over at NGLTF Policy Institute WASHINGTON -The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force has almounced the noted historian and author Dr. John D’Emilio has joined the civil rights organization as director of NGLTF’s Policy Institute. D’Emilio’, ahistory professor with the University of North Carolina, has the task of transforming the Policy Institute imo a full-fledged research organization by recruiting gay rights theorists, academics, researchers, activists and others to the rese arch "think In apress statement, D’Emilio said: "I am committed to building the NGLTF Policy Institute into an indispensable source of reliable, useful and necessary information, on gay/lesbian/bisexual public policy issues. We want to use the wealth of expertise in our community to build a reservoir of materials for activists in the fidd.’" No. Cal. LesbiGay Prom HAYWARD, Calif. - This unlikely community, just east of San FranciSco, was the spot on Friday evening, June 30, of t!}..e first gay and lesbian prom in Northern California "Pride: A Deeper Love" took place at the Ceutemtial Hall here, replete with with an espresso and soft drinks bar, potted palms, an indoor fountain, and a miniautre replica of tile. Eiffel Tower to recreate the ambiance of a Paris sidewalk cafe. The youth prom was sponsored by the I_ambda Youth Group and drew several hundred lesbian, gay and bisexual youths - mostly high school studeuts - from throughout the San Francisco bay area. Couples May Ado pt in DC WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia’s Court of Appeals has ruled that unmarried couples - including same-sex couples can legally adopt children the same as married couples. The court made its rifling in the case of 2 gay men, identified in court documents as Bruce M. and Mark D., overturning a lower court ruling that denied the men the right to adopt a young girl. The court found that "unmarried couples living together in a committedpersonal relationship, whether of the same sex or of opposite sexes, are eligible to petition the cou~t for a decree of adoption" and the capital’ s adoption law "expressly authorizes adoptions by any person without limitations.’" Toronto Parade Largest in North America TORONTO - Demonstrating a level of gay pride that most Americans only associate with cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, Toronto"s annual Gay Pride Parade this year apparently became thelargest such event in North America, outstripping the gigantic gay pride celebrations of its southern neighbor for the first time. Police estimated that between 500,000 and 600,000 spectators showed up for the Sunday, July 2 parade that also drew more than 50~000 participants. Police estimates of the 3 largest gay pride parades in the U.S. put spectator numbers at between 300,000 a nd 500,000. The Toronto parade first started in 1980 when it drew only 2,500 people. Politicos in this year’s event included openly gay Member of Parliament Svend Robinson and Toronto Mayor Barbara Hall. California Court Upholds Hate Crime Law SAN FRANCISCO - California’s Supreme Court has upheld the state’s hate crimes law as constitutional and has ruled thatit does not violate free speech rights. The unanimous court ruling rejected the arguments by the attorney of 2 women charged in the beating of 2 gay men in San Francisco in 1990. The appeal argued that the state’s hate crimes law violated the women’s free speech guarantees because it was vague. The state high court rejected the argument, saying that words which indicate an "intent to inflict evil, injury or damage on another" are not protected by constitutional free speech guarantees. "Violence and threats of violence .. fall outside the protection of the First Amendment because they coerce by unlawful conduct, rather than persuade by expression," thecourtruled. "As such, they are punishable because of the state’s interest in protecting individuals from the fear of violence, the disruptio~ fear engenders and the possibil- ity’the threatened violence will Gay Marriages: Tale of Two Cultures AMSTERDAM- Two independent polls {eleased on the same date- onein the U.S., the other in Holland - give an indication of the difference in attitudes in the 2 countries. In Holland, 73% of those polled said they thought gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to legally marry - an astoundingly largeportion of the population that surprised even many Dutch activists. The U.S. poll, conducted by EPIC-MRA-Mitchell Research, found that only 33% of Americans thought same-sex couples should be allowed to get married, while 63% opposed gay and lesbian marriages. Lesbian Camp Ruled Not a Nuisance OVEIT, Miss.-Chancery Court Judge Frank McKenzie has ruled that Camp Sister Spirit was not a "private nuisance" in rejecting the caseof a group of local towns people who had accused the lesbian-feminist retreat of causing disruptions an d trying to "recruit" their daughters into a"lesbian lifestyle." McKenzie said in his ruling that seminars and music festivals at Camp Sister Spirit may have disrnptedneighbors to a degree, but that the retreat’s activities did not constitute a "nuisance." The attorney representing the townspeople who brought the complaint against the camp said all the ruling meant was that the camp just "hasn’t gotten out of hand at this point." ’Gay Gene’ ResearchQuestioned SAN FRANCISCO - Dr. Dean Hammer, the openly gay National Cancer Institute researcher who reported finding a genetic marker associated with male homosexuality, is apparently under government scrutiny for possibly manipulating datain the study. Hammer confirmed for news sources that his 1993 study was being reviewed by the federal Office of Research Integrity and that he had been ordered not to comment further. Genetic scientists, however, have reported that a colleague in Hammer’s NCI lab had looked through the data in Hammer’s reports and found that the gov- Nathanael Mattingly salon estetica 749-0777 ernment researcher had not included some of the material in his final report. The omitted data could we aken the statistical significant of Hammer’s finding or possibly have changed the findings altogether. The question of the reliability of Hammer’s findings .could be even more crucial because a neurogeneticist at the University of Western Ontario in Canada finished a similar study recently of more than 40 sets of gay brothers and found no link between the genetic marker and sexual orientation. Village cont’d fromp. 1 Rusty Langley Stumpff, to make real the vision of Rainbow.Village founder Mark Vickers. Rainbow Village is a non-profit dedicated to providing housing for persons living with AIDS (PLWA’s). After months of delays and difficulties in raising funds for the renovations of the house, work was able to completed because of donated materials from Cowan Construction and donated labor from many folks,in particular, Leon Kubian, a professional contractor. At mid-day, the work crew stopped to join the Rev. Leslie Penrose in a blessing of the house, room by room and to plant a tree in remembrance of Mark Vickers who died just in May of this year. Brad Mulholland, Mark’s spouse, remarked on the bittersweetness of finally seeing Mark’s dream realized. Midway though the ceremony, aneighborhood resident stopped to complain about having a house for people with AIDS, which for him equalled "Gays" in the neighborhood. Ironically, the first residents of this house happen to be heterosexuals living with AIDS, not Gays. Though the neighbor refused to give his name, he threatened to complain to the city because he felt the house would violate zoning restrictions. Rainbow Village board president, Cathy Mulholland, responded that up to 8 unrelated individuals could live in a single family zonedhouse and that there should be no problems. Cathy Mulholland also noted that Tulsa has a significant need for housing for PLWA’s. There may be as many as 90 persons needing housing and Mulholland added that up to 84% of PLWA’s here are in danger of becoming homeless. Both Cathy Mulholland and Rusty Langley Stumpff mentioned that all the funds to renovate Rainbow Village have come in small amounts from the community. Although applications are continuing to be made, no major grants have yet to be secured. Donations of money, materials and time/labor are welcome. For information, call 742-2201. taffy cont’d from p. 1 to counter anti-Lesbian/Gay prejudice. Some of the seed money for the project was do~ nated by Barbra Streisand and Tulsa is one of three test sites for shaping the campaign. The HIV Resource Consortium is an umbrella organization that seeks to provide comprehesive HIV/AIDS services, ranging from case management to providing space for other organizations, such as the TOHR HIV Testing Clinic and RAIN, Regional AIDS Interfaith Network which organizes care teams for persons living with AIDS (PLWA’s). The Lesbian/Gay Community Center is a project spearheaded by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). The goal is to rent or buy a facility where all parts of the communities and organizations can meet formally or informally. Black & White Charities, Inc. will hold two events: a patrons appreciation on Friday, July 28 at Philbrook Museum and the Black & White Party itself on Saturday, July 29 at the Pavilion on Expo Square. Black & White Charities, Inc. began as a private party but was later incorporated as a tax-exempt non-profit dedicated to sponsoring social events which celebrate the unity and the diversity of the communities, promote group & individual self-esteem and create awareness and. funding for our communities issues and concerns. For more information, see page 16. License cont’d from p. 1 After being turned away, Amos and Harding spoke with reporters about the effort. The couple acknowledged that they were not really surprised to be denied the license, but that they hoped people aware of the desire of many Lesbian & Gay couple for legal recognition and protection of their relationships. Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant The Queen of the Galaxy presents the best damn hair in town! Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 3509 $, Peoria - 2nd Level - Tulsa, OK 74105 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 �+Home HIV Test Kits May Become Popular FlPELITY HON~E HEALTH CARE, INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-3 . .2 We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hourslday, seven days/week. The range of services include:. Skill ed nursing . services (RN ’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. Baltimore GayPaper A significant number of people state they would use a home test to determine if they are infected with HIV, it the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licenses the diagnostic kits, according to a University of California San Francisco (UCSF) study published in the May 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). If the home kits are approved, the easier access and greater privacy they provide wouldincrease the number of people tested for HIV infection, says a UCSFresearcher who co-authored a separate essay on this subject published in the same NFJM issue. The FDA currently is considering whether or not to approve test kits that would allow blood collection at home, according to Kathryn Phillips, PhD, a researcher at the UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS) and lead author of the UCSF study, The over-the-counter test kits would likely be sold at drug stores and, or through mail order. After pricking a finger and putting a drop of blood on a filter paper, users of the home test would mail the sample to a laboratory and call to find out their results They would receive telephone counseling after providing a code number from the test kit. The entire process would be anonymous. UCSF researchers examined how the availability of home-access HIV tests .might change the numbers and character]st~cs of people tested for infection and where they went to be tested. Data came from a large household survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of more than 20,000 people, age 18 or older. Among other questions, respondents were asked how likely they would be to use home HIV testing and, if it were available, whether they would choose to use a home test, go to a doctor’s office or clinic, or not be tested. 29% stated that they would be "very" or "somewhat" likely to use home tests. Of this group, 7% percent said they had never been tested (excluding testing for blood donation). 42% of the respondents with HIV risk factors said they would be"very" or "somewhat" likely to use home tests; 63% of this group said they had never been tested (excluding testing for blood donation). 22% of all respondents and 31% of those at risk; said+they would choose a home test over the alternatives. In comparison, 18% of the respondents and 34% of those at risk reported having been tested for HIV infection (excluding testing for blood donation)between 1985 and the time the survey was conducted. The survey defined persons ’at risk’ as .hemophiliacs, men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users, those who trade sex for money, sex partners of persons at risk, those who had blood transfusions between 1977-1985, and those who have a self-perceived chance of having or contracting AIDS. Respondents more likely to .state they would use home HIV tests were male, younger, non-white or non-Hispanic, and had less than a college degree, income levels lower than the poverty index, risk factors for AIDS+ a self perceived.risk of AIDS, previously donated blood in order to be tested, or no prior testing because they did not know where to go, according to the UCSF study, see Test, page 11 Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Buffer, RN MS For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Commnnity Specialized in HIV Care Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care in a homelike, loving setting? Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services Until now - no where ...... ¯ We have many insurance provider affiliations - if you belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply, ! 560 East 21 st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pro, 743-1000 Announcing the opening of Mohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people living with AIDS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North 35alsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals. The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour our new facility. To arrange a tour or for more information, call our Offices at 918-425-1354 Accepting Medicare~ Medicaid private pay and ptTvate insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated. Mohawk Pride Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK¯ (918) 425-1354 �QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy~ WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETT LEMENT ? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every poli~y is ¯ suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range.from 60 % to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept tche offer, payment is made directly to you. YOU pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors influence whether viaticating 3’our life insurance is the best financialalternative available for yo-u. Southwest Viatical can discuss allof thefactorswith you and your family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to assist you in plamfing the best outcome from your tmique financial situation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT ? Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer ),our insurance and medical records by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other compaafies take by mail. t)pically in fewer than 30 days We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Southwest Home Office Dallas,. Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 �Reporter TOHR Follies Thank You’s from the Executive Board Lynn Smith - Chairperson Renee Anthony - CO-Chairperson .Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights ¯ P.O. Box 52729 Tulsa, OK 74152 July/August 1995 Volume 15 Number 7 The vhq~w expressed elsewhere in Tul,~a Family News are tltff nece.~saril)’ the vie*tw o.fTOl IR. Pet?nission is granted to reprint in,f!)rmalion cotltaitted wilhin the TOI IR Reporler page along with other itent~’, tolthrr the byline. "mtbmitted by TOI IR ". contained elsewhere in Tulsa Family News. Wanted: Persons who are interested in taking a six week Watercolor class taught by local mtist Kelly Vandiver. The cost of the classwill be $75 not including supplies. $15 dollars of the $75 tuition will be tax deductible as a donation to T.O.H.R,. To register please call the helpline at 743-.4297 and leave your name and nnmber with the volunteer or on the voice mail. TOHR - August meeting will be on Bartlett Square. Bring a picnic basket and Sheryl Dagang for being the fabulous Master/Mistress of Ceremonies. )’our dancing shoes. August I st, i 995. IVlusic and beverages will be provided. 7:00pro Ill ? The Entertainers Getin step with TOHR and Hillcrest step aerobic class to begin this fail. Watch your TOHR Reporter for fiu-ther details. A Special Thank you to Bill Lewis a!k/a/Lola, Russlyn Moore, Paris Grey, Victoria Towers, Emma Zahn, Anita Richards, Kelly Green, Diannah Nacole, Vivian & Tara TNeal for their creative and fabulous costumes and renditions that set the stage tbr our Priscilla themel Thank you to Linda Stevens for bringing friends from the Follies Revue. Jennifer Sanco, Kris Rittanaier & Tracy Watson Our addilional thank vous to other performers including: t.tell’en Back, Jessie Scott. Beverly Ball, Jimnaie H0ose. llelga, The Tulsa Family Chorale, Miriam Childers, Kevin Barentine, Kharma Arnos, and friends Danny Hale. Steve Eberle, David Parsons & Kathlene Golden. Thanks to Raghena for making the trip from Dallas to share her talents with her Tulsa Family. The Volunteers Without the tireless energy, of our volunteers this event could not have been the success that it was. Thanks to: Pamela Newberry and Terry, Rich Webb, Gemini, Joseph Chavez, David Haynes, Wes Waggoner, Charles Campbell, Kathlene Golden and Jill Hoyt. Tulsa’s own youth group including Thomas, Edgar, Antwaine & John. The Donors John Rothrock and Steve Walley from the Silver Star, Gregory and Wayne from Floral Design of Tulsa, Kathlene Golden from Unity Center, Gourmet on the Go, Whittier Care, Promenade General Cinema, Merle Norman Studios and Anthony Klatt of the Perspective. We would like to thank the businesses who sold advance tickets for the Follies: Tomfoolery, Floral Design of Tulsa and Budget Window Treatments. All Soul’s Unitarian for the use of their facility. To ever3., one \vho attended this years Follies you were a great audience. Thank you. Quick Note: 1 ~vould like to thank Tom Neal and the Tulsa Family News for their support of TOHR and the Reporter during this past year. A Newsletter that has been established to serve TOHR’s community center and other non-profi| organizations will be the ne\v home for the Reporter. HIV TESTING CLINIC FREE & ANONYMOUSE FINGER STICK METHOD By and for, but not exclusive to the lesbian, gay & bisexual communities Monday & Thursday Evening 7 to 8:30pm for Testing 7 to 9:00pro for Results Daytime Testing Monday-Thursday By Appointment Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 918-749-4194 4154 South Harvard Suite I-t-1 Call for Directions �BLACK SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627-B East 1 lth. Info: 583=7815 Community of Hope (United Methodis0 Worship Service, 6 pm 1347 No. Yale, 838-7232 WHITE INC. ,_C ,OMMUNITY CALEND .R MONDAYS HIT Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Results Hours: 7-9 pm Info: 749-4194 TUESDAYS Minister’s Class" Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center 7:30 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Info: 583-7815 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Worship Service, 11 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Info: 622-1441 Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 No. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Lambda Bowling League Bowling begins at 8:45. Sheridan Lanes 3121 South Sheridan Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa Meeting, 6:30 pm Canterbury, 5th & Evanston Info: 583-9780 THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Women’s support group Community of Hope 1347 North Yale Call 838-7232 for info, Co-Dependency Support Group Weekly meeting, 7:30. Family.of Faith MCC. 5451-E South Mingo Call 622-1441 for Info. Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center Choir Practice 7 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Call 583-7815 for info. The Banned, OK Gay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 Family Of Faith MCC Potluck 6:30 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 8 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. SATURDAYS Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Provides confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale Call 838-7232 for info. HIT Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appbintment required. Walk in test hours: 7 - 8:30 pm Results Hours: 7 - 9 pm Call 749-4194 for info. Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for info. Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th St. SUNDAY, JULY 16 1995 Miss Gay Northeastern Oklahoma USofA Pageant Silver Star Saloon, 10 pm 1565 So. Sheridan, Info: 838-3701 TUESDAY, JULY 18 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Board Meeting, 7 pm (open to members) TOHR Office, 40th & Harvard, 2nd fl. Info: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 Family AIDS Support Group, 6:30 pm 4154 South Harvard, Gathering Room Info: 583-5147 THURSDAY, JULY 20 FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS Community Civil Rights Meeting YOU NEED TO BE THERE 7-9 pm, Downtown Library, ground level meeting room, info: 838-2121 SATURDAY, JULY 22 Community ofHope Dance Class, 8 pm 1347 North Yale, Info: 838-7232 TUESDAY, JULY 25. Rainbow Business Gui/d, 7 pm Olive Garden, Utica Sq. Info: 832-0233 FRIDAY, JULY 28~ Black & White Charities Patron Gala Philbrook Museum, Info: 587-7314 SATURDAY, JULY 29 Community ofHope Feed the Homeless 1347 North Yale, 5:30 pm Info: 838:7232 Black & White Saturday Night Dance Pavilion at Expo Square, Fairgrounds $20 advance, $25 door, Info: 58%7314 TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 TOHR Party on the Square Picnic, 7-10 pm, Bartlett Square Info: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2 Family AIDS Support Group, 6:30 pm 4154 So. Harvard, Info: 583-5147 SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 Community ofHope Dance Class, 8 pm 1347 North Yale, Info: 838-7232 TUESDAY, AUGUST 8 Log Cabin Republicans, 7 pm Tulsa Centrai Library, Ground Floor Info: 832-0233 Need Help Selling Your Artwork ? . The The Artists’ Guide to Selling e is your answer $17.95 WEDNESDAYS Authority Of The Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood Call 838-1715 for info. (includes handling & OK taxe~) Mail Check w return address info to: Artht~’ Guide, C/O Slash Pine Publishing ® Box 904186 Tulsa, OK 74105 Expect delivery within 10 days after check dears Developed from Fortune S00 Training and 15 year~ Saleg experience, ~md degigned to meet the ~peeifie naed~ of a~tiniz. SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 1995 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA At-Large Pageant Silver Star Saloon, 9 pm 1565 So. Sheridan, Info: 838-3701 MONDAY, AUGUST 14 PFLAG 1011102, 6:30-7:30 pm 4154 So. Harvard, Ste. H, Info: 749-4901 SPOUSES For spouses of Gay/Les/Bi/Transgenders 7:00 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting Sponsored by PFLAG, Info: 749-4901 TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Board Meeting, 7 pm (open to members) TOHR Office, 40th & Harvard, 2nd ft. kffo: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 Family AIDS Support Group, 6:30 pm 4154 So. Harvard, Info: 583-5147 SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 Community ofHope Dance Class, 8 pm 1347 North Yale, Info: 838-7232 TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 Rainbow Business Guild, 7 pm Dinner Meeting, Info: 832-0233 SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 Prime Timers 2nd Anniversary/ Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74128 Feast with Friends The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Finale at So. Hills Marriott, 748-3111 TUESDAY, AUGUST 29 Community ofHope Feed the Homeless 1347 North Yale, 5:30 pm Info: 838-7232 Gay & Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, Info: 631-7632 Lesbian & Gay Pol. Action Committee Info: 838-1222 SWAN-Single Women ’s Activity Network Call 832-2121 TOHR Anonymous HIT Testing Clinic Daytime testing by appt. M:Th., 10-5 pm Info: 749-4194 TOHR Helpline, Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to volunteer: 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians Leather organization, Info c/o The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S~4, Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Assoc. Info: 838-1222 Wed. Night Women’s Supper Club Varying locations 2nd or 3rd Wed. each month. Info: Helpline: 743-GAYS �Task Force co. diromp. 1 nation paralyzes us in our jobs and prevents us from living as full and ,~qual citizens. "At the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, we often work with activists lobbying their local and state governments to pass anti-discrimination legislation. While many states and muuicipalities have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, some opponents have pointed to the lack of federal legislation when justifying their own inaction or opposition to such measures. We seek federal action through passage of ENDA that would send a message across the country that discrimination is unacceptable and illegal. "Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation violates the American values of equality and fairness. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1995 recognizes discrimination and would alleviate the fear of many Americans in the workplace. It is an important step toward full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people." Editor’ s note:no Oklahoma Congressman has endorsed ENDA, though Cong. Largent is now reviewing the legislation. Britain con d omp. me improbable, whatever this court may say, that the existing policy can survive much longer," said Lord Justice Simon Brown, one of the judges in that ease. Boston cont’dfrom p. 1 The court’ s decision said that gays and lesbians have a fight to march in parades a;s individuals, but italso ruled that no one can force parade sponsors to alter their message by including the views of another group. by Pat Morehead For those readers who are looking for the standard fare of Political Correctness relative to the Gay Community in TUlSa, look elsewhere. Summer is here and it’ s just too damn humid to worry with political correctness. I was politically incorrect when I failed to attend the Mohawk Pride Picnic. But I spent a lovely afternoon on the patio with several cool Bloody Bulls and my latest copy of Field and Stream. I did take a few minutes to scan the June Family News. I have to tell you I’m not really concerned about the court ruling regarding the Boston St. Patricks Day Parade. So gays can t march, big deal. We seem to have missed the point somewhere along the way. If you’re not welcome somewhere, then stay the hell away! I’ve used that simple formula for decreasing stress, I highly recommend it to everyone. Besides, if we want to have a parade, we may wantto exclude certain types, fight? I’m not trying to be bitchey about this but I mean really, give it a rest. Thanks to Rush Tunbaugh and Newtie and Ralphie Reed, common civility has gone the way of the DODO. I was raised to at least pretend to be civil to people I don’ t care for or about. It was called Common Courtesy. Everything has become so "in your face" these days. Every dog has his day, and today Rush, Newtie and Ralphie are ha,v,ing,~eirs. Unfortunately I expect their day to go on for some while to come. We are not going to stop these guys from making our lives miserable for awhile. So, back off! Let them make asses out of themselves and their followers. As soon as people see Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law that Ralphies’ world cuts into their own regular lives, people will get sick and tired of him and his sort and dump them for something different. Speaking of something different, can anyone explain "Legends of the Fall"? I rentedit expecting to see something inter- So, here’s my plan for our eommunlty. Let’s start our -own Ch~eh. We’ll do eorrespontienee tie~rees anti we can all become Ministers. That Way we can ~et every tax ~vantage aveable, & we can du~ ~ple out of v~t sums of ~o~ey in the name of ~n~ng our m~ssxons . ~nee we all have money, then ~e can make the ~uled Let me know ffyou have any ide~ for the ~hureh name. esting from Brad Pitt. If not acting wise, at least his butt! Pitt has been very interesting since I first noticed him in "Thelma and Louise". But I haven’t the slightlest idea about what was going on in Legends. I don’t even think the Director had the slightest idea about what was going on there. I mean, at least if you’ ve got Brad Pitt, use his sex appeal if nothing else. All we got was a poorly composed 3 second medium wide group shot of Pitt in the middle of what I presume was supposed to be a menage a tois. Jeez, at least give us Pitt butt. Three seconds out that whole Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Know Your Rights! Where God Uplifts All People Estate Planning, Adoptions; Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715 Aroma Lamps 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. mess? So, save your money either at the video store or on TCI and give Legends a pass. Unless you’ reinto Anthony Hopkins, at least, he he did some acting. I suggest you rent "Thelma and Louise" and eatch Pitt in the motel scene. Which brings me to TCI. When it comes to TCI,just bend over and expect it rough. Rather than worrying about parades in Boston we ought to be spending time getting any other cable outlet in here. Why is it that there is no Cable Access available to the public, but 158 religious programmers can monopolize half the damn channels? That’ s a rhetorical question. Weall know why, the pray-a-vision folks buy all the available time. So, here’ s my plan for our community. Let’s start our own Church. We’ll do correspondence degrees and we can all become Ministers. That way we can get every tax advantage available, and we can dupe people out Of vast sums of money in the name of funding our "missions". Once we all have money, then we can make the rules ! Let me know if you have any ideas for the Church name. On a serious note though, we could invest some time in setting up a NonProfit Arts Group which is designed to serve Gay and Lesbian area artists, writers and performers. That would be something that could actually have an impact on the local community in terms of giving Gay and Lesbian Artists a fair shot. Let me know your thoughts on that one also. As for me, I’m heading to kitchen to mix up some more Bloody Bulls, then get naked in the hot tub and ponder the real meaning of Pitts’ butt. Hummm, maybe we could do a fund raiser based on a best l~utt contest. Now there’ s an idea perfect for summer in Tulsa. As soon as I find the limes, I’ll put some more thought into that! Pat Morehead is a Tulsan whose commentaries focus on art, politics & more. Unique Gifts in Lincoln Plaza corner of 15th & Peoria 584-4606, M-S 10-8, Sun. 12-5 Aromatherapy for your home or office. Many fragrant oils and scented candles to choose from. �Test cant’d from p. d Phillips says these findings are "counter intuitive" because preventive services and other home tests are usually more likely to be used by people with more education and higher incomes. "It’s striking that people who may have the greayest need for testing but the least access to HIV testing and medical care may bemorelikely than some other groups to use home tests," she says. The availability of home tests may cause a shift.in the locations where HIV testing is conducted in the United States, Phillips says. About 20 percent of tests (excluding tests before blood donations) are performed at public clinics; 31 percent in doctor’s offices, health maintenance organizations, or employer clinics; and 25 percent at hospitals and outpatient clinics, according to the study. "The use of home tests by people who would otherwise have been tested at public clinics may free up resources for other activities," Phillips says. "However, testing should still be available at public clinics." It is estimated that users of the home test would pay between $30 and $40, whereas it costs the federal government approximately $50 per test at public clinics and private doctors may charge clients $50 ormore for HIV testing. Counsding and testing consumed the largest portion$103 million - of the HIV prevention budget of the CDC in 1992. Reviewed by Barry Hensley Supervisor, Circulation Department Tulsa City-County Library One of the biggest controversies surrounding the gay rights movement today is the act known as outing- one person. publicly identifying another, closeted person as homosexual, against their wishes. Although this trend seems to be winding down, there are still many people, young and old, who are unable to identify .themselves as lesbian or gay. Because they are not prepared to acknowledge their orientation, they lead double lives to disguise the truth from friends, families and coworkers. "Outing Yourself," by Michelangelo Signorile, recognizes the difficulty of these situations and provides a step-by-step program for making the journey from "Identifying Yourself" to "Not Thinking About It at All." Signorile outlines 14 steps, under six general parts which include"Ouling Yourself to Yourself," "Outing Yourself to Other Gay People," "Outing Yourself to Your Straight Friends," "Outing Yourself to Your Fanfily," "Outing Yourself to Your Coworkers," and, finally, "Coming Out Every .Day," which includes ways to help others undertakethe same journey. Signoril’e examines the most difficult steps in the first chapter, where he presents the thoughts of other authors, including film historian Vito Russo, who said, "The truth will set you free, but first it will bea pain in the neck," and Mark Thompson, who commented, "Basically, coming out is a death and rebirth experience. To come out, something has to diewhatever it was you thought your were... In a sense, you’re ldlling a former constructed identity and creating a new one." Also in this chapter are exercises to do which may seem simplistic to some, but helpful to others,, depending on how comfortable one is with the coming~out process. "Basicafly, coming out is a death and rebirth experience. To come out, something has to die- whatever it was you thought your were...In a sense, you re killing a form.er construeted identity and creating a new one. As the journey continues, the author documents ~ue experiences which reveal the common frustrations related to homophobia and the act of "deprogramming yourself" from stereotypes and the myths that cause lesbians and gays to feel out of place in a straight society. In "Meeting Other Gay People," the reader is .reminded that today, with gay community centers, organizations, newspapers and computer bulletin boards, the gay baris no longer the primary gathering place. Thereis alist of related books, many of which are in the library, which should be consulted to further explain the sometimes complex and contradictory fedings that many people experience. In’What First Talk," Signorile prepares readers for the inevitable questions and concerns that arise when having that important chat’with parents orother family members. He acknowledges that it is not always wise to come out to parents immediately. Timing is everything, and i.t may be best to postpone your conversalaon. As you get near the end of the book, which dea~s with coming out at work and helping others to come out, it is apparent that a common thread has been woven through chapter after chapter: maintaining a positive approach. Regardless of who is being addressed, people coming out are urged to ignore neg~itive comments and concentrate on having a truthful, uplifting and educational conversation. Signorile has also authored "Queer in America" and numerous colnmns for national periodicals. A few years ago,he had a notorious reputation for outing public figures, but he has mellowed considerably and.this book is a patient and understanding guide, free from harsh judgements or urgings to Sacrifice oneself for "the cause.+’ Check for"Outing Yoursdf" and other related books in the Readers Services, 2rid floor, Central Library, or call 596-7966. SUDDEN LI.KECOMPETITORS WANNABES. ALL LOIYK THE ¯ Sunday :Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice I To I do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 I 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 ° (918) 622-1441 ~MITSUBISHI The New Thinking n Automobiles+ Air conditioning, alloy wheels, am/fm cassette with 6 speakers, power sunroof, dohc - 16 valve & much morel From $15,695 He r loom Demigns GiSts, Fragrances, Crystal, Bears, ,~ntiques, Brass, Womens Boutique, CompleteInterior & Exterior Design 2814 East 15th Street, 742-5665, Across from Carpet City Hill, M.S. 2865 E. Skelly Drive, Ste. 215,745-1111 �ARIES ’~’ ..... March 2J-April 20 Passion runs high and you are tempted by a sexy new lover; or you are tempted to pick fights with your present lover, just so you can have the pleasure of making up. Business travel is both likely and rewarding this month. TAURUS April 20-May 21 Partners and family members seem unusually bossy this month, and their disapproving attitudes can really get on your nerves. A good time for do-it-yourself projects around the house. It’s better to work on your home than to work on the people in it. GEMINI May 21-June 22 You’ re always a bit of a party animal, but now you have the opporttmity to go into social overdrive. You may have some minor battles with co-workers and employees, but your recreational activilaes will definatdy make you forget any jobrelated stress. CANCER June 22-July 23 You have been involved with an odd bunch of people for quite a while now, and this has made relationships a struggle. It’ s time to take an honest look at your beliefs about romance, love and sex. If you’ re not getting what you want and it can’t be fixed, time to say "bye bye." LEO July 23-August 23 You are likely to experience power SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23-Dec. 22 Existing relationships have an eerie quality of familiarity to them. Yes, you’re being manipulated in the same old way and no, it’ s not your imagination. A new relationship started now is likely to turn out the same way. Think about why you keep attracting this mistreatment. Isn’ t it getting boring? CAPRICORN Dec. 22-January 21 Life has not exactly been easy for you lately, but you only have to pass one more hurdle before you get a break. Someone is likely to appear’with a "fool prool~’ investment scheme that plays on your desire for status. Don’ t get crazed with greed and say "yes." You’ll only be starting a new drama. AQUARIUS Jan. 21-February 20 Old conflicts may reappear now, but don’ t worry; they’re only resurfacing so you can have the chance to resolve and diminate them once and for all. It’ s a good time for you to get rid of all your hidden fears and addictions. You’ re about to start a new cycle; you may as well do it on a level playing field. PISCES February 20-March 21 Now is the best possible time to use visualization to achieve your goals, but how much thought have you given to what you actually want? Come out of the fog and create your long,term wish list. You have a natural gift for creative thought. Add a little structure and put your gift to use. struggles with family members and with anyone who shares your home. You want to be your flamboyant, generous self; they’ d apparently prefer you to be a dull and stifled slave. Try not to be an unreasonable drama queen. With a little sdfcontrol, you’ll win out. VIRGO August 23-September 23 You’re great at being the power behind the throne because you intuitively know how to provide just the right kind of support. However, now is the time for you to stand in the limelight yoursdf. Tremendously creative ideas can come to you now..Just lighten up, let them in, and put them to use. LIBRA September 23-October 23 You may receive a financial offer you can’ t refuse, but look at the situation with an honest and critical eye. Someone is likely to be playing hot and heavy with your emotions. If you act without think= ing carefully first, you’re liable to do things you’d never consider otherwise and you’ll regret it. SCORPIO October 23-November 23 Passion rears its head at work, and you may be Crazed with desire for the sweet thing who shares your shifL Think it over before you lunge. It may not be a great idea to mix business with pleasure. Working with friends on a money-making venture can bring success; divert your obsession into your work. PRIDE ofo nm Renting and considering Buying? Moving up or Investing? Credit Problems? Mortgages By Design will custom fit the right homeloan to YOUR needs! 1~ LENDER For Detail~ CalL. BUD WHARTON Vice President/Branch Manager (918) 3424252 Serving Tulsa and Surrounding Communities Financing the All American Dream Tropical Caribbean Feb. 11-18,1996, $795-1950 Deep Caribbean RSVP Feb. 18-25,1996, $795-1950 Mexican Riviera March 17-24,1996, $795-2495 French Canada Jun~ 30 -July 7,1996, $895-2295 International Tours 9/8-34/-6866 �On the Road with Melissa Etheridge by L. Cooper, roving groupie In May of 1989, I attended a concert at the Cain’s Ballroom - the singer’s name was Melissa Etheridge and her debut album was a self titled work which was released in 1988 on Island Records. Rumor had it that she had been discovered while playing in the Lesbian bars of Los Angeles. The issue of her sexuality has finally been resolved to many women’s satisfaction (particularly after her fans suffered through the femme phase of the "’Never Enough" album). Since the Cain’ s experience, I have had the privilege of seeing four additional ME performances. Her Grammy nominations, four albums and an appearance at Woodstock II have resulted in media exposure and main stream visibility. As acknowledgement of her popularity, Etheridge serves as the cover girl for the June 1995 issue of Rolling Stone. It is a rare opportunity for our generation to watch the development of such a talented and, now, out artist. I wondered whether Etheridge could. gracefully survive the transition to large capacity arenas. Her ability to intimately connect with her audience in smaller venues has been legendary. On June 25th, Etheridge did not disappoint her fans as she provided her usual kick ass, high energy performance during an appearance at the Nissan Pavilion located in Stone Ridge, Virginia. The threat of rain did not dampen the spirit of the audience who travdled from MD, VA, WVA, DE, NJ, NY, DC, PA, and, of course, OK. In Photograph~ J.D. Jamett 621-5597 fact, Mother Nature’ s thunder and lightning served as an additional special.effects background for the evening’s performance. Opening for Etheridge was Paula Cole, a talented, unusual and quirky performer. Cole, whose 1994 debut album "Harbinger" provides a good listen, primed the Pavilion crowd with support from her two memberband. Her30 minute, six song set bedroom eyes magnified about a thousand times. Ably backed by John Shanks on guitar and keyboard, Mark Browne on bagg~tttar, aiid Dave Beyer on drums, ME used a well mixed play list which included songs from all four albums spiced with a sampling of new material. One of these new songs, "All the Way to Heaven" is a cut from her next album which is due to be released in November of this year. Etheridge also covered AC. DC’s classic hormone pounding "You Shook Me All NighrLong" and, with the line, " ...she knocked me out with those American thighs....", the Pavilion female factor howled and screamed in umson. Her song "You Used to Love to Dance" segued into an extended play which utilized a telephone as a prop. Alexander Graham Bell could not have possibly perceived what a hot, seductive, sextmlly charged woman could do with his invention. Our butts barely touched the seats during the foot stomping 2 1/2 hours. Etheridge ended her 18 song performance with "Bring Me Some Water"; we were not ready to let her go and we brought her back for two encores. The first encore was. a rocking "Like the Way I Do" from the 1988 album MeliSsa Etheridge and her second encore was the more gentle and almost lullaby-like ’Walking to My Angel" from the 1993 album Yes I Am. Her energy and her connection with her fans has certainly not decreased with time nor has it been reduced by the larger venue Melissa Etheridge is a proven performer who continues to stimulate, captivate and mesmerize her audience. (Her current tour ends in Houston on July 9th.) Alexander Graham Bell could not have possibly pereelved what a hot, seduetlve, sexually ehar ed woman could do with his invention. ended with a tribute to all the women in the audience. "Watch the Woman’s Hands", written by Cole, brought the audience to its feet and resulted in a standing ovation for the singer. After a fifteen minute intermission and equipment swap, the main show actually started on time. This disproved common wisdom that concerts and lesbians cannot meet intended schedules. At the stroke of 9 pm, Melissa burst onto the stage and charged into arousing rendition of "All American Gift’. The Pavilion stage is flanked by a big screen on either side. A memorable sight is ME’ s sly smirk and Romantic, quiet & secluded Family-owned & operated Guest Cottage with A Jacuzzi for two, And private parking, All Only 1/2 block to downtown. Whittier Care 41(3 S Lew s Tulsa. OK - Youth Net eont’d omp. 3 able on the World Wide Web, searchable by both ZIP code and area code. YAO is also working with the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center, a gay youth resource group based in San Francisco, to bring them onto the Internet and to make LYRIC’ s staff of 25 trained peer counselors available for YAO’ s own peer support service. "Two years ago, this was all a dream," says Fishier, "a place where I would feel welcome on the Interact, where I would not feel as though I was different or that I was a piece of meat. Now, youth.org is a reality.’" Coming to terms with one’ s sexual orientation is always difficult, and Williams says it can become a matter of life or death for teens, as evidence suggests that as many as 30 percent of the youth to emigrate to urban areas such as San Francisco and New York are attempting to escape persecution because of their sexual identity. "Just one step of intervention could make all the difference in the world," he says. "Together, we can drown out the destruction of society’s hatred and homophobia." YAO can be reached on the World Wide Web at the URL http:// www.youth.org/ Gay and questioning .youth can receive counseling through e-mail by sending to help@youth.org OutProud! "Can be reached at http:// www.outproud.org/outproud/ (all one line) or at P.O. Box 24589, San Jose, CA 95154. 9 Benton Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501.253.2204 582-2~00 Now serving Sunday breakfast, 7am-2pm- Owners/Hosts: Maureen & Joyce The Purple Iris Inn Adult Accommodations V Frank Green, Jr. Host 50 Wall Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 RR 6, Box 339 Eureka Spri_’ngs Arkansas 72632 501-253-8748 501/253-8281 ¯ l) ¯ O0 ¯ ¯ ¯ O O 0000 O O O O0 oo 0000O0 O00o 0 ¯ A UTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE FRESH RA INBO ~/ ¯ TROUT ¯ ¯ Jerry/L Wilson (5011 253-7311 1-8~0-231-1442 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ , ^KINGS HI-WAY ¯ of Eureka Springs O ¯ Recommended by the New York Times (501) 253-6807 Clo~ed Ir/ednesday ¯ 5 Center Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ ¯ ¯ 96 Kings Highway ¯ Hwy. 62 W. ¯ Eureka Springs, AR 72632 �S ALO 0 N Sunday, July 16 1995 Miss Northeastern Oklahoma USofA Pageant lopm, $3 cover Featuring Raghenna & Fallon Scott 3u~ly 22nd, 10:30 pm Sunday, August 13 1995 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA At-Large Pageant July. 26nd, 8:30 9pm, $4 cover Featuring Maxine Houston Carmella Marcella Garcia & Cherry Monroe Pump It Up Sundays - No Cover - Out of State Entertainers Open Dart Tournamen, ¯ $100 Purse! Show Nite at the Star ~5 Entry fee, entrants must wear at lleast 3 in. pumps with Fallon Scott & Friends 1229 S. NJ[ernoz~a~, 835~5083 i~!~ ~ ................. ~heridan TULSA’S HUGE PATIO BAR Sunday, July 23- 10 o.m. 1995 Miss Central State Female Impersonator of the Year Pageant $5 General Admission Reserved Seating Available An Official Miss Gay Oklahoma America Preliminary FridaY, AU_aust 1 1 - 9 D.m.-2 a.m. Inferno ’95 $5 Cover Guest DJ - The Legendary Tony Dean Dancers from Dallas & KC Dazzling Lighting & Spectacular Sound FridaY, Au_aust 25 - 10_o.m. 1995 Mr. Gay Oil Capital Pageant $500 Awarded A Direct Preliminary To Mr. Gay All American Sunday. September 3 - 10 o.m. 1995 Miss Gay Tulsa USofA Pageant An Official Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Preliminaq Thurs- Sun 9,-2 * 3340S. Peoria. Tulsa ¯ 918-744-0896 �THAT PHONE! 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Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. Tulsa PHONE CHAT:my name is Tim. Im a WM 6’ 1 1601bs tan and VGL. Im into phone chat only. call me! =44795 Tulsa HANDSOME YOUNG STUD:todd, 6’4 2701bs 20y/o Ikg4 handsome masc. GWM 18-30. call me, lets.talk! ~44870 Shawnee MY HERO:my name is David, Im Ikg4 my black superman! Im a 28 y/o WM proff’l and Ikg2 meet a ~roff’l BM, call me =45075 Tulsa CLEAN CUT WELL BUILT:30 y/o 5’11 1851bs bln/blu clean cut/shaven well built guy Ikg2 meet same! call me! =45163 Tulsa HEY GUYS:Ira Ikg2 meet guy’s 2740 for fun and friendship. Im a 27 y/o masc. well built guy. Im into most outdoor activities~ call me! =45347 Tulsa DIVE IN:Jake, Im Ikg2 meet guy’s 27-40 Im a GWM 27 y/o and well built. I like.4 wheeling, scuba diving and more. call me! e45347 Tulsa HEY GUYS:Lance, I am 28 y/o _bln/blu 6’2 1501bs iso guy’s 18-28 to go out on dates, call me! ~45452 =Tulsa HI GUYS’Jeff, Im a 46 y/o 6fl 1751b proff’l GWM Ikg2 meet guy’s 3040’s with varied interest. Im Ikg4 friends and poss. relationshipl call me! ~45573 Tulsa TOP THIS:19 y/o 6fl.bm/blu Ikg4 fun and friendship. Call me! =45846 Southern LETS TALK:6’2 bln/blu 1731bs Ikg4 company and someone to talk to and do things with. call me! =45722 Tulsa Dean, 6ft 1551b brn/brn smooth build,clean shaven,lkg4 ’d hiv- guys to show me a good time. ~43310 Tulsa NEW AT THIS:Mike, 35 y/o 5’8 1651b novice, Ikg4 friends intrstd in swimming, weight lifting or ?, Im new at this, call me =43352 Tulsa HUSKY DUDE:Todd, 5’11 2151b husky dude w/Iongbrn hair Ikg4 someone who will try anything once, maybe twice, interested in LTR. no 1 night stands! ~42523 Norman SINCERE FRIENDSHIP: Richard, GWM 50 y/o prfsnl Ikg4 someone 25-35 for sincere frndshp and psbly more. ~41552 Tulsa WE CAN WORK IT OUT:34 y/o 5’8 1801b bi WM into the outdoors, I love swimming and working out, Im disease and drug free and into meeting new friends, call me! =43981 Tulsa LOOKING FOR FRIENDS: Steve, GWM 30 y/0 into travel, movies, quite eve’s at home, Ikg4 frnds to hang out with. =41606 Oklahoma JOIN US:Sam ana Michael Ikg4 a 3rd or more to iotn us for movies, dinner and more. we are both 25 y/o. call us! ~45342 Oklahoma City gl Carolyn, subm bi TV iso BM wha is well built, wardrobe I know you’ll love, 6~2, like to dance, and have lots of fun- e15186 Bartlesville HEY GUYS:28 y/o GWM Ikga hard working guy’s 25 and younger for a relationship, call me! ~45306 Tulsa INEXPERIENCED:my name is Mike and Im inexperienced. I like to swim and camp. and Id like to meet a young nice Ikg guy 18-35 to have fun with. if you are inexperienced to or would like to be with me, call! ~45313 Tulsa QUIET TIMES:Steven, 26 y/o I’m tall and slender. Im Ikg2 meet guys who enjoy quiet nights on the town or at home. Im Ikg4 friendship and poss. more. roll me! ~45429 Tulsa LOVE AND DEVOTION:GWM 6ft 1991bs bm/bm Ikg4 a GWM 55-85 for a lifetime of love and devotion. I’m not into the bars or parks. I’m Ikg4 a fiR. ~43306 Tulsa LOOKING FOR YOUNG BLACK GUYS:Jerry, 40 y/o bi WM proff’l Ikg4 young BM 18+ in my area for a good time. call me! =45900 Tulsa All’ILEllC GUYS:25 y/o WM tkg4 saccer pla~ and o~ ~hl~c guis who aR:~:iate a geod massage afar a game! fo0t massage is my spe::ial~. =42079 Tulsa DANaNG TILL DAWN:SIeve, 23 y/o 6’2 guy into dancing till dawn, cuddling & kissing Ikg4 friends and da~! ~42361 Tulsa STOCKY STUD:6’1 2351b guy with a hairy, stocky build. Im Ikg4 men 18-25 that are also stocky and hairy, call me! =44153 Kerry FayeWille FUN AND.FRIENDSHIP: David, 35 y/o GWM tall. slndr, cute, shy top Ikg4 petite for frndshp and more! ~41544 Tulsa LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS: Brian, int in athl music wttfiting movies staying home and pass long term relationships- =26107 OK LOOKING TO MEET: David, 33, like to have a good time Ikg to meet olher men. if ur interested give me a ca11~’41380 StiJlwater FOOTBALL AND SOCCER: Mike, 26, like to play foolball soccer, like to work out likes to have a good time young pref, race not an issue, if u like give me a call- ~41488 Tulsa BI WM: Michael, 25, WM bi married, 6’2 210 iso clean daytime fun, Ikg for male friends 20-35, no heayie~ plsIva message- ~41433 $28/hour MASSAGE THERAPIST "Tension, Stress, or Injury" Tulsa TWO-STEPPER: Craig, hiv+ attr bm/brn 1891bs into movies, dancing 2step, swmng, bkng, Ikg4 altr. masc non smoking btm for romance and psble LTR ~41608 Tulsa LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP: Ray, 24 y/o 6’1 2621bs new to scene, into sports, I’m hoping to meet someone for LTR ¯ ’e41724 Tulsa BODY BUILDER: Jim, Im a bo6y builder wm 5’11 1701bs Ikg4 wm 25-45 in gd shp for dtnshp ~41830 Tulsa FISHING ANDOUTDOORS: Steve, 5’6 1551bs bm/hzl I’m an artist, into fshng, outdoors,travel Ikg2 meet guys with a wide variety of intrst. ~’41841 Eusta DINING AND MOVIES: Mike, 40, brn/brn, gdlkg, int’are dining out movies fishing, Ikg for guys between 1825, tp Ikg for well end’d guys e40122 NW Oklahoma COWBOY HORSE BREEDER: GWM, 40s, nw port of OK,, " isa GWM w/caltte/horse experience, happy in levis as well as tuxedo, isa str acting, facial hair, alot of hair a plus, if ur interested in a gd life gve me a call, non drinker/smoker ~’402 Tulsa FRIEND AND COMPANION: Robert, GBM, 26, Ikg for GM to be my friend and companion- ~38530 HELP WANTED Gather Signatures on Casino Gaming Petition. Great Pay YMCA 51,5 S. Denver Tues.-Fri. (12-8pm) (918) 583-6201, Ext. 19 Elexibte Hours 742-3827 �For information and tickets, call 918-587-7314 or 800-458-468~ or visit a~ay one of six ticketlocations, including’: Tulsa’s Biggest & Wildest Night of the Year IMack Whit Partv’95 Saturday, July 29, 8 ’til Midnight at Tulsa Fairgrounds Pavilion on Expo.Square Dress to Party in Black & White Music =, Dance ¯ Entertainment ¯ Fabulous Door Prize $20 in advance; $25 at the door per person* Cash bar on the evening of the dance. Appropriate proof of age 21 required for admission. MasterCard, VISA & checks accepted in advance. Bank cards and cash only at the door. Show up at Party ’95 on Saturday and win one of two FREE, round t.rip airfare tickets* anywhere in the continental United States courtesy of EXECUTRAVEL of Oklahoma City. � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart Lesb, ian Couple Appl=es for Tulsa Marriage License TULSA, OK - Kharma Amos & Debbie Harding raised eyebrows and awareness with their application for a marriage license at the Tulsa County Courthouse. AccompaniedbyTulsaFamily News publisher, TomNeal andreporters from channels 2, 6 & 8 as well as radio KVOO, KRMG and The Tulsa World, the two women presented their blood tests and requestedamarriagelicense. TulsaCounty Clerk staffrefused the application, stating that Oklahoma statutes limit marriage to opposite gender couples. see License, page 5 Black & White Inc, Dining & Dancing For Charity Dollars TULSA, OK - Black & White Charities, Inc. will again throw the parties of the summer, all to raise funds for worthy community charities. This year’s event will gather dollars to benefit Project Open Mind of Parents, Friends & Family of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG), The HIV Resource Consortium and Tulsa’s Lesbian/ Gay Community Center project. Project Open Mind is a public education media campaign by PFLAG National See Black & White, page 5 Britain May End Military Ban on Lesbians & Gays LONDON - The London Telegraph reports that Britain’s ban against homosexuals, in the country’s armed forces, just upheld by Great Britain’s High Court, appears to be headed toward an end nonetheless. According to the paper, Armed Forces Minister Nicholas Soames has recommended to Defense Secretary Malcolm Rifkind that an independent panel review the policy andwork out some "compromise" of the outright ban currently in place. The Telegraph quoted an unnamed senior Defense Ministry source as saying, "Although in theory the team wil!~ start with a blank sheet, it will be the means b~ which a compromise is achieved. We need a way out of this, mad commissioning the smdy is the way.A possible com~ promise would be to end the ban in support areas but mainiain it where service personnel are operating in close confines and in dangerous circumstances." Defense Ministry officials apparently feel that the complete ban against gays and lesbians in the armed forces is no longer sustainable. In June, the High Court upheld the ban, but even so the justices expressed discomfort with the prohibition. "’It seems to See British. page 10 OKC Parade, Tulsa PhotoS: JD Jamett & Tom Neal Rainbow Village Housing for PLWA’s TULSA, OK - Over 40 people worshiped, planted a tree and worked in the sweltering Oklahoma sturtmer heat to get Rainbow Village, a 60+ year old house ready for its first residents Saturday, July 8 was the final"work day" for volunteers, Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Straight, who came together under the leadership of volunteer co-ordinator, see Village, page 5 Supreme Court Rains on Boston’s Parade WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court has rnled that private organizations that hold parades have a constitutional fight to exclude any group they want to from participating in the event. In a setback for gay and lesbian rights activists, the unanimous decision ruled that organizers of private parades are allowed under the Constitution’s free speech guarantees of the First ,amaendment to keep any .group they wantfrom participating m a parade. The decision insists that parades are inherently a form of free expression and that states cannot require sponsors to alter their message by including any group thatwants to participate. The case the cottrt ru!ed on started in !992 when the Irish- American Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Group of Boston was refused permission to march in the £1ty’s annnal St. Patrick’s’ Day Parade. The Supreme Court’s ruling on Monday, June 19, overturned the lower court decisions, saying that the veterans have the right to select parade contingents and to determine whether each unit’s message is ]n agreement with theoverall theme and aims of the parade. See Boston, page 10 July 15 - August 14, 1995, Volume,2, Issue 8 & Muskogee0 Pride Green Country Human Rights League TOHR Follies Draw Crowd & Net $1700+ Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) held its 15th Follies, a volunteer revue to raise fnnds for the human rights organization, see TOHR Reporter, page 8 Task Force Endorses Proposed Anti-Bias Law WASHINGTON-The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force released the following statement about the re-introduction of proposed legislation barring dis- ’crimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation. The statement is attributed to Melinda Paras, NGLTF’s executive director, "On behalf of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, I am pleased to endorse the Emp!oyment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 1995. The bill would ban employment discrinnnation onthe basis of sexual orientation. Such a measure would permit all Americans to work without regard to sexual orientation.’" "This long overdue legislation would make illegal the discfinfination present in the lives of Americans everyday. The fight to work is the co’rne~stone of the American dream., yet far too many hard working people are refused work, fired, or harassed because of theirperceived sexual orientation.’" "Sexual orientation does not effect a person’s ability to contribute in the workplace yet gay, lesbian, and bisexual people continue to be’isolated, stigmatized and persecuted in and out of the workplace. Without this measure, the threat of legal discrimi- See Task Force, page lO New Community Group Organizing TULSA, OK - FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS - A community meetingfor Civil Rights for Lesbians and Gays, was held on Thtirsday, June 29 and attracted over 25 community activists to discuss the stalled City of Tulsa HumanRights Committee Report on Civil Rights based on sexual orientation and more. The gathering was remarkable for havingmuchmorediverse representation than is typical a.t meetings ofTulsa community orgamzataons. Women and men were nearly equally represented and members ofFUSO, Tulsa’s African-American men’s group and several Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay~ Bi youth attended as well. The purpose of the forum was to create .a venue wh.ere representatives from exist~ mg orgamzauons and members of the Gay/Lesbian community at large could meet to discuss publically goals and strategies for the communities. Several action areas emerged and participants volunteered according to their interests. These sub-committees included: political action organizing (contact: Laurie Cooper), speakers bureau (contact: Tom Neal), youth issues (contact: Thomas Knott & John Ayers) as well as several others: These meetings are open to all who share these goals. The next meeung is July 20.7pro also at the Central Library. For more information, call 838-2121. Incident at White House Prom pts Official Apology WASHINGTON - The \Vhite House issued a letter from President Clinton addressed to the 45 gay and lesbian officials who had attended ameeting with high level administration officials at the Executive Offices in June, The Clinton letter apologized for what the president called "inappropriate and insensitive treatment" after White House guards put on blue rubber gloves ~o admit the guests. Althoughit was somewhat tarnished and overshadowed by the glove flap, the meeting with administration officials was an unprecedented occasion. With nearly half the country’ s elected openly gay officials there, it was the first time such a delegation had been invited to the White House to meet with top adininistration officials President Clinton himself was not present. The 4-hour private discussion included Housing Sec. Henry Cisneros, Health & Human Services Sec. Donna Shalala, White House Counsel Abner Mikva, and Clinton aide G~orge Stephanopoulos. Officials promised support for many issues but said that change is slow. Aside from the glove flap, gay and lesbians leaders expressed disappointment with the administration’s failure to stand up see White House, page 3 Safe Space on the Internet for Gay Youth by Chris Thomas OutNOW.t- San Jose, California The "Dmnien Starr case" has called attention to some of the pitfalls awaiting teenagers who use computer networks to communicate with faceles s strangers around the world. For a young person beginning to question their sexual orientauon, such anonymity can sometimes be a liberating factor. Butcyberspace is filled with diversions and traps that can engulfa naive net- surfer, and the challenge is to find those spots which offer genuine help and safety. One such place is the Youth Assistance Organization, see Youth Net. page 3 INSIDE LETTERS, PAGE 2 DIRECTORY, PAGE 2 NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 4 HEALTH BRIEFS, PAGE 6 CALENDAR, PAGE 9 FINANCES, PAGE 12 HOROSCOPES, PAGE 12 PERSONALS, PAGE 15 918-832-0233 Publisher/Editor Issued on Or before the 15th of each month, the~aNg,contents of POB 4140 Tom Neal this publication are protected by US copyright 19~’by ~’~alsa Famfly Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without Tulsa, Oklahoma James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or ’74!59-0140 Writers/contributors ph,],ote does not indicate that persoffs sexual orientation. Kharma Amos L;orrespondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Laurie Cooper noted, must be signed & becomes the sole propertv of Tulsa Farnil v Maureen Curtin News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution TulsaNews@aol.com JD Jamett points. Additional copies are available at Tomfoolery~ Carbon Copy: S. Savage 200 Civic Center Tulsa OK 74103 Mayor Savage: Let me take the opportunity to. introduce myself. My name is Timothy J. Miller, & I am representing myself along with many others like myself in not only Tulsa, but the metropolitan area. In the past I have worked for a very prominent Tulsa family in the property management fields as Director of Administration, successfully managed a .distinguished apartment community,. & am currently a manager for a large regional restaurant chain. I consider myself to be fair, openminded, & objective. I am writing as a concerned constituent, & feel I am not being fully represented in City .Government. About 5 to 6 months ago, a report was sent to youwith recommendations dealing with the Civil Rights of Lesbians & Gays: As of yet, I have seehlittle response to tiffs report, not onlyby the City Council, but the Mayor’ s office as well It is time to see these issues as critical. Executive orders must be given to ban discri.mination of any kind, including sexual orientation, pertaining to city hirragas well as those aireaay employed by the city, including the police & fire departments. The time has also come to add the words "sexual orientation" to our human fights ordinance. I believe this measure would easily pass with you actively supporting the issue. With your active support of these issues, I believe that not only would Tulsa benefiL but the metropolitan area as well. .Othercity governments seeTulsa as a guiding light. It is time tbr Tulsa to move boldly ahead & become the forenmn~r it has always been. Timothy J Miller The Savage response: Dear Mr. Miller: Thankyoufor your letter about the recommendations from the Human Rights Commission. As you may know under the terms of the Tulsa City Charter all changes to the ordinance must be approved by the council. Members of the Sexual Orientation Committee of the Human Rights Commission who have spoken to council members do not share your belief that the changes would pass easily. see next col. below Youth Speak Youth Speak Out on Bias All cultures or groups of people have a stereotype. We’ ve all heard how Blacks are lazy; Jews are stingy; Women are too emotional; and. especially how Gays are perverts or pansies. Well, while in some cases these may betrue, not everyone is like that. Stereotypes help perpetuate a negative image. The images everyone gets, even some Gays, persuade them to avoid the fact that we a re all human. We, as a group, need to form a bond and stick together, helping each other. Something that the Gay youth needs to understand is that they can be anyone they want to be. Anyone can be feminine or masculine;’ male or female; just as long as they have a mentor gniding them, giving sports tips, make-up tips & mainly emotional support. The main point is ~that we are all a diverse group of people, & this is why we need’ to value our friends & family; yet not base our lives on stereotypes alone... Thomas Knott, A.K.A. Terra Starr Editor’s note: Thomas is a youth activist in Tulsa. Selective ID’ing at Bars? As a semi-regular patron ofall Tulsa bars, itbothers me greatly that "selective carding" still seems exists in 1995. I have no problem at all producing my driver’s license when asked to do so, but I feel (out Of respect) that all members ofmy party be asked to do so. Furthermore, as a courtesy to all bar patrons, everyone should be required to show identification. There are times that I have seen people who I know are underage allowed into bars without showing ID while I have been asked to show mine. It really angers me to be told by a doorperson that "He looks 21 & you don’t." Could you please tell me what a 21-year-old looks like? It is my hope that this letter will bring an important issue to the eyes of barmanagers &owners before it gets out of hand. Sincerely, K. Green For those who would like to receive discreet home delivery of Tulsa Family News, please send $15 for a 12 month subscription, $8 for 6 months. Theexisting City ofTulsapersounel policies specifically ban discrimination & encourage all hiring to be on the basis ofmerit. Our 4000 employees are a diverse representative group &we work diligently to encourage an accepting workplace. M. Susan Savage, Mayor Editor’s note: the Mayor implies current city policies provideprotections basedon sexual orientation - they do not do so. Personnel policies do not require action by the City Council butcan bechangedby the Mayor. Or at least that is what many right wing activists claim, and can we blame them? being gay certainly is not immoral, however the Gay community could definitely stand some xmprovement. Take for instance Riverside drive, almost every night one can spot at least three or four different men cruising the walk for a one night trick. I have even had the unfortunate experience of seeing two men engaged in sex with one another right there in the mens room. This hardly speaks well for the commumty. And how many men find themselves employing the term "fish" when in reference to women. A lack of sexual attraction is not just cause for such vile disrespect. Sexism isjust as wrong as homophobia, yet it appears to be more prevalent in the Gay community than in the general community. Hear any good racist jokes recently? I have and they are absolutely disgusting. I think that it is apalling that one can rant and rave about how they want equal rights, and then make racial slurs that would put KKK members to shame. Members of our community are constantly demanding equal rights for themselves, but it is very rare to see a Gay-or Bisexual male take a strong and firm stand againstsexism; or to see someone who is white stand up and fight racial predjudice And the thing that d~fines Gay men is not tricking in the bathrooms of Riverside. If we don’ t want critism from the general public, then we shouldn’ tgive them anything to criticize in the first place. "It is hard to give respect to someone who does not return it to others." - John Ayers Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S. Memorial 835-5083 *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Admiral 582-4340 *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria 744-0896 *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Renegades, 1649 S. Main 585-3405 *TNT~ s, 2114 S. Memorial 660-0856 *Time n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial 664-8299 *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 584-!308 *Whittier Cafe, 416.S. Lewis 582-2400 *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 74325272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 *Columbia Place, 1519 E. 15 587-5803 Creative Collection, 1521 E: 15 592-1521 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 *Devena’ s Gallery for Photography, 13 E. Brady 587-2611 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Leaune M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 *Heirloom Designs, 2814 E. 15 742-5665 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotheral~y, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 International Tours 341-6866 Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747--5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587-8108 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 P1 664-2951 *Mohawk Pride Center, 3910 Park .Rd. 425- !354 Mortgages by Design 342-4252 Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston 587-8333 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribnef s Bookstore, 1942 UticaSquare 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S Sheridan 832-0233 Westcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza 583-1500 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Cluistian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 B/L!G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Community of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 838-7232 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 Friend8 in Unity, POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H:I 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P:O, Box 52118 74128 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild 254-2100 Rainbdw Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 Save the Nation, Indian Health Care 584-4983 Shanti Hotline 749-7898 TulsaOklahomans for HumanRights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. ~King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *Purple Iris Inn, Route 6, Box 339 *Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton *The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-6807 501-253-5445 800-231-1442 501-253-8748 501-253-2204 501-253-8281 *The Diner, 2124 NW 39th *Jungle Red, The Habana Inn *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th *Triangle Associaiion, 2136 NW 39tb 405-528-5133 405-524-5733 405-525-2437 ~ q5-843-8378 White House cont’di omp. I for several gay rights issues and bluntly warned that millions of gay voters ~ay sit out the next election unless the predident takes concrete steps to show his support. "We’re saying, give us areason to go back and have our people vote for you," said SanFrancisco Supervisor Susan Leal, who organized the meeting." Nearly an hour of the meeting time involved a"heated dialogue" with Mikva about the Clinton administration’s decision earlier in June not to join in a legal challenge of a Colorado anti-gay rights measure now up for review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The measure bans laws and policies designedto protect homosexuals from discrimination. Bruce Lehman, commissioner of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and one ofthe Clinton admini stration’ s openly gay officials, said he had urged the White House to attack the Colorado measure. Even¯ so, Lehman said, the meeting itself was "just another one of the many firsts" in the Clinton administration that benefit the gay and lesbian community. Meanwhile, the White House announced that it had appointed Marsha Scott - a close Clinton associate - to a new, first-ever post as liaison to the gay community. White House officials were both embarrassed and exasperated by the glove¯ incident that marred the first-ever "goodwill" meeting June 13 with the gay and lesbian officials from around the country at a time when President Clinton’s standing among gays and lesbians is probably lower than it has ever been. ~ Eljay Bowron, director of the Secret 5ev¢i~c~, apologized for a "regrettable" mistake when _guards blue rubber gloves to allow the delegation in for the meeting. Bowron said AIDS education efforts in the agency would be stepped up. The guards put on the gloves after they learned the gay group was scheduled to pass through ~the eastern entrance of the White House. Oregon state Rep. George Eighmey later said a guard had told him, when asked why the guards wore gloves, that they were wearing them "to protect ourselves" - apparently from HIV. Reaction among the lesbian and gay officials attending theWhite Housemeetrag, which actually took place at the ExecutiveOfficenearby, ranged frompolitical perplexity to livid outrage. "It’s a mixed bag,’" said Susan Leal, a county supervisor from San Francisco, who helped to arrange the meeting. She said having the meeting with top-level administration officials was a breakthrough in itself, but added that she wasn’t overwhelmed by any concrete results. Tom Ammiano, another San Francisco supervisor attending the .meeting, was more blunt: "If the Clinton administration can’t take care of its own people, if its level of understanding is so low, how can they take care of us? I’ve lost my own lover to AIDS, and this is one of the basest, ignorant, homophobic reaction to AIDS I can imagine. A first-grader will tell you that you’re not going to get AIDS by putting someone’s camera through a metal detector...." Pride-Photos The Rev. Leslie Penrose, Brad Mulholland & volunteers plant a tree to honor the memory ofRainbow Villagefounder, Mark Vickers. Photo: Neal Metropolitan Community Church ofGreater Tulsa booth at Tulsa’s Pride Picnic in Mohawk Park. Photo: JD Jamett Family ofFaith Metropolitan Community Church at the statewide Lesbian/Gay Pride Parade in Oklahoma City. Photo: Neal Black & White Charities, Inc. booth at Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay Pride Picnic in Mohawk Park. Photo: JDJamett Youth Net cont’dfromp. 1 a group with several Bay Area connections. "We give youth questioning their sexuality an option; rather than run away to a city hoping to find others like themselves, youth will have a safe place to turn to one another," says Christian Williams, 19, a co-founder ofYAOand a student intern at SunMierosystems Inc. in Mountain View. YAO, which also goes by the name "youth.org" for its Intemet site, went online in February with the donation ofthree computer workstations from Sun. YAO didn’thappen over mght; it was a project long envisioned by co-founder Reid Fishler, 19, owner of Long Island Information Inc.,. a New York-based Intemet services provider. "We are special because of one thing," says Fishler. "We are teens helping teens. We are not adults who have decided that we should "give some thing back to the community’; we are teens who have all made it through or are making it through, life as a gay, lesbian, or bisexual teenager." While recent media focus has been on the negative aspects of what can happen when gay youth roam the Internet, people at YAO see a positive side to all the attention. "We feel such incidents only reinforce theimportance of services like ours," says Williams. "For youth who have been abandoned by their families or, worse, thrown out for who they are, YAO can serve as both aresource ofagencies and services to turn to for help, as an alternative to the streets, and as a place to receive the emotional healing and support - the understanding that comes from another .young pelson." Many of the YAO volunteers are involved in other safe spaces for gay teens on the Internet. Mary L. Gray, 25, is a graduate student at San Francisco State University and is a co-moderator of the Usenetnewsgroup soc.support.youth.gaylesbian- bi, which was formed in 1994 following the largest vote ever in support of a new newsgroup in the more than 10- year history of Usenet. Fishier, Williams, and others also moderate areal-time Relay Chat channel called #gayteen. The channel is moderated to ensure that "’net sex" doesn’t take place, and that it remains asafe place for gay and questioning youth. Over 500 us’ers have registered on the channel, which is protectedby several "bots," automatons which help enforce the policies of the elaannel and keep undesirable or disruptive individuals from violating the space. And YAO is teaming up with other gay youth groups to make evenmore resources available. OutProud is a San Jose based youth service which recently established an Internet presence after two years on America Online. The group has developed a database of over 3,500 contacts for gay and questioning youth, and YAO has indexed the database and made it availsee Youth Net, page 13 Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 No. Cincinnati, 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanta PI., 742-7381 Trinity 501 So. Cincinnati, 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You ?. News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Anti-Bias Law in Florida PT. LAUDERDALE Following a heated 5-hour Broward County Commission meeting, the body voted to adopt an antibias measure prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the county by a 6-1 margin. Anti-gay fundamentalists immediately said they would launch an effort to gatherenough signatures to repeal the ordinance. Britain’s Ch. 4 - Premieres ’Dyke TV’ LONDON - The chief executive of Britain’s Channel 4 TV, Michael Grade, has defended the station’s increasingly controversial lineup ofprogramming after it premiered the latest in a string of programs dealing with sexual issues that culminated in mid- June with the debut of "Dyke TV.’" a 15 hour-long late-night show specifically aimed at the country’s lesbian community. Grade denied charges that the independent network was prorooting pornography or appealmgto prurient interests inlaunchlug the programs and said it was all part of the station’s responsibility to "’reflect society." "’People are fascinated by sex," Grade said. "’It’s a question of whether you take a healthy interes~ mad explore that in a seriousminded way, or whether you do it in an unhealthy way, which is to exploit people." Technicality Allows 2 BritishWomento Wed IJONDON - The London tabloid The People has reported on what it called the country’s first sanae-sex marriage sched’uled for Junc 28 The paper reported that t’he marriage between Tracie-Mme Scott mad Tina-Louise Dixon was possible because Scott, a former merchant semnan mad the father of 3 children, is still technically male under British regulations - even though he has had a sexchange operation. Victory Fund Gets New Chief Announced WAStllNGTON David Clarenbach, a former Wisconsin state representative who held a seat in the state legislature for 9 tcrms, has been named to repl acc William Waybourn as exc~ tivc director of the Gay & Lcsbian Victory Fund. In a press statement, C arenbach said "One of my goals as to bring an outsxde-the- B’eltway wake-up call to the nation’s .capitol. The rest of the country is way ahead of Washington in recognizing the contributions of gay and lesbian citizeus. In a related matter, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced that Waybourn had joined the mediawatchdog group as its new managing director. Lesbian Launches Mayoral Bid SAN FRANCISCO - Roberta Achtenberg, who left a post as undersecretary for civil rights in the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Clinton Administration earlier this year, officially launched her campaign to become the first openly gay mayor of San Francisco. Achtenberg, a lesbian rights attorney and former county supervisor, faces an uphill battle in a crowded fidd that includes incumbent Mayor Frank Jordan andformer CaliforniaAssembly Speaker Willie Brown, perhaps the state’s most influential Democrat. "She will be the first lesbian big-city mayor in the country," said Christine Kehoe, a San Diego city councilwoman who hdped kick off the campaign drive here. "And that’s why we’re here this morning. Roberta shows whatwe can achievewhen we participat e fully in the life of our community." Rights Measure in N.H; CONCORD, N.H. - A measure has been introduced in the New Hampshire Legislature that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientauon in the state. A similarmeasure failed when introduced in the legislature 2 years ago after strong objection from church leaders. Hearings are not expected to begin on the proposed legislation until the end of this year. One Aussie Leader: Pro Gay Marriage SYDNEY - Governor-General Sir Bill Hayden, Queen Elizabeth’s appointed Crown officer in Australia, drew wildly mixed reactions for a recent speech in which he endorsed the idea of same-sex marriages, adoptions by gay and lesbian couples, and legally allowing euthanasia for terminally ill patients who want it. Some church 1e~leYg~md p61iticians in the country denounced Hayden’s suggestions, whichare considered the most progressive made by any major government official anywhere in the world to date. A government spokesperson said Hayden’s speech reflected his own views, and not those of either the Australian government or Queen Elizabeth. Hayden’s recommendation that gay men be routinely tested for HIV, however, drew harsh criticism from AIDS groups in the country as unnecessary for proper healthcare safety. Other Aussie Leader: Against Gay Marriages SYDNEY - The Australian gay publication Brother Sister reports that Prime Minister Paul Keating has rebuffed a recent call by Australian Governor General Bill Hayden to legally recognize same-sex relationships and to extend adoption rights to gays and lesbians in the country. Keating is quoted as saying in Parliament,"I havemy own personal views; social views on these things, but these are not a matter ofgovemmentpolicy.We don’tmakelaws governing these things." Hayden, who represents the British Crown as the nominal head of state in the Commonwealth country, earlier endorsed both same-sex mamages and legal adoption rights for gays andlesbians. "When society took the decision to no longer regard the practice of homosexuality as a threat to established, monogamous marriage, regarded as the cornerstone ofsociety for so long, certain inevitable consequences followed." Hayden said during a speech. "Certain rights flowed to homosexuals in the wake of that decision and unanticipated changed to community Standards followed.’" The Governor General’s office later made it clear, hrwever, that Hayden was not speaking for the government orQueen Elizabeth, whom he represents in the €ountry. Town Nixes ’Gay Pride’ ALAMEDA,Calif.-A normally "routine" proclamation designating June as Gay Pride Monthhas been rejected in this community on the east side,of the San Francisco Bay after anti-gay conservatives turned out in the hundreds to pack a city council meeting. The resolution, usually anuncontroversial matter, failed even to receive a second at the council meeting The council hearing on the proposed proclamataon lasted nearly 4 hours. Religious conservatives claimed the rejected proclamation was victory for "traditional family Values." Canadian Province May Allow Joint Adoption VICTORIA, British - Canadian news sources report that the provincial government in British Columbia has introduced legislation that would permit same sex couples to adopt children the same as heterosexual couples. The proposed change in the province’s adoption regulations would let both partners legally adopt a child, giving them joint parental rights and responsibilities. Quebec and Saskatchewan provinces both permit gay and lesbian couples to adopt children already, and an Ontario provincial court has declared that province’s restrictaons against same-sex couples adopting children to be unconstitutional. Coors Adds Domestic Partners Benefits BOULDER, Colo. - The University of Colorado newspaper, the Colorado Daily, has reported that the Coors Brewing Company of Golden, Colo., once the objectof an intensenational boycott by gays and lesbians, has voted unanimously to extend employee benefits to the samesex domesticpartners ofits workers. Since the widespread boycott of the 1970s and 1980s, the company has added non-discrimanation protections based on sexual orientation to its employment guidelines, and the brewcry also has a company-sanctioned gay andlesbianemployee group. "’There are still a lot of unanswered questions about the relationship between the Coors family, the [Coors] Foundation, and the company," Sue Anderson of Equality Colorado. told the paper. "But if we’re ’just talking about the corporation, this is a great move forward." Members of the Coors family and its private Coors Foundation have backed a wide variety of archconservative and anti-gay groups and politiciahs for decades, which led initially to the boycott. The Coors Brewing Company, however, has since gone out of its way to distinguish itself from the financial giving of the family and the foundation. Amnesty International Cites Police Abuses LONDON - The London-based human rights watchdog group Arunesty International has publicly called on the govermnent of Albania to live up to its obligations and agreements under international law and put a halt to abuses of its citizens, including political prisoners, Greeks living in the country, and homosexuals. "In certmn cases the ill-treatment has been so severe that it has amounted to torture," a statement from AI said. "In at least five cases the victim died, apparently as a result of the injuries they suffered." The organization also called on the government to set up methods of responding to citizen complaints of police abuse and brutality to deal with the problem. Guinness To Do Gay Ads LONDON - The Financial Times of London has reported that Guirmess, the famed British brewery best known for its stout ales,, plans to begin using a gay male couple in some of its future TV ad campaigns in the United Kingdom to promote its popular alcoholic beverages. Although the firm did not give details of the TV advertising, it did indicate that the TV spots would make it clear that the 2 men in them were gay men. The finn also said it would use the popular conntry-western tune "Stand By Your Man" in the ads. ILGA World Conference RIO DE JANEIRO - The 17th world conference of the International Lesbian & Gay Association ended in Brazil on Sunday, June 25, with a gay pride parade along Rio’ s Copacabana beach. During the week-long conference of more than 300 delegates representing countries from around the globe, ILGA took the following actions: - Denounced anti-gay violence in Latin America - including Brazil itself - and condenmed the execution of gays and lesbians in some Islamic countries; - Praised the decriminalization of homosexual sodomy in the BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria 743-5272 Corner of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! 14~38 S. Boston, Tulsa IIIIII robert owen freeman architectural & interior design consulting architectural renderings pob 52621, tulsa, ok 74152 918.747.0880 News Briefs News Briefs Australian state of Tasmania; - Announced plans to launch campaigns to draw attention to the continued criminalizing of gay and lesbian sex in Chile, Ecuador and Nicaragua; - Said the organization had ratified all the international treaties and conventions of the United Nations to help assure its recogration as a consulting Non Governmental Organization (NGO) with the UN. The organization also elected Jordi Petit of Barcelona, Spain, and Inge Wallaert of Antwerp, Belgium, as its new secretariesgeneral. D’Emilio Takes Over at NGLTF Policy Institute WASHINGTON-The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force has almounced the noted historian and author Dr. John D’Emilio has joined the civil rights organization as director of NGLTF’s Policy Institute. D’Emilio’, ahistory professor with the University of North Carolina, has the task of transforming the Policy Institute imo a full-fledged research organization by recruiting gay rights theorists, academics, researchers, activists and others to the rese arch "think In apress statement, D’Emilio said: "I am committed to building the NGLTF Policy Institute into an indispensable source of reliable, useful and necessary information, on gay/lesbian/bisexual public policy issues. We want to use the wealth of expertise in our community to build a reservoir of materials for activists in the fidd.’" No. Cal. LesbiGay Prom HAYWARD, Calif. - This unlikely community, just east of San FranciSco, was the spot on Friday evening, June 30, of t!}..e first gay and lesbian prom in Northern California "Pride: A Deeper Love" took place at the Ceutemtial Hall here, replete with with an espresso and soft drinks bar, potted palms, anindoorfountain, and a miniautre replica of tile. Eiffel Tower to recreate the ambiance of a Paris sidewalk cafe. The youth prom was sponsored by the I_ambda Youth Group and drew several hundred lesbian, gay and bisexual youths - mostly high school studeuts - from throughout the San Francisco bay area. Couples May Ado pt in DC WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia’s Court of Appeals has ruled that unmarried couples - including same-sex couples - can legally adopt children the same as married couples. The court made its rifling in the case of 2 gay men, identified in court documents as BruceM. andMark D., overturning a lower court ruling that denied the men the right to adopt a young girl. The court found that "unmarried couples living together in a committedpersonal relationship, News Briefs News Briefs News whether of the same sex or of opposite sexes, are eligible to petition the cou~t for a decree of adoption" and the capital’ s adoption law "expressly authorizes adoptions by any person without limitations.’" Toronto Parade Largest in North America TORONTO - Demonstrating a level of gay pride that most Americans only associate with cities like Los Angeles, SanFrancisco and New York, Toronto"s annual Gay Pride Parade this year apparently became thelargest such event in North America, outstripping the gigantic gay pride celebrations of its southern neighbor for the first time. Police estimated that between 500,000 and 600,000 spectators showed up for the Sunday, July 2 parade that also drew more than 50~000 participants. Police estimates of the 3 largest gay pride parades in the U.S. put spectator numbers at between 300,000 a nd 500,000. The Toronto parade first started in 1980 when it drew only 2,500 people. Politicos in this year’s eventincluded openly gayMember of Parliament Svend Robinson and Toronto Mayor Barbara Hall. California Court Upholds Hate Crime Law SAN FRANCISCO - California’s Supreme Court has upheld the state’s hate crimes law as constitutional and has ruled thatit does not violatefree speech rights. The unanimous court ruling rejected the arguments by the attorney of2 women charged in the beating of 2 gay men in San Francisco in 1990. The appeal argued that the state’s hate crimes law violated the women’s free speech guarantees because it was vague. The state high court rejected the argument, saying thatwords which indicate an "intent to inflict evil, injury or damage on another" are not protected by constitutional free speech guarantees. "Violence and threats of violence .. fall outside the protection of the First Amendment because they coerce by unlawful conduct, rather than persuade by expression," thecourtruled. "As such, they are punishable because of the state’s interest in protecting individuals from the fear of violence, the disruptio~ fear engenders and the possibil- Briefs ity’the threatened violence will Gay Marriages: Tale of Two Cultures AMSTERDAM-Twoindependent polls {eleased on the same date- onein the U.S., the other in Holland - give an indication of the difference in attitudes in the 2 countries. In Holland, 73% of those polled said they thought gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to legally marry - an astoundingly largeportion ofthe population that surprised even many Dutch activists. The U.S. poll, conducted by EPIC-MRA-Mitchell Research, found that only 33% of Americans thought same-sex couples should be allowed to get married, while 63% opposed gay and lesbian marriages. Lesbian Camp Ruled Not a Nuisance OVEIT, Miss.-Chancery Court Judge FrankMcKenziehas ruled thatCamp Sister Spiritwas not a "private nuisance" in rejecting the caseofa group oflocal townspeople who had accused the lesbian- feminist retreat of causing disruptions an d trying to "recruit" their daughters into a"lesbian lifestyle." McKenzie said in his ruling that seminars and music festivals at Camp Sister Spiritmayhave disrnptedneighbors to a degree, but that the retreat’s activities did not constitute a "nuisance." The attorney representing the townspeople who brought the complaint against the camp said all the ruling meant was that the camp just "hasn’t gotten out of hand at this point." ’Gay Gene’ ResearchQuestioned SAN FRANCISCO - Dr. Dean Hammer, the openly gay National Cancer Institute researcher who reported finding a genetic marker associated with male homosexuality, is apparently under government scrutiny for possibly manipulating datain the study. Hammer confirmed for news sources that his 1993 study was being reviewed by the federal Office of Research Integrity and that he had been ordered not to comment further. Genetic scientists, however, have reported that a colleague in Hammer’s NCI lab had looked through the data in Hammer’s reports and found that the government researcher had not included some of the material in his final report. Theomitted data could we aken the statistical significant of Hammer’s finding or possibly have changed the findings altogether. The question of the reliability of Hammer’s findings .could be even more crucial because a neurogeneticist at the University of Western Ontario in Canada finished a similar study recently of more than 40 sets of gay brothers and found no link between the genetic marker and sexual orientation. Village cont’dfromp. 1 Rusty Langley Stumpff, to make real the vision of Rainbow.Village founder Mark Vickers. Rainbow Village is a non-profit dedicated to providing housing for persons living with AIDS (PLWA’s). After months of delays and difficulties in raising funds for the renovations of the house, work was able to completed because of donated materials from Cowan Construction and donated labor from many folks,in particular, LeonKubian, a professional contractor. At mid-day, the work crew stopped to join the Rev. Leslie Penrose in a blessing of the house, room by room and to plant a tree in remembrance of Mark Vickers who died just in May of this year. Brad Mulholland, Mark’s spouse, remarked on the bittersweetness of finally seeing Mark’s dream realized. Midway though the ceremony, aneighborhoodresident stopped to complain abouthaving ahouse for people with AIDS, which for him equalled "Gays" in the neighborhood. Ironically, the first residents of this house happen to be heterosexuals living withAIDS, not Gays. Though the neighbor refused to give his name, he threatened to complain to the city because he felt the house would violate zoning restrictions. Rainbow Village board president, Cathy Mulholland, responded that up to 8 unrelated individuals could live in a single family zonedhouse and that there should be no problems. Cathy Mulholland also noted that Tulsa has a significant need for housing for PLWA’s. There may be as many as 90 persons needinghousing and Mulholland added that up to 84% ofPLWA’s here are in danger of becoming Nathanael Mattingly salon estetica 749-0777 The Queen of the Galaxy presents the best damn hair in town! 3509 $, Peoria - 2nd Level - Tulsa, OK 74105 homeless. Both Cathy Mulholland and Rusty Langley Stumpff mentioned that all the funds to renovate Rainbow Village have come in small amounts from the community. Although applications are continuing to be made, no major grants have yet to be secured. Donations of money, materials and time/labor are welcome. For information, call 742-2201. taffy cont’dfrom p. 1 to counter anti-Lesbian/Gay prejudice. Some of the seed money for the project was do~ nated by Barbra Streisand and Tulsa is one of three test sites for shaping the campaign. The HIV Resource Consortium is an umbrella organization that seeks to provide comprehesive HIV/AIDS services, ranging from case management to providing space for other organizations, such as the TOHR HIV Testing Clinic and RAIN, Regional AIDS Interfaith Network which organizes care teams for persons living with AIDS (PLWA’s). The Lesbian/Gay Community Center is a project spearheaded by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). The goal is to rent or buy a facility where all parts of the communities and organizations can meet formally or informally. Black & White Charities, Inc. will hold two events: a patrons appreciation on Friday, July 28 at Philbrook Museum and the Black & White Party itself on Saturday, July 29 at the Pavilion on Expo Square. Black & White Charities, Inc. began as a private party but was later incorporated as a tax-exempt non-profit dedicated to sponsoring social events which celebrate the unity and the diversity of the communities, promote group&individual self-esteem and create awareness and. funding for our communities issues andconcerns. For more information, see page 16. License cont’dfrom p. 1 After being turned away, Amos and Harding spoke with reporters about the effort. The couple acknowledged that they were not really surprised to be denied the license, but that they hoped people aware of the desire of many Lesbian & Gay couple for legal recognition and protection of their relationships. Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 FlPELITY HON~E HEALTH CARE, INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-3 . .2 Weprovide comprehensive home health services 24 hourslday, seven days/week. The range ofservices include:. Skill ed nursing .. services (RN’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Buffer, RN MS Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services ¯We have many insurance provider affiliations - ifyou belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply, ! 560 East 21 st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pro, 743-1000 +Home HIV Test Kits May Become Popular Baltimore GayPaper people, age 18 or older. A significant number of people state they would use a home test to determine if they are infected with HIV, it the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licenses the diagnostic kits, according to a University of California San Francisco (UCSF) study published in the May 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). If thehomekits are approved, the easier access and greater privacy they provide wouldincrease thenumberofpeople tested forHIV infection, says a UCSFresearcher who co-authored a separate essay on this subject published in the same NFJM issue. The FDA currently is considering whether or not to approve test kits that would allow blood collection at home, according to Kathryn Phillips, PhD, a researcher at the UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS) and lead author of the UCSF study, The over-the-counter test kits would likely be sold atdrug stores and, or through mail order. After pricking a finger and putting a drop of blood on a filter paper, users of the home test would mail the sample to a laboratory and call to find out their results They wouldreceive telephone counseling after providing a codenumber from the test kit. The entire process would be anonymous. UCSF researchers examined how the availability of home-access HIV tests .might change the numbers and character- ]st~cs of people tested for infection and where they went to be tested. Data came from a large household survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of more than 20,000 Among other questions, respondents were asked how likely they would be to use home HIV testing and, if it were available, whether they would choose to use a home test, go to a doctor’s office or clinic, or not be tested. 29% stated that they wouldbe "very" or "somewhat" likely to use home tests. Of this group,7%percent said they had never been tested (excluding testing for blood donation). 42% of the respondents with HIV risk factors said they wouldbe"very" or "somewhat" likely to use home tests; 63% of this group said they had never been tested (excluding testing for blood donation). 22% of all respondents and 31% of those at risk; said+they would choose a home test over the alternatives. In comparison, 18% of the respondents and 34% of those at risk reported having been tested for HIV infection (excluding testing for blood donation)between 1985 and the time the survey was conducted. The survey defined persons ’at risk’ as .hemophiliacs, men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users, those who trade sex for money, sex partners of persons at risk, those who had blood transfusions between 1977-1985, and those who have a self-perceived chance of having or contracting AIDS. Respondents more likely to .state they would use home HIV tests were male, younger, non-white or non-Hispanic, and had less than a college degree, income levels lower than the poverty index, risk factors for AIDS+ a self perceived.risk of AIDS, previously donated blood in order to be tested, or no prior testing because they did not know where to go, according to the UCSF study, see Test, page 11 Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Della Blackburn, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Commnnity Accepting Medicare~ Medicaid private pay and ptTvate insurance. Oklahoma owned and operated. Where have people living with AIDS in the Tulsa area gone to receive skilled nursing care in a homelike, loving setting? Until now - no where...... Announcing the opening ofMohawk Living Center, a facility specializing in caring for people living with AIDS. Overlooking beautiful Mohawk Park in North 35alsa, our facility is dedicated to caring for PLWA’s and improving their quality of life through skilled nursing care delivered by a staff of dedicated professionals. The staff at Mohawk Living Center invite you to come & tour our new facility. To arrange a tour or for more information, call our Offices at 918-425-1354 Mohawk Pride Center 3910 Park Road ¯ Tulsa, OK¯ (918) 425-1354 QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy~ WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every poli~y is ¯ suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range.from 60%to90% ofa policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept tche offer, payment is made directly to you. YOU pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors influence whether viaticating 3’our life insurance is the best financialalternative available for yo-u. Southwest Viatical can discuss allof thefactorswith youand yourfamily in person, in detail and canrecommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to assist you in plamfing the best outcome from your tmique financial situation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer ),ourinsurance andmedical records by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other compaafies take by mail. t)pically in fewer than 30 days We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Southwest Home Office Dallas,. Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 Reporter .Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights ¯ P.O. Box 52729 Tulsa, OK 74152 July/August 1995 Volume 15 Number 7 The vhq~w expressed elsewhere in Tul,~a Family News are tltff nece.~saril)’ the vie*tw o.fTOl IR. Pet?nission is granted to reprint in,f!)rmalion cotltaitted wilhin the TOI IR Reporler page along with other itent~’, tolthrr the byline. "mtbmitted by TOI IR ". contained elsewhere in Tulsa Family News. TOHR Follies Thank You’s from the Executive Board Lynn Smith - Chairperson Renee Anthony - CO-Chairperson Sheryl Dagang for being the fabulous Master/Mistress of Ceremonies. The Entertainers A Special Thank you to Bill Lewis a!k/a/Lola, Russlyn Moore, Paris Grey, Victoria Towers, Emma Zahn, Anita Richards, Kelly Green, Diannah Nacole, Vivian & Tara TNeal for their creative and fabulous costumes and renditions that set the stage tbr our Priscilla themel Thank you to Linda Stevens for bringing friends from the Follies Revue. Jennifer Sanco, Kris Rittanaier & Tracy Watson Our addilional thank vous to other performers including: t.tell’en Back, Jessie Scott. Beverly Ball, Jimnaie H0ose. llelga, The Tulsa Family Chorale, Miriam Childers, Kevin Barentine, Kharma Arnos, and friends Danny Hale. Steve Eberle, David Parsons & Kathlene Golden. Thanks to Raghena for making the trip from Dallas to share her talents with her Tulsa Family. The Volunteers Without the tireless energy, of our volunteers this event could not have been the success that it was. Thanks to: Pamela Newberry and Terry, Rich Webb, Gemini, Joseph Chavez, David Haynes, Wes Waggoner, Charles Campbell, Kathlene Golden and Jill Hoyt. Tulsa’s own youth group including Thomas, Edgar, Antwaine & John. The Donors John Rothrock and Steve Walley from the Silver Star, Gregory and Wayne from Floral Design of Tulsa, Kathlene Golden from Unity Center, Gourmet on the Go, Whittier Care, Promenade General Cinema, Merle Norman Studios and Anthony Klatt of the Perspective. We would like to thank the businesses who sold advance tickets for the Follies: Tomfoolery, Floral Design of Tulsa and Budget Window Treatments. All Soul’s Unitarian for the use of their facility. To ever3., one \vho attended this years Follies you were a great audience. Thank you. Wanted: Persons who are interested in taking a six week Watercolor class taught by local mtist Kelly Vandiver. The cost of the classwill be $75 not including supplies. $15 dollars of the $75 tuition will be tax deductible as a donation to T.O.H.R,. To register please call the helpline at 743-.4297 and leave your name and nnmber with the volunteer or on the voice mail. TOHR - August meeting will be on Bartlett Square. Bring a picnic basket and )’our dancing shoes. August I st, i 995. IVlusic and beverages will be provided. 7:00pro Ill ? Getin step with TOHR and Hillcrest step aerobic class to begin this fail. Watch your TOHR Reporter for fiu-ther details. Quick Note: 1 ~vould like to thank Tom Neal and the Tulsa Family News for their support ofTOHR and the Reporter during this past year. A Newsletter that has been established to serve TOHR’s community center and other non-profi| organizations will be the ne\v home for the Reporter. HIV TESTING CLINIC FREE & ANONYMOUSE FINGER STICK METHOD By and for, but not exclusive to the lesbian, gay & bisexual communities Monday & Thursday Evening 7 to 8:30pm for Testing 7 to 9:00pro for Results Daytime Testing Monday-Thursday By Appointment Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 918-749-4194 4154 South Harvard Suite I-t-1 Call for Directions BLACK WHITE INC. ,_C ,OMMUNITY CALEND .R SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627-B East 1 lth. Info: 583=7815 Community of Hope (United Methodis0 Worship Service, 6 pm 1347 No. Yale, 838-7232 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Worship Service, 11 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Info: 622-1441 Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 No. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 TheBanned,OKGay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa Meeting, 6:30 pm Canterbury, 5th&Evanston Info: 583-9780 MONDAYS HIT Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Results Hours: 7-9 pm Info: 749-4194 Lambda Bowling League Bowling begins at 8:45. Sheridan Lanes 3121 South Sheridan TUESDAYS Minister’s Class" Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center 7:30 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Info: 583-7815 WEDNESDAYS Authority OfThe Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood Call 838-1715 for info. Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center Choir Practice 7 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Call 583-7815 for info. Family Of Faith MCC Potluck 6:30 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 8 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Women’s support group Community of Hope 1347 North Yale Call 838-7232 for info, Co-Dependency Support Group Weekly meeting, 7:30. Family.of Faith MCC. 5451-E South Mingo Call 622-1441 for Info. HIT Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appbintment required. Walk in test hours: 7 - 8:30 pm Results Hours: 7 - 9 pm Call 749-4194 for info. Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for info. Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th St. SATURDAYS Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Provides confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale Call 838-7232 for info. SUNDAY, JULY 16 1995 Miss Gay Northeastern Oklahoma USofA Pageant Silver Star Saloon, 10 pm 1565 So. Sheridan, Info: 838-3701 TUESDAY, JULY 18 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Board Meeting, 7 pm (open to members) TOHR Office, 40th & Harvard, 2nd fl. Info: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 Family AIDS Support Group, 6:30 pm 4154 South Harvard, Gathering Room Info: 583-5147 THURSDAY, JULY 20 FIGHTFOR YOUR RIGHTS Community Civil Rights Meeting YOU NEED TO BE THERE 7-9 pm, Downtown Library, ground level meeting room, info: 838-2121 SATURDAY, JULY 22 Community ofHope Dance Class, 8 pm 1347 North Yale, Info: 838-7232 TUESDAY, JULY 25. Rainbow Business Gui/d, 7 pm Olive Garden, Utica Sq. Info: 832-0233 FRIDAY, JULY 28~ Black & White Charities Patron Gala Philbrook Museum, Info: 587-7314 SATURDAY, JULY 29 Community ofHope Feed the Homeless 1347 North Yale, 5:30 pm Info: 838:7232 Black & White Saturday Night Dance Pavilion at Expo Square, Fairgrounds $20 advance, $25 door, Info: 58%7314 TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 TOHR Party on the Square Picnic, 7-10 pm, Bartlett Square Info: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2 Family AIDS Support Group, 6:30 pm 4154 So. Harvard, Info: 583-5147 SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 Community ofHope Dance Class, 8 pm 1347 North Yale, Info: 838-7232 TUESDAY, AUGUST 8 Log Cabin Republicans, 7 pm Tulsa Centrai Library, Ground Floor Info: 832-0233 Need Help Selling Your Artwork ? . The The Artists’ Guide to Selling e is your answer $17.95 (includes handling & OK taxe~) Mail Check w return address info to: Artht~’ Guide, C/O Slash Pine Publishing ® Box 904186 Tulsa, OK 74105 Expect delivery within 10 days after check dears Developed from Fortune S00 Training and 15 year~ Saleg experience, ~md degigned to meet the ~peeifie naed~ of a~tiniz. SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 1995 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA At-Large Pageant Silver Star Saloon, 9 pm 1565 So. Sheridan, Info: 838-3701 MONDAY, AUGUST 14 PFLAG 1011102, 6:30-7:30 pm 4154 So. Harvard, Ste. H, Info: 749-4901 SPOUSES For spouses of Gay/Les/Bi/Transgenders 7:00 pm social, 7:30-8:30 meeting Sponsored by PFLAG, Info: 749-4901 TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Board Meeting, 7 pm (open to members) TOHR Office, 40th & Harvard, 2nd ft. kffo: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 Family AIDS Support Group, 6:30 pm 4154 So. Harvard, Info: 583-5147 SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 Community ofHope Dance Class, 8 pm 1347 North Yale, Info: 838-7232 TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 Rainbow Business Guild, 7 pm Dinner Meeting, Info: 832-0233 SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 Prime Timers 2nd Anniversary/ Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74128 Feast with Friends The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Finale at So. Hills Marriott, 748-3111 TUESDAY, AUGUST 29 Community ofHope Feed the Homeless 1347 North Yale, 5:30 pm Info: 838-7232 Gay & Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, Info: 631-7632 Lesbian & Gay Pol. Action Committee Info: 838-1222 SWAN-Single Women’sActivityNetwork Call 832-2121 TOHR Anonymous HIT Testing Clinic Daytime testing by appt. M:Th., 10-5 pm Info: 749-4194 TOHR Helpline, Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to volunteer: 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians Leather organization, Info c/o The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S~4, Tulsa Uniform &LeatherSeekersAssoc. Info: 838-1222 Wed. Night Women’s Supper Club Varying locations 2nd or 3rd Wed. each month. Info: Helpline: 743-GAYS Task Force co. diromp. 1 nation paralyzes us in our jobs and prevents us from living as full and ,~qual citizens. "At the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, we often work with activists lobbying their local and state governments to pass anti-discrimination legislation. While many states and muuicipalities have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, some opponents have pointed to the lack of federal legislation when justifying their own inaction or opposition to such measures. Weseekfederal action through passage of ENDA that would send a message across the country that discrimination is unacceptable and illegal. "Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation violates the American values of equality and fairness. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1995 recognizes discrimination and would alleviate the fear of many Americans in the workplace. It is an important step toward full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people." Editor’ s note:no Oklahoma Congressman has endorsed ENDA, though Cong. Largent is now reviewing the legislation. Britain con d omp. me improbable, whatever this court may say, that the existing policy can survive much longer," said Lord Justice Simon Brown, one of the judges in that ease. Boston cont’dfrom p. 1 The court’ s decision said that gays and lesbians have a fight to march in parades a;s individuals, but italso ruled thatno one can force parade sponsors to alter their message by including the views of another group. by Pat Morehead that Ralphies’ world cuts into their own mess? So, save your money either at the For those readers who are looking for the standard fare of Political Correctness relative to the Gay Community in TUlSa, look elsewhere. Summer is here and it’ s just too damn humid to worry with political correctness. I was politically incorrect when I failed to attend the Mohawk Pride Picnic. But I spent a lovely afternoon on the patio with several cool Bloody Bulls and my latest copy of Field and Stream. I did take a few minutes to scan theJune Family News. I have to tell you I’m not really concerned about the court ruling regarding the Boston St. Patricks Day Parade. So gays can tmarch, big deal. We seem to have missed the point somewhere along the way. If you’re not welcome somewhere, then stay the hell away! I’ve used that simple formula for decreasing stress, I highly recommendit to everyone. Besides, if we want to have a parade, we may wantto exclude certain types, fight? I’m not trying to be bitchey about this but I mean really, give it a rest. Thanks to Rush Tunbaugh and Newtie and Ralphie Reed, common civility has gone the way of the DODO. I was raised to at least pretend to be civil to people I don’ t care for or about. It was calledCommon Courtesy. Everything has become so "in your face" these days. Every dog has his day, and today Rush, Newtie and Ralphie are ha,v,ing,~eirs. Unfortunately I expect their day to go on for some while to come. We are not going to stop these guys from making our lives miserable for awhile. So, back off! Let them make asses out of themselves and their followers. As soon as people see Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions; Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. regularlives, people will get sick and tired of him and his sort and dump them for something different. Speaking of something different, can anyone explain "Legends of the Fall"? I rentedit expecting to see something inter- So, here’s my plan for our eommunlty. Let’s start our -own Ch~eh. We’ll do eorrespontienee tie~rees anti we can all become Ministers. That Way we can ~et every tax ~vantage aveable,& we can du~ ~ple out of v~t sums of ~o~ey in the name of~n~ng our m~ssxons . ~nee we all have money, then ~e can make the ~uled Let me knowffyou have any ide~ for the ~hureh name. esting from Brad Pitt. Ifnot acting wise, at least his butt! Pitt has been very interesting since I first noticed him in "Thelma and Louise". But I haven’t the slightlest idea about what was going on in Legends. I don’t even think the Director had the slightest idea about what was going on there. I mean, at least if you’ ve got Brad Pitt, use his sex appeal if nothing else. All we got was a poorly composed 3 second medium wide group shot of Pitt in the middle of what I presume was supposed to be a menage a tois. Jeez, at least give us Pitt butt. Three seconds out that whole video store or on TCI and give Legends a pass. Unless you’ reintoAnthony Hopkins, at least, he he did some acting. I suggest you rent "Thelma and Louise" and eatch Pitt in the motel scene. WhichbringsmetoTCI. Whenitcomes to TCI,just bend over and expect it rough. Rather than worrying about parades in Boston we ought to be spending time getting any other cable outlet in here. Why is it that there is no Cable Access available to the public, but 158 religious programmers can monopolize half the damn channels? That’ s a rhetorical question. Weall know why, the pray-a-vision folks buy all the available time. So, here’ s my plan for our community. Let’s start our own Church. We’ll do correspondence degrees and we can all become Ministers. That way we can get every tax advantage available, and we candupepeople outOfvastsums ofmoney in the name of funding our "missions". Once we all have money, then we can make the rules ! Let me know if you have any ideas for the Church name. On a serious note though, we could invest some time in setting up a Non- Profit Arts Group which is designed to serve Gay and Lesbian area artists, writers and performers. That would be something that could actually have an impact on the local communityin terms ofgiving Gay and Lesbian Artists a fair shot. Let me know your thoughts on that one also. As for me, I’m heading to kitchen to mix up some more Bloody Bulls, then get naked in the hot tub and ponder the real meaning of Pitts’ butt. Hummm, maybe we could do a fund raiser based on a best l~utt contest. Now there’ s an idea perfect for summer in Tulsa. As soon as I find the limes, I’ll put some more thought into that! Pat Morehead is a Tulsan whose commentaries focus on art, politics & more. Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715 Unique Gifts in Lincoln Plaza corner of 15th & Peoria 584-4606, M-S 10-8, Sun. 12-5 Aroma Lamps Aromatherapy for your home or office. Many fragrant oils and scented candles to choose from. Test cant’dfrom p. d Phillips says these findings are "counter intuitive" because preventive services and other home tests are usually morelikely to be used by people with more education and higher incomes. "It’s striking that people who may have the greayest need for testing but the least access to HIV testing and medical care may bemorelikely than someother groups to use home tests," she says. Theavailability ofhometests may cause a shift.in the locations where HIV testing is conducted in the United States, Phillips says. About 20 percent of tests (excluding tests before blood donations) are performed at public clinics; 31 percent in doctor’s offices, health maintenance organizations, or employer clinics; and 25 percent athospitals and outpatient clinics, according to the study. "The use of home tests by people who would otherwise have been tested at public clinics may free up resources for other activities," Phillips says. "However, testing should still be available at public clinics." It is estimated that users of the home test would pay between $30 and $40, whereas it costs the federal government approximately $50 per test at public clinics andprivate doctors may charge clients $50 ormore for HIV testing. Counsding and testing consumed the largest portion- $103 million - of the HIV prevention budget of the CDC in 1992. Reviewed by Barry Hensley Supervisor, Circulation Department Tulsa City-County Library One of the biggest controversies surrounding the gay rights movement today is the act known as outing- one person. publicly identifying another, closetedperson as homosexual, against their wishes. Although this trend seems to be winding down, there are still many people, young and old, who are unable to identify .themselves as lesbian or gay. Because they are not prepared to acknowledge their orientation, they lead double lives to disguise the truth from friends, families and coworkers. "Outing Yourself," by Michelangelo Signorile, recognizes the difficulty of these situations and provides a step-by-step program for making the journey from "Identifying Yourself" to "Not Thinking About It at All." Signorile outlines 14 steps, under six general parts whichinclude"OulingYourself to Yourself," "Outing Yourself to Other Gay People," "Outing Yourself to Your Straight Friends," "Outing Yourself to Your Fanfily," "Outing Yourself to Your Coworkers," and, finally, "Coming Out Every .Day," which includes ways to help others undertakethe same journey. Signoril’e examines the most difficult steps in the first chapter, where he presents the thoughts of other authors, including film historian Vito Russo, who said, "The truth will set you free, but first it will bea pain in the neck," and Mark Thompson, who commented, "Basically, coming out is a death and rebirth experience. To come out, something has to diewhatever itwas you thought your were...In a sense, you’reldlling aformer constructed identity and creating a new one." Also in this chapter are exercises to do whichmay seem simplistic to some, but helpful to others,, depending on how comfortable one is with the coming~out process. "Basicafly, coming out is a death and rebirth experience. To come out, something has to die- whatever it was you thought your were...In a sense, you re killing a form.er construeted identity and creating a new one. As the journey continues, the author documents ~ue experiences which reveal the common frustrations related to homophobia and the act of "deprogramming yourself" from stereotypes and the myths that cause lesbians and gays to feel out of place in a straight society. In "Meeting Other Gay People," the reader is .reminded that today, with gay community centers, organizations, newspapers and computerbulletin boards, the gay baris no longer the primary gathering place. Thereis alist ofrelated books, many of which are in the library, which should be consulted to further explain the sometimes complex and contradictory fedings that many people experience. In’What First Talk," Signorile prepares readers for the inevitable questions and concerns that arise when having that important chat’with parents orother family members. He acknowledges that it is not always wise to come out to parents immediately. Timing is everything, and i.t may be best to postpone your conversalaon. As you get near the end of the book, which dea~s with coming out at work and helping others to come out, it is apparent that a common thread has been woven through chapter after chapter: maintaining a positive approach. Regardless of who is being addressed, people coming out are urged to ignore neg~itive comments and concentrate on having a truthful, uplifting and educational conversation. Signorile has also authored "Queer in America" and numerous colnmns for national periodicals.Afew years ago,hehad a notorious reputation for outing public figures, but he has mellowed considerably and.this book is a patient and understanding guide, free from harsh judgements or urgings to Sacrifice oneself for "the cause.+’ Check for"Outing Yoursdf" and other related books in the Readers Services, 2rid floor, Central Library, or call 596-7966. SAULDLDELNO IYK TLHI.EKECWOMANPENTAIBTOESR.S ~MITSUBISHI The New Thinking n Automobiles+ Air conditioning, alloy wheels, am/fm cassette with 6 speakers, power sunroof, dohc - 16 valve & much morel From $15,695 ¯ Sunday :Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice I To love & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 I I do justice, mercy 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 ° (918) 622-1441 He r loom Demigns GiSts, Fragrances, Crystal, Bears, ,~ntiques, Brass, Womens Boutique, CompleteInterior& ExteriorDesign 2814 East 15th Street, 742-5665, Across from Carpet City Hill, M.S. 2865 E. Skelly Drive, Ste. 215,745-1111 ARIES ’~’ ..... March 2J-April 20 Passion runs high and you are tempted by - a sexy new lover; or you are tempted to pick fights with your present lover, just so you can have the pleasure of making up. Business travel is both likely and rewarding this month. TAURUS April 20-May 21 Partners and family members seem unusually bossy this month, and their disapproving attitudes can really get on your nerves. A good time for do-it-yourself projects around the house. It’s better to work on your home than to work on the people in it. GEMINI May 21-June 22 You’ re always a bit of a party animal, but now you have the opporttmity to go into social overdrive. You may have some minor battles with co-workers and employees, but your recreational activilaes will definatdy make you forget any jobrelated stress. CANCER June 22-July 23 You have been involved with an odd bunch ofpeoplefor quite awhilenow, and this has maderelationships a struggle. It’ s time to take an honest look at your beliefs about romance, love and sex. If you’ re not getting what you want and it can’t be fixed, time to say "bye bye." LEO July 23-August 23 You are likely to experience power struggles with family members and with anyone who shares your home. You want to be your flamboyant, generous self; they’ d apparently prefer you to be a dull and stifled slave. Try not to be an unreasonable drama queen. With a little sdfcontrol, you’ll win out. VIRGO August 23-September 23 You’re great at being the power behind the throne because you intuitively know how to provide just the right kind of support. However, now is the time for you to stand in the limelight yoursdf. Tremendously creative ideas can come to you now..Just lighten up, let them in, and put them to use. LIBRA September 23-October 23 You may receive a financial offer you can’ t refuse, but look at the situation with an honest and critical eye. Someone is likely to be playing hot and heavy with your emotions. If you act without think= ing carefully first, you’re liable to do things you’d never consider otherwise and you’ll regret it. SCORPIO October 23-November 23 Passion rears its head at work, and you may be Crazed with desire for the sweet thing who shares your shifL Think it over before you lunge. It may not be a great idea to mix business with pleasure. Working with friends on a money-making venture can bring success; divert your obsession into your work. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23-Dec. 22 Existing relationships have an eerie quality of familiarity to them. Yes, you’re being manipulated in the same old way and no, it’ s not your imagination. A new relationship started now is likely to turn out the same way. Think about why you keep attracting this mistreatment. Isn’ t it getting boring? CAPRICORN Dec. 22-January 21 Life has not exactly been easy for you lately, but you only have to pass one more hurdle before you get a break. Someone is likely to appear’with a "fool prool~’ investment scheme thatplays onyour desire for status. Don’ t get crazed with greed and say "yes." You’ll only be starting a new drama. AQUARIUS Jan. 21-February 20 Old conflicts may reappearnow, but don’ t worry; they’re only resurfacing so you can have the chance to resolve and diminate them once and for all. It’ s a good time for you to get rid of all your hidden fears and addictions. You’ re about to start a new cycle; you may as well do it on a level playing field. PISCES February 20-March 21 Now is the best possible time to use visualization to achieve your goals, but how much thought have you given to what you actually want? Come out of the fog and create your long,term wish list. You have a natural gift for creative thought. Add a little structure and put your gift to use. PRIDEofo nm Renting and considering Buying? Moving up or Investing? Credit Problems? Mortgages By Design will custom fit the right homeloan to YOUR needs! 1~ LENDER Financing the AllAmerican Dream ForDetail~ CalL. BUD WHARTON Vice President/Branch Manager (918) 3424252 Serving Tulsa and Surrounding Communities Tropical Caribbean Feb. 11-18,1996, $795-1950 Deep Caribbean Feb. 18-25,1996, $795-1950 Mexican Riviera March 17-24,1996, $795-2495 French Canada Jun~ 30 -July 7,1996, $895-2295 International Tours 9/8-34/-6866 RSVP On the Road with Melissa Etheridge by L. Cooper, roving groupie In May of 1989, I attended a concert at the Cain’s Ballroom - the singer’s name was Melissa Etheridge and her debut album was a self titled work which was released in 1988 on Island Records. Rumor had it that she had been discovered while playing in the Lesbian bars of Los Angeles. The issue of her sexuality has finally been resolved to many women’s satisfaction (particularly after her fans suffered through the femme phase of the "’Never Enough" album). Since the Cain’ s experience, I have had the privilege of seeing four additional MEperformances. Her Grammy nominations, four albums and an appearance at Woodstock II have resulted in media exposure and main stream visibility. As acknowledgement of her popularity, Etheridge serves as the cover girl for the June 1995 issue of Rolling Stone. It is a rare opportunity for our generation to watch the development of such a talented and, now, out artist. I wondered whether Etheridge could. gracefully survive the transition to large capacity arenas. Her ability to intimately connect with her audience in smaller venues has been legendary. On June 25th, Etheridge did not disappoint her fans as she provided her usual kick ass, high energy performance during an appearance at the Nissan Pavilion located in Stone Ridge, Virginia. The threat of rain did not dampen the spirit of the audience who travdled from MD, VA, WVA, DE, NJ, NY, DC, PA, and, of course, OK. In Photograph~ J.D. Jamett 621-5597 fact, Mother Nature’ s thunder and lightning served as an additional special.effects background for the evening’s performance. Opening for Etheridge was Paula Cole, a talented, unusual and quirky performer. Cole, whose 1994 debut album "Harbinger" provides a good listen, primed the Pavilioncrowd with support from her two memberband. Her30 minute, six song set Alexander Graham Bell could not have possibly pereelved what a hot, seduetlve, sexually ehar ed woman could do with his invention. ended with a tribute to all the women in the audience. "Watch the Woman’s Hands", written by Cole, brought the audience to its feet and resulted in a standing ovation for the singer. After a fifteen minute intermission and equipment swap, the main show actually started on time. This disproved common wisdom that concerts and lesbians cannot meet intended schedules. At the stroke of 9 pm, Melissa burst onto the stage and charged into arousing rendition of "All American Gift’. The Pavilion stage is flanked by a big screen on either side. A memorable sight is ME’ s sly smirk and bedroom eyes magnified about a thousand times. Ably backed by John Shanks on guitar and keyboard, Mark Browne on bagg~tttar, aiid Dave Beyer on drums, ME used a well mixed play list which included songs from all fouralbums spiced with a sampling of new material. One of these new songs, "All the Way to Heaven" is a cut from her next album which is due to be released in November of this year. Etheridge also covered AC. DC’s classic hormone pounding "You Shook Me All NighrLong" and, with the line, " ...she knocked me out with those American thighs....", the Pavilion female factor howled and screamed in umson. Her song "You Used to Love to Dance" segued into an extended play which utilized a telephone as a prop. Alexander Graham Bell could not have possibly perceived what a hot, seductive, sextmlly charged woman could do with his invention. Our butts barely touched the seats during the foot stomping 2 1/2 hours. Etheridge ended her 18 song performance with "Bring Me Some Water"; we were not ready to let her go and we brought her back for two encores. The first encore was. a rocking "Like the Way I Do" from the 1988 album MeliSsa Etheridge and her second encore was the more gentle and almost lullaby-like ’Walking to My Angel" from the 1993 album Yes I Am. Her energy and her connection with her fans has certainly not decreased with time nor has it been reduced by the larger venue - Melissa Etheridge is a proven performer who continues to stimulate, captivate and mesmerize her audience. (Her current tour ends in Houston on July 9th.) Youth Net eont’d omp. 3 able on the World Wide Web, searchable by both ZIP code and area code. YAOis also working with the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center, a gay youth resource group based in San Francisco, to bring them onto the Internet and to make LYRIC’ s staff of 25 trained peer counselors available for YAO’ s own peer support service. "Two years ago, this was all a dream," says Fishier, "a place where I would feel welcome on the Interact, where I would not feel as though I was different or that I was a piece of meat. Now, youth.org is a reality.’" Coming to terms with one’ s sexual orientation is always difficult, and Williams says it can become a matter of life or death for teens, as evidence suggests that as many as 30 percent of the youth to emigrate to urban areas such as San Francisco and New York are attempting to escape persecution because of their sexual identity. "Just one step of intervention could make all the difference in the world," he says. "Together, we can drown out the destruction of society’s hatred and homophobia." YAO can be reached on the World Wide Web at the URL http:// www.youth.org/ Gay and questioning .youth can receive counseling through e-mail by sending to help@youth.org OutProud! "Can be reached at http:// www.outproud.org/outproud/ (all one line) or at P.O. Box 24589, San Jose, CA 95154. Whittier Care 41(3 S Lew s Tulsa. OK - 582-2~00 Now serving Sunday breakfast, 7am-2pm- Romantic, quiet & secluded Family-owned & operated Guest Cottage with A Jacuzzi for two, And private parking, All Only 1/2 block to downtown. 9 Benton Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501.253.2204 Adult Accommodations VFrank Green, Jr. Host 50 Wall Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501/253-8281 A UTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE FRESH RAINBO ~/ TROUT of Eureka Springs Recommended by the New York Times (501) 253-6807 5 Center Street Clo~ed Ir/ednesday Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Owners/Hosts: Maureen & Joyce The Purple Iris Inn RR 6, Box 339 Eureka Spri_’ngs Arkansas 72632 501-253-8748 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ O ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ l) ¯ O0 ¯ ¯ ¯ O O 0000 O O O O0 oo 0000O0 O00o 0 Jerry/L Wilson (5011 253-7311 1-8~0-231-1442 , ^KINGS HI-WAY 96 Kings Highway ¯ Hwy. 62 W. ¯ Eureka Springs, AR 72632 S ALO 0 N Sunday, July 16 1995 Miss Northeastern Oklahoma USofA Pageant lopm, $3 cover Featuring Raghenna & Fallon Scott Sunday, August 13 1995 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA At-Large Pageant 9pm, $4 cover Featuring Maxine Houston Carmella Marcella Garcia & Cherry Monroe Sundays - No Cover - Out of State Entertainers Show Nite at the Star with Fallon Scott & Friends ~hi~e!~ r~ ...........i...... dan 3u~ly 22nd, 10:30 pm July. 26nd, 8:30 Pump It Up Open Dart Tournamen, ¯ $100 Purse! ~5 Entry fee, entrants must wear at lleast 3 in. pumps 1229 S. NJ[ernoz~a~, 835~5083 TULSA’S HUGE PATIO BAR Sunday, July 23- 10 o.m. 1995 Miss Central State Female Impersonator of the Year Pageant $5 General Admission Reserved Seating Available An Official Miss Gay Oklahoma America Preliminary FridaY, AU_aust 1 1 - 9 D.m.-2 a.m. Inferno ’95 $5 Cover Guest DJ - The Legendary Tony Dean Dancers from Dallas & KC Dazzling Lighting & Spectacular Sound FridaY, Au_aust 25 - 10_o.m. 1995 Mr. Gay Oil Capital Pageant $500 Awarded A Direct Preliminary To Mr. Gay All American Sunday. September 3 - 10 o.m. 1995 Miss Gay Tulsa USofA Pageant An Official Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Preliminaq Thurs- Sun 9,-2 * 3340S. Peoria. Tulsa ¯ 918-744-0896 THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 :2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it herei 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (.) Due to our large volume of calls, if you can’t get thru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISAiMC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 Tulsa TAKE CHARGE:30 y/o 6’4 2151b WM Ikg2 meet aggressive masc. men who know what they want and how to take charge, call me! ~44401 Tulsa,BIG AND TALL:I 8 yio 6’6 2751b GWM Ikg2 meet other guys in the area to get together and have fun with,call me! =44455 I Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what you want to say~ Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. Tulsa PHONE CHAT:my name is Tim. Im a WM 6’ 1 1601bs tan and VGL. Im into phone chat only. call me! =44795 Tulsa HANDSOME YOUNG STUD:todd, 6’4 2701bs 20y/o Ikg4 handsome masc. GWM 18-30. call me, lets.talk! ~44870 Tulsa MARRIED MAN:this is Bob, Im an inexperienced married bi WM 30 y/o 6ft 2201bs Ikg4 a smooth, clean discreet guy to show me-how! call me! =44922 Shawnee MY HERO:my name is David, Im Ikg4 my black superman! Im a 28 y/o WM proff’l and Ikg2 meet a ~roff’l BM, call me =45075 Tulsa CLEAN CUT WELL BUILT:30 y/o 5’11 1851bs bln/blu clean cut/shaven well built guy Ikg2 meet same! call me! =45163 Tulsa HEY GUYS:Ira Ikg2 meet guy’s 27- 40 for fun and friendship. Im a 27 y/o masc. well built guy. Im into most outdoor activities~ call me! =45347 Oklahoma JOIN US:Sam ana Michael Ikg4 a 3rd or more to iotn us for movies, dinner and more. we are both 25 y/o. call us! ~45342 Bartlesville HEY GUYS:28 y/o GWM Ikga hard working guy’s 25 and younger for a relationship, call me! ~45306 Tulsa INEXPERIENCED:my name is Mike and Im inexperienced. I like to swim and camp. and Id like to meet a young nice Ikg guy 18-35 to have fun with. if you are inexperienced to or would like to be with me, call! ~45313 Tulsa QUIET TIMES:Steven, 26 y/o I’m tall and slender. Im Ikg2 meet guys who enjoy quiet nights on the town or at home. Im Ikg4 friendship and poss. more. roll me! ~45429 Tulsa LOVE AND DEVOTION:GWM 6ft 1991bs bm/bm Ikg4 a GWM 55-85 for a lifetime of love and devotion. I’m not into the bars or parks. I’m Ikg4 a fiR. ~43306 Tulsa DIVE IN:Jake, Im Ikg2 meet guy’s 27-40 Im a GWM 27 y/o and well built. I like.4 wheeling, scuba diving and more. call me! e45347 Tulsa HEY GUYS:Lance, I am 28 y/o _bln/blu 6’2 1501bs iso guy’s 18-28 to go out on dates, call me! ~45452 =Tulsa HI GUYS’Jeff, Im a 46 y/o 6fl 1751b proff’l GWM Ikg2 meet guy’s 30- 40’s with varied interest. Im Ikg4 friends and poss. relationshipl call me! ~45573 Tulsa TOP THIS:19 y/o 6fl.bm/blu Ikg4 fun and friendship. Call me! =45846 Southern LETS TALK:6’2 bln/blu 1731bs Ikg4 company and someone to talk to and do things with. call me! =45722 Tulsa LOOKING FOR YOUNG BLACK GUYS:Jerry, 40 y/o bi WM proff’l Ikg4 young BM 18+ in my area for a good time. call me! =45900 Tulsa All’ILEllC GUYS:25 y/oWMtkg4 saccer pla~ ando~~hl~c guiswho aR:~:iate a geod massage afara game! fo0t massage is my spe::ial~. =42079 Tulsa DANaNG TILL DAWN:SIeve, 23 y/o 6’2 guy into dancing till dawn, cuddling & kissing Ikg4 friends and da~! ~42361 Tulsa STOCKY STUD:6’1 2351b guy with a hairy, stocky build. Im Ikg4 men 18-25 that are also stocky and hairy, call me! =44153 Tulsa Dean, 6ft 1551b brn/brn smooth build,clean shaven,lkg4 ’d hiv- guys to show me a good time. ~43310 Tulsa NEW AT THIS:Mike, 35 y/o 5’8 1651b novice, Ikg4 friends intrstd in swimming, weight lifting or ?, Im new at this, call me =43352 Tulsa HUSKY DUDE:Todd, 5’11 2151b husky dude w/Iongbrn hair Ikg4 someone who will try anything once, maybe twice, interested in LTR. no 1 night stands! ~42523 Tulsa WE CAN WORK IT OUT:34 y/o 5’8 1801b bi WM into the outdoors, I love swimming and working out, Im disease and drug free and into meeting new friends, call me! =43981 Oklahoma City gl Carolyn, subm bi TV iso BM wha is well built, wardrobe I know you’ll love, 6~2, like to dance, and have lots of fun- e15186 Tulsa LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS: Brian, int in athl music wttfiting movies staying home and pass long term relationships- =26107 OK LOOKING TO MEET: David, 33, like to have a good time Ikg to meet olher men. if ur interested give me a ca11- ~’41380 - StiJlwater FOOTBALL AND SOCCER: Mike, 26, like to play foolball soccer, like to work out likes to have a good time young pref, race not an issue, if u like give me a call- ~41488 Tulsa BI WM: Michael, 25, WM bi married, 6’2 210 iso clean daytime fun, Ikg for male friends 20-35, no heayie~ pls- Iva message- ~41433 FayeWille FUN AND.FRIENDSHIP: David, 35 y/o GWM tall. slndr, cute, shy top Ikg4 petite for frndshp and more! ~41544 Norman SINCERE FRIENDSHIP: Richard, GWM 50 y/o prfsnl Ikg4 someone 25-35 for sincere frndshp and psbly more. ~41552 Tulsa LOOKING FOR FRIENDS: Steve, GWM 30 y/0 into travel, movies, quite eve’s at home, Ikg4 frnds to hang out with. =41606 Tulsa TWO-STEPPER: Craig, hiv+ attr bm/brn 1891bs into movies, dancing 2step, swmng, bkng, Ikg4 altr. masc non smoking btm for romance and psble LTR ~41608 Tulsa LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP: Ray, 24 y/o 6’1 2621bs new to scene, into sports, I’m hoping to meet someone for LTR ¯ ’e41724 Tulsa BODY BUILDER: Jim, Im a bo6y builder wm 5’11 1701bs Ikg4 wm 25-45 in gd shp for dtnshp ~41830 Tulsa FISHING ANDOUTDOORS: Steve, 5’6 1551bs bm/hzl I’m an artist, into fshng, outdoors,travel Ikg2 meet guys with a wide variety of intrst. ~’41841 Eusta DINING AND MOVIES: Mike, 40, brn/brn, gdlkg, int’are dining out movies fishing, Ikg for guys between 18- 25, tp Ikg for well end’d guys e40122 NW Oklahoma COWBOY HORSE BREEDER: GWM, 40s, nw port of OK,, " isa GWM w/caltte/horse experience, happy in levis as well as tuxedo, isa str acting, facial hair, alot of hair a plus, if ur interested in a gd life gve me a call, non drinker/smoker ~’402 Tulsa FRIEND AND COMPANION: Robert, GBM, 26, Ikg for GM to be my friend and companion- ~38530 Kerry $28/hour MASSAGE THERAPIST "Tension, Stress, or Injury" YMCA 51,5 S. Denver Tues.-Fri. (12-8pm) (918) 583-6201, Ext. 19 HELP WANTED Gather Signatures on Casino Gaming Petition. Great Pay Elexibte Hours 742-3827 For information and tickets, call 918-587-7314 or 800-458-468~ or visit a~ay one of six ticketlocations, including’: Tulsa’s Biggest & Wildest Night of the Year IMack Whit Partv’95 Saturday, July 29, 8 ’til Midnight at Tulsa Fairgrounds Pavilion on Expo.Square Dress to Party in Black & White Music =, Dance ¯ Entertainment ¯ Fabulous Door Prize $20 in advance; $25 at the door per person* Cash bar on the evening of the dance. Appropriate proof of age 21 required for admission. MasterCard, VISA & checks accepted in advance. Bank cards and cash only at the door. Show up at Party ’95 on Saturday and win one of two FREE, round t.rip airfare tickets* anywhere in the continental United States courtesy of EXECUTRAVEL of Oklahoma City. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1995] Tulsa Family News, July 15-August 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 8 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa's Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 15-August 14, 1995 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin JD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/500 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, June 15-July 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 7 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 1995 adoption AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV testing Amnesty International arts and entertainment attorneys Barry Hensley Bars Bill Clinton Black and White Gala Black and White Party businesses Camp Sister Spirit censorship churches civil rights Dave Fleischer estate planning Fight For Your Rights Follies Revue gay politicians homophobia horoscope International Lesbian and Gay Association internet L. Cooper letters to the editor marriage Melissa Etheridge Michaelangelo Signorile military inclusion National Gay and Lesbian Task Force OutNOW! Partner Benefits Pat Morehead People Living With AIDS performing arts personals PFLAG Politically Incorrect Pride promhate crimes Rainbow Village representation restaurants sexual orientation discrimination TOHR Reporter Tom Neal Transgender Tulsa Family News Tulsa Oklahoman for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing viatication Victory Fund https://history.okeq.org/files/original/61c1794feb40715e100a643472bc1dbe.jpg 7cc6e260d9d028ba9a6b198a5abf0d63 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7cfd8d262a542aa97aa5a0e1d0d598e3.pdf 4e21e6356d5e165d47522a08c6266515 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart Tulsa Organizers of Human Rights Conf. Leave Out Local Gays National News Clinton Ends Anti-Gay Security Restrictions WASHINGTON - President Clinton on Friday, Aug. 4, signed an executive order that bans bias against homosexuals in issuing federal security clearances. Clinton’s move is one that has long been sought by gay rights advocates. Under the Clinton executive order, which takes effect immediately, a security clearance can not be denied solel, on the basis of sexual orientation. \~qaite House spokesman Mike McCurry said the order standardizes criteria throughout the federal See Order. page12 Washinton State Official Condemned for Bias AUGUST 11, !995- Dr. Dexter Amend, Spokane County Coroner in Washington State, has invoked gays-and-child-molestation stereotypes by blaming the sexual abuse and lnurder of a 9-year-o!d gift on homosexuals because an autopsy showed the victim had been sexually molested, including sodomized. "She’s been sodomized over and over and sodomy i s a homosexual act. it is," s aid Dr. Amend. an elected official. ’q’o have everybody ttfink ho~nosexuality is OK is a bunch of baloney. I don’t care see Official, page 3 Hawai’i Marriage Case Delayed HONOLULU - Hawai’i Circuit Court Judge Kevin Chang has put off for a full year the legal case that may decide whether same-sex couples in Hawaii can legally marry or not. At the same time, however, Judge Chang refused to change a state supreme court order that requires the state to show a "compelling interest" in order to deny marriage licenses to gays and lesbians - a difficult tegal test to meet in most cases. The new trial date is July 15, 1996. U.S. Grants Asylum to Iranian Gay Man NEW YORK - The U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service has determined that an Iranian gay man now living in Brooklyn and identified only as ’~A.T.," has a %veil-founded fear of persecution" if he is deported back to Ins native country. Granting political asylum to themza brought praise from gay rights activists. ’~Persecution of lesbians and gay men around the world has escalated to epidemic proportions," said Suzanne B. Goldberg of the Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, wInch represented"A.T." in the case. ’TIns ruling reflects our nation’s commitment to providing refuge for all persecuted persons~ including lesbians & gay men, who meet the strict digibility requirements for political asyOhio Activists Appeal to Supreme Court CINCINNATI - Ohio activists have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in an effort toovermm a federal appeals court ruling that allows a 1993 voter-approved city amendment prohibiting civil rights protections from including homosexuals t o stand. The anti-gay amendment, which is similar to Colorado’s Amend. 2, was approved by the city’s voters after the city council had passed an anti-bias measure barring discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, sex, and other characteristics. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in May that gays and lesbians were not an "identifiable class" like other minority groups and could not therefore be granted civil rights protections. August 15 - September 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 9 The directors ofBlack & White. Inc. celebrate their largest attendance yet at the 1995 Patrons Gala at Philbrook Museum, photo: Jamett The NAMES Project Fundraisers Feast for Friends - 8/26 The Sum of Us- 9/5+6 In preparation for the return of the Quilt in October, The NAMES Project. Tulsa Chapter is holding two fundiaisers. Its mmual Feast for Friends is a series of dimmers held at private homes around the city with individuals inviting their guests to make contributions comparable to what they would spend if they were to go out to dinner. The guests from the many dinners come together for a dessert finale at the Southern Hills Marriott. see NAMES, page 3 Tulsa Could Host State Gay Conf. Organizers of the Oklahoma Pride Conference ~vill hold their next planning meeting on Saturday, August 19 at the University of Tulsa’s ~klan Chapman Activity~Center at 1 lain. Tulsa-orgamzers will bring a proposal to the meeting that the next statewide conference be held in Tulsa. Conference organizers have tentatively set the date for this next conference to be Feb. 17-18, 1996. This meeting is open to all who are interested in helping with the project. The first OK Pride Conference was held at the University of Oklahoma in the summer of 1994. Speakers included then-executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), Peri Jude Radecic, Mandy Carter, longtime activist now working with the Human Rights Campaign Fund and the Black Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference and Robert Bray, media gnru for NGLTF. For more information, call 832-0233. Friends In Unity Labor Day Fete Friends in Unity Social Orgamzation (FUSO), an organization for African-American men of diverse sexual orientation, will hold its annual picnic on Saturday, September 2, followed by its banquet on Sunday, the 3rd. This picnic will honor the 4th anniversary of FUSO but is the 16th picnic. This tradition began with a group of~riends but has developed in to a community tradition. Invitations have been extended to people in St. Louis, Dallas, Little Rock, Kansas City as well as Oklahoma City. FUSO has also announced a fundraising drive to support its efforts to provide HIV care and services and education to the AfricanAmerican community. For more information, call 425-4905. New Civil Rights Organization Fight for Your Rights commiUee has taken the name Green Country Pride and will hold its next meeting on Thursday~ August 24 at 7pm at the Tulsa Central Library at 4th & Denver. The organization adopted a mission statement at its July meeting: to improv e the quality of life in Green Cotmtry -(northeastemOklahoma) - for LGBT people, our families and friends through,education, communication, and organization within our community and the community at large. Several action committees have been established: a speakers bureau to help educate non-Gay people about Lesbian/Gay/ Bi and Transgendered issues, a Community Leadership committee to try to create better communication among the various orgamzations and part of the communities and a youth committee winch has already found a safe space for Gay youth to hold quarterly dances. For more information, call 838-2121. TULSA, OK - IAOHtLa~, the International Associafon of Official Human Rights Agencies brought attendees from across the United States and abroad to Tulsa for its 47th Almual Conference held at the Southern Hills Marriott on August 5- t 1. Speakers included Sanford Cloud, Jr. president of the National Conference ffonnerly the Nat’l Conf. of Christians & Jews) and Gov. Frank Keating. Local orgamzations like the NAACP, the Tulsa Urban League and the lo’cal office of the National Colfference were invited and had exhibits at the conference. Missing were any local Lesbian/Ga\ orgamzations, such as Tulsa Oklahomans for Hu’man Rights (TOHR). TOHR president.Tim Gillean said that organization had not received any information about the possibility of exhibition ;pace. Claude Rogers, president of IAOHRA. responded defensively to questions that Gay issues and folk were not represented. \~qaen asked abont the lack of Gay topics in the conference agenda, he stated that many issues, like hate crimes, were relevant to Lesl~ians and Gay men. Rogers did provide a cop3 of the conference program which included copies of pro-Gay resolutions from last vear’s conference in Tampa. Bill Carlon. an openly ~ay ~nan from the Austin, Texas Human Rights Co~mnission. said Gay issues were discussed in the Tulsa workshOl;S he httended pmnafily becanse he’said he made a point to raise them. The Tulsa Executive Coxmnittee which was responsible for local organizing had no member representing Tulsa Lesbian/Gay coxmnunities and the larger advisory board had only one openly Gay pel~son, Demlis Neill. Neill told TFN that while h~ was asked some months ago to be involved, he was not a~vare that the advisory board ever met nor did anything. Dept. of Human Rights director, Dymme Mason who was involved in the conference planning claimed that "everyone was invited" but could name only Dennis Neill specifically as being involved in the planning. City of Tulsa staff were paid by the City winle helping with conference organizing according tO Hilary Kitz, aide to Mayor Susan Savage. Conference chair, Jerry Goodwin of the Oklahoma Eagle, did not return phone calls to TFN to explain the failure to involve local Gay organizations. Several Gay Conference attendees stated that they felt the problems at this year’s conference would be better addressed at next year’s event wInch will be held in Ft. Worth, Texas. Interfaith AIDS Ministries Holds ’Old Fashioned’ Carnival Interfaith AIDS Ministries will hold an carnival on Saturday, August 19 from 10am to 6pm at 1515 S. Lewis in the parking lot of Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates. The carnival will feature food, entertainment, a "fortune teller" and games, notably a dunking tank. Several community activists, Janice Nicklas, Ric Kirby, Sharon Thoele and others have agreed to risk dunking for the cause. Interfaith AIDS Ministries provides spiritual support and has provided a 24-hour HIV/AIDS information line. For more information, call 438-2437. EDITORIALS DIRECTORY NEWS BRIEFS HEALTH BRIEFS CALENDAR FINANCES HOROSCOPES PERSONALS PAGE 2 PAGE 2 PAGE 4 PAGE 7 PAGE 9 PAGE 10 PAGE 14 PAGE 15 ||| �918-832-0233 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher/~dltor Tom Neal Assistant Editor James Ghristjohn Writers/contributors Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin Staff Photographer JD Jamett Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the’d~tff~"~onten}s of this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by Tulsa Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or ~n part withotit written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family Ne~vs. All correspondence should be sent to the addres s above. Eac[a reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution poirits. Additional copies are avai lane at Tomfoolery! by John D ’Emilio The Republican Party’s Contract with America--and its younger sibling, the Contract with the American Family .have dominated political reportmg for most of the ’year. Because both have chosen to sidestep head-on discussion of homosexuality, gay issues have slipped from the national media’s radar screen.For many gay men, lesbians and bisexuals this must come as a welcome relief, a moment of respite in a hard political season. Who, after all, could enjoy being the target of the kind of rhetoric generated in the last few years at the Republican convention in Houston, in the Senate hearings on the military’s exclusion poll cies, or in tire fight over the NEA? The lull, howe~er, is more apparent than reaL; Congress is not the only body that legislates. In the fifty states, there was no Contract ~;¢ith America to discipline local right-wing political leaders, but in many of them there is an infrastructure of gay organizations eager to move forward their quest for respect and equality. The rcsult is that state capital,s rather than Congress have become the battleground upon ~,.hich the issue of equal rights for gays is being fought. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute recently released a study of state legislation. Because the survey is the first of its kind, it is impo~sine to determine whether the .action level is greater or less than m recent years. But what can be said with certainty is that legislative debates about the place of gay’, lesbian and bisexual citizens in society are extensive. At least 97 gay-related measures moved forward in 33 states. In 30 states, anti-gay measures received serious consideration, while 18 states advanced nondiscrimination bills of one sort or another. The news, both good and bad, can tell us much about the political strength of the gay community and of its most outspoken opponents. The brightest spot was Rhode Island, which became the ninth state to enact a statewide civil rights measure banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. The clearest pattern of gay-friendly activity was the tendency, expressed in fifteen states, to include sextml orientation among a list of categories needing protection against discrimination. They tended to cluster around two broad areas of policy-making legislation: health care and hate crimes. In Massachusetts; for instance, several bills which prohibit discrimanation in the delivery of various kinds of health services made it through committee. For close observers of gay politics, these results should provide some measure of comfort. The AIDS crisis has propelled activists out of their community and into the center of the health-care rid& Their work, and that of the women’s andlesbian health care movements, is reaping dividends. In the same way, activists since the early 1980s have fought vigorously to call attention to anti-gay hate violence. At the state and national level, they have worked closely in coalitions with other targeted groups to have hate crimes recognized as aform of violence needing special remedies. Meanwhile, the national climate of divisiveness and intolerance is playing itsdf out in state politics. Even in states like New York, California and Massachu.seas, where the gay community ~s wall organized and has long been visible, anti-g~, measures were able to receive a hearing. In other states, right-wing Republicans had an eas~er time transsee Politics. page 11 by Ira Glasser ° The merchants of virtue have been very busy lately telling us we are in a period of steep moral decline. Compared with the "50s, they say, America has lost its moral compass. I disagree. I think we are a more moral nation today than we were then. As evidence of moral decline, the merchants of virtue cite a v ariety of behaviors: the increasingly explicit sex and violence depicted in movies and popular music: the growing tendency of people to have sex and make babies without the sacrament of mamage; the recreational use of disapproved psychoactive substtmces like marijuana; and, yes, the choice some women make sometimes to terminate their. pregnancies. They also like to cite the growing legitimacy of gay’ andlesbian relalionships and the idea that family, love and commitment can take many Court’s decision in 1962 that state-sponsored prayers in public schools were an unconstitutionaI government intrusion on a family’s right to determine their children’s reli~ous upbringing. The merchants of virtue want to amend the Constitution to over- personal behavioral decisions. They don’t like some of the choices filmmakers and record companies are making and necessarily, of course, they" don’t like the choices consumers are making in deciding in large numbers to_ see those movies and buy those records. They don:t like some people’s sexual choices or their preference for marijuana over martinis or their decisions about whether to have a baby or whom to love. And they would prefer people to be more pious, especially in public. A nation’s morality used to be measured by its civic virtue how society treated its citizens, whether justice and fairness prevailed, whether people were free to pursue happiness in their own way and whether it was safe to be different from the majority. see Glasser, page 12 fornls. And of course there is the everpopular issue of school prayer. At the root of our moral decline, we are told, is the U.S. Supreme A nation’s morality used to be measured by its elvle virtue - how soeiety treated its eltlzens, whether justlee and fairness prevailed, whether ]~eople were free to pursue tml~plness in their own way and whether it was sa~e to he different from the majority. turn that decision. They believe that if children were exposed to daily school prayer rituals, as once they were, we might at least take a first step back on the road to national morality. But are these behavioral phenomena the appropriate criteria to use in measunng a nation’s morality? Significantly, every one of these phenomena involve For those who would like to receive discreet home delivery of Tulsa Family News, please send $15 for a 12 month subscription, $8 for 6 months. Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S. Memorial 835-5083 *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria 744-0896 Ground Zero. 311 E. 7th. Opening soon where Laffs was. 585-5622 *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Renegades, 1649 S. Main 585-3405 *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial 660-0856 *Time’n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial 664-8299 *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Admiral 582-4340 *\Vhittier Care, 416 S. Lewis 582-2400 *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743- I000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 *Columbia Place, 1519 E. 15 587-5803 Creative Collection, 152I E. 15 592-1521 Cherry. St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 *Devena’s Gallery for Photography, 13E. Brady 587-2611 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Planning . 744-0102 *Heirloom Designs, 2814 E. 15 742-5665 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 International Tours 341-6866 Ken’s Howers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587-8108 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan .663-4884 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 * Mohawk Pride Center, 3910 Park Rd. 425-1354 Mortgages by Design 342-4252 Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston 587-8333 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan 832-0233 Westcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza 583-1500 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times ChristianCtr. 262713 E. 11 628-0594 B/ISG Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury MiniStry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Commumty of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 838-7232 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So..Mingo 622-1441 Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity, POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74128 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild 254-2100 Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 - Shanti Hotline 749-7898 TulsaOklahomansforHumanRights~(TOHR) POB52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. *King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *Purple Iris.Inn, Route 6, Box 339 *Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton *The Woods, 50 Wall St. *The Diner, 2124 NW 39th *Jungle Red, The Habana Inn *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th *Triangle Association, 2136 NW 39th 501-253-6807 501-253-5445 800-231-1442 50 1-253-8748 501-253-2204 501-253-8281 405-528-5133 405-524-5733 405-525-2437 405-843 -8378 �Official cont’d f om p. 1 what the political ramifications are~ on this. It’s a horrible, unbelievable tl~ing that this ctfild went through and they (homosexuals) destroyed her life.’" His comments have outraged local human rights commission members and gay and lesbian citizens in Spokane and nationwide, and have called into question Dr. Amend’ s ability to perform his job as a medical official. The controversy has also stirred up scrutiny of homophobia and AIDSphobia in the medical profession in general. The body of young Rachel Carver was found near the Spokane River on June 15. The gid’s disappearance and murder has shocked the local community. Police arrested her uncle, Jason Wickenhagen, who confessed to the killing. The autopsy indicated the girl had been beaten to death and repeatedly sexually assaulted. KXLY Television local news reported that court records show Rachel’sfather, uncle and her mother’s boyfriend are all suspected of molesting her over the years. Although there i~ no evidence whatsoever that Rachel Carver was ever abused by a homosexual, Dr. Amend took the opportunity of releasing his autopsy report to condemn gays and blame them for th~ spread of AIDS. Dr. Amend’s comments, as reported by KXLY and the Spokesman-Review, inelude: "It’s a crime that we don’t expose the homosexual community, and it is not just a simple...aberrant sexual activity. It is significant when it takes in innocent minds like this Carver gal~ :’I think it (homosexuality) is an aberrant sex activity that is promoted by the thoughts and sensations that are associated with the sex act that drive people to do...abaormal things and animalistic things and as a result bring about cancers and death on the part of the recipients and the active individuals." Until now, nobody has ever blamed or linked the death ofRachel Carver to homosexUality or AIDS. In follow-up interviews in the Spokesman-Review and other local media, Dr. Amend said, "AIDS is a disease that comes from anal intercourse and homosexuals have anal intercourse. As a physician, my job is to try to control disease. ’’It can’t be normal considering the impact it has on the lifestyle and death of people with AIDS...the bottom line, it (AIDS) wouldn’t have started if there wasn’t homosexual activity that brought whatever causes AIDS...reactivity of sperm in the rectum or whatever," said Amend. There was no indication from the autopsy report whether Rachel Carver had HIV or AIDS, nor was there an explanation from Dr. Amend of why he was directly linking HIV to this murder case. The Spokane Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has called for Dr. Amend’s resignation, saying, ."Dr. Amend has scapegoated an entire group of people. His comments are personal in nature and devoid of fact. Most sex crimes are not perpetrated by gays or lesbians, but by heterosexual males. Homosexuality and pedophilia are not the same thing. The SHoRC welcomes the opportunity to help the public distinguish between the myth and reality regarding our gay and lesbian neighbors." Members of the local gay commumty are now considering a recall campaign against Amend. Robert Bray, spokesperson and field organizer with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the nation’s oldest gay, lesbian and bisexual civil rights group, released the following statement: Party Pics: Black &White-Party & More Photos: JD Jamett Dr., Amend’s bigoted mid unconsciotimes greater than being abusedby a honable comments are revolting; medically mosexual, lesbian or bisexual. The report, unsound and dangerous. He is fueling an conducted by the University of Colorado, environment of harassment and violence states, "No evidence is available from this and has endangered the lesbian, gay and data that children are at greater risk to be bisexual.citizens of Spokane. His p,.oiso~ i molested byidentifiable homosexuals than ous prejudice and erroneous ’facts" by other adults," said the report. prevent him from serving the health and Dr. Amend’s assertions about the vicmedical wall-being of his community. timization of young Rachel are based on We call on citizens of Spokane, the soenloathsome and medically indefensible stetific mid health professions, and all people reotypes and mistruths. They are also seof conscience to stop this medical monriously insensitive. Althou~,,h he is enstrosity. rifled to his personal opinions, he cannot Dr. Amend makes two wildly inaccuuse his public health position to spew rate assumptions. First, that sexual abuse bigotry. Ima~neif you are the traumais only a gay phenomenon, and, second, tized parent of a person who has died of being gay equals AIDS. AIDS, or of adeceased gay son or daughThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control, ter, and you must take the body to Dr. the World Health Organization, and.nuAmend. It boggles the mind at how shockmerous national and international medirag, tragic and incompassionate Dr. cal groups report that HIV affects men, Amend’s statements are to the family of women and children regardless of their Rachel Carver & the citizens of Spokane. sexual orientation. AIDS is the leading We support the call for his immediate cause of death for Americans between the resignation. We also call on public offiages of 18 and 40. HIV does not discrimiCials of Spo-kane particular the County nate, Dr. Amend does. ,Commissioners -- and clergy, elected The July 1994 issues of Pediatrics, the officials, the media, medical, child weljonmal of the American Academy of Pefare and educational leaders of the comdiatrics and child welfare workers, remunity to condemn the doctor’s stateports that a child’s risk of being molested ments. Silence equals complicity and alby a heterosexual may be more than 100 lows bigotry to perpetuate. Unfortunatdy, Dr. Amend’s comments reveal a larger problem not endemic to Spokane. He is ali~ensed doctor as well as an elected Official. Despite the advances inmedical and scientific research onAIDS and homosexuality, prejudice and bigotry still permeate the medical profession. Blind prejudice allows physicians such as Dr. Amend to practice medicine and matriculate through the medical acadelmc system. Therefore, we also call on the American Medical Association and other professional coroner, medical school and health professional groups, especially those in the state Of Washington~ to con’demnhomophobic andAIDSphobic rhetoric of its practitioners such as Dr. Amend. We urge them to implement ongoing trainings that sensitize medical practitioners to the facts about being gay. NAMES cont’dfromp. 1 In September, Movies 8 will host two special screening of the film, "The Sum of Us". The film is based on an Australian play about the lives of twomen, a "straight" father and his Gay son. The Sept. 5 showing will be followed by a reception at the Holiday Ima Holidome and a second benefit Screening will be held on Sept. 6. For more info. call 748-3111. �News Briefs .. News Briefs. News. Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Zimbal~qb.,B6bk Fair ExcludesGa-ys HARARE, Zimbabwe-Thefutureofsub-SaharanAfrica’slargest publishing event, theZimbabwe International :Book Fair, appears to.be.up in the air following the expulsion of a gay and lesbian rights group and opening day remarks., by President Robert Mugabe who de~ ...... scribed homosex~alz. ~ as ¯ ,sodomists,,aiid,,Oerv~t~.~vh0 wah~:t~ h~v~ ~e~ ii~. ~ub~ic ~d are ’~extreely ,m, ..... outrageous.~ " -~" and~ ~’ ’ repugnmat. ’: ’ Ti~ tileme o~t~iS year;S bobk fair ironically is "human rights and freedom Of expression" and was expected to draw representative of some 450 publishers from more than 40 countries, The Gay and Lesbian Associadon of Zimbabwe (GALZ) had ,already been given a booth at the lair to distribute educational literature, but in late July, under government pressure, the orgamzers of the book fair canceled the GALZ reservation. International rights .organizations sharply condemned the expuls~on of GAI_Z, a protest letter signed by hundreds of internationalliterary and publishing figures- including Nobel literature winners Nadine. Gordimer of South Africa and Wole Soyinka QfNigeria- was sent to the fair’s orgmtizers, and 4~ members of the fair’s governing board resignedinprotest.Inaddition, the Pt.~blisliing Assn. of South Afnca (PASA), .the largest exhibifor at the fair, broke off negotialions for a.joint sub-continent l~x~k fair being discussed for next.year and threatened to complete’ly withdraw from the Zimbabwe,fairnext vear. In hi.s. openinff remarks at the bookfair, Mugabesaid "Ifindit cxtrcmelyoutrageousandrepugnant to. my human conscience that such i~mnoral and revulsive org,’ufivahons, like those of homoscxuals who offend both against the law of nature and the nlorals of religious beliefs espoused by our society, should have anx advocates in our midst and even elsewhere in the world...If we accept homosexualitvasaright,asisbeingargued " by the association of sodolnists and scxual perverts, what moral fiber sh~dlonr society ever have ~ deny o~gmtized drug addicts, or even those given to bestialJty, the rights they might claim and allege they possess under the . rubri(sofindividualfreedomand !humanrights,indudingthefreedom of the press to write, publishandpublicizetheirliterature onthem?" In a press statement, GALZ said it was "deeply concerned by document as "nihilistic" and thredatened to urgethe comltry’s largerCatholicp~,p~tiontovote against the b"on~tJtution if changes aren’t made. PresidentMugabe’sstatementon homosexuals at theoffici,al opening of the ZIBF’95. This year’s Book Fair was intended to promote..dialbgiieab0uthum~an;i~ht i~uess0itisunfoi:tunat~fllatthe top government officials reS~c~l Ol~nandfr~e discussion needed to reduce prejudice SAN FRANCISCO - The American Baptist Church, the smallest of the Baptist denomi~ nations in the U.S. with only som(~ 1.25 million members nadonWide, may be poised to begin. a purge Of local congregalions that .accept gays mad lesbi-~ Phelps Kin Convicted EMPORIA, Kan. - A Lyon County, Kansas, jury has found Benjamin Phelps, a grandson of notorious anti-gay picketer Fred Phelps, guilty of battery for spit- _ tingonJeroldBergerduringone of the many demonstrations led by Phelps and his family membets. The Phelps grandson is 20 years old and is the first of the extremist family picketers to be convictedofacrimesincePhelps begandemonstratingagainsthomosexuals in 1991. While the conviction is likely to be appealed by the family, the younger Phelps faces a possible maximum $1,000 file and 6month jail term on the charge, Phelps followers and family members are being tried in 6 other cases in the county resulting from protest activities by.the far-right minister, Polish Church: Anti-Gay WARSAW- In what may be its most aggressive move into European politics in decades, the Catholic Church in Poland is increasingly becominginvolvedin the government affairs of Poland, according to a _report in the New York Times. According to the paper, the church is even considering making an official endorsement in the country’s presidential elections later this year. During the lengthy process ofhammeringoutPoland’sconstitution, church officials got theirway ondefiningthechurchstate relationship, and are now insisting on anti-abortion provisions and specific constitutional languageprohibitinghomosexualsfromteachinginthecountry’s public school system, Proposals currently included in the draft constitution would prohibitdiscriminationbasedon sexual orientation, but church leaders have denounced the Gay-Friendly Baptist Churches May BePurged ans among their ranks.. Backers of the move to oust the churches say they are "in direct opposition to the national principle adopted by the [American] Baptist Church" that "homosexuality is a sin." Four S an Francisco area churches are the first targets of an expulsion campaign by other Baptist pastors that will be taken upinSeptember when the AmericanBaptist’swestemboardholds its regular annual meedng. Out of that regional board meeting could come a call for a national convention of the denomination to decide if gay-friendly American Baptist churches can remain in the ABC or not. l_e,aders of the churches that accept gays, who formed the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists in 1992 which now includes some30ABC congregations in the U.S,, are prepared to fight the effort to oust them from the regional groupof AmericanBaptistcongregatious. The Rev. Jim Hopkins of the Lakeshore Ave. Baptist Church inOakland, Calif.,saidhewould fight the move to purge the 4 churches in order "to keep that hallmark of Baptist religious freedom from being taken away." Lakeshore, along with New Community of Faith Church in SanJose, theFirstBaplistChurch of Berkeley and the San Leandro Community Church, are the 4 churches, NOW Proposes New ERA PHILADELPHIA - Flying directly against what many political analysts see as a more conservative swing in America, the National Organization for Women at its annual convention has not only resurrected a proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the federal Constitution, it is also suggesting a revised version that goes far beyond the original ERA in guaranteeing the equal rights of women - and would assure a constitutional right to abortion and the equal rights of gays and lesbians. Patricia Ireland, NOW’s president, said,"It’soneofthosetimes when we’re going to try very hard to be leaders rather than followers.of our movement." ..~T:he. new.., proposed ERA, which is in draft form .within NOW currently, says that "’atl persons shall l~ve equal rights and privileges without discrimination on account of sex, race, sexual .orientation, marital stams, etlmicity, national origin, color or indigence." After debate, the NOW delegates added 2 more categories to thelist- age and disability. Ireland saidofthe new proposal, "We’re not naive There’s not one of us that .... does not know we are starting at ground-zero." The 1 st ERA was passed by Congress in 1972, but narrowly failed to be ratified by enough states to be added to the Constitution. Pastor Fired for Mari~ing L~bian Couple PATCHOGUE, N.Y.-TheCongregational ChurchofPatchogue on Long Island has voted 84-67 to fire the church’s pastor, the Rev. RenwickJackson. Jackson was dismissed by the congregation because he married a lesbian couple in the church which was first set up in this country more than 200 years ago by American colonists who were looking for a "free and open place" to worship, Transsexual Runs for City Council SAN BRUNO, Calif. ~- Alice Barnesannouncedhercandidacy foroneof2openseatsontheSan Bruno city council, saying she wanted to get on to "real campaign issues" - which is why Barnes also-announced at the same time that she is a transsexual. Barnes said she wasn’t bringing"mytranssexualisminto this...but I’m being realistic, That’s why I confronted it right up front." In a prepared statement, Barnes said, "My life’s challenge has been difficult and personal. I makeno secret of it. It has not been a factor in my contributing to San Bruno’s progress. It is not a campaign issue." In her campaign for a seat on the council, Barnes said she ,, wants to focus on issues she Kerry 1438 S. Boston, Tulsa thinks are important to the community where she has lived for more than 10 years. Prosoeutor Dumped After Anti-Gay Remarks SAN FRANCISCO-Califorma Attorney General Dan Lungren hastakenAndrewLoomis,astate deputy attorney general, off a federal bias lawsuit case after Loomis defended the discharge of a gay man ~fr0m the.~ed tbrces bexzause~’theConstifiition does no,trecog~ize anything special ~bbut lfi~ owfffa~orite-~aasty habitS" and apparently compariug homosexuals to child molesters. "Uudisputably homosexual acts are despised by a great proportion of the voters," L0omis wroteindefendingthedischarge of Lt. Andrew Holmes from the California National Guard. Those oters have acted through their president and their Congress to rid themselves of those acts. In truth, there is no further justificationformostchaptersof thecriminallaw. And therefore," Loomis wrote in a footnote to the court document, "it is still okay to be "prejudiced’ or ’biased" against crirmnals, such as molesters and pederasts, and to fire them forit." Lungrenalsosaidhewassending a personal letter of apology forLoomis’remarkstoU.S.District Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong who is the presiding judge hearing Holms’ challenge to the so-called "don’ t ask, don’t tell" policyexcludinghomosexuals from the military. Lungren’s office =nade the announcement of Loomis’ removal from the case after state Assembly =Member JohnVasconcellos (D-Santa Clara) demanded an apology from the state attorney general for what Vasconcellos called Loomis’ "hateful, homophobic attack." British Activists Protest Bishop’s Address LONDON - The British gay rightsgroupOutRage!disrnpted the farewell sermon of the Rt. Rev. John Taylor, the out-going Bishop of St. Albans at the cathedral northofLondon. The 10minute demonstration was to protest the bishop’s support of the so-called"ex-gay group," the Courage Trust. In a press statement, GlennHaltonofOutRage! said, "Today’s action sends a message to the Church of En- $28/hour MASSAGE THERAPIST "Tension, Stress, or Injury" YMCA 515 S. Denver Tues.-Fri (12-8pm) (918) 583-6201, Ext. 19 �News ,Briefs News Briefs-News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News gland that the lesbian and gay commumty will not stand by as the Chinch allows other gay people to be damaged in the name of their religion by’funda mentalist bigots. Weare seeking an unequivocal condemnation of the actions of the ex-gay groups from the church and will not stop our campaign of disruption until the church acknowledges its moral responsibilities." Anti-Gay Measure Ruled Unconstitutional BOISE, Idaho - Idaho’s Attorney General Alan Lance, a Republican, has issued a formal "certificate ofreview"including his opinion that the latest proposed anti-gay initiative by the Idaho Citizens Alliance is unconstitutional. Voters in the state rejected a similar ICA anti-gay amendment last year, which the attorney general at the time also considered unconstitutional. Brian Bergqnist, who led the organization against the 1994 ICA measure, said, "This opinion is devastating to the ICA because now two attorney generals, a Democrat and a Republican, have both advised them that their anti-gay initiative proposals are unconstitutional." Louganis’ New Role NEW YORK - The New York Times reports that Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis will be starring soon in the offBroadway play by Dan Butler, "The Only Thing Worse You .Could Ha~e Told Me.’"The pi;iy is described as a "view of contemporary gay life as shown through several characters in 14 vignettes." Lougams has appeared in other theater productions, including most notably the hit "Jeffrey." Austria Activists to Out Catholic Bishops VIENNA - The Austrian gay rights organization, Vienna Homosexual Initiative (HOSI), has said it would out 4 of the country’s Catholic bishops at a press conference on Aug. 1 in what would be the first case of outing clergy in the overwhelmingly Catholic country. HOSI spokesperson Kurt Krickler said, "We’re not having a go at anyone, ,we’re just trying to show that bishops can be gay too." The HOSI activists say they decided on the more drastic measure of outing 4 of the country’s 16 bishops after Parliament de- BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria ¯ 743-5272 Corner of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! layed a proposal to lower the age b~ consent for homosexual acts from 18 to 14 years of age, equalizing the consent laws with heterosexuals. The Catholic Church in Austria has been wracked with controversy since April.when an exCatholic schoolboy charged that Cardinal Hans Hermann Groer, the Archbishop of Vienna and the Austrian church’s primate, sexually mOlestedhim years ago. U. Of Texas May Offer Partners Benefits AUSTIN, Texas - When the Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple Computers took steps to open a facility in the suburbs near the Texas state capital last year, the company’s domestic partners policies erupted in months of controversy that eventually led to city voters repealing Austin’s domestic partner ordinance. Now, the Student Advisory Group at the University of Texas at Austin says it is considering recommending that the university’s board of regents add partners benefits, perhaps as early as this September. Student leaders have said the benefits could range from library and sports passes for spouses to student family housing and health insurance benefits. Canadian Gov’t Admits Anti-Gay Discrimination OTrAWA - According to a report in the Toronto Globe & Mail, atforneys fighting a court case by the Canadian Union of Public Employees to extend survivor benefits to partners of same-sex couples, admitted in court that the government does in fact discriminate against gay and lesbian couples in benefits. But Brian Saunders, a government attorney, said the issue should be settled gradually by Parliament and not by the courts. "Parliament must be allowed to take an incremental approach to equality issues," Saunders told the judge hearing the union case. Lesbians Win Bias Case VANCOUVER, CanadaVancouver gynecologist Gerald Korn has been ordered to pay $3,000 in fines plus damages to a lesbian couple for refusing to artificially inseminate one of the women because they are lesbians. Dr. Tracy Potter and her partner, attorney SandraBenson, filed a complaint with the British Columbia lmman rights coun- cil after Kom refu_s,e~, insemination services Because of the couple’s sexual orientation. Kom had originally claimed he had refused his services because he didn’t want to get involved in any .possible child custody disputcs if the couple later separated. But the council ruled that he had refused to gi." ve the couple the kinds of serv|ces routinely available to heterosexuals solely because they are lesbians. Gay Em ployee Groups Gaining Ground SALT LAKE CITY - Accord.ing to a report in the Salt Lake Tribune, gays and lesbians are organizing in the workplace not only nationally buteven in conservative Utah. While such gay and lesbian employee groups ,are fairly common in major urban areas with large and active gay populations, the paper reports that late last year, when American Express Travel Related Services in New York authorized minority employee groups at the firm,, the Utah branch was the first to organize a gay workers group - Gay & Lesbian Organization to Build Equality (GLOBE). Despite the state’s stannchly conservative image, govenmaent workers with Salt Lake County have also formed the Gay & Lesbian Employees Assn. (GLEA), and last year workers with AT&T’s Lesbian and Gay United Employees (LEAGUE), alsofornaally organized ~at the ’tdephone giant’s offices in Utah. in May, US West’s Employee Assn: forGays & Lesbians (EAGLE) also hosted a regional conference of other EAGLE groups. Ultimately, the gay and lesbian employee groups say it is the company itself that benefits from such worker organizations since they help generate a sense of loyal~ty. "It’s much easier now for employees to be out in the work force mid not worry about repercussious from the boss," says Richard Cottino at US West. "They know file company is behind them "" Compromise on Rights Revision in Salt Lake City SALT LAKE CITY - Under pressure from local mid national gay rights activists, the Salt Lake County Board of Cormnissloners voted not to remove protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation in county government and services. The Gay and Lesbian-Utah Democrats in Salt LakeCity had threatened to lead:a nationwide boycott if the commissioners gutted the county’s anti-bias ordinance: County officials said they wanted to make the changes to avoid potentially costly lawsuits by unmamed county workers’sdeking insurance benefits under the anti-discrimination code. Under political pressure, the commisSibn decided not to adopt broader revisions that would have removed all references to protected classes, including sexual orientation, and instead made changes that re~ strict some county worker benefits and services not specifically required by state or federal law. Because domesdc partner benefits aren’t mandated by either Utah or U.S. law, the compromise measure would exclude the county from. being required to provide partner benefits to unmarried or gay and lesbian couples. But it would not remove existing explicit protections based on sexual orientation or marital status. Ill a news statement, Michael Aaron, chair of GLUD, said, "We’re pleased that the board has agreed to keep the protection of equal-employment rights for bisexual, gay and lesbian people ~n county government. But, it’s discouraging to us that ,this action further destabilizes samesex partnerships andfamilies.by making it morse difficult for:bisexual, gay and lesbian.county employees to receive the same benefits like health care for their same-sex partners.’" Sports Bar Bias Lawsuit CHICAGO - A popular sports bar in the Chicago suburb of Harwood Heights, the Sidelines, has settled a discrimination lawsuit filed by 4 gay men - Steven Kleinedler, Robert Castillo, Craig Teichen and John Pelmycuff. In March 1994, the owner of Sidelines had the 4 men arrested because they were dancing with each other at the bar. The disorderly conduct charges against the 4 men were later dismissed, but they filed a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, charging discrinlination based on sexual orientation. The bar will have to pay the 4 men aal undisclosed amount in damages and attor- neys’ fees, a $2,000 fine to Cook County, and put up notices in the popular, predominately straight bar promising to abide by the county’s anti-bias code, which prohibits disc rimination based on sexual orientation. State Official Comes Out MONTPELIER, Vt. - Ed Flanaga~2 Vermont?s state attditor, has Come out during an interview with the Burlington (Vt.) FreePress. Flanagan has held the auditor’s post for more than 2 years, turning the usually donothing post into a high-profile office that’s criticized many of the state’ s top politicians for what Flanagan sees as a failure of some state officials to serve the public interest adequately. Flanagan said he had decided to take the step of going completely public after marching in this year’s gay pride parade in Burlington and because of what he sees as growing anti-gay bias nationally. "I think .public bigotry creates a moral obligation to respond publicly," he said. Ex-Congressman From Mississippi Dies of AIDS SILVER SPRING, Md. - Jon Hinson, the.former Mississippi member of,~ongress mad conservadve Republican; has died of an AIDS-related illness. Hinson resigned hisHouse seat during hi.s 2nd term, ’of office after he was arrested on charges of having sex with another mma in a federal office building in 1981: Hinson acknowledged that he was in.fac~ gay’after his resignation and went oh to Work for the gay rights moV(m~nt. He helped found the statelrbbying group Virginians for Ju’sffce and Fairfax Lesbian & Gay°~itizens Assn. Lesbian Sunday ’Si~hool Teacher Forced to Quit GLASGOW, Scotland - Le~ley Craise, an openly lesbian Sunday school teacher, has been forced to leave the Presbyterian Church of Scotland after telling teenagers in her Bible classes that God didn’t have to be viewed as a male. Craise?s supporters said she was beihg forced out of the church because of the homophobic views of some members of her congregation. Two other Sunday school teachers in the church have also resigned in protest. Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely infOrmation. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 �-QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash pay~nent from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individtml term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT ? With your written permission, we gather medical mad insurance records with Wlfich to determine your policy’s value Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer ~vith no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment ~s Today, many companies offer viatical settiements, made directly to you. You pay notlfing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical setflemeut is determined by the specifics of your policy and your mfique medical s~tuation Not every policy is Many factors i~ffluence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial altemative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and .your family in person, in detail and can reco~mnend suitable for viaucation, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% ofa policy"s face value, depeuding on the specifics of your policy and medical history. ma experienced Certified Financial Pla~mer to assist you in pl,’uming the best outcome from your umque financial Southwest doing business o~fly by bulk advertising mad 1-800 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, we believeyou should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local commumty. By working with you in person, but at the same rune having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other compames take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. situation, a cal Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 �Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Company to Give Away Experimental AIDS Drug WASHINGTON - Merck & C~. has agreed to giveits experimental AIDS drug Crixivan away to people in the later stages of the disease following demands by AIDS activists who believe the ’still clinically unproven drag can help keep people alive longer. Hoffman-La Roche announced a similar program for its experimental drug Invirase earlier. Both drugs arein a family of medications known as protease inhibitots, which are being tested by about a dozen drug companies. Early studies indicate the drugs can remove a significant amount of HIV from the bloodstream, although the virus that remains appears to devdop resistance to them~ Merck & Co. notified some 130,000 doctors that it will give Crixivan to about 1,400 patients in later stages of AIDS without charge. Supplies are limited, Merck officials say, because of the difficulty of making the drug, so the company is restricting the distribution to those with extremely impaired immune systems.Those interested in the Merck program can call 1-800-497-8383. Study Raises Questions About Early Medical Intervention LONDON - A study published in the British Medical Journal indicates that the limited array of AIDS medications appears to delay the onset of symptoms early in the infection, but may actually shorten the survival time of people with the disease in the long term. The Study examined the healthhistories of 436people -.339 who began taking anti-AIDS medicines shortly after first learning they were infected with HIV, and 97 who didn’t begin taking medications until they had already developed full-blown AIDS and become gravely ill. Dr. Mark Poznansky, the lead researcher in the study, reports that people who started treatment early on in the infection experienced fewer ailments related to AIDS. But the study also found that once they became seriously ill, they lived on average a year less than patients whohad not begin treatment until they were severely sick with AIDS-related illnesses. The study raise~ questions of whether the short-term benefits of warding off symptoms outweighs the shortened life span. Vitamin A May Help HIV Babies WASHINGTON - A report published in the current issue of the American Journal of Pubtic Health by researchers in South Africa suggests there may now be hope for giving newborns infected with HIV a better life by ~ving them moderately large doses of vitamin A. The Natal University. doctors studied 118 infants born to HIVpositive mothers. Half the babies were ~ven vitamin A, while the other half were given placebos. All the infants who received the vitamin A supplements - regardless of their HIV status - had fewer illnesses. According to Dr. Anna Coutsoudis, a Natal University pediatrics professor and lead author of the study, the vitamin A made a much larger difference among the infants infected with HIV. If other researchers confirm the effectiveness of vitamin A, it could substantially reduce hospital and health-care costs for infants infected with the virus. Senate Rebuffs Helms on AIDS WASHINGTON- The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved continued funding for the Ryan White CARE Act,which had been delayed by Sen. Jesse Helms (RN.C.) for month~. AIDS, Helms had said, is a disease perpetuated by "the offensive "mad revolting conduct of gay men." Helms, one of the most homophobic members of Congress, tried unsuccessful to turn the reauthofizafion of the bill into a referendum on homosexuality, charging that "Congress is falling all over itself to do ~vhat the homosexual lobby is almost hysterically demanding that Congress do." Helms also insisted that the federal government spends more money on AIDS than it does on,cancer and heart disease. But even fellow Republicans disputed Helms figures. "HIV/AIDS receives $5.4 billion, cancer $15 billion, and heart disease $34 billion," said Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum (R.) on the Senate floor. As chair of the Labor and Human Resources Committee her figures apparently impressed the senators moie than Helms’ attacks on gays and lesbians. In the end, Helms could get only 2 other Senators Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Robert Smith (RN.H.) - to side with him in the 97-3 lopsided vote to refund the act. President Clinton lashed out at Sen. Jesse Helms, saying it was "luSt wrong" for the North Carolina Republican to advocate curling federal AIDS research funds for the deadly epidemic because he believes that people who have it are immoral. "The gay people who have AIDS are still our sons, our brothers, our cousins, our citizens. They’ re Americans, too ," Clinton said in a speech at Georgetown University. "They’re obeying the law and working hard. They’ re entitled to be treated like everybody else.’" Russia Stalls HIV Testing Law MOSCOW- Claiming that the necessary paperwork and administrative procedures had not yet been worked out, the Russian foreign and health mimstries have announced that the country’s new ~nandatory.HIV testing law had not gone into effect o n Aug. 1 as it had been slated to. The legislation would require all foreign visitors staying in the country for more than 3 months, along with some Russian citizens, to certify that they are not infected with HIV. The 2 government nnnistries have had ongoing troubles working out the details of the complex and somewhat vague law between them. Flu Shots May Stimulate HIV LOS ANGELES Scientists at the University of California’ s Los Angeles AIDS Institute report in the current issue of the journal Blood that even the mild stimulauon to the body’s immune system that results from an influenza vaccination may stimulate the growth of HIV in infected individuals. Dr. William O’Brien of UCLA, who headed the research team, said the people infected with HIV should _ still get flu shots because"actual infection with influenza may be more damaging." But he added that patients with advanced AIDS may not be good candidates to receive flu vaccinations. "’Perhaps these patients should not be vaccinated." he said, noting that they do not respond well to the flu shots. FDA OK’s Baboon Marrow Swap SAN FRANCISCO - Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco and the University of Pittsburgh have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to go, ahead with a bonemarrow transplant from a baboon to Jeff Getty, a38-year-oldman with AIDS. The untested mad potentially dangerous transplant procedure is intended to help rebuild see Health Briefs, page 13 Fi_~ELITY HO_tv~E H E_ALTH CA_RE, INC.. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-3 . .2 We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hourslday, seven daysiweek. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) iHome health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW GinnyButler, RN MS Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeuti¢ Services We have many insurance provider affiliations - ifyou belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743’ 1000 �~ Positiv~lg Negative a bus, catch a plane, rent a car, borrouJ Hour mother’s Ilarleg, but don’t miss th~ ~[’1)EfllITH HEHIII’ first annual IF: ¯ You f~el that it is in~vitobl~ ujou o You think lh~ hottest thing about ’safesex" is th~ poster. ¯ -You unck~star~l protected s~x. b,~t sorn~lin~s partidpat~ in unprotected ¯ You wonc~ whg remaining uninf~ct~.cl is important. THEN: talk about it with us. WHEN: I~tings start Se.pte.nnb~r 7th. 7:15 Call Jason to enroll. 74Z2927 Q co-facilitated ~xju~ for f~V r~gativ~ gag and bisexual rr~n on love. d~sire~ rex. and h~alth. Sfx~nsor~d b~ th~ TOHI~ t’gV Prgv~nlion Pro~ct. OUR BODIES OUR LIVES OUR HEALTH OI LHItOIIIIt HIV TESTING CLINIC Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method By &fox but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results. Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. [;eptember lt;, 16,17,1999 s44" perperson Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights New Number: 742-2927 4158 South Harvardr Suite E-2 "$44 is pre-re~stration price, alter Aug. 15, lgg5 price is ~54. Hote! accomodat~ons not include. 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights. �-BLACK !W HITE INC. C.OMMUNITY CALEN’ AR SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School., 9:45 am ~Worship Service, 11 am 2627-B East 1 lth. Info: 583-7815 . " ~’~ Worship Seryice, 6 pm 1347 No. Yale, 838-7232 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Worship Service, 11 am 545 I-E South Mingo. Info: 622-1441 MONDAYS HIT Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Results Hours: 7-9 pm Info: 7494194 -Lambda Bowling League Sheridan Lanes 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan TUESDAYS Minister’s Class Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center 7:30 pm 2627-B East llth Info: 583-7815 WEDNESDAYS Authority Of The Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC Of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood Call 838-1715 for info. ItIV+ Support Group ’ HIT Resource-Consortium 1:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H.I Into: Wanda @ 7494194 Co-Dependency Support Group Weekly meeting, 7:30. Family of Faith MCC. 5451-E South Mingo Call 622-1441 for Info. Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center Choir Practice 7 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Call 583-7815 for info. Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 No. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Family Of Faith MCC Poduck 6:30 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 8 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. TheBanned, OK Gay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa Meeting, 6;30 pm Caoterbury, 5th & Evanston Info: 583-9780 AUGUST 15-27 Community of Hope Building Fix-up Voluuteers needed! Info: 838-7232. FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 HIT Prevention Community Planning Group, 1-4 pm Collins Room, 1430 S. Boulder Info: Tommy Chesbro, 582-7225 SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 OK Pride Summit Meeting, 11 am Alan Chapman Student Center, TU Info: 832-0233 Tulsa Musicians at Herland Ctr, 7 pm 2312 NW 39th, OKC, Info: 405-521-9696 Community ofHope Dance Class, 8 pm 1347 North Yale, l.fro: 838-7232 SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 ACLU-OK Gay Rights Project Tulsa Brunch, Suggested Donation, $35 Info: 405-524-8511 MONDAY, AUGUST 21 Family of Faith Metropolitan Commun~ Church Membership Class #2, 6 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 Rainbow Business Gui/d, 7 pm Olive Garden Restaurant, Utica Square Dinner Meeting, Iflfo: 832-0233 THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 Green Country Pride Monthly Mtg, 7 pm The Question of Equality video preview Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Traus Civil Rights Org. Tulsa Central Library, 4th & Denver Ground ft. Preview Room, Info: 838-2121 FRIDAY, AUGUST. 25 HIT Prevention Community Planning Group, 1-4 pm Collins Room, 1430 S. Boulder Info: Tommy Chesbro, 582-7225 FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 Womens Coffee House, 6:30-8:30 pm THURSDAYS - 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Women’s support group Community of Hope 1347 North Yale Call 838-7232 for info. SATURDAYS ¯ Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Provides confidential sup.port for recovenng addicts. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale Call 838-7232 for info. HIT Testing TOIIR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in test hours: 7 - 8:30 pm Results Hours: 7 - 9 pm Call 74%4194 for info. Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for info. Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th St. Gold Coast Coffee, 3509 S. Peoria " Info: p~ge: 646-6455 Mr. Gay Oil Capital Concessions, Info: 744-1177 SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 Prime Timers 2nd Anniversary! Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74128 Feast with Friends Fundraisers The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Finale atSo. Hills Marriott, 748-3111 TUESDAY, AUGUST 29 Community ofHope Feed the Homeless 1347 North Yale, 5:30 pm Info: 838-7232 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30 Commun~ of Hope Moving Day, 9 am 1347 North Yale, Info: 838-7232 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Friends in Unity Social Organization FUSO: African-American Men of Diverse Orientation, 16th Annual Picnic Call for location and more info: 425-4905 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Friends in Uni~ Social Organization 4th Anniversary Banquet, 8 pm Doubletree Downtown, Info: 425-4905 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Monthly Members Meeting, 7 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Gathering Room Info: 743-4297 The Sum of Us Patrons Benej~ Premiere & Reception, 7 pm The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Movies 8, $15 donation, Info: 748-3111 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Green Country Pride Speakers Bureau Meeting, 7 pm Tulsa Central Library, 4th & Denver Ground ft. Preview Room, Info: 838-2121 Sum of Us Benefit Screening, 7:30 pm The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Movies 8, S10 donation, [nfo: 748-311t THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Positively Negative - Dialogue, 7:15 pm lnfo: Jason at 742-2927 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Dignity/Integri~ (RCIEpis. Ministry) Monthly Meeting & Pothwk, 5pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 298-4648 Family of Faith MCC 6th Anniversary Dance, 7 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 Mr. Tulsa Leather The Silver Star Saloon, Info: 834-4234 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Family of Faith MCC, 6th Anniversary Celebration Service, 11 am 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 Prime Timers Monthly Meeting Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74128 Community of Hope Commu~ Gift Shower & Meal, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 HIV & AIDS in the Womens Community, .7 pm City of Tulsa Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, Info: 596-7411 Lambda Bowling League Organization Meeting, 8 pm Sheridan Lanes, 3121 S. Sheridan TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 HIT Prevention Community Planning Group, 1-4 pm Collins Room, 1430 S. Boulder Info: Tommy Chesbro, 582-7225 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Green Country for Human Rights League Monthly Meeting, 6 pm Muskogee Lib., P.O. Box 614, 74402 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Vicki Robinson Softball Tournament Info: TNT’s 660-0856 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Family of Faith MCC, Marsha Stevens Concert. 7 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Family of Faith MCC Rev. Elder Troy Perry Preaches & Ordains Rev. Nancy Horvath. 11 am 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 Vicki Robinson Softball Tournament Info: TNT’s 660-0856 Community of Hope Blessing & Celebration of New Space, 6 pm 1703 E. 2rid St., Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Rev. Nancy Horvath Installed as Pastor of Family of Faith MCC. 6 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Monthly Board Meeting, 7 pm 40th.& Harvard, Info: 743-4297 OTHER GROUPS Gay &.Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, Info: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’s Activity Network Call 832-2121 TOHR Anonymous HIT Testing Clinic Daytime testing by appt. M-Th., 10-5pm Info: 749-4194 TOHR Helpline, Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to volunteer: 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians, Leather org., Info c/o The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Assoc. Info: 838-1222 Wed. Night Women’s Supper Club Varying locations 2nd or 3rd Wed. each month. Info: Helpline: 743-GAYS �FAMILY FINANCES Dine Out Pizz6ria & Espresso 1344 e. 15th 58203456 Timothy Developing a College Savings Plan Shouldn.’t Require a PhD by Leanne Gross A college education continues to be one of the smartest investments you can makefor you and your children. College enriches a young person’s life in may ways, generatingimportant intangible benefits new ideas, broader experiences, cultural awareness and self-confidence- as wall as the tangible ones that accompany higher earning power. In fact, it’s hard to find an investment that delivers better value than a good education. Studies show that people with at least four years of college have the potential to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars more over their lifetimes than those who never attend college. While most parents realize the value of a good education, hdping their children pay for college is a different matter. Over the past 10 years, college costs have in- creased, faster than the rate of inflation, while funds available for scholarships and financial aid have decreased. ¯ How do college bills get paid? ......... Motiiating college costs have forced parents and students to become more creative in their search for funding. There are three main ways to pay for college: Grants and/or scholarships. Financial grants are an unpredictable source of funds. Grants are usually based on financial-need tests that exclude many middle-income families. Also, it’s difficult to know whether or not your child will be eligible for scholarships in the future, Loans Banks, civic organizations, colleges, and federal and state governments sponsor loan programs. There are, however, two main drawbacks to borrowing for college: The amount of the loan is limited by the family’s (or the student’s) ability to repay and the loan (plus interest) becomes a long-term financial burden. Family Resources This category includes family savings, life insurance and student earning. Of course,family contributions vary, depending on the earmng of the parents and on the fees charged by the school in question. Getting Started If you have college-bound children, start a savings plan as soon as possible. The best time to begin is when your child is born. But even if the child is already in school, it’s not too ]ate. No matter how little or how much you put aside, the sooner you develop a systematic savings plan, the more time you’ll have to accumulate the funds you.need, When you set up your funding plan, make sure that it’s: Realistic. You’ll need to know-roughlythe total amount of money your child will need to attend college. This information can be obatained from your local library, your financial advisor or the college in question (if known). Flexible. A good plan offers a choice of funding vehicles (e.g., life insurance, mutual funds, bank products) to accommodate your risk tolerance, time frame and financial goals. Some are tax-deferred, offering you even more attractive benefits. It also should allow you to choose how you want to contribute money to the plan-monthly, quarterly, annually or in a lump sum. Inflation-adjusted. Your college funding goal may be a moving target-moving beyond your reach-unless your plan takes inflation into consideration. Do Your Homework A lot has been written about college funding over the past few years, so do your homework. Go to the library and check out what the experts have to say. Weigh the alternatives against your needs and your financial situation. Once you have an idea of y our requirements, gi v e us a call. We can help you devise a plan that’ s geared to your needs, and finances. We even have a computerized software program that will help you save as painlessly as possible. But, be sure to keep in mind these five important tips: 1. Know your goal. As with any financial plan, determining how much money you’ll need will hdp determine the parameters of your plan, 2. Start early. The key to successfully saving enough money is to begin as early as possible. No matter how little or how much you put aside, the sooner you desee Finances. page ]4 Daniel Attorney at Lax 7 ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 prn Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah.6:8 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Heirloom Designs Know Your Rights! Gifts, Fragrances, Crystal, Bears, Antiques, Brass, Womens Boutique, Complete Interior & Exterior Design Estate Planning, Adoptions, rsonal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 2814 Easl 15lh Slreel, 742-5665, Across from Carpel Cily 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. r I �Politics cont’dfromp. 2 ~ forming .their agenda into policy. In Arizona, where the Radical Right has a wo~kingmajority of the state Republicanpart~’ s governing body, the governor signed into law a measure prohibiting school districts from implementing any course of study that "promotes" a homosexual lifestyle or portrays homosexuality as a "positive alternative life-style." And Utah became the first state to impose an explicit ban on recognizing same-gender marriages that may be performed in other states. As these last examples suggest, the right wing is choosing its targets shrewdly. From a proposal in Oregon that would effeciively prohibit doctors from performing alternative insemination on unmarried women--including lesbians - to a bill in Vermont that would ban adoption by unmarried couples and second-parent adoption, the Far Right is attempting to construct a barbed-wire fence of law and public policy. !ts purpose: to keep lesbians, gay men and bisexuals out of the territoly marked "children and family." The strategy speaks both to the history of gay oppression and to the contemporary state of lesbian and gay concerns. In the past, medical, legal, and religious discourse defined homosexuals in opposition to the heterosexual nuclear family. Inflammatory stereotypes defined queers, .whether male or female, as predators seeking to invade the sanctum of the home and to steal the young. For previous generations, the price of adopting a gay, lesbian or bisexual identity has often been to live outside the faniily. When a gay political agenda took shape after Stonewall, basic goals such as sodomy law repeal, civil rights protections, and the removal of the stigma of mental illness took precedence. But now, the gay community across the country is reclaiming family. Lesbians are choosing to have children, gay men are seeking to become foster parents, both men and women are insisting that their intimate partnerships be recognized by law. Lesbian, gay and bisexual parents want their children--and their children’s peers to be taught tolerance in school, while the parents and advocates of gay youth are insisting that the schools respond to the needs of their sexual minority students. In almost every area of public policy that impinges on family and youth, gay voices are being heard. These voices .are new, and not yet well orgauized.; And so the Radical Right has rushed into the void, playing-upon the emotional’ flashpoints that run through American :culture, and fomenting fear. It is not hard to do. With the crisis of family and community that Americans are living through, gay men, lesbians and bisexuals are easier, simpler-targets than a changing labor market with wage structures that compromise family stability, or school systems without the resources to educate. This year’s legislative record suggests that battles over family are likely to remain frontline conflicts. It also suggests that the gay community needs to apply to the arenaof family the lessons it has learned in its fight for health care and against hate-motivated violence patient, deliberate, and sustained organization; broad-based education of sympathetic al lies; and the careful articulation of an agenda rooted in the real needs of its members. Historian John D’Emilio is director of the Policy Institute at the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force in Washington, DC. Reviewed by Barry Hensley Supervisor, Circulation Department Tulsa City-County Library Currently,in our society, the word ’Tami!y" has a very specific meaning which includes a father, mother, children and the extended, related family. This definition of a family follows a standard format during the family life cycle: courtship, marriage, children and anniversaries. Recently, lesbian and gay male couples have begun to create their own role models and traditions within the context of their relationships, developing a broadened understanding of the word ’~famil y". In "The Lesbian- Family Life Cycle," author Suzatme Slater has produced a helpful guide to creating and maintaining a lesbian family. The first half of the book, which is an examinanon of ’~aaduring Realities of Lesbian Family Life," addresses stress, strengths and coping mechanisms, and lesbian families with children. The rest of the book is a stage-by-stage analysis of the lesbian life cycle. Stage One: Formation of the Couple, acknowledges that there are obstacles to overcome, such as isolation, lack of role models or mentors, the possibility of social stigma and, sometimes, a lack of compatibility. This chapter helps lesbians learn to create a persistent expectation that 10rig-term, devoted relationships are productive and possible.. Stage Two: Ongoing Couplehood, focuseson getting both partners to agree on commitment, living together, and the problems of distance.. Stage Three: The Middle Years, assumes that both partners persevere. The lesbian couple then experiences the unprecedented security and joy that deepened commitment has to offer. Stage Four: Generativity, looks beyond the earlier storms that partners have weathered and concentrates on other things, including, perhaps, children. Stage Five: Lesbian Couples Over Sixty-Five, describes a period.that can tast twenty years or more and includes retirement, financial and heal.th concerns and lesbian widowhood. ’The Lesbian Family Life Cycle" is a telpful guide, in a very readable format, which can help ’lesbian partners dare to redefine the very concept of family and to design especially personalized approaches to their own family lives." Other new titles of interest include: ’Out of the Past: Gay and Lesbian History from 1869 to the Present" by Neil Miller ’$:reedom, Glorious Freedom" by John J. McNeill ’Queer Spirits: A Gay Men~s Myth Book" by Will Roscoe ...lesbian & male couples ~aaYve begun to create tl~eir own role models & traditions ...developing a broadenedur~der: - standl,n,~ of the word family" TWO for ONE SALE! Enjoy the ultimate in technology with M itsubishi autos & electronics. Buy any Mitsubishi car before Sept. 11 & get. a 20" stereo TV or 4-head hi-fi VCR! Come in to register for big screenTV give-away! Y �50 w S cont’dfrqm p.- 2 Measured that way, the ’50s wer~ a time of moral depravity transformed ’by the ’60s, a time of moral advance. Think about it: During the 1950s, racial segregation was the law of the land, enforced by state-sanctioned terror. People of dark skin color, for that reason alone, were not permittedto i~0te, Serve on-juries, enjoy, mainstream public accommodations like restaurants,movie theaters., ,h,otels and: swimfiiing ~pools,~euroll in ’white" public schools b~ e.Ven t~se certain public toilets. And they were not infrequently beatenor killed ff they tried. While all this w~ going on, children prayed every day in Southern schools. During the ’50s, women throughout the country were expected to be stay-home wives and mothers, denied equal opportunity in education and employment and usually forced to risk degradation and death to terminate a pregnancy. It was not until 1965 that laws prohibiting even married couples from obtaining contraceptives were struck down. During the ’50s, gay men and lesbians lived secret lives, terrorized by the fear of revelation. Their most intimate, personal relationships were considered criminal in more than half the states. The disabled were hidden away as wall, their physical impediments disabilities compounded by imposed social and economic restrictions. And free speech wasn’t so free either in the 1950s. Loyalty oaths prevailed, the attorney genera[ ~pt alist of disapproved political organi ,~,~tions, the FBI infiltrated them and harass~d~p~ople whose views J. Edgar Hoover di~lh t like, and congressional committ~ summoned citizens to account for thei?:political beliefs and associations, recant and rat on their friends. Those who refused often lost theiijobs and some even went to jail: Signing the wrong petition or going to the wrong meeting was riskY business, despite what:¢ the First Amendment appeared to say. The ’60s changed muchof that. Jim Crow laws were dismantled and equal opportunity was guaranteed by enforceable laws for both women and racial nilnotifies. Other minorities were encouraged and emboldened by these startling gains and began their own movements for equal:¯rights. The government’s spying apparatus was dismantled .and discredited. The road to freedom and equal rights is arduous, and much of it still remains to be traveled. New road-blocks have been erected, threatening the progress made in the ’60s. Both the Supreme Court and congress are in full retreat on affirmative action remedies for race and gender discriminations. A purge of black members of Congress from the South is under way. Th6 separation of church and state, which protects religious freedom, ~s seriously threatened. The retreat back to the ’50s is certaluly under way. But were we a more moral nation when legalized racial segregation prevailed; when women were denied equal opportunity and forced to submit to back-alley butchers; when people were punished because o_f their polifical beliefs and associations? Abolishing these gross abuses of individual rights in so short a time was arguably the greatest moral advance this nation or any other nation has ever expe~ rienced. The notion that we are a less moral nation today than we were in the ’50s is a monument to historical revision- Methodist Comes Out Order ST. P,~UL, Minn. - The Rev. Jeanne PowerS, the associate general secretary of the 8-million-member United Methodist Church’s general commission on Chtistianunity andinterreligious concerns, told a meeting of UMC officials at Augsburg College that she has been a lesbian all her adult life and has served in the church despite rules against "self avowed, practicing homosexuals." Powers, who is 63, made the revelation just one year before she is slated to retire as a "political act" to encourage church debate about ordaining gay & lesbian ministers. Powers is the highest ranking United Methodist Church official to reveal her homosexuality. ,I have been lesbian all my life," Powers said. ’~’ve never known my identity as otherwise." Powers Said she won’t resign as an ordained minister, nor will she turn over her ordination papers. If terminatedr as a minister,.Powers could lose some of her retirement benefits. Powers stopped short of actually saying she is sexually active, a key point in the UMC prohibition, but she lives with her life partner and promised to answer any questions UMC officials may have. "If you’re called to do something, you take the risks," Powers said. ’~If I waited a year, until after my retirement, it would be too easy to discount me. What I need is a year to help the church struggle with this. If this act of resistance keeps the church restless about its understanding of homosexuality and the Christian faith, then I believe I will have continued my own commitment to working for justice and being a change agent in the church and the world. government for deciding who should have access to state secrets. McCurry noted in amaouneing the executive order that under the previous system, anindividual’s sexual orientation was often grounds for launching extensive background checks. The federal government, in fact, has a ~ long hi story of denying clearances to gays and lesbians: ... " Activists, :.many of whom backed Clinton when he raft forpresidentin 1992, and whosesupport world help him in ~s expected re-election bid next year, ha; ~ long urged the administration to take tion to end discrimination against gay people in granting the important clear- cont’d from p. ] anceS. The order states simply, ’The United States government does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or sexual orientation in granting access to classified information." Leonard Hirsch, president of GLOBE (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Employees of the Federal Government), said in the press statement that the Clinton order "takes a very large step in removing the legal bartiers to equal treatment in the federal workforce. By explicitly including sexual orientationin thenon-disctimination statement, he finally expurgates decades of legal harassment and discrimination." The impact of the executive order goes beyondjust federal employees sincemany private firms with government contracts may require workers at tbeir firms to have security clearances in order to work on sensitive or secret government jobs. Ira Glasser is the executivedimctor of the American Civil Liberties Union. Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates PRIDEofowNr Renting and consideri0g Buying? Moving up or Investing? Credit Problems? Mortgages B~ Design will custom fit 1 51 5 South .Lewis Are you ¯looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. the right home loan to YOUR needs! 1~ LENDER For Details, CalL" BUD WHARTON Vice President/Branch.Manager For further- information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, ~S (918) 342-4252 Serving Tulsa and Surrounding Communities Financing the All American Dream Serving a Diverse Community Tropical Caribbean Feb. 11-18,1996, $795-1950 Deep Caribbean RSVP Feb. 18-25,1996, $795-1950 Mexican Riviera Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 83 8-1715 March 17-24,1996, $795-2495 French Canada June 30 - July 7, ! 996, $895-2295 Need Help Selling Your Artwork ? Call g17.9~ " (inelude~ handling & OK taxeg) Mail Check w return address info to: Artists’ Guide, C/O Slash Pine Publishing ® 9z8-34/-6866 Box 904186 The The Artists’ Guide to Selling~ is your answer International Tours Tulsa, OK 7410S Developed from Fortune S00 Training and IS yearg Sale~ experience, find designed to meet the ~peeific need~ of m-tigtg. �Health Briefs Health Briefs.Health Briefs cont’d f~om page 7.....the patient’s im¯mune system in an effort to fight off fl~e disease. FDA regulators had scrutiniz~ed the transplant proposal because Of concerns that mixing baboon and human cells could introduce new diseases into the human population. Officials insisted that researchers take special precautions such as keeping Getty isolated for 2 to 4 weeks after the operation, saving tissue samples and close monitoring of the patient. The ~masplant would involve removing some ~ GettY’s bone marrow to make room for .~.e baboon marrow, which doesn’t de~lop AIDS. The researchers are hoping tI~t l~tienew combination w 0uld help l~ulld a new immune system to fight the disease being challenged locally. Drug Task Force Under Fire WASHINGTON - The medical technology newspaper BioWorld Today reports that several key Clinton administration officials are increasingly frustrated with the work of the National Task Force on AIDS Drug Development, a federal panel set up 2 years ago to advise the government on AIDS drug treatment policies. The paper reports that Phil Lee, Assistant Secretary for Health, David Kessler, the FDA Commissioner, and Harold Varmus, director of the National Institutes of Health, and all members of the task force, have raised questions about whether the panel should be renewed When its current authorization expires in October. Non-administration members of the task force expressed frustrations with the panel as well. "In 2 years, we have nothing to point to,",Peter Staley of New York’s Treatment Action Group told the paper. But Staley said the fault wasn’t with the task force, but with the Clinton administration. "We had inadequate staff, a minuscule budget, a slow schedule, and not enough support from Kessler, ~ and Varmus," Staley said. More Condoms Needed in India NEW DELHI - The World Bank has urged the Indian government and health officials to emphasize male contraception practices in the nation. The World Bank recommendation is aimed at both reducing the population gro.wth rate in the II!III robert owen freeman architectural & interior design consulting, architectural renderings pob 52621, tulsa, ok 7~,152 918.747.0880 Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 No. Cincinnati. 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanta PI., 742-7381 Trinity 501 So, Cincinnati. 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You world’s 2nd most populous nation.and at curbing the spread of HIV. The World Bank said there was a "pressing need to promote the use of condoms" in India where the "growing HIV epidemic makes greater use of condoms an urgent priority." AIDS Postman Fired CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The postal.letter carrier who refused tQ d¢liyer, mail:to a couple who have AIDS won’t be deliverlng any moreU.S., mail for a while.’Tim Snodgrass says he was afraid of contract~ ing HIV from stamps.or envelopes Fred and Pat Grounds had licked. Snodgrass went throughan AIDS educational seminar at the main post office in the West Virginia capital, but when he had finished the course, Snodgrass insisted he had not changed his mind about his fears of being exposed to the virus. He has been fired for refusing to deliver the couple’s letters. Needle-Swap Program Works BOSTON - A state-funded study of the Boston-Cambridge based needle-exchange program, Project-A-HOPE, indi.cates the project has lowered needle sharing among IV drug users, thereby reducing the risks of transmitting HIV. The study also found no indication that either drug use or crimes related to drugs had increased because of the exchanges. Frisco Giants Fight AIDS SAN FRANCISCO - The Giants have announced that its Aug. 13 game against the Chicago Cubs will be the pro baseball team’ s 2nd annual "Until There’s a Cure Day" fundraiser to fight the AIDS epidemic. The Giants are the only major league team to designate a regular season game to fighting the epidemic. ,!~Y Pat Morehead Life is like a box of chocolate, sticky and messy. If you don’t believe me just ask Hugh Grant! While I was looking for my limes, Hugh was looking for something else. What is going on out in LA LA Land? I mean we know what was up with Hugh Grant, nudge nudge, wink wink. Now we know that Charli~ Sheen spent 53 grand.fo~? hogkers.,First off, credit ~oes to Hugh .f0~ ~ompa’~ftive shopping~. But what’s With these guys? Did they miss the orientation class on the benefits of Hollywo0dfame mad fortune? Hugh and Charl~e are my picks for Dumb and Dumber, Part Two. And speaking of Dumb and Dumber, somebody in the County Commissioners office should be in the running as well. You don’t fund an operating budget (i.e. a jail of all things ) with a Sales Tax. What happens when the economy takes a header and we all quit spending? Evidently the Comm.issioners have already forgotten the recess~onary period in the eighties. Besides, I’m not supporting any added tax when we can’t even get recognition from the Human Rights Commission. So when the September Jail vote comes along, everyone in our commumty should go vote "NO". And you thought the only thing I thought about was Brads" butt. Hooooo, Brads’ butt....sorry, momentarily distracted. So, while I’m on political news I can’t let Ms. Vicki Cleveland get off without a word. And believe me, after her successful NO POOR PEOPLE CAN LIVE IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD deal, she really got off. Course that’s about the only way she could get off. In an e~fort .to appear Politically Correct she is rumoured to be planning an additional ordinance. This will be a Community Block Grant Development Fund to foster Miflti-Cultural un: derstanding, In effect CBGD funds (read tax dollars) will be awarded to families in qualifying income brackets to help with multi-cut~ral unders ,t?),n~ding. ., t-f Iunders~tand th(~r0gram,C0rre~tl.y, it will w~ork some.~)ng like this. Ira family in her neighiaorhood hire~ fin Asian Gardner, tlae f~ifiiy wiil re~i~,e $30~000 in CBGD money. An Hisp~aiC hired, as. a domestic will be worth $20,000 andan English Nanny will be worth $22,500. An additional CBGD amount of $10,000 will go to the same family if they hire a French Au Pair after filling one of the above mentioned catagories. To apply for this Federal money you must meet the following requirements: I) Live within 5000 feet of Southern Hills Country Club, 2) contribute $5,000.00 or more to the Republican party and 3) be personal friends with Ms. Vicki. And you thought she wasn’t doing her part to advance multi-cultural understanding. That’s it for now, campers. Me, I’m headed back to rmx up another batch of Bloody Bulls, get naked and relax in the hot tub there to ponder the greater questions of life, like where do I find that Internet File with the pictures of Brad Pitt. Have a nice August aa.d don’t for_oct to vote NO on the Jail S~ Tax. ~ "Pat Morehead is a T~i~an whose commentaries focus on arti~olitics & Brad Pitt’s derriere. These vi~_s are not necessarily those of Tulsa Family News. At Tomfoolery, coming out is what we’re all about. We’re Tulsa’s. original gay" " ........ ~:~!:: & lesbian gift shop, and we’ve got the best selection of T-shirts, rainbow gear and novelty items in town. So what are you waiting for? Come on out today! 832.0233 ¯ 1565 S. Sheridan TOMFOOLERY! �Finances, lO velop a systematic savings plan,the more time you’ll have. to accumulate the funds yon need. 3. Consider your time frame. Your savings strategy will depend, in part, on when your child enters college. If you have more than 10 years, you may be able to afford a riskier investment that has greater potential for growth. On the other hand, if your child enters collge next year, you’ll need to be more conservative. 4. Remember inflation. 5. Be flexible. After all, saving for college shouldn’t require- an advanced degree. FOR SALE NEW AGE - GAY/ LESBIAN BOOK & SIDELINE STORE Open year round Low overhead - High profit Excellent Mom & Morn or Pop & Pop operation Downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas ¯ Hurry! This won’t last long. $29,600.00 plus inventory. Contact: Joe McClung McClung Realty 501-253-9682 ARIES March 21-April 20 You’re usually the assertive.type and often known for having a "me-first" attitude. But, this month, you get sweet, sensitive, and positively accomodating. A great 6me to make deals of any sort. People respond to your caring ways, and you get what you want in the process too. TAURUS April 20-May 21 You’ll be tempted to plant your hooves this month and say, "Enoughis enough;" though the better approach would be to ask politely for what you want, then compromise to get your wish. Focus on your work and your health now; both can cause problems if you ignore them. GEMINI May 2]-June 22 Relationships become an issue and, though you’re interested in intimacy, you’d rather be inti- . mate with a different lover every night of the week. It may be time for old, restrictive obligations to end. Think it over before you drop the axe, then do it as gently as possible CANCER June 22-July 23 Your home and the people in it become a big deal in a wonderful way. A good time to start a home-based business, or to clear the air and end old disputes with family, lovers and roommates. Things run so smoothly in your nest, you’ll be tempted to curl up and stay home as much as you carl. LEO July 23-August 23 One more month of clearing up old issues with family members and the people who share your home. The good news is that it’s almost over, and you can get rid of old unconscious habits and childhood issues once and for all. Bad news? Time to stop depending financially on the people you live with. VIRGO August 23-September 23 Time to use your famous planning and organizational skills for developing a long-term financial strategy. You have plenty of ideas and opportunities to build a secure foundation for your goals. Also a busy month of work, so try not to overheat on all the trivia. Use some of your time for strategy too. LIBRA September 23-October 23 You’re tempted to spend a lot of money on improving your appearance. A little bit of glamour is fine, but it is a better time to throw those dollars at something that hasmore potential for financial return. Think of the old saying, ’Nometimes "you have to spend money to make money." This month, it’s true for you. SCORPIO October 23-November 23 Another passionate month and, if you’re not trying to seduce anyone, it’s certain that someone has their eyes on you. Old emotional ties come back to the surface. It may be hard to put a past relationship out Of your mind, but now is an excellent time to release those ancient memories and get on with your li.fe. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23-Dec. 22 You want instant gratification, but you may have the opportunit), to learn the virtue of patience instead. Use your legendary optinusm to keep your spirits up instead of fretting over delays. You can inspire everyone in your circle by a live demonstration of the power of positive thinking. By month’s end, you’ll get what you’re waiting for. CAPRICORN Dec. 22-January 21 Casual acquaintances ate ready, willing and .able to help you achieve a long-cherished goal. Try to overcome your natural tendency to think, "But what do they want from me?" It’s no time for suspicion. You’ve been working hard enough for long enough; now it’s time to use your social skills to push you over the top of the mountain. AQUARIUS Jan. 21-February 20 You’re usually the most expert team-player there is, but now it’ s time to hog the limelight yourself. September brings a golden opportunity to show your stuff on the career front. It may seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day to fulfill all your obligations. Work overtime ifyou need to, and make sure the boss no[ices. PISCES February 20-March 21 You’re ending a ten-year period of intellectual growth this month, a time when you have gathered the kind of important ideas that will likely lead to a whole new career. You may be tempted to cram your "insights" down the throats of everyone around you. Use the time to figure out how to put your ideas to practical use instead. Photograph J.D. Jamett 621-5597 Now serving Sunday breakfast, 7am-2pm Owners/Hosts: Maureen & Joyce A The Purple Iris Inn Accommodations V Frank Green, Jr. Host 50 Wall Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 RR 6, Box 339 Eureka Springs Arkansas 72632 501-253-8748 501/253-8281 ¯ O000000000000000000000000000000 ¯ ¯ ® A UTHENTIC bRESH ¯ ITA LL4 N CUISINE RA INB 0 lg ¯ TROUT ¯ ¯ ¯ O ¯ ¯ Jerry A. 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I would like to meet’some new people and get together for some good times. =23955 Tulsa NEW KID ON THE BLOCK "Jason, new to area, looking to make new friends, 6’1 235, give men call, like to get to know same people!, =3450 THAT PHONE! To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (.) ~ue Io our large volume of calls, it you can’t get lhru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 Tulsa HEY NOW: my name is Steven. I’m 31 y/o and I’m Ikg4 guy’s 18-50 for fishing, swimming and camping. I enjoy lee company of slightty aggressive men. =5354 Oklahoma ATTENTION: I’m 6ft, 1901bs, body builder type and very well built. I’m Ikg4 men. call me =5448 Oklahoma City WE CAN WORK IT OUT: I’m 27 y/o, 5’I 1, 2151bs. I like to work out and spend time outdoors. If you are 25-35, physically active and fit and enjoy !ife, call me. =46634 Tulsa BI CUEIOUS: 27, 6’ 180, bm/blugm, looking for guys 18-30 fit, bi curious, kx:~king for same clean safe, good times, give me a call. =6405 atmosphere, like long walks and riding bikes, just being with a good friend, if you’re interested, give me a call. "=3390 Liffle Rock INTO EVERYTHING: John, I’m 32 5’10, 220, like everything, give me a call. =6419 Lowton NEW TO AREA: Todd, 6’, bin/blue, new to area looking to meet and visit with new people give me a call, =6571 Bold Headline - $1 Ad in capital letters - $1 Ad in bold capital letters - $2 Ad in box - $2 Ad reversed- $3 Tear sheet mailed - $2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Hease type or print your ad. Oklahoma City Mark, 27 y/o pro~sional WM, well built 5’I 1 215 seeking same. =1464 Tulsa L~rry, hiv+ very healthy and adive, seeking mature masculine male chest hair & beard a major + we’ll be safe but not boring. =37586 Oklahoma Cily 22 y/a Hispank male, light smoker social drinker Ikg4 Asian or Hispanic men 18-35 with slim, med. builds. Adrian, light social drinker, smoker 22y/o 5’6. =47265 Ardmore FOOT FAN: 25 Gay native American, just on the twisted side, into feet, if you share the same interests, give me a call. llke to hear from you! =6211 Tulsa NO PRESSURE "Gene, 6’2, 175, bre/bm, like the lake, movies, just being with another guy, in a relaxed How To Do It intea~s )~u please g~ men call. =1438 Tulsa LONELY AND LOOKING, Win, 50, 5’8, 165, slim and trim, into BB, have a solid body, ton, looking for a person in the area, thaCs slim and him male under 50 for a f~iend, to go out with and see where things go. Hope you can call! =2082 Metro Area COUNTRY BOY 6~2, 22, 215 bm/gm mustache looking for some other buckaroos to meet and sere down~ =6408 First 30 words are $I0. Each additional word is 25 cents. You .may bring additional attention to your ad with: Shawnee Brace, 33 y/o bmfdu 6’3 215 like footbell, bbalt on 1V, Ikg for an avg. down to eadh guy who wonts a one on one- =6274 Little Rock COLLEGE STUDENT: 23 College shsdent, 5’8 15 bm/blue athl build, ISO ! 8-30 for hot.times. =6360 Count the number of words. (A word for our purposes is a ~oup of letters or numbers separated by a space.) Send your ad & payment to POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, complete address, day & evening phone numbers (for our records only). Ads will run in the next issue after they.are received. Tulsa Family News reserves the right to edit or refuse any ad. No refunds will be made. OK City HEU.O BOY’S "34 TS, looking for a man, 29-39, hope to hear from you, and hove a good day! "=4100 Tulsa SNUGGLS BUDDY: my name is Fred, I’m 5’8, 2001bs and 48 y/o. I’m Ikg4 someone to cuddle with. =47283 Wichita C.~d~ING AND FISHING: James, 37 GWM 6’t 185 bind blue, Ikg for hot guys, like to camp fish, anything outdoors, boeing for a life male, give me a call willing to relaca~e- =6761 OK LETS DO IT "Jeff, 31, 6’2 185, non smoker, brn/blue, like movies, at home or out, dancing, like to iob, outdoors, swimming, skiing snowboarding, looking for a fTiend to do things with, give me a call." =3139 Oklahoma City ARE YOU SURE?: I’m 27 y/o, 5’11, 2151bs. I like to work out, bike ride, fish and camp. I’m a professional male Ikg4 the same. If you are sure of yourself, call me. =1663 Western OVER THE WIRE: my name is Jason. I like to tolk with hot guy’s on the Dallas/Ft. Worth LEZ TAU(: my name is Usa, i’m tkg4 someone ~o have great phone. fun wiifl: I ~e talking on Ihe phone. Im 42 y/o and hope you call me. =45492 BUTCH/FEM: i’m a 23 y/o female and I like poet~, cycling and music. I’m Ikg4 a frie~dshil~ and a poss; ~ationship. rm a lille butch and a li~e ~/em. allsalls will be returned. =47521 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single ,w.~a. n wile no kids Ikg~, a special female kiend to love and care for. call me. =1614 Arkadelphia, AR STAR GAZE~ my name is Angela, I’m a 21 y/o s’~dent interested io ~/i n,g,~lflings, s~ar gazing and more. I ~vould like ta meet a nice woman for fun and fr.ie~dship, call me! =46392 ~ phone. =46811 Oklahoma AAAAAAHHH: 40 y/o bi WM Ikg4 bi married guys. call me, kick back and enjoy. =2489 OK RED IN THE HEAD? "Hi, looking for a parfner to hove a good time with, 24 native Amer., 190, looking for someone in tee same area, prefer GWh~ with red hair, if you’d like to get together, leave a message. "=3259 Tulsa GOING BI WAY?." I’m a mid 30’s bi curious married WM. I’m Ikg4 a bi or married WM to give me a taste of the other side. discretion is a must. =2725 STEVIE NICKS LOREENA MCKENNIT SARAH MCLACHLAN HELP WANTED Gather Signatures on Casino Do you like the music of Stevie Nicks, Loreena Gaming Petition. McKennitt, & Sarah McLach- Flexible Hours. lan; & the magic of the ’~tar Wars" films? I am thinking 742-3827 about forming an "appreciation society" for any or all of the above, depending on interrest in & response to this ad. Please send letters of interest to: Fandom, C/O TFN, POB 4140, Tulsa OK 74159. [ulso HEYGIR~:alhlefic attr. SWF eady 13ffs 5’41.t0 bs bm/brn Ikg4 open minded ~womenfor discreet hot fun. call me! =45795 Great Pay. CIVIL RIGHTS HELP? American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma 600 NW 23rd, Suite 104 OKC 73106 405-524-8511 WANTED: LESBIANS GAY MEN -BISEXUALS ...... TRANSGENDERED PERSONS Interested in commtmity activism & positive outreach to nonGays. Opportunities to speak, organize, network, & change Northeastern Oklahoma for the better.Green Co.untry Pride,next meeting 8/24, 7pro Tulsa Central. Library, 4th & Denver, Prevxew Room, info: 838-2121 �To. This . . ~ . Yo~ The Men of the Southwest Two Dynamite Male Dancers Every Thursday NO COVER Mr. Robbie Walker & The Sunday Slam Domonique Daniels Paris Grey Kris Kohl Ivana B. Real Michelle Ross & Many More! Every Sunday 11p.m. $2 Cover Voted the # 1 Show in Tulsa Thurs.Sun 9.2,3340S.Pe0ria Tulsa, 918.744.0896 BAD BOYZ CLUB SALOON Saturday, September 9th Mr. Tulsa Leather WEDNESDAYS Free Pool Night, $4 Beer Bust THURSDAYS Male Dancers, $4 Beer Bust, Dance Music All Night FRIDAYS Country & Dance Mi~ $4 Beer Bust SATURDAYS The Best N’~ht Out in Tulsa.’ SUNDAYS .,.Fiee..Line Dance Lessons 8-1opm, $4 Beer Bust S~ays - No Cover - Out of State Entertainers Show Nite at the Star with Fallon Scott & Friends 8344234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am Saturday, August: 19th, 1 O: 30 pm ~OLLYWOOD C R EA ;Bad A Boy,zTExclusive ]I O N S If you missed it last time...don’t miss it this time! 1229 8. Memorial, 835~5083 Open 2pro M,F, Noon Sat/Sun TULSA’S HUGE PAT][O BAR � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart National News Clinton Ends Anti-Gay Security Restrictions WASHINGTON - President Clinton on Friday, Aug. 4, signed an executive order that bans bias against homosexuals in issuing federal security clearances. Clinton’s move is one that has long been sought by gay rights advocates. Under the Clinton executive order, which takes effect immediately, a security clearance can not be denied solel, on the basis of sexual orientation. \~qaite House spokesman Mike McCurry said the order standardizes criteria throughout the federal See Order. page12 The directors ofBlack & White. Inc. celebrate their largest attendance Washinton State Official yet at the 1995 Patrons Gala at Philbrook Museum, photo: Jamett Condemned for Bias The NAMES Project Fundraisers AUGUST 11, !995- Dr. Dexter Amend, Spokane County Coroner in Washington State, has invoked gays-and-child-molestation stereotypes by blaming the sexual abuse and lnurder of a 9-year-o!d gift on homosexuals because an autopsy showed the victim had been sexually molested, including sodomized. "She’s been sodomized over and over and sodomy i s a homosexual act. it is," said Dr. Amend. an elected official. ’q’o have everybody ttfink ho~nosexuality is OK is a bunch of baloney. I don’t care see Official, page 3 Hawai’i Marriage Case Delayed HONOLULU - Hawai’i Circuit Court Judge Kevin Chang has put off for a full year the legal case that may decide whether same-sex couples in Hawaii can legally marry or not. At the same time, however, Judge Chang refused to change a state supreme court order that requires the state to show a "compelling interest" in order to deny marriage licenses to gays and lesbians - a difficult tegal test to meet in most cases. The new trial date is July 15, 1996. U.S. Grants Asylum to Iranian Gay Man NEW YORK - The U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service has determined that an Iranian gay man now living in Brooklyn and identified only as ’~A.T.," has a %veil-founded fear of persecution" if he is deported back to Ins native country. Granting political asylum to themzabrought praisefromgay rights activists. ’~Persecution of lesbians and gay men around the world has escalated to epidemic proportions," said Suzanne B. Goldberg of the Lambda Legal Defense &Education Fund, wInchrepresented"A.T." in the case. ’TIns ruling reflects our nation’s commitment to providing refuge for all persecuted persons~ including lesbians & gay men, who meet the strict digibility requirements for political asy- Ohio Activists Appeal to SupremeCourt CINCINNATI - Ohio activists have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in an effort toovermm a federal appeals court ruling that allows a 1993 voter-approved city amendment prohibiting civil rights protections from including homosexuals t o stand. The anti-gay amendment, which is similar to Colorado’s Amend. 2, was approved by the city’s voters after the city council had passed an anti-bias measure barring discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, sex, and other characteristics. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in May that gays and lesbians were not an "identifiable class" like other minority groups and could not therefore be granted civil rights protections. Feast for Friends - 8/26 The Sum of Us- 9/5+6 In preparation for the return of the Quilt in October, The NAMES Project. Tulsa Chapter is holding two fundiaisers. Its mmual Feast for Friends is a series of dimmers held at private homes around the city with individuals inviting their guests to make contributions comparable to what they would spend if they were to go out to dinner. The guests from the many dinners come together for a dessert finale at the Southern Hills Marriott. see NAMES, page 3 Tulsa Could Host State Gay Conf. Organizers of the Oklahoma Pride Conference ~vill hold their next planning meeting on Saturday, August 19 at the University of Tulsa’s ~klan Chapman Activity~Center at 1 lain. Tulsa-orgamzers will bring a proposal to the meeting that the next statewide conference be held in Tulsa. Conference organizers have tentatively set the date for this next conference to be Feb. 17-18, 1996. This meeting is open to all who are interested in helping with the project. The first OK Pride Conference was held at the University of Oklahoma in the summer of 1994. Speakers included then-executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), Peri Jude Radecic, Mandy Carter, longtime activist now working with the Human Rights Campaign Fund and the Black Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference and Robert Bray, media gnru for NGLTF. For more information, call 832-0233. Friends In Unity Labor Day Fete Friends in Unity Social Orgamzation (FUSO), an organization for African-American men of diverse sexual orientation, will hold its annual picnic on Saturday, September 2, followed by its banquet on Sunday, the 3rd. This picnic will honor the 4th anniversary of FUSO but is the 16th picnic. This tradition began with a group of~riends but has developed in to a community tradition. Invitations have been extended to people in St. Louis, Dallas, Little Rock, Kansas City as well as Oklahoma City. FUSO has also announced a fundraising drive to support its efforts to provide HIV care and services and education to the African- American community. For more information, call 425-4905. New Civil Rights Organization Fight for Your Rights commiUee has taken the name Green Country Pride and will hold its next meeting on Thursday~ August 24 at 7pm at the Tulsa Central Library at 4th & Denver. The organization adopted a mission statement at its July meeting: toimprove the quality oflifein GreenCotmtry-(northeastemOklahoma) - for LGBT people, our families and friends through,education, communication, and organization within our community and the community at large. Several action committees have been established: a speakers bureau to help educate non-Gay people about Lesbian/Gay/ Bi and Transgendered issues, a Community Leadership committee to try to create better communication among the various orgamzations and part of the communities and a youth committee winchhas already found a safe space for Gay youth to hold quarterly dances. For more information, call 838-2121. August 15 - September 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 9 Tulsa Organizers of Human Rights Conf. Leave Out Local Gays TULSA, OK - IAOHtLa~, the International Associafon of Official Human Rights Agencies brought attendees from across the United States and abroad to Tulsa for its 47th Almual Conference held at the Southern Hills Marriott on August 5- t 1. Speakers included Sanford Cloud, Jr. president of the National Conference ffonnerly the Nat’l Conf. of Christians & Jews) and Gov. Frank Keating. Local orgamzations like the NAACP, the Tulsa Urban League and the lo’cal office of the National Colfference were invited and had exhibits at the conference. Missing were any local Lesbian/Ga\ orgamzations, such as Tulsa Oklahomans for Hu’- man Rights (TOHR). TOHRpresident.Tim Gillean said that organization had not received any information about the possibility of exhibition ;pace. Claude Rogers, president ofIAOHRA. responded defensively to questions that Gay issues and folk were not represented. \~qaen asked abont the lack of Gay topics in the conference agenda, he stated that many issues, like hate crimes, were relevant to Lesl~ians and Gay men. Rogers did provide a cop3 of the conference program which included copies of pro-Gay resolutions from last vear’s conference in Tampa. Bill Carlon. an openly ~ay ~nan from the Austin, Texas Human Rights Co~mnission. said Gay issues were discussed in the Tulsa workshOl;S he httended pmnafily becanse he’said he made a point to raise them. The Tulsa Executive Coxmnittee which was responsible for local organizing had no member representing Tulsa Lesbian/Gay coxmnunities and the larger advisory board had only one openly Gay pel~son, Demlis Neill. Neill told TFN that while h~ was asked some months ago to be involved, he was not a~vare that the advisory board ever met nor did anything. Dept. ofHuman Rights director, Dymme Mason who was involved in the conference planning claimed that "everyone was invited" but could name only Dennis Neill specifically as being involved in the planning. City of Tulsa staff were paid by the City winle helping with conference organizing according tO Hilary Kitz, aide to Mayor Susan Savage. Conference chair, Jerry Goodwin of the Oklahoma Eagle, did not return phone calls to TFN to explain the failure to involve local Gay organizations. Several Gay Conference attendees stated that they felt the problems at this year’s conference would be better addressed at next year’s event wInch will be held in Ft. Worth, Texas. Interfaith AIDS Ministries Holds ’Old Fashioned’ Carnival Interfaith AIDS Ministries will hold an carnival on Saturday, August 19 from 10am to 6pm at 1515 S. Lewis in the parking lot of Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates. The carnival will feature food, entertainment, a "fortune teller" and games, notably a dunking tank. Several community activists, Janice Nicklas, Ric Kirby, Sharon Thoele and others have agreed to risk dunking for the cause. InterfaithAIDS Ministries provides spiritual support and has provided a24-hourHIV/AIDS information line. For more information, call 438-2437. EDITORIALS PAGE 2 ||| DIRECTORY PAGE 2 NEWS BRIEFS PAGE 4 HEALTH BRIEFS PAGE 7 CALENDAR PAGE 9 FINANCES PAGE 10 HOROSCOPES PAGE 14 PERSONALS PAGE 15 918-832-0233 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher/~dltor Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the’d~tff~"~onten}s of Tom Neal this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by Tulsa Family Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or ~n part withotit James Ghristjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writers/contributors photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Kharma Amos Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Laurie Cooper noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family Maureen Curtin Ne~vs. All correspondence should be sent to the addres s above. Eac[a Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution JD Jamett poirits. Additional copies are avai lane at Tomfoolery! by John D ’Emilio The Republican Party’s Contract with America--and its younger sibling, the Contract with the American Family .have dominated political reportmg for most of the ’year. Because both have chosen to sidestep head-on discussion of homosexuality, gay issues have slipped from the national media’s radar screen.For many gay men, lesbians and bisexuals this must come as a welcome relief, a moment of respite in a hard political season. Who, after all, could enjoy being the target of the kind of rhetoric generated in the lastfew years at the Republican convention in Houston, in the Senate hearings on the military’s exclusion poll cies, or in tire fight over the NEA? The lull, howe~er, is more apparent than reaL; Congress is not the only bodythat legislates. In the fifty states, there was no Contract ~;¢ith America to discipline local right-wing political leaders, but in many of them there is an infrastructure of gay organizations eager to moveforward their quest for respect and equality. The rcsult is that state capital,s rather than Congress have become the battleground upon ~,.hich the issue of equal rights for gays is being fought. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute recently released a study of state legislation. Because the survey is the first of its kind, it is impo~- sine to determine whether the .action level is greater or less than m recent years. But what can be said with certainty is that legislative debates about the place of gay’, lesbian and bisexual citizens in society are extensive. At least 97 gay-related measures moved forward in 33 states. In 30 states, anti-gay measures received serious consideration, while 18 states advanced nondiscrimination bills of one sort or another. The news, both good and bad, can tell us much about the political strength of the gay community and of its most outspoken opponents. The brightest spot was RhodeIsland, whichbecame the ninth state to enact a statewide civil rights measure banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. The clearest pattern of gay-friendly activity was the tendency, expressed in fifteen states, to include sextml orientation among a list of categories needing protection against discrimination. They tended to cluster around two broad areas of policy-making legislation: health care and hate crimes. In Massachusetts; for instance, several bills whichprohibit discrimanation in the delivery of various kinds of health services made it through committee. Forclose observers ofgay politics, these results should provide some measure of comfort. The AIDS crisis has propelled activists out of their community and into the center of the health-care rid& Their work, and that of the women’s andlesbian health care movements, is reaping dividends. In the same way, activists since the early 1980s have fought vigorously to call attention to anti-gay hate violence. At the state andnational level, theyhave workedclosely in coalitions with other targeted groups to have hate crimes recognized as aform of violence needing special remedies. Meanwhile, the national climate ofdivisiveness and intolerance is playing itsdf out in state politics. Even in states like New York, Californiaand Massachu- .seas, where the gay community ~s wall organized and has long been visible, anti-g~, measures were able to receive a hearing. In other states, right-wing Republicans had an eas~er time transsee Politics. page 11 by Ira Glasser ° The merchants of virtue have been very busy lately telling us we are in a period of steep moral decline. Comparedwith the "50s, they say, America has lost its moral compass. I disagree. I think we are a more moral nation today than we were then. As evidence of moral decline, the merchants of virtue cite a variety ofbehaviors: the increasingly explicit sex and violence depicted in movies and popular music: the growing tendency of people to have sex and make babies without the sacrament of mamage; the recreational use of disapproved psychoactive substtmces like marijuana; and, yes, the choice some women make sometimes to terminate their. pregnancies. They also like to cite the growing legitimacy of gay’ andlesbian relalionships and the idea that family, love and commitment can take many fornls. Andof course there is the everpopular issue of school prayer. At the root of our moral decline, we are told, is the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 1962 that state-sponsored prayers in public schools were an unconstitutionaI government intrusion on a family’s right to determine their children’s reli~ous upbringing. The merchants of virtue want to amend the Constitution to over- A nation’s morality used to be measured by its elvle virtue - how soeiety treated its eltlzens, whether justlee and fairness prevailed, whether ]~eople were free to pursue tml~plness in their own way and whether it was sa~e to he different from the majority. turn that decision. They believe that if children were exposed to daily school prayer rituals, as once they were, we might at least take a first step back on the road to national morality. But are these behavioral phenomena the appropriate criteria to use in measunng a nation’s morality? Significantly, every one of these phenomena involve personal behavioral decisions. They don’t like some of the choices filmmakers and record companies are making and necessarily, of course, they" don’t like the choices consumers are makingin deciding inlargenumbers to_ see those movies and buy those records. They don:t like some people’s sexual choices or their preference for marijuana over martinis or their decisions about whether to have a baby or whom to love. And they would prefer people to be more pious, especially in public. Anation’s morality used to be measured by its civic virtue - how society treated its citizens, whetherjustice andfairness prevailed, whetherpeople were free to pursue happiness in their own way and whether it was safe to be different from the majority. see Glasser, page 12 For those who would like to receive discreet home delivery of Tulsa Family News, please send $15 for a 12 month subscription, $8 for 6 months. Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boys Club, 1229 S. Memorial *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria Ground Zero. 311 E. 7th. Opening soon where Laffs was. *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades, 1649 S. Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time’n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Admiral *\Vhittier Care, 416 S. Lewis *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 835-5083 744-0896 585-5622 749-1563 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-4340 582-2400 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743- I000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 *Columbia Place, 1519 E. 15 587-5803 Creative Collection, 152I E. 15 592-1521 Cherry. St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 *Devena’s Gallery for Photography, 13E. Brady 587-2611 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Planning . 744-0102 *Heirloom Designs, 2814 E. 15 742-5665 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 International Tours 341-6866 Ken’s Howers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587-8108 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan .663-4884 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 *Mohawk Pride Center, 3910 Park Rd. 425-1354 Mortgages by Design 342-4252 Pounds & Francs, 1706 S. Boston 587-8333 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery, 1565 S. Sheridan 832-0233 Westcopa Salon, Lincoln Plaza 583-1500 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times ChristianCtr. 262713 E. 11 628-0594 B/ISG Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury MiniStry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Commumty of Hope, 1347 N. Yale 838-7232 Dignity/Integrity 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So..Mingo 622-1441 Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity, POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74128 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild 254-2100 Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 - Shanti Hotline 749-7898 TulsaOklahomansforHumanRights~(TOHR) POB52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa - DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. *King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *Purple Iris.Inn, Route 6, Box 339 *Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton *The Woods, 50 Wall St. *The Diner, 2124 NW 39th *Jungle Red, The Habana Inn *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th *Triangle Association, 2136 NW 39th 501-253-6807 501-253-5445 800-231-1442 501-253-8748 501-253-2204 501-253-8281 405-528-5133 405-524-5733 405-525-2437 405-843-8378 Official cont’df om p. 1 what the political ramifications are~ on this. It’s a horrible, unbelievable tl~ing that this ctfild went through and they (homosexuals) destroyed her life.’" His comments have outraged local human rights commission members and gay and lesbian citizens in Spokane and nationwide, and have called into question Dr. Amend’ s ability to perform his job as a medical official. The controversy has also stirred up scrutiny of homophobia and AIDSphobia in the medical profession in general. The body of young Rachel Carver was found near the Spokane River on June 15. The gid’s disappearance and murder has shocked the local community. Police arrested heruncle, Jason Wickenhagen, who confessed to the killing. The autopsy indicated the girl had been beaten to death and repeatedly sexually assaulted. KXLY Television local news reported that court records show Rachel’sfather, uncle and her mother’s boyfriend are all suspected of molesting her over the years. Although there i~ no evidence whatsoever that Rachel Carver was ever abused by a homosexual, Dr. Amend took the opportunity of releasing his autopsy report to condemn gays and blame them for th~ spread of AIDS. Dr. Amend’s comments, as reported by KXLY and the Spokesman-Review, inelude: "It’s a crime that we don’t expose the homosexual community, and it is not just a simple...aberrant sexual activity. It is significant when it takes in innocent minds like this Carver gal~ :’I think it (homosexuality) is an aberrant sex activity that is promoted by the thoughts and sensations that are associated with the sex act that drive people to do...abaormal things and animalistic things and as a result bring about cancers and death on the part of the recipients and the active individuals." Until now, nobody has ever blamed or linked the death ofRachel Carver to homosexUality or AIDS. In follow-up interviews in the Spokesman-Review and other local media, Dr. Amend said, "AIDS is a disease that comes from anal intercourse and homosexuals have anal intercourse. As a physician, my job is to try to control disease. ’’It can’t be normal considering the impact it has on the lifestyle and death of people with AIDS...the bottom line, it (AIDS) wouldn’t have started if there wasn’t homosexual activity that brought whatever causes AIDS...reactivity of sperm in the rectum or whatever," said Amend. There was no indication from the autopsy report whether Rachel Carver had HIV orAIDS, nor was there an explanation from Dr. Amend of why he was directly linking HIV to this murder case. The Spokane Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has called for Dr. Amend’s resignation, saying, ."Dr. Amend has scapegoated an entire group of people. His comments are personal in nature and devoid of fact. Most sex crimes are not perpetrated by gays or lesbians, but by heterosexual males. Homosexuality and pedophilia are not the same thing. The SHoRC welcomes the opportunity to help the public distinguish between the myth and reality regarding our gay and lesbian neighbors." Members of the local gay commumty are now considering a recall campaign against Amend. Robert Bray, spokesperson and field organizer with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the nation’s oldest gay, lesbian and bisexual civil rights group, released the following statement: Party Pics: Black &White-Party & More Dr., Amend’s bigoted mid unconscionable comments are revolting; medically unsound and dangerous. He is fueling an environment of harassment and violence and has endangered the lesbian, gay and bisexual.citizens of Spokane. His p,.oiso~ ous prejudice and erroneous ’facts" prevent him from serving the health and medical wall-being of his community. We call on citizens of Spokane, the soentificmidhealth professions, and all people of conscience to stop this medical monstrosity. Dr. Amend makes two wildly inaccurate assumptions. First, that sexual abuse is only a gay phenomenon, and, second, being gay equals AIDS. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and.numerous national and international medical groups report that HIV affects men, women and children regardless of their sexual orientation. AIDS is the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 40. HIV does not discriminate, Dr. Amend does. The July 1994 issues of Pediatrics, the jonmal of the American Academy of Pediatrics and child welfare workers, reports that a child’s risk of being molested by a heterosexual may be more than 100 times greater than being abusedby a homosexual, lesbian or bisexual. The report, conducted by the University of Colorado, states, "No evidence is available from this data that children are at greater risk to be i molested byidentifiable homosexuals than by other adults," said the report. Dr. Amend’s assertions about the victimization of young Rachel are based on loathsome and medically indefensible stereotypes and mistruths. They are also seriously insensitive. Althou~,,h he is enrifled to his personal opinions, he cannot use his public health position to spew bigotry. Ima~neif you are the traumatized parent of a person who has died of AIDS, or of adeceased gay son or daughter, and you must take the body to Dr. Amend. It boggles the mind at how shockrag, tragic and incompassionate Dr. Amend’s statements are to the family of Rachel Carver & the citizens of Spokane. We support the call for his immediate resignation. We also call on public offi- Cials of Spo-kane particular the County ,Commissioners -- and clergy, elected officials, the media, medical, child welfare and educational leaders of the community to condemn the doctor’s statements. Silence equals complicity and allows bigotry to perpetuate. Photos: JD Jamett Unfortunatdy, Dr. Amend’s comments reveal a larger problem not endemic to Spokane. He is ali~ensed doctor as well as an elected Official. Despite the advances inmedical and scientific research onAIDS and homosexuality, prejudice and bigotry still permeate the medical profession. Blind prejudice allows physicians such as Dr. Amend to practice medicine and matriculate through the medical acadelmc system. Therefore, we also call on the American Medical Association and other professional coroner, medical school and health professional groups, especially those in the state Of Washington~ to con’- demnhomophobic andAIDSphobicrhetoric of its practitioners such as Dr. Amend. We urge them to implement ongoing trainings that sensitize medical practitioners to the facts about being gay. NAMES cont’dfromp. 1 In September, Movies 8 will host two special screening of the film, "The Sum of Us". The film is based on an Australian play about the lives oftwomen, a "straight" father and his Gay son. The Sept. 5 showing will be followed by a reception at the Holiday Ima Holidome and a second benefit Screening will be held on Sept. 6. For more info. call 748-3111. News B.... riefs News Briefs. News. Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Zimbal~qb.,B6bk Fair allege they possess under the document as "nihilistic" and originalERAin guaranteeing the thinks are important to the com- ExcludesGa-ys . rubri(sofindividualfreedomand thredatened to urgethe comltry’s equal rights of women - and munity where she has lived for HARARE, Zimbabwe-Thefu- !humanrights,indudingthefree- largerCatholicp~,p~tiontovote would assure a constitutional more than 10 years. tureofsub-SaharanAfrica’slarg- dom of the press to write, pub- against the b"on~tJtution if right to abortion and the equal Prosoeutor Dumped est publishing event, theZimba- lishandpublicizetheirliterature changes aren’t made. rights of gays and lesbians. bwe International :Book Fair, onthem?" Gay-Friendly Baptist Patricia Ireland, NOW’s presi- After Anti-Gay Remarks appears to.be.up in the air fol- In a press statement, GALZ Churches May BePurged dent, said,"It’soneofthosetimes SAN FRANCISCO-Califorma lowing the expulsion of a gay said it was "deeply concerned by when we’re going to try very Attorney General Dan Lungren and lesbian rights group and PresidentMugabe’sstatementon SAN FRANCISCO - The hard to be leaders rather than hastakenAndrewLoomis,astate opening day remarks., by Presi- homosexuals at theoffici,al open- American Baptist Church, the followers.of our movement." deputy attorney general, off a dent Robert Mugabe who de~ ing of the ZIBF’95. This year’s smallest of the Baptist denomi~ federal bias lawsuit case after scribed homosex~alz. ~ as Book Fair was intended to pro- nations in the U.S. with only ..~T:he. new.., proposed ERA, ...... which is in draft form .within Loomis defended the discharge ¯,sodomists,,aiid,,Oerv~t~.~vh0 mote..dialbgiieab0uthum~an;i~ht som(~ 1.25 million members na- NOW currently, says that "’atl of a gay man ~fr0m the.~ed wah~:t~ h~v~ ~e~ ii~. ~ub~ic ~d i~uess0itisunfoi:tunat~fllatthe donWide, may be poised to bepersons shall l~ve equal rights tbrces bexzause~’theConstifiition are ’~extree,m,ly...o.u.trageo"us.-~~" and~~’ top government officials re- gin. a purge Of local congregaand privileges without discrimi- does no,trecog~ize anything sperepugnmat. ’: ’ ’ S~c~lOl~nandfr~e discussion lions that accept gays mad lesbi.-~ nation on account of sex, race, cial ~bbut lfi~ owfffa~orite-~aasty Ti~ tileme o~t~iS year;S bobk needed to reduce prejudice ans among their ranks.. Backers sexual .orientation, marital sta- habitS" and apparently comparfair ironically is "human rights Phelps Kin Convicted of the move to oust the churches ms, etlmicity, national origin, iug homosexuals to child mosay they are "in direct opposiand freedom Of expression" and EMPORIA, Kan. - A Lyon color or indigence." After de- lesters. tion to the national principle was expected to draw represen- County, Kansas, jury has found bate, the NOW delegates added "Uudisputably homosexual adopted by the [American] Bap- tative of some 450 publishers Benjamin Phelps, a grandson of 2more categories to thelist- age acts are despised by a great protist Church" that "homosexualfrom more than 40 countries, notorious anti-gay picketer Fred and disability. Ireland saidofthe portion of the voters," L0omis ity is a sin." The Gay and Lesbian Associa- Phelps, guilty of battery for spit- _ new proposal, "We’re not naive wroteindefendingthedischarge Four S an Francisco area don of Zimbabwe (GALZ) had tingonJeroldBergerduringone There’s not one of us that of Lt. Andrew Holmes from the churches are the first targets of .... California National Guard. ,already been given a booth at the of the many demonstrations led does not know we are starting at lair to distribute educational lit- an expulsion campaign by other ground-zero." The 1 st ERA was Those oters have acted through by Phelps and his family mem- Baptist pastors that will be taken erature, but in late July, under bets. The Phelps grandson is 20 passed by Congress in 1972, but their president and their ConupinSeptember whenthe Amerigovernment pressure, the orga- years old and is the first of the narrowly failed to be ratified by gress to rid themselves of those canBaptist’swestemboardholds mzers of the book fair canceled extremist family picketers to be enough states to be added to the acts. In truth, there is no further its regular annual meedng. Out the GALZ reservation. Interna- convictedofacrimesincePhelps Constitution. justificationformostchaptersof tional rights .organizations of that regional board meeting thecriminallaw. And therefore," begandemonstratingagainstho- could come a call for a national Pastor Fired for sharply condemned the expul- mosexuals in 1991. Loomis wrote in a footnote to s~on of GAI_Z, a protest letter convention of the denomination Mari~ing L~bian Couple the court document, "it is still While the conviction is likely signed by hundreds of interna- to decide if gay-friendly Ameri- PATCHOGUE,N.Y.-TheCon- okay to be "prejudiced’ or ’bi- to be appealed by the family, the - - - can Baptist churches can remain gregationalChurchofPatchogue ased" against crirmnals, such as tionalliterary and publishing fig- younger Phelps faces a possible in the ABC or not. on Long Island has voted 84-67 molesters and pederasts, and to ures- including Nobel literature maximum $1,000 file and 6- l_e,aders of the churches that to fire the church’s pastor, the fire them forit." winners Nadine. Gordimer of month jail term on the charge, South Africa and Wole Soyinka accept gays,who formed theAs- Rev. RenwickJackson. Jackson Lungrenalsosaidhewassend- Phelps followers and family QfNigeria- was sent to the fair’s sociation ofWelcoming andAf- was dismissed by the congrega- ing a personal letter of apology members are being tried in 6 orgmtizers, and 4~ members of firming Baptists in 1992 which tion because he married a les- forLoomis’remarkstoU.S.Dis- other cases in the county resultnowincludes some30ABCcon- bian couple in the church which trict Judge Saundra Brown the fair’s governing board re- ing from protest activities by.the gregations in the U.S,, are pre- was first set up in this country Armstrong who is the presiding signedinprotest.Inaddition, the far-right minister, pared to fight the effort to oust more than 200 years ago by judge hearing Holms’ challenge Pt.~blisliing Assn. of South Af- Polish Church: Anti-Gay themfrom the regional groupof American colonists who were to the so-called "don’ t ask, don’t nca (PASA), .the largest exhibi- WARSAW- In whatmay be its AmericanBaptistcongregatious. looking for a "free and open tell" policyexcludinghomosexu- for at the fair, broke off negotia- most aggressive move into Eu- The Rev. Jim Hopkins of the place" to worship, als fromthe military. Lungren’s lions for a.joint sub-continent ropean politics in decades, the Lakeshore Ave. Baptist Church Transsexual Runs for office =nade the announcement l~x~k fair being discussed for Catholic Church in Poland is in- inOakland,Calif.,saidhewould of Loomis’ removal from the next.year and threatened to comcreasingly becominginvolvedin fight the move to purge the 4 City Council plete’ly withdraw from the Zim- case after stateAssembly =Memthe government affairs of Po- churches in order "to keep that SAN BRUNO, Calif. ~- Alice ber JohnVasconcellos (D-Santa babwe,fairnext vear. land, according to a _report in the hallmark of Baptist religious Barnesannouncedhercandidacy Clara) demanded an apology In hi.s. openinff remarks at the New York Times. According to freedomfrombeingtakenaway." foroneof2openseatsontheSan from the state attorney general bookfair,Mugabesaid "Ifindit the paper, the church is even Lakeshore, along with New Bruno city council, saying she for what Vasconcellos called cxtrcmelyoutrageousandrepug- considering making an official Community of Faith Church in wanted to get on to "real cam- Loomis’ "hateful, homophobic nant to. my human conscience endorsement in the country’s SanJose, theFirstBaplistChurch paign issues" - which is why attack." that such i~mnoral and revulsive presidential elections later this of Berkeley and the San Leandro Barnes also-announced at the org,’ufivahons, like those of ho- year. During the lengthy process British Activists Protest Community Church, are the 4 same time that she is a transmoscxuals who offend both ofhammeringoutPoland’scon- churches, sexual. Barnes said she wasn’t Bishop’s Address against the law of nature and the stitution, church officials got NOW Proposes New ERA bringing"mytranssexualisminto LONDON - The British gay nlorals of religious beliefs es- theirway ondefiningthechurch- this...but I’m being realistic, rightsgroupOutRage!disrnpted poused by our society, should PHILADELPHIA - Flying di- That’s why I confronted it right the farewell sermon of the Rt. state relationship, and are now rectly against what many politi- up front." In a prepared state- Rev. John Taylor, the out-going have anx advocates in our midst insisting on anti-abortion provi- cal analysts see as a more conand even elsewhere in the sions and specific constitutional ment, Barnes said, "My life’s Bishop of St. Albans at the ca- servative swing in America, the world...If we accept homosexu- languageprohibitinghomosexu- challenge has been difficult and thedral northofLondon. The 10- alitvasaright,asisbeingargued National Organization for " alsfromteachinginthecountry’s Women at its annual convention personal. I makeno secret of it. minute demonstration was to It has not been a factor in my protest the bishop’s support of by the association of sodolnists public school system, has not only resurrected a proand scxual perverts, what moral Proposals currently included contributing to San Bruno’s the so-called"ex-gay group," the fiber sh~dlonr society ever have posed Equal RightsAmendment in the draft constitution would progress. It is not a campaign Courage Trust. In a press state~ deny o~gmtized drug addicts, to the federal Constitution, it is issue." In her campaign for a ment,GlennHaltonofOutRage! prohibitdiscriminationbasedon also suggesting a revised veror even those given to bestialJty, sexual orientation, but church seat on the council, Barnes said said, "Today’s action sends a the rights they might claim and sion that goes far beyond the ,, leaders have denounced the she wants to focus on issues she message to the Church of En- 1438 S. Boston, Tulsa Kerry $28/hour MASSAGE THERAPIST "Tension, Stress, or Injury" YMCA 515 S. Denver Tues.-Fri (12-8pm) (918) 583-6201, Ext. 19 News ,Briefs News Briefs-News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News gland that the lesbian and gay commumty will not stand by as the Chinch allows other gay peopletobedamagedinthename of their religion by’funda mentalist bigots. Weare seeking an unequivocal condemnation ofthe actions ofthe ex-gay groups from the church and will not stop our campaign of disruption until the church acknowledges its moral responsibilities." Anti-Gay Measure Ruled Unconstitutional BOISE, Idaho - Idaho’s Attorney General Alan Lance, a Republican, has issued a formal "certificate ofreview"including his opinion that the latest proposed anti-gay initiative by the Idaho Citizens Alliance is unconstitutional. Voters in the state rejected a similar ICA anti-gay amendment last year, which the attorney general at the time also considered unconstitutional. Brian Bergqnist, who led the organization against the 1994 ICA measure, said, "This opinion is devastating to the ICA because now two attorney generals, a Democrat and a Republican, have both advised them that their anti-gay initiative proposals are unconstitutional." Louganis’ New Role NEW YORK - The New York Times reports that Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis will be starring soon in the off- Broadway play by Dan Butler, "The Only Thing Worse You .Could Ha~e Told Me.’"The pi;iy is described as a "view of contemporary gay life as shown through several characters in 14 vignettes." Lougams has appeared in other theater productions, including mostnotably the hit "Jeffrey." Austria Activists to Out Catholic Bishops VIENNA - The Austrian gay rights organization, Vienna Homosexual Initiative (HOSI), has said it would out 4 of the country’s Catholic bishops at a press conference on Aug. 1 in what would be the first case of outing clergy in the overwhelmingly Catholic country. HOSI spokesperson Kurt Krickler said, "We’re not having a go at anyone, ,we’re just trying to show that bishops can be gay too." The HOSI activists say they decided on the more drastic measure of outing 4 of the country’s 16 bishops after Parliament delayed aproposal to lower the age b~ consent for homosexual acts from 18 to 14 years ofage, equalizing the consent laws with heterosexuals. The Catholic Church in Austria has been wracked with controversy since April.when an ex- Catholic schoolboy chargedthat Cardinal Hans Hermann Groer, the Archbishop of Vienna and the Austrian church’s primate, sexually mOlestedhim years ago. U. Of Texas May Offer Partners Benefits AUSTIN, Texas - When the Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple Computers took steps to open a facility in the suburbs near the Texas state capital last year, the company’s domestic partners policies erupted in months of controversy that eventually led to city voters repealing Austin’s domestic partner ordinance. Now, the Student Advisory Groupat the University ofTexas at Austin says it is considering recommending that the university’s board ofregents add partners benefits, perhaps as early as this September. Student leaders have said the benefits could range from library and sports passes for spouses to student family housing and health insurance benefits. Canadian Gov’t Admits Anti-Gay Discrimination OTrAWA - According to a report in the Toronto Globe & Mail, atforneys fighting a court case by the Canadian Union of Public Employees to extend survivor benefits to partners of same-sex couples, admitted in court that the government does in fact discriminate against gay and lesbian couples in benefits. But Brian Saunders, a government attorney, said the issue should be settled gradually by Parliament and notby the courts. "Parliament must be allowed to take an incremental approach to equality issues," Saunders told thejudge hearing the union case. Lesbians Win Bias Case VANCOUVER, Canada- Vancouver gynecologist Gerald Korn has been ordered to pay $3,000 in fines plus damages to a lesbian couple for refusing to artificially inseminate one of the women because they are lesbians. Dr. Tracy Potter and her partner, attorney SandraBenson, filed a complaint with the BritishColumbialmmanrights council after Kom refu_s,e~,insemination services Because of the couple’s sexual orientation. Kom had originally claimed he had refused his services because he didn’t want to get involved in any .possible child custody disputcs if the couple later separated. But the council ruled that he had refused to gi."ve the couple the kinds of serv|ces routinely available to heterosexuals solely because they are lesbians. Gay Em ployee Groups Gaining Ground SALT LAKE CITY - Accord- .ing to a report in the Salt Lake Tribune, gays and lesbians are organizing in the workplace not only nationally buteven in conservative Utah. While such gay and lesbian employee groups ,are fairly common in major urban areas with large and active gay populations, the paper reports that late last year, when American Express Travel Related Services in New York authorized minority employee groups at the firm,, the Utah branch was the first to organize a gay workers group - Gay & Lesbian Organization to Build Equality (GLOBE). Despite the state’s stannchly conservative image, govenmaent workers with Salt Lake County have also formed the Gay & Lesbian Employees Assn. (GLEA), and last year workers with AT&T’s Lesbian and Gay United Employees (LEAGUE), alsofornaally organized ~at the ’tdephone giant’s offices in Utah. in May, US West’s EmployeeAssn: forGays & Lesbians (EAGLE) also hosted a regional conference of other EAGLE groups. Ultimately, the gay and lesbian employee groups say it is the company itself that benefits from such worker organizations since they help generate a sense of loyal~ty. "It’s much easier now for employees to be out in the work force mid not worry about repercussious from the boss," says Richard Cottino at US West. "They know file company is behind them "" Compromise on Rights Revision in Salt Lake City SALT LAKE CITY - Under pressure from local mid national gay rights activists, the Salt Lake County Board of Cormnissloners voted not to remove protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation in county governmentand services. The Gay and Lesbian-Utah Democrats in Salt LakeCity had threatened to lead:a nationwide boycott if the commissioners gutted the county’s anti-bias ordinance: County officials said they wanted tomakethechanges to avoid potentially costly lawsuits byunmamedcounty workers’sdeking insurance benefits under the anti-discrimination code. Under political pressure, the commisSibn decided not to adopt broader revisions that would have removed all references to protected classes, including sexual orientation, and instead made changes that re~ strict some county worker benefits and services not specifically required by state or federal law. Because domesdc partner benefits aren’t mandated by either Utah or U.S. law, the compromise measure would exclude the county from. being required to provide partner benefits to unmarried or gay and lesbian couples. But it would not remove existing explicit protections based on sexual orientation or marital status. Ill a news statement, Michael Aaron, chair of GLUD, said, "We’re pleased that the board has agreed to keep the protection of equal-employment rights for bisexual, gay and lesbian people ~n county government. But, it’s discouraging to us that ,this action further destabilizes samesex partnerships andfamilies.by making it morse difficult for:bisexual, gay and lesbian.county employees to receive the same benefits like health care for their same-sex partners.’" Sports Bar Bias Lawsuit CHICAGO - A popular sports bar in the Chicago suburb of Harwood Heights, the Sidelines, has settled a discrimination lawsuit filed by 4 gay men - Steven Kleinedler, Robert Castillo, Craig Teichen and John Pelmycuff. In March 1994, the owner of Sidelines had the 4 men arrested because they were dancing with each other at the bar. The disorderly conduct charges against the 4 men were later dismissed, but they filed a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, charging discrinlination based on sexual orientation. The bar will have to pay the 4 men aal undisclosed amount in damages and attorneys’ fees, a $2,000 fine to Cook County, and put upnotices in the popular, predominately straight bar promising to abide by the county’s anti-bias code, which prohibits disc rimination based on sexual orientation. State Official Comes Out MONTPELIER, Vt. - Ed Flanaga~2 Vermont?s state attditor, has Come out during an interview with the Burlington (Vt.) FreePress. Flanagan has held the auditor’s post for more than 2 years, turning the usually donothing post into a high-profile office that’s criticized many of the state’ s toppoliticians for what Flanagan sees as a failure ofsome state officials to serve the public interest adequately. Flanagan said he had decided to take the step of going completely public after marching in this year’s gay pride parade in Burlington and because of what he sees as growing anti-gay bias nationally. "I think .public bigotry creates a moral obligation to respond publicly," he said. Ex-Congressman From Mississippi Dies of AIDS SILVER SPRING, Md. - Jon Hinson, the.former Mississippi member of,~ongress mad conservadve Republican; has died of an AIDS-related illness. Hinson resigned hisHouse seat during hi.s 2nd term, ’of office after he was arrested on charges of having sex with another mma in a federal office building in 1981: Hinson acknowledged that he was in.fac~ gay’after his resignation and went oh to Work for the gay rights moV(m~nt. He helped found the statelrbbying group Virginians for Ju’sffce and Fairfax Lesbian &Gay°~itizens Assn. Lesbian Sunday ’Si~hool Teacher Forced to Quit GLASGOW, Scotland - Le~ley Craise, an openly lesbian Sunday school teacher, has been forced to leave the Presbyterian Church of Scotland after telling teenagers in her Bible classes that Goddidn’t have to be viewed as a male. Craise?s supporters said she was beihg forced out of the church because of the homophobic views of some members of her congregation. Two other Sunday school teachers in the church have also resigned in protest. BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria ¯ 743-5272 Corner of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely infOrmation. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 -QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash pay~nent from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individtml term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical setflemeut is determined by the specifics of your policy and your mfique medical s~tuation Not every policy is suitable for viaucation, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% ofa policy"s face value, depeuding on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written permission, we gather medical mad insurance records with Wlfich to determine your policy’s value Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer ~vith no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment ~s made directly to you. You pay notlfing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors i~ffluence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial altemative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and .your family in person, in detail and can reco~mnend ma experienced Certified Financial Pla~mer to assist you in pl,’uming the best outcome from your umque financial situation, HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many companies offer viatical settiements, doing business o~fly by bulk advertising mad 1-800 numbers. They transferyourinsurance andmedical records by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, we believeyou should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local commumty. By working with you in person, but at the same rune having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other compames take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Southwest a cal Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 Health Briefs Health Company to Give Away Experimental AIDS Drug WASHINGTON - Merck & C~. has agreed to giveits experimental AIDS drug Crixivan away topeople in the later stages of the diseasefollowingdemands byAIDS activists who believe the ’still clinically unproven drag can help keep people alive longer. Hoffman-La Roche announced a similar program for its experimental drug Invirase earlier. Both drugs arein afamily of medications known as protease inhibitots, which are being tested by about a dozen drug companies. Early studies indicate the drugs can remove a significant amount of HIV from the bloodstream, although the virus that remains appears to devdop resistance to them~ Merck & Co. notified some 130,000 doctors that it will give Crixivan to about 1,400 patients in later stages ofAIDS without charge. Supplies are limited, Merck officials say, because of the difficulty ofmaking the drug, so the company is restricting the distribution to those with extremely impaired immune systems.Those interested in the Merck program can call 1-800-497-8383. Study Raises Questions About Early Medical Intervention LONDON - A study published in the British Medical Journalindicates that the limited array of AIDS medications appears to delay the onset of symptoms early in the infection, but may actually shorten the survival time of people with the disease in the long term. The Study examinedthehealthhistories of436people -.339 who began taking anti-AIDS medicines shortly after first learning they were infected with HIV, and 97 who didn’t begin taking medications until they had already developed full-blown AIDS and Briefs Health Briefs Health Briefs Health become gravely ill. Dr. Mark Poznansky, the lead researcher in the study, reports that people who started treatment early on in the infection experienced fewer ailments related to AIDS. But the study also found that once they became seriously ill, they lived on average a year less than patients whohad not begin treatment until they were severely sick with AIDS-related illnesses. The study raise~ questions ofwhetherthe short-termbenefits ofwarding off symptoms outweighs the shortened life span. Vitamin A May Help HIV Babies WASHINGTON - A report published in the current issue of the American Journal ofPubtic Health by researchers in South Africa suggests there may now be hope for giving newborns infected with HIV a better lifeby ~vingthemmoderately large doses of vitamin A. The Natal University. doctors studied 118 infants born to HIVpositive mothers. Half the babies were ~ven vitamin A, while the other half were given placebos. All the infants who received the vitamin A supplements - regardless of their HIV status - had fewer illnesses. According to Dr. Anna Coutsoudis, a Natal University pediatrics professor and lead author of the study, the vitaminA made a much larger difference among the infants infected with HIV. If other researchers confirm the effectiveness of vitamin A, it could substantially reduce hospital and health-care costs for infants infected with the virus. Senate Rebuffs Helms on AIDS WASHINGTON- The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved continued funding for the Ryan WhiteCAREAct,which had been delayed by Sen. Jesse Helms (RN. C.) for month~. AIDS, Helms had said, is a disease perpetuated by "the offensive "madrevolting conduct of gay men." Helms, one of the most homophobic members of Congress, tried unsuccessful to turn the reauthofizafion of the bill into a referendum on homosexuality, charging that "Congress is falling all over itself to do ~vhat the homosexual lobby is almost hysterically demanding that Congress do." Helms also insisted that the federal government spends more money on AIDS than it does on,cancer and heart disease. But even fellow Republicans disputed Helms figures. "HIV/AIDS receives $5.4 billion, cancer $15 billion, and heart disease $34billion," said Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum (R.) on the Senate floor. As chair of the Labor and Human Resources Committee her figures apparently impressed the senators moie than Helms’ attacks on gays and lesbians. In the end, Helms could get only 2 other Senators - Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Robert Smith (RN. H.) - to side with him in the 97-3 lopsided vote to refund the act. President Clinton lashed out at Sen. Jesse Helms, saying it was "luSt wrong" for the North Carolina Republican to advocate curlingfederal AIDS researchfunds for the deadly epidemic because he believes that people who have it are immoral. "The gay people who have AIDS are still our sons, our brothers, our cousins, our citizens. They’re Americans, too," Clinton said in a speech at Georgetown University. "They’re obeying the law and workinghard. They’re entitled to be treated like everybody else.’" Russia Stalls HIV Testing Law MOSCOW-Claiming that the necessary paperwork and administrative procedures had not yet been worked out, the Russian Briefs Health Briefs foreign and health mimstries have announced that the country’s new ~nandatory. HIV testing law had not gone into effect o n Aug. 1 as it had been slated to. The legislation would require all foreign visitors staying in the country for more than 3 months, along with some Russian citizens, to certify that they are not infected with HIV. The 2 government nnnistries have had ongoing troubles working out the details of the complex and somewhat vague law between them. Flu Shots May Stimulate HIV LOS ANGELES Scientists at the University of California’ s Los Angeles AIDS Institute report in the current issue of the journal Blood that even the mild stimulauon to the body’s immune system that results fromaninfluenza vaccinationmay stimulate the growth of HIV in infected individuals. Dr. William O’Brien of UCLA, who headed the research team, said the people infected with HIV should _ still get flu shots because"actual infection with influenza may be more damaging." But he added that patients with advanced AIDS may not be good candidates to receive flu vaccinations. "’Perhaps these patients should not be vaccinated." he said, noting that they do not respond well to the flu shots. FDA OK’s Baboon Marrow Swap SAN FRANCISCO - Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco and the University of Pittsburgh have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to go, ahead with a bonemarrow transplant from a baboon to Jeff Getty, a38-year-oldman with AIDS. The untested mad potentially dangerous transplant procedure is intended to help rebuild see Health Briefs, page 13 Fi_~ELITY HO_tv~E H E_ALTH CA_RE, INC.. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-3 . .2 Weprovide comprehensive home health services 24 hourslday, seven daysiweek. The range ofservices include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) iHome health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. Jeffrey A. 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Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 No. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 TheBanned,OKGay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa Meeting, 6;30 pm Caoterbury, 5th&Evanston Info: 583-9780 MONDAYS HIT Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Results Hours: 7-9 pm Info: 7494194 -Lambda Bowling League Sheridan Lanes 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan TUESDAYS Minister’s Class Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center 7:30 pm 2627-B East llth Info: 583-7815 ItIV+ Support Group ’ HIT Resource-Consortium 1:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H.I Into: Wanda @ 7494194 WEDNESDAYS AuthorityOfThe Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC Of Greater Tulsa 1623 North Maplewood Call 838-1715 for info. Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center Choir Practice 7 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Call 583-7815 for info. Family Of Faith MCC Poduck 6:30 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 8 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. THURSDAYS - 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Women’s support group Community of Hope 1347 North Yale Call 838-7232 for info. Co-Dependency Support Group Weekly meeting, 7:30. Family of Faith MCC. 5451-E South Mingo Call 622-1441 for Info. HIT Testing TOIIR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in test hours: 7 - 8:30 pm Results Hours: 7 - 9 pm Call 74%4194 for info. Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 North Maplewood. Call 838-1715 for info. Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th St. SATURDAYS ¯ Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Provides confidential sup.port for recovenng addicts. Community of Hope. 1347 North Yale Call 838-7232 for info. AUGUST 15-27 Community ofHope Building Fix-up Voluuteers needed! Info: 838-7232. FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 HIT Prevention Community Planning Group, 1-4 pm Collins Room, 1430 S. Boulder Info: Tommy Chesbro, 582-7225 SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 OK Pride Summit Meeting, 11 am Alan Chapman Student Center, TU Info: 832-0233 Tulsa Musicians at Herland Ctr, 7 pm 2312NW39th,OKC,Info: 405-521-9696 Community ofHope Dance Class, 8 pm 1347 North Yale, l.fro: 838-7232 SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 ACLU-OK Gay Rights Project Tulsa Brunch, Suggested Donation, $35 Info: 405-524-8511 MONDAY, AUGUST 21 Family ofFaith Metropolitan Commun~ Church Membership Class #2, 6 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 - Rainbow Business Gui/d, 7 pm Olive Garden Restaurant, Utica Square Dinner Meeting, Iflfo: 832-0233 THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 Green CountryPrideMonthlyMtg, 7pm The Question ofEquality video preview Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Traus Civil Rights Org. Tulsa Central Library, 4th & Denver Groundft. Preview Room, Info: 838-2121 FRIDAY, AUGUST. 25 HIT Prevention Community Planning Group, 1-4 pm Collins Room, 1430 S. Boulder Info: Tommy Chesbro, 582-7225 FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 Womens Coffee House, 6:30-8:30 pm Gold Coast Coffee, 3509 S. Peoria Info: p~ge: 646-6455 " Mr. Gay Oil Capital Concessions, Info: 744-1177 SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 Prime Timers 2nd Anniversary! Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74128 Feast with Friends Fundraisers The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Finale atSo. Hills Marriott, 748-3111 TUESDAY, AUGUST 29 Community ofHope Feed the Homeless 1347 North Yale, 5:30 pm Info: 838-7232 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30 Commun~ ofHope Moving Day, 9 am 1347 North Yale, Info: 838-7232 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Friends in Unity Social Organization FUSO: African-American Men of Diverse Orientation, 16th Annual Picnic Call for location andmore info: 425-4905 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Friends in Uni~ Social Organization 4th Anniversary Banquet, 8 pm Doubletree Downtown, Info: 425-4905 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Tulsa Oklahomansfor Human Rights Monthly Members Meeting, 7 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Gathering Room Info: 743-4297 The Sum ofUs Patrons Benej~ Premiere & Reception, 7 pm The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Movies 8, $15 donation, Info: 748-3111 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Green Country Pride Speakers Bureau Meeting, 7 pm Tulsa Central Library, 4th & Denver Groundft. Preview Room, Info: 838-2121 Sum of Us Benefit Screening, 7:30 pm The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Movies 8, S10 donation, [nfo: 748-311t THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Positively Negative - Dialogue, 7:15 pm lnfo: Jason at 742-2927 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Dignity/Integri~ (RCIEpis. Ministry) Monthly Meeting & Pothwk, 5pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 298-4648 Family ofFaith MCC 6th Anniversary Dance, 7 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 Mr. Tulsa Leather The Silver Star Saloon, Info: 834-4234 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Family ofFaith MCC, 6th Anniversary Celebration Service, 11 am 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 Prime Timers Monthly Meeting Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74128 Community ofHope Commu~ Gift Shower & Meal, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 HIV & AIDS in the Womens Community, .7 pm City of Tulsa Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, Info: 596-7411 Lambda Bowling League Organization Meeting, 8 pm Sheridan Lanes, 3121 S. Sheridan TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 HIT Prevention Community Planning Group, 1-4 pm Collins Room, 1430 S. Boulder Info: Tommy Chesbro, 582-7225 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Green Countryfor Human Rights League Monthly Meeting, 6 pm Muskogee Lib., P.O. Box 614, 74402 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Vicki Robinson Softball Tournament Info: TNT’s 660-0856 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Family ofFaith MCC, Marsha Stevens Concert. 7 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Family ofFaith MCC Rev. Elder Troy Perry Preaches & Ordains Rev. Nancy Horvath. 11 am 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 Vicki Robinson Softball Tournament Info: TNT’s 660-0856 Community ofHope Blessing & Celebration ofNew Space, 6 pm 1703 E. 2rid St., Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Rev. Nancy Horvath Installed as Pastor ofFamily ofFaith MCC. 6 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Tulsa Oklahomansfor Human Rights Monthly Board Meeting, 7 pm 40th.& Harvard, Info: 743-4297 OTHER GROUPS Gay &.Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, Info: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’sActivityNetwork Call 832-2121 TOHR Anonymous HIT Testing Clinic Daytime testing by appt. M-Th., 10-5pm Info: 749-4194 TOHR Helpline, Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to volunteer: 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians, Leather org., Info c/o The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform &LeatherSeekersAssoc. Info: 838-1222 Wed. Night Women’s Supper Club Varying locations 2nd or 3rd Wed. each month. Info: Helpline: 743-GAYS Dine Out Pizz6ria & Espresso 1344 e. 15th 58203456 FAMILY FINANCES Developing a College Savings Plan Shouldn.’t Require a PhD by Leanne Gross Acollege education continues to be one ofthe smartestinvestments youcanmakefor you and your children. College enriches a young person’s life in may ways, generatingimportant intangible benefits - new ideas, broader experiences, cultural awareness and self-confidence- as wall as the tangible ones that accompany higher earning power. In fact, it’s hard to find an investment that delivers better value than a good education. Studies show that people with at least four years of college have the potential to earn hundreds ofthousands of dollars more over their lifetimes than those who never attend college. While most parents realize the value of a good education, hdping their children pay for college is a different matter. Over the past 10 years, college costs have increased, faster than the rate of inflation, whilefunds availablefor scholarships and financial aid have decreased. ¯ How do college bills get paid? ......... Motiiating college costs have forced parents and students to become more creativein their search for funding. There are three main ways to pay for college: Grants and/or scholarships. Financial grants are an unpredictable source of funds. Grants are usually based on financial-need tests that exclude many middle-income families. Also, it’s difficult to know whether or not your child will be eligible for scholarships in the future, Loans Banks, civic organizations, colleges, and federal and state governments sponsor loan programs. There are, however, two main drawbacks to borrowing for college: The amount of the loan is limited by thefamily’s (or the student’s) ability to repay and the loan (plus interest) becomes a long-term financial burden. Family Resources This category includes family savings, life insurance and student earning. Of course,family contributions vary, depending on the earmng of the parents and on the fees chargedby the school in question. Getting Started If you have college-bound children, start a savings plan as soon as possible. The best time to begin is when your child is born. But even if the child is already in school, it’s not too ]ate. No matter how little or how much you put aside, the sooner you develop a systematic savings plan, the more time you’ll have to accumulate the funds you.need, When you set up your funding plan, make sure that it’s: Realistic. You’ll need toknow-roughlythe total amount ofmoney your child will need to attend college. This information can be obatained from your local library, your financial advisor or the college in question (if known). Flexible. A good plan offers a choice of funding vehicles (e.g., life insurance, mutual funds, bank products) to accommodate your risk tolerance, time frame andfinancial goals. Someare tax-deferred, offering you even more attractive benefits. It also should allow you to choose how you want to contribute money to the plan-monthly, quarterly, annually or in a lump sum. Inflation-adjusted. Your college funding goal may be a moving target-moving beyond your reach-unless your plan takes inflation into consideration. Do Your Homework A lot has been written about college funding over the past few years, so do your homework. Go to the library and check out what the experts have to say. Weigh the alternatives against your needs and your financial situation. Once you have anideaofyourrequirements, give us a call.Wecanhelp you devise a plan that’ s geared to your needs, and finances. We even have a computerized software program that will help you save as painlessly as possible. But, be sure to keep in mind these five important tips: 1. Know your goal. As with any financial plan, determininghow muchmoney you’ll need will hdp determine the parameters of your plan, 2. Start early. The key to successfully saving enough money is to begin as early as possible. No matter how little or how much you put aside, the sooner you desee Finances. page ]4 Timothy Daniel Attorney at Lax 7 Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, rsonal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. r ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 prn Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah.6:8 I 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Heirloom Designs Gifts, Fragrances, Crystal, Bears, Antiques, Brass, WomensBoutique, CompleteInterior&ExteriorDesign 2814 Easl 15lh Slreel, 742-5665, Across from Carpel Cily Politics cont’dfromp. 2 ~ forming .their agenda into policy. In Arizona, where the Radical Right has a wo~kingmajority ofthe state Republicanpart~’s governing body, the governor signed into law a measure prohibiting school districts from implementing any course of study that "promotes" a homosexual lifestyle or portrays homosexuality as a "positive alternative life-style." And Utah became the first state to impose an explicit ban on recognizing same-gender marriages that may be performed in other states. As these last examples suggest, the right wingis choosingits targets shrewdly. From a proposal in Oregon that would effeciively prohibitdoctors from performing alternative insemination on unmarried women--including lesbians - to a bill in Vermont that would ban adoption by unmarried couples and second-parent adoption, the Far Right is attempting to construct a barbed-wire fence of law and public policy. !ts purpose: to keep lesbians, gay men and bisexuals out of the territoly marked "children and family." The strategy speaks both to the history of gay oppression and to the contemporary state of lesbian and gay concerns. In the past, medical, legal, and religious discourse defined homosexuals in opposition to the heterosexual nuclear family. Inflammatory stereotypes definedqueers, .whether male or female, as predators seeking to invade the sanctum of thehome and to steal the young. For previous generations, the price of adopting a gay, lesbian or bisexual identity has often been to live outside the faniily. When a gay political agenda took shape after Stonewall, basic goals such as sodomy law repeal, civil rights protections, and the removal of the stigma of mental illness took precedence. But now, the gay community across the country is reclaiming family. Lesbians are choosing to have children, gay men are seeking to become foster parents, both men and women are insisting that their intimate partnerships be recognized by law. Lesbian, gay and bisexual parents want their children--and their children’s peers to be taught tolerance in school, while the parents and advocates of gay youth are insisting that the schools respond to the needs of their sexual minority students. In almost every area of public policy that impinges onfamily and youth, gay voices are being heard. These voices .are new, and not yet well orgauized.; And so the Radical Right has rushed into the void, playing-upon the emotional’ flashpoints that run through American :culture, and fomenting fear. It is not hard to do. With the crisis of family and community that Americans are living through, gay men, lesbians and bisexuals are easier, simpler-targets than a changing labor market with wage structures that compromise family stability, or school systems without the resources to educate. This year’s legislative record suggests that battles over family are likely to remain frontline conflicts. It also suggests that the gay community needs to apply to the arenaof family the lessons it has learned in its fight for health care and againsthate-motivated violence patient, deliberate, and sustained organization; broad-based education of sympathetic al - lies; and the careful articulation of an agenda rooted in the real needs of its members. Historian John D’Emilio is director of the Policy Institute at the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force in Washington, DC. Reviewed by Barry Hensley Supervisor, Circulation Department Tulsa City-County Library Currently,in our society, theword ’Tami! y" has a very specific meaning which includes a father, mother, children andthe extended, related family. This definition ofafamily follows a standard format during the family life cycle: courtship, marriage, children and anniversaries. Recently, lesbian and gay male couples have begun to create their own role models and traditions within the contextof their relationships, developing a broadened understanding of the word ’~famil y". In "The Lesbian- Family Life Cycle," author Suzatme Slater has produced a helpful guide to creating and maintaining a lesbian family. The first half of the book, which is an examinanon of ’~aaduring Realities of Lesbian Family Life," addresses stress, strengths and coping mechanisms, and lesbian families with children. The rest of the book is a stage-by-stage analysis of the lesbian life cycle. Stage One: Formation of the Couple, acknowledges that there are obstacles to overcome, such as isolation, lack of role models or mentors, the possibility of social stigma and, sometimes, a lack of compatibility. This chapter helps lesbians ...lesbian & male couples ~aaYve begun to create tl~eir own role models & traditions ...developing a broadenedur~der: - standl,n,~ of the word family" learn to create a persistent expectation that 10rig-term, devoted relationships are productive and possible.. Stage Two: Ongoing Couplehood, focuseson getting both partners to agree on commitment, living together, and the problems of distance.. Stage Three: The Middle Years, assumes that both partners persevere. The lesbian couple then experiences the unprecedented security and joy that deepened commitment has to offer. Stage Four: Generativity, looks beyond the earlier storms that partners have weathered and concentrates on other things, including, perhaps, children. Stage Five: Lesbian Couples Over Sixty-Five, describes a period.that can tast twenty years or more and includes retirement, financial and heal.th concerns and lesbian widowhood. ’The Lesbian Family Life Cycle" is a telpful guide, in a very readable format, which can help ’lesbian partners dare to redefine the very concept offamily and to design especially personalized approaches to their own family lives." Other new titles of interest include: ’Out of the Past: Gay and Lesbian History from 1869 to the Present" by Neil Miller ’$:reedom, Glorious Freedom" by John J. McNeill ’Queer Spirits: A Gay Men~s Myth Book" by Will Roscoe TWO for ONE SALE! Enjoy the ultimate in technology with Mitsubishi autos & electronics. Buy any Mitsubishi car before Sept. 11 & get. a 20" stereo TV or 4-head hi-fi VCR! Come in to register for big screenTV give-away! Y 50wS cont’dfrqm p.- 2 Measured that way, the ’50s wer~ a time of moral depravity transformed ’by the ’60s, a time of moral advance. Think about it: During the 1950s, racial segregation was the law of the land, enforced by state-sanctioned terror. People of dark skin color, for that reason alone, were not permittedto i~0te, Serve on-juries, enjoy, mainstream public accommodations like restaurants,movie theaters., ,h,otels and: swimfiiing ~pools,~euroll in ’white" public schools b~ e.Ven t~se certain public toilets. And they were not infrequently beatenorkilled ffthey tried. While all this w~ going on, children prayed every day in Southern schools. During the ’50s, women throughout the country were expected to be stay-home wives and mothers, denied equal opportunity in education andemployment and usually forced to risk degradation and death to terminate a pregnancy. It was not until 1965 that laws prohibiting even married couples from obtaining contraceptives were struck down. During the ’50s, gay men and lesbians lived secret lives, terrorized by the fear of revelation. Their most intimate, personal relationships were considered criminal in more than half the states. The disabled were hidden away as wall, their physical impediments disabilities compounded by imposed social and economicrestrictions. And free speech wasn’t so free either in the 1950s. Loyalty oaths prevailed, the attorney genera[~pt alist of disapproved political organi,~,~tions, the FBI infiltrated them and harass~d~p~ople whose views J. Edgar Hoover di~lh t like, and congressional committ~ summoned citizens to account for thei?:political beliefs and associations, recant and rat on their friends. Those who refused often lost theiijobs and some even went to jail: Signing the wrong petition or going to the wrong meeting was riskY business, despite what:¢ the First Amendment appeared to say. The ’60s changed muchof that. Jim Crow laws were dismantled and equal opportunity was guaranteed by enforceable laws for both women and racial nilnotifies. Other minorities were encouraged and emboldened by these startling gains and begantheir ownmovements for equal:¯rights. The government’s spying apparatus was dismantled .and discredited. Theroad to freedom and equal rights is arduous, and much of it still remains to be traveled. New road-blocks have been erected, threatening the progress made in the ’60s. Both the Supreme Court and congress are in full retreat on affirmative action remedies for race and gender discriminations. A purge of black members of Congress from the South is under way. Th6 separation of church and state, which protects religious freedom, ~s seriously threatened. The retreat back to the ’50s is certaluly under way. But were we a more moral nation when legalized racial segregation prevailed; when women were denied equal opportunity and forced to submit to back-alley butchers; when people were punished because o_f their polifical beliefs and associations? Abolishing these gross abuses of individual rights in so short a time was arguably the greatest moral advance this nation or any other nation has ever expe~ rienced. The notion that we are a less moral nation today than we were in the ’50s is a monument to historical revision- Ira Glasser is the executivedimctor of the American Civil Liberties Union. Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 South .Lewis Are you ¯looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further- information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Della Blackburn, CADC Richard Reeder, ~S Serving a Diverse Community Tropical Caribbean Feb. 11-18,1996, $795-1950 Deep Caribbean Feb. 18-25,1996, $795-1950 Mexican Riviera March 17-24,1996, $795-2495 French Canada June 30 - July 7, ! 996, $895-2295 Call International Tours 9z8-34/-6866 RSVP Methodist Comes Out ST. P,~UL, Minn. - The Rev. Jeanne PowerS, the associate general secretary of the 8-million-member United Methodist Church’s general commission on Chtistianunity andinterreligious concerns, told a meeting of UMC officials at Augsburg College that she has been a lesbian all her adult life and has served in the church despite rules against "selfavowed, practicing homosexuals." Powers, who is 63, made the revelation just one year before she is slated to retire as a "political act" to encourage church debate about ordaining gay & lesbian ministers. Powers is the highest ranking United Methodist Church official to reveal her homosexuality. ,I have been lesbian all my life," Powers said. ’~’ve never known my identity as otherwise." Powers Said she won’t resign as an ordained minister, nor will she turn overher ordination papers. If terminatedr as a minister,.Powers could lose some of her retirement benefits. Powers stopped short ofactually saying she is sexually active, a key point in the UMC prohibition, but she lives with her life partner and promised to answer any questions UMC officials may have. "If you’re called to do something, you take the risks," Powers said. ’~If I waited a year, until after my retirement, it would be too easy to discount me. What I need is a year to help the church struggle with this. If this act of resistance keeps the church restless about its understanding of homosexuality and the Christian faith, then I believe I will have continued my own commitment to working for justice and being a change agent in the church and the world. Order cont’dfrom p. ] governmentfor deciding who should have access to state secrets. McCurry noted in amaouneing the executive order that under the previous system, anindividual’s sexual orientation was often grounds for launching extensive background checks. The federal government, in fact, has a ~ long history of denying clearances to gays and lesbians: ... " Activists, :.many of whom backed Clintonwhenhe raft forpresidentin 1992, and whosesupport world help him in ~s expected re-election bid next year, ha;€~ long urged the administration to take tion to end discrimination against gay people in granting the important clearanceS. The order states simply, ’The United States government does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or sexual orientation in granting access to classified information." Leonard Hirsch, president of GLOBE (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Employees of the Federal Government), saidin thepress statement that the Clinton order "takes a very large step in removing the legal bartiers to equal treatment in the federal workforce. By explicitly including sexual orientationin thenon-disctimination statement, he finally expurgates decades of legal harassment and discrimination." The impact of the executive order goes beyondjustfederal employees sincemany private firms with government contracts may require workers at tbeir firms to have security clearances in order to work on sensitive or secret government jobs. PRIDEofowNr Renting and consideri0g Buying? Moving up or Investing? Credit Problems? Mortgages B~ Design will custom fit the right home loan to YOUR needs! 1~ LENDER Financing the AllAmerican Dream For Details, CalL" BUD WHARTON Vice President/Branch.Manager (918) 342-4252 Serving Tulsa and Surrounding Communities Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa74115, 838-1715 Need Help Selling Your Artwork ? The The Artists’ Guide to Selling~ is your answer g17.9~ " (inelude~ handling & OK taxeg) Mail Check w return address info to: Artists’ Guide, C/O Slash Pine Publishing ® Box 904186 Tulsa, OK 7410S Developed from Fortune S00 Training and IS yearg Sale~ experience, find designed to meet the ~peeific need~ of m-tigtg. Health Briefs Health Briefs.Health Briefs cont’d f~om page 7.....the patient’s im- ¯mune system in an effort to fight off fl~e disease. FDA regulators had scrutiniz~ed the transplant proposal because Of concerns that mixing baboonand human cells could introduce new diseases into the human population. Officials insisted that researchers take special precautions such as keeping Getty isolated for 2 to 4 weeks after the operation, saving tissue samples and close monitoring of the patient. The ~masplant would involve removing some ~GettY’s bone marrow to make room for .~.e baboon marrow, which doesn’t de- ~lop AIDS. The researchers are hoping tI~t l~tienew combinationw0uldhelp l~ulld anew immune system to fight the disease being challenged locally. Drug Task Force Under Fire WASHINGTON - The medical technology newspaper BioWorld Today reports that several key Clinton administration officials are increasingly frustrated with the work of the National Task Force on AIDS Drug Development, a federal panel set up 2 years ago to advise the government on AIDS drug treatment policies. The paper reports that Phil Lee, Assistant Secretary for Health, David Kessler, the FDA Commissioner, andHarold Varmus, director ofthe National Institutes ofHealth, and all members of the task force, have raised questions about whether the panel should be renewed When its current authorization expires in October. Non-administration members of the task force expressed frustrations with the panel as well. "In 2 years, we have nothing to point to,",Peter Staley of New York’s Treatment Action Group told the paper. But Staley said the fault wasn’t with the task force, but with the Clinton administration. "We had inadequate staff, a minuscule budget, a slow schedule, and not enough support from Kessler, ~ and Varmus," Staley said. More Condoms Needed in India NEW DELHI - The World Bank has urged the Indian government and health officials to emphasize malecontraception practices in the nation. The World Bank recommendation is aimed at both reducing the population gro.wth rate in the II!III robert owen freeman architectural & interior design consulting, architectural renderings pob 52621, tulsa, ok 7~,152 918.747.0880 Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 No. Cincinnati. 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanta PI., 742-7381 Trinity 501 So, Cincinnati. 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You world’s 2nd most populous nation.and at curbing the spread of HIV. The World Bank said there was a "pressing need to promote the use of condoms" in India where the "growing HIV epidemic makes greater use of condoms an urgent priority." AIDS Postman Fired CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The postal.letter carrierwho refused tQ d¢liyer,mail:to a couple who have AIDS won’t be deliverlng any moreU.S., mail for a while.’Tim Snodgrass says he was afraid of contract~ ing HIV from stamps.or envelopes Fred and Pat Grounds had licked. Snodgrass went throughan AIDS educational seminar at the main post office in the West Virginia capital, but when he had finished the course, Snodgrass insisted he had not changed his mind about his fears of being exposed to the virus. Hehas been fired for refusing to deliver the couple’s letters. Needle-Swap Program Works BOSTON - A state-funded study of the Boston-Cambridge based needle-exchange program, Project-A-HOPE, indi- .cates the project has lowered needle sharing among IV drug users, thereby reducing the risks of transmitting HIV. The study also found no indication that either drug use or crimes related to drugs had increased because of the exchanges. Frisco Giants Fight AIDS SAN FRANCISCO - The Giants have announced that its Aug. 13 game against the Chicago Cubs will be the pro baseball team’ s 2nd annual "Until There’s a Cure Day" fundraiser to fight the AIDS epidemic. The Giants are the only major league team to designate a regular season game to fighting the epidemic. ,!~Y Pat Morehead Life is like a box of chocolate, sticky and messy. If you don’t believe me just ask Hugh Grant! While I was looking for my limes, Hugh was looking for something else. What is going on out in LA LA Land? I mean we know what was up with Hugh Grant, nudge nudge, wink wink. Now weknow thatCharli~ Sheen spent 53 grand.fo~? hogkers.,First off, credit ~oes to Hugh .f0~ ~ompa’~ftive shopping~. But what’s With these guys? Did they miss the orientation class on the benefits of Hollywo0dfamemad fortune?HughandCharl~e are my picks for Dumb and Dumber, Part Two. And speaking of Dumb and Dumber, somebody in the County Commissioners office should be in the running as well. You don’t fund an operating budget (i.e. a jail of all things ) with a Sales Tax. What happens when theeconomy takes a header and we all quit spending? Evidently the Comm.issioners have already forgotten the recess~onary period in the eighties. Besides, I’m not supporting any added tax when we can’t even get recognition from the Human Rights Commission. So when the September Jail vote comes along, everyone in our commumty should go vote "NO". And you thought the only thing I thought about was Brads" butt. Hooooo, Brads’ butt....sorry, momentarily distracted. So, while I’m on political news I can’t let Ms. Vicki Cleveland get off without a word. And believe me, after her successful NO POOR PEOPLE CAN LIVE IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD deal, she really got off. Course that’s about the only way she could get off. In an e~fort .to appear Politically Correct she is rumoured to be planning an additional ordinance. This will be a Community Block Grant Development Fund to foster Miflti-Cultural un: derstanding, In effect CBGD funds (read tax dollars) will be awarded to families in qualifying income brackets to help with multi-cut~ral unders,t?),n~ding. ., t-f Iunders~tand th(~r0gram,C0rre~tl.y, it will w~ork some.~)ng like this. Ira family in her neighiaorhood hire~ fin Asian Gardner, tlae f~ifiiy wiil re~i~,e $30~000 in CBGD money. AnHisp~aiC hired, as. a domestic will be worth $20,000 andan English Nanny will be worth $22,500. An additional CBGD amount of $10,000 will go to the same family if they hire a French Au Pair after filling one of the above mentioned catagories. To apply for this Federal money you must meet the following requirements: I) Live within 5000 feet of Southern Hills Country Club, 2) contribute $5,000.00 or more to the Republican party and 3) be personal friends with Ms. Vicki. And you thought she wasn’t doing her part to advance multi-cultural understanding. That’s it for now, campers. Me, I’m headed back to rmx up another batch of Bloody Bulls, get naked and relax in the hot tub there to ponder the greater questions of life, like where do I find that Internet File with the pictures of Brad Pitt. Have a nice August aa.d don’t for_oct to vote NO on the Jail S~ Tax. ~ "Pat Morehead is a T~i~an whose commentaries focus on arti~olitics & Brad Pitt’s derriere. These vi~_s are notnecessarily those of Tulsa Family News. At Tomfoolery, coming out is what we’re all about. We’re Tulsa’s. original gay" "........ ~:~!:: & lesbian gift shop, and we’ve got the best selection of T-shirts, rainbow gear and novelty items in town. So what are you waiting for? Come on out today! 832.0233 ¯ 1565 S. Sheridan TOMFOOLERY! Finances, lO velop a systematic savings plan,the more time you’ll have. to accumulate the funds yon need. 3. Consider your time frame. Your savings strategy will depend, in part, on when your child enters college. If you have more than 10 years, youmay be able to afford a riskier investment that has greater potential for growth. On the other hand, if your child enters collge next year, you’ll need to be more conservative. 4. Remember inflation. 5. Be flexible. After all, saving for college shouldn’t require- an advanced degree. FOR SALE NEW AGE - GAY/ LESBIAN BOOK & SIDELINE STORE Open year round Low overhead - High profit Excellent Mom & Morn or Pop & Pop operation Downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas ¯ Hurry! This won’t last long. $29,600.00 plus inventory. Contact: Joe McClung McClung Realty 501-253-9682 ARIES March 21-April 20 You’reusually the assertive.type and often known for having a "me-first" attitude. But, this month, you get sweet, sensitive, and positively accomodating. A great 6me to make deals of any sort. People respond to your caring ways, and you get what you want in the process too. TAURUS April 20-May 21 You’ll be tempted to plant your hooves this month and say, "Enoughis enough;" though the better approach would be to ask politely for what you want, then compromise to get your wish. Focus on your work and your healthnow; both can cause problems if you ignore them. GEMINI May 2]-June 22 Relationships become an issue and, though you’re interested in intimacy, you’d rather be inti- . mate with a different lover every night of the week. Itmay be time for old, restrictive obligations to end. Think it over before you drop the axe, then do it as gently as possible CANCER June 22-July 23 Your home and the people in it become a big deal in a wonderful way. A good time to start a home-based business, or to clear the air and end old disputes with family, lovers and roommates. Things run so smoothly in your nest, you’ll be tempted to curl up and stay home as much as you carl. LEO July 23-August 23 One more month of clearing up old issues with family members and the people who share your home. The good news is that it’s almost over, and you can get rid of old unconscious habits and childhood issues once and for all. Bad news? Time to stop depending financially on the people you live with. VIRGO August 23-September 23 Time to use your famous planning and organizational skills for developing a long-term financial strategy. You have plenty of ideas and opportunities to build a secure foundation for your goals. Also a busy month of work, so try not to overheat on all the trivia. Use some of your time for strategy too. LIBRA September 23-October 23 You’re tempted to spend a lot of money on improving your appearance. A little bit of glamour is fine, but it is a better time to throw those dollars at something that hasmore potential for financial return. Think of the old saying, ’Nometimes "you have to spend money to make money." This month, it’s true for you. SCORPIO October 23-November 23 Another passionate month and, if you’re not trying to seduce anyone, it’s certain that someone has their eyes on you. Old emotional ties come back to the surface. It may be hard to put a past relationship out Of your mind, but now is an excellent time to release those ancient memories and get on with your li.fe. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23-Dec. 22 You want instant gratification, but you may have the opportunit), to learn the virtue of patience instead. Use your legendary optinusm to keep your spirits up instead of fretting over delays. You can inspire everyone in your circle by a live demonstration of the power of positive thinking. By month’s end, you’ll get what you’re waiting for. CAPRICORN Dec. 22-January 21 Casual acquaintances ate ready, willing and .able to help you achieve a long-cherished goal. Try to overcome your natural tendency to think, "But what do they wantfromme?" It’s no time for suspicion. You’vebeen working hard enough for long enough; now it’s time to use your social skills to push you over the top of the mountain. AQUARIUS Jan. 21-February 20 You’re usually the most expert team-player there is, butnow it’ s time to hog the limelight yourself. September brings a golden opportunity to show your stuff on the career front. It may seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day to fulfill all your obligations. Workovertimeifyouneed to, and make sure the boss no- [ices. PISCES February 20-March 21 You’re ending a ten-year period ofintellectual growth this month, a time when you have gathered the kind of important ideas that will likely lead to a whole new career. You may be tempted to cram your "insights" down the throats of everyone around you. Use the time to figure out how to put your ideas to practical use instead. Photograph J.D. Jamett 621-5597 Now serving Sunday breakfast, 7am-2pm A Accommodations VFrank Green, Jr. Host 50 Wall Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501/253-8281 A UTHENTIC ITA LL4 N CUISINE bRESH RAINB0lg TROUT of Eureka Springs Recommended by the New York Times (501) 253-6807 5 Center Street Closed ~tednesdar Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 0 ¯ ¯ Owners/Hosts: Maureen & Joyce The Purple Iris Inn RR 6, Box 339 Eureka Springs Arkansas 72632 501-253-8748 O000000000000000000000000000000 Jerry A. Wilson (so’q 253-7311 1-800-231-1442 KINGS HI-WAY INN 96 Kings Highway ¯ H~y. 62 W. ¯ Eureka Sprite, AR 72632 ¯ ® ¯ ¯ ¯ O ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ o ¯ O THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN 0¢Ve’ll print it here) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (.) ~ue Io our large volume of calls, it you can’t get lhru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 Tulsa HEY NOW: my name is Steven. I’m 31 y/o and I’m Ikg4 guy’s 18-50 for fishing, swimming and camping. I enjoy lee company of slightty aggressive men. =5354 Oklahoma ATTENTION: I’m 6ft, 1901bs, body builder type and very well built. I’m Ikg4 men. call me =5448 Oklahoma City WE CAN WORK IT OUT: I’m 27 y/o, 5’I 1, 2151bs. I like to work out and spend time outdoors. If you are 25-35, physically active and fit and enjoy !ife, call me. =46634 Tulsa NO PRESSURE "Gene, 6’2, 175, bre/bm, like the lake, movies, just being with another guy, in a relaxed atmosphere, like long walks and riding bikes, just being with a good friend, if you’re interested, give me a call. "=3390 Tulsa TAKE ME OUT IN TULSA: Don, WM BI, 34, bind/blue attr, very good shape looking for a sh" BM, to have a good time out in Tulsa. give me a call. =5974 Tulsa DAVID, 19, 6’6, 275 bind/blue looking to meet in the area, interested in tats of things, give me a call. =6009 Henrietta ONE ON.ONE: Jack, GWM 42 5’10 220, looking for someone down to earth, looking fora rel, like outdoors, footbell, bbalt on 1V, Ikg for an avg. down to eadh guy who wonts a one on one- =6274 Tulsa LONELY AND LOOKING, Win, 50, 5’8, 165, slim and trim, into BB, have a solid body, ton, looking for a person in the area, thaCs slim and him male under 50 for a f~iend, to go out with and see where things go. Hope you can call! =2082 Ardmore FOOT FAN: 25 Gay native American, just on the twisted side, into feet, if you share the same interests, give me a call. llke to hear from you! =6211 Little Rock COLLEGE STUDENT: 23 College shsdent, 5’8 15 bm/blue athl build, ISO ! 8-30 for hot.times. =6360 Tulsa BI CUEIOUS: 27, 6’ 180, bm/blugm, looking for guys 18-30 fit, bi curious, kx:~king for same clean safe, good times, give me a call. =6405 Metro Area COUNTRY BOY 6~2, 22, 215 bm/gm mustache looking for some other buckaroos to meet and sere down~ =6408 Liffle Rock INTO EVERYTHING: John, I’m 32 5’10, 220, like everything, give me a call. =6419 Lowton NEW TO AREA: Todd, 6’, bin/blue, new to area looking to meet and visit with new people give me a call, =6571 Westport BUILT 13/: 34, 5’8, 170, welt built, TV, like lingerie, like for you tell me what I Iook good in, dom or subm, I:ke music, movies, animals, literature and having a good ffme. =5721 Joplin/South West MAN IN MO: I’m 39 y/o, brn/gm, 5’10, 1651bs. I would like to meet’some new people and get together for some good times. =23955 Wichita C.~d~ING AND FISHING: James, 37 GWM 6’t 185 bind blue, Ikg for hot guys, like to camp fish, anything outdoors, boeing for a life male, give me a call willing to relaca~e- =6761 OK LETS DO IT "Jeff, 31, 6’2 185, non smoker, brn/blue, like movies, at home or out, dancing, like to iob, outdoors, swimming, skiing snowboarding, looking for a fTiend to do things with, give me a call." =3139 OK RED IN THE HEAD? "Hi, looking for a parfner to hove a good time with, 24 native Amer., 190, looking for someone in tee same area, prefer GWh~ with red hair, if you’d like to get together, leave a message. "=3259 race not important, love to talk on the phone!. =3445 Tulsa NEW KID ON THE BLOCK "Jason, new to area, looking to make new friends, 6’1 235, give men call, like to get to know same people!, =3450 OK City HEU.O BOY’S "34 TS, looking for a man, 29-39, hope to hear from you, and hove a good day! "=4100 Shawnee Brace, 33 y/o bmfdu 6’3 215 like intea~s )~u pleaseg~men call. =1438 Oklahoma City Mark, 27 y/o pro~sional WM, well built 5’I 1 215 seeking same. =1464 Tulsa L~rry, hiv+ very healthy and adive, seeking mature masculine male chest hair & beard a major + we’ll be safe but not boring. =37586 Oklahoma Cily 22 y/a Hispank male, light smoker social drinker Ikg4 Asian or Hispanic men 18-35 with slim, med. builds. Adrian, light social drinker, smoker 22y/o 5’6. =47265 Tulsa SNUGGLS BUDDY: my name is Fred, I’m 5’8, 2001bs and 48 y/o. I’m Ikg4 someone to cuddle with. =47283 Oklahoma City ARE YOU SURE?: I’m 27 y/o, 5’11, 2151bs. I like to work out, bike ride, fish and camp. I’m a professional male Ikg4 the same. If you are sure of yourself, call me. =1663 [ulso HEYGIR~:alhlefic attr. SWF eady 13ffs 5’41.t0 bs bm/brn Ikg4 open minded ~womenfor discreet hot fun. call me! =45795 Dallas/Ft. Worth LEZ TAU(: my name is Usa, i’m tkg4 someone ~o have great phone. fun wiifl: I ~e talking on Ihe phone. Im 42 y/o and hope you call me. =45492 BUTCH/FEM: i’m a 23 y/o female and I like poet~, cycling and music. I’m Ikg4 a frie~dshil~ and a poss; ~ationship. rm a lille butch and a li~e ~/em. allsalls will be returned. =47521 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single ,w.~a.n wile no kids Ikg~, a special female kiend to love and care for. call me. =1614 Arkadelphia, AR STAR GAZE~ my name is Angela, I’m a 21 y/o s’~dent interested io ~/in,g,~lflings, s~ar gazing and more. I ~vould like ta meet a nice woman for fun and Western OVER THE WIRE: my name is fr.ie~dship, call me! =46392 ~ Jason. I like to tolk with hot guy’s on the phone. =46811 Oklahoma AAAAAAHHH: 40 y/o bi WM Ikg4 bi married guys. call me, kick back and enjoy. =2489 Tulsa GOING BI WAY?." I’m a mid 30’s bi curious married WM. I’m Ikg4 a bi or marriedWM to give me a taste of the other side. discretion is a must. =2725 How To Do It Count the number of words. STEVIE NICKS HELP WANTED: First 30 words are $I0. Each additional word is 25 cents. You .may bring additional attention to your ad with: Bold Headline - $1 Ad in capital letters - $1 Adin bold capital letters - $2 Ad in box - $2 Ad reversed- $3 Tear sheet mailed - $2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Hease type or print your ad. (A word for our purposes is a ~oup of letters or numbers separated by a space.) Send your ad & payment to POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, complete address, day & evening phone numbers (for our records only). Ads will run in the next issue after they.are received. Tulsa Family News reserves the right to edit or refuse any ad. No refunds will be made. LOREENA MCKENNIT SARAH MCLACHLAN Do you like the music of Stevie Nicks, Loreena McKennitt, & Sarah McLachlan; & the magic of the ’~tar Wars" films? I am thinking about forming an "appreciation society" for any or all of the above, depending on interrest in & response to this ad. Please send letters ofinterest to: Fandom,C/OTFN,POB 4140, Tulsa OK 74159. WANTED Gather Signatures on Casino Gaming Petition. Great Pay. Flexible Hours. 742-3827 CIVIL RIGHTS HELP? American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma 600 NW 23rd, Suite 104 OKC 73106 405-524-8511 LESBIANS GAY MEN -BISEXUALS...... TRANSGENDERED PERSONS Interested in commtmity activism & positive outreach to non- Gays. Opportunities to speak, organize, network, & change Northeastern Oklahoma for the better.GreenCo.untry Pride,next meeting 8/24, 7pro Tulsa Central. Library, 4th & Denver, Prevxew Room, info: 838-2121 To. This . . ~ . Yo~ The Men of the Southwest Two Dynamite Male Dancers Every Thursday NO COVER Mr. Robbie Walker & The Sunday Slam Domonique Daniels Paris Grey Kris Kohl Ivana B. Real Michelle Ross & Many More! Every Sunday 11p.m. $2 Cover Voted the # 1 Show in Tulsa Thurs.Sun 9.2,3340S.Pe0ria Tulsa, 918.744.0896 SALOON Saturday, September 9th Mr. Tulsa Leather WEDNESDAYS Free Pool Night, $4 Beer Bust THURSDAYS Male Dancers, $4 Beer Bust, Dance Music All Night FRIDAYS Country & Dance Mi~ $4 Beer Bust SATURDAYS The Best N’~ht Out in Tulsa.’ SUNDAYS .,.Fiee..Line Dance Lessons 8-1opm, $4 Beer Bust S~ays - No Cover - Out of State Entertainers Show Nite at the Star with Fallon Scott & Friends 8344234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am BAD BOYZ CLUB Saturday, August: 19th, 1 O: 30 pm ~OLLYWOOD C R E A T ]I O N S A ;Bad Boy,z Exclusive If you missed it last time...don’t miss it this time! 1229 8. Memorial, 835~5083 Open 2pro M,F, Noon Sat/Sun TULSA’S HUGE PAT][O BAR Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1995] Tulsa Family News, August 15-September 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 9 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 15-September 14, 1995 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Maureen Curtin JD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/501 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, July 15-August 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 8 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 African Americans AIDS Quilt AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV discrimination AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV research AIDS/HIV treatment American Baptist Church anti-gay legislation arts and entertainment asylum attorneys Barry Hensley Bars Black and White Gala businesses Catholic Church churches civil rights contraception Dave Fleischer estate planning Family Finances Feast with Friends Federal Security Clearance Fred Phelps Friends in Unity Social Organization (FUSO) gay bashing gay clergy gay teachers Greg Louganis homophobia horoscope Interfaith AIDS Ministries International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies Leanne Gross LGBT politicians marriage NAMES Project National Organization of Women (NOW) needle exchange Newt Gingrich Oklahoma Pride Conference OutRage! parter benefits Pat Morehead performing arts personals Politically Incorrect rape representation restaurants sexual assault sexual orientation discrimination Suzanne Slater Tom Neal Tulsa Family News Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing viatication Zimbabwe International Book Fair https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2b0cb6f2541df9319bd93d6a4f0ebf1e.jpg cdb5691959e47c2834087512c2ee1075 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b2cffeb289a07ced6b7ba78eedf20a4d.pdf fb90f8e5272ed4814d3749b149325cc3 PDF Text Text is~! Communities - Our Families of the Heart October 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 10 National News & More Pres. Candidate Bob Dole Rebuffs Gay Republicans CT The NAMES Project will present a portion of the AIDS Memorial Quilt on October 13-15 at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Expo Square Pavilion. For schedule, see p. 9. Gay Tulsa "Yellow Pages" Tulsa activists and entrepeneurs, Kharma Amos and Debi Harding have formed Pride Publishing and have launched Gay Tulsa, A Guide to Businesses Serving the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Community of Tulsa and surrounding area. The Guide will be free, distributed in Tulsa clubs, other businesses, churches and non-profit organizations. Amos & Harding will publish tbe premiere edition of Gay Tulsa in October with an initial run of about 2500 copies. Amos added that Gay Tulsa will provide space for Tulsa not-for-profit organizations to describe briefly the,ir programs. She also noted that thus far non-Gay businesses had been more enthusiastic about advertising than some Lesbian and Gay ones. For more information about Gay Tulsa, contact Pride Publishing at 9727 E. 1 lth St. Ste. 128, Tulsa, OK 74128, or phone/fax to 838-2121 or e-mail to OKPridePub@aol.com. ACLU-Oklahoma Seeks,to Abolish OK "Sodomy" Law On August 24, attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma (ACLU-OK) presented arguments that challenge Oklahoma’s "crimes against nature" statute to the Oklahoma Courts of Criminal Appeals, Oklahoma’s highest court for criminal law issues. The case was an appeal of a guilty conviction of an Oklahoma City man arrested by an undercover Oklahoma City police man for describing his sexual predilections at the policeman’s urgings. Michael Camfield, develoment director for the ACLU-OK noted that although the citizen was charged with a misdemeanor: offering to engage in a lewd or lascivious act, the citizen actually did not offer to engage but merely described what he likes. Camfidd added that the OKC officer presented himself as a Gay man, making references to the See ACLU, page 11 Gay Volunteer Accepted in Leadership Tulsa Program TULSA, OK - For a number of years Leaderslfip Tulsa has provided training for individuals interested in contributing to Tulsa by serving on boards of not-for-profit organizations. Individuals are selected competitively for the costly program ($1200) and usually represent many of the best and brightest in Tulsa business and professions. In this year’s class~ for perhaps the first time, an ope~lly Gay man, Steve Eberle, was chosen. Eberle, a longtime volunteer with considerable experience on the boards of a number of organizations, had had the impression that Leadership Tulsa was primarily for individuals without much experience - unlike himself. But he was persuaded by Iris friend, Penny Painter (executive director of Resonance) to apply and has found that the program while great training for the inexperienced, can take an experienced board volunteer to a higher level. He adds that it’s broadened his exposure to individuals and organizations across the city. See Eberle, page 3 CINCINNATI ~ In an effort to find.~’common ground," the gays and lesbians of the Log Cabin Republicans began their 6th national convention in Cincinnati, the object of calls for a national boycott by many rights activists because of the city’s passage of an anti=gay ballot me asure in 1993. Instead, the gay GOPers got a sharp rebuff from leading Republican presidential contender, Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas. In announcing the location of this year’s convention, Abner Mason, president of the Log Cabin Federation, said, "We are looking for common ground. A boycott is not going to accomplish what gay activists are looking for - greater awareness of gay individuals in America." But as the convention opened on Friday, Aug. 25, Sen. Dole’s presidential campaign office announced that it was returning a $1 ,~ contribution from the Log Cabin Republicans. A spokesperson from Dole’s presidential campaign said it was the GOP senator’s policy not to accept money "from political groups that have an agenda that is not in line with Senator Dole’s position on the issues." Rich Tafel, executive director of the gay Republican organization, said the group was "extremely disappointed" by the Dole~ampaigu move. See relaied sto-ri-es: Dole, ]~. 12 Congressional Hearings on ’Gay Agenda’ Delayed .WASHINGTON- A plan to conduct congressional hearlngs on Sept. 12 on homosexuality in public education has been at least delayed after rights activists called the secretive way the hearings were scheduled a "sideshow for right:Wing lobbyists: A House Economic & Educational Operations subconmfittee had quietly slated the hearings which will now be delayed until sometime between the end of September and the Thanksgiving recess. The hearings had been set up at the request of Lou Sheldon, head of the anti-gay Traditional Values Coalition of Anaheim, California to hear testimony from educators, parents and students who were concerned that the nation’s public schools were "promoting homosexuality" among students in sex education classes, counseling and other school activities. "We are convinced that there is a clear a_~enda that the See Sheldon, page 10 The Rev. Elder Troy Perry, founder of the Universal Fellowship ofMetropolitan Community Churches ( MCC), will preach and ordain the Rev. Nancy Horvath at 11 am, Sunday. At 6pm, Pastor Horvath will be installed formally as pastor ofFamily ofFaith MCC, 54th & Mingo. Tulsa AIDS Walk ’95 Tulsans will kick off AIDS Awareness month with Walk This Way, AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95 on Saturday, September 30. Registration will begin at 9ana and the Walk will step off at 10am from Boulder Park between 18th Street and 21st Street at Boulder. The walk will follow the Riverparks path to cross the Pedestrian Bridge and go along the west bank of the Arkansas River to retlma to Boulder Park over the 21st Street bridge. Walk This Way will benefit VNA - Visiting Nurse Association, TOHR Testing Clinic, MTSAS - Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services, Inc. IndianHealth Care, IAM, Rainbow Village, HIV Resource Consortium, Hospice of Green Cotmtry, S JR, RAIN - Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, Ahalaya and MAC. For more info., call 587-7222. CommUnity of Hope to Celebrate & Bless Building After weeks of work in gutting and remodeling donated by members and friends and with donation of equipment and supplies, the Reverend Leslie Penrose and members of United Methodist Community of Hope, a Shalom Base Conm~tmity, will hold a service at 6pro on Sunday, September 17 to bless its new and larger facility at 1703 East 2nd Street. All are welcome. For more information, call 585-1800. AIDS Prevention Project HRCF’s Eiiz. Birch Speaks i Targets Native Americans To Christian Coalition A new program, called the Tulsa Native American o AIDS Prevention Project (TNAAPP) has begun to proWashington- Some members of Pat Robertson’s Chrisvide education, testing support groups and other services tian Coalition today joined with progressive clergy and to men who self-identify as Native American. The proother supporters of lesbian and gay equal rights to hear a gram will use materials developed at San Francisco’s speech by Human Rights Campaign Fund Executive ° American Indian AIDS Institute and also used by the Director Elizabeth Birch during the group’s amlual"Road American Indian Commtmity House in New York. A to Victory" conference at die Washington Hilton. More certificate of degree of Indian blood (CDIB) card is not than 300 people crowded into a ballroom tohear the head required for this program. For more info., call Brian of the largest national lesbian mid gay orgamzation deJackson or Jason Shamblin at 584-4983. liver an address in the form of an "open letter" to Christian Coalition members. The speech was held next to a Gramm for President luncheon, and just down the hall TULSA, OK - The Reverend Alice Jones, longtime from die conference’s main ballroom where most of the pastor of the Metropolitan Cormnunity Church of Greater 1996 GOP presidential hopefuls were addressing the Tulsa, announced her resignation from the pulpit in the two-day gathering. See HRCF. page 10 middle of August. Speaking to Tulsa Family News, Pastor Jones said that she felt God was calling her elsewhere. LONDON -The British Defense Ministry has announced Under Jones leadership, MCC-GreaterTulsa purchased that it will begin reviewing the possibility of ending the and paid off its mortgage for its building using innovative ban on gays and lesbians serving in the country’s armed financing techniques which Pastor Jones notes have been forces. The mimstry amlounced that all aspects of the widely imitated in the Universal Fellowship of Metromilitary’s policy on homosexuals will be examined, politan Community Churches. including how the armed forces in other nations treat gays Church sources indicate that Pastor Jones is providing and lesbians. The ministry panel reviewing the issue will interim pastoral services while the congregation begins then hand its report and recommendations to the Defense its search for new spiritual leader. This process is exSelect Committee in 1996. See Brits, page 10 pected to take several months. : MCC-Tulsa Pastor Resigns UK to Review Military Ban �Tulsa Clubs & Ftestaurama <) 18-583 - 1248 POB 4!40 Tulsa. Oldahoma 74159 -014O FulsaNews@aol.com Publisher~di{or ~ss~md on or before the }.Sth of each month the ei~ire contents of tins publication are protecied by US copyright 1995 b} Tulr, a Family Tom Nea.~ News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without Assistant Edito: written permission from the pubhsner. Publication of a name or James Christjohn Writers/contributors photo does not indicate tha~ person’s sexual onentaho;, Correspondence is assumedto be for publication unless otherwise Kharma Amos noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family Laurie Cooper News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. ]U.ach Shelly Roberts Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one iree copy of each edihon at distribution points. Additional copies are available at Tomfoolery JD Jamett bv Shelly Roberts I1 was something in her eves Or rather it was sometfiing that wasn" t in the eyes anymore. Terror Fury. Tears For five decades, shehad beet~ speaking her story. So perhap< the healing in tt~e telling had surgically separated emouon from her side of the podium had not. however lessened her Hllpa~..t A Polish Nazi pnson camp surv~vor she had come to teach us. Expecting tl~e worsL most us learned more. The devil was in these details in a far more forceful way thm~ any book. or movie or docu-footage, wtrich conid never qtfite bnng you close ,enough to absorb the realitieso The "knowledge that to stand in lhe front of the soupline.was to risk a bowl of thin, warm water as your nonnstunent. That the oppos~m end offered both the prolmse of the !ife-~vtng~ sparse vegetables from the bottom, but also nsk of the empty pot. That survival- might hinge on fronfliners and backliners combining meager portions so that all might continue. Horror after horror. Detailed after detailed indignity. I had come as a volmateer for traimng to join the Survivors of Shoatr"lthe Hebrew word for Holocaust) Video ProJect, begun by Steven Spielberg, to capture the testimony of holocaust surv i v ors. These depositions will In many ways, the writers, editors and publisher of Tulsa " Family News have rather traditional goals. We hope to emulate the better newspapers of our country, providing a mix of news, entertainment, financial advice, and opimon, etc. albeit tailored to our communities: Lesbian, Gay; .Bisexual and Transgendered. And while we thank our advertisers for their support and the opportunity to promote their businesses and organizations, unlike some other publications, advertising is the means, not the end. For us, content is more than just something to fill the space between ads. Frankly, this ~s more work. It takes more time and greater skills to seek out the stories that affect our lives, our fanrilies and friends. Chin of the specific goals of TuL%~..?:amily News is to provide be diuitallv transformed ~nto a multi-- tnedaa computer archive available to scholars and searchers worldwide I’ d. held a mJcrop~aone beiore So I signed on to learn the delicate disciphne of penmss~vc, noi)-intrusl’v(: 117[terv~ewm,, that assists the remamecs it) express their expe. nenoa,~,: And it was impossible s~t throu~l~ the lecture about fateful clkonology ~dnotttfi~ of you ’:Hov. was ~t possible asked Professor of History. Aia~ Berger iniris onentatioh prescriPtion ’Tor,amodem nation-state to ~y out the svsmmauc murder of a whole population, not for any crone, but for the mere crime of the condition of b~r~?’" i ~ow ~at he Spe~s of people born Jewish, but I Nso ~ow ~at he. now more th~ ever, spe~s of people born homosexuN who were once ~e most despised of the bu~ates. And who, even now, without order or cogent org~7~on, ~e ~e most vulnerable to &e ex~emes of Muds of s~pegoafism ~at Nstory h~ shown ~ result from foundering ~ono~es, ~d extre~sts o~upylng power. Professor Berger det~led a nationN logbook that on~ did, ~d could on~ agmn, have your n~e ~ved on it. He refers to "Jews." I ask you to ~spose "llonlosexNs". "The Jews," he smd~ "were diabolized, demomzed Judged less than human. In demonizauon, the v~ctim is bmu shed from your world, the vicUm is outside the um verse of mor~ obligati.on. If you flnnk thin ~meone ~s not hffmgm, sub hum~ ami-hum~. a v~ms, a vermin, tnm~ you owe ~ha~ ttung, noflung h,.fact, it VOUr duly lO ~L~:’ ~terheadded t~a~ "theactof being bom.lew~sh was ~1 ~t took to be eligible for extent naaon." i-.or the firs~ ume i, Nstory, O~rm itself was considered crime pumshable by death. At Dachau ~’ter the w~)rd "~cfime’" was written ~e word ’Jew." (And, we ~ow.,"homosexuN.") The good Doctor N so outlined for us. o&er th~ fate. the Muds of factors ~at nright well have meant ~e differen~ betw~n exten~nauon, ~d protecuon, support ~d survivN: "~e prew~ status of Jews dete~ned &eir fate under Namsm. Acculturation, strong MnsNp ~es. ~ono~c toler~ce, good interperson~ r elatiomhips with non-Jews, N1 of &ese were factors in dete~imng if you lived." ~e D~es, who gave up none of ~eir Jewish dfizem, sNd,"We help~ &e Jews bemuse ~ey we ~ew them as our fellow zeus, Now, I wonder how ~ere c~ be a single soul of us left who still prefers to live in N&ug? I see Shoah, page 3 a forum for discussion about is- " Tins is one of the ways in which sues andideas. Again this is fairly ¯ a public dialogue and debate octraditional for a newspaper. For ¯ curs in a commumty. This is Our ehallenCe to those with our positions is thls: ~et off your baeksldes and partlelpate in the dlalo~ue. All it takes to ~et your vlew read is to submit it via letter, fax or e-mail. If you care enough about where we’re ~oln~, if you care enough to eomplaln, eare enough to educate and persuade your peers. who dlsa~ree example, The Tulsa Worm regularly takes positions on issues and readers, agreeing or disagreeing, write to share their views. ¯ particularly important in coin¯ munities such as ours - which is ¯ by its nature non-cohesive in its ¯ diversity. ¯ This is not, however, what’s been happening in LGBT Tulsa, ¯ unfortunately. We have a spec¯ tacular lack of dialogue about the challenges our communities face~ This is a problem. Some : have objected to the positions ] we’ve taken. That’s OK ¯ Our challenge to those who disagree with our positions is ¯ ¯ this: get off your backsides and participate openly in the dia¯ logue. All it takes to get yo.ur ¯ view read is to submit it vm ¯ letter, fax or e-mail, ff you care : enough about where we’re go¯ ing, if you care enough to com, plain, care enough to educate ¯ and persuade your peers. 835-5081~ *Bad Bovz Club, 1229 S. Memonai 744-0896 *Concessions, 3340, S Peoria Ground Zero. :3 ! ! E. 7ffi, (~emng soon where ~is w~s. 585-5622 749-1563 *[.ola’s 2630 E !Stb 834-4234 *Silver Star SNoon~ 1565 Shend~ 585-3405 *Renegaaes, 1~9 S. Mmn 6~-0856 *TNT’s. 2114 S. Memov’d 6~-8299 *Time’n’Time Agmn, 1515 S Memorial 5~-1308 *Tool Box. 1338 E. 3rd 582-43~) *Wild Nignts. 2~5 E. Ad~ral 742 .O7!2 Wild Fork~ !~ti~ Sq~e. 21 st & Utica ~85. >- ~.-., *Intemmm~ 7!7 >. Housto,~ Tulsa Busines~s, Se~i~s, & Profess=ona~a Assocmms in Med~ ~ ~cn~ H~th, ~56~ ~. 2 l ~4~-I000 *B;~ms ~ ~oN~ Booksdmrs. 86~0 E. 7~ Z~0-503~ Budge~ ~:mdow l’reatmenb. 7116 So Mlngo~ Ste I )2 2,~-21.0(~ 592- ~. 52; Creative Collectmn -152! };, {5 Che~y St. ~ ’sychotherapy Assoc !.5 t 5 S Lew~ s q8 I.-0902_ 7,43-41 t’7 352-95(~ 80(~-742--9~g q"m~ Dmfid, Mtorney 587-261 *Devena ~ GNlery for Photo~aphy, 13 [:, Bradv 838-8503 *~ite Books & Videos, 821 S. Shenomt ~6-1 !74 Fidd~ty ~ome Heath C~e. me. Coweta 7~-0! 9Z l~e M. Gross, Fm~oN Piing *S~dra J Hill. MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E Skefi3 745-1lll 5~-.~06 - *hnamnatmns. Lincoln Pi~,. 15th & P~:o~5:-~ International l’o~{rq 5~.-8076 Kerfs Flowers, 1635 E. 15 747-~6 " Kdly ~rby, CPA, POB l~! 1. 74159 742- !992 t~u~-G~ou, 2747 E. 15 587-8108 MRi~r AftNrs 663-~84 Massoud’s Jewlery, The F~n 5lst & Shendm~ 5~-31 t 2 *Midmwn Theater. 319 E, a 6~-2951 *Mohawk Music, 6157 .E .gl PI 587-8333 Pounds & Fr~cs, 1706 S Boston 838-7626 ~ppy Pause II, l lth & ~n~o 496-2410 Roy~ Travd, 6927 S. C~ton 5~-0337 *Ross ~w~d SNon, 1438 S. Boston 749-6301 *Scnbner’s Bookstore, 1942 Ufi~ Squ~e 747-3322 Southwest Vi.afi~, 41~ S. H~d, Ste. F-5 583-12~ *To~oolery Gifts & C~ds, at F~ly of F~th MCC 583-1500 Westcopa SMon, ~nmln Plea Tulsa OrO~ni~ation~, ~hureho~, & *Bless ~e ~rd At All Times C~sfi~ Cg, 2627B E. 11 6~-0594 583-9780 B/UG Alli~ce, Umve{sity of Tulsa ~3-9780 *C~mrb~y Mims~y Cenmr, Umversity of Tulsa *Chapm~ Student Center, Umversity of Tulsa 838-7232 *Co~umty of Hope, 1347 N. Y~e 2~-~ ~ty/~tegfity 622-1~1 *F~ly of FNth MCC. ~51-E So. Mingo 747-6827 Friend For A Friend, POB 523~, 74152 425-4905 Friends in Unity, POB 8~2, 74101 5~-4983 ln~ H~th C~e, Save ~e Nation ~teffNth AIDS Mims~es 438-243% 800-2~-2437 838-1715 *MCC of Grater Tdsa, 1623 N. Maplewood *HIV Reso~ Consortia, 41~ S. H~v~d, Sm H-I 749-4194 7~4111 NAM~ PROJECT. 41~ S. H~v~d Ste. H-1 749-4901 -P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 74128 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 749-4195 R.A.I.N., ReNonN AIDS ~teffNth Network 2~-2100 R~nbow Business Guild 599-~23 R~nbow Village, POB 5~3, 74150-~3 749-78~ Sh~fi Hothne T~sa ON~om~s for H~ ~ghts, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 743-42W TOHR Gay HdpLine (~o.) 5~-1308 Tool Box T~ci~s, 1338 E. 3rd 838-1222 T.U.L.S.A. T~sa UNfo~/~a~er Seekers Assoc. *Tulsa City HN1, C~etefia Vestibule, Gro~d >]oor *Umversi~ Center at TNsa DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. *King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *Purple Iris Inn, Route 6, Box 339 *Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton *The Woods, 50 Wall St. *The Diner, 2124 NW 39th *Jungle Red, The Habana Inn *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th *Triangle Association, 2136 NW 39th 501-253-6807 501-253-5445 800-231-1442 501-253~8748 501-253-2204 501-253-8281 405-528-5133 405-524-5733 405-525-2437 405-843 -8378 For those who would like to receive discreet h~me delivery of Tulsa Family News, please send 5 ~5 for a 12 months, 58 for 6 months. �wonder how she or he, knowing the rising Eberle notes that he knows of Gay men tide of current extreme religionists workwho have been part of Leadership Tulsa in ing toward government domination, can the past (and that he suspects a number of think that the pulled curtain is preferable women in this year’s class are Lesbians), or even viable? Who doesn’t fathom that but he believes that they did not apply to declare yourself in the normal course of openly. In contrast, he applied as an openly your business or industry, without fanfare Gay man as well as an HIV+ individtml. or undue attention, and to work toward the He feels that Leadership Tulsa really was normalizationand legalization of our lives, seeking diversity in this class which is creates a familiar safety that can never be also notable for its racial and ethnic diverachieved in hiding. That it works directly sity as well as its gender balance. tO deflect the danger that could someday At a retreat held recently, the conversaagain require our having to secret ourtions were dominated by discussions about selves, not in closets, but in holes under ¯ children, and Eberle was concerned about floorboards or in cellars. how coming out as both Gay and HIV+ We say, frequently, in the Out Commuwould be received. To his surprise, he nity, that no one can hate you if they know found acceptance from the members of you. The Jews say, "Never again." So his sub-group, and later, a women came should we. out to him as the mother of a Gay son. As is typical of Leadership Tulsa, Eberle Let’s not be left out of history again. was assigned to a board, both to learn If you are a Jewish gay or lesbian holofrom them and to provide them with the caust survivor, and voti understand the benefit of his experience, lie will be asbenefit of having your experience on ¯ sisting the South Peoria Neighborhood record, please contact the Shoah FoundaAssociation When asked, he noted that tion at 1-800/661-2092 or 818/777-7802. Leaderstiip Tulsa does not send volunIf you are a non-Jewish gay or lesbian teers to any non-profit orgamzation that survivor, or know someone who wishes directly serves the Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Trans. she or he had a place to leave a record of communities. The only organization with what happened, please contact the founhistorical ties to the Gay communiues is dation as well and strongly request that the HIV Resource Consortium. your voice be added to the documentaFor more information, call Leadership [ion. Tulsa at 582-1296. Shelly Roberts is a nationally syndicated columnist, speaker, and author of The Dyke Detector, and Hey, Mom, Guess What! Paradigm Publishing. On behalf of the AIDS Wa k Tulsa ’95 and the beneficiary agencies, thank you! 1. 2. AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95 Walk This Way Collect contributions in advance of th e Walk. This saves you time. saves expenses associated with collecting money after the Walk and allows for the proceeds to be distributed more quickly. Please make checks payable Io AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95-PFLAG: The canceled check will be the Na’ne sponsor’S receipt. Address Total PJedge Address and Phone City state Phone CHIEF ~,VILMA MANKILLER l]onorary Chair " ¯ Ahalaya ¯ HIV Resource Consortium ¯ Hospice o¢ Green Country ¯ Indian Health Care ¯ Interfaith AIDS Ministrie~ " , Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services ¯ Multicultural AIDS Coalition ¯ Rainbow Village ¯ Regional AIDS Interfaith Network ¯ St. Joseph Residence ¯ TOHR Testing Clinic ¯ Visiting Nurse Association AIDS.Walk Tulsa ’95 -.Saturday, September 30, 1995 Boulder Park 18th & Boulder Tulsa, Oklahoma 9:00 a.~. Check in and turn in Pledges of Support ¯ 9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies 10:00 a.m. Step Off 1:00 p.m. Jaycees Battle of the Bands Sponsor: am unable to attend the AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95. Please a0cept my pledge in the amount of : $ would like lo volunteerl Enclosed is my check for I would like to order $10.00 each. Size: __ L, __ XL. T-shirts @ XXL. Waiver: I, the undersigned, agree to indemnify end hold harmless all parties affiliated wfth AIDS Walk Tulsa ’eJS. Walk This Way from all cost. expense and liability adsing out of my or my child’s padicipation in this event. I hereby waive all claims for damage ,or. loss: t9 my or my child’s person which mev be caused by an act. or failure to act. by the above said parties and affiliated persof~s arising.directly or indirectly from my or my child’s participation In this event: and I hereby assume liability for any toss, damage, or e~her liability from such event. Important: Participants under the age of .18 must have this form signed by a parent or guardian. Participant’s Signature/Date: For more information, to obtain extra brochures or lo mail in pledges, please contacl: AIDS Walk ’95. (918) 587-7222, P. O. Box 1071, Tulsa, OK 74101-1071 Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature/Date �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs NeWs NCOD Founder Dies TF~qUQUE, N.M. - Psychologist Robert H Eichberg, cofounder of National Coming Out Day in 1988, has died of AIDSrelated complications at age 50. Eichberg also wrote Coming Out: an Act of Love, which describes how people reveal their homosexuality. "His whole life’s work was about bridging the gap between gay and nongay communities, allowing people to discover who they are, and really encouraging them to go out and do something with that’knowledge," said Lynn Shepodd, president of the Santa Fe Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Pride Committee. Eichbe,rg’s activism started 2 decades ago when he established a political action committee for gay and women’s rights in Los Angeles. National Coming Out Day is celebrated each year on Oct. 11. Lesbians at Conference HUAIROU, China - At a news conference at the NGO forum going on parallel with the 4th World UN Conference on Women, lesbians attending as NGO delegates said they wanted to make contact with other lesbians in China and throughout Asia. Arjana Suvamananda, a lesbian from Thailand, said she and other members of the Asian Lesbian Network were eager to contact lesbians all over ASia. "It would not be wise to be specific if there are Chinese lesbian activists here in the forum. I can tell you, lesbians are everywhere, including in China,’" Suvamananda said. "’The reason we are networking with Chinese lesbians is to be able to share information and .strengthen the Chinese lesbian movementhere, which onits own will be able to make more and more lesbians come out in fighting for their rights," Palecia ¯ Beverly Diski of the Gay Les" bian Organization of ¯ Witwatersrand in South Africa, said. ¯ Anti-Gay Violence in Washington Schools SEATTLE - Among some 27 ¯ anti-gay incidents in Washington state schools during the past 5 years, 8 boys and gifts reported ! that they had been gang raped by ¯ fellow schoolmates in a survey ¯ prepared by the Safe Schools Coalition. ¯ Two girls, ages 13 and 14, ¯ reported they had been forced to have. sex with each other under football bleachers and had then been raped by each of the boys. ¯ In some of the assaults, the sin¯ dents reported they had been uri¯ nated on or vomited on by their ¯ attackers. Three of the anti-gay ¯ incidents reportedly took place ¯ in elementary schools in the state. .. State schools superintendent ¯ Judith Billings said she would r~ ~ew the coalltton s findings. ¯ No Gay Godparent in OK ¯ ¯ ¯ : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ . ¯ : ¯ ¯ ¯ : " ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ IIIIII robert owen freeman architectural & interior design consulting, architectural renderings pob 52621, tulsa, ok 74152 918.747.0880 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ LONDON - Simon Lawley, a 39-year-old man who was told he could, not be his nephew’s godfather because he is gay, has called on the Archbishop of Canterbury to make a ruling on the issue that has outraged gays and church activists in England, Lawley wrote to The Rev. Dr. George Carey about the treatment of his family and himself at St Peter’s Church in Famborough, west of London. Church of England guidelines on godparents stipulate only that they must be Christians. Lawley was asked by his sister, Lizzie Toms, if he would be a godparent to her son Freddie who was born in January. She asked the Rev. Beryl Phillips, one of St. Peter’s curates, about it but was told her gay brother was not be an acceptable godfather. St. Peter’s officials stood behind their exclusion of Lawley, saying, "This church proclaims that God loves all people but that he also sets boundaries on our behavior. The Church is always being clobbered for not taking a moral stand. Now we are making our policy clear and being clobbered anyway." $25 Million Suit Filed in ’Jenny Jones’ Killing ¯ SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - The ¯ family of Scott Amedure,.who was killed after appearing on the ¯ TV talk program "The Jenny : J,ones, Show," have filed a $25 million lawsuit against the §yndieated show...AnAgx!ttre was,one : of several guest~~vho told other ¯ guests on the show that they had secret crushes on them, but in : Amedure’s case, the object of ¯ his crush was Jonathan Schmitz, ¯ who said he was heterosexual. S chmitz is currently being held on charges of killing Amedure, and claims he was led to believe the person with a secret crush on him was a woman, not a mail. Geoffrey Fieger, the lawyer representing Amedure’s family, ¯ said, "Jenny Jones is as negli: gent as Schmitz in creating the ¯ scenario in which Scott was ¯ gulmed down." The suit claims, ¯ among other things, that ¯ Amedure and other guests were ¯ given alcohol before the pro" gram to lower their inhibitions. ¯ School Board Bans ¯¯ Discussion of Gay Issues MERRIMACK, N.H. - Led by ¯ new. ly-elected far-right conser¯ vataves, the Merrimack school ~ board has narrowly approved by ¯ a3-2 vote a proposal that would ¯ prohibit teachers and counselors : from discussing homosexuality in a neutral light. The ban would ¯ prohibit any neutral discussion ¯ of homosexuality in the schools, ¯ bar instructional materials that ¯ discuss homosexuality from a ¯ neutral viewpoint, and prohibit ." suicide prey ention counseling (or : even referrals to counseling) for gay and lesbian students. : Austrian Cardinal Quits : Accused of Molestation ¯ VIENNA - Austria’s Roman Catholic primate, Cardinal Hans ¯ Hermann Groer, has announced ¯ that he will step down from his ¯ post in September. Groer’s re" tirementcomes amid perhaps the ¯ greatest Crisis the church in the ¯ F’~dominately Catholic country ¯ has ever faced. Groer has re. fused to comment at all about ¯ accusations made earlier this year ¯ that he had sex with a male stu¯ dent at a boarding school some ¯ 20 years ago. ¯ Josef Hartmann, who is now ¯" 37, said he had gone public with ¯ the accusations after Cardinal Groer said that men who abuse ¯ young boys could never enter ¯ heaven. Groer remained silent ¯ on the charges, and since then ¯ rights activists have also named ¯ several other leading Catholic ¯ clergy in the country whom they ¯ say are closeted homosexuals. BROOKSIDE JEWELRY Life Given NE Killing OMAHA, Neb. Marvin Nissen, who admitted killing Teena Brandon -.a woman who had posed as a man - along with 2 of her friends, has been sentenced to life in prison. Officials said Nissen, 22, and John Lotter, 24, raped Brandon after learning that she was a woman, then stabbed her to death to keep her quite about the rape. They said Nissen and Lotter also killed Lisa Lambert, 24,and Philip DeVine, 22, in rural Humboldt, Neb., because they were with Brandon at the time. Lotter has already been found guilty of 1 st degree murder in all three killings and faces possibly a death sentence. Lesbian Trapeze Artists! EDINBURGH, Scotland - The Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, which bills itself as the largest arts festival in the world,. has a reputation for outlandish acts among its 14,000 performances by groups from 700 troupes from 32 countries. But among the groups - that includes Alien Sex, Ian Coguito, Jeffrey Dahmer Is Unwell, and Strange Fruit Stageworks - the performers causing the greatest stir seem to be the Club SwingAppetite, a lesbian trapeze troupe from Australia. Club SwingAppetite was given the festival’s "’Moira" award - named after arch-conservative Edinburgh councilor Moira Knox - who called the lesbian circus act a "dirty-minded disgrace." The trapeze-flying lesbians immediately included Knox’s remarks in their advertising fliers and have been drawing record crowds to watch the act that they describe as "a feast of food, sex and orgasmic trapeze." Hawaii Bias Commission HONOLULU - Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano has named the commissioners who will study sexual orientation discrimination resulting from same-sex couples not being permitted to legally marry in the state. The panel will make recommendations on legislation next year to overcome the bias against same-sex couples, although most rights activists in the state insist the solution is for the state to simply allow gays andlesbians to marry. The comlmss~oners are: Tom Gill, former Lt. Governor and Kerry 4649 South Peoria ¯ Congressman; K. Gomes, ¯ American Friends Service Com. mittee (Quakers); R. Stauffer, AFSC; M. Britt, Hawaii State. ¯ Teachers Assn.; N. Kreidman, ¯ anti-violence activist; J. Hochberg, attorney with the antigay Rutherford Foundation; ¯ Marie Sheldon, attorney. ¯ Internarl Conference of Gay Police Officers : PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - The ¯ first Law Enforcement Gays & Lesbians International conference gotunderway in this South" ern California resort city, drawing several hundred police officers from more than 100 different ¯ departments in 26 states and 6 countries. The conference was cosponsored by the Los Angeles : Police Department with the Golden State Peace Officers : Assn., a California-based group of gay and lesbian officers. ¯ Among the public officials at. tending a reception opening the ¯ conference were California. Lt. ¯ Gov. Gray Davis, LAPD Chief Willie Williams, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Mike Keeley, and ¯ L.A. Police Commissioner Art ¯ Mattox. ¯ Group Hopesto Increase ¯ Visibility of Straights ¯ WASHINGTON - A new orga¯ nization, called And Justice for ¯ All, has been formed in the nation’s capital to increase the ¯ visibility of straights in the gay ¯ rights movement. Jonathan ¯ Zucker, the organization’s ex¯ ecutive director, said he hopes ¯ the group will be able to bring news. of important developments in the progress of the gay rights ¯ movement to non-gays. "’A lot of useful information is ¯ produced every day by lesbian, ¯ gay, bisexual, and transgender ¯ rights organizations," Zucker ¯ said. "Unfortunately, much of ¯ this information never reaches ¯ heterosexuals who would use it. ¯ AndJusticeforAll will focus on ¯ getting therein theloop and giv¯ ing them the tools they need to support this movement." The ¯ groups can be contacted at: And Justice for All, PO Box 53079, ¯ Washington, DC 20009; by ¯ phone at (202) 298-9362; or at : Jst4All @AOL.com. British Activists ¯ Protest Islamic Group ¯ LONDON- Brid sh rights activ¯ ists with the group OutRage dis¯ rupted a rally by Hizb ut Tahrir, $28/hour 743-5272 MASSAGE THERAPIST Comer of 48th & Peoria "Tension, Stress, or Injury" 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! Photography J.D. Jamett 621-5597 YMCA 515 S. Denver Tues.-Fri. (12-8pm) (918) 583-6201, Ext. 19 �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News an Islamic fundamentalist orga- :I "does not condone nor tolerate member denomination’s Church " nization that advocates the killing of homosexuals and Jews Sunday, Aug. 13, at London’s Trafalgar Square. Twenty gay men and lesbians were taken away by police as they protested the Islamic rally and disrupted speakers from. the group. John Jackson of OutRage said, "Our protest was lesbian and gay selfdefense against Islamic fundamentalists who endorse the killmg by Iran of an estimated 4,000 homosexuals since 1980, and who threaten and intimidate gay students on college campuses in Britain.’" ¯ Council has n,%w deeided~,to just put off any statement on sexuality in 1997 because of"substantive differences" within the church. The council said many members of the church were simply "tired of the issue" which its members have wrangled with for several years without resolution. " ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Italian Protest Called Over Verona Action VERONA, Italy - Verona may have been the Setting for Shakespeare’s"star-crossed lovers" Romeo and Juliet, but the city councilors have given a cold shoulder to gay and lesbian lovers. The Verona City Council, at the promptings of the right wing and of conservative Catholic leaders .has approved a resolution rejecting a European Parliament statement opposing discrimination against homosexuals. The anti-gay resolution adopted by the Verona council states in part: "’Apart from indi"vidual moral and religious beliefs, homosexuality contradicts Natural Law itself. The application of the above mentioned [European Parliament] resolution, among other things, would have a negative effect upon the psychological development of young people who, in such promiscnous heterosexual and homosexual families, would see the falling of one of the basic foundations of the family,.that is: the stable union of a man and a woman?" discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, reli¯ gion, age, disability, or sexual ¯ orientation in any of its person." nel policies, practices, and operations ." ¯ Episcopal Bishop to be : Tried forGay Ordination ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ NEW YORK - In a highly unusual move, the Episcopal Church in America has announced that retired Bishop Walter Righter of Iowa will face a trial by 9 bishops on ecclesiastical charges that he ordained an openly gay man in 1990. Righter ordained Barry Stopfel as an Episcopal deacon while Righter was servingas anassistantbishop in New Jersey. Stopfel was later ordained as a priest by Newark BishopShelby Spong.Inspiteof attempts by Episcopal Church leaders to avoid a church trial, several conservativebishops got the required approval of 75 of the church’s 2_97 bishops to force Righter to stand trial. Righter, who currently lives in New Hampshire, called the move "’outrageous." Dutch Gov’t ¯ Subsidizing Gay Games ¯ AMSTERDAM-TheDutch gay ¯ newspaper, De Gay Krant, re" ports that the country’s Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport has announced a grant of $62,500 to ¯ the Gay’Games slated to be held ¯ ~n Amsterdam in 1998. The ¯ Dutch government regularly subsidizes organizers who Work to ¯ bring!arge-scale sporting events ¯ to the country. A ministry spokesperson said ¯ the government hopes that "more ¯ than before, attention will be ¯ given to sport for homosexuals, ¯ whichintumwill promote sport¯ ~ngpardcipationin general."The ¯ paper quoted Marc Janssens, an ¯ organizer with the Gay Games ¯ in Amsterdam, as saying the ¯ group hcped to raise some $625,000 to mount to interna¯ tional sporting competition. The Verona resolution has no legal impact, but it has become the locus of Italian activists who have called for a demonstration against the Verona City Council on Sept. 30 by activists and gay aud lesbian travelers throughout ¯ the country. ¯ Veterans Affairs Dept. ¯ Bars Anti-Gay Bias ¯ WASHINGTON - The U.S. ¯ Dept. of Veterans Affairs has ¯ issued a policy statement pro- ¯ hibiting discrimination based on ¯ sexual orientation within the ¯ agency. The Veterans Affairs ¯ policy states that the department Lutherans Tired of Sex MINNEAPOLIS - After years of emotional, and often divisive debate, tlieEvangelicalLutheran Church in America has decided to indefinitely postpone work on a policy statement on sexuality because of its inability to reach any consensus on qnestions such as the ordination of gays and lesbians or the blessing of samesex mamages. The 5.2-million Michigan Gay Resort Nixes Rights Protections SAUGATUCK, Mich. - The town council of the tiny Lake Michigan resort commumty of Saugatuck, southwest of Grand Rapids, has unanimously rejected ameasure that would have barred discrimination based on sexual orientation. The refusal to adopt the local legislation incensed many activists because the lakefront town of just under 2,000 people is a popular resort with gays and lesbians. The issue arose after an innkeeper in nearby Douglas, Mich., across the Kalamazoo River from Sangatuck, refused to rent a room to 2 gay men. The town council in Douglas then promptly adopted an anti-bias measure by 7-0, and raised the issue in nearby Sangatuck. ’Celluloid Closet’ Ready for Premiere SAN FRANCISCO -"The Celluloid Closet," the star-studded and long-awaited documentary by San Francisco film makers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, will have its world premiere September 6 at the Venice Film Festival, followed by North American showings at the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. "The Celluloid Closet" was produced by HBO and is expected to have a theatrical release in addition to its cable airing, Friedman said from Massachusetts, where he and Epstein are vacationing. ~The film also has been "unofficially invited" to the Sundance Film Festival next January, he added. Based on a 1981 book by the late film historian, writer and .media acdvist Vito Russo, "The Celluloid Closet" illustrates the history of gay imagery in Hollywood films, and features clips from more than 100 Hollywood movies.-Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon,Tony Curtis, Farley Granger and Shirley MacLalne, each of whom has played gay or lesbian char- . receive the death benefits of his acters, are among the actors who ¯ long-time companion, a deappearinfilmedinterviews. The ¯ ceased army colonel, after the film is narrated by Lily Tomlin : Defense Ministry refused to exusing a script aut bored by tend the benefits to him. The Armistead Maupin. court ruling, quoted by the ministry, said that Steiner and Col. NEA Gives $20,000 to ¯ Doron Maisel, who died of can¯ ’96 AIDS Quilt Display cer in 1991 while in the Israeli WASHINGTON - The federal army, did "not constitute a ¯ NadonalEndowmentfortheArts nuclear family" and that Steiner has given $20,000 to the San ¯ ¯ was lherefore ineligible for Francisco-based NAMES Maisel’s death benefits. The 2 ¯ Project in support of an October menhadbeen partners for8 years ¯ 1996 display of the AIDS Mebefore Maisel died. morial Quilt in the nation’s capi~ ¯ : Shocking Gray Closes tal. Anthony Turuey, executive ¯ director of the NAMES Project, _. SAN ANTONIO, Texas - According to the Columbia, S.C., ¯ said the display is timed to "re-’- cus the eyes of our leaders and : gay newsmagazine In Unison, American citizens" on the AIDS ; the Texas-basedmail-order firm ¯ epidemic during the 1996 decShocking Gray has shut down and intends to go into bankdon. The display will be the first time in 4 years the 45,000-panel, ; ruptcy. In Unison quoted Ed Rhuebart, a New York buyer for .60-ton. quilt will be on display in ¯ ~ts entirety. the mall -order catalog finn, who said Shocking Gray had laid off Kentucky Beer Boycott ¯ its workers, discontinued proLOUISVILLE, Ky. - Accordcessing telephone orders and ¯ ing to a report in The Letter, a locked its offices. ¯ Kentucky lesbian and gay paper, GayNet News Service con¯ 9 local gay bars and restaurants : firmed that the catalog ¯ have begun a boycott of several company’s toll-free telephone popular beers because of what ¯ number used by customers to ¯ activists.there called the "right ¯ order the finn’s up-scale and dis¯ wing activities"of Donna Shedd, ¯ whose husband David ~s presi- ¯ tinctly gay-oriented merchandise had bee~ disconnected with no ¯ dent of River City Distributing : forwarding number. Rhuebart is Inc. ; quoted as telling In Unison that River City Distributing was ¯ "’ShockingGray, the catalog, was targeted for the boycott because doing fihe. Shocking Gray, the ¯ of Mrs. Shedd’s involvement in company, was not." Kentucky’s Eagle Forum, the Anti-Gay Minister Phelps ¯ and-gaygroupheadedbyPhyllis Schlafly. Activists also noted that ¯ Alleges Bomb Attack Mrs. Shedd served on the state ¯ TOPEKA. Kan. Fred Phelps, Republican Party’s executive : the leader of a small fundarnen ¯ committee when last year it : talist church noted for anti-gay unanimously passed aresolution picketing at funerals of people in favor of recriminilizing ho- ~ who have died of AIDS, named mosexuality in Kentucky. In ad- ~ two men he charged had set offa dition to the popular bars and bomb at the home of;one of his restaurants involved in the prodaughters in late August. Police test, die boycott is also being : have made no arrests in the supported by Kentucky’s Fair- : bombing. ness Campaign, the Pro-Choice Authorities said they would Coalition, the Metropolitan investigate Iris charges, although Commtmity Church and the Lou- : they also said by aunounc~ng the isville chapter of Parents-Friends ; names before giving them to oL of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG). ficials Phelps may have inter~ ." Organizers say the boycottcould ; fered with their ability to ~nvescost the distribution company as tigate his accusations. No injunmch as S15,000 per week in ; ries were reported at the time of lost sales. the August 27 bombing. Israel Refuses Partner’s Death Benefits J ERU S A LEM - The Is raeli Ministry of Justice has announced ¯ that anational court has rejected the claim of Adir Steiner, 29, who had petitioned the courts to Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s Kelly Kirby 4045 No. Cincinnati 425-7882 Saint John’s Certified Public Accountant 4200 So. Atlanla Pl. 742-7381 Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 5Ol so. Cincinnati 582-4128 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 Trinity The Episcopal Church Welcomes You �Cherry Street Psychotherapy ~ssoeiates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, pdvate atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further information call 743-4.117. Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC ....... Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Commullity Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Butler, RN .MS Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services. We have many insurance provider affiliation.~ - if you belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21 st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Individuals, .Couples & Families. Lesbians Being Missed by Health System HUAIROU, China- Dr. Ellie Emanuel of the University of Wisconsin’ s’ school of education and health services, said lesbians are being ignored or overlooked by the L S. heal .th care system Leshians are shppmg through tiie cracks, ’~ Emanuel said at ttie NGO forum being conducted in conjunction with the 4th UN World Conference on Women. "Women think that if they don’t have sex with men they don’t have to worry about annual checksups that would detect disease." She also said that lesbians often don’t believe they are at risk for sexually trans, mitred diseases. "There is a growing recognition that women and lesbians are at risk of getting AIDS through sexual behavior and needle-sharing," said one woman from Sweden attending the con, ference. The forum was told that health experts estimated that more than 20% of lesbians in the U.S. had sex with a high-risk partner, and that between I and 2% of all women with AIDS were lesbians. Emanuel urged lesbians to be identified in the community and to learn about issues related to their personal health. WHO Says Women Increasingly Hit by HIV BEIJING - At a press conference held by the World Health Organization during the 4th UN World Conference on Women in Beijing, women were told they face the gloomy reality of becoming infected with HIV more rapidly than men, in part because of their economic dependence on males. "The bleak reality is that the sexual and economic subordination of women fuels the HIV/AIDS pandemic," WHO said in a position paper at the conference. The WHO document said that by the year 2000, there will be 14 million HIVinfected women and about 4 million women will have died from the disease worldwide. "The number of infected women with HIV is increasing more rap idly than men in Africa, in southern Asia," said WHO director-general Hiroshi Nakajima. Economics Alone Not Enough to Stem AIDS HUAIROU, China - Giving women greater economic clout isn’t enough to stop the spread of HIV among them because, of the complexities of different cultural environments throughout the world, the alternative NGO (non-governmental organization) conference running parallel to the 4th UN World Conference on Women was told. Marina Mahathir, head of the Malaysian AIDS Council, said even women in highly educated and affluent societies often find that their independence ends in the bedroom. "This is when their hnsbands regard affluence and success as having many wives or mistresses," Mahathir said at a workshop on economics and women’ s susceptibility to HIV at the NGO forum, which had declared the day "Women and AIDS Day." Among the difficulties faced in different cultures that were discussed: - In Bangladesh, where polygamy is permitted, the International Centrefor Research on Women has only recently begun a campaign to try to persuade women not. to marry men who already have one or more wives. - In Canada, many African immigrants and refugee women have to become prostitutes.to earn a living because of limited emplo.y.ment opportunities, especially for non-cxuzens. - In Vietnam where prostitution is commonplace, Thi Hwa, who works withsex workers, said many young prostitutes allow unprotected sex for a little extra money. "Many older men pay more for unprotected sex because they feel it would not mak e much diffeience if theycontract AIDS as they believe they do not have long tO live anyway," Hwa said. - In many. poor countries with high unempl0yment,.:tike .Nepal and: Gu~yana where men go away to work, they get infected and return home to infect their wives. Ginny Bourassa of Women Organized to Respond to Life-Threatening Diseases (WORLD) and other NGO delegates agreed that the best way to deal with the growing HIV infection rate among women globally is through communitybased programs that can respond acco rding to local needs and problems. No Appeal Filed in Congressional AIDS Bias Case WASHINGTON - Rep. Barbara-Rose Collins (D-Mich.) missed the filing deadline to appeal the claim of a former aide in her office who said he was fired because the lawmaker thought he had AIDS. Since " Collins did not appeal, Bruce Taylor will ¯ now receive compensation for more than ¯ 7 months’ back pay and attorney’s fees. ¯ Jim Davison, a media services adminis¯ trator for the House of Representatives, ¯ said he knew of no other instance in which ¯ a member of Congress had had a case ¯ before the Office of Fair Employment ¯ Practices. Taylor claimed his firing last Decem: bet - just 2 days after his male partner died ¯ of AIDS - was in violation of the federal ¯ Americans with Disabilities Act. Thelaw ¯¯ protects individtmls who are perceived to beinfected or have AIDS, as well as those ¯ who actually have the disease. According ¯ to Taylor, both Collins and her chief of ¯ staff repeatedly asked about his health ¯ before he was .fired. Although they deny : the allegations, the judge ruled that Tay: lor was perceived to be infected and that ¯ Collins and her chief of staff had decid~’d : he "would require time off for health ~ reasons." ." Grim Predictions about HIV : GENEVA - Up to 40 million people will ~ be infected with HIV by the year 2000, ¯ according to an article published in the ¯ latest issue of the World Health Organi¯ zation Newsletter, and 90% of these new infections with be in developing coun¯ tries. The latest WHO projections represent a 105% increase in the number of ¯ HIV infections of 18 million adults and ¯ 1.5millionchildrenworldwide.TheWHO ¯ projections also noted that HIV infections : among women will increase to about 15 ¯ million within the next 5 years and that up : to 10 million children globally will be ¯ orphanedas aresultoftheepidemicbythe ¯ year 2000. : Studies On AZT’s Effectiveness ¯ BOSTON - Two seemingly conflicting ¯ studies of the drug AZT published in the ¯ latestissueoftheNewEnglandJournalof ¯ Medicine, in fact support the increasingly ¯ more common attitude among AIDS ex¯ perts that use of the drug alone i s ineffective in fighting AIDS and that starting ¯ infected patients on multiple anti-HIV �-drug~ as qmcidy as possi01e is the best ~~edi ~’cal course of action. A team of researchers led by Dr. ~anl Volberding Of the University of Califorma m San Francisco and Dr. Stephen Lagakos of Harvard University studied 2 groups of patients for more than 6 years, comparing the progress of 549 HIV-positive but asymptomat ic patients who were given only AZT, and 547 who did not get AZT until signs of approaching AIDS appeared. The researchers found there was no difference in the length of time it took for the appearance of full-blown AIDS or death. The results, consistent with earlier studies, suggest that AZT by itselfdoes little to delay the appearance of the disease in pe op!e who~ar-e infected by HIV but remain generally healthy. But a European study published along withitbyateam ledby Dr. Sabine KJnlochDe Loes. of Geneva University, reported that 39 people treatedwith AZT very early kept their CD4 counts abov e 500- a marker level used as an indicator in the progress of t he infection - about 6 months 1 onger than 38 people nottreated promptl The treated patients, typically got the drug within a few weeks of infection. In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Da,dd Ho of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center at New York University School of Medicine said that treating HIV with a single drug "is doomed to fail." Ho suggested that the reason the European study found a better response to AZT is that the viruses in its subjects had not had time tc develop many mutant varieties. HIV-2 ’Flare’ in U.S. Blood ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has announced that HIV-2 was found in only 2 blood donations in this country last year and kept out of the nation’s blood supply. In 1992, blood banks began testing for both HIV1 and HIV-2, which is primarily found in West Africa and rarely found in the U.S. Dr.. John Ward, head of the CDC’ s AIDS surveillance division, said that the U.S. blood supply continues to be safe. There have been no cases of HIV-2 infection through a blood transfusion in the U.S., Ward said. .AIDS Vaccine Tests Begin BANGKOK - A combined U.S.-Thai team of military doctors has begun drug trials of a potential AIDS vaccine made bv the U.S. finn Chiron Biocine, called S]~2 gpl20/MF 59. So far, 2 Thai volunteers have been injected with the drug, but 22 more will also receive the experimental vaccine during the 1st phase of the experiment, which will last 6 months, according to Lt. General Kamrob Saisuwm~ of the Armed Forces Research In stitute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS). U.S. Arnay Colonel Rodney Michael said that the vaccine has already been tested in the U.S. and that"it proved to be safe with no side effects.’" Experimental Thalidomide Trials OKed for PWAs WASHINGTON- Thalidomide, the tranquilizer that caused birth defects throughout Europein the 1950s, wil! be offered on an experimental basis to U.S. AIDS_patients whose bodies are wasting away, the drug’ s maker has announced. The special "expanded access" program, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, represents the broadest use of thalidomide ever allowed in the U.S. Celgene Corp. is conducting clinical trial s to see if its brand of thalidomide, known as Synovir, counteracts the severe weight loss and deterioration that plagues 150,000 AIDS patients. Questions about Effectiveness of Dental Disinfectant ¯ WASHINGTON - A study published in ¯ thejoumalNatureMedicineindicatesthat ¯ a chemical disinfectant commonly used ¯ On some medical and dental devices may : not kill HIV. In the laboratory, the scien: tists discovered that the germ-killer glut, araldehyde did not eliminate the virus in : blood lodgedin lubricants frequentlyused : in dental equipment andin medical equip¯ ment calledendoscopes. : Researcher DavidLewis of the Univer: sity of Georgia said, however, that none ¯ of the devices has ever been shown-to ¯ actually be the source of transmission of : .HIV. According to Lewis, the study : derscores theneed to sterilize dental equip- ment at very high temperatures and indi: cates that the standards for decontaminat’- ing endoscopes should be revised. : Canadian Red Cross and Lab ¯ Battled Over Blood ¯ TORONTO-Two ex-officials ofa Cana: dian government-owned company testi¯ fled in court that the Canadian Red Cross ¯ and their company struggled for control ¯. over blood products as HIV entered the ¯ country’ s blood supply. ?dun Davies and ¯ William Cochrane, both ex-officials at ¯ Connaugh.t La.boratories Ltd., testified the ¯ two orgamzattons squabbled about who ¯ should make blood products for hemo:. philiacs. Lawyers representing HIV-in¯ fected Canadians have claimed that the : CRC and. Connaught spent more time arguing over who should manufacture ¯ blood plasma than increasing the national blood supply’ s safety. Studies Say Legal Needles Cut HIV Infection Rate STAMFORD, Ct. - New studies indicate that needle-shanng among IV .drug addicts dropped 40% after Connecticut approved a law 3 years ago allowing pharmacies to sell syringes over the counter. The studies, published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, concluded that the increased availability of clean needles should, therefore, stem the spread of HIV and make "a dramatic change in behavior at no cost to the public," according to Beth Weinstein, director of the AIDS unit of .the Connecticut Department of Health, which conducted the studies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One year after the needle laws took effect, 83 % of the state’ s pharmacies were selling needles over the counter, and injection drug users were using them as their primary source of needles, accordmg to the studies. The 2nd study surveyed drug users at HIV counseling progra~ns. prisons and drug treatment centers in Connecticut where the authors found that less than a year after the law went into effect, 78% of those surveyed had bought syringes from a pharmacy in th e previous month, while just 28% had purchased needles on the street. HIV Found In Semen Samples SEATTLE- According to a recent study, HIV is found in more than one-fifth of all semen samples from HIV-infected men, making unprotected sex with such men very risky. According to Dr. Ann Collier of the University of Washington at Seattle, a study of more than 100 semen samples from 16 HIV-positive men over a 2-year period found live and infectious virus 22% of the time. The presence of HIV appears to be sporadic and was not affected by whether or not the men were taking anti-viral medications at the time. FiOELITY HO/~E H E_ALTH .CA_ RE, INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999"3"!A.2 We provide comprehensive ,home health services 24 hourslday, seven dayslweek. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy,. Occupational TherapyMedical Social.Services, In.home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation., Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. HIV TESTING CLINIC Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method By & for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results¯ Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights New Number: 742-2927 4158 South Harvardt Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights¯ Y �QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication ’is the process through wlfich a person living with an terminal illuess c,’m receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally. to be eligible for a viatical settlemeut you must ha~e a documentable terminal illness, mad life insurmace coverage in either an individnal term. whole life. or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of \-our life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every pOlicy is suitable for vlatication, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on d~e specifics of your policy and medical kistorv. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? \Vith your written permission, we gather medical mad insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may ahvavs decline the offer ~vith no obliganon whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us uothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors i~ffluence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best finaucial alternative available [’or you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and your family ~n person, in detail and can reco~mnend an experienced Certified Financial Plmmer to assist you in plmufing the best outcome from your tmiqne financial situation. Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT ? Today, many companies offer viadcal settlements, doing business o~flv bv bulk advertising mad 1-800 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records by mail, and do bnsiness from another state. At Southwest Viatical, webelieve you shotdd be assured of complete coiffidendality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible direcd3 to.our local colmnunit~:. By working with you iu person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver dae best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we cau deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 .Y �TY CALEND R SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627-B East 1 lth. Info: 583-7815 Community of Hope (United Methodis0 Worship Service, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E South Mingo. Info: 622-1441 MONDAYS TUESDAYS HIV Testing Minister’s Class TOHR Clinic Bless the Lord at All Free & anonymous testing Times Christian Center using fingerstick 7:30 pm method. 2627-B East 1 lth No appointment required. Info: 583-7815 W~dk in testing: 7-8:30pm" Results hours: 7-gpm HIV+ Support Group Info: 742-2927 HIV Resource Consortium 1:30 pm Lambda Bowling League 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 Sheridan I_anes Info: Wanda @ 74%4194 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 WEDNESDAYS Authority Of The Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center Choir Practice 7 pm 2627-B East llth Call 583:7815 for info. THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Co-Dependency Support Group 7:30, Family of Faith MCC 5451-E S. Mingo Call 622-1441 for Info. PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1 st & 3rd Wednesdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7 - 8:30pro Results hours: 7 - 9pro Info: 742-2927 Family Of Faith MCC Potluck 6:30 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 8 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 TheBanned, OK Gay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 6:30pm at Canterbury 5th & Evanston lnfo: 583-9780 PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Vicki Robinson Softball Tournament info: TNT’s 660-0856 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Family of Faith MCC, Marsha Stevens Concert. 7 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Family of Faith MCC Rev. Elder Troy Perry Preaches & Ordains Rev. Nancy Horvdth, 11 am Rev. Nancy Horvath Installed as Pastor of Family of Faith MCC, 6 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Vicki Robinson Softball Tournament Info: TNT’s 660-0856 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Community of Hope Blessing & Celebration ofNew Space, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Monthly Board Meeting, 7 pm 40th & Harvard, Info: 743-4297 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Community of Hope New Members Orientation, 2-4pm 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Rainbow Business Gui/d, 7 pm Chimi’s, Private Dining Room, 15th Street .Dinner Meeting, Info: 665-5174 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Womens Coffee House, 6:30pm Gold Coast Coffee, 3509 S. Peoria Info: page: 646-6455 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Community of Hope Feed The Homeless, 5:30pm Meet at COH, 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 TCAP Advisory Council, Malissa Shepherd, Centers for Disease Control noon-l:30pm, 1430 S. Boulder THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Community Reception for Tulsa Americorp HIV Services Volunteers 4:30-6:30pm Collins Room, 1430 S Boulder SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95, "Walk This Way", 9am Boulder Park, 18th & Boulder Info: 587-7222 Jaycees’ Battle of the Bands, lpm Boulder Park, 18th & Boulder SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Friendfor A Friend, "Our House" Yard Sale, 8am-5pm, 1114 S. Quaker SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 Pdme Timers Monthly Meeting Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74100 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 NAMES Project Volunteer Training 3pm, All Soul’s Unitarian, 2902 S. Peoria TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Mntlicultural AIDS Coalition. 11:15 AIDS Coalition of Tulsa Topic: Mandatory v, Voluntary Testing noon- 1:30, 1430 S. Boulder TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 NAMES Project Volunteer Training 5:30pro, All Soul’s, 2902 S. Peoria TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Monthly Members Meeting, 7 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Gathering Place Info: 743-4297 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 NAMES Project Volunteer Training 7pm, All Soul’s, 2902 S. Peoria SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 Friendfor A Friend, "Our House" Bazaar, 9am-Spm, 1114 S. Quaker MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays, PFLAG PFLAG 101, 1st Timers Support Group, 6:30pm PFLA G 102, OngoingSupport Group, 6:30pm PFLAG General Meeting, 8pm 4154 S. Harvard, Gathering Place Info: 749-4901 MON/TUES., OCT. 9 & 10 Hoisting the Banner of Color Conf. HIV & the Communities of Color OKC Marriott, Info: 800-285-2273 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 Family of Faith MCC National SATURDAYS Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, info: 585-1800 NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees 3rd Sat. of each month Info: 748-3111 Coming Out Day Sevice 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 Green Country for Human Rights League Monthly Meeting, Muskogee Library, 7pro, POB 614, 74402, 682:8204 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 TOHR National Coming Out Day Dance Tentative date: call 743-4297 to confirm. All Soul’s Unitarian, 2952 S. Peoria FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 13-15 NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Fri. 6:30-10:30, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 11-6:30 Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa Fair Grounds Opening: Fri. 6:30, Close: Sun. 6:30pro SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Dignityllntegrity Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians 5pm, St. Dunstan’s, 5635 E. 71st SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 Womens Supper Club Potluck Picnic Noon-5pm, Zink Park, 31st & Trenton Info: 298-4648 Gay &.Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, Info: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’sActivityNetwork Call 832-2121 TOHR Anonymous HIV Testing Clinic Daytime testing by appt. M-Th., 10-5 pm Info: 749-4194 TOHR Helpline, Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to volunteer: 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians, Leather org., Info c/o The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S~4,Tulsa Uniform & r Leather Seekers Assoc. Info: 838-1222 �Britain’s military leaders have their strong resistance to any monte to lift the ban on homosexuals serving in the count~. ’s armed forces, and earlier this year the policy was upheld in the High Court. But!n issuing its ruling that upheld Parliament s right to say who could and could not join the military, one of the senior judges on the court said he rejected the challenge by 4 former servicepersonnel discharged for being homosexual "with hesitation and regret" and that the "tide of history"-was against the Ministry of Defense andurged a review of the policy. ha. a. press statement annou.neing the review, the Defense Ministry said,"In the light of this judgment the [ministry] has decided it must examine and assess the current policy with the aim of presenting a paper .of evidence to assist: the select committee on the subject of homosexuality in the armed forces." The review will be headed by a senior civil servant .and staffed by officers from the Royal Navy, Army and Air Force. The miuistry’s out.... line of thereview wouldinvolve the policy being looked at from all levels. Commissioned officers and non-commissioned ranks will be asked to give evidence and fellow members of NATO and other countries will be:visited to evaluate their own policies. -~ Stonewall, Britain’s leading gay rights Organization, welcomed the announcement and called for a moratorium on discharges from the armed services until the review had been completed. "Stonewall ¯ has always maintained that the ban is based on prejudice and prejudice alone," a Stonewall news release stated. gay and lesbian...groups want to promote in the schools," Sheldon said. "And thi~ agenda has been accomplished through the Centers for Disease Control with funding under the Trojan horse of AIDS education." In a fundraising newsletter, Sheldon said House Speaker Gingrich had promised him last year that the House would address the issue and that Sheldon was helping to’ organize the hearings. The Human Rights-Campaign Fund charged _thatRep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), chairman Of the Oiiersightand Investigations subcommittee of the Economic and Educational Committee was"turning his committee over to a lobbyist.:.to spread his In ~e 20-minute address during the °iunchbreak of the conference, Birch called for a new ethic in the public dialog. "We may work for different outcomes .... but we can engage in an ethic of basic respect and decency." : : ¯ ¯ The Greening of Gay by Pat Morehead Well, it has been a big week for public coverage of the "Gay 90’s". We got Entertainment WeeNy, we got electronic coverage of the benefit presentation of Birch s speech was delivered despite " "The Sum of Us", plus a review in the being rebuffed by a Coalition spokesman : daily paper. The National networks have after formally requesting,to SlZ~,ak at the ¯ us scattered round and about both in hard Conference. Ihave had the opportunity to : news and in magazine.features. Entermeet thousands of individuals from all ¯ -~tainment Tonight is focusing on WONG - ¯ walks of life who have grave concerns ¯ FOO and "Jeffery". Whewwww! about misconceptions put forth by repre- : So where am I headed with this you ...... sentativesoftheChiistianCoalitionwhen ’ ask? All of this has lead me- to a rather’" addressing the hopes, dreams and aspira- ¯ startling supposition. Is it possible that tions-of lesbian and gay Americans and ~ ’Gay’ has become in some sense fashiontheir families, Birch wrote in a July 5 able.-Are we m , even in Tulsa? Have prejudice." letter, to Christian Coalition Executive " we in effect become the flavor of the Elizabeth Birch, executive, director of Director Ralph Reed. I believe that it is : month like Birkenstock shoes, Santa Fe HRCF, said Sheldon was "shamelessly -..time to address our differences face .to ¯ style cookery, or mountain bikes? Lordy, ¯ distorting the purpose of. programs deface, she wrote. :. say it ain’t so! signed to keep young people safe and ¯ When the formal request was turned " I can see it all now. We will suddenly be healthy, Congress should resistthe tempdown, Birch decided to reserve a room in ¯ in demand by our ever so trendy straight tation to stage sideshows for. right-wing ¯ the same hotel that would host the confer- ¯ associates. They will all want to accom¯ lobbyists and get on with the business of ence, to deliver her message directly to ~ pany us into the nether world of Cowboy ¯ Christian Coalition members. "Although ~ styleGaybars. We will serveas thecenter govermng." .Hoekstra’s office confirmed that ¯¯ your podium was not available tome, I am ¯ of focus at backyard barbecues, cocktail Sheldon was in fact involved in planning grateful for those who have come today .": gatherings and small informal dinners. the hearings. The hearings, Hoekstra’s and will give me the ’benefit of the doubt". -" We will be quizzed on exactly what it is office said, will address legitimate conand be willing to consider what I have to o that two men can do together in bed. cerns of parents who are concernedby say." ¯ Lesbians unfortunately will not receive several reforms in public ~education, inTheHuman Rights Campaign Fund .:.’this same kind attention, because the eluding distributing condoms and sex edu(HRCF), the nation’s largest lesbian & " womenalreadyknowtheanswers tothose cation in schools: gay political organization, works to end : kinds of questions. Activists noted that the hearings were discrimination, secure equalrights, &pro- ¯ The more daring straight men will sugscheduled by Hoekstm’s staff without even tect the health and safety of.all Ameri- : gest that if the proper precautions are notifying Democratic subcommittee memcans, HRCFlobbies the federal govern- : observed, they might be willing to bers. The date became public only after ment on lesbian, gay, & AIDS issues; ¯ "dabble" in our excesses. Simpatico fethe HRCF last week released a letter that educates the general public; and partici- - ~ males will secretly caress our butts while Sheldon had sent to supporters. pates in election campaigns. " whispering inour ears see nextpage ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice j To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 I 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Love is an adventure when one of you i IS stile... and the other is positi~’e. t Tulsa World Opening Masterworks Concert featuring music of WALT DISNEY’S FANTASIA¯ Create your own image on September 23 at 8 p,m, in Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center, Call 747-7445 for tickets and information] ~1995 ORION PICTURES CORR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. = Opening Soon Movies 8, 68th & Memorial, 250 4513 �that they know just what we need. Ministers will feel a need to call us forth befor~ the congregation and give us brotherli¢ hugs (while a few will secretly caress our butts and whisper in our ears that they know just what we need) along with announcements of acceptance within the Lord’s eyes. (These will be primarily Episcopalian and Unitarian Ministers, nix on the Baptists and most of the Methodists). Politicians will drag their Gay staffers out in front of press conferences to extol the staffers dedication and the pol’s openness to lifestyles of alternative natures. (No Oklahoma Politicians will take this step but the rest of the c.ountry will. The Oklahoma Pol’s will presume they HAVEno Gay staffers!) , .... Be fear not my Brothers. This too Shall pass, and probably by Christmas. We will be replaced by the newest wave of deep muscle massage therapy or Santa Fe style andmade pnnntlve Christmas decorations. Yes, we will drift back into the oblivion of the passe’, excluding, of course, the decorators, hair stylists and florists. No more invitations, insinuated seductions or public displays of empathy and solidarity. Oh, the homoerotic advertising images will remain for awhile. And Hollywood will turn out the occasional Gay thematic film, but not too Gay of course. We will have our season of ever so appropriate and politically correct Gay Television characters who will live without real relationships while being befriended by concerned yet politically correct.straight associates. At least until the ratings drop below the 32rid ~lot mark in the ratings sweeps. Yes, our moment in the.glare of public acceptance will have burnt itself out. And I say, the better off we will be. My little life with its trials and failures will be just another little life. I prefer neither to be placed on a rail and ridden out of town, nor on a pedestal. The flav ors of the month can come and go. I don’t care to be a flavor of the month, thank you very much.. No, I want to be the ’bitter herbs’, not often USed, but a mainstay in seasoning the life of the world. Except for maybe all that "secret butt caressing" part. Pat Morehead is a Tulsan whose commentaries focus on art, politics & more. NW 39th Street strip and this police offleer admitted in court that the citizen had not made a sexual offer but had described his preference in sexual activity. ACLU-OK attorneys who include Mark Henrickson, Shirley Wiegand and others seek to challenge not only the OKC statute (which appears to ban.all discussions of sex except between married spouses) but also Oklahoma’s "’crimes against nature" statute which treats oral and anal sex as a felony crime for both heterosexuals and hOmosexuals. Because this law was found to be unconstitutional for hetero- ¯ sexuals in a 1.986 case, it’s felt that the : higher courts may find the statute uncon: stitutional as it applies to homosexuals ¯ too. The hope is that if the "crimes against ¯ nature" statute is invalid then also conversation about private consensual non-commercial acts cannot be criminalized ei- ¯ ther. Camfield said that typically the Court ¯ of Criminal Appeals moves quickly and a : rifling might have come at the hearing. : However, the Court has taken the case ¯ under ad.visemem and timing of aruling is ¯ not certain. ¯ ¯ FAMILY FINANCES Procrastination Is Expensive by LeanneGross Two twins, Jean and Jan, had different ideas about saving. When Jean turned 30, she started an IRA (Individual Retirement Account). Each year, for 6 years, Jean contributed the maximum amount (for her) of $2,000 to her IRA. At age 36, Jean had put away $12,000. Then she stopped contn.’buting - however her money kept growing. Jan had other plans. She opened an IRA, but she waited until she was 41. For 25 years, Jan contributed $2,000 each year. Her out-of-pocket investment, then, was $50,000. On their 65th birthday, the twins sat down together and compared plans. Jean’ s IRA was worth $200,432 ’ nbt bad for an out-of-pocket investment of $12,000. Jan checked her IRA statement and found her account was worth only $170,401. How could this be? Jan asked. Compounding interest?Time to let your dollars work for you! Jean earned $30,031 more than Jan because Jr~n started to save earlier. In this case, the cost of~ procrastination was $30,031. Y, ou may not be 30 yeaa s old ;however, don t put offshving any longer. Talk to a professional today!! Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law The New Cars Are just Around The Corner. We Ha~e Rem.a/_.-~ng "95 Models At Botto,n Line Prices- While They Last! s500 s10,798 s249. CASH BACK MONTHLY" 5.6o/o APR NOW AVAILABLE. includes: Air, Am/Fm Cassette & More. Includes D;:ag A~r Bags Know Your Rights! s 15,626 LIST $29,619 - Sale $24,988 $4,631 Includes: Power Windows & DOHC 140 H.P. En0ine & More Locks, 6 Disc CD Changer, Aw. Cnlise. Inlinity Sound S.ystem & More. *MSRP $18,069. sale price $17,121. 41 payments of $249, s mo. last payment of 9522.21. ot walk a way. 12.000 miles a yr. free. 15¢ a mile thereafter. W.A.C. don carlton 665,6595 MITSUBISHI 46th & Memorial Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. Y �R-epublican Congressman Blasts Dole WASHINGTON - Rep. Steve Gunderson (R-Wisc.), one of only three openly gay members of Congress, asked Senate Majority .Leader Bob Dole, a leading contender for the GOP presidential nomination, if the Kansas Republican was rejectmg his support after Dole returned a.campaign contribution to a gay Republican organization last month. In the mean-time, the campaign contribution from the Log Cabin Club was instead given to Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Penna.). Gunderson, who was one of the first members of Congress to publicly endorse Dole, said in a caustic letter to the S enate leader, "Are you rejecting the support of anyone who happens to be gay? If this is so, do you intend to now reject my support and request those on your staff who happen to be gay to resign?" Dole return.-ed the $1,000 donation from he Log Cabin Club, which his campaign had originally solicited, after it was publicizedin August, saying he does ¯ not accept funds from groups ¯¯ not sharing his views. In his letter, Gunderson, who ¯ was Wisconsin chairman of ¯ Dole’ s unsuccessful 1988 presi¯ dential campaign, said, "As one : who has championed your political career for years, you must ¯ know how muchthis disappoints ¯ me .... The Bob Dole I know ," does not support discrimination ¯ against persons just because they ¯ aregay."Dole’ s campaignhead: quarters acknowledged receiv¯ ing Gunderson’ s letter, but so far : has not commented on it. : Following the flap surround" ing Dole’ s rebuff of the gay Republicans, the Log Cabin Club gave the returned $1,000 contri¯ bution to the presidential cam. paign bid being mounted by ¯ Specter, who unhesitatingly ac.: cepted it. "I write to thank you ¯ for the contribution of the LOg ¯ Cabin Republicans to my presi¯ dential campaign," Specter said ¯ in aletter to the group. "As I said ; inmy openletter to the members ¯ of Log Cabin Republicans gath¯ ered for your national meetingin ¯ Cincinnati, I welcome the sup" port of all Americans who op¯ pose discrimination and who ¯ seek a more limited government, ¯ joining the principles of fiscal ¯ conservatism with social liber¯ tarianism." : Rich Tafel, Log Cabin’ s ex¯ ecutive director, said Specter"is ¯ taking on the radical right, while : other GOP candidates like Sena¯ tor Dole are bowing to them. He knows the politics of exclusion will ruin the chances for a Republican victory in’ 96." Far-Right Org. Wants GOP to. by Barry Hensley "- that one of Miami’ s most strikReturn Gay $. Reviewed Head, Circulation Department ¯ ing examples of modern design, WASHINGTON - The Family Research Council, a conservative anti-gay fundamentalist organization, has demanded that the National Republican Conressional Committee return 5,000 it received in campaign contributions from the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the gay rights lobbying organization. The committee raises campaign funds for Republican candidates ironing for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. "People don’t think about the moral messages they send with the money they take," said Kristi Hamrick, a spokeswoman for the Family Research Council. "If the Republican Party says that lifestyle makes no difference then they are undermining the family," she said. "If Congressman Gunderson holds out as the cost of his involvement acceptance ¯ of his lifestyle as being equal to mamage, then that’s clearly a problem." The GOP congressional fundraising committee made no comment on the demand. i ¯ ¯ : ~ Tulsa City-County Library Are you planning a vacation this winter? If Miami, Florida or London, England are on your agenda, you may want to check the travel gnides at the Tulsa City-County Library, particularly "Detour’s Miami" and "Detour’s London." These are alternative guides "for those who don’t necessarily travel the straight and narrow." They are typical travel guides, but geared toward the Gay/Lesbian traveler. Each guide deals with basic information (transportation, climate, tourist sights)’ as well as more specific sections of interest to Gay/Lesbian visitors (local newspapers and resources, fun secuons of town, local laws and safety considerations). ¯ Gay/Lesbian-friendly hotels, stores, restaurants and clubs make up the bulk of the listings, since it is expected that travelers would want to frequent hospitable establishments. Surrounding towns and cides are also examined with maps, photographs and suggested itineraries. You’ll also learn some interesting facts about these destinations. It’ s amusing to find out ¯ " : ¯ " ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ : ¯ ¯ ¯ ~ ¯ ¯ " ¯ the Centrust Building, is floodlighted nightly with colors appropriate to events and seasons; red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween and pink for Gay Pride Day! You’ll learn that, in London, at the Women’s Pond in Hampstead Heath Park, "you’ll belucky to find a square metre of grass that is not teeming with Lesbians." Call yourtravel agent and start packing! Currently, the libr.ary carries these two "Detour’ s" guides for checkout. There is also a reference copy which cannot be checked out of the "Damron Guide". Ithas.similar, butmuch more general information. Look for the"Detour" guides and other travel guides for check-out in the Reader’s Services Department,2ndfloor, Central Library, or call 596-7966. Tropical Caribbean Feb. 11-18,1996, $795-1950 Deep Caribbean "The Land Specialists" RSVP ,,,~,! .~_~. Feb. 18-25,1996, $795=1950 Mexican Riviera March 17-24,1996, $795-2495 Eureka Springs 501-253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) ONE OF A KIND BUSINESS FOR SALE DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY French Canada June 30 - July 7,1996, $895~2295 Call International Tours 9/8-34/-6866 Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Other offerings include: Bed & Breakfast Inns., Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Commercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates, and much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse GIL/B/TG community in Eureka Springs for over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we 71 show you around. We specialize in creative financing. Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715 �Family Fun Time in Eureka Springs ¯ with good music are easy to find : magickal supplies, are a short : at a number of fine places that ¯ descent of the stairs away atThe ¯ serve cocktails and dinner. A : Emerald Rainbow , the only shop by Phil Boler-Schmidt ." quiet, romantic dinner is pos- : in town that carries gay/lesbian Family fun time takes on a : sible with about every ethnic ¯ memorabilia. whole new meaning after the ¯ variety of food here. ¯ Shopping for real estate? children haveretumed to school. ¯ Clubs to frequent is a luxury in ~ Come upstairs from The EmerThere is no better time of year to : this utopia in the heart of the ¯ aid Rainbow to McClung Realty take a real family vacation to ¯ Bible Belt. Whenever family -" (family-friendly) andhavealook ¯ Eureka Springs, Arkansas. asks me, "Where can we go and ; at what,s available in residential Family, of course, takes on a ¯ be safe?", I have to laugh. Not ¯ new meaning of its own when because it is all that funny, but I one talks about the gay, lesbian, ¯ usually relay a story a friend told : While visiting in the bisexual, and transgendered ¯ me when I asked the very same : Heart of the Ozarks, communities. That’s what I mean : question a year ago. ¯ you can stay at any one when I talk about family. ¯ As long as you stick to the ¯ Autumnis uponus, the"other" Historic District, you can go in families are resting up from their : any club you like If you want to ~ of a number of familySummer vacations, there is less ¯ sit in the comer and hold hands competition for tourist attrac- : or kiss, no one is going to give : owned bed and breaktions, and the colors are about to ¯ you grief. If some redneck from, : fast inns, motels or burst forth in the Ozarks. It’s a : you guessedit, Tulsa, gives you ¯ great time to come play .in what ¯ arough time, they will throw out hotels. And, there are I call utopia. ¯ the redneck, not you. a number of familyEureka Springs has long been ¯ So, suffice it to say that eve- i known for its eccentricities, and " uings out on the town are a treat i friendly places too. it is no well-kept secret that our ¯ in Eureka Springs. kind of family canbefounddam- : As for daytime activities, there : Aeeomodations range near everywhere. : are a lot to choose from. You While visiting in the Heart of could dress up in turn-of-the- i from plush cottages the Ozarks, you can stay at any ¯ century garb and have your piecomplete with in-room one of anumber of family-owned " ture taken for posterity at The i bed and breakfast inns, motels or Imagey. ¯ jaeuzzis to small, hotels. And, there are a number You could try your hand at fly ¯ quaint motel rooms. of family-friendly places too. fishing in one of our rivers or Accomodations range from ¯ lakes. All the equipment you i plush cottages complete within- : couldpossiblyeverneedisavailor commecial property, busiroom jacuzzis to small, quaint ¯ able at the Beaver Darn Store. nesses or land. ¯ motel rooms. Plush, upscale hoProfessional guides are also There are plenty of tours of the tel suites are a possibility too as ¯ standingby shouldyoubeanovarea too. Some show you around well as luxurious, in-house ¯ ice and want instruction or a the Historic District by van or rooms. The entire range of ¯ seasoned fisherman/womanand bus, and one shows you through ammeuities can be found here. ¯ want a tuneup or someone to the US 62 area in a unique and ¯ Out-To-Eats can be a true show you the area’s best spots. fun way. If you take the Duck artform in Eureka Springs. Fam- ¯ If you are into shopping, you Tours (family-friendly), you will ily-owned eateries abound as do : could make a trip downtown and ride a World War II recondithe friendly places. You can par- ." shop ’til you drop. Looking for tioned amphibeous military astake of fine dining on tree Ital- ¯ family gifts? Everything you sault vehicle through town then ian, home-cooked cuisine or high ¯ want or need, plus all kinds of onto Lake Leatherwood with a class Ameican fare. Evenings ¯ metaphysical, pagan, and splash. Eureka Springs is known for it’s country m~ic shows and The Great Passion Play. These are two of the main attractions to the area, mostly to the "other" type of family. But, if you want to take in some of this type of entertainment, most attractions are open through the end of October. I wouldn’t suggest holdmg hands or kissing there though. You might get a pretty chilly reception. Other area attractions that are must-sees are. the various caves that offer self-guided tours and Eureka Gardens, a splendor to behold with botanical gardens that go on and on. Thomcrown Chapel is a wonder Of modem architecture that must be witnessed to bebelieved. And, don’t forget St.-Elizabeth’s Church, the only Roman Catholic church in the country where you enter through the bell tower. While in Eureka Springs, there are a number of family-owned sevice businesses of which you may want to take advantage. If you are looking for dog grooming, while here, stop in and visit Greenwood Hollow. A complete range of body piercing sev~ces is available locally through Bill Croft at Ozark Primitives. There are a number of qualified massage therapists in town, and I suggest either the Palace Hotel & Bath House or Healing Benefits Massage Therapy to soothe your tired, aching muscles. Kim Ridenour, a professional astrologer accredited with the American Federation of Astrologers, offers the full range of astrological services and will do either individual or composite readings. She also offers Tarot Adult Accommodationa readings at The Emerald Rainbow. And,just in case you are looking to put together a computer system, upgrade your existing one, or just learn a little more about computers, that’s what I do. Whatever else you plan to do while in Eureka Springs, remember to bring your camera or camcorder. Autumn in the Ozarks is Something to behol& and our area has numerous lookouts from which to take memorable snapshots or videos. I first st,~trted putting together information for this article more than a month ago, and I have to admit, I was stuck for away to adequately present our familyowned and family-friendly businesses in a way that made sense without having to clutter up newspaper space with addresses and phone numbers. Then, I realized that I was forgetting one importanflocal family-owned business that could make my job easy. Positive Idea Marketing Plans (PIMP, of course, for short) specializes in putting together family vacation packages for the discriminating. PIMP also offers retreats for groups in the beauty of the Ozark countryside. My suggestion to all wanting to have a great family fun time in Eureka Springs is to call PIMP at 501-253-2401 and let the professionals put it all together for you. If you’re not sure where to stay or eat, PIMP will have the answers and will even make the arrangements for you. I like it when people make my job easy! See you in Eureka Springs. .Romantic, quiet & secluded Family-owned & operated Guest Cottage with A Jacuzzi for two, And private parking, All only 1/2 block to downtown. 9 Benton Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501.253.2204 ’the In Eureka Springs, Arkansas Craftsman-style cottages with beautiful views of the woods and wildlife -,Tucked on top of the Ozark Mountains, just a few minutes walk to the Historic Village of Eureka Springs. 501/253-8281 Frank Green Jr.. Host - 50 Wall Street - Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 ¯ Hwy. 62 East Eureka Springs, Ad(ansas ¯ A UTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE ¯ FRESH RAINBOFF ¯ TROUT ¯ ¯ Jerry A. Wilson (501) 2S3-7311 1-8~0-231-1442 ¯ ¯ o ¯ DAVE HAGER RUTH GOODWIN-HAGER S.U.A.E. ¯ ¯ ¯ of Eureka Springs ¯ KINGS HI-WAY INN ¯ Recommended by the New York Times (~01) 253-6807 Closed ~’ednesday 5 Center Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 501-253-6001 ¯ ¯ 96 Kings Highway ¯ Hwy. 62 W. ¯ Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ ¯ ¯ �How To Do It First 30 words are $10. Eacfl additional word is 25 cents. You may bring additional attention to your ad with: Bold Headline - $1 Ad in capital letters - $1 Adin bold capital letters - $2 Ad in box - $2 Ad reversed.- $3 Tear sheet mailed - $2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Please type or print your ad. CIVIL RIGHTS HELP? Count the number of words. (A word for our purposes is a group of letters or numbers separated by a space.). Send your ad & payment to POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, complete address, day & evening phone numbers (for our records only). Ads will run in the next issue after they are received. Tulsa Family News reserves the right to edit or refuse any ad. No refunds will be made. Tulsa LOADED: 27, 6’, t 80 iso men 1830 for some fun, give me a call- e9298 Ada HOMO ALONE IN ADA: I’m 6’3, brn/brn, 1901bs. I’m Ikg4 gay men 18-25 for good times, call me. ~10271 Grove WANNA PUNK WITH ME?: new to area, not into bars, Dave, 20 6’ 185 brn/red/hzl, goatee, eyebrow THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (.) Due to our large volume of calls, if you can’t get thru simply try your ca ater. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 earring, love volleyball, good music, good food great conversation, meditate, spiritual, give me a call- ~9385 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and honest person, like this in a person, give me a call- e9464 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it shod and simple. Jus,t describe yourself and what you re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. " ’ ~ Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6, 2151bs, WM. Vm Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s with a medium to slim build. I like singing, bowling, .golf, movies and cuddling. If you are interested, please call me. ~47265 Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking for GLM/GWM for hot fun inthe sun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Leave me a message and let’s get together soon.e10596 American Civil Liberties Uniqa~o[~Oklahoma 600 NW 23rd, Suite 104 OKC 73106, 405-524-8511 Lesbian/Gay & Republican? Log Cabin Republicans seek other Republicans to return to true Grand Old Party values. Write to: Box C-I, c/o TFN, POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 Open 2pro 2VI,,F, Noon SaffSun HIV Testing TULSA’S HUGE PATIO BAR TOHR Clinic, Call 742-2927 dining,. Iheater, sitting by a fireplace, outdoors, animals, you name it- give me a cc I- ~ 7873 Oklahoma ATTENTION: I’m 6fl, 1901bs, body builder type and very well built. I’m Ikg4 men. call me ~5448 Oklahoma Cily JASON, 24, 5’10, 170, Ikg to meet other hot guys, around my age, if you’d like, give me a call- ~ 7885 Tulsc TAKE ME OUT IN TULqA: Don, WM OK. City YOUNG AND PREPPY: Mike, like to meet people under 40, just safe, discreet honest, 18 young preppy, new to this, a little nervous, ifyo~ are interested give me a call- ~ 8029 grve me a call. ~5974 Tulsa DAVID, 19, 6’6, 275 bind/blue looking to meet in the area, interested in lots of things, give me a call. ~6009 Henrietta ONE ON ONE: Jack, GWM 42 5’10 220, looking for someone down to earth, looking for a tel, like outdoors, football, bball on IV, Ikg for an avg. down to earth guy whowants a one on one- ~6274 Ardmore FOOT FAN: 25 Gay native American, just on the Misted side, into feet, if you share the same interests, give me a Call. like to hear from you! ~6211 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: professional, 42 WM, iso other Gay or bi male, 30s : 40s, in the area, let’s’play! e 7392 Tulsa NEW TO AREA: Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out dot, phys fit, Ikg for a str to BI BM 35-65 to hqye a good time with, go out with give me a call- e 7842 BI, 34, bind/blue attr, vey good shape looking for a sir BM, to have a go0d 5me out in Tulsa. Tulsa LONELY AND LOOKING, Wm, 50, 5’8, 165, slim and trim, into BE,, have a solid body, tan, looking for a person in the area, that’s slim and trim male under 50 for a friend, to go out with and see where things go. Hope you can call! e2082 Tulsa GAY OR Bh AI, 32, very masc prof’l, GBM iso Gay or bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sports; outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks! ~ 7580 Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s iso BIWM 30-40, ht/wt prop, very discreet, expect same, like share some time, if you are interestet~, give me a call, VII return all calls- ~ 7822 111229 8. Hemor al, 835 5083 Free & Anonyrnous Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very versatile, seeks new friends in the area for fun and fi:iendship with relationship possibilities. Let’s get together and celebrate life. n6571 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 21 BM, kinda looking for someone to love, tired of being by myself, love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- ~ 7435 B A D BOYZ C .UB Malvern FANTASY FUN= Jack, 33 WM, Ikg for guys into fantasies, give me a call " let’s get together. ~ 8031 Walton MARRIED OR BI= Rodney, married WM 25 5’5, 150~ attr, Ikg for 25-35 married or bi male, for friendship pass rd, inexperienced ana want someone to learn with honesty and discretion req’d- ~ 8671 Little Rock COLLEGE STUDENT: 23 College student, 5’8 15 brn/blue athl build, ISO 18-30 for hot times: ~6360 Tulsa BI CURIOUS: 27, 6’ 180, brn/blugrn, looking for guys 18-30 fit, bi curious, looking for some clean safe, good times, give me a ~all. e6405 Metro Area COUNTRY BOY 6’2, 22, 215 bm/gm mu~che baking for some o~er Tulsa HEY NOW: my name is Steven. I’m 31 y/o and I’m [kg4 guy’s 18-50 for Fishing, swimming and camping. I enjoy the company of slightly aggressive men. e5354 Tulsa HEY GIRLS:athletic attr. SWF early 30’s 5’4 1101bs bm/brn Ikg4 open minded women for discr~t hot fun. call me! e45795 Dallas/Ft. Worth LEZ TALK: my name is Lisa, I’m Ikg4 someone to have great phone fun with. I feve talking on the phone. Im 42 /o and I hope you call me. e45492 Dallas AFRICAN QUEEN: I’m a 37 y/o African American Ikg4 the same 30-40. I’m shy and I’m drug and disease free. I have dogs and I’m sincere and honest. If you are honest and sincere, call me. n38212 BUTCH/FEM: I’m a.23 y/o female and I like poetry, cycling and music. I’m Ikg4 a friendship and a poss. relationship. I’m a liltle butch and a little fern. all calls wil/be returned, e47521 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single woman with no kids Ikg4 a special female friend to love and care for~ call me. e1614 �Introducing REVENTION ROJECT A P R OJ ECT FO R NA TI VE A,44 ER ! CA N /v~ EN WH 0 HA VE ~ EX W! TH /Vl EN FREE SEI1VI~E$ IH~LUD|: SUPPORT GROUP TARGETED LITERATURE CON FI DENTIAL H IV TESTI NG H O/v~E WORKSHOPS DRUG AND ALCOHO.L RECOVERY PROGRA/VkS AN D/vkORE .... FOR/v~ORE IN FOR/vkATION CALL ¯(918-) . 84-4.98 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Memorial Quilt on October 13-15 at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Expo Square Pavilion. For schedule, see p. 9. Gay Tulsa "Yellow Pages" Tulsa activists and entrepeneurs, Kharma Amos and Debi Harding have formed Pride Publishing and have launched Gay Tulsa, A Guide to Businesses Serving the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual &Transgendered Community of Tulsa and surrounding area. The Guide will be free, distributed in Tulsa clubs, other businesses, churches and non-profit organizations. Amos & Harding will publish tbe premiere edition of Gay Tulsa in October with an initial run of about 2500 copies. Amos added that Gay Tulsa will provide space for Tulsa not-for-profit organizations to describe briefly the,ir programs. She also noted that thus far non-Gay businesses had been more enthusiastic about advertising than some Lesbian and Gay ones. For more information about Gay Tulsa, contact Pride Publishing at 9727 E. 1 lth St. Ste. 128, Tulsa, OK 74128, or phone/fax to 838-2121 or e-mail to OKPridePub@aol.com. ACLU-Oklahoma Seeks,to Abolish OK "Sodomy" Law On August 24, attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma (ACLU-OK) presented arguments that challenge Oklahoma’s "crimes against nature" statute to the Oklahoma Courts of Criminal Appeals, Oklahoma’s highest court for criminal law issues. The case was an appeal of a guilty conviction of an Oklahoma City man arrested by an undercover Oklahoma City police man for describing his sexual predilections at the policeman’s urgings. Michael Camfield, develoment director for the ACLU-OK noted that although the citizen was charged with a misdemeanor: offering to engage in a lewd or lascivious act, the citizen actually did not offer to engage but merely described what he likes. Camfidd added that the OKC officer presented himselfas aGay man, making references to the See ACLU, page 11 Gay Volunteer Accepted in Leadership Tulsa Program TULSA, OK - For a number of years Leaderslfip Tulsa has provided training for individuals interested in contributing to Tulsa by serving on boards of not-for-profit organizations. Individuals are selected competitively for the costly program ($1200) and usually represent many of the best and brightest in Tulsa business and professions. In this year’s class~ for perhaps the first time, an ope~lly Gay man, Steve Eberle, was chosen. Eberle, a longtime volunteer with considerable experience on the boards of a number of organizations, had had the impression that Leadership Tulsa was primarily for individuals without much experience - unlike himself. But he was persuaded by Iris friend, Penny Painter (executive director of Resonance) to apply and has found that the program while great training for the inexperienced, can take an experienced board volunteer to a higher level. He adds that it’s broadened his exposure to individuals and organizations across the city. See Eberle, page 3 National News & More Pres. Candidate Bob Dole Rebuffs Gay Republicans CINCINNATI ~ In an effort to find.~’common ground," the gays and lesbians of the Log Cabin Republicans began their 6th national convention in Cincinnati, the object of calls for a national boycott by many rights activists because of the city’s passage of an anti=gay ballot me asure in 1993. Instead, the gay GOPers got a sharp rebuff from leading Republican presidential contender, Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas. In announcing the location of this year’s convention, Abner Mason, president of the Log Cabin Federation, said, "We are looking for common ground. A boycott is not going to accomplish what gay activists are looking for - greater awareness of gay individuals in America." But as the convention opened on Friday, Aug. 25, Sen. Dole’s presidential campaign office announced that it was returning a $1,~contribution from the Log Cabin Republicans. A spokesperson from Dole’s presidential campaign said it was the GOP senator’s policy not to accept money "from political groups that have an agenda that is not in line with Senator Dole’s position on the issues." Rich Tafel, executive director of the gay Republican organization, said the group was "extremely disappointed" by the Dole~ampaigu move. See relaied sto-ri-es: Dole, ]~. 12 Congressional Hearings on ’Gay Agenda’ Delayed .WASHINGTON-Aplan to conduct congressional hearlngs on Sept. 12 on homosexuality in public education has been at least delayed after rights activists called the secretive way the hearings were scheduled a "sideshow for right:Wing lobbyists: A House Economic & Educational Operations subconmfittee had quietly slated the hearings which will now be delayed until sometime between the end of September and the Thanksgiving recess. The hearings had been set up at the request of Lou Sheldon, head of the anti-gay Traditional Values Coalition of Anaheim, California to hear testimony from educators, parents and students who were concerned that the nation’s public schools were "promoting homosexuality" among students in sex education classes, counseling and other school activities. "We are convinced that there is a clear a_~enda that the See Sheldon, page 10 October 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 10 The Rev. Elder Troy Perry, founder of the Universal FellowshipofMetropolitan Community Churches (MCC), willpreach and ordain the Rev. Nancy Horvath at 11am, Sunday. At 6pm, Pastor Horvath will be installed formally as pastor ofFamily ofFaith MCC, 54th & Mingo. Tulsa AIDS Walk ’95 HRCF’s Eiiz. Birch Speaks i Targets Native Americans To Christian Coalition A new program, called the Tulsa Native American Tulsans will kick off AIDS Awareness month with Walk This Way, AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95 on Saturday, September 30. Registration will begin at 9ana and the Walk will step off at 10am from Boulder Park between 18th Street and 21st Street at Boulder. The walk will follow the Riverparks path to cross the Pedestrian Bridge and go along the west bank ofthe Arkansas River to retlma to Boulder Park over the 21st Street bridge. Walk This Way will benefit VNA - Visiting Nurse Association, TOHR Testing Clinic, MTSAS - Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services, Inc. IndianHealth Care, IAM, Rainbow Village, HIV Resource Consortium, Hospice of Green Cotmtry, SJR, RAIN - Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, Ahalaya and MAC. For more info., call 587-7222. CommUnity of Hope to Celebrate & Bless Building After weeks ofworkin gutting and remodeling donated by members and friends and with donation of equipment and supplies, the Reverend Leslie Penrose and members of United Methodist Community of Hope, a Shalom Base Conm~tmity, will hold a service at 6pro on Sunday, September 17 to bless its new and larger facility at 1703 East 2nd Street. All are welcome. For more information, call 585-1800. AIDS Prevention Project : MCC-Tulsa Pastor Resigns TULSA, OK - The Reverend Alice Jones, longtime pastor of the Metropolitan Cormnunity Church of Greater Tulsa, announced her resignation from the pulpit in the middle of August. Speaking to Tulsa Family News, Pastor Jones said that she felt God was calling her elsewhere. UnderJones leadership, MCC-GreaterTulsapurchased and paid offits mortgage for its building using innovative financing techniques which Pastor Jones notes have been widely imitated in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Church sources indicate that Pastor Jones is providing interim pastoral services while the congregation begins its search for new spiritual leader. This process is expected to take several months. LONDON-The British Defense Ministry has announced that it will begin reviewing the possibility of ending the ban on gays and lesbians serving in the country’s armed forces. The mimstry amlounced that all aspects of the military’s policy on homosexuals will be examined, including how the armed forces in other nations treat gays and lesbians. The ministry panel reviewing the issue will then hand its report and recommendations to the Defense Select Committee in 1996. See Brits, page 10 UK to Review Military Ban Washington- Some members of Pat Robertson’s Christian Coalition today joined with progressive clergy and other supporters of lesbian and gay equal rights to hear a speech by Human Rights Campaign Fund Executive Director Elizabeth Birch during the group’s amlual"Road to Victory" conference at die Washington Hilton. More than 300 people crowded into a ballroom tohear the head of the largest national lesbian mid gay orgamzation deliver an address in the form of an "open letter" to Christian Coalition members. The speech was held next to a Gramm for President luncheon, and just down the hall from die conference’s main ballroom where most of the 1996 GOP presidential hopefuls were addressing the two-day gathering. See HRCF. page 10 o AIDS Prevention Project (TNAAPP) has begun to provide education, testing support groups and other services to men who self-identify as Native American. The program will use materials developed at San Francisco’s ° American Indian AIDS Institute and also used by the American Indian Commtmity House in New York. A certificate of degree of Indian blood (CDIB) card is not required for this program. For more info., call Brian Jackson or Jason Shamblin at 584-4983. <) 18-583 - 1248 POB 4!40 Tulsa. Oldahoma 74159-014O FulsaNews@aol.com Publisher~di{or ~ss~md on or before the }.Sth of each month the ei~ire contents of Tom Nea.~ tins publication are protecied by US copyright 1995 b} Tulr, a Family Assistant Edito: News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without James Christjohn written permission from the pubhsner. Publication of a name or Writers/contributors photo does not indicate tha~ person’s sexual onentaho;, Kharma Amos Correspondence is assumedto be for publication unless otherwise Laurie Cooper noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family Shelly Roberts News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. ]U.ach Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one iree copy of each edihon at distribution JD Jamett points. Additional copies are available at Tomfoolery bv Shelly Roberts I1 was something in her eves Or rather it was sometfiing that wasn" t in the eyes anymore. Terror Fury. Tears For five decades, shehad beet~ speaking her story. So perhap< the healing in tt~e telling had surgically separated emouon from her side of the podium had not. however lessened her Hllpa~..t A Polish Nazi pnson camp surv~vor she had come to teach us. Expecting tl~e worsL most us learned more. The devil was in these details in a far more forceful way thm~ any book. or movie or docu-footage, wtrich conid never qtfite bnng you close ,enough to absorb the realitieso The "knowledge that to stand in lhe front of the soupline.was to risk a bowl of thin, warm water as your nonnstunent. That the oppos~m end offered both the prolmse of the !ife-~vtng~ sparse vegetables from the bottom, but also nsk of the empty pot. That survival- might hinge on fronfliners and backliners combining meager portions so that all might continue. Horror after horror. Detailed after detailed indignity. I had come as a volmateer for traimng to join the Survivors of Shoatr"lthe Hebrew word for Holocaust) Video ProJect, begun by Steven Spielberg, to capture the testimony of holocaust surv i v ors. These depositions will be diuitallv transformed ~nto a multi-- tnedaa computer archive available to scholars and searchers worldwide I’ d. held a mJcrop~aone beiore So I signed on to learn the delicate disciphne of penmss~vc, noi)-intrusl’v(: 117[- terv~ewm,, that assists the remamecs it) express their expe. nenoa,~,: And it was impossible s~t throu~l~ the lecture about fateful clkonology ~dnotttfi~ of you ’:Hov. was ~t possible asked Professor of History. Aia~ Berger iniris onentatioh prescri- Ption ’Tor,amodem nation-state to ~y out the svsmmauc murder of a whole population, not for any crone, but for the mere crime of the condition of b~r~?’" i~ow ~at he Spe~s ofpeople born Jewish, but I Nso~ow ~at he. now more th~ ever, spe~s of people born homosexuN who were once ~e most despised of the bu~ates. And who, even now, without order or cogent org~7~on, ~e ~e most vulnerable to &e ex~emes of Muds of s~pegoafism ~at Nstory h~ shown ~ result from foundering ~ono~es, ~d extre~ sts o~upylng power. Professor Berger det~led a nationN logbook that on~ did, ~d could on~ agmn, have your n~e ~ved on it. He refers to "Jews." I ask you to ~spose "llonlosexNs". "The Jews," he smd~ "were In many ways, the writers, editors and publisher of Tulsa Family News have rather traditional goals. We hope to emulate the better newspapers of our country, providing a mix of news, entertainment, financial advice, and opimon, etc. albeit tailored to our communities: Lesbian, Gay; .Bisexual and Transgendered. And while we thank our advertisers for their support and the opportunity to promote their businesses and organizations, unlike some other publications, advertising is the means, not the end. For us, content is more than just something to fill the space between ads. Frankly, this ~s more work. It takes more time and greater skills to seek out the stories that affect our lives, our fanrilies and friends. Chin of the specific goals of TuL%~..?:amily News is to provide a forum for discussion about is- " sues andideas. Again this is fairly traditional for a newspaper. For Our ehallenCe to those who dlsa~ree with our positions is thls: ~et off your baeksldes and partlelpate in the dlalo~ue. All it takes to ~et your vlew read is to submit it via letter, fax or e-mail. If you care enough about where we’re ~oln~, if you care enough to eomplaln, eare enough to educate and persuade your peers. example, The Tulsa Wormregularly takes positions on issues andreaders, agreeing or disagreeing, write to share their views. diabolized, demomzed Judged less than human. In demonizauon, the v~ctim is bmu shed from your world, the vicUm is outside theum verse of mor~ obligati.on. If you flnnk thin ~meone ~s not hffmgm, subhum~ ami-hum~. a v~ms, a vermin, tnm~ you owe ~ha~ ttung, noflung h,.fact, it VOUr duly lO ~L~:’ ~terheadded t~a~ "theactof being bom.lew~sh was ~1 ~t took to be eligible for extentnaaon." i-.or the firs~ ume i, Nstory, O~rm itself was considered crime pumshable by death. At Dachau ~’ter the w~)rd "~cfime’" " was written ~e word ’Jew." (And, we ~ow.,"homosexuN.") The good DoctorNso outlined for us. o&er th~ fate. the Muds of factors ~at nright well have meant~edifferen~betw~n exten~ nauon,~dprotecuon, support ~d survivN: "~e prew~ status of Jews dete~ned &eir fate under Namsm. Acculturation, strong MnsNp ~es. ~ono~c toler~ce, goodinterperson~ relatiomhips with non-Jews, N1 of &ese were factors in dete~imng if you lived." ~eD~es, who gave up none of ~eir Jewish dfizem, sNd,"We help~ &e Jews bemuse ~ey we ~ew them as our fellow zeus, Now, I wonder how ~ere c~ be a single soul of us left who still prefers to live in N&ug? I see Shoah, page 3 " Tins is one of the ways in which ¯ a public dialogue and debate oc- ¯ curs in a commumty. This is ¯ particularly important in coin- ¯ munities such as ours - which is ¯¯ by its nature non-cohesive in its diversity. ¯ This is not, however, what’s been happening in LGBT Tulsa, ¯ unfortunately. We have a spec- ¯ tacular lack of dialogue about the challenges our communities face~ This is a problem. Some : have objected to the positions ] we’ve taken. That’s OK ¯ Our challenge to those who ¯ disagree with our positions is ¯ this: get off your backsides and participate openly in the dia- ¯ logue. All it takes to get yo.ur ¯ view read is to submit it vm ¯ letter, fax or e-mail, ff you care : enough about where we’re go- ¯ ing, if you care enough to com- , plain, care enough to educate ¯ and persuade your peers. Tulsa Clubs & Ftestaurama *Bad Bovz Club, 1229 S. Memonai 835-5081~ *Concessions, 3340, S Peoria 744-0896 Ground Zero. :3 ! ! E. 7ffi, (~emng soon where ~is w~s. 585-5622 *[.ola’s 2630 E !Stb 749-1563 *Silver Star SNoon~ 1565 Shend~ 834-4234 *Renegaaes, 1~9 S. Mmn 585-3405 *TNT’s. 2114 S. Memov’d 6~-0856 *Time’n’Time Agmn, 1515 S Memorial 6~-8299 *Tool Box. 1338 E. 3rd 5~-1308 *Wild Nignts. 2~5 E. Ad~ral 582-43~) Wild Fork~ !~ti~ Sq~e. 21 st & Utica 742 .O7!2 *Intemmm~ 7!7 >. Housto,~ ~85. >- ~.-., Tulsa Busines~s, Se~i~s, & Profess=ona~a Assocmms in Med~ ~ ~cn~ H~th, ~56~ ~. 2 l ~4~-I000 *B;~ms ~ ~oN~ Booksdmrs. 86~0 E. 7~ Z~0-503~ Budge~ ~:mdow l’reatmenb. 7116 So Mlngo~ Ste I€)2 2,~-21.0(~ Creative Collectmn -152! };, {5 592- ~. 52; Che~y St. ~ ’sychotherapy Assoc !.5 t5S Lew~s q8 I.-0902_ 7,43-41 t’7 q"m~ Dmfid, Mtorney 352-95(~ 80(~-742--9~g *Devena ~ GNlery for Photo~aphy, 13 [:, Bradv 587-261 *~ite Books & Videos, 821 S. Shenomt 838-8503 Fidd~ty ~ome Heath C~e. me. Coweta ~6-1 !74 l~e M. Gross, Fm~oN Piing 7~-0! 9Z *S~dra J Hill. MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E Skefi3 745-1lll - *hnamnatmns. Lincoln Pi~,. 15th & P~:o~5:-~ 5~-.~06 International l’o~{rq Kerfs Flowers, 1635 E. 15 5~.-8076 Kdly ~rby, CPA, POB l~! 1. 74159 747-~6 t~u~-G~ou, 2747 E. 15 742- !992 MRi~r AftNrs 587-8108 Massoud’s Jewlery, The F~n 5lst & Shendm~ 663-~84 *Midmwn Theater. 319 E, a 5~-31 t 2 *Mohawk Music, 6157 .E .gl PI 6~-2951 Pounds & Fr~cs, 1706 S Boston 587-8333 ~ppy Pause II, l lth & ~n~o 838-7626 Roy~ Travd, 6927 S. C~ton 496-2410 *Ross ~w~d SNon, 1438 S. Boston 5~-0337 *Scnbner’s Bookstore, 1942 Ufi~ Squ~e 749-6301 Southwest Vi.afi~, 41~ S. H~d, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *To~oolery Gifts & C~ds, at F~ly of F~th MCC 583-12~ Westcopa SMon, ~nmln Plea 583-1500 Tulsa OrO~ni~ation~, ~hureho~, & *Bless ~e ~rd At All Times C~sfi~ Cg, 2627B E. 11 6~-0594 B/UG Alli~ce, Umve{sity of Tulsa 583-9780 *C~mrb~y Mims~y Cenmr, Umversity of Tulsa ~3-9780 *Chapm~ Student Center, Umversity of Tulsa *Co~umty of Hope, 1347 N. Y~e 838-7232 ~ty/~tegfity 2~-~ *F~ly of FNth MCC. ~51-E So. Mingo 622-1~1 Friend For A Friend, POB 523~, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity, POB 8~2, 74101 425-4905 ln~ H~th C~e, Save ~e Nation 5~-4983 ~teffNth AIDS Mims~es 438-243% 800-2~-2437 *MCC of Grater Tdsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Reso~ Consortia, 41~ S. H~v~d, Sm H-I 749-4194 NAM~ PROJECT. 41~ S. H~v~d Ste. H-1 7~4111 -P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74128 R.A.I.N., ReNonN AIDS ~teffNth Network 749-4195 R~nbow Business Guild 2~-2100 R~nbow Village, POB 5~3, 74150-~3 599-~23 Sh~fi Hothne 749-78~ T~saON~om~sforH~~ghts, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HdpLine (~o.) 743-42W Tool Box T~ci~s, 1338 E. 3rd 5~-1308 T.U.L.S.A. T~sa UNfo~/~a~er Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City HN1, C~etefia Vestibule, Gro~d >]oor *Umversi~ Center at TNsa DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. *King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *Purple Iris Inn, Route 6, Box 339 *Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton *The Woods, 50 Wall St. *The Diner, 2124 NW 39th *Jungle Red, The Habana Inn *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th *Triangle Association, 2136 NW 39th 501-253-6807 501-253-5445 800-231-1442 501-253~8748 501-253-2204 501-253-8281 405-528-5133 405-524-5733 405-525-2437 405-843-8378 For those who wouldlike to receive discreeth~me delivery of Tulsa Family News, please send 5 ~5 for a 12 months, 58 for 6 months. wonder how she or he, knowing the rising tide of current extreme religionists working toward government domination, can think that the pulled curtain is preferable or even viable? Who doesn’t fathom that to declare yourselfin the normal course of your business or industry, without fanfare orundueattention, and to work toward the normalizationand legalizationofourlives, creates a familiar safety that can never be achieved in hiding. That it works directly tO deflect the danger that could someday again require our having to secret ourselves, not in closets, but in holes under floorboards or in cellars. We say, frequently, in the Out Community, thatno one can hate you if they know you. The Jews say, "Never again." So should we. Let’s not be left out of history again. If you are a Jewish gay or lesbian holocaust survivor, and voti understand the benefit of having your experience on record, please contact the Shoah Foundation at 1-800/661-2092 or 818/777-7802. If you are a non-Jewish gay or lesbian survivor, or know someone who wishes she or he had a place to leave a record of what happened, please contact the foundation as well and strongly request that your voice be added to the documenta- [ion. Shelly Roberts is a nationally syndicated columnist, speaker, and author of TheDyke Detector, andHey, Mom, Guess What! Paradigm Publishing. Eberle notes that he knows of Gay men who have been part of Leadership Tulsain the past (and that he suspects a number of women in this year’s class are Lesbians), but he believes that they did not apply openly. In contrast, he applied as an openly Gay man as well as an HIV+ individtml. He feels that Leadership Tulsa really was seeking diversity in this class which is also notable for its racial and ethnic diversity as well as its gender balance. At a retreat held recently, the conversations were dominated by discussions about ¯ children, and Eberle was concerned about how coming out as both Gay and HIV+ would be received. To his surprise, he found acceptance from the members of his sub-group, and later, a women came out to him as the mother of a Gay son. As is typical ofLeadership Tulsa, Eberle was assigned to a board, both to learn from them and to provide them with the benefit of his experience, lie will be as- ¯ sisting the South Peoria Neighborhood Association When asked, he noted that Leaderstiip Tulsa does not send volunteers to any non-profit orgamzation that directly serves the Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Trans. communities. The only organization with historical ties to the Gay communiues is the HIV Resource Consortium. For more information, call Leadership Tulsa at 582-1296. On behalf of the AIDS Wa k Tulsa ’95 and the beneficiary agencies, thank you! 1. Collect contributions in advance of th e Walk. This saves you time. saves expenses associated with collecting money after the Walk and allows for the proceeds to be distributed more quickly. 2. Please make checks payable Io AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95-PFLAG: The canceled check will be the sponsor’S receipt. ¯ Ahalaya ¯ HIV Resource Consortium ¯ Hospice o¢ Green Country ¯ Indian Health Care ¯ Interfaith AIDS Ministrie~ " , Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services Address and Phone Total PJedge CHIEF ~,VILMA MANKILLER l]onorary Chair " AIDS.Walk Tulsa ’95 -.Saturday, September 30, 1995 Boulder Park 18th & Boulder Tulsa, Oklahoma ¯ Multicultural AIDS Coalition 9:00 a.~. Check in and turn in ¯ ¯ Rainbow Village ¯ Regional AIDS Interfaith Network ¯ St. Joseph Residence ¯ TOHR Testing Clinic ¯ Visiting Nurse Association Pledges of Support 9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies 10:00 a.m. Step Off 1:00 p.m. Jaycees Battle of the Bands For more information, to obtain extra brochures or lo mail in pledges, please contacl: AIDS Walk ’95. (918) 587-7222, P. O. Box 1071, Tulsa, OK 74101-1071 AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95 Walk This Way Na’ne Address City state Phone Sponsor: am unable to attend the AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95. Please a0cept my pledge in the amount of : $ would like lo volunteerl Enclosed is my check for I would like to order T-shirts @ $10.00 each. Size: __ L, __ XL. XXL. Waiver: I, the undersigned, agree to indemnify end hold harmless all parties affiliated wfth AIDS Walk Tulsa ’eJS. Walk This Way from all cost. expense and liability adsing out of my or my child’s padicipation in this event. I hereby waive all claims for damage ,or. loss: t9 my or my child’s person which mev be caused by an act. or failure to act. by the above said parties and affiliated persof~s arising.directly or indirectly from my or my child’s participation In this event: and I hereby assume liability for any toss, damage, or e~her liability from such event. Important: Participants under the age of .18 must have this form signed by a parent or guardian. Participant’s Signature/Date: Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature/Date News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs NeWs NCOD Founder Dies TF~qUQUE, N.M. - Psychologist Robert H Eichberg, cofounderofNational Coming Out Day in 1988, has died of AIDSrelated complications at age 50. Eichberg also wrote Coming Out: an Act of Love, which describes how people reveal their homosexuality. "His whole life’s work was about bridging the gap between gay and nongay communities, allowing people to discover who they are, and really encouraging them to go out and do something with that’knowledge," said Lynn Shepodd, president of the Santa Fe Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Pride Committee. Eichbe,rg’s activism started 2 decades ago whenhe established a political action committee for gay and women’s rights in Los Angeles. National Coming Out Day is celebrated each year on Oct. 11. Lesbians at Conference HUAIROU, China - At a news conference at the NGO forum going on parallel with the 4th World UN Conference on Women, lesbians attending as NGOdelegates said they wanted tomake contact with other lesbians in China and throughout Asia. Arjana Suvamananda, a lesbian from Thailand, said she and other members of the Asian Lesbian Network were eager to contact lesbians all over ASia. "It would not be wise to be specific if there are Chinese lesbian activists here in the forum. I can tell you, lesbians are everywhere, including in China,’" Suvamananda said. "’The reason we are networking with Chinese lesbians is to be able to share information and .strengthen the Chinese lesbian movementhere, which onits own will be able to make more and more lesbians come out in fighting for their rights," Palecia IIIIII robert owen freeman architectural & interior design consulting, architectural renderings pob 52621, tulsa, ok 74152 918.747.0880 ¯ Beverly Diski of the Gay Les- " bian Organization of ¯ Witwatersrand in South Africa, ¯ said. Anti-Gay Violence in Washington Schools SEATTLE - Among some 27 ¯ anti-gay incidents in Washington state schools during the past 5 years, 8 boys and gifts reported ! that they had been gang raped by ¯ fellow schoolmates in a survey ¯ prepared by the Safe Schools Coalition. ¯ Two girls, ages 13 and 14, ¯ reported they had been forced to have. sex with each other under football bleachers and had then ¯ been raped by each of the boys. In some of the assaults, the sin- ¯ dents reported they had been uri- ¯ nated on or vomited on by their ¯ attackers. Three of the anti-gay ¯ incidents reportedly took place ¯ inelementary schools inthe state. .. State schools superintendent ¯ Judith Billings said she would r~ ~ew the coalltton s findings. ¯ No Gay Godparent in OK ¯ LONDON - Simon Lawley, a ¯ 39-year-old man who was told ¯ he could, not be his nephew’s : godfather because he is gay, has ¯ called on the Archbishop ofCan- ¯ terbury to make a ruling on the ¯ issue that has outraged gays and church activists in England, ¯ Lawley wrote to The Rev. Dr. ¯ George Carey about the treat- . ment ofhis family and himself at ¯ St Peter’s Church in : Famborough, west of London. ¯ Church of England guidelines ¯ on godparents stipulate only that ¯ they must be Christians. : Lawley was asked by his sis- " ter, Lizzie Toms, if he would be ¯ a godparent to her son Freddie ¯ who was born in January. She ¯ asked the Rev. Beryl Phillips, ¯ one of St. Peter’s curates, about ¯ it but was told her gay brother ¯ was not be an acceptable godfa- ¯ ther. St. Peter’s officials stood ¯ behind their exclusion ofLawley, ¯ saying, "This church proclaims thatGodloves all people but that ¯ he also sets boundaries on our ¯ behavior. The Church is always being clobbered for not taking a ¯ moral stand. Now we are mak- ¯ ing our policy clear and being ¯ clobbered anyway." $25 Million Suit Filed in ¯ ’Jenny Jones’ Killing ¯ SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - The ¯ family of Scott Amedure,.who was killed after appearing on the ¯ TV talk program "The Jenny : J,ones, Show," have filed a $25 million lawsuit against the §yndieated show...AnAgx!ttre was,one : of several guest~~vho told other ¯ guests on the show that they had secret crushes on them, but in : Amedure’s case, the object of ¯ his crush was Jonathan Schmitz, ¯ who said he was heterosexual. Schmitzis currently being held on charges of killing Amedure, and claims he was led to believe the person with a secret crush on him was a woman, not a mail. Geoffrey Fieger, the lawyer representing Amedure’s family, ¯ said, "Jenny Jones is as negli- : gent as Schmitz in creating the ¯ scenario in which Scott was ¯ gulmed down." The suit claims, ¯ among other things, that ¯ Amedure and other guests were ¯ given alcohol before the pro- " gram to lower their inhibitions. ¯ School Board Bans ¯ Discussion of Gay Issues ¯ MERRIMACK, N.H. - Led by ¯ new.ly-elected far-right conser- ¯ vataves, the Merrimack school ~ board has narrowly approved by ¯ a3-2 vote a proposal that would ¯ prohibit teachers and counselors : from discussing homosexuality in a neutral light. The ban would ¯ prohibit any neutral discussion ¯ of homosexuality in the schools, ¯ bar instructional materials that ¯ discuss homosexuality from a ¯ neutral viewpoint, and prohibit ." suicidepreyentioncounseling (or : even referrals to counseling) for gay and lesbian students. : Austrian Cardinal Quits : Accused of Molestation ¯ VIENNA - Austria’s Roman ¯ Catholicprimate, Cardinal Hans Hermann Groer, has announced ¯ that he will step down from his ¯ post in September. Groer’s re- " tirementcomes amidperhaps the ¯ greatest Crisis the church in the ¯ F’~dominately Catholic country ¯ has ever faced. Groer has re- . fused to comment at all about ¯ accusations madeearlier this year ¯ that he had sex with a male stu- ¯ dent at a boarding school some ¯ 20 years ago. ¯ Josef Hartmann, who is now ¯" 37, said he had gone public with ¯ the accusations after Cardinal Groer said that men who abuse ¯ young boys could never enter ¯ heaven. Groer remained silent ¯ on the charges, and since then ¯ rights activists have also named ¯ several other leading Catholic ¯ clergy in the country whom they ¯ say are closeted homosexuals. Life Given NE Killing OMAHA, Neb. Marvin Nissen, who admitted killing Teena Brandon -.a woman who had posed as a man - along with 2 of her friends, has been sentenced to life in prison. Officials said Nissen, 22, and John Lotter, 24, raped Brandon afterlearning that she was a woman, then stabbed her to death to keep her quite about the rape. They said Nissen and Lotter also killed Lisa Lambert, 24,and Philip DeVine, 22, in rural Humboldt, Neb., because they were with Brandon at the time. Lotter has already been found guilty of 1 st degree murder in all three killings and faces possibly a death sentence. Lesbian Trapeze Artists! EDINBURGH, Scotland - The Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, which bills itself as the largest arts festival in the world,. has a reputation for outlandish acts among its 14,000 performances by groups from 700 troupes from 32 countries. But among the groups - that includes Alien Sex, Ian Coguito, Jeffrey Dahmer Is Unwell, and Strange Fruit Stageworks - the performers causing the greatest stir seem to be the Club Swing- Appetite, alesbian trapeze troupe from Australia. Club Swing- Appetitewas given the festival’s "’Moira" award - named after arch-conservative Edinburgh councilor Moira Knox - who called the lesbian circus act a "dirty-minded disgrace." The trapeze-flying lesbians immediately included Knox’s remarks in their advertising fliers and have been drawing record crowds to watch the act that they describe as "a feast of food, sex and orgasmic trapeze." Hawaii Bias Commission HONOLULU - Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano has named the commissioners who will study sexual orientationdiscrimination resultingfrom same-sex couples not being permitted to legally marry in the state. The panel will make recommendations on legislation next year to overcome the bias against same-sex couples, although most rights activists in the state insist the solution is for the state to simply allow gays andlesbians to marry. The comlmss~oners are: Tom Gill, former Lt. Governor and ¯ Congressman; K. Gomes, ¯ American Friends Service Com- . mittee (Quakers); R. Stauffer, ¯ AFSC; M. Britt, Hawaii State. Teachers Assn.; N. Kreidman, ¯ anti-violence activist; J. Hochberg, attorney with the antigay Rutherford Foundation; ¯ Marie Sheldon, attorney. ¯ Internarl Conference of Gay Police Officers : PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - The ¯ first Law Enforcement Gays & Lesbians International conference gotunderway in this South- " ern California resort city, drawing several hundred police officers from more than 100 different ¯ departments in 26 states and 6 countries. The conference was cosponsoredby the Los Angeles : Police Department with the Golden State Peace Officers : Assn., a California-based group of gay and lesbian officers. ¯ Among the public officials at- . tending a reception opening the ¯ conference were California. Lt. ¯ Gov. Gray Davis, LAPD Chief Willie Williams, Los Angeles Deputy MayorMike Keeley, and ¯ L.A. Police Commissioner Art ¯ Mattox. ¯ Group Hopesto Increase ¯ Visibility of Straights ¯ WASHINGTON - A new orga- ¯ nization, called And Justice for ¯ All, has been formed in the nation’s capital to increase the ¯ visibility of straights in the gay ¯ rights movement. Jonathan ¯ Zucker, the organization’s ex- ¯ ecutive director, said he hopes ¯ the group will be able to bring news. ofimportantdevelopments in the progress of the gay rights ¯ movement to non-gays. "’A lot of useful information is ¯ produced every day by lesbian, ¯ gay, bisexual, and transgender ¯ rights organizations," Zucker ¯ said. "Unfortunately, much of ¯ this information never reaches ¯ ¯ heterosexuals who would use it. AndJusticeforAll will focus on ¯ getting therein theloop and giv¯ ing them the tools they need to support this movement." The ¯ groups can be contacted at: And Justice for All, PO Box 53079, ¯ Washington, DC 20009; by ¯ phone at (202) 298-9362; or at : Jst4All@AOL.com. British Activists ¯ Protest Islamic Group ¯ LONDON-Brid sh rights activ- ¯ ists with the group OutRage dis- ¯ rupted a rally by Hizb ut Tahrir, BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria 743-5272 Comer of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! Photography J.D. Jamett 621-5597 Kerry $28/hour MASSAGE THERAPIST "Tension, Stress, or Injury" YMCA 515 S. Denver Tues.-Fri. (12-8pm) (918) 583-6201, Ext. 19 News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News an Islamic fundamentalist orga- :I "does not condone nor tolerate memberdenomination’s Church " has played gay or lesbian char- . receive the death benefits of his nization that advocates the kill- ¯ discrimination based on race, Council has n,%w deeided~,to just " acters, are among the actors who ¯ long-time companion, a deing of homosexuals and Jews Sunday, Aug. 13, at London’s Trafalgar Square. Twenty gay men and lesbians were taken away by police as they protested the Islamic rally and disrupted speakers from. the group. John Jackson of OutRage said, "Our protest was lesbian and gay selfdefense against Islamic fundamentalists who endorse the killmg by Iran of an estimated 4,000 homosexuals since 1980, and who threaten and intimidate gay students on college campuses in Britain.’" Italian Protest Called Over Verona Action VERONA, Italy - Verona may have been the Setting for Shakespeare’s"star-crossed lovers" Romeo and Juliet, but the city councilors have given a cold shoulder to gay and lesbian lovers. The Verona City Council, at the promptings of the right wing and of conservative Catholic leaders .has approved a resolution rejecting a European Parliament statement opposing discrimination against homosexuals. The anti-gay resolution adopted by the Verona council states in part: "’Apart from indi- "vidual moral and religious beliefs, homosexuality contradicts Natural Law itself. The application ofthe above mentioned [European Parliament] resolution, among other things, would have a negative effect upon the psychological development of young people who, in such promiscnous heterosexual and homosexual families, would see the falling of one of the basic foundations of the family,.that is: the stable union of a man and a woman?" The Verona resolution has no legal impact, but it has become the locus of Italian activists who have called for a demonstration against the Verona City Council on Sept. 30 by activists and gay aud lesbian travelers throughout the country. Veterans Affairs Dept. Bars Anti-Gay Bias WASHINGTON - The U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs has issued a policy statement prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation within the agency. The Veterans Affairs policy states that the department color, national origin, sex, reli- ¯ gion, age, disability, or sexual ¯ orientation in any of its person- ." nel policies, practices, and operations ." ¯ Episcopal Bishop to be : Tried forGay Ordination ¯ NEW YORK - In a highly un- ¯¯ usual move, the Episcopal Church in America has an- ¯ nounced that retired Bishop ¯ Walter Righter of Iowa will face ¯ a trial by 9 bishops on ecclesias- ¯ tical charges that he ordained an openly gay man in 1990. Righter ¯ ordained Barry Stopfel as an ¯ Episcopal deacon while Righter ¯ was servingas anassistantbishop ¯ in New Jersey. Stopfel was later ¯ ordained as a priest by Newark ¯ BishopShelby Spong.Inspiteof ¯ attempts by Episcopal Church ¯ leaders to avoid a church trial, ¯ several conservativebishops got ¯ the required approval of 75 of ¯ the church’s 2_97 bishops to force ¯ Righter to stand trial. Righter, ¯ who currently lives in New ¯ Hampshire, called the move ¯ "’outrageous." Dutch Gov’t ¯ Subsidizing Gay Games ¯ AMSTERDAM-TheDutchgay ¯ newspaper, De Gay Krant, re- " ports that the country’s Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport has announced a grant of $62,500 to ¯ the Gay’Games slated to be held ¯ ~n Amsterdam in 1998. The ¯ Dutch governmentregularlysubsidizes organizers who Work to ¯ bring!arge-scale sporting events ¯ to the country. ¯ A ministry spokesperson said the governmenthopes that"more ¯ than before, attention will be ¯ given to sport for homosexuals, ¯ whichintumwill promote sport- ¯ ~ngpardcipationin general."The ¯ paper quoted Marc Janssens, an ¯ organizer with the Gay Games ¯ in Amsterdam, as saying the ¯ group hcped to raise some $625,000 to mount to interna- ¯ tional sporting competition. Lutherans Tired of Sex ¯ MINNEAPOLIS - After years ¯ of emotional, and often divisive ¯ debate, tlieEvangelicalLutheran ¯ Church in America has decided ¯ to indefinitely postpone work on ¯ a policy statement on sexuality ¯ because of its inability to reach ¯ any consensus on qnestions such ¯ as the ordination of gays and ¯ lesbians or the blessing of samesex mamages. The 5.2-million Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 put off any statement on sexuality in 1997 because of"substantive differences" within the church. The council said many members of the churchwere simply "tired of the issue" which its members have wrangled withfor several years without resolution. Michigan Gay Resort Nixes Rights Protections SAUGATUCK, Mich. - The town council of the tiny Lake Michigan resort commumty of Saugatuck, southwest of Grand Rapids, has unanimously rejected ameasure thatwouldhave barred discrimination based on sexual orientation. The refusal to adopt the local legislation incensed many activists because the lakefront town of just under 2,000 people is a popular resort with gays and lesbians. The issue arose after an innkeeper in nearby Douglas, Mich., across the Kalamazoo River from Sangatuck, refused to rent a room to 2 gay men. The town council in Douglas then promptly adopted an anti-bias measure by 7-0, and raised the issue in nearby Sangatuck. ’Celluloid Closet’ Ready for Premiere SAN FRANCISCO -"The Celluloid Closet," the star-studded and long-awaited documentary by San Francisco film makers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, will have its world premiere September 6 at the Venice Film Festival, followed by North American showings at the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. "The Celluloid Closet" was produced by HBO and is expected to have a theatrical release in addition to its cable airing, Friedman said from Massachusetts, where he and Epstein are vacationing. ~The film also has been "unofficially invited" to the Sundance Film Festival next January, he added. Based on a 1981 book by the late film historian, writer and .media acdvist Vito Russo, "The Celluloid Closet" illustrates the history of gay imagery in Hollywood films, and features clips from more than 100 Hollywood movies.-Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon,Tony Curtis, Farley Granger and Shirley MacLalne, each ofwhom ¯ appearinfilmedinterviews. The ¯ film is narrated by Lily Tomlin ¯ using a script aut bored by ¯ Armistead Maupin. NEA Gives $20,000 to ¯ ’96 AIDS Quilt Display WASHINGTON - The federal ¯ NadonalEndowmentfortheArts ¯ has given $20,000 to the San Francisco-based NAMES ¯ Project in support of an October ¯ 1996 display of the AIDS Me¯ morial Quilt in the nation’s capi~ tal. Anthony Turuey, executive ¯ director of the NAMES Project, ¯ said the display is timed to "re- -’- cus the eyes of our leaders and American citizens" on theAIDS ¯ epidemic during the 1996 decdon. The display will be the first time in 4 years the 45,000-panel, .60-ton. quilt will be on display in ¯ ~ts entirety. ¯ Kentucky Beer Boycott LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Accord- ¯ ing to a report in The Letter, a ¯ Kentucky lesbian and gay paper, ¯ 9 local gay bars and restaurants ¯ have begun a boycott of several popular beers because of what ¯ activists.there called the "right ¯ wing activities"ofDonna Shedd, ¯ whose husband David ~s presi- ¯ dent of River City Distributing Inc. River City Distributing was targeted for the boycott because ¯ of Mrs. Shedd’s involvement in Kentucky’s Eagle Forum, the ¯ and-gaygroupheadedbyPhyllis Schlafly. Activists also noted that Mrs. Shedd served on the state Republican Party’s executive ¯ committee when last year it unanimously passed aresolution in favor of recriminilizing homosexuality in Kentucky. In addition to the popular bars and restaurants involved in the protest, die boycott is also being supported by Kentucky’s Fairness Campaign, the Pro-Choice Coalition, the Metropolitan Commtmity Churchand the Louisville chapter of Parents-Friends of Lesbians andGays (P-FLAG). ." Organizers say the boycottcould cost the distribution company as nmch as S15,000 per week in lost sales. Israel Refuses Partner’s Death Benefits JERUSALEM -The Israeli Ministry of Justice has announced ¯ that anational court has rejected the claim of Adir Steiner, 29, who had petitioned the courts to ¯ ceased army colonel, after the : Defense Ministry refused to extend the benefits to him. The court ruling, quoted by the min¯ istry, said that Steiner and Col. Doron Maisel, who died of cancer in 1991 while in the Israeli army, did "not constitute a nuclear family" and that Steiner ¯ was lherefore ineligible for Maisel’s death benefits. The 2 menhadbeen partners for8 years before Maisel died. : Shocking Gray Closes _. SAN ANTONIO, Texas - According to the Columbia, S.C., : gay newsmagazine In Unison, ; the Texas-basedmail-order firm Shocking Gray has shut down and intends to go into bank- ; ruptcy. In Unison quoted Ed Rhuebart, a New York buyer for the mall-order catalog finn, who said Shocking Gray had laid off its workers, discontinued processing telephone orders and locked its offices. GayNet News Service con- : firmed that the catalog company’s toll-free telephone ¯ number used by customers to ¯ order the finn’s up-scale and dis¯ tinctlygay-orientedmerchandise had bee~ disconnected with no : forwarding number. Rhuebart is ; quoted as telling In Unison that ¯ "’ShockingGray, the catalog, was doing fihe. Shocking Gray, the company, was not." Anti-Gay Minister Phelps ¯ Alleges Bomb Attack ¯ TOPEKA. Kan. Fred Phelps, : the leader of a small fundarnen : talist church noted for anti-gay picketing at funerals of people ~ who have died of AIDS, named ~ two men he charged had set offa bomb at the home of;one of his daughters in late August. Police : have made no arrests in the : bombing. Authorities said they would investigate Iris charges, although : they also said by aunounc~ng the ; names before giving them to oL ficials Phelps may have inter~ ; fered with their ability to ~nvestigate his accusations. No inju- ; ries were reported at the time of the August 27 bombing. Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 No. Cincinnati 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanla Pl. 742-7381 Trinity 5Ol so. Cincinnati 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You Cherry Street Psychotherapy ~ssoeiates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, pdvate atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further information call 743-4.117. Leah Hunt, MSW Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Della Blackburn, CADC ....... Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Commullity Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Butler, RN .MS Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services. We have many insurance provider affiliation.~ - ifyou belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21 st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Individuals, .Couples & Families. Lesbians Being Missed by Health System HUAIROU, China- Dr. Ellie Emanuel of the University of Wisconsin’ s’ school of education and health services, said lesbians are being ignored or overlooked by the L S. heal.th care system Leshians are shppmg through tiie cracks, ’~ Emanuel said at ttieNGOforum being conducted in conjunction with the 4th UN World Conference on Women. "Women think that if they don’t have sex with men they don’t have to worry about annual checksups that would detect disease." She also said that lesbians often don’t believe they are at risk for sexually trans, mitred diseases. "There is a growing recognition that women and lesbians are at risk of getting AIDS through sexual behavior and needle-sharing," said one woman from Sweden attending the con, ference. The forum was told that health experts estimated that more than 20% of lesbians in the U.S. had sex with a high-risk partner, and that between I and 2% of all women with AIDS were lesbians. Emanuel urged lesbians to be identified in the community and to learn about issues related to their personal health. WHO Says Women Increasingly Hit by HIV BEIJING - At a press conference held by the World Health Organization during the 4th UN World Conference on Women in Beijing, women were told they face the gloomy reality ofbecoming infected with HIV more rapidly than men, in part because of their economic dependence on males. "Thebleakreality is that the sexual and economic subordination of women fuels the HIV/AIDS pandemic," WHO said in a position paper at the conference. The WHO document said that by the year 2000, there will be 14 million HIVinfected women and about 4 million women will have died from the disease worldwide. "The number of infected women with HIV is increasing more rap idly thanmenin Africa, in southernAsia," said WHO director-general Hiroshi Nakajima. Economics Alone Not Enough to Stem AIDS HUAIROU, China - Giving women greater economic clout isn’t enough to stop the spread of HIV among them because, of the complexities of different cultural environments throughout the world, the alternative NGO (non-governmental organization) conference runningparallel to the 4th UN World Conference on Women was told. Marina Mahathir, head of the Malaysian AIDS Council, said even women in highly educated and affluent societies often find that their independence ends in the bedroom. "This is when their hnsbands regard affluence and success as having many wives or mistresses," Mahathir said at a workshop on economics and women’ s susceptibility to HIV at the NGO forum, which had declared the day "Women and AIDS Day." Among the difficulties faced in different cultures that were discussed: - In Bangladesh, where polygamy is permitted, the International Centrefor Research on Women has only recently begun a campaign to try to persuade women not. to marry men who already have one or more wives. - In Canada, many African immigrants and refugee women have to become prostitutes. to earn a living because of limited emplo.y.ment opportunities, especially for non-cxuzens. - In Vietnam whereprostitution is commonplace, Thi Hwa, who works withsex workers, said many young prostitutes allow unprotected sex for a little extra money. "Many older men pay more for unprotected sex because they feel itwould not mak e much diffeience if theycontract AIDS as they believe they do not have long tO live anyway," Hwa said. - In many. poor countries with high unempl0yment,.:tike .Nepal and: Gu~yana where men go away to work, they get infected and return home to infect their wives. Ginny Bourassa of Women Organized to Respond to Life-Threatening Diseases (WORLD) and other NGO delegates agreed that the best way to deal with the growing HIV infection rate among women globally is through communitybased programs that can respond acco rding to local needs and problems. No Appeal Filed in Congressional AIDS Bias Case WASHINGTON - Rep. Barbara-Rose Collins (D-Mich.) missed the filing deadline to appeal the claim of a former aide in her office who said he was fired because thelawmaker thought hehad AIDS. Since " Collins did not appeal, Bruce Taylor will ¯ now receive compensation for more than ¯ 7 months’ back pay and attorney’s fees. ¯ Jim Davison, a media services adminis- ¯ trator for the House of Representatives, ¯ said heknew ofno other instance in which ¯ a member of Congress had had a case ¯ before the Office of Fair Employment ¯ Practices. Taylor claimed his firing last Decem- : bet - just 2 days after his malepartner died ¯ of AIDS - was in violation of the federal ¯ Americans with Disabilities Act. Thelaw ¯¯ protects individtmls who are perceived to ¯ beinfected or haveAIDS, as well as those who actually have the disease. According ¯ to Taylor, both Collins and her chief of ¯ staff repeatedly asked about his health ¯ before he was .fired. Although they deny : the allegations, the judge ruled that Tay- : lor was perceived to be infected and that ¯ Collins and her chief of staff had decid~’d : he "would require time off for health ~ reasons." ." Grim Predictions about HIV : GENEVA - Up to 40 million people will ~ be infected with HIV by the year 2000, ¯ according to an article published in the ¯ latest issue of the World Health Organi- ¯ zation Newsletter, and 90% of these new infections with be in developing coun- ¯ tries. The latest WHO projections represent a 105% increase in the number of ¯ HIV infections of 18 million adults and ¯ 1.5millionchildrenworldwide.TheWHO ¯ projections also noted that HIV infections : among women will increase to about 15 ¯ million within the next 5 years and that up : to 10 million children globally will be ¯ orphanedas aresultoftheepidemicbythe ¯ year 2000. : Studies On AZT’s Effectiveness ¯ BOSTON - Two seemingly conflicting ¯ studies of the drug AZT published in the ¯ latestissueoftheNewEnglandJournalof ¯ Medicine, in fact support the increasingly ¯ more common attitude among AIDS ex- ¯ perts that use of the drug alone i s ineffective in fighting AIDS and that starting ¯ infected patients on multiple anti-HIV -drug~ as qmcidy as possi01e is the best ~~edi~’cal course of action. A team of researchers led by Dr. ~anl Volberding Of the University of Califorma m San Francisco and Dr. Stephen Lagakos of Harvard University studied 2 groups of patients for more than 6 years, comparing the progress of 549 HIV-positive butasymptomat ic patients who were given only AZT, and 547 who did not get AZT until signs of approaching AIDS appeared. The researchers found there was no difference in the length of time it took for the appearance of full-blown AIDS or death. The results, consistent with earlier studies, suggest that AZT by itselfdoes little to delay the appearance of the disease in pe op!e who~ar-e infected by HIV but remain generally healthy. But a European study published along withitbyateam ledby Dr. Sabine KJnloch- De Loes. of Geneva University, reported that 39 people treatedwith AZT very early kept theirCD4counts above 500- a marker level used as an indicator in the progress of t he infection - about6 months 1onger than38people nottreated promptl The treated patients, typically got the drug within a few weeks of infection. In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Da,dd Ho of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center at New York University School of Medicine said that treating HIV with a single drug "is doomed to fail." Ho suggested that the reason the European study found a better response to AZT is that the viruses in its subjects had not had time tc develop many mutant varieties. HIV-2 ’Flare’ in U.S. Blood ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease Control &Prevention has announced that HIV-2 was found in only 2 blood donations in this country last year and kept out of the nation’s blood supply. In 1992, blood banks began testing for both HIV- 1 and HIV-2, which is primarily found in West Africa and rarely found in the U.S. Dr.. John Ward, head of the CDC’ s AIDS surveillance division, said that the U.S. blood supply continues to be safe. There have been no cases of HIV-2 infection through a blood transfusion in the U.S., Ward said. .AIDS Vaccine Tests Begin BANGKOK - A combined U.S.-Thai team of military doctors has begun drug trials of a potential AIDS vaccine made bv the U.S. finn Chiron Biocine, called S]~2 gpl20/MF 59. So far, 2 Thai volunteers have been injected with the drug, but 22 more will also receive the experimental vaccine during the 1st phase of the experiment, which will last 6 months, according to Lt. General Kamrob Saisuwm~ of the Armed Forces Research In stitute ofMedical Sciences (AFRIMS). U.S. Arnay Colonel Rodney Michael said that the vaccine has already been tested in the U.S. and that"it proved to be safe with no side effects.’" Experimental Thalidomide Trials OKed for PWAs WASHINGTON-Thalidomide, the tranquilizer that caused birth defects throughout Europein the 1950s, wil! be offered on an experimental basis to U.S. AIDS_patients whose bodies are wasting away, the drug’ s maker has announced. The special "expanded access" program, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, represents the broadest use of thalidomide ever allowed in the U.S. Celgene Corp. is conducting clinical trial s to see if its brand of thalidomide, known as Synovir, counteracts the severe weight loss and deterioration that plagues 150,000 AIDS patients. Questions about Effectiveness of Dental Disinfectant ¯ WASHINGTON - A study published in ¯ thejoumalNatureMedicineindicatesthat ¯ a chemical disinfectant commonly used ¯ On some medical and dental devices may : not kill HIV. In the laboratory, the scien- : tists discovered that the germ-killer glut- , araldehyde did not eliminate the virus in : bloodlodgedin lubricants frequentlyused : in dental equipment andin medical equip- ¯ ment calledendoscopes. : Researcher DavidLewis of the Univer- : sity of Georgia said, however, that none ¯ of the devices has ever been shown-to ¯ actually be the source of transmission of : .HIV. According to Lewis, the study : derscores theneed to sterilize dental equip- - ment at very high temperatures and indi- : cates that the standards for decontaminat- ’- ing endoscopes should be revised. : Canadian Red Cross and Lab ¯ Battled Over Blood ¯ TORONTO-Twoex-officials ofa Cana- : dian government-owned company testi- ¯ fled in court that the Canadian Red Cross ¯ and their company struggled for control ¯. over blood products as HIV entered the ¯ country’ s blood supply. ?dun Davies and ¯ William Cochrane, both ex-officials at ¯ Connaugh.t La.boratories Ltd., testified the ¯ two orgamzattons squabbled about who ¯ should make blood products for hemo- :. philiacs. Lawyers representing HIV-in- ¯ fected Canadians have claimed that the : CRC and. Connaught spent more time arguing over who should manufacture ¯ blood plasma than increasing the national blood supply’ s safety. Studies Say Legal Needles Cut HIV Infection Rate STAMFORD, Ct. - New studies indicate that needle-shanng among IV .drug addicts dropped 40% after Connecticut approved a law 3 years ago allowing pharmacies to sell syringes over the counter. The studies, published in the Journal of AcquiredImmune Deficiency Syndromes, concluded that the increased availability of clean needles should, therefore, stem the spread of HIV and make "a dramatic change in behavior at no cost to the public," according to Beth Weinstein, director of the AIDS unit of .the Connecticut Department of Health, which conducted the studies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One year after the needle laws took effect, 83%of the state’ s pharmacies were selling needles over the counter, and injection drug users were using them as their primary source of needles, accordmg to the studies. The 2nd study surveyed drug users at HIV counseling progra~ns. prisons and drug treatment centers in Connecticut where the authors found that less than a year after the law went into effect, 78% of those surveyed had bought syringes from apharmacy in th e previous month, while just 28% had purchased needles on the street. HIV Found In Semen Samples SEATTLE- According to a recent study, HIV is found in more than one-fifth of all semen samples from HIV-infected men, making unprotected sex with such men very risky. According to Dr. Ann Collier of the University of Washington at Seattle, a study of more than 100 semen samples from 16 HIV-positive men over a 2-year period found live and infectious virus 22% of the time. The presence of HIV appears to be sporadic and was not affected by whether or not the men were taking anti-viral medications at the time. FiOELITY HO/~E H E_ALTH .CA_RE, INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999"3"!A.2 We provide comprehensive ,home health services 24 hourslday, seven dayslweek. The range ofservices include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy,. Occupational Therapy- Medical Social.Services, In.home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation., Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. HIV TESTING CLINIC Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method By &for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results¯ Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights New Number: 742-2927 4158 South Harvardt Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights¯ Y QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication ’is the process through wlfich a person living with an terminal illuess c,’m receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally. to be eligible for a viatical settlemeut you must ha~e a documentable terminal illness, mad life insurmace coverage in either an individnal term. whole life. or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of \-our life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every pOlicy is suitable for vlatication, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on d~e specifics of your policy and medical kistorv. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? \Vith your written permission, we gather medical mad insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may ahvavs decline the offer ~vith no obliganon whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us uothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors i~ffluence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best finaucial alternative available [’or you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and yourfamily ~n person, in detail and can reco~mnend an experienced Certified Financial Plmmer to assist you in plmufing the best outcome from your tmiqne financial situation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many companies offer viadcal settlements, doing business o~flv bv bulk advertising mad 1-800 numbers. They transfer yourinsurance andmedical records by mail, and do bnsiness from another state. At Southwest Viatical, webelieve you shotdd be assured of complete coiffidendality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible direcd3 to.our local colmnunit~:. By working with you iu person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver dae best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we cau deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 .Y TY CALEND R SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627-B East 1 lth. Info: 583-7815 Community of Hope (United Methodis0 Worship Service, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E South Mingo. Info: 622-1441 Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 TheBanned,OKGay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 6:30pm at Canterbury 5th & Evanston lnfo: 583-9780 MONDAYS HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. W~dk in testing: 7-8:30pm" Results hours: 7-gpm Info: 742-2927 Lambda Bowling League Sheridan I_anes 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan TUESDAYS Minister’s Class Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center 7:30 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Info: 583-7815 HIV+ Support Group HIV Resource Consortium 1:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 Info: Wanda @ 74%4194 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Vicki Robinson Softball Tournament info: TNT’s 660-0856 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Family ofFaith MCC, Marsha Stevens Concert. 7 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Family ofFaith MCC Rev. Elder Troy Perry Preaches & Ordains Rev. Nancy Horvdth, 11 am Rev. Nancy Horvath Installed as Pastor ofFamily ofFaith MCC, 6 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Vicki Robinson Softball Tournament Info: TNT’s 660-0856 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Community ofHope Blessing & Celebration ofNew Space, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Tulsa Oklahomansfor Human Rights Monthly Board Meeting, 7 pm 40th & Harvard, Info: 743-4297 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Community ofHope NewMembers Orientation, 2-4pm 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Rainbow Business Gui/d, 7 pm Chimi’s, Private Dining Room, 15th Street .Dinner Meeting, Info: 665-5174 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Womens Coffee House, 6:30pm Gold Coast Coffee, 3509 S. Peoria Info: page: 646-6455 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Community ofHope Feed The Homeless, 5:30pm Meet at COH, 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 TCAP Advisory Council, Malissa Shepherd, Centers for Disease Control noon-l:30pm, 1430 S. Boulder THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Community Receptionfor Tulsa Americorp HIV Services Volunteers 4:30-6:30pm Collins Room, 1430 S Boulder SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95, "Walk This Way", 9am Boulder Park, 18th & Boulder Info: 587-7222 Jaycees’ Battle ofthe Bands, lpm Boulder Park, 18th & Boulder SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Friendfor A Friend, "Our House" Yard Sale, 8am-5pm, 1114 S. Quaker SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 Pdme Timers Monthly Meeting Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74100 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 NAMES Project Volunteer Training 3pm, All Soul’s Unitarian, 2902 S. Peoria WEDNESDAYS Authority OfThe Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center Choir Practice 7 pm 2627-B East llth Call 583:7815 for info. PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1 st & 3rd Wednesdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 Family Of Faith MCC Potluck 6:30 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 8 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Co-Dependency Support Group 7:30, Family of Faith MCC 5451-E S. Mingo Call 622-1441 for Info. HIVTestingTOHRClinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7 - 8:30pro Results hours: 7 - 9pro Info: 742-2927 Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 SATURDAYS Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, info: 585-1800 NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees 3rd Sat. of each month Info: 748-3111 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Mntlicultural AIDS Coalition. 11:15 AIDS Coalition of Tulsa Topic: Mandatory v, Voluntary Testing noon- 1:30, 1430 S. Boulder TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 NAMES Project Volunteer Training 5:30pro, All Soul’s, 2902 S. Peoria TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 Tulsa Oklahomansfor Human Rights Monthly Members Meeting, 7 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Gathering Place Info: 743-4297 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 NAMES Project Volunteer Training 7pm, All Soul’s, 2902 S. Peoria SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 Friendfor A Friend, "Our House" Bazaar, 9am-Spm, 1114 S. Quaker MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 Parents, Family & Friends ofLesbians & Gays, PFLAG PFLAG 101, 1st Timers Support Group, 6:30pm PFLAG 102, OngoingSupport Group, 6:30pm PFLAG General Meeting, 8pm 4154 S. Harvard, Gathering Place Info: 749-4901 MON/TUES., OCT. 9 & 10 Hoisting the Banner ofColor Conf. HIV & the Communities ofColor OKC Marriott, Info: 800-285-2273 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 Family ofFaith MCC National Coming Out Day Sevice 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 Green Countryfor Human Rights League Monthly Meeting, Muskogee Library, 7pro, POB 614, 74402, 682:8204 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 TOHRNationalComingOutDay Dance Tentative date: call 743-4297 to confirm. All Soul’s Unitarian, 2952 S. Peoria FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 13-15 NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Fri. 6:30-10:30, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 11-6:30 Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa Fair Grounds Opening: Fri. 6:30, Close: Sun. 6:30pro SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Dignityllntegrity Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians 5pm, St. Dunstan’s, 5635 E. 71st SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 Womens Supper Club Potluck Picnic Noon-5pm, Zink Park, 31st & Trenton Info: 298-4648 Gay &.Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, Info: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’sActivityNetwork Call 832-2121 TOHRAnonymous HIV Testing Clinic Daytime testing by appt. M-Th., 10-5 pm Info: 749-4194 TOHRHelpline, Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to volunteer: 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians, Leather org., Info c/o The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S~4,- Tulsa & r Uniform Leather Seekers Assoc. Info: 838-1222 Britain’s military leaders have their strong resistance to any monte to lift the ban on homosexuals serving in the count~. ’s armed forces, and earlier this year the policy was upheld in the High Court. But!n issuing its ruling that upheld Parliament s right to say who could and could not join the military, one of the seniorjudges on the court said he rejected the challenge by 4 former servicepersonnel dischargedforbeinghomosexual "with hesitation and regret" and that the "tide of history"-was against the Ministry of Defense andurged a review of the policy. ha. a. press statement annou.neing the review, the Defense Ministry said,"In the light of this judgment the [ministry] has decided it must examine and assess the current policy with the aim of presenting a paper .of evidence to assist: the select committee on the subject ofhomosexuality in the armed forces." The review will be headed by a senior civil servant .and staffed by officers from the Royal Navy, Army and Air Force. The miuistry’s out- .... line of thereview wouldinvolve the policy being looked at from all levels. Commissioned officers and non-commissioned ranks will be asked to give evidence and fellow members ofNATOand other countries will be:visited to evaluate their own policies. -~ Stonewall, Britain’s leading gay rights Organization, welcomed the announcement and called for a moratorium on discharges from the armed services until the review had been completed. "Stonewall ¯ has always maintained that the ban is based on prejudice and prejudice alone," a Stonewall news release stated. gay and lesbian...groups want to promote in the schools," Sheldon said. "And thi~ agenda has been accomplished through the Centers for Disease Control with funding under the Trojan horse of AIDS education." In a fundraising newsletter, Sheldon said House Speaker Gingrich had promised him last year that the House would address the issue and that Sheldon was helping to’ organize the hearings. The Human Rights-Campaign Fund charged _thatRep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), chairman Of the Oiiersightand Investigations subcommittee of the Economic and EducationalCommittee was"turning his committee over to a lobbyist.:.to spread his prejudice." Elizabeth Birch, executive, director of HRCF, said Sheldon was "shamelessly distorting the purpose of. programs designed to keep young people safe and healthy, Congress should resistthe temptation to stage sideshows for. right-wing lobbyists and get on with the business of govermng." .Hoekstra’s office confirmed that Sheldon was in fact involved in planning the hearings. The hearings, Hoekstra’s office said, will address legitimate concerns of parents who are concernedby several reforms in public ~education, ineluding distributing condoms and sex education in schools: Activists noted that the hearings were scheduledbyHoekstm’s staffwithout even notifying Democratic subcommitteemembers. The date became public only after the HRCF last week released a letter that Sheldon had sent to supporters. In ~e 20-minute address during the °iunchbreak ofthe conference, Birchcalled for a new ethic in the public dialog. "We may work for different outcomes.... but we can engage in an ethic of basic respect and decency." The Greening of Gay by Pat Morehead : Well, it has been a big week for public : coverage of the "Gay 90’s". We got En- ¯ tertainment WeeNy, we got electronic ¯ coverage of the benefit presentation of Birch s speech was delivered despite " "The Sum of Us", plus a review in the being rebuffed by a Coalition spokesman : daily paper. The National networks have after formally requesting,to SlZ~,ak at the ¯ us scattered round and about both in hard Conference. Ihave had the opportunity to : news and in magazine.features. Entermeet thousands of individuals from all ¯ -~tainment Tonight is focusing on WONG - ¯ walks of life who have grave concerns ¯ FOO and "Jeffery". Whewwww! about misconceptions put forth by repre- : So where am I headed with this you ...... sentativesoftheChiistianCoalitionwhen ’ ask? All of this has lead me- to a rather’- " addressing the hopes, dreams and aspira- ¯ startling supposition. Is it possible that - tions-of lesbian and gay Americans and ~ ’Gay’ has become in some sense fashiontheir families, Birch wrote in a July 5 able.-Are we m , even in Tulsa? Have letter, to Christian Coalition Executive " we in effect become the flavor of the Director Ralph Reed. I believe that it is : month like Birkenstock shoes, Santa Fe -¯..time to address our differences face .to ¯ style cookery, ormountain bikes? Lordy, face, she wrote. :. say it ain’t so! ¯ When the formal request was turned " I can see it all now. Wewill suddenly be down, Birch decided to reserve a room in ¯ in demand by our ever so trendy straight ¯ the same hotel that would host the confer- ¯ associates. They will all want to accom- ¯ ence, to deliver her message directly to ~ pany us into the nether world of Cowboy ¯ Christian Coalition members. "Although ~ styleGaybars. We will serveas thecenter ¯ yourpodiumwas not available tome, I am ¯ of focus at backyard barbecues, cocktail ¯ grateful for those who have come today .": gatherings and small informal dinners. and will giveme the ’benefit of the doubt". -" We will be quizzed on exactly what it is and be willing to consider what I have to o that two men can do together in bed. say." ¯ Lesbians unfortunately will not receive TheHuman Rights Campaign Fund .:.’this same kind attention, because the (HRCF), the nation’s largest lesbian & " womenalreadyknowtheanswers tothose gay political organization, works to end : kinds of questions. discrimination, secure equalrights, &pro- ¯ The more daring straight men will sugtect the health and safety of.all Ameri- : gest that if the proper precautions are cans, HRCFlobbies the federal govern- : observed, they might be willing to ment on lesbian, gay, & AIDS issues; ¯ "dabble" in our excesses. Simpatico feeducates the general public; and partici- - ~ males will secretly caress our butts while pates in election campaigns. " whispering inour ears see nextpage Love is an adventure when one of you IS stile... and the other is positi~’e. ~1995 ORION PICTURES CORR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Opening Soon = Movies 8, 68th & Memorial, 250 4513 ¯ Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesdays 6:30 pm Potluck 7:00 pm Bible Study ¯ 8:00 pm Choir Practice j To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 I 5451-E S. Mingo ¯ Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Tulsa World Opening Masterworks Concert featuring music of WALT DISNEY’S FANTASIA¯ Create your own image on September 23 at 8 p,m, in Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center, Call 747-7445 for tickets and information] i t that they know just what we need. Ministers will feel a need to call us forth befor~ the congregation and give us brotherli¢ hugs (while a few will secretly caress our butts and whisper in our ears that they know just what we need) along with announcements of acceptance within the Lord’s eyes. (These will be primarily Episcopalian and Unitarian Ministers, nix on the Baptists and most of the Methodists). Politicians will drag their Gay staffers out in front of press conferences to extol the staffers dedication and the pol’s openness to lifestyles of alternative natures. (No Oklahoma Politicians will take this step but the rest of the c.ountry will. The Oklahoma Pol’s will presume they HAVEno Gay staffers!) , .... Be fear not my Brothers. This too Shall pass, and probably by Christmas. We will be replaced by the newest wave of deep muscle massage therapy or Santa Fe style andmade pnnntlve Christmas decorations. Yes, we will drift back into the oblivion of the passe’, excluding, of course, the decorators, hair stylists and florists. No more invitations, insinuated seductions or public displays of empathy and solidarity. Oh, the homoerotic advertising images will remain for awhile. And Hollywood will turn out the occasional Gay thematic film, but not too Gay of course. We will have our season ofever so appropriate and politically correct Gay Television characters who will live without real relationships while beingbefriended by concerned yet politically correct.straight associates. At least until the ratings drop below the 32rid ~lot mark in the ratings sweeps. Yes, our moment in the.glare of public acceptance will have burnt itself out. And I say, the better off we will be. My little life with its trials and failures will be just another little life. I prefer neither to be placed on a rail and ridden out of town, noron apedestal. Theflavors ofthemonth can come and go. I don’t care to be a flavor ofthe month, thank youvery much.. No, I want to be the ’bitter herbs’, not often USed, but a mainstay in seasoning the life of the world. Except for maybe all that "secret butt caressing" part. Pat Morehead is a Tulsan whose commentariesfocus on art, politics & more. NW 39th Street strip and this police offleer admitted in court that the citizenhad not made a sexual offer but had described his preference in sexual activity. ACLU-OKattorneys who include Mark Henrickson, Shirley Wiegand and others seek to challenge not only the OKC statute (which appears to ban.all discussions of sex except between married spouses) but also Oklahoma’s "’crimes against nature" statute which treats oral and anal sex as a felony crime for both heterosexuals and hOmosexuals. Because this law was found to be unconstitutional for heterosexuals in a 1.986 case, it’s felt that the higher courts may find the statute unconstitutional as it applies to homosexuals too. The hopeis that if the "crimes against nature" statute is invalid then also conversation about private consensual non-commercial acts cannot be criminalized either. Camfield said that typically the Court of Criminal Appeals moves quickly and a rifling might have come at the hearing. However, the Court has taken the case under ad.visemem and timing of aruling is not certain. The New Cars Are just Around The Corner. We Ha~e Rem.a/_.-~ng "95 Models At Botto,n Line Prices- While They Last! s10,798 includes: Air, Am/Fm Cassette & More. Includes D;:ag A~r Bags s500 s249. CASH BACK MONTHLY" 5.6o/o APR NOW AVAILABLE. LIST $29,619 - Sale $24,988 s 15,626 $4,631 Includes: Power Windows & Locks, 6 Disc CD DOHC 140 H.P. En0ine & More Changer, Aw. Cnlise. Inlinity Sound S.ystem & More. *MSRP $18,069. sale price $17,121. 41 payments of $249, s mo. last payment of 9522.21. ot walk a way. 12.000 miles a yr. free. 15¢ a mile thereafter. W.A.C. don carlton MITSUBISHI 665,6595 46th & Memorial ¯ FAMILY FINANCES Procrastination Is Expensive by LeanneGross Two twins, Jean and Jan, had different ideas about saving. When Jean turned 30, she started an IRA (Individual Retirement Account). Each year, for 6 years, Jean ¯ contributed the maximum amount (for : her) of $2,000 to her IRA. At age 36, Jean : had put away $12,000. Then she stopped ¯ contn.’buting - however her money kept ¯ growing. Jan had other plans. She opened an IRA, but she waited until she was 41. For ¯ 25 years, Jan contributed $2,000 each ¯ year. Her out-of-pocket investment, then, : was $50,000. : On their 65th birthday, the twins sat ¯ downtogetherandcomparedplans. Jean’ s ¯ IRA was worth $200,432 ’ nbt bad for an ¯ out-of-pocket investment of $12,000. Jan checked her IRA statement and found her account was worth only $170,401. How could this be? Jan asked. Compounding interest?Time to let your dollars workfor you! Jean earned $30,031 more than Jan because Jr~n started to save earlier. In this case, the cost of~ procrastination was $30,031. Y,oumay not be30 yeaa s old ;however, don tput offshving any longer. Talk to a professional today!! Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. Y R-epublican Congressman Blasts Dole WASHINGTON - Rep. Steve Gunderson (R-Wisc.), one of only three openly gay members of Congress, asked Senate Majority .Leader Bob Dole, a leading contender for the GOP presidential nomination, if the Kansas Republican was rejectmg his support after Dole returned a.campaign contribution to a gay Republican organization last month. In the mean- -time, the campaign contribution from the Log Cabin Club was instead given to Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Penna.). Gunderson, who was one of the first members of Congress to publicly endorse Dole, said in a causticletter to the Senateleader, "Are you rejecting the support of anyone who happens to be gay? If this is so, do youintend to now reject my support and request those on your staff who happen to be gay to resign?" Dole return.-ed the $1,000 donation fromhe Log Cabin Club, which his campaign had originally solicited, after it was publicizedin August, saying he does ¯ not accept funds from groups ¯¯ not sharing his views. In his letter, Gunderson, who ¯ was Wisconsin chairman of ¯ Dole’ s unsuccessful 1988 presi- ¯ dential campaign, said, "As one : who has championed your political career for years, you must ¯ know how muchthis disappoints ¯ me .... The Bob Dole I know ," does not support discrimination ¯ againstpersonsjustbecause they ¯ aregay."Dole’ s campaignhead- : quarters acknowledged receiv- ¯ ing Gunderson’ s letter, but so far : has not commented on it. : Following the flap surround- " ing Dole’ s rebuff of the gay Republicans, the Log Cabin Club gave the returned $1,000 contri- ¯ bution to the presidential cam- . paign bid being mounted by ¯ Specter, who unhesitatingly ac- .: cepted it. "I write to thank you ¯ for the contribution of the LOg ¯ Cabin Republicans to my presi- ¯ dential campaign," Specter said ¯ in aletter to the group. "As I said ; inmy openletter to the members ¯ of Log Cabin Republicans gath- ¯ ered for your national meetingin ¯ Cincinnati, I welcome the sup- " port of all Americans who op- ¯ pose discrimination and who ¯ seek amore limited government, ¯ joining the principles of fiscal ¯ conservatism with social liber- ¯ tarianism." : Rich Tafel, Log Cabin’ s ex- ¯ ecutive director, said Specter"is ¯ taking on the radical right, while : otherGOPcandidates like Sena- ¯ tor Dole are bowing to them. He knows the politics of exclusion will ruin the chances for a Republican victory in’ 96." Far-Right Org. Wants GOP to. Return Gay $. WASHINGTON - The Family Research Council, a conservative anti-gay fundamentalist organization, has demanded that the National Republican Coniressional Committee return 5,000 it received in campaign contributions from the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the gay rights lobbying organization. The committeeraises campaignfunds for Republican candidates ironing for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. "People don’t think about the moral messages they send with the money they take," said Kristi Hamrick, a spokeswomanfor the Family Research Council. "If the Republican Party says that lifestyle makes no difference then they are undermining the family," she said. "If Congressman Gunderson holds out as the cost of his involvement acceptance ¯of his lifestyle as being equal to mamage, then that’s ¯ clearly a problem." The GOP ¯ congressional fundraising com- : mittee made no comment on the ~ demand. Reviewed by Barry Hensley Head, Circulation Department Tulsa City-County Library Are you planning a vacation this winter? If Miami, Florida or London, England are on your agenda, you may want to check the travel gnides at the Tulsa City-County Library, particularly "Detour’s Miami" and "Detour’s London." These are alternative guides "forthosewho don’t necessarily travel the straight and narrow." They are typical travel guides, but geared toward the Gay/Lesbian traveler. Each guide deals with basic information (transportation, climate, tourist sights)’ as well as more specific sections of interest to Gay/Lesbian visitors (local newspapers and resources, fun secuons of town, local laws and safety considerations). ¯ Gay/Lesbian-friendly hotels, stores, restaurants and clubs make up the bulk of the listings, since it is expected that travelers would want to frequent hospitable establishments. Surrounding towns and cides are also examined with maps, photographs and suggested itineraries. You’ll also learn some interesting facts about these destinations. It’ s amusing to find out "- that one of Miami’ s most strik- ¯ ing examples of modern design, ¯ the Centrust Building, is flood- " lighted nightly with colors ap- : propriate to events and seasons; ¯ red and green for Christmas, or- " ange and black for Halloween ¯ and pink for Gay Pride Day! ¯ You’ll learn that, in London, ¯ at the Women’s Pond in ¯ Hampstead Heath Park, "you’ll ¯ belucky to finda squaremetreof ¯ grass that is not teeming with ¯ Lesbians." Call yourtravel agent ¯ and start packing! ¯ Currently, the libr.ary carries ¯ these two "Detour’ s" guides for ¯ checkout. There is also a refer- : ence copy which cannot be ¯ checked out of the "Damron ¯ Guide". Ithas.similar, butmuch ¯ more general information. Look ~ forthe"Detour" guides and other ¯ travel guides for check-out in ¯ the Reader’s Services Depart- " ment,2ndfloor, Central Library, ¯ or call 596-7966. "The Land Specialists" Eureka Springs 501-253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) ONE OFA KIND BUSINESS FOR SALE DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY Other offerings include: Bed & Breakfast Inns., Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Commercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates, and much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse GIL/B/TG community in Eureka Springs for over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we 71 show you around. We specialize in creative financing. Tropical Caribbean Feb. 11-18,1996, $795-1950 Deep Caribbean Feb. 18-25,1996, $795=1950 Mexican Riviera March 17-24,1996, $795-2495 French Canada June 30 - July 7,1996, $895~2295 Call International Tours 9/8-34/-6866 RSVP ,,,~,! .~_~. Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715 Family Fun Time in Eureka Springs by Phil Boler-Schmidt Family fun time takes on a whole new meaning after the childrenhaveretumed to school. There is no better time of year to take a real family vacation to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Family, of course, takes on a new meaning of its own when one talks about the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered communities. That’s what Imean when I talk about family. Autumnis uponus, the"other" families are restingup from their Summer vacations, there is less competition for tourist attractions, and the colors are about to burst forth in the Ozarks. It’s a great time to come play .in what I call utopia. Eureka Springs has long been known for its eccentricities, and it is no well-kept secret that our kind offamily canbefounddamnear everywhere. While visiting in the Heart of the Ozarks, you can stay at any one ofanumberoffamily-owned bed and breakfastinns, motels or hotels. And, there are a number of family-friendly places too. Accomodations range from plush cottages complete withinroom jacuzzis to small, quaint motel rooms. Plush, upscale hotel suites are a possibility too as well as luxurious, in-house rooms. The entire range of ammeuities can be found here. Out-To-Eats can be a true artform in Eureka Springs. Family- owned eateries abound as do the friendly places. You can partake of fine dining on tree Italian, home-cookedcuisine or high class Ameican fare. Evenings ¯ with good music are easy to find : at a number of fine places that ¯ serve cocktails and dinner. A ." quiet, romantic dinner is pos- : sible with about every ethnic ¯ variety of food here. ¯ Clubs tofrequent is a luxury in : this utopia in the heart of the ¯ Bible Belt. Whenever family ¯ asks me, "Where can we go and ¯¯ be safe?", I have to laugh. Not because it is all that funny, but I ¯ usually relay a story a friend told ¯ me when I asked the very same : question a year ago. ¯ As long as you stick to the ¯ Historic District, you can go in : any club you like If you want to ¯ sit in the comer and hold hands : or kiss, no one is going to give ¯ you grief. If some redneck from, : you guessedit, Tulsa, gives you ¯ arough time, they will throw out ¯ the redneck, not you. ¯ So, suffice it to say that eve- " uings out on the town are a treat ¯ in Eureka Springs. : As fordaytime activities, there : are a lot to choose from. You could dress up in turn-of-the- ¯ century garb and have your pie- " ture taken for posterity at The Imagey. ¯ You could try your hand at fly fishing in one of our rivers or ¯ lakes. All the equipment you : couldpossiblyeverneedisavail- ¯ able at the Beaver Darn Store. ¯ Professional guides are also ¯ standingby shouldyoubeanov- ¯ ice and want instruction or a ¯ seasoned fisherman/womanand ¯ want a tuneup or someone to ¯ show you the area’s best spots. ¯ If you are into shopping, you : could make a trip downtown and ." shop ’til you drop. Looking for ¯ family gifts? Everything you ¯ want or need, plus all kinds of ¯ metaphysical, pagan, and : magickal supplies, are a short ¯ descent of the stairs away atThe : Emerald Rainbow, the only shop : in town that carries gay/lesbian ¯ memorabilia. ¯ Shopping for real estate? ~ Come upstairs from The Emer- ¯ aid Rainbow to McClung Realty -" (family-friendly) andhavealook ; at what,s available in residential : While visiting in the : Heart of the Ozarks, ¯ you can stay at any one ~ of a number of family- : owned bed and break- : fast inns, motels or ¯ hotels. And, there are i a number of familyi friendly places too. : Aeeomodations range i from plush cottages i complete with in-room ¯ jaeuzzis to small, i quaint motel rooms. or commecial property, businesses or land. There are plenty of tours of the area too. Some show you around the Historic District by van or bus, and one shows you through the US 62 area in a unique and fun way. If you take the Duck Tours (family-friendly), you will ride a World War II reconditioned amphibeous military assault vehicle through town then onto Lake Leatherwood with a splash. Eureka Springs is known for it’s country m~ic shows and The Great Passion Play. These are two of the main attractions to the area, mostly to the "other" type of family. But, if you want to take in some of this type of entertainment, most attractions are open through the end of October. I wouldn’t suggest holdmghands orkissing there though. You might get a pretty chilly reception. Other area attractions that are must-sees are. the various caves that offer self-guided tours and Eureka Gardens, a splendor to behold with botanical gardens that go on and on. Thomcrown Chapel is a wonder Of modem architecture that must be witnessed to bebelieved. And, don’t forget St.-Elizabeth’s Church, the only Roman Catholic church in the country where you enter through the bell tower. While in Eureka Springs, there are a number of family-owned sevice businesses of which you may want to take advantage. If you are looking for dog grooming, while here, stop in and visit Greenwood Hollow. A complete range of body piercing sev~ces is available locally through Bill Croft at Ozark Primitives. There are a number of qualified massage therapists in town, and I suggest either the Palace Hotel & Bath House or Healing Benefits Massage Therapy to soothe your tired, aching muscles. Kim Ridenour, a professional astrologer accredited with the American Federation ofAstrologers, offers the full range of astrological services and will do either individual or composite readings. She also offers Tarot readings at The Emerald Rainbow. And,just in case you are looking to put together a computer system, upgrade your existing one, or just learn a little more about computers, that’s what I do. Whatever else you plan to do whilein Eureka Springs,remember to bring your camera or camcorder. Autumn in the Ozarks is Something to behol& and our area has numerous lookouts from which to take memorable snapshots or videos. I first st,~trted putting together information for this article more than a month ago, and I have to admit, I was stuck for away to adequately present our familyownedandfamily- friendly businesses in a way that made sense without having to clutter up newspaper space with addresses and phone numbers. Then, I realized that I was forgetting one importanflocal family- owned business that could make myjob easy. Positive Idea Marketing Plans (PIMP, of course, for short) specializes in putting together family vacation packages for the discriminating. PIMP also offers retreats for groups in the beauty oftheOzark countryside. My suggestion to all wanting to have a great family fun time in Eureka Springs is to call PIMPat 501-253-2401 and let the professionals put it all together for you. If you’re not sure where to stay or eat, PIMP will have the answers and will even make the arrangements for you. I like it when people make my job easy! See you in Eureka Springs. Hwy. 62 East Eureka Springs, Ad(ansas 501-253-6001 DAVE HAGER RUTH GOODWIN-HAGER S.U.A.E. Adult Accommodationa ’the In Eureka Springs, Arkansas Craftsman-style cottages with beautiful views of the woods and wildlife -,Tucked on top of the Ozark Mountains, just a few minutes walk to the Historic Village of Eureka Springs. 501/253-8281 Frank Green Jr.. Host - 50 Wall Street - Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 A UTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE FRESH RAINBOFF TROUT of Eureka Springs Recommended by the New York Times (~01) 253-6807 5 Center Street Closed ~’ednesday Eureka Springs, AR 72632 .Romantic, quiet & secluded Family-owned & operated Guest Cottage with A Jacuzzi for two, And private parking, All only 1/2 block to downtown. 9 Benton Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501.253.2204 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Jerry A. Wilson (501) 2S3-7311 1-8~0-231-1442 KINGS HI-WAY INN 96 Kings Highway ¯ Hwy. 62 W. ¯ Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ o ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ CIVIL RIGHTS HELP? How To Do It First 30 words are $10. Eacfl additional word is 25 cents. You may bring additional attention to your ad with: Bold Headline - $1 Ad in capital letters - $1 Adin bold capital letters - $2 Ad in box - $2 Ad reversed.- $3 Tear sheet mailed - $2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Please type or print your ad. Count the number of words. (A word for our purposes is a group of letters or numbers separated by a space.). Send your ad & payment to POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, complete address, day & evening phone numbers (for our records only). Ads will run in the next issue after they are received. Tulsa Family News reserves the right to edit or refuse any ad. No refunds will be made. American Civil Liberties Uniqa~o[~Oklahoma 600 NW 23rd, Suite 104 OKC 73106, 405-524-8511 Lesbian/Gay & Republican? Log Cabin Republicans seek other Republicans to return to true Grand Old Party values. Write to: Box C-I, c/o TFN, POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 Free & Anonyrnous HIV Testing TOHR Clinic, Call 742-2927 B A D BOYZ C .UB 111229 8. Hemor al, 835 5083 Open 2pro 2VI,,F, Noon SaffSun TULSA’S HUGE PATIO BAR Tulsa LOADED: 27, 6’, t 80 iso men 18- 30 for some fun, give me a call- e9298 Grove WANNA PUNK WITH ME?: new to area, not into bars, Dave, 20 6’ 185 brn/red/hzl, goatee, eyebrow THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (.) Due to our large volume of calls, if you can’t get thru simply try your ca ater. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 earring, love volleyball, good music, good food great conversation, meditate, spiritual, give me a call- ~9385 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and honest person, like this in a person, give me a call- e9464 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it shod and simple. Jus,t describe yourself and what you re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. " ’ ~ Ada HOMO ALONE IN ADA: I’m 6’3, brn/brn, 1901bs. I’m Ikg4 gay men 18-25 for good times, call me. ~10271 Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6, 2151bs, WM. Vm Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s with a medium to slim build. I like singing, bowling, .golf, movies and cuddling. If you are interested, please call me. ~47265 Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking for GLM/GWM for hot fun inthe sun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Leave me a message and let’s get together soon.e10596 Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very versatile, seeks new friends in the area for fun and fi:iendship with relationship possibilities. Let’s get together and celebrate life. n6571 Tulsa GAY OR Bh AI, 32, very masc prof’l, GBM iso Gay or bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sports; outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks! ~ 7580 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: professional, 42 WM, iso other Gay or bi male, 30s : 40s, in the area, let’s’play! e 7392 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 21 BM, kinda looking for someone to love, tired of being by myself, love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- ~ 7435 Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s iso BIWM 30-40, ht/wt prop, very discreet, expect same, like share some time, if you are interestet~, give me a call, VII return all calls- ~ 7822 Tulsa NEW TO AREA: Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out dot, phys fit, Ikg for a str to BI BM 35-65 to hqye a good time with, go out with give me a call- e 7842 dining,. Iheater, sitting by a fireplace, outdoors, animals, you name it- give me a cc I- ~ 7873 Oklahoma Cily JASON, 24, 5’10, 170, Ikg to meet other hot guys, around my age, if you’d like, give me a call- ~ 7885 OK. City YOUNG AND PREPPY: Mike, like to meet people under 40, just safe, discreet honest, 18 young preppy, new to this, a little nervous, ifyo~ are interested give me a call- ~ 8029 Malvern FANTASY FUN= Jack, 33 WM, Ikg for guys into fantasies, give me a call " let’s get together. ~ 8031 Walton MARRIED OR BI= Rodney, married WM 25 5’5, 150~ attr, Ikg for 25-35 married or bi male, for friendship pass rd, inexperienced ana want someone to learn with honesty and discretion req’d- ~ 8671 Oklahoma ATTENTION: I’m 6fl, 1901bs, body builder type and very well built. I’m Ikg4 men. call me ~5448 Tulsc TAKE ME OUT IN TULqA: Don,WM BI, 34, bind/blue attr, vey good shape looking for a sir BM, to have a go0d 5me out in Tulsa. grve me a call. ~5974 Tulsa DAVID, 19, 6’6, 275 bind/blue looking to meet in the area, interested in lots of things, give me a call. ~6009 Henrietta ONE ON ONE: Jack, GWM 42 5’10 220, looking for someone down to earth, looking for a tel, like outdoors, football, bball on IV, Ikg for an avg. down to earth guy whowants a one on one- ~6274 Tulsa LONELY AND LOOKING, Wm, 50, 5’8, 165, slim and trim, into BE,, have a solid body, tan, looking for a person in the area, that’s slim and trim male under 50 for a friend, to go out with and see where things go. Hope you can call! e2082 Ardmore FOOT FAN: 25 Gay native American, just on the Misted side, into feet, if you share the same interests, give me a Call. like to hear from you! ~6211 Little Rock COLLEGE STUDENT: 23 College student, 5’8 15 brn/blue athl build, ISO 18-30 for hot times: ~6360 Tulsa BI CURIOUS: 27, 6’ 180, brn/blugrn, looking for guys 18-30 fit, bi curious, looking for some clean safe, good times, give me a ~all. e6405 Metro Area COUNTRY BOY 6’2, 22, 215 bm/gm mu~che baking for some o~er Tulsa HEY NOW: my name is Steven. I’m 31 y/o and I’m [kg4 guy’s 18-50 for Fishing, swimming and camping. I enjoy the company of slightly aggressive men. e5354 Tulsa HEY GIRLS:athletic attr. SWF early 30’s 5’4 1101bs bm/brn Ikg4 open minded women for discr~t hot fun. call me! e45795 Dallas/Ft. Worth LEZ TALK: my name is Lisa, I’m Ikg4 someone to have great phone fun with. I feve talking on the phone. Im 42 €/o and I hope you call me. e45492 Dallas AFRICAN QUEEN: I’m a 37 y/o African American Ikg4 the same 30-40. I’m shy and I’m drug and disease free. I have dogs and I’m sincere and honest. If you are honest and sincere, call me. n38212 BUTCH/FEM: I’m a.23 y/o female and I like poetry, cycling and music. I’m Ikg4 a friendship and a poss. relationship. I’m a liltle butch and a little fern. all calls wil/be returned, e47521 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single woman with no kids Ikg4 a special female friend to love and care for~ call me. e1614 Introducing REVENTION ROJECT A PROJECT FOR NATIVE A,44 ER !CAN /v~ EN WH0 HAVE ~EX W!TH /Vl EN DRUG FREE SEI1VI~E$ IH~LUD|: SUPPORT GROUP TARGETED LITERATURE CON FI DENTIAL H IV TESTI NG H O/v~E WORKSHOPS AND ALCOHO.L RECOVERY PROGRA/VkS AN D/vkORE.... FOR/v~ORE IN FOR/vkATION CALL ¯(918-) . 84-4.98 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1995] Tulsa Family News, September 15-October 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 10 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neil Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 15-October 14, 1995 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Shelly Roberts JD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neil/Tulsa Family News Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/502 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, August 15-September 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 9 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 'Celluloid Closet' AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV discrimination AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV research American Civil Liberties Union anti-bias policy anti-gay activism arts and entertainment attorneys Barry Hensley Bars Bob Dole boycott businesses churches Community of Hope Dave Fleischer estate planning Eureka Springs Family Finances Fred Phelps gay bashing gay clergy Gay Games gay police holocaust homophobia homphoobia Human Rights Campaign Fund Jonathan Nicholson Joseph Downton Leadership Tulsa Log Cabin Republicans medical malpractice Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa military inclusion NAMES Project National Coming Out Day National Endownment for the Arts Native Americans needle exchange Pat Morehead performing arts Politically Incorrect rape Read All About It representatin restaurants schools sexual assault sexual orientation discrimination Shocking Gray sodomy laws Tom Neal Tulsa AIDS Walk Tulsa Family News Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing viatication violence https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fc678f2538d734af19fca1ac6dc57a81.jpg 37848c549570f52d2f627235c0b1ae69 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7a3f61f9089a86ab83c6fdddfef06652.pdf 8e6806cbdab40dd20457d017512098e2 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart October 15 - November 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 11 Oklahoma Ed u, cational Association (OEA) Attacks Lesbian/Gay History Proposal The NAMES Project will present a portion ofthe AIDS Memorial Quilt on October 13-15 at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Expo Square Pavilion. For schedule, see p. 9. National Coming Out Day in Tulsa Several Tulsa orgamzations held National Coming Out Day (NCOD) events. Family of Faith Metropolitan Community Church had 35 people attend its Wednesday evemng service which commemorated NCOD. Pastor Nancy Horvath noted that the service used a special liturgy with eight candles to represent the rainbow, At the University of Tulsa, the Bisexual, See NCOD, page ] 1 OUT AT THE FAIR Nation’s Largest Coming Out Event Held in Dallas by Gip Plaster The nation’s largest celebration of National Coming Out Day (NCOD), featuring Candace Gingrich and Chastity Bono, was held at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas on October 8. The celebration drew larger than expected crowds, organizers said. "This is exactly what we hoped for in our wildest dreams," said Susan Gore, cochair of NCOD in Dallas. Candace Gingrich, the sister of Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and Chastity Bono, daughter of actress and singer Cher and U.S. Rep. See Dallas, page 10 Marriage Update HONOLULU-A special commission set up to evaluate the impact of excluding gays and lesbians from legally marrying in Hawaii has been considering the economicimpact of the issue recently. Among some 100 benefits and rights opposite-sex couples currently enjoy under the state’s marriage laws that same-sex couples are see Marriage, page 11 US Supreme Court Begins Amend. 2 A ppeal Hearings WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court began its new session in early October with the appeal by the state of Colorado to reinstate the anti-gay Amendment 2, which was narrowly approved by voters only to be later declared unconstitusee Court, page 10 The Oklahoma Eduacation Association (OF_A) has sought to distance itself from a national resolution that proposed to recognize the historical contributions of Lesbians and Gay men. In response to attacks on the National Educational Association (NEA) resolution by Beverly LaHaye of Concerned Women of America, the OEA released statement declaring that its delegates to the conference this last summer had voted overwhelmingly against the resolution. The resolution had been proposed as one means of combatting the higher rate of teenage suicide among Lesbian and Gay youth. OEA sent out a negative flyer toits membership on the NEA resolution. The OEA claimed to be concerned about the issue of youth suicide but stated that this resolution was not the appropriate means for addressing the issue. Officially, the OEA would responded to all questions or requests for clarification with "no comment". An OEA staffperson indicated that they had not yet spent any time developing a "more appropriate" response nor could she provide a time line for such an effort. Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) also sent a flyer to its membership disassociating itself from the resolution. Public Schools Chief Agrees to Meeting Dr. John Thompson, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools will speak to Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay communities and friends on Monday, Oct. 30 from 7-8pro at Family of Faith Metropolitan Commtmity Church, 5451 e South Mingo. While Dr. Thompson will speak primarily on the upcoming school bond dection, he expressed a willingness to hear community concerns. All community, members are welcome but those with ties to the educational system are especially encouraged to attend. For more information, call Tulsa Family News at 583-1248 or Family of Faith at 622-1441. Green Country Pride and TOHR Call Community Wide Leadership Meeting Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) and Green Country Pride, a grassroots, action-oriented community organization are joining tO sponsor an open meeting to discuss community-wide goals on Tues. Nov 7 in the Chouteau Room of the Alan Chapman Activity Center at the University of Tulsa. see Meeting, page 10 TOHR -Nominates,-~Offi.cers for 1996 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), Tulsa’s oldest Lesbian/Gay community organization, nominated officers at its Oct. 3 meeting. The following were selected by the nominating committtee: Debi Starnes - president, Miriam Childers -lst vice president, Rob Hill - 2rid vice president, Sue Minshall - secretary and Pam Pretz treasurer. No nominations were made from the floor. Under TOHR @laws, nominations are closed and a vote will be taken at the Nov. 7th meeting. AIDS Walk ’95 Has Highest Turnout Ever Organizers of Walk This ~Vay, AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95 estimated that 150 to 200 people participated in this year’s event on Sat. Sept. 30. Steve Eberle, one of the Walk organizers, said the event raised about $6000 to benefit VNA - Visiting Nurse Association, TOHR Testing Clinic, MTSAS - Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services, Inc. Indian Health Care, IAM, Rainbow Village, HIV Resource Consortium, Hospice of Green Country, S JR, RAIN - ReNonalAIDS Interfaith Networt¢, Ahalaya and MAC. Organizers noted that the first Walk had only about 50 participants and that this year’s walkers were more broadly representative of the city - not just the "hard-core" HIV/ AIDS workers & volunteers. Eberle added that the event organizers hope to ~ncrease the funds raised by seeking corporate donations. The event was recognized both by Tulsa Mayor Susan Savage whose aide Hilary Kitz attended and by Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating who issued a proclamation recognizing the Walk. Red Ribbon Treefest Entries Sought The Red Ribbon Treefest is decorating a tree, or purchasing an annual event where dec¯a tree. Direct donations are also rated holiday trees are auctioned welcome with checks made to to raise funds for local HIV/ ~ 7 Interfaith AIDS Ministries. To AIDS organizations. This year’s decorate a tree or to volunteer, ~1~ . proceeds will-benefit the HIV -please contact the Committee Resource Consortium’s preby Nov. 1st atPOB 35844, Tulsa scription drug program and to 74153. Tree set-up will be from assist Interfaith AIDS Minis9-3pmon Sunday, Dec. 3. The tries 800AIDS information teleSpotlight Theatre has a number phone line. of steps at the front entrance. This year’s Treefest will be Handicapped access can be arheld at the Spotlight Theatre at ]~i~ilOI! ranged by calling 663-5372. 1318 Riverside Drive on SunSpecifications: trees must be Treefest day, Dec. 3, with a reception at a maximum of six feet high and 4pm and the auction at 5:30. artificial. No lights are permitThe Red Ribbon Treefest ted. All trees should have a title Committee invites individuals and orgareflecting the theme of the tree - no red nizations to participate by volunteering, ribbon theme, please. Largent Responds: No to General Job Protections, But No Discrimination In His Office Hiring During his campaign a year ago, member of Congress for the 1st District, Steve I_argent, promised to meet with Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay communities. In March, he came to the Metropolitan Church of Greater Tulsa and listened to community concerns. At that meeting, he pledged to consider a proposed bill, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit work place bias based on sexual orientation. Specifically, I_argent promised to respond in writing to Tulsa Family News editor/publisher Tom Neal. (His letter is reproduced on page 3.) see Largent, page 10 Say No to Hate Walk The Say No to Hate Coalition is sponsoring acommemorative ~valk at 11:30am on Friday, Oct. 20 from 1st Street and Cincinnati across the Martin Luther King Bridge along Archer and ends at the Universtty Center at Tulsa, 700 No. Greensee No Hate, page 10 Nov. Performance Supports Interfaith AIDS Ministries The Long Way ’Round to Ninevah, the Jonah story in song & dance, will be presented at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria on Sat. Nov. 11 at 2pro and at 7pro. This two act play appeals to all ages and will help support Interfaith AIDS Ministries. Info: 438-2437 or 663-5372. DIRECTORY NEWS BRIEFS HEALTH BRIEFS CALENDAR FINANCES EUREKA NEWS PERSONALS P. 2 P.-4 P. 6 P. 9 P. 11 P. 12-1:3 P. 15 �918-583-1248 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@ aoi.com Publisher/Editor Tom Neal Assistant Editor James Christjohn Writers/contributors Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Shelly Roberts Staff Photographer JD Jamett Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the.:~atire.contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by Tulsa Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or ph,.,oto does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. ~orrespondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution points. Additional copies are available at Tomfoolery! Comprehension-impaired reader? Are we our own worst enemies? The followin~ letter is reprinted as i’eceived: " I read your newspaper and accept your challenge to disagree. You claim to be traditional in your goals. Basing your goals on what tradition? The tradition of family cannot be carried out with the act of homosexuality, their (sic) cannot be a completion to the act of sexuality for the gift of life has been dosed. It is contrary to natural law, you dose the future of the human race. For most homosexuals, they do not choose their condition, itis a trial, as we all have our trials in life, the cross we are given to carry; as christians (sic) refer to it. I may have a strong tendency to a quick temper, I could even say I inherited it from my grandparents, but that doesn’t make it right for me not to control my temper. All people must have respect and compassion for one another but that is not to confuse right from wrong. We are all called to the virtues of self-mastery that teach us inner freedom. "GWNI, 28, 5’8", 150 lbs., straight acting/appearing, lookingfor sameforfun andpossible relationship. Enjoy evenings out dancing as well as quiet times at home. NO fats, fems, drugs. If interested, please contact ~" This could be the typical personal ad placed in many Tulsa Gay and Lesbian publications. This could be the typical personal ad placed in placed in Gay papers all over the U.S. One would think after years of reading such ads, one would overlook or dismiss them as, at the most, unimaginative. cannot. Whenever I see these ads, I become angry at the stereotyped attitudes shown. "Straight acting and appearing, what is this supposed to mean? If you want a relationship with a man who is masculine and presents a masculine appearance, say so. To call yourself "straightacting" only perpetuates typical gay stereotypes of the limp-wristed effeminate male. I would much rather be involved with someone who is honest, self-confident, secure, and proud of whom they are, than someone who feels a need to be "’straightacting". "No fats, ferns, or drugs." Need I say more? Has a more over-used, cliched expression been written? Use height/weight proportionate, masculine, or drug-free, but bury this tired, hackneyed expression once and for all. I recently read a personal ad that dosed with the line, "No HIV+, trash, or weirdos." Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but being an HIV+ gay male, I take offense at being lumped together with trash and weirdos. I respect anyone’s desire for an HIV+ or HIV- partner, and it is quite possible that the author did not intend to convey this message. Gay men and Lesbians can often be their own worst enemy. To me, the use of stereotypes and insensitive remarks, whether intentional or not, is unacceptable. If we, as Gays and Lesbians, cannot treat each other with compassion and be free of stereotypical attitude, how can we possibly expect heterosexuals and society as a whole to do the same? - Stephen R. Edlich By prayer and sacramental grace we can reach this goal. Your friend in Christ, - Kathie Jackson Editor’s response: Thanks for writing. We do welcome dialogue and the exc hange ofviews. However. you appear to be confused about our challenge. When we mentioned "traditional goals,’" we were referring to our specific goals for this newspaper- that is the "traditionar’ role ofnewspapers tn minority communities, and newspapers in the broader community. While we could have been slightly more clear in stating this, we think you failed to read the essay with enough care. The challenge we offered was to our community: Lesbians. Gay men. Bisexuals &’-~’ransgendered folk. and our families and friends, to discuss and debate where we are and where we need to go. Frankly, you a~rrelevant to that debate and your arguments are ancient, flawed and not worthy of the newsprint. However, since you appear to have acted in goodfaith, and to warn others ofyour ilk, we are printing your letter. We are interested in debate by members of our commumty about our issues. We are not interested in providing space to those who want to debate our very existance. - Tom Neal The following is from our assistant editor who’s more inclined to try to educate: Speaking for those of us involved with the paper, and for most people in the Gay and Lesbian community, webase our goals on. the traditions of love for our family members, friends and lifemates. Our traditions are not so different than yours. We all seek love, a happy home, and someone to share it with. Many have high morals standards of honesty, integrity, and dignity. Many of us are religious. We have and are parts of families - mother, fathers, -sisters,brothers, nieces,nephews. Gay people can, and do have children. Gay folk have them because they want them, not by accident, like so many unplanned children. In the Gay families I have seen, they are raised in a loving, supportive enviroument. As for the statement that Homosexuality is contrary to nature, any biologist can tell you that see next column homosexuality occurs in nature quite often, and in many specxes. As for closing the future of the human race, I think it’s a bit premature (or too late, depending on how you look at it) to have a real fear of this happening. Homosexuals make up about ten percent of the population That leaves roughly mnety percent of the population quite .capable of repopulating the earth. We repopulate too, but we’re more careful about it. I am currently taking an environmental biology course at a local university. According to the textbook, ’q’oday there are well over 5 billion humans, and it is likely that our numbers will increase to more than 8 billion in your lifetime. We are in danger of overwhelming the earth with too many people. The earth has limited resources and the human population is using up,. encroaching upon, fouling, and wasting them." ("Environment", Raven, Berg, & Johnson) If the human race is to disappear, it will be due to too many people, not the fact that there are homosexuals. - James Christjohn Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boyz Club, 1229 S. Memorial *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades/Rainbow!Room, 1649 S. Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time’n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Admiral Wild Fork, Utica Square, 21st & Utica *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 835-5083 744-0896 585-5622 749-1563 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-4340 742-0712 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 Creative Collection, 1521 E 15 592-1521 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743 -4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 *Devena’s Gallery forPhotography, 13 E. Brady 587-2611 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Lemme M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, PsyChotherapy, 2865 E. Skdly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza. 15th & Peoria 584-4606 International Tours 341-6866 Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587-8108 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884 *MediaPlay, 9121 E. 71st 250-5158 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery Gifts & Cards, at Family of Faith MCC 583-1248 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 B/L!G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Community of Hope (United Methodist), 1703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity/Integrity (Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians) 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 74%6827 Friends in Unity (African-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 R.A.I.N.; Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174 Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 ~ 599-8423 Shanti Hotline 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at -Tulsa Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *MCC of the Living Spnng McClung Realtors Purple Iris Inn, Route 6, Box 339 Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East *The Woods, 50 Wall St. *The Diner, 2124 NW 39th *Jungle Red, The Habana Inn *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th *Triangle Association, 2136 NW 390; 501-253-7457 501-253-6807 501-253-5445 800-231-1442 501-253-9337 501-253-9682 501-253-8748 501-253-2204 501-253-6001 501-253 4÷ 281 .... "~28-5 I33 ~,24-5733 405-525-243"7 405-843-~378 �Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159 Thank you for contacting me with your views. I appreciate hearing from you. ’H.~.. 1863,tba Employment Non-Discrimination Act, prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on that individual’s "sexual orientation." The Act exempts the Armed Forces, religious organizations and businesses with under 15 employee~. I strongly support each individual’s Constitutional civil rights including equal opportunity. However, I do not believe that a person’s lifestyle or behavior makea them eligible for bebav~io~r-sp~c~o_p.ro,.t~ons. lawstha~ apply to moo, age, g~nder ~r~roilgious affdiafion’to individuals who bebav~ like, 6r a~ perceived to be lesbian, homosexual or bisexual. I am satisfied with the level of protection that eor~m anti-discfiminationJegislation provides all.individuals, including those who are a pan of the homosexual commuaity. DON OVANN, I. Tom, any other definition of discrimination is problamatic. Any empioyer or prope~’ty owner should be able to refuse to hire, rent or enter into a contructual agreement with any person whose behavior is morally offensive to him. I do not believe and it has not been demonstrated that a person’s "sexual prefuroace" is biologically inherent. Evidence shows that "sexual preference" is nothing morn than a choice of will. Extending civil rights protection based on behavior is inapproprla~. Further, in our meeting earlier this year, I stated that _I would not fire someone based on his or her sexual orientation. However, I believe people should have that right. I would not fife or refuse to hire someone based on that issue alone; but, i~their behavior became problematic such that it was disruptive to conducting business, I would reserve the right to do so. NOVEMBER 11, 16, & 18, 1995 I support the Constitutional right of free association. Employment and association arn engaged on a voinnta~ basis. The federal government has little business rngulating voluntary association and needs to reduce its burdensome rngulations that attempt to affect individual association. Once again, I am satisfied that current civil tights legislation provides a sufficient level of Constitutional protection to serve each and ever~ member of our society regardless of their sex, age, race, or religmn. Thank you again for contacting me with your views. I would appreciate your prayers and further suggestions regarding this or other issues on your mind. SINGLE TICKET PRICES range from $13.50 to $51. Student tickets and group rates .now available. English translations projected above the stage at all performances CALL (918) 587-4811 or TOLL FREE (800):241-.6076 Member of Congross SML:sbh E d i t .0 r iAan What’s R=ght Wrong With Largent Many of you will not be .surprised that o.ur congressman declines to support ~equal n ghts for his Lesbian & Gay cons ti tuents. To bring Lesbian and Gay citizens up to the level of protections that Heterosexual citizens take for granted is obviously at odds with the rhetoric of his Republican party, and especially with that of his core constituency, the Radical Right- most of whom clothe their reactionary positions in the trappings of religion. However, at risk of seeming Pollyauna-ish, it’s worth noting that just having Largent engage in dialogue with us is more than we’ve had in this Congressional district ever. Radical Right Senator Jim Inhofe~’ whose antiGay bigotry is too well documented, doesn’t even pretend to honor his constitutional obligations to represent all Oklahomans. Because Largent at least is listening .... there remains some hope that he can be persuaded to recognize the illogic of supporting civil rights protections for one of the most profound behavioral choices, i.e. the choic6 of religious beliefs and~ their expression but then claiming it is "inappropriate" to provide such protections for another behavioral choice: the open expression of sexual .identity. Largent and his staff seem noi ~¢en to realize that the position they’ve taken, that see Editorial, page 9 TULSAOPERA BOX OFFI cE kOCATED AT 1610 S. BOULDER, TULSa,, OK 74119 Ait:Tomfoolery,~ . ¯ . _.~.c°ming. out is what we:re all about. We’re Tutsa’s original: ga)::ii~i!i~-i::: ..... :i..-&,lesbian giftshop, nd we ve got the best selection of T,shirts,: rainbow gear. : : :/:and novelty itemsin town. So what are you waiting for? Come on.out:today! TOMFOOLERY! For discreet home delivery of Tulsa iFamily News, please send $15 for a 12 .months, $8 for 6 months. .y �lews Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Gay Supreme Court Justice in South Africa "i eventoaddresstheissueofequal rights for homosexuals, ¯ tional agency. "The difficully lies in the fact that it’s the first time this Is being discussed at the UN ¯ level," Gastaut told reporters. : "All the implicationshave to be ¯ takenintoaccount...They’revery ¯ intricate." " ¯ Saint-Nazaire, a town in the southern tip of Brittany at the mouth of the Loire River, decided to begin certifying gay and lesbian couples. Deputy Mayor Maxime Batard said at a press conference that "all we have sought to do is give homosexuals the same rights as other citizens." Batard acknowledged that the domestic partnership certificates had little legal effect since the French national government controls most benefits enjoyed by spouses. "Ours is a symbolic gesture," Batard Said. ;’If it can get things moving on a national level, thatwouldbepretty goOd." The town of some 70,000 people is believed to be the firstin France to offer partnership certificates to gays and lesbians. union says denying it the right to extend the benefits is a private matter that the government should not have any business restricting. ¯ JOHANNESBURG, South Af- :’ The debate over whether to rica - The most recent example ¯ include any reference to sexual of the s.urge of civil rights orientation in the conference’s ~ : progress m South Africa is the final doctnnent got off to a nasty ¯ ¯ ’Celluloid Closet’ Wins recent appointment of an openly start as delegates from several ," gay man to South Africa’s Su¯ at Toronto Film Festival conservative, far-right and reliZimbabwe Parliament ¯ ¯ TORONTO - The "Celluloid preme Court - the first such gions organizations charged that ¯ ¯ -Closet, the just-released dochopenly gay high court justice in the UN gathering had a "secret ! BacksAnti-Gay Remarks ¯ ¯ HARARE, Zimbabwe A1¯ mentary film that examines .the the world. Edwin Cameron, a agenda" to impose Western cullaw professor at the University ¯ Hollywood motion picture ture on emerging nations, to de-~ ¯¯ though it took no formal action,_ ¯ industry’s depictions of lesbians .Zimbabwe’s Parliament erupted -" of Witwatersrand and a longrail "traditional family values" ¯ m a one-sided debate over ho- ¯ ¯ and gay men,. was awardeda2nd time gay rights advocate within and to legalize pedophilia and ¯ mosexuality as the country’s ¯ place award at theToronto Inter¯ the country’s anti-apartheid bestiality - all in the name of ¯ elected representatives made it ¯ . national.Film Festival. ’.’Celluino~,dnidtit, has been iihined to a as suring ci..vil rights for lesbians. Cl~the~ ~fip~rted’ PreSident seat on the South Africa Supreme : 10id Closet’.’ was made by Oscar Representatives ofmore than300 ¯ ¯ winning film makers Rob Court. He had been under conconservative groups went to ¯ Robert.M~al~d’s fecentanfi-gay ¯ ¯ campaign. One MP said gays ¯ Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. sideration earlier this year for a Beijing to lobby against what seat on the country’s Constitu¯ Helms Upset Over they call an attack on "the tradi- ¯ should be quarantined"in aniso- ¯ until they are ¯ tional Court. Prior to his appointtional family" in the conference’s : lation hospital Lesbian Seminar ¯ .treated. " Another MP urged that ¯ ment to the Supreme Court, draft Platform for Action. RALEIGH, N.C. - Sen. Jesse the country’s schools use anti¯ Cameron also headed the muchDelegates from several counParis Mayors Endorse ¯¯ Helms (R-N.C.) seems currently gay teachings. praised Cameron Commission, tries rose to object to including to have gotten his anti-gay nose ¯ Partner Certificates anational panel thatinvestigated sexual orientation in the draft ¯ No ’Cou pies’ Questions in a suit over a workshop at the ¯ ¯ PARIS-~!naj0intpress commuthe country’s clandestine arms document. One delegate from ¯ in Canadian Census ¯ recent UN-sponsored women’s uique, the six district mayors of deals with several other governBangladesh said, "If we allow ¯ conference in Beijing that covTORONTO - According to a Paris said they wanted "to conments under international arms such an expression to appear in ered flirting techniques for les¯ report in the Toronto Globe and tribute to equality between citiembargoes, including Iraq. Dursuch a serious document, my ¯ Mail, the Canadian census rebians. In a letter to Bob Atwood, zens, whatever their personal ¯ ing the transition from apartheid delegation is afraid this will open head of the U.S. Agency for Inport in 1996 will not include ¯ situation." Gays and lesbians in to full reconstruction in South ¯ the floodgates for all .kinds of questions activists had wanted ternationalDevelopment, Helms Paris have worked hard to get Africa, the country has adopted behavior we cannot accept. It is that would have begun gather¯ wrote: "What, pray tell, does a recognition for their relationships an interim Constitution that innot innocent behavior." Another . ing information on same-sex ¯ "workshop’ on "flirting techand they suffer discriminationin ¯ dudes provisions prohibiting ddegate - from Belize - com- ¯ couples in the country. In test uiques for lesbians’ have to do discrimination on the basis of pared lesbianism to "prostitu- : questions, the agency .that ¯ a number of areas as couples with women’s rights? I beg you! sexual orientation- the first countion and strip-tease dancing." ¯ handles the census found that ¯ without some legal recognition Please assure me that no U.S. try in the world to do so. of their partnerships. The "comEven with the continuing lesmoney in the United Nations some Canadians were "Mien¯ bian-bashing by delegates, how- " ated"by questions about gay and , mon life" certificates that the ¯ special trust fund belpedpay for High Court Justice ever, at least 20 nations - includ- ¯ lesbian couples and recom- ¯ district mayors endorsed would ¯ this outrageous program!’" Leaves Visitation Intact have no legal authority, but rights ing South Africa, the United mended against the questions. ¯ -activists Said i.t would be a sig- ¯ Atwood succincdy told Helms, WASHINGTON - U.S. SuStates, Latvia and Israel - said "We know from testing thatthere ¯ nificantbeginning to achieving ¯ now chairman of the Senate Forpreme Court Justice John Paul they had no objections to indudareCanadianswhofeeloffended, " full equal rights for gays and " eign Relations Committee, that Stevens has reviewed and left ¯ ingsexual orientationprotections none of the U.S. money that went uncomfortable with that living " lesbians. unchanged aWisconsin Supreme ¯ helped pay for the UN conferin the draft document, and in fact arrangement," said a spokesper- : Court temporary order that albdieved the guidelines included Canadian Parliament , ence in Beijing went to support son for the enumeration agency. lows a lesbian to continue visit¯ lesbians whether the phrase was the flirting seminar, which took "TheobjectiveofthecenSusisto " Nixe~ Marriage Bill ing the biological son of her ¯ explicitly included or not. place at a parallel gathering of : count everyone." OTTAWA- Canada’s House of former partner. Justice Stevens’ ¯ representatives from non-govAlthough lesbian rights advoCommons came back from its decision will allow Sandra Lynn Shocking Gray cates admitted they were disap¯ summer recess and launched its ¯ ernmentalorganizations (NGO). Holtzman to continue to visit the Files for Bankruptcy pointed by the removal of sexual Helms insisted, however, that ¯ new legislative session by vot6-year-old son of her ex-partuer, orientation protections from the ¯ SAN ANTONIO, TeXas - The ing against recognizing same- ¯ U.S. funds had also been used to Elsbeth Knott, while Holtzman final draft document, many ac- : San Antonio Express has con¯ support the NGO conference. sex marriages. The Commons appeals a court ruling the would knowledged that they had not ," firmed that the lesbian and gay ¯ voted 124-52 against a bill put "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" block her from having any visiexpected to win this first batde ¯¯ mail-order firm Shocking Gray ¯ forward by openly gay MP Real tation rights with the boy, To Go to Circuit Court ¯ on the world stage and weren’t has in fact filed for bankruptcy. ¯ Menard that would have ex- ¯ Women’s Conf. Ends WASHINGTON - Beginning entirely dissatisfied with the ¯ The paper reports that the firm, ’: tended legal recognition to gay ¯ Dec.4,the4thU.S.CircuitCourt noted for its slick catalogs and progress they felt they had made Debating Lesbian Rights ¯ and lesbian marriages. In a re- ¯ ¯ of Appeals will hear arguments in the international arena. Even sometimes upscale items aimed BEIJING - The Fourth World lated development, the Canadian ¯ concermng the case of former with this toned-down,"soft-sdl" ¯ -at gay and lesbian consumers, Conference on Women came to Union Of Public Employees said Navy Lt. Paul Thomasson. Only language on sexual rights, at least ¯ filed papers indicatedit was more a hair-breath dose following a it would appeal an Ontario court : days after the compromise policy a score of nations with predomi- : than $250,000 indebt. Shocking ¯ contentious debate over the fights ruing that.the union cannot ex- ¯ went into effect, Thomasson told Gray was founded in 1991 andat nantly Islamic or Catholic popuof lesbians. In the end, the United tend pension and other taxable ¯ ¯ his commander about his sexual its peak, the company’s catalog lations strongly objected to the Nations conference adopted a ~ benefits to.the unmarried, same- ¯ orientation. Ironically, the comparagraph. UN conference ¯ was being mailed out to some 2 set of guidelines that make no - sex partners of union members. ¯ ¯ million households. m~nder was in charge of adminspokeswoman Therese Gastaut mention of lesbians or sexual : The Canadian Supreme Court ¯ istering the new policy. When said the often rancorous debate ¯ orientation- a disappointment to French Town Goes for had earlier ruled that anti-gay ¯ the Navy moved to discharge hadn’t been entirely a surprise rights activists who nevertheless discrimination is illegal, but that ¯ : Domestic.Partnerships him, Thomasson took his case to because the question of the legal considered the Beijing assemSAINT-NAZAIRE, France - ¯ the government has the right to federal court. When he lost there, rights of homosexuals was unblage a major step forward for withhold tax benefits from same-- ¯ he appealed to the 4th Circuit .France has entered, the.domestic ¯ charted territory for the intemabeing the first UN~0nference partnership campaign when " sex couples if it chooses to. Th2 ¯ Court. rERSON REALTORS* Recycle your phonebook here LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 ~arth d;riendll/ !~roduets, _P~o.ject ReDirecto~® 2642 E. 21st St.reet ¯ Suite 170 . Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ¯ Fax: 918-747-1795 The Natural Choice In Lincoln Plaza on Cherry Street 131.4 East 15th ¯ 582-ENVR �News Briefs N= ;ws Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Coroner in Trouble Over ¯ ~European Human Rights ¯ "Gay Rape" Remarks " ;Commission Rules for OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washing." Transsexual Dad ton Gov. Mike Lowry has called STRASBOURG, France - The " ¯ on a state medical board to conEuropean Human Rights Comsider disciplinary action against mission has ruled by a 13-5 vote ¯ Dr, DexterAmend, the Spokane that the refusal of British offi- " coroner who stunned locals by ¯ cials to register the female-to- ¯ saying that homosexuals were~ male transsexual father of his : responsible for the murder-rape wife’s child, which was con- ¯" of a 9-year-old girl because she ceived by artificial insemination, had been sodomized. Gov. ¯" is a violation of the European ¯ Lowry told the state’s medical Human Rights Convention. Britboard to take "any and all appro" ish authorities had refnsed to reg.pnate action.necessary’ in ,ex- ¯ ister the unnamed transsexual as .amini.ng Amend’s case, The ¯ the child’s father, arguing that commission has the authority to ¯ only biological males could be ¯ take a variety of actions, up to considered the father of children and including revoking the ¯ in birth registries. The case will : ¯ coroner’s medical license. ¯ now go to the European Human Although the uncle of the girl ¯ Rights Court which will make a ." ¯ had already confessed to the ¯ murder-rape of the girl and au- ." final riding on whether the re. fusal to register the transsexual ¯" thorities said the 9-year-old’s ¯ as.the child’s father breached the parents had been under investi- ¯ European convention and what : gation.on possible ehildmoles- ¯ possible remedies must be taken. ¯ tation charges as wall before her City of A usti n to Consider ¯ death earlier this year, Amend ¯ . Gay Youth Policies told reporters that homosexuals were really responsible for the ¯ AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin ¯¯ crime, although the girl’s uncle _. City Council Said it will take is heterosexual. "She’s been ¯ under consideration a set of rec- ¯ sodomized over and over, and ¯ ommendations from the city’s ¯ sodomy is a homosexual act - it ¯ human rights commissionaimed ¯ is," Amend said in a published ¯ at reducing anti-gay discrimina- : ¯ interview after his autopsy of the tion in public schools and other " child. ’¢Fo have everybody think ¯ city-runinsfitutions. Among the ¯ homosexuality is okay is abuneh ¯ 10-point recommendations the of baloney, I don’t care what the ¯ human rights commissioners : ¯ political ramifications are on this. have sent to the council for ac- ." It’ s a horrible, unbelievable thing ¯ tion: implementing policies to ¯ that this child went through, and ¯ prevent harassment of gay, le,s- ¯¯ they (homosexuals) destroyed ¯ bian and bisexual students in ¯ ¯ her life.’" public schools; offer school staff ¯ training about anfi- gay discrimi- ¯ Oregon Ex-Governor ¯ nation; de~elop-social’andhealth- Joins HRCF Board ¯ related services to meet thespe- " WASHINGTON Former Or- " cific needs of gay and lesbian egon Gov. Barbara Roberts.has joined the board of directors of ¯ .students; make more information about sexual orientation the Human Rights Catnpaign ¯ available through the city’s pubFund, the Washington, D.C.lic libraries. The HRC recombased gay lobbying organization. mendations grew out of public "’I am looking forward to particihearings it held last year on antipating in the leadership of " gay harassment and bias in the HRCF," said Gov. Roberts in a school system. James Hill, head press statement. "We must enlist of the city HRC, said of the the support of more and more commission’s recommendanon- gay citizens to join this effort to ensure that all Ameri- ¯ tions, "We have to remember the voice of young people.’" cans without exception may live Man Files Bias Suit free from discrimination." During two attempts by anti-gay acAgainst Computer Firm ¯ tivists in Oregon to pass ballot SAN FRANCISCO - An openly measures that would have pro- ¯ g.ay man has filed a discriminahibited civil rights protections non lawsuit against Adobe Sysfor gays and lesbians, Gov. Robtems, the Mountain view, Caerts was aleading and outspoken " lif.-based high-tech computer opponent of the anti-gay initia- ¯ firm. Dale Short worked as an "fiVeS. administrative assistant at the i company for two years where he ¯ of the students organizing the was given excelt:e-~tij~fform~nce ¯ campus protest was Lori ¯ reviews and bonuses before beMalboeuf, whose father is the ing suddenly fired earlier this ¯ local police chief. year after a new supervisor ." Protest Over Verona started in his division. The company denies any wrongdoing in ¯¯ Govt’sAnti-Gay Decision VERONA, Italy-Thousands of Short’s dismissal. ¯ gays and lesbians took to the Modest Step ¯ streets of Verona, the setting for Forward in Romania Shakespeare’s "Romeo and ¯ BUCHAREST- The Romanian Juliet," to protest a city council Parliament has approved changes ¯ action earlier this year rejecting in the nation’s laws that would : a European Union resolution e,ase the~ ,f,e.d.eral, pe,nal~e,s for ¯ suppor.".tmg equal righ ts of samehdmoseXual b~hav{or byl.mak- ¯ sex couples. In rejecting the EU ing it illegal onl~, When it creates ¯ resOlution, some council mema "public scandal," a modest ¯¯ bers had called instead called for move forward in the country’s castrating homosexuals. An esdraconian anti-gay laws. The ¯ timated 5,000 people turned out new "public scandal"law would ¯ for the protest, one of the largest carry prison terms of as much as ¯ in the city’s recent history. 5 years in jail with jail terms up ¯ NY Court to Consider to 7 years if a minor is involved. Anti-Gay Prejudice Members of the Chamber of :¯ ALBANY, N.Y. - The New Deputies saidthenewlaw would ¯ York Court of Appeals: the penalize homosexual behavior only if it caused a "public out- ¯ state’s highestjudicial body, will rage." But international rights : . now consider the"sexual preferactivists said thelaw makes little " enee and behavior" of anyone ¯ condemned to death in the state sense because any complaint to ¯ to determine if their convictions authorities about any alleged homosexual behavior - whether ¯ were influenced by anti-gay biases. The decision by the court, public or private- automatically is classified as a "public scan- ¯¯ which will also weigh race, dal" simply because someone ¯ ethnicity, citizenship, education and other factors in evaluating has complained. Romania has ¯ possible prejudicein convictions been the object of criticism from humanrights organizations such ¯¯ in lower courts, is a result of the as Amnesty International over ¯ state’s reinstituting the death penalty. The court will also conits anti-gay laws ever since the fall of the Communist regime in - sider similar information about the Balkan nation. The country ¯ murder victims in appeals it evaluates.. also wants to join the economically impoltant European Union, ¯ Teachersln TroubleOver which requires¢hat member na- ! Alleged Gay Sex Talk uons not have laws with biases ¯ SAN FRANCISCO-Two tcachagainst homosexuals if any EU ¯ ers at a San Francisco middle member objects. After Dutch EU school have lost their California representatives insisted that teaching credentials for bring¯ Romania’s anti-gay laws vio- , ing in guest speakers in 1992 lated membership guidelines, who allegedly gave 6th-graders Romanian officials said last year an explicit description of gay ¯ that the proposed "public scan= sex. dal" law would meet the EU "This matter indeed represents reqmrements. the first bullets fired in what we Students Protest can see as a growing campaign to eradicate such grotesque vioTeacher’s Firing lation of parents’ rights in public NEW IPSWICH, N.H.- Dozens schools," said Brad Dacus, a Sacof students walked out of classes at Mascenic High School to pro- : ramento attorney with the Rutherford Institute, who repretest the firing of teacher Penny Culliton by the Mascenic school ¯ sented Bruce Budnick, a father board for using books with gay ." whose daughter was.in the class. ¯ The Rutherford Institute is an and lesbian characters in her English classes, including the ¯¯ arch-conservative legal group E.M. Forster classic novel ¯ based in Virginia that has close ties with the religious right. Maurice. Cnlliton is fighting her ¯ The decision, was.,hailed as a firing, with .the~ ~upport of the National Education Assn. One ; victoryby parental rights advo- cates, who say parents of schoolchildren should have the chance to preview classroom-materials that may be considered offensive or inappropriate. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, San Francisco Bay Area noted in its Media Advisory that San Francisco schools do have a parental notification requirement. However, Budnick claims he never received prior notification. GLAAD/SFBA also notes that the classroom presentation which was given by the organization Community United Against Violence (CUAV) was 55 minutes long, almost all of which focused on hate violence and homophobia. GLAAD claims that the discussion of sexuality was extremely brief and was in direct response to unprompted questions made by the students. The decision to revoke the credentials of the teachers was condemned by teaching officials and rights advocates who said it raises serious questions about classroom censorship and academic freedoms. Judy Dellamonica, vice president of the teachers’ union in San Francisco, said the case raises censorship and freedom questions about "all of those kinds of things that are very near and dear to teachers’ hearts." "This is avery unusual case," Dellamonica said. "To have a credential revoked when the teacher - or in this case, teachers - did not directly do anything is not at all a good precedent."-A spokesperson for the c~ty’s schools said the district may file an~appeal in the case along with the teachers’ union which is acting in the unidentified .teachers behalf. (Editor’s note : Tulsa Public Schools typically provide "sex" education at grade six,) Activist Redwing Ailing PORTLAND, Ore. - Rights activist Donna Redwing collapsed during a gay rights workshop she was conducting in Indianapolis on Sept. 30. She has been diagnosed with operable brain tumors. Redwing, who was a leading organizer who helped work against passage of an antigay ballot initiative in Oregon in 1992 and other civil rights programs, said "the initial episode was very frightening" but added that her. doctors "are confident of a quick recovery" following brain surgery. Kelly Kirby ¯ BROOKSIDE: JEWELRY Certified Public Accountant 4649 South Peoria 743-5272 Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 Comer of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! �¯ graphic. AIDS activists, however, said ¯ rape captive members of the Tutsi tribe ¯ sponse Corp. in San Diego has finalized : that more explicit prevention materials ¯ with"the objective being to inflict a slow ¯ an agreement with the Trinity Medical : are exactly what is needed to fight the : and ’lingering, but certain, death on the ¯ Group Co. of Thailand that will let IRC . spread of HIV in the U.S. .:~ - ’:’’ TutsiJ’ The panel willrecommend, among ¯ test its therapeutic AIDS vaccine with ¯ Inexpensive, Fast HIV Teat " : other things, the creation of a permanent ¯ thousands of Thai volunteers in what is ¯ UN war crimes tribunal to investigate and ¯ believ ed will be the largest ever test of ¯ Developed by Indian Scientists ¯ ¯ try such crimes. such a vaccine so far in the epidemic. The Lesbian Health Issues NEW DELHI - The Press Trust of India ¯ ¯ Thai public health ministry has approved Getting ’Demographic’ STANFORD, Calif. - Dr. Kathenne ¯ reports that biochemists with Delhi Uni= ¯ ¯ a one-year clinically controlled trial of the O’Haulan, a gynecological oncologist at ¯ versity have developed an HIV test tliat About AIDS on the Internet S tanford Univ ersi ty, reports in the current ¯ takes only a drop of blood and just a few ¯ CHICAGO- According to the Journalof ¯ potential, vaccine on some 300 Thais who are already infected with HIV. IRC says it issue of Current Problems in Obstetrics, ¯ seconds to detect virus antibodies. The ¯ the American Medical Association, the hopes the Thai trial will run concurrently Gynecology and Fertility that lesbians are o Indian news agency reports that the new : latest addition to the multimedia material with a similar, larger clinical trial in the at greater risk for a number of health ¯ test wasfound to be accurate in 99 out of ¯ available on-the Interact is an animated U.S. that will involve some 3,000 infected problems - largdy because of ignorance, ¯ 100 random samples tested. The Delhi ¯ graphic illustrating mortality rates from neglect or outright hostility among physi- ¯ University researchers said however that ¯ AIDS,mapped outby counties on a week- ¯ individuals, although the Food & Drug Administration has yet to approve the cmns who treat them. O’Hanlan’s study ¯ they want to evaluate the reliability oLthe .by-week basis, from 1-981~ through 1993. reviewed virtually all data.from all les= ¯ simple new test on thousands of samples ." ’JAMA says the demographic multimedia ¯ U.S. trial. The vaccine, which was develbian health studies ever done and included ° before making it widely available. Ac- ¯¯ mini-movie provides no new insights into ¯ oped by the late, Jonas Salk, has already gone through preliminary safety trials. information that covered a total of more : cording to the agency report, the test also ¯ the epidemic, but goes on to say that the than 13,000 lesbians in seven different : has the advantage of requiring no more ¯ dramatic presentation of the spread of ¯ IRC hopes the proposed U.S.-Thai trials surveys. "Given their demographic pro- ¯ than a drop of a chemical reagent added to ¯ deaths from AIDS could be a powerful ¯ will demonstrate the effectiveness of the vaccine in boosting the immune system file. lesbians appear to be at higher risk of ¯ a drop of the blood to be tested. The two ¯ educational tool: The graphic can be 1oresponse among people who are already breast, ovarian and endometrial carcinoma ~ are mixed together on a glass Slide and in ¯ cated on the InterneEs World Wide Web infected with HIV. [cancer], as well as heart disease," ¯ 5 or 10 seconds the blood will "clot" in ¯ at the.fo.Howing location: ht(p:// O’Haulan reported. The Stanford associ- ¯ globules if HIV is present, but will remain ¯ www.clesm.org/datasets/cdc-nci/cdcMedical Bias in HIV Treatment ate professor also concluded that one pos- ¯ unchanged if it is not. Researchers say BALTIMORE- Johns Hopkins Univernci.html (Note that the lower case format sible conlributing factor to the health prob- : that the test, if it proves to be reliable, sity researchers have reported in the New : throughout theWeb’address is essential.). lems faced by lesbians arises at least in ¯ would be a boon in poor countries here ¯ England Journal ofMedicine that women Federal Science Panel: Needle part because they feel alienated by the ¯ high-technology tests are often prohibiand minorities who are infected with HIV medical establishment, causing them to ¯ tive and in areas where electricity is ab- ¯ Exchange Programs Fight HIV ¯ develop full-blown AIDS faster than white ¯ visit their physicians less often than other WASHINGTON - A new study by the males because the health care delivery sent. women. "There is ample evidence that : U.S. National Academy of Sciences has ¯ systemgives them unequal treatment. The Study of Effectiveness of AZTlesbians have been alienated from medi- ¯ ¯ concluded that the spread of HIV is re- ¯¯ study found that problems encountered & Other AIDS Drugs cal practice, either by accidental offense " duced by programs that ensure people by women and minorities in.getting good WASHINGTON - The widely used ¯ who inject illicit drugs have access to ¯ .health care outweigh other demographic by a well-meaning doctor or by prejudice," she said. "’It’s essential that we ¯ AIDS-fighting drug AZT appears to be _" cleanneedles.Thereportnotesthatneedle_ ¯ ~ssues in how fast they progress to AIDS welcome them back into the medical fold ¯ less effective than either ddI, ddI with ¯¯ swap programs are most effective when ¯ and how long they survive following inin order to provide appropriate screening ¯ AZT, or ddC with AZT. Nearly 2,500 combinedwith other services, including . fection. and testing for these illnesses." O’Hanlan ." AIDS patients were given one or the other ¯ drugabuseandHIV counseling, HIV testUCLA Scientists Say They’ve said physicians can make even fairly mi- ¯ of the drugs or drug combinations in a " ing, treatment referrals, and condom disFound Crucial Gene in HIV nor changes in their office routines, that ¯ study conducted by the National Institute tribution.:Lincoln Moses, a retired health LOS ANGELES - Researchers at the would make lesbians feel more welcome, ¯ of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for policy professor at Stanford University ¯ almost a 3-year period. Patients who re- ¯ ¯ from forms that recognize relationships who chaired the studypanel, says needle ¯ AIDS Institute of the University of Calllike domestic partners, to involving the - ceived ddI, ddI with AZT or ddC with ¯¯ exchanges are an’inexpensive and effec- ¯ fornia at Los Angeles (UCLA) report in patient’s parmer in m~ijor medical deci- ¯¯ AZT were sick less often that those who tive way to help drug users avoid infec- ¯ the Journal of Virology that they have identified a gene in HIV that arrests CD4 received AZT by itself. There have long ¯ tion through sharing needles. sions the same as a married spouse would ¯ T-lymphocytereproduction. Theresearch] been doubts about how much good AZT be. "After careful and exhaustive Study, my colleagues on the panel and I have ¯ ers report that the Vpr gene contains the ¯ reallydoes people WithAIDS and numerRed Cross Accused of plan for a protein that blocks CD4 cells, ¯ ous studies have shown its effectiveness determined that needle exchange programs ¯ Censoring AIDS Info. Materials keeping them from reproducing. The diswears off over time. But researchers say it work," Moses said. "They reduce the NEW YORK - The New York Times has ¯ is too early to abandon AZT. spread of HIV. They do not increase ei- . covery could aid in the development of reported that the American Red Cross is Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIAID, ther the injection of illegal drugs among ¯¯ new AIDS drugs that inhibit the gene’s trying to shift its AIDS prevention pro- : said, "It is quite conceivable that AZT program participants or the number of ¯ growth in the body and permit immune grams away from explicit materials at the ¯ will have a role as one of a group of drugs new initiates to injection drug use. Addi- ¯ cells to continue multiplying and fending urging of ]~izabeth Dole, its national presi- ¯" used in combination" Most of the pationally, they often result in more refer- ¯ off the virus. Some scientists, however, warned that theUCLA work is still predent and the wife of Kansas Sen. Bob tients in the study were in the middle stage rals to drug abuse treatment." The. panel ¯ liminary. "It’s a big leap to go from this Dole, a Republican presidential contender ¯ of the disease - relatively healthy when also concluded that the AIDS epidemic in ¯ observation in the laboratory to a statewho has recently been wooing conserva- ¯ the study began - evidence researchers ¯ theU.S.is now beinglargelydrivenbythe tives. say that treatment at that stage does make ] use of shared, contaminated needles by "¯ ment that Vpr is what’s responsible for the depletion of the immune system in The Times reported that its investiga- ¯ a difference. The study is also important ¯ IV drug users - not by sexual activity as it ¯ infected patiehts,’" said Dr. Daniel tion found no documented evidence that ¯ becauseit is the first to show that a drug or -" apparently was early on. ¯ the move was part of a political agenda, ¯ combination of drugs can actually in- ¯ The problem is even worse in other ¯ Kuritzkes of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. but the papers quoted HIV/AIDS activists crease survival or delay disease progres- ¯ countries, according to pond member who clearly believe the Red Cross policy Combined Drug ’Cocktail’ sion among people.who have not yet deDavid Vlahov, an epldemiologist with ¯ shift is rooted in the U.S. presidential " vel0ped full-blown AIDS symptoms. Reduces Death Rate JohnHopkins Uni,v, ersity School of Medicampaign. Shana Ross, who heads the : Rape & HIV Used as ¯ cine in Baltimore. ’In countries of Europe ’ LONDON - Researchers in a joint ~uro¯ - in particular Italy and Spain- HIVinfecHouston Red Cross’ HIV/AIDS program, ¯ : pean-Australian study have announced Weapons in Global Conflicts told the Times, "It is unconscionable. I ¯ tion is rampant among injection drug us: that they have found a "cocktail" of two ¯ ¯ BONN, Germany A United Nations have to take into account that this is beers," Vlahov said. "While in this country ¯ approved drugs that significantly extend cause of who our president is, who her ~¯ study commissionhasconcludedthatrape ¯ perhaps one-third of the AIDS eases are ¯ thelife of people with AIDS, cutting death of both males and females is increasingl,y husband is and the fact that he’s involved ¯ being used as a "weapon of warfare" ¯ due to injection drug use, in Italy and rates.among patients who took the combiin a campaign now forthe presidency, and Spain, it’s closer to 70,percent. The panel : nation by more than one-third. Dr Brian ¯ around the world, leading to increasing he is seemingly losing ground to oppo- ¯ ~ .has recommended that the federal gov- ¯ Gazzard, thepnncipalinvestigatorforthe risks oFthe spread of HIV. In some in¯ ¯ emmentliftits banonfunding suchneedle.he,n,tSo whq ar~e more co,nservati~e ~..a~, ,he trial in Britain, said, "It shows clear sur:’~ "gfaflc,~s,’th~ co~ssi0n ft~tmd, purposeIS. " ilswap programs’, a recommendation that : -viral advantages for combination versus ¯ A spokesperson for the Dole campaign . ful sexual exposure to HIV of conquered is sure to generate controversy in the denied any connection between his wife’s ¯¯ civilians and military personnel was part ¯ capital’s current conservative political at- ¯ single agent therapy." Gazzard said researchers were so impressed by their findof military operations in some global con¯ mosphere. It also has recommended that "personal views" and the Kansas " ings that they had stopped the years-long : flicts. "Armed conflicts in Bosnia, CamRepublican’s presidential bid. The paper ¯ states and cities repeal any existing laws reported that Red Cross officials had de- ¯ bodia, Mozambique and Rwanda have ¯ that might prevent the legal sale or pos- : study . ~3r,ly in order to publicly announce veloped an expanded AIDS prevention ° demonstratedthatrapeisseenasaweapon ¯" session of hypodermic injection equip- ¯" itbecauseoftheimportantimplicationsof of warfare to humiliate the enemy," said ¯ their results for people with the disease. "I program earlier this year, but, that the . ment or require prescriptions for its pur-think it will be used very rapidly clinically Grace Machel, who is the head of the UN : agency board, at the prompting of Mrs. ¯ because tbese drugs are used on their own ¯ chase. Dole, had made substantial changes in the ¯ study panel. Machel noted that during the ¯ AIDS Vaccine Trials : at the moment," Gazzard said. The study recommended program, including exten- ¯¯ 1994 fighting in- Rwanda, men from the ¯ compared survival rates between people OK’d for Thailand Hum tribe who were known to beinfected ¯ sive changes in print and video materials ¯ with HIV were allowed to systematically ¯ SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Immune Rewho were treated with ~zidothymidine that wefe considered too explicit and �now show the number of new infections " has leveled off at about 600 annually. ¯ HIV InNewborns Declining ¯ CHICAGO -Researchers with the Cen," ters for Disease Control and Prevention ¯ report in the current issue of the Journal of : the American Medical Association that fewer HIV-infected infants are being born in the U.S. Dr. Susan F. Davis reported in ¯ the journal that it is unclear why the de. eline has occurred. CDC data however ¯ indicates that the number of newborns : infected with HIV peaked in 1991 with (AZT) and those treated with AZT plus didanosine or zalcitabine. Although 17% of patients who took AZT died during the trial, only 10% treated with didanosine and 12% with zalcitabine did not survive. Overall the reduction in death rate was 38 per cent for patients who took the two drugs compared with those treated with ¯ AZT alone. The studyinvolved some 3,000 _" patients. ¯ ¯ Prime Minister: HIV/AIDS ¯ Over the Peak in Australia ¯ CANBERRA, Australia - Australian ¯ Prime Minister Paul Keating said his .country’ s level of HIV infection has passed ¯¯ Its peak, in large part because of an aggressive education and prevention cam- : paign against the epidemic. "A decade of ¯ hard and unremitting effort in this country has resulted in a welcome reduction in the ¯ rates and incidence of both HIV and AIDS," Keating said, noting however that ¯ the disease continues to increase in Brit- ¯ ain and the U.S. Keating also announced that the gov- ¯ ernment would finance a 3rd five-year .. campaign starting next year, whenits $75- ¯ million second five-year effort comes to ¯ an end. Keating said that specific details ¯ of the new strategy had yet to be worked out but that it would focus on research, ¯ .care and treatment, education and preven- ¯ uon, and the international fight against the epidemic. There have been nearly ¯ 19,000 HIV infections reported in Australia since 1985, and government figures 1,760 babies born with the virus, and fell in both 1992 and 1993. The researchers suggested that the reason for the trend could include decreased fertility among H!V-infected women, an increased number of abortions among women infected with the virus, or aleveling off of HIV incidence in women of childbearing age. The scientists said the numbers could fall even further if.pregnant women are treated with the drug AZT, which dramatically reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission from 25% to just 8%, Davis and her team said. Baboon MarrowTransplant HIV Procedure Moving Forward SAN FRANCISCO - The University of California-San Francisco has given the go-ahead to an experimental treatment that will inject baboon bone marrow into a man who has AIDS in an effort to build his immune system. JeffGetty, a38-yearr old man ,w, ho volunteered for the procedure, saxd I m lucky to have made it this far. The wait has been unbelievable." Researchers at San Francisco General Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh had to get,approval of the Food & Drug Administration for the untried procedure. Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method B~! & for, but not exclusive . to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Commumties. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm .for testing, 7-9 pm for results. Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights. Fi-DELITY Hg/V~E HE_ALTH CA_RE, IN(_. Tulsa Office 486-11.74.. - 800-999-3442 We provide comprehensive home health services 24.hourslday, seven days/week. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, OccUpational-Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Buffer, RN MS Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services We have many insurance provider affiliations - if you belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 �QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? HOW DOES A HOW IS SOUTHWEST Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from tile face value of their insurance policy. SETTLEMENT WORK? VIATICAL DIFFERENT ? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. 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IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors influence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with youand your familyinperson,indetail~an’dcanrec0mmend an experienced Certified Financial Planner tdassist yoii’ in planning the best outcome from your unique financial situation. At Southwest Viatical, we believeyou shonldbe assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible servxce by working with us xn person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver, the best value on your policy available today.-And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other . ¯ companies take byfliatt, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Southwest Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 �SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627-B East 1 l th. Info: 583-7815 Community of Hope (United Methodist) Worship Service, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E South Mingo. Info: 622-1441 MONDAYS HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm Results hours: 7-gpm Info: 742-2927 Lambda Bowling League Sheridan Lanes 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan TUESDAYS Minister’s Class Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center 7:30 pm 2627-B East llth Info: 583-7815 ItIV+ Support Group HIV Resource Consortitun 1:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 ¯ WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS ¯ Authority Of The Believer 16-Step Empowerment Bible Study, 7 pm ." Group For Women MCC of Greater Tulsa ¯ Community of Hope 1623 N. Maplewood : 1703 E. 2rid, Info: 585-1800 Info: 838-1715 ¯ Co-Dependency Bless The Lord At All Support Group Times Christian Center ." 7:30, Family of Faith MCC ¯ Choir Practice 7 pm 5451-E S. Mingo 2627-B East 1 lth C~all 622-1441 for Info. Call 583-7815 for info. SATURDAYS Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope 1703 E. 2rid, lnfo: 585-1800 PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing ¯ using fingerstick method. No appointment required. ¯ Walkin testing: 7 - 8:30pm ¯ Results hours: 7 - 9pm Info: 742-2927 Family Of Faith MCC Potluck 6:30 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 8 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm : 1623 N. Maplewood ¯ ¯ Info: 838-1715 ¯ TheBanned, OK Gay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 : Tulsa Family Chorale ¯ Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 6:30pm at Canterbury 5th & Evanston Info: 583-9780 PFLAG Family.AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 Community Events Editorial FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 13-15 NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Fri. 6:30-10:30, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 11-6:30 Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa FairGrounds Opening: Fri. 6:30, Close: Sun. 6:30pro employers or property owners should be able to discriminate basedtheir view that at~ employee or renter, etc. engages in "morally offen~v~"*b~havi6i: ~illd lead to Catholics discriminating against Jews, Protestants againSt Catholics, Whites against Blacks about whom racist arguments traditionally were disguised in "moral" terms. Thisat~osition contradicts our constitution and laws which Largent claims to uphold. This is hardly just "Gay" SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Dignityllntegrity Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians 5pm, St. Dunstan’s, 5635 E. 71st SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 Womens Supper Club Potluek~Picnic Noon-Spm, Zink Park, 31st & Trenton Info: 298-4648 Broken Arrow. Community Playhouse Auditions for Androcles & the Lion 5pro, 1800 So. Main Info: 258-0077 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30pro, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) Info: 585-1800 OCTOBER 27 & 28 NOVEMBER 2-4 NOVEMBER 5 Matinee Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Much Ado About Murder 8pm, 1800 So. Main, 2pro Matinee Info: 258-0077 NOVEMBER 3 Bioethical Issues ofHIVIAIDS Religious, Legal & Medical Conference Spann Conf. Ctr. at Doctor’s Hospital 8am, Info: 258-0077 ¯ ¯ NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees 3rd Sat. of each month Info: 748-3111 MORE GROUPS Gay & Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, lnfo: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’s Activity Network Call 832-2121 TOHR Helpline Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to volunteer: 743 -GAYS Tool Box Technicians, Leather org., Info c/o The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S,A. Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Assoc. Info: 838-1222 fromp. 3 AM The first Family of lesbian and travel uides proudly announces its newest addition! -concemo There is one other issue. Steve Largent regularly states thathebelieves that sexual orientation is a matter of choice. It seems likely that he would not presume as a white man to try to tell someone who is Af,..fic~American~.-what’it’s like to be Bi-~k= ~st~ iti’S:i~El~,. that he would as a man respect women’s perspective on what it is like to be a woman, or as an selfprofessed Christian not presume to speak to Jewish experience. So why is it that he listens to Lesbians and Gay men and then tell us he knows our experience better than we do?. Overwhelmingly we have noted that we can hide or ignore our sexual and gender identities but that there is no real choice in who we are - only in our expression. Sure, there are a few tortured souls, who having internalized antiGay propaganda, put themsdves into nowwall discredited "redirection" programs. Those few do not represent us. Largent should know this - after all he should be able to draw from his own experience of knowing what his orientation is. And that is the heart of the matter. The only way he can have any credibility saying being Gay is a choice is if he is willing to say he was Gay or Bi and has chosen not to be. If he’s just heterosexual, then he needs to hush up and listen to those whose lives and rights are at stake. N The first and only full<~olor gay and lesbian accommodations 6~uide. Features 450 pages of ~hotographs, detailed descriptions, multiple cross index, and much more. ° DAMRON MAIL ORDER The ultimate resource for gay and lesbian traveller~ around the world. <~ For a free catalog call (800) 462-6654 o or write:po DamrOnBox 422458Company L~ San Franci~o, CA 94142-24~ ~ ~< �r~ Sonny Bono (R-Ca.), headlined !the celebrataon of family and coming out called "A Family Outing." There was also a barbecue buffet, speechesby member of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), as well as comedians and entertainers, including the gay and lesbian cheerleading group Cheer Dallas. "By focusing on family, we hope to increase awareness that discrimination based on sexual orientauon is not just a gay issue, but one that impacts parents, siblings, relatives and friends, who often feel it necessary to lie about people they love who are gay for fear of rejection or retaliation by co-workers or acquaintances,"Gore said. "The purpose of National Coming Out Day is for lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals to be open and honest about who they arewith their families; friends, and co-workers." The tent that played host to the daylong activities drew overflow crowds for the speeches by Gingrich and Bono. "Both Chastity and Candace courageously stepped forward and set an example for gay people everywhere," Gore said. "We are delighted to have these two prominent women celebrating National Coming Out Day with us in Dallas." "This type of event and coming out are the most important things we can do," Bono said in a brief speech. "Finally, I’m able to make a statement and make a difference with my own people." Chastity Bono’s sexual Orientation has been the subject of entertainment industryrumors since it was first reported inthe Star in 1990. Another aiaide appeared in the National Enquirer soon after the 1994 death ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ " ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ : ¯ ¯ : ¯ ¯ , of Bono’s companion to cancer. Bono " The event at the fair was only a part of came. out publicly in April 1995 on the " Dally’ week-long celebration of NCOD pages of The Advocate, the national gay ¯ A slghature advertisement featuring the andlesbian newsmagazine. Bono said sh,.e~ .....names~ of people who support the NCOD ¯ Largent refuses to support ENDA. Howfirstknewshewasalesbianwhenshesaw’ cause ran on October 11 in The Dallas " ever, he does pledge explicitly not to fire the love scene in the movie Personal Best. ¯ Morning News. Special church services ¯ someone based on her/his sexual orientaShe was 13. Bono credits her easy time celebrating NCOD were also held this tiOn. This contrasts with the public postcoming out to the many positive gay and : week. "Almost 50 percent of Americans ¯ tions of other members of the Oklahoma lesbian role models in the entertainment ¯ claim they don’t know anyone who is gay ¯ congressional delegation, many of whom community in which she grew up. She : or lesbian," Jim McBride, co-chair of indicated that they would refuse to hire or said that well-known entertainers like : NCOD in Dallas said. ’’This invisibility ¯ would fire individualsbased on theirsexual Elton John do a service to the community ¯ results from the fact that, counter to ste- ¯ orientation. These views, which were first when they come out. Bono’s parents have : reotypes, people who are gay, lesbian or ; revealed by Tulsa World reporter Jim long known of Chastity’s orientation. : bisexual are virtually indistinguishable ¯ Myers, created a national scandal and "What she’s doing today-- taking the : from the rest of the population. National . resulted in a non-discrimination pledge initiative-- makes me very proud of her," : Coming Out Day demonstrates that we campaign bythe DC basedHuman Rights Cher told The Advocate. ¯ represent all races, nationalities, religions, Campaign Fund. Candace Gingrich initially came into : and economic and occupational categothe spotlight because of her brother. Soon after U.S. Rep. Newt Gingrich became Speaker of the House, Ms. Gingrich recognized an opportunity to help. "I recogThis coincides with TOHR’S regular uized that I had an opportunity and oblimonthly meeting. TOHR will meet at gation to get involved in the movement ¯ wood. At 12:15 in room 151of the North 7pm to conduct its business. At 7:30, a ¯ for gay and lesbian equality in a meaningHall, a panel of individuals will provide frank and open discussionis planned with ful way," Candace Gingrich said. ¯ their perspectives on racism and hate members and leaders of all community ¯ Gingrich, 29, has been open about her ¯ crimes. This event is the final event in the orgamzations, businesses and individuals sexuality to her family and friends for Week Without ViolenCe, a Tulsa invited to participate. years. Her public coming out, however, ¯ commeration of a national observance came when, at the end of an interview, an ¯ sponsored by the YWCA. Associate Press reporter asked if Gingrich ¯¯ The Say No to Hate Coalitton beganin was a lesbian. She said simply, ’.’Yes, I 1988 to oppose hate crimes, and racial, am. Gmgnch to,d the fair-goers that she : religious and sexual orientation bigotry. tional by the Colorado Supreme Court. believes the majority of Americans are in ¯ Last year, the Coalition sponsored an antiThe case is of intense interest to fights favor of employment protection for lesbi- ¯ hate message that was included in City of activists because how the court rules could ¯ ans and gays, and she cited several statisTulsa utilities bills. Participating organidetermine the fate of similar measures tics in support. "They know like we do ¯ zations include Tulsa Oklahomans for around the country to excludelesbians that everyone in our country deserves the ¯ Human Rights (TOHR), Jewish Federaand gays from civil rights protections samerights under thelaw," Gingrich said. tion of-Tulsa, Islamic Society of Tulsa, along with other minorities. Some believe ¯ Gingrich said this gathering in Texas was ¯ Tulsa Public School s, Tulsa Police Dept. the increasingly conservative high court thelargest group to which she had spoken. : and the Tulsa chapter of the American may sustain Amendment 2, although iniShe received a standing ovation at the end : Red Cross. Former TOHR president Kelly tial questioning by some justices indiof her remarks. ¯ Kirby is a co-chair of the Coaltion. cated serious constitutional concerns. FULL COUNT DISCOUNTS ON ALL NEW ’95 MODELS LEFT IN STOCK ’95 MIRAGE "S" ’95 DIAMANTE LS Wi!h Dual Air Baqs, S0oe~ Gas Mileage And It’s Brand New Luxury at It’s Finest. With Power Moonrool. Antilock Brakes, Keyless Entry, Security System and More s9 498 List $36,734 NOW $28,888 ’95 3000 .GT Wilh 6-Disc CD Changer. Power W~n. (lows / LOCKS, Discounts over $7,800 Air List $29,918 -NOW $24,988 ’95 GALANT "S" List $29,916 With Power Wmdows/t OCkS, AmlFm Cas:)etle Aulo. Cruise NOW $24,988 Discounts over $4,600 NO MONEY DOWN! s225., Mo.* *MSRP S18.gfig. Sale price $17A21, $500, rehale Io reduce loan balance. 47 " oaymeuts ol $225. a too, lasl pa yme,1 o S8962.08. or walk away, I0,000 miles tre~ anaually 15C a mile Ihereafler. 665-6595, 46th & Memorial �FAMILY FINANCES ¯ regarded as year-end tools, they actually Annual Gifts Make Economic Sense Any Time of Year by Leanne Gross A smart way to,reduce the size of an estate--as well as reduce potential federal estate taxes--is to make lifetime gifts. And while annual exclusion gifts are based on calendar year totals and are typically Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People : make sourid economic sense any time of : ~,tl~e4c.e.ar. . ¯ "~ A donor may give up to $10,000 every ¯ denied are tax deductions, accidentai death calendar year per recipient without incur- : payments, inheritance and burial rights, ring any federal gift taxes. The annual ¯ and business and land transfer benefits. In exclusion amount for amarriedindividual ¯ considering the issue, Dan Foley, thelawis $20,000, provided his or her spouse " yet who is representing the three sameconsents to "gift splitting," a practice in : sex couples suing the state for legal marwhich one spouse agrees to let the other . dages, told the commission that gays and use his or her annual exclusion. ¯ lesbians have the right to these benefits Big tax savings can occur .when you ¯ justas heterosexualcouples do."Therights take advantage of the annual exclusion on ¯ and benefits that are contingent on marital a consistent basis. For example: A 55- ¯ status must be given to same-sex couples year-old mangives $10,000 to each of his ." via marriage license, unless the state can two children until he:reaches his normal ¯ demonstrate compelling state interestthat ¯ life expectancy of 77 years. If,the afterit be withdrawn," Foley told the commis¯ tax return on the gifts is 6 percent, the sion. But Steven Michaels; the state’S combined projected value of the two gifts ¯ deputy attorney general, said most situain 22 years is nearly $920,000. Because tions that involve denying benefits to samethe two children own the investment, it is " sex couples can be resolved under existnot subject to federal estate taxes when " ing laws. "In Very many instances, butnot the father dies. ¯ all instances, the differences in treatment If the father did not make those gifts and are quite small and could be resolved, for instead accumulated the cash in his estate, ¯" example, through the law of contracts, a his estate would incur additional federal : probate and through other kinds of arestate taxes at the time of.his death. As- ¯ rangements that are authorized under exsuming a marginal estate tax bracket to 50 tmg law, Michaels insisted. The compercent, the taxes on that accumulation . nnssion is expected to have recommendawould be about $460,000--an amount ." tions on the contentious issue for the state that could be saved and literally rein- ¯ legislature by the end of this year. vested with wise annual exclusion gifts. Lesbian and Gay Alliance presented pro- grams on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, ranging from a panel of speakers ¯ from Parents, Familieg. and Friends of ¯ Lesbians and Gays to a discussion of ¯ Gays & Lesbians and the Church by Pastor Horvath. " Sunday .Service, 10:45 am Wednesday S6rvice, 6:30,pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1,623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715 Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 515 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed,, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the-therapeutic p~ocess. For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Community Know Your Rights! Eslate Planning, Adoptions, ¯ Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1,800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. Y �¯ MCC of the Living ARIES, March 21 - ApPi120 Your natural love of haste and recklessness goes into overdrive now. You’re quick to jump on whatever, or whomever, when your emotions dictate a leap. This can be a fun month for "try anything" Ariens; just keep a wee bit of a grip so you won’t end up with lots of regrets. TAURUS, April 20 - May 21 You belong to a sign that’s famous for sweet and accomodating behavior, but this month, you’re likely to blow your temper and your reputation, with it. It seems that you’ ve been oppressed by great and powerful forces, but envy is your real enemy. Relax. You’re imagining things. Really. GEMINI, May 21 - June 22 You could always be described as a "silver tongued devil," but your charm goes off the meter now. You can sdl anyone anything you like; you can sdl yourself effectively too. The only problem is, you’re temporarily more prone to talk than action. Try not to bark unless you intend to bite. CANCER, June 22 - July 23 You’re not exactly, famous for high self-esteem and rampant ego but you’re nowhere near as inadequate as you think you are: It seems like it would help to talk about yourself and your needs with significant others, but you won’t get the response you want for another month. Obsess over your work instead. : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ : ¯ Zo,... SAGITTARIUS, Nov. 23-Dec. 22 If you re an athlete of any sort, yot~-]l ¯ A bit competitive, are we? Not that have a winning month of graceful, physi- ¯ you’re out to pick a fight, but you won’t cal mastery. This is a great time for pota- " back away from a battle if someone attoes to get off the couch and join in. Your : tacks you first. Your normally abundant energy gets a power surge this month. parts work together better than usual, and the grandstand loves to watch. Want lots : You’ll either get a lot of work done or of strokes and attention? Here’s your ; you’ll get a lot of speeding tickets. Better ¯ to focus and avoid fines. chance. ¯ : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ VIRGO, Aug. 23-Sept. 23 A good month to putter around the house or cleanup the neighborhood. Your car.e~taking side becomes hyperactive, and that s saying something for a confirmed world-saver like you. Any task that atlows you to show your concern for others brings alot of satisfaction now. Go ahead and help; the rest of us need it.. : ¯ ¯ ¯ : ¯ -" ¯ ¯ ¯ : : ¯ LIBRA, Sept. 23-00t. 23 If you’re a typical Libran, you’ve been worrying lately that you’ll never have enough money to buy all the pretty toys you know you deserve. This month, your financial concerns fade into the past as your social schedule heats up. Running around and working the crowd replaces checkbook agonies. Life gets fun again. : ¯ ¯ SCORPIO, Oct. 23-Nov. 23 You always make a bigger impression than you realize and your birthday month is prime time for some drop dead Scorpionicglamour. Youhave a great and valid need to express yourself on your own terms. Let the peasants mutter that you’re sdf-involved’ if they must. It’s your rime to think "me first," so go for it. ¯ -" : ¯ : ¯ ; ¯ ¯ ¯ ~ ¯ ¯ : : ¯ ¯ : ¯ ¯ ¯ ~ ¯ Spring Calls Pastor The Metropolitan Community Church ¯ of the Living has called the Reverend Kermie Wohlenhouse to beits Pastor. Ms. ¯" Wohlenhaus cometo EurekaSprings from ¯ MCC of the Rockies in Denver, Colorado. ¯ Ms. Wohlenhaus was licensed to preach i at the Universal FellowshipofMetropoli¯ tanCommunity Churches (UFMCC) Gen: eral Conference this year. Raisedin Colo. rado, Ms. Wohleahaus is a graduate of CAPRICORN, Dec. 22-Jan. 21 : Colorado Art Institute and received her People and their messy passions are _" Master in Divinity fromlliff School of often distasteful to you. But this month, ¯ Theology. She has traveled the Southwest you really want to check out when things heat up. This is an excellent rime to be MCC of the Living alone as much as you can. If your work Spring.=eelebrates drags you into the public eye, spend your off hours in a secluded place. Plan quietly spiritual and for next month’s return to the fray. lifestyle diversity AQUARIUS, Jan. 21- Feb. 20 If you have a mate, (s)he may consider shopping for a leash this month.-Your ever present need for independence gets obsessive, and you’re just not very polite about telling people you need space and plenty of it. You’re hot, you’re cold; your temper is erratic. Try to remember that "love" is not synonymous with "prison." PISCES, Feb. 20 - March 21 You attract all sorts of favorable attention at work; partly because you show your willingness to work with others, partly because you’re just so darned serious. Your ability to express affection and sensuality is abit depleted now, but it’s a good time to focus on career success. Love gets it’s kick start soon enough. : ¯ : : ¯ ¯ : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ painting over 60 murals and had had onewoman shows in Colorado. Ms. Wohienhaus says, "my theology is Christian, with a sprinkling of New Age, Eastern Religion, Native American, Wimmin’S Spirituality, and 12 step recovery. Her first Sunday was September3 and her Installation as Pastor was Saturday, September 16 and was followed by a reception. MCC of the Living Spring is a church that not only accepts but celebrates spiritual and lifestyle diversity. We welcome all Seekers, Pilgrims, and Advance Spirits, Gay, Lesbian, Trans and Bisexuals, leather and drag to come and share with us. Everyone is welcome. For more infermarion, Call 253-9337 to leave a message. Your call will be returned promptly. Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 No. Cincinnati, 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 SO. Atlanta PI., 742-7381 Trinity 501 SO. Cincinnati. 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You Sandra J Hill, M,S: fsychother;py & Clinical Consultation Sensitive to the Challenges of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Individuals, Couples.& Families¯ For a Taste of Local Flavor Gay Owned & Operated Serving Lunch: Noon to 3pm, .Dinner: 5 to 1 lpm, Closed Thurs. t ealty, Inc. ’q’he Land Specialists" EUREKA SPRINGS 501-253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) Offerings include: Bed & Breakfast Inns, Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Commercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates, and much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG 2865 E. Skelly Drive, Ste. 215,745-1111 community in Eureka Springs for over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. We specialize in creative financing. �Dinner & Theatre Combo at Fat Tuesdays Fat Tuesdays, in the downstairs of the : Parallel Lives is directed by Lewis New Orleans Hotel is proud to announce ¯ Routh, formerly of Eureka Springs, curthe newest, "edgiest" theatrical romp to " renfly the owner of the Orlando, Floridahit the Ozarks in a long time. Any Tues- ¯ based Act Out Theatre. Routh recently day or Wednesday during the month of " won that city,s prestigious entertainer Of October come and dine from the magical ¯ the year award for presenting pertinent menu created and plays withGay and prepared by Chef Lesbian themes. Charles Clark, re, -. Routh. says centl~ featured in that this prodiJcthe June issue of tien h,,as b~n one Ben Appetit. And of his mostjoyfull then see the Offand rewarding Broadway smash, working experiParall. el ences." Sho~ Based on Parallel laves: The Kathy & Me t Lives,written .by The dinner/ Me Gaffney and show package is Kathy Najimy. $30, with showThe showis per.only tickets availformed by three able for $10. women, Pamela Call FatTuesJones, Janet Alexdays for reservaander, and Poco tions, Tuesday Carter, who play 8¯O t Sunday, 4 pm- " Directed by Lewis Routh t 10 characters each midnight: (501) : in a series of skits 2 5 3 - 8 2 6 4 . ¯ : which, capture the : ° ¯ " ................................. Showtime is 9pro Featuring... humor of human: PametaJones. JanetAl~xander. PocoCa,er : on Tuesday and ~ ~ ity~ Each of these Wednesday. A full ¯ "" ................................. " ¯ actors brings ex¯ ¯ bar is available. Benefit Fo, ¯ tensive experience The run of the ¯ The Lane House ~ The Annual Eureka Springs Gay Family Reunion was held on Sept. 10 at Beaver Dam in theater and pershow may be exWednesday, October25 ¯ ¯ Site Park. Upper rightphoto: Charlotte & Ken, event organizers & state/local activists. ¯ formance to this ¯ tended into Noproduction. vember ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ eee ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ e ¯ ¯ e eo e_eeoeeeeoe ~e.eee eo eee O0OOOO00OOOOOOOOOOOOOO. :" THE PAMELa, =’ : VOCO ¯ Raven/Redhawk E~ nterpr!ses ¯ ¯ Jerry A. Wilson ¯O A Friendly Place to Stay (501) 253-7311 1-800-231-1442 ¯ Phyl:Boler, Boler, Schmidt Schl KING’S HI-WAY INN: ¯ ¯ o =~ys~em t i ¯ Software /are Specialist ,~ ¯ ¯ . ¯ POB 429 Eureka Springs 72632 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 96 Kings H~ghway ¯ Hwy. 62 W. ¯ Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Adult Accommodations In Eureka Springs, Arkansas Craftsman-style cottages with beautiful views of the woods and wildlife -.Tucked on top of the Ozark Mountains, just a few minutes walk to the Historic Village of Eureka Springs. 501/253-8281 Frank Green Jr., Host - 50 Wall Street - Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 Hwy. 62 East Eureka Springs, Arkansas 501-253-6Q01 A UTHENTIC ITALIAN FRESH RAINBOIV CUISINE TROUT DAVE HAGER RUTH GOODWIN-HAGER S.U.A.E. of Eureka Springs Open Through Christmas Recomtnended by the New York Times (501) 253.6807 Closed F~ednesday 5 Center Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Romantic, quiet & secluded Family-owned & operated Guest Cottage with A Jacuzzi for two, And private parking, All only 1/2 block to downtown. 9 Benton Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 " 501.253.2204 ,y �Review by Barry Hensley : 5) FASHION AND THE MAN covers ¯ proper dress and good grooming. Tulsa City-Co~nty Library ¯ In our constantly changing world, so6) AIDS: BEYOND MANNERS gives cial graces continue to be redefined. Now ". some logical guidance on taking the HIV thatmany gay citizens are test and "What to Say more publicly open about When a Fri end Tests Posi....subtitled their-lives and relationtive." ships, some fine tuning is Included in each chapA Handbook of necessary. "The Essential ter are sporadic quotes of Proper Conduct & wisdom: "Rudeness is the Book of Gay Manners and Etiquette" is subtitled "A weak man’s imitation Of G.~i Behavior Handbook of Proper Con-~ strength" and "Politeness for the Gay duct and Good Behavior is the art of choosing ~ for the Gay Gendeman." one’s real Gentleman¯ Don’t among Don’t let that fool you; thoughts" are two of the let that fool you; this guide is definitely not best. Also covered are stuffy. It is a practical some basic rules that evtl~s guide is manual designed to ineryone should already definitely not clude homosexuals in the know, but many people everyday social interacobviously don’t: "Don’t tions of Americans. interrupt a conversation There are six chapters: to introduce yourself," 1) THE ESSENTIALS, which includes ~ "Learn the art of reciprocation" and "Don’ t introductiOns (such as how to introduce ¯ make a date if you don’t intend to go your ex tO your newboyfriend), Gay Time -." through with it." While these are often (A.K.A. tardiness), and how to answer ¯ used in straight society, there are other someone who asks "Are you gay?" ." rules,more specifictogay situations, such 2) FRIENDSHIP, COURTSHIP AND. ¯¯ as"Showingaffecrionpubliclyis thesame SEX covers "How toTum First Dates into for.gays as it is for straights." Second Dates" &"Neg0tiating Safe Sex." ¯ Although it is obvious that the authors 3) COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS, ¯ live On the coasts, gays inmiddleAmerica which goes from "Ceremonies of Com- ¯ will also find this to be a logical, helpful ¯ mitment’" to "When Baby Makes Three." guide. Check for this rifle, and others of ¯ . 4) HOME LIFEincludes ntles of entersimilar interest, in the Readers Services taining and the proper ways to send letters ¯¯ department of the Central Library, 2nd floor, or call 596-7966. and invitations t9 couples. Brian Jackson & Claudette Peterson recognize top walkers at AIDS Walk ’95. Local activist & Stonewall veteran, Jimmy Flowers, with Pride sign - AIDS Walk "95 Divas Fallon Scott & Monica Munro graced the Silver Star Saloon on Sept. 24. The Rev. Nancy Horvath, spouse Barb Zeller-Horvath and son, Zach after Horvath’ sinstallation as pastor ofFamily ofFaith Metropolitan Community Church. .... Dine Photos, JD damett, 621-5597 .Out Pizz&ria & Espresso 1344 e. 15th 582°3456 Alaska June 26 - July 3, 1996 Magnificent Mediterranean July 28 - Aug. 4, 1996 Grand Caribbean April 8-15, 1996 Sonora Bay Oct. 5~12, 1996 Ca// International Tours 9/8-34/-6866 �How To Do It First 30 words are $10, Each additional word is 25 cents. You may bring addihonal attention to your ad with: Bold Headline - $1 Ad in capital letters - $1 Ad in bold capital letters - $2 Ad in box- g2 Ad reversed- $3 Tear sheet mailed - $2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Please type or print your ad. THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2)’To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the Star key (,) Due to our larae volume of calls, if you can’t ge~ thru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked,e TW VISA/MC. 1-800-863-9200. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 BI BI BLUES: BiCurious WM, 27, 175, 6’, attractive, seeks other attractive males, 20-30, who are patient and understanding. Must be drug/disease ~ree. Please leave a message. =13020 FUN IN THE CORRAL: GWM, 31, brown hair, hazel eyes, ’stoche, 5’6", 165, seeks companionship of mature GWM, 23-40, who are aggressive, masculine and gentle. Furry cowboys a plus. Call me! =13859 Recording your ad: Figure out what you wantto say before calling in. Write down what ¢ou want_t0 say. Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest, Have a pen ready to write down your box nUmber. Count the number of words. (A word for our purposes is a group of letters or numbers separated by a space.) Send your ad & payment to POD 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, complete address, day & evening phone numbers (for our records only). : Ads will run in the next issue after they are received~ Tulsa Family News reserves the right to edit or refuse any ad. No refunds will be made. Grove WANNA PUNK WITH ME?: new to area, not into bars, Dave, 20 6~ 185 brn/red/hzl, goatee, eyebrow earring, love volleyball, good music, good food great conversation, meditate, spiritual, give me a call- =9385 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and honest person, like this in a person, g~ve me a call- =9464 CIVIL RIGHTS HELP?~ American CiviF,~.’l~ties Union of Oklahoma HIV+ Singles Publication 36 word personal ad, voice mail,.and mail forwarding! Local and nationwide! All lifestyles. Gay, HIV+ owned & operated. Write: Intropoz+ Magazine, 564 Mission St. Box 415, San Francisco, CA 94105, or call 1-800-820-2948 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: professional, 42 WM, iso other Gay or bi male, 30s- 40s, in the area, let’s play! = 7392 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 2! BM, kinda looking for sameane to love, tired of being by myself, love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- = 7435 Walton t&ARRIED OR Bh Rodney, married WM 25 5’5, 1,50, attr, Ikg for 25-35 married or bi male, far friendship pass rel, inexperienced and want someone to learn with honesty and discretion req’d- = 8671 Oklahoma NATIVE: I’m a Native American Indian. I’m a big guy with a big heart. I’m 25 y/o and !’m Ikg4 a companion and a friend. I’m a virgin, are you the one? red heads a+ =4701 Lawton COLLEGE STUDENT: Jamar, student like reading, writing, creative things, like to go out, like Hispanic men, 19-20, Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking far GLM/GWM far hot fun in the sun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Leave me a message and let’s get together soon. =10596 Caucasian men 19-26, work and go to school now, like-to meet some new people like to get to know you- =5703 Tulsa TAK£ ME OUT IN TULSA: D0n, WM Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very Tulsa GAY OR Bh AI, 32, very masc pmf’l, GBM iso Gayor bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sports, outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks! = 7580 Family of Faith 54th & Mingo Info: 918-583-1248 (card packs available by mail) Tulsa HL~ NOW: my name is Steven. I’m31 y/o~and I’m Ikg4guy’s 18-50 [or fishing, swimming and camping. I enjoy the company of slightly aggressive men. =5354 Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6, 2151bs, WM. I’m Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s with a medium to slim build. I like singing, bowling, golf, movies and cuddling. If you are inter6s~:~d, please call me. =47265 30. Smoker/Light Drinker OK. Must be disease/drug free =11041. Tulsa’s best Lesbian & Gay Gift Store Noon - 6 pm Saturdays at Safe & confidential. Free copy, fo~r good times, call me. =10271 Oklahoma City SHOOT THE BREEZE: GWM, 22, brown hair/eyes, 5’6", seeks fun and relationsh ip oriented GWM’s under Tomfoolery! 600NW 23rd, Suite 104 OKC 73106, 405-524-8511 Ada HOMO ALONE IN.ADA: I’m 6’3, bin/bin, 1901bs. I’m Ikg4 gay men 18-25 versatile, seeks new friends in the area for fun and friendship with relationship possibilities. Legs get ~gether and celebrate life. =6571 Cards by 10% Productions Available exclusively at for a str ~\, to have a goed 5me out in Tulsa. g~ me a call. =5974 Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s isa BIWM 30-40, he/we prop, very discreet, expect same, like ~hare some time, if you are interested, give me a call, VII return all calls- = 7822 Tulsa NL~/TO AREA: Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out aloe, phys fit, Ikg for a str to BI BM 35-65 to have a good time with, go out with give me a call- = 7842 Eastern AR CUDDLE BY1HE FIRE: Ja&, GWM, 37, ~. bm/kx,, mus~d~e, ~y masc, ~r ap~earing/ading, iso frlends puss rd in the c~a, like all n~sic, dining, ’~ealer, ~ng bye mea~l-=7873 Tulsa DAVID, 19, 6’6, 275 bind/blue looking to meet in the area, interested in lots of things, give me a call. =6009 Henrietta ONE ON ONE: Jack, GWM 42 5’10 220, looking far someone down to earth, looking for a rel, like outclears, football, bball on 1V, Ikg far an avg. down to earth guy who wants a one on one- =6274 Tulsa LONELY AND LOOKING,.Wm, 50, 5’8, 165, slim and trim, into BB, have a solid body, tan, looking far a person in the area, that’s slim and trim male under 50for a friend, to go out with and see where things go. Hope you can call! =2082 ! -800-326-MEET i-900-786,4865 �DON’TFORGET! Men of the Southwest Two Dynamite Male Dancers Every Thursday NOCOVER Friday & Saturaav Dance Party Dance and ~weat with DJ’David Dees $’~ Cover R0bbie Walker & The Sunday Slam Oomonique Daniels, Paris~Grey, Kds K~, Ivono B, Real, M~chelle Voted the #1~ow in Tul~a and Norlhe~stem Ok~homa EverySunday 11p.m. $2 Cover ~4 Beer Bust 8~ Special Shots 9. I Every Thurs., Fri., and Sun. 9.2 v 3340S, Peoria Tulsa ~’ 918-744.0896 4pm till 2pm, seven days a week SALOON Shanti Benefit, Fri, Oct. 20 Green Country Cloggers 9pm $3 cover 3rd Annual Boo Bash Sat. Oct. 28, hosted by Casey from Dallas Dancing, Fri. Oct. 27 Carmella Marcella Garcia 2nd Annual~Halloween Bash & Show Benefitting RAIN, $5 cover Buffet, Door Prizes, Raffle & Costume Contest Saturday, November 4th Mr. Oklahoma Leather Contest Male Dancers, every Thur. & Sun. 834-~4234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am Sat. Oct. 28 - No Cover! Open 2pro M-F, from Noon, Sat/Sun 1229 S. Memorial, 835-5083 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart October 15 - November 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 11 Largent Responds: The NAMES Project will present a portion oftheAIDS Memorial Quilton October 13-15 at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Expo Square Pavilion. For schedule, see p. 9. National Coming Out Day in Tulsa Several Tulsa orgamzations held National Coming Out Day (NCOD) events. Family of Faith Metropolitan Community Church had 35 people attend its Wednesday evemng service which commemoratedNCOD. PastorNancy Horvath noted that the service used a special liturgy with eight candles to represent the rainbow, At the University ofTulsa, the Bisexual, See NCOD, page ] 1 OUT AT THE FAIR Nation’s Largest Coming Out Event Held in Dallas by Gip Plaster The nation’s largest celebration of National Coming Out Day (NCOD), featuring Candace Gingrich and Chastity Bono, was held at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas onOctober 8. The celebration drew larger than expected crowds, organizers said. "This is exactly what we hoped for in our wildest dreams," said Susan Gore, cochair of NCOD in Dallas. Candace Gingrich, the sister of Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and Chastity Bono, daughter of actress and singer Cher and U.S. Rep. See Dallas, page 10 Marriage Update HONOLULU-A special commission set up to evaluate the impact of excluding gays and lesbians from legally marrying in Hawaii has been considering the economicimpactofthe issuerecently. Among some 100 benefits and rights opposite-sex couples currently enjoy under the state’s marriage laws that same-sex couples are see Marriage, page 11 US Supreme Court Begins Amend. 2 A ppeal Hearings WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Courtbegan its new session in early October with the appeal by the state of Colorado to reinstate the anti-gay Amendment 2, which was narrowly approved by voters only to be later declared unconstitusee Court, page 10 Oklahoma Edu,cational Association (OEA) Attacks Lesbian/Gay History Proposal The Oklahoma Eduacation Association (OF_A) has sought to distance itself from a national resolution that proposed to recognize the historical contributions of Lesbians and Gay men. In response to attacks on the National Educational Association (NEA) resolution by Beverly LaHaye of Concerned Women of America, the OEA released statement declaring that its delegates to the conference this last summer had voted overwhelmingly against the resolution. The resolution had been proposed as one means of combatting the higher rate of teenage suicide among Lesbian and Gay youth. OEA sent out a negative flyer toits membership on the NEA resolution. The OEA claimed to be concerned about the issue of youth suicide but stated that this resolution was not the appropriate means for addressing the issue. Officially, the OEA would responded to all questions or requests for clarification with "no comment". An OEA staffperson indicated that they had not yet spent any time developing a "more appropriate" response nor could she provide a time line for such an effort. Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) also sent a flyer to its membership disassociating itself from the resolution. Public Schools Chief Agrees to Meeting Dr. John Thompson, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools will speak to Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay communities and friends on Monday, Oct. 30 from 7-8pro at Family of Faith Metropolitan Commtmity Church, 5451 e South Mingo. While Dr. Thompson will speak primarily on the upcoming school bond dection, he expressed a willingness to hear community concerns. All community, members are welcome but those with ties to the educational system are especially encouraged to attend. For more information, call Tulsa Family News at 583-1248 or Family of Faith at 622-1441. Green Country Pride and TOHR Call Community Wide Leadership Meeting Tulsa Oklahomans forHuman Rights (TOHR) and Green Country Pride, a grassroots, action-oriented community organization are joining tO sponsor an open meeting to discuss community-wide goals on Tues. Nov 7 in the Chouteau Room of the Alan Chapman Activity Center at the University of Tulsa. see Meeting, page 10 TOHR -Nominates,-~Offi.cers for 1996 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), Tulsa’s oldest Lesbian/Gay community organization, nominated officers at its Oct. 3 meeting. The following were selected by the nominating committtee: Debi Starnes - president, Miriam Childers -lst vice president, Rob Hill - 2rid vice president, Sue Minshall - secretary and Pam Pretz - treasurer. No nominations were made from the floor. Under TOHR@laws, nominations are closed and a vote will be taken at the Nov. 7th meeting. AIDS Walk ’95 Has Highest Turnout Ever Organizers of Walk This ~Vay, AIDS Walk Tulsa ’95 estimated that 150 to 200 people participated in this year’s event on Sat. Sept. 30. Steve Eberle, one of the Walk organizers, said the event raised about $6000 to benefit VNA - Visiting Nurse Association, TOHR Testing Clinic, MTSAS - Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services, Inc. Indian Health Care, IAM, Rainbow Village, HIV Resource Consortium, Hospice of Green Country, SJR, RAIN - ReNonalAIDS Interfaith Networt¢, Ahalaya and MAC. Organizers noted that the first Walk had only about 50 participants and that this year’s walkers were more broadly representative of the city - not just the "hard-core" HIV/ AIDS workers & volunteers. Eberle added that the event organizers hope to ~ncrease the funds raised by seeking corporate donations. The event was recognized both by Tulsa Mayor Susan Savage whose aide Hilary Kitz attended and by Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating who issued a proclamation recognizing the Walk. Red Ribbon Treefest Entries Sought The Red Ribbon Treefest is decorating a tree, or purchasing an annual event where dec¯- rated holiday trees are auctioned to raise funds for local HIV/ ~€7 AIDS organizations. This year’s ~1~ proceeds will-benefit the HIV . Resource Consortium’s prescription drug program and to assist Interfaith AIDS Ministries 800AIDS information telephone line. This year’s Treefest will be held at the Spotlight Theatre at ]~i~ilOI! 1318 Riverside Drive on Sun- Treefest day, Dec. 3, with a reception at 4pm and the auction at 5:30. The Red Ribbon Treefest Committee invites individuals and organizations to participate by volunteering, a tree. Direct donations are also welcome with checks made to Interfaith AIDS Ministries. To decorate a tree or to volunteer, -please contact the Committee by Nov. 1statPOB 35844, Tulsa 74153. Tree set-up will be from 9-3pmon Sunday, Dec. 3. The SpotlightTheatre has a number of steps at the front entrance. Handicapped access can be arranged by calling 663-5372. Specifications: trees must be amaximum of six feet high and artificial. No lights are permitted. All trees should have a title reflecting the theme of the tree - no red ribbon theme, please. No to General Job Protections, But No Discrimination In His Office Hiring During his campaign a year ago, member of Congress for the 1st District, Steve I_argent, promised to meet with Tulsa’s Lesbian/Gay communities. In March, he came to the Metropolitan Church of Greater Tulsa and listened to community concerns. At that meeting, he pledged to consider a proposed bill, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit work place bias based on sexual orientation. Specifically, I_argent promised to respond in writing to Tulsa Family News editor/publisher Tom Neal. (His letter is reproduced on page 3.) see Largent, page 10 Say No to Hate Walk The Say No to Hate Coalition is sponsoring acommemorative ~valk at 11:30am on Friday, Oct. 20 from 1st Street and Cincinnati across the Martin Luther King Bridge along Archer and ends at the Universtty Center at Tulsa, 700 No. Greensee No Hate, page 10 Nov. Performance Supports Interfaith AIDS Ministries The Long Way ’Round to Ninevah, the Jonah story in song & dance, will be presented at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoriaon Sat. Nov. 11 at 2pro and at 7pro. This two act play appeals to all ages and will help supportInterfaithAIDS Ministries. Info: 438-2437 or 663-5372. DIRECTORY P. 2 NEWS BRIEFS P.-4 HEALTH BRIEFS P. 6 CALENDAR P. 9 FINANCES P. 11 EUREKA NEWS P. 12-1:3 PERSONALS P. 15 918-583-1248 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@ aoi.com Publisher/Editor Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the.:~atire.contents of Tom Neal this publication are protected byUS copyright 1995 by Tulsa Family Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writers/contributors ph,.,oto does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Kharma Amos ~orrespondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Laurie Cooper noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property ofTulsa Family Shelly Roberts News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution JD Jamett points. Additional copies are available at Tomfoolery! Comprehension-impaired reader? Thefollowin~ letter is reprinted as i’eceived: " I read your newspaperand accept your challenge to disagree. You claim to be traditional in your goals. Basing your goals on what tradition? The tradition of family cannot be carried out with the act of homosexuality, their (sic) cannot be a completion to the act of sexuality for the gift of life has been dosed. It is contrary to natural law, you dose the future of the human race. For most homosexuals, they do not choose their condition, itis a trial, as weall have our trials in life, the cross we are given to carry; as christians (sic) refer to it. I may have a strong tendency to a quick temper, I could even say I inherited it from my grandparents, but that doesn’t make it right for me not to control my temper. All peoplemust have respect and compassion for one another but that is not to confuse right from wrong. We are all called to the virtues of self-mastery that teach us inner freedom. By prayer and sacramental grace we can reach this goal. Your friend in Christ, - Kathie Jackson Editor’s response: Thanks for writing. We do welcomedialogueandthe exchangeofviews. However. you appear to be confused about our challenge. When we mentioned "traditional goals,’" we were referring to our specific goalsfor this newspaper- that is the "traditionar’ role ofnewspapers tn minority communities, and newspapers in the broader community. While we could have been slightly more clear in stating this, we think you failed to read the essay with enough care. The challenge we offered was to our community: Lesbians. Gay men. Bisexuals &’-~’ransgendered folk. and ourfamilies andfriends, to discuss and debate where we are and where we need to go. Frankly, you a~rrelevant to that debate andyour arguments are ancient, flawed and not worthy of the newsprint. However, since you appear to have acted in goodfaith, and to warn others ofyour ilk, we are printing your letter. We are interested in debate by members of our commumty about our issues. We are not interested in providing space to those who want to debate our very existance. - Tom Neal Thefollowing isfrom our assistant editor who’s more inclined to try to educate: Speaking for those of us involved with the paper, and for most people in the Gay and Lesbian community, webase our goals on. the traditions of love for our family members, friends and lifemates. Our traditions are not so different than yours. We all seek love, a happy home, and someone to share it with. Many have high morals standards ofhonesty, integrity, and dignity. Many ofus are religious. We have and are parts of families - mother, fathers, -sisters,brothers, nieces,nephews. Gay people can, and do have children. Gay folk have them because they want them, not by accident, like so many unplanned children. In the Gay families I have seen, they are raised in a loving, supportive enviroument. As for the statement that Homosexuality is contrary to nature, any biologist can tell you that see next column Are we our own worst enemies? "GWNI, 28, 5’8", 150 lbs., straight acting/appearing, lookingforsameforfun andpossible relationship. Enjoy evenings out dancing as well as quiet times at home. NOfats, fems, drugs. If interested, please contact~" This could be the typical personal ad placed in many Tulsa Gay and Lesbian publications. This could be the typical personal ad placed in placed in Gay papers all over the U.S. One would think after years of reading such ads, one would overlook or dismiss them as, at the most, unimaginative. cannot. Whenever I see these ads, I become angry at the stereotyped attitudes shown. "Straight acting and appearing, what is this supposed to mean? If you want a relationship with a man who is masculine and presents a masculine appearance, say so. To call yourself "straightacting" only perpetuates typical gay stereotypes of the limp-wristed effeminate male. I would much rather be involved with someone who is honest, self-confident, secure, and proud ofwhomthey are, than someone who feels a need to be "’straightacting". "No fats, ferns, or drugs." Need I say more? Has amoreover-used, cliched expressionbeen written? Use height/weight proportionate, masculine, or drug-free, but bury this tired, hackneyed expression once and for all. I recently read a personal ad that dosed with the line, "No HIV+, trash, or weirdos." Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but being an HIV+ gay male, I take offense at being lumped together with trash and weirdos. I respect anyone’s desire for an HIV+ or HIV- partner, and it is quite possible that the author did not intend to convey this message. Gay men and Lesbians can often be their own worst enemy. To me, the use of stereotypes and insensitive remarks, whether intentional or not, is unacceptable. If we, as Gays and Lesbians, cannot treat each other with compassion and be free of stereotypical attitude, how can we possibly expect heterosexuals and society as a whole to do the same? - Stephen R. Edlich homosexuality occurs in nature quite often, and in many specxes. As for closing the future of the human race, I think it’s a bit premature (or too late, depending on how you look at it) to have a real fear of this happening. Homosexuals make up about ten percent of the population That leaves roughly mnety percent of the population quite .capable of repopulating the earth. We repopulate too, but we’re more careful about it. I am currently taking an environmental biology course at a local university. According to the textbook, ’q’oday there are well over 5 billion humans, and it is likely that our numbers will increase to more than 8 billion in your lifetime. We are in danger of overwhelming the earth with too many people. The earth has limited resources and the human population is using up,. encroaching upon, fouling, and wasting them." ("Environment", Raven, Berg, & Johnson) If the human race is to disappear, it will be due to too many people, not the fact that there are homosexuals. -James Christjohn Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bad Boyz Club, 1229 S. Memorial *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades/Rainbow!Room, 1649 S. Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time’n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Admiral Wild Fork, Utica Square, 21st & Utica *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 835-5083 744-0896 585-5622 749-1563 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-4340 742-0712 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 Creative Collection, 1521 E 15 592-1521 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 *Devena’s Gallery forPhotography, 13 E. Brady 587-2611 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Lemme M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, PsyChotherapy, 2865 E. Skdly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza. 15th & Peoria 584-4606 International Tours 341-6866 Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Major Affairs 587-8108 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884 *MediaPlay, 9121 E. 71st 250-5158 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery Gifts & Cards, at Family of Faith MCC 583-1248 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 B/L!G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Community of Hope (United Methodist), 1703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity/Integrity (Lesbian/Gay Catholics &Episcopalians) 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 74%6827 Friends in Unity (African-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 R.A.I.N.; Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174 Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 ~ 599-8423 Shanti Hotline 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans forHuman Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at -Tulsa Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *MCC of the Living Spnng McClung Realtors Purple Iris Inn, Route 6, Box 339 Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East *The Woods, 50 Wall St. *The Diner, 2124 NW 39th *Jungle Red, The Habana Inn *Oasis Community Center, 2135 NW 39th *Triangle Association, 2136 NW 390; 501-253-7457 501-253-6807 501-253-5445 800-231-1442 501-253-9337 501-253-9682 501-253-8748 501-253-2204 501-253-6001 501-2534÷ 281 .... "~28-5 I33 ~,24-5733 405-525-243"7 405-843-~378 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159 Thank you for contacting me with your views. I appreciate hearing from you. ’H.~.. 1863,tba Employment Non-Discrimination Act, prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on that individual’s "sexual orientation." The Act exempts the Armed Forces, religious organizations and businesses with under 15 employee~. I strongly support each individual’s Constitutional civil rights including equal opportunity. However, I do not believe that a person’s lifestyle or behavior makea them eligible for bebav~io~r-sp~c~o_p.ro,.t~ons. lawstha~ apply to moo, age, g~nder ~r~roilgious affdiafion’to individuals who bebav~ like, 6r a~ perceived to be lesbian, homosexual or bisexual. I am satisfied with the level of protection that eor~m anti-discfiminationJegislation provides all.individuals, including those who are a pan of the homosexual commuaity. Tom, any other definition of discrimination is problamatic. Any empioyer or prope~’ty owner should be able to refuse to hire, rent or enter into a contructual agreement with any person whose behavior is morally offensive to him. I do not believe and it has not been demonstrated that a person’s "sexual prefuroace" is biologically inherent. Evidence shows that "sexual preference" is nothing morn than a choice of will. Extending civil rights protection based on behavior is inapproprla~. Further, in our meeting earlier this year, I stated that _I would not fire someone based on his or her sexual orientation. However, I believe people should have that right. I would not fife or refuse to hire someone based on that issue alone; but, i~their behavior became problematic such that it was disruptive to conducting business, I would reserve the right to do so. I support the Constitutional right of free association. Employment and association arn engaged on a voinnta~ basis. The federal government has little business rngulating voluntary association and needs to reduce its burdensome rngulations that attempt to affect individual association. Once again, I am satisfied that current civil tights legislation provides a sufficient level of Constitutional protection to serve each and ever~ member of our society regardless of their sex, age, race, or religmn. Thank you again for contacting me with your views. I would appreciate your prayers and further suggestions regarding this or other issues on your mind. SML:sbh Member of Congross DON OVANN, I. NOVEMBER 11, 16, & 18, 1995 SINGLE TICKET PRICES range from $13.50 to $51. Student tickets and group rates .now available. English translations projected above the stage at all performances TULSAOPERA CALL (918) 587-4811 or TOLL FREE (800):241-.6076 BOX OFFI cE kOCATED AT 1610 S. BOULDER, TULSa,, OK 74119 E d i t .0 r iAan What’s R=ght Wrong With Largent Many of you will not be .surprised that o.urcongressman declines to support ~equal nghts for his Lesbian & Gay consti tuents. To bring Lesbian and Gay citizens up to the level of protections that Heterosexual citizens take for granted is obviously at odds with the rhetoric of his Republican party, and especially with that of his core constituency, the Radical Right- most of whom clothe their reactionary positions in the trappings of religion. However, at risk of seeming Pollyauna-ish, it’s worth noting that just having Largent engage in dialogue with us is more than we’ve had in this Congressional district ever. Radical Right Senator Jim Inhofe~’ whose anti- Gay bigotry is too well documented, doesn’t even pretend to honor his constitutional obligations to represent all Oklahomans. Because Largent at least is listening.... there remains some hope that he can be persuaded to recognize the illogic of supporting civil rights protections for one of themost profound behavioral choices, i.e. the choic6 of religious beliefs and~ their expression but then claiming it is "inappropriate" to provide such protections for another behavioral choice: the open expression of sexual .identity. Largent and his staff seem noi ~¢en to realize that the position they’ve taken, that see Editorial, page 9 Ait:T.. o¯mfoole. ry,~_.~.c°ming. out is what we:re all about. We’re Tutsa’s original: ga)::ii~i!i~-i::: .....:i..-&,lesbian giftshop, nd we ve got the best selection of T,shirts,: rainbow gear. : : :/:and novelty itemsin town. So what are you waiting for? Come on.out:today! TOMFOOLERY! For discreet home delivery of Tulsa iFamily News, please send $15 for a 12 .months, $8 for 6 months. .y lews Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Gay Supreme Court Justice in South Africa "i eventoaddresstheissueofequal ¯ tional agency. "Thedifficullylies Saint-Nazaire, a town in the union says denying it the right to rights for homosexuals, in the fact that it’s the first time " southern tip of Brittany at the extend the benefits is a private JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - The most recent example of the s.urge of civil rights progress m South Africa is the recent appointment of an openly gay man to South Africa’s Supreme Court - the first such openly gay high court justice in the world. Edwin Cameron, a law professor at the University of Witwatersrand and a longtime gay rights advocate within the country’s anti-apartheid ino~,dnidtit, has been iihined to a seatonthe SouthAfricaSupreme Court. He had been under consideration earlier this year for a seat on the country’s Constitutional Court. Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, Cameron also headed the muchpraised Cameron Commission, anational panel thatinvestigated the country’s clandestine arms deals with several other governments under international arms embargoes, including Iraq. During the transition from apartheid to full reconstruction in South Africa, the country has adopted an interim Constitution that indudes provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation- thefirst country in the world to do so. High Court Justice Leaves Visitation Intact WASHINGTON - U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has reviewed and left unchanged aWisconsinSupreme Court temporary order that allows a lesbian to continue visiting the biological son of her former partner. Justice Stevens’ decision will allow Sandra Lynn Holtzman to continue to visit the 6-year-old son ofher ex-partuer, Elsbeth Knott, while Holtzman appeals a court ruling the would block her from having any visitation rights with the boy, Women’s Conf. Ends Debating Lesbian Rights BEIJING - The Fourth World Conference on Women came to a hair-breath dose following a contentious debate over thefights oflesbians. In the end, the United Nations conference adopted a set of guidelines that make no mention of lesbians or sexual orientation- a disappointment to rights activists who nevertheless considered the Beijing assemblage a major step forward for being the first UN~0nference :’ The debate over whether to include any reference to sexual orientation in the conference’s final doctnnent got off to a nasty start as delegates from several conservative, far-right and religions organizations charged that the UN gathering had a "secret agenda" to impose Western culture on emerging nations, to de-~ rail "traditional family values" and to legalize pedophilia and bestiality - all in the name of assuring ci..vil rightsforlesbians. Representatives ofmore than300 conservative groups went to Beijing to lobby against what they call an attack on "the traditional family" inthe conference’s draft Platform for Action. Delegates from several countries rose to object to including sexual orientation in the draft document. One delegate from Bangladesh said, "If we allow such an expression to appear in such a serious document, my delegation is afraid this will open the floodgates for all .kinds of behavior we cannot accept. It is not innocent behavior." Another ddegate - from Belize - compared lesbianism to "prostitution and strip-tease dancing." Even with the continuing lesbian- bashing by delegates, however, at least 20 nations - including South Africa, the United States, Latvia and Israel - said they had no objections to indudingsexual orientationprotections inthe draft document, and in fact bdieved the guidelines included lesbians whether the phrase was explicitly included or not. Although lesbian rights advocates admitted they were disappointed by the removal of sexual orientation protections from the final draft document, many acknowledged that they had not expected to win this first batde on the world stage and weren’t entirely dissatisfied with the progress they felt they had made in the international arena. Even with this toned-down,"soft-sdl" languageon sexual rights, at least a score of nations with predominantly Islamic or Catholic populations strongly objected to the paragraph. UN conference spokeswoman Therese Gastaut said the often rancorous debate hadn’t been entirely a surprise because the question of the legal rights of homosexuals was un- ¯ charted territory for the intemathis Is being discussed at the UN ¯ level," Gastaut told reporters. : "All the implicationshave to be ¯ takenintoaccount...They’revery ¯ intricate." Zimbabwe Parliament ! BacksAnti-Gay Remarks ¯ HARARE, Zimbabwe - A1- ¯ though it took no formal action,_ ¯ .Zimbabwe’s Parliament erupted ¯ m a one-sided debate over ho- ¯ mosexuality as the country’s ¯ elected representatives made it Cl~the~ ~fip~rted’ PreSident ¯ Robert.M~al~d’s fecentanfi-gay ¯ campaign. One MP said gays ¯ shouldbequarantined"in aniso- : lation hospital until they are ¯ .treated." AnotherMP urged that ¯ the country’s schools use antigay teachings. ¯ No ’Cou pies’ Questions ¯ in Canadian Census TORONTO - According to a ¯ report in the Toronto Globe and ¯ Mail, the Canadian census report in 1996 will not include questions activists had wanted that would have begun gather- . ing information on same-sex ¯ couples in the country. In test : questions, the agency .that ¯ handles the census found that some Canadians were "Mien- " ated"by questions about gay and ¯ lesbian couples and recom- ¯ mouth of the Loire River, decided to begin certifying gay and : lesbian couples. Deputy Mayor ¯ Maxime Batard said at a press ," conference that "all we have ¯ sought to do is give homosexu- ¯ als the same rights as other citi- ¯ zens." Batardacknowledged that the domestic partnership certificates had little legal effect since -" the French national government ¯ controls most benefits enjoyed ¯ by spouses. "Ours is a symbolic ¯ gesture," Batard Said. ;’If it can ¯ get things moving on a national ¯ level, thatwouldbepretty goOd." The town ofsome70,000 people ¯ is believed tobe thefirstin France ¯ to offer partnership certificates ¯ to gays and lesbians. Paris Mayors Endorse ¯ Partner Certificates ¯ PARIS-~!naj0intpress commu- ¯ uique, the six district mayors of Paris said they wanted "to contribute to equality between citizens, whatever their personal ¯ situation." Gays and lesbians in Paris have worked hard to get recognitionfor their relationships and they suffer discriminationin ¯ a number of areas as couples ¯ without some legal recognition of their partnerships. The "com- , mon life" certificates that the ¯ district mayors endorsed would havenolegal authority, butrights mended against the questions. ¯ -activists Said i.t would be a sig- "Weknow fromtesting thatthere ¯ nificantbeginning to achieving areCanadianswhofeeloffended, " full equal rights for gays and uncomfortable with that living " lesbians. arrangement," said a spokesper- : son for the enumeration agency. Canadian Parliament "TheobjectiveofthecenSusisto " Nixe~ Marriage Bill : count everyone." Shocking Gray Files for Bankruptcy ¯ SAN ANTONIO, TeXas - The : San Antonio Express has con- ," firmed that the lesbian and gay ¯ mail-order firm Shocking Gray ¯ has in fact filed for bankruptcy. ¯ The paper reports that the firm, noted for its slick catalogs and ¯ sometimes upscale items aimed ¯ -at gay and lesbian consumers, ¯ filedpapers indicatedit was more : than $250,000 indebt. Shocking Gray was founded in 1991 andat ¯ its peak, the company’s catalog ¯ was being mailed out to some 2 ¯ million households. ¯ French Town Goes for : Domestic.Partnerships SAINT-NAZAIRE, France - .France has entered, the.domestic partnership campaign when OTTAWA-Canada’s House of Commons came back from its ¯ summer recess and launched its ¯ new legislative session by voting against recognizing same¯ sex marriages. The Commons voted 124-52 against a bill put ¯ forward by openly gay MP Real ¯ Menard that would have ex- ’: tended legal recognition to gay ¯ and lesbian marriages. In a related development, the Canadian Union Of Public Employees said ¯ it would appeal anOntario court ruing that.the union cannot extend pension and other taxable ~ benefits to.the unmarried, same- - sex partners of union members. : The Canadian Supreme Court had earlier ruled that anti-gay discrimination is illegal, but that ¯ the government has the right to withhold tax benefits from same-- " sex couples if it chooses to. Th2 ¯ matter that the government ¯ should not have any business ~ restricting. ¯ ’Celluloid Closet’ Wins ¯ at Toronto Film Festival ¯ TORONTO - The "Celluloid ¯ -Closet, the just-released doch- ¯ mentary film that examines .the ¯ Hollywood motion picture ¯ industry’s depictions oflesbians ¯ and gay men,.was awardeda2nd ¯ place award at theToronto Inter- . national.Film Festival. ’.’Cellu- : 10id Closet’.’ was made by Oscar ¯ winning film makers Rob ¯ Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. ¯ Helms Upset Over Lesbian Seminar RALEIGH, N.C. - Sen. Jesse ¯ Helms (R-N.C.) seems currently ¯ to have gotten his anti-gay nose ¯ in a suit over a workshop at the recent UN-sponsored women’s ¯ conference in Beijing that covered flirting techniques for lesbians. In a letter to Bob Atwood, ¯ head of the U.S. Agency for In- ¯ ternationalDevelopment, Helms ¯ wrote: "What, pray tell, does a ¯ "workshop’ on "flirting tech- ¯ uiques for lesbians’ have to do with women’s rights? I beg you! Please assure me that no U.S. ¯ money in the United Nations ¯ special trust fund belpedpay for ¯ this outrageous program!’" ¯ Atwood succincdy told Helms, ¯ now chairman of the Senate For- " eign Relations Committee, that ¯ none ofthe U.S. money that went ¯ helped pay for the UN confer- ¯, ence in Beijing went to support the flirting seminar, which took ¯ place at a parallel gathering of ¯ representatives from non-gov- ¯ ernmentalorganizations (NGO). Helms insisted, however, that ¯ U.S. funds had also been used to ¯ support the NGO conference. "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" ¯ To Go to Circuit Court ¯ WASHINGTON - Beginning ¯ Dec.4,the4thU.S.CircuitCourt ¯ of Appeals will hear arguments ¯ concermng the case of former Navy Lt. Paul Thomasson. Only : days after thecompromisepolicy ¯ wentinto effect,Thomassontold ¯ his commander about his sexual ¯ orientation. Ironically, the com- ¯ m~nder was in charge of admin- ¯ istering the new policy. When ¯ the Navy moved to discharge ¯ him, Thomasson took his case to ¯ federal court.Whenhe lost there, he appealed to the 4th Circuit ¯ Court. rERSON REALTORS* LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 2642 E. 21st St.reet ¯ Suite 170 . Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ¯ Fax: 918-747-1795 _P~o.ject ReDirecto~® Recycle your phonebook here ~arthd;riendll/ !~roduets, The Natural Choice In Lincoln Plaza on Cherry Street 131.4 East 15th ¯ 582-ENVR News Briefs N= Coroner in Trouble Over "Gay Rape" Remarks OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington Gov. Mike Lowry has called on a state medical board to consider disciplinary action against Dr, DexterAmend, the Spokane coroner who stunned locals by saying that homosexuals wereresponsible for the murder-rape of a 9-year-old girl because she had been sodomized. Gov. Lowry told the state’s medical board to take "any and all appro- .pnate action.necessary’ in ,examini. ng Amend’s case, The commission has the authority to take a variety of actions, up to and including revoking the coroner’s medical license. Although the uncle of the girl had already confessed to the murder-rape of the girl and authorities said the 9-year-old’s parents had been under investigation. on possible ehildmolestation charges as wall before her death earlier this year, Amend told reporters that homosexuals were really responsible for the crime, although the girl’s uncle is heterosexual. "She’s been sodomized over and over, and sodomy is a homosexual act - it is," Amend said in a published interview after his autopsy ofthe child. ’¢Fo have everybody think homosexuality is okay is abuneh of baloney, I don’t care what the political ramifications areonthis. It’ s ahorrible, unbelievable thing that this child went through, and they (homosexuals) destroyed her life.’" Oregon Ex-Governor Joins HRCF Board WASHINGTON Former Oregon Gov. Barbara Roberts.has joined the board of directors of the Human Rights Catnpaign Fund, the Washington, D.C.- based gay lobbying organization. "’I am looking forward to participating in the leadership of HRCF," said Gov. Roberts in a press statement. "Wemust enlist the support of more and more non- gay citizens to join this effort to ensure that all Americans without exception may live free from discrimination." During two attempts by anti-gay activists in Oregon to pass ballot measures that would have prohibited civil rights protections for gays and lesbians, Gov. Roberts was aleading and outspoken opponent of the anti-gay initia- "fiVeS. ;ws Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News ¯ ~European Human Rights " ;Commission Rules for Transsexual Dad STRASBOURG, France - The European Human Rights Commission has ruled by a 13-5 vote that the refusal of British offi- ¯ cials to register the female-to- ~ male transsexual father of his wife’s child, which was conceived by artificial insemination, ¯" is a violation of the European HumanRights Convention. Brit- " ish authorities hadrefnsed to reg- ¯¯ ister the unnamed transsexual as .- the child’s father, arguing that ¯ only biological males could be ¯ considered the father of children in birth registries. The case will ¯ now go to the European Human ¯ Rights Court which will make a ." final riding on whether the re- . fusal to register the transsexual ¯ as.the child’s father breached the ¯ European convention and what ¯ possible remedies mustbe taken. City ofAustin to Consider ¯ Gay Youth Policies ¯ AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin _. City Council Said it will take ¯ under consideration a set of rec- ¯ ommendations from the city’s ¯ humanrights commissionaimed ¯ at reducing anti-gay discrimina- ¯ tion in public schools and other ¯ city-runinsfitutions. Among the ¯ 10-point recommendations the ¯ human rights commissioners ¯ have sent to the council for ac- ¯ tion: implementing policies to ¯ prevent harassment of gay, le,s- ¯ bian and bisexual students in ¯ public schools; offer school staff ¯ training about anfi- gay discrimi- ¯ nation; de~elop-social’andhealth- - ¯ related services to meet thespe- " " cific needs of gay and lesbian ¯ .students; make more informa¯ tion about sexual orientation available through the city’s public libraries. The HRC recommendations grew out of public hearings it held last year on anti- " gay harassment and bias in the school system. James Hill, head of the city HRC, said of the commission’s recommendations, "Wehave toremember the ¯ voice of young people.’" Man Files Bias Suit Against Computer Firm ¯ SAN FRANCISCO-Anopenly ¯ g.ay man has filed a discriminanon lawsuit against Adobe Systems, the Mountain view, Ca- " lif.-based high-tech computer ¯ firm. Dale Short worked as an administrative assistant at the ¯ company for two years where he was givenexcelt:e-~tij~fform~nce ." reviews and bonuses before be- " ing suddenly fired earlier this ¯ year after a new supervisor ¯ started in his division. The com- " pany denies any wrongdoing in ¯ Short’s dismissal. : Modest Step ¯" Forward in Romania BUCHAREST-The Romanian ¯ Parliamenthas approvedchanges in the nation’s laws that would e,ase the~ ,f,e.d.eral, pe,nal~e,s for i hdmoseXual b~hav{or byl.making it illegal onl~, When it creates ¯ a "public scandal," a modest : move forward in the country’s ¯ draconian anti-gay laws. The ." new "public scandal"law would ¯ carry prison terms of as much as ¯ 5 years in jail with jail terms up ¯" to 7 years if a minor is involved. Members of the Chamber of : Deputies saidthenewlaw would ¯ penalize homosexual behavior ¯ only if it caused a "public out- . rage." But international rights ¯ activists said thelaw makes little ¯ sense because any complaint to ¯ authorities about any alleged ¯ homosexual behavior - whether ¯ public or private- automatically : is classified as a "public scan- " dal" simply because someone ¯ has complained. Romania has been the object of criticism from : humanrights organizations such ." as Amnesty International over ¯ its anti-gay laws ever since the ¯ fall of the Communist regime in ¯ the Balkan nation. The country ¯ also wants to join the economi- ¯ cally impoltantEuropean Union, which requires¢hat member nauons not have laws with biases against homosexuals if any EU memberobjects. After DutchEU representatives insisted that Romania’s anti-gay laws violated membership guidelines, Romanianofficials said last year that the proposed "public scan= dal" law would meet the EU reqmrements. Students Protest Teacher’s Firing NEWIPSWICH, N.H.- Dozens of students walked out of classes at Mascenic High School to protest the firing of teacher Penny Culliton by the Mascenic school board for using books with gay and lesbian characters in her English classes, including the E.M. Forster classic novel Maurice. Cnlliton is fighting her firing, with .the~ ~upport of the National Education Assn. One ¯ of the students organizing the ¯ campus protest was Lori ¯ Malboeuf, whose father is the ¯ local police chief. ." Protest Over Verona ¯ Govt’sAnti-Gay Decision ¯ VERONA, Italy-Thousands of ¯ gays and lesbians took to the ¯ streets of Verona, the setting for ¯ Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet," to protest a city council ¯ action earlier this year rejecting : a European Union resolution ¯ suppor.".tmg equal righ ts of same- ¯ sex couples. In rejecting the EU ¯ resOlution, some council mem- ¯ bers had called instead called for ¯ castrating homosexuals. An es- ¯ timated 5,000 people turned out ¯ for the protest, one of the largest ¯ in the city’s recent history. ¯ NY Court to Consider : Anti-Gay Prejudice ¯ ALBANY, N.Y. - The New ¯ York Court of Appeals: the ¯ state’s highestjudicial body, will : . now consider the"sexual prefer- " enee and behavior" of anyone ¯ condemned to death in the state ¯ to determine if their convictions ¯ were influenced by anti-gay biases. The decision by the court, ¯ which will also weigh race, ¯ ethnicity, citizenship, education ¯ and other factors in evaluating ¯ possibleprejudiceinconvictions ¯ in lower courts, is a result of the ¯ state’s reinstituting the death ¯ penalty. The court will also con- - sider similar information about ¯ murder victims in appeals it evaluates.. ¯ Teachersln TroubleOver ! Alleged Gay Sex Talk ¯ SANFRANCISCO-Twotcach- ¯ ers at a San Francisco middle school have lost theirCalifornia ¯ teaching credentials for bring- , ing in guest speakers in 1992 who allegedly gave 6th-graders ¯ an explicit description of gay sex. "This matter indeed represents the first bullets fired in what we can see as a growing campaign to eradicate such grotesque violation ofparents’ rights in public schools," said Brad Dacus, a Sac- : ramento attorney with the Rutherford Institute, who repre- ¯ sented Bruce Budnick, a father ." whose daughter was.in the class. ¯ The Rutherford Institute is an ¯ arch-conservative legal group ¯ based in Virginia that has close ¯ ties with the religious right. ¯ The decision, was.,hailed as a ; victoryby parental rights advocates, who say parents of schoolchildren should have the chance to preview classroom-materials that may be considered offensive or inappropriate. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, San Francisco Bay Area noted in its Media Advisory that San Francisco schools do have a parental notification requirement. However, Budnick claims he never received prior notification. GLAAD/SFBA also notes that theclassroompresentation which was given by the organization Community United Against Violence (CUAV) was 55 minutes long, almost all of which focused on hate violence and homophobia. GLAAD claims that the discussion of sexuality was extremely brief and was in direct response to unprompted questions made by the students. Thedecision to revoke the credentials of the teachers was condemnedbyteaching officials and rights advocates whosaidit raises serious questions about classroom censorship and academic freedoms. Judy Dellamonica, vice president of the teachers’ union in San Francisco, said the case raises censorship and freedomquestions about "all ofthose kinds of things that are very near and dear to teachers’ hearts." "This is avery unusual case," Dellamonica said. "To have a credential revoked when the teacher - or in this case, teachers - did not directly do anything is not at all a good precedent."-A spokesperson for the c~ty’s schools said the district may file an~appeal in the case along with the teachers’ union which is acting in the unidentified .teachers behalf. (Editor’s note : Tulsa Public Schools typicallyprovide "sex" education at grade six,) Activist Redwing Ailing PORTLAND, Ore. - Rights activist Donna Redwing collapsed during a gay rights workshop shewas conducting in Indianapolis on Sept. 30. She has been diagnosed with operable brain tumors. Redwing, who was a leading organizer who helped work against passage of an antigay ballot initiative in Oregonin 1992 and other civil rights programs, said "the initial episode was very frightening" but added that her. doctors "are confident of a quick recovery" following brain surgery. Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 ¯ BROOKSIDE: JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria 743-5272 Comer of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Monday-Friday Shop Where You Are Appreciated! Lesbian Health Issues STANFORD, Calif. - Dr. Kathenne O’Haulan, a gynecological oncologist at StanfordUniversity, reports in the current issue of Current Problems in Obstetrics, GynecologyandFertility that lesbians are at greater risk for a number of health problems - largdy because of ignorance, neglect or outright hostility among physicmns who treat them. O’Hanlan’s study reviewed virtually all data.from all les= bian health studies everdoneandincluded information that covered a total of more than 13,000 lesbians in seven different surveys. "Given their demographic profile. lesbians appear to be at higher risk of breast, ovarianandendometrial carcinoma [cancer], as well as heart disease," O’Haulan reported. The Stanford associate professor also concluded that one possible conlributingfactor to thehealth problems faced by lesbians arises at least in part because they feel alienated by the medical establishment, causing them to visit their physicians less often than other women. "There is ample evidence that lesbians have been alienated from medical practice, either by accidental offense by a well-meaning doctor or by prejudice," she said. "’It’s essential that we welcome them back into the medical fold in order to provide appropriate screening and testing for these illnesses." O’Hanlan said physicians can make even fairly minor changes in their office routines, that would make lesbians feel more welcome, from forms that recognize relationships like domestic partners, to involving the patient’s parmer in m~ijor medical decisions the same as a married spouse would be. Red Cross Accused of Censoring AIDS Info. Materials NEW YORK - The New York Times has reported that the American Red Cross is trying to shift its AIDS prevention programs away from explicit materials at the urging of]~izabeth Dole, its national president and the wife of Kansas Sen. Bob Dole, a Republican presidential contender who has recently been wooing conservatives. The Times reported that its investigation found no documented evidence that the move was part of a political agenda, but the papers quoted HIV/AIDS activists who clearly believe the Red Cross policy shift is rooted in the U.S. presidential campaign. Shana Ross, who heads the Houston Red Cross’ HIV/AIDS program, told the Times, "It is unconscionable. I have to take into account that this is because of who our president is, who her husband is and the fact that he’s involved in a campaignnow forthe presidency, and he is seemingly losing ground to oppo- .he,n,tSo whq ar~e more co,nservati~e ~..a~,,he IS. A spokesperson for the Dole campaign denied any connection between his wife’s "personal views" and the Kansas Republican’s presidential bid. The paper reported that Red Cross officials had developed an expanded AIDS prevention program earlier this year, but, that the agency board, at the prompting of Mrs. Dole, had made substantial changes in the recommended program, including extensive changes in print and video materials that wefe considered too explicit and ¯ graphic. AIDS activists, however, said : that more explicit prevention materials : are exactly what is needed to fight the . spread of HIV in the U.S. .:~ - ¯ Inexpensive, Fast HIV Teat " ¯ Developed by Indian Scientists ¯ NEW DELHI - The Press Trust of India ¯ reports that biochemists with Delhi Uni= ¯¯ versity have developed an HIV test tliat takes only a drop of blood and just a few ¯ seconds to detect virus antibodies. The o Indian news agency reports that the new ¯ test wasfound to be accurate in 99 out of ¯ 100 random samples tested. The Delhi ¯ University researchers said however that ¯ they want to evaluate the reliability oLthe ¯ simple new test on thousands of samples ° before making it widely available. Ac- : cording to the agency report, the test also : has the advantage of requiring no more ¯ than a drop ofa chemical reagent added to ¯ a drop of the blood to be tested. The two ~ are mixed together on a glass Slide and in ¯ 5 or 10 seconds the blood will "clot" in ¯ globules ifHIV is present, but will remain ¯ unchanged if it is not. Researchers say : that the test, if it proves to be reliable, ¯ would be a boon in poor countries here ¯ high-technology tests are often prohibi- ¯ tive and in areas where electricity is absent. ¯ Study of Effectiveness of AZT- & Other AIDS Drugs WASHINGTON - The widely used ¯ AIDS-fighting drug AZT appears to be ¯ less effective than either ddI, ddI with ¯ AZT, or ddC with AZT. Nearly 2,500 ." AIDS patients were given one or the other ¯ of the drugs or drug combinations in a ¯ study conducted by the National Institute ¯ of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for ¯ almost a 3-year period. Patients who re- - ceived ddI, ddI with AZT or ddC with ¯ AZT were sick less often that those who ¯ received AZT by itself. There have long ] been doubts about how much good AZT ¯ reallydoes people WithAIDS and numer- ¯ ous studies have shown its effectiveness wears off over time. But researchers say it ¯ is too early to abandon AZT. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIAID, : said, "It is quite conceivable that AZT ¯ will have a role as one of a group of drugs ¯" used in combination" Most of the pa¯ tients in the studywere in themiddle stage of the disease - relatively healthy when ¯ the study began - evidence researchers say that treatment at that stage does make ¯ a difference. The study is also important ¯ becauseit is the first to show that a drug or ¯ combination of drugs can actually increase survival or delay disease progression among people.who have not yet de- " vel0ped full-blown AIDS symptoms. : Rape & HIV Used as ¯ Weapons in Global Conflicts ¯ BONN, Germany - A United Nations ~ study commissionhasconcludedthatrape ¯ of both males and females is increasingl,y ¯ being used as a "weapon of warfare" ¯ around the world, leading to increasing ¯ risks oFthe spread of HIV. In some in- :’~ "gfaflc,~s,’th~ co~ssi0n ft~tmd, purpose- . ful sexual exposure to HIV of conquered ¯ civilians and military personnel was part ¯ ofmilitary operations in some global con- : flicts. "Armed conflicts in Bosnia, Cam¯ bodia, Mozambique and Rwanda have demonstratedthatrapeisseenasaweapon ° of warfare to humiliate the enemy," said : Grace Machel, who is the head of the UN ¯ study panel. Machel noted that during the ¯ 1994 fighting in- Rwanda, men from the ¯ Humtribe who were known to beinfected ¯ with HIV were allowed to systematically ¯ rape captive members of the Tutsi tribe ¯ with"the objective being to inflict a slow : and ’lingering, but certain, death on the ’:’’ TutsiJ’Thepanel willrecommend, among : other things, the creation of a permanent ¯ UNwarcrimes tribunal to investigate and ¯ try such crimes. ¯ Getting ’Demographic’ ¯ About AIDS on the Internet CHICAGO- According to the Journalof ¯ the American Medical Association, the : latest addition to the multimedia material ¯ available on-the Interact is an animated ¯ graphic illustrating mortality rates from ¯ AIDS,mapped outby counties on a week- ." .by-week basis, from 1-981~ through 1993. ¯ ’JAMA says the demographic multimedia ¯ mini-movie provides no new insights into ¯ the epidemic, but goes on to say that the ¯ dramatic presentation of the spread of ¯ deaths from AIDS could be a powerful ¯ educational tool: The graphic can be 1o- ¯ cated on the InterneEs World Wide Web ¯ at the.fo.Howing location: ht(p:// ¯ www.clesm.org/datasets/cdc-nci/cdcnci. html (Note that the lower case format : throughout theWeb’address is essential.). ¯ Federal Science Panel: Needle ¯ Exchange Programs Fight HIV ¯ WASHINGTON - A new study by the : U.S. National Academy of Sciences has ¯ concluded that the spread of HIV is re- " duced by programs that ensure people ¯ who inject illicit drugs have access to _" cleanneedles.Thereportnotesthatneedle_ ¯ swap programs are most effective when ¯ ¯ combinedwith other services, including drugabuseandHIV counseling, HIV test- " ing, treatment referrals, and condom distribution.: Lincoln Moses, a retired health policy professor at Stanford University ¯ who chaired the studypanel, says needle ¯ exchanges are an’inexpensive and effec- ¯ ¯ tive way to help drug users avoid infection through sharing needles. "After careful and exhaustive Study, my colleagues on the panel and I have determined thatneedle exchangeprograms work," Moses said. "They reduce the spread of HIV. They do not increase either the injection of illegal drugs among program participants or the number of new initiates to injection drug use. Additionally, they often result in more referrals to drug abuse treatment." The. panel also concluded that the AIDS epidemic in ¯ theU.S.is now beinglargelydrivenbythe ] use of shared, contaminated needles by ¯ IV drug users - not by sexual activity as it -" apparently was early on. ¯ The problem is even worse in other ¯ countries, according to pond member ¯ David Vlahov, an epldemiologist with JohnHopkins Uni,v,ersity School ofMedi- ¯ cine in Baltimore. ’In countries of Europe ¯ - in particular Italy and Spain- HIVinfec- ¯ tion is rampant among injection drug us- ¯ ers," Vlahov said. "While in this country ¯ perhaps one-third of the AIDS eases are ¯ due to injection drug use, in Italy and Spain, it’s closer to 70,percent. The panel ~ .has recommended that the federal gov- ¯ emmentliftits banonfunding suchneedle- " ilswap programs’, a recommendation that ¯ is sure to generate controversy in the ¯ capital’s current conservative political at- ¯ mosphere. It also has recommended that ¯ states and cities repeal any existing laws ¯ that might prevent the legal sale or pos- ¯" session of hypodermic injection equip- . ment or require prescriptions for its pur-- ¯ chase. ¯ AIDS Vaccine Trials OK’d for Thailand ¯ SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Immune Re- ¯ sponse Corp. in San Diego has finalized ¯ an agreement with the Trinity Medical ¯ Group Co. of Thailand that will let IRC ¯ test its therapeutic AIDS vaccine with ¯ thousands of Thai volunteers in what is ¯ believ ed will be the largest ever test of ¯ such a vaccine so far in the epidemic. The ¯ Thai public health ministry has approved ¯ a one-year clinically controlled trial of the ¯ potential, vaccine on some 300 Thais who are already infected with HIV. IRC says it hopes the Thai trial will run concurrently with a similar, larger clinical trial in the U.S. that will involve some3,000 infected ¯ individuals, although the Food & Drug Administration has yet to approve the ¯ U.S. trial. The vaccine, which was devel- ¯ oped by the late, Jonas Salk, has already gone through preliminary safety trials. ¯ IRC hopes the proposed U.S.-Thai trials will demonstrate the effectiveness of the ¯ vaccine in boosting the immune system response among people who are already infected with HIV. Medical Bias in HIV Treatment BALTIMORE- Johns Hopkins University researchers have reported in the New EnglandJournal ofMedicine that women and minorities who are infected withHIV ¯ developfull-blownAIDS faster thanwhite males because the health care delivery ¯ systemgives themunequal treatment. The ¯ study found that problems encountered ¯ ¯ by women andminorities in.getting good .health care outweigh other demographic ¯ ~ssues in how fast they progress to AIDS ¯ and how long they survive following in- . fection. UCLA Scientists Say They’ve Found Crucial Gene in HIV LOS ANGELES - Researchers at the ¯ AIDS Institute of the University of Call- ¯ fornia at Los Angeles (UCLA) report in ¯ the Journal of Virology that they have ¯ identified a gene in HIV that arrests CD4 ¯ T-lymphocytereproduction. Theresearchers report that the Vpr gene contains the ¯ plan for a protein that blocks CD4 cells, ¯ keeping them from reproducing. The dis- . covery could aid in the development of ¯ new AIDS drugs that inhibit the gene’s ¯ growth in the body and permit immune ¯ cells to continuemultiplying and fending ¯ off the virus. Some scientists, however, ¯ warned that theUCLA work is still pre- ¯ liminary. "It’s a big leap to go from this ¯ observation in the laboratory to a state- " ment that Vpr is what’s responsible for ¯ the depletion of the immune system in ¯ infected patiehts,’" said Dr. Daniel ¯ Kuritzkes of the University of Colorado ¯ Health Sciences Center. Combined Drug ’Cocktail’ Reduces Death Rate ’ LONDON - Researchers in a joint ~uro- : pean-Australian study have announced : that they have found a "cocktail" of two ¯ approved drugs that significantly extend ¯ thelife ofpeople withAIDS, cutting death rates.among patients who took the combi- : nation by more than one-third. Dr Brian ¯ Gazzard, thepnncipalinvestigatorforthe ¯ trial in Britain, said, "It shows clear sur- : -viral advantages for combination versus ¯ single agent therapy." Gazzard said researchers were so impressedby their find- " ings that they had stopped the years-long : study .€~3r,ly in order to publicly announce ¯" itbecauseoftheimportantimplicationsof ¯ their results for peoplewiththe disease. "I think it will be used very rapidly clinically ¯ because tbese drugs are used on their own : at the moment," Gazzard said. The study ¯ compared survival rates between people ¯ who were treated with ~zidothymidine (AZT) and those treated with AZT plus didanosine or zalcitabine. Although 17% ofpatients who tookAZT died during the trial, only 10% treated with didanosine and 12% with zalcitabine did not survive. Overall the reduction in death rate was 38 per cent for patients who took the two drugs compared with those treated with AZTalone. Thestudyinvolved some3,000 patients. Prime Minister: HIV/AIDS Over the Peak in Australia CANBERRA, Australia - Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating said his .country’ s levelofHIV infection has passed Its peak, in large part because of an aggressive education and prevention campaign against the epidemic. "A decade of hard and unremitting effort in this country has resulted in a welcome reduction in the rates and incidence of both HIV and AIDS," Keating said, notinghoweverthat the disease continues to increase in Britain and the U.S. Keating also announced that the government would finance a 3rd five-year campaign startingnext year, whenits $75- million second five-year effort comes to an end. Keating said that specific details of the new strategy had yet to be worked out but that it would focus on research, .care and treatment, education and prevenuon, and the international fight against the epidemic. There have been nearly 19,000 HIV infections reported in Australia since 1985, and government figures now show the number of new infections " has leveled off at about 600 annually. ¯ HIV InNewborns Declining ¯ CHICAGO -Researchers with the Cen- ," ters for Disease Control and Prevention ¯ report in the current issue of the Journal of : the American Medical Association that fewer HIV-infected infants are being born in the U.S. Dr. Susan F. Davis reported in ¯ the journal that it is unclear why the de- . eline has occurred. CDC data however ¯ indicates that the number of newborns : infected with HIV peaked in 1991 with ¯ 1,760 babies born with the virus, and fell in both 1992 and 1993. _" The researchers suggested that the rea- ¯ son for the trend could include decreased ¯ fertility among H!V-infected women, an ¯ increased number of abortions among ¯ women infected with the virus, or alevel- ¯ ing off of HIV incidence in women of ¯ childbearing age. The scientists said the ¯ numbers could fall even further if.preg- : nant women are treated with the drug ¯ AZT, which dramatically reduces the risk ofmother-to-child transmission from25% to just 8%, Davis and her team said. ¯ Baboon MarrowTransplant HIV ¯ ¯ Procedure Moving Forward SAN FRANCISCO - The University of California-San Francisco has given the ¯ go-ahead to an experimental treatment .. that will inject baboon bone marrow into ¯ a man who has AIDS in an effort to build ¯ his immune system. JeffGetty, a38-yearr ¯ old man ,w,ho volunteered for the proce¯ dure, saxd I m lucky to havemade it this far. The wait has been unbelievable." ¯ Researchers at San Francisco General ¯ Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh had to get,approval of the Food & Drug Administration for the untried procedure. Fi-DELITY Hg/V~E HE_ALTH CA_RE, IN(_. Tulsa Office 486-11.74.. - 800-999-3442 We provide comprehensive home health services 24.hourslday, seven days/week. The range ofservices include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, OccUpational-Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method B~! &for, but not exclusive . to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Commumties. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm .for testing, 7-9 pm for results. Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 - 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights. Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Buffer, RN MS Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services We have many insurance provider affiliations - ifyou belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from tile face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range from60% to90% ofa policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. Southwest HOW DOES A HOW IS SOUTHWEST SETTLEMENT WORK? VIATICAL DIFFERENT? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors influence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising aud 1-800 numbers. They transfer yourinsuranceandmedical records by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, webelieveyou shonldbe assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible servxce by working with us xn person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver, the best value on your policy available today.-And because of our established resources, we can you. SouthwestViatical can discuss all of the factors with de.liver¯ a settlement in less than a third the time other youandyourfamilyinperson,indetail~an’dcanrec0mmend companies take byfliatt, typically in fewer than 30 days. an experienced Certified Financial Planner tdassist yoii’ We’ll do what it takes in planning the best outcome from your unique financial to find the best solution for you. situation. Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627-B East 1 l th. Info: 583-7815 Community of Hope (United Methodist) Worship Service, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E South Mingo. Info: 622-1441 Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 TheBanned,OKGay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 6:30pm at Canterbury 5th & Evanston Info: 583-9780 MONDAYS HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm Results hours: 7-gpm Info: 742-2927 Lambda Bowling League Sheridan Lanes 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan TUESDAYS Minister’s Class Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center 7:30 pm 2627-B East llth Info: 583-7815 ItIV+ Support Group HIV Resource Consortitun 1:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 WEDNESDAYS Authority OfThe Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center Choir Practice 7 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Call 583-7815 for info. PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 Family Of Faith MCC Potluck 6:30 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 8 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. ¯¯ THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment ." Group For Women ¯ Community of Hope : 1703 E. 2rid, Info: 585-1800 ¯ Co-Dependency Support Group ." 7:30, Family of Faith MCC ¯ 5451-E S. Mingo C~all 622-1441 for Info. HIVTestingTOHRClinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walkin testing: 7 - 8:30pm Results hours: 7 - 9pm Info: 742-2927 Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th PFLAG Family.AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 SATURDAYS Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope 1703 E. 2rid, lnfo: 585-1800 NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees 3rd Sat. of each month Info: 748-3111 ¯ MORE GROUPS ¯ Gay & Lesbian Student ¯ Association TJC Southeast Campus, lnfo: 631-7632 ¯ SWAN-Single Women’s Activity Network : Call 832-2121 ¯ TOHR Helpline ¯ Daily 8-10 pm : For info. or to volunteer: ¯ 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians, Leather org., Info c/o The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S,A. ¯ Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Assoc. ¯ Info: 838-1222 Community Events FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCT. 13-15 NAMES ProjectAIDS Memorial Quilt Fri. 6:30-10:30, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 11-6:30 Expo Square Pavilion, Tulsa FairGrounds Opening: Fri. 6:30, Close: Sun. 6:30pro SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Dignityllntegrity Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians 5pm, St. Dunstan’s, 5635 E. 71st SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 Womens Supper Club Potluek~Picnic Noon-Spm, Zink Park, 31st & Trenton Info: 298-4648 Broken Arrow. Community Playhouse Auditions for Androcles & the Lion 5pro, 1800 So. Main Info: 258-0077 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30pro, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) Info: 585-1800 OCTOBER 27 & 28 NOVEMBER 2-4 NOVEMBER 5 Matinee Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Much Ado About Murder 8pm, 1800 So. Main, 2pro Matinee Info: 258-0077 NOVEMBER 3 Bioethical Issues ofHIVIAIDS Religious, Legal & Medical Conference Spann Conf. Ctr. at Doctor’s Hospital 8am, Info: 258-0077 Editorial fromp. 3 employers or property owners should be able to discriminate basedtheir view that at~ employee or renter, etc. engages in "morally offen~v~"*b~havi6i: ~illd lead to Catholics discriminating against Jews, Protestants againSt Catholics, Whites against Blacks about whom racist arguments traditionally were disguised in "moral" terms. Thisat~osition contradicts our constitution and laws which Largent claims to uphold. This is hardlyjust "Gay" -concemo There is one other issue. Steve Largent regularly states thathebelieves that sexual orientation is a matter of choice. It seems likely that he would not presume as a white man to try to tell someone who is Af,..fic~American~.-what’it’s like to be Bi-~k= ~st~ iti’S:i~El~,. that he would as a man respectwomen’s perspectiveon what it is like to be a woman, or as an selfprofessed Christian not presume to speak to Jewish experience. So why is it that he listens to Lesbians and Gay men and then tell us he knows our experience better than we do?. Overwhelmingly we have noted that we can hide or ignore our sexual and gender identities but that there is no real choice in who we are - only in our expression. Sure, there are a few tortured souls, who having internalized anti- Gaypropaganda, put themsdves intonowwall discredited "redirection" programs. Those few do not represent us. Largent should know this - after all he should be able to draw from his own experience of knowing what his orientation is. And that is the heart of the matter. The only way he can have any credibility saying being Gay is a choice is if he is willing to say he was Gay or Bi and has chosen not to be. If he’s just heterosexual, then he needs to hush up and listen to those whose lives and rights are at stake. AM N The first Family of lesbian and travel uides proudly announces its newest addition! The first and only full<~olor gay and lesbian accommodations 6~uide. Features 450 pages of ~hotographs, detailed descriptions, multiple cross index, and much more. ° DAMRON MAIL ORDER The ultimate resource for gay and lesbian traveller~ ~< around the world. <~ For a free catalog call (800) 462-6654 o or write:po DamrOnB4o2x2458Company L~ San Franci~o, CA 94142-24~ ~ Sonny Bono (R-Ca.), headlined !the celebrataon of family and coming out called "A Family Outing." There was also a barbecue buffet, speechesby member of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), as well as comedians and entertainers, including the gay and lesbian cheerleading group Cheer Dallas. "By focusing on family, we hope to increase awareness that discrimination based on sexual orientauon is not just a gay issue, but one that impacts parents, siblings, relatives and friends, who often feel it necessary to lie about people they love who are gay for fear of rejection or retaliation by co-workers or acquaintances," Gore said. "The purpose of National Coming Out Day is for lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals to be open and honest about who they arewith their families; friends, and co-workers." The tent that played host to the daylong activities drew overflow crowds for the speeches by Gingrich and Bono. "Both Chastity and Candace courageously stepped forward and set an example for gay people everywhere," Gore said. "We are delighted to have these two prominent women celebrating National Coming Out Day with us in Dallas." "This type of event and coming out are the most important things we can do," Bono said in a brief speech. "Finally, I’m able to make a statement and make a difference withmy ownpeople." Chastity Bono’s sexual Orientation has been the subject of entertainment industryrumors since it was first reported inthe Star in 1990. Another aiaide appeared in the National Enquirer soon after the 1994 death of Bono’s companion to cancer. Bono " The event at the fair was only a part of came. out publicly in April 1995 on the " Dally’ week-long celebration ofNCOD pages of The Advocate, the national gay ¯ A slghature advertisement featuring the andlesbian newsmagazine. Bono said sh,.e~ .....names~ of people who support the NCOD firstknewshewasalesbianwhenshesaw’ cause ran on October 11 in The Dallas the love scene in the movie Personal Best. She was 13. Bono credits her easy time coming out to the many positive gay and lesbian role models in the entertainment community in which she grew up. She ¯ said that well-known entertainers like ¯ Elton John do a service to the community ¯ when they come out. Bono’s parents have long known of Chastity’s orientation. ¯ "What she’s doing today-- taking the ¯ initiative-- makes me very proud ofher," ¯ Cher told The Advocate. ¯ Candace Gingrich initially came into ¯ the spotlight because of her brother. Soon ¯ after U.S. Rep. Newt Gingrich became Speaker of the House, Ms. Gingrich rec- ¯ ognized an opportunity to help. "I recog- ¯ uized that I had an opportunity and obli- ¯ gation to get involved in the movement for gay and lesbian equality in a meaning- " ful way," Candace Gingrich said. Gingrich, 29, has been open about her sexuality to her family and friends for years. Her public coming out, however, ¯ came when, at the end of an interview, an ¯ Associate Press reporter asked ifGingrich ¯ was a lesbian. She said simply, ’.’Yes, I am. Gmgnch to,d the fair-goers that she ¯ believes the majority of Americans are in ¯ favor of employment protection for lesbi- ¯ ans and gays, and she cited several statis- : tics in support. "They know like we do ¯ that everyone in our country deserves the ¯ samerights under thelaw," Gingrich said. : Gingrich said this gathering in Texas was ¯ thelargest group to which shehad spoken. ¯ She received a standing ovation at the end , of her remarks. ¯ Morning News. Special church services celebrating NCOD were also held this : week. "Almost 50 percent of Americans ¯ claim they don’t know anyone who is gay : or lesbian," Jim McBride, co-chair of : NCOD in Dallas said. ’’This invisibility ¯ results from the fact that, counter to ste- : reotypes, people who are gay, lesbian or : bisexual are virtually indistinguishable : from the rest of the population. National : Coming Out Day demonstrates that we ¯ representall races, nationalities, religions, : and economic and occupational catego- ¯ wood. At 12:15 in room 151of the North ¯ Hall, a panel of individuals will provide ¯ their perspectives on racism and hate ¯ crimes. This event is the final event in the ¯ Week Without ViolenCe, a Tulsa ¯ commeration of a national observance ¯ sponsored by the YWCA. ¯ The Say No to Hate Coalitton beganin ¯ 1988 to oppose hate crimes, and racial, : religious and sexual orientation bigotry. ¯ Last year, the Coalition sponsored an anti- ¯ hatemessage that was included in City of ¯ Tulsa utilities bills. Participating organi- ¯ zations include Tulsa Oklahomans for ¯ Human Rights (TOHR), Jewish Federa- ¯ tion of-Tulsa, Islamic Society of Tulsa, ¯ Tulsa Public School s, Tulsa Police Dept. : and the Tulsa chapter of the American : RedCross. FormerTOHRpresidentKelly ¯ Kirby is a co-chair of the Coaltion. ¯ Largentrefuses to supportENDA. How- " ever, he does pledge explicitly not to fire ¯ someone based on her/his sexual orientatiOn. This contrasts with the public post- ¯ tions of other members of the Oklahoma ¯ congressional delegation, many ofwhom indicated that they would refuse to hire or ¯ wouldfire individualsbasedontheirsexual ¯ orientation. These views, which werefirst ; revealed by Tulsa World reporter Jim ¯ Myers, created a national scandal and . resulted in a non-discrimination pledge campaign bytheDC basedHuman Rights Campaign Fund. This coincides with TOHR’S regular monthly meeting. TOHR will meet at 7pm to conduct its business. At 7:30, a frank and opendiscussionis planned with members and leaders of all community orgamzations, businesses and individuals invited to participate. tional by the Colorado Supreme Court. The case is of intense interest to fights activists becausehow the courtrules could determine the fate of similar measures around the country to excludelesbians and gays from civil rights protections along with other minorities. Some believe the increasingly conservative high court may sustain Amendment 2, although initial questioning by some justices indicated serious constitutional concerns. r~ FULL COUNT DISCOUNTS ONALL NEW ’95 MODELS LEFT IN STOCK ’95 MIRAGE "S" ’95 DIAMANTE LS Wi!h Dual Air Baqs, S0oe~ Gas Mileage And It’s Brand New s9 498 ’95 3000 .GT Wilh 6-Disc CD Changer. Power W~n. (lows / LOCKS, Air Luxury at It’s Finest. With Power Moonrool. 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Andwhile annual exclusion gifts arebased on calendar year totals and are typically Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday .Service, 10:45 am Wednesday S6rvice, 6:30,pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sundays 1,623 No. Maplewood, Tulsa 74115, 838-1715 Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 515 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed,, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the-therapeutic p~ocess. For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Community ¯ regarded as year-end tools, they actually : make sourid economic sense any time of : ~,tl~e4c.e.ar. .. ¯ "~ A donor may give up to $10,000 every calendar year per recipient without incurring any federal gift taxes. The annual exclusionamountfor amarriedindividual is $20,000, provided his or her spouse consents to "gift splitting," a practice in which one spouse agrees to let the other use his or her annual exclusion. Big tax savings can occur .when you take advantage of the annual exclusionon a consistent basis. For example: A 55- year-old mangives $10,000 to each of his two children until he:reaches his normal life expectancy of 77 years. If,the aftertax return on the gifts is 6 percent, the combined projected value of the two gifts in 22 years is nearly $920,000. Because the two children own the investment, it is not subject to federal estate taxes when the father dies. Ifthefatherdid notmake those gifts and instead accumulated the cash inhis estate, his estate would incur additional federal estate taxes at the time of.his death. Assuming amarginal estate tax bracket to 50 percent, the taxes on that accumulation would be about $460,000--an amount that could be saved and literally reinvested with wise annual exclusion gifts. ¯ deniedare tax deductions, accidentai death : payments, inheritance and burial rights, ¯ and business and land transfer benefits. In ¯ considering the issue, Dan Foley, thelaw- " yet who is representing the three same- : sex couples suing the state for legal mar- . dages, told the commission that gays and ¯ lesbians have the right to these benefits ¯ justas heterosexualcouples do."Therights ¯¯ and benefits that are contingent onmarital status must be given to same-sex couples ." via marriage license, unless the state can ¯ demonstrate compelling state interestthat ¯ it be withdrawn," Foley told the commis- ¯ sion. But Steven Michaels; the state’S ¯ deputy attorney general, said most situations thatinvolve denyingbenefits to same- " sex couples can be resolved under exist- " ing laws. "In Very many instances, butnot ¯ all instances, the differences in treatment are quite small and could be resolved, for ¯" example, through the law of contracts, a : probate and through other kinds of ar- ¯ rangements that are authorized under extmg law, Michaels insisted. The com- . nnssion is expected to haverecommenda- ." tions on the contentious issue for the state ¯ legislature by the end of this year. Lesbian and Gay Alliance presented programs onTuesday, Wednesday andThursday, ranging from a panel of speakers ¯ from Parents, Familieg. and Friends of ¯ Lesbians and Gays to a discussion of ¯ Gays & Lesbians and the Church by Pastor Horvath. " Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law Know Your Rights! Eslate Planning, ¯ Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1,800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. Y ARIES, March 21 - ApPi120 Yournatural love ofhaste and recklessness goes into overdrive now. You’re quick tojump onwhatever, or whomever, when your emotions dictate a leap. This can be a fun month for "try anything" Ariens;just keep a wee bit ofa grip so you won’t end up with lots of regrets. TAURUS, April 20 - May 21 You belong to a sign that’s famous for sweet and accomodating behavior, but this month, you’re likely to blow your temper and your reputation, with it. It seems thatyou’ ve been oppressedby great and powerful forces, but envy is your real enemy. Relax. You’re imagining things. Really. GEMINI, May 21 - June 22 You could always be described as a "silver tongued devil," but your charm goes off the meter now. You can sdl anyone anything you like; you can sdl yourself effectively too. The only problem is, you’re temporarily more prone to talk than action. Try not to bark unless you intend to bite. CANCER, June 22 - July 23 You’re not exactly, famous for high self-esteem and rampant ego but you’re nowhere near as inadequate as you think you are: It seems like it would help to talk about yourself and your needs with significant others, but you won’t get the response you want for another month. Obsess over your work instead. : If you re an athlete of any sort, yot~-]l ¯¯ have a winningmonth of graceful, physical mastery. This is a great time for pota- ¯ toes to get off the couch andjoin in. Your ¯ parts work together better than usual, and ¯ the grandstand loves to watch. Want lots : of strokes and attention? Here’s your ¯ chance. ¯ VIRGO, Aug. 23-Sept. 23 : A good month to putter around the ¯ house or cleanup theneighborhood. Your ¯ ¯ car.e~taking side becomes hyperactive, and that s saying something for a confirmed ¯ world-saver like you. Any task that at- ¯ lows you to show your concern for others ¯ brings alot of satisfaction now. Go ahead ¯ and help; the rest of us need it.. : LIBRA, Sept. 23-00t. 23 ¯ If you’re a typical Libran, you’ve been -" worrying lately that you’ll never have ¯ enough money to buy all the pretty toys ¯ you know you deserve. This month, your ¯ financial concerns fade into the past as : your social schedule heats up. Running : around and working the crowd replaces ¯ checkbook agonies. Life gets fun again. SCORPIO, Oct. 23-Nov. 23 You always make a bigger impression -" than you realize and your birthday month : is prime time for some drop dead ¯ Scorpionicglamour. Youhave a great and valid need to express yourself on your : own terms. Let the peasants mutter that you’re sdf-involved’ if they must. It’s ¯ your rime to think "me first," so go for it. Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 No. Cincinnati, 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 SO. Atlanta PI., 742-7381 Trinity 501 SO. Cincinnati. 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You Sandra J Hill, M,S: fsychother;py & Clinical Consultation Sensitive to the Challenges of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Individuals, Couples.& Families¯ 2865 E. Skelly Drive, Ste. 215,745-1111 Zo,... SAGITTARIUS, Nov. 23-Dec. 22 ¯ A bit competitive, are we? Not that ¯ you’re out to pick a fight, but you won’t " back away from a battle if someone at- : tacks you first. Your normally abundant energy gets a power surge this month. : You’ll either get a lot of work done or ; you’ll get a lot of speeding tickets. Better ¯ to focus and avoid fines. : CAPRICORN, Dec. 22-Jan. 21 ¯ People and their messy passions are ¯ often distasteful to you. But this month, ¯ you really want to check out when things ; heat up. This is an excellent rime to be ¯ alone as much as you can. If your work drags you into the public eye, spend your ¯ off hours in a secluded place. Plan quietly ¯ for next month’s return to the fray. : AQUARIUS, Jan. 21- Feb. 20 ¯ If you have a mate, (s)he may consider ¯ shopping for a leash this month.-Your ~ ever present need for independence gets ¯ obsessive, and you’re just not very polite ¯ about telling people you need space and : plenty of it. You’re hot, you’re cold; your : temper is erratic. Try to remember that ¯ "love" is not synonymous with "prison." ¯ PISCES, Feb. 20 - March 21 You attract all sorts of favorable atten- ¯ tion at work; partly because you show : your willingness to work with others, ¯ partly because you’re just so darned seri- ¯ ous. Your ability to express affection and ¯ sensuality is abit depleted now, but it’s a ~ good time to focus on career success. ¯ Love gets it’s kick start soon enough. ¯ MCC of the Living Spring Calls Pastor The Metropolitan Community Church ¯ of the Living has called the Reverend KermieWohlenhouseto beits Pastor. Ms. ¯" Wohlenhaus cometo EurekaSprings from ¯ MCCof theRockies inDenver, Colorado. ¯ Ms. Wohlenhaus was licensed to preach i at the Universal FellowshipofMetropoli- ¯ tanCommunity Churches (UFMCC) Gen- : eral Conference this year. Raisedin Colo- . rado, Ms. Wohleahaus is a graduate of : Colorado Art Institute and received her _" Master in Divinity fromlliff School of ¯ Theology. Shehas traveled the Southwest MCC of the Living Spring.=eelebrates spiritual and lifestyle diversity : painting over 60 murals and had had one- ¯ woman shows in Colorado. : Ms. Wohienhaus says, "my theology is : Christian, with a sprinkling of New Age, ¯ Eastern Religion, Native American, ¯ Wimmin’S Spirituality, and 12 step re- : covery. Her first Sunday was September3 ¯ and her Installation as Pastor was Satur- ¯ day, September 16 and was followed by a ¯ reception. ¯ MCC of the Living Spring is a church ¯ that not only accepts but celebrates spiri- ¯ tual and lifestyle diversity. We welcome ¯ all Seekers, Pilgrims, and Advance Spir- ¯ its, Gay, Lesbian, Trans and Bisexuals, ¯ leather and drag to come and share with ¯ us. Everyone is welcome. For more infer- ¯ marion, Call 253-9337 to leave a message. Your call will be returned promptly. For a Taste ofLocal Flavor Gay Owned & Operated Serving Lunch: Noon to 3pm, .Dinner: 5 to 1 lpm, Closed Thurs. t ealty, Inc. ’q’he Land Specialists" EUREKA SPRINGS 501-253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) Offerings include: Bed & Breakfast Inns, Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Commercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates, and much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG community in Eureka Springs for over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. We specialize in creative financing. Dinner & Theatre Combo at Fat Tuesdays Fat Tuesdays, in the downstairs of the : New Orleans Hotel is proud to announce ¯ the newest, "edgiest" theatrical romp to " hit the Ozarks in a long time. Any Tues- ¯ day or Wednesday during the month of " October come and dine from the magical ¯ menu created and prepared by Chef Charles Clark, re, centl~ featured in the June issue of Ben Appetit. And then see the Off- Broadway smash, Parall. el Lives,written .by Me Gaffney and Kathy Najimy. The showis performed by three women, Pamela Jones, Janet Alexander, and Poco Carter, whoplay8- 10 characters each in a series of skits which, capture the humor of humanity~ Each of these actors brings extensive experience in theater and performance to this production. SBased on Parhallel laves:oThe Kathy &~Me t :" THE PAMELa, =’ Parallel Lives is directed by Lewis Routh, formerly of Eureka Springs, currenfly the owner of the Orlando, Floridabased Act Out Theatre. Routh recently won that city,s prestigious entertainer Of the year award for presenting pertinent plays withGayand Lesbian themes. : VOCO -. Routh. says that this prodiJctien h,,as b~n one ofhis mostjoyfull and rewarding working experiences." The dinner/ show package is $30, with show- .only tickets available for $10. Call FatTuesdays for reservations, Tuesday - ¯O t Sunday, 4 pm- " : Directed by Lewis Routh t midnight: (501) : ° Featuring... : 2 5 3 - 8 2 6 4 . ¯ " ................................. ¯ Showtime is 9pro ~ : PametaJones. JanetAl~xander. PocoCa,er : ~ on Tuesday and ¯ "" ................................. " ¯ Wednesday.Afull ¯ ¯ bar is available. ¯ Benefit Fo, - ~ ¯ The Lane House The run of the ¯ Wednesday, October25 ¯ show may be ex- ¯ ¯ tended into No- O0OOOO00OOOOOOOOOOOOOO. vember Raven/Redhawk E~ nterpr!ses i Schl o=~yst~em /are ,~ POB 429 ¯ Phyl:Boler,Schmidt Software Specialist Eureka Springs 72632 The Annual Eureka Springs Gay Family Reunion was held on Sept. 10 at Beaver Dam Site Park. Upper rightphoto: Charlotte & Ken, event organizers &state/local activists. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ eee ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ e ¯ ¯ e eo e_eeoeeeeoe ~e.eee eo eee ¯¯ Jerry A. Wilson ¯ A Friendly Place to Stay O ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ . ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯¯ 96 Kings H~ghway ¯ Hwy. 62 W. ¯ KING’S ¯ Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (501) 253-7311 1-800-231-1442 HI-WAY INN: Hwy. 62 East Eureka Springs, Arkansas 501-253-6Q01 DAVE HAGER RUTH GOODWIN-HAGER S.U.A.E. Open Through Christmas Adult Accommodations In Eureka Springs, Arkansas Craftsman-style cottages with beautiful views of the woods and wildlife -.Tucked on top of the Ozark Mountains, just a few minutes walk to the Historic Village of Eureka Springs. 501/253-8281 Frank Green Jr., Host - 50 Wall Street - Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 A UTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE FRESH RAINBOIV TROUT of Eureka Springs Recomtnended by the New York Times (501) 253.6807 5 Center Street Closed F~ednesday Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Romantic, quiet & secluded Family-owned & operated Guest Cottage with A Jacuzzi for two, And private parking, All only 1/2 block to downtown. 9 Benton Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 " 501.253.2204 ,y Review by Barry Hensley Tulsa City-Co~nty Library In our constantly changing world, social graces continue to be redefined. Now thatmany gay citizens are morepublicly open about their-lives and relationships, some fine tuning is necessary. "TheEssential BookofGay Manners and Etiquette" is subtitled "A HandbookofProper Con-~ duct and Good Behavior for the Gay Gendeman." Don’t let that fool you; this guide is definitelynot stuffy. It is a practical manual designed to include homosexuals in the everyday social interactions of Americans. There are six chapters: 1) THE ESSENTIALS, which includes introductiOns (such as how to introduce your ex tO your newboyfriend), Gay Time (A.K.A. tardiness), and how to answer someone who asks "Are you gay?" 2) FRIENDSHIP, COURTSHIP AND. SEX covers "How toTumFirst Dates into Second Dates" &"Neg0tiating Safe Sex." 3) COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS, which goes from "Ceremonies of Commitment’" to "When Baby Makes Three." . 4) HOME LIFEincludes ntles of entertaining and the proper ways to send letters and invitations t9 couples. : 5) FASHION AND THE MAN covers ¯¯ proper dress and good grooming. 6) AIDS: BEYOND MANNERS gives ". some logical guidance on taking the HIV ....subtitled A Handbook of Proper Conduct& G.~i Behavior for the Gay Gentleman¯ Don’t let that fool you; tl~s guide is definitely not .... test and "What to Say WhenaFriendTests Positive." Included in each chapter are sporadic quotes of wisdom: "Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation Of strength" and "Politeness is the art of choosing ~ among one’s real thoughts" are two of the best. Also covered are some basic rules that everyone should already know, but many people obviously don’t: "Don’t interrupt a conversation to introduce yourself," ~ "Learnthe artofreciprocation" and "Don’ t ¯ make a date if you don’t intend to go -." through with it." While these are often ¯ used in straight society, there are other ." rules,more specifictogay situations, such ¯ as"Showingaffecrionpubliclyis thesame ¯ for.gays as it is for straights." ¯ Although it is obvious that the authors ¯ live On the coasts, gays inmiddleAmerica ¯ will also find this to be a logical, helpful ¯ guide. Check for this rifle, and others of ¯ similar interest, in the Readers Services ¯ department of the Central Library, 2nd ¯ floor, or call 596-7966. Brian Jackson & Claudette Peterson recognize top walkers at AIDS Walk ’95. Divas Fallon Scott & Monica Munro graced the Silver Star Saloon on Sept. 24. Photos, JD damett, 621-5597 Localactivist&Stonewall veteran, Jimmy Flowers, with Pride sign - AIDS Walk "95 The Rev. Nancy Horvath, spouse Barb Zeller-Horvath and son, Zach after Horvath’sinstallation aspastor ofFamily ofFaithMetropolitan Community Church. Dine .Out Pizz&ria & Espresso 1344 e. 15th 582°3456 Alaska June 26 - July 3, 1996 Magnificent Mediterranean July 28 - Aug. 4, 1996 Grand Caribbean April 8-15, 1996 Sonora Bay Oct. 5~12, 1996 Ca// International Tours 9/8-34/-6866 How To Do It First 30 words are $10, Each additional word is 25 cents. You may bring addihonal attention to your ad with: Bold Headline - $1 Ad in capital letters - $1 Adin bold capital letters - $2 Ad in box- g2 Ad reversed- $3 Tear sheet mailed - $2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Please type or print your ad. Count the number of words. (A word for our purposes is a group of letters or numbers separated by a space.) Send your ad & payment to POD 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, complete address, day & evening phone numbers (for our records only). : Ads will run in the next issue after they are received~ Tulsa Family News reserves the right to edit or refuse any ad. No refunds will be made. CIVIL RIGHTS HELP?~ American CiviF,~.’l~ties Union of Oklahoma 600NW 23rd, Suite 104 OKC 73106, 405-524-8511 HIV+ Singles Publication Safe & confidential. Free copy, 36 word personal ad, voice mail,.and mail forwarding! Local and nationwide! All lifestyles. Gay, HIV+ owned & operated. Write: Intropoz+ Magazine, 564 Mission St. Box 415, San Francisco, CA 94105, or call 1-800-820-2948 Cards by 10% Productions Available exclusively at Tomfoolery! Tulsa’s best Lesbian & Gay Gift Store Noon - 6 pm Saturdays at Family of Faith 54th & Mingo Info: 918-583-1248 (card packs available by mail) THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2)’To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the Star key (,) Due to our larae volume of calls, if you can’t ge~ thru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked,e TW 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 BI BI BLUES: BiCurious WM, 27, 175, 6’, attractive, seeks other attractive males, 20-30, who are patient and understanding. Must be drug/disease ~ree. Please leave a message. =13020 FUN IN THE CORRAL: GWM, 31, brown hair, hazel eyes, ’stoche, 5’6", 165, seeks companionship of mature GWM, 23-40, who are aggressive, masculine and gentle. Furry cowboys a plus. Call me! =13859 Recording your ad: Figure out what you wantto say before calling in. Write down what ¢ou want_t0 say. Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest, Have a pen ready to write down your box nUmber. Grove WANNA PUNK WITH ME?: new to area, not into bars, Dave, 20 6~ 185 brn/red/hzl, goatee, eyebrow earring, love volleyball, good music, good food great conversation, meditate, spiritual, give me a call- =9385 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and honest person, like this in a person, g~ve me a call- =9464 Ada HOMO ALONE IN.ADA: I’m 6’3, bin/bin, 1901bs. I’m Ikg4 gay men 18-25 fo~r good times, call me. =10271 Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6, 2151bs, WM. I’m Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s with a medium to slim build. I like singing, bowling, golf, movies and cuddling. If you are inter6s~:~d, please call me. =47265 Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking far GLM/GWM far hot fun in the sun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Leave me a message and let’s get together soon. =10596 Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very versatile, seeks new friends in the area for fun and friendship with relationship possibilities. Legs get ~gether and celebrate life. =6571 Oklahoma City SHOOT THE BREEZE: GWM, 22, brown hair/eyes, 5’6", seeks fun and relationsh ip oriented GWM’s under 30. Smoker/Light Drinker OK. Must be disease/drug free =11041. Tulsa GAY OR Bh AI, 32, very masc pmf’l, GBM iso Gayor bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sports, outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks! = 7580 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: professional, 42 WM, iso other Gay or bi male, 30s- 40s, in the area, let’s play! = 7392 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 2! BM, kinda looking for sameane to love, tired of being by myself, love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- = 7435 Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s isa BIWM 30-40, he/we prop, very discreet, expect same, like ~hare some time, if you are interested, give me a call, VII return all calls- = 7822 Tulsa NL~/TO AREA: Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out aloe, phys fit, Ikg for a str to BI BM 35-65 to have a good time with, go out with give me a call- = 7842 Eastern AR CUDDLE BY1HE FIRE: Ja&, GWM, 37, ~. bm/kx,, mus~d~e, ~ymasc, ~r ap~earing/ading, iso frlends puss rd in the c~a, like all n~sic, dining, ’~ealer, ~ng bye mea~l-=7873 Walton t&ARRIED OR Bh Rodney, married WM 25 5’5, 1,50, attr, Ikg for 25-35 married or bi male, far friendship pass rel, inexperienced and want someone to learn with honesty and discretion req’d- = 8671 Oklahoma NATIVE: I’m a Native American Indian. I’m a big guy with a big heart. I’m 25 y/o and !’m Ikg4 a companion and a friend. I’m a virgin, are you the one? red heads a+ =4701 Tulsa HL~ NOW: my name is Steven. I’m31 y/o~and I’m Ikg4guy’s 18-50 [or fishing, swimming and camping. I enjoy the company of slightly aggressive men. =5354 Lawton COLLEGE STUDENT: Jamar, student like reading, writing, creative things, like to go out, like Hispanic men, 19-20, Caucasian men 19-26, work and go to school now, like-to meet some new people like to get to know you- =5703 Tulsa TAK£ ME OUT IN TULSA: D0n,WM for a str ~\, to have a goed 5me out in Tulsa. g~ me a call. =5974 Tulsa DAVID, 19, 6’6, 275 bind/blue looking to meet in the area, interested in lots of things, give me a call. =6009 Henrietta ONE ON ONE: Jack, GWM 42 5’10 220, looking far someone down to earth, looking for a rel, like outclears, football, bball on 1V, Ikg far an avg. down to earth guy who wants a one on one- =6274 Tulsa LONELY AND LOOKING,.Wm, 50, 5’8, 165, slim and trim, into BB, have a solid body, tan, looking far a person in the area, that’s slim and trim male under 50for a friend, to go out with and see where things go. Hope you can call! =2082 ! -800-326-MEET i-900-786,4865 DON’TFORGET! Men of the Southwest Two Dynamite Male Dancers Every Thursday NOCOVER Friday & Saturaav Dance Party Dance and~weat with DJ’David Dees $’~ Cover R0bbie Walker & The Sunday Slam Oomonique Daniels, Paris~Grey, Kds K~, Ivono B, Real, M~chelle Voted the #1~owin Tul~a and Norlhe~stem Ok~homa EverySunday 11p.m. $2 Cover ~4 Beer Bust 8~ Special Shots 9. I Every Thurs., Fri., andSun. 9.2 v 3340S, Peoria Tulsa ~’ 918-744.0896 SALOON Shanti Benefit, Fri, Oct. 20 Green Country Cloggers 9pm $3 cover 3rd Annual Boo Bash Sat. Oct. 28, hosted by Carmella Marcella Garcia Benefitting RAIN, $5 cover Buffet, Door Prizes, Raffle & Costume Contest Saturday, November 4th Mr. Oklahoma Leather Contest Male Dancers, every Thur. & Sun. 834-~4234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am 4pm till 2pm, seven days a week Casey from Dallas Dancing, Fri. Oct. 27 2nd Annual~Halloween Bash & Show Sat. Oct. 28 - No Cover! Open 2pro M-F, from Noon, Sat/Sun 1229 S. Memorial, 835-5083 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1995] Tulsa Family News, October 15-November 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 11 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neil Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 15-November 14, 1995 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Kharma Amos Laurie Cooper Shelly Roberts JD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neil/Tulsa Family News Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/503 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, September 15-October 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 10 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 'Celluloid Closet' 1995 AIDs Walk AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV education AIDS/HIV research anti-bias law arts and entertainment attorneys Barry Hensley Bars businesses censorship Census churches custody Dave Fleischer divorce Domestic Partnership Don't Ask Don't Tell Donna Redwing employment discrimination estate planning Eureka Springs Family Finances gay politicians gay teachers homophobia Interfaith AIDS Ministries letters to the editor LGBT history marriage medical abuse medical malpractice Metropolitan Community Church of the Living National Coming Out Day needle exchange Nick Steele Oklahoma Educational Associatin (OEA) partner certificate performing arts personals PFLAG protests rape Read All About It Red Cross Red Ribbon Treefest representation restaurants Say No To Hate Coalition sexual assault Shocking Gray sodomy laws Steve Largent Steven Petrow Tom Neal Tulsa Family News Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing Tulsa Public Schools United States House of Representatives viatication visitation rights war World Conference on Women https://history.okeq.org/files/original/13812d7765ee84c9705b6826b2e2cd20.jpg a3f63ee7d04a2c22cf03e95c0d914ac5 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/77427bb8e38c5ec2e953f82b6326b9da.pdf 7b0f84743da3cd96672666d565f758a8 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities Our Families of the Heart November 15-December 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 12 ¯ community center National News Clinton Backs Federal ¯ Anti-Bias Measure ¯ WASHINGTON ~- President Bill Clinton has made history by becoming the first U.S. chief executive to endorse federal legislation that would bar. bias based on sexual orientation, the Employment NonDiscrimination Act. The act, sponsored by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), James Jeffords (R-Vt.) and others,is aimed at preventing employment bias against lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. see Clinton, page 10 ¯ ¯ . ¯ ¯ . . . ¯ ~v~L~_._ - ~,.,~,~.., - ~ -~~_=__ =--=, ~..S’,,t,.= ""Emergency Close; TOHRMeeti To Hold ng " Organizers of an effort by Tulsa Okla¯ humans for Human Rights (TOHR) to " establish a community center for Tulsa’s ¯ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgendered Open Your Heart! : communities have located a prormsing ¯ site with two buildings. Because the curPROJE~r 0Pl:H M|ND " rent building owner has expressed a de" sire to movequickly, organizers are work¯ ing feverishly to do necessary structural A simulated Gay bashing is featured in this 30 sec. TV spot created for PFLAG. ¯ and mechanical, evaluations as well as "financialrequirements. " Because TOHR By-laws require any ¯ proposal of this sort authorization of the Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gay (PFLAG) began a national media : general membership, several boardmemcampaign to combat anti-Gay ,dolence and attitudes. Tulsa, with Atlanta and Houston, . bets expect that an emergency memberis one of the trial cities where the two 30 second commercials were to air. The .spots ship meeting willweek. be called, possibly interweave tv clips of televangelists,like Pat Robertson, expressing very negative views ". inThanksgiving Certainly theearly site about Lesbians, Gay men and homosexuality with images of a young woman contem- ¯ will be discussed at the next TOHR board plating suicide and a man being beaten in a Gay-bashing. National vice president Nancy MacDonald with Bill ~ Kathv Hinkle, Tulsa leaders, " meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 21 were joined at the 11/8 press conference by representatives of local groups supporting ¯" at 7 pm. Typically these meetings are held at the the campatgn. Mrs. MacDonald spoke eloquently of bet experience with anti-Gay ¯ TOHR office at 40th & Harvard, 2nd violence against her children. KTUL, Ch. 2 accepted one of the spots for broadcast. Other stations declined to air them, citing fears that the spots might have the opposite effect as : floor. However, since these meetings are intended and might actually incite violence. Several expressed suppork for the proiect : by the bylaws, open to members and by it’s anucigoals but stated that they simply found them not appropriate to this market. They noted ¯ tradition, to the community, also that they had shared these concerns with PFLAG while the spots were still in the pated that a larger meeting place will be . required. Info: 743-GAYS, (4297). script stage. PFLAG hopes to take this program national. Open Your Mind, : PFLAG BeginsA -Hate Media " Cam paig n " ’ " nti Researcher Confirms "Gay" Gene Study NEW YORK - The scientist who made headlines two years ago with research that demonstrated a link between male homosexuality and specific genetic markers has now reported in new research that the so-called"gay gene" influences the sexuality of gay men, but not lesbians, confinning the link that drew enormous national interest when first reported in 1993. see Genes, page 10 ¯ ¯" ¯ ¯ : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Radical Right Groups Thwarted ¯ Portland, .Maine - Voters in Maine rejected a discrirmnatory ballol measure that sought to forever deny basic fights to gay and lesbian Mainers. Question 1, the ¯ In July, Steve I_argent, member of Congress for O-ldahOma’s 1st District (mostlvTulsa only anti-gay measure on a state ballot ounty) became a:eosp0nsof of HR 862.This.bili ii~tr0dfiCed l~,Radi~Ri~,hi.,a~,.~l- n~ted tiffs year, was the ill?st such initiative to anti-Gay Rep. Bob Doman (R-So. California)forbidS theuse of federal funds to directly appear on a state ballot east of the Rocky Mountains. Last year, voters in Idaho and o.r indirectly to promote, condone, accept, or celebrate homosexuality, lesbiamsm, or bisexuality". The ~ ashington-based Human Rights Campaign, a national Lesbian: Gay Oregon rejected anti-gay measures. Earlobbying organization, selected I_argent for its Hall of Fame & Shame in the inaugural lier exit polls predicted the victory. issu~ of their new quarterly magazine. "Common sense and decency tritunphed " over extremism. Today’s vote here in The impact of the legislation if it were to be passed is not clear because its language ~s vague. However, since federal funds are widely distributed through even local and Maine is in keeping with the national state govennnent, the bill ~uight require public libraries, schools, and both public and trend. Americans are rejecting extremism,".said Elizabeth Birch, executive di- - private universities to remove any materials which could be seen as promoting or accepting. The bill might also prevent even discnssion of civic i~sues in schools or rector of the Human Rights Campaign, universities; for example, the issue of Gays in the military nlight be untouchable. David the largest national lesbian and gay politiBuckel of Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund noted that such restrictions dearly cal organization. "But we must put this raise 1 st Amendment/free speech issuesand that ifpassed, they tend to have a "chilling" campaign ~n perspective. While this was a effect since adminstrators may over-react. " wonderful victory, gay and lesbian citiLargent’s chief legislative d~rector, Marie \Vheat, suggested that Largent’s cosponsorzens of Maine have not moved one step ship was not motivated by anti-Gay bias but rather by an concern to cut the federal budget closer to having b~sic equal fights Gay as much as possible. Media spokesperson, Nick ThimmesCh, added that this cosponsorand lesbian people can still be fired from ship may have been due more to the v~ews of Largent’s legislative assistant for civil their jobs, even in Maine, merely for berights, Paul Webster. Thimmesch expressed concern about the possible 1st Amendment ing gay." Birch noted that Maine is one of xssues and expressed a willingness of the office to reexamine the bill the 41 states that does not protect its citizens from discrimination based on sexu~fl orientalaon, and that federal law see Maine. page 15 MAINE SAYS N,O! Budget o.r Bias.? Larg.ent Co-sponsor.s" World AIOSOay, 12/1 Rights, Ultra Radical Right Anti-Gay Dornan Bill Theme: Shared Shared Responsibilities " . . ..... Tulsa organizations Will counnemorate : \Vorld AIDS Day with events over a several day p~riod. On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the Tulsa City-County Library System, the HIV ResOurce Consortium, mad the Community Information Senice are spunsoring a panel discussion: WOrld AIDS Day: A Tulsa Perspective at the Central Library, Aaronson Auditorinm from 78:45 pm. The panel of lo’cal experts will be: Janice Nicklas, Sheryl Dagmig, Mary Smith and TonmLv Chesbro, moderated by Claudette Peterson. The event is free a~ad open to the public. On Friday, December 1 st, Interfaith " .AIDS Ministries will sponsor a candle: light .march and memorial service to be see World, page 10 " " CommunityActivists to Host Lesbian/Gay MCC - Greater Tulsa " New Gay-Friendly ¯ Internet Program Charter Pulled; Next: ¯ Church: St. Jerome’s ¯ Tim Gillean ~ ~elly mrby, commuDistrict Investigation Ecumenical Cathofic:" uityactivistsandretiring°ft~cers°fTulsa ~ o . . Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), Colorado vs. Gays Supreme Court Update WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in what is widdy considered the most important gay fights case in more than a decade. The outcome of that case could affect local and state laws across the country. At issue in th e case is the anti-gay Amendment 2 narrowly approved by Colorado voters in a statewide referendum in 1992. The amendment prohibits state agencies or local govermnents from adopting la~vs or regulations extending anti-discrimination protections to cover sexual orientation. see Colorado, page 10 : ¯ : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ : : ¯ Tulsa’s oldest predominately Lesbian & Gay church, the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa, has lost its charter amid-charges, of poor management made by some members againstits formerpastor, AliceJones.Theannouncement of the decision of the denomination to downgrade the status of MCC-Greater Tulsa was made at the annual congregational meeting, Oct. 29th. Pastor Jones, who resigned in August but who had continued as an interim pastor after her remgnadon, commuting to Tulsa from Dallas, preached that morning but did not remain for the congregational meeting. see MCC, page 3 ¯ Saint Jerome Ecumenical Catholic : are moving on to talk radio - sort-of. " Church, will observe its inaugural Mass ¯ Taylor Subscription Talk fiST) is a new ¯ on Saturday, December 2, 1995 at 6:00 see lnternet, page 3 ¯ p.m.. The Mass’will be celebrated at the " Community of Hope, 1703 E. 2nd St."IN~IO " Tulsa Oklahoma. ¯ The Ecumenical Catholic Church is an ¯ ¯ independent Christian denomination in EDITORIAt. " - ~~ " P. 2 " the Catholic liturgical tradition. It is a DIRECTORY P. 2 ¯ denomination inclusive of all people, NEWS BRIEF.S P. 4 .- where being Gay or Lesbian is accepted. HEALTH BRIEFS ":~ P~’6 In this Church, ~od loves you uncondiCALENDAR " tionally as you were made and as .you ar~. HOI~’0sCoPi= - .: ¯ The servicrs should appeal to Episcopa- ¯ EUREKA PAGES " P. 16-17 ¯ lians, Lutherans and Roman Catholics as PERSONALS P. 19 . see Saint, page 3 . �918-583-1248 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher/Editor i Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire~o~te~ts of,.. this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by’Pq.ils a i~amjly Tom Neal Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writers/contributors photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Phyl Boler-Schmidt Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Leanne Gross noted, must be signed & becomes the sole propert3~ of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each Pat Morehead Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution JD Jamett points Additional copies.are available.at Tomfoolery! Korean War, $250 billion spent, 54,000 lives lost, Vietnam War, $350 billion spent, 58,000 lives lost, Gulf War, $28 billion spent, 213 lives lost and AIDS research, $6 billion spent, 250,000 lives lost. This information from a GLAAD newsletter originally came from an advertisement in The New York Times placed by a AIDS awareness organization, Motturrs’ Voices. Although I feel 1 shouldn’t be surprised by these figures, still I was stunned..To any one whose lived through this horror now of ten years+ of the AIDS pandemic, it’s been dear that WE, as a society, as a government, and many as individuals, as Oklahomans, have valued the destruction of war more than trying to save the lives of our own countrymen and women, and others around the world. That seems a safe conclusion if you assume that our actions, i.e. where we spend our dollars, speak to our true values. Again to look at the figures, this means the cost of each life lost in those wars was: Korean War, $4.6 million/one human life, Vietnam War, $6.0 million/one human life, Gulf War, $132.0 million/one human life, and AIDS research, $24,000/one human life. Now despite all the rhetoric about Judeo-Christian values we’ve heard from politicians from Reagan on, these figures do not speak for those "traditional family values" of compassion, seeking justice and helping those in need which are at the heart of traditional Jewish and Christian (and other religion’s) messages. And our current Congress, in its alleged attempt to balance the budget and return our government to fiscal responsibility (worthy goals), may cut Medicaid which provides a~x~ess to medical care for low-income persons and persons with disabilities - for example, people living with AIDS.The Congress is also stalling action on Rvan White CARE Act So when v~’e participate in World AIDS Day, and whenwe help with theNAMES PROJECT Quilt, which was’so powerfuily displayed last month, let us not forget that political action is AIDS work too. When we sew a panel or when we ring our bells, as we grieve and remember, and as we help those suffering now, let us also act on their behalf and in their memory. National politics has real life consequences here in Oklahoma. Silence still equals death for ourselve~ and those whom we love. Action equals lif~. Do something° - Tom Neal, publisher & editor by Phil Bob.’r-Schmidt Queer politics is a volatile game, a mix of inyour-face direct action and behind-the-scenes maneuvering for position. It is a game with which I am familiar and a game I fondly hope we, one day, no longer have to play. Over the years, as my involvement in the queer political scene has broadened, I’ve watched as we make the same nustakes over and over again, and only recently has this repetitive revelation dawned on me. I believe there is a way to stop the pattern. During my involvement in the anti-Amendment Two campaign in Colorado in 1992, I watched my friends and colleagues, and even me, become political animals. We had to. There seemed no other conceivable way to defeat our opposition, a formidable opposition with too much support from national organizations that was way ahead of us in planning. I watched as normally passive resistors became rabid direct action experts. I watched, sometimes in shock and horror, as my own way of dealing with the world became a thing of the past, and I lived in a constant state of political awareness, ready to jump on any opportunity to garner even one more vote for our side. I was out of.my dement. My partner and I had adopted a philosophy years before that had served us well. We consciously chose to work on changing the world one person at a time. The advent of Amendment Two took us out of that philosophy and into the world of in-yourface politics. Changing the world one person at a rime became a luxury; it was no longer an option. What I learned from that experience and my continued involvement in the queer political scene is that someone HAS to give if we are ever going to get along in this.world and make it work. I am not ~uggestIng that we give up the fight for equality, either in civil rights issues or the quest to lift the gender restrictions on the several States’ marriage laws. Quite the opposite is true. I AM suggesting we back off a bit and allow some breathing room. Someone has tO do it, and as long as both sides of the debate are in rabid soapbox mode, no one will ever win. All we will do is allow ourselves to continue to be taken out of our own element and into THEIR element. It is a position from which we can never make any progress. We need a breather. We need to take time to work out a strategy, a p!an. We need to actually afford ourselves the luxury of doing something pro-active. As long as we continue to press the Radical Right from our current vantage point, we will continue to be on the defensive, and they will continue to have the upper hand. I believe in working from our strengths, not our weaknesses. One of our strengths as a community is that we have the advantage of allowing our neighbors, our friends, our communities the pleasure of getting to know us as people. It is my firmlyheldbelief that it is-0nly when others see us as people that we stand any chance of really changing anything. We cannot accomplish this from our current posiuon. Let’s consider a truce, a period of time off for good behavior, even if our opposition chooses not to participate. In the long run, I believe we will be able to accomplish our goals more effectively and with a lot less toll on us as people, on our relationships, and our lives. Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria *Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th *Lola’s, 2630 E 15th *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time’n’TimeAgain, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Adiniral Wild Fork, Utica Square, 21st & Utica *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 744-0896 585-5622 749-1563 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-4340 742- 0712 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Dermis C.Amold, Realtor 746-4620 Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble BoOksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 592-1521 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 D’Antiques, 1508 E. 15th 592-5356 *Dusty Roads at the Silver Star, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan" 838-8503 Express Pools & Spas, 6310 S. Peoria 743-9994 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Harming 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 International Tours 341-6866 599-8070 Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Lean Ann Macomber, Realtor Associate, 671-2010 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884 *MediaPlay, 9121 E. 71st 250-5158 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 st 663-5934 *-Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 Puppy Pause II, llth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton .496-2410 584-0337 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 41’46 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery Gifts & Cards, at Family of Faith MCC 583-1248 Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733, Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 B~L..G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman S tudent Center, University of Tulsa *Community of Hope (United.Methodist), 1703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity/Integrity (Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians) 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 ,Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity (African-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV ResourceConsortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H- 1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith. Network 749-4195 -Rainbg~.B~iness Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174 : " .R~i~W-~ii]age, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 ¯ "~’*Shanii Hotfine 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3i’d 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsg Beaver Dam Store, 1/2 mi. N. of Dam on Hwy. 187 501-253-6154 Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W 800-231-1442 *MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 McClung Realtors 501-253-%82 Rock Cottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton 501-253-2204 Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 50L253-~6001 *The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-8281 �audio-on-demand subscription service via the Internet. TST company chairman, Edward L. Taylor, states, "so often when it comes to having a voice, the Gay and Lesbian community gets left out. Commercial radio stations seldom carry Gay shows....here at TST, we hope to fill the gap..." TST programming includes a weekly radio show, The Gay 90’s by Buck Harris that is produced out of state. On Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, portions of the Harvard AIDS Conference will be carried live and the audio track of CablePositivewill be available on demand. Gillean & Kirby are hosting a program called, Hear Us Out, focusing on "issues from their viewpoint". TST also has set a goal of 20 "fresh" hours of Lesbian & Gay programming a week. TST spokesperson, Shellie Cook, said that the service will consider providing "air-time" or access for other programming though they cannot provide studio support as they are for Hear UsO.ut. According to Cook, extensive experience may not required. She stated that neither Gillean nor Kirby had a background in radio and were chosen because "someone knew someone..." Program director, Ann Williams, formerly with KWGS, radio station of the University of Tulsa, spoke at a Rainbow Business Guild meeting last spring about the then in-development program and listened to Lesbian and Gay community b.usines s people about the lack of community oriented programming. ~ommumty reaction has been positive. However, one community observer, discussing the announcement of the program, expressed surprise at this new "visibility" for Gillean since Gille’andedined to serve as public spokesperson for TOHR during the time he served as TOHR president. Others have expressed regrets that the impact of. the service may be limited since it requires a somewhat expensive computer equipment and paid access. To hear the programming, listeners need a "multi-media" computer and modem. For more information: website: http://www.tstradio.com e-mail: mail@tstradio.com or call ’481-0077 or 800-789-4506. The change in status means the church loses some of its autonomy. Major decisions will now have to be reviewed bv district authorities. One reason cited for the downgrade was the failure to pay required tithes to the district and to UFMCC headquarters. Church members who spoke on condition of anonymity allege that the tithes were as much as 5 months in arrears and that Pastor Jones had received several written and verbal communications asking for compliance. District Coordinator Ed Paul declined to comment on the communications issue because of concerns about litigation but stated that the tithes were in arrears but not as much as 5 months. Church members have also raised con: cerus about perceived irregularities in the financial records for the year ending. Vvqaile the yearend report shows an ending balance on Sept. 30th of $9,307.38, by the congregational meeting on Oct. 29th, it was reported that the church had less than $700 on hand. At press time, inquiries to the church’s bank showed that the church’s -account appeared to have balance of about $1000-2000.~ District Coordinator Paul said he was not personally aware of the financial status but said that the district would perform a financial review as soon as they are able. Paul noted that he typically advises pastors and church leaders not tO try to sweep things under the rug, even if y. be painful. Halloween at.... Wild Nights...& Halloween at....Renegades...& Halloween at....the Silver Star they are adapted from all three churches, and to others who desire a more liturgical form of worship. Membership is open to all who would serve Christ without bigotry, in truth and justice. Saint Jerome ECC will be a parish church in. the Diocese of the Mountains and P1 ains,joining 14 other parishes in the US and in 3 other countries. Regular Masses_will be celebrated on each Saturday at 6: 00pm at the Community of Hope. For more information, contact Rick Hollingsworth at (918) 742-7122. Making Sense Teleflora Brass Hurricane $39.50 9720-C E. 31 sr Street Tulsa, Ok 74146 (918) 663-5934 Daphane Cooper Miracleglass Neil Ray TOHR Announces New HIV Prevention Program Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights begins a new and innovative, four week program for Gay & Bisexual’men for HIV prevention. The progrmn uses concepts of harm reduction that emphasize non-judgemental, flexible and individualistic approaches to HIV issues. Topics will include: identity, intimacy, health, relationships & sex. Info: call Jason at 742.2927. Owner EXPRESS POOLS & SPAS yo.r poof tla,, (918) 743-9994 6310 S. Peoria Tulsa, OK 74136 Life held this year on the campus of the Uni.versity of Tulsa. Marchers should gather ~n the plaza between Sharp Chapel and McFarlin Library at 6:30. Parking is available on the street south of Sharp Chapel and on the street and in the lot at .the Chapman Activity Center. The march will move around campus, ending at the Great Hall of the Allen Chapman Activities Center where the memorial service will be held. Organizations may bring bamaers and individuals should bring bdls~ Candles will be provided. Around the country at 1:50pro on Dec. 1st, congregations are asked to ring their bells 15 times to recall the 15 years now of the epidemic. Between 7:45 and 8pm, across the country, communities are asked to dim their lights to demonstrate the commitment to fighting AIDS and in tribute to those living with HIV,"AIDS and those who have died from AIDS Interfaith AIDS Ministries wants to line the march route with lumnarnias displaying the names of those who have died. For more information or to submit a name, call 438-2437 or 800-284-2437 by Monday, Nov. 20th. Contributions are requested but are not required. On Sunday, Dec. 3, this year’s Red Ribbon Treefest will be held at the Spotlight Theatre at 1318 Riverside Drive with a reception at4pm & auction at 5:30. The Red Ribbon Treefest is an annual event where decorated holiday trees are auctaoned to raise funds for local HIV/ AIDS organizations. This year’s proceeds will benefit the HIV Resource Consortium’s prescription drug program and to assist Interfaith AIDS Ministries 800 AIDS information telephone line. Tree set-up will be from 9-3pm on Sunday. The Spotlight Theatre has a number of steps at the entrance. To arrange handicapped access, call 663-53721~" Y �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News U.S. Rep. Gerry Studds Announces Retirement BOSTON IJ.S. Rep. Gerry Studds (D-Mass.), who became the first openly gay member of Congress when he came out on lhc floor of the ltouse after he had bccn censured for having had sex 10 years earlier with a congressional page, has announc cd that hc will not run for his (’.ape Cod di strict scatagatn next year. Following that censure vote, Studds was nevertheless re-elected by a solid margin to become the first openly gay person ever elected to Congress. Studds has held his scat for 12 terms, a total of 23 years. Georgia Sodomy Law Challenged Again ATI ,A NTA -The Atlanta Const[rut[on reports that L. Chi-is (?hfis~cnscn is chailcnging the Georgia sodomy statute, wlfich the ~ I.S. Supreme Court upheld 9 years ago. Attorueys reprcscnlmg Chfistcnsen, who was chargcd with soliciting an undcrcovcr sheriff’s dcputy, will argue that Chfistcnscn’s right to privacy ~s grcatcr under the state C.onstitution than it is under the I;.S. Constiluuon and that the sodomy slatutc infringes on that right. Martina Debuts Rainbow VISA Card NI’;W YORK Tcunis great Mart[ha Navratilova has stepped inlo the corporate promotion area bv inlroducing the "’Rainbow (Sard,’" Visa’s credit card aimed a~ the nation’s gay and lesbian commnnity. Backed by antomakcr Sub~L part of ~c ~d’s fccs will go to the R~nbow Card Foundation, a nonprofit organiz~tion ~at will help fund gay and lesbian heath and education groups in the U.S. The Rainbow Card is available throngh the Travelers Bank, and domestic parmers ~n apply for a.joint a~onnt. "q’hc inspiration for the Rainbow Card and the foundalion calnc from thc incrcdiblc s~cng~ and unityso many of us sh~ed at the 1993 March on W~hington," Navratilova s~d. ’"l’~s cxpericn~ prompted my l~ends m~d mc to evaluate ways to h~ncss the coo heroic power of the gay community to achieve humanitarian goals. "lk~ay, I’m proud to inffodu~ the R~u~w ("ard as a fundraisiug tool that will gcncralc a substantial mnonnt of monc~ Ibr health ~d eduction ~uscs rclcv~t to lesbi~s ~d gays." The fund hopes to r~se some $20 million for v~ous ch~table groups wi0fin ¯e next 5 ye~s, Navmfilova s~d. T~ find out more i~o~ation about the R~nbow C~d, phone 1-800~-~INBOW. Too Man~ ’Rainbows’ NEWARK, N.J.-Just ~ys ~ter it made a ~g~y publicized debut, the R~nbow C~d Fo~fen has been h~ded a "cease ~d desist" order from the R~n- bow Foundation, a New Jersey charity that helps sick children. A spokesperson from the Rainbow Foundation said, "Their causes are not our cause." Attorney Mark Momjian, representing the Rainbow Card Foundation, which will distribute funds raised for gay- and lesbian-oriented groups, said hundreds of charities use the word "rainbow" in their names. University Campus Adds Lesbigay Institute LOS ANGELES - Califonlia State University’s Northridge campus has OKed creating an Institute on Gay, Lesbian & Trausgender Studies. The institute will conduct lectures and seminars on the Southern California campus, starting this semester. In announcing the ne~v institute, Donald Hall, an associate professor of English at the school, said it will serve as a ...Somner LeCroix, an economist with the University of Hawaii... legalizing gay and lesbian marriages would increase the number of tourists visiting the state by about 172,000 people annually..¯ resource for faculty members who would like to include gay and lesbian studies in their course material. Hall said the campus has a large gay and lesbian student population, which the institute will serve. Hawaii Gay Marriages Equals 172,000 Tourists HONOLULU - A state committee holding hearings on the differences in benefits enjoyed by married couples that same-sex couples are ineligible for, was told by Sumner LeCroix, an economist with the University of Hawaii, that legalizing gay and lesbian marriages would increas e the number of tourists v i s [tiny the state by about 172,000 people amiually. "’Adding more tourists of any stripe to the state would in general be good for the state," LeCroix told the Conunission on Sexual Orientation and the Law, authorized by the legislature as the staie tries to deal with the complex political and legal questions raised by a court challenge to the state’s refusal to give marriage licenses to samesex couples. Nat’l. Gay Organization Changes Name to HRC WASHINGTON - Noting that it is "so much more than a fund," the Human Rights Campaign Fund has formally changed its name to the Human Rights,,Canlpaign. HRC has recently begun publishing "H,RZY’Quartefly," a journal of political news and perspective. In announcing the namechange, Elizabeth Birch, HRC"s execuuve director, also announced the organization’s latest Internet addition, a World Wide Web site that it says will let Internet users keep track of voting records for their members of Congress and conlmumcate with diem quicklyiThe WWW site is: http://www.hrcusa.org. Tennessee Williams Honored by USPS with the caption "Roll One On." The pilot is considering filing a civil rights complaint over the incident. Disney Offers Partners Health Benefits IlOLLYWOOD The Walt Disney Compauy has become the latest member of the entertainment industry to extend insurance benefits to the domestic partners of its same-sex workcrs. A Dis~rey.spokesperson said the new policy ."brings our health benefits in line with our corporate non-discrinfination policy." The ncw benefit package applies only to the s,’une-sex partners of l)isncy employees and takes effect in January 1996. Fla. Lawmakers Attack Disney Partners Policy TAH.AHASS EE, Ha. - Fifteen F’lorida state legislators have written to Michael Eisner, chief executive officer of the Walt CLARKSDALE, Miss. - Playwright Teunessee Williams is being honored by a U.S. Postal Service co~umemorative stamp. Williams, best kalown for his complex and emotionally intense plays such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Suddenly Last Summer, was We wonder what born in Columbus, Mississippi Walt Disney hlmseff in 1911. He died in 1983. Possible Gay Spouse Not would think of your Enough for Annulment decision if he were DUBLIN, Ireland -The Irish Supreme Court has refused to alive today? We are nullify the 16-year marriage of a inclined to believe couple, mmamed in court documents, who each believed the he would be quick other was homosexual or bito pull the Iplug on sexual. The couple, who have 3 children, wanted to annul their such anti-tamily marriage even though neither eom P any Polieies ¯ presented any concrete evidence about the sexual orientation of - Florida legislators the other. The wife said she thought her Disney Co., denouncing the husband might be homosexual motion picture and theme park or bisexual because of a "close giant’s decision to offer health friendship" he had with another insurance benefits to the domesman and because she said that at tic partners of its gay and lesbian times he preferred masturbation employees. rather than sexual intercourse. The 15 legislators charged Similarly, the husband said he Disney with"belittling the Sanethought the wife migh~ be a les- . : tity of mainage" and of forcing bian because of a "long and very ° its customers to pay for treatclose friendship" that she had ¯ ment for people with AIDS with a younger woman. ¯ through the new health coverage A lower court rejected the an- ¯ that "will result in an increased nulment petition, and the Sunumber of AIDS cases." preme Court. upheld the lower A Disney spokesman in court ruling; noting that "an inBurbank; Calif., John Dreyer, adequacy of the.ability to com- ¯ said the company ~has no intenmunicate" was not justification tion of reversing itself on the for an annulment and that de- ¯ new policy and Saidit was conspite the difficulties the couple sistent with the finn’s non-disfaced "’the re must have been a ~ crimination policies. "This is fair amount of full sexual interabout providing health benefits course" simply to have had 3 for our employees and nothing children. more," Dreyer said. "When we ¯ get the letter, we’ll decide how Condom-Ad Blocked ¯ to respond to them, but we won’t Over Football Stadium ¯ NEW YORK - An air tralTic do it through the media." The controller in the busy New York " full text of the letter from the City region blocked an airplane lawmakers to the Walt Disney that was towing an ad for Co. follows: condoms from flying over the " "An open letter to Michael nearby Giants Stadium during a " Eisner and the Walt Disney weekend football game. A ¯. Board: We are deeply disapspokesperson for the Federal pointed in.your recent decision Aviation Administration said it ¯ to extend health benefits to the was not FAA policy to prevent ~ domestic partners of your hosuch advertising fly-overs bemosexual employees. The me~ cause of the content of the ad. ¯ dia and entertainment industry The towed ad depicted a 25-foot ¯ may consider this a ’politically silhouette of an unrolled condom ¯ correct’ and courageous change in policy, but we - and others who have looked to you as the provider of wholesome, familyoriented entertainment - consider your decision a big mistake both morally and financially. We are surprised at your belittlement of the sanctity of marriage. By implying that vows no longer need to be made in order to gain marital privileges, you are alienating the millions of )eople in this country who take ,the marriage covenant seriously and believe that it is ordained by God. We strongly disapprove of y~)ur inclusion and endorsement of a lifestyle that is unhealthy, unnatural and unworthy of special treamlent. Those who practice homosexuality are engaging in a life style that should not be given the same status as heterosexual marriages. Financially speaking, how can you give medical benefits to a group of people with such a high medical risk, "knowing full-well that other Disney employees and the American people will have to pick up die tab for the inevitable increased health insurance premiums? With your decision, you are alienating the vast majority of fanfilie~ in this country. You may be gaining the applause of a vocal minority of your employees, but you are jeopardizing your finaucial base which creates the need for those same employees. We are also deeply disappointed in the path that die Disney .company has chosen to follow. For more than 50 years Walt Disney Co. has represented all that is good and pure and wholesome in our nation. Families flocked to Walt Disney World and Disneyland because they knew that Walt Disney respected and nurtured the traditional American family and its strong moral values. Disney could always be counted on to provide parents and children alike with family-friendly, goodnatured entertainment. Nowadays, however, you are producing and-fami!y films under other labds,such as Miramax, and moving even further away from traditioual American values with this policy decision. We wonder what Walt Disney himself would think of your decision if he were alive today? We are inclined to believe he would be quick topull.the plug on such anti-family company policies. We hope you will be quick to reconsider your new policy and work to reestablish the Disney Co. as a family-oriented brganization." Dole Waffles on Log Cabin Contribution WASH.INGTON - Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, abruptly changed.his time about a $1,000 campaign contribution from the gay and lesbian Log Cabin Republicans, saying it was a mistake to return the money and blaming the whole incident on �N.ews Briefs Ne.wp ,Briefs News Briefs News, Briefs News Briefs. News Briefs ..News his campaign staff. _’ D~ole, whose GOP presidential bid has been lagging recently, said his campaign staff had not cleared the decision to return the Log Cabin PAC donation with lfim. Dole’s latest statement on the returned funds contradicts statements he made last month when he said on a television interview: "I didn’t want the perception that we were buyinginto some special rights for any group or lifestyle or whatever it might be with gays or.anyone else." But a month later, Dole blamed his campaign staff entirely for the August incident, and implied that he hadn’t known about the deosion to realm the contribution "I think if they had consulted with me, they wouldn’t have done that," Dole told reporters in mid-October. "I just didn’t agree with what happened." Neither, obviously, did the gay GOPers who have since handed over their $1,000 campaign contribution to Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, another Republican presidential candidate. Rich Tafel, executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, said he believed Dole had figured out during the past inonth of campaigning that beating up on gay supporters wasn’t a smart political move. "~I think as he’s traveled around the country he’s found as we have that moderate Republicmls, a lot of Dole supporters; Werereally tumedOfflJy tiffs .whole inddentY Dole said he would not ask the gay Republicans for the donation again because "I don’t want to open it all up again. Temp Agency Sued for Anti-Gay Bias MINNF~A, POLIS - Marcus St. Janacs has filed a lawsuit against thc Dolphin Tcmporary Services" Industrial Group, m~ emp!tymcnt agency, charging diat they fired him as an employee of the company because he is gay. In the suit, St. James also charges thai the temporary agency singled lfim out for retaliation because he had refused to fabricate data for some 500 job seekcrsin order to meet equal opp0rtunity employment requiremeuts. Au attoruey for the finn denied may ,reprisals against St. Jmfies and insisted that his "job ~ pgrforLn.an,ce, ,.w,a~£k¢ sole.~eason f‘or his. termination.’" St. James is as’king ~tr,~0mc $50,000 in darnages mid lost wages. . COI.I ~ege Repub!ieans Sue Over~ Anti=Bias. Pledge DENVER - A GOP student organization, die College RepublicanS,has filed a federal lawsfiit ,against Colorado State University, the University of Northern Colorado and the Metropolitan State College in Denver, charging that the 3 campuses violate their First Amendment rights for insisting that student groups sign a nondiscrimination agremnent that includes sexual orientation. ~ ¯ -" : ¯ : : The suit charges that"if the Col- lege, Republicans were compelled to-accept homosexuals ... this would change the message communicated by the College Republicans’ speech and other First Amendment activities.’" The suit asks the U.S. District : Court to force the schools to : sanction the College Republi- ¯ cans, which would include pro" viding them with office spaceon campus. Leaders of the College Republicans said earlier this year that they had no intention of actually barring homosexuals but that they object to the colleges’ decision to require all student organizations to sign the pledge, which states: "The club will:not discriminate on the basis Of ,abe, color, creed, religion, age, gender, disability or sexual orientation." "We really feel the school is violating our freedom of association by shoving someone’s "We reafly fed the school is violating our freedom of association by shoving someone’s book he was.usin~Vdidn’ t ha;ce a single reference to the role of gays and lesbians in history. Papers Print Photo of Greek PM’s Wife Nude with ’Another Woman’ ATtIENS - Greece erupted in a political uproar after 3 newspa7 pers in Athens published a frontpage photo of Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou’ s wife Dimitra Liani in what purports ’to show her nude on a bea~hin "an intimate pose with another unidentified woman." The photo, which Mrs. Papandreou has denounced as faked, depicts the unidentified woman fondling her genitals. ¯ Authorities arrested the publisher of one of the papers on misdemeanor charges his publication made an "unprovoked insuit" against Mrs. Papandreou, who met and married the Prime Minister when she was an airline stewardess. The publishers of the two other papers that published the photo also face warrants for their arrest but have gone into hiding, police say. Mrs Papandreou, who is 40, said the photo was a fake representing a "dirty campaign" to thwart her increasing political ambitions. sexual,preference Albuquerque Gay & down our throat," Lesbian-History Month said Nate HalL.of ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez proclaimed October "’Lesbian & Gay His tory Month’" in the city on Oct. 27, recognizing the"important contributions to our society" by gays and lesbians. The proclamation also notes that National Coming Out Day~ whichis Oct. 11, was started 7 years ago by long-time Nmv Mexico resident Robert Eichberg~ who died earlier this year. Earlier in the month, Santa Fe Mayor Debbie Jaramillo also issued a similar proclamation recognizing "Lesbian, Gay’ & Bisexual History: Month" in that city. the Metropolitan State C llege Republicans... sexual preference down our throat," said Nate Hall. chairman of the Metropolitan State College Republicans. "If a person is gay., so what’? Our biggest concern is, are you. a Republican’? But we don’t as a club condone homosexual activity." Sheila Kaplan, Metropolitan State College president, said that the school stands bY .t!~e antibias reqnireme, nt "One of the founding pfinci plUS 6~"Met~6 i~ a Iranian Man Sentenced cormnitment to maintaining a For Dressing AS Women campus environment free from TEHRAN -An Iranian newspadiscrimination in any’ form, per has reported that a man in the where .all people are respected capital city of Tehran was beaten and valued," Kaplan said. "We up by outraged women and later believe Metro’s nondiscriminasentenced toi201ashes by’ a court tion policies areLht~pl~r,O,p,ri- " ~b~fig~"h~’ ~’6t- ~)n a municipal ate and legal." . btigdr~ssed in the heavv veils dismissed a lawsuit by Navy Lt. Richard Selland who has been challenging the Defense Department’s new so-called "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy of excluding openly gay and lesbian service members from the military. The court ruled that Selland’s First and Fifth Amendment rights do not take precedence over Congress’ and the Defense Department’s right to set military policies. Selland currentl y i s a supply officer at a base in Virginia, but when he came out in 1993, he was stationed on the submarine Hammerhead. Gay Couple’s Joint Bankruptcy Denied ATLANTA - U.S. Bankruptcy Judge A. David Kahn has rejected the joint bankruptcy petition of 2 gay men, ruling that they were ineligible because they aren’t legally married. Judge Kahn agreed that the men’ s long- ¯ ¯¯Sheldon had made *’a career out of vilifying lesbians, gays and persons with AIDS" and had called people infected HIV to be "confined in eoneentratlon . eam?-like establishments. , tenn relationship had a number of similarities to a heterosexual mamage, but he :ruled that federal bai"tkniptcy laws required legal marriage or its equivalent as "’more than a inere technicalitV.’" The case is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S. O.S. House of ReDs. Opened by Prayer by Radical, Anti-Gay Pastor WASHINGTON Rights activists and Democrats in the House of Representatives expressed disma? and outrage over having far-right anti-gay milfister Louis Sheldon of, the Traditional Values Coalition deliver the daily prayer that usually begin s the legislative body’s ~lay on Thursday, Nov. 2. Santa Fe ProclaimsGhy and billowing caftan-lik~ gown " ReD. Lynn Wolsey, a Califor" " ~&Lesbian History Month. of a woman. " niaDeumcrat saidSheldon had The3 i-year:~idma~, who Was SANTA FE. NM - Debbie made "’a career out of vilifyiug not identified, told’the newspaJarmnill.o, the lnavot of Sm~ta lesbimls, gays mid persons with per that he had dressed as a ’Fe, N.M., has :officially proAIDS.’" and had called for people s ~1 bd rite d’ ~Oi: r~be f~ -’ as~, ::: .]Le’S bi~aiL ¯ woman’ ,m~’d~ s at; i~l’ tli~; W omen.infected iwith: HIV. to~.be:?’con- O~fl~:;~e~ secti6n of the bus ias Gay’ & Bisexual Hist6~3: Mbfith’. ~finedin concentration -camp.like. "]Yar~"tf’a’S33 bet ~vifll his father. In makiug tli~’ 15f6~tanYation, establishrnents.’" ~ ....... Mayor Jaranfillo’said it was nec- "" A’pparenfly the man~s large frmne Eli.zabeth Birch of.the I2iUman mid feet di&l’t fool the women. essary ’:’to make sure onr country Rights Campaign agreed. "’It is however, mid he told the paper at least learns the lessons Of toloutrageous that those in control they" "got aiagry mid beat me up." erance mid faimess and accepts of this Congress would allow The man was later sentenced by the fact that we are all eqnal in that man, whose every waking a religious court to 20 lashes for die eves of God." Lesbian, Gay breath is spent attacking lesbian & BiSexual History Month was what it called his "ugly and imand gay people in this country, proper" prank. originally the brai]lclfild of St. to lead the House in prayer," Louis, Me., high school teacher Sailor’s Case Dismissed Birch said. "’Sheldon has created Rodimy Wilson after he found BALTIMORE- Federal District a cottage industry out of polidthat an 800-page history text- Court Judge Joseph Young has cal gay-bashing and hate, ..and:it is insulting to every fair-mind&d American." But a spokesperson for House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Sheldon’s invocation was "perfectly appropriate." Sheldon had been invited to deliver the brief prayer at the request of ReD. Ken Calvert (RCalif.). NGLTF ’Creating Change’ Conference WASHINGTON, D.C. -The National ’Gay, & "Lesbian Task Force held its 1995 Creating Changeconference, on Nov. 1012 in Detroit. The Task Force released the following statement: "More than a thousand gay,lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists gathered in Detroit, Michigan, for what was, perhaps, the largest ever national gay’ strategizang conference. The 1995 Creating Change Conference occurs at a critical juncture in the gay’ and lesbian movement when many battles and far-reaching decisions are coming together at once, the U.S. Supreme Court’s pending ruling on die Colorado Amendment 2 case, the prominencc of gay, lesbian and bisexual issues in the 1996 Presidential Ele&ions, Right Wing anti-gay b~illot initiatives in Maine and other states, workplace discrimination, and samegender marriages, ainong oilier controversial issues.’" The conference present some ’180 wOrkshops~ - plenaries. brown-bag sessions, and cultural events. Plenary’ speakers included Urvashi \,’aid, nationally’ known activist and author of Virtual Equally.’: The Mains?reaming of Gay and Lesbiaftgiberation; Second-term Wigconsin State ReD. Tmnmv Bfildwin Elias Farajaje-JoneS, -author, teacher, theologian, bisexual activist recently’ featured in Newsweek; and Harry Britt,.pioneer gay politician and former member, San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Numerous other gay" movement ’luminaries attended, including Dee Mosbacher, Deb Price, Elizabeth Birch, Scan Strub, Debra Chasnoff, Scot Nakagawa, Phill Wilson,-Derek Hodel, Tim McFeeley, Paula Ettelbrick, Mab Segrest, Robert Bray, Suzmme Pharr. Suzanne Goldberg, and ¯ activists from almost every State. Tulga activist, Tim Gillean, attended the Conference as well as native ONahoman and Dalras Gay & ’.Lesbian-A,tl’ianee.preSi- �¯ be ineffective or inadequate for another of lic Health.Association that about a third of female transsexuals, he found that alI had the peopl~ surveyed in African-American ¯ the 9 known strains of the virus. "We may the smaller "female" structure in this area ;<~churches believe that HIV was produced ¯ need to worry about different genetic apof the brain. Swash said the results imply that maleby the government in germ warfare labs as ¯ pearances of the virus and changing patpart of a genocide effort aimed at blacks in " terns of the virus in order to get vaccines to-female transsexuals had this smaller ¯ that protect people who might be travelthis country. stria terminalis area from birth and that Dr. Sandra Crouse Quilm of the public " ling or who might live in different regions the re, on of the brain may be linked to Concerns Over AIDS Funds in health school at the University of North ¯ of the world," said Dr. Andrew Artenste gender identity as well as sexuality in Medicaid Changes Carolina-Chapel Hill, reported that an- ¯ in, one of the researchers at Walter Reed. general. Swaab said that there was no "It might require either multiple strains in other third of the approximately 1,000 evidence that transsexualism is genefi: WASHINGTON - Government officials ¯ the vaccine or multiple vaccines eventuchurch-goers surveyed in 5 U.S. cities cally inherited, but noted that it was not and AIDS agencies say that potentially indicated they were "unsure’" if the AIDS ¯ ally to protect people.’" possible to say" how much influence envihundreds of thousands of people with ronmental factors play compared to inepidemic was an a ttempt at genocide or ¯ HIV/AIDS could lose health care benefits Fired Nurse With HIV Sues not. Quinn noted that black church-goers herited traits. Swaab and other researchunder legislation approved by Congress HOUSTON - A Houston nurse, known in are not representative of the larger Afriers, including Dr. Simon LeVay of the that would give ~eater control of Mediccourt doctnnents only as "Jane Doe," has can-American population, but said the Salk Institute, have found similar differaid fun ds to states. Jesse Brown, secrefiled a lawsnit against Surgicare, a medi"stnnfflng’" results nevertheless indicate ences in the size of another area of the tary of the Veterans Affairs Dept., and cal center where she had worked until that a large portion of the country’s black Donna Shalala, secretary of Health & hypothalmnus between gay and straight earlier this year. Doe’s suit charges that population doesn’t trust public health inmen. Human Services, joined in criticizing the after learning she was HIV-positive in formation.legislative changes approved by the ReStraights Not Changing Sexual . January she was told by her supervisor to Quiun and Stephen Thomas of Emery ¯ take time off work if she wanted to "deal publican-controlled Congress. The legisBehavior Because of Epidemic University said, however, that the finding lation would hand over a large part of the with the shock.’" But after a 2 week leave, BOSTON - A report in the American is backed up by similar studies of black federal Medicaid funds in block ~ants for Doe was informed that she had been fired Journal of Public Health indicates that college students, housing-project residents : for "excessive absenteeism" because she the states to administer, spar’king increased heterosexuals surveyed in 1990 and again and African-Americans visiting clinics in concerns that people with HIV/AIDS illhad been off work for more than 3 days in in 1992 show no changes in their sexual Washington, D.C. The researchers said nesses might suffer cuts in benefits as a the past 6 months. The suit charges that ¯ activities because of the AIDS epidemic. the other surveys also found that around result. Surgicare violated federal anti-bias laws The researchers noted that the 2 surveys one-third of those survey believed HIV and fired her because of her infection. Research Links Transsexualism of some 9,000 people from around the was part of an effort to l~ill blacks in the ¯ China Begins Addressing country indicate that the number of hetAnd Brain Structure U.S., and another third indicated they erosexhals who said they engaged in sex AIDS Epidemic LONDON - Researchers in the Nether-. were unsure about the theory. The scienwith multiple partners had actually inlands have reported in the journal Nature tists surveyed people who attended black ¯¯ BEIJING - According to a report in the creased slightly by 4% between 1990 and that male-to-female transsexualism may Guangming Daily, Chinese health minis-clmrches in Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., De¯ try authorities have acknowledged for the 1992. The researchers also reported that have a biological basis, based on a tiny troit, Kansas City, Me., and Tuscaloosa, ¯ first time that the 2,428 cases of AIDS the surveys indicate that straights showed region of the hypothalamus in the brain. Ala. ~ officially reportedin the country are probno increased likelihood of using condoms Prof. Dick Swaab of the Netherlands InAsian, African HIV Strains or getting tested for HIV during the 2 stitute for Brain-Research in Amsterdam ably "significantly undercounted" and that Migrating to the West years the)’ were surveyed. said in the report that the stria terminalis the ministry believes the actual number of LONDON - According to the report in region of the hypothalamus that is linked people infected with HIV in China is Many Blacks Believe HIV a the medical journal Ixtncet, U.S. and Uruto sexuality is larger in men than in women, probably about 100,000 people instead. Genocide Attempt guayan military doctors are reporting that regardless of their sexual orientation. But The health ministry officials also anSAN" DIEGO - Researchers reported at Asian and African strains of HIV have Swaab reported that, after studying the nounced that it would join in observing the annual meeting of the American Pubbeen introduced into the Western hemipost mortem brain structures of 6 male-toWorld AIDS Day on December 1 and is in sphere, brought back to their home counthe process of setting up a national agency tries by military personnel returning from to address prevention and control of the foreign duty in those regions. spread of HI\.’ in the country. Military doctors at the Walter Reed It ’Came’ In Outer Space Army Institute and the Uruguayan DirecKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Dr. Joseph Tash torate of the Armed Forces in Montevideo of the University of Kansas School of said they isolated a common Southeast Medicine has been given a contract by the Asian strain of HIV in 6 Uruguayan solNational Aeronautics and Space Admindiers and marines who served as part of a istration (NASA) to conduct sexual exU.N. peacekeeping f orce in Cambodia. In periments in outer space. Little is known a different study also reported in Lancet, about sex in the weightlessness of space, physicians at the U.S. Naval Health Rebut there is some evidence that male sperm search Center in San Diego found the is more active and aggressive in orbit. But same HIV strain in 3 U.S. sailors and before you start suiting up and heading off Marines who had been serving in Thaito NASA headquarters in Houston with & for, but not exclusive land. They also found 2 African’strains of visions of astronaut orgies, however,Tash the virus in 2 servicemen who had reto the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. notes, that these experiments will only turned from duty in Kenya and Uganda. involve studying the behavior of the sperm The scientists say" the findings could of sea urchins - which is chemically close complicate efforts to fight AIDS because Monday & Thursday evenings: to that of human sperm. potential vaccines that might be devised see next page to protect against one strain of HIV may 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results.- Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights._ Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Commnnity �HIV blood test as part of his application, and asked to see his doctor’s records, both of which LaBonte agreed to. But LaBonte’s attorney says the company incorrectly decided that the two men were having unprotected sex, and in March of this year r.ejl,e,c,ted LaBonte’s application, saying that this type bf activity poses an increased risk for mortality which we are unable to price." The suit charges that the insurance firm’ s rejection of the policy violates both California and U.S. laws barring discriinination against people who associate with individuals infected with HIV. In a brief .press release, Minnesota Mutual Life said it does not discriminate and is in complete compliance with Califomia’s insurance regulations. Health Officials Confirm 1st rus. Officials with India’s health ministry that department officials destroyed his agreed that the WHO figures are probably career because he complained abou! uncorLeg~t,~:noting ,,.that the number of resafe standards and procedures at a statepor(~d cases in the country has nearly run laboratory. Joseph Youme, who had doubled in the last 6 months and that 7 out worked with the state health department of every 1,000 people screened for HIV for 16 years and had studied HIV with are now testing poslt~ve. Robert Gallo, included written complaints Justice Dept. Sues Moving he had made involving what he believed Viatical Firm Says It were tmsafe laboratory procedures. InCompanies Over AIDS Meets SEC Rules cluded in the complaints Yourno had made WASHINGTON - The U.S. Justice DeWASHINGTON- Brian D. Pardo, presiin the past few years were criticisms that partment has filed alawsuit against Bekins dent of the Waco, Texas-based Life Parttubes of laboratory specimen blood had Van Lines and Schloer Enterprises Inc. ners Inc., has filed a sworn report in fedbeen dropped in stairwells, hazardous Schloer, whichis Bekins’ agency in Philaeral court that the viatical insurance comwaste had been tossed out with regular delphia, was sued for refusing to move the pany "has developed revised methods of building rubbish, and that on one occahousehold goods of two men because a operation that it considers sufficient to sion in 1991 a large bird flew through an friend of theirs has AFDS. The federal eliminate any claim that the securities open window and knocked over unspecilawsuit was filed under the Americans laws apply." Life Partners functions as fied lab specimens and equipment before with Disabilities Act and charges that the buyers’ agent in viatical settlements, if flew out agmn. After filing complaints .Bekins had agreed to move the furuishwhich allow people with terminal illnesses about the conditions at the lab with superags of David Homan and Robert such as AIDS to sell their life insurance riors, Yourno says he was demoted to a Bite Transmission o! HIV policies prior to death. Rosenbaum, who were relocating to Aridesk job, virtually putting an end to his zona. But when the movers arrived at the WEST PALM BEACH,.FIa. -The U.S.: : TheU.S.SecuritiesandExchangeComcareer in laboratory research. home of the men, a neighbor who has Centers for Disease Control & Prevention ¯ mission has not yet commented on the AIDS was visiting Homan and Equal Employment Commission has confirmed the first instance of HIV. : steps outlined in Pardo’s sworn stateRosenbaum, and the movers abruptly rebeing transmittedby ahumanbite. Health ¯ ment, but its court filings acknowledge Sues Over Firing of HIV÷ Driver fused to continue with the move, the suit officials noted that an unusual set of cir- -" that viatiCal transactions are not inherFRESNO, Calif. - A California-based charges. The moving companies, have cumstances would be needed for HIV to : ently securities, that the participation of trucking company is being sued by the denied any wrongdoing, but the Justice be passed from one person to another ° an agent does not necessarily-invoke the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Department says it filed the suit because through-a bite, and noted that this case, ¯ securities laws, and that the preliminary Commission for firing an HIV-infected the 2 firms refused to .cooperate in its which took place during the robbery of a ," injuncuonissued by a federal court earlier truck driver. DEF Express in Kingsburg, initial investigation. 91-year-old man, was the first such docu- ." this year allows Life Partners to comply Calif., has been charged with violating the Antibodies May Not Disable Hiv mented ease in 15:years they have been : "by restructuring the transactions in such Americans with: Disabilities Act in as tracking the AIDSepidemic. ¯ a way that they do not constitute securiLONDON - AIDS researchers have. redismissal of driver .James Marion. The ported in the British journal Nature .that ,: Alarming Growth inGIobal AIDS., _,:..-ties.’? The SEC must file a response to the.EEOC isaskingthat, Marion receiYe back HIV can continue to be infectious evenGENEVA ~ "The-staggering~ impact of : report.by Nov; 2., after which time the. ¯ -wages~ compensation for emotional sufafter the individual virus has been trapped AIDS in non-Western nations around the ¯ , court will deliberate the case. The SEC is ; feting and punitive damages again DEF. inside an envelope of antibodies, norg~obe has been underscored by recent ¯" seeking to make the court injection per- ~ An attorney representing, the trucking manent. mally the way the body neutralizes other statements by health organizations and ¯ firm said DEF Express wasn’t even aware ¯ that Marion was HIV-positive until he microbe~. The Virginia Commonwealth officials. Timothy Stamps, Zimbabwe’s HIV Scientist Sues New York University researchers said the finding health minister, said in a newspaper interfiled the complaint against the company ALBAN’Y, NY- A former New York may partly explain why it has been so view that the country estimates that some and accused the EEOC of filing the lawhealth department research worker has difficult to stop the relentless spread of see Health Briefs, page 8 100,000 Zimbabweans will die of AIDSfiled a lawsuit against the state, charging the virus. Dr. Gregory Burton, one of the related illness during the next year and a researchers, said the antibodies that enhalf. Stamps said he wasn’t trying to be an velop HIV, instead of disabling it may "alarmist," but noted that "At present 25 actually help spread the virus to the body’s to 30 bodies of victims of AIDS are put disease-fighting T cells. into mortuaries...and hospitals" every day in the country. In neighboring Sout~a AfMan Sues Insurance Firm rica, a study by the Universltv of Natal Over Lover’s HIV says that nearly a million people in SAN FRANCISCO- Mark LaBonte, who KwaZulu-Natal, the country" s most poputs HIV-negative, has filed a S1 million lous province, will be infected with HIV lawsuit against the Minnesota Mutual Life by 19%. The researchers predicted there Insurance Company, charging that he was would be 920,000 HIV cases in the provturned down for a policy after the insurince of 8.7 million. The nation’s health ance firm learned he is gay and that his department also indicates its latest data partner has AIDS. LaBonte’s suit charges indicates that of the country’s 40 million that his application for insurance was repeople 7.6% (about 3 million people) are fused after Minnesota Mutual Life learned already infected with the virus. his lover, Joe Aviles, is infected with The World Health Organization has HIV. LaBonte claims the insurance finn also announced that even though HIV was believed that he was therefore at risk for almost unknown in India 10 years ago, it infection from Aviles. MinnesotaMuttml now estimates that between 1.6 and 2 Life had asked LaBonte to undergo an million Indians are infected with the vi- Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Butler, RN MS Specialized in HIV Care Ken’s Flowers Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services 1635 East Fifteenth Street We have ma~, insurance provider affiliations - if you belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 599-8070 Serving our communities with pride! 1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 I �suit for "political" reasons. Biomathematics Looks at HIV CHICAGO - Dr: Alan Perelson, an immunologist with the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, and Dr. Thomas B. Kepler, a biomathematician at North Carolina State University, say they think they’ve found out how the lymph glands produce highly specificmolecules, known as antibodies, that attack mic¢obes an the body with such accuracy. In their study, published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, the mathematicians" complex formulas generate a model that scientists say "tells us how the immune system can make antibodies that are 100 times more effective in just two weeks.’" Virologists and other scientists say the mathematical modeling could give"doctors important insights into the most effective times in the progression of HIV infection to prescribe specific medications to fight off the virus. Assertiveness May Help Black Women Avoid HIV CHICAGO - ,According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, African-American women Who took classes in %exual assertiveness" were two times more likeh’ to insist on theirmale sex partners using condom s than a comparable group of women who took a standard 2-hour AIDS education class. Among other things, the classes taught how to put condoms on a partner, how to clearly express sexual desires and how to deal with situations where either the women or their partners have been drinking. ,:~* ....... "We don’t think one session of HIV education is really goxng to change any behavior - and in fact it did not," said Dr. Gina Wingood of the school of public health at the University of Alabama ~n Birmingham and one of the co-authors of the study. Black women in the U.S. are 16 times m~)re likely to become infected with HIV than American white women, possibly because their male sex partners are less likely to use condoms or more likely to u se IV drugs, Wingood and her fellow researchers said. ~ discovered that one of its surgeons had ¯ . been infected with HIV for at least 13 ¯ years. Hospital officials said it was "’very ¯ ~" uulikely’~ that the physician had infecte~l any of his patients but that it wanted to reassure former patients of the surgeon. Male IV Drug Users at High Risk for HIV ATLANTA - A study by the C~nters for Disease Control & Prevention and published in the agency’s MMWR Summary indicates that AIDS education and prevention programs may not be reaching male IV drug users ffho also have sex with other men. The CDC study was based on xnterviews with men who inject drugs and who also have sex with other men Young People Hit Hardest by whether they identified themselves as gay, HIV in China bisexual or heterosexual - in Dallas, DenBEIJING - China’s leading medical pubver and Long Beach, Calif. The researchlication, Health Daily, has reported that ers concluded that this subgroup now acthe AIDS epidemic is striking the nation’s counts for 7% of the total AIDS cases in younger people harder than auy other age the U.S. and 21% of all the cases among group. According to the paper, nearly IV drug users in tiffs country. two-thirds of those infected with HI\" in .." " The men in this group, ~e study said, the country are under 30 years of age. The are at "’extremely high risk" of becoming paper’s da~a, however, w’as based on govinfected, noting that the majority of those ernment health agency figures, which ofinterviewed shared needles, often traded ficially have recorded ouly 1,774 HIV sex for drugs or money, and had unproinfections in the country..klan)" global tected sex with multiple partners. The AIDS experts believe that more than study also noted that how these men iden10,000 Chinese are actually infected with tify themselves sexually may have little or the virus. nothing to do with whether they have sex with other males, with a full third of those French Hospital to Test 5,000 interviewed describing themselves as hetEx-Patients of MD with HIV erosexuals even though they all acknowlPARIS - Officials at the Saint-Germainedged having sex with other men. en-Laye Hospital have announced that Study: Lesbians, Bi Women At the medical facility will test more than 5,000 ex-patients for possible HIV infecHigher Risk for HIV tion. The enormous hospital-funded testCHICAGO - According to a report pubing program was announced after it was lished in the American Journal of Public Health, wo~nen who have sex with other women are at greater risk for HIV infe6tion than women who are exclusively heterosexual. The researchers compared attitudes,, characteristics and HIV statns of women at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in New York City. Of the 9% who said they have sex with other women, more than 90% said they also had sex with men as well. The scientists found that the women who had same-sex contact were more likely than the exclusively heterosexual women to be infected with HIV, to trade sex for drugs or money; and to use intravenous drugs. The researchers .said, although the women who have sex with other women were more likely to be infected with HIV, the study found no instances of actual female-to-female transmission. Clinton to Host White House AIDS Conference WASHINGTON-The administration has announced that President Clinton will host the first-ever White House Conference on AIDS on Dec. 6 to underscore his commitment to doing more about the epidemic. Mike McCurry, White House press secretary, said it will bring many experts on the disease to the high-level conference. "’It will feature more than 130 individuals from across the country," M~Curry said. "Conference participants will discuss the. latest trends in the .AIDS epidemic, epidemiological stgveys and studies of the AIDS epidemic itself, and the central issues of AIDS research, prevention, care and discrimination, among other issue, s." McCurry said Clinton would take part m some portion of the conference, but didn’t specify exactly what. Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law FI_~ELITY HO_/v~E HEALTH CARE, INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-3 , ,2 We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hours/day, seven days/week. The range of services include: Know Your Rights! Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Corn panion sitter services. Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury; Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-7~2-9468 or 918-352-9504 This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. �The NAMES PROJ I~LT Quilt at tl~e "l’ulsa Pair Grounds. Needle-Swap Programs Save $ ¯ CHICAGO - According to a research ¯ study published in ithe Journal of the ¯ American Medical Association, the spread. ¯ .of HIV among IV drug users could be kept an check through needle-exchange pro- ¯ grams, which should not only dispense clean ne edles but also educate drug addicts about how the virus is spread and ¯ how to avoid infection. Investigators from the Chemical Dependency Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York studied needle-swap programs in 5 cities Tacoma, Wash.; Glasgow, Scotland; Lund, Sweden; Sydney, Australia; and Toronto, Canada. The researchers found, among other things, that clean-needle programs cost about $20 per addict per year, "but treatment costs for people with AIDS : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ were as high as $120,000 a year. CA Gov. Vetoes Medicinal Pot The researchers also compared data ¯¯ SACRAMENTO, Calif. - To the surprise from the 5 cities they studied with data of almost no one, California Governor from New York City, which does not have : Pete Wilson la~ vetoed a measure passed a legal needle-swap program. The scien- ¯ in September by the state legislature that fists found that HIV infection rates among would have allowed people with AIDS IV drug users there rose from under 10% ~ and some other illnesses to grow and use to more than 50% in just 5 years, while the : marijuana. Many AIDS activists and a 5 study cities kept infection rates among ¯ number of physicians say the illegal drug IV drug abusers at very low levels. alleviates several debilitating manifestaHIVTesting for Expectant Moms ¯ uons associated with AIDS,includingloss of appetite, weight loss, and nausea. It is SACRAMENTO,Calif.-CaliforniaGov_ the second such measure approved .by the ernor Pete Wilson has signed into law a measure that requires health care pracu-. " California Legislature that Wilson has vetoed~’ " tioners offeringl~renatal ca~e tO offer HW testing to pregnant women. Expectant ¯ HIV Isolation Works - At a Price mothers arenot,however, required to take " HAVANA - The Miami Herald has rethe test. ¯ ported that Cuba has one of the lowest HIV infection rates in all of Latin America - by forcibly quarantining those infected with the virus. World Health Orgamzation data shows that Cuba has only 0.8 cases of AIDS reported for each 100,000 citizens. Cuba has put people infected with HIV inisolated sanatoriums for nearly a decade. Dr. Reinaldo Gil, who runs Cuba’s AIDS programs, told the Herald that the isolation of people with HIV AIDS was the main reason for the country’s low infection rate. "People are beginning to.see that what we did works," he said. The paper also quoted people with AIDS who agreed that Cuba’s isolation program had reduced possible infections. But one patient told the paper, "’\Ve have lost our freedom. That is the most important thing there is." Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa ERSON REALTORS" LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2rid & 4th Sun. 2642 E. 21st Street ¯ Suite 170 . Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ¯ Fax: 918-747-1795 1623 No, Maplewood, 838-1715 Imaginations Christmas Gif!! Dan Du Vail / Ozoner Unique Gifts: Clocks, Lamps, Tees, Mini Waterfalls & more! 15th & Peoria 584-4606 Aroma Lamps Kelly Kirby BROOKSIDE Certified Public Accountant 4649 South Peoria Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 743-5272 Corner of 48th & Peoria 747-5466, POB 1401!, Tulsa 74159 Open Saturdays thru holidays4. JEWELRY 9:30 - 5, Mon. - Fri. �A White House letter from Clihton to the Human Rights Campaign, a major backer of the legislation and the country’s largest gay lobbying organization, says that the president considers the bill "important civil rights legislation." The bill bans discrimination based on sexual orientation in businesses with more than 15 employees. Religious organizations are exempt from the measure. Clinton noted that the proposed le~slation does not apply to businesses with 15 or fewer workers, to the nation’s armed forces or to i’eligious organizations or the schools they operate, andthat 4t specifically excludes, an~" quotas. The bill would not reqtfires businesses to provide health or other benefits to domestic parmers of gay or lesbian employees. "’The bill, therefore, appears to answer all the legitimate objections previously raised against it, ~while ensuring that Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, can find and keep their jobs based on their ability and the quality of their work," the Clinton letter says. George S tephanopoulos, a senior Clinton advisor, said,"This is a reasonable response to a real problem. It ensures that everyone receives equal treatment and no one gets special treatment." "Peopleshould not be fired from their jobs for a reason that has nothing to do wi th their abilities," said Elizabeth Birch, executiye director of the Human Rights Campaign. "Today in.America, it’s perfectly legal to fire someohe for being gay or lesbiaJa. The President stands with the vast majority of Ameri cans in supporting equal rights in the workplace for lesbian and gay citizens." The bill laces opposmon on Capitol Hill, "and has poor chances of passage at this time. In the latest issue of Nature Gen¢,Jir~sv~,Dr. Dean Hamer and his fellow researcli6rs at the National Institutes of Health reported that the expanded study confirms that there is a genetic link between male homosexuality and the genetic marker (known as X q28) il;herited from X chromosome of the mother. The researchers found that 22 of 32 pairs of gay brothers from unrelated families (69%) shared the same version of the genetic material, leading them to confirm the genetic link. When the scientists looked at the heterosexual brothers of gay men, however, they found only 22% of the heterosexual Siblings had inherited the Xq28 pattern. At the same time, researchers examined 36 pairs of lesbian sisters, but found no evidence of any shared genetic marker in the same re.on. "The finding in gay men but not lesbians suggests that the mechanisms underlying male and female sexual orientauons a~e at least partially distinct," Hamer concluded in the report. Earlier statistical studies have also shown that gay men were more likely to have gay" brothers than lesbians to haw lesbian s~sters, he noted. Hamer said, "’It shows that it is not impossible to map complex psychological traits to genes. It is still a very large genetic re, on. We have narrowed down which haystack in the field it is, but it’s still a haystack." Ma ki.n,q_ Sense A New H IV Prevention Program from TOHR Following the Supreme Court hearings on Tuesday, Oct. 10, Colorado’s Attorney General Gale Norton told reporters that gays and lesbians as a group, do not merit "special protections." "The status quo, in almost the entire United States, is that there are uo laws granting special protections on the basis .of sexual orientation," Norton said.."And Amendment 2 just says .that,there will not be those additional special protections on that basis." On the other side, attorney Jean Dubofsky argued before the Court that the Colorado amendment violated the U.S. constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law She said that if the Supreme Court Upholds the Colorado measure, homosexuals will lose their basic right to challenge discriminatory laws and regulations anywhere inthe country. . "’!f,~v~Llp,s~ !ki.~ case arid Amend~nent 2,g0es into effect, it immedimely repeals all the local ordinfiri~.es and all the general state laws and policies that protect people from discrimination on the basis of gay orientation only" Dubofskv said followin_o the Court hearino "’And it .W,hff,ao ~., tho ~,. ..... ~,~; genera~ poucy or any protectlon.at any level of government from discrimination on the basis of gay orientation or from the opportunity to seek any protection from discrimination." During the hearings, several Supreme Court justices questioned the validity of theColorado amendment, expressing fears that it could allow hospitals to deny medical treatment to gays or permit hotels and restaurants to turn homosexuals away. Masterwor T u t S A PHILHARMONIC : Guest Conductor and Solo Flute: : BecauseHIV prevention is more than just, "a cat, dam 100% of the time." HIV prevention is more than a slogan and a guideline. : Ransom Wilson Saturday, December 2, 8 p.m. Chapman Music Hall, Tulsa PAC : : : Mozart: Flute Concerto in D Major Liadov: The Enchanted Lake HIV prevention is’ more than learning how to use a..condom or negotiate "safer sex." HIV prevention is about you and your life. Maye:in December!i Because of all this and more, Making Sense was created. Making Sense is a short four meeting experience for men who have sex with men. Join us as we redefine health and make HIV prevenfi.on decisions for ourselves. To enroll, call Jason at TOHR, 742.2927. Begins December 5th. Marilyn Haye Fri., Dec. 8 & Sat., Dec. II Chapman Music Hall THIsa PAC �LACK SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627-B East 1 lth. Info: 583-7815 Community of Hope (United Methodist) Worship Service;~ 6 pm " 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E South Mingo. In/o: 622-1441 iWHITE INC COMMUNITY CALEN’ AR MONDAYS TUESDAYS HIV Testing Minister’s Class TOHR Clinic Bless the .Lord at All Free & anonymous testing. " Times Christian Center using fingerstick 7:30 pm method. ¯ 2627-B East 1 ith No appointment required.. In/0:583-7815 Walk in testing: 7:8:3.0pm Results hours: i7-9pn~ HlV-g Support Group ¯ HIVResource Consortium Info: 742-2927 1:30 pm Lambda Bowling League; ." 4154 S. Harvard,’Ste. H-1 Sheridan Lanes Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 ¯ 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan .: Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 The Banned, OK Gay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 6:30pm at Canterbury 5th & Evanston " Info: 583-9780 ¯ WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS SATURDAYS ¯ Authority Of The Believer 16-Step Empowerment Narcotics Anonymous Bible Study, 7 pm Group For Women ¯ ¯ Meets weekly at 11 pm MCC ofGreater Tulsa ¯ Confidential support for Community of Hope 1623 N. Maplewood ¯ !703 E. 2nd, info: 585-1800 recovering addicts. Info: 838-t715 Community of.Hope ¯ Co-Dependency ¯ 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Bless The Lord At All Support Group Times Christian Center ¯ 7:30, Family of Faith MCC NAMES Project Choir Practice 7 5451÷E S. Mingo AIDS Memorial Quilt ¯ ¯ Call 622-1441 for Info. .. 2627-B East llth Sewing Bees Call 583-7815 for inio. 3rd Sat. of each month : HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Info: 748-3111 PFLAG Family AIDS ¯ Fr.ee & anonymous testing Support Group ¯ using fingerstick method. MORE GROUPS 1st & 3rd Wednesdays ¯ No appointment required. Gay & Lesbian Student 4154 S. Harvard ¯ Walkin testing: 7 - 8:30pm Association In/o: 749-4901 Results hours: 7 - 9pm TJC Southeast Campus, Info: 742-2927 Info: 631-7632 Family Of Faith MCC SWAN-Single Women’s Poduck 6:30 pm Prayer Time Activity Network Bible Study 7 pm ¯ MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm Call 832-2121 Choir Practice 8 pm 1623 N. Maplewood TOHR Helpline 5451-E South Mingo, In/o: 838-1715 Daily 8-10 pm Call 622-1441 for info. For info. or to volunteer: Tulsa Family Chorale 743-GAYS Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Tool Box Technicians, ¯ Lola’s 2630 E. 15th Leather org., Info c/o Tile Tool Box: PFLAG Family AIDS 584-1308Support Group T.U.L.S.A. 1st & 3rd Thursdays Tulsa Uniform & 4154 S. Harvard Leather Seekers Assoc. Info: 749-4901 In!o: 838-1222 NOVEMBER 16-19 Broken Arrow Comnutnity Playhouse Quilt - A A4usical Celet~ation 1800 So. Main, [nfo: 258-0077 DECEMBER 1-2, 7-9 : Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Androcles & the Lion, 8pm 1800 So. Main, hffo: 258-0077 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Womens Supper Club Dinner, 6:30 pm Spaghetti Warehouse. 211 E. Brady Info: 298-4648 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19; 26 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 10 & 17 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) . In/o: 585-1800 DECEMBER 2, 9 & 10 Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Androcles & the Lion, 2pm 1800 So. Main, Info: 258-0077 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights Holiday Gathering. 7 pm All Soul’s Unitarian, 2902 S. Peoria In/o: 743-4297 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Monthly Board Meeting, 7 pm Call for location., In/o: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Family of Faith MCC, Thanksgiving Service, 6:30 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, In/o: 622-1441 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Community of Hope The Rev. Scott Sharp Preaches, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd St., In/o: 585-1800 ,TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Rainbow Business Guild, 7 pm Mazzio’s at The-Farm Shopping Ctr~ Private Dining Room Dinner Meeting, In/o: 665-5174 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 World AIDS Day Panel." A Tulsa Perspective, 7 pm Aaronson Auditorium, Central Library, In/o: 596-7977 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 WOrM AIDS-Day March, 6:30 pm Sharp Chapel, TU, Inio~. 438-2437 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Red Ribbon Treefest, 4 pm Spotlight Theatre 1318 Riverside Dr. In/o: 663-5372 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Prime Timers Monthly Meeting Write for in/o: P.O. Box 52118, 74104 SUNDAY,IDECEMBER 3 Community of Hope Bishop Dan Soloman & Jby Sblomon Reception, 4 pm,Service, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800 MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 Women, Children & AIDS Committee, noon 1430 S. Boulder~ ~ollim!~R0~m TUESDAY~~ DECEMBER 5 Making Sense ~HIV Prevention Group Call for locadon & time. In/o: Jason @ 742-2927 TUESDAY~ DECEMBER 5 AIDS Coalition of Tulsa Gathering of the Evergreens, noon 1430 S. Boulder, Collins Room SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 Dignity/Integrity Christmas Dinner Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians 6:30 pm, private home Info: 298-4648 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Auditions for The Lion in WMter 5pro, 1800 So. Main, Info: 258-0077 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Family of Faith MCC " Christmas Childrens’ Party, 5 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, In/o: 622-1441 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Family of Faith MCC :~ Christmas Concert & Silent Atwtion, ¯ 7:30 pm ¯ 5451-E S. Mingo : Info: 622-144 : SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 ¯ Family of Faith MCC ¯ Christmas Eve Candlelight Service ¯ 10 pro, 5451-E S, Mingo, Info: 622- Out &About with JD Here is anew section that will help you keep abreast, of what’s going on with Tulsa’s night life. Each month will feature a local establishment and give you a listing of what is happing through out the month. This month’s feature is an great little bar on historic Whittier Square. Mosl people have mistaken this bar for a an exclusively Lesbian hideaway because of the name, BARRACUDA’S WILD NIGHTS, but it is slowly becoming a great little show bar and a nice s topping off point for a evening .of fun. The following month at Barracuda’s ~s just full of fun and benefits for the On November 17th, they will behaving a benefit to help Interfaith Ministries of Tulsain recognition of World AIDS Day; December 1st. The evening will include several different performers such as vocalist Linda Rush, guitarist Harry Carroll, entertainers such as Sensuous, J.J. Gentrey, Sugarbaker and many more. During the beginning of December, Barracuda’s will be hosting the first annual Ms. Whittier Square please contact Ladonna for further information at 582-4340. Over 0n.the east side, the gals at TNT’s and Time’N’ Time have got things going. November 22, Time N Time is hosting a Leather community meeting at 7:30. On November 26, TNT’s will have a Carnival at 8pm. December 10 TNT’s will have a guest DJ at their annual Christmas Auction for Needy Families. December 15, Time N Time will have 5th Anniversary Party. They also have a free brunch each Sunday. Call for more information. �¯ GLAMA Honors Gay . . . And Lesbian Music ¯ wide variety of topics in the col~mm convey her background as a journalist: poli¯ tiCS, religion, travel and history, but also Reviewed by Barry Hensley ¯ love and relationships.Columm fltles inTulsa City-County Library In 1992, Dab Price made history by " clude "Gay Souls Find a True Sanctuary launching a weekly, inin the Buckle of the Bible formational newspaper Belt," "City Living Gay phrase "...and Transplants column in the Detroit Taking Root News. Hercommonsense say tl~~ to__-|°yce," " in Smaller Places" and lS approach to life is unusual "Ignorance is the Greatfor a columnist only be- the o en repeated -est Threat to Opening Up cause Price is lesbian and the Military to Gays.’" It’s dosing line of her column addresses life interesting to read about experiences from a gay the thoughts and events many of the fan perspective, The phrase that go into deciding top"...and say hi’ to Joyce," letters she reeelves ¯its and the responses, in is the often repeated closperson, by phone and ing line of many of the fan & refers to her mail, from readers who letters she. receives and strongly agree or disagree longtlme partner, with the column. Many refers to her longtime partner, Joyce Murdoch. lonely, closeted gays, Joyee Murdoeh, This is the story of how young and old, seem to the column began, includfind cause for optimism ¯ ing the behind-the-scenesdiscussions and in Price’s column and write her to express ultimate decision to have this column in ¯ theirappreciation. Coming out stories and Detroit’s"politically conservative" news- ¯ positive letters from parents, friends and ¯ paper. Predictably, after the colunm bepoliticians are all included. There are, of gan, some subscribers, outraged at the ¯ course, many negative letters reprinted as column’s inclusion in a "family newspawell, which often ~ve keen examples of per," canceled their subscriptions. The where those oppo_sed to gay equality are number of cancellations, however, was coming from. qnly a fraction of what had been antici- ¯ This is a very enjoyable book, filled pated. The edffors stood firm, and now the with lo~c, usal31e advice and uplifting ¯ columnis distributed nationwide, through ~ stories, writtenby women who really have Gannett, the country’s largest newspaper ¯ a way with words. Check for this book, ¯ and others on similar topics, at the Readchain. READALLABOUT IT The Much of the book consists of Price’s columns, reprinted in their entirety, The . ers Services department, Central Library, ¯ 2nd floor, or call 596-7966. tributions to the cause of openly gay music. The Michael Callen Medal of Achieve: by Lester Strong ment was given to Cris Willi0ms0n, a "’It takes a particular kind of courage to pioneer of the women’s music movement, be an out musician. It takes a particular cofounder of Olivia Records, and strong ~ kind of artist to express musically what is community supporter in her work with ¯ often silenced by either the outside world pediatric AIDS groups, while the ¯ oravoice within ourselves that says some Outmusic Award was presented to Boy ~ things are meant not to be spoken." George, the British popmusic star known : With these words, Dan Martin and the world over for his gender-bending ¯ Michael Biello, life partners and founders music and style of performance. : of the national gay music organization In the words of Bob Guccione, Jr., : Outmusic, inaugurated the kickoff event Editor/Publisher of Spin magazine, who ¯ -for the Gay/Lesbian American Music presented the Michael Callen Medal: "The Awards (GLAMA) intended to acknowl- ¯ Callen Medal is given to an individual, edge and honor the work of openly gay ~ group, organization, or business cormnitand lesbian music artists. Held October 1 ~ ted to the courageous and important work at The Supper Club in the heart of New ¯ of engendering, nurturing, and furthering York City’s Theater District, "A Night of gay/lesbian music. Tonight the Callen GLAMA" was hosted by award-winning i Medal honors Cris Williamson, a singer/ playwright and actor Han, ey Fierstein songwriter who has Used her music and and :attended b,y a mix of:over 350 per- : good works as beacons of hope and inspiformers, gaymusic supporters,and repre- ¯ ration for lesbian, gay, and nongay audisentatives from the media and recording ¯ ences for more than twenty years." companies like Atlantic Records. The Outmusic Award honors recording ¯ GLAMA creator/producers Tom ¯ artists, groups, or songwriters who have McCormack and Michael Mitchell along advanced gay/lesbian music through their with the GL&MA advisory board are curwork as out musicians. As presenter rently in the process of defining-catego- : Me’scheli Ndegeocello, recording artist ties, eligibility, and nominating and judg- ¯ on Madorma’s Maverick label, stated about ing procedures for the first annual per- ~ Boy George: "The recipients’ steadfast forming awards to be handed out next ; co~nitment to speak openly and specifiyear. ~ e,ally to the gay and lesbian experience .............................. ¯¯ through music qualifies them for this categories are likely to include the year’s award. GLAMA has chosen to give this best female and male performers, best ~ inaugural award to a man who from the group, best ori~nal song, and best re- ~ beginning of his career in the early eightcorded performance by an "out" performer - ies has consistently called into questaon or group. But this year’s event saw the : society’s perceptio’ns of gender roles." introduction of two" special awards, pre- : Adds Michael Mitchell about both sented to individuals well known on the ¯ awards. "There arepeople in the commumusic scene for their long-standing consee next page LO$.T TRIBE Find your holiday getaway with the premier guide to gay & lesbian inns. B&Bs. hotels, and more! l)amron Actommodafions is packed with hundreds of lull-color photographs - and detailed information. For a free catalog, call 1-800-46L6654. and you techies check out the Damron~vWebpa~e! http://www.sirius.com/~damron Call 341.6866 International Tours for more information about LA Studio tour packages to see tapings of Ellen or Married With Children.Gift certificates are available for air travel, cruises & many other travel needs. IGTA member. �.nity who have made enormous contributeens to openly gay and lesbi~an music. They may not have a recordidg out this year or be on the TopTen charts, but those contributions deserve recognition. We plan to present the Micha61 Callen Medal and Outmusic Award on an annual basis:" The diversity of music embraced by GLAMA was indicated by the evening’s entertainment. Performing were qtaeer pnnkers Pansy Division, a cappella group The Flirtations with their newest and first woman meznber Suede, renegade folk/ rock band disappear fear with lead singer Sonia Rutstein, and drag diva Joey Arias "’channeling" Billie Holiday. Cris Williamson sang a few of her ballads, and Harvey Fierstein did a turn, performing "This Is Not Going To Be Pretty" from his newly released CD of the same name. "A Night of GLAMA" was scheduled to coincide with the opening of the Outmusic 5th Annual Festival of Gay and Lesbian Music, held each October in New York City, and Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messenger was.on hand to read a proclamation officially designating October, 1995 as "Gay and Lesbian Music Month" in New Y’ork. Outmusic dedicates itself to creating opportunity for-and increasing awareness of--lesbian and gay composers, lyricists, performers,and their supporters. GLAMA also espouses those goals, but the two are organizationally distinct. October 6,1996, has already been set as the date for next year’s First Annual GaU Lesbian American Music Awards ceremony, to be held again in New York. For more information, contact McCormack and Mitchell at 267 Fifth Avenue, Suite 801-49, New York, NY 10016; tel. 21259,2-4455; e-mail GLAMAS@aol.com. Enjoying the Momenff by Pat Morehead Now for something completely different .... where the hell did this snow come from? Yesterday afternoon I was dodging pecans in my tee shirt as I tried to round up leaves on my patio. Four hours later I was towe!ing snow off the dog after his mid evemng potty break. Oklahoma has to be on.e ofweirdest places in the world weather wise. But the result this morning is unbeatable. The entare north wall of my ’office’ looks out onto my patio and back yard. Just beyond my monitor is a stretch of shadowed blue and gray snow, then a stretch of gleaming white-snow topped and highlighted by brilliant golden yellow leaves splattered across the trees in the background which are interlaced with swaths of cendean blue sky. It’s like one of those images from the ubiquitous Christmas Calendars. Most of the time you look around Tulsa and it all seems pretty blah, and that’s being generous. Then out of now here some little scene leaps out and you’re just amazed at the accidental beat~ty. At least I am. For me that accidenta] moment of. something unique is the "JEEZ" moment. The "JEEZ" moment is one of the best things about Tulsa and life in general. _If I’m waxing a bit too bucolic about the s, please overlook my enthusiasm. I want to enjoy this moment because it’ll all get mined pretty quickly due to the approaching holidays. No, I am not a holiday grinch. But the COlrmiercial and emotional overkill which I "know is coming is about as offputting as anything you Sandra J. Hill, M.S. Ps.vchotherapy & Clinical Consultation Sensitive to the Challenges of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Individuals, Couples & Families. can imagine. And yes we will all get sucked up into the holiday insanity. At least most of us will. My companion and I have reached that stage where we can sit back and enjoy the season in a relaxed low key fashion. We put some real joint effort into a great meal which we can enjoy in peace and quiet. Then a .movie on tape which we have purposefully avoiding renting until the holidays. Occasionally we are joined by a couple of friends, people about whom we really care. It may sound dull, but after years of having dealt with crappy family holiday discords, it is.shear bliss. Christmas works pretty much the same way. Naturally we do have to take care of family recognition, but again we try and keep that to a minimum. We start with the presumption that someone is going to say or do something stupid or hurtful. So we give them as little opportunity as possible. We have also reached the stage where wecankeep the ’gifting’ to aminimum. In fact we have already done most of that. We replaced some aging furniture and added a new TV as our Christma~ gifts for our house. Part of the old furniture .went to Goodwill and some directly to a friend who could Use it. All that re~nains now is finding that certain something special ~which will express the depth of love and affection between us. No easy task let me add. [ "kno~v to you this probably seems about as exciting ~s algebra. But for us it is a refreshing break from all of the usual turmoil, hurt feelings and anger which have marked previous holiday seasons. Answer tmtlffully, ho~v many of you are already dreading the enforced family visitations? Not to mention the other stuff associated with the holidays which .you really don’t want to be involved im but feel compelled to do. " I’ve developed a pretty simple approach to life, which I offer as a recommendation. ff there are people you don’t care for, and who go out of their wav to make you miserable, then avoid bei~g around them. If there are situations which get you crazy, avoid them whenever you have the option. If there is stuff that you really hate doing (and which you don’t have to do to live) just don’t-do it! I used to waste a lot of time, energy and fretting over doing stuff that I thought I had to do even though I hated it. Gradually, I have learned tha~ doing the right !hing doesn’t mean doing what others ~mpose as "the right thing to do". Here’s the secret. If you worry about what others think, you’ll spend your entire life worrying. If that sounds like the way to enjoy life, more power to you, have ~t it! As for me, I’ll sit here awhileqonger with my coffee and enjoy the scene outside my windows. The squirrels have come out now. They are busy rooting_through the snow and leaves looking those pecans I dodged yesterday. The birds are hopping through the snow looking for lord knows what. The dog is lying here next to me blissfully gnawing on his chew bone and my companion / lover is messing around in the "kitchen.. It’s a cozy pleasant Saturday morning. Enjoy the holidays with the people you really care about and who really care about vou. Pat Morehead ~s a Tulsa contributor. SELLS’95 L-ESS ¯ APR GALANTS 2865 E. Skelly Drive, Ste. 215, 745-1111 Includes All Factory Options, Including Automatic & Air. Power Lo¢ks/Windows. ¢l~lse & Mere. s237 o. O-DOWN s212 o, slO00i2. Drive off in a great deal! 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All photos: JD Jamett, Images by JD Positively Negativ6 IF: ¯ Open Arms Open-Minds Open Hearts You feel lhol it is inevilabte LJOU will b~corne IIIV positive. ¯ You think the holiest thing about s~x" is lhe posler. ¯ You want support and a fresh look on lhe new year lhroucjh the-holidocjs ¯ You wonder whkj rernoininc.:j uninl’ectecl is imporlont. Photos, JD Jamett, 621-5597 Saint Aidan,s 4045 No. Cincinnati, 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanta PI.. 742-7381 Trinity 501 SO. Cincinnali. 582-4128 THEN: Come and talk about it with us. The Episcopal Church Welcomes You WHEN: l"l~etings begin acjo~n December 141h.Call Jason to enroll. 742.2927 co-facilitated dialogue for t-IIV negative gay and bisexual m~n on love desire. s~x. and h~allh. Sponsored by lh~ TOHR fllV Prevention Proj¢cl. OUR BODIES OUR LIVES OUR HEALTH Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesday Services 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm Choir Practice ¯ Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group I To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 5451-E South Mingo Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 �Mr. Oklahoma Leather ’96 TULSA The Silver Star SalooninTulsa, an auction mad special entertainment proOklahoma was the place to be November vided by Carmen del Rio of NLA Dallas/ 4 as a standing room only crowd watched Dallas Eagle fame. As always, Carmen Aden Spitler win the title of Mr. Oklabrought the house down! homa Leather ’96. While contestants sweated out the reTulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers sults backstage, IML Larry Everett, who Association (T.U.L.S.A.) president Arnie was also Mr. Oklahoma Leather ’95, gave Holder produced this year’s event, poolthe traditional stepping aside address to ing talent from the Technicians and Tribe the crowd. Cash and prizes donated by Excalibur. T.U.L.S.A., Leatherworks International Mr. Leather Look for Aden by Johnna, Shades of Grey ’95, Larry Everett, was Masthe Leather Rack to shine bright Dallas, ter of Ceremonies, while the DC, Utica Tri’s, NY, Silver judging panel included In- in Chiea .o as he Star Saloon, JD Images, ternational Mr. Drummer IML, Inc., Viola Johnson wkeels his way David Walker, International valued at almost $3000 were Ms. Leather ’94 Cindy readied as the five contesinto town as Bookout, International Mr. tants were brought back for Oklahoma’s Fantasy JD Buchert, Queen the final results. Second of Kink Jill Carter, Fantasy Runner-up was Danny offieial IML and Great Plains Drummer Pelletier. First Runner-up preliminary co-producers Bob Ewing was Victor Reyes, and and Dustin Logan and IML crowd favorite, Arlen entry. Finalist Lance Brittain. Spitler, was given the The weekend’s events began Friday winner’s sash. evening with a shuttle bus bar crawl, samAden is an Assistive Technology Spepling a wide variety of clubs throughout cialist with special interests in Advocacy the city. The tour ended up at the Silver and Fnndraising for Children with disStar where judges and contestants were abilities, sports and gay and lesbian youth introduced to the crowd and contestant issues. Aden was First Runner-up to IML numbers were drawn. larry Everett at the Mr. Tulsa Leather Interviews were conducted Saturday contest last year losing to him by only one morning while the host cout~try and W~Stpo_in~. He then took over_the tit.!e as Mr. ern bar stage was transformedintoa.cruisy Tulsa ’95 after Larry went on tO win Mr. alleyway for the much anticipated event. Oklahoma Leather and IML, respectively. S tarti,ng on time (as well organized events Aden also won Mr. Barechest in Washdo) the contestants competedin Streetwear ington, DC earlier this year. Look for with Speech, Swimwear and Full Leather Aden to shine bright in Chicago as he Image with a Random Question and Anwheels his way into town as Oklahoma’s swer. Entertwined with the contest were official IML preliminary entry. also offers no such protection. Question 1 asked voters to limit "protected classifications" in current and future state and locai laws to ten specific categories. The measure asked, "Do you favor the changes in Maine law limiting protected classifications in future, state and local laws to race, color, sex, physical and mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status, and marital status, and repealing existing laws which expand these classifications as proposed by citizen petition?" The measure effectively would have repealed two local non-discrimination laws that include gay people, and would have prohibited commumt~es from passing such laws in the future. Question 1 was written by Bruce Fein, a right-wing lawyer based in Virginia, to circumvent court decisions saying that gays should not be singled out for discrimination. Question 1 also would have repealed any anti-discrimination protections in the state’s university and college system, and gutted the state hate crimes law by removing sexual orientation. Unlike earlier anti-gay measures, the language of Question 1 avoided mentioning lesbian and gay people. The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) "suggested that Question 1 was drafted to be intentionally confusing. More than 70 state business, religious, educational and political groups and leaders opposed the measure, including the Catholic Diocese of Maine. National extreme right groups actively pushed for a"yes" vote on Quesuon 1. Bob Knight of the Family Research Council toured the state calling on voters to approve the measure, as did Beverly LaHaye of Concerned Women for America. Focus on the Family aired radio advertisements in favor of the initiative. A statement from the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force noted, "’the victory over Measure One offers us a tremendons potential to seize the momentum and pass a statewide non-discrimination law in Maine. The law was recently introduced in the state legislature by Dale McCormick. Originally passed in 1993 but vetoed by then conservative governor Kieman, the bill can capture the new-fonnd awareness of the extent of real discrimination and persecution suffered by the gay and lesbian citizens of Maine. Governor Angus King, a huge supporter of the No On 1 campaign, is expected to sign such legislation." NGLTF campaign consultant Susan Hibbard, in the field in Maine, reports an unparalleled grassroots educational and visibility campaign in all 16 counties has changed the way the state views its gay, lesbian and bisexual citizens. NGLTF added, "the isolation and fear of being gay, especially in rural places, has been altered by new-found and strengthened visibility and support for gays and our allies at the forefront of this battle. So many people came to our side to help. They proclaimed, ’This issue brought me out.’ Indeed, the ballot measure may have even backfired against the?Radical Right. Intended to push gays and lesbians back into the closet, it instead galvanized us and our supporters." Fred Welch L.C.S.W, Brookside Counseling Individual & Couple Family & Group 743-1733 Y �ARIES, March 21, April 20 Not that you ever want people to boss you around but, this month, even a sideways .. glance from an authority fi.gure can send your blood pressure soanng. You can make great career progress now, especially if you throw your energy into your work instead of into fighting off every- : imagined threat. Convert your anger into passion, No, your lover really isn’t trying to control you. TAURUS, April 20 -May 21 Now is the perfect time to go new places, learn new things and open up your views of the world. You may be tempted to think that nobody is as smart as you are. You may be tempted to beat people over the head with your opinions. YOU may even be tempted to hire a lawyer to do the beating for you; but don’t do it. The world and its inhabitants are only trying to teach you a thing or two. GEMINI, May 21 - June 22 A month of crazed passion and deep desires. Good news? Sure, if you work your passions out in the bedroom, or in the elevator on the way to work if that’s what you prefer. The bad news? This is the vibe that creates deep passion about everything you share with others, from your body to your bank account. Not a good time to ask for a loan and if your parmer picks fights over money, well, you "know what to do. CANCER, June 22 - July 23 You have been ’holding back grievances for quite a while now, and this month provides a great,opportunity to clear the air. You’re energetic and assertive, and gathers no foot." It may s~emlike people are trying to,pick fights ~ith you but, the truth is, you re dredging:up old, unconscious issues with deep roots in the past. Unless you’re very conscious of whom you’re dealing with, you’ll be prone to saying silly things that have nothing to do with the situations that really exist. Clean out.your psyche, clean out your closets; Your discipli,n,e and self-control is amazget rid of all the old junk. It’s time. ing and you 11 take great pride in the SCORPIO, Oct. 23 ~ Nov. 23 amount of work you can accomplish. You’re always a very incisive communiY ou’d like it better if you got all the credit for what you do, but your boss and your cator but, this month, ~our words and ideas have such incoworkers are more tensily that people interested in taking Sa~ittarlus - You also have may quake in fear advantage of your deep desires to_.buy when you pass skills. Try to work _judgement on the on your own projects expensive, pointless, e¢oweather. It’s a good as much as you can; Cratffyln~ thlnCs...iyou month to sell )’ourand don’t hold back know that fast, red sports self and );our ideas on your frustrations or your health may ear won’t make you a better because you will impress everyone with suffer. If someone person. Don’t you? your intellectual steps on your paw, power. An equally go ahead and roar. good month to start learning about someVIRGO, Aug. 23 - Sept. 23 thing new. Just try to avoid the tendency This is the month for fun and games, and to be argumentative mfiess a real, serious your self-discipline will be at an all time issue is at Stake. low. Existing relationships get a passionSAGITTARIUS, Nov. 23-Dec. 22 ate boost and you look particularly cute at You’re obsessed with money and possesall the holiday parties, though the new sions, a very weird feeling for someone love interest you meet now is likely to lose who likes to’travel as fast and light as you your phone number for a month or two. ordinarily do. You have plenty of energy Have a good and pleasurable wallow tiffs and motivation to work hard for what you month and don’t feel guilty about it. You’ re want. You also have deep desires to throw not reqmred to be dutiful and responsible your monex around and buy expensive, all the time. Really. pointless, ~go-gratifying things. Staple LIBRA, SepL 23- Oct. 23 )’our money to the inSide of your pockets; Try to live by the saying,"A closed mouth the people dose to you may wonder where Cancer ever got the reputation of being sweet, domestic and submissive. You’re in a prime position to work hard with a partner on a mutually satisfying goal. Don’t waste the energies on pointless conflict. LEO, July 23- Aug. 23 you know that fast, red sports car won’t make you a beuer person. Don’t you? CAPRICORN, Dec. 22- Jan. 21 This is a very positive time for resolving old problems and accomplishing new goals. Does that sound too good to be true? Of course it does. You’re a Capricorn, and that means you’re cosmically required to be cynical and suspicious. You also want to know how long it will last, don’t you? Two months. Spend December and J,anua~,,y going hardafter what you want and you 11 get it. You even get to set the terms. This is good. Lighten up already! AQUARIUS, Jan. 21 - Feb. 20 Aquarians are famous for two things: a great capacity for friendship and humanitarian impulses, and a great tendency to do weird things that shock other people. You’ll have to use one trait to overcome the other this month. You seem te create the wrong impression every time you open your mouth and your ego can suffer as a result. Hide out in the basement and invent something, or throw your energies into a good, whale saving cause. PISCES, Feb. 20 - March 21 You are read), to make the plans today that will improve your life tomorrow. You also need to actually do something to put your goals in motion. Don’ t let your natural optimism degenerate into an, "Oh, well. It will all work out somehow, "frame of mind. You’ll need a little help from your friends to make things work out in your favor. If you don’t already have a supportive group of friends and collaborators, go out and find them. Green & Yellow Night FAMILY NIGHT The First Thursday of Each Month 6:00 pm to Midnight Dine, Drink & Relax Among Friends Featuring Jim & Gwendolyn’s ::/-;: Select Dinner Entrees & Brent’s Superb Desserts For a. iTaste of Local Flavor Gay Owned & Operated Jim & Brent ’s Serving Lunch: Noon to 3pm, Dinner: 5 to 1 lpm, Closed Thurs.. ,. ~ ~. .~ ~-, B.IST.RO 17a South Main On-Pihner Hifi i/: Histr~icEurrka Springs, AR~01-253-7457 ....." ~II-" .... ~ ~;:~~...... " " W lib F arnilyIn M in d" Gay-owned, Operated 8, Rainbow Proud 20% of all proceeds will go to Amnesty International’s "Break The Silence" Campaign MCelungI ealty, Inc. ~’l’he Land Specialists" 501-253-968; (days) " OR. 50~12~:53 ~8~69:~.~veni offe~-i,ng~,/.i:~tafle@j~d & i3r~kfast Inns; Comme~eia!; Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country. Estates, & much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG community in Eureka Springs for over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. We specialize in creative financing. EUREKA SPRINGS �Eureka’s Newest Kids in ToWn b~i Phvl Boler-Schmidt ""The thing that really sold us on the place was the bumper stickers!" Such was the main selling point for Linda and Susan, two of Eureka Springs" newest residents. A recent influx of new lesbians in town has added to the already substantial lesbigay population here. The reasons for their relocation adventures were many, but all resounded with a single, "I’m supposed to be here," when it came right down to it. Linda had the most unusual answer to the ques tion about the defining moment in the decision-malting process: "We’d studied subsoils, studied taxes, studied temperatures, organic growing seasons, all this stuff. And basically, it boiled down to the bumper stickers." Such is life in smalltown middle America. With between 30 and 40% of our population being gay and lesbian, we live in a bit of utopia here, but you’ve heard that before. Wqay did all these new women move here? Why did they choose Eureka Springs, a small Victorian town in the heart of the Bible Belt? And more to the point, what keeps them here? "’I was called by the Universe." So says Rev. Kermie Wohlenhaus, pastor of MCC of the laving Spring. "I was looking for a placewith spiritual diversity...The:e is so much life here...It was really st irittm] diversity versus conservatism.’" And there is much more diversity than onlS that of a spiritual nature. We have lots of gays and lesbians. We have lots of fundamentalist: Christians. We have numerous artists of one type or another. We have quaint Victorian homes, and we have large developed music theatres. Preservauonists abound, yet so do the developers. It’s a wonderful contrast of opposites. Linda points out, "...there is a really high creative genius here. There is an .:F~k.a Springs,just now approaching my ~ne-y~ar anniversary of packing up my parmer, myself, our pets and belongings and making the journey from the Western : slope of Colorado. One of my main reasons for wanting to make the move was that I wanted to see why it works here. 1 remember talking to a friend and saying : something like,"How come they can hay e ¯ Jesus on East Mountain, and The Great ¯ artist~,,c genius here, a joy and bliss that we felt... Linda and susan]ust recently reloPassion Play, such a high percentage of ~ cated from Wash. State via New Jersey. queers, and still all get along?" Some- ¯ Connie and B~ili~ re ...... times, I still wonder. eei~tly moved bere from But, I can tell you this: ¯" come they can have it really does work. I : Tucson and San Diego attribute much of that by way of Mountain Jesus on East Mountain... working to the balance Home, Arkansas. Billie The Great Passion Play, here. It would be diffi- ; notes,"I read an article cult to ignore the im- ¯ in the papers about what such a high percentage of the percentage of the portance of such alarge ." ~ueeTts, percentageofthe popupopulation is in Eureka lation, if not in public ~ Springs that’s gay, and & still all ~et alon~? issues, at the very least, ." it’s a pretty large percentage for a small in terms of economics. ¯ All of the women that were interviewed : town, like one third of the population. I specifically for this article had heard about ; thought, Yeah, that’s wonderful. Finally, Eureka Springs from other people and had ¯ a place where you don’t have to hide." visited prior to deciding to make the move. ¯ Susanechoed that feeling,"There’s ahigh So, I would suggest that you be aware of : population of gays and lesbians here, and this when visiting the place we call "’the ; it feels like you’re really welcome." When hole the buckle goes through in the Bible asked about the diversity m lifestyle B elt." After all, of the 16 or so new women choices and religious viewpoints in our in town, not one felt she really had a ~ town, Connie had this to sav: "My philosophy has ahvays been mrre inclusive choice but to move here after visiting on : vacation or just passing through. There is than exclusive of any group of people....I a real magnetism here. love the diversity here." But, be ready for a shock, as Billie puts : I am one of those relative newcomers to How it: "It’s almost too comfortable here. It’s almost too safe here, and we son, crimes forget that there still is a fight out thcre. There is still work to be done.’" Connie tempers this observation with one of her own: "...one of Eureka Spnngs" strongest virtues is I have yet to run into apathetic people. They are very involved in their community, and whether I am in agreement with them and what they want to seein terms of the future of the community is actually rather irrelevant." I tend to agree with Conme On this one. Eureka has a population, of just under 2,000. Nowhere else have I seen so many unique individuals, each doing his or her own thing, respecting other people’s right to be just as unique, and all the while, caring deeply about this community and its future. I could go on and on. But, it’s something youjust have to experience for yourself. Be prepared to pack up and move though. When two friends of ours left our small town ~n Colorado some two-plus years ago to relocate to Eureka Springs, I remember standingin their driveway while the moving van was being packed. One looked at me, and said, "’phyl, just go home and get your stuff. There’s plenty of room on the truck, and we "know you’re gonna be there eventually anyway." We didn’t listen. We had to see for ourselves, and visited last September. Six weeks later, we were the newest kids in town. It’s a recurring theme in Eureka Springs. Come see for yourself. ¯ Raven/Redhawk Enterprises Phyl Boler-Schmidt ¯ ~ MCC ofthe Living Spring ¯ (501) 253-7311 Jerrx A. Wi-lson * A Friendly Place to Slay ...a community of friends... Rew Kermie Wohlenhaus, Pastor POB 429 Eureka Springs 72632 We welcome you to attend! Services held SUnday evenings at 6 PM 17 Elk Street (at the Unitarian Church) Eur.eka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ " KING’S HI-WAY INN ¯ ¯ 501-253,.9337 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Systems & Software Specialist 1-800-231-1442 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ ¯ ¯ Adu/t Accommodmior~ BEAVER DAM STORE Fishing Headquarters for N.W. Arkansas In Eureka Springs, Arkansas Craftsman-style cottages with beautiful views of the woods and wildlife -.Tucked on topof the Ozark Mountains. iust a few minutes walk to the Historic Village of Eureka Springs. 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Host - 50 Wall Street - Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 Hwy. 62 East Eureka Springs, Arkansas 501-253-6001 A UTHENTIC FRESH RAINBOW TROUT ITALIAN CUISINE COTTAGE DAVE HAGER RUTH GOODWIN.HAGER S.U.A.E. of Eureka Springs Open Through Christmas A ~d 8t Bre.altFast Recommended by the New York Times (501) 253.6807 Closed kVednesday 5 Center Street Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501/253-86,59 �SALOON Friday’so..Party Night at the Star Dec. 1, Flashlight Party 1st xxx People Get a Free Flashlight or Bring Your" Own.’ Wednesday Night Showcase Starting Dec. 6th, hosted by Courtney Farrell Featuring Open Talent Dec. 22, Christmas Show Featuring Sid Spencer Green Country Cloggers & Some of Tulsa’s Best Talent Starting Dec. 3, Sunday Night Dancers, 8~Midnight 834-4234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am How To Do It Send your ad & First 30 words are $10. Each payment to POB additional word is 25 cents. 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your You m.ay bring additional attenuon to your ad with: name, complete Bold Headline - $1 address, d~y & Ad in capital letters - $1 eve. numbers Ad in bo]d capital letters - $2 (for our records Ad in box - $2 only) Ad reversed - $3 Ads will run i.r~ Tear sheet mailed - $2 the next issue afBlind Post Office Box - $5 ter they are Please type or print your ad. received. Count the number of words. TFN reserves the (A word for our purposes is a right to edit or group of letters or numbers sepa- re~’use any ad. No rated by a space.) refunds. CIVIL RIGHTS HELP? American Civil Liberties Union of O"klahoma 600 NW 23rd, Suite 104 OKC 73106, 405-524-8511 HIV+ Singles Magazine Safe & confidential. Free copy, 36 word personal ad, voice mail, and mail forwarding! Local and nationwide! All lifestyles. Gay, HIV+ owned & operated. Intropoz+, 564 Mission St. Box 415, SF, CA 94105, 800-820-2948 Friday, December 1st, World AIDS Day Candlelight March Begins at Sharp Chapel at T.U. at 6:30 AND DON’T FORGE . Men of the Southwest Two Dynamite Male Dancers Every Thursday NO COVER Friday & Saturday Dance Party Dance & Sweat with DJ David Dees, $2 cover Robbie Walker & The Sunday Slam Dominique Daniels, Paris Grey, Kris Kohl, Ivana B. Real, Michelle Ross Voted the #1 Show in Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma, Every Sunday, 1 lpm, $2 cover Beer Bust & S "al Shots 9-1 Every Thurs., Fri., and Sun. 9-2,3340 S. Peoria Tulsa, 918.744-0896 �Oklahoma SON WANTS DAD: GWM, 31, 5’11 ", 180, brown hair, green eyes, HIV-, seeks a HIV- Daddy for a serious relationship. Relocation is most definite if Daddy wants. Please leave a message. =15358 Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: GWM, 25, 5’10", 175, brown hair, masculine and discrete, good looking, non smoker, athletic, seeks other inexperienced males, 21-301 for friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. =14178 Grove WANNA PUNK WITH ME?: new to area, not into bars, Dave, 20 6’ 185 brn/red/hzl, goatee, eyebrow earring, love volleyball, good music, good food great conversation, meditate, spiritual, give me a call- =9385 Oklahoma BOUND AND GAGGED: GWM, Leather submissive seeks a very aggressive Leather aggressive, for serious encounters. No holds barred preferred. Please leave a message. =2827 Oklahoma LET’S TEACH EACH OTHER: Bi Curious WM, 27, 6’, 195, tanned, seeks other males, 18-30, bi curious preferred, far learning experiences. Please leave a message. =17153 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and honest person, like this in a person, give me a call- =9464 GI: B THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 Oklahoma BRAND NEW: GWM, 27, 150 5’8", brown hair, hazel eyes~ will try anything once, varied interests, seeks other guys for friendship and much more. Please leave a message. =17465 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (,) 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 Tulsa TULSA TWO STEP: GWM, 26, 5’7", 145, good looking and in shape, seeks others, 18-27, for friendship and fun.Please lea~e a message. =.17238. - Oklahoma BIG BOY: GWM, 5’6", 250, brown hair, blue eyes, seeks others far friendship and more. Please leave a message. =11041 Tulsa PLAIN, SIMPLE, HONEST: GWM, 28, 165, hard worker, out doors man and active, seeks other GWM’s far friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. =14249 Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: C~.WM, inexperienced, 30, 6’, 150, brown hair, green eyes, professional, smoke/alcohol Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say b~fore calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to Write down your box number. free, seeks inexperienced GWM’s. 18-25 for special encounters. Please leave a message. Must be discrete and drug free. =14856 COCKED AND LOADED: GWM, 22, 6’2", 185, biown hair, green eyes, seeks GWM’s, 35-45, average build and weight for friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. =13357 RIGHT ON THE MONEY: GWM, 31, 5’6", seeks, GWM’s, 25-50, into getting acquainted instead of fantasizing about our looks. We’rg not all Greek God’s or are we built like horses. Some of us are just average. Call me. =12799 BI,I~I BLUES: BiCurious WM, 27, 175, .6’, attractive, seeks other attractive m~les, 20-30, who are patient and understanding. Must be drugidiseose free. Please leave a message. =13020 FUN IN THE CORRAL: GWM, 31, brown hair, hazel eyes, ’stache, 5’6", 165, seeks companionship of mature GWM, 23-40, who are aggressive, : masculine and gentle. Furry cowboys a plus. Call me! =13859 Tulsa LOADED: 27, 6’, 180 iso men 1830 for some fun, give me a call- =9298 OK City DADDY’S HOME: WM, 41, 6’ 180 blk brn, iso slim musc 18-41 for ruband friendship-leave a message~9318 Oklahoma City SHOOT THE BREEZE: GWM, 22, brown hair/eyes,. 5’6", seeks fun and relationship oriented GWM’s under 30. Smoker/Light Drinker OK. Must be disease/drug free =11041 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: orofessional, 42 WM, iso other Gay or bi male, 30s 40s, in the area, let’s play! = 7392 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 21 BM, kinda looking for someone to love, tired of being by myself, love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- = 7435 Tulsa LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE: Bi Curious Married WM, very attractive, good body, 6’1", 180, blonde hair, blue eyes; seeks other white males far first time experience. Please leave a message. No need to be discrete. =16302 Du~ to our large volume of calls if you can’t get thru, simply try your call later. Texarkana WILD BOYS: GWM, 26, 6’1 ", 185, blonde hair, blue eyes, very hairy, seeking sub 18-35.GWM’s for mutual fun and satisfaction. You won’t be disappointed. Please leave a message. =11036 Tulsa GAY OR BI: AI, 32, very mosc prof~l, GBM iso Gay or bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sports, outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks! = 7580 Oklahoma LOOKING FOR SERIOUS FUN: GWM, Oklahoma State University student, 20’S, 5’9", 150", good body, varied interests, seeks others for fun and more. I am very discrete. Please leave a message. =16686 :2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We, ll print it here) fun and friendship with relationship possibilities. Let’s get together and celebrate life. =6571 Oklahoma City GOOD TIMES ARE WAITING: I’m 27 y/o, 5’11, 2151bs, athletic build: Vmlkg4 someone to share good times with I like dancing, I’m a light drinker and a non smoker. =1663 Texarkana I’M YOUR MAN: I’m a 39 y/o WM, 5’8, 1401bs. I’m disease free and I’m Ikg4 someone 18-45 who is well built, call me, please be discreet. =9582 Oklahoma City PRIME TIME: I’m a 38 y/o WM "IV. I’m a total TV and I’m Ikg4 men who would like to spend some time with me. I’m clean, drug and disease free. =9808 Ada HOMO ALONE IN ADA: I’m 6’3, brn/brn, 1901bs. I’m Ikg4 gay men 18-25 far good times, call me. =10271 Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6, 2151bs, WM. I’m Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s with a medium to slim build. I like singing, bowling, golf, movies and cuddling. If you are interested, please call me. =47265 Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking for GLM/GWM far hot fun in the sun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Leave me a message and let’s get together soon. =10596 Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very versatile, seeks new friends in the area far Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s iso BIWM 30-40, ht/wt prop, very discreet, expect same, like share some time, i! you are interesteo, give mea call, VII returnall calls= 7822 Tulsa NEW TO AREA: Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out alot, phys fit, Ikg far a str to BI BM 35-65 to have a good time with, go out with give me a call- = 7842 Eastern AR CUDDLE BY li’IE FIRF4 Jack, GWM, 37, It. bmibm, mus~he, ~ masc, ~ appearing/acting, iso friends po~s rel in ~he area, like all music, dining, Jhealer, silting by a fir~, ould0a~, animals, you name it- give me a call- = 7873 Oklahoma City JASON, 24, 5’10, 170, Ikg to meet other hot guys, around my age, if you’d like, give me a call- = 7885 OK. City YOUNG AND PREPPY: Mike, like to meet people under 40, just safe, discreet honest, 18 young preppy, new to this, a little nervous, if you are interested give me a call- = 8029 Malvern FANTASY FUN: Jack, 33 WM, Ikg far guys into fantasies, give me a call leKs get together. = 8031 Oklahoma City BI OR BI CURIOUS? 36, in the city the first wk of the month, looking far bi or bi curious, gdlkg, 6’1, 175, 33w, give me a cal!- = 8514 Tulsa HEY GIRLS:athletic ath’. SWF early 30’s 5’4 1101bs bm/bm Ikg4 open minded women for discreet hot fun. call me! ~45795 Dallas/Ft. Worth LEZ TALK: my name is Usa, I’m Ikg4 someone to have great phone fun with. I love talking on the phone. Im 42 y/o and I hope you call me. e45492 Arlington LESBIAN SISSY:my name is Miss Michael. Im a sissy and I believe in lesbian power. Im Ikg2 meet a lesbian who wants to show me her power. =45901 Dallas DALLAS DOU4 36 y/o F into reading, poetry and all types Of music. I love doQs and’im r~al shy, not into’the club scene and Im Ikg4 a friendin the Dallas area. call me. ~38212 Dallas BI BI LOVE: my name is Kay, I’m a married woman Ikg2 meet a bi wbman for fun, dancing, dining for poss. long term rel.. I~ you are sen_sual and romantic, car!! ~46491 Dallas AFRICAN QUEEN: I’m a 37 y/o African American Ikg4 the same 30-40. I’m shy and I’m drug and disease free. I have.lwo dogs and I’m sincere and honest. If you are I~onest and sincere, call me. =38212 BUTCH/FEM: i’m a 23 y/o female and like poetry, cycling and music. I’m Ikg4 a friendship and a poss. relationship. I’m a ttle butch and a little fern. all calls wil/be returned. ~47521 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single Woman with no kids Ikg4 a special female friend to love and care for. call me. =1614 Arkadelphia, AR STAR GAZER: my name is Angela, I’m a 21 y/o stbdent interested in trying new things, stor gazing and more. I would like to meet a nice woman for fun and friendship, call me! =46392 Kansas Cily AFFECTIONATE AND PLAYFUl4 GWF 32 y/o attr. affectionate, playful and fun. I’m Ikg2 meet fun, honest, ath’active women for fun and friendship. =45977 �QUALITY ALTgRNATIVE WHAT.IS VIATICATION? HOW DOESA SETTLE- HOW IS SOUTHWEST Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. MENT WORK? VIATICAL DIFFERENT? WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generaliy, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of )’our polic) and )’our tmique medical situation. Not ever), policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value,_depending on the specifics of your,:policy and medical history. With )’our written permissibn~ we gather medical and Today, malay companies offer viatical settlements, insurance records with which to determine )’our policy’s value. Then, a settlernnt offer is presented to vou. You doing business Olfly by bulk advertising and 1-800 nuinbers. The)’ transfer your insurance and medical records by mail, and do business from another state. may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made..directly to you. You pay nothing else on ),our policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the.best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a commtmity level, aud are responsible directly to our local community. Many factors influence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and )our family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Plamaer to assist you in planning the best outconie from your unique finmacial situation. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And.because of our established resources, we cat] deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you, Southwest Home Office Dallas, Texas 800,559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB~,14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011. 918-747-3320 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities Our Families of the Heart November 15-December 14, 1995, Volume 2, Issue 12 National News ¯ community center ¯ ~..S~’v,~,tL,-.~=_~-._,.,~~-,~~~_=.=.-,_=-_, ""ECmloesreg;eTnOcHyRMTeoeHtionldg Clinton Backs Federal Anti-Bias Measure WASHINGTON ~- President Bill Clinton has made history by becoming the first U.S. chief executive to endorse federal legislation that would bar. bias based on sexual orientation, the Employment Non- Discrimination Act. The act, sponsored by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), James Jeffords (R-Vt.) and others,is aimed at preventing employment bias against lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. see Clinton, page 10 Researcher Confirms "Gay" Gene Study NEW YORK - The scientist who made headlines two years ago with research that demonstrated a link between male homosexuality and specific genetic markers has now reported in new research that the so-called"gay gene" influences the sexuality of gay men, but not lesbians, confinning the link that drew enormous national interest when first reported in 1993. see Genes, page 10 MAINE SAYS N,O! Radical Right Groups Thwarted Portland, .Maine - Voters in Maine rejected a discrirmnatory ballol measure that sought to forever deny basic fights to gay and lesbian Mainers. Question 1, the only anti-gay measure on a state ballot tiffs year, was the ill?st such initiative to appear on a state ballot east of the Rocky Mountains. Last year, voters in Idaho and Oregon rejected anti-gay measures. Earlier exit polls predicted the victory. "Commonsense and decency tritunphed over extremism. Today’s vote here in Maine is in keeping with the national trend. Americans are rejecting extremism,". said Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian and gay political organization. "But we must put this campaign~n perspective. While this was a wonderful victory, gay and lesbian citizens of Maine have not moved one step closer to having b~sic equal fights Gay and lesbian people can still be fired from their jobs, even in Maine, merely for being gay." Birch noted that Maine is one of the 41 states that does not protect its citizens from discrimination based on sexu~fl orientalaon, and that federal law see Maine. page 15 Colorado vs. Gays Supreme Court Update WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in what is widdy considered themost important gay fights case in more than a decade. The outcome of that case could affect local and state laws across the country. At issue in th e case is the anti-gay Amendment 2 narrowly approved by Colorado voters in a statewide referendum in 1992. The amendment prohibits state agencies or local govermnents from adopting la~vs or regulations extending anti-discrimination protections to cover sexual orientation. see Colorado, page 10 ¯ " Organizers of an effort by Tulsa Okla- ¯ Open Your Mind, ¯ humans for Human Rights (TOHR) to ¯ " establish a community center for Tulsa’s . Open Your Heart! ¯ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, &Transgendered ¯ : communities have located a prormsing ¯ ¯ site with two buildings. Because the cur- . PROJE~r 0Pl:H M|ND " rent building owner has expressed a de- . " sire to movequickly, organizers are work- . ¯ ing feverishly to do necessary structural ¯ A simulated Gay bashing is featured in this 30 sec. TV spot created for PFLAG. ¯ and mechanical, evaluations as well as : " ’ " nti " paig "financialrequirements. PFLAG BeginsA -Hate Media Cam n " Because TOHR By-laws require any ¯ proposal of this sort authorization of the ¯ Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gay (PFLAG) began a national media : general membership, several boardmem- campaign to combat anti-Gay ,dolence and attitudes. Tulsa, with Atlanta and Houston, . bets expect that an emergency member- "¯ is one of the trial cities where the two 30 second commercials were to air. The .spots ¯ interweave tv clips of televangelists,like Pat Robertson, expressing very negative views ." isnhTiphmanekestginivgiwngillwbeeecka.llCede,rtpaoinsslyibltyheeasriltye ¯ about Lesbians, Gay men and homosexuality with images of a young woman contem- ¯ : plating suicide and a man being beaten in a Gay-bashing. will be discussed at the next TOHR board National vice president Nancy MacDonald with Bill ~ Kathv Hinkle, Tulsa leaders, " meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 21 ¯ were joined at the 11/8 press conference by representatives of local groups supporting ¯" at 7 pm. ¯ the campatgn. Mrs. MacDonald spoke eloquently of bet experience with anti-Gay ¯ Typically thesemeetings are held at the ¯ TOHR office at 40th & Harvard, 2nd violence against herchildren. KTUL, Ch. 2 accepted one of the spots for broadcast. Other stations declined to air them, citing fears that the spots might have the opposite effect as : floor. However, since these meetings are ¯ intended and might actually incite violence. Several expressed suppork for the proiect : by the bylaws, open to members and by ¯ goals but stated that they simply found them not appropriate to this market. They noted ¯ tradition, to the community, it’s anuci- ¯ - also that they had shared these concerns with PFLAG while the spots were still in the pated that a larger meeting place will be ¯ script stage. PFLAG hopes to take this program national. . required. Info: 743-GAYS, (4297). Budget o.r Bias.? Larg.ent Co-sponsor.s" World AIOSOay, 12/1 Ultra Radical Right Anti-Gay Dornan Bill Theme: Shared Rights, ¯ Shared Responsibilities In July, Steve I_argent, member of Congress forO-ldahOma’s 1st District (mostlvTulsa " €ounty) became a:eosp0nsof ofHR 862.This.bili ii~tr0dfiCed l~,Radi~Ri~,hi.,a~,.~l- n~ted ... ..... Tulsa organizations Will counnemorate anti-Gay Rep. Bob Doman (R-So. California)forbidS theuse offederal funds to directly : \Vorld AIDS Day with events over a several day p~riod. On Wednesday, Nov. 29, o.r indirectly to promote, condone, accept, or celebrate homosexuality, lesbiamsm, or the Tulsa City-County Library System, bisexuality". The ~ ashington-based Human Rights Campaign, a national Lesbian: Gay lobbying organization, selected I_argent for its Hall ofFame & Shame in the inaugural the HIV ResOurce Consortium, mad the issu~ of their new quarterly magazine. Community Information Senice are spun- " soring a panel discussion: WOrld AIDS The impact of the legislation if it were to be passed is not clear because its language Day: A Tulsa Perspective at the Central ~s vague. However, since federal funds are widely distributed through even local and state govennnent, the bill ~uight require public libraries, schools, and both public and Library, Aaronson Auditorinm from 7- - private universities to remove any materials which could be seen as promoting or 8:45 pm. The panel of lo’cal experts will accepting. The bill might also prevent even discnssion of civic i~sues in schools or be: Janice Nicklas, Sheryl Dagmig, Mary universities; for example, the issue of Gays in the military nlight be untouchable. David Smith and TonmLv Chesbro, moderated by Claudette Peterson. The event is free Buckel of Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund noted that such restrictions dearly raise 1 st Amendment/free speech issuesand that ifpassed, they tend to have a "chilling" a~ad open to the public. effect since adminstrators may over-react. " On Friday, December 1 st, Interfaith Largent’s chief legislative d~rector, Marie \Vheat, suggested that Largent’s cosponsor- " .AIDS Ministries will sponsor a candleship was not motivated by anti-Gay bias but rather by an concern to cut the federal budget : light .march and memorial service to be as much as possible. Media spokesperson, Nick ThimmesCh, added that this cosponsor- " see World, page 10 ship may have been due more to the v~ews of Largent’s legislative assistant for civil " CommunityActivists rights, Paul Webster. Thimmesch expressed concern about the possible 1st Amendment xssues and expressed a willingness of the office to reexamine the bill to Host Lesbian/Gay MCC - Greater Tulsa " New Gay-Friendly ¯ Internet Program Charter Pulled; Next: ¯ Church: St. Jerome’s ¯ Tim Gillean ~ ~elly mrby, commu- District Investigation Ecumenical Cathofic: uityactivistsandretiring°ft~cers°fTulsa ~ o . . " Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), Tulsa’s oldest predominately Lesbian ¯ Saint Jerome Ecumenical Catholic : are moving on to talk radio - sort-of. &Gay church, the Metropolitan Commu- " Church, will observe its inaugural Mass ¯ Taylor Subscription Talk fiST) is a new nity Church of Greater Tulsa, has lost its ¯ on Saturday, December 2, 1995 at 6:00 see lnternet, page 3 charter amid-charges, of poor manage- ¯ p.m.. The Mass’will be celebrated at the " : ment made by some members againstits Community of Hope, 1703 E. 2nd St."IN~IO ¯ formerpastor, AliceJones.Theannounce- " Tulsa Oklahoma. ment of the decision of the denomination ¯ The Ecumenical Catholic Church is an ¯ : to downgrade the status ofMCC-Greater ¯ independent Christian denomination in EDITORIAt. " - ~~ " P. 2 ¯ Tulsa was made at the annual congrega- " the Catholic liturgical tradition. It is a ¯ tional meeting, Oct. 29th. Pastor Jones, ¯ denomination inclusive of all people, DIRECTORY P. 2 NEWS BRIEF.S P. 4 ¯ who resigned in August but who had .- where being Gay or Lesbian is accepted. ¯ continued as an interim pastor after her In this Church, ~od loves you uncondi- HEALTH BRIEFS ":~ P~’6 ¯ remgnadon, commuting to Tulsa from " tionally as you were made and as .you ar~. CALENDAR : Dallas, preached thatmorning but did not ¯ HOI~’0sCoPi= - .: The servicrs should appeal to Episcopa- ¯ : remain for the congregational meeting. ¯ lians, Lutherans and Roman Catholics as EUREKA PAGES " P. 16-17 ¯ see MCC, page 3 . see Saint, page 3 PERSONALS P. 19 . 918-583-1248 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher/Editor i Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire~o~te~ts of,.. Tom Neal this publication are protected by US copyright 1995 by’Pq.ils a i~amjly Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writers/contributors photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Phyl Boler-Schmidt Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Leanne Gross noted, must be signed & becomes the sole propert3~ of Tulsa Family Pat Morehead News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution JD Jamett points Additional copies.are available.at Tomfoolery! Korean War, $250 billion spent, 54,000 lives lost, Vietnam War, $350 billion spent, 58,000 lives lost, Gulf War, $28 billion spent, 213 lives lost and AIDS research, $6 billion spent, 250,000 lives lost. This information from a GLAAD newsletter originally came from an advertisement in The New York Times placed by a AIDS awareness organization, Motturrs’ Voices. Although I feel 1 shouldn’t be surprised by these figures, still I was stunned..To any one whose lived through this horror now of ten years+ of the AIDS pandemic, it’s been dear that WE, as a society, as a government, and many as individuals, as Oklahomans, have valued the destruction of war more than trying to save the lives of our own countrymen and women, and others around the world. That seems a safe conclusion if you assume that our actions, i.e. where we spend our dollars, speak to our true values. Again to look at the figures, this means the cost of each life lost in those wars was: Korean War, $4.6 million/one human life, Vietnam War, $6.0 million/one human life, Gulf War, $132.0 million/one human life, and AIDS research, $24,000/one human life. Now despite all the rhetoric about Judeo-Christian values we’ve heard from politicians from Reagan on, these figures do not speak for those "traditional family values" of compassion, seeking justice and helping those in need which are at the heart of traditional Jewish and Christian (and other religion’s) messages. And our current Congress, in its alleged attempt to balance the budget and return our government to fiscal responsibility (worthy goals), may cut Medicaid which provides a~x~ess to medical care for low-income persons and persons with disabilities - for example, people living with AIDS.The Congress is also stalling action on Rvan White CARE Act So when v~’e participate in WorldAIDS Day, and whenwe help with theNAMES PROJECT Quilt, which was’so powerfuily displayed last month, let us not forget that political action is AIDS work too. When we sew a panel or when we ring our bells, as we grieve and remember, and as we help those suffering now, let us also act on their behalf and in their memory. National politics has real life consequences here in Oklahoma. Silence still equals death for ourselve~ and those whom we love. Action equals lif~. Do something° - Tom Neal, publisher & editor by Phil Bob.’r-Schmidt Queer politics is a volatile game, a mix of inyour- face direct action and behind-the-scenes maneuvering for position. It is a game with which I am familiar and a game I fondly hope we, one day, no longer have to play. Over the years, as my involvement in the queer political scene has broadened, I’ve watched as we make the same nustakes over and over again, and only recently has this repetitive revelation dawned on me. I believe there is a way to stop the pattern. During my involvement in the anti-Amendment Two campaign in Colorado in 1992, I watched my friends and colleagues, and even me, become political animals. We had to. There seemed no other conceivable way to defeat our opposition, a formidable opposition with too much support from national organizations that was way ahead of us in planning. I watched as normally passive resistors became rabid direct action experts. I watched, sometimes in shock and horror, as my own way of dealing with the world became a thing of the past, and I lived in a constant state of political awareness, ready to jump on any opportunity to garner even one more vote for our side. I was out of.my dement. My partner and I had adopted a philosophy years before that had served us well. We consciously chose to work on changing the world one person at a time. The advent of Amendment Two took us out of that philosophy and into the world of in-yourface politics. Changing the world one person at a rime became a luxury; it was no longer an option. What I learned from that experience and my continued involvement in the queer political scene is that someone HAS to give if we are ever going to get along in this.world and make it work. I am not ~uggestIng that we give up the fight for equality, either in civil rights issues or the quest to lift the gender restrictions on the several States’ marriage laws. Quite the opposite is true. I AM suggesting we back off a bit and allow some breathing room. Someone has tO do it, and as long as both sides of the debate are in rabid soapbox mode, no one will ever win. All we will do is allow ourselves to continue to be taken out of our own element and into THEIR element. It is a position from which we can never make any progress. We need a breather. We need to take time to work out a strategy, a p!an. We need to actually afford ourselves the luxury of doing something pro-active. As long as we continue to press the Radical Right from our current vantage point, we will continue to be on the defensive, and they will continue to have the upper hand. I believe in working from our strengths, not our weaknesses. One of our strengths as a community is that we have the advantage of allowing our neighbors, our friends, our communities the pleasure of getting to know us as people. It is my firmlyheldbelief that it is-0nly when others see us as people that we stand any chance of really changing anything. We cannot accomplish this from our current posiuon. Let’s consider a truce, a period of time off for good behavior, even if our opposition chooses not to participate. In the long run, I believe we will be able to accomplish our goals more effectively and with a lot less toll on us as people, on our relationships, and our lives. Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria *Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th *Lola’s, 2630 E 15th *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time’n’TimeAgain, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Adiniral Wild Fork, Utica Square, 21st & Utica *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 744-0896 585-5622 749-1563 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-4340 742-0712 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Dermis C.Amold, Realtor 746-4620 Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble BoOksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Budget Window Treatments, 7116 So. Mingo, Ste. 102 254-2100 Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 592-1521 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 D’Antiques, 1508 E. 15th 592-5356 *Dusty Roads at the Silver Star, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan" 838-8503 Express Pools & Spas, 6310 S. Peoria 743-9994 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Harming 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 International Tours 341-6866 Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Lean Ann Macomber, Realtor Associate, 671-2010 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884 *MediaPlay, 9121 E. 71st 250-5158 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 st 663-5934 *-Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 PI 664-2951 Puppy Pause II, llth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton .496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 41’46 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery Gifts & Cards, at Family of Faith MCC 583-1248 Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733, Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 B~L..G Alliance, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman S tudent Center, University of Tulsa *Community of Hope (United.Methodist), 1703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity/Integrity (Lesbian/Gay Catholics &Episcopalians) 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 ,Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity (African-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV ResourceConsortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H- 1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith. Network 749-4195 -Rainbg~.B~iness Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174 : " .R~i~W-~ii]age, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 ¯ "~’*Shanii Hotfine 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans forHuman Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3i’d 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsg Beaver Dam Store, 1/2 mi. N. of Dam on Hwy. 187 501-253-6154 Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W 800-231-1442 *MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 McClung Realtors 501-253-%82 Rock Cottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton 501-253-2204 Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 50L253-~6001 *The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-8281 audio-on-demand subscription service via the Internet. TST company chairman, Edward L. Taylor, states, "so often when it comes to having a voice, the Gay and Lesbian community gets left out. Commercial radio stations seldom carry Gay shows....here at TST, we hope to fill the gap..." TST programming includes a weekly radio show, The Gay 90’s by Buck Harris that is produced out of state. On Dec. 1, WorldAIDS Day, portions of the Harvard AIDS Conference will be carried live and the audio track of CablePositivewill be available on demand. Gillean & Kirby are hosting a program called, Hear Us Out, focusing on "issues from their viewpoint". TST also has set a goal of20 "fresh" hours of Lesbian &Gay programming a week. TST spokesperson, Shellie Cook, said that the service will consider providing "air-time" or access for other programming though they cannot provide studio support as they are for Hear UsO.ut. According to Cook, extensive experience may not required. She stated that neither Gillean nor Kirby had a background in radio and were chosen because "someone knew someone..." Program director, Ann Williams, formerly with KWGS, radio station of the University of Tulsa, spoke at a Rainbow Business Guild meeting last spring about the then in-development program and listened to Lesbian and Gay community b.usines s people about the lack ofcommunity oriented programming. ~ommumty reaction has been positive. However, one community observer, discussing the announcement of the program, expressed surprise at this new "visibility" for Gillean since Gille’andedined to serve as public spokesperson forTOHR during the time he served as TOHR president. Others have expressed regrets that the impact of. the service may be limited since it requires a somewhat expensive computer equipment and paid access. To hear the programming, listeners need a "multi-media" computer and modem. For more information: website: http://www.tstradio.com e-mail: mail@tstradio.com or call ’481-0077 or 800-789-4506. they are adapted from all three churches, and to others who desire a more liturgical form of worship. Membership is open to all who would serve Christ without bigotry, in truth and justice. Saint Jerome ECC will be a parish church in. the Diocese of the Mountains and P1ains,joining 14 other parishes in the US and in 3 other countries. Regular Masses_will be celebrated on each Saturday at 6:00pm at the Community of Hope. For more information, contact Rick Hollingsworth at (918) 742-7122. Making Sense TOHR Announces New HIV Prevention Program Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights begins a new and innovative, four week program for Gay & Bisexual’men for HIV prevention. The progrmn uses concepts of harmreduction that emphasize non-judgemental, flexible and individualistic approaches to HIV issues. Topics will include: identity, intimacy, health, relationships & sex. Info: call Jason at 742.2927. Halloween at.... Wild Nights...& Halloween at....Renegades...& Halloween at....the Silver Star Teleflora Brass Hurricane $39.50 9720-C E. 31 sr Street Tulsa, Ok 74146 (918) 663-5934 Daphane Cooper Miracleglass Neil Ray Owner EXPRESS POOLS & SPAS yo.r poof tla,, Life (918) 743-9994 6310 S. Peoria Tulsa, OK 74136 The change in status means the church loses some of its autonomy. Major decisions will now have to be reviewed bv district authorities. One reason cited for the downgrade was the failure to pay required tithes to the district and to UFMCC headquarters. Church members who spoke on condition of anonymity allege that the tithes were as much as 5 months in arrears and that Pastor Jones had received several written and verbal communications asking for compliance. District Coordinator Ed Paul declined to comment on the communications issue because of concerns about litigation but stated that the tithes were in arrears but not as much as 5 months. Church members have also raised con: cerus about perceived irregularities in the financial records forthe yearending. Vvqaile the yearend report shows an ending balance on Sept. 30th of $9,307.38, by the congregational meeting on Oct. 29th, it was reported that the church had less than $700 on hand. At press time, inquiries to the church’s bank showed that the church’s -account appeared to have balance ofabout $1000-2000.~ District Coordinator Paul said he was not personally aware of the financial status but said that the district would perform a financial review as soon as they are able. Paul noted that he typically advises pastors and church leaders not tO try to sweep things under the rug, even if y. be painful. held this year on the campus of the Uni- .versity of Tulsa. Marchers should gather ~n the plaza between Sharp Chapel and McFarlin Library at 6:30. Parking is available on the street south of Sharp Chapel and on the street and in the lot at .the Chapman Activity Center. The march will move around campus, ending at the Great Hall of the Allen Chapman Activities Center where the memorial service will be held. Organizations may bring bamaers and individuals should bring bdls~ Candles will be provided. Around the country at 1:50pro on Dec. 1st, congregations are asked to ring their bells 15 times to recall the 15 years now of the epidemic. Between 7:45 and 8pm, across the country, communities are asked to dim their lights to demonstrate the commitment to fighting AIDS and in tribute to those living with HIV,"AIDS and those who have died from AIDS Interfaith AIDS Ministries wants to line the march route with lumnarnias displaying the names of those who have died. For more information or to submit a name, call 438-2437 or 800-284-2437 by Monday, Nov. 20th. Contributions are requested but are not required. On Sunday, Dec. 3, this year’s Red Ribbon Treefest will be held at the Spotlight Theatre at 1318 Riverside Drive with a reception at4pm & auction at 5:30. The Red Ribbon Treefest is an annual event where decorated holiday trees are auctaoned to raise funds for local HIV/ AIDS organizations. This year’s proceeds will benefit the HIV Resource Consortium’s prescription drug program and to assist Interfaith AIDS Ministries 800 AIDS information telephone line. Tree set-up will be from 9-3pm on Sunday. The SpotlightTheatre has a number of steps at the entrance. To arrange handicapped access, call 663-53721~" Y News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News U.S. Rep. Gerry Studds Announces Retirement BOSTON IJ.S. Rep. Gerry Studds (D-Mass.), who became the first openly gay member of Congress when he came out on lhc floor of the ltouse after he had bccn censured for having had sex 10 years earlier with a congressional page, has announc cd that hc will not run for his (’.ape Cod di strict scatagatn next year. Following that censure vote, Studds was nevertheless re-elected by a solid margin to become the first openly gay person ever elected to Congress. Studds has held his scat for 12 terms, a total of 23 years. Georgia Sodomy Law Challenged Again ATI ,A NTA -The Atlanta Const[ rut[on reports that L. Chi-is (?hfis~cnscn is chailcnging the Georgia sodomy statute, wlfich the ~ I.S. Supreme Court upheld 9 years ago. Attorueys reprcscnlmg Chfistcnsen, who was chargcd with soliciting an undcrcovcr sheriff’s dcputy, will argue that Chfistcnscn’s right to privacy ~s grcatcr under the state C.onstitution than it is under the I;.S. Constiluuon and that the sodomy slatutc infringes on that right. Martina Debuts Rainbow VISA Card NI’;W YORK Tcunis great Mart[ha Navratilova has stepped inlo the corporate promotion area bv inlroducing the "’Rainbow (Sard,’" Visa’s credit card aimed a~ the nation’s gay and lesbian commnnity. Backed by antomakcr Sub~L part of ~c ~d’s fccs will go to the R~nbow Card Foundation, a nonprofit organiz~tion ~at will help fund gay and lesbian heath and education groups in the U.S. The Rainbow Card is available throngh the Travelers Bank, and domestic parmers ~n apply for a.joint a~onnt. "q’hc inspiration for the Rainbow Card and the foundalion calnc from thc incrcdiblc s~cng~ and unityso many ofus sh~ed at the 1993 March on W~hington," Navratilova s~d. ’"l’~s cxpericn~ promptedmy l~ends m~d mc to evaluate ways to h~- ncss the coo heroic power of the gay community to achieve humanitarian goals. "lk~ay, I’m proud to inffodu~ the R~u~w ("ard as a fundraisiug tool that will gcncralc a substantial mnonnt of monc~ Ibr health ~d eduction ~uscs rclcv~t to lesbi~ s ~dgays." The fund hopes to r~se some $20 million for v~ous ch~table groups wi0fin ¯e next5ye~s, Navmfilova s~d. T~ find out more i~o~ation about the R~nbow C~d, phone 1-800~-~INBOW. Too Man~ ’Rainbows’ NEWARK, N.J.-Just ~ys ~ter it made a ~g~y publicized debut, the R~nbow C~d Fo~- fen has been h~ded a "cease ~d desist" order from the R~nbow Foundation, a New Jersey charity that helps sick children. A spokesperson from the Rainbow Foundation said, "Their causes are not our cause." Attorney Mark Momjian, representing the Rainbow Card Foundation, which will distribute funds raised for gay- and lesbian-oriented groups, said hundreds of charities use the word "rainbow" in their names. University Campus Adds Lesbigay Institute LOS ANGELES - Califonlia State University’s Northridge campus has OKed creating an Institute on Gay, Lesbian & Trausgender Studies. The institute will conduct lectures and seminars on the Southern California campus, starting this semester. In announcing the ne~v institute, Donald Hall, an associate professor of English at the school, said it will serve as a ...Somner LeCroix, an economist with the University of Hawaii... legalizing gay and lesbian marriages would increase the number of tourists visiting the state by about 172,000 people annually..¯ resource for faculty members who would like to include gay and lesbian studies in their course material. Hall said the campus has a large gay and lesbian student population, which the institute will serve. Hawaii Gay Marriages Equals 172,000 Tourists HONOLULU - A state committee holding hearings on the differences in benefits enjoyed by married couples that same-sex couples are ineligible for, was told by Sumner LeCroix, an economist with the University of Hawaii, that legalizing gay and lesbian marriages would increase the numberoftourists vi s- [tiny the state by about 172,000 people amiually. "’Adding more tourists of any stripe to the state would in general be good for the state," LeCroix told the Conunission on Sexual Orientation and the Law, authorized by the legislature as the staie tries to deal with the complex political and legal questions raised by a court challenge to the state’s refusal to give marriage licenses to samesex couples. Nat’l. Gay Organization Changes Name to HRC WASHINGTON - Noting that it is "so much more than a fund," the Human Rights Campaign Fund has formally changed its name to theHuman Rights,,Canlpaign. HRC has recently begun publishing "H,RZY’Quartefly," a journal of political news and perspective. In announcing the namechange, Elizabeth Birch, HRC"s execuuve director, also announced the organization’s latest Internet addition, a World Wide Web site that it says will let Internet users keep track of voting records for their members of Congress and conlmumcate with diem quicklyiThe - WWW site is: http://www.hrcusa.org. Tennessee Williams Honored by USPS CLARKSDALE, Miss. - Playwright Teunessee Williams is being honored by a U.S. Postal Service co~umemorative stamp. Williams, best kalown for his complex and emotionally intense plays such as A StreetcarNamed Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Suddenly Last Summer, was born in Columbus, Mississippi in 1911. He died in 1983. Possible Gay Spouse Not Enough for Annulment DUBLIN, Ireland -The Irish Supreme Court has refused to nullify the 16-year marriage of a couple, mmamed in court documents, who each believed the other was homosexual or bisexual. The couple, who have 3 children, wanted to annul their marriage even though neither presented any concrete evidence about the sexual orientation of the other. The wife said she thought her husband might be homosexual or bisexual because of a "close friendship" he had with another man and because she said that at times he preferred masturbation rather than sexual intercourse. Similarly, the husband said he with the caption "Roll One On." The pilot is considering filing a civil rights complaint over the incident. Disney Offers Partners Health Benefits IlOLLYWOOD The Walt Disney Compauy has become the latest member of the entertainment industry to extend insurance benefits to the domestic partners of its same-sex workcrs. A Dis~rey.spokesperson said the new policy ."brings our health benefits in line with our corporate non-discrinfination policy." The ncw benefitpackage applies only to the s,’une-sex partners of l)isncy employees and takes effect in January 1996. Fla. Lawmakers Attack Disney Partners Policy TAH.AHASSEE, Ha. - Fifteen F’lorida state legislators have written to Michael Eisner, chief executive officer of the Walt We wonder what Walt Disney hlmseff would think of your decision if he were alive today? We are inclined to believe he would be quick to pull the Iplug on such anti-tamily eomPany Polieies¯ - Florida legislators Disney Co., denouncing the motion picture and theme park giant’s decision to offer health insurance benefits to the domestic partners of its gay and lesbian employees. The 15 legislators charged Disney with"belittling the Sanethought the wife migh~ be a les- . : tity of mainage" and of forcing bian because of a "long and very ° its customers to pay for treatclose friendship" that she had with a younger woman. A lower court rejected the annulment petition, and the Supreme Court. upheld the lower court ruling; noting that "an inadequacy of the.ability to communicate" was not justification for an annulment and that despite the difficulties the couple faced "’the re must have been a fair amount of full sexual intercourse" simply to have had 3 children. Condom-Ad Blocked Over Football Stadium NEW YORK - An air tralTic controller in the busy New York City region blocked an airplane that was towing an ad for condoms from flying over the nearby Giants Stadium during a weekend football game. A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration said it was not FAA policy to prevent such advertising fly-overs because of the content of the ad. The towed ad depicted a 25-foot silhouette ofan unrolled condom ¯ ment for people with AIDS ¯ through the new health coverage ¯ that "will result in an increased number of AIDS cases." A Disney spokesman in ¯ Burbank; Calif., John Dreyer, said the company ~has no intention of reversing itself on the ¯ new policy and Saidit was consistent with the finn’s non-dis- ~ crimination policies. "This is about providing health benefits for our employees and nothing more," Dreyer said. "When we ¯ get the letter, we’ll decide how ¯ to respond to them, butwewon’t ¯ do it through the media." The " full text of the letter from the lawmakers to the Walt Disney Co. follows: " "An open letter to Michael " Eisner and the Walt Disney ¯. Board: We are deeply disap- ¯ pointed in.your recent decision to extend health benefits to the ~ domestic partners of your homosexual employees. The me~ ¯ dia and entertainment industry ¯ may consider this a ’politically ¯ correct’ and courageous change in policy, but we - and others who have looked to you as the provider of wholesome, familyoriented entertainment - consider your decision a big mistake both morally and financially. We are surprised at your belittlement of the sanctity of marriage. By implying that vows no longer need to be made in order to gain marital privileges, you are alienating the millions of )eople in this country who take ,the marriage covenant seriously and believe that it is ordained by God. We strongly disapprove of y~)ur inclusion and endorsement of a lifestyle that is unhealthy, unnatural and unworthy of special treamlent. Those who practice homosexuality are engaging in a life style that should not be given the same status as heterosexual marriages. Financially speaking, how can you give medical benefits to a group of people with such a high medical risk, "knowing full-well that other Disney employees and the American people will have to pick up die tab for the inevitable increased health insurance premiums? With your decision, you are alienating the vast majority of fanfilie~ in this country. Youmay be gaining the applause of a vocal minority of your employees, but you are jeopardizing your finaucial base which creates the need for those same employees. We are also deeply disappointed in the path that die Disney .company has chosen to follow. For more than 50 years Walt Disney Co. has represented all that is good and pure and wholesome in our nation. Families flocked to Walt Disney World and Disneyland because they knew that Walt Disney respected and nurtured the traditional American family and its strong moral values. Disney could always be counted on to provide parents and children alike with family-friendly, goodnatured entertainment. Nowadays, however, you are producing and-fami!y films underother labds,such as Miramax, and moving even further away from traditioual American values with this policy decision. Wewonder what Walt Disney himself would think of your decision if he were alive today? We are inclined to believe he would be quick topull.the plug on such anti-family company policies. We hope you will be quick to reconsider your new policy and work to reestablish the Disney Co. as a family-oriented brganization." Dole Waffles on Log Cabin Contribution WASH.INGTON - Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, abruptly changed.his time about a $1,000 campaign contribution from the gay and lesbian Log Cabin Republicans, saying it was a mistake to return the money and blaming the whole incident on N.ews Briefs Ne.wp ,Briefs News Briefs his campaign staff. _’ ~ The suit charges that"if the College, Republicans were compelled to-accept homosexuals ... this would change the message communicated by the College Republicans’ speech and other First Amendment activities.’" The suit asks the U.S. District Court to force the schools to sanction the College Republi- D~ole, whose GOP presiden- ¯ tial bidhas been lagging recently, -" said his campaign staff had not : cleared the decision to return the ¯ Log Cabin PAC donation with : lfim. Dole’s latest statement on : the returned funds contradicts statements he made last month : when he said on a television in- : terview: "I didn’t want the per- ¯ cans, which would include proception that we were buyinginto " viding them with office spaceon campus. Leaders of the College Republicans said earlier this year that they had no intention of actually barring homosexuals but that they object to the colleges’ decision to require all student organizations to sign the pledge, which states: "The club will:not discriminate on the basis Of ,abe, color, creed, religion, age, gender, disability or sexual orientation." "We really feel the school is violating our freedom of association by shoving someone’s "We reafly fed the school is violating our freedom of association by shoving someone’s sexual,preference down our throat," said Nate HalL.of the Metropolitan State C llege Republicans... sexual preference down our throat," said Nate Hall. chairman of the Metropolitan State College Republicans. "If a person is gay., so what’? Our biggest concern is, are you. a Republican’? But we don’t as a club condone homosexual activity." Sheila Kaplan, Metropolitan State College president, said that the school stands bY .t!~e antibias reqnireme,nt "One of the founding pfinci plUS 6~"Met~6 i~ a cormnitment to maintaining a campus environment free from discrimination in any’ form, where .all people are respected and valued," Kaplan said. "We believe Metro’s nondiscrimination policies areLht~pl~r,O,p,ri- " ate and legal." . Santa Fe ProclaimsGhy ~&Lesbian History Month. SANTA FE. NM - Debbie Jarmnill.o, the lnavot of Sm~ta ’Fe, N.M., has :officially pros ~1 bd rited’ ~Oi:r~bef~ -’ as~, :::.]Le’Sbi~aiL Gay’ &Bisexual Hist6~3: Mbfith’. In makiug tli~’ 15f6~tanYation, MayorJaranfillo’said it was necessary ’:’to make sure onr country at least learns the lessons Of tolerance mid faimess and accepts the fact that we are all eqnal in die eves of God." Lesbian, Gay & BiSexual History Month was originally the brai]lclfild of St. Louis, Me., high school teacher Rodimy Wilson after he found that an 800-page history textsome special rights for any group or lifestyle or whatever it might be with gays or.anyone else." But a month later, Dole blamed his campaign staff entirely for the August incident, and implied that he hadn’t known about the deosion to realm the contribution "I think if they had consulted with me, they wouldn’t have done that," Dole told reporters in mid-October. "I just didn’t agree with what happened." Neither, obviously, did the gay GOPers who have since handed over their $1,000 campaign contribution to Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, another Republican presidential candidate. Rich Tafel, executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, said he believed Dole had figured out during the past inonth of campaigning that beating up on gay supporters wasn’t a smart political move. "~I think as he’s traveled around the country he’s found as we have that moderate Republicmls, a lot of Dole supporters; Werereally tumedOfflJy tiffs .whole inddentY Dole said he would not ask the gay Republicans for the donation again because "I don’t want to open it all up again. Temp Agency Sued for Anti-Gay Bias MINNF~A,POLIS - Marcus St. Janacs has filed a lawsuit against thc Dolphin Tcmporary Services" Industrial Group, m~ emp! tymcnt agency, charging diat they fired him as an employee of the company because he is gay. In the suit, St. James also charges thai the temporary agency singled lfim out for retaliation because he had refused to fabricate data for some 500 job seekcrsin order to meet equal opp0rtunity employment requiremeuts. Au attoruey for the finn denied may ,reprisals against St. Jmfies and insisted that his "job ~ pgrforLn.an,ce, ,.w,a~£k¢ sole.~eason f‘or his. termination.’" St. James is as’king ~tr,~0mc $50,000 in darnages mid lost wages. . COI.I~ege Repub!ieans Sue Over~ Anti=Bias. Pledge DENVER - A GOP student organization, die College RepublicanS, has filed a federal lawsfiit ,against Colorado State University, the University of Northern Colorado and the Metropolitan State College in Denver, charging that the 3 campuses violate their First Amendment rights for insisting that student groups sign a nondiscrimination agremnent that includes sexual orientation. News, Briefs book he was.usin~Vdidn’ t ha;ce a single reference to the role of gays and lesbians in history. Papers Print Photo of Greek PM’s Wife Nude with ’Another Woman’ ATtIENS - Greece erupted in a political uproar after 3 newspa7 pers in Athens published a frontpage photo of Greek Prime MinisterAndreas Papandreou’ s wife Dimitra Liani in what purports ’to show her nude on a bea~hin "an intimate pose with another unidentified woman."Thephoto, which Mrs. Papandreou has denounced as faked, depicts the unidentified woman fondling her genitals. ¯ Authorities arrested the publisher of one of the papers on misdemeanor charges his publication made an "unprovoked insuit" against Mrs. Papandreou, who met and married the Prime Minister when she was an airline stewardess. Thepublishers ofthe two other papers that published the photo also face warrants for their arrest but have gone into hiding, police say. Mrs Papandreou, who is 40, said the photo was a fake representing a "dirty campaign" to thwart her increasing political ambitions. Albuquerque Gay & Lesbian-History Month ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez proclaimed October "’Lesbian & Gay His tory Month’" in the city on Oct. 27, recognizing the"important contributions to our society" by gays and lesbians. The proclamation also notes that National Coming Out Day~ whichis Oct. 11, was started 7 years ago by long-time Nmv Mexico resident Robert Eichberg~ who died earlier this year. Earlier in the month, Santa Fe Mayor Debbie Jaramillo also issued a similar proclamation recognizing "Lesbian, Gay’ & Bisexual History: Month" in that city. Iranian Man Sentenced For Dressing AS Women TEHRAN -An Iranian newspaper has reported that a man in the capital city ofTehran was beaten up by outraged women and later sentenced toi201ashes by’ a court ~b~fig~"h~’ ~’6t- ~)n a municipal btigdr~ssed in the heavv veils and billowing caftan-lik~ gown " of a woman. " " " The3 i-year:~idma~, who Was not identified, told’the newspaper that he had dressed as a ¯woman’ ,m~’d~ sat; i~l’ tli~;Women- - O~fl~:;~e~ secti6n of the bus ias "]Yar~"tf’a’S33 bet ~vifll his father. "" A’pparenfly the man~s large frmne mid feet di&l’t fool the women. however, mid he told the paper they" "got aiagry mid beat me up." The man was later sentenced by a religious court to 20 lashes for what it called his "ugly and improper" prank. Sailor’s Case Dismissed BALTIMORE-Federal District Court Judge Joseph Young has News Briefs. News Briefs ..News dismissed a lawsuit by Navy Lt. Richard Selland who has been challenging the Defense Department’s new so-called "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy of excluding openly gay and lesbian service members from the military. The court ruled that Selland’s Firstand FifthAmendment rights do not take precedence over Congress’ and the Defense Department’s right to set military policies. Selland currently i s a supply officer at a base in Virginia, but when he came out in 1993, he was stationed on the submarine Hammerhead. Gay Couple’s Joint Bankruptcy Denied ATLANTA - U.S. Bankruptcy Judge A. David Kahn has rejected the joint bankruptcy petition of 2 gay men, ruling that they were ineligible because they aren’t legally married. Judge Kahn agreed that the men’ s long- ¯¯¯Sheldon had made *’a career out of vilifying lesbians, gays and persons with AIDS" and had called people infected HIV to be "confined in eoneentratlon .. eam?-like , establishments. tenn relationship had a number of similarities to a heterosexual mamage, but he :ruled that federal bai"tkniptcy laws required legal marriage or its equivalent as "’more than a inere technicalitV.’" The case is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S. O.S. House of ReDs. Opened by Prayer by Radical, Anti-Gay Pastor WASHINGTON Rights activists and Democrats in the House of Representatives expressed disma? and outrage over having far-right anti-gay milfister Louis Sheldon of, the Traditional Values Coalition deliver the daily prayer that usually begin s the legislative body’s ~lay on Thursday, Nov. 2. ReD. Lynn Wolsey, a CaliforniaDeumcrat saidSheldon had made "’a career out of vilifyiug lesbimls, gays mid persons with AIDS.’" and had called forpeople .infected iwith:HIV. to~.be:?’con- ~finedinconcentration -camp.like. establishrnents.’" ~ ....... Eli.zabeth Birch of.the I2iUman Rights Campaign agreed. "’It is outrageous that those in control of this Congress would allow that man, whose every waking breath is spent attacking lesbian and gay people in this country, to lead the House in prayer," Birch said. "’Sheldon has created a cottage industry out of polidcal gay-bashing and hate, ..and:it is insulting to every fair-mind&d American." But a spokesperson for House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Sheldon’s invocation was "perfectly appropriate." Sheldon had been invited to deliver the brief prayer at the request of ReD. Ken Calvert (RCalif.). NGLTF ’Creating Change’ Conference WASHINGTON, D.C. -The National ’Gay, & "Lesbian Task Force held its 1995 Creating Changeconference, on Nov. 10- 12 in Detroit. The Task Force released the following statement: "More than a thousand gay,lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists gathered in Detroit, Michigan, for what was, perhaps, the largest ever national gay’ strategizang conference. The 1995 Creating Change Conference occurs at a critical juncture in the gay’ and lesbian movement when many battles and far-reaching decisions are coming together at once, the U.S. Supreme Court’s pending ruling on die Colorado Amendment 2 case, the prominencc of gay, lesbian and bisexual issues in the 1996 Presidential Ele&ions, Right Wing anti-gay b~illot initiatives in Maine and other states, workplace discrimination, and samegender marriages, ainong oilier controversial issues.’" The conference present some ’180 wOrkshops~ - plenaries. brown-bag sessions, and cultural events. Plenary’ speakers included Urvashi \,’aid, nationally’ known activist and author of Virtual Equally.’: The Mains?reaming ofGay and Lesbiaftgiberation; Second-term Wigconsin State ReD. Tmnmv Bfildwin Elias Farajaje-JoneS, -author, teacher, theologian, bisexual activist recently’ featured in Newsweek; and Harry Britt,.pioneer gay politician and former member, San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Numerous other gay" movement ’luminaries attended, including Dee Mosbacher, Deb Price, Elizabeth Birch, Scan Strub, Debra Chasnoff, Scot Nakagawa, Phill Wilson,-Derek Hodel, Tim McFeeley, Paula Ettelbrick, Mab Segrest, Robert Bray, Suzmme Pharr. Suzanne Goldberg, and ¯activists from almost every State. Tulga activist, Tim Gillean, attended the Conference as well as native ONahoman and Dalras Gay &’.Lesbian-A,tl’ianee.preSiConcerns Over AIDS Funds in Medicaid Changes WASHINGTON - Government officials and AIDS agencies say that potentially hundreds of thousands of people with HIV/AIDS could lose health care benefits under legislation approved by Congress that would give ~eater control of Medicaid fun ds to states. Jesse Brown, secretary of the Veterans Affairs Dept., and Donna Shalala, secretary of Health & Human Services, joined in criticizing the legislative changes approved by the Republican- controlled Congress. The legislation would hand over a large part of the federal Medicaid funds in block ~ants for the states to administer, spar’king increased concerns that people with HIV/AIDS illnesses might suffer cuts in benefits as a result. Research Links Transsexualism And Brain Structure LONDON - Researchers in the Nether-. lands have reported in the journal Nature that male-to-female transsexualism may have a biological basis, based on a tiny region of the hypothalamus in the brain. Prof. Dick Swaab of the Netherlands Institute for Brain-Research in Amsterdam said in the report that the stria terminalis region of the hypothalamus that is linked to sexuality is larger inmen than inwomen, regardless of their sexual orientation. But Swaab reported that, after studying the post mortem brain structures of6 male-tofemale transsexuals, he found that alI had the smaller "female" structure in this area of the brain. Swash said the results imply that maleto- female transsexuals had this smaller stria terminalis area from birth and that the re,on of the brain may be linked to gender identity as well as sexuality in general. Swaab said that there was no evidence that transsexualism is genefi: cally inherited, but noted that it was not possible to say" how much influence environmental factors play compared to inherited traits. Swaab and other researchers, including Dr. Simon LeVay of the Salk Institute, have found similar differences in the size of another area of the hypothalmnus between gay and straight men. Straights Not Changing Sexual Behavior Because of Epidemic BOSTON - A report in the American Journal of Public Health indicates that heterosexuals surveyed in 1990 and again in 1992 show no changes in their sexual activities because of the AIDS epidemic. The researchers noted that the 2 surveys of some 9,000 people from around the country indicate that the number of heterosexhals who said they engaged in sex with multiple partners had actually increased slightly by 4% between 1990 and 1992. The researchers also reported that the surveys indicate that straights showed no increased likelihood of using condoms or getting tested for HIV during the 2 years the)’ were surveyed. Many Blacks Believe HIV a Genocide Attempt SAN" DIEGO - Researchers reported at the annual meeting of the American Pub- Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method & for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results.- Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights._ lic Health.Association that about a third of the peopl~ surveyed in African-American ;<~churches believe that HIV was produced by the government ingerm warfare labs as part of a genocide effort aimed at blacks in this country. Dr. Sandra Crouse Quilm of the public health school at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, reported that another third of the approximately 1,000 church-goers surveyed in 5 U.S. cities indicated they were "unsure’" if the AIDS epidemic was an a ttempt at genocide or not. Quinn noted that black church-goers are not representative of the larger African- American population, but said the "stnnfflng’" results nevertheless indicate that a large portion of the country’s black population doesn’t trust public health information.- Quiun and Stephen Thomas of Emery University said, however, that the finding is backed up by similar studies of black college students, housing-project residents and African-Americans visiting clinics in Washington, D.C. The researchers said the other surveys also found that around one-third of those survey believed HIV was part of an effort to l~ill blacks in the U.S., and another third indicated they were unsure about the theory. The scientists surveyed people who attended black clmrches in Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., Detroit, Kansas City, Me., and Tuscaloosa, Ala. Asian, African HIV Strains Migrating to the West LONDON - According to the report in the medical journal Ixtncet, U.S. and Uruguayan military doctors are reporting that Asian and African strains of HIV have been introduced into the Western hemisphere, brought back to their home countries by military personnel returning from foreign duty in those regions. Military doctors at the Walter Reed Army Institute and the Uruguayan Directorate of the Armed Forces in Montevideo said they isolated a common Southeast Asian strain of HIV in 6 Uruguayan soldiers and marines who served as part of a U.N. peacekeeping f orce in Cambodia. In a different study also reported in Lancet, physicians at the U.S. Naval Health Research Center in San Diego found the same HIV strain in 3 U.S. sailors and Marines who had been serving in Thailand. They also found 2 African’strains of the virus in 2 servicemen who had returned from duty in Kenya and Uganda. The scientists say" the findings could complicate efforts to fight AIDS because potential vaccines that might be devised to protect against one strain of HIV may ¯ be ineffective or inadequate for another of ¯ the 9 known strains of the virus. "We may ¯ need to worry about different genetic ap- ¯ pearances of the virus and changing pat- " terns of the virus in order to get vaccines ¯ that protect people who might be travel- " ling or who might live in different regions ¯ of the world," said Dr. Andrew Artenste ¯ in, one of the researchers at Walter Reed. "It might require either multiple strains in ¯ the vaccine or multiple vaccines eventu- ¯ ally to protect people.’" ¯ Fired Nurse With HIV Sues HOUSTON -A Houston nurse, known in court doctnnents only as "Jane Doe," has filed a lawsnit against Surgicare, a medical center where she had worked until earlier this year. Doe’s suit charges that after learning she was HIV-positive in . January she was told by her supervisor to ¯ take time off work if she wanted to "deal with the shock.’" But after a 2 week leave, Doe was informed that she had been fired : for "excessive absenteeism" because she had been off work for more than 3 days in ¯ the past 6 months. The suit charges that Surgicare violated federal anti-bias laws and fired her because of her infection. ¯ China Begins Addressing AIDS Epidemic ¯ BEIJING - According to a report in the ¯ Guangming Daily, Chinese health minis-- ¯ try authorities have acknowledged for the ¯ first time that the 2,428 cases of AIDS ~ officially reportedin the country are probably "significantly undercounted" and that the ministry believes the actual number of people infected with HIV in China is probably about 100,000 people instead. The health ministry officials also announced that it would join in observing World AIDS Day on December 1 and is in the process of setting up a national agency to address prevention and control of the spread of HI\.’ in the country. It ’Came’ In Outer Space KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Dr. Joseph Tash of the University of Kansas School of Medicine has been given a contract by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to conduct sexual experiments in outer space. Little is known about sex in the weightlessness of space, but there is some evidence that male sperm is more active and aggressive in orbit. But before you start suiting up and heading off to NASA headquarters in Houston with visions of astronaut orgies, however,Tash notes, that these experiments will only involve studying the behavior of the sperm of sea urchins - which is chemically close to that of human sperm. see next page Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Della Blackburn, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Commnnity Justice Dept. Sues Moving Companies Over AIDS WASHINGTON - The U.S. Justice Departmenthas filed alawsuit against Bekins Van Lines and Schloer Enterprises Inc. Schloer, whichis Bekins’ agency in Philadelphia, was sued for refusing to move the household goods of two men because a friend of theirs has AFDS. The federal lawsuit was filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act and charges that .Bekins had agreed to move the furuishrags of David Homan and Robert Rosenbaum, who were relocating to Arizona. But when the movers arrived at the home of the men, a neighbor who has AIDS was visiting Homan and Rosenbaum, and the movers abruptly refused to continue with the move, the suit charges. The moving companies, have denied any wrongdoing, but the Justice Department says it filed the suit because the 2 firms refused to .cooperate in its initial investigation. Antibodies May Not Disable Hiv LONDON - AIDS researchers have. re- HIV blood test as part of his application, and asked to see his doctor’s records, both of which LaBonte agreed to. But LaBonte’s attorney says the company incorrectly decided that the two men were having unprotected sex, and in March of this year r.ejl,e,c,ted LaBonte’s application, saying that this type bf activity poses an increased risk for mortality which we are unable to price." The suit charges that the insurancefirm’ s rejection of the policy violates both California and U.S. laws barring discriinination against people who associate with individuals infected with HIV. In a brief .press release, Minnesota Mutual Life said it does not discriminate and is in complete compliance with Califomia’s insurance regulations. Health Officials Confirm 1st rus. Officials with India’s health ministry agreed that theWHOfigures are probably corLeg~t,~:noting ,,.that the number of repor(~ d cases in the country has nearly doubled in the last 6 months and that 7 out of every 1,000 people screened for HIV are now testing poslt~ve. Viatical Firm Says It Meets SEC Rules WASHINGTON- Brian D. Pardo, president of the Waco, Texas-based Life Partners Inc., has filed a sworn report in federal court that the viatical insurance company "has developed revised methods of operation that it considers sufficient to eliminate any claim that the securities laws apply." Life Partners functions as the buyers’ agent in viatical settlements, which allow people with terminal illnesses such as AIDS to sell their life insurance Bite Transmission o! HIV policies prior to death. WEST PALM BEACH,.FIa. -The U.S.: : TheU.S.SecuritiesandExchangeCom- Centers for Disease Control &Prevention ¯ mission has not yet commented on the has confirmed the first instance of HIV. : being transmittedby ahumanbite. Health ¯ officials noted that an unusual set of cir- -" cumstances would be needed for HIV to : be passed from one person to another ° through-a bite, and noted that this case, ¯ which took place during the robbery of a ," 91-year-old man, was the first such docu- ." steps outlined in Pardo’s sworn statement, but its court filings acknowledge that viatiCal transactions are not inherently securities, that the participation of an agent does not necessarily-invoke the securities laws, and that the preliminary injuncuonissued by a federal court earlier this year allows Life Partners to comply mented ease in 15:years they have been : "by restructuring the transactions in such tracking the AIDSepidemic. ¯ a way that they do not constitute securi- HIV can continue to be infectious evenafter the individual virus has been trapped inside an envelope of antibodies, normally the way the body neutralizes other microbe~. The Virginia Commonwealth University researchers said the finding may partly explain why it has been so difficult to stop the relentless spread of the virus. Dr. Gregory Burton, one of the researchers, said the antibodies that envelop HIV, instead of disabling it may actually help spread the virus to the body’s disease-fighting T cells. Man Sues Insurance Firm Over Lover’s HIV SAN FRANCISCO-Mark LaBonte, who ts HIV-negative, has filed a S1 million lawsuit against the Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company, charging that he was turned down for a policy after the insurance firm learned he is gay and that his partner has AIDS. LaBonte’s suit charges that his application for insurance was refused after Minnesota Mutual Life learned his lover, Joe Aviles, is infected with HIV. LaBonte claims the insurance finn believed that he was therefore at risk for infection from Aviles. MinnesotaMuttml Life had asked LaBonte to undergo an ported in the British journal Nature .that ,: Alarming Growth inGIobal AIDS., _,:..-ties.’? The SEC must file a response to the.- GENEVA ~ "The-staggering~ impact of : report.by Nov; 2., after which time the. AIDS in non-Western nations around the g~obe has been underscored by recent statements by health organizations and officials. Timothy Stamps, Zimbabwe’s health minister, said in a newspaper interview that the country estimates that some 100,000 Zimbabweans will die of AIDSrelated illness during the next year and a half. Stamps said he wasn’t trying to be an "alarmist," but noted that "At present 25 to 30 bodies of victims of AIDS are put into mortuaries...and hospitals" every day in the country. In neighboring Sout~a Africa, a study by the Universltv of Natal says that nearly a million people in KwaZulu-Natal, the country" s mostpopulous province, will be infected with HIV by 19%. The researchers predicted there would be 920,000 HIV cases in the province of 8.7 million. The nation’s health department also indicates its latest data indicates that of the country’s 40 million people 7.6% (about 3 million people) are already infected with the virus. The World Health Organization has also announced that even though HIV was almost unknown in India 10 years ago, it now estimates that between 1.6 and 2 million Indians are infected with the vi- Ken’s Flowers 1635 East Fifteenth Street 599-8070 Serving our communities with pride! ¯ , court will deliberate the case. The SEC is ¯" seeking to make the court injection permanent. HIV Scientist Sues New York ALBAN’Y, NY- A former New York health department research worker has filed a lawsuit against the state, charging that department officials destroyed his career because he complained abou! unsafe standards and procedures at a staterun laboratory. Joseph Youme, who had worked with the state health department for 16 years and had studied HIV with Robert Gallo, included written complaints he had made involving what he believed were tmsafe laboratory procedures. Included in the complaints Yourno had made in the past few years were criticisms that tubes of laboratory specimen blood had been dropped in stairwells, hazardous waste had been tossed out with regular building rubbish, and that on one occasion in 1991 a large bird flew through an open window and knocked over unspecified lab specimens and equipment before if flew out agmn. After filing complaints about the conditions at the lab with superiors, Yourno says he was demoted to a desk job, virtually putting an end to his career in laboratory research. Equal Employment Commission Sues Over Firing of HIV÷ Driver FRESNO, Calif. - A California-based trucking company is being sued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for firing an HIV-infected truck driver. DEF Express in Kingsburg, Calif., has been charged with violating the Americans with: Disabilities Act in as dismissal of driver .James Marion. The EEOC isaskingthat,Marion receiYe back ¯ -wages~ compensation for emotional suf- ; feting and punitive damages again DEF. ~ An attorney representing, the trucking ¯ firm said DEFExpress wasn’t even aware ¯ that Marion was HIV-positive until he filed the complaint against the company and accused the EEOC of filing the lawsee Health Briefs, page 8 Jeffrey A. Beal, MD Ted Campbell, LCSW Ginny Butler, RN MS Specialized in HIV Care Providing Comprehensive Primary Care Medicine and Psychotherapeutic Services We have ma~, insurance provider affiliations - ifyou belong to an insurance program that does not list us as providers, call us and we will apply. 1560 East 21st Street, Suite 210 Monday - Friday, 9:30-4:30 pm, 743-1000 I suit for "political" reasons. Biomathematics Looks at HIV CHICAGO - Dr: Alan Perelson, an immunologist with the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, and Dr. Thomas B. Kepler, a biomathematician at North Carolina State University, say they think they’ve found out how the lymph glands produce highly specificmolecules, known as antibodies, that attack mic¢obes an the body with such accuracy. In their study, published recently in the Proceedings ofthe National Academy ofScience, the mathematicians" complex formulas generate a model that scientists say "tells us how the immune system can make antibodies that are 100 times more effective in just two weeks.’" Virologists and other scientists say the mathematical modeling could give"doctors important insights into the most effective times in the progression of HIV infection to prescribe specific medications to fight off the virus. Assertiveness May Help Black Women Avoid HIV CHICAGO - ,According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, African-American women Who took classes in %exual assertiveness" were two times more likeh’ to insist on theirmale sex partners using condom s than a comparable group of women who took a standard 2-hour AIDS education class. Among other things, the classes taught how to put condoms on a partner, how to clearly express sexual desires and how to deal with situations where either the women or their partners have been drinking. ,:~* ....... "We don’t think one session of HIV education is really goxng to change any behavior - and in fact it did not," said Dr. Gina Wingood of the school of public health at the University of Alabama ~n Birmingham and one of the co-authors of the study. Black women in the U.S. are 16 times m~)re likely to become infected with HIV than American white women, possibly because their male sex partners are less likely to use condoms or more likely to u se IV drugs, Wingood and her fellow researchers said. Young People Hit Hardest by HIV in China BEIJING - China’s leading medical publication, Health Daily, has reported that the AIDS epidemic is striking the nation’s younger people harder than auy other age group. According to the paper, nearly two-thirds of those infected with HI\" in the country are under 30 years of age. The paper’s da~a, however, w’as based on government health agency figures, which officially have recorded ouly 1,774 HIV infections in the country..klan)" global AIDS experts believe that more than 10,000 Chinese are actually infected with the virus. French Hospital to Test 5,000 Ex-Patients of MD with HIV PARIS - Officials at the Saint-Germainen- Laye Hospital have announced that the medical facility will test more than 5,000 ex-patients for possible HIV infection. The enormous hospital-funded testing program was announced after it was ~ discovered that one of its surgeons had ¯ . been infected with HIV for at least 13 ¯ years. Hospital officials said it was "’very ¯ ~" uulikely’~ that the physician had infecte~l any of his patients but that it wanted to reassure former patients of the surgeon. Male IV Drug Users at High Risk for HIV ATLANTA - A study by the C~nters for Disease Control & Prevention and published in the agency’s MMWR Summary indicates that AIDS education and prevention programs may not be reaching male IV drug users ffho also have sex with other men. TheCDC study was based on xnterviews with men who inject drugs and who also have sex with other men - whether they identified themselves as gay, bisexual or heterosexual - in Dallas, Denver and Long Beach, Calif. The researchers concluded that this subgroup now accounts for 7% of the total AIDS cases in the U.S. and 21% of all the cases among IV drug users in tiffs country. .." " The men in this group, ~e study said, are at "’extremely high risk" of becoming infected, noting that the majority of those interviewed shared needles, often traded sex for drugs or money, and had unprotected sex with multiple partners. The study also noted that how these men identify themselves sexually may have little or nothing to do with whether they have sex with other males, with a full third of those interviewed describing themselves as heterosexuals even though they all acknowledged having sex with other men. Study: Lesbians, Bi Women At Higher Risk for HIV CHICAGO - According to a report published in the American Journal ofPublic Health, wo~nen who have sex with other women are at greater risk for HIV infe6- tion than women who are exclusively heterosexual. The researchers compared attitudes,, characteristics and HIV statns of women at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in New York City. Of the 9% who said they have sex with other women, more than 90% said they also had sex with men as well. The scientists found that the women who had same-sex contact were more likely than the exclusively heterosexual women to be infected with HIV, to trade sex for drugs or money; and to use intravenous drugs. The researchers .said, although the women who have sex with other women were more likely to be infected with HIV, the study found no instances of actual female-to-female transmission. Clinton to Host White House AIDS Conference WASHINGTON-Theadministration has announced that President Clinton will host the first-ever White House Conference on AIDS on Dec. 6 to underscore his commitment to doing more about the epidemic. Mike McCurry, White Housepress secretary, said it will bring many experts on the disease to the high-level conference. "’It will feature more than 130 individuals from across the country," M~Curry said. "Conference participants will discuss the. latest trends in the .AIDS epidemic, epidemiological stgveys and studies of the AIDS epidemic itself, and the central issues of AIDS research, prevention, care and discrimination, among other issue,s." McCurry said Clinton would take partmsome portion of the conference, but didn’t specify exactly what. FI_~ELITY HO_/v~E HEALTH CARE, INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-3 , ,2 We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hours/day, seven days/week. The range ofservices include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Corn panion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury; Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-7~2-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. The NAMES PROJI~LTQuilt at tl~e "l’ulsa Pair Grounds. Needle-Swap Programs Save $ CHICAGO - According to a research study published in ithe Journal of the American MedicalAssociation, the spread. .ofHIV among IV drug users could be kept an check through needle-exchange programs, which should not only dispense clean ne edles but also educate drug addicts about how the virus is spread and how to avoid infection. Investigators from the Chemical Dependency Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York studied needle-swap programs in 5 cities - Tacoma, Wash.; Glasgow, Scotland; Lund, Sweden; Sydney, Australia; and Toronto, Canada. The researchers found, among other things, that clean-needle programs cost about $20 per addict per year, "but treatment costs for people with AIDS ¯ were as high as $120,000 a year. ¯ The researchers also compared data ¯ from the 5 cities they studied with data fromNew York City, which does not have ¯ a legal needle-swap program. The scien- ¯ fists found that HIV infection rates among IV drug users there rose from under 10% to more than 50%injust 5 years, while the ¯ 5 study cities kept infection rates among IV drug abusers at very low levels. : HIVTesting for Expectant Moms ¯ SACRAMENTO,Calif.-CaliforniaGov_ ¯ ernor Pete Wilson has signed into law a ¯ CA Gov. Vetoes Medicinal Pot ¯ SACRAMENTO, Calif. - To the surprise of almost no one, California Governor : Pete Wilson la~ vetoed a measure passed ¯ in September by the state legislature that would have allowed people with AIDS ~ and some other illnesses to grow and use : marijuana. Many AIDS activists and a ¯ number of physicians say the illegal drug alleviates several debilitating manifesta- ¯ uons associated with AIDS,includingloss of appetite, weight loss, and nausea. It is the second such measure approved .by the California Legislature that Wilson has vetoed~’ " HIV Isolation Works - At a Price ¯ measure that requires health care pracu-. " tioners offeringl~renatal ca~e tO offerHW ¯ testing to pregnant women. Expectant ¯ ¯ mothers arenot,however, required to take " HAVANA - The Miami Herald has rethe test. ¯ ported that Cuba has one of the lowest HIV infection rates in all ofLatin America - by forcibly quarantining those infected with the virus. World Health Orgamzation data shows that Cuba has only 0.8 cases of AIDS reported for each 100,000 citizens. Cuba has put people infected with HIV inisolated sanatoriums for nearly a decade. Dr. Reinaldo Gil, who runs Cuba’s AIDS programs, told the Herald that the isolation of people with HIV AIDS was the main reason for the country’s low infection rate. "People are beginning to.see that what we did works," he said. The paper also quoted people with AIDS who agreed that Cuba’s isolation program had reduced possible infections. But one patient told the paper, "’\Ve have lost our freedom. That is the most important thing there is." 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A White House letter from Clihton to the Human Rights Campaign, a major backer of the legislation and the country’s largest gay lobbying organization, says that the president considers the bill "important civil rights legislation." The bill bans discrimination based on sexual orientation in businesses with more than 15 employees. Religious organizations are exempt from the measure. Clinton noted that the proposed le~slation does not apply to businesses with 15 or fewer workers, to the nation’s armed forces or to i’eligious organizations or the schools they operate, andthat 4t specifically excludes, an~" quotas. The bill would not reqtfires businesses to provide health or other benefits to domestic parmers of gay or lesbian employees. "’The bill, therefore, appears to answer all the legitimate objections previously raised against it, ~while ensuring that Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, can find and keep their jobs based on their ability and the quality of their work," the Clinton letter says. George Stephanopoulos, a senior Clinton advisor, said,"This is a reasonable response to a real problem. It ensures that everyone receives equal treatment and no one gets special treatment." "Peopleshould not be fired from their jobs for a reason that has nothing to do wi th their abilities," said Elizabeth Birch, executiye director of the Human Rights Campaign. "Today in.America, it’s perfectly legal to fire someohe for being gay or lesbiaJa. The President stands with the vast majority of Ameri cans in supporting equal rights in the workplace for lesbian and gay citizens." The bill laces opposmon on Capitol Hill, "and has poor chances of passage at this time. In the latest issue of Nature Gen¢,Jir~sv~,Dr. Dean Hamer and his fellow researcli6rs at the National Institutes of Health reported that the expanded study confirms that there is a genetic link between male homosexuality and the genetic marker (known as X q28) il;herited from X chromosome of the mother. The researchers found that 22 of 32 pairs of gay brothers from unrelated families (69%) shared the same version of the genetic material, leading them to confirm the genetic link. When the scientists looked at the heterosexual brothers of gay men, however, they found only 22% of the heterosexual Siblings had inherited the Xq28 pattern. At the same time, researchers examined 36 pairs of lesbian sisters, but found no evidence of any shared genetic marker in the same re.on. "The finding in gay men but not lesbians suggests that the mechanisms underlying male and female sexual orientauons a~e at least partially distinct," Hamer concluded in the report. Earlier statistical studies have also shown that gay men were more likely to have gay" brothers than lesbians to haw lesbian s~sters, he noted. Hamer said, "’It shows that it is not impossible to map complex psychological traits to genes. It is still a very large genetic re,on. We have narrowed down which haystack in the field it is, but it’s still a haystack." Maki.n,q_ Sense A New H IV Prevention Program from TOHR Because- HIV prevention is more than just, "a cat,dam 100% of the time." HIV prevention is more than a slogan and a guideline. HIV prevention is’ more than learning how to use a..condom or negotiate "safer sex." HIV prevention is about you and your life. Because of all this and more, Making Sense was created. Making Sense is a short four meeting experience for men who have sex with men. Join us as we redefine health and make HIV prevenfi.on decisions for ourselves. To enroll, call Jason at TOHR, 742.2927. Begins December 5th. Following the Supreme Court hearings on Tuesday, Oct. 10, Colorado’s Attorney General Gale Norton told reporters that gays and lesbians as a group, do not merit "special protections." "The status quo, in almost the entire United States, is that there are uo laws granting special protections on the basis .of sexual orientation," Norton said.."And Amendment 2 just says .that,there will not be those additional special protections on that basis." On the other side, attorney Jean Dubofsky argued before the Court that the Colorado amendment violated the U.S. constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law She said that if the Supreme Court Upholds the Colorado measure, homosexuals will lose their basic right to challenge discriminatory laws and regulations anywhere inthe country. . "’!f,~v~Llp,s~ !ki.~ case arid Amend~nent 2,g0es into effect, it immedimely repeals all the local ordinfiri~.es and all the general state laws and policies that protect people from discrimination on the basis of gay orientation only" Dubofskv said followin_o the Court hearino "’And it .W,hff,ao ~., tho ~,...... ~,~; genera~ poucy or any protectlon.at any level ofgovernment from discrimination on the basis of gay orientation or from the opportunity to seek any protection from discrimination." During the hearings, several Supreme Court justices questioned the validity of theColorado amendment, expressing fears that it could allow hospitals to deny medical treatment to gays or permit hotels and restaurants to turn homosexuals away. Masterwor T u t S A PHILHARMONIC Guest Conductor and Solo Flute: Ransom Wilson Saturday, December 2, 8 p.m. Chapman Music Hall, Tulsa PAC Mozart: Flute Concerto in D Major Liadov: The Enchanted Lake ::: : :: Maye:in December!i Marilyn Haye Fri., Dec. 8 & Sat., Dec. II Chapman Music Hall THIsa PAC LACK iWHITE INC COMMUNITY CALEN’ AR SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627-B East 1 lth. Info: 583-7815 Community of Hope (United Methodist) Worship Service;~ 6 pm " 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E South Mingo. In/o: 622-1441 Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 TheBanned,OKGay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 6:30pm at Canterbury 5th & Evanston " Info: 583-9780 MONDAYS HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Free & anonymous testing. " using fingerstick method. ¯ No appointment required.. Walk in testing: 7:8:3.0pm Results hours: i7-9pn~ Info: 742-2927 ¯ Lambda Bowling League; ." Sheridan Lanes 8:45 pm ¯ 3121 S. Sheridan . : TUESDAYS Minister’s Class Bless the .Lord at All Times Christian Center 7:30 pm 2627-B East 1 ith In/0:583-7815 HlV-g Support Group HIVResource Consortium 1:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard,’Ste. H-1 Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 WEDNESDAYS Authority OfThe Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC ofGreater Tulsa 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-t715 Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center Choir Practice 7 2627-B East llth Call 583-7815 for inio. PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 4154 S. Harvard In/o: 749-4901 Family Of Faith MCC Poduck 6:30 pm Bible Study 7 pm Choir Practice 8 pm 5451-E South Mingo, Call 622-1441 for info. THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment ¯ Group For Women Community of Hope ¯ !703 E. 2nd, info: 585-1800 Co-Dependency Support Group ¯ 7:30, Family of Faith MCC ¯ 5451÷E S. Mingo ¯ Call 622-1441 for Info. .. : HIVTestingTOHRClinic ¯ Fr.ee & anonymous testing ¯ using fingerstick method. ¯ No appointment required. ¯ Walkin testing: 7 - 8:30pm Results hours: 7 - 9pm Info: 742-2927 Prayer Time ¯ MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 N. Maplewood In/o: 838-1715 Tulsa Family Chorale ¯ Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 ¯ ¯ SATURDAYS Narcotics Anonymous ¯ Meets weekly at 11 pm ¯ Confidential support for recovering addicts. ¯ Community of.Hope ¯ 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees 3rd Sat. of each month Info: 748-3111 MORE GROUPS Gay & Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, Info: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’s Activity Network Call 832-2121 TOHR Helpline Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to volunteer: 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians, Leather org., Info c/o Tile Tool Box: 584-1308- T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Assoc. In!o: 838-1222 NOVEMBER 16-19 Broken Arrow Comnutnity Playhouse Quilt - A A4usical Celet~ation 1800 So. Main, [nfo: 258-0077 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19; 26 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 10 & 17 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) . In/o: 585-1800 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Tulsa Oklahomansfor Human Rights Monthly Board Meeting, 7 pm Call for location., In/o: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Family ofFaith MCC, Thanksgiving Service, 6:30 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, In/o: 622-1441 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Community ofHope The Rev. Scott Sharp Preaches, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd St., In/o: 585-1800 ,TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Rainbow Business Guild, 7 pm Mazzio’s at The-Farm Shopping Ctr~ Private Dining Room Dinner Meeting, In/o: 665-5174 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 WorldAIDS Day Panel." A Tulsa Perspective, 7 pm Aaronson Auditorium, Central Library, In/o: 596-7977 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 WOrMAIDS-Day March, 6:30 pm Sharp Chapel, TU, Inio~. 438-2437 DECEMBER 1-2, 7-9 : Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Androcles & the Lion, 8pm 1800 So. Main, hffo: 258-0077 DECEMBER 2, 9 & 10 Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Androcles & the Lion, 2pm 1800 So. Main, Info: 258-0077 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Red Ribbon Treefest, 4 pm Spotlight Theatre 1318 Riverside Dr. In/o: 663-5372 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Prime Timers Monthly Meeting Write for in/o: P.O. Box 52118, 74104 SUNDAY,IDECEMBER 3 Community ofHope Bishop Dan Soloman & Jby Sblomon Reception, 4 pm,Service, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd St., Info: 585-1800 MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 Women, Children & AIDS Committee, noon 1430 S. Boulder~ ~ollim!~R0~m TUESDAY~~ DECEMBER 5 Making Sense ~HIV Prevention Group Call for locadon & time. In/o: Jason @ 742-2927 TUESDAY~ DECEMBER 5 AIDS Coalition ofTulsa Gathering of the Evergreens, noon 1430 S. Boulder, Collins Room WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Womens Supper Club Dinner, 6:30 pm Spaghetti Warehouse. 211 E. Brady Info: 298-4648 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 Tulsa Oldahomansfor Human Rights Holiday Gathering. 7 pm All Soul’s Unitarian, 2902 S. Peoria In/o: 743-4297 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 Dignity/Integrity Christmas Dinner Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians 6:30 pm, private home Info: 298-4648 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Auditions for The Lion in WMter 5pro, 1800 So. Main, Info: 258-0077 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Family ofFaith MCC " Christmas Childrens’ Party, 5 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, In/o: 622-1441 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Family ofFaith MCC :~ Christmas Concert & Silent Atwtion, ¯ 7:30 pm ¯ 5451-E S. Mingo : Info: 622-144 : SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 ¯ Family ofFaith MCC ¯ Christmas Eve Candlelight Service ¯ 10 pro, 5451-E S, Mingo, Info: 622- Out &About with JD Here is anew section that will help you keep abreast, of what’s going on with Tulsa’s night life. Each month will feature a local establishment and give you a listing of what is happing through out the month. This month’s feature is an great little bar on historic Whittier Square. Mosl people have mistaken this bar for a an exclusively Lesbian hideaway because of the name, BARRACUDA’S WILD NIGHTS, but it is slowly becoming a great little show bar and a nice stopping off point for a evening .offun. Thefollowingmonthat Barracuda’s ~s just full of fun and benefits for the OnNovember 17th, they will behaving a benefit to help Interfaith Ministries of Tulsain recognition of World AIDS Day; December 1st. The evening will include several different performers such as vocalist Linda Rush, guitarist Harry Carroll, entertainers suchas Sensuous, J.J. Gentrey, Sugarbaker and many more. During the beginning of December, Barracuda’s will be hosting the first annual Ms. Whittier Square please contact Ladonnafor further information at 582-4340. Over 0n.the east side, the gals at TNT’s and Time’N’ Timehave got things going. November 22, Time N Time is hosting a Leather community meeting at 7:30. On November 26, TNT’s will have a Carnival at 8pm. December 10 TNT’s will have a guest DJ at their annual Christmas Auction for Needy Families. December 15, Time N Time will have 5th Anniversary Party. They also have a free brunch each Sunday. Call for more information. READALLABOUT IT Reviewed by Barry Hensley Tulsa City-County Library In 1992, Dab Price made history by launching a weekly, informational newspaper column in the Detroit The phrase "...and News. Hercommonsense say tl~~ to__-|°yce," " approach to life is unusual lS for a columnist only be- the o en repeated cause Price is lesbian and her column addresses life experiences from a gay perspective, The phrase "...and say hi’ to Joyce," is the often repeated closing line ofmany ofthe fan letters she. receives and refers to her longtime partner, Joyce Murdoch. This is the story ofhow the columnbegan, includdosing line of many of the fan letters she reeelves & refers to her longtlme partner, Joyee Murdoeh, ing the behind-the-scenesdiscussions and ultimate decision to have this column in Detroit’s"politically conservative" newspaper. Predictably, after the colunm began, some subscribers, outraged at the column’s inclusion in a "family newspaper," canceled their subscriptions. The number of cancellations, however, was qnly a fraction of what had been anticipated. The edffors stood firm, andnow the columnis distributed nationwide, through Gannett, the country’s largest newspaper chain. Much of the book consists of Price’s columns, reprinted in their entirety, The ¯ wide variety of topics in the col~mm convey her background as a journalist: poli- ¯ tiCS, religion, travel and history, but also ¯ love and relationships.Columm fltles in- " clude "Gay Souls Find a True Sanctuary in the Buckle of the Bible Belt," "City Living Gay Transplants Taking Root in Smaller Places" and "Ignorance is the Great- -est Threat to Opening Up the Military to Gays.’" It’s interesting to read about the thoughts and events that go into deciding top- ¯its and the responses, in person, by phone and mail, from readers who strongly agree or disagree with the column. Many lonely, closeted gays, young and old, seem to ¯ find cause for optimism in Price’s column and write her to express ¯ theirappreciation. Coming out stories and ¯ positive letters from parents, friends and ¯ politicians are all included. There are, of ¯ course, many negative letters reprinted as well, which often ~ve keen examples of where those oppo_sed to gay equality are coming from. ¯ This is a very enjoyable book, filled ¯ with lo~c, usal31e advice and uplifting ~ stories, writtenby womenwho really have ¯ a way with words. Check for this book, ¯ and others on similar topics, at the Read- . ers Services department, Central Library, ¯ 2nd floor, or call 596-7966. Find your holiday getaway with the premier guide to gay & lesbian inns. B&Bs. hotels, and more! l)amron Actommodafions is packed with hundreds of lull-color photographs - and detailed information. For a free catalog, call 1-800-46L6654. and you techies check out the Damron~vWebpa~e! http://www.sirius.com/~damron ¯ GLAMA Honors Gay ...... And Lesbian Music : by Lester Strong "’It takes a particular kind of courage to be an out musician. It takes a particular ~ kind of artist to express musically what is ¯ often silenced by either the outside world ¯ oravoice within ourselves that says some ~ things are meant not to be spoken." : With these words, Dan Martin and ¯ Michael Biello, life partners and founders : of the national gay music organization : Outmusic, inaugurated the kickoff event ¯ -for the Gay/Lesbian American Music Awards (GLAMA) intended to acknowledge and honor the work of openly gay and lesbian music artists. Held October 1 at The Supper Club in the heart of New York City’s Theater District, "A Night of GLAMA" was hosted by award-winning playwright and actor Han,ey Fierstein and :attended b,y a mix of:over 350 performers, gaymusic supporters,and representatives from the media and recording companies like Atlantic Records. GLAMA creator/producers Tom McCormack and Michael Mitchell along with the GL&MA advisory board are currently in the process of defining-categoties, eligibility, and nominating andjudging procedures for the first annual performing awards to be handed out next year. .............................. categories are likely to include the year’s best female and male performers, best group, best ori~nal song, and best recorded performance byan "out" performer or group. But this year’s event saw the introduction of two" special awards, presented to individuals well known on the music scene for their long-standing contributions to the cause of openly gay music. The Michael Callen Medal of Achievement was given to Cris Willi0ms0n, a pioneer ofthe women’s musicmovement, cofounder of Olivia Records, and strong community supporter in her work with pediatric AIDS groups, while the Outmusic Award was presented to Boy George, the British popmusic star known the world over for his gender-bending music and style of performance. In the words of Bob Guccione, Jr., Editor/Publisher of Spin magazine, who presented the Michael Callen Medal: "The ¯ Callen Medal is given to an individual, ~ group, organization, or business cormnit- ~ ted to the courageous and important work ¯ of engendering, nurturing, and furthering i gay/lesbian music. Tonight the Callen Medal honors Cris Williamson, a singer/ songwriter who has Used her music and : good works as beacons ofhope and inspi- ¯ ration for lesbian, gay, and nongay audi- ¯ ences for more than twenty years." ¯ The Outmusic Award honors recording ¯ artists, groups, or songwriters who have advanced gay/lesbian music through their work as out musicians. As presenter : Me’scheli Ndegeocello, recording artist ¯ onMadorma’s Mavericklabel, stated about ~ Boy George: "The recipients’ steadfast ; co~nitment to speak openly and specifi- ~ e,ally to the gay and lesbian experience ¯ through music qualifies them for this ¯ award. GLAMA has chosen to give this ~ inaugural award to a man who from the ~ beginning of his career in the early eight- - ies has consistently called into questaon : society’s perceptio’ns of gender roles." : Adds Michael Mitchell about both ¯ awards. "There arepeople in the commusee next page LO$.T TRIBE Call 341.6866 International Tours for more information about LA Studio tour packages to see tapings of Ellen or Married With Children.Gift certificates are availablefor air travel, cruises & many other travel needs. IGTA member. .nity who have made enormous contributeens to openly gay and lesbi~an music. They may not have a recordidg out this year or be on the TopTen charts, but those contributions deserve recognition. We plan to present the Micha61 Callen Medal and Outmusic Award on an annual basis:" The diversity of music embraced by GLAMA was indicated by the evening’s entertainment. Performing were qtaeer pnnkers Pansy Division, a cappella group The Flirtations with their newest and first woman meznber Suede, renegade folk/ rock band disappear fear with lead singer Sonia Rutstein, and drag diva Joey Arias "’channeling" Billie Holiday. Cris Williamson sang a few of her ballads, and Harvey Fierstein did a turn, performing "This Is Not Going To Be Pretty" from his newly released CD of the same name. "A Night of GLAMA" was scheduled to coincide with the opening of the Outmusic 5th Annual Festival of Gay and Lesbian Music, held each October in New York City, and Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messenger was.on hand to read a proclamation officially designating October, 1995 as "Gay and Lesbian Music Month" in New Y’ork. Outmusic dedicates itself to creating opportunity for-- and increasing awareness of--lesbian and gay composers, lyricists, performers,and their supporters. GLAMA also espouses those goals, but the two are organizationally distinct. October 6,1996, has already been set as the date for next year’s First Annual GaU Lesbian American Music Awards ceremony, to be held again in New York. For more information, contact McCormack and Mitchell at 267 Fifth Avenue, Suite 801-49, New York, NY 10016; tel. 212- 59,2-4455; e-mail GLAMAS@aol.com. Enjoying the Momenff by Pat Morehead Now for something completely different.... where the hell did this snow come from? Yesterday afternoon I was dodging pecans inmy tee shirt as I tried to round up leaves on my patio. Four hours later I was towe!ing snow off the dog after his mid evemng potty break. Oklahoma has to be on.e ofweirdest places in the world weather wise. But the result this morning is unbeatable. The entare north wall of my ’office’ looks out onto my patio and back yard. Just beyond my monitor is a stretch of shadowed blue and gray snow, then a stretch of gleaming white-snow topped and highlighted by brilliant golden yellow leaves splattered across the trees in the background which are interlaced with swaths of cendean blue sky. It’s like one ofthose images from the ubiquitous Christmas Calendars. Most of the time you look around Tulsa and it all seems pretty blah, and that’s being generous. Thenout ofnowhere some little scene leaps out and you’re just amazed at the accidental beat~ty. At least I am. For me that accidenta] moment of. something unique is the "JEEZ" moment. The "JEEZ" moment is one of the best things about Tulsa and life in general. _If I’m waxing a bit too bucolic about the s, please overlook my enthusiasm. I want to enjoy this moment because it’ll all get mined pretty quickly due to the approaching holidays. No, I am not a holiday grinch. But the COlrmiercial and emotional overkill which I "know is coming is about as offputting as anything you Sandra J. Hill, M.S. Ps.vchotherapy & Clinical Consultation Sensitive to the Challenges of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Individuals, Couples & Families. 2865 E. Skelly Drive, Ste. 215, 745-1111 can imagine. And yes we will all get sucked up into the holiday insanity. At least most of us will. My companion and I have reached that stage where we can sit back and enjoy the season in a relaxed low key fashion. We put some real joint effort into a great meal which we can enjoy in peace and quiet. Then a .movie on tape which we have purposefully avoiding renting until the holidays. Occasionally we arejoined by a couple of friends, people about whom we really care. It may sound dull, but after years of having dealt with crappy family holiday discords, it is.shear bliss. Christmas works pretty much the same way. Naturally we do have to take care of family recognition, but again we try and keep that to a minimum. We start with the presumption that someone is going to say or do something stupid or hurtful. So we give them as little opportunity as possible. We have also reached the stage where wecankeep the ’gifting’ to aminimum. In fact we have already done most of that. We replaced some aging furniture and added a new TV as our Christma~ gifts for our house. Part of the old furniture .went to Goodwill and some directly to a friend who could Use it. All that re~nains now is finding that certain something special ~which will express the depth of love and affection between us. No easy task let me add. [ "kno~v to you this probably seems about as exciting ~s algebra. But for us it is a refreshing break from all of the usual turmoil, hurt feelings and anger which have marked previous holiday seasons. Answer tmtlffully, ho~v many of you are already dreading the enforced family visitations? Not to mention the other stuff associated with the holidays which .you really don’t want to be involved im but feel compelled to do. " I’ve developed a pretty simple approach to life, which I offer as a recommendation. ff there are people you don’t care for, and who go out of their wav to make you miserable, then avoid bei~g around them. If there are situations whichget you crazy, avoid them whenever you have the option. If there is stuff that you really hate doing (and which you don’t have to do to live) just don’t-do it! I used to waste a lot of time, energy and fretting over doing stuff that I thought I had to do even though I hated it. Gradually, I have learned tha~ doing the right !hing doesn’t mean doing what others ~mpose as "the right thing to do". Here’s the secret. If you worry about what others think, you’ll spend your entire life worrying. If that sounds like the way to enjoy life, more power to you, have ~t it! As for me, I’ll sit here awhileqonger with my coffee and enjoy the scene outsidemywindows. The squirrels have come out now. They are busy rooting_through the snow and leaves looking those pecans I dodged yesterday. The birds are hopping through the snow looking for lord knows what. The dog is lying here next to me blissfully gnawing on his chew bone and my companion / lover is messing around in the "kitchen.. It’s a cozy pleasant Saturday morning. Enjoy the holidays with the people you really care about and who really care about vou. Pat Morehead ~s a Tulsa contributor. SELLS L-ESS ’95 ¯ APR GALANTS Includes All Factory Options, Including Automatic & Air. Power Lo¢ks/Windows. ¢l~lse & Mere. s237 o. O-DOWN s212 o, slO00i2. Drive off in a great deal! "MSRP$19.~69. ,~1~ Pdca $11’,191.41 I~ynlenlt at $237 ~, month. 12.000 miles e yr, free 15¢ e mile penally thereafter, ~’ II~lk my. [.=sl paymeM $~11.77. 1.7~% APR. WAC. HURRY! OFFER LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND Arlen Spitler, Mr. Oklahoma Leather 1996 winner with hisfellow contestants, VicReyes, EdSmith, Chris Cherry.- Jones, & Danny Pelletier at the Silver Star Saloon. Viola Johnson, winner of several lifetime leather acheivement awards, bares her Halloween fangs. Arlen Spitler WhO was I st runner-up tn Mr. Tulsa Leather 1995 & then Mr. Tulsa Leather 1995 is joined by Arnie Holder. one ofthe event organizers. : : Leatherfolk enjoyed a bar tour as part of the wee’kend ¯ events. Larry Everett. Mr. lnternationai Leati~er 1995, is caught betweentwo ofTulsa’s ladies in leather, Viola Johnson & Jill Carter while Larry’s partner. Leroy Ray, looks on. David Walker, International Mr. Drummer 1995 attended this event. All photos: JD Jamett, Images by JD Positively Negativ6 IF: THEN: WHEN: ¯ You feel lhol it is inevilabte LJOU will b~corne IIIV positive. ¯ You think the holiest thing about s~x" is lhe posler. ¯ You want support and a fresh look on lhe new year lhroucjh the-holidocjs ¯ You wonder whkj rernoininc.:j uninl’ectecl is imporlont. Come and talk about it with us. l"l~etings begin acjo~n December 141h.- Call Jason to enroll. 742.2927 co-facilitated dialogue for t-IIV negative gay and bisexual m~n on love desire. s~x. and h~allh. Sponsored by lh~ TOHR fllV Prevention Proj¢cl. OUR BODIES OUR LIVES OUR HEALTH Photos, JD Jamett, 621-5597 Open Arms Open-Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan,s 4045 No. Cincinnati, 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanta PI.. 742-7381 Trinity 501 SO. Cincinnali. 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesday Services 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm Choir Practice ¯ Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group I To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 5451-E South Mingo Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Mr. Oklahoma Leather ’96 TULSA The Silver Star SalooninTulsa, Oklahoma was the place to be November 4 as a standing room only crowd watched Aden Spitler win the title of Mr. Oklahoma Leather ’96. Tulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers Association (T.U.L.S.A.) president Arnie Holder produced this year’s event, pooling talent from the Technicians and Tribe an auction mad special entertainment provided by Carmen del Rio of NLA Dallas/ Dallas Eagle fame. As always, Carmen brought the house down! While contestants sweated out the results backstage, IML Larry Everett, who was also Mr. Oklahoma Leather ’95, gave the traditional stepping aside address to the crowd. Cash and prizes donated by Excalibur. International Mr. Leather ’95, Larry Everett, was Master ofCeremonies, while the judging panel included International Mr. Drummer David Walker, International Ms. Leather ’94 Cindy Bookout, International Mr. Fantasy JD Buchert, Queen of Kink Jill Carter, Fantasy and Great Plains Drummer co-producers Bob Ewing and Dustin Logan and IML Finalist Lance Brittain. Look for Aden to shine bright in Chiea .o as he wkeels his way into town as Oklahoma’s offieial IML preliminary entry. T.U.L.S.A., Leatherworks by Johnna, Shades of Grey Dallas, the Leather Rack DC, Utica Tri’s, NY, Silver Star Saloon, JD Images, IML, Inc., Viola Johnson valued atalmost $3000 were readied as the five contestants were brought back for the final results. Second Runner-up was Danny Pelletier. First Runner-up was Victor Reyes, and crowd favorite, Arlen Spitler, was given the The weekend’s events began Friday evening with a shuttle bus bar crawl, sampling a wide variety of clubs throughout the city. The tour ended up at the Silver Star where judges and contestants were introduced to the crowd and contestant numbers were drawn. Interviews were conducted Saturday morning while the host cout~try and W~Stern bar stage was transformedintoa.cruisy alleyway for the much anticipated event. Starti,ng on time (as well organized events do) the contestants competedin Streetwear with Speech, Swimwear and Full Leather Image with a Random Question and Answer. Entertwined with the contest were winner’s sash. Aden is an Assistive Technology Specialist with special interests in Advocacy and Fnndraising for Children with disabilities, sports and gay and lesbian youth issues. Aden was First Runner-up to IML larry Everett at the Mr. Tulsa Leather contest last year losing to him by only one po_in~. He then took over_the tit.!e as Mr. Tulsa ’95 after Larry went on tO win Mr. Oklahoma Leather and IML, respectively. Aden also won Mr. Barechest in Washington, DC earlier this year. Look for Aden to shine bright in Chicago as he wheels his way into town as Oklahoma’s official IML preliminary entry. also offers no such protection. Question 1 asked voters to limit "protected classifications" in current and future state and locai laws to ten specific categories. The measure asked, "Do you favor the changes in Maine law limiting protected classifications in future, state and local laws to race, color, sex, physical and mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status, and marital status, and repealing existing laws which expand these classifications as proposed by citizen petition?" The measure effectively would have repealed two local non-discrimination laws that include gay people, and would have prohibited commumt~ es from passing such laws in the future. Question 1 was written by Bruce Fein, a right-wing lawyer based in Virginia, to circumvent court decisions saying that gays should not be singled out for discrimination. Question 1 also would haverepealed any anti-discrimination protections in the state’s university and college system, and gutted the state hate crimes law by removing sexual orientation. Unlike earlier anti-gay measures, the language of Question 1 avoided mentioning lesbian and gay people. The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) "suggested that Question 1 was drafted to be intentionally confusing. More than 70 state business, religious, educational and political groups and leaders opposed the measure, including the Catholic Diocese of Maine. National extreme right groups actively pushed for a"yes" vote on Quesuon 1. Bob Knight of the Family Research Council toured the state calling on voters to approve the measure, as did Beverly LaHaye of Concerned Women for America. Focus on the Family aired radio advertisements in favor of the initiative. A statement from the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force noted, "’the victory over Measure One offers us a tremendons potential to seize the momentum and pass a statewide non-discrimination law in Maine. The law was recently introduced in the state legislature by Dale McCormick. Originally passed in 1993 but vetoed by then conservative governor Kieman, the bill can capture the new-fonnd awareness of the extent of real discrimination and persecution suffered by the gay and lesbian citizens of Maine. Governor Angus King, a huge supporter of the No On 1 campaign, is expected to sign such legislation." NGLTF campaign consultant Susan Hibbard, in the field in Maine, reports an unparalleled grassroots educational and visibility campaign in all 16 counties has changed the way the state views its gay, lesbian and bisexual citizens. NGLTF added, "the isolation and fear of being gay, especially in rural places, has been altered by new-found and strengthened visibility and support for gays and our allies at the forefront of this battle. So - many people came to our side to help. They proclaimed, ’This issue brought me out.’ Indeed, the ballot measure may have even backfired against the?Radical Right. Intended to push gays and lesbians back into the closet, it instead galvanized us and our supporters." Fred Welch L.C.S.W, Brookside Counseling Individual & Couple Family & Group 743-1733 Y ARIES, March 21, April 20 Not that you ever want people to boss you around but, this month, even a sideways .. glance from an authority fi.gure can send your blood pressure soanng. You can make great career progress now, especially if you throw your energy into your work instead of into fighting off every- : imagined threat. Convert your anger into passion, No, your lover really isn’t trying to control you. TAURUS, April 20 -May 21 Now is the perfect time to go new places, learn new things and open up your views of the world. You may be tempted to think that nobody is as smart as you are. You may be tempted to beat people over the head with your opinions. YOU may even be tempted to hire a lawyer to do the beating for you; but don’t do it. The world and its inhabitants are only trying to teach you a thing or two. GEMINI, May 21 - June 22 A month of crazed passion and deep desires. Good news? Sure, if you work your passions out in the bedroom, or in the elevator on the way to work if that’s what you prefer. The bad news? This is the vibe that creates deep passion about everything you share with others, from your body to your bank account. Not a good time to ask for a loan and if your parmer picks fights over money, well, you "know what to do. CANCER, June 22 - July 23 You have been ’holding back grievances for quite a while now, and this month provides a great,opportunity to clear the air. You’re energetic and assertive, and the peopledoseto youmay wonderwhere Cancer ever got the reputation of being sweet, domestic and submissive. You’re in a prime position to work hard with a partner on a mutually satisfying goal. Don’t waste the energies on pointless conflict. LEO, July 23- Aug. 23 Your discipli,n,e and self-control is amazing and you 11 take great pride in the amount of work you can accomplish. You’d like it better if you got all the credit for what you do, but your boss and your coworkers are more interested in taking advantage of your skills. Try to work on your ownprojects as much as you can; and don’t hold back on your frustrations or your health may suffer. If someone steps on your paw, go ahead and roar. Sa~ittarlus - You also have deep desires to_.buy expensive, pointless, e¢o- Cratffyln~ thlnCs...iyou know that fast, red sports ear won’t make you a better person. Don’t you? VIRGO, Aug. 23 - Sept. 23 This is the month for fun and games, and your self-discipline will be at an all time low. Existing relationships get a passionate boost and you look particularly cute at all the holiday parties, though the new love interest youmeet now is likely to lose your phone number for a month or two. Have a good and pleasurable wallow tiffs month and don’t feel guilty about it. You’ re not reqmred to be dutiful and responsible all the time. Really. LIBRA, SepL 23- Oct. 23 Try to live by the saying,"A closed mouth gathers no foot." It may s~emlike people are trying to,pick fights ~ith you but, the truth is, you re dredging:up old, unconscious issues with deep roots in the past. Unless you’re very conscious of whom you’re dealing with, you’ll be prone to saying silly things that have nothing to do with the situations that really exist. Clean out.your psyche, clean out your closets; get rid of all the old junk. It’s time. SCORPIO, Oct. 23 ~ Nov. 23 You’re always a very incisive communicator but, this month, ~our words and ideas have such intensily that people may quake in fear when you pass _judgement on the weather. It’s a good month to sell )’ourself and );our ideas because you will impress everyone with your intellectual power. An equally good month to start learning about something new. Just try to avoid the tendency to be argumentative mfiess a real, serious issue is at Stake. SAGITTARIUS, Nov. 23-Dec. 22 You’re obsessed with money and possessions, a very weird feeling for someone who likes to’travel as fast and light as you ordinarily do. You have plenty of energy and motivation to work hard for what you want. You also have deep desires to throw your monex around and buy expensive, pointless, ~go-gratifying things. Staple )’our money to the inSide of your pockets; you know that fast, red sports car won’t make you a beuer person. Don’t you? CAPRICORN, Dec. 22- Jan. 21 This is a very positive time for resolving old problems and accomplishing new goals. Does that sound too good to be true? Of course it does. You’re a Capricorn, and that means you’re cosmically required to be cynical and suspicious. You also want to know how long it will last, don’t you? Two months. Spend December and J,anua~,,y going hardafter what you want and you 11 get it. You even get to set the terms. This is good. Lighten up already! AQUARIUS, Jan. 21 - Feb. 20 Aquarians are famous for two things: a great capacity for friendship and humanitarian impulses, and a great tendency to do weird things that shock other people. You’ll have to use one trait to overcome the other this month. You seem te create the wrong impression every time you open your mouth and your ego can suffer as a result. Hide out in the basement and invent something, or throw your energies into a good, whale saving cause. PISCES, Feb. 20 - March 21 Youare read), to make the plans today that will improve your life tomorrow. You also need to actually do something to put your goals in motion. Don’ t let your natural optimism degenerate into an, "Oh, well. It will all work out somehow,"frame of mind. You’ll need a little help from your friends to make things work out in your favor. If you don’t already have a supportive group of friends and collaborators, go out and find them. Green & Yellow Night FAMILY NIGHT The First Thursday of Each Month 6:00 pm to Midnight Dine, Drink & Relax Among Friends Featuring Jim & Gwendolyn’s ::/-;: Select Dinner Entrees & Brent’s Superb Desserts Jim & Brent ’s B.IST.RO 17a South Main On-Pihner Hifi i/: Histr~icEurrka Springs, AR~01-253-7457 ....." ~II-" .... ~ ~;:~~...... " " Wlib FarnilyIn Mind" Gay-owned, Operated 8, Rainbow Proud 20% of all proceeds will go to Amnesty International’s "Break The Silence" Campaign For a. iTaste ofLocal Flavor Gay Owned & Operated Serving Lunch: Noon to 3pm, Dinner: 5 to 1 lpm, Closed Thurs.. ,. ~ ~. .~ ~-, MCelungI ealty, Inc. EUREKA SPRINGS ~’l’he Land Specialists" 501-253-968; (days) " OR. 50~12~:53~8~69:~.~veni offe~-i,ng~,/.i:~tafle@j~d & i3r~kfast Inns; Comme~eia!; Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country. Estates, & much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG community in Eureka Springsfor over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. We specialize in creative financing. Eureka’s Newest Kids in ToWn b~i Phvl Boler-Schmidt ""The thing that really sold us on the place was the bumper stickers!" Such was the main selling point for Linda and Susan, two of Eureka Springs" newest residents. A recent influx of new lesbians in town has added to the already substantial lesbigay population here. The reasons for their relocation adventures were many, but all resounded with a single, "I’m supposed to be here," when it came right down to it. Linda had the most unusual answer to the question about the defining moment in the decision-malting process: "We’d studied subsoils, studied taxes, studied temperatures, organic growing seasons, all this stuff. And basically, it boiled down to thebumper stickers." Such is life in smalltown middle America. With between 30 and 40% of our population being gay and lesbian, we live in a bit of utopia here, but you’ve heard that before. Wqay did all these new women move here? Why did they choose Eureka Springs, a small Victorian town in the heart of the Bible Belt? And more to the point, what keeps them here? "’I was called by the Universe." So says Rev. KermieWohlenhaus, pastor ofMCC of the laving Spring. "I was looking for a placewith spiritual diversity...The:e is so much life here...It was really st irittm] diversity versus conservatism.’" And there is much more diversity than onlS that of a spiritual nature. We have Raven/Redhawk Enterprises Phyl Boler-Schmidt Systems & Software Specialist POB 429 Eureka Springs 72632 lots of gays and lesbians. We have lots of fundamentalist: Christians. We have numerous artists of one type or another. We have quaint Victorian homes, and wehave large developed music theatres. Preservauonists abound, yet so do the developers. It’s a wonderful contrast of opposites. Linda points out, "...there is a really high creative genius here. There is an artist~,,c genius here, ajoy and bliss that we felt... Linda and susan]ust recently relocated from Wash. State via New Jersey. Connie and B~ili~ re...... eei~tly movedbere from Tucson and San Diego by way of Mountain Home, Arkansas. Billie notes,"I read an article in the papers about what the percentage of the population is in Eureka Springs that’s gay, and it’s a pretty large percentage for a small town, like one third of the population. I thought, Yeah, that’s wonderful. Finally, a place where you don’t have to hide." Susanechoed that feeling,"There’s ahigh population of gays and lesbians here, and it feels like you’re really welcome." When asked about the diversity m lifestyle choices and religious viewpoints in our town, Connie had this to sav: "My philosophy has ahvays been mrre inclusive than exclusive of any group of people....I love the diversity here." I am one of those relativenewcomers to How come they can have Jesus on East Mountain... The Great Passion Play, such a high percentage of ~ueeTts, & still all ~et alon~? .:F~k.a Springs,just now approachingmy ~ne-y~ar anniversary of packing up my parmer, myself, our pets and belongings and making thejourney from the Western slope of Colorado. One of my main reasons for wanting to make the move was that I wanted to see why it works here. 1 remember talking to a friend and saying something like,"How come they can haye Jesus on East Mountain, and The Great Passion Play, such a high percentage of queers, and still all get along?" Sometimes, I still wonder. But, I can tell you this: it really does work. I attribute much of that working to the balance here. It would be difficult to ignore the importance of such alarge percentageofthe population, if not in public issues, at the very least, in terms of economics. All of the women that were interviewed specifically for this article had heard about Eureka Springs from other people and had visited prior to deciding to make the move. So, I would suggest that you be aware of this when visiting the place we call "’the hole the buckle goes through in the Bible Belt." After all, of the 16 or so new women in town, not one felt she really had a choice but to move here after visiting on vacation orjust passing through. There is a real magnetism here. But, be ready for a shock, as Billie puts it: "It’s almost too comfortable here. It’s almost too safe here, and we son,crimes forget that there still is a fight out thcre. : There is still work to be done.’" Connie tempers this observation with one of her own: "...one of Eureka Spnngs" strongest virtues is I have yet to run into : apathetic people. They are very involved ¯ in their community, and whether I am in ¯ agreement with them and what they want ~ to seein terms of the future of the commu- ¯ nity is actually rather irrelevant." I tend to agree with Conme On this one. ¯" Eureka has a population, of just under : 2,000. Nowhere else have I seen so many unique individuals, each doing his or her own thing, respecting other people’s right ; to be just as unique, and all the while, ¯ caring deeply about this community and ." its future. I could go on and on. But, it’s some- ~ thing youjust have to experience for your- ." self. Be prepared to pack up and move ¯ though. When two friends of ours left our : small town ~n Colorado some two-plus ; years ago to relocate to Eureka Springs, I ¯ remember standingin their driveway while ¯ the moving van was being packed. One : looked at me, and said, "’phyl, just go ; home and get your stuff. There’s plenty of room on the truck, and we "know you’re gonna be there eventually anyway." ~ We didn’t listen. We had to see for : ourselves, and visited last September. Six weeks later, we were the newest kids in town. It’s a recurring theme in Eureka : Springs. Come see for yourself. MCC ofthe Living Spring ...a community of friends... Rew Kermie Wohlenhaus, Pastor We welcome you to attend! Services held SUnday evenings at 6 PM 17 Elk Street (at the Unitarian Church) Eur.eka Springs, AR 72632 501-253,.9337 ¯~ Jerrx A. Wi-lson (501) 253-7311 * A Friendly Place to Slay 1-800-231-1442 ¯ ¯¯KING’S HI-WAY ¯" INN ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Hwy. 62 East Eureka Springs, Arkansas 501-253-6001 DAVE HAGER RUTH GOODWIN.HAGER S.U.A.E. Open Through Christmas Adu/t Accommodmior~ In Eureka Springs, Arkansas Craftsman-style cottages with beautiful views of the woods and wildlife -.Tucked on topof the Ozark Mountains. iust a few minutes walk to the Historic Village of Eureka Springs. Frank Green Jr.. Host - 50 Wall Street - Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 A UTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE FRESH RAINBOW TROUT of Eureka Springs Recommended by the New York Times (501) 253.6807 5 Center Street Closed kVednesday Eureka Springs, AR 72632 BEAVER DAM STORE Fishing Headquarters for N.W. Arkansas Fly Tying * Fly Fishing * Equipment & Classes Open Year ’Round TROUTS - ~R - US Located 1/2 mile N. of Beaver Dam on Hwy 187 Eureka Springs, AR * 501-253-~154 Groceries * Gas * Ice * B~er * Licenses * Lodg£~g COTTAGE A ~d 8t Bre.altFast Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501/253-86,59 SALOON Friday’so..Party Night at the Star Dec. 1, Flashlight Party 1st xxx People Get a Free Flashlight or Bring Your" Own.’ Wednesday Night Showcase Starting Dec. 6th, hosted by Courtney Farrell Featuring Open Talent Dec. 22, Christmas Show Featuring Sid Spencer Green Country Cloggers & Some of Tulsa’s Best Talent Starting Dec. 3, Sunday Night Dancers, 8~Midnight 834-4234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am How To Do It First 30 words are $10. Each additional word is 25 cents. You m.ay bring additional attenuon to your ad with: Bold Headline - $1 Ad in capital letters - $1 Ad in bo]d capital letters - $2 Ad in box - $2 Ad reversed - $3 Tear sheet mailed - $2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Please type or print your ad. Count the number of words. (A word for our purposes is a group ofletters or numbers separated by a space.) Send your ad & payment to POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, complete address, d~y & eve. numbers (for our records only) Ads will run i.r~ the next issue after they are received. TFN reserves the right to edit or re~’use any ad. No refunds. CIVIL RIGHTS HELP? American Civil Liberties Union of O"klahoma 600 NW 23rd, Suite 104 OKC 73106, 405-524-8511 HIV+ Singles Magazine Safe & confidential. Free copy, 36 word personal ad, voice mail, and mail forwarding! Local and nationwide! All lifestyles. Gay, HIV+ owned & operated. Intropoz+, 564 Mission St. Box 415, SF, CA 94105, 800-820-2948 Friday, December 1st, World AIDS Day Candlelight March Begins at Sharp Chapel at T.U. at 6:30 AND DON’T FORGE . Men of the Southwest Two Dynamite Male Dancers Every Thursday NO COVER Friday & Saturday Dance Party Dance & Sweat with DJ David Dees, $2 cover Robbie Walker & The Sunday Slam Dominique Daniels, Paris Grey, Kris Kohl, Ivana B. Real, Michelle Ross Voted the #1 Show in Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma, Every Sunday, 1 lpm, $2 cover Beer Bust & S "al Shots 9-1 Every Thurs., Fri., and Sun. 9-2,3340 S. Peoria Tulsa, 918.744-0896 Oklahoma SON WANTS DAD: GWM, 31, 5’11 ", 180, brown hair, green eyes, HIV-, seeks a HIV- Daddy for a serious relationship. Relocation is most definite if Daddy wants. Please leave a message. =15358 Oklahoma BOUND AND GAGGED: GWM, Leather submissive seeks a very aggressive Leather aggressive, for serious encounters. No holds barred preferred. Please leave a message. =2827 GI: B THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 :2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We,ll print it here) 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (,) Du~ to our large volume of calls if you can’t get thru, simply try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISA/MC. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 Oklahoma BIG BOY: GWM, 5’6", 250, brown hair, blue eyes, seeks others far friendship and more. Please leave a message. =11041 Tulsa PLAIN, SIMPLE, HONEST: GWM, 28, 165, hard worker, out doors man and active, seeks other GWM’s far friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. =14249 Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: C~.WM, inexperienced, 30, 6’, 150, brown hair, green eyes, professional, smoke/alcohol Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say b~fore calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for. Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to Write down your box number. free, seeks inexperienced GWM’s. 18-25 for special encounters. Please leave a message. Must be discrete and drug free. =14856 Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: GWM, 25, 5’10", 175, brown hair, masculine and discrete, good looking, non smoker, athletic, seeks other inexperienced males, 21-301 for friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. =14178 Oklahoma LET’S TEACH EACH OTHER: Bi Curious WM, 27, 6’, 195, tanned, seeks other males, 18-30, bi curious preferred, far learning experiences. Please leave a message. =17153 Grove WANNA PUNK WITH ME?: new to area, not into bars, Dave, 20 6’ 185 brn/red/hzl, goatee, eyebrow earring, love volleyball, good music, good food great conversation, meditate, spiritual, give me a call- =9385 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and honest person, like this in a person, give me a call- =9464 Oklahoma BRAND NEW: GWM, 27, 150 5’8", brown hair, hazel eyes~ will try anything once, varied interests, seeks other guys for friendship and much more. Please leave a message. =17465 Oklahoma LOOKING FOR SERIOUS FUN: GWM, Oklahoma State University student, 20’S, 5’9", 150", good body, varied interests, seeks others for fun and more. I am very discrete. Please leave a message. =16686 Tulsa LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE: Bi Curious Married WM, very attractive, good body, 6’1", 180, blonde hair, blue eyes; seeks other white males far first time experience. Please leave a message. No need to be discrete. =16302 Tulsa TULSA TWO STEP: GWM, 26, 5’7", 145, good looking and in shape, seeks others, 18-27, for friendship and fun.Please lea~e a message. =.17238. - COCKED AND LOADED: GWM, 22, 6’2", 185, biown hair, green eyes, seeks GWM’s, 35-45, average build and weight for friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. =13357 RIGHT ON THE MONEY: GWM, 31, 5’6", seeks, GWM’s, 25-50, into getting acquainted instead of fantasizing about our looks. We’rg not all Greek God’s or are we built like horses. Some of us are just average. Call me. =12799 BI,I~I BLUES: BiCurious WM, 27, 175, .6’, attractive, seeks other attractive m~les, 20-30, who are patient and understanding. Must be drugidiseose free. Please leave a message. =13020 FUN IN THE CORRAL: GWM, 31, brown hair, hazel eyes, ’stache, 5’6", 165, seeks companionship of mature GWM, 23-40, who are aggressive, : masculine and gentle. Furry cowboys a plus. Call me! =13859 Tulsa LOADED: 27, 6’, 180 iso men 18- 30 for some fun, give me a call- =9298 OK City DADDY’S HOME: WM, 41, 6’ 180 blk brn, iso slim musc 18-41 for ruband friendship-leave a message- ~9318 Oklahoma City GOOD TIMES ARE WAITING: I’m 27 y/o, 5’11, 2151bs, athletic build: Vmlkg4 someone to share good times with I like dancing, I’m a light drinker and a non smoker. =1663 Texarkana I’M YOUR MAN: I’m a 39 y/o WM, 5’8, 1401bs. I’m disease free and I’m Ikg4 someone 18-45 who is well built, call me, please be discreet. =9582 Oklahoma City PRIME TIME: I’m a 38 y/o WM "IV. I’m a total TV and I’m Ikg4 men who would like to spend some time with me. I’m clean, drug and disease free. =9808 Ada HOMO ALONE IN ADA: I’m 6’3, brn/brn, 1901bs. I’m Ikg4 gay men 18-25 far good times, call me. =10271 Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6, 2151bs, WM. I’m Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s with a medium to slim build. I like singing, bowling, golf, movies and cuddling. If you are interested, please call me. =47265 Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking for GLM/GWM far hot fun in the sun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Leave me a message and let’s get together soon. =10596 Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very versatile, seeks new friends in the area far fun and friendship with relationship possibilities. Let’s get together and celebrate life. =6571 Texarkana WILD BOYS: GWM, 26, 6’1 ", 185, blonde hair, blue eyes, very hairy, seeking sub 18-35.GWM’s for mutual fun and satisfaction. You won’t be disappointed. Please leave a message. =11036 Oklahoma City SHOOT THE BREEZE: GWM, 22, brown hair/eyes,. 5’6", seeks fun and relationship oriented GWM’s under 30. Smoker/Light Drinker OK. Must be disease/drug free =11041 Tulsa GAY OR BI: AI, 32, very mosc prof~l, GBM iso Gay or bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sports, outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks! = 7580 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: orofessional, 42 WM, iso other Gay or bi male, 30s - 40s, in the area, let’s play! = 7392 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 21 BM, kinda looking for someone to love, tired of being by myself, love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- = 7435 Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s iso BIWM 30-40, ht/wt prop, very discreet, expect same, like share some time, i! you are interesteo, give mea call, VII returnall calls- = 7822 Tulsa NEW TO AREA: Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out alot, phys fit, Ikg far a str to BI BM 35-65 to have a good time with, go out with give me a call- = 7842 Eastern AR CUDDLE BY li’IE FIRF4 Jack, GWM, 37, It. bmibm, mus~he,~masc, ~ appearing/acting, iso friends po~s rel in ~he area, like all music, dining, Jhealer, silting by a fir~, ould0a~, animals, you name it- give me a call- = 7873 Oklahoma City JASON, 24, 5’10, 170, Ikg to meet other hot guys, around my age, if you’d like, give me a call- = 7885 OK. City YOUNG AND PREPPY: Mike, like to meet people under 40, just safe, discreet honest, 18 young preppy, new to this, a little nervous, if you are interested give me a call- = 8029 Malvern FANTASY FUN: Jack, 33 WM, Ikg far guys into fantasies, give me a call leKs get together. = 8031 Oklahoma City BI OR BI CURIOUS? 36, in the city the first wk of the month, looking far bi or bi curious, gdlkg, 6’1, 175, 33w, give me a cal!- = 8514 Tulsa HEY GIRLS:athletic ath’. SWF early 30’s 5’4 1101bs bm/bm Ikg4 open minded women for discreet hot fun. call me! ~45795 Dallas/Ft. Worth LEZ TALK: my name is Usa, I’m Ikg4 someone to have great phone fun with. I love talking on the phone. Im 42 y/o and I hope you call me. e45492 Arlington LESBIAN SISSY:my name is Miss Michael. Im a sissy and I believe in lesbian power. Im Ikg2 meet a lesbian who wants to show me her power. =45901 Dallas DALLAS DOU4 36 y/o F into reading, poetry and all types Of music. I love doQs and’im r~al shy, not into’the club scene and Im Ikg4 a friendin the Dallas area. call me. ~38212 Dallas BI BI LOVE: my name is Kay, I’m a married woman Ikg2 meet a bi wbman for fun, dancing, dining for poss. long term rel.. I~ you are sen_sual and romantic, car!! ~46491 Dallas AFRICAN QUEEN: I’m a 37 y/o African American Ikg4 the same 30-40. I’m shy and I’m drug and disease free. I have.lwo dogs and I’m sincere and honest. If you are I~onest and sincere, call me. =38212 BUTCH/FEM: i’m a 23 y/o female and like poetry, cycling and music. I’m Ikg4 a friendship and a poss. relationship. I’m a ttle butch and a little fern. all calls wil/be returned. ~47521 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single Woman with no kids Ikg4 a special female friend to love and care for. call me. =1614 Arkadelphia, AR STAR GAZER: my name is Angela, I’m a 21 y/o stbdent interested in trying new things, stor gazing and more. I would like to meet a nice woman for fun and friendship, call me! =46392 Kansas Cily AFFECTIONATE AND PLAYFUl4 GWF 32 y/o attr. affectionate, playful and fun. I’m Ikg2 meet fun, honest, ath’active women for fun and friendship. =45977 QUALITY ALTgRNATIVE WHAT.IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generaliy, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of )’our polic) and )’our tmique medical situation. Not ever), policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value,_depending on the specifics of your,:policy and medical history. HOW DOESA SETTLE- HOW IS SOUTHWEST MENT WORK? VIATICAL DIFFERENT? With )’our written permissibn~ we gather medical and Today, malay companies offer viatical settlements, insurance records with which to determine )’our policy’s doing business Olfly by bulk advertising and 1-800 nuinvalue. Then, a settlernnt offer is presented to vou. You bers. The)’ transfer your insurance and medical records may always decline the offer with no obligation whatso- by mail, and do business from another state. ever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made..- directly to you. You pay nothing else on ),our policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors influence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and )our family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Plamaer to assist you in planning the best outconie from your unique finmacial situation. At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the.best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a commtmity level, aud are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And.because of our established resources, we cat] deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you, Southwest Home Office Dallas, Texas 800,559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB~,14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011. 918-747-3320 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1995] Tulsa Family News, November 15-December 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 12 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neil Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 15-December 14, 1995 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Phyl Boler-Schmidt Leanne Gross Pat Morehead JD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neil/Tulsa Family News Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/504 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, October 15-November 14, 1995; Volume 2, Issue 11 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 1995 African Americans AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV discrimination AIDS/HIV education AIDS/HIV research annulment arts and entertainment attorneys Barry Hensley Bars businesses censorship churches Community Center conspiracy Dave Fleischer Deb Price Disney divorce Don't Ask Don't Tell Dornan Bill employment discrimination Employment Non Discrimination Act Equil Employment Commission estate planning Eureka Springs Federal Aviation Administration Gay and Lesbian History Month gay politicians Gay/Lesbian America Music Awards (GLAMA) healthcare homophobia horoscope Human Rights Campaign Human Rights Campaign Fund injection drugs insurance Joyce Murdoch lawsuits Log Cabin Republicans Making Sense marriage medical malpractice medical marijuana Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Mr. Oklahoma Leather National Gay and Lesbian Task Force needle exchange Partner Benefits Pat Morehead performing arts PFLAG Phyl Boler Schmidt Phyl Boler-Schmidt Politically Un-Correct Read All About It representation Republican Party restaurants schools sodomy laws Steve Largent Tennessee Williams Tom Neal Transgender Tulsa Family News Tulsa Oklahoman for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing Tulsa Uniform and Leather Seekers Association (TULSA) viatication whistleblowers White House Conference on AIDS World AIDS day https://history.okeq.org/files/original/063f006b2ab3e7a11676f07c3b10c346.jpg a1af11cded7254e7f790934e9b42ce54 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/d10b69d45bf668ce3f684b96be36b170.pdf c55257932959c53a0fc665dc468394c9 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities -Our Families of the Heart December 15, 1995- January 14, 1996, Volume 3, Issue I i Rob Hill To Run For i School Bd. Seat 6 National News Oregon Lesbian Activists Murdered : "MEDFORD, Ore. - Police in Medford, Ore., report that they have located the bodies of Roxanne Ellis and Michelle Abdill; long-time lesbian activists who have been deeply involved in fighting off anti-gay ballot initiatives in the state for several years. The 2 women, who had been partners for 12 years, were found in the back of a pickup trnek belonging to Ellis. The couple were last seen on Dec. 4 see Murder, page 11 : ¯ "¯ Washington, DC By the end of Dec. 6th, the "Parents, Schools and Values," Congressional hearing revealed itself-to be precisely what youth advocates had feared: a taxpayer funded platform for anti-gay extremists. The two day hearing came to a close today before the House Economic and Employment Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.. The hearings became the focus of a national outcry when Lou Sheldon, an anti-gay extremist and Chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition, claimed the hearings were scheduled at his request to discuss the "promotion of homosexuality in the public schools." see House, page 11 ¯ "" The Tulsa chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, in response ~ to the difficulties encountered in getting their Project Open Mind anti-hate commercials ~ on television inTulsa, have begun a campaign for a signature advertisement to run in The ¯ Tulsa World. The ad calls for Tulsans to stand against"hatred, hate speech and violence" ¯ against individuals based on their sexual orientation and "to recognize the strong link ~ between hate speech, teen suicide and violent physical attacks..." The Tulsa Worldis on ] record as having a policy banning the use of the words, Gay or Lesbian in advertising ¯ but apparently have chosen to allow an exception for this ad.The ad is scheduled to run ¯ sometime early this next year. ; Two Project Open Mind television commercials were to be tested in Tulsa, Houston : &Atlanta. InTulsa, ouly Ch. 2,KTULbriefly aired one of the pair but stopped. Attorneys ¯ for the Christian Broadcasting Network, who objected to the use of footage of evangelist ¯ Pat Robertson & Jerry Falwell, had threatened legal action against stations broadcasting ¯ the commercials. PFLAG is asking individuals and organizations, dubs, cong~:,e&atio~as, ¯ etc. to sign the anti-hate ad. There is no cost since funds that were to be iised ~6 buy TV ¯ air time will now oar for the-orint ad. For more information call the PFLAG at 749-4901. ~r / ’ i : : ¯ One of many organizations at the World : AIDS Day March at the Univ. of Tulsa, : see related stories this page and page 8. Bill Stoskopf & Mark Lackey of Black & White Charities present gifts to SharOn Thoele of the HIV Resource Consortium ($5000) & to Claudette Peterson ofTOHR ($2500) from this year’s fundraisers. PFLAG was also a beneficiary ($2500). Hearings Feature ¯ PFLAG, Thwarted In TV Effort, Turns To Anti-Gay Agenda Print Campaign For Anti-Hate Message Hawaii Commission Urges Gay Marriage World AIDS Day: HONOLULU- The Honolulu Advertiser " Tulsa & Elsewhere " NEW YORK - "Shared Rights, Shared , Responsibilities" was the theme of.World ¯ AIDS Day, as the United Nations an" nounced a massive global mobilization " program to deal with the epidemic. From UN Secretary-General Boutros BoutrosGhali to prominent Hollywood film per" sonalities, from the largest cities to smaller : communities, hundreds of thousands of ¯ people and some 7,.000 groups in 190 localities around the world marked the " day in a varxety of ways. ¯ In Tulsa, the event was marked by Interfaith AIDS Ministries annual march ¯ and memorial service held this year at the University of Tulsa. Over 300 igeople at" tended with many organizations carrying banners. The service featured speakers, Jason Smith of TOHR’s Testing Clinic and attorney and longtime community. activist., Bob Inglish. Choirs from Family of Faith MCC, Tulsa Family Chorale and FirSt Presbyterian Church performed. WASHINGTON- The U.S. Supreme " TU Provost Dr. Lewis Duncan, the Rev. Court has let stand; without comment, a ¯ Ken McIntosh, the Rev. Henry Knight Wisconsin statesupreme court ruling that ¯ provided welcome or prayers, and Dr. would let .the former parmer continue ; Doreen Wood read a World AIDS Day with her court battle to have visitation ¯ proclamation from Mayor M. Susan Savrights withher ex-lover’s biological son. ¯ age. After Etsbeth Knott, the biological mother- "The American Foundation for AIDS of the boy, and Sandra Lynn Holtzman, " Research (AmFAR), a prominent nonended their 10-year relationship, Knott ¯ profit U.S. group that has been headed by attempted to prevent Holtzman from see: ¯ actress Elizabeth Taylor announced that it ing the 6-year-old boy. The Wisconsin " is awarding.nearly a million dollars in Supreme Courtearlier tiffs year overturned ¯ research grants to 14 scientists working a state lower court ruling denying ¯ on the epidemic. The foundation also Holtzman any rights, and ordered the case named American actress Sharon Stone to 12 3 has reported that the state commission created to evaluate gay and lesbian marriages will urge the legislature to "change Hawaii law to allow gay couples to marry." The Commission on Sexual Orientation and Law was created after the Hawaii Supreme Court ordered alower court to review a suit bylesbian andgay couples to get mamage licenses, saying that in order to refuse thelicenses the state had to prove a "corn pelling interest" to deny licenses because of the gender of the 2 people involved. The commission has not yet released any actual recommendations, but the paper reported that the commission’s report will be distributed for public comsee Hawaii, page 12 Visitation Rights ¯ Case to Continue ¯ SayS-High Court 2 1/2M AIDS Cases WASHINGTON- So many young Americans - one of ever." 92 young men and one of every 33 young black men - are believed infected with HIV that it threatens to become a deadly "rite of passage" in this country, said Philip Rosenberg of the National Cancer Institute. Rosenberg’s comments in the journal Science, coincide with an announcement by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that the AIDS epidemic has now reached 501,310 cases in the U.S. since 1981 with 311,381 deaths. The sobering statistics illuminate the government’s warnings that AIDS is quickly turning into more of a threat to the nation’s youth, even as it tapers off among older people. Using CDC. data, Rosenberg also estimated that one in every 60 Hispanic men see AIDS, page 3 : Rob Hill, social services specialist with ¯ Helpline for 15 years, announces his candidancy for Tulsa Public Schools Dis" trict 6. Hill is a graduate of Will Rogers High Schogl and a 1968 graduate of North:: eastern.. State University in Tahlequah, ¯ with a Bachelors in Psychology. ; "I hope to bring my experience and ¯ knowledge of Tulsa’s community ser¯ vices and resources to Tulsa Public ¯ Schools," says Hill. "I have first hand : knowledge to help our schools deliver ¯ high quality services as efficiently as pos¯ sine. I’m committed to combining fiscal ¯ conservatism with the best quality education for our children." see Hill. p. 12 TOHR Votes for ¯ Community Center ¯ Tulsa moved a little closer to having a ¯ community meeting place when mem¯ bers of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human ¯ Rights (TOHR) voted at an emergency ~ meeting Nov. 21 to authorize TOHR of¯ ricers to put together an offer on a prop- erty. As of press time, the deal with the ¯ current owner is still in negotiation but ~t ¯ is hopeful that the issues can be resolved : so that renovation of the building might ¯ ..~ti~_,.~g~: ’,~ v ex, t y-eaL At tlaat time, tnere "’ a-n~.’d ~ "~"’ for’"co~ty " " ~’ ";" ~’W Wi~.I~e volunteers ¯ to provide painting, ci~-up, and light :,ocoi~structiOt~ work. Info: 743-GAYS, INSIDE EDITORIAL DIRECTORY NEWS BRIEFS HEALTH BRIEFS CALENDAR EUREKA PAGES P. 2 P. 2 P. 4 P. 6 P. 9 P. 10-11 New Pentecosta Church Welcomes Gays & Lesbians The Rev. Clay Cody and Agape’ Christian Fellowship, a new Pentecostal congregation, have announced that they will begin holding worship services at the Sheridan Center, Suite H, at 21st and Sheridan Road. The services will be held at 10:30 am beginning on December 31. Pastor Cody, formerly an Assembly of GodPastor Evangelist, believes that there are many Gay, Lesbian and Transgendered Pentecostal Christians in the Tulsa area who have had to worship in "mainstream’" WASHINGTON-"We can conquer this ," churches and who were unable to express said President Clinton in convening the fully themselves as Gay Christians. Agape’ first White House conference on AIDS in~ Christian Fellowship "extends the fight the 15 years of the epidemic’s history, hand of fellowship" to everyone regardbringing together teachers, doctors, reless of race, gender or sexual orientation. searchers, people withHIV and their famThe Pentecostal movement had its oriily. In Tulsa, local HIV activists and spegin in the widespread desire in the hearts cialists gathered to listen to the conferof men and women for greater closeness ence at the University Center at Tulsa. to God. It is a reaction to the formalism, After the broadcast, locals intended to coldness and .unbelief Pentecostal Chrisbegin planning for current efforts to retians perceive in modern churches. Pentespond to the epidemic. Outside the Excostal Christians profess a belief in their ecutive Office meeting in DC, however, experience of the supernatural power of protesters and AIDS activists demonGod in their lives and their faith in the strated, charging that the conference Bible which they consider the infallible, White House. AIDS Conf. Heard in Tulsa �918.583.1248 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher/Editor Issued.on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 1996 by Tulsa Family Tom Neal News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without Assistant Editor written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or James Christjohn Writers/contributors photo does not indicate thal person’s sexual orientation. Phyl Boler-Schmidt Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Barry Hensley noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tutsa Family News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each Pat Morehead Staff, Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. JD Jamett With this issue, Tulsa Family News begins our third year. We give our thanks to you, our readers & also to those who have-helped us; with stories& with criticism. Especially, we thank, our writers,our advertisers & our enormously patient printers who make bringing quality news reporting to Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender folk, families & friends possible. This is a labor of love, & sometimes, a little profit. So, when we’re fending off censorship or the flack that comes with having a viewpoint, it helps to remember the praise we’ve received. We were proud when distinguished former CBS News journalist, Ann Northrup, lauded Tulsa Family News, lamenting that she wished NYC had a paper like this. And we’ve heard similar praise from others. We promase you to continue bringing you the best local & national news coverage of any Oklahoma Gay paper. We have faith in Tulsa’s promise & with your hel p, Tul sa wil 1 get better and better for us & our families. Happy holidays - Tom Neal Suck & Blow Syndrome by Pat ,.~lorehead Merry Christmas andn~iLV the Ne~:Year bring you a better yearth~ 1995. 95.hasbeen a weird year. I’m not sure we ~3an view it as a "watershed" year, but it has certainly pointed out the absolute schizophrenia of our national culture. ~I learned a long time ago of a psychological phenomenon referred to as the "suck and blow" syndrome which is where I think America is currently trapped. The suck and blow ,syndrome in essence states that one can’t.simultaneously "suck andblow". In other words it is not possible, in a healthy mental State, to perform to conceptual opposites. Translation, you are not in a healthy mental state when you are obsessed with a "pro-life" crusade that sanctions killing physicians who perform abortions as the way to advance your cause.. But it is exactly this suck and blow syndrome which seems to be driving almost every cultural force in America today. It is schizophrenic tO foist Off a life view of 1950’s and 60’s television programming in an America where elementary students carry guns. Ozzie and Harriet never had to deal with that situation. Or for cable compames to promote a KIDS CLICKER remote control to protect children from accessing what the very same cable provider carries on ft’s other channels. It is suck and blow time when in order to improve life in America for the "next generation" politicians are prepared to unfnnd and dismantle Environmental Protection laws. Or for those same politicians to continually summon images of family life and cultural values of an agrarian America which no longer exists. And at the same time to sell off the National Parks of this country in order for businesses to rape and plunder those same park lands. As my uncle used to say, someone needs to just slap some sense into us. I have hopes that 1996 will be the year when that happens. The hate-mongers see UPC, page 3 - MCC~Grehte~-TiJIsa- Responds to TFN First, Rev. Alice Jones left voluntarily because she felt God’s calling in a new direction. Rev. Jones served as pastor of MCC of Greater Tulsa for over 16 years. She frequently defended the whole Tulsa Gay/Lesbian community in situations, such as the recent Human Rights Commission hearings. Anyone who leads any group for over 16 years will have detractors who disagree with some things. Rev. Jones accomplished many things, and the congregation of MCC of Greater Tulsa are proud to have had her as our pastor. Regarding implied problems with the District of UFMCC, it is true that we were changed from a chartered.church to a commissioned church. The demands on a chartered church have changed in recent years, and this change has some important advantages for MCC of Greater Tulsa as we seek a new pastor. The main change is in the pastor compensation package, giving the local church greater flexibility. To imply a conflict exists between MCC of [(]reater] Tulsa and District leaders is wrong and inaccurate. The Board of Directors are working closely with the District on the pastoral search. Although, like many churches from time to time, we are behind in our tithes to the District. -~ However, the Board of Directors and the congregation are taking steps to correct this, and we will become a Chartered Church again. Regarding perceived irregularities in our Financial Records, the finances of MCC of Greater Tulsa have always been open to any member or friend of the Church. Open Board meetings and Congregational meetings are held regularly, and anyone attending may ask questions. An Audit Committee, of church members, are currently reviewing the Church records to clarify any bookkeeping errors. Volunteers handling church records may sometimes make errors, but there is no question as to the honesty and integrity of those involved. As MCC of Greater Tulsa seeks anew pastor, the members and the Board of Directors look forward to many years ahead serving the needs of the local church and the entire Tulsa Gay/Lesbian Community. - The Board of Directors & Members Editor’s response: TFN would like to make this correction: Alice Jones did not preach on Sunday morning, Oct. 29 as we stated in .our last issue. We regret that error and apologize for our mistake. However, we stand by the accuracy of the rest of the artgcle. ¯ TFN also applauds MCC of Greater Tulsa for : resp~idihg publicdlly td f U~ article~ We agreew~th ~ several of their points. The concerns raised in our : article are not, however, the ones they addressed. ~ The question is: what’s going onfinancially? What makes this issue a matter ofpublic concern ¯ are the size of thefinancial irregularities and the ’ appearance of no management overstght. The ¯ amount unaccountedfor, possibly as much as $6,000 ¯ or more, is significant. This is about 10% of the ¯ annual income of this church. It is too much for ¯ members to dismiss with a comment, " volunteers ¯ make mistakes..." Also in the UFMCC, the pastor ¯ serves not only as staffbut also as moderator of the ¯ board of directors. And in that role, as "president" ¯ of the board, that person is resposibility for the ¯ proper functioning ofan organization, especially ¯ overseeingfinancial accountability, see MCC, p. 3 Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants 744-0896 *Concessions, 3340 S Peoria 585-5622 *Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th 749-1563 *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th 834-4234 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main 585-3405 660-0856 *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial 664-8299 *Time’n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial 584-1308 *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Admiral 582-4340 742-0712 Wild Fork, Utica Square, 21st & Utica 5~5-3134 * Interurban, 717 S. Houston Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals 746-4620 Dennis C. Arnold, Realtor 743-1000 *Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1.560 E. 21 747-9506 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Li-fe Insurance 250-5034 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 592-1521 Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Tim Daniel, Attorney 592-5356 D’Antiques, 1508 E. 15th 749-3620 *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 834-4234 *Dusty Roads at the Silver Star, 1565 Sheridan 838-8503 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 743-9994 Express Pools & Spas, 6310 S. Peoria 486-1174 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 744-0102 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Planning *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 584-4606 *Imaginanons, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 341-6866 *International Tours 599-8070 Ken’s Flowers; 1635 E. 15 747-5466 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 742-1992 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 671-2010 Lean Ann Macomber, Realtor Associate 663-4884 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan *MediaPlay, 9121 E. 71st 250-5158 584-3112 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 663-5934 Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 st 664-2951 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 P1 838-7626 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 496-2410 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 584-0337 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 749-6301 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 747-3322 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 583-1248 *Tomfoolery Gifts & Cards, at Family of Faith MCC 743-1733 Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 B/L/G Alliance, Uuix~ersity of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University ~of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Commtmity of Hope. (United Methodist), 1703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity/Integrity (Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians) 298-4648 622-1441 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 747-6827 Friend For A Friend, .POB 52344, 74152 Friends in Unity (Afffcan-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 584-4983 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation Interfaith AIDS Miui~tries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 838-1715 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 748-3111 NAMES PROJECT, .~154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4901 P-FLAG, POB 52800,74152 74104 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 749-4195 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 665-5174 Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106.74159 599-8423 Rainbow Village, PO.B 50403, 74150-0403 749-7898 *Shanti Hothne Tulsa Oklahomans foT Human Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 743-4297 TOHR Gay HelpLin6 (Info.) 584-1308 Tool Box Techuician~, 1338 E. 3rd 838-1222 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uuiform/Leather Seekers Assoc. ~TulsaCity Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground F! *University Center at: Tnlsa Beaver Dam Store, 1/2 mi. N. of Dam on Hwy. 187 501-253-6154 501-253 -7457 *Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-6807 DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-5445 *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. 800-231-1 442 King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W 501-253-9337 *MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9682 McClung Realtors Rock Cottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 501-253-2204 Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton 501-253-6001 Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 501-253-8281 The Woods, 50 Wall St. �between the ages of 27 and 39 is infected with HIV; that women are 4 times less likely than men to become infected; and that although the epidemic in the U.S. has "officially" just passed the half-million mark, the actual number of people in this country infected with HIV is probably .between 630,000 and 897,000, representmg approximately 100,000 to almost 400,000 people whose infections have not been reported or who themselves are unaware they are already infected. "That’s a very. disturbing future," Rosenberg said. wasn’t about the disease at all, but was "election year rhetoric." Inside, Clinton underscored his administration’s commitment to battling the .epidemic, saying he had increased funding for AIDS research and treatment during his term in office, and promising to fight off efforts by the Republican-controlled Congress to cut AIDS spending next year. Clinton also announced that early next year Vice President AI Gore will host a conference of scientists and representatives from drug manufacturers to try to find ways to speed up the development of promising AIDS medications. "Our common goal must ultimately be a cure," Clinton told the some 300 people attending. "A cure for all those living with HIV, and a vaccine to protect the res t of us from the virus. A cure and a vaccine - that must be our first and top priority." Although those attending the conference generally applauded Clinton, it was also dear that pressure on ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ~ the administration is far from easing up. Dr. Edward Morse, a research sociologist from Louisiana, also challenged the administration to make some tough decisions about the epidemic. "There is no point in beating around the bush," Morse ~aidin presenting Clinton with areport on IV drug abuse and HIV. "We must face the issue of needle exchange. A third of AIDS cases are based on substance abuse. That is a major key in the solution to this problem." When an activist shouted that Clinton hadfailed to keep his campaign promises about AIDS, Clinton vehemently rejected the charge. Clinton quickly replied, "We had a set of recommendations that. we received whe~n w~got’here, m~st of w.hieh. ¯ ¯ ¯ " ¯ have been i~mplemented. I am very sorry that thereis not a cure. I am very sorry that there is not a vaccine. I regret that everything I have asked for has not been approved by the Congress." ¯ ; ¯ ¯ have started stirring the pot and stuff is beginning to slop out over the edges. Things may well get worse before they get better. But I have faith that ultimately ¯ th~ basic decency and common sense of ordinary people will take command. As Mr. Lincoln said, you can fool some of the : people all of the time, and all of the people : some time, but you can’t fool all of the ¯ people all of the time. I guess those two things are my mes; sage of positive hope for all of us for the ¯ coming new year. I believe in the basic "- decency of ordinary peopl e and their com¯ mon sense to react when things get to ¯ weird. I suggest we all start practicing those virtues for the coming year on a daily basis. Drop in a little dol!op of simple courtesy and civility and see if things don’t begin to improve. Decency, common sense, courtesy and civility, that sounds like a pretty good recipe for anyone, wouldn’t you think? So from myself, my companion and our dog, the best wishes of the season, to you and all those in your life who make day to day life a little sweeter and more palatable. And one more suggestion for the new year: always keep your powder dry, otherwise it tends~to cake up when applied around the eyes. HO HO HO! Comments, responses and cheap shots can be E-mailed to TulsaNews@aol.com head a 3-year fundraising campaign. Hundreds of museums around the world marked the day by observing "A Day Without Art," an effort by art institutions to dramatize the effect of the epidemic on the creative community. Tulsa’s Philbrook Museum draped the Rodin statue that graces its entry to recognize the day. On the Internet, scores of World Wide Websites from Japan to Finland participated in their own version of the event, dubbed "A Day Without Graphics," by going blank, removing graphics and pho::r tos :for the ’day. Singers from the’Metro:- p01itan Opera in New York performed at the United Nations, while at the city’s St. Mark’s Church, Dancers Responding to We hope that there is a good explanaAIDS performed 24 hours nonstop, feation for the discrepancy between amount turing dancers from the Paul Taylor and presented in the year~endfinancial report Merce Cunningham dance companies. and the much lower amount reported to And at least 165 cable systems and local be in the church’s bank account(s) at the television stations had slated a variety of congregational meeting. However, even AIDS-related programming, including if there are explanations for every dime, broadcasts of "’Philadelphia," "And the or even if this is an accounting error Band Played On" and "Longtime Comrepeatedfor years, the existance ofsuch a pamon" on leading premium cable syslarge discrepancy in the financial report tems. speaks poorly ofAlice Jones’ performance, not as. pastor, but as moderator - the person ultimately responsible. When this discrepancy is combined with the issue of back tithes owed and other outstanding debts, some would say Alice Jones and her board failed ~o do their job well enough. Mismanagement is not dishonesty and mismanagement doesn’t negate the good Alice Jones has done but the church and our communities do have a right to expect accurate accounting. tomfoolery! even at our worst, better than~the rest Tulsa’s best Pride Store at Family of Faith MCC 5451-e So. Mingo, Sat. noon-6, 583-1248 New location coming in ’96 THEY’LL EAT IT UP! From $29.95 to fobuloust SEND A PARTY! TO DISCO HIV/AIDS Education & Volunteer Training Class The HIV Resource Consortium will hold a comprehensive but non-technica] program on HIV & AIDS issues. The class will be held on a weekend and five weekday evenings beginning Jan. 13. Space ~s limited - call for more info: 749-4194. The Consortium serves as the center for s.ervices for persons affected or infected .@"...wi!~H:IV/.At.DS in northeast Oklahoma. pecialized sholo, actively buying, selling & consigning Deco, 50’s moderne furniture, kitchen kitsch, psychedelic collectables, 50"s lamps, -: costume jewelry + accessones, 3213 e, 15th 749-3620 tltGO-" We offer a wide. selection of Gift Baskets for every occasion. from gourmet to exotic. Express your thoughts and feelings - deliciously - to all kinds of family, .friends or that special someone. 9720-C East 31st Street, Tulsa 918.663.5934, Daphane Cooper Open Arms Open Minds open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 NO. Cincinnati. 425-7882 Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesday Services 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm Choir Practice ° Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group I Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanla PI.. 742-7381 Trinity To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly zoith Ollr God... Micah 6:8 5Ol so. C~ndnnatL 582-4128 8451-E South Mingo Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Poet E. Hemphill Dead : PHILADELPHIA-Poet, author, editor and rights activist Essex Hemphill has died of AIDS-related complications. Mr. Hemphill, author of highly acclaimed "Ceremonies: Prose and Poetry," also worked on the documentaries "Looking for Langston," "Tongues Untied" and "Black Is ... Black Ain’t." He was 38 years old at the time of his death. Nasty Reaction to ’Gay ¯ ¯ ¯ ronym that stands for "double income, no kids, single.’" Partnership Ceremony Proposal in S.F. SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco Board of Supervisors ¯ has received a proposed mea¯ sure that would authorize the ¯ county clerk’s office to perform ¯ domestic partnership ceremonies similar to the marriage ceremonies it performs for couples who ¯ get married at city hall. The city has had a domestic partner regis¯ tration ordinance for seve_ral Mortgages’ in Australia " M EL’BOIJRNE,’~U~ tr~fi~ L~e " ~ years, l~tit the d~unly cl~rk’~ 6fAustralian gay paper Brother ¯ fice has no authority tO officiateSister News has reported that an ¯ at any civil ceremony connected with registration. The proposed announcement earlier in Novem¯ measure to authorize performber by Australian Mortgages that it would start offering discounted ¯ ing the ceremony, which would bank home loans to gay and les- ¯ convey no particular legal status, was introduced by Supervibian couples early next)’ear has ¯ sor Barbara Kaufman. brought the lending institution a ¯ number of hostile phone calls. ¯ Mugabe Rejects Critics including abomb threat. Despite ¯ AUCKLAND, New Zealand the negative reaction from some ¯ According to the New Zealand ¯ Aussies, however, a spokesperHerald, Zimbabwe President ¯ son for the firm said it had no Robert Mugabe said he was unintention of backing away from ¯ concerned about sharp criticism the reduced mortgage rate offer. ¯ he has received for his verbal ¯ "’We are not going to back off," attacks againsthomosexuals. On Australian Mortgages" Ron :,,,leaving the annual CommonGuthrie told the paper. "I’m just "¯ wealth Heads of Government saddened and very disappointed meeting, Mugabe brushed off at the attitude of some people.’" reporters questions about critiThe company said the reduced cism he has received from hurates for lesbian and gaY couples ¯ man rights activists, saying the topic was "abhorrent.’" Lesbian would probably be about 1.5% ¯ lower than standard market rates. and gay activists protested outAustralian Mortgage Saidit had " side the meeting of the Comdecided to offer the discounted ¯ monwealth Heads of Governhome loans partly because of the " ment, to draw attention to the history of antigay bias in the anti-gay attacks by Mugabe. mortgage .industry, but also beEarlier this year, Mugabe’s govcause same-sex couples repre- ¯ ernment barred the Gays & Les¯ sent an excellent market segbians of Zimbabwe from runment for the housing industry. ¯ ning a literature booth at an inGuthrie’said that many gay " ternational book fair in Harare, couples are fairy well-paid pro- ¯ the nation’s capital. In a speech ¯ fessiohals with 2 incomes and he called gays "’sodomists and no children. "They are true sexual perverts" and later said DINKS,’" he said, using the acgays were "worse than dogs and Miracleglass Neil Ray Owner EXPRESS POOLS & SPAS (918) 743-9994 6310 S. Peoria Tulsa, OK 74136 LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 2642 E. 21st Street ¯ Suite 170 . Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ° Res: 918-582-7672 ° Fax: 918-747-1795 pigs." An open letter to Mugabe " areas as insurance and pension Key West MCC Excluded From Christmas Parade from activists said, "We protest : at all. But it does break dramatic new ground, activists said, and : (EY WEST, Fla. - Christmas most strongly against these statedoes allow govenmlent employ-. arrived in this south Florida rements as we.believe that you ees to take a leave of absence for sort community with a resoundhave seriously endangered the ,an ailing partner, permits working "bah, humbug" for gays and lives and good health of a sigers to have bereavement leave in esbians who make up a substannificant minority of your citithe event of file death of a parttial portion of the town’s popuzens." ner, and extends to a worker’s lation when the Lower Keys Federal Court OKs partner the s ame .flight and housMira sterial Associatton refused Anti-Bias Protections ing allowances g~ven to spouses to allow the local Metropolitan SAN FRANCISCO - The 9th . of govenunent employees on Co~nmunity Church in its anCircuit Court of Appeals’ govwork asst~m~ents around the nual Christmas parade, the first erning Judicial Council has voted cotmtry. Conservative le~slators time the predominantly, gay to include anti-bias protections quickly attacked the move, saychurch has asked to parttopate that include sexual orientation, ing die government had made in the event. The Rev. Gary ifi~’fir’si ~d~r’al coh~t di~tfiCi io the policy change "behind the Redwine, who heads up the celadopt such a policy. The newly back" of Parlimnent. The Canaebration, denied the association’s adopted regulations apply to all dian legislature recently rejected decision was anu-gay, but said circuit employees, as well as to a measure that would have given allowing MCC to join would be workers under the supervision legal reco~fition to stone-sex contrary to "the image of bibliof the federal courts in the large couples. The new benefits pro.cal morality and family that we 9th Circuit, including federal granl does not apply to semiwish to project." On the day of probation officers, marshals and autonomous government finns the event, several hundred propublic defenders. The new em(such as the Canadian Broadtesters clustered outside one of ployment policy was adopted casting Corp.), to the Royal Cathe largest churches along the after the federal Judicial Confernadian Mounted Police, to the parade route in silent protest and ence, which is headed by Sunation’s armed forces, or to Parwere joined by ministers from a preme Court Chief Justice Willliament itself, which all regulate number of local churches who ,am Relmquist, ordered all the their own employee policies and refused to participate because of federal circuit appeals courts to benefits. MCC’s exclusion. The number include anti-discrimination reguSo. Africa May End of people participating in the lations, although the Confparade this year was reportedly Military Ban erence’s recommendations only almost half what it usually is. CAPE TOWN, South Africa extended to race, gender, reliReporter’s Anti-Lesbian The defense committee of South gion, age and disability. An iniAfrica’s Parliament has apRemarks Confirmed tial recommendation to include proved a proposal that writes NEW YORK - In May, Valerie sexual orientation protections into the nation’s military policy Hehnbreck, a reporter with the was dropped by a Judicial Couna prohibition against discrimiWilmington (Del.) News-Jourcil committee earlier this year, nation based on sexual orienta- ¯ hal caused a major flap in the but when the Council reached tion in the country’s armed ". sports world when she quoted ¯ the point of a vote on new emforces. African National Con- ¯ CBS-TV golf commentator Ben ~ ployment protections xt put the gress representative Lindiwe : Wright in an interview as saying sexual orientation protections Sisulu said following the comthat women aren’t as good at go back in with the approval of all 9 mittee vote that the policy deci- : If as men becanse they are"handi¯ Council members. The 9th Cirsion wouldn’t be binding on the -" capped by having boobs" and cuit includes California, Washgovernment, but would never- ¯ that "lesbians in the sport hurt " ington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, theless carry considerable po- : women’s golf"and were turning Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, litical weight for any future ad- ¯ itinto a"butch game"that scared ". Alaska, Guam and the Northern ministration. ¯ away sponsors. Wright ada¯ Mariana Islands. ~ mantly denied saying any of the Military Recruiters Face : Canadian Gov’t. Adds Legal Challenge in CT ~ things Hdmbreck attributed to : Gay Couples Benefits : him. CBS accepted his denial NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The ¯ : OTYAWA - Canada’s governand shortly thereafter renewed Connecticut Supreme Court has ¯ ment has taken a giant step and Wright’s 4-year contract. But ¯ finished hearing arguments in a extended at least some of the ¯ now, in the Dec. 4 issue of the gay rights case that challenges ¯" benefits enjoyed by mamed fedsubscribers-only "Golf Plus" ] eral employees to gay and les- : the right of state-supported ~ edition, no less a source than schools to permit military re] bian partners of government ". Sports Illustratedhas confirmed crmters on their campuses. The ¯ workers as well. CanadianRights ~ that Wright did indeed make the case argues that the University ¯ activists lauded the Treasury .- remarks. The "Golf Plus" edi: Board’s decision, which affects : of Connecticut violated state tion quotes Dan Jenkins, a sports ¯ anti-bias laws by allowing mili: more than 200,000 government writer, who said he talked to : tary recruiters on campus beworkers, as a"great step forward ] Wright shortly after the flap : for equality" in the country. The : cause of the U.S armed forces’ ¯. erupted. "I asked him" Did you new policy hardly represents : policy of excluding lesbian and ¯ say it?’ And he said, "Of course _" putting same-sex couples on an : gay. service members. Discrimi- ¯ I said it. But I was granted comnauon based on sexual orienta¯ equal footing with mamed work.- plete anonymity.’" The article, tion is illegal under state law. ¯ entitled"Living With a Lie,"also ers, however, and does not in" dude such ~mportant traditional Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa BROOKSIDE JEWELRY Where God Uplifts All People 4649 South Peoria 743-$272 Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2rid & 4th Sun. 1623 No. Maplewood, 838-1715 Corner of 48th & Peori~ 9:30 - 5, Mon. - Fri. Open Saturdays thru holidays! �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News quotes Ken Doig, a part-time CBS-TV stafferanda golf caddy, who told the magazine he listened to Wright being interviewed by Helmbreck and. confirmed the quotes. "I heard Ben say boobs (get in the way of women golfers’ swing). I heard ¯ ¯ him say lesbianism h,,urts in getting sponsorships, Doig is quoted as telling the magazine. "I’m a golfer and golf is a game of integrity. I believe in telling the truth." The "Golf Plus" edition is not sold on newsstands, but goes out to some half-million subscribers of the magazine. ¯ Bible to explain theirfears. There ." is no text on the lips of Jesus " Christ which condemns homo¯ sexuality." Vasey’s book was ¯ published as the church’s general synod was winding up its _" annual meeting. Activists also ¯ made their point ~to church lead¯ ers as members of the rights groupOutRage! nailed ademand for a "Queer Reformation" of " the Anglican Church entitled "Four Theses Against Church _. Homophobia" to the doors of . Westminster Abbey. "What’s needed is a new Reformation to eradicate homophobia from the ¯ Church of England," said Peter . Tatchdl of OutRage! "Anglican endorsement of anti-gay dis. crimination is a corruption of ° ° morality and a violation of the dignity of lesbian and gay people. We want the synod to overturn : church support for homophobic o policies." . ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Goes to Appeals Court RICHMOND, Va’. - In an unusual step, all 13 judges of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the appeal of Lt. Paul Thomasson in his challenge to the Defense Department’s socalled "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy of excluding ho mosexuals from military service. Thomasson’s case is the first against the new policy to reach the federal appeals court level. Thomasson told his commanding officer he was gay just 5 days after the new policy went into effect. The former Navy lieutenant’s attorneys argued that Thomasson’s discharge violated his First Amendment rights of free speech. But Justice Department attorneys representing the Defense Department argued that .by acknowledging that he is gay, it was reasonable to assume he has a "propensity" to engage in homosexual acts, whichmilitary officials insist "undermines the morale of t he U.S. armed services." The appeals court is not expected to rule on the case until sometime next year, No Support in Bible for Anti-Gay Attitude LONDON - British gay rights activists found unusual supp6rt in their quest to reform the view of the Church of England on homosexuality with a prominent evangdical theologian’s book that argues there is no biblical support for church con demnation of homosexuality. The Rev. Michael Vasey, a lecturer at St. John’s theological college in Durham, expounded his views on the scriptures in a just-published book Strangers and Friends. His arguments have been made before, but not by Fred Welch L:C.S.W. Brookside Counseling Individual & Couple Family & Group 743-1733 such a respected theologian in the church’s evangelical wing, which generally opposes any acceptance of homosexuals ¯ within the church. "The Bible has been misinterpreted by ¯ evangelicals,"Vasey said. "They ¯ read anti-gay meanings into the Romanian Parliament Keeps Anti-Gay Laws BUCHAREST - The Romanian Chamber of Deputies has rejected a draft proposal modifying the country’s penal code to, among other things, at least partly decriminalize homosexuality among consenting adults. The proposed change would have made homosexual acts punishable only if they created a "public scandal" and was proposed in part to help ease Romania’s entry into the European Commuuity, which requires member nations to assure basic equality for all citizens, including protections for gays and lesbians. At least 2 EC nations have already indicated they will vote against admitting Romania to the continental union if the anti-gay laws are not repealed, Jenny Jones Won’t Testify in Murder ~ase DETROIT - A county court judge has ruled that television ¯ talk show host Jemay Jones won’t have to testify in the trial of Jonathan Schmitz, who is charged with killing Scott Amedure, a gay man, after he confessed to being a "secret admirer"of Schmitz on the nation- ally broadcast TV show. Attorneys for Schmitz had wanted Jones to testify during the trial, but the judge heating the unusual case ruled that Jones’ taped statements and a sworn deposition she is expected to give is all that would be required of her. Schmitz claims he was misled into thinking the "secret admirer" he would meet on the show was a woman and says he was humiliated when he discovered it was Amedure. Three days after the TV program, authorities say Schmitz shot Amedure to death in nearby Orion Township. Gay Book Ban Not Legal OLATHE, Kansas - A federal district court has ruled that the Olathe, Kansas, school board acted from its own anti-gay bias and not out of the best interests in the education ofstndents when it ordered the novel "Annie On My Mind"removed from school libraries. Itis unclearifthe school board will appeal the ruling. The book, which portrays a young girl’s growing awareness of her sexual orientation, has been highly commended by the American Library Association and other groups, but also has become a lightening rod for antigay activists throughout the country. UK Court Upholds Ban LONDON The British Court of Appeal has upheld a lower court ruling supporting the Defense Ministry’s prohibition against homosexuals in the country’s armed forces, ruling that the ban "’cannot ... be sagmatized as irrational at the time these appellants were discharged." Earlier this year a lower court had ruled against the 3 gay men and 1 lesbian who have sued because of their discharges based on their sexual orientation. The 4 ex-service members vowed to appeal their case to Britain’s House of Lords - the highest judicial body in the nation- and then to the European Court if they lose in the Lords. Detroit Plans for Domestic Partnership DETROIT- A Detroit task force is in the process of wor -king on a proposal that would, if approved by the city council, allow gay. and nongay couples to register as domestic partners. The proposal would also give live-in partners of city workers health Looking to put Yourself or Your Business on the INTERNET ? E-mail Gbizman@aol.com or Call: (918) 742 6569 and other benefits like those currently enjoyed by the married spouses of city employees. The partnership registration would give domestic partners the same visitation rights as spouses or parents at all city hospitals and jails. Domestic partners of a parent or legal guardians of children would also have access to their child’s school records. The task force expects to present its completed proposals to the city council by the end of this year. N.J. Judge Rules Against Gays-in Boy Scouts TRENTON, N.J. - N.J. Superior Court Judge Patrick McGann has ruled that a local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America didn’t violate state antl-bias laws when it kicked out John Dale, who is gay, in 1990. In his ruling, McGann cited the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah, saying that "all religions deem the act of sodomy a serious moral wrong,’" adding that it was "unthinkable" that the Boy Scouts would accept gay men in leadership roles. "The criminal law has changed," McGam~ wrote. "The moral law - as to the act of sodomy - has not." AI Gore - Not a "Beauty" WASHINGTON -An unnamed gqfite House aide has told gossip columnists that although AI & Tipper Gore showed up for a Halloween party dressed as "’Beauty and the Beast, "it.wasn’t exactly what the. "second family"had at first planned. According to the aide, the Vice President had iuitially wanted to go as "’Beauty" accompauied by Mrs. Gore as the "’Beast. "The reports indicated that the Gores were finally convinced to go in the more conventional costumes only after political advisors suggested the public might not quite be ready "for a vice president who is a cross dresser.’" Tasmanian Law Fight SYDNEY - Rights activists in Australia have filed a brief with the country’s High Court in an effort to formally have Tasmania’s sodomy laws declared unconstitutional and stricken from the books. After a Uuited Nations comnfission declared the Tasmmfian law a violation of interuational human rights, the Australian Parliament enacted legislation guaranteeing the right of privacy in an effort to nullify the laws, but the state of Tasmania has refused to repeal its local anti-gay legislation. Activists say they will use the federal privacy laws in their case, but say it is important to have the Tasmania law overturned officially to remove the stigma associated with the criminalization of gay men in the state. Baptists Slam Disney TAlVIPA, Fla. -The Horida State Baptist Convention, one of the denomination’s largest, has called on its 1 million members to stop supporting Walt Disney movies, products and theme parks because of the finn’s recent decision to extend insurance benefits to same-sex domestic partners of its employees. The, resolution, which was overwhelmingly adopted by the state delegates, says in part that "Disney’~ moral leadership has been eroded by that decision, as well as its practice of holding homosexual theme nights at its parks." A spokesperson for the Walt Disney Co. said the finn "’regrets" the Florida Baptists have taken the stand they have, but so far the entertainment giant has refused to back away from the new benefits. Some Baptists indicated they would call for a boycott. It’s Time to Play. You’ve broken away from the routine. Together you’re about to explore a delicious new realm of the sensuous. Kiss away edible Original Oil of Love’s spicy, warm glow...Feel edible Pleasure Balm sweep over you like a cool, minty wind... Bathe yourselves in the shivery tingle of Mint Tree or snap of Wild Clove Bathing Gels. Afterwards, tickle each others fancy with ~ sweet flick of edible Honey Dust. Let your imagination seize the moment & discover just how close you can be. Lincoln Plaza 15th and Peoria 584-4606 Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 �HIV Suppressor Found LONDON - Reporting in the prestigious British scientific journal Nature, researchers with the Paul Erlick Institut in Germany say they have identified a naturally occurring substance in the immune system that acts as a natural defense ag ainst HIV by slowing the reproduction of the virus. While canuoning against seeing their finding as a breakthrough, the scientists said"they fOffr~d thaf i~nterleukifi:16 (IL- 16),which i’s produced by the body’ s T-cells known as CD8 cells, slowed reproduction of HIV in laboratory tests. The researchers say that if tests of IL-16 with animals prove encouraging, they may begin human testing of the substance in about a year - a strong indication of their excitement about the finding. Their hope is that if the treatment can be effectively used it could perhaps be effective in keeping HIV from overwhelming a patient’ s immune system indefinitely. Effective HIV Inhibitor Drug BOSTON - Two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine report that an experimental drug that dogs the operation of a key HIV protein seems to keep it at bay for at least a while. The drug ritonavir, formerly known as A~T-538 and developed by Abbott Laboratories, is one of a promising new class of AIDS medicines known as protease inhibitors. AIDS researchers are excited about these new drugs because they. appear to both reduce the level of the°virus and to boost the immune system’ s strength. Although the scientists from the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam and New York University’ s school of medicine who conducted the studies concluded that ritonavir was quick and effective in fighting HIV, resistance to the drug did develop over time. Abbott Laboratories quickly announced that it will make supplies of the experimental drug available to some 2,000 people with late-stage AIDS diseases and CD4 cell counts of 513 or less around the world through a lottery. For inforuaation about the Abbott Laboratories lottery, call 1-800-414-2437. FDA Committee Recommends 3 New AIDS Drugs \VASHINGTON The Food & Drug Administration’s Antiviral Drug Advisory Committee has recon~nended that the agency approve 3TC for both initial tream~ent of AIDS as welt as for advanced cases of the disease. Studies have indicated that the experimental drug, when used with AZT, reduced the spread of HIV in patients’ systems and helped bolster their immune response. The drug can have serious side effects in children, including possible pancreatitis, but appears to produce no greater side effects among Mechanism of ’Long-Term adults than the AZT used alone does. The ¯ panel also recommended approv.ing the Su rvival’ Possibly Identified AIDS drug stavudine (whichis also known CHICAGO-; In a.small’-geale sm’dy pub- ¯ as d4T and Zerit), for people who are not lished in the Proceedings of the National responding to treatment with AZT. The Academy of Sciences, researchers report ¯ advisory committee also recommended that the’cellular response of a group of conditional approval of saquinavir, the ’long-term survivors of HIV appears to : first protease inhibitor the panel has rechelp delay the progression of the virus. ommended approving to fight AIDS. The team of researchers from the UniverUnlike other AIDS drugs, protease insity of California at San Francisco, led by " hibitors work by preventing HIV i/self Dr. Jay A. Levy, compared the immune ¯ from replicating in the body and are concells of people who had developed full- " sidered the most promising new class of blown AIDS or had seriously compro- ¯ drugs in the epidemic. The conditional mised immune systems with other people recommendation requires that saquinavir infected with HIV butwho remained othnot be used as a single-drug treatment, but erwise asvmptomatic for 10 years or more. ¯ be prescribed along with nucleoside anaThe CD~ immune cells of the long-term logs. survivors produced greater amounts of ¯ Non-Lethal HIV Identified proteins that help regulate "immune-system responses, the researchers report. This, : SYDNEY - A study based on a decadethe scientists say, helps keep the CD8 "¯ old sample of blood donations known as the Sydney Blood Bank Cohort has found ceils active in fending off HIV, thereby ¯ stavingoff most of the impact of the virus ¯ that the blood of one gay man infected longer. According tc the UC-SF research- ¯ with HIV and the 7 blood recipients who ers, the findings suggest that extra doses ¯ became infected with the virus is infected with an entirely new - and harmless of the naturally occurring proteins, known . strain of HIV. The finding, reported in the as cytoklnes, might hdp more infected people stay healthier longer. journal Science, raises hopes that an AIDS vaccine can be devcloped using the new, benign virus s train. The researchers found that the unidentified gay man’ s blood had been used in transfusions between 198184 before blood screening for HIV started in 1985. The gay man, however, never contracted AIDS. And when a Red Cross ,ocial worker began tracking people who should have been infected as a result of receiving the tainted blood, she found that after 10 years, none of the 7 recipients had become sick either although all are in fact HIV positive. The newly discovered strain has defects in its genetic elements, most notably a gene called "nef," which other studies have already shown is necessary for HIV to replicate itself.¢’~This allows the infected person’s immune system to deal with the virus - in other words, to stop it getung out of control," said Dr. Nicholas Deacon, who led the Australian research team. The discovery of the "neF" defect is especially important for possible vaccine development after studies on animals at the New Englaud Regional Primate Center showed that deleting "net" from the sirman (monkey) cousin of the virus, SIV, disarms the lethal microbe. HIV Infection Risks Among Lesbians, Bi Women CHICAGO Researchers with the San Francisco health department have reported in the American Journal of Public Health that lesbians and bisexual women are at small risk of HIV infection, a finding that contradicts the general idea thatthese women have no risk of contracting the virus. Researchers reported that 6 out of 498 bisexual women and lesbians tested in San Francisco and Berkdey during 1993 were infected with HIV, an infection rate of 1.2%. The researchers re- Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method FlPELITY Ho-t~AE HE6LTH CA-RE, INC. Tulsa Office ~ B~! & for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. 486-1174 Monday & Thursday evenings: 800-999-3/!42 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results. Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hours/day, seven dayslweek. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights¯ �ported that they found no indication of transmission from woman-to-woman sexual contact among any of the 6 who were infected, however. Four of the infected women were both IV drug users and also reported having had unprotected sex with gay or bisexual men or male IV drag users - all high-risk groups. The other 2 infected women had had sex with men of tmknown risk status, but had not had sex with any female partners who were infected. The researchers said that education and prevention programs should stop.indicating that lesbians and bisexual women were at low risk of infection and should instead emphasize the importance of avoiding specific, high-risk behaviors. AnOther AIDS Drug Approved WASHINGTON - The Food & Drug Administration has quickly approved the use of lamivudine, also known as 3TC, in combination with AZT. The FDA move came just a few weeks after an advisory panel recommended approval of the combination treatment, and Glaxo, the manufacturer, said the drug would be available .quickly also - probably by the first week m December. According to Glaxo, the cost of 3TC will be about the.same as that of AZT, which can Cost:several thousand dollars a year. A!DS-Type Vaccine 100% Effective in Monkeys WASHINGTON - Scientists have reported in the journal Science that an .experimental drug called PMPA suecgssfully prevented monkeys from becoming infected with the sinnan immunodeficiency virus (or SIV). In the study, none Of the 25 monkeys who were given Gilead Sciences’ experimental vaccine before or up to 24 hours after they were inoculated became infected with the simian version of the virus, while all 10 of the monkeys injected with salt water before inoculation with SIV as a control group contracted the disease. The researchers, led by Dr. Che-Chung Tsai of the Regional Primate Research Center at the University of Washington in Seattle - cautioned against jumping to any conclusions about preventing HIV-infection or treating individuals who are already infected with the human version of the virus, but they did say they were greatly encouraged by the findings. Publication of the findings of the research were in fact delayed a full year by the scientists because they were worried there might be some mistake in the results, which Tsai, describes as "almost too good to be true." Human studies, which are tentatively scheduled for next year, would be required to determine if PMPA is safe and effective in humans. Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, .MSW. Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Commuliity [:1 FEELING SAFE ,I - !SN" T EASY. PRO|ECT ARIES PROJECT $ HERE TO ARIES HEL AIDS Risk IntErvention Series An Innovative Approach to Enhancing Your Lifestyle and Safeguarding Your Health all Today! . $84-4983 (In" Confidence) Weekly Gifts and Incentives ~for Attending a Closed Series of 12 Weekly Meetings Offered by TULSA NATIVE AMEP, rCAN AIDS PREVENTION PROJECT Endorsed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health �Anyway, back to the subject at hand, the Entertainment Notes ¯: new colunm: ’96 ECLI PSE RS $14,728 by Jmnes Christjohn This is a new feature, dependent on whims, timing and whether or not this Assistant Editor had time/money to actually see anything new: Otherwise, I’ll be reviewing videos, revisiting (Read: inflicting!) music reviews and looks at old shows you just might like if you’d ever heard of them and other ramblings. Lately, I’ve been watching "High Society", - Mondays, 8:30pm. If you haven’t seen it, .it is one of the most hilarious shows I’ve seen on American TV. So what if it’s a "knockoff of "Absolutely fabulous"? We can’t see that here, ’cause the local cable comp..any doesn’ t carry the comedy channel ~ a:t~e crime~:Anyway, I recognize a lot of myself in this show, which has a DEFINITE queer sensibility to it. Watch it, you’ll see what I mean. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Rating system: Four snaps: Don’t miss it, in fact, get going now! Three snaps: Ok, so put the paper down first. And drive safely. Two Snaps: Ithas enough redeeming qualities to be of interest, but see the matinee. One snap. Well, if you’re really bored and can’t find anything else to do... No snaps: You’ll be sorry.. Well, what a full season thus far: ¯ Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, ¯ a wonderful concert with Marilyn Maye ¯ and theTulsa Philharmonic, & Toy Story, ¯ the new must-see movie from the’~gayfriendly folk at Disney. If you misse~ the : live shows, well,’I’ll tell you myopinion ¯ ~a~yway (like yisii’coulil’stOp me:~.) sb -that : If th~y’come through town again, you’ll ¯ know whether to ante up for a ticket, or ¯ stay home with the telly and a cup of hot : chocolate, see Notes, page 14 FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 BroaOen Your Perspective at a celtic Music Concert. Irish fiddle great Kevin Burke and his new world Celtic enseml01e bring fiery instrumentals, dazzling footwork and original songs. 8 p.m., John H. wilhams Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center CALL: 596-7111 TICKETS: $12 46th & Memorial- 665-6595 Januaru 11 - 14 I yr. Anniversary/C6stomer Appreciation Extravaganza Weekend M~n of the Southv~est 9-2 NO COVER A~ll-Male RevUe 10 p.m. $2 Cover Dance & Party Mr. Robbie Walker & the Sunday Slam with your favorite Bar Staff (Ivana B, Real, Kris Kohl, Michelle ~ ~tey, Domo~ue Darnels) wiJh Special ~u~t To Be Announced Kirk, Tern/, Tommy, Scotty, Mike, Bill, Chrls & DJ Davld Oees $2 COVER Eve Sunday_ December: $howtime 11p.m. ~2 Cover Beer Bust 9p.m. ~ laom~ ~2COVE~ �K IN . COMMUNI CALEN R SUNDAYS MONDAYS TUESI WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS ¯, SATURDAYS Bless the Lord At All ¯ : HIV Testing Minister’s Class ¯ Authority Of The Believer 16-Step Empowerment Narcotics Anonymous Times Christian Center ¯ TOHR Clinic Bless the Lord at All Bible Study, 7 pm Group For Women Meets weekly at 11 pm ¯ Sunday School, 9:45 am ¯ Free &.anonymous testing Times Christian Center MCC of Greater Tulsa ¯ Confidential support for Community of Hope ¯ Worship Service, 11 am ¯ using fingerstick 7:30 pm : 1623 N. Maplewood 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 recovering addicts. 2627b East 1 lth 583-7815 method. ¯ 2627-B East 1 lth Info: 838-1715 : Community of Hope ¯ No appointment reqnired. Info: 583-7815 Co-Dependency ¯ 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Community of Hope, _ : Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Bless The Lord At All Support Group (United Methodist) Results hours: 7-9 pm HIV+ Support Group Times Christian Center 7:30, Family of Faith MCC : NAMES Project Worship Service, 6 pm Info: 742-2927 ¯ HIV Resource Consortium ¯ Choir Practice 7 pm ¯ AIDS Memorial Quilt 5451-E S. Mingo ~ 1703E. 2nd, 585d800, .,.,_ _: .~-~ ::-1,:30~pm~.,:J i . !~ " .~ : 2627-B East 1 lth Sewing Bees Call 622-1441 for Info. ¯ : Call 583-7815 for info. :~ii~am~la Bowling League :,, 4t~S. Harvard, Ste.-H-1 3rd Sat. of each month Family of Faith ¯ Sheridan Lanes Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Info: 748-3111 Metro. Comm. Chureh8:45 pm Family Of Faith MCC Free & anonymous testing AdultSunday School, 9:15 " 3121 S. Sheridan Shanti-Tulsa, Inc. Praise & Prayer 6:30 pm using fingerstick method. MORE GROUPS Worship Service, 11 am ." HIV/AIDS Support Group Choir Practice 7:30 pm No appointment reqnired. Gay & Lesbian Student 5451-E South Mingo. ¯ PFLAG Family AIDS & 5451-E South Mingo. Walk in testing: 7 - 8:30 pm Association Info: 622-1441 Support Group Friends & Family Call 622-1441 for info. Results hours: 7 - 9 pm TJC Southeast Campus, 2nd Monday of month, HIV/AIDS Support Group [nfo: 742-2927 Info: 631-7632 Metro. Comm. Church 6:30 pm 7 pm, call for location: Community of Hope ¯ SWAN-Single Women’s of Greater Tulsa 4154 S. Harvard 749-7898 (United Methodist) Prayer Time A ctivity Network Worship Service, 10:45am ¯ Info: 749-4901 Bible Study, 6:30 pm MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm ¯ Call 832-2121 1623 N. Maplewood 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 1623 N. Maplewood TOHR Helplinc Info: 838-1715 ¯ (no class, Dec. 27) Info: 838-1715 Daily 8-10 pm ¯ Tulsa-Family Chorale ¯ Weekly practice, 9:30 pm ¯ Lola’s 2630 E. 15th The Banned, OK Gay Band " Practice weekly in OKC " ¯ Info: 838-2121 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 6:30 pm at Canterbury 5th & Evanston Info: 583-9780 " " ¯ " Thi ’N6w Year Drink Responsibly Have a Designated Driver or Take a Cab SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) Info: 585-1800 Family of Faith MCC, "Let It Go" New Year’s Eve Service, 1 lain 5451-E S Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Family of Faith MCC Christmas Concert & Silent Auction, 7:30pm, 5451-E S. Mingo, 622-1441 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Grief Group Community of Hope United Methodist 6pro, held at Butler/Stumpff Funeral Home, 3rd St. west of Lewis (ongoing) Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Family of Faith MCC Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 10 pm, 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Community of Hope United Methodist Christmas Eve Peace Service, 6pm Christmas Eve CandlelightService, 1 lpm 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 Grief Group Community of Hope United Methodist 6pm, held at Butler/Stumpff Funeral Home, 3rd St. west of Lewis (ongoing) Info: 585-1800 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 Feed the Homeless Community of Hope United Methodist Meet at church, 1703 E. 2nd, 5:30 pm Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 Prime Timers Monthly Meeting Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74104 TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 Green Country Pride ~ Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights Community-wide Meeting, 7 pm Alan Chapman Activity Center University of Tulsa 5th St. west of Harvard, Info: 743-4297 SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Family of Faith MCC Reclaim & Recovery Workshop: It’s Never Too Late to Have a Happy Childhood, 9 am - 3 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 ¯ ¯ For info. or to volunteer: 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians, Leather org., Info cio The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Assdc. Info: 838-1222 Out & About With JD! ¯ the country. Starting in January onThursIt’s that time of the year when you yearn : day nights: chicks with d contests with for time spent with friends, and visions of ¯ cash prizes, and, as always, male dancers fairies dance in your head. This month’s ¯ every Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure featured establishment is a great place to : to join Steve and his wonderful manager find both. GROUND Mark on December 23 ZERO (formerly for a mini-Christmas Laffs-Underground) at party with Reghena and 7th & Elan, in the heart company. Also, New of downtown Tulsa, is Year’s will be rung in the place. with male dancers Steve Crow, a wellcounting down the minknown promoter of utes to midnight, and a Tulsa’s night life, has free champagne toast. renovated this classic. .Also Ladonna at Barlocation into something racudas sends a note of more than comfortable thanks to all the new and intriguing for that Raghenna & Steve Crow faces thathave stopped first date (a dimly lit in (see her ad about ¯ table for two), or to find that first date, ¯ some new faces). (billiard and dart area), or for meedng a : I would like take a moment to wish group of friends (a conversation area and ¯ everybody a joyful holiday season, and a well-lit bar). Watch for details about ¯ v.ery warm and happy new year. I appreTulsa’s first Intemet party, linking up via ¯ caate all the support throughout the last the info super hi-way to other bars across ¯ year. TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 Rainbow Business Guild, 7 pm Call for place and speaker. Dinner Meeting, Info: 665-5174 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Family of Faith MCC Reclaim & Recovery Workshop: Forgiveness, 9 am - 3pro 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 PFLAG national vice president, Nancy McDonald is joined by sevkral friends, including Prime Timer, Wesley Bauer. Community activists, Ken Draper, Lisa Pottorf& Tim Gillean braved the cold at TOHR Holiday Dinner & Silent Auction. �Eureka Springs Honors ¯ of the local newspaper, told his story. A World AIDS Day - Dec. 1 : by Phyl Boler-Schmidt Living in the heart of the Bible Belt, one ¯ would not expect to find an ecumenical ~ service dedicated to World AIDS Day m ¯ a small community. Yet, Eureka Springs ¯ held one of the most moving celebrations ¯ of unity in the fight against AIDS I have ¯ ¯ ever witnessed. ¯ On the evening of December 1, we gathered at the United Methodist Church, ¯ about 75 people in all, from all walks of ¯ life and all faithS. The theme of the service: ] was "Because God Cares," and the service was co-sponsored by the Regional ¯ AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) and Ozark AIDS Resources and Services ¯ (OARS). A total of ten local and area " clergy were scheduled to participate in the : ev.ent, and five were called away at the last ¯ rmnute to attend to other events or emer- ¯ ¯ gencies. Those who did participate came from ¯ varying backgrounds, to be sure. Rev. ¯ Stan Adams came from the United Meth- ¯ odist Church, Rev. Jack Hammond is af- : filiated with the First Christian Church, ¯ ¯ and Rev. Mark Leuneville came from the ¯ First Presbyterian Church, all in nearby Berryville. Rev. Marilyn Webb partici- ¯ pated from the host church in Eureka ¯ ¯ Springs. And, the m~in speaker was Rev. Kermie Wohlenham~ Pastor of MCC of ¯ ¯ the Living Spring. It was a celebration of life and healing, ¯ love; hope, and stories of miracles. Sonny ¯ Mosley, the longest living AIDS survivor, who last week graced the front page ¯ dren are all afflicted. Each one of us." Grandmother read a letter of love, grace, She told moving stories of Ryan White, and about her own 17-year, same-sex rethe Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, lationship, a letter that had been written Randy Shilts, and A Day Without Art. that same day to her HIV+ grandson. We "The loss to the world is amazing! "This all shared, prayed, sang, hoped, and cried was Rev. Wohlenhaus’ assessment of the together. loss to the art world because of AIDS. Sonny’s admonition to us all was very But, "there is a healing part of this moving. "It is my hope, and I believe that disease." She talked of Joan Rivers and itis God’s hope that when you leave this the first AIDS benefit she put together. piace tonight, you will go to someone and Ms. Rivers could get no major stars to tell them you have seen a miracle. You participate in the benefit, and she received have seen a miracle standing before you hate mail and death threats. Yes, we truly tonight .... " Sonny have come a long has survived 14years way toward healing. Saglttarlus You also ]]ave and seven months And there living with AIDS. deep desires to....huy were stories of the One young man healing of families expenslve, pointless, e~otold the story of losand relationships, g g~rat’Lin" ~ar thln~s....you ing his partner of how Disney wentout eight years some two l~n~w that last, red sports on alimb for its emyears ago. He shared ployees,evemnspite ear won’t make you a better withus his partner’s of pressure from the last words to him: person. Don’t you? pro-familygroups. It "Never miss an opwas a moving talk pornmity to love.’" ¯ indeed. "’What has happened is we are It was a rare treat to experience an area- ¯ coming out as a nation. Weare healing wide service in which the official coming ¯ AIDSphobiaas well as homophobiaas we out of Rev. Kermie Wohlenhaus to the : have to deal with this disease." religious community.was enacted through ¯ "The voices of people th~it are HIV+ aninvitation toher to give the main talk of ¯ and (have) AIDS have tremendous spirithe evening, a sermon if you will. Her ¯ tual messages for us. One of those mestime at the pulpit was preceded by a mu- ¯ sages is living one day at a’fime to the sical duet by two MCC regulars, a request fullest. They are our teachers, aren t they. made due to past performances by the ¯ This was an admonition to most of the MCC choir at World AIDS Day services. ¯ congregation. ¯ Pastor Wohlenhaus gave a message of And; to those who are HIVe- and living healing and-an admonition to the as- ¯ withAIDS,"Call upon your higher power sembled churchgoers that "This is - whatever that is. Ask those very imporeveryone’s disease. Men, women and chil- ¯ tant questions, and be open to hear the answers. One of the answers that you may hear is to be of service, ff you are HIV+ or living with AIDS, you have a tremendous gift that you can pass on to someone. You’ve gone through processes that someone else that just found out the other day needs to hear from you." ’q’he wounded healer is probably one of our most important healing persons. Avail yourself to those people." An offering was received to support RAIN and OARS, and we heard from Rev. Mark Leuneville that the Ryan White Care Act will not have any more funding until August of 1996 so, more than ever, local organizations need our support, financial as well as personal. We learned that Carroll Regional Medical Center in Berryville has donated a fulltime counselor to staff the AIDS clinic at the hospital’s expense. A doctor also donates medical services. Testing, quality care, education and counseling are all available. And this is the Bible Belt! This reporter will not soon forget December 1, 1995. This event had a profound effect on me, and it is my fond hope, that the same effect was felt by the rest of the assembled people at the commemoration of World AIDS Day 1995 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, "Relieving the ostracism-of gay Ameri¯ ¯ ~ : ¯ ~ cans would strengthen family values, no matter what the prevailing political dimate may dictate." -- Robert MacNeil, tv anchor & father of a Gay son, courtesy GLAAD, The Gay &Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation & Seattle Gay News .fabulous fun for gay gals ~ guys January 23 - February 3, packages available¯ Call 341.6866 International Tours for more znformation. ~Need a gift idea? Gift certificates are available for air travel, cruises & many other travel needs. IGTA member. "’ Jim & Brent have opened the ultimate intimate local eatery. A special, eclectic dining exp.erience. :." Stop by our lqouse for a taste of local flavor. Dine oUlslde on the patio & porch or in our three beautiful dining rooms. Fine+ food.al an affordable price. Green & Yellow Night FAMILY NIGHT Private Dinner Party First Thursday of Each Month, 6pm - Midnight Dine, Drinf~& Reta.,x Among Friends Featuring Jim & Gwendolyn s Selecl Dinner Entrees & Brenl’s Superb Desserts "With Family In Mind" Gay-owned, Operated & Rainbow Proud 20% of all proceeds will go to the support of family causes MCClung l ealty, Inc. "The Land ~pedaE$1~" 501-253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) Offerings include: Bed & Breakfast Inns, Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Commercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates, & much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG community in Eureka Springs for over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. We specialize in creative financing. EUREKA SPRINGS �House ,_ Activist Pharr Briefs Eureka Springs by Phil Boler-Schmidt DeVito" s res taurant in Eureka S prings was the si te of an annual meeting with Suzanne Pharr and activists f.rom the Eureka Springs co~nmunity on December 5th. The setting was appropriate as Jim andSusan DeVito had just been named Volunteers of the Year by The Women’s Project. ¯ Ms.. Pharr was accompanied by Linda Coyle of The Women’s Project, and it was Ms. Coyle who first spoke to the group aleut the activities of hate groups in northwest Arkansas. Various hate groups have been active in our part of the state for some time, and the most noticeable has been the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. It was noted that this group has recently split due to somedifferences of opinion, and because of the split, the KKK has actually grown in size and strength. Also noted by Ms. Coyle were the militia groups that have formed in several areas of Arkansas and that activity has increased in southeast Oklahoma as well. Other groups, mostly of the white supremacist nature, to watch out for are: the Aryan Nations, the White Aryan Resistance, neo Nazi skinheads, the Identity Christian Church, the Holy Alamo Christian Church, the Populist Party, and none other than the Elna Smith Foundation, located right here in Eureka Springs. The Smith Foundation hosts The Great Passion Play and houses the Christ of the Ozarks statue. Both Ms. Coyle and Ms. Pharr expressed concern that many of the militia groups, which they noted are made up of mostly disgruntled wlfitemen, havebeen infiltrated by the KKK and other hate groups in an attempt to recruit new members to their cause. Ms. Pharr is well know for her work with Gay leaders in those states where anti-gay statues have been placed before the electorate, and her vast work with women’s issues is well documented. Her main thrust of the evening was to show those assembled what major movements have been presented in the U.S. Ms. Pharr is well ¯ know for her work w .th Gay leaders " in those states where anti-Gay statues have been " placed before the electorate... ¯ " " over the past 30 years and how . " ° ¯ : ° ¯ ¯ "" ¯ " " ° ¯ ¯ ° ¯ . " ° ° . " : those intermingle and confuse the people when issues are presented for a vote. She defined three major movements: the liberation movement (of which we are all a part), globalization of the economy, and the rise of the religious right wing fundamentalists. At issue in the liberation movement are reproductive rights, affirmative action, children’s rights, removal of sodomy laws-, and environmental action, among others. The issues for globalization of the economy are the anti-tax movement, .deregulation, NAFTA, privatization, and ahost of others. It is Ms. Pharr’s contention that the rise of the religious right came upon the heels of economic globalization, and due to this, many people do not .understand that they are responding to problems in the economy rather than moral issues. The religious right has done a tre- mendous job of demonizang entire segments of the economy and making them (us) villains when, in fact, it Is the globalization of the economy that has taken jobs away and decreased corporate investment in employees. Ms. Pharr strongly suggested that we all become versed in economic issues and use this knowledge in our discussions with people who feel that gays and lesbians, people of color., rand women ha~¢~ contributed to the moral decline of America. She aptly proved to those of us present at her talk that when people see that they are respondmg to economic issues and their own financial needs, not the need to demonize us, we have more of a chance of convincing them that we are not the enemy. The religious right has done its job well, for sure. After President Reagan began the move toward economic globalization, religious leaders jumped on the bandwagon and began to work at the grassroots level to convince average Americans that they should blame groups that the religious right saw as immoral for the decline in available jobs, the rise in the number of welfare recipients, the decrease in the average American’ s paycheck and company benefits, and the movement away from keeping jobs at home. Ms. Pharr suggested that nearly every ill the religious right seeks to use to its political advantage has its root in racism and sexism. For more information on Suzanne Pharr’s work, to receive membership information, or to find out more about how you can be involved, contact The Women’s Project at 2224 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72206. ¯ ¯ ¯ Jerry A. Wilson ¯ (501) 253-7311 ¯¯ A Friendly Place to Stay¯ 1-800-231-1442 1-81 ¯ ¯ ¯ cont’dfromp. Opening the hearings, Chairman Peter Hoekstra (D-MI) said the ten witnesses would explore theroleofparentsinschoolsand values in the"big picture." Nevertheless, by the second day as witness after witness lashed out against sex education, HIV prevention and youth support programs in schools, the true nature of the hearings became apparent. Perhaps due to the national outcry, the subcommittee called on four of the ten witnesses to address the impact of violence and harassmer~t ag~i:~ youth grappling.withis.sues~:9.f sexual orientation. No gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender youth were called upon to testify at the hearing. "LouSheldon’sextremeviews came across loud and clear,"said Helen Gonzales, Public Policy Director- for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "Even though the comm|ttee did not completelystackthedeckagainst us: intolerance of differing views and an anti-democratic approach to education were the themes of the day." During the first day of hearings, witnesses William Bennett and Patricia Ann Baltz spoke in general terms about the need to infuse values into public schools, Homosexuality was only mentioned briefly. During the second day, witnesses discussed school services and programs which address prevention of HIV, hate-violence in schools andthehighincidenceofsuicide among gay,lesbian,bisexual and transgender youth. Several witnesses misrepresented these community efforts as attempts to "recruit and promote homosexuality.’" At least one witness complained about schools "promotinghomosexual lifestyles as normal," while another witness claimed that "homosexuality is sinful.’" ¯ : ¯ ¯ ~ ; ¯ . ~ ° ." .’. Murder Govt. Asked to Supervise Washington, D.C - Citing the murders, and a tragic history of violence agmnst Gays in other states with anti-gay ballot initiatives, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) has asked U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno to lend federal assistance in investigating homicides. "’We are writing to inform you of a situation which unfortunately is becoming too commonplace in our country and to seek your assistance in helping protect the lives of, gay, lesbian, bisexual and-., transgender people," said the,three-page letter, firxedtoReno’sofficetoday. "Our concern is that however the facts in this case turn out, hate crimes against Gays, l_~sbians, Bisexuals and Transgender persons continue to be an epidemic in this country...In the atmosphereofhatredandgay-baiting which are expected to be waged by the Far Right during next year’s anti-gay ballot and legislative state initiatives, it is clear that such crimes will increase.’" The letter went on to detail the rise in anti-gay violence, especially in states with homophobic initiatives. BEAVER DAM STORE Fishing Headquarters for N.W. Arkansas ¯ ¯ ¯ ° Fly Tying * Fly Fishing * Equipment & Classes Open Year ’Round ¯ Located 1/2 mile N. of Beaver Dam on Hwy 187 Eureka Springs, AR * 501-253-6154 ¯ ¯" ¯ ¯ KING’S HI-WAY HI ’" INN ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 ¯ TROUTS - "~ - US Groceries * Gas * Ice ~ B~er * Licenses * Lodging ¯ Hwy. 62 East EurekaSprings, Arkansas 501-253-6001 Your lnukeepem. COTTAGE DAVE HAGER RUTH GOODWIN-HAGER S.U.A.E. Open ’til Groundhog Day Reopen Saint Patrick’s Day iServi~es" laeid Sundayevenings at 6. PM ;17 Elk:Street. (at the Unitarian Ctmrch) 501-253~9337 / and rights activists in Oregon have been concerned that their disappearance ~nay have been because of the wo men’s high activist visibility during the carnpalgns. Authoritiesdidn’trelease any information about how the2 women died, saying they ~vould wait for the results of an antopsy, but police initially described the killing as "brutal" and "violent." Police said they had no specific information to connect the deaths of the 2 women with their political ac~vis.m, but said they would uot "discount those fears. "’ At press time, The Associated Press reported that an arrest had been made in this case. Lamont Kichie and A Bed & Breal~ast Inn Individual Cottages - Jacuzzi for Two Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 800/624-6646 501/253-8659 �Reviewed by Barry Hensley what Sullivan sees as the four political Tulsa City-County Library armies "on the homosexuality battlefield The gay rights debate will surely rise to ] of the culture war:" 1) Prohibitionists, a new level with the publication of this ¯ who refuse to discuss homosexual intebook. Sullivan, the gay editor of the New gration into society because of biblical Republic magazine, has written an impor- ; beliefs; 2) Liberationists (at the other end tant addition to the growof the political scale) ing number of books that which includes groups [t]aere ~s] "a new pol;t~cs argue, in a straightforsuch as Queer Nation and of ]aomosexualaty... ward, readable and eduACI’-UP; 3) Conserva[1,1e.d~] "l;1,eral cated way, that there is a tives, the authors of"don’t new politics of homo- e~ual;ty ~n t~e eyes of t]ae ask, don’t tell", and 4) state vc~t]a conservative sexuality. It blends "libLiberals, who are often eral equality in the eyes social stability" simply piggybacking the of the state with consergay rights movement on vative social stability in a program whose the back of the civil rights movement. twin tenets are open, un-impeded gay With the first two groups intractable, military service and legal gay marriage. Sullivan argues that a combination of the Sullivan begins by asking, "What Is a best of conservative and liberal beliefs Homosexual?" By describing his childcan create a new consensus on homosexuhood experiences that he now realizes ality. His idea "affirms a simple and limwere really gay oriented situations, ited principle: that all public (as opposed Sullivan makes a dear case for the incluto private) discrimination against homosion of gay themes throughout our culsexuals be ended and that every right and ture. Once, at the age of ten, he remembers responsibility that heterosexuals enjoy as being"...happily engagedinreading. Then, public citizens be extended to those who a girl sitting next to me looked at me with grow up and find themselves emotionally a rmxture of curiosity and disgust. "Why different." He means ALL rights and rearen’t you out with the boys playing footsponsibilities, including marriage and military service. ball’?" she asked. Because "I hate it," I replied. "’Are you sure you’re really not a Sullivan is remarkably eloquent, and it girl under there?" she asked, with the is hard to disagree with his logic, although suspicion of a sneer." With no mention of he is often accused of being too conservahomosexuality in his family, ]’i~ the newstive. He has presented the best book to paper, at school or on television, he, like date on how and why the gay rights debate must move from the base of emotion and most gays gr6_wing up, had no guidance, fear to fact~ and logic. Check for "Virtudiscussion Or role models to help explain ally Normal" on the Tulsa City-County the confusion he was gorng through. The main part of this book is focused on Library catalog, or call 596-7966. Timothy W. Daniel ment shortly and will probably then be voted on again by the commission in early December. The newspaper reported that the commission’s recommendations will also include an alternative proposal to create a statewide domestic partnership registration that would effectivdy extend to same-sex couples all the benefits under state control th at married opposite-sex couples enjoy. The Advertiser, the state’s largest-circulating daily, also editorially endorsed the commission’s anticipated action, sayang it was taking "a reasonable stand that should be adopted by the legislature" and that "gay couples should have the legal right to marry in Hawaii." Hill brings extensive experience as a trainer in suicide imervention and has served as a teacher of living skills -for legally blind citizens for the State Visual Services agency and has served on the Advisory Committee for the Assistive Technology Center. He is chair of the Para Transit Sub-committee of the Special Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) to the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) and Tulsa Transit Hill also volunteers with Youth Services of Tulsa’s TYDD Program and is a life-long member of 1 st Lutheran Church of Tulsa where he is a member of the choir and has served twice as a member of the church board. He sings with the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus and also worships with Community of Hope congregation. reviewed, saying that the state could give visitation rights to an individual who had a"parent-like relationship"with the child, whether the individuals were heterosexual or a non-traditional couple. Knott appealed that state high court ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Court Rules For Gay Adoptions NEW YORK - New York’s Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, has ruled that couples do not have to be married in order to adopt, a ruling that, while it also applies to unmarried heterosexuals, is strongly welcomed by same-sex couples. "There’s been a collective holding of our breath around the state," said Paula Ettelbrick of the Empire State Pride Agenda. Although the high court’s ruling does not mean that gay and lesbian couples will automatically be given adoption rights, it does mean that state courts can not use marital status in determining adoption applications. In late October, a New Jersey court ruled that a lesbian could adopt the son and daughter of her lover because i t was in the "best interests"of the 2 children. A lower state court had blocked the adoption, saying it was not allowed under state law. OK Lesbian & Gay Soccer A car pool is being sponsored by the OK Spoke Club to go from Tulsa to OKC for Sat. morning soccer practices of the OKC Wildcats team. The Wildcats team is seeking novice and advanced playo;~. Jerry, aTulsamember of the team hopes to form a Tulsa team if there is sufficient interest. For information, call 582-3212. People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. Attorne3" at Law Leanne Gross Retirement planning Life, health & income insurance, & investment placing. 744-0102 Mention this ad to receive free initial consultation. Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy &i.wdrkers Compensation 1-800 7 2-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. �$1 Haven tgone down lately. . - s~Chnao ~:-ver~os --.--- .,~ay Ground Zero The Cockpit of Tulsa Join us presents ! the hottest r~ale dancers in town - Body X-Press Inc.. New Years Eve champagne toast at m,dnight and our hot dancers NO COVER .. Favorite Female Impersonators in One B.ig Show A Chr~stm.as Canned Food Dr.ve Show to Benefit Be sure to stop by for.the m~n~ Christmas show, Dec. 23, with SHANTI & her dancers , Raghenna . Friday, December .2,2 - 10:30 Showtime (Cover $3 anda can of f..o, od) "We guarantee a Hot & Wild Show" Beer Bust, Beer Bust, Mon.-Fri. 9-1 $1 Domestic Longnecks til 10 everyday Hot male dancers every Fri. & Sat. night Starting in January, the Thursday night Chiks with d....more! contest Cash prizes for winners - watch for details Spend New Year’s Eve with us! It’s Karaoke Time 8pm-2am, We’ll include a wonderful buffet at lopm & free party favors! $5 cover Barraccuda says: Don’t forget our Jan. 28th 2nd Annual Super Bowl Party Free Keg at Kickoff- Free chili dogs $1 longnecks during game -.$2 cover The first Saturday of every ~ month is ’ Showlr Night .Saturday $3 cover Every Sunday is Beer Bust Tulsa’s First Internet Party Customer access to the Internet Open to close everyday We tap a Free Keg at 7:00 pro, then Showtime 10:30 Watch for details on " Choose your own time: 2 hours - $3/all day �Dec. 22, Featuring On Jail. 28, two of this country’s most prestigious entertainers Maya Douglas, Miss Gay USofA 1995 and Chelsea Pearl, Miss Gay USofA At-Large 1996, along with Cherry Monroe, Miss Gay Oklahoma U SofA 1995 will be in Tulsa for the 1996 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant at Concessions, 3340 So. Peoria. Doors open at 8pm with a $5 cover and the pageant begins at 9 sharp. Cherry Monroe will be crowning the winner of the 1996 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant and contestants will be competing for over $1500 in cash and prizes. Competition catagories are Personal Interview, Evening Gown and Talent. Special awards include the Amii Dyshea Talent award and Sasha Loren Most Beautiful Award honoring these two Sid Spencer N otes SALOON New Year’s Eve Parer at the Star Buffet~ Champagne T0ast, Party Favors, $5 cover Christmas Show Green Country Cloggers Wednesday Night Showcase Drag Rodeo hosted by Courtney Farrell Friday’Night Party Night Jan. 5th, Music Giv~awa~ 834-4234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am continued from page 8 First off: R & H’s Cinderdla: Starting off as the only musical Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote specifically for television, and one of the first ever written for TV, 1! was pleasant enough to see on stage, but just didn’t quite make the leap all the way across the chasm. The show did have a gay sensibility to it as directed by John Ruocco, who was assistant to the director of Terrence McNally’s very gay play, "Love! Valor! Compassion!". The King, as portrayed by David Boughn, was definitely wed to the queen as a matter of convenience. He was definitely more interested in the manservants (who were quite beautiful as well) than his wife. Like many "old-fashioned" gay man/ 9.2,3340S, Peo Tulsa, 918-744-0896 very missed entertainers and former Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA’s. The winner and first runner-up will represent Oklahoma in the 1996 Miss Gay USofA Pageant in May. Miss Gay USofA Pageant is the largest pageant for female impersonators in the country. The Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant has been honored by the National Pageant with the Best New Preliminary Pageant.award and the Hospitality award and the Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant owner, David Bridgrnan, was given the Owners Award for Business Person of the Year in 1995. Interested contestants may pick up info. packets at dubs and businesses across the state or may contact the pageant promoter, David Bridgman at 918-838-3701. woman marriages, the queen is a"beard". Probably best friends, and fond of each other, but quite an interesting direction for the father of Prince Charming. And they worry quite frantically over finding a woman to make him happy! Throughout the play, he seemed much more comfortable with his manservants. Speaking of, he was quite a sight to behold. There were certain attributes, visible from a seat slightly towards the rear orchestra, that were quite breathtaking to behold. What a scepter! And visible even to my nearsighted, astgmafic eyes! Needless to say, the costumes were well executed, showing off the best of the actors. The singing was very beautiful - Matt Clemens, as see Notes, page 15 �Notes cont’d from p. 14 Prince C, had quite alovely tenor volce, and Miss Cindy was very well sung by Leslie Lorusso. However, this production was meant for a more intimate venue, no doubt about it. No splashy showtunes,just nice quite melodies. The stepmother and sisters were the high point of the show, being played like really mean drag queens havin~ a bad hair day. The "Stepsister’s Lament" really showcased their comedic "talents excellently, and the soundtrack (available in both Julie Andrews or Lesley Anne Warren versions) is worth having, and the show worth seeing for this song alone. It seems to be the only song R & H put any effort into. As for the rest of the show, I found it rather bland. The main problem was that the actors were "playing down" to the audience in the worst "children’s theater" manner making sure every joke was extremely over-the-top, so all the kiddies would get it. This, I’m sure, was not the intent of R & H when they wrote the piece. In order for the show to work, it has TALKING PERSONALS! HUNDREDS OF GUYS TO CH( ¯ " ¯ ¯ ¯ : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ to be treated as an adult show much of the humor is certainly meant for adults - while retaining the fairy-tale elements as well. Pacing was a crucial element as well, and unfortunately, in this aspect, the show did not succeed. Ithadmoments,butnot enough to fill two hours. Two snaps and a yawn for the show in general, four snaps for theprince and the stepsisters. Marilyn Maye, however, puts on a terrific show - everything from standards of the ’30’s to current songs. I’d not heard of herbeforeI was told I’dbegolng ¯ to the show, but I am now a ¯ dedicated fan. After the dedication of a song "To lovers every" where .... no matter who they love", and a wry look at to the ¯ audience- I realized this woman ¯ knew her audience included gay ¯ folk, andwas very inclusive. And ¯ what a stager/actres!! Some : people can sing prettily, but miss ¯ the wholemessage/emotionofa ¯ song. Not so, Ms. Maye. She can ¯ make you feel a song. When she ¯ comes back to Tulsa, I would ¯ urge you strongly tO see this gay. friendly performer. Her stage persona is delightful, and the laughs between the songs were plentiful. A lovely evening. Maybe my partner, the h,~rdest working man in Tulsa, c,~m actually take time to join me uext time! (He’d planned to, but type AAA personality that he is....) And if you haven’t seen Toy Story, don’t delay! You will be bowled over by the sheer technical genius. This is helped along by a very strong script that balances well between kiddie humor and adult guffaws. There were definitely some queer folk behind this one. It is a hoot from beginning to end. Four snaps. ,OM~ CALL NOW! Call The 900 number to respond to ads, browse unlisted ads, or retrieve messages. Only $1.99 per minute. 18+. C/S: 415-281-3183 Manford GOOD OLE’ BOY: GWM, 135, 5’5", blonde hair, hazel eyes, 35, varied interests, seek GWM’s, 18-40, For friendship and more. Please leave a message. ~25103 Oklahoma COWBOY COUNTRY: GWM, 5’8", brown hair and eyes, 21, seeks other males, good looking and well built cowboys preferred, for friendship and more. Please leave a message. ~23376 Ponca City NOT INTO BAR SCENE: GWM, 27, 155, 5’8", hazel eyes, brown hair, seeks others for friendship and possible relationship. Please leave a message. ~17465 Oklahoma SON WANTS DAD: GWM, 31,5’11", 180, brown hair, green eyes, HIV-, seeks a HIV- Daddy for ~: serious relationship. Relocation is most definite if Daddy wants. PleaseJeave a message, e15358 Tulsa PLAIN, SIMPLE, HONEST: GWM, 28, 165, hard worker, out doors man and active, seeks other GWM’s for friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. ~14249 Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: GWM, ~nexperienced, 30, 6’, 150, brown hair, green eyes, professional, smoke/alcohol free, seeks inexperienced GWM’s, 18-25 for special encounters. Please leave a message. Must be discrete and drug free. ~14856 Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: GWM, 25, 5’10", 175, brown hair, masculine and discrete, good looking, non smoker, athletic, seeks other inexperienced males, 2t-30, for friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message, n14t 78 Oklahoma LET’S TEACH EACH OTHER: Bi Curious WM, 27, 6’, 195, tanned, seeks other males, 18-30, bi curious preferred, for learning experiences. Please leave a message. ~17153 much more. Please leave a message. ~ 17465 honest person, like this in a person, give me a call- ~9464 (~klahoma LOOKING FOR SERIOUS FUN: GWM, Oklahoma: State Universib, student, 20’s, 5’9", 150", good body, varied interests, seeks others for fun and more. I am very discrete. Please leave a message. ~16686 Oklahoma City GOOD TIMES ARE WAITING: I’m 27 y/o, Tulsa LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE: Bi Curious.Married WM, very Texarkana I’M YOUR MAN: I’m a 39 y/o WM, 5’8, 1401bs. I’m disease free and I’m Ikg4 someone 18-45 who is well built, call me, please be discreet. ~9582 attractive, good body, 6q ,, 180, blonde hair, blue eyes, seeks other white males for first time experience. Please leave a message. No need to be discrete. ~16302 Tulsa TULSA TWO SlY: GWM, 26, 5’7", 145, good Iookingand in shape, seeks others, 18-27, for friendship and fun. Please leave a messa.ge. ~17238 RIGHT ON THE MONEY: GWM, 31,5’6", seeks, GWM’si 25-50, into getting acquainted instead of fantasizing about our looks. We’re not all Greek God’s or are ~ built like horses. Some Of us are j~st average. Call me. ~12799 BI BI BLUES: BiCuriou~WM, 27, 175, 6’, attractive, seeksi0ther attractive males, 20-30, ~’ho are patient and understanding. Must be drug/disease free. Please leave a message. ~13020 : FUN IN THE CORRAL~ GWM, 31, brown hair, hazel eyes, ’~.tache, 5’6", 165, seeks companionshi~p of mature GWM, 23-40, who are aggressive, masculine and gentle. Fwry cowboys a plus. Call me! n13859 ~ Tulsa LOADED: 27, 6’, 180 iso men 18-30 for some fun, give me a ca11~9298 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and 5’11,2151bs, athletic build. Ikg4 someone to share good times with. I like dancing, I’m a light drinker and a non smoker. ~1663 Oklahoma City PRIME TIME: I’m a 38 yio WM "W. I’m a total TV and I’m Ikg4 men who would like to spend some time with me. I’m clean, drug and disease free. ~9808 Ada HOMO ALONE IN ADA: I’m 6’3, brn/brn, 1901bs. I’m Ikg4 gay men 18-25 for good times, call me. ~10271 Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6,-2151bs, WM. I’m Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s with a medium ~to slim build. I like singing, bowling, golf, movies and cuddling. If you are in!erested, please call me. ~47265 Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking for GLM/GWM for hot fun in the sun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Leave me a message and le~s get together soon. ~’10596 Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very versatile, seeks new friends in the area for fun and friendship with relationship possibilities. Le~s get together and celebrate life. ~6571 Texarkana WILl) BOYS: GWM, 26, 6’1", 185, blonde hair, blue eyes, very hairy, seeking sub 18-35 GWM’s for mutual fun and satisfaction. You won’t be disappointed. Please leave a message. ~11036 Tulsa GAY OR BI: AI, 32, very masc prof’l, GBM iso Gay or bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sports, outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks[ ~ 7580 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: professional, 42 WM. iso other Gay or bi male, 30s40s, in the area, let’s play! ~ 7392 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 21 BM, kinda looking for someone to love, Tulsa HEY GIRLS: athletic attr. SWF early 30’s 5’4 1101bs brn/brn Ikg4 open minded women for discreet hot fun. call me! ~45795 great phone fun with. I love talking on the phone. Im 42 y/o and I hope you call me. n45492 tired of b~ing by myself,- love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- ~" 7435 Dallas AFRICAN QUEEN: I’m a 37 y/o African American Ikg4 the same 30-40.-t’m shy and I’m drug and disease free. I have Iwo dogs and I’m sincere and honest. If you are honest Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s iso BIWM 30-40, ht/wt prop, very discreet, expect same, like share some time, if you are interested, g~ve me a call, I’ll returnall calls- and sincere, call me. ~38212 ~ 7822 Tulsa NEW TO AREA: Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out alot, phys fit, Ikg fora strto BI BM 35-65 to have a good time with; go out with give me a call- ~ 7842 Eastern AR CUDDLE BY THE FIRE: Jack, GWM, 37, It. brn/brn, mustache, very masc, sir appearing/acting, iso friends poss rel in the area, like all music, dining, theater, silting by a fireplace, outdoors, animals, you name it- give me a call- n 7873 FOR YOUR FREE AD CALL 1-800-546-6366, THE SYSTEM WILL DO THE REST! BUTCH/FEM: I’m a 23 y/o female and I like poetry, cycling and music. I’m Ikg4 a friendship and a poss. relationship, rm a little butch and a little fern. all calls will be returned. ~47521 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single woman with no kids Ikg4 a special female friend to love and care for. ~all me. ~’1614 Arkodelphia, AR STAR GAZER: my name is Angeta, I’m a 21 y/o student interested in flying new things, star gazing and more. I would like to meet a nice woman for fun and friendship. call me! ~46392 900-370-2636 �Q A TY A TERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? HOW DOES A SETTLE- Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. HOW IS SOUTHWEST MENT WORK? VIATICAL DIFFERENT ? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to deterrmne your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business"only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records. by mail, and do business from another state. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either aft’individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of )our life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and 3"our mfique medical situation. Not ever)., policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of .’,’our policy and medical history. may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is m~de directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? directly to our local community. Manv factors influence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and 3our family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to assist you in planning the best outcome from your unique financial situation. .Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities -Our Families of the Heart December 15, 1995- January 14, 1996, Volume 3, Issue I National News Oregon Lesbian Activists Murdered : "MEDFORD, Ore. - Police in Medford, : Ore., report that they have located the ¯ bodies of Roxanne Ellis and Michelle "- Abdill; long-time lesbian activists who ¯ have been deeply involved in fighting off anti-gay ballot initiatives in the state for i several years. The 2 women, who had : been partners for 12 years, were found in : the back of a pickup trnek belonging to ¯ Ellis. The couple were last seen on Dec. 4 : see Murder, page 11 : Hearings Feature Anti-Gay Agenda Washington, DC By the end of Dec. 6th, the "Parents, Schools and Values," Congressional hearing revealed itself-to be precisely what youth advocates had feared: a taxpayer funded platform for anti-gay extremists. The two day hearing came to a close today before the House Economic and Employment Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.. The hearings became the focus of a national outcry when Lou Sheldon, an anti-gay extremistandChairman of the Traditional Values Coalition, claimed the hearings were scheduled at his request to discuss the "promotion of homosexuality in the public schools." see House, page 11 Hawaii Commission Urges Gay Marriage HONOLULU-The Honolulu Advertiser " has reported that the state commission " created to evaluate gay and lesbian mar- , riages will urge the legislature to "change ¯ Hawaii law toallow gay couples to marry." " The Commission on Sexual Orientation " and Law was created after the Hawaii Supreme Court ordered alower court to review a suit bylesbian andgay couples to " get mamage licenses, saying that in order : to refuse thelicenses the state had to prove ¯ a "corn pelling interest" to deny licenses because of the gender of the 2 people " involved. The commission has not yet ¯ released any actual recommendations, but the paper reported that the commission’s ¯ report will be distributed for public comsee Hawaii, page 12 " Visitation Rights ¯ Case to Continue ¯ SayS-High Court 2 WASHINGTON- The U.S. Supreme " Court has let stand; without comment, a ¯ Wisconsin statesupreme court ruling that ¯ would let .the former parmer continue ; with her court battle to have visitation ¯ rights withher ex-lover’s biological son. ¯ After Etsbeth Knott, the biological mother- "- of the boy, and Sandra Lynn Holtzman, " ended their 10-year relationship, Knott ¯ attempted to prevent Holtzman from see: ¯ ing the 6-year-old boy. The Wisconsin " Supreme Courtearlier tiffs year overturned ¯ a state lower court ruling denying ¯ Holtzman any rights, and ordered the case 12 Bill Stoskopf& Mark Lackey of Black & White Charities present gifts to SharOn Thoele of the HIVResource Consortium One ofmany organizations at the World ($5000) &to Claudette Peterson ofTOHR AIDS Day March at the Univ. of Tulsa, ($2500) from this year’s fundraisers. see related stories this page and page 8. PFLAG was also a beneficiary ($2500). ¯ PFLAG, Thwarted In TV Effort, Turns To Print Campaign For Anti-Hate Message ¯"" The Tulsa chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, in response ~ to the difficulties encountered in getting their Project Open Mind anti-hate commercials ~ on television inTulsa, have begun a campaign for a signature advertisement to run in The ¯ Tulsa World. The ad calls for Tulsans to stand against"hatred, hate speech and violence" ¯ against individuals based on their sexual orientation and "to recognize the strong link ~ between hate speech, teen suicide and violent physical attacks..." The Tulsa Worldis on ] record as having a policy banning the use of the words, Gay or Lesbian in advertising ¯ but apparently have chosen to allow an exception for this ad.The ad is scheduled to run ¯ sometime early this next year. ; Two Project Open Mind television commercials were to be tested in Tulsa, Houston : &Atlanta. InTulsa, ouly Ch. 2,KTULbriefly aired one of the pair but stopped. Attorneys ¯ for the Christian Broadcasting Network, who objected to the use of footage of evangelist ¯¯ Pat Robertson &Jerry Falwell, had threatened legal action against stations broadcasting the commercials. PFLAG is asking individuals and organizations, dubs, cong~:,e&atio~as, ¯ etc. to sign the anti-hate ad. There is no cost since funds that were to be iised ~6 buy TV ¯ air time will now oar for the-orint ad. Formore information call the PFLAG at 749-4901. ~r / ’ AIDS Day: Tulsa & Elsewhere NEW YORK - "Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities" was the theme of.World AIDS Day, as the United Nations announced a massive global mobilization program to deal with the epidemic. From UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros- Ghali to prominent Hollywood film personalities, from the largest cities to smaller communities, hundreds of thousands of people and some 7,.000 groups in 190 localities around the world marked the day in a varxety of ways. In Tulsa, the event was marked by Interfaith AIDS Ministries annual march and memorial service held this year at the University of Tulsa. Over 300 igeople attended with many organizations carrying banners. The service featured speakers, Jason Smith of TOHR’s Testing Clinic and attorney and longtime community. activist., Bob Inglish. Choirs from Family of Faith MCC, Tulsa Family Chorale and FirSt Presbyterian Church performed. TU Provost Dr. Lewis Duncan, the Rev. Ken McIntosh, the Rev. Henry Knight provided welcome or prayers, and Dr. Doreen Wood read a World AIDS Day proclamation from Mayor M. Susan Savage. The American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR), a prominent nonprofit U.S. group that has been headed by actress Elizabeth Taylorannounced that it is awarding.nearly a million dollars in research grants to 14 scientists working on the epidemic. The foundation also named American actress Sharon Stone to 3 World 1/2M AIDS Cases WASHINGTON-Somany young Americans - one of ever." 92 young men and one of every 33 young black men - are believed infected with HIV that it threatens to become a deadly "rite of passage" in this country, said Philip Rosenberg of the National Cancer Institute. Rosenberg’s comments in the journal Science, coincide with an announcement by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that the AIDS epidemic has now reached 501,310 cases in the U.S. since 1981 with 311,381 deaths. The sobering statistics illuminate the government’s warnings that AIDS is quickly turning into more of a threat to the nation’s youth, even as it tapers off among older people. Using CDC. data, Rosenberg also estimated that one in every 60 Hispanic men see AIDS, page 3 White House. AIDS Conf. Heard in Tulsa WASHINGTON-"Wecan conquer this ," said President Clinton in convening the first White House conference on AIDS in~ the 15 years of the epidemic’s history, bringing together teachers, doctors, researchers, people withHIV and their family. In Tulsa, local HIV activists and specialists gathered to listen to the conference at the University Center at Tulsa. After the broadcast, locals intended to begin planning for current efforts to respond to the epidemic. Outside the Executive Office meeting in DC, however, protesters and AIDS activists demonstrated, charging that the conference i Rob Hill To Run For i School Bd. Seat 6 : Rob Hill, social services specialist with ¯ Helpline for 15 years, announces his candidancy for Tulsa Public Schools Dis- " trict 6. Hill is a graduate of Will Rogers High Schogl and a 1968 graduate of North- :: eastern.. State University in Tahlequah, ¯ with a Bachelors in Psychology. ; "I hope to bring my experience and ¯ knowledge of Tulsa’s community ser- ¯ vices and resources to Tulsa Public ¯ Schools," says Hill. "I have first hand : knowledge to help our schools deliver ¯ high quality services as efficiently as pos- ¯ sine. I’m committed to combining fiscal ¯ conservatism with the best quality education for our children." see Hill. p. 12 TOHR Votes for ¯ Community Center ¯ Tulsa moved a little closer to having a ¯ community meeting place when mem- ¯ bers of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human ¯ Rights (TOHR) voted at an emergency ~ meeting Nov. 21 to authorize TOHR of- ¯ ricers to put together an offer on a prop- - erty. As of press time, the deal with the ¯ current owner is still in negotiation but ~t ¯ is hopeful that the issues can be resolved : so that renovation of the building might ¯ ..~ti~_,.~g~: ’,~ v ex,t y-eaL At tlaat time, tnere ~W’Wi~.I~"’e a~ -n"~~."’d’ for’"c"o~’ "~;" ty" volunteers ¯ to provide painting, ci~-up, and light :,ocoi~structiOt~ work. Info: 743-GAYS, INSIDE EDITORIAL P. 2 DIRECTORY P. 2 NEWS BRIEFS P. 4 HEALTH BRIEFS P. 6 CALENDAR P. 9 EUREKA PAGES P. 10-11 New Pentecosta Church Welcomes Gays & Lesbians The Rev. Clay Cody and Agape’ Christian Fellowship, a new Pentecostal congregation, have announced that they will begin holding worship services at the Sheridan Center, Suite H, at 21st and Sheridan Road. The services will be held at 10:30 am beginning on December 31. Pastor Cody, formerly an Assembly of GodPastor Evangelist, believes that there are many Gay, Lesbian andTransgendered Pentecostal Christians in the Tulsa area who have had to worship in "mainstream’" churches and who were unable to express fully themselves as GayChristians. Agape’ Christian Fellowship "extends the fight hand of fellowship" to everyone regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. The Pentecostal movement had its origin in the widespread desire in the hearts of men and women for greater closeness to God. It is a reaction to the formalism, coldness and .unbelief Pentecostal Christians perceive in modern churches. Pentecostal Christians profess a belief in their experience of the supernatural power of God in their lives and their faith in the Bible which they consider the infallible, 918.583.1248 POB 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher/Editor Issued.on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents of Tom Neal this publication are protected by US copyright 1996 by Tulsa Family Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writers/contributors photo does not indicate thal person’s sexual orientation. Phyl Boler-Schmidt Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Barry Hensley noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tutsa Family Pat Morehead News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Each Staff, Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution JD Jamett points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. With this issue, Tulsa Family News begins our third year. We give our thanks to you, our readers & also to those who have-helped us; with stories& with criticism. Especially, we thank, our writers,- our advertisers & our enormously patient printers whomakebringing qualitynews reporting toTulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender folk, families & friends possible. This is a labor of love, & sometimes, a little profit. So, when we’re fending off censorship or the flack that comes with having a viewpoint, it helps to remember the praise we’ve received. We were proud when distinguished former CBS News journalist, Ann Northrup, lauded Tulsa Family News, lamenting that she wished NYC had a paper like this. And we’ve heard similar praise from others. We promase you to continue bringing you the best local & national news coverage of any Oklahoma Gay paper. We have faith in Tulsa’s promise &with your help, Tulsa wil1 get better and better for us & our families. Happy holidays - Tom Neal Suck & Blow Syndrome by Pat ,.~lorehead Merry Christmas andn~iLV the Ne~:Year bring you a better yearth~ 1995. 95.hasbeen a weird year. I’m not sure we ~3an view it as a "watershed" year, but it has certainly pointed out the absolute schizophrenia of our national culture. ~I learned a long time ago of a psychological phenomenon referred to as the "suck and blow" syndrome which is where I think America is currently trapped. The suck and blow ,syndrome in essence states that one can’t.simultaneously "suck andblow". In other words it is not possible, in a healthy mental State, to perform to conceptual opposites. Translation, you are not in a healthy mental state when you are obsessed with a "pro-life" crusade that sanctions killing physicians who perform abortions as the way to advance your cause.. But it is exactly this suck and blow syndrome which seems to be driving almost every cultural force in America today. It is schizophrenic tO foist Off a life view of 1950’s and 60’s television programming in an America where elementary students carry guns. Ozzie and Harriet never had to deal with that situation. Or for cable compames to promote a KIDS CLICKER remote control to protect children from accessing what the very same cable provider carries on ft’s other channels. It is suck and blow time when in order to improve life in America for the "next generation" politicians are prepared to unfnnd and dismantle Environmental Protection laws. Or for those same politicians to continually summon images of family life and cultural values of an agrarian America which no longer exists. And at the same time to sell off the National Parks of this country in order for businesses to rape and plunder those same park lands. As my uncle used to say, someone needs to just slap some sense into us. I have hopes that 1996 will be the year when that happens. The hate-mongers see UPC, page 3 - MCC~Grehte~-TiJIsa- Responds to TFN First, Rev. Alice Jones left voluntarily because she felt God’s calling in anew direction. Rev. Jones served as pastor of MCC of Greater Tulsa for over 16 years. She frequently defended the whole Tulsa Gay/Lesbian community in situations, such as the recent Human Rights Commission hearings. Anyone who leads any group for over 16 years will have detractors who disagree with some things. Rev. Jones accomplished many things, and the congregation of MCC of Greater Tulsa are proud to have had her as our pastor. Regarding implied problems with the District of UFMCC, it is true that we were changed from a chartered.church to a commissioned church. The demands on a chartered church have changed in recent years, and this change has some important advantages for MCC of Greater Tulsa as we seek a new pastor. The main change is in the pastor compensation package, giving the local church greater flexibility. To imply a conflict exists between MCC of [(]reater] Tulsa and District leaders is wrong and inaccurate. The Board of Directors are working closely with the District on the pastoral search. Although, like many churches from time to time, we are behind in our tithes to the District. -~ However, the Board of Directors and the congregation are taking steps to correct this, and we will become a Chartered Church again. Regarding perceived irregularities in our Financial Records, the finances ofMCC of Greater Tulsa have always been open to any member or friend of the Church. Open Board meetings and Congregational meetings are held regularly, and anyone attending may ask questions. AnAudit Committee, of church members, are currently reviewing the Church records to clarify any bookkeeping errors. Volunteers handling church records may sometimes make errors, but there is no question as to the honesty and integrity of those involved. As MCC of Greater Tulsa seeks anew pastor, the members and the Board of Directors look forward to many years ahead serving the needs of the local church and the entire Tulsa Gay/Lesbian Community. - The Board of Directors & Members Editor’s response: TFN would like to make this correction: Alice Jones did notpreach on Sunday morning, Oct. 29 as we stated in .our last issue. We regret that error and apologizefor our mistake. However, we stand by the accuracy of the rest of the artgcle. ¯ TFN also applauds MCC of Greater Tulsa for : resp~idihgpublicdlly tdfU~ article~ We agreew~th ~ several oftheir points. The concerns raised in our : article are not, however, the ones they addressed. ~ The question is: what’s going onfinancially? What makes this issue a matter ofpublic concern ¯ are the size of thefinancial irregularities and the ’ appearance of no management overstght. The ¯ amountunaccountedfor,possibly as much as $6,000 ¯ or more, is significant. This is about 10% of the ¯ annual income of this church. It is too much for ¯ members to dismiss with a comment, " volunteers ¯ make mistakes..." Also in the UFMCC, the pastor ¯ serves not only as staffbut also as moderator ofthe ¯ board ofdirectors. And in that role, as "president" ¯ of the board, that person is resposibility for the ¯ proper functioning ofan organization, especially ¯ overseeingfinancial accountability, see MCC, p. 3 Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Concessions, 3340 S Peoria *Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time’n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Admiral Wild Fork, Utica Square, 21st & Utica *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 744-0896 585-5622 749-1563 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-4340 742-0712 5~5-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Dennis C. Arnold, Realtor 746-4620 *Associates in Medical & Mental Health, 1.560 E. 21 743-1000 Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Li-fe Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 592-1521 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 D’Antiques, 1508 E. 15th 592-5356 *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620 *Dusty Roads at the Silver Star, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Express Pools & Spas, 6310 S. Peoria 743-9994 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Planning 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 *Imaginanons, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 *International Tours 341-6866 Ken’s Flowers; 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Lean Ann Macomber, Realtor Associate 671-2010 Massoud’s Jewlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884 *MediaPlay, 9121 E. 71st 250-5158 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 st 663-5934 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 P1 664-2951 Puppy Pause II, l lth & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-3322 *Tomfoolery Gifts &Cards, at Family of Faith MCC 583-1248 Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 B/L/G Alliance, Uuix~ersity of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Ministry Center, University ~of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Commtmity of Hope. (United Methodist), 1703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity/Integrity (Lesbian/Gay Catholics &Episcopalians) 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 Friend For A Friend, .POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity (Afffcan-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Miui~tries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, .~154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800,74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106.74159 665-5174 Rainbow Village, PO.B 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 *Shanti Hothne 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans foT Human Rights, (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLin6 (Info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Techuician~, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uuiform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 ~TulsaCity Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground F! *University Center at: Tnlsa Beaver Dam Store, 1/2 mi. N. of Dam on Hwy. 187 *Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W *MCC of the Living Spring McClung Realtors 501-253-6154 501-253-7457 501-253-6807 501-253-5445 800-231-1442 501-253-9337 501-253-9682 Rock Cottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton 501-253-2204 Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 501-253-6001 The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-8281 between the ages of 27 and 39 is infected with HIV; that women are 4 times less likely than men to become infected; and that although the epidemic in the U.S. has "officially" just passed the half-million mark, the actual number of people in this country infected with HIV is probably .between 630,000 and 897,000, representmg approximately 100,000 to almost 400,000 people whose infections have not been reported or who themselves are unaware they are already infected. "That’s a very. disturbing future," Rosenberg said. wasn’t about the disease at all, but was "election year rhetoric." Inside, Clinton underscored his administration’s commitment to battling the .epidemic, saying he had increased funding for AIDS research and treatment during his term in office, and promising to fight off efforts by the Republican-controlled Congress to cut AIDS spending next year. Clinton also announced that early next year Vice President AI Gore will host a conference of scientists and representatives from drug manufacturers to try to find ways to speed up the development of promising AIDS medications. "Our common goal must ultimately be a cure," Clinton told the some 300 people attending. "A cure for all those living with HIV, and a vaccine to protect the res t ofus from the virus. A cure and a vaccine - that must be our first and top priority." Although those attending the conference generally applauded Clinton, it was also dear that pressure on tomfoolery! even at our worst, better than~the rest Tulsa’s best Pride Store at Family of Faith MCC 5451-e So. Mingo, Sat. noon-6, 583-1248 New location coming in ’96 ¯ the administration is far from easing up. ¯ Dr. Edward Morse, a research sociologist ¯ from Louisiana, also challenged the ad- ¯ ministration to make some tough deci- ¯ sions about the epidemic. "There is no ¯¯ point in beating around the bush," Morse ~aidin presenting Clinton with areport on ¯ IV drug abuse and HIV. "We must face ¯ the issue of needle exchange. A third of ¯ AIDS cases are based on substance abuse. ¯ That is a major key in the solution to this ¯ problem." ¯ When an activist shouted that Clinton ¯ hadfailed to keep his campaign promises ¯ about AIDS, Clinton vehemently rejected ¯ the charge. Clinton quickly replied, "We ¯ had a set of recommendations that. we ~ received whe~n w~got’here, m~st of w.hieh. ¯ have been i~mplemented. I am very sorry ¯ that thereis not a cure. I amvery sorry that ¯ there is not a vaccine. I regret that every- " thing I have asked for has not been ap- ¯ proved by the Congress." ¯ have started stirring the pot and stuff is ; beginning to slop out over the edges. ¯ Things may well get worse before they ¯ get better. But I have faith that ultimately ¯ th~ basic decency and common sense of ordinary people will take command. As Mr. Lincoln said, you can fool some of the : people all of the time, and all of the people : some time, but you can’t fool all of the ¯ people all of the time. I guess those two things are my mes- ; sage of positive hope for all of us for the ¯ coming new year. I believe in the basic "- decency ofordinary people and their com- ¯ mon sense to react when things get to ¯ weird. I suggest we all start practicing THEY’LL EAT IT UP! From $29.95 to fobuloust SEND A PARTY! tltGO-" We offer a wide. selection of Gift Baskets for every occasion. from gourmet to exotic. Express your thoughts and feelings - deliciously - to all kinds offamily, .friends or that special someone. 9720-C East 31st Street, Tulsa 918.663.5934, Daphane Cooper Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesday Services 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm Choir Practice ° Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group I To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly zoith Ollr God... Micah 6:8 8451-E South Mingo Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 those virtues for the coming year on a daily basis. Drop in a little dol!op of simple courtesy and civility and see if things don’t begin to improve. Decency, common sense, courtesy and civility, that sounds like a pretty good recipe for anyone, wouldn’t you think? So from myself, my companion and our dog, the best wishes of the season, to you and all those in your life who make day to day life a little sweeter and more palatable. And one more suggestion for the new year: always keep your powder dry, otherwise it tends~to cake up when applied around the eyes. HO HO HO! Comments, responses and cheap shots can be E-mailed to TulsaNews@aol.com We hope that there is a good explanation for the discrepancy between amount presented in theyear~endfinancial report and the much lower amount reported to be in the church’s bank account(s) at the congregational meeting. However, even if there are explanations for every dime, or even if this is an accounting error repeatedforyears, the existance ofsuch a large discrepancy in thefinancial report speakspoorly ofAliceJones’ performance, not as. pastor, but as moderator - the person ultimately responsible. When this discrepancy is combined with the issue of back tithes owed and other outstanding debts, some would say Alice Jones and her board failed ~o do their job well enough. Mismanagement is not dishonesty and mismanagement doesn’t negate the good Alice Jones has done but the church and our communities do have a right to expect accurate accounting. TO DISCO head a 3-year fundraising campaign. Hundreds of museums around the world marked the day by observing "A Day Without Art," an effort by art institutions to dramatize the effect of the epidemic on the creative community. Tulsa’s Philbrook Museum draped the Rodin statue that graces its entry to recognize the day. On the Internet, scores of World Wide Websites from Japan to Finland participated in their own version of the event, dubbed "A Day Without Graphics," by going blank, removing graphics and pho- ::r tos :for the ’day. Singers from the’Metro- :- p01itan Opera in New York performed at the United Nations, while at the city’s St. Mark’s Church, Dancers Responding to AIDS performed 24 hours nonstop, featuring dancers from the Paul Taylor and Merce Cunningham dance companies. And at least 165 cable systems and local television stations had slated a variety of AIDS-related programming, including broadcasts of "’Philadelphia," "And the Band Played On" and "Longtime Compamon" on leading premium cable systems. HIV/AIDS Education & Volunteer Training Class The HIV Resource Consortium will hold a comprehensive but non-technica] program on HIV & AIDS issues. The class will be held on a weekend and five weekday evenings beginning Jan. 13. Space ~s limited - call for more info: 749-4194. The Consortium serves as the center for s.ervices for persons affected or infected .@"...wi!~H:IV/.At.DS in northeast Oklahoma. pecialized sholo, actively buying, selling & consigning Deco, 50’s moderne furniture, kitchen kitsch, psychedelic collectables, 50"s lamps, -: costume jewelry + accessones, 3213 e, 15th 749-3620 Open Arms Open Minds open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 NO. Cincinnati. 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanla PI.. 742-7381 Trinity 5Ol so. C~ndnnatL 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Poet E. Hemphill Dead : ronym that stands for "double pigs." An open letter to Mugabe " areas as insurance and pension Key West MCC Excluded PHILADELPHIA-Poet, author, editor and rights activist Essex Hemphill has died of AIDS-related complications. Mr. Hemphill, author of highly acclaimed "Ceremonies: Prose and Poetry," also worked on the documentaries "Looking for Langston," "Tongues Untied" and "Black Is ... Black Ain’t." He was 38 years old at the time of his death. Nasty Reaction to ’Gay Mortgages’ in Australia " MEL’BOIJRNE,’~U~tr~fi~L~e Australian gay paper Brother Sister News has reported that an announcement earlier in November by Australian Mortgages that it would start offering discounted bank home loans to gay and lesbian couples early next)’ear has brought the lending institution a number of hostile phone calls. including abomb threat. Despite the negative reaction from some Aussies, however, a spokesperson for the firm said it had no intention of backing away from the reduced mortgage rate offer. "’We are not going to back off," Australian Mortgages" Ron Guthrie told the paper. "I’m just saddened and very disappointed at the attitude of some people.’" The company said the reduced rates for lesbian and gaY couples would probably be about 1.5% lower than standard marketrates. Australian Mortgage Saidit had decided to offer the discounted home loans partly because of the history of antigay bias in the mortgage .industry, but also because same-sex couples represent an excellent market segment for the housing industry. Guthrie’said that many gay couples are fairy well-paid professiohals with 2 incomes and no children. "They are true DINKS,’" he said, using the ac- ¯ income, no kids, single.’" ¯ Partnership Ceremony ¯ Proposal in S.F. ¯ SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco Board of Supervisors ¯ has received a proposed mea- ¯ sure that would authorize the ¯ county clerk’s office to perform ¯ domestic partnership ceremonies similar to the marriage ceremonies it performs for couples who ¯ get married at city hall. The city has had a domestic partner regis- ¯ tration ordinance for seve_ral " ~ years, l~tit the d~unly cl~rk’~ 6ffice has no authority tO officiate- ¯ at any civil ceremony connected ¯ with registration. The proposed ¯ measure to authorize performing the ceremony, which would ¯ convey no particular legal sta- ¯ tus, was introduced by Supervi- ¯ sor Barbara Kaufman. ¯ Mugabe Rejects Critics ¯ AUCKLAND, New Zealand - ¯¯ According to the New Zealand Herald, Zimbabwe President ¯ Robert Mugabe said he was un- ¯ concerned about sharp criticism ¯ he has received for his verbal ¯ attacks againsthomosexuals. On :,,,leaving the annual Common- "¯ wealth Heads of Government meeting, Mugabe brushed off reporters questions about criticism he has received from hu- ¯ man rights activists, saying the topic was "abhorrent.’" Lesbian ¯ and gay activists protested out- " side the meeting of the Com- ¯ monwealth Heads of Govern- " ment, to draw attention to the anti-gay attacks by Mugabe. Earlier this year, Mugabe’s gov- ¯ ernment barred the Gays & Les- ¯ bians of Zimbabwe from run- ¯ ning a literature booth at an in- " ternational book fair in Harare, ¯ the nation’s capital. In a speech ¯ he called gays "’sodomists and sexual perverts" and later said gays were "worse than dogs and Miracleglass Neil Ray Owner EXPRESS POOLS & SPAS (918) 743-9994 6310 S. Peoria Tulsa, OK 74136 from activists said, "We protest : moststrongly against these statements as we.believe that you have seriously endangered the lives and good health of a significant minority of your citizens." Federal Court OKs Anti-Bias Protections SAN FRANCISCO - The 9th . Circuit Court of Appeals’ governing Judicial Council has voted to include anti-bias protections that include sexual orientation, ifi~’fir’si ~d~r’al coh~t di~tfiCi io adopt such a policy. The newly adopted regulations apply to all circuit employees, as well as to workers under the supervision of the federal courts in the large 9th Circuit, including federal probation officers, marshals and public defenders. The new employment policy was adopted after the federal Judicial Conference, which is headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Will- ,am Relmquist, ordered all the federal circuit appeals courts to include anti-discrimination regulations, although the Conference’s recommendations only extended to race, gender, religion, age and disability. An initial recommendation to include sexual orientation protections was dropped by a Judicial Council committee earlier this year, but when the Council reached ¯ the point of a vote on new em- ~ ployment protections xt put the sexual orientation protections back in with the approval of all 9 ¯ Council members. The 9th Circuit includes California, Wash- " ington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, ". Alaska, Guam and the Northern ¯ Mariana Islands. : Canadian Gov’t. Adds : Gay Couples Benefits : OTYAWA - Canada’s govern- ¯ ment has taken a giant step and extended at least some of the ¯" benefits enjoyed by mamed fed- ] eral employees to gay and les- ] bian partners of government ¯ workers as well. CanadianRights ¯ activists lauded the Treasury : Board’s decision, which affects : more than 200,000 government workers, as a"great step forward : for equality" in the country. The new policy hardly represents _" putting same-sex couples on an ¯ equal footing withmamedworkers, however, and does not in- " dude such ~mportant traditional at all. But it does break dramatic new ground, activists said, and : does allow govenmlent employ-. ees to take a leave of absence for ,an ailing partner, permits workers to have bereavement leave in the event of file death of a partner, and extends to a worker’s partner the same .flight and housing allowances g~ven to spouses of govenunent employees on work asst~m~ents around the cotmtry. Conservative le~slators quickly attacked the move, saying die government had made the policy change "behind the back" of Parlimnent. The Canadian legislature recently rejected a measure that wouldhave given legal reco~fition to stone-sex couples. The new benefits pro.- granl does not apply to semiautonomous government finns (such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.), to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, to the nation’s armed forces, or to Parliament itself, which all regulate their own employee policies and benefits. So. Africa May End Military Ban CAPE TOWN, South Africa - The defense committee of South Africa’s Parliament has approved a proposal that writes into the nation’s military policy a prohibition against discrimination based on sexual orientation in the country’s armed forces. African National Congress representative Lindiwe Sisulu said following the committee vote that the policy decision wouldn’t be binding on the government, but would nevertheless carry considerable political weight for any future administration. Military Recruiters Face Legal Challenge in CT NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Connecticut Supreme Court has ¯ finished hearing arguments in a ¯ gay rights case that challenges : the right of state-supported schools to permit military recrmters on their campuses. The case argues that the University : of Connecticut violated state ¯ anti-bias laws by allowing mili- : tary recruiters on campus be- : cause of the U.S armed forces’ : policy of excluding lesbian and : gay. service members. Discriminauon based on sexual orientation is illegal under state law. From Christmas Parade (EY WEST, Fla. - Christmas arrived in this south Florida resort community with a resounding "bah, humbug" for gays and esbians who make up a substantial portion of the town’s population when the Lower Keys Mira sterial Associatton refused to allow the local Metropolitan Co~nmunity Church in its annual Christmas parade, the first time the predominantly, gay church has asked to parttopate in the event. The Rev. Gary Redwine, who heads up the celebration, denied the association’s decision was anu-gay, but said allowing MCC to join would be contrary to "the image of biblical morality and family that we wish to project." On the day of the event, several hundred protesters clustered outside one of the largest churches along the parade route in silent protest and were joined by ministers from a number of local churches who refused to participate because of MCC’s exclusion. The number of people participating in the parade this year was reportedly almost half what it usually is. Reporter’s Anti-Lesbian Remarks Confirmed NEW YORK - In May, Valerie Hehnbreck, a reporter with the Wilmington (Del.) News-Jour- ¯ hal caused a major flap in the ". sports world when she quoted ¯ CBS-TV golf commentator Ben : Wright in an interview as saying that women aren’t as good at go : Ifas men becanse they are"handi- -" capped by having boobs" and ¯ that "lesbians in the sport hurt : women’s golf"and were turning ¯ itinto a"butch game"that scared ¯ away sponsors. Wright ada- ~ mantly denied saying any of the ~ things Hdmbreck attributed to : him. CBS accepted his denial ¯ and shortly thereafter renewed Wright’s 4-year contract. But now, in the Dec. 4 issue of the subscribers-only "Golf Plus" ~ edition, no less a source than ". Sports Illustratedhas confirmed ~ that Wright did indeed make the .- remarks. The "Golf Plus" edition quotes DanJenkins, a sports writer, who said he talked to ] Wright shortly after the flap ¯. erupted. "I asked him" Did you ¯ say it?’ And he said, "Of course ¯ I said it. But I was granted com- .- plete anonymity.’" The article, ¯ entitled"Living With a Lie,"also LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 2642 E. 21st Street ¯ Suite 170 . Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ° Res: 918-582-7672 ° Fax: 918-747-1795 Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2rid & 4th Sun. 1623 No. Maplewood, 838-1715 BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria 743-$272 Corner of 48th & Peori~ 9:30 - 5, Mon. - Fri. Open Saturdays thru holidays! News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News quotes Ken Doig, a part-time CBS-TV stafferanda golfcaddy, who told the magazine he listened to Wright being interviewed by Helmbreck and. confirmed the quotes. "I heard Ben say boobs (get in the way of women golfers’ swing). I heard ¯ such a respected theologian in ¯ the church’s evangelical wing, which generally opposes any acceptance of homosexuals ¯ within the church. "The Bible has been misinterpreted by ¯ evangelicals,"Vasey said. "They ¯ read anti-gay meanings into the him say lesbianism h,,urts in get- ¯ Bible to explain theirfears. There ting sponsorships, Doig is ." is no text on the lips of Jesus quoted as telling the magazine. " Christ which condemns homo- "I’m a golfer and golf is a game ¯ of integrity. I believe in telling ¯ the truth." The "Golf Plus" edition is not sold on newsstands, _" but goes out to some half-mil- ¯ lion subscribers of the maga- ¯ zine. ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Goes to Appeals Court " RICHMOND, Va’. - In an un- _. usual step, all 13 judges of the . U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the appeal of Lt. Paul Thomasson in his challenge ¯ to the Defense Department’s so- . called "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy ofexcluding homosexuals . from military service. ° Thomasson’s case is the first ° against the new policy to reach the federal appeals court level. : Thomasson told his command- o ing officer he was gayjust 5 days . after the new policy went into effect. The former Navy lieutenant’s attorneys argued that Thomasson’s discharge violated his First Amendment rights of free speech. But Justice Department attorneys representing the Defense Department argued that .by acknowledging that he is gay, it was reasonable to assume he has a "propensity" to engage in homosexual acts, whichmilitary officials insist "undermines the morale of t he U.S. armed services." The appeals court is not expected to rule on the case until sometime next year, No Support in Bible for Anti-Gay Attitude LONDON - British gay rights activists found unusual supp6rt in their quest to reform the view of the Church of England on homosexuality with a prominent evangdical theologian’s book that argues there is no biblical support for church con demnation of homosexuality. The Rev. Michael Vasey, a lecturer at St. John’s theological college in Durham, expounded his views on the scriptures in a just-published book Strangers andFriends. His arguments have been made before, but not by sexuality." Vasey’s book was published as the church’s general synod was winding up its annual meeting. Activists also made their point ~to church leaders as members of the rights groupOutRage! nailed ademand for a "Queer Reformation" of the Anglican Church entitled "Four Theses Against Church Homophobia" to the doors of Westminster Abbey. "What’s needed is a new Reformation to eradicate homophobia from the Church of England," said Peter Tatchdl of OutRage! "Anglican endorsement of anti-gay discrimination is a corruption of morality and a violation of the dignity oflesbian andgay people. We want the synod to overturn church support for homophobic policies." Romanian Parliament Keeps Anti-Gay Laws BUCHAREST - The Romanian Chamber of Deputies has rejected a draft proposal modifying the country’s penal code to, among other things, at least partly decriminalize homosexuality among consenting adults. The proposed change would have made homosexual acts punishable only if they created a "public scandal" and was proposed in part to help ease Romania’s entry into the European Commuuity, which requires member nations to assure basic equality for all citizens, including protections for gays and lesbians. At least 2 EC nations have already indicated they will vote against admitting Romania to the continental union if the anti-gay laws are not repealed, Jenny Jones Won’t Testify in Murder ~ase DETROIT - A county court judge has ruled that television ¯ talk show hostJemay Jones won’t have to testify in the trial of Jonathan Schmitz, who is charged with killing Scott Amedure, a gay man, after he confessed to being a "secret admirer" of Schmitz on the nationally broadcast TV show. Attorneys for Schmitz had wanted Jones to testify during the trial, but the judge heating the unusual case ruled thatJones’ taped statements and a sworn deposition she is expected to give is all that would be required of her. Schmitz claims he was misled into thinking the "secret admirer" he would meet on the show was a woman and says he was humiliated when he discovered it was Amedure. Three days after the TV program, authorities say Schmitz shot Amedure to death in nearby Orion Township. Gay Book Ban Not Legal OLATHE, Kansas - A federal district court has ruled that the Olathe, Kansas, school board acted from its own anti-gay bias and not out of the best interests in the education ofstndents when it ordered the novel "Annie On My Mind"removed from school libraries. Itis unclearifthe school board will appeal the ruling. The book, which portrays a young girl’s growing awareness of her sexual orientation, has been highly commended by the American Library Association and other groups, but also has become a lightening rod for antigay activists throughout the country. UK Court Upholds Ban LONDON The British Court of Appeal has upheld a lower court ruling supporting the Defense Ministry’s prohibition against homosexuals in the country’s armed forces, ruling that the ban "’cannot ... be sagmatized as irrational at the time these appellants were discharged." Earlier this year a lower court had ruled against the 3 gay men and 1 lesbian who have sued because of their discharges based on their sexual orientation. The 4 ex-service members vowed to appeal their case to Britain’s House of Lords - the highest judicial body in the nation- and then to the European Court if they lose in the Lords. Detroit Plans for Domestic Partnership DETROIT- A Detroit task force is in the process of wor-king on a proposal that would, ifapproved by the city council, allow gay. and nongay couples to register as domestic partners. The proposal would also give live-in partners of city workers health and other benefits like those currently enjoyed by the married spouses of city employees. The partnership registration would give domestic partners the same visitation rights as spouses or parents at all city hospitals and jails. Domestic partners of a parent or legal guardians of children would also have access to their child’s school records. The task force expects to present its completed proposals to the city council by the end of this year. N.J. Judge Rules Against Gays-in Boy Scouts TRENTON, N.J. - N.J. Superior CourtJudge Patrick McGannhas ruled that a local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America didn’t violate state antl-bias laws when it kicked out John Dale, who is gay, in 1990. In his ruling, McGann cited the biblical story ofSodom and Gomorrah, saying that "all religions deem the act of sodomy a serious moral wrong,’" adding that it was "unthinkable" that the Boy Scouts would accept gay men in leadership roles. "The criminal law has changed," McGam~ wrote. "The moral law - as to the act of sodomy - has not." AI Gore - Not a "Beauty" WASHINGTON -An unnamed gqfite House aide has told gossip columnists that although AI & Tipper Gore showed up for a Halloween party dressed as "’Beauty and the Beast, "it.wasn’t exactly what the. "second family" had at first planned. According to the aide, the Vice President had iuitially wanted to go as "’Beauty" accompauied by Mrs. Gore as the "’Beast. "The reports indicated that the Gores were finally convinced to go in the more conventional costumes only after political advisors suggested the public might not quite be ready "for a vice president who is a cross dresser.’" Tasmanian Law Fight SYDNEY - Rights activists in Australia have filed a brief with the country’s High Court in an effort to formally have Tasmania’s sodomy laws declared unconstitutional and stricken from the books. After a Uuited Nations comnfission declared the Tasmmfian law a violation of interuational human rights, the Australian Parliament enacted legislation guaranteeing the right of privacy in an effort to nullify the laws, but the state of Tasmania has refused to repeal its local anti-gay legislation. Activists say they will use the federal privacy laws in their case, but say it is important to have the Tasmania law overturned officially to remove the stigma associated with the criminalization of gay men in the state. Baptists Slam Disney TAlVIPA, Fla. -The Horida State Baptist Convention, one of the denomination’s largest, has called on its 1 million members to stop supporting Walt Disney movies, products and theme parks because of the finn’s recent decision to extend insurance benefits to same-sex domestic partners of its employees. The, resolution, which was overwhelmingly adopted by the state delegates, says in part that "Disney’~ moral leadership has been eroded by that decision, as well as its practice of holding homosexual theme nights at its parks." A spokesperson for the Walt Disney Co. said the finn "’regrets" the Florida Baptists have taken the stand they have, but so far the entertainment giant has refused to back away from the new benefits. Some Baptists indicated they would call for a boycott. It’s Time to Play. You’ve broken away from the routine. Together you’re about to explore a delicious new realm of the sensuous. Kiss away edible Original Oil of Love’s spicy, warm glow...Feel edible Pleasure Balm sweep over you like a cool, minty wind... Bathe yourselves in the shivery tingle of Mint Tree or snap of Wild Clove Bathing Gels. Afterwards, tickle each others fancy with ~ sweet flick of edible Honey Dust. Let your imagination seize the moment & discover just how close you can be. Lincoln Plaza 15th and Peoria 584-4606 Fred Welch L:C.S.W. Brookside Counseling Individual & Couple Family & Group 743-1733 Looking to put Yourself or Your Business on the INTERNET ? E-mail Gbizman@aol.com or Call: (918) 742 6569 Kelly Kirby Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 HIV Suppressor Found LONDON - Reporting in the prestigious British scientificjournal Nature, researchers with the Paul Erlick Institut in Germany say they have identified a naturally occurring substance in the immune system that acts as a natural defense ag ainst HIV by slowing the reproduction of the virus. While canuoning against seeing their finding as a breakthrough, the scientists said"they fOffr~d thaf i~nterleukifi:16 (IL- 16),which i’s producedby the body’ s T-cells known as CD8 cells, slowed reproduction ofHIV in laboratory tests. The researchers say that if tests of IL-16 with animals prove encouraging, they may begin human testing of the substance in about a year - a strong indication of their excitement about the finding. Their hope is that if the treatment can be effectively used it could perhaps be effective in keeping HIV from overwhelming a patient’ s immune system indefinitely. Effective HIV Inhibitor Drug BOSTON - Two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine report that an experimental drug that dogs the operation of a key HIV protein seems to keep it at bay for at least a while. The drug ritonavir, formerly known as A~T-538 and developed by Abbott Laboratories, is one of a promising new class of AIDS medicines known as protease inhibitors. AIDS researchers are excited about these new drugs because they. appear to both reduce the level of the°virus and to boost the immune system’ s strength. Although the scientists from the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam and New York University’ s school ofmedicine who conducted the studies concluded that ritonavir was quick and effective in fighting HIV, resistance to the drug did develop over time. Abbott Laboratories quickly announced that it will make supplies of the experimental drug available to some 2,000 people with late-stage AIDS diseases and CD4 cell counts of 513 or less around the world through a lottery. For inforuaation about the Abbott Laboratories lottery, call 1-800-414-2437. Mechanism of ’Long-Term Su rvival’ Possibly Identified CHICAGO-; In a.small’-geale sm’dy published in the Proceedings ofthe National Academy of Sciences, researchers report that the’cellular response of a group of ’long-term survivors of HIV appears to help delay the progression of the virus. The team of researchers from the University of California at San Francisco, led by Dr. Jay A. Levy, compared the immune cells of people who had developed fullblown AIDS or had seriously compromised immune systems with other people infected with HIV butwho remained otherwise asvmptomatic for 10 years ormore. The CD~ immune cells of the long-term survivors produced greater amounts of proteins that help regulate "immune-system responses, the researchers report. This, the scientists say, helps keep the CD8 ceils active in fending off HIV, thereby stavingoff most of the impact of the virus longer. According tc the UC-SF researchers, the findings suggest that extra doses of the naturally occurring proteins,known as cytoklnes, might hdp more infected people stay healthier longer. FlPELITY Ho-t~AE HE6LTH CA-RE, INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-3/!42 We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hours/day, seven dayslweek. The range ofservices include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN’s) Home health aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Non-emergency transportation, Private duty nursing and Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. FDA Committee Recommends 3 New AIDS Drugs \VASHINGTON The Food & Drug Administration’s Antiviral Drug Advisory Committee has recon~nended that the agency approve 3TC for both initial tream~ent of AIDS as welt as for advanced cases of the disease. Studies have indicated that the experimental drug, when used with AZT, reduced the spread of HIV in patients’ systems and helped bolster their immune response. The drug can have serious side effects in children, including possible pancreatitis, but appears to produce no greater side effects among adults than the AZT used alone does. The ¯ panel also recommended approv.ing the AIDS drug stavudine (whichis also known ¯ as d4T and Zerit), for people who are not responding to treatment with AZT. The ¯ advisory committee also recommended conditional approval of saquinavir, the : first protease inhibitor the panel has recommended approving to fight AIDS. Unlike other AIDS drugs, protease in- " hibitors work by preventing HIV i/self ¯ from replicating in the body and are con- " sidered the most promising new class of ¯ drugs in the epidemic. The conditional recommendation requires that saquinavir not be used as a single-drug treatment, but ¯ be prescribed along with nucleoside analogs. ¯ Non-Lethal HIV Identified : SYDNEY - A study based on a decade- " old sample of blood donations known as ¯ the Sydney Blood Bank Cohort has found ¯¯ that the blood of one gay man infected ¯ with HIV and the 7 blood recipients who became infected with the virus is infected ¯ with an entirely new - and harmless - . strain of HIV. The finding, reported in the journal Science, raises hopes that an AIDS vaccine can be devcloped using the new, benign virus s train. The researchers found that the unidentified gay man’ s blood had been used in transfusions between 1981- 84 before blood screening for HIV started in 1985. The gay man, however, never contracted AIDS. And when a Red Cross ,ocial worker began tracking people who should have been infected as a result of receiving the tainted blood, she found that after 10 years, none of the 7 recipients had become sick either although all are in fact HIV positive. The newly discovered strain has defects in its genetic elements, most notably a gene called "nef," which other studies have already shown is necessary for HIV to replicate itself.¢’~This allows the infected person’s immune system to deal with the virus - in other words, to stop it getung out of control," said Dr. Nicholas Deacon, who led the Australian research team. The discovery of the "neF" defect is especially important for possible vaccine development after studies on animals at the New Englaud Regional Primate Center showed that deleting "net" from the sirman (monkey) cousin of the virus, SIV, disarms the lethal microbe. HIV Infection Risks Among Lesbians, Bi Women CHICAGO Researchers with the San Francisco health department have reported in the American Journal ofPublic Health that lesbians and bisexual women are at small risk of HIV infection, a finding that contradicts the general idea thatthese women have no risk of contracting the virus. Researchers reported that 6 out of 498 bisexual women and lesbians tested in San Francisco and Berkdey during 1993 were infected with HIV, an infection rate of 1.2%. The researchers re- Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method ~ B~! &for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results. Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights¯ ported that they found no indication of transmission from woman-to-woman sexual contact among any of the 6 who were infected, however. Four of the infected women were both IV drug users and also reported having had unprotected sex with gay or bisexual men or male IV drag users - all high-risk groups. The other 2 infected women had had sex with men of tmknown risk status, but had not had sex with any female partners who were infected. The researchers said that educationand preventionprograms should stop.indicating that lesbians and bisexual women were at low risk of infection and should instead emphasize the importance of avoiding specific, high-risk behaviors. AnOther AIDS Drug Approved WASHINGTON - The Food & Drug Administration has quickly approved the use of lamivudine, also known as 3TC, in combination with AZT. The FDA move came just a few weeks after an advisory panel recommended approval of the combination treatment, and Glaxo, the manufacturer, said the drug would be available .quickly also - probably by the first week m December. According to Glaxo, the cost of3TC will be about the.same as that of AZT, which can Cost:several thousand dollars a year. A!DS-Type Vaccine 100% Effective in Monkeys WASHINGTON - Scientists have reported in the journal Science that an .experimental drug called PMPA suecgssfully prevented monkeys from becoming infected with the sinnan immunodeficiency virus (or SIV). In the study, none Of the 25 monkeys who were given Gilead Sciences’ experimental vaccine before or up to 24 hours after they were inoculated became infected with the simian version of the virus, while all 10 of the monkeys injected with salt water before inoculation with SIV as a control group contracted the disease. The researchers, led by Dr. Che-Chung Tsai of the Regional Primate Research Center at the University of Washington in Seattle - cautioned againstjumping to any conclusions about preventing HIV-infection or treating individuals who are already infected with the human version of the virus, but they did say they were greatly encouraged by the findings. Publication of the findings of the research were in fact delayed a full year by the scientists because they were worried there might be some mistake in the results, which Tsai, describes as "almost too good to be true." Human studies, which are tentatively scheduled for next year, would be required to determine if PMPA is safe and effective in humans. Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 South Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, .MSW. Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Commuliity [:1 FEELING SAFE ,I - !SN" T EASY. PRO|ECT ARIES PROJECT $ HERE TO ARIES HEL AIDS Risk IntErvention Series An Innovative Approach to Enhancing Your Lifestyle and Safeguarding Your Health all Today! . $84-4983 (In" Confidence) Weekly Gifts and Incentives ~for Attending a Closed Series of 12 Weekly Meetings Offered by TULSA NATIVE AMEP, rCAN AIDS PREVENTION PROJECT Endorsed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health 665-6595 ’96 ECLI PSE RS $14,728 46th & Memorial- Entertainment Notes by Jmnes Christjohn This is a new feature, dependent on whims, timing and whether or not this Assistant Editor had time/money to actually see anything new: Otherwise, I’ll be reviewing videos, revisiting (Read: inflicting!) music reviews and looks at old shows you just might like if you’d ever heard of them and other ramblings. Lately, I’ve been watching "High Society", - Mondays, 8:30pm. If you haven’t seen it, .it is one of the most hilarious shows I’ve seen on American TV. So what if it’s a "knockoff of "Absolutely fabulous"? We can’t see that here, ’cause the local cable comp..any doesn’ t carry the comedy channel ~ a:t~e crime~:Anyway, I recognize a lot of myself in this show, which has a DEFINITE queer sensibility to it. Watch it, you’ll see what I mean. ¯ Anyway, back to the subject at hand, the : new colunm: ¯ Rating system: Four snaps: Don’t miss it, ¯ in fact, get going now! Three snaps: Ok, ¯ so put the paper down first. And drive ¯ safely. Two Snaps: Ithas enough redeem- ¯¯ ing qualities to be of interest, but see the matinee. One snap. Well, if you’re really ¯ bored and can’t find anything else to do... ¯ No snaps: You’ll be sorry.. Well, what a full season thus far: ¯ Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, ¯ a wonderful concert with Marilyn Maye ¯ and theTulsa Philharmonic, &Toy Story, ¯ the new must-see movie from the’~gayfriendly folk at Disney. If you misse~ the : live shows, well,’I’ll tell you myopinion ¯ ~a~yway (like yisii’coulil’stOp me:~.) sb -that : If th~y’come through town again, you’ll ¯ know whether to ante up for a ticket, or ¯ stay home with the telly and a cup of hot : chocolate, see Notes, page 14 FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 BroaOen Your Perspective at a celtic Music Concert. Irish fiddle great Kevin Burke and his new world Celtic enseml01e bring fiery instrumentals, dazzling footwork and original songs. 8 p.m., John H. wilhams Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center CALL: 596-7111 TICKETS: $12 Eve Sunday_ December: $howtime 11p.m. €~2 Cover Beer Bust 9p.m. ~ laom~ Januaru 11 - 14 I yr. Anniversary/C6stomer Appreciation Extravaganza Weekend M~n of the Southv~est 9-2 NO COVER A~ll-Male RevUe 10 p.m. $2 Cover Dance & Party with your favorite Bar Staff Kirk, Tern/, Tommy, Scotty, Mike, Bill, Chrls & DJ Davld Oees $2 COVER Mr. Robbie Walker & the Sunday Slam (Ivana B, Real, Kris Kohl, Michelle ~~tey, Domo~ueDarnels) wiJh Special ~u~t To Be Announced ~2COVE~ K IN . COMMUNI CALEN R SUNDAYS Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627b East 1 lth 583-7815 Community of Hope, _ (United Methodist) Worship Service, 6 pm ~ 1703E. 2nd, 585d800, Family of Faith ¯ Metro. Comm. Chureh- AdultSunday School, 9:15 " Worship Service, 11 am ." 5451-E South Mingo. ¯ Info: 622-1441 Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am ¯ 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 ¯ TheBanned, OKGay Band " Practice weekly in OKC " Info: 838-2121 ¯ Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay " Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa " 6:30 pm at Canterbury ¯ 5th & Evanston Info: 583-9780 " SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 MONDAYS : HIV Testing ¯ TOHR Clinic ¯ Free &.anonymous testing ¯ using fingerstick method. ¯ No appointment reqnired. : Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Results hours: 7-9 pm TUESI Minister’s Class Bless the Lord at All Times Christian Center 7:30 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Info: 583-7815 HIV+ Support Group Info: 742-2927 ¯ HIV Resource Consortium ¯ :~ii~am~la : .,.,_ _: .~-~ ::-1,:30~pm~.,:J i . !~ " Bowling League :,, 4t~S. Harvard, Ste.-H-1 Sheridan Lanes 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 2nd Monday of month, 6:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 Shanti-Tulsa, Inc. HIV/AIDS Support Group & Friends & Family HIV/AIDS Support Group 7 pm, call for location: 749-7898 Thi ’N6w Year Drink Responsibly - Have a Designated Driver or Take a Cab WEDNESDAYS ¯ Authority OfThe Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa : 1623 N. Maplewood : Info: 838-1715 Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center Choir Practice 7 pm .~ 2627-B East 1 lth : Call 583-7815 for info. Family Of Faith MCC Praise & Prayer 6:30 pm Choir Practice 7:30 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. Community of Hope (United Methodist) Bible Study, 6:30 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 (no class, Dec. 27) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Family ofFaith MCC Christmas Concert & Silent Auction, 7:30pm, 5451-E S. Mingo, 622-1441 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 GriefGroup Community of Hope United Methodist 6pro, held at Butler/Stumpff Funeral Home, 3rd St. west of Lewis (ongoing) Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Family ofFaith MCC Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 10 pm, 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Community ofHope United Methodist Christmas Eve Peace Service, 6pm ChristmasEve CandlelightService, 1 lpm 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 GriefGroup Community of Hope United Methodist 6pm, held at Butler/Stumpff Funeral Home, 3rd St. west of Lewis (ongoing) Info: 585-1800 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 Feed the Homeless Community of Hope United Methodist Meet at church, 1703 E. 2nd, 5:30 pm Info: 585-1800 Family ofFaith MCC, "Let It Go" New Year’s Eve Service, 1 lain 5451-E S Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 Prime Timers Monthly Meeting Write for info: P.O. Box 52118, 74104 TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 Green Country Pride ~ Tulsa Oldahomansfor Human Rights Community-wide Meeting, 7 pm Alan Chapman Activity Center University of Tulsa 5th St. west of Harvard, Info: 743-4297 SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Family ofFaith MCC Reclaim & Recovery Workshop: It’s Never Too Late to Have a Happy Childhood, 9 am - 3 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 Rainbow Business Guild, 7 pm Call for place and speaker. Dinner Meeting, Info: 665-5174 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Family ofFaith MCC Reclaim & Recovery Workshop: Forgiveness, 9 am - 3pro 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 Co-Dependency Support Group 7:30, Family of Faith MCC 5451-E S. Mingo Call 622-1441 for Info. HIVTestingTOHRClinic Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. No appointment reqnired. Walk in testing: 7 - 8:30 pm Results hours: 7 - 9 pm [nfo: 742-2927 Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Tulsa-Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 Out & About With JD! It’s that time of the year when you yearn for time spent with friends, and visions of fairies dance in your head. This month’s featured establishment is a great place to find both. GROUND ZERO (formerly Laffs-Underground) at 7th&Elan, in the heart of downtown Tulsa, is the place. Steve Crow, a wellknown promoter of Tulsa’s night life, has renovated this classic. location into something more than comfortable and intriguing for that first date (a dimly lit table for two), or to find that first date, (billiard and dart area), or for meedng a group of friends (a conversation area and well-lit bar). Watch for details about Tulsa’s first Intemet party, linking up via the info super hi-way to other bars across PFLAG national vice president, Nancy McDonald is joined by sevkral friends, including Prime Timer, Wesley Bauer. ¯, SATURDAYS ¯ Narcotics Anonymous ¯ Meets weekly at 11 pm ¯ Confidential support for ¯ recovering addicts. ¯ Community of Hope ¯ 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 : NAMES Project ¯ AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees ¯ 3rd Sat. of each month Info: 748-3111 MORE GROUPS Gay & Lesbian Student Association TJC Southeast Campus, Info: 631-7632 ¯ SWAN-Single Women’s Activity Network ¯ Call 832-2121 TOHR Helplinc Daily 8-10 pm ¯ For info. or to volunteer: ¯ 743-GAYS Tool Box Technicians, ¯ Leather org., Info cio The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. ¯ Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Assdc. ¯ Info: 838-1222 ¯ the country. Starting in January onThurs- : day nights: chicks with d contests with ¯ cash prizes, and, as always, male dancers ¯ every Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure : to join Steve and his wonderful manager Mark on December 23 for a mini-Christmas party with Reghenaand company. Also, New Year’s will be rung in with male dancers counting down the minutes to midnight, and a free champagne toast. .Also Ladonna at Barracudas sends a note of thanks to all the new Raghenna & Steve Crow faces thathave stopped ¯ in (see her ad about ¯ some new faces). : I would like take a moment to wish ¯ everybody a joyful holiday season, and a ¯ v.ery warm and happy new year. I appre- ¯ caate all the support throughout the last ¯ year. Community activists, Ken Draper, Lisa Pottorf& Tim Gillean braved the cold at TOHR Holiday Dinner & Silent Auction. Eureka Springs Honors World AIDS Day - Dec. 1 by Phyl Boler-Schmidt Living in the heart of the Bible Belt, one would not expect to find an ecumenical service dedicated to World AIDS Day m a small community. Yet, Eureka Springs held one of the most moving celebrations of unity in the fight against AIDS I have ever witnessed. On the evening of December 1, we gathered at the United Methodist Church, about 75 people in all, from all walks of lifeand all faithS. The theme of the service: was "Because God Cares," and the service was co-sponsored by the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) and Ozark AIDS Resources and Services (OARS). A total of ten local and area clergy were scheduled to participate in the ev.ent, andfive were calledaway at the last rmnute to attend to other events or emergencies. Those who did participate came from varying backgrounds, to be sure. Rev. Stan Adams came from the United Methodist Church, Rev. Jack Hammond is affiliated with the First Christian Church, and Rev. Mark Leuneville came from the First Presbyterian Church, all in nearby Berryville. Rev. Marilyn Webb participated from the host church in Eureka Springs. And, the m~in speaker was Rev. Kermie Wohlenham~ Pastor of MCC of the Living Spring. It was a celebration of life and healing, love; hope, and stories of miracles. Sonny Mosley, the longest living AIDS survivor, who last week graced the front page ¯ of the local newspaper, told his story. A Grandmother read a letter of love, grace, : and about her own 17-year, same-sex relationship, a letter that had been written ¯ that same day to her HIV+ grandson. We ~ all shared, prayed, sang, hoped, and cried ¯ together. ¯ Sonny’s admonition to us all was very ¯ moving. "It is my hope, and I believe that ¯¯ itis God’s hope that when you leave this piace tonight, you will go to someone and ¯ tell them you have seen a miracle. You ¯ have seen a miracle standing before you ¯ tonight.... " Sonny ] has survived 14years and seven months ¯ living with AIDS. ¯ One young man told the story of los- " ing his partner of : eight years some two ¯ years ago. He shared ¯ withus his partner’s ¯ last words to him: ¯ "Never miss an op- ¯ pornmity to love.’" ¯ It was a rare treat to experience an area- : wide service in which the official coming ¯ out of Rev. Kermie Wohlenhaus to the ¯ religious community.was enacted through ¯ aninvitation toher to give the main talk of ¯ the evening, a sermon if you will. Her ¯ time at the pulpit was preceded by a mu- ¯ sical duet by twoMCC regulars, a request ¯ made due to past performances by the ¯ MCC choir at World AIDS Day services. ¯ Pastor Wohlenhaus gave a message of ¯ healing and-an admonition to the assembled churchgoers that "This is ¯ everyone’s disease. Men, women and children are all afflicted. Each one of us." She told moving stories of Ryan White, the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, Randy Shilts, and A Day Without Art. "The loss to the world is amazing! "This was Rev. Wohlenhaus’ assessment of the loss to the art world because of AIDS. But, "there is a healing part of this disease." She talked of Joan Rivers and the first AIDS benefit she put together. Ms. Rivers could get no major stars to participate in the benefit, and she received hate mail and death threats. Yes, we truly have come a long Saglttarlus You also ]]ave way toward healing. And there deep desires to....huy were stories of the expenslve, pointless, e~o- healing of families gg~ra~t’aLr in" thln~s....you and relationships, how Disney wentout l~n~w that last, red sports on alimb for its emear won’t make you a better ployees,evemnspite of pressure from the person. Don’t you? pro-familygroups. It was a moving talk ¯ indeed. "’What has happened is we are ¯ coming out as a nation. Weare healing ¯ AIDSphobiaas well as homophobiaas we : have to deal with this disease." ¯ "The voices of people th~it are HIV+ ¯ and (have) AIDS have tremendous spiri- ¯ tual messages for us. One of those mes- ¯ sages is living one day at a’fime to the fullest. They are our teachers, aren t they. ¯ This was an admonition to most of the ¯ congregation. ¯ And; to those who are HIVe- and living ¯ withAIDS,"Call upon your higherpower - whatever that is. Ask those very impor- ¯ tant questions, and be open to hear the answers. One of the answers that you may hear is to be of service, ff you are HIV+ or living with AIDS, you have a tremendous gift that you can pass on to someone. You’ve gone throughprocesses that someone else that just found out the other day needs to hear from you." ’q’he wounded healer is probably one of our most important healing persons. Avail yourself to those people." An offering was received to support RAIN and OARS, and we heard from Rev. Mark Leuneville that the Ryan White Care Act will not have any more funding until August of 1996 so, more than ever, local organizations need our support, financial as well as personal. Welearned that Carroll Regional Medical Center in Berryville has donated a fulltime counselor to staff the AIDS clinic at the hospital’s expense. A doctor also donates medical services. Testing, quality care, education and counseling are all available. And this is the Bible Belt! This reporter will not soon forget December 1, 1995. This event had a profound effect onme, and it ismyfond hope, that the same effect was felt by the rest of the assembled people at the commemoration of World AIDS Day 1995 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, "Relieving the ostracism-of gay Ameri- ¯ cans would strengthen family values, no ¯ matter what the prevailing political di- ~ mate may dictate." -- Robert MacNeil, tv : anchor & father of a Gay son, courtesy ¯ GLAAD, The Gay &Lesbian Alliance ~ Against Defamation & Seattle Gay News "’ Jim & Brent have opened the ultimate intimate local eatery. A special, eclectic dining exp.erience.:." Stop by our lqouse for a taste of local flavor. Dine oUlslde on the patio & porch or in our three beautiful dining rooms. Fine+ food.al an affordable price. Green & Yellow Night FAMILY NIGHT Private Dinner Party First Thursday ofEach Month, 6pm - Midnight Dine, Drinf~& Reta.,x Among Friends Featuring Jim & Gwendolyn s Selecl Dinner Entrees & Brenl’s Superb Desserts "With Family In Mind" Gay-owned, Operated & Rainbow Proud 20% of all proceeds will go to the support of family causes .fabulous fun for gay gals ~ guys January 23 - February 3, packages available¯ Call 341.6866 International Tours for more znformation. ~Need a gift idea? Gift certificates are availablefor air travel, cruises & many other travel needs. IGTA member. MCClung l ealty, Inc. "The Land ~pedaE$1~" 501-253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) Offerings include: Bed & Breakfast Inns, Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Commercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates, & much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG community in Eureka Springsfor over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. We specialize in creative financing. EUREKA SPRINGS Activist Pharr Briefs Eureka Springs by Phil Boler-Schmidt DeVito" s restaurant in Eureka Springs was the si te of an annual meeting with Suzanne Pharr and activists f.rom the Eureka Springs co~nmunity on December 5th. The setting was appropriate as Jim andSusan DeVito had just been named Volunteers of the Year by The Women’s Project. ¯Ms.. Pharr was accompanied by Linda Coyle ofThe Women’s Project, and it was Ms. Coyle ¯ whofirst spoke to the group aleut the activities of hate groups in northwest Arkansas. Various " hate groups have been active in our part of the state for some time, and the most noticeable " has been the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. It was noted that this ¯ group has recently split due to somedifferences ofopinion, and " because of the split, the KKK " has actually grown in size and strength. . Also noted by Ms. Coyle were " the militia groups that have ° formed in several areas of Ar- ¯ kansas and that activity has in- : creased in southeast Oklahoma ° as well. Other groups, mostly of ¯ the white supremacist nature, to ¯ watch out for are: the Aryan "- Nations, the White Aryan Resis- " tance, neo Nazi skinheads, the ¯ Identity Christian Church, the " Holy Alamo Christian Church, " the Populist Party, and none other ° than the Elna Smith Foundation, ¯ located right here in Eureka ¯ Springs. The Smith Foundation hosts The Great Passion Play ° and houses the Christ of the ¯ Ozarks statue. . Both Ms. Coyle and Ms. Pharr " expressed concern that many of ° the militia groups, which they ° noted are made up of mostly . disgruntled wlfitemen, havebeen " infiltrated by theKKKand other : hate groups in an attempt to recruitnew members to their cause. Ms. Pharr is well know for her work with Gay leaders in those states where anti-gay statues have been placed before the electorate, and her vast work with women’s issues is well documented. Her main thrust of the evening was to show those assembled what majormovements have been presented in the U.S. Ms. Pharr is well know for her work w .th Gay leaders in those states where anti-Gay statues have been placed before the electorate... over the past 30 years and how those intermingle and confuse the people when issues are presented for a vote. She defined three majormovements: the liberation movement (of which we are all a part), globalization of the economy, and the rise of the religious right wing fundamentalists. At issue in the liberation movement are reproductive rights, affirmative action, children’s rights, removal of sodomy laws-, and environmental action, among others. The issues for globalization of the economy are the anti-tax movement, .deregulation, NAFTA,privatization, and ahost of others. It is Ms. Pharr’s contention that the rise of the religious right came upon the heels of economic globalization, and due to this, many people do not .understand that they areresponding to problems in the economy rather than moral issues. The religious right has done a tre- ,_ mendous job of demonizang entire segments of the economy and making them (us) villains when, in fact, it Is the globalization of the economy that has taken jobs away and decreased corporate investment in employees. Ms. Pharr strongly suggested that we all become versed in economic issues and use this knowledge in our discussions with people who feel that gays and lesbians, people of color., rand women ha~¢~ contributed to the moral decline of America. She aptly proved to those of us present at her talk that when people see that they are respondmg to economic issues and their ownfinancial needs, not the need to demonize us, we have more of a chance ofconvincing them that we are not the enemy. The religious right has done its job well, for sure. After President Reagan began the move toward economic globalization, religious leaders jumped on the bandwagon and began to work at the grassroots level to convince average Americans that they should blame groups that the religious right saw as immoral for the decline in available jobs, the rise in the number of welfare recipients, the decrease in the average American’ s paycheck and companybenefits, and the movement away from keeping jobs at home. Ms. Pharr suggested that nearly every ill the religious right seeks to use to its political advantage has its root in racism and sexism. For more information on Suzanne Pharr’s work, to receive membership information, or to find outmore about how you can be involved, contact The Women’s Project at 2224 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72206. ¯ ¯ ¯ Jerry A. Wilson (501) 253-7311 ¯ ¯ 1-81 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ HI ° ¯" INN ’" ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ A Friendly Place to Stay 1-800-231-1442 ¯ KING’S HI-WAY 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Arkansas 501-253-6001 DAVE HAGER RUTH GOODWIN-HAGER S.U.A.E. Open ’til Groundhog Day Reopen Saint Patrick’s Day 501-253~9337 Hwy. 62 East EurekaSprings, iServi~es" laeid Sundayevenings at 6. PM - ;17 Elk:Street. (at the Unitarian Ctmrch) House cont’dfromp. Murder / Opening the hearings, Chair- ¯ and rights activists in Oregon man Peter Hoekstra (D-MI) said : have been concerned that their the ten witnesses would explore ¯ disappearance ~nay have been theroleofparentsinschoolsand ¯ because of the wo men’s high values in the"big picture." Nev- ~ activist visibility during the carnertheless, by the second day as ; palgns. Authoritiesdidn’trelease witness after witness lashed out ¯ any information about how the2 against sex education, HIV pre- women died, saying they ~vould vention and youth support pro- wait for the results of an angrams in schools, the true nature topsy, but police initially deof the hearings became appar- . scribed the killing as "brutal" ent. Perhaps due to the national ~ and "violent." Police said they outcry, the subcommittee called had no specific information to on four of the ten witnesses to ° connect the deaths of the 2 address the impact of violence ." women with their political acand harassmer~t ag~i:~ youth .’. ~vis.m, but said they would uot grappling.withis.sues~:9.f sexual "discount those fears. "’ At press orientation. No gay, lesbian, bi- time, The Associated Press resexual or transgender youth ported that an arrest had been were called upon to testify at the made in this case. hearing. Govt. Asked to Supervise "LouSheldon’sextremeviews Washington, D.C - Citing the came across loud and clear,"said murders, and a tragic history of Helen Gonzales, Public Policy violence agmnst Gays in other Director- for the National Gay states with anti-gay ballot initiaand Lesbian Task Force. "Even tives, the National Gay and Lesthough the comm|ttee did not bian Task Force (NGLTF) has completelystackthedeckagainst asked U.S. Attorney General us: intolerance ofdiffering views Janet Reno to lend federal assisand an anti-democratic approach tance in investigating homicides. to education were the themes of "’We are writing to inform you the day." of a situation which unfortu- During the first day of hear- nately is becoming too commonings, witnesses William Bennett place in our country and to seek and Patricia Ann Baltz spoke in your assistance in helping progeneral terms about the need to tect the lives of, gay, lesbian, infuse values into public schools, bisexual and-., transgender Homosexuality was only men- people," said the,three-page lettioned briefly. During the sec- ter, firxedtoReno’sofficetoday. ond day, witnesses discussed "Our concern is that however school services and programs the facts in this case turn out, which address prevention of hate crimes against Gays, l_~sbi- HIV, hate-violence in schools ans, Bisexuals and Transgender andthehighincidenceofsuicide persons continue to be an epiamong gay,lesbian,bisexual and demic in this country...In the attransgender youth. Several wit- mosphereofhatredandgay-baitnesses misrepresented these ing which are expected to be community efforts as attempts waged by the Far Right during to "recruit and promote homo- next year’s anti-gay ballot and sexuality.’" At least one witness legislative state initiatives, it is complained about schools "pro- clear that such crimes will inmotinghomosexual lifestyles as crease.’" The letter went on to normal," while another witness detail the rise in anti-gay vioclaimed that "homosexuality is lence, especially in states with sinful.’" homophobic initiatives. BEAVER DAM STORE Fishing Headquarters for N.W. Arkansas Fly Tying * Fly Fishing * Equipment & Classes Open Year ’Round TROUTS - "~ - US Located 1/2 mile N. of Beaver Dam on Hwy 187 Eureka Springs, AR * 501-253-6154 Groceries * Gas * Ice ~ B~er * Licenses * Lodging Your lnukeepem. COTTAGE Lamont Kichie and A Bed & Breal~ast Inn Individual Cottages - Jacuzzi for Two Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 800/624-6646 501/253-8659 Reviewed by Barry Hensley what Sullivan sees as the four political Tulsa City-County Library armies "on the homosexuality battlefield The gay rights debate will surely rise to ] of the culture war:" 1) Prohibitionists, a new level with the publication of this ¯ who refuse to discuss homosexual intebook. Sullivan, the gay editor of the New gration into society because of biblical Republic magazine, has written an impor- ; beliefs; 2) Liberationists (at the other end tant addition to the growing number of books that argue, in a straightforward, readable and educated way, that there is a new politics of homosexuality. It blends "liberal equality in the eyes of the state with conser- [t]aere ~s] "a new pol;t~cs of ]aomosexualaty... [1,1e.d~] "l;1,eral e~ual;ty ~n t~e eyes of t]ae state vc~t]a conservative social stability" vative social stability in a program whose twin tenets are open, un-impeded gay military service and legal gay marriage. Sullivan begins by asking, "What Is a Homosexual?" By describing his childhood experiences that he now realizes were really gay oriented situations, Sullivan makes a dear case for the inclusion of gay themes throughout our culture. Once, at the age often, heremembers being"...happily engagedinreading. Then, a girl sitting next to me looked at me with a rmxture of curiosity and disgust. "Why aren’t you out with the boys playing football’?" she asked. Because "I hate it," I replied. "’Are you sure you’re really not a girl under there?" she asked, with the suspicion of a sneer." With no mention of homosexuality in his family, ]’i~ the newspaper, at school or on television, he, like most gays gr6_wing up, had no guidance, discussion Or role models to help explain the confusion he was gorng through. The main part of this book is focused on of the political scale) which includes groups such as Queer Nation and ACI’-UP; 3) Conservatives, the authors of"don’t ask, don’t tell", and 4) Liberals, who are often simply piggybacking the gay rights movement on the back of the civil rights movement. With the first two groups intractable, Sullivan argues that a combination of the best of conservative and liberal beliefs can create a new consensus on homosexuality. His idea "affirms a simple and limited principle: that all public (as opposed to private) discrimination against homosexuals be ended and that every right and responsibility that heterosexuals enjoy as public citizens be extended to those who grow up and find themselves emotionally different." He means ALL rights and responsibilities, including marriage and military service. Sullivan is remarkably eloquent, and it is hard to disagree with his logic, although he is often accused of being too conservative. He has presented the best book to date on how and why the gay rights debate must move from the base of emotion and fear to fact~ and logic. Check for "Virtually Normal" on the Tulsa City-County Library catalog, or call 596-7966. ment shortly and will probably then be voted onagain by the commission in early December. The newspaper reported that the commission’s recommendations will also include an alternative proposal to create a statewide domestic partnership registration that would effectivdy extend to same-sex couples all the benefits under state control th at married opposite-sex couples enjoy. The Advertiser, the state’s largest-circulating daily, also editorially endorsed the commission’s anticipated action, sayang it was taking "a reasonable stand that should be adopted by the legislature" and that "gay couples should have the legal right to marry in Hawaii." Hill brings extensive experience as a trainer in suicide imervention and has served as a teacher of living skills -for legally blind citizens for the State Visual Services agency and has served on the Advisory Committee for the Assistive Technology Center. He is chair of the Para Transit Sub-committee of the Special Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) to the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) and Tulsa Transit Hill also volunteers with Youth Services of Tulsa’s TYDD Program and is a life-long member of 1 st Lutheran Church of Tulsa where he is a member of the choir and has served twice as a member of the church board. He sings with the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus and also worships with Community of Hope congregation. reviewed, saying that the state could give visitation rights to an individual who had a"parent-likerelationship"with the child, whether the individuals were heterosexual or a non-traditional couple. Knott appealed that state high court ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Court Rules For Gay Adoptions NEW YORK - New York’s Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, has ruled that couples do not have to be married in order to adopt, a ruling that, while it also applies to unmarried heterosexuals, is strongly welcomed by same-sex couples. "There’s been a collective holding of our breath around the state," said Paula Ettelbrick of the Empire State Pride Agenda. Although the high court’s ruling does notmean that gay and lesbian couples will automatically be given adoption rights, it does mean that state courts can not use marital status in determining adoption applications. In late October, a New Jersey court ruled that a lesbian could adopt the son and daughter of her lover because i t was in the "best interests"of the 2 children.Alower state court had blocked the adoption, saying it was not allowed under state law. OK Lesbian & Gay Soccer A car pool is being sponsored by the OK Spoke Club to go from Tulsa to OKC for Sat. morning soccer practices of the OKC Wildcats team. The Wildcats team is seeking novice and advanced playo;~. Jerry, aTulsamember of the team hopes to form a Tulsa team if there is sufficient interest. For information, call 582-3212. Timothy W. Daniel Attorne3" at Law Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy &i.wdrkers Compensation 1-800 7 2-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. Leanne Gross Retirement planning Life, health & income insurance, & investment placing. 744-0102 Mention this ad to receive free initial consultation. presents ! the hottest r~ale dancers in town - Body X-Press Inc.. Favorite Female Impersonators in One B.ig Show A Chr~stm.as Canned Food Dr.ve Show to Benefit SHANTI Friday, December .2,2 - 10:30 Showtime (Cover $3 anda can of f..o,od) "We guarantee a Hot & Wild Show" Spend New Year’s Eve with us! We tap a Free Keg at 7:00 pro, then It’s Karaoke Time 8pm-2am, We’ll include a wonderful buffet at lopm & free party favors! $5 cover Barraccuda says: Don’t forget our Jan. 28th 2nd Annual Super Bowl Party Free Keg at Kickoff- Free chili dogs $1 longnecks during game -.$2 cover The first Saturday of every ~month is ’ Showlr Night .Saturday Showtime 10:30 $3 cover Every Sunday is Beer Bust " Choose your own time: 2 hours - $3/all day $1 Haven tgone down lately. ~s~:-Cvhenra~oos . - --.--- .,~ay Ground Zero The Cockpit of Tulsa Join us New Years Eve champagne toast at m,dnight and our hot dancers NO COVER .. Be sure to stop by for.the m~n~ Christmas show, Dec. 23, with , Raghenna & her dancers . Beer Bust, Beer Bust, Mon.-Fri. 9-1 $1 Domestic Longnecks til 10 everyday Hot male dancers every Fri. & Sat. night Starting in January, the Thursday night Chiks with d....more! contest Cash prizes for winners - watch for details Watch for details on Tulsa’s First Internet Party Customer access to the Internet Open to close everyday SALOON New Year’s Eve Parer at the Star Buffet~ Champagne T0ast, Party Favors, $5 cover Christmas Show Dec. 22, Featuring Sid Spencer Green Country Cloggers Wednesday Night Showcase Drag Rodeo hosted by Courtney Farrell Friday’Night Party Night Jan. 5th, Music Giv~awa~ 834-4234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am On Jail. 28, two of this country’s most prestigious entertainers Maya Douglas, Miss Gay USofA 1995 and Chelsea Pearl, Miss Gay USofA At-Large 1996, along with Cherry Monroe, Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA 1995 will be in Tulsa for the 1996 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant at Concessions, 3340 So. Peoria. Doors open at 8pm with a $5 cover and the pageant begins at 9 sharp. Cherry Monroe will be crowning the winner of the 1996 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant and contestants will be competing for over $1500 in cash and prizes. Competition catagories are Personal Interview, Evening Gown and Talent. Special awards include the Amii Dyshea Talent award and Sasha Loren MostBeautiful Awardhonoring these two Notes continuedfrom page 8 First off: R & H’s Cinderdla: Starting off as the only musical Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote specifically for television, and one of the first ever written for TV, 1! was pleasant enough to see on stage, but just didn’t quite make the leap all the way across the chasm. The show did have a gay sensibility to it as directed by John Ruocco, who was assistant to the director of Terrence McNally’s very gay play, "Love! Valor! Compassion!". The King, as portrayed by David Boughn, was definitely wed to the queen as a matter of convenience. He was definitely more interested in the manservants (who were quite beautiful as well) than his wife. Like many "old-fashioned" gay man/ very missed entertainers and former Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA’s. The winner and first runner-up will represent Oklahoma in the 1996 Miss Gay USofA Pageant in May. Miss Gay USofA Pageant is the largest pageant for female impersonators in the country. The Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant has been honored by the National Pageant with the Best New Preliminary Pageant.award and the Hospitality award and the Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant owner, David Bridgrnan, was given the Owners Award for Business Person of the Year in 1995. Interested contestants may pick up info. packets at dubs and businesses across the state or may contact the pageant promoter, David Bridgman at 918-838-3701. woman marriages, the queen is a"beard". Probably best friends, and fond of each other, but quite an interesting direction for the father of Prince Charming. And they worry quite frantically over finding a woman to make him happy! Throughout the play, he seemed much more comfortable with his manservants. Speaking of, he was quite a sight to behold. There were certain attributes, visible from a seat slightly towards the rear orchestra, that were quite breathtaking to behold. What a scepter! And visible even to my nearsighted, astgmafic eyes! Needless to say, the costumes were well executed, showing off the best of the actors. The singing was very beautiful - Matt Clemens, as see Notes, page 15 9.2,3340S, Peo Tulsa, 918-744-0896 Notes cont’dfrom p. 14 Prince C, had quite alovely tenor volce, and Miss Cindy was very well sung by Leslie Lorusso. However, this production was meant for amoreintimate venue, no doubt about it. No splashy showtunes,just nice quite melodies. The stepmother and sisters were the high point of the show, being played like really mean drag queens havin~ a bad hair day. The "Stepsister’s Lament" really showcased their comedic "talents excellently, and the soundtrack (available in both Julie Andrews or Lesley Anne Warren versions) is worth having, and the show worth seeing for this song alone. It seems to be the only song R & H put any effort into. As for the rest of the show, I found it rather bland. The main problem was that the actors were "playing down" to the audience in the worst "children’s theater" manner - making sure every joke was extremely over-the-top, so all the kiddies would get it. This, I’m sure, was not the intent of R & H when they wrote the piece. In order for the show to work, it has ¯ to be treated as an adult show - much of the humor is certainly meant for adults - while retain- " ing the fairy-tale elements as ¯ well. Pacing was a crucial ele- ¯ ment as well, and unfortunately, in this aspect, the show did not ¯ succeed. Ithadmoments,butnot enough to fill two hours. Two : snaps and a yawn for the show in ¯ general, four snaps for theprince and the stepsisters. ¯ Marilyn Maye, however, puts on a terrific show - everything ¯ from standards of the ’30’s to ¯ current songs. I’d not heard of ¯ herbeforeI was told I’dbegolng ¯ to the show, but I am now a ¯ dedicated fan. After the dedication of a song "To lovers every- " where.... no matter who they love", and a wry look at to the ¯ audience- I realized this woman ¯ knew her audience included gay ¯ folk, andwas very inclusive. And ¯ what a stager/actres!! Some : people can sing prettily, but miss ¯ the wholemessage/emotionofa ¯ song. Not so, Ms. Maye. She can ¯ make you feel a song. When she ¯ comes back to Tulsa, I would ¯ urge you strongly tO see this gay- . friendly performer. Her stage persona is delightful, and the TALKING PERSONALS! HUNDREDS OF GUYS TO CH( Call The 900 number to respond to ads, browse unlisted ads, or retrieve messages. 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Call me! n13859 ~ Tulsa LOADED: 27, 6’, 180 iso men 18-30 for some fun, give me a ca11- ~9298 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and ,OM~ CALL NOW! minute. 18+. C/S: 415-281-3183 honest person, like this in a person, give me a call- ~9464 Oklahoma City GOOD TIMES ARE WAITING: I’m 27 y/o, 5’11,2151bs, athletic build. Ikg4 someone to share good times with. I like dancing, I’m a light drinker and a non smoker. ~1663 Texarkana I’M YOUR MAN: I’m a 39 y/o WM, 5’8, 1401bs. I’m disease free and I’m Ikg4 someone 18-45 who is well built, call me, please be discreet. ~9582 Oklahoma City PRIME TIME: I’m a 38 yio WM "W. I’m a total TV and I’m Ikg4 men who would like to spend some time with me. I’m clean, drug and disease free. ~9808 Ada HOMO ALONE IN ADA: I’m 6’3, brn/brn, 1901bs. I’m Ikg4 gay men 18-25 for good times, call me. ~10271 Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6,-2151bs, WM. I’m Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s with a medium ~to slim build. I like singing, bowling, golf, movies and cuddling. If you are in!erested, please call me. ~47265 Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking for GLM/GWM for hot fun in the sun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Leave me a message and le~s get together soon. ~’10596 Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very versatile, seeks new friends in the area for fun and friendship with relationship possibilities. Le~s get together and celebrate life. ~6571 Texarkana WILl) BOYS: GWM, 26, 6’1", 185, blonde hair, blue eyes, very hairy, seeking sub 18-35 GWM’s for mutual fun and satisfaction. You won’t be disappointed. Please leave a message. ~11036 Tulsa GAY OR BI: AI, 32, very masc prof’l, GBM iso Gay or bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sports, outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks[ ~ 7580 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: professional, 42 WM. iso other Gay or bi male, 30s- 40s, in the area, let’s play! ~ 7392 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 21 BM, kinda looking for someone to love, tired of b~ing by myself,- love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- ~" 7435 Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s iso BIWM 30-40, ht/wt prop, very discreet, expect same, like share some time, if you are interested, g~ve me a call, I’ll returnall calls- ~ 7822 Tulsa NEW TO AREA: Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out alot, phys fit, Ikg fora strto BI BM 35-65 to have a good time with; go out with give me a call- ~ 7842 Eastern AR CUDDLE BY THE FIRE: Jack, GWM, 37, It. brn/brn, mustache, very masc, sir appearing/acting, iso friends poss rel in the area, like all music, dining, theater, silting by a fireplace, outdoors, animals, you name it- give me a call- n 7873 FOR YOUR FREE AD CALL 1-800-546-6366, THE SYSTEM WILL DO THE REST! laughs between the songs were plentiful. A lovely evening. Maybe my partner, the h,~rdest working man in Tulsa, c,~m actually take time to join me uext time! (He’d planned to, but type AAA personality that he is....) And if you haven’t seen Toy Story, don’t delay! You will be bowled over by the sheer technical genius. This is helped along by a very strong script that balances well between kiddie humor and adult guffaws. There were definitely some queer folk behind this one. It is a hoot from beginning to end. Four snaps. Tulsa HEY GIRLS: athletic attr. SWF early 30’s 5’4 1101bs brn/brn Ikg4 open minded women for discreet hot fun. call me! ~45795 great phone fun with. I love talking on the phone. Im 42 y/o and I hope you call me. n45492 Dallas AFRICAN QUEEN: I’m a 37 y/o African American Ikg4 the same 30-40.-t’m shy and I’m drug and disease free. I have Iwo dogs and I’m sincere and honest. If you are honest and sincere, call me. ~38212 BUTCH/FEM: I’m a 23 y/o female and I like poetry, cycling and music. I’m Ikg4 a friendship and a poss. relationship, rm a little butch and a little fern. all calls will be returned. ~47521 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single woman with no kids Ikg4 a special female friend to love and care for. ~all me. ~’1614 Arkodelphia, AR STAR GAZER: my name is Angeta, I’m a 21 y/o student interested in flying new things, star gazing and more. I would like to meet a nice woman for fun and friendship. call me! ~46392 900-370-2636 Q A TY A TERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either aft’individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of )our life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and 3"our mfique medical situation. Not ever)., policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of .’,’our policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to deterrmne your policy’s value. Then, a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is m~de directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Manv factors influence whether viaticating your life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and 3our family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to assist you in planning the best outcome from your unique financial situation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many companies offer viatical settlements, doing business"only by bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records. by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. .Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1996] Tulsa Family News, December 15, 1995-January 14, 1996; Volume 3, Issue 1 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 15, 1995-January 14, 1996 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Phyl Boler-Schmidt Barry Hensley Pat Morehead JD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/505 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, November 15-December 14-1995; Volume 2, Issue 12 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV research Andrew Sullivan anti-bias policy anti-gay legislation arts and entertainment attorneys Barry Hensley Bars Bill Clinton Boy Scouts businesses censorship churches custody Dave Fleischer Disney Domestic Partnership Don't Ask Don't Tell Entertainment Notes Essex Hemphill estate planning Eureka Springs gay bashing HIV Resource Consortium (HIVRC) homophobia James Christjohn marriage Miss Gay Okay Oklahoma Murder Native Americans OK Spoke Club OKC Wildcats omophobia Out and About Partner Benefits Pat Morehead performing arts PFLAG Politically Un-Correct religion restaurants Robert Mugabe sodomy laws Tom Neal Tulsa Family News Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights viatication World AIDS day https://history.okeq.org/files/original/085174f694415133ca5245e38990a22d.jpg 14e42930597b0ddf900bc1e9d4739570 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/0a5ab397c9d541ff8fd184f864e7b867.pdf 08f34afed890305cef70433d3dbedd5e PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart ¯ Run for Your Lives: ¯ HIV Bias Lawsuit ¯ OK House is In Session Names Cafe Owner National News Oregon Murder January 15 - February 14, 1996, Vohlme 3, Issue 2 ¯ ¯ Legislators S.eekTo "Endorse Bias In i Adopti,on, Foster Gare & Education ¯ STOCKTON, Calif. -Tipped off by an i ......anonymous Suspect.Arrested caller, authorities in Stockton, about 70 miles east of San Francisco, ~ ,have arrested-Robert. James- Acremant in.’-connection.with the killingiearlier in De- : .cember of two prominent lestiiaii activists " ¯ ~,In what is becoming a regular legisla~n Medford, Oregon. Authorities have : :, ti~e kick in the pants for Oklahoma Lesbiconfirmed that the man al so confessed to .-~, t.:v. ~ ^r n _ : ...... ~.__._ ¯. This drawing representing a gun target¯ - ¯.. ans, Gay men and Bisexuals the Okla the earll,,.4 aadlng u,t a m,~, ,. LalllUllfl,H _ . , , ,~-o--_~.t. .... :t.:,:,. ,,__, ~_ ............ was left 3ee story below for details ¯ -homa House of Representatives is ised :~ .to address at least two resolutions which . ’ see Ore on a e:12 .... - ’ ~ /. . ~’~ ..... " ¯ - ’. .... HouseResolutions 1045& 1046 intro-. " "~ ~ ~’~ Younn Men Admit,. ..u .r-Hara sm,nt ............ ,._. .,Local communiDileade.rs, ,k,’,ellb,-, "v ~ ¯ Murder-of Gay Man ! Hanson " HOUSTON - Authorities say Daniel C. Bean, 19, and Rodney H. Gauthier, 21, two half-brothers who say they’re members of a net-Nazi organization, have admitted viciously attacking two gay men, one of whom died of multiple stab w ounds. Frank Mangione, ’46, Was pronounced dead on amval at a local hospital, and Kenneth Stern, a friend who had been with see Murder, page 3 Ge,o. rgia: Fed.eralRultng on Marr,age ATL’-XNTA - The U.S. Court of Appeals in Adanta has ordered Georgia Attoruey General Michael Bowers to explain in court why his withdrawal of a 1991 job offer to Robin Shahar after she had a religious marriage ceremony with her lover does not violate Shahar ’ s free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution. The ruling could force the .state’s, attorney general into a difficult court fight since it would require him to establish a"compelling governmental interest’: in changing his mind about the job offer. Bowers" office had argued that hiring Shahar after the commitment cerelnonv would complicate enforcement of the state’s antisodolny laws and could be construed as an endorsement of same-sex marriages. The attorney general’s office said it was "’disappointed" in die 3-judge panel’s ruling and would ask for a review, either by ftfll appeals court or the US Supreme Court. -": " aa son ~ OUCgO resp~uvely o\’ Ul~ Kepresema- " :"z..-. l,on:°su° ,dBeo,eau, °n°f" rede"ckand are "mean, ,o’nesex-of : awoke to find "hate -.~.messages at theii~: ." press the position of the House of Repre: home. Recently, theyf0und an.anti-Gay :- sentadves "regarding certain lifestyles" message marked on a. car window. Two : and regarding "celebration of a LeSbian days later, tbeyfoundacrudedrawingon° .~ and Gay history month in the public their porch. On one side therewas a target ._: schools". Both are simple resolutions and ¯ (concentriccircles) with themessage,"tar: therefore would not have the force ot’lass" ¯ get practice-fags’: and on the reverse, House resolution 1045 declares that ¯ vulgar drawings and comments. ¯"- "’homosexuality, lesbianism or bisexnal¯ Kirby, fonner TOHR president, stated : ity’" should not be taught as "’natural ¯ that this harassment is especially trou¯ : lifestyles" in public schools, and that Lesbling since their address is not pul~lished. ¯ bians, Gay men or Bisexuals should not ¯ He added that the hate crimes unit of the ] adopt or’be foster parents and would Tuls.a police depart, did send officers to ~. specify that the stone classes of citizens ¯ investigate, even though under ] should not have "any special status under Oklahoma’s hate crimes law, attacks on ¯ the basis of sextml orientation are not ¯ the law". : ~ Resolution 1046 states the position of cov.ered. Kirby noted that these nughtjust : the House condemmng the National EduSee Target, page 10 ~ cation Association’s (NEA) "call for "’the ¯ acceptance and tolerance of homosexual behavior" and for "’celebrations of a Lesbian and Gay History Month to ac"knmvledge the contributions of lesbians, gays The American Civil Liberties Union ¯ and bi sexuals, all of which is inconsistent with traditional values of this state...’" : (ACLU) of Oklahoma recently received a ¯ setback to its challenge of Oklahoma’s Traditionall.v le~slation of this sort have been filed by one or another of the OK ¯ "’sodom)"’ law.. Oklahoma City attoruey, House’s Radical-Right members, typi¯ Mark Hendricksen, with Marquette l_’ni¯ versitvprofeSsoroflaw Shirley \Vie_,aand "cally, Bill Graves of OKC. \\’hat concerns ¯ with assistance from ~he Gay & Lesbian many longtime politi "cal observers is that these have been filed by Democrats. Laurie Rights Project of the national’office of the Phillips, co-chair of the Tulsa County ACLU are preparing a petition to the Democrat Party stated that tlfis "’flies in U~fited States S. up.reme Court for a review the face of the principles of the Democrat of the late 1995decision of the Oklal~olna Party, not only the local, state & national Court of Criminal Appeals. platforms but violates the constitution and The circumstances ~f the -case follow! a bylaws of the state Democrat part3". citizeu was approached by a undercover tale observer suggested that the intro- ¯ OKC police officer. After extended flirtaduction of these resolution might be a way : tion by the police officer who emphasized for the Democratic leadership to kee~ ¯ see ACLU. page 10 these issues under their control. The idea ¯ is that a milder, non-binding resolution ¯ would let legislators take an anti-Gay ¯ ,Parents, Fanfilies and Friends~of LesbilX?. sition for their ultra-conservative con- ; aus and Gays, (PFL,~G), both the national sutuents at home but would allow those ¯ and local orgamzations ,are contilming Representatives to avoid a vote on an ¯ their Project Open Miud cmnpaign to reactnal anti-Gay bill. However,.attoruev ¯¯ duce hate langtmge and violence directed Bill Hiulde rio’ted that even as a resolu’¯ toward Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals mad tion. Lesbians, Gay men mid Bisexnals those perceived to be. PFI.=~G National could be affected if agency heads chose to ¯ ,’umomiced that the law finn of Hogan & reflect the views of the House in their tlartson LI.P will assist PFLAG at no policies. Dept. of Hunwaa Senices (DHS) .charge (pro bond) in First Amendment officials said at this time, the agency does tssues raised by the threat of lawsuits not discriminate on the basis of sexual against PFL&G i’r0mthe Christian Broadorientation mid DHS staff knew of some casting Network (CBN). adoptions by Lesbian or Gay citizens. ," DHS stall" stated their duly cdnceru was ¯ Project Open Mind began with television connnercials that featured anti-Gay with the quality of the hol~e for the chil¯ see PFLAG. page see R.1045. page 10 ¯ ACLU Continues to Challenge Sex Law Calif. GOP Tries-To" Ban Gay Marriages Thursday, Jannary 4, Califorlfia Assemblymelnber Pete Knight unveiled amendments to his bill, AB 1982, to prevent Califonfia from recogmzing samesex marriages.!egally pedbnned in other states. Knight’s bill isiu reaction to the expected legalization of stone-sex marriages in Hawaii in the next two )’ears. Knight’s bill has the backing of the Assembly Republican caucus, and ,’dread)" has 29 Republican co-sponsors. Kafight’s stated reasoning follows: traditional marriages are for procreation. S,’une-gender couples can’ t "produce offspriug together, [so] they must view marriage as just a reservoir of economic perks." galight did see CA-GOP. page 10 - The Tulsa Federal Court will soou hear ¯ .an HIViAIDS discriminatiou lawsuit ¯ which could be the first in the nallon under the A~nericans with Disabi lilies Act " (ADA). Local"society" "cafe owner, Tcrr3 _’~ ~T~urner; who mvns Capistrano inq "ticw " ¯ ’ Square andThe French Hen in sonth’l;ulsfi, ;.’ iS ~li¢ged to have ~’iolated the federal nou¯ discrimination law in what former cur ¯ ployee, Paul Saladin, claims was a wrong ..... ¯ ful firing, Saladin had beeu emplo.vcd at ." The French Hen for over 8 years. : Background ¯ Saladin’s spouse, FxtGandin, tested i positive for HIV :’anti.bodies in=1987. In-/ ¯ late 1992, Gaudin becanle ill and was ¯ ..diagnosed with AIDSin early 1 ~93. I)ur¯ mg this time, Saladin supported the finn¯ ilv and was Gaudin’s prilnary carcgivcr. ¯ A’lso during this time, Saladin becmnc a voluuteer with an HI\" AIDS hospice and ¯ became a certified HI\" AII)S educator. ¯ Both Gaudin’s !llV status, illness and ¯ Saladin’s vohmteer work wcrc known to most French Ileu employees and Saladin’..~ manager, Jemlifer \Vallacc. On occasion. ¯ French Hell CtlSlOlners who kllcw of Saladin’s circumstances, would ask hiul ¯ about his spouse. \\.hilt he appears to have been discreet about the subject. Saladin did not hide his vohmtcer work or his relationship with Gaudin. History of this Case In respouse to ,’m inqtury from l)r. & ; .Mrs. Spohr of Tulsa (according to pnblic doculnents on file with the court), Saladin ¯ did uot mention either HIV or AII)S but ¯ did refer to Gandm’s T-cell count. On ¯ Sept. 17, 1993, the manager at that time, ¯ Je~mifer Wallace instructed Saladin not ¯ to discuss Gaudin’s HIV AIDS condition ¯ while waiting on tables, and further mIbnned him that she hoped owner Terry ¯ Turuer did uot find out. According t~ ¯ documents sublnitted to the court, Saladin ¯ agreed but objected and sought guidance see ADA. page 3 Tulsa Prime Timers ¯ Raises $1000 For Community Center Project-Open Mind Tulsa Area Prilne Tilners (’I’AVI’) hosted a holiday party and silent auction in December. With food prepared with TAPT’s gourmet group and items donated by TAPT’s members, the event raised S 1000 for creation of a Tulsa Couununitv Ceuter which lnembers of the group prt;seuted to TOHR president, Dcbi Statues. Prime Tizners, which is ,’dread\" one of the fastest growing social orgam’zations, has expanded its membership to include Gay mid Bisexual men over the age of 21. Formerly, membershipwas 40 and alx)vc. EDITORIAL DIRECTORY NEWS BRIEFS HEALTH BRIEFS CALENDAR EUREKA PAGE P. 2 Po 2 P. 4 P. 6 P. 9 P. 11 �918.583. 1248 P()B 414(/ Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-o 14o TulsaNews~ aol.com Publish er/Editor Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents of Tom Neal this publication are protected by US copyright 1996 by Tulsa F:amilv Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part withot[t James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writors/contributors photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Phvl Boler- Schmidt Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Barry Hensley noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. All correspondence shouid be sent to the address above. Each Pat Morehead Staff Photosrapher reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution JD Jamett points. ,~dditional copies are available by calling 583-1248. It’s that time again When we have to deal with politics whether or not we want to do so. On [:cbruary 6th, there.~e city council.primary races which aren" t particularlyinteresting AND tl~ere are ol v charter changes which may not be that interestiug either but which ARE important. The one that I would urge each of us to vote ~n lavor of is a ch,’mgc to the charter which would allow an employee of a business which holds a franchise with thc city to hold public office. The prohibition dates from early days of statehood and no longer has a usc. I tow~\er~ the impact of it remmning could be to force City Councillor Joe \Villiams off the city council. Joc" s district is mostly north Tulsa mad vo{~ all might ask why. if you don’t live in that district. .you should care’? Fi~rst. Joe V,’illian~s has been a good rcprcsentative for his district and seems to this observer to be one of the few of our councillors who has both brains and integrity. Furthermore, -Joc is sensitive to issues of m,.ti-Gay discrimination and is thc oulv member of city govermnent to say he would support a non-discrimination ordinanc~ "that included sexual orientation. Right now, oulv one friend o~r city council can’t do much but it’~ better than no fri~nds.Let’s help Joe stay in:office. Also. Rob Hill is ntiufing for School Board Dist. ;6. Rob brings intelligence, compassion mad experi~cnce to this race m~d deserves our support. If you’re ~in hi( district, please:vote for him on Feb." 13. If !youre. not in Iris district mad c,’m spare some cash :for cmnpm_ou expenses, please help. If yOU can’t ¯sparc the c~ish, c0nsidcr giving some ti,fie.: If yon :wm,t to help.please contact.tiffs paper for-inf’. I ~ch 0f ns cam makc a difference, just by voting. :.Plcasc do. - Tom Neal, publisher Taking Heart b\" Pat .\ lorehead To begin thisyear,my companion and I started in the hot mb with a,botfle .of champagne we’ve .carted around since the mid eighties awaiting a "’special" occasion, Due to his career he is usually unavailable at the holidays, so this was the first time in several years that we’ve actually shared the New Year together. \Ve started with a very good dimmer at the Bistro of Brookside, though it was a little noisy and a little too dear from my v~ewpoint. \Ve dined late and then returned home and settled into the hot tub. \Ve enjoyed the relaxing comfort mad then adjourned inside for some more relaxing activ,ties. All in all it was a nice start to a new year. I got to sit in on a rehearsal for "The Lion in \\’inter" being presented by Broken Arrow Community Playhouse; call 258-0077 for details. I want bY ShblT{, ~ob~rtb .................... ( Warn#}g : Not [or thehumor-imp)aired!) It h~ long been my contention that ~ough we may shoe orgmfi~ti~ns, a couple of b~s, and the stone colors of the rNnbow, the rdNity is that, wNle gay men ~d lesbi~s ~e of the stone "ilk", they ~e NOT of the stone planet. For ex~ples: Lesbians usuNly m~y slightly"before" the first date. Gay men marry only after e.rtensive interviewing ~nd denial. " Lesbians have sex inunediately ~ter meeting the other woman’s mumNs, cNl&en, relatives, reviewing ~1 her b~ks, and inte~ogatlng her current and ~1 her exes. G~v men have sex immediately a~er just about attythhtg. Sometimes before. though not as much as they used I.esbians use love to get io sex. With g<v men, the vtce is versa. ~en lesbians buy a house, they rehab. And refi~rbish Gay men. ~n the other han~. redecorate. ~sbi~s ~ easily fix ~ ~ling refrigerator. Gay men can e~ih’ fill it~om the cheese atzd importe~ mushroont sebtton of the dell Lesbians ~e more likely to be vegetal. Gay men will eat almost anything. It took lesbi~s to rediscover Hush ~ppies. It took gay men w redesign tltem in Easter egg colors. Lesbians process. Endlessly. Gay men rationally debate ram~caaons and consbqueitces. For slightly longer. Lesbi~ ~e politi~ly co~ect to everyone. Gay men are politically correct to everyone [hey knout. I_esbians don’t eat tNngs that used to ha~:e faces. Gay men categorically reject tofit ~ pointless wa~@aper p~te with calories. ~sbians envv M~tha Stew~t’s Co~ecticut house. GaY men’channel her. ~sbi~ fix si~ le~s ~emselves, Gay men call plumbers. Cute ones. ~sbi~s pay intemN pen~ for haph~d eye contact, btlhe rightpar& circumstances, ga~ men’s heads have been known to r~’olve a fidl 3~0" Polifi~ly co~ect or not, lesbi~s look at Play~y Mag~ine. Gay men just read the articles. To a lesbi~, cNntz is your p~tner buying yo~ bir~day present at a y~d s~e. To a g~v man, its a fabulous ~rnishing opportuni&, Two lesbi~s ~ght refer to ~ch o~er ~ "my wife." Two gay men wouldn ’t. ~sbi~s ~ve off-road veNcles ~d ~y maps that refold~emselves. Gay Men eventually stop at service station and ~k for directions. But only if th~ real~7 have to go. ~sbi~s bring ~e chars, ~e newsletter, NI the Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria *Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th *Lola’s, 2630 E 15th *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time’n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Adnfiral Wild Fork, Utica Square, 21st & Utica *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 744-0896 585-5622 749-1563 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582 -4340 742 -0712 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Demtis C. Arnold, Realtor 746-4620 *Associates in Medi "cal & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 KeiitBalch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry. 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Creative Collectirn, 1521 E. 15 592-1521 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 15 ! 5 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Dmnel. Attorney 352-9504. 800-742-9468 D’Antiques. 1508 E. t~Sth 592-5356 *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620 *Dusty Roads at the Silver Star, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Express Pool s & Spas, 6310 S. Peoria 743-9994 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Le,’tma~ M Gross, Financial Plmnfing 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill, *IS, Psychotherap3, 2865 E Skellv 745-1111 *hnaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 *International Tours; 341-6866 Kerfs Flowers, 1635~ E 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, I:’OB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E.: 15 742-1992 Lean Aim Macomberl, Realtor Associate 671-2010 Massoud’s Jewle~’,:The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884 *MediaPlay, 9121 E.!71st 250-5158 *Midtown Theater, 3i19 E. 3 584-3112 Mingo \;alley Flowers, 972i3c E. 31 st 663-5934 *Mohawk Music, 6~57 E 51 P1 664-2951 Puppy Pause II, l lt.hl & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S~. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon~ 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, ~1-1-6 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747.-3322 *Tomfoolery Gifts d5 Cards, at F,’unily of Faith MCC 583.1248 Fred Welch, LCSW, .Counseling 743-1733 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. I l 628-0594 B, LG Alliance, Uni~!ersity of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Minist~’ Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Conunmtity of Hope (United Methodist), i703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity;Integrity (LegbianiGay Catholics & Episcopalians) 298’-4648 *Fannlv of Faith ..X.~CC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 *Free Spirit Lesbian Center call for location & info: 587-4669 Friend For A Friend,.POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity (African-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Mini.stiles 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S: Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 21.154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-I 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 R.A.I.N., Re~onal AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174 Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 *Shanti Hofline 749-7898 TulSaOldahomansforHmnaiaRigh-ts,(TOtlR) POB52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Unifgrm/Leathe_r Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 ~ Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor :to recormnend llii~~ ibroduCtion. I was ¢ery ira: .’ "flyers, theminut~s~ and’the- Coffee pot. Gay men pressed even though I saw it at an early point in the : bring chkckbo~ks.~ rehearsal schedule. But I was particularly taken ¯ Lesbians have potlucks with dishes made from with.the.the Richard.and Phillip scene. The.Direst .." l.en~ils .or chocolate. Or both. Gay. men have intitorhastakentherelati0nshipbetweenthesecharac- ." mat~ litti~ ~ti~tn~rs)~o~, i~vb fv~th :lio~emade pate. To ters and..:,~d~; i!t:!.~!~.~~ .that it.is ahomosexual~ : start~ ’ . " relations~ij’i~)i! i ~i i:::il" ~..i.~i,.... ..... ’.... - z . "~ LesbianS love camp. ~o.do gay men. Beaver Dam Store, 112 mi. N. of Dam on Hwy. 187 501-253-6154 . Now, I h~g~;trrlid~ihat:the inclinations of the : Lesbians cook out by tliepond. Gay men cook in, *Jim &.Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 feilo~’ii~i~" N~iiard and,:Phillip are, but : then sit out bythe pooL " " " DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center S t. ¯ two 50 1-253-6807 bet~een them the "~Y~ mana i ge a ~erv.~ conv~nono ’ " ’" Lesbian Couple s hyphenate their last names. " " ~ ." *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 see Play, page 3 ". Gay men arm wrestle each other to the ground and King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W 800-231-1442 ¯. use the winner’s name. *MCC.of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 Lesbians go to the gym to get fit. Gay men go to McClung Realtors 501-253-9682 the gym to get their jeans to fit. : , Rock Cottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 Lesbians think of New Year’s Eve as an oppor¯ ] Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton 501-253-2204 ¯ tunity to get reacquainted with steps 10, 11, and 12. ¯ Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 501-253-6001 see Vegan, page 3 ¯ The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-8281 �on how to handle inquiries about the issue. Saladin worked several more days until Wallace informed Turner about the situation. Saladin was then suspended for 30 days, although he claims he had complied with Wallace’s directive and The French Hen does not dispute this. During the time of the suspension, he retrieved his liquor license from The French Hen so that he could continue to work at temporary jobs. Also, during this time, Saladin attempted to speak with Turner to address ¯ any misunderstanding. On Oct. 15th, Saladin called to arrange to return to work by the 22rid and was told that Turner had directed her to replace Saladin. Up to this time and afterwards, Turner refused to take his calls. According to Saladin’s documents, when once he succeeded in getting Turner on the phone, Turner stated he had nothing to say and hung up. During this time, several other employees left or were terminated and positions became available, but Saladin was not offered his position back. He filed with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC), with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and sought legal representation. In late Nov, Saladin was informed that he’d been denied uuemployment compensation because Turner claimed that Saladin had quit. To the OESC, Wallace on behalf of Turner claimed that there trad been repeated customer complaints about Saladin’s conduct ,and that Saladin had been suspended for nffsconduct and insubordination and that Saladin had volun: taril y quit and Saladin had threatened to sue. Wallace and Turner repeated these allegations at a telephone hearing on Dec. 16th with the OESC. On Dec. 17th, Turner called Ed Gaudin at his and Saladin’s home asking questions about Gaudin’ s health and physician and allegedly calling Saladin a liar. Gaudin, who was already seriously ill, appears to have been so upset by the conversation that when Saladin came home, he found Gaudin emotionally devastated and vomiting. In Jan. of 1994, after Saladin had obtained legal representation and the EEOC found sufficient reason to direct Turner to respond to Saladin’s complaint, Turner through his attorneys offered Saladin his job back without conditions. Saladin’s attorneys accuse Turner of making the offer in bad faith in order to limit Turner’s liability for back wages while obviously Turner et al claim good faith. However, Saladin expressed a willingness and desire to return to work from Oct. 15 at least until Turner’s call to Gandin in Dec. Turner did not communicate an offer to restore Saladin’s job until January after Turner had retained legal counsel. Since January of 1994, this case has seen a flurry of legalese documents as attorneys from each side cite cases to bolster their side. A trial date has been set several times but delayed. It is expected to go to trial February. Other Information Late in 1987. after Gaudin tested positive for ttIV antibodies, a fact which Saladin shared with several co-workers at The French Hen, Turner directed that Saladin be suspended without pay until Saladin produced a medical repor~ proving that Saladin was HIV negative. After being tested. Saladiu subnffl ted a report to see ADA. page 8 Photos, JD Jamett, 621-5597 Worship Servide 10:30 am Sheridan Center, Suite H 21st & Sheridan 599-7688 LY.KIRBYCertified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many, special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 Mangione when they met the 2 young men at a local bar, had been beaten. S tern’s condition was not serious however. Police said Bean and Gauthier told them they had attacked Mangione and Stern after one of the men had touched one of the young men while the 4 were taking a drive earlier in the evening. The young men also told officers they belonged to a group called the German Peace Corps, which human rights activists say is a California-based neo-Nazi orgamzation affiliated with the KKK. Several witnesses told authorities that the 2 young men had bragged earlier that they were "going’to get a fag" that night, and later boasted that they had "cut up this fag real bad." Gay men see it as a chance to blow their horns off.. Lesbians truly believe that communes work. Gay men really think they can be RepublicZms. Lesbians turn everyone within hugging range into "family.’" Gay men have a tendency to run around i~i PACs. It is, ~onsidering everything, amazing that we still talk to each other. Fortnnately, we are all smart enongh to have figure out that what is truly unnaturai on tiffs looney-tune plauet is marrying outside your own species. ~ 1996 Shelly Roberts. All rights reserved. Shelly Roberts is a uationally syndicated colun~fist, spe,~er, and author of Roberts’ Rules of Lesbi,’m Living (5 96) Spinsters htk seduction scene xvith a very sensual kiss. The actors deserve credit, and the theater deserves credit for not diluting the homosexual content~ Here is a chance as a co~u~ty forus to snpport a mmustrcana effort w~ch represents us without apology or emb~assment. I was saddened at the passiug of Mike Syn~, former Congressm~ lrom l)i strict Two. I have contributed to and worked on Mike’s beh~f in ~e pasl. tie was a good guy, honest ~d decent, a truc public scrv~t in ~e very best sense. There is no comping ~e ~u~ities Mike represented with the likes of a Cobum, or I ~gcnt or I~ofe. And I ~z not refemng to political ideolo~es. So for me ’96 is off to an uneven start. But I intend to t~e heart from the bad as well ~ the good. I will t~e heart in tl~ ex~ple of Mike Syn~ ~d not be afrmd to go out ~d fight the good fight. I will t~e he~t in these two unkuown local actors and their associates who ~cn’t ~r~d to tac~e a Bible belt tahoo. Aud I’m going to t~e he~t in the eighteenth ye~ of a loving and sh~ug relationship with my lover compmfion. ~ch gives me a re~ly silly idea. l’d like to he~ from you, the readers, about what gives you he~t, and helps you make your way through the world. Maybe you have so~e key that someone m our commusty ueeds io hear or would m~c them feel less isolated. Send you responses to the editor or E-mail tbcm ~o TulsaNews ~2 aol.com, and hc can l’or~vard them on to me. XXtacn I get a good one 1"11 use it in fl~e cohmm. If yon want thcln to be anonymous, that’s I’iqac. �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News .Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Recruiting Cops for ’City of Brotherly Love’ PIIILA DELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department has begun rccniitmg gay ,and lesbian police officers through public cmpioynieut notices in the city’s t~vo gay newspapers The uew effort is the rcsult of a meeting Police Commissioner Richard Ncal held earlier in December with leaders of the city’s lesbian and gay community. Police Sgt. l:rcd Cottou said the dcpartuaenl made a similar effort m 1989-90 bnt !he department had uo i id’ormarion on how success fill thai recruitment program had been. "l’vc never Imd,’mvonc come up to me and tell m~ their sexual pcrsuas~ou." Cotton said. The dcpm’tmcut doesn’t kccp any data ou the sexual orientation of offleers, hc added Study: The Kids (of Lesbian Moms) Are OK CIlICAGO- A prolonged study of the kids of lesbian morns th,~t tracked the children’s developmcut for some two decades found that they had no more problems with sexual orientation or other dcvclopmcut~d issues than the kids oflmtcroscxtud parcuts. The study, which was reported in tl~ American ,lournal of Orthopsychiatrv, found one noticeable diffcr0mc between the clfildrcn of Icsbiau morns mad hcteroscxmd parcuts:"th~ offspnng in the lcsbimi f,’unihcs were more uncouflk~rtablc udkiug with other pcoplc about their parents than the kids from the str~fight fanfilic~. A nether signilic~mt di ffcrence bctwccu the two groups was tha! none of the kids from hctcroscxnal fanfilics reported having had any homosexual experience by their mid-20s, wlfilc some 25% of those from lesbian lhmi- lies said they had had at least one homosexual relationslfip. Washington State AntiGay Measure May Fail SEATTLE - To the relief of rights activists iu the state, Washmgton anti-gay activists concede they probably will not be able to get cuough siguaturcs to put two ballot measures before voters in 1996. Initiative 167 would bar gays and lesbians from adoptiug clfildrcm mid hlitiative 166 would prohibit antibias laws based ou sexual orientation anywhere iu the state. The head of the Citizens ..\.ltimme of \Vaslfiugton conceded shortl\ before Chi’istnms that the group wasn’t going to bc able to get the uceded signatures because the orgmfizatiou had attracted oulv a few huudred members an~J raised only about $5.000 for its siguaturc-gathcring cmnpaign. Cathy Y, lickcls, the head of the state dmpter of the Eagle Forum. ,also told Seattle reporters she didn’t think it was very likely the organization would be abl~ to get thd rcqnircd signatures. Proposed Bill to Aid Partners Measures SAC~\MENTO, C:dif. - C~diforuia Assemblyman \Vallv Kuox (D-West Hc{llywo~xt) wil’l introduce a measure m the stale legislatnre carl\ m 1996 that would attthorizt~ the giant CadifonfiaPublic Emtfloyccs & Rctiremeut System (CAL-PERS) to open its hc~dth iusurancc coverage plans to thc dolncstic partners of muuicipal mid other govcnuncnt agcucy employees the state. Some 80 or so C~dil’orma cities and rcgiomd bomds and commissions carry their employce health ius~rancc thi’ough CAL-PERS. But CAI,PERS regulations govcmiug the state-operated health mid medi- Miracleglass Neil Ray Owner cal insurance plata specifically marriages that may be legal elseexclude "conunon law spouses" where illegal in Soulh Dakota. It and "’life partners" as eli~ble would, for example, have the employee dependents, preventeffect of nullifyiug s,’unc-sex ing the cities, counties and spenmrriages if Ha,&aii courts v~d icial districts in the CAL-PERS date them as many cxpcci to prograna from offering partner happeu this year. benefits to their gay or straight Political Attacks Against workers even if they want to. Gays Increasing Lobbying for Educational SAN FRANCISCO A report Anti-Bias Protections isstled here by People for the SAN FRANCISCO -The LavAmerican Way. says attacks ender Youth Recreation & Inalined agaiust the political formation Center (LYRIC} progress of gays mid lcsbimas in started off the New Year with a this country increased at ~dl levpolitical bang on Jan. 3 with a els. The report, the 3rd of its kiud caravan of gay, lesbian and bithe organization,has issued, sexual ,voting people tothc state ¯ .counted at least. 180 anti-gay Capitol in Sacrmnento to lobby actions m 1995, an increase of for proposed anti-discriminatio[~ 46 such attacks over 1994. The protections. Tim California Edusurvey counted anti-gay politicatiou Code bans discrinfination cal iuitiatives, legislative measures, executive actions by state in the state’s schools mid educational services based ona numgovernors as well as open atber of categories, bu! does not . tacks by police mid mid public include sexual orientation. The . ~!d. mc..dia figures against gay lesbigay youth groupspent the rights. first &a.v of the legislature’s new High. School Gay Group 3ear, Jan. 3, lobbying in support Stirs Controversy of a measnre introduced by AsSALT LAKE CITY - Utah semblywoman Sheila Kuehl (Dschool mid legal anthoritics, afSanta Moifica) that would add ter 2 moaths, have agrced thcre sexual orientation to the state is litflc or nothing that can be education code. -done to preveut a gay- and lcsSo. Dakota Anti¯ biau club being fonncd by a Marriage Battle Again group of studeuts at Salt Lake PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota City’s East High School. A small state Rep. Roger Hunt, whose group of students at the school 1995 le~slation to prohibit sameasked for pennissiou to start the sex marriages in the state failed, club in October, and their rehas announced plans to introquest was passed from the duce the bill again during die school’s priuciphl to the city’s current le~slative session. Hunt’s school superintendent, then up 1995 bill passed overwhehningly to the state cducatiou office, and finally on to the Utah attorney in the state’s lower house by a ,’54-13 vote, but became stalled gcueral’s office. m a cotmnittee in the state SenShortly before Cl~stmas, the ate where it died. The proposed attorney geueral’s office notilegislation would make any fied district officials that both same-sex marriage’:null and void state and federal law prolfibit from the beginning" in the state, barring non-curriculum school and is aimed at making any such clubs because of content. But California’s Hate Crimes: 1/5 Are Anti-Gay SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In the firs! of .its kind in California, state Attorney Geueral l)an LI.mgrcl!"s office reix)rts tl!at hate crones m the Golden Stale arc gcucnd i y couccu tratcd i n ci tics :and nearly one-fifth of them were aimed agaiust gays and lesbians. During the filaal six mouths of 1994, the survey of local law enforcculent agencies found there were 672 bias-based crimes reported in the state. Of these, 487 (72 percent) were based on the race or ethnic origins of the victims, Mille 119 (18 perccut) wcre bccause the victims were lcsbkms or gay men - or were believed to bc by the attackers. Some 6-1- iucidents (or just m~dcr 10 pcrccut) WCl’C based on the victims" religion. The largest number of reported Irate crimes, 243 of them, were logged in the [x)s Augclcs metropolitan area. The San Frmmisco Bay Area checked in with next l argcst couceutratiou, 129 bias-based crimes iu the four-county ,area. Transsexual Identity Bill Proposed in Britain LON1)ON - Among the backbcuch bills being offered in Bri rain’s Ilousc of Connnoiis as private members" legislation is a mcasure that would make it easier for traussexuals in the UK to establish a legal idemity in keeping with their new gender after a sex-change operation. MP Alex Carlilc has proposed a Gcudcr Identity Bill which would allow BROOKSIDE JEWELRY your pool Ma,, Dr Life 4649 South Peoria 743-5272 (9’18) 743-9994 Corner of 48th & Peoria EXPRESS POOLS & SPAS activists with the Gay & 1,csbian Utali 1)cmocrats say the head of the state mali-gay Eagle Forum, GayJe Ruzicka, has already indicated she would immediately begin lobbying the state legislatnrc to keep the club from lbrming. P AlrERSON REALTORS" LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 9:30 - 5, Men. - Fri. 6310 S. Peoria Tulsa, OK 74136 ~ 1635 E. 15TH ST. TULSA, OK 74120 599-8070 TULSA ’S FOREMOST FLORIST ON CHERRY STREET Open Saturdays thru holidays! Computer Analysis Consultation Rich Fox ~.O. Box 52708 Tulsa. OK 74152-0708 Pager: (918)690-2974 2642 E. 21st Street ¯ Suite !70 ¯ Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ¯ Fax: 918-747-1795 �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News transsexualstherighttobegiven a substitute birth certificate reflecting their reassigned gender after the operation is completed. Some 8,000 people in Britain have undergone a complete sex change but are not allowed the legal rights of their new sex. such as getting married, adopting and enjoying employment rights. . ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ dard of the district’s commusuit. Ashby, whohasrepresented nity. Individuals who espouse Northwest Leicestershire since homosexuality do not constitute 1983 in the ruling conservative proper role models as teachers ~ party, now faces the prospect of for students in this district." ~ : having to pay all legal costs that Crane had told his students he are estimated at about $800,000. was gay after he and his comAshby; 55, had sued the Times ¯ panion had gotten married dur- : overanarticlein the paperwhich ¯ ing a commitment ceremouy and said he had shared a bed with a .exchanged wedding bands, caus- ¯ man during a holiday in Gee in ing some of his students to ask ." 1993, that he had misled his wife ¯ and constituents abouthis sexual Gay Credit Card Can’t about the wedding ring. ¯ School Board Condemns orientation, and that he had lied Use ’Rainbow’ Name :..about. h.awn, g a relat~oaship with TRENTON, N.J:- A federal .... Homosexuality a32-year-old Irish physician, Dr. court in New Jersey has enjoined ¯ NEW HAVEN, Ind.- HomoCiar~i Kilduff. The ~iewspaper promoters of a gay-oriented - sexual activity is inconsistent admitted during the libel trial credit card from using the nanm with community values and that its report had contained at "Rainbow." U.S District Judge ¯ should be discouragedin the East ¯ least one factual error, but mainMary Little Parell barred the Allen County (Iudiana) schools, rained the accuracy of its article, Rainbow Card Fom~datiou from according to a resolution adopted wlfich it maintained was justiusing that trade name on the ¯ by the local school board. Acfied to lfiglflight what it cousidcredit card it was pro~noting in ¯ cording to school, district offiers Ashby’s hypocrisy in advothe New York-New Jersey area cials, the resolution only reflects cating heterosexual f~nilv valin a suit filed by the Rainbow the board’s opinion and isn’~ a ues while leading what the’papcr Foundation Inc., a Middletown, ¯ policy statement. But the called a "double life." Both N.J., charity that offers medical ¯ resolution’s laaaguag.e, some eduAshby’s wife and his sister testiassistance and other services to ¯ caters say, certainly sounds like fied against the Tory MP duriug children in the state. The Rain- ¯ an official school policy. The the 4-week trial. It is likely that bow Card had contracted with ¯ resolution, wlfich was introduced Ashby may face bm"akruptc’y and Martina Navratilova to act as ¯ in response to a statement earlier the loss of his seat in the House spokeswoman for the Visacredit [ tiffs year by the National Educaof Conunons as a result. .card that would have used part of tion Association endorsing ~ts card charges to benefit gay, ¯ teacher training aronnd gay and Gay Marine to ¯ AIDS & breast cancer agencies. l~’sbian student issues and recFight Discharge Gay Teacher Allowed to ¯ ognizing a national gay mad lesDAVENPORT. Iowa - CorpoStay in Michigan School ¯ bian lfistory mouth, says in part: ral Kevin Blaesing says he will "’Homosexuality is contrary to fight efforts by the .MarZiue Corps BYRON CENTER, Mich. the laws of nat;are, it’s xno~:ally to discharge him because hc is Gerry Crane, a 3 l-year-old high gay. Blaesing, who has bccn school music teacher who told ¯ unacceptable to our conununit y umned "’Marine of the Month" students he was gay alter they ¯ mad we should leach our chilmad"M,-mne of the Qtuarter.’" was asked about a new wedding band ¯ dren as such." UK Member of Parliment denied pernfission to reeniist iu he was wearing, will be ,allowed 1993 because of remarks he lind to keep tfis teaching post. The ¯ Loses ’Gay’ Libel Case ¯ made about homosexuality to a school board in the town, about LONDON’ - Tory MP David USMC psychologist. Bu! earl\ 16 miles from Grand Rapids, ¯ Ashby wept as he f~aced the prosin 1995 he joined a Marine Corp’s said however that it wonld keep " pect offinanci,-d ruinaftcr losing Reserve umt in South Carolina Crane under scrutiny because of ¯ a prolongcd libel actiou ag,’uust without auy difficulties m~d later his sexual orientauon. In a forLondou’s Sunday Times wlfich spoke at a gay pride even! there. real statement, the trustees said. ." had reported that he is homoNow thc Mariucs have bcgun "The school board firmly be- ¯ scxnal. Thc jury deliberated 5 discharge proceedings against lieves that homosexuality vio- ¯ hours belbrc rc[unfing its verlmn mad Blaeslug says he will lates the doufinant moral stan- ¯ dict in favor of the Tlmes in the fight the discharge "~1 the way totheSupremeCourt"ifhemust, sexcouplcstocnroll. Roscnl~aum Two Lutheran Churches Expelled. said he believed the partncrs" registranon should be .just for gays and lesbians. SAN FRANCISCO-St. Francis Lutheran Church and the First United Lutheran Church here officially became ex-members of the 5.3 -million member Evangelical Lutheran Church of America at the end of 1995 for ordaining 2 lesbians and a gay man as ministers in defiance of the national church’s prohibi’tiofis. The 2 churches were suspended by the ELCA in 1990 and given until the end of 1995 to rescind the ordinations of the Revs. Ruth Frost, Phyllis Zillhart and Jeff Johnson, or be officially expelled from the national church group. A spokesperson for S t. Francis Lutheran Church said not one member of the congregation had left since the controversy started more than 5 .,,’ears ago. But ironically ¯ one St. Francis Lutheran member who attended his last service at the church (at least officially) on Sunday, Dec. 31, was Bishop Robert Mattheis, the presiding bishop of EIX2A’s Sierra Pacific Synod of some 220 con~egations in Northern Califontia and Nevada. A long-time member of St. Francis, Bishop Mattheis now must officially leave the church’s con~egatio~: Calififornia City OKs Partners Registry PALO ALTO, Calif. - OutNow, the San Jose, Calif., gay newspaper, reports that Pale Alto’s city council has approved by a 6-] vote a domestic partners registration. The re~stranon carries no direct benefits and requires a fee to the city clerk’s office. The only vote agmnst the proposM crone from Dick Rosenbamn. who objected that the partuers" registry ,also allowed opposite- Marriage Commission Issues Final Report IIONOI.UIJ.~- A llawali statc comnfissiou has approved its finN report of rccoum~cudations on a 5-2 vote. calling on the legislature to a~cpt the rcalil v of Sallle-SeX lnarriag courts. Few acnvists believe the legislature will t;~c the advice of the commissiou,appointcd b~ Gov. Bcnjmnin Cayctano, b~t the report’s rccounncndations add flu ther fuel to the legM bat ~ound the case. The legislature l~t ye~ adopted a law prohibitlng stone-sex m~agc, although =t rcm~us unclc~ whether thai law itself ~m bc considered coustitut~omd. Chairman Thomas (;ill, former mcmbcr of Cougrcss and out-tune lieut, govcruor, said the state had f~lcd to prove ~c in courl and had relied the legislature to block tauntsex m~agcs. "q’hc opposluOU ~ft.come up with a compelling state lntcFcsI other th~ul I ~x’i~cus 18," he said, rcfcmug to an Old Tcsumacnt vcrsc that says. ""l’hou shalt not lic with mankind as with womankind "" Sparks Fly in O.S. Senate Race in Or~on SAI+EM, Ore. - Rcspondiug to ch~gcs that hc is an "+extremist"+ for supporting the dUn-go3 agenda of the Oregon Citizen’s Alliancc, Rclmbli~m t.S 5cuate candidate Gordou Snfi th told reporters at a news CollfcjCll~’c that he is opposed to ga3 and lcsbimt ttu~agcs "’bccausc +vc should dcfcud a mamagc license" mid thai hmdlortts who should uot bc rcquircd t(> by law. ttGO Valentine Special Big Hug Mug with Plush Bear Bouque! or Bud Vase wilh Roses & .18" Balloon - $19.95~-deli\,ery "Reserve yours early" ....... DIS(O 20TH BUY * SELL * CONSIGN ( OOL 3213E 15thSt. Tulsa, Ok 74104 (918) 749-3620 9720-C E. 31si St. Tulsa 663.5934, Daphane Cooper Raven/Redhawk Enterprises Phyl Boler-Schmidt Systems & Software Specialist POB 429 Eureka .Springs 72632 501.253.2776 Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Servi ce, 10:45 an~ Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sun. 1623 No. Maplewood, 838-1715 �Eye Drug Implant Method Wins FDA Panel Approval S ILVER SPRING, Md. - A Food & Drug Administration advisory panel has urged approval of an eye implant for some AIDS pauents that it says would be twice as good as current treatments in fighting off possible blindness by delivering medic ation direcdy to the eye. Cytomegalovims (CMV) retinitis hits up to 40% of all people with AIDS and the Chiron Corp. "Vitrasert’" implant would deliver the medicine ganciclovir in time-released doses directly in the eye after being \mplanted, making it much more effective. the FD A advisory panel said. The full FDA must now decide whether to accept the panel’s recommendation or not. USC to House AIDS Archives LOS ANGELES - The University of Southern California will become one of the first sites in the country with an archive documenting the earl) years of the battle against AIDS. Los Angeles city officials are granting the university a total of $50,000 for the project alor~g with thousands of original works com~ected with the earliest veers of the epidemic. The AIDS archi~:e will be housed in~,the university library’s special collections and will include "city documents, materials from local actiViSt groups, and papers from Drs. Michael Gottlieb and Joel Weismal who published the first cases of what later came to be known as AIDS. 30% of India’s Blood Infected NEW DELHI - According to a stud)’ by India’s National AIDS Control Organization, nearly 30% of the blood provided by the country’s blood banks is tainted with infectious diseases, including HIV, malaria, hepatitis and others. The government agency responsible for the national effort to fight the epidemic in India said tinrdiable screening procedures risk exposing patients receiving blood and blood products to one or the other illnesses. The Indian Red Cross Society said that part of the problem stems from chronic shortages of blood in the country with the result that commercial blood banks often rely on poorer professional donors 9iho sui~pl~ement their incomes by giving blood. Such paid donors, the society says, are often in higher-risk groups for various infectious diseases. The National AIDS Control Organization now estimates that in less than 5 years some 5 million Indians will be infected with HI\" with 1 million fullblown cases of AIDS in the country. KS Linked Virus Found in Semen of HIV+ Gay Men LONDON" - According to a report in the British medical journal Lancet, researchers with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have found a virus strongly associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma in the semen of large numbers of gay men ~vith HI\’, but not in many HIV-positive heterosexual men. The scientists said that 64% of the infected gay men also had the Kaposi’s Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) in semen samples: of the non-gay men examined, less than 24% were infected with KSHV. The research" ers said their findings explain why a disproportionate number of gay men may Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method By & for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results¯ Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for-Human Rights 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights. contract the cancer ,and suggests that KSHV may be sexually transmitted~ The CDC scientists say further research is called for to try to detemfine if KSHV is latent and then triggered by an HIV infection. Milder Strain of Virus Inhibits HIV NEW YORK- According to a report in the Journal of Molecular Medicine; researchers at the Mount Sinai Medical Center have identified aless vinflent strain of HIV that appears to slow down reproduction of the more connnon and damaging s train of the virus. The researchers speculated that the weaker HIV-2 may interfere with the more virulent HIV-I straila at-the molecular le~el, blocking the virus’ ability to reproducel While the finding could l]old promise in fighting off HIV-1 in infected individuals, scientists warned that there is still little’known about the detailed interaction between the 2 strains. High HIV Levels Infect Newborns WASHINGTON’, D.C. - According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy ofSciences, New York State health department researchers report that fairly high levels of HIV in the blood of women who are pregnant is requi red before the virus can be passed along to their newborns. The scientists found that women with levels of HIV in their bloodstreams at about 50,000 viruses per milliliter of blood had a 75% or ~eater likelihood of passing the vii’us onto their infants. At lower leVds, the chances of the women transmitting the virus to their newborns was significantly lower, the researchers said. The scientists said the finding helps explain why some HIV-positive women ~ve birth to infected infants, while other infected mothers do not. AIDS Drug 3TC Also Appears Effective Against Hepatitis B BOSTON - Two preliminary tests of a newly approved AIDS drug, 3TC (also kamwn as lamivudine or Epivir), published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicate the medicine also seems, to suppress HBV, the hepatitis B virus, in chronic eases. One study, led by Dr. Jules Dienstag of Massachusetts General Hospital, found that after a 12-week course of 3TC, about 20% of chronically infected hepatitis B patients showed no traces of the HBV. Interferon is the only currently approved medication to combat chronic h.epatitis B and has been shown to effective in about a third of those given the drug. But interferon must be taken for a fairly long period ot time and has a nmnber of very unpleasan t side effects, which is not apparently the ease with 3TC. Further studies will now be undertaken to determine long-term effects of the drug in combating hepatitis B, possibly in combination with other drugs. Status of AIDS Patient Given Baboon Marrow Transplant SAN FRANCISCO- Jeff Getty, the AIDS patient who was given baboon bone marrow in December in an effort to rebuildhis failing immune system, experienced some side effects as a result of the chemotherapy and radiation treatanent he underwent in conjunction with the marrow transplant. But Getty’s physician, Dr. Steven Deeks, said the reactions where fairly minor and not a result of the bone marrow injections. Getty’s physicians had said the bone marrow transplant might either bolster the man’s rapidly failing immune see Health Briefs, page 8 SCOTT ROBISON’S PRESCRIPTIONS Serving Tulsan’s Since 194 7 Major credit cards In-store charges or Direct insurance billing for your convenience! 3 locations to serve you: Hillcrest Physician’s Building 1.145 So. Utica 743-2351 Utica Square Area 1560 East 21st, Ste. 104 743-2351 The Plaza 8146-D South Lewis. 299-1790 �A QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT ? Generally, to be eligible for.~,.viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of.your life insurance policy xn a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and yore" unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW, DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlenmt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made Today, many compames offer viatical settlements, doing business only by" bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records by mail, and do business from another state. directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY At Southwest Viatical, we believe you shonld be assured of complete confidentiality aud the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. \Ve are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors influence ~vhether viaticating 3our life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and 3"our family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to assi st you in planning the best outcome from your unique financial s~tuation. By" working with \ou in person, but at the stone time having access to nanomvide financial resources, we arc able to deliver the best value on your policy available toda\. And because of our established resources, wc can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 da\s. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Southwest v:" aitlca. Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 �: ¯" ~ ¯ ~ : ¯ HIV at Chinese Universities BEIJING - Newspapers in China have reported that during "’spot checks" at urnversities, Chinese health officials fotmd 10 HIV infected students at 2 colleges in the capital city. Health officials in the country say getting AIDS information and e&~cat~on programs to the cotmtrv’s : schools is "extremely urgent" and esti-." mate that morethan 60% of those infected ¯ with HIV in the country are under the age ." of 29 years. AZT Helps Cut Risks in continued from page 6 system, or "kill him. A similar procedure with an AIDS patient at the University of Pittsbnrgh in 1993 failed, but doctors flare refined the procedure as a result and are using a specially processed part of the baboon bone marrow to improve Gettv’s chances. Accidental Needle Jabs ¯ :. \V with Brit"t’~o r~ C.-based ph~ ¯ .,,, Comrmttee ....... ....."s~o~,s . ¯¢SHINGTON-Cooperating - ,,... tsh and French othoals the l_ S " " for Responsible Med]cifie,’lio~ .ever, has " , - - Centers ~ for Disease Control and Prevention re~. filed a formal complaint with the federal ports that atimited study of 31 health care g0venunent over the experimental bone workers accidentally jabbed with hypomarrow procedure. The public interest dermic needles at work had much lower group charged that such cross-species risk of HIV infection if given AZT. The marrow injections endanger the public CDC reports indicated the health care health by risking the spread of dangerous workers" risk of refection was nearly 80% baboon infections. Susan Getty of lower from taking the drag shortly after \Vatcrford, Conn., the mother 61"the ailing the needle-stick accident than workers man who was with him at the hospital who were not given AZT. during the procednre, said people with U.S. Blood Supply Even Safer advanced AIDS have little to lose ~n unBOSTON" - According to a govenunent dergoing such medi "cal gambles. %\e mttst take greater risks." she said. "It is time to stud) published in the New England Jourstop tiffs horrible, horrible disease." hal of)ledicme, only an infinitesimally small mnount of blo~d do~mted tbr transAIDS Awareness in France fusions in the U.S. is infected with HIP. I~OSTON-- According to the U.S. journal The L.S. Centers for Disease Control & Nature, a snrvcv of what they think about Prevention study estimated that no more l llVand ..\ID~ suggests th~ Frei~:h ,are th,’m 27 pints out of the total 12 nffllion continuing to adjtrst their sexual behavpints donated each year are tainted. Beiors because of the ~pidemic. The report cause blood usedin transfusions is pooled says that condoms arc increasiugly used, from several donors, bowever, health ofparticuhtrlv anion,, those who are single ficials said the chances of receiving conmid under ihe age ~f’30: more people are Uumnated blood are between 1 in 83.000 having fewer casual sexual parmers: ,’rod m~d 1 in 122.000. To reduce these odds the nnmbcr of peat)It who regularly get even further, the Food & Drng Adnmlistested for I IIV fiffccfion continues to ~ow. tration had ordered blood banks in this country to begin additional HIV testing that it ~stimates will reduce the number of tainted donations to no more than 17 per year. Some public health care workers ~luestion whether the added $65 nffllion in )early testing expenses is justified by eliminating just 10 units of infected blood per )ear. AIDS Mortality Among Prisoners CHICAGO - Writing in the American Journal of Public Health, Adansi Amankwaa with the Florida prisons department says that a review of mortality data from 1987-92 in the state’s prisons indicates that AIDS was the main cause of imnate deaths during the~ 5’ year period~ accounting for more thau 50% of all prison deaths in 1992. It indicated that deaths from the disease were increasing compared with other causes in prisons. Turner ,and was permitted to return to work. In a statement given to the EEOC in Aug. 1995, Ttmier testified that he was unsure if he would serve a customer whom he kiiew to have AIDS. According to court docmnents,"he [Turner] is unaware about the trausnfission possibilities of the HIV virtts through casual contact in a food establishment and states that for all he kiiows it c,’m be mmsnfftted though perspiration falling into food. He testifies that he is very "concerned" about this possibility mid’that he would try to favorably resPond: to customer prejudice regarding AIDS. tte states thai the subject of AIDS mid HIV is disgusting mid objectionable mid indicative of bad hygiene. see ADA. page I1 Kellie J. Watts Attorney at law Protect You & Your Partner Wills, Livin.g Wills, Estate Planning, Powers of attorney 493-1959. Tulsa office. Please (’all for appointlnent. Reasonable Rates ¯ The Tulsa Philharmonic : presents ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ : COREY CEROVSEK ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ The 23-year old violinist ¯ : will amaze you with his : technique and musicality. ¯" Featuring FI_~ELITY.Hq/V~E HE-aLTH C~-RE; INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-3442 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Faganini: Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major ¯ Hindemit~:"Symphonic Metamorphoses ¯ on Themes by Carl Maria Von Weber" ¯ /3rafims: Symphony No, 4 in E Minor ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Sa~. Jan. 27 ¯ 8 p.m. Tulsa PAC-. " :-~ ~ ~ ¯ ¯.’ C^LL 747- PHIL, FOg’ TICKETS ¯ T U t S A PHILHARMONIC ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hourslday, seven days/week. The range of services include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN"s) Home health .aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Noli~eme(gency transportation, Private duty nursing Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 ~outh Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. ~ ~’~:::’~nd Companion sitter services. For further information call 743-4117 This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Community �B ACK WHITE INC. COMMUNITY CALENDAR SUNDAYS MONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS Agape’ Christian H]V Testing HIV+ Support Group Authority Of The Believer Fellowship TOHR Clinic Bible Study, 7 pm HIV Resource Consortium Worship Service, 10:30 am ¯ Free & anonymous testing 1:30 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa Sheridan Center, Suite H using fingerstick method. 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-I 1623 N. Maplewood 21st & Sheridan, 599-7688 ¯ No appointment required. Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 lnfo: 838-1715 : Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Bless the Lord At All Results hours: 7-9 pm Bless The Lord At All Shanti-Tulsa, Inc. Info: 742-2927 Times Christian Center Times Christian Center HIV/AIDS Support Group Sunday Schoo!, 9:45 am ......... & ..... Prayer&Bible Study Worship Service, 11 am i_Jambda Bo~vling League .....,Friends &.Family :: 7~:.30 pm 2627-B East 1 lth 2627b East 1 lth 583-7815 Shdridan LaSne s ,"HIViAI’DS Support Group Call 583-7815 for info. 8:45 pm : 7 pm, call for location: Community of Hope 3121 S. Sheridan Family Of Faith MCC 749:7898 Praise & Prayer 6:30 pm (United Methodist) : PFLAG Family AIDS ¯ Worship Service, 6 pm Choir Practice 7:30 pm Community of Hope 5451-E South Mingo. Support Group Grief Group, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 : 2nd Monday of month, : Call 622-1441 for info. 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 6:30 pin Family of Faith ¯ :.: ~,, ~ ~ . ~o. .... ¯ ¯ ~, Womens Grmef-~roup ’Community of Hope Metro. Comm. Church 4154 S. Harvard ¯ Adult Sunday School, 9:15 Info: 749-4901 siaonsored by (United Methodist) ¯ Service for Peace, 6:30 pm Worship Service, 11 am Community of Hope ¯ 5451-E South Mingo. Bible Stud,,,’, 7 pm 6pm, Butler/Stumpff OTHER GROUPS Info: 622-1441 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Funeral Home Tool Box Technicians, 2103 E. 3rd St. Metro. Comm. Church TNAAPP Info: 585-1800 Leather org., hffo cio The of Greater Tulsa Tulsa Native American Tool Box: 584-1308 ¯ AIDS Prevention Project Worship Service, 10:45ran ¯ T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform: Support group 1623 N. Maplewood ¯ & Leather Seekers Assoc. " for Gay & Bi Native Info: 838-1715 Info: 838-1222 " American Men, 6 pm ¯ at Conununitv of Hope Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay The Banned, OK Gay Band ¯ Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 1703 E. 2nd Practice weekly in OKC ¯ ¯ 582-7225 or 584-4983 6:30 pm at CanterbmT Info: 838-2121 5th & Evanston, 583-9780 THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Co-Dependency Support Group 7:30, Family of Faith MCC 5451rES. Mingo, 622-1441 " " ~ HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Walk in testing: 7 - 8:30 pm Results hours: 7 - 9 pm Info: 742-2927 Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838= 1715 Tulsa Family Chorale Wee "kly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 41 54 S. Harvard, 749-’4901 Alternatives Weekly socials, 7 pm See below for schedule. Info: 646-5503 SATURDAYS St. Jerome’s Ecumenical Catholic Church ,Mass, 6 pm Garden (Thapcl 3841 S. Peoria Info: Father Rick at 742-7122 Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Confidential ~upport for recovering addicts. Co~unmnity of I lope 1703 E. 2nd. lnfo: 585- I NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees 3rd Sat of each month hffo: 748-3111 OTHER GROUPS Gay & Lesbian Sttulent Association TJC Southeast Canq)us, Info: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’s Activity Network Call 832-2121 TOHR Helpline Daily 8= 10 pm For info. ~r to vohmtcer: 743-GAYS Out & About With JD! SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 Community of Hope Orientation 2 pro, 1703 E. 2nd Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) Info: 585-1800 THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, Community of Hope Orientation 6:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Grm~ Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing ~oup) Info: 585-1-800 SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 ,Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA, 9 pm Concess|ons, 33rd& Peoria Pageant .. Info: 744-0896 or 838-3701 TUESDAY, JANUARY ,30. Rainbow Business Gui/d, 7 pm Uno Pizzeria,.61st & Memorial Dinner Meeting Info: 665-5174 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 Tulsa Women’s Supper Club, 6:30 pin Full Moon Care, 1525 East 15th Info: 584-2978 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Alternatives. Informational meeting for reactivated social orgamzauon for men and women, also, video of comedian Suzmme Westenhoefer, 7pm Holiday Inn Express, 51st & Harvard, Info: 646-5503 More sequins, but that’s not all that this month’s featured establishinent has to offer. Lola’s is "’truly a fanfilv bar" says Bill (Lola) McCall of this wonderful pla~e TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 TMsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Local Police Officers Speak Out, 7 pm Alan Chapman Activity Center University of Tulsa , 5th St. west of Harvard, Info: 743-4297 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY-8 Alternatives, Bowling at Riverlanes, 7pm 8711S. Lewis . ~ Info: 646-5503 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Community of Hope Orientation 2 p!n, 1703 E. 2nd hffo::585~ 1800 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 .Alt~r.natives, Movie Night; 7pm Fox 4 Cinema, 51st & Harvard Info: 646-5503 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Fandly of Faith MCC Reclaim & Recovery Workshop: Forgiveness, 9 am - 3 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, hffo: 622-1441 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY22 Alternatives, Dinner, 7pro Golden Corral, 71st & Mingo hlfo: 646-5503 Brian & tJttt of Lola’s thht ~ves a lot to the community. One example they’ve supported Mr. Oklahoma Leather~ Mr. Tulsa Leather and 1st alternate to Mr, Oil Capital. Also, Lola’s pro: rides ahome for TULSA FAMILY CHOIL~LE, which is open to any Gay, Lesbian ¯ or Gay-.friendly persons and m~ets Thurs. at 9:30:~ Bill & Brian are the owners of this cozy establishinent that represents a little bit of Valentine’s Day. Bill & Brian have been to,,tethet for 15 (!) vear~ which they plan to celebrate with a ~umiversarv showand party .on FebruaD’ 16th. Tffey ,opened Lola’s 2years ago. "’At Lola’s you can find whatever liking may be: entertain: ment, games (pool & darts), good friends or jnst a good time." Oh by the way, the following are happenin~s at Lola’s for the coming month: Feb. 16th, Bill & Brians’s Anniversary show & party; Feb. 20th, Birthday celebration for Desdny Ray, Miss Upper Cherry Street, and Feb. 24th, 1st Annual see JD, page 11 0 748-5374 L Spring Art Classes Start February 17 Family Workshops Preschool Youngerart ~ ~ Adult Studios Action Studios Spring Break Studios March 25-29 �not, however, mandate procreative possibility as a requirement for heterosexual marriage certificates, a move that would seem consistant with his stated rationale. Knight goes on to forecast economic doom and collapse if California "’were forced" to recognize the relationships of same-gender couples,including taking on the same responsibilities for each other that hetero-couples expect. However, economic forecasts for Hawaii project that same-sex marriages could add $4 billion. to Hawaii’ s revenues over the next 5 years. Some observers think that Knight" s bill, if enacted, will likely cost California taxpayers millions in legal fees as gay and lesbian citizens challenge the. law. Current law recognizes all mamages performed throughout the United States. The bill would prohibit recogmtion of legal marriages of same-sex couples, regardless of where they are performed. sexual activities, the citizen suggested that he mad the officer go to a private location for consensual sex. After the citizen made the offer, he was arrested for solicitation under ma OKC ordinance. The ACLU defense of the citizen rests on two concerns. First is the 1 st Amendment (free speech) issue. The OKC ordinance appears to make it illegal to make any offer of consenstml sex in OKC. ACLU spokesperson, Michael Canffield noted that this would make offers betweeu heterosexuals, say in a drinking establishmeut, illegal al~o but he/also noted that the OKC police do not appear to be assigning undercover cops to heterosexual bars. The other basis for challenging the arrest is a 1986 decision by the Criminal Court that ruled that the Oklahoma "sodomy" law which makes oral or anal sex a felony crime was unconstitutional. The decision held that a constitutional right to privacy prevented the state or cities from forbidding private, consensual sex acts between adults. The law makes no distinction between heterosexual or homosexual oral or anal sex. However, the ’86 case involved heterosexuals and the court specified that it was not addressing whether homosexual citizens enjoyed the same right to privacy as heterosexual ones. If homosexual citizens have the same right to privacy and the solicited activities are not themselves illegal, then the OKC ordinance can hardly be constitutional. This is, if it" s not illegal to have sex, then it can hardly be illegal to talk about it. In a 3-1 decision, the Court of Criminal Appeals chose not to address whether the state can constitutio~mlly prohibit same gender sex but said this case was only about public solicitations mad rtfled that OKC could prohibit such solicitations. The appeal, according to Hendricksen, who is ACLU-OK president, will ask the US Supreme Court to compel the OK Court of Criminal Appeals to decide if the right to privacy that ~t established for heterosexual citizens ~s also available for homosextml citizens. "’The court [appeals] ducked this issue and we are going to see if we can force them to m~swer tiffs question.’" To help the ACI.U-OK fight tiffs case. donations may be made to 600 NW 23rd St. OKC 731(36. Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law be the actions of a neighborhood adolescent but that the theft of their family’s peace of mind is no little thing. The Harrison Kirbys are considering their options to protect themselves and their children from futher harm. Kirby did add that they have been comforted by expression of support from friends around the US with whom they correspond via e-mail. statements by Radical Right leaders, such as CBN’s Pat Robertson and Sen. Jesse Helms. Since the threat of lawsuits by CBN, no television station in any of the target cities of Washington, Tulsa, Houston or Atlanta will air the commercials. Mitzi Henderson, president of PFLa, G’s board of directors, stated that PFLAG is conunitted to "’get our message on the air and compel CBN to stop its harassment and censorship attempts". Locally, the Tulsa chapter of PFLAG is presenting a free film series at All Soul’s U~titarian Church at 7pm, Jan. 23 & 30, mad Feb. 6 & 13. The films, Straight From The Heart. On Being Gay, Queer Son, and Always .\.lb~ Kid, feature Lesbians and Gay men and parents of Lesbians and Gay men dealing with issues from fanfilies to religion to AIDS. PFLAG Tulsa also is continuing a campaign for a siguature advertisement to run in The Tulsa World. The ad "calls for Tulsans to stand against tred, hate speech mad violence" against individtmls based on their sexual orientation mad "’to recoguize the strong link between hate speech, teen suicide and violent physical attacks..." Tulsa Family News reported correctly last month that The Tulsa Worm is on record as having a policy banning the use of the words, Gay or Lesbian in advertising. However, contrary to our report, The World has not changed its policy to allow an exception. According to Bill Hinkle, PFLAG Tulsa co-chair, PFLAG cannot even spell out its name but may be forced to use a circumlocution like, "Parents and Friends of Persons of Differing Sexual Orientation.’" The ad will likely, run later in January. dren they were trying to place. Rep. Benson stated to TFN that he was motivated by the NEA’s resolution to reaffirm what he views as Oklahoma’s "traditional. family values". He said the reason for a resolution instead of a bill was that since a resolution lacks the power of law, the legislators could express their feelings without infringing any constitutional rights which such a law would probably do. Benson claims that he does not want to condeum Lesbians and Gay men for their "choice of lifestyle" & that he expected to get wide support OKC’s Oklahoma Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus has begun a postcard campaign directed at Rep. Benson. In Tulsa, according to one source, PFLAG’s Nancy McDonald is putting together a group of parents mad Tulsa area legislators to meet with Benson. Other activists have begun to ph’m a Family Day at the Capitol, a state-wide lobb3:ing day by Lesbian, Gay and Bi activists, clergy mad business people. For i~ffo, call Green Country Pride at 838-2121 or 583-1248. Speakers & performers include comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer, Col. Grethe Cammermeyer & her partner, Diane Divelbass, & Candace Gingrich April 7 - 14, Olivia’s Womens’ Cruises Call 341.6866 International Tours for more information. Need a gift idea? Gift certificates are available for air travel, cruises & many other travel needs. IGTA member. Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal :Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or.918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. Leanne Gross Retirement planning Life, health & income insurance, & investment placing. 744-0102 Mention this ad to receive free initial consultation. �Eureka Springs is a wedding by Phil Boler-Schmidt haven. And, it is also a wonderWinter is a special time in ful spot for holy unions. EveryEureka Springs. With the falling thing imaginable is possible, of the Autumn leaves comes a from an extravaganza to a small respite from the thundering ceremony just for the two of hoardes, and locals get a chance you. And what better time than to renew old acquamtmlces, catch this Winter? Resources are availup on family time, and spend able for holy unions at 253-2401. time with cherished friends. Events upcoming in Eureka Each December, we have the Women’s Party. 1995 saw the this Winter include Jacob Adler, Assistant Professor of Philoso25th annual event, and it was phy at the University of Arkanquite a sight to behold. My own sas giving a talk at MCC of the estimate was about 500 women Living Spring oft january, 21 st at in attendance. Each brings some 4 PM The trpi~ will be Jewish type of finger food and a drink to Influence on Jesus’ Teachings. share. There is music and dancJoya Pope will be in town on ing, talk and Sharing. A grand February 3rd, also speaking at time is had by all. This year was MCC of the Living Spring at 7 no exception. And, as usual, a PM. Joya Pope is author of The few of the guys showed up, reWorM According to Michael and spectfully of course, and sang Upcoming Changes: Prophecy Christmas carols to the asand Pragmatism for the Late sembled masses at the ballroom Nineties. Admission is S 12.50 at high atop the Basin Park Hotel. the door, and she also has private Now that Christmas ~s over, channeling sessions available. the really big events are potluck dinners. It is the Ozark way of Winter is the time we sit back and take stock, read all the good getting to "know people, fo~: the books we didn’t have time to get first time, or to renew old friendto during the rush of tourists, ships. Us queer folk do the begin a new study program, and potlucks in style. This is mv2nd Winter in Eureka, and I’m look- ¯ get read~ for theseason wlfich is ing for~vard with anticipation to -~’" only a c~uple of months away. For those of you who are Euthe Season of the Potlucks. This reka locals, you know exactly is the time to get to lmow those ~vhat I ,’un talking about. Those people you have always ~vanted of you who ,are from out of to~vn to know but were too bits5 workwill just riced to visit in order to ing to spend any time with. see why wc call this place ParaAs man5 of you already kimw. case though the court has not seen fit to render judgment to Saladin yet either. Now it will be up to judge &jury to find justice. dise. For more information about Eureka Springs available on the World Wide Web, point your browsers to: http: www.pimps.com~ eureka.html. See you in Eureka! ADA JD cont’dfromp. 8 He compares AIDS and HIV to leprosy....He states that hi s attitude regarding HIV and AIDS has remained unchanged s~nce 1987 when he suspended the plaintiff [Saladin] because he suspected he was HIV positive. In the same manner that he directed plaintiff not to discuss-the AIDS and HIV status of ¯ plaintiff’s partner in casual conversation with customers he states that he would consider asking a white waitress to not discuss or disclosed (sic) that fact that her spouse was black in casual conversation." Steve Norick, one of Paul Saladin’s attorneys, claims the Americans with 13isabilities Act was violated in at least two major ways. The ADA provide relief from discrimination based on acttmlly being handicapped but also to those who may not be handicapped but who are perceived as being handicapped. And it also provides protection to those ~vho are associated with those wh6 are handicapped. Thus far the court has seen sufficient merit in Saladiu et al’s case not to accept the efforts of Tumer’s attornevs to dismiss the cont’dfromp. 9 Miss Rivercity America Pageant. If you missed Concessions celebration of their first anmversary, you should just hang your headin shame! Kirk &Terry and their staff and patrons had a great time and look forward to a grca~ year two. Also the) say, don’t miss Miss Gay Oklalloma t "Sofa co/fling on Jan. 28th and even more to come in March - mark your calendars. I hope that tiffs month and ucxt you find, or cherish more. that someone who brings you joy! BEAVER DAM STORE Fishing Headquarters for N.W. Arkansas Fly Tying * Fly Fishing * Equipment & Classes Open Year ~Round TROUTS - ~R - US Located 1/2 mile N. of Beaver Dam on Hwy 187 Eureka Springs, AR * 501-253-6154 Grocerles * Gas * Ice * Beer * Licenses * Lodging Your lnnReepe~. COTTAGE Lamont Richie and Steve Roberson A Bed dt Breal~asl Inn Individual Cottages - Jacuzzi for Two Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501/253-8659 O000000000000000000.O. ¯ ¯ ¯ A Friendly Place to Stay-. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ KING’S HI-WAY INN ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ O o ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (501) 253-7311 1-800-231-1442 Jerry A. Wilson. owner ,..a community of friends... ¯ ¯ ¯ MCC of the Living Spring Rev. Kermie Wohlenhaus Pastor We welcome you to attend! Services held Sunday evenings at 6 PSI ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 17 Elk Street (at the Unitarian Church) Eureka Springs, AR 72632 501-253-9337 ¯ ¯ ¯ < MCCltmg Itealty, Inc. O] "The Land SpedaEsts" 501’253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) Offerings include: Bed & Breakfast in~; Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Coi~mercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates,-& much more. McClung Realty, Inr; has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG community in Eureka Springs for over 20 years. Call or write EUREKA SPRINGS "Jim & Brent have opened the ultimate intimate local eatery. A special, eclectic dining experience..." Stop by our house for a taste of local flavor. Dine outside on the patio & porch or in our three beautiful dining rooms. Fine food at an affordable price. Green & Yellow Night FAMILY NIGHT Private Dinner Party, lstThurs, of EachJVIonth @m - Midnight, Dine, Drink ~ Relax Among Friends Featuring Jim & Gwendolyn’s Select Dinner Entrees & Brent’s Superb Desserts "With Family’ In Mind" for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. Gay-owned, Operated & Rainbow Proud We specialize in creative fin,ancing. 20% of all proceeds will go to the support of family causes �by Barry Hensley, Tulsa City-County Library For information regarding HIV/AIDS topics, our Library is an excellent resource. There are books, videos, audio cassettes, government documents and periodical articles full of updated information. Many branch libraries have books and other materials, although the Central Library, at 4th and Denver in downtown Tulsa, has more detailed information. Here are some of the items available through Central Library departments: BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY, 4th floor, phone: 596-7988 (Dewey area 616.9792) AIDS and HIV in Perspective (by Barry Schoub) Immune Power: The Comprehensive Healing Pro~am for HIV (b.v Jolm Kaiser) Dictionary of AIDS Related Terminology (by Jeffrey Huber) Rethinking AIDS (by Robert Root-Bernstein) Everything You Need to Know When a Parent Has AIDS (by Barbara Drainlin) AIDS and the Law of Workplace Discrimination (by Jeffrey Mello) (34417301) READERS SERVICES, 2nd floor, phone: 596-7966 (Dewey area 362.1969) People, Sex, HIV and AIDS (by Pierre Andre) Everything You Need to Know About Being HIV Positive (by Amy Shire) I’ll Not Go Quietly (by Mary Fisher) We Are All Living With AIDS (by Earl Pike) Women’s HIV Sourcebook (by Patricia Klosser) Search for an AIDS Vaccine (by Christine Grady) (174.2 G) Recovering From the Loss of a Loved One to AIDS (by K. Dounelly) (155.937) Diary of a Lost Boy (by Harry Kondoleon) (fiction) Labour of Love (by Doug Wilson) (fiction) Such Times (by Christopher Coe) (fiction) Promise of Rest (by Reynolds Price) (fiction) CHILDREN’S, 2nd floor, phone: 596-7971 Magic Johnson (by Martin Schwabacher) AIDS: How it \Vorks in the.~odv (by Lorna Greenberg) Daddy and Me (by Jeanne M6ut~)uss’amy-Ashe) David ttas AIDS (by Doris Sanford) Know About AIDS (by Margaret Hyde) MEDIA CENTER, 1 st floor, phone: 596-7933 Living Proof: HIV and the Pursuit of Happiness (video) Heart of the Matter (video, HIV+ women) HI\" Test: Who Should Take It? What Does it Show? (video) AIDS: \Xqay We Won’t Look (audio cassette) Let’s Talk: C. Everett Koop (audio cassette) AIDS Quilt Songbook (compact disc) There are also various Government Documents available in both the Reference Department and the Business and Technology Department. Please call the Central Library at 596-7977 or any branch library for more information. trial here before being returned to Oregon. Acremant, 27, was taken to flae San Joaquin County Jail for extradition to Oregon ou murder charges in die brntal slayings of Rox,’ume Ellis and Michelle Abdill. Stockton police say they were tipped off by an anonymou~ -caller early on the monli]~g of Dec. 13, who gave them the license number of a rented van Acremant was driving. Alter several hours of patrolling area motels, police say they located the van at a Motel 6 and discovered that Acremant had registered the night before tmder his own name. According to a Stockton police spokesperson, Acremant was not armed when he was arrested, and he surrendered to authorities without incident. Ellis mid Abdill, who operated a property management business together and were domestic partners, were-last seen on Dec. 4. Their bodies, bound, gagged and blindfolded, were discovered three days later in the back of their parked pickup truck. According to Medford authorities, die two women had each been shot twice in the head in what some have described as an "executton-style slaying." Police are continuing to refuse to talk abom the details of the case but did say they had no evidence that Acremant knew that the two women were lesbians. Although Acremant’ s father said his son had told him he had killed the two women in a robbery, police say that money, wallets, jewelry and other valuables belonging to them had not been taken. See related story., this page. STOCKTON, Calif. - The Natioual Gay & Lesbian Task Force has asked the U.S. Justice Department to examine the killing of Roxmme Ellis and Michelle Abdill, lesbian activists in Medford, Ore., because of statements made by Robert Acremant, who is facing charges in the case. The Task Force formally asked Attorney General Janet Reno in a letter to investigate whether the killings were hate crimes because of a variety of statements Acremant has made to television, radio and newspaper reporters during jail interviews. In one interview, Acremant said he had asked the women if they were lesbians and said they had told him they were. "It kind of made me sick to my stomach that she was someone’s grandma," Acremant was quoted as saying in an interview published in the Oregonian shortly after his arrest. He also said in that interview that the fact that they were lesbians "made it easier" to kill them. In a letter to Reno, NGLTF Executive Directory Melinda Paras said, gays and lesbians around the country were "’very much upset and disturb0xl by these murders" and that statements by Acremant "have heightened the alarm and concern" that the killings were, in fact, hate crimes. PICK YOUR CAR... ... PICK YOUR. PAYMENT! "NO MONEY DOWN!" 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Cincinnali. 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You �by Jean-Pierre St. Valentine’s Day is soon to be upon us, and everyone is once again faced with the dilemma of selecting that special place for a romantic dinner. Here are the three best restaurants in Tulsa, as well as the three most overrated. Each of the establishments reviewed this month considers itself to offer "fine dining," or what you might call a"white tablecloth" restaurant. Elegant. Dressy. Be forewarned, though, that all of these places fall into the category of "very expensive." Heading up the list is Montrachet, in the Consortium at 3509 South Peoria. This restaurant was formerly on our list of places to avoid, unless you liked schizophrenic Santa Fe French cuisine courtesy of the previous chef/owner. But, last summer, it was taken over by new ownership, management, and chefs from the resorts in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has successfully regained its place on Jean-Pierre’s social list. With the demise lastyear of both Karmichael’ s and the Fifteenth S treet Grill (-gotta pay those taxes!), Montrachet is currently Tnlsa’s best restaurant. The Montrachet style is still basically French In concept, but displays a,.fresh American note to the Continental style: Beef tenderloin, rack of lamb, poussin, fresh salmon, and other gourmet specialties are mainstays of the Montrachetmenu, which changes seasonally. But the highlight of the meal with be the lovely montage of flavors from experiencing all of If you like New England style clam the courses, not just the entree. The onion soup at this place is abso- ¯ chowder, you willlove the soupat Bodean, lutely the best one can get in Oklahoma. A : probably the best Marc-Pierre has had rich beefy and winey stock bathes tender, : outside of the East Coast. Rich and thick, it contains big pieces of fresh dams. Limit caramelized onions, and is a delicious and warming treat. Frizzled onions top the ¯ yourself to a cup though; the bowl is big soup as a garnish, which you may want to ~ enough for a meal by itself. Check the chalkboards to see what came request be left in the kitchen. in on the plane that day. Mussels, cockles, For a special appetizer, try the seared foie gras. It’s presented medium rare, : and oysters from Newfoundland and New stacked between layers of puff pastry, and : Zealand are regularly on the appeuzer grilled apples. The salad of mixed greens ¯ lists, and fishes from across the world will with Stilton cheese, walnuts, & poached : become scrumptious entrees. The fish entrees are alpears is excellent. ways creatively prepared St. Valentine’s Day is Desserts change reguand presented, though larly, and all are exquissoon to be upon sometimes the creativity ite. None are the typical us...Here are th~ three can be a bit excessive. ice cream and hea~y., _. b~st restaurants in ~re recently experienced sticky sauce on abrownie; Tulsa, as well as the a mahi mahi presented ....all. drowned in icanned with mango chumey and ¯ whipped topping, that one three most overrated. a blackened monkfish ¯ usually finds in Tulsa. ¯ Many are truly works of art, and the tastes served with crawfish jambalaya. Never mind, though, since any fish can be pre¯ can be heavenly. Montrachet also has a pared to order, and Jean-Pierre often or¯ full bar and an excellent wine list. They ¯ also offer a number of interesting cordials ders the wonderfully fresh seafood sim¯ and liqueurs. - , ply grilled with alittle lemon butter on the side. Expect your fish to be cooked to an ; Expect.seryice~ to .be.very well trained ¯ expert level of doneness, not undercooked and efficient. All of the waiters are very ¯ knowledgeable about the evening’s menu and not dried out, but just right. ¯ and the preparations of the foods, and will Vvqaile most of the waiters provide the professional service you would expect ¯ be happy to recommend,.the evening’s from a quality restaurant, not all of the ¯ best dishes. staff is properly trained. You may want to Bodean Seafood Restaurant has been request a special waiter, once you find one ¯ the place to go for fresh-off-the-planeyou like. " daily, seafood in Tulsa for years. Located Our third choice amongst the three best ¯ in a nondescript strip shopping center at Tulsa restaurants is actually a private club ¯ 3323 East 51st, just east of Harvard, in downtownTulsa. The Summit, atop the ¯ Bodean is filling the shoes of the late Bank IV Center, serves both luncheon ." Louisianne,Tulsa’slegendary downtown ¯ r.estaurant. You can also buy lovely fresh and dinner to Tulsa’s business and social¯ seafood to prepare at home at Bodean’s ite community. It might be worth your ¯ while to get out those gold-digging shoes adjacent seafood market. and wrangle an invitation to share dinner with aclub member. A qnick review of the club roster reveals several ’Tanfily’" members, so this is not an impossible task. Honorable mention has to go to the food at the Southern Hills Golf & Country Club, but finagling an invitation here is much more challenging. The Summit features expertly traineo staff with charming & sexy European accents. And, this being "The Club" of Tulsa’s elite, the staff will do everything possible to cater to the diners" every whim and pleasure. Of course, such service and top quality food does not come without its cost, but the saving grace is that the Summit doesn’t make you pay at the endof the meal your host just signs h check! This is Tulsa, so beef is heavily featured on the menu. Steaks are excellent, always prime beef, and will be prepared exactly to vour specifications. They also do a lovely Dover sole. Wild game is frequently available. But one of the most memorable entrees here is the fork tender, melt-inyour-mouth, lamb tenderloin. The only thing to avoid is the lasagna, which is bland & insipid, a big disappointment ~ven the management’s Italian origins. Desserts are ~ bit more mundane, but fresh fruit with real whipped crean~ is always available, and the signature dessert of the club is a chocolate crunch cakc. a very rich mousse m a pastry shell. If you are watching your pennies, be careful with your choices of wines ,and liquors. The "Summit stocks all of the ultra-premium liquors and has wines costing 100’s (note the plural) of dollars per botde. And now for the list of Tulsa’s three most overrated "’fine" restaurants, at which see Dining, page 14 1996 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant Sunday, January 28, 9 pm, with special guests Maya Douglas Miss Gay USofA 1995 Chelsea Pearl Miss Gay USofA At-Large 1996 Cherry Monroe Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA �Jean-Pierre refuses to eat when he is picking up the tab, and which Jean-Pierre will discourage friends from visiting as well. All of these restaurants suffer from overinflated prices, inconsistent food quality, and mediocre servtce (judged by a standard of what one might expect given the expense). Number Three: Bravo Ristorante. Suffeting through the attempts of the wait stuff to sing arias and show tunes does not make up for their inept service or the mediocrity of the food. R.I.P. Montague" s, the fine dining room when the Adam’s Mark used to be the Westin. Number Two: Atlantic Sea Grill. In probably the most expensive restaurant in Tulsa, the expectation that the food will be cooked to a quality level consistent with the prices is unrequited. Perhaps one would be better off to walk a few doors down to the cheaper and infinitely less stuffy T.G.I. Friday’s. Number One: Warren Duck Club. Aside from being in the tone)- Doubletree Warren Place, how this establishment manages to be touted as one of the finer establishments in Tulsa is totally bevond this reviewer. On several oceasirns, ~eanPierre has been served tough and overcooked duck with dreadfully sweet fruit sauce to mask the (lack of) "flavor of the bird. But most disappointing is thee dessert bar reminiscent of Harvest Buffet. Save your money. Well, dear readers, this is the list of Tulsa’s besl and worst. Now, you can decide where you want to take your special friend on’Febrtmry 14. Any hidden messages there’? Just be sure to call ahead for reservations, Bon appetit! by James Christjohn Hello again! Time for another rousing round of reviews! I have received complaints from some members of the community for using the "snap" system of rating stuff. They claim to have patented it. Go figure; some people are legends in their own minds. At any rate, if anyone out there in readerland feels they have a more amusing rating system, please submit it to Tulsa Family News Rating System contest, POB 4140,Tulsa OK, 74159. I’m not sure what the prizewill be yet, but I’ll come up with something. I am also asking for the women in our readership to Submit ideas of what they’d like to see reviewed. I don’t want anyone left out. On with the reviews, comments, and whatever other stuff I feel might be amusing. If you remember your first crush on another member of the same sex, or have forgotten, I can highly recommend "’Tom & Huck". It is an excellent adaptation of "Tom Sawyer", with excellent performances by the entire cast. And the homoerotic subtext clearly evident in Tom and Huck’s relationship ~s almost underlined in one of several scenes where Tom and Huck are struggling to communicate their feelings towards one another and you just want to yell "Go ahead! Say it! Tell him’I love you!’"Actually,it’s pretty much true to it’s time - I can see Huck living in town, mad Tom marries Beckx’ as a cover, and continues his relationship with Tom. This is definitely a good Valentine" s day flick, very romantic in its way, and the action keeps you on the edge of the seat. Fortunately, I restrained myself from the yelling bit, for which mv mece was grateful (I must credit her f~r this issue’s reviews, during the holiday trip to see fmrtily, she dragged me to all these movies I wouldn’t have ever seen otherwise, and was pleasantly surprised at how good they were. I dedicate this month’s column to her. Otherwise, I’d just be babbling on about anything I could think of and making up reviews of fictional films and stuff.) Another winner is "Jumanji", and it takes you on a doozy of a rollercoaster ride. It’s a fun film, and Robin Williams is always a delight, especially in this flick about ama~cal board game set in a deadly jungle that sucks you in until someone else plays the game to it’s finish and sets you free. The scenes of the jungle and its animals taking over an entire town is amazing. The plot was a bit uneven, but I found it amusing enough overall to make up for that. Inmusical terms, Boy George’s"Cheapness and Beaut)"" deserves more of a listen than it’s been getting. I am not partial to BG or Culture Club, but I was curious enough to give this disc a spin, and found it surprisingly effective. It covers every style from country to heavy Don’t forget our Jan. 28th 2nd Annual Super Bowl Party Free Draw Beer from kickoff to finish, Chili dogs, baked beans & potato salad, $5 cover Big Screen TV How To Do It SALOON Friday, January 19 th Blacklight Party Every Wednesday Night Drag Rodeo Roundup hosted by Courtney Farrell and featuring Keliah LaMonte Coming Sunday, March 17 USofA Preliminary to Miss USofA 834-4234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am metal (mad I HATE heavy metal, but I rather liked it here. Skip the first track, but listen to the rest. He holds no punches, mad does not shy away from telling it like i~ is - no bet love songs here! There is one song on there about AIDS that nearly had me in tears. The lyrics are well-written if not well-spelled and the music is fairly well done. (For me, the first test of a songs is the lyrics. Are they intelligent? Do they have meaning? If they don’t, forget it.) Another "new" discovery, October Project, has a new CD, "Falling Farther In", and it is beautiful. The lyrics are amazingly intelligent, and the music fuses a bit of rock, pop,jazz and Celtic soul. Try it, you’ll like it. The lead singer has a lovely deep alto voice that is like chocolate to listen to. If you don’t like chocolate, insert the dream food of your choice. (Like I said, I don’t want to leave anyone out.) This is a CD to add to your collection, no matter what. And, if we’re all lucky, I’ll be able to review "’Phantom of the Opera" for the next issue. I know a lot of folks out there are dusting off their opera capes and lnasks for this one! Send your ad & payment to POB First 30 words are S10. Each 4140, Tulsa, OK additional word is 25 cents. 74159 with your You may bring additional attention to your ad with: name, complete address, day & Bold Headline - S 1 eve. numbers Ad in capital letters -S1 Ad in bold capital letters - $2 (for our records only). Ad in box - $2 Ads will run ~n Ad reversed - $3 the next issue Tear sheet mailed - S2 after they are Blind Post Office Box - $5 Please type or print your ad. received. Count the number of words. TFN reserves (A word for our purposes is a the right to edit group of letters or numbers sepa- or refuse any ad. No refunds. rated by a space.) Lesbian Book Club Now Fonning. Meeting monthy to discuss works by women authors. For information, call 298-5208. HIV+ Singles Magazine Safe & confidential. Free copy, 36 word personal ad, voice mail, and mail forwarding! Local and nationwide! All lifestyles. Gay, HIV+ owned & operated. Intropoz+, 564 Mission St. Box 415, SF, CA 94105, 800-820-2948 �TALKING PERSONALS! HUNDREDS OF GUYS TO CHOO~ CALL NOW! Call The 900 number to respond to ads, bi’owse unlisted ads, or retrieve messages. Only $1.99 per minute: 18+. C/S: 415-281-3183 Tulsa MATURE AND FUN: GWM, varied interests, late 40’s, seeks others for fun and more. Please leave ~: message. ~31509 Oklahoma TOP ME OFF: GBM, 28, 5’6", 144, GHM/GBM preferred, drug/disease/alcohol free, far fun and more. Piease ~eave a message. ~28009 Oklahoma NAtiVE: I’m a Native American Indian. I’m a big guy with a big heart. I’m 25 y/o and I’m Ikg4 a companion and a friend. I’m a virgin. are you the one? red heads a+ ~4701 Manfard GOOD OLE" BOY: GWM, 135, 5’5", blonde hair, hazel eyes, 35; varied interests, seek GWM’s, 18-40, for friendship and more. Please leave a message. ~25103 Oklahoma COWBOY COUNTRY: GWM, 5’8", brown hair and eyes, 21, seeks other males, good looking and well built cowboys preferred, for friendship and more. Please leave a message. =23376 Ponca City NOT INTO BAR SCENE: GWM, 27,155, 5’8", hazel eyes, brown hair~ seeks others far friendship and passible relationship;Please leave a message. ~’17465 Oklahoma SON WANTS DAD: GWM, 31, 5’11", 180, brown hair, green eyes, HIV:, seeks a HIV- Daddy far a serious relationship. Relocation is most definite if Daddy wants. Please leave a message. ~15358 Oklahoma BOUND AND GAGGED: GWM, Leather submissive seeks a very aggressive Leather aggressive, far serious encounters. No holds barred preferred. Please leave a message. Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: GWM, 25, 5’10", 175, brown hair, masculine and discrete, good looking, non smoker, athletic, seeks other inexperienced males, 21-30, for friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. ~14178 Oklahoma LET’S TEACH EACH OTHER: Bi Curious WM, 27, 6’, ! 95, tanned, seeks other males, 18-30, bi curious preferred, for learning experiences. Please leav~ a message. =17153 Oklahoma BRAND NEW: GWM, 27, 150 5’8", brown hair, hbzel eyes, will try anything once, varied interests, seeks other guys for frie~’dship and much more. Please lea~e~ a message. ~ 17465 Oklahon~B-LOOKING FOR SERIOUS FUN: GWiV~ Oklahoma State University student, T0’s, 5’9",. 150", good body, varie~ interests, seeks others far fun and ~ore. I am very discrete. ~16686 : Tulsa LOOKING FOR I~XPERIENCE: Bi Curious Married WM~ very attractive, good body, 6-.q’, 180, blonde hair, blue eyes, sbeks other white males far first time,experience. Please leave a messege.iNo need to be discrete. ~t6302 TUlsa TULSA "1~/’O STEP: GWM, 26, 5’7", 145, good looking!and in shape, seeks others, 18-27, far friendship and fun. Please leave a message. ~17238 Oklahoma COCKED AND LOADED: GWM, 22, 6’2", 185, brown hair, green eyes, seeks GWM~s, 35-45, average build and weight far friendship and possibly more. Please leave a Tulsa PLAIN, SIMPLE, HONEST: GWM, 28, 165, hard worker, out doors man and active, seeks other GWM’s for friendship and passibly more. Please leave a message. ~ 14249 Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: GWM, inexperienced, 30, 6’, 150, brown hair, green eyes, professional, smoke/alcohol free, seeks inexperienced GWM’s, 18-25 far special encounters. Please leave a message. Must bediscrete and drug free. =14856 OK City DADDY’S HOME: WM, 41,6’ 180 blk brn, iso slim musc 18-41 for fun and friendship- leave a message=9318 Grove WANNA PUNK WITH ME?: new to area. not into bars, Dave, 20 6’ 185 brn/red/hzt, goatee, eyebrow earring, love volleyball, good music, good food great conversation, meditate, spiritual, give me a ca11~9385 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and honest person, like this in a person, give me a call- =9464 Oklahoma City GOOD TIMES ARE WAITING: I’m 27 y/o, 5’11, 2151b~, athletic bbild~ I’m Ikg4 someone to share good times with. I like dancing, I’m alight drinker and a non smoker.": ~1663 Oklahoma City PRIME TIME: I’m a 38 y/o WM I"V. I’m a total "PC and I’m Ikg4 men,who would like to spend same time with me. I’m clean, drug and disease free. e9808 Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6, 2! 51bs; WM. rm Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s With a medium to slim build. I like singing, bowling, golf, movies and cuddling. If y.ou are interested, please call me. e47265 Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking far GLM/GWM for hot fun in the sun. Satisfaction guarank:~l. Leave me a message and. message. =13357 le~.s get together soon. =10596 Oklahoma RIGHT ON THE MONEY: GWM, 31, 5’6", seeks, GWM’s, 25-50, into getting acquainted instead of fantasizing abbut our looks. We’re not all Greek God’s or are we built like horses. Some of us are just average. Call me. =12799 Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very ~2827 Oklahoma BIG BOY: GWM, 5’6", 250, brown hair, blue eyes, seeks others far " friendship and more. Please leave a message. ~11041 Tulsa LOADED: 27, 6’, 180 iso men 1~8~30 far some fun, give me a.call- ~9298 Oklahoma BI BI BLUES.~ BiCurious M, 27, 175, 6, aliract~ve, seeks 0their attractive males, 2Q-30, who are patii~nt and understanding. Must be drug/disease free. Please leave a me,sage =13020 : Oklahoma FUN IN TH~ CORRAL: GWM, 31, brown hair, hazel eyes, ’stache, 5’6", 165, seeks~ companionship of matur~ GWM, 2340, who are aggressive, masculine and gentfe. Furry cowboys alplus. Call me! ~ 13859 versatile, seeks new friends in the area for fun and friendship with relationship~ ~ssibilities. Let’s get together and celebrate life. e6571 Oklahoma City SHOOT THE BREEZE: GWM, 22, brown hair/eyes, 5’6", see~ fun and relationship oriented GWM’s under 30. ¯ Smoker/Ught Drinker OK. Must be disease/drug free ~11041 Tulsa GAY OR BI: AI, 32, very masc prof’l, GBM isa Gay or bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sparts, outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks! ~ 7580 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 21 BM, kinda looking far someone to love, tired of being by myself, love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- ~ 7435 Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s iso BIWM 30-40, ht/wt prop, very discreet, expect same, like share some time, if you are interested, give me a call, I’ll return all callse 7822 Tulsa NEW’ TO AREA~ Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out alot, phys fit, Ikg for a sir to BI BM 35-65 to have a g0od:time with, go out with give me a call- = -7842 Eastem AR CUDDLE BY THE FIRE: Jack, GWM, 37, It. bin/bin, mustache, very masc, sir appearing/acting, iso friends poss. rel in the area, like all music, dining, theater, Sitting by a fireplace, outdoors, animals, you name it- give me a call- ~ 7873 Oklahoma City JASON, 24, 5’10, 170, Ikg to meet Other hot guys, around my age, if you’d like- ~7885 Malvem FANTASY FUN: Jack, 33 WM, Ikg far guys into fantasies, give me a call let’s get together. = 8031 Oklahoma City BI OR BI CURIOUS? 36, in the city the first wk of the month, looking far bi or bi curious, gdlkg, 6’1,175, 33w, give me a call- ~ 8514 Walton MARRIED OR BI: Rodney, married WM 25 5’5, 150, altr, Ikg for 25-35 married or bi male, far friendship pass rel, inexperienced and want sameane to learn with honesty and discretion req’d- ~ 8671 Ok City gl CURIOUS WM 42, slender build, at,r, isa a bi or gay male, 18-25 - for pass rel, write me! photo a plus, race not impt- e 8747 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: professional, 42 WM, isa other ~Gay or bi male, 30s40s, in the area, let’s play! ~ 7392 FOR YOUR FREE AD CALL 1-800-546-6366. THE SYSTEM WILL DO THE REST! Oklahoma City LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: Extremely Bi Curious WF, new.to this life, 22, tall and full figured, seeks same for learning experiences. Please leave a message ~27073 Oklahoma City SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: GWF, 31, seeks other females for fun, romance and more. Please leave a message. =27256 Tulsa HEY GIRLS: athletic attr. SWF early 30’s 5’4 1101bs brn/bm Ikg4 open minded women for discreet hot fun. call me! ~45795 Dallas/Ft. Worth LEZ TALK: my name is Lisa, I’m Ikg4 someone to have great phone fun with. I love talking on the phone. Im 42 ~’/o and I hope you call me. ~45492 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single woman with no kids Ikg4 a special’female friend to love and care for. call me. ~1614 Arkadelphia, AR STAR GAZER: my name is Angela, I[m a 21 y/o student interested in trying new things, star gazing and more. I would like to meet a nice woman for fun and friendship, call me! e46392 �t ATTENT!O ! ANNOUNCING THE FIRST EVER RETREAT FOR GAY/BISEXUAL/V~EN! Sponsored byTNAAPP- ’ " V~HAT: ¯ Wee.,. e d.-R~treat for Gay/B~sexuai :Nat~ve~: Amei~ican M.e-~ : V/HEN-. " . . .February 23-25, 1996 V~HERE: For More Information Call Today 582-7225, Extension 21B IT’S FREE.I IT’S FUN! :SIGh/UP TODAY[ m m mm mm mm mm n mm m m i mmm mm mm mm m m m i m mm mm ~ ! I I I ~IYES! m A~ INTERESTED IN.¢OMIN~ TO THE RETREAT NAiv~E: ADDRESS: :ITY: STATE: Z I P: TELEPHONE: !_ mm m mm m i mm i H i H H mm mm i mmmNm i mm m mmm I i I I I I � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart National News Oregon Murder ¯ ......STSOCuKsTOpNe, Ccaltif..A-Triprpeedsotffebdy an i anonymous caller, authorities in Stockton, about 70 miles east of San Francisco, ~ January 15 - February 14, 1996, Vohlme 3, Issue 2 ,have arrested-Robert. James- Acremant in.’-- connection.with the killingiearlier in De- : .cember oftwoprominent lestiiaii activists " ¯ Run for Your Lives: ¯ OK House is In Session ¯ Legislators S.eekTo "Endorse Bias In i Adopti,on, Foster Gare & Education ¯ ~,In what is becoming a regular legisla- ~n Medford, Oregon. Authorities have : ¯ confirmed that the man also confessed to :, ti~e kick in the pants forOklahoma Lesbith .-~, t.:v. ~ ^r n _ :......~.__._ ¯ This drawing representing a gun target ¯ ans, Gay men and Bisexuals the Okla e earll,,.4 aadlng u,t a m,~, ,. LalllUllfl,H . _ . ¯ - .. , , - ,~-o--_~.t.....:t.:,:,. ,,__, ~_............ was left 3ee story below for details ¯ -homa House of Representatives is ised . ’ see Ore on a e:12 .... - ’ ~ /. . :~ .to address at least two resolutions which " ¯ -. " "~ ~ ~’~ ~’~ ..... Younn Men Admit,. ..u .r-Hara sm,nt- ’.......H.ou.se.Re.so.lut.ion.s 1.04.5&.1046,i.n_tro.- ~ ¯ - -": " ~ OUCgO resp~uvely o\’ Ul~ Kepresema- Murder-of Gay Man ! H.,aLnoscoanl communiDileaaad es.orsn, ,k,’,ellb,-, :"z"v..-. l,on:°" su° ,dB oe, e°na°u"f ,readree""mckeaannd, ,’oneesx o-f " HOUSTON - Authorities say Daniel C. : awoke to find "hate -.~.messages at theii~: ." press the position of the House of Repre- Bean, 19, and Rodney H. Gauthier, 21, : home. Recently, theyf0und an.anti-Gay :- sentadves "regarding certain lifestyles" two half-brothers who say they’re members of a net-Nazi organization, have admitted viciously attacking twogaymen, one ofwhomdied ofmultiple stabwounds. Frank Mangione, ’46, Was pronounced dead on amval at a local hospital, and Kenneth Stern, a friend who had been with see Murder, page 3 Ge,o. rgia: Fed.eral- Rultng on Marr,age ATL’-XNTA - The U.S. Court of Appeals in Adanta has ordered Georgia Attoruey General Michael Bowers to explain in court why his withdrawal of a 1991 job offer to Robin Shahar after she had a religious marriage ceremony with her lover does not violate Shahar’ s free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution. The ruling could force the .state’s, attorney general into a difficult court fight since it would require him to establish a"compelling governmental interest’: in changing his mind about the job offer. Bowers" office had argued that hiring Shahar after the commitment cerelnonv would complicate enforcement of the state’s antisodolny laws and could be construed as an endorsement of same-sex marriages. The attorney general’s office said it was "’disappointed" in die 3-judge panel’s ruling and would ask for a review, either by ftfll appeals court or the US Supreme Court. Calif. GOP Tries-To" Ban Gay Marriages Thursday, Jannary 4, Califorlfia Assemblymelnber Pete Knight unveiled amendments to his bill, AB 1982, to prevent Califonfia from recogmzing samesex marriages.!egally pedbnned in other states. Knight’s bill isiu reaction to the expected legalization of stone-sex marriages in Hawaii in the next two )’ears. Knight’s bill has the backing of the Assembly Republican caucus, and ,’dread)" has 29 Republican co-sponsors. Kafight’s stated reasoning follows: traditional marriages are for procreation. S,’une-gender couples can’ t "produce offspriug together, [so] they must view marriage as just a reservoir of economic perks." galight did see CA-GOP. page 10 ¯ (concentriccircles) with themessage,"tar- ¯ get practice-fags’: and on the reverse, ¯ vulgar drawings and comments. ¯ Kirby, fonner TOHR president, stated ¯ that this harassment is especially trou- ¯ bling since their address is not pul~lished. ¯ He added that the hate crimes unit of the Tuls.a police depart, did send officers to ¯ investigate, even though under ¯ Oklahoma’s hate crimes law, attacks on the basis of sextml orientation are not cov.ered. Kirby noted that these nughtjust See Target, page 10 message marked on a. car window. Two : and regarding "celebration of a LeSbian days later, tbeyfoundacrudedrawingon° .~ and Gay history month in the public their porch. On one side therewas a target ._: schools". Both are simple resolutions and : therefore would not have the force ot’lass" ¯ ACLU Continues to Challenge Sex Law The American Civil Liberties Union : (ACLU) ofOklahoma recently received a ¯ setback to its challenge of Oklahoma’s ¯ "’sodom)"’ law.. Oklahoma City attoruey, ¯ Mark Hendricksen, with Marquette l_’ni- ¯ versitvprofeSsoroflaw Shirley \Vie_,aand ¯ with assistance from ~he Gay & Lesbian Rights Project of the national’office of the ACLU are preparing a petition to the U~fited States S.up.reme Court for a review of the late 1995decision of the Oklal~olna Court of Criminal Appeals. The circumstances ~f the -case follow! a citizeu was approached by a undercover OKCpolice officer. After extended flirtation by the police officer who emphasized see ACLU. page 10 Project-Open Mind ,Parents, Fanfilies and Friends~of Lesbiaus and Gays, (PFL,~G), both the national and local orgamzations ,are contilming their Project Open Miud cmnpaign to reduce hate langtmge and violence directed toward Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals mad those perceived to be. PFI.=~G National ,’umomiced that the law finn of Hogan & tlartson LI.P will assist PFLAG at no .charge (pro bond) in First Amendment tssues raised by the threat of lawsuits against PFL&G i’r0mthe Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Project Open Mind began with television connnercials that featured anti-Gay see PFLAG. page House resolution 1045 declares that ¯"- "’homosexuality, lesbianism or bisexnal- : ity’" should not be taught as "’natural : lifestyles" in public schools, and that Les- ¯ bians, Gay men or Bisexuals should not ] adopt or’be foster parents and would ~. specify that the stone classes of citizens ] should not have "any special status under ¯ the law". : ~ Resolution 1046 states the position of : the House condemmng the National Edu- ~ cation Association’s (NEA) "call for "’the ¯ acceptance and tolerance of homosexual behavior" and for "’celebrations of a Lesbian and Gay History Month to ac"knmvledge the contributions of lesbians, gays ¯ and bi sexuals, all ofwhich is inconsistent with traditional values of this state...’" Traditionall.v le~slation of this sort have been filed by one or another of the OK House’s Radical-Right members, typi- "cally, Bill Graves ofOKC. \\’hat concerns many longtime politi"cal observers is that these have been filed by Democrats. Laurie Phillips, co-chair of the Tulsa County Democrat Party stated that tlfis "’flies in the face of the principles of the Democrat Party, not only the local, state & national platforms but violates the constitution and bylaws of the state Democrat part3". tale observer suggested that the introduction ofthese resolution might be a way for the Democratic leadership to kee~ these issues under their control. The idea is that a milder, non-binding resolution would let legislators take an anti-Gay lX?.sition for their ultra-conservative consutuents at home but would allow those Representatives to avoid a vote on an actnal anti-Gay bill. However,.attoruev Bill Hiulde rio’ted that even as a resolu’- tion. Lesbians, Gay men mid Bisexnals could be affected if agency heads chose to reflect the views of the House in their policies. Dept. of Hunwaa Senices (DHS) officials said at this time, the agency does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation mid DHS staff knew of some adoptions by Lesbian or Gay citizens. DHS stall" stated their duly cdnceru was with the quality of the hol~e for the chilsee R.1045. page 10 ¯ HIV Bias Lawsuit Names Cafe Owner ¯ The Tulsa Federal Court will soou hear .an HIViAIDS discriminatiou lawsuit ¯ which could be the first in the nallon under the A~nericans with Disabi lilies Act " (ADA). Local"society" "cafe owner, Tcrr3 _’~ ~T~urner; who mvns Capistrano inq "ticw " ¯ ’ Square andThe French Hen in sonth’l;ulsfi, ;.’ iS ~li¢ged to have ~’iolated the federal nou- ¯ discrimination law in what former cur ¯ ployee, Paul Saladin, claims was a wrong..... ¯ ful firing, Saladin had beeu emplo.vcd at ." The French Hen for over 8 years. : Background ¯ Saladin’s spouse, FxtGandin, tested i positive for HIV :’anti.bodies in=1987. In-/ ¯ late 1992, Gaudin becanle ill and was ¯ ..diagnosed with AIDSin early 1 ~93. I)ur- ¯ mg this time, Saladin supported the finn- ¯ ilv and was Gaudin’s prilnary carcgivcr. ¯ A’lso during this time, Saladin becmnc a ¯ voluuteer with an HI\" AIDS hospice and became a certified HI\" AII)S educator. ¯ Both Gaudin’s !llV status, illness and ¯ Saladin’s vohmteer work wcrc known to most French Ileu employees and Saladin’..~ manager, Jemlifer \Vallacc. On occasion. ¯ French Hell CtlSlOlners who kllcw of Saladin’s circumstances, would ask hiul ¯ about his spouse. \\.hilt he appears to have been discreet about the subject. Saladin did not hide his vohmtcer work or his relationship with Gaudin. History of this Case In respouse to ,’m inqtury from l)r. & ; .Mrs. Spohr of Tulsa (according to pnblic doculnents on file with the court), Saladin ¯ did uot mention either HIV or AII)S but ¯ did refer to Gandm’s T-cell count. On ¯ Sept. 17, 1993, the manager at that time, ¯ Je~mifer Wallace instructed Saladin not ¯ to discuss Gaudin’s HIV AIDS condition ¯ while waiting on tables, and further m- Ibnned him that she hoped owner Terry ¯ Turuer did uot find out. According t~ ¯ documents sublnitted to the court, Saladin ¯ agreed but objected and sought guidance see ADA. page 3 Tulsa Prime Timers ¯ Raises $1000 For Community Center ¯ Tulsa Area Prilne Tilners (’I’AVI’) : hosted a holiday party and silent auction ¯ in December. With food prepared with ¯ TAPT’s gourmet group and items donated ¯ by TAPT’s members, the event raised ¯ S 1000 for creation of a Tulsa Couununitv ; Ceuter which lnembers of the group prt;- ¯ seuted to TOHR president, Dcbi Statues. ¯ Prime Tizners, which is ,’dread\" one of ¯ the fastest growing social orgam’zations, ¯ has expanded its membership to include Gay mid Bisexual men over the age of 21. ¯ Formerly, membershipwas 40 and alx)vc. EDITORIAL P. 2 DIRECTORY Po 2 ," NEWS BRIEFS P. 4 ¯ HEALTH BRIEFS P. 6 CALENDAR P. 9 ¯ EUREKA PAGE P. 11 918.583. 1248 P()B 414(/ Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-o 14o TulsaNews~ aol.com Publish er/Editor Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents of Tom Neal this publication are protected by US copyright 1996 by Tulsa F:amilv Assistant Editor News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part withot[t James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writors/contributors photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Phvl Boler- Schmidt Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Barry Hensley noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family Pat Morehead News. All correspondence shouid be sent to the address above. Each Staff Photosrapher reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution JD Jamett points. ,~dditional copies are available by calling 583-1248. It’s that time again When we have to deal with politics whether or not we want to do so. On [:cbruary 6th, there.~e city council.primary races which aren" t particularlyinteresting AND tl~ere are ol v charter changes which may not be that interestiug either but which ARE important. The one that I would urge each of us to vote ~n lavor of is a ch,’mgc to the charter which would allow an employee of a business which holds a franchise with thc city to hold public office. The prohibition dates from early days of statehood and no longer has a usc. I tow~\er~ the impact of it remmning could be to force City Councillor Joe \Villiams off the city council. Joc" s district is mostly north Tulsa mad vo{~ all might ask why. if you don’t live in that district. .you should care’? Fi~rst. Joe V,’illian~s has been a good rcprcsentative for his district and seems to this observer to be one of the few of our councillors who has both brains and integrity. Furthermore, -Joc is sensitive to issues of m,.ti-Gay discrimination and is thc oulv member of city govermnent to say he would support a non-discrimination ordinanc~ "that included sexual orientation. Right now, oulv one friend o~r city council can’t do much but it’~ better than no fri~nds.Let’s help Joe stay in:office. Also. Rob Hill is ntiufing for School Board Dist. ;6. Rob brings intelligence, compassion mad experi- ~cnce to this race m~d deserves our support. If you’re ~in hi( district, please:vote for him on Feb." 13. If !youre. not in Iris district mad c,’m spare some cash :for cmnpm_ou expenses, please help. If yOU can’t ¯sparc the c~ish, c0nsidcr giving some ti,fie.: If yon :wm,t to help.please contact.tiffs paper for-inf’. I ~ch 0f ns cam makc a difference, just by voting. :.Plcasc do. - Tom Neal, publisher Taking Heart b\" Pat .\ lorehead To begin thisyear,my companion and I started in the hot mb with a,botfle .of champagne we’ve .carted around since the mid eighties awaiting a "’special" occasion, Due to his career he is usually unavailable at the holidays, so this was the first time in several years that we’ve actually shared the New Year together. \Ve started with a very good dimmer at the Bistro of Brookside, though it was a little noisy and a little too dear from my v~ewpoint. \Ve dined late and then returned home and settled into the hot tub. \Ve enjoyed the relaxing comfort mad then adjourned inside for some more relaxing activ,ties. All in all it was a nice start to a new year. I got to sit in on a rehearsal for "The Lion in \\’inter" being presented by Broken Arrow Community Playhouse; call 258-0077 for details. I want bYShblT{, ~ob~rtb .................... ( Warn#}g : Not [or thehumor-imp)aired!) It h~ long been my contention that ~ough we may shoe orgmfi~ti~ns, a couple of b~s, and the stone colors of the rNnbow, the rdNity is that, wNle gay men ~dlesbi~s ~e of the stone "ilk", they ~e NOT of the stone planet. For ex~ples: Lesbians usuNly m~y slightly"before" the first date. Gay men marry only after e.rtensive interviewing ~nd denial. " Lesbians have sex inunediately ~ter meeting the other woman’s mumNs, cNl&en, relatives, reviewing ~1 her b~ks, and inte~ogatlng her current and ~1 her exes. G~v men have sex immediately a~er just about attythhtg. Sometimes before. though not as much as they used I.esbians use love to get io sex. With g<v men, the vtce is versa. ~en lesbians buy a house, they rehab. And refi~rbish Gay men. ~n the other han~. redecorate. ~sbi~s~easily fix~~ling refrigerator. Gay men can e~ih’ fill it~om the cheese atzd importe~ mushroont sebtton of the dell Lesbians ~e more likely to be vegetal. Gay men will eat almost anything. It took lesbi~s to rediscover Hush ~ppies. It took gay men w redesign tltem in Easter egg colors. Lesbians process. Endlessly. Gay men rationally debateram~caaons andconsbqueitces. Forslightly longer. Lesbi~ ~e politi~ly co~ect to everyone. Gay men are politically correct to everyone [hey knout. I_esbians don’t eat tNngs that used to ha~:e faces. Gay men categorically reject tofit ~ pointless wa~@aper p~te with calories. ~sbians envv M~tha Stew~t’s Co~ecticut house. GaY men’channel her. ~sbi~ fix si~ le~s ~emselves, Gay men call plumbers. Cute ones. ~sbi~s pay intemN pen~ for haph~d eye contact, btlhe rightpar& circumstances, ga~ men’s heads have been known to r~’olve a fidl 3~0" Polifi~ly co~ect or not, lesbi~s look at Play- ~y Mag~ine. Gay men just read the articles. To a lesbi~, cNntz is your p~tner buying yo~ bir~day present at a y~d s~e. To a g~v man, its a fabulous ~rnishing opportuni&, Two lesbi~s ~ght refer to ~ch o~er ~ "my wife." Two gay men wouldn ’t. ~sbi~s ~ve off-road veNcles ~d~ymaps that refold~emselves. Gay Men eventually stop at service station and ~kfor directions. But only if th~ real~7 have to go. ~sbi~s bring ~e chars, ~e newsletter, NI the :to recormnend llii~~ ibroduCtion. I was ¢ery ira: .’ "flyers, theminut~s~ and’the- Coffee pot. Gay men pressed even though I saw it at an early point in the : bring chkckbo~ks.~ rehearsal schedule. But I was particularly taken ¯ Lesbians have potlucks with dishes made from with.the.the Richard.and Phillip scene. The.Direst .." l.en~ils .or chocolate. Or both. Gay. men have intitorhastakentherelati0nshipbetweenthesecharac- ." mat~ litti~ ~ti~tn~rs)~o~, i~vb fv~th:lio~emadepate. To ters and..:,~d~; i!t:!.~!~.~~ .that it.is ahomosexual~ : start~ ’ . " relations~ij’i~)i! i ~i i:::il" ~..i.~i,.... ..... ’.... - z . "~ LesbianS love camp. ~o.do gay men. . Now, I h~g~;trrlid~ihat:the inclinations of the : Lesbians cook out by tliepond. Gay men cook in, two feilo~’ii~i~" N~iiard and,:Phillip are, but : then sit out bythe pooL " " " bet~een them the mana e a ~erv conv~nono Lesbian Cou le ¯ ’" "~Y~ i g .~ " " ~ ." ’ " p s hyphenate their last names. see Play, page 3 ". Gay men arm wrestle each other to the ground and ¯. use the winner’s name. Lesbians go to the gym to get fit. Gay men go to the gym to get theirjeans to fit. ¯ Lesbians think of New Year’s Eve as an oppor- ¯ tunity to get reacquainted with steps 10, 11, and 12. see Vegan, page 3 Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria *Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th *Lola’s, 2630 E 15th *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Time’n’Time Again, 1515 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd *Wild Nights, 2405 E. Adnfiral Wild Fork, Utica Square, 21st & Utica *Interurban, 717 S. Houston 744-0896 585-5622 749-1563 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 664-8299 584-1308 582-4340 742-0712 585-3134 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Demtis C. Arnold, Realtor 746-4620 *Associates in Medi"cal & Mental Health, 1560 E. 21 743-1000 KeiitBalch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506 *Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Brookside Jewelry. 4649 So. Peoria 743-5272 Creative Collectirn, 1521 E. 15 592-1521 Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. 15 ! 5 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Tim Dmnel. Attorney 352-9504. 800-742-9468 D’Antiques. 1508 E. t~Sth 592-5356 *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620 *Dusty Roads at the Silver Star, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 Express Pool s & Spas, 6310 S. Peoria 743-9994 Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 Le,’tma~ M Gross, Financial Plmnfing 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill, *IS, Psychotherap3, 2865 E Skellv 745-1111 *hnaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 *International Tours; 341-6866 Kerfs Flowers, 1635~ E 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, I:’OB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E.: 15 742-1992 Lean Aim Macomberl, Realtor Associate 671-2010 Massoud’s Jewle~’,:The Farm, 51st & Sheridan 663-4884 *MediaPlay, 9121 E.!71st 250-5158 *Midtown Theater, 3i19 E. 3 584-3112 Mingo \;alley Flowers, 972i3c E. 31 st 663-5934 *Mohawk Music, 6~57 E 51 P1 664-2951 Puppy Pause II, l lt.hl & Mingo 838-7626 Royal Travel, 6927 S~. Canton 496-2410 *Ross Edward Salon~ 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Southwest Viatical, ~1-1-6 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747.-3322 *Tomfoolery Gifts d5 Cards, at F,’unily of Faith MCC 583.1248 Fred Welch, LCSW, .Counseling 743-1733 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. I l 628-0594 B, LG Alliance, Uni~!ersity of Tulsa 583-9780 *Canterbury Minist~’ Center, University of Tulsa 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of Tulsa *Conunmtity of Hope (United Methodist), i703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity;Integrity (LegbianiGay Catholics & Episcopalians) 298’-4648 *Fannlv of Faith ..X.~CC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 *Free Spirit Lesbian Center call for location & info: 587-4669 Friend For A Friend,.POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity (African-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Mini.stiles 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S: Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 21.154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-I 748-3111 P-FLAG, POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 R.A.I.N., Re~onal AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174 Rainbow Village, POB 50403, 74150-0403 599-8423 *Shanti Hofline 749-7898 TulSaOldahomansforHmnaiaRigh-ts,(TOtlR) POB52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Unifgrm/Leathe_r Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 ~ Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor Beaver Dam Store, 112 mi. N. of Dam on Hwy. 187 501-253-6154 *Jim &.Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center S t. 50 1-253-6807 *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W 800-231-1442 *MCC.of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 McClung Realtors 501-253-9682 : ,, RockCottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 ] Southern Rose Bed & Breakfast, 9 Benton 501-253-2204 ¯ Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 501-253-6001 ¯ The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-8281 on how to handle inquiries about the issue. Saladin worked several more days until Wallace informed Turner about the situation. Saladin was then suspended for 30 days, although he claims he had complied with Wallace’s directive and The French Hen does not dispute this. During the time of the suspension, he retrieved his liquor license from The French Hen so that he could continue to work at temporary jobs. Also, during this time, Saladin attempted to speak with Turner to address ¯ any misunderstanding. On Oct. 15th, Saladin called to arrange to return to work by the 22rid and was told that Turner had directed her to replace Saladin. Up to this time and afterwards, Turner refused to take his calls. According to Saladin’s documents, when once he succeeded in getting Turner on the phone, Turner stated he had nothing to say and hung up. During this time, several other employees left or were terminated and positions became available, but Saladin was not offered his position back. He filed with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC), with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and sought legal representation. In late Nov, Saladin was informed that he’d been denied uuemployment compensation because Turner claimed that Saladin had quit. To the OESC, Wallace on behalf ofTurner claimed that there trad been repeated customer complaints about Saladin’s conduct ,and that Saladin had been suspended for nffsconduct and insubordination and that Saladin had volun: taril y quit and Saladin had threatened to sue. Wallace and Turner repeated these allegations at a telephone hearing on Dec. 16th with the OESC. On Dec. 17th, Turner called Ed Gaudin at his and Saladin’s home asking questions about Gaudin’ s health and physician and allegedly calling Saladin a liar. Gaudin, who was already seriously ill, appears to have been so upset by the conversation that when Saladin came home, he found Gaudin emotionally devastated and vomiting. In Jan. of 1994, after Saladin had obtained legal representation and the EEOC found sufficient reason to direct Turner to respond to Saladin’s complaint, Turner through his attorneys offered Saladin his job back without conditions. Saladin’s attorneys accuse Turner of making the offer in bad faith in order to limit Turner’s liability for back wages while obviously Turner et al claim good faith. However, Saladin expressed a willingness and desire to return to work from Oct. 15 at least until Turner’s call to Gandin in Dec. Turner did not communicate an offer to restore Saladin’s job until January after Turner had retained legal counsel. Since January of 1994, this case has seen a flurry of legalese documents as attorneys from each side cite cases to bolster their side. A trial date has been set several times but delayed. It is expected to go to trial February. Other Information Late in 1987. after Gaudin tested positive for ttIV antibodies, a fact which Saladin shared with several co-workers at The French Hen, Turner directed that Saladin be suspended without pay until Saladin produced a medical repor~ proving that Saladin was HIV negative. After being tested. Saladiu subnffl ted a report to see ADA. page 8 Photos, JD Jamett, 621-5597 Worship Servide 10:30 am Sheridan Center, Suite H 21st & Sheridan 599-7688 LY.KIRBYCertified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many, special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 Mangione when they met the 2 young men at a local bar, had been beaten. S tern’s condition was not serious however. Police said Bean and Gauthier told them they had attacked Mangione and Stern after one of the men had touched one of the young men while the 4 were taking a drive earlier in the evening. The young men also told officers they belonged to a group called the German Peace Corps, which human rights activists say is a California- based neo-Nazi orgamzation affiliated with the KKK. Several witnesses told authorities that the 2 young men had bragged earlier that they were "going’to get a fag" that night, and later boasted that they had "cut up this fag real bad." Gay men see it as a chance to blow their horns off.. Lesbians truly believe that communes work. Gay men really think they can be RepublicZms. Lesbians turn everyone within hugging range into "family.’" Gay men have a tendency to run around i~i PACs. It is, ~onsidering everything, amazing that we still talk to each other. Fortnnately, we are all smart enongh to have figure out that what is truly unnaturai on tiffs looney-tune plauet is marrying outside your own species. ~ 1996 Shelly Roberts. All rights reserved. Shelly Roberts is a uationally syndicated colun~fist, spe,~er, and author of Roberts’ Rules of Lesbi,’m Living (5 96) Spinsters htk seduction scene xvith a very sensual kiss. The actors deserve credit, and the theater deserves credit for not diluting the homosexual content~ Here is a chance as a co~u~ty forus to snpport a mmustrcana effort w~ch represents us without apology or emb~assment. I was saddened at the passiug of Mike Syn~, former Congressm~ lrom l)i strict Two. I have contributed to and worked on Mike’s beh~f in ~e pasl. tie was a good guy, honest ~d decent, a truc public scrv~ t in ~e very best sense. There is no comping ~e ~u~ities Mike represented with the likes of a Cobum, or I ~gcnt or I~ofe. And I ~z not refemng to political ideolo~es. So for me ’96 is off to an uneven start. But I intend to t~e heart from the bad as well ~ the good. I will t~e heart in tl~ ex~ple of Mike Syn~ ~d not be afrmd to go out ~d fight the good fight. I will t~e he~t in these two unkuown local actors and their associates who ~cn’t ~r~d to tac~e a Bible belt tahoo. Aud I’m going to t~e he~t in the eighteenth ye~ of a loving and sh~ug relationship with my lover compmfion. ~ch gives me a re~ly silly idea. l’d like to he~ from you, the readers, about what gives you he~t, and helps you make your way through the world. Maybe you have so~e key that someone m our commusty ueeds io hear or would m~c them feel less isolated. Send you responses to the editor or E-mail tbcm ~o TulsaNews ~2 aol.com, and hc can l’or~vard them on to me. XXtacn I get a good one 1"11 use it in fl~e cohmm. If yon want thcln to be anonymous, that’s I’iqac. News Briefs News Briefs Recruiting Cops for ’City of Brotherly Love’ PIIILA DELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department has begun rccniitmg gay ,and lesbian police officers through public cmpioynieut notices in the city’s t~vo gay newspapers The uew effort is the rcsult of a meeting Police Commissioner Richard Ncal held earlier in December with leaders of the city’s lesbian and gay community. Police Sgt. l:rcd Cottou said the dcpartuaenl made a similar effort m 1989-90 bnt !he department had uo i id’ormarion on how successfill thai recruitment program had been. "l’vc never Imd,’mvonc come up to me and tell m~ their sexual pcrsuas~ou." Cotton said. The dcpm’tmcut doesn’t kccp any data ou the sexual orientation of offleers, hc added Study: The Kids (of Lesbian Moms) Are OK CIlICAGO- A prolonged study of the kids of lesbian morns th,~t tracked the children’s developmcut forsome two decades found that they had no more problems with sexual orientation or other dcvclopmcut~d issues than the kids oflmtcroscxtud parcuts. The study, which was reported in tl~ American ,lournal of Orthopsychiatrv, found one noticeable diffcr0mc between the clfildrcn of Icsbiau morns mad hcteroscxmd parcuts:"th~ offspnng in the lcsbimi f,’unihcs were more uncouflk~rtablc udkiug with other pcoplc about their parents than the kids from the str~fight fanfilic~. Anether signilic~mt di ffcrence bctwccu the two groups was tha! none of the kids from hctcroscxnal fanfilics reported having had any homosexual experience by their mid-20s, wlfilc some 25% of those from lesbian lhmi- News Briefs News .Briefs lies said they had had at least one homosexual relationslfip. Washington State Anti- Gay Measure May Fail SEATTLE - To the relief of rights activists iu the state, Washmgton anti-gay activists concede they probably will not be able to get cuough siguaturcs to put two ballot measures before voters in 1996. Initiative 167 would bar gays and lesbians from adoptiug clfildrcm mid hlitiative 166 would prohibit antibias laws based ou sexual orientation anywhere iu the state. The head of the Citizens ..\.ltimme of \Vaslfiugton conceded shortl\ before Chi’istnms that the group wasn’t going to bc able to get the uceded signatures because the orgmfizatiou had attracted oulv a few huudred members an~J raised only about $5.000 for its siguaturc-gathcring cmnpaign. Cathy Y, lickcls, the head of the state dmpter of the Eagle Forum. ,also told Seattle reporters she didn’t think it was very likely the organization would be abl~ to get thd rcqnircd signatures. Proposed Bill to Aid Partners Measures SAC~\MENTO, C:dif. - C~diforuia Assemblyman \Vallv Kuox (D-West Hc{llywo~xt) wil’l introduce a measure m the stale legislatnre carl\ m 1996 that would attthorizt~ the giant CadifonfiaPublic Emtfloyccs & Rctiremeut System (CAL-PERS) to open its hc~dth iusurancc coverage plans to thc dolncstic partners of muuicipal mid other govcnuncnt agcucy employees the state. Some 80 or so C~dil’orma cities and rcgiomd bomds and commissions carry their employce health ius~rancc thi’ough CAL-PERS. But CAI,- PERS regulations govcmiug the state-operated health mid medi- News Briefs News Briefs News cal insurance plata specifically exclude "conunon law spouses" and "’life partners" as eli~ble employee dependents, preventing the cities, counties and special districts in the CAL-PERS prograna from offering partner benefits to their gay or straight workers even if they want to. Lobbying for Educational Anti-Bias Protections SAN FRANCISCO -The Lavender Youth Recreation & Information Center (LYRIC} started off the New Year with a political bang on Jan. 3 with a caravan of gay, lesbian and bisexual ,voting people tothc state Capitol in Sacrmnento to lobby for proposed anti-discriminatio[~ protections. Tim California Educatiou Code bans discrinfination in the state’s schools mid educational services based ona number of categories, bu! does not include sexual orientation. The lesbigay youth groupspent the first &a.v of the legislature’s new 3ear, Jan. 3, lobbying in support of a measnre introduced by Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl (DSanta Moifica) that would add sexual orientation to the state education code. So. Dakota Anti- Marriage Battle Again PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota state Rep. Roger Hunt, whose 1995 le~slation to prohibit samesex marriages in the state failed, has announced plans to introduce the bill again during die current le~slative session. Hunt’s 1995 bill passed overwhehningly in the state’s lower house by a ,’54-13 vote, but became stalled m a cotmnittee in the state Senate where it died. The proposed legislation would make any same-sex marriage’:null and void from the beginning" in the state, and is aimed at making any such marriages that may be legal elsewhere illegal in Soulh Dakota. It would, for example, have the effect of nullifyiug s,’unc-sex nmrriages if Ha,&aii courts v~d idate them as many cxpcci to happeu this year. Political Attacks Against Gays Increasing SAN FRANCISCO A report isstled here by People for the American Way. says attacks alined agaiust the political progress of gays mid lcsbimas in this country increased at ~dl levels. The report, the 3rd of its kiud the organization,has issued, ¯ .counted at least. 180 anti-gay actions m 1995, an increase of 46 such attacks over 1994. The survey counted anti-gay political iuitiatives, legislative measures, executive actions by state governors as well as open at- . tacks by police mid mid public . ~!d. mc..dia figures against gay rights. High. School Gay Group Stirs Controversy SALT LAKE CITY - Utah school mid legal anthoritics, after 2 moaths, have agrced thcre is litflc or nothing that can be -done to preveut a gay- and lcs- ¯biau club being fonncd by a group of studeuts at Salt Lake City’s East High School. A small group of students at the school asked for pennissiou to start the club in October, and their request was passed from the school’s priuciphl to the city’s school superintendent, then up to the state cducatiou office, and finally on to the Utah attorney gcueral’s office. Shortly before Cl~stmas, the attorney geueral’s office notified district officials that both state and federal law prolfibit barring non-curriculum school clubs because of content. But activists with the Gay & 1,csbian Utali 1)cmocrats say the head of the state mali-gay Eagle Forum, GayJe Ruzicka, has already indicated she would immediately begin lobbying the state legislatnrc to keep the club from lbrming. California’s Hate Crimes: 1/5 Are Anti-Gay SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In the firs! of .its kind in California, state Attorney Geueral l)an LI.mgrcl!"s office reix)rts tl!at hate crones m the Golden Stale arc gcucndi y couccutratcd in ci tics - :andnearly one-fifth of them were aimed agaiust gays and lesbians. During the filaal six mouths of 1994, the survey of local law enforcculent agencies found there were 672 bias-based crimes reported in the state. Of these, 487 (72 percent) were based on the race or ethnic origins of the victims, Mille 119 (18 perccut) wcre bccause the victims were lcsbkms or gay men - or were believed to bc by the attackers. Some 6-1- iucidents (orjust m~dcr 10 pcrccut) WCl’C based on the victims" religion. The largest number of reported Irate crimes, 243 of them, were logged in the [x)s Augclcs metropolitan area. The San Frmmisco Bay Area checked in with next largcst couceutratiou, 129 bias-based crimes iu the four-county ,area. Transsexual Identity Bill Proposed in Britain LON1)ON - Among the backbcuch bills being offered in Bri rain’s Ilousc of Connnoiis as private members" legislation is a mcasure that wouldmake it easier for traussexuals in the UK to establish a legal idemity in keeping with their new gender after a sex-change operation. MP Alex Carlilc has proposed a Gcudcr Identity Bill which would allow Miracleglass Neil Ray Owner EXPRESS POOLS & SPAS your pool Ma,, Dr Life (9’18) 743-9994 6310 S. Peoria ~ Tulsa, OK 74136 BROOKSIDE JEWELRY 4649 South Peoria 743-5272 Corner of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Men. - Fri. Open Saturdays thru holidays! P AlrERSON REALTORS" LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 2642 E. 21st Street ¯ Suite !70 ¯ Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ¯ Fax: 918-747-1795 1635 E. 15TH ST. TULSA, OK 74120 599-8070 TULSA ’S FOREMOST FLORIST ON CHERRY STREET Computer Analysis Consultation Rich Fox ~.O. Box 52708 Tulsa. OK 74152-0708 Pager: (918)690-2974 News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News transsexualstherighttobegiven . dard of the district’s commu- suit. Ashby, whohasrepresented totheSupremeCourt"ifhemust, sexcouplcstocnroll. Roscnl~aum a substitute birth certificate reflecting their reassigned gender after the operation is completed. Some 8,000 people in Britain have undergone a complete sex change but are not allowed the legal rights of their new sex. such as getting married, adopting and enjoying employment rights. Gay Credit Card Can’t Use ’Rainbow’ Name TRENTON, N.J:- A federal court in NewJersey has enjoined promoters of a gay-oriented credit card from using the nanm "Rainbow." U.S District Judge Mary Little Parell barred the Rainbow Card Fom~datiou from using that trade name on the credit card it was pro~noting in the New York-New Jersey area in a suit filed by the Rainbow Foundation Inc., a Middletown, N.J., charity that offers medical assistance and other services to children in the state. The Rainbow Card had contracted with Martina Navratilova to act as spokeswomanfor the Visacredit .card that wouldhave used part of ~ts card charges to benefit gay, AIDS & breast cancer agencies. Gay Teacher Allowed to Stay in Michigan School BYRON CENTER, Mich. - Gerry Crane, a 3 l-year-old high school music teacher who told students he was gay alter they asked about anew wedding band he was wearing, will be ,allowed to keep tfis teaching post. The school board in the town, about 16 miles from Grand Rapids, said however that it wonld keep Crane under scrutiny because of his sexual orientauon. In a forreal statement, the trustees said. "The school board firmly believes that homosexuality violates the doufinant moral stan- ¯ nity. Individuals who espouse ¯ homosexuality do not constitute ¯ proper role models as teachers ¯ for students in this district." ¯ Crane had told his students he ¯ was gay after he and his companion had gotten married dur- ¯ ing acommitmentceremouy and .exchanged wedding bands, causing some of his students to ask about the wedding ring. School Board Condemns .... Homosexuality ¯ NEW HAVEN, Ind.- Homo- - sexual activity is inconsistent ¯ with community values and should be discouragedin the East ¯ Allen County (Iudiana) schools, ¯ according to a resolution adopted by the local school board. Ac- ¯ cording to school, district officials, the resolution only reflects the board’s opinion and isn’~ a ¯ policy statement. But the ¯ resolution’s laaaguag.e, someedu- ¯ caters say, certainly sounds like ¯ an official school policy. The ¯ resolution, wlfich was introduced ¯ in response to a statement earlier [ tiffs year by the National Educa¯ tion Association endorsing teacher training aronnd gay and ¯ l~’sbian student issues and rec- ¯ ognizing a national gay mad les¯ bian lfistory mouth, says in part: "’Homosexuality is contrary to the laws of nat;are, it’s xno~:ally ¯ unacceptable to our conununity mad we should leach our chil- ¯ dren as such." ¯ UK Member of Parliment ¯ Loses ’Gay’ Libel Case ¯ LONDON’ - Tory MP David ¯ Ashby wept as he f~aced the pros- " pect offinanci,-d ruinaftcr losing ¯ a prolongcd libel actiou ag,’uust Londou’s Sunday Times wlfich ." had reported that he is homo- ¯ scxnal. Thc jury deliberated 5 ¯ hours belbrc rc[unfing its ver- ¯ dict in favor of the Tlmes in the Northwest Leicestershire since 1983 in the ruling conservative ~ party, now faces the prospect of ~ : having to pay all legal costs that are estimated at about $800,000. Ashby; 55, had sued the Times : overanarticlein the paperwhich said he had shared a bed with a ¯ man during a holiday in Gee in ." 1993, that he had misled his wife ¯ and constituents abouthis sexual ¯ orientation, and that he had lied :..about. h.awn,g a relat~oaship with a32-year-old Irish physician, Dr. Ciar~i Kilduff. The ~iewspaper admitted during the libel trial that its report had contained at least one factual error, but mainrained the accuracy of its article, wlfich it maintained was justified to lfiglflight what it cousiders Ashby’s hypocrisy in advocating heterosexual f~nilv values while leading what the’papcr called a "double life." Both Ashby’s wife and his sister testified against the Tory MP duriug the 4-week trial. It is likely that Ashby may face bm"akruptc’y and the loss of his seat in the House of Conunons as a result. Gay Marine to Fight Discharge DAVENPORT. Iowa - Corporal Kevin Blaesing says he will fight efforts by the .MarZiue Corps to discharge him because hc is gay. Blaesing, who has bccn umned "’Marine of the Month" mad"M,-mne of the Qtuarter.’" was denied pernfission to reeniist iu 1993 because of remarks he lind made about homosexuality to a USMC psychologist. Bu! earl\ in 1995 hejoined a Marine Corp’s Reserve umt in South Carolina without auy difficulties m~d later spoke at a gay pride even! there. Now thc Mariucs have bcgun discharge proceedings against lmn mad Blaeslug says he will fight the discharge "~1 the way Two Lutheran Churches Expelled. SAN FRANCISCO-St. Francis Lutheran Church and the First United Lutheran Church here officially became ex-members of the 5.3-million member Evangelical Lutheran Church of America at the end of 1995 for ordaining 2 lesbians and a gay man as ministers in defiance of the national church’s prohibi- ’tiofis. The 2 churches were suspended by the ELCA in 1990 and given until the end of 1995 to rescind the ordinations of the Revs. Ruth Frost, Phyllis Zillhart and JeffJohnson, or be officially expelled from the national church group. A spokesperson forSt. Francis Lutheran Church said not one member of the congregation had left since the controversy started more than 5 .,,’ears ago. But ironi- c¯ally one St. Francis Lutheran member who attended his last service at the church (at least officially) on Sunday, Dec. 31, was Bishop Robert Mattheis, the presiding bishop of EIX2A’s Sierra Pacific Synod of some 220 con~egations in Northern Califontia and Nevada. A long-time member of St. Francis, Bishop Mattheis now must officially leave the church’s con~egatio~: Calififornia City OKs Partners Registry PALO ALTO, Calif. - OutNow, the San Jose, Calif., gay newspaper, reports that Pale Alto’s city council has approved by a 6-] vote a domestic partners registration. The re~stranon carries no direct benefits and requires a fee to the city clerk’s office. The only vote agmnst the proposM crone from Dick Rosenbamn. who objected that the partuers" registry ,also allowed oppositesaid he believed the partncrs" registranon should be .just for gays and lesbians. Marriage Commission Issues Final Report IIONOI.UIJ.~- A llawali statc comnfissiou has approved its finN report of rccoum~cudations on a 5-2 vote. calling on the legislature to a~cpt the rcalil v of Sallle-SeX lnarriag courts. Few acnvists believe the legislature will t;~c the advice of the commissiou,appointcd b~ Gov. Bcnjmnin Cayctano, b~t the report’s rccounncndations add flu ther fuel to the legM bat ~ound the case. The legislature l~t ye~ adopted a law prohibitlng stone-sex m~agc, although =t rcm~us unclc~ whether thai law itself~m bc considered coustitut~ omd. Chairman Thomas (;ill, former mcmbcr of Cougrcss and out-tune lieut, govcruor, said the state had f~lcd to prove ~c in courl and had relied the legislature to block tauntsex m~agcs. "q’hc opposluOU ~ft.come up with a compelling state lntcFcsI other th~ul I ~x’i~cus 18," he said, rcfcmug to an Old Tcsumacnt vcrsc that says. ""l’hou shalt not lic with mankind as with womankind "" Sparks Fly in O.S. Senate Race in Or~on SAI+EM, Ore. - Rcspondiug to ch~gcs that hc is an "+extremist"+ for supporting the dUn-go3 agenda of the Oregon Citizen’s Alliancc, Rclmbli~m t.S 5cuate candidate Gordou Snfi th told reporters at a news CollfcjCll~’c that he is opposed to ga3 and lcsbimt ttu~agcs "’bccausc +vc should dcfcud a mamagc license" mid thai hmdlortts who should uot bc rcquircd t(> by law. ttGO Valentine Special Big Hug Mug with Plush Bear Bouque! or Bud Vase wilh Roses & .18" Balloon - $19.95~-deli\,ery "Reserve yours early" 9720-C E. 31si St. Tulsa ....... 663.5934, Daphane Cooper DIS(O 20TH BUY * SELL * CONSIGN 3213E 15thSt. Tulsa, Ok 74104 (918) 749-3620 ( OOL Raven/Redhawk Enterprises Phyl Boler-Schmidt Systems & Software Specialist POB 429 Eureka .Springs 72632 501.253.2776 Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday ServiEye Drug Implant Method Wins FDA Panel Approval S ILVER SPRING, Md. - A Food & Drug Administration advisory panel has urged approval of an eye implant for some AIDS pauents that it says would be twice as good as current treatments in fighting off possible blindness by delivering medic ation direcdy to the eye. Cytomegalovims (CMV) retinitis hits up to 40% of all people with AIDS and the Chiron Corp. "Vitrasert’" implant would deliver the medicine ganciclovir in time-released doses directly in the eye after being \mplanted, making it much more effective. the FD A advisory panel said. The full FDA must now decide whether to accept the panel’s recommendation or not. USC to House AIDS Archives LOS ANGELES - The University of Southern California will become one of the first sites in the country with an archive documenting the earl) years of the battle against AIDS. Los Angeles city officials are granting the university a total of $50,000 for the project alor~g with thousands of original works com~ected with the earliest veers of the epidemic. The AIDS archi~:e will be housed in~,the university library’s special collections and will include "city documents, materials from local actiViSt groups, and papers from Drs. Michael Gottlieb and Joel Weismal who published the first cases of what later came to be known as AIDS. 30% of India’s Blood Infected NEW DELHI - According to a stud)’ by India’s National AIDS Control Organization, nearly 30% of the blood provided by the country’s blood banks is tainted with infectious diseases, including HIV, malaria, hepatitis and others. The government agency responsible for the national effort to fight the epidemic in India said tinrdiable screening procedures risk exposing patients receiving blood and blood products to one or the other illnesses. The Indian Red Cross Society said that part of the problem stems from chronic shortages of blood in the country with the result that commercial blood banks often rely on poorer professional donors 9iho sui~pl~ement their incomes by giving blood. Such paid donors, the society says, are often in higher-risk groups for various infectious diseases. The National AIDS Control Organization now estimates that in less than 5 years some 5 million Indians will be infected with HI\" with 1 million fullblown cases of AIDS in the country. KS Linked Virus Found in Semen of HIV+ Gay Men LONDON" - According to a report in the British medical journal Lancet, researchers with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have found a virus strongly associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma in the semen of large numbers of gay men ~vith HI\’, but not in many HIV-positive heterosexual men. The scientists said that 64% of the infected gay men also had the Kaposi’s Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) in semen samples: of the non-gay men examined, less than 24% were infected with KSHV. The research- " ers said their findings explain why a disproportionate number of gay men may contract the cancer ,and suggests that KSHV may be sexually transmitted~ The CDC scientists say further research is called for to try to detemfine if KSHV is latent and then triggered by an HIV infection. Milder Strain of Virus Inhibits HIV NEWYORK-According to a report in the Journal of Molecular Medicine; researchers at the Mount Sinai Medical Centerhave identified aless vinflent strain of HIV that appears to slow down reproduction of the more connnon and damaging s train of the virus. The researchers speculated that the weaker HIV-2 may interfere with the more virulent HIV-I straila at-the molecular le~el, blocking the virus’ ability to reproducel While the finding could l]old promise in fighting off HIV-1 in infected individuals, scientists warned that there is still little’known about the detailed interaction between the 2 strains. High HIV Levels Infect Newborns WASHINGTON’, D.C. - According to a study published in the Proceedings ofthe NationalAcademy ofSciences,New York State health department researchers report that fairly high levels of HIV in the blood ofwomen who are pregnant is requi red before the virus can be passed along to their newborns. The scientists found that women with levels of HIV in their bloodstreams at about 50,000 viruses per milliliter of blood had a 75% or ~eater likelihood of passing the vii’us onto their infants. At lower leVds, the chances of the womentransmitting the virus to their newborns was significantly lower, the researchers said. The scientists said the finding helps explain why some HIV-positive women~ve birth to infected infants, while other infected mothers do not. AIDS Drug 3TC Also Appears Effective Against Hepatitis B BOSTON - Two preliminary tests of a newly approved AIDS drug, 3TC (also kamwn as lamivudine or Epivir), published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicate the medicine also seems, to suppress HBV, the hepatitis B virus, in chronic eases. One study, led by Dr. Jules Dienstag of Massachusetts General Hospital, found that after a 12-week course of 3TC, about 20% of chronically infected hepatitis B patients showed no traces of the HBV. Interferon is the only currently approved medication to combat chronic h.epatitis B and has been shown to effective in about a third of those given the drug. But interferon must be taken for a fairly long period ot time and has a nmnber of very unpleasan t side effects, which is not apparently the ease with 3TC. Further studies will now be undertaken to determine long-term effects of the drug in combating hepatitis B, possibly in combination with other drugs. Status of AIDS Patient Given Baboon Marrow Transplant SAN FRANCISCO-JeffGetty, the AIDS patient who was given baboon bone marrow in December in an effort to rebuildhis failing immune system, experienced some side effects as a result of the chemotherapy and radiation treatanent he underwent in conjunction with the marrow transplant. But Getty’s physician, Dr. Steven Deeks, said the reactions where fairly minor and not a result of the bone marrow injections. Getty’s physicians had said the bone marrow transplant might either bolster the man’s rapidly failing immune see Health Briefs, page 8 Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method By & for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results¯ Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for-Human Rights 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights. SCOTT ROBISON’S PRESCRIPTIONS Serving Tulsan’s Since 194 7 Major credit cards In-store charges or Direct insurance billing for your convenience! 3 locations to serve you: Hillcrest Physician’s Building 1.145 So. Utica 743-2351 Utica Square Area 1560 East 21st, Ste. 104 743-2351 The Plaza 8146-D South Lewis. 299-1790 A QUALITY OF LIFE ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process through which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from the face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for.~,.viatical settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of.your life insurance policy xn a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and yore" unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viatication, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW, DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written permission, we gather medical and insurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then, a settlenmt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directly to you. You pay nothing else on your policy, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Many factors influence ~vhether viaticating 3our life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and 3"our family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to assi st you in planning the best outcome from your unique financial s~tuation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many compames offer viatical settlements, doing business only by" bulk advertising and 1-800 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records by mail, and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical, we believe you shonld be assured of complete confidentiality aud the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. \Ve are involved on a community level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By" working with \ou in person, but at the stone time having access to nanomvide financial resources, we arc able to deliver the best value on your policy available toda\. And because of our established resources, wc can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fewer than 30 da\s. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Southwest v:" aitlca. Home Office Dallas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 continuedfrom page 6 system, or "kill him. A similar procedure with an AIDS patient at the University of Pittsbnrgh in 1993 failed, but doctors flare refined the procedure as a result and are using a specially processed part of the baboon bone marrow to improve Gettv’s : HIV at Chinese Universities ¯" BEIJING - Newspapers in China have ~ reported that during "’spot checks" at urn- ¯ versities, Chinese health officials fotmd ~ 10 HIV infected students at 2 colleges in : the capital city. Health officials in the ¯ country say getting AIDS information and e&~cat~on programs to the cotmtrv’s : schools is "extremely urgent" and esti-- ." mate that morethan 60% of those infected ¯ with HIV in the country are under the age ." of 29 years. AZT Helps Cut Risks in chances. Accidental Needle Jabs "t’~o r~ ph~ ¯ .,,, - ¯ .......C.-based ....."s~o~,s Comrmttee :. \.V¯¢SHIN- GTO-N,-,C...ooperatingwith Britfor Responsible Med]cifie,’lio~ .ever, has tsh and Frenc"h othoa" ls , the l_ -S - C~enters" filed a formal complaint with the federal for Disease Control and Prevention re~. g0venunent over the experimental bone marrow procedure. The public interest group charged that such cross-species marrow injections endanger the public health by risking the spread of dangerous baboon infections. Susan Getty of \Vatcrford, Conn., the mother 61"the ailing man who was with him at the hospital during the procednre, said people with advanced AIDS have little to lose ~n undergoing such medi"cal gambles. %\emttst take greater risks." she said. "It is time to stop tiffs horrible, horrible disease." AIDS Awareness in France I~OSTON-- According to the U.S. journal Nature, a snrvcv of what they think about l llVand ..\ID~ suggests th~ Frei~:h ,are continuing to adjtrst their sexual behaviors because of the ~pidemic. The report says that condoms arc increasiugly used, particuhtrlv anion,, those who are single mid under ihe age ~f’30: more people are having fewer casual sexual parmers: ,’rod the nnmbcr of peat)It who regularly get tested for I IIV fiffccfion continues to ~ow. ports that atimited study of 31 health care workers accidentally jabbed with hypodermic needles at work had much lower risk of HIV infection if given AZT. The CDC reports indicated the health care workers" risk of refection was nearly 80% lower from taking the drag shortly after the needle-stick accident than workers who were not given AZT. U.S. Blood Supply Even Safer BOSTON" - According to a govenunent stud) published in the New EnglandJourhal of)ledicme, only an infinitesimally small mnount of blo~d do~mted tbr transfusions in the U.S. is infected with HIP. The L.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention study estimated that no more th,’m 27 pints out of the total 12 nffllion pints donated each year are tainted. Because blood usedin transfusions is pooled from several donors, bowever, health officials said the chances of receiving con- Uumnated blood are between 1 in 83.000 m~d 1 in 122.000. To reduce these odds even further, the Food & Drng Adnmlis- FI_~ELITY.Hq/V~E HE-aLTH C~-RE; INC. Tulsa Office 486-1174 800-999-3442 We provide comprehensive home health services 24 hourslday, seven days/week. The range ofservices include: Skilled nursing services (RN’s, LPN"s) Home health .aides, Physical Therapy Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy Medical Social Services, In-home psychiatric care Noli~eme(gency transportation, Private duty nursing ~ ~’~:::’~nd Companion sitter services. This list is not all inclusive. Please contact our offices with specific treatment issues. tration had ordered blood banks in this country to begin additional HIV testing that it ~stimates will reduce the number of tainted donations to no more than 17 per year. Some public health care workers ~luestion whether the added $65 nffllion in )early testing expenses is justified by eliminatingjust 10 units of infected blood per )ear. AIDS Mortality Among Prisoners CHICAGO - Writing in the American Journal of Public Health, Adansi Amankwaa with the Florida prisons department says that a review of mortality data from 1987-92 in the state’s prisons indicates that AIDS was the main cause of imnate deaths during the~ 5’ year period~ accounting for more thau 50% ofall prison deaths in 1992. It indicated that deaths from the disease were increasing compared with other causes in prisons. Turner ,and was permitted to return to work. In a statement given to the EEOC in Aug. 1995, Ttmier testified that he was unsure if he would serve a customerwhom he kiiew to have AIDS. According to court docmnents,"he [Turner] is unaware about the trausnfission possibilities of the HIV virtts through casual contact in a food establishment and states that for all he kiiows it c,’m be mmsnfftted though perspiration falling into food. He testifies that he is very "concerned" about this possibility mid’that he would try to favorably resPond: to customer prejudice regarding AIDS. tte states thai the subject of AIDS mid HIV is disgusting mid objectionable mid indicative of bad hygiene. see ADA. page I1 Kellie J. Watts Attorney at law Protect You & Your Partner Wills, Livin.g Wills, Estate Planning, Powers of attorney 493-1959. Tulsa office. Please (’all for appointlnent. Reasonable Rates ¯ The Tulsa Philharmonic : presents ¯: COREY CEROVSEK ¯¯ The 23-year old violinist : will amaze you with his : technique and musicality. ¯" Featuring ¯ Faganini: Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major ¯ Hindemit~:"Symphonic Metamorphoses ¯ on Themes by Carl Maria Von Weber" ¯ /3rafims: Symphony No, 4 in E Minor ¯ ¯ Sa~. Jan. 27 ¯¯ 8 p.m. Tulsa PAC-. " :-~ ~ ~ T U t S A PHILHARMONIC ¯.’ C^LL 747- PHIL, FOg’ TICKETS ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1 51 5 ~outh Lewis Are you looking for a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiafity and comfort that enhances the therapeutic process. For further information call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Della Blackburn, CADC Richard Reeder, MS Serving a Diverse Community B ACK WHITE INC. COMMUNITY CALENDAR SUNDAYS Agape’ Christian Fellowship Worship Service, 10:30 am Sheridan Center, Suite H 21st & Sheridan, 599-7688 Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday Schoo!, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627b East 1 lth 583-7815 Community of Hope (United Methodist) Worship Service, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Adult Sunday School, 9:15 Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E South Mingo. Info: 622-1441 Metro. Comm. Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45ran 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 6:30 pm at CanterbmT 5th & Evanston, 583-9780 MONDAYS H]V Testing TOHR Clinic ¯ Free & anonymous testing using fingerstick method. ¯ No appointment required. : Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Results hours: 7-9 pm Info: 742-2927 TUESDAYS HIV+ Support Group HIV Resource Consortium 1:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-I Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 Shanti-Tulsa, Inc. HIV/AIDS Support Group WEDNESDAYS Authority OfThe Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 N. Maplewood lnfo: 838-1715 Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Co-Dependency Support Group 7:30, Family of Faith MCC i_Jambda Bo~vling League Shdridan LaSnes 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 2nd Monday of month, 6:30 pin 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 OTHER GROUPS Tool Box Technicians, Leather org., hffo cio The Tool Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform: & Leather Seekers Assoc. " Info: 838-1222 " The Banned, OK Gay Band Practice weekly in OKC ¯ Info: 838-2121 ,"HIViAI’DS Support Group : 7 pm, call for location: : 749:7898 ¯ Community of Hope : Grief Group, 6 pm : 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 ¯ :.: ~,, ~ ~ . ~o. .... ¯ ~, Womens Grmef-~roup siaonsored by Community of Hope 6pm, Butler/Stumpff Funeral Home 2103 E. 3rd St. Info: 585-1800 .........& ..... Prayer&Bible Study 5451rES. Mingo, 622-1441 .....,Friends &.Family :: 7~:.30 pm 2627-B East 1 lth " " ~ Call 583-7815 for info. HIV Testing Family Of Faith MCC Praise & Prayer 6:30 pm Choir Practice 7:30 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. ¯ ¯ ’Community of Hope (United Methodist) ¯ Service for Peace, 6:30 pm ¯ Bible Stud,,,’, 7 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 TNAAPP ¯ Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project ¯ Support group ¯ for Gay & Bi Native ¯ American Men, 6 pm at Conununitv of Hope ¯ 1703 E. 2nd ¯ 582-7225 or 584-4983 TOHR Clinic Walk in testing: 7 - 8:30 pm Results hours: 7 - 9 pm Info: 742-2927 Prayer Time MCC - Greater Tulsa, 7 pm 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838= 1715 Tulsa Family Chorale Wee"kly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 41 54 S. Harvard, 749-’4901 Alternatives Weekly socials, 7 pm See below for schedule. Info: 646-5503 SATURDAYS St. Jerome’s Ecumenical Catholic Church ,Mass, 6 pm Garden (Thapcl 3841 S. Peoria Info: Father Rick at 742-7122 Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at 11 pm Confidential ~upport for recovering addicts. Co~unmnity of I lope 1703 E. 2nd. lnfo: 585- I NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees 3rd Sat of each month hffo: 748-3111 OTHER GROUPS Gay & Lesbian Sttulent Association TJC Southeast Canq)us, Info: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’s Activity Network Call 832-2121 TOHR Helpline Daily 8= 10 pm For info. ~r to vohmtcer: 743-GAYS SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 Community ofHope Orientation 2 pro, 1703 E. 2nd Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Group Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing group) Info: 585-1800 THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, Community ofHope Orientation 6:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd Info: 585-1800 SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 Faith & Struggle Dialogue Grm~ Community of Hope United Methodist 4:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd (ongoing ~oup) Info: 585-1-800 SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 ,Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA, 9 pm Concess|ons, 33rd& Peoria Pageant .. Info: 744-0896 or 838-3701 TUESDAY, JANUARY ,30. Rainbow Business Gui/d, 7 pm Uno Pizzeria,.61st & Memorial Dinner Meeting Info: 665-5174 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 Tulsa Women’s Supper Club, 6:30 pin Full Moon Care, 1525 East 15th Info: 584-2978 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Alternatives. Informational meeting for reactivated social orgamzauon for men and women, also, video of comedian Suzmme Westenhoefer, 7pm Holiday Inn Express, 51st & Harvard, Info: 646-5503 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 TMsa Oklahomansfor Human Rights Local Police Officers Speak Out, 7 pm Alan Chapman Activity Center University of Tulsa , 5th St. west of Harvard, Info: 743-4297 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY-8 Alternatives, Bowling at Riverlanes, 7pm 8711S. Lewis .. ~ Info: 646-5503 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Community ofHope Orientation 2 p!n, 1703 E. 2nd hffo::585~ 1800 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 .Alt~r.natives, Movie Night; 7pm Fox 4 Cinema, 51st & Harvard Info: 646-5503 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Fandly ofFaith MCC Reclaim & Recovery Workshop: Forgiveness, 9 am - 3 pm 5451-E S. Mingo, hffo: 622-1441 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY22 Alternatives, Dinner, 7pro Golden Corral, 71st & Mingo hlfo: 646-5503 Out & About With JD! More sequins, but that’s not all that this month’s featured establishinent has to offer. Lola’s is "’truly a fanfilv bar" says Bill (Lola) McCall of this wonderful pla~e Brian & tJttt ofLola’s thht ~ves a lot to the community. One example they’ve supported Mr. Oklahoma Leather~ Mr. Tulsa Leather and 1st alternate to Mr, Oil Capital. Also, Lola’s pro: rides ahome forTULSA FAMILY CHOIL~ LE, which is opento any Gay, Lesbian ¯ or Gay-.friendly persons and m~ets Thurs. at 9:30:~ Bill & Brian are the owners of this cozy establishinent that represents a little bit of Valentine’s Day. Bill & Brian have been to,,tethet for 15 (!) vear~ which they plan to celebrate with a ~umiversarv showand party .on FebruaD’ 16th. Tffey ,opened Lola’s 2years ago. "’At Lola’s you can find whatever liking may be: entertain: ment, games (pool & darts), good friends or jnst a good time." Oh by the way, the following are happenin~ s at Lola’s for the coming month: Feb. 16th, Bill & Brians’s Anniversary show & party; Feb. 20th, Birthday celebration for Desdny Ray, Miss Upper Cherry Street, and Feb. 24th, 1st Annual see JD, page 11 0 748-5374 L Spring Art Classes Start February 17 Family Workshops YPoreusncgheoroalrt ~ ~Adult Studios Action Studios Spring Break Studios March 25-29 not, however, mandate procreative possibility as a requirement for heterosexual marriage certificates, a move that would seem consistant with his stated rationale. Knight goes on to forecast economic doom and collapse if California "’were forced" to recognize the relationships of same-gender couples,including taking on the same responsibilities for each other thathetero-couples expect. However, economic forecasts for Hawaii project that same-sex marriages could add $4 billion. to Hawaii’ s revenues over the next 5 years. Some observers think that Knight" s bill, if enacted, will likely cost California taxpayers millions in legal fees as gay and lesbian citizens challenge the. law. Current law recognizes all mamages performed throughout the United States. The bill would prohibit recogmtion of legal marriages of same-sex couples, regardless of where they are performed. sexual activities, the citizen suggested that he mad the officer go to a private location for consensual sex. After the citizen made the offer, he was arrested for solicitation under ma OKC ordinance. The ACLU defense of the citizen rests on two concerns. First is the 1 st Amendment (free speech) issue. The OKC ordinance appears to make it illegal to make any offer of consenstml sex in OKC. ACLU spokesperson, Michael Canffield noted that this would make offers betweeu heterosexuals, say in a drinking establishmeut, illegal al~o but he/also noted that the OKC police do not appear to be assigning undercover cops to heterosexual bars. The other basis for challenging the arrest is a 1986 decision by the Criminal Court that ruled that the Oklahoma "sodomy" law which makes oral or anal sex a felony crime was unconstitutional. The decision held that a constitutional right to privacy prevented the state or cities from forbidding private, consensual sex acts between adults. The law makes no distinction between heterosexual or homosexual oral or anal sex. However, the ’86 case involved heterosexuals and the court specified that it was not addressing whether homosexual citizens enjoyed the same right to privacy as heterosexual ones. If homosexual citizens have the same right to privacy and the solicited activities are not themselves illegal, then the OKC ordinance can hardly be constitutional. This is, if it" s not illegal to have sex, then it can hardly be illegal to talk about it. In a 3-1 decision, the Court of Criminal Appeals chose not to address whether the state can constitutio~mlly prohibit same gender sex but said this case was only about public solicitations mad rtfled that OKC could prohibit such solicitations. The appeal, according to Hendricksen, who is ACLU-OK president, will ask the US Supreme Court to compel the OK Court of Criminal Appeals to decide if the right to privacy that ~t established for heterosexual citizens ~s also available for homosextml citizens. "’The court [appeals] ducked this issue and we are going to see if we can force them to m~swer tiffs question.’" To help the ACI.U-OK fight tiffs case. donations may be made to 600 NW 23rd St. OKC 731(36. be the actions of a neighborhood adolescent but that the theft of their family’s peace of mind is no little thing. The Harrison Kirbys are considering their options to protect themselves and their children from futher harm. Kirby did add that they have been comforted by expression of support from friends around the US with whom they correspond via e-mail. statements by Radical Right leaders, such as CBN’s Pat Robertson and Sen. Jesse Helms. Since the threat of lawsuits by CBN, no television station in any of the target cities of Washington, Tulsa, Houston or Atlanta will air the commercials. Mitzi Henderson, president of PFLa,G’s board of directors, stated that PFLAG is conunitted to "’get our message on the air and compel CBN to stop its harassment and censorship attempts". Locally, the Tulsa chapter of PFLAG is presenting a free film series at All Soul’s U~titarian Church at 7pm, Jan. 23 & 30, mad Feb. 6 & 13. The films, Straight From The Heart. On Being Gay, Queer Son, and Always .\.lb~ Kid, feature Lesbians and Gay men and parents of Lesbians and Gay men dealing with issues from fanfilies to religion to AIDS. PFLAG Tulsa also is continuing a campaign for a siguature advertisement to run in The Tulsa World. The ad "calls for Tulsans to stand against tred, hate speech mad violence" against individtmls based on their sexual orientation mad "’to recoguize the strong link between hate speech, teen suicide and violent physical attacks..." Tulsa Family News reported correctly last month that The Tulsa Worm is on record as having a policy banning the use of the words, Gay or Lesbian in advertising. However, contrary to our report, The World has not changed its policy to allow an exception. According to Bill Hinkle, PFLAG Tulsa co-chair, PFLAG cannot even spell out its name but may be forced to use a circumlocution like, "Parents and Friends of Persons of Differing Sexual Orientation.’" The ad will likely, run later in January. dren they were trying to place. Rep. Benson stated to TFN that he was motivated by the NEA’s resolution to reaffirm what he views as Oklahoma’s "traditional. family values". He said the reason for a resolution instead of a bill was that since a resolution lacks the power of law, the legislators could express their feelings without infringing any constitutional rights which such a law would probably do. Benson claims that he does not want to condeum Lesbians and Gay men for their "choice of lifestyle" & that he expected to get wide support OKC’s Oklahoma Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus has begun a postcard campaign directed at Rep. Benson. In Tulsa, according to one source, PFLAG’s Nancy McDonald is putting together a group of parents mad Tulsa area legislators to meet with Benson. Other activists have begun to ph’m a Family Day at the Capitol, a state-wide lobb3:ing day by Lesbian, Gay and Bi activists, clergy mad business people. For i~ffo, call Green Country Pride at 838-2121 or 583-1248. Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law Know Your Rights! Estate Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal :Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or.918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. Speakers &performers include comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer, Col. Grethe Cammermeyer & her partner, Diane Divelbass, & Candace Gingrich April 7 - 14, Olivia’s Womens’ Cruises Call 341.6866 International Tours for more information. Need a gift idea? Gift certificates are availablefor air travel, cruises & many other travel needs. IGTA member. People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. Leanne Gross Retirement planning Life, health & income insurance, & investment placing. 744-0102 Mention this ad to receive free initial consultation. by Phil Boler-Schmidt Winter is a special time in Eureka Springs. With the falling of the Autumn leaves comes a respite from the thundering hoardes, and locals get a chance to renew old acquamtmlces, catch up on family time, and spend time with cherished friends. Each December, we have the Women’s Party. 1995 saw the 25th annual event, and it was quite a sight to behold. My own estimate was about 500 women in attendance. Each brings some type of finger food and a drink to share. There is music and dancing, talk and Sharing. A grand time is had by all. This year was no exception. And, as usual, a few of the guys showed up, respectfully of course, and sang Christmas carols to the assembled masses at the ballroom high atop the Basin Park Hotel. Now that Christmas ~s over, the really big events are potluck dinners. It is the Ozark way of getting to "know people, fo~: the first time, or to renew old friendships. Us queer folk do the potlucks in style. This is mv2nd Winter in Eureka, and I’m looking for~vard with anticipation to the Season of the Potlucks. This is the time to get to lmow those people you have always ~vanted to know but were too bits5 working to spend any time with. As man5 of you already kimw. Eureka Springs is a wedding haven. And, it is also a wonderful spot for holy unions. Everything imaginable is possible, from an extravaganza to a small ceremony just for the two of you. And what better time than this Winter? Resources are available for holy unions at 253-2401. Events upcoming in Eureka this Winter include Jacob Adler, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Arkansas giving a talk at MCC of the Living Spring oftjanuary, 21 st at 4 PM The trpi~ will be Jewish Influence on Jesus’ Teachings. Joya Pope will be in town on February 3rd, also speaking at MCC of the Living Spring at 7 PM. Joya Pope is author of The WorMAccording to Michael and Upcoming Changes: Prophecy and Pragmatism for the Late Nineties. Admission is S 12.50 at the door, and she also has private channeling sessions available. Winter is the time we sit back and take stock, read all the good books we didn’t have time to get to during the rush of tourists, begin a new study program, and ¯ get read~ for theseason wlfich is -~’" only a c~uple of months away. For those of you who are Eureka locals, you know exactly ~vhat I ,’un talking about. Those of you who ,are from out of to~vn will just riced to visit in order to see why wc call this place Paradise. For more information about Eureka Springs available on the World Wide Web, point your browsers to: http: www.pimps.com~ eureka.html. See you in Eureka! ADA cont’dfromp. 8 He compares AIDS and HIV to leprosy....He states that hi s attitude regarding HIV and AIDS has remained unchanged s~nce 1987 when he suspended the plaintiff [Saladin] because he suspected he was HIV positive. In the same manner that he directed plaintiff not to discuss-the AIDS and HIV status of ¯ plaintiff’s partner in casual conversation with customers he states that he would consider asking a white waitress to not discuss or disclosed (sic) that fact that her spouse was black in casual conversation." Steve Norick, one of Paul Saladin’s attorneys, claims the Americans with 13isabilities Act was violated in at least two major ways. The ADA provide relief from discrimination based on acttmlly being handicapped but also to those who may not be handicapped but who are perceived as being handicapped. And it also provides protection to those ~vho are associated with those wh6 are handicapped. Thus far the court has seen sufficient merit in Saladiu et al’s case not to accept the efforts of Tumer’s attornevs to dismiss the case though the court has not seen fit to render judgment to Saladin yet either. Now it will be up tojudge &jury to findjustice. JD cont’dfromp. 9 Miss Rivercity America Pageant. If you missed Concessions celebration of their first anmversary, you should just hang your headin shame! Kirk &Terry and their staffand patrons had a great time and look forward to a grca~ year two. Also the) say, don’t miss Miss Gay Oklalloma t "Sofa co/fling on Jan. 28th and even more to come in March - mark your calendars. I hope that tiffs month and ucxt you find, or cherish more. that someone who brings you joy! BEAVER DAM STORE Fishing Headquarters for N.W. Arkansas Fly Tying * Fly Fishing * Equipment & Classes Open Year ~Round TROUTS - ~R - US Located 1/2 mile N. of Beaver Dam on Hwy 187 Eureka Springs, AR * 501-253-6154 Grocerles * Gas * Ice * Beer * Licenses * Lodging COTTAGE Your lnnReepe~. Lamont Richie and Steve Roberson A Bed dt Breal~asl Inn Individual Cottages - Jacuzzi for Two Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632 501/253-8659 O000000000000000000.O. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ o ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ A Friendly Place to Stay-. KING’S HI-WAY INN 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (501) 253-7311 1-800-231-1442 Jerry A. Wilson. owner ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ O ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ MCC of the Living Spring ,..a community of friends... Rev. Kermie Wohlenhaus Pastor We welcome you to attend! Services held Sunday evenings at 6 PSI 17 Elk Street (at the Unitarian Church) Eureka Springs, AR 72632 501-253-9337 <MCCltmg Itealty, Inc. O] "The Land SpedaEsts" 501’253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) Offerings include: Bed & Breakfast in~; Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Coi~mercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates,-& much more. McClung Realty, Inr; has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG community in Eureka Springsfor over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. We specialize in creative fin,ancing. EUREKA SPRINGS "Jim & Brent have opened the ultimate intimate local eatery. A special, eclectic dining experience..." Stop by our house for a taste of local flavor. Dine outside on the patio & porch or in our three beautiful dining rooms. Fine food at an affordable price. Green & Yellow Night FAMILY NIGHT Private Dinner Party, lstThurs, of EachJVIonth @m - Midnight, Dine, Drink ~ Relax Among Friends Featuring Jim & Gwendolyn’s Select Dinner Entrees & Brent’s Superb Desserts "With Family’ In Mind" Gay-owned, Operated & Rainbow Proud 20% of all proceeds will go to the support of family causes by Barry Hensley, Tulsa City-County Library For information regarding HIV/AIDS topics, our Library is an excellent resource. There are books, videos, audio cassettes, government documents and periodical articles full of updated information. Many branch libraries have books and other materials, although the Central Library, at 4th and Denver in downtown Tulsa, has more detailed information. Here are some of the items available through Central Library departments: BUSINESS ANDTECHNOLOGY, 4th floor, phone: 596-7988 (Dewey area 616.9792) AIDS and HIV in Perspective (by Barry Schoub) Immune Power: The Comprehensive Healing Pro~am for HIV (b.v Jolm Kaiser) Dictionary of AIDS Related Terminology (by Jeffrey Huber) Rethinking AIDS (by Robert Root-Bernstein) Everything You Need to Know When a Parent Has AIDS (by Barbara Drainlin) AIDS and the Law of Workplace Discrimination (by Jeffrey Mello) (34417301) READERS SERVICES, 2nd floor, phone: 596-7966 (Dewey area 362.1969) People, Sex, HIV and AIDS (by Pierre Andre) Everything You Need to Know About Being HIV Positive (by Amy Shire) I’ll Not Go Quietly (by Mary Fisher) We Are All Living With AIDS (by Earl Pike) Women’s HIV Sourcebook (by Patricia Klosser) Search for an AIDS Vaccine (by Christine Grady) (174.2 G) Recovering From the Loss of a Loved One to AIDS (by K. Dounelly) (155.937) Diary of a Lost Boy (by Harry Kondoleon) (fiction) Labour of Love (by Doug Wilson) (fiction) Such Times (by Christopher Coe) (fiction) Promise of Rest (by Reynolds Price) (fiction) CHILDREN’S, 2nd floor, phone: 596-7971 Magic Johnson (by Martin Schwabacher) AIDS: How it \Vorks in the.~odv (by Lorna Greenberg) Daddy and Me (by Jeanne M6ut~)uss’amy-Ashe) David ttas AIDS (by Doris Sanford) Know About AIDS (by Margaret Hyde) MEDIA CENTER, 1 st floor, phone: 596-7933 Living Proof: HIV and the Pursuit of Happiness (video) Heart of the Matter (video, HIV+ women) HI\" Test: Who Should Take It? What Does it Show? (video) AIDS: \Xqay We Won’t Look (audio cassette) Let’s Talk: C. Everett Koop (audio cassette) AIDS Quilt Songbook (compact disc) There are also various Government Documents available in both the Reference Department and the Business and Technology Department. Please call the Central Library at 596-7977 or any branch library for more information. Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesday Services 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm Choir Practice ¯ Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group I To do justice, love mercy & to walk hurnbly with "our God... Micah 6:8 5451-E South Mingo Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 No. Cincinnati. 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanta PI.. 742-7381 Trinity 501 SO. Cincinnali. 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You trial here before being returned to Oregon. Acremant, 27, was taken to flae San Joaquin County Jail for extradition to Oregon ou murder charges in die brntal slayings of Rox,’ume Ellis and Michelle Abdill. Stockton police say they were tipped off by an anonymou~ -caller early on the monli]~g ofDec. 13, who gave them the license number of a rented van Acremant was driving. Alter several hours of patrolling area motels, police say they located the van at a Motel 6 and discovered that Acremant had registered the night before tmder his own name. According to a Stockton police spokesperson, Acremant was not armed when he was arrested, and he surrendered to authorities without incident. Ellis mid Abdill, who operated a property management business together and were domestic partners, were-last seen on Dec. 4. Their bodies, bound, gagged and blindfolded, were discovered three days later in the back of their parked pickup truck. According to Medford authorities, die two women had each been shot twice in the head in what some have described as an "executton-style slaying." Police are continuing to refuse to talk abom the details of the case but did say they had no evidence that Acremant knew that the two women were lesbians. Although Acremant’ s father said his son had told him he had killed the two women in a robbery, police say that money, wallets, jewelry and other valuables belonging to them had not been taken. See related story., this page. STOCKTON, Calif. - The Natioual Gay & Lesbian Task Force has asked the U.S. Justice Department to examine the killing of Roxmme Ellis and Michelle Abdill, lesbian activists in Medford, Ore., because of statements made by Robert Acremant, who is facing charges in the case. The Task Force formally asked Attorney General Janet Reno in a letter to investigate whether the killings were hate crimes because of a variety of statements Acremant has made to television, radio and newspaper reporters duringjail interviews. In one interview, Acremant said he had asked the women if they were lesbians and said they had told him they were. "It kind of made me sick to my stomach that she was someone’s grandma," Acremant was quoted as saying in an interview published in the Oregonian shortly after his arrest. He also said in that interview that the fact that they were lesbians "made it easier" to kill them. In a letter to Reno, NGLTF Executive Directory Melinda Paras said, gays and lesbians around the country were "’very much upset and disturb0xl by these murders" and that statements by Acremant "have heightened the alarm and concern" that the killings were, in fact, hate crimes. PICK YOUR CAR... ... PICK YOUR. PAYMENT! "NO MONEY DOWN!" Mitsubishi Eclipse RS s272 -MONTHLY * or .... $15 698 < "CASH. PRICE ¯ All factory eouioment Including Air. ¯ MSRP $16.976 0-down. 41 p~iyment~ of $272 99 Lint pavment $~4~, WAC This is not ~ lease 15 ¢xnts li mile penalty after 12,000 miles i yr~ Mitsubishi- Galant s237 Monthly* Includes: Air conditioning, power door locks and windows, cruise control, Am/Fro cassette, automatic and much more. "MSRP $18.069. Sale Pdce 117.191.41 payments at $237 a month, 12,000 miles a yr. Iree, 15’ a mile penalty thereafter or walk away. Last payment $8588. 1.75%APR. W.A.C. by Jean-Pierre St. Valentine’s Day is soon to be upon us, and everyone is once again faced with the dilemmaof selecting that special place for a romantic dinner. Here are the three best restaurants in Tulsa, as well as the three most overrated. Each of the establishments reviewed this month considers itself to offer "fine dining," or what you might call a"white tablecloth" restaurant. Elegant. Dressy. Be forewarned, though, that all of these places fall into the category of "very expensive." Heading up the list is Montrachet, in the Consortium at 3509 South Peoria. This restaurant was formerly on our list of places to avoid, unless you liked schizophrenic Santa Fe French cuisine courtesy of the previous chef/owner. But, last summer, it was taken over by new ownership, management, and chefs from the resorts in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has successfully regained its place on Jean-Pierre’s social list. With the demise lastyear of both Karmichael’ s and the Fifteenth Street Grill (-gotta pay those taxes!), Montrachet is currently Tnlsa’s best restaurant. The Montrachet style is still basically French In concept, but displays a,.fresh American note to the Continental style: Beef tenderloin, rack of lamb, poussin, fresh salmon, and other gourmet specialties are mainstays ofthe Montrachetmenu, which changes seasonally. But the highlight of the meal with be the lovely montage of flavors from experiencing all of the courses, not just the entree. The onion soup at this place is absolutely the best one can get in Oklahoma. A rich beefy and winey stock bathes tender, caramelized onions, and is a delicious and warming treat. Frizzled onions top the soup as a garnish, which you may want to request be left in the kitchen. For a special appetizer, try the seared foie gras. It’s presented medium rare, stacked between layers of puff pastry, and grilled apples. The salad of mixed greens with Stilton cheese, walnuts, & poached pears is excellent. Desserts change regularly, and all are exquisite. None are the typical ice cream and hea~y., sticky sauce on abrownie; ....all. drowned in icanned ¯ whipped topping, that one ¯ usually finds in Tulsa. ¯ Many are truly works of art, and the tastes ¯ can be heavenly. Montrachet also has a ¯ full bar and an excellent wine list. They ¯ also offer a number of interesting cordials ¯ and liqueurs. - , ; Expect.seryice~ to .be.very well trained ¯ and efficient. All of the waiters are very ¯ knowledgeable about the evening’s menu ¯ and the preparations of the foods, and will ¯ be happy to recommend,.the evening’s ¯ best dishes. Bodean Seafood Restaurant has been ¯ the place to go for fresh-off-the-plane- " daily, seafood in Tulsa for years. Located ¯ in a nondescript strip shopping center at ¯ 3323 East 51st, just east of Harvard, ¯ Bodean is filling the shoes of the late ." Louisianne,Tulsa’slegendary downtown ¯ r.estaurant. You can also buy lovely fresh ¯¯ seafood to prepare at home at Bodean’s adjacent seafood market. If you like New England style clam ¯ chowder, you willlove the soupat Bodean, : probably the best Marc-Pierre has had : outside of the East Coast. Rich and thick, it contains big pieces of fresh dams. Limit ¯ yourself to a cup though; the bowl is big ~ enough for a meal by itself. Check the chalkboards to see whatcame in on the plane that day. Mussels, cockles, : and oysters from Newfoundland and New : Zealand are regularly on the appeuzer ¯ lists, and fishes from across the world will : become scrumptious entrees. The fish entrees are al- St. Valentine’s Day is soon to be upon us...Here are th~ three _. b~st restaurants in Tulsa, as well as the three most overrated. ways creatively prepared and presented, though sometimes the creativity can be a bit excessive. ~re recently experienced a mahi mahi presented with mango chumey and a blackened monkfish served with crawfish jambalaya. Never mind, though, since any fish can be prepared to order, and Jean-Pierre often orders the wonderfully fresh seafood simply grilled with alittle lemon butter on the side. Expect your fish to be cooked to an expert level of doneness, not undercooked and not dried out, but just right. Vvqaile most of the waiters provide the professional service you would expect from a quality restaurant, not all of the staff is properly trained. You may want to request a special waiter, once you find one you like. Our third choice amongst the three best Tulsa restaurants is actually a private club in downtownTulsa. The Summit, atop the Bank IV Center, serves both luncheon and dinner to Tulsa’s business and socialite community. It might be worth your while to get out those gold-digging shoes and wrangle an invitation to share dinner with aclub member. A qnick review of the club roster reveals several ’Tanfily’" members, so this is not an impossible task. Honorable mention has to go to the food at the Southern Hills Golf & Country Club, but finagling an invitation here is much more challenging. The Summit features expertly traineo staff with charming & sexy European accents. And, this being "The Club" of Tulsa’s elite, the staff will do everything possible to cater to the diners" every whim and pleasure. Of course, such service and top quality food does not come without its cost, but the saving grace is that the Summit doesn’t make you pay at the endof the meal your host just signs h check! This is Tulsa, so beef is heavily featured on the menu. Steaks are excellent, always prime beef, and will be prepared exactly to vour specifications. They also do a lovely Dover sole. Wildgame is frequently available. But one of the most memorable entrees here is the fork tender, melt-inyour- mouth, lamb tenderloin. The only thing to avoid is the lasagna, which is bland & insipid, a big disappointment ~ven the management’s Italian origins. Desserts are ~ bit more mundane, but fresh fruit with real whipped crean~ is always available, and the signature dessert of the club is a chocolate crunch cakc. a very rich mousse m a pastry shell. If you are watching your pennies, be careful with your choices of wines ,and liquors. The "Summit stocks all of the ultra-premium liquors and has wines costing 100’s (note the plural) of dollars per botde. And now for the list of Tulsa’s three most overrated "’fine" restaurants, at which see Dining, page 14 1996 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant Sunday, January 28, 9 pm, with special guests Maya Douglas Miss Gay USofA 1995 Chelsea Pearl Miss Gay USofA At-Large 1996 Cherry Monroe Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Jean-Pierre refuses to eat when he is picking up the tab, and which Jean-Pierre will discourage friends from visiting as well. All of these restaurants suffer from overinflated prices, inconsistent food quality, and mediocre servtce (judged by a standard of what one might expect given the expense). Number Three: Bravo Ristorante. Suffeting through the attempts of the wait stuff to sing arias and show tunes does not make up for their inept service or the mediocrity of the food. R.I.P. Montague" s, the fine dining room when the Adam’s Mark used to be the Westin. Number Two: Atlantic Sea Grill. In probably the most expensive restaurant in Tulsa, the expectation that the food will be cooked to a quality level consistent with the prices is unrequited. Perhaps one would be better off to walk a few doors down to the cheaper and infinitely less stuffy T.G.I. Friday’s. NumberOne: Warren DuckClub. Aside from being in the tone)- Doubletree Warren Place, how this establishment manages to be touted as one of the finer establishments in Tulsa is totally bevond this reviewer. On several oceasirns, ~ean- Pierre has been served tough and overcooked duck with dreadfully sweet fruit sauce to mask the (lack of) "flavor of the bird. But most disappointing is thee dessert bar reminiscent of Harvest Buffet. Save your money. Well, dear readers, this is the list of Tulsa’s besl and worst. Now, you can decide where you want to take your special friend on’Febrtmry 14. Any hidden messages there’? Just be sure to call ahead for reservations, Bon appetit! by James Christjohn Hello again! Time for another rousing round of reviews! I have received complaints from some members of the community for using the "snap" system of rating stuff. They claim to have patented it. Go figure; some people are legends in their own minds. At any rate, if anyone out there in readerland feels they have a more amusing rating system, please submit it to Tulsa Family News Rating System contest,POB 4140,TulsaOK, 74159. I’m not sure what the prizewill be yet, but I’ll come up with something. I am also asking for the women in our readership to Submit ideas of what they’d like to see reviewed. I don’t want anyone left out. On with the reviews, comments, and whatever other stuff I feel might be amusing. If you remember your first crush on another member of the same sex, or have forgotten, I can highly recommend "’Tom & Huck". It is an excellent adaptation of "Tom Sawyer", with excellent performances by the entire cast. And the homoerotic subtext clearly evident inTom and Huck’s relationship ~s almost underlined in one of several scenes where Tom and Huck are struggling to communicate their feelings towards one another and you just want to yell "Go ahead! Say it! Tell him’I love you!’"Actually,it’s pretty much true to it’s time - I can see Huck living in town, madTom marries Beckx’ as a cover, and continues his relationship with Tom. This is definitely a good Valentine" s day flick, very romantic in its way, and the action keeps you on the edge of the seat. Fortunately, I restrained myself from the yelling bit, for which mv mece was grateful (I must credit her f~r SALOON Friday, January 19 th Blacklight Party Every Wednesday Night Drag Rodeo Roundup hosted by Courtney Farrell and featuring Keliah LaMonte Coming Sunday, March 17 USofA Preliminary to Miss USofA 834-4234, 1565 S. Sheridan W-Sun. 7-2am this issue’s reviews, during the holiday trip to see fmrtily, she dragged me to all these movies I wouldn’t have ever seen otherwise, and was pleasantly surprised at how good they were. I dedicate this month’s column to her. Otherwise, I’d just be babbling on about anything I could think of and making up reviews of fictional films and stuff.) Another winner is "Jumanji", and it takes you on a doozy of a rollercoaster ride. It’s a fun film, and Robin Williams is always a delight, especially in this flick about ama~cal board game set in a deadly jungle that sucks you in until someone else plays the game to it’s finish and sets you free. The scenes of the jungle and its animals taking over an entire town is amazing. The plot was a bit uneven, but I found it amusing enough overall to make up for that. Inmusical terms, Boy George’s"Cheapness and Beaut)"" deserves more of a listen than it’s been getting. I am not partial to BG or Culture Club, but I was curious enough to give this disc a spin, and found it surprisingly effective. It covers every style from country to heavy metal (mad I HATE heavy metal, but I rather liked it here. Skip the first track, but listen to the rest. He holds no punches, mad does not shy away from telling it like i~ is - no bet love songs here! There is one song on there about AIDS that nearly hadme in tears. The lyrics are well-written if not well-spelled and the music is fairly well done. (For me, the first test of a songs is the lyrics. Are they intelligent? Do they have meaning? If they don’t, forget it.) Another "new" discovery, October Project, has a new CD, "Falling Farther In", and it is beautiful. The lyrics are amazingly intelligent, and the music fuses a bit of rock, pop,jazz and Celtic soul. Try it, you’ll like it. The lead singer has a lovely deep alto voice that is like chocolate to listen to. If you don’t like chocolate, insert the dream food of your choice. (Like I said, I don’t want to leave anyone out.) This is a CD to add to your collection, no matter what. And, if we’re all lucky, I’ll be able to review "’Phantom of the Opera" for the next issue. I know a lot of folks out there are dusting off their opera capes and lnasks for this one! Don’t forget our Jan. 28th 2nd Annual Super Bowl Party Free Draw Beer from kickoff to finish, Chili dogs, baked beans & potato salad, $5 cover Big Screen TV How To Do It First 30 words are S10. Each additional word is 25 cents. You may bring additional attention to your ad with: Bold Headline - S 1 Ad in capital letters -S1 Ad in bold capital letters - $2 Ad in box - $2 Ad reversed - $3 Tear sheet mailed - S2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Please type or print your ad. Count the number of words. (A word for our purposes is a group ofletters or numbers separated by a space.) Send your ad & payment to POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, complete address, day & eve. numbers (for our records only). Ads will run ~n the next issue after they are received. TFN reserves the right to edit or refuse any ad. No refunds. Lesbian Book Club Now Fonning. Meeting monthy to discuss works by women authors. For information, call 298-5208. HIV+ Singles Magazine Safe & confidential. Free copy, 36 word personal ad, voice mail, and mail forwarding! Local and nationwide! All lifestyles. Gay, HIV+ owned & operated. Intropoz+, 564 Mission St. Box 415, SF, CA 94105, 800-820-2948 TALKING PERSONALS! HUNDREDS OF GUYS TO CHOO~ CALL NOW! Call The 900 number to respond to ads, bi’owse unlisted ads, or retrieve messages. Only $1.99 per minute: 18+. C/S: 415-281-3183 Tulsa MATURE AND FUN: GWM, varied interests, late 40’s, seeks others for fun and more. Please leave ~: message. ~31509 Oklahoma TOP ME OFF: GBM, 28, 5’6", 144, GHM/GBM preferred, drug/disease/alcohol free, far fun and more. Piease ~eave a message. ~28009 Oklahoma NAtiVE: I’m a Native American Indian. I’m a big guy with a big heart. I’m 25 y/o and I’m Ikg4 a companion and a friend. I’m a virgin. are you the one? red heads a+ ~4701 Manfard GOOD OLE" BOY: GWM, 135, 5’5", blonde hair, hazel eyes, 35; varied interests, seek GWM’s, 18-40, for friendship and more. Please leave a message. ~25103 Oklahoma COWBOY COUNTRY: GWM, 5’8", brown hair and eyes, 21, seeks other males, good looking and well built cowboys preferred, for friendship and more. Please leave a message. =23376 Ponca City NOT INTO BAR SCENE: GWM, 27,155, 5’8", hazel eyes, brown hair~ seeks others far friendship and passible relationship;Please leave a message. ~’17465 Oklahoma SON WANTS DAD: GWM, 31, 5’11", 180, brown hair, green eyes, HIV:, seeks a HIV- Daddy far a serious relationship. Relocation is most definite if Daddy wants. Please leave a message. ~15358 Oklahoma BOUND AND GAGGED: GWM, Leather submissive seeks a very aggressive Leather aggressive, far serious encounters. No holds barred preferred. Please leave a message. ~2827 Oklahoma BIG BOY: GWM, 5’6", 250, brown hair, blue eyes, seeks others far " friendship and more. Please leave a message. ~11041 Tulsa PLAIN, SIMPLE, HONEST: GWM, 28, 165, hard worker, out doors man and active, seeks other GWM’s for friendship and passibly more. Please leave a message. ~14249 Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: GWM, inexperienced, 30, 6’, 150, brown hair, green eyes, professional, smoke/alcohol free, seeks inexperienced GWM’s, 18-25 far special encounters. Please leave a message. Must bediscrete and drug free. =14856 Tulsa LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: GWM, 25, 5’10", 175, brown hair, masculine and discrete, good looking, non smoker, athletic, seeks other inexperienced males, 21-30, for friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. ~14178 Oklahoma LET’S TEACH EACH OTHER: Bi Curious WM, 27, 6’, ! 95, tanned, seeks other males, 18-30, bi curious preferred, for learning experiences. Please leav~ a message. =17153 Oklahoma BRAND NEW: GWM, 27, 150 5’8", brown hair, hbzel eyes, will try anything once, varied interests, seeks other guys for frie~’dship and much more. Please lea~e~ a message. ~ 17465 Oklahon~B-LOOKING FOR SERIOUS FUN: GWiV~ Oklahoma State University student, T0’s, 5’9",. 150", good body, varie~ interests, seeks others far fun and ~ore. I am very discrete. ~16686 : Tulsa LOOKING FOR I~XPERIENCE: Bi Curious Married WM~ very attractive, good body, 6-.q’, 180, blonde hair, blue eyes, sbeks other white males far first time,experience. Please leave a messege.iNo need to be discrete. ~t6302 TUlsa TULSA "1~/’O STEP: GWM, 26, 5’7", 145, good looking!and in shape, seeks others, 18-27, far friendship and fun. Please leave a message. ~17238 Oklahoma COCKED AND LOADED: GWM, 22, 6’2", 185, brown hair, green eyes, seeks GWM~s, 35-45, average build and weight far friendship and possibly more. Please leave a message. =13357 Oklahoma RIGHT ON THE MONEY: GWM, 31, 5’6", seeks, GWM’s, 25-50, into getting acquainted instead of fantasizing abbut our looks. We’re not all Greek God’s or are we built like horses. Some of us are just average. Call me. =12799 Oklahoma BI BI BLUES.~ BiCurious M, 27, 175, 6, aliract~ve, seeks 0their attractive males, 2Q-30, who are patii~nt and understanding. Must be drug/disease free. Please leave a me,sage =13020 : Oklahoma FUN IN TH~ CORRAL: GWM, 31, brown hair, hazel eyes, ’stache, 5’6", 165, seeks~ companionship of matur~ GWM, 23- 40, who are aggressive, masculine and gentfe. Furry cowboys alplus. Call me! ~13859 Tulsa LOADED: 27, 6’, 180 iso men 1~8~30 far some fun, give me a.call- ~9298 OK City DADDY’S HOME: WM, 41,6’ 180 blk brn, iso slim musc 18-41 for fun and friendship- leave a message- =9318 Grove WANNA PUNK WITH ME?: new to area. not into bars, Dave, 20 6’ 185 brn/red/hzt, goatee, eyebrow earring, love volleyball, good music, good food great conversation, meditate, spiritual, give me a ca11- ~9385 Tulsa AMERICAN PRIDE: 5’9, 140, trim physique, hairy chest, sincere and honest person, like this in a person, give me a call- =9464 Oklahoma City GOOD TIMES ARE WAITING: I’m 27 y/o, 5’11, 2151b~, athletic bbild~ I’m Ikg4 someone to share good times with. I like dancing, I’m alight drinker and a non smoker.": ~1663 Oklahoma City PRIME TIME: I’m a 38 y/oWMI"V. I’m a total "PC and I’m Ikg4 men,who would like to spend same time with me. I’m clean, drug and disease free. e9808 Oklahoma City READY OR NOT: I’m 20 y/o, 5’6, 2! 51bs; WM. rm Ikg4 a relationship minded man 18-30’s With a medium to slim build. I like singing, bowling, golf, movies and cuddling. If y.ou are interested, please call me. e47265 Tulsa DEEP CHOCOLATE: GBM, 5’7", well built, looking far GLM/GWM for hot fun in the sun. Satisfaction guarank:~l. Leave me a message and. le~.s get together soon. =10596 Oklahoma BOYS WILL BE BOYS: GWM, 6’, brown hair, blue eyes, very versatile, seeks new friends in the area for fun and friendship with relationship~ ~ssibilities. Let’s get together and celebrate life. e6571 Oklahoma City SHOOT THE BREEZE: GWM, 22, brown hair/eyes, 5’6", see~ fun and relationship oriented GWM’s under 30. ¯ Smoker/Ught Drinker OK. Must be disease/drug free ~11041 Tulsa GAY OR BI: AI, 32, very masc prof’l, GBM isa Gay or bi male, masc, race not Impt, into sparts, outdoors, if u like Iv a message thanks! ~ 7580 Tulsa LET’S PLAY: professional, 42 WM, isa other ~Gay or bi male, 30s- 40s, in the area, let’s play! ~ 7392 Tulsa SOMEONE TO LOVE: I’m 21 BM, kinda looking far someone to love, tired of being by myself, love to sing, read, like to go to the movies, have fun, love all types of music, if this interests you give me a call- ~ 7435 Tulsa SHARE SOME TIME: Dan, BIWM, mid 40s iso BIWM 30-40, ht/wt prop, very discreet, expect same, like share some time, if you are interested, give me a call, I’ll return all callse 7822 Tulsa NEW’ TO AREA~ Mike, new to the area, 35, BIWM, bind/blue, work out alot, phys fit, Ikg for a sir to BI BM 35-65 to have a g0od:time with, go out with give me a call- = -7842 Eastem AR CUDDLE BY THE FIRE: Jack, GWM, 37, It. bin/bin, mustache, very masc, sir appearing/acting, iso friends poss. rel in the area, like all music, dining, theater, Sitting by a fireplace, outdoors, animals, you name it- give me a call- ~ 7873 Oklahoma City JASON, 24, 5’10, 170, Ikg to meet Other hot guys, around my age, if you’d like- ~7885 Malvem FANTASY FUN: Jack, 33 WM, Ikg far guys into fantasies, give me a call let’s get together. = 8031 Oklahoma City BI OR BI CURIOUS? 36, in the city the first wk of the month, looking far bi or bi curious, gdlkg, 6’1,175, 33w, give me a call- ~ 8514 Walton MARRIED OR BI: Rodney, married WM 25 5’5, 150, altr, Ikg for 25-35 married or bi male, far friendship pass rel, inexperienced and want sameane to learn with honesty and discretion req’d- ~ 8671 Ok City gl CURIOUS WM 42, slender build, at,r, isa a bi or gay male, 18-25 - for pass rel, write me! photo a plus, race not impt- e 8747 FOR YOUR FREE AD CALL 1-800-546-6366. THE SYSTEM WILL DO THE REST! Oklahoma City LET’S LEARN TOGETHER: Extremely Bi Curious WF, new.to this life, 22, tall and full figured, seeks same for learning experiences. Please leave a message ~27073 Oklahoma City SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: GWF, 31, seeks other females for fun, romance and more. Please leave a message. =27256 Tulsa HEY GIRLS: athletic attr. SWF early 30’s 5’4 1101bs brn/bm Ikg4 open minded women for discreet hot fun. call me! ~45795 Dallas/Ft. Worth LEZ TALK: my name is Lisa, I’m Ikg4 someone to have great phone fun with. I love talking on the phone. Im 42 ~’/o and I hope you call me. ~45492 Dallas SPECIAL FRIENDS: I’m a single woman with no kids Ikg4 a special’female friend to love and care for. call me. ~1614 Arkadelphia, AR STAR GAZER: my name is Angela, I[m a 21 y/o student interested in trying new things, star gazing and more. I would like to meet a nice woman for fun and friendship, call me! e46392 !II I !_ ATTENT!O ! ANNOUNCING THE FIRST EVER RETREAT FOR GAY/BISEXUAL/V~EN! Sponsored byTNAAPP- ’ " V~HAT: ¯ V/HEN-. Wee.,. e d.-R~treat for Gay/B~sexuai :Nat~ve~: Amei~ican M.e-~ : " . . .February 23-25, 1996 V~HERE: For More Information Call Today 582-7225, Extension 21B IT’S FREE.I IT’S FUN! :SIGh/UP TODAY[ t m m mm mm mm mm n mm m m i mmm mm mm mm m m m i m mm mm ~ I iII II ~IYES! m A~ INTERESTED IN.¢OMIN~ TO THE RETREAT Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1996] Tulsa Family News, January 15-February 14, 1996; Volume 3, Issue 2 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 15-February 14, 1996 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Phyl Boler-Schmit Barry Hensley Pat Morehead LD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United Stated of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/506 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, December 15, 1995-January 14, 1996; Volume 3, Issue 1 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 adoption AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV discrimination AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV education American Civil Liberties Union anti-discrimination law arts and entertainment attorneys Bars businesses children churches Dave Fleischer Don't Ask Don't Tell education estate planning Eureka Springs Foster Parenting gay bashing gay parents gay police gay teachers gender identity harassment Health Briefs homophobia Jean-Pierre Legrandbouche marriage Murder National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Native Americans Out and About partner registry performing arts PFLAG Phyl Boler-Schmidt prison representation research restaurants schools Shanti Tom Neal Tulsa City County Library Tulsa Family News Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Prime Timers viatication https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7e4e3de336a4bbcf9382dafe22ffde84.jpg d8ca9e64f785eb8b997685cfeb9ac2ec https://history.okeq.org/files/original/ef5cfef0d3712cb5765afd9d1efee517.pdf c00e3b1e5e0f0613854186859c77a5c1 PDF Text Text Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart National News Clinton Slams HIV+ Military Discharges WASHINGTON - The Clinton administration has announced that it believes the HIV discharge provision in the $265 billion Defense Department’s 1996 authorization defense authorzafion bill is unconstitutional and has ordered the Justice Department not to defend the provision. That provision, written by arch-conservalave Rep. Bob Dornan, R-Calif., would discharge within sxx months, regardless see Clinton, page 3 Anti-Marriage Bills Explode Around US PIERRE, S.D.- Sparked by the likelihood that state courts in Hawaii will soon declare same-sex mamage legal there, a rapidly growing number of state legislatures throughout the country have started a rush to outlaw gay and lesbian marriages from being recognized locally, even if they should be legal elsewhere in the U.S. Legislatures in at least 18 states: AL, AK, CA, CO, GA, HI, ID, IL, IA, MO, N19I; RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, WA, WI - had various versions of"gay miscegenation" proposals before thein at press tame. In Virginia, where same-sex marriages are already forbidden by state law, under pressure from Radical Right Gov. George F. Allen, the Virginia Housing Development Authority has reversed a 1994 policy and now effectively prohibits mmaamed or gay and lesbian couples from getting see Marriage, page 3 Gay Morn Appeals Custody DecisiOn PENSACOLA, Fla. - Mary Ward has appealed an August ruling that ordered her 11-year-old daughter be given over to the custody of the child’s father, who was convicted of killing his first wife.The decision last year by state Circuit Court Judge JosephTarbuck stunned many when he ruled in favor of John Ward, the girl’s father, who served 9 years in prison for killing his first wife during an argument over custody of their daughter. In deciding against Mary Ward, Tarbuck ruled see Morn, page 3 Tennessee Sodomy Law Thrown Out KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ~ The Tennessee Court of Appeals has ruled unanimously that the state’s anti-gay sodomy statute is unconstitutional. In overturning the state law the court ruled that the right to privacy includes "the fight of the plaintiffs to engage in consensual, private, non-commercial sexual conduct" that were none of the state’s business because they involve "intimate questions of personal and family concern." State officials gave no immediate indication of whether they would appeal the ruling to the state supreme court or not, but most rights advocates expect an appeal. FUSO: Friends in Unity Social Organization Tulsa’s organization for African-American Gay men ~s expanding its efforts to meet both social and health needs of their immediate community, and the larger one. Over the past year they’ve established a RAIN team, which has its first client, and which may be the only all African-Amencan team in Oklahoma. Its leadership also is working on the non-profit’s tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service so that they can actively seek grant funding to provide HIV education and care. Ultimately they would like to provide case management, peer education, information and referra! services, HIV testing and counseling, health and nutrition, and substance abuse counseling and a food bank in North Tulsa. Over this last year, FUSO has donated canned goods to Our House, made a gift to the victims of the OKC bombing They v e helped to represent Tulsa African-A~eri ¯ cans by sending representatives to Hoist ing the Bamwr. the state HIV AIDS con. ference in OKC addressing issnes of people of color and also participated in the statewide HIV/AIDS conference held last summer at the Doubletree Hotel, Warren Place. Its members marched in the "95 Tulsa AIDS Walk and the World AIDS Day March held at University of Tulsa. Derrick Davis, who is one of FUSO’s officers, has been nominated to be cochair of the Multi-Cultttral AIDS Coalition. FUSO also is participating in the planning of the Women and AIDS conference that will be tleld in April. Last Labor Day, FUSO held a successful Labor Day Weekend event with guests see FUSO, page 10 Vicious Pink, In the Red? OKC-owned Store Closes Vicious Pink, a Gay-oriented gift store owned by Anthony Klatt of Oklahoma City has closed after barely 6 months. The store located in Concessions at 3340 So. Peoria opened with ambitious plans and claims of being the largest such establishment in the state. Kirk Glines, one of the owners of Concessions, indicated that he and his partner Terry Kerns will reopen the shop themselves, possibly by March 1st. Klatt also opened a shop, Dusty Roads, in the Silver Star Saloon. Star owner, John Rothrock could not say whether Dusty Roads was still in business, noting that it was closed without explanation for a week recently and had not been dependably open. February 15 - March 14, 1996, Volume 3, Issue 3 Tulsa Man Seeks Relief From Threats Saks 5th Avenue to Show AIDS Quilt A 31-year 01d Tulsa man’s been driven from one home, has had to send his children away for their safety, has had other members of his family threatened and may have to flee his new apartment, all because he’s living with AIDS. Roscoe Pilant, who goes by the nickname, JR,just wants to be left alone to hve, and to work when he can. However, despite having swastikas and death threats marked on his door and threats to murder him left on his answering machine, Tulsa Police initially were hardly cooperative. And as a result of his complaint, investigation by legalaid attorneys have discovered that the Oklahoma S tate Bureau of Investigations might have been violating the OK hate crimes statute by not keeping statistics on hate crimes directed toward any disabled persons, including those living with AIDS. Pilant says his troubles began when he had to take a HIV related medical absence from work. After he returned, he feels that his employer, a national finn, fired him becauseof his HIV status. After the finn was contacted by Oklahoma Legal Aid attorney Darlene Shadid and was informed that discrimination based on HIV’AIDS status is illegal under federal law, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), he returned to work. And then the harassment began. see Threats, page 2 DKNY Fashion Fundraiser-2/29 Lesbian & Gay Domestic Violence Two police officers from Tulsa area police departments spoke to the members and guests of Tulsa Oklahomans for Hnman Rights (TOHR) about do~nestic violence issues, both within and out the LesbianGay con~nunities. Both officers who are 10 year plus veterans work pmnanly on domestic violence (hereafter abbreviated as DV). Each gave profoundly sobering statistics on the extent of DV. For example, they noted that 50% of US women ~vi!l be DV violence victims, that wom_en are at a 9 times higher risk of injury in their homes than they are on the street, and that every 15 seconds a women is beaten in her own home. The officers outlined some of the social psycholoNcal dynamics of DV noting the stages of the syndrome and gave details of legal opti’ons and other resources to help victims and to identify abusers. The officers who had dealt with Lesbian/Gay DV issues bemoaned the lack of research in this area but noted that the causes are similar to those of DV for heterosexuals. They suggested that 30% of Lesbian/Gay relationships have some DV problems but they suspected that these cases tended to be underreported because the criminal justice system rmnains homophobic. They also stated that Lesbian relationships appear to be more physically violent than those of Gay or Bi men. Also, Gay men may not report DV when it happens because the general perception is that DV ouly happens to women and often the agencies that deal with DV are not well equipped to help men. Tulsa’s Saks Fifth Avenue will display 10 sections of The NAMES PROJECT AIDS Memorial Quilt on February 21 to March 1st. Saks Fifth Avenue is the first corporation to spensor a multi-site display with 45 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 60ff5th’s outlet centers showing memorial panels that are geographically specific to the store’s site. Later this year, the panels displayed in Tulsa will join the nearly 32,000 panels now in the Quilt. The Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 12-13) display on the Capitol Mall in Washington, DC will be the first time in four years that the Quilt has b~en seen in its entirety as it has grown so large. All fifty US states are represented as well as 39 other countries. Panels made by Saks Fifth Avenue associates from across the US will be exhibited in New York City in August before going to Washington. On February 29~ Saks Fifth Avenue, Tulsa will present a DKNY Fashion extravaganza, Give My Regards to Donna, to benefit the Hope Candlelight Tonr. A silent auction and fashion show, featuring local celebrities, will unveil DKNY’s spring collection and be Tulsa’ s exclusive launch of DKNYfor Men. A few models are Debbie Campbell, I.J. Gannam, Aleksandr Lunev, Beth Reng,’d, Kevin Steincross, Mike Jones and Sonya Colberg Nanc3 Renberg, Charles & Francie Faudree. Hope Candlelight Tour benefits St. Joseph Residence and RAIN, the Regional .-kIDS Interfaith Network INSIDE-] EDITORIAL DIRECTORY NEWS BRIEFS HEALTH BRIEFS CALENDAR EUREKA PAGE P. 2 P. 2 P. 4 P. 6 P. 9 P. 11 Music for Life John McCarthy and Beverly Stanley, chairing the Walk for Ltfe committee, have zumounced that a "Blues" Festival will kick off tiff s 3’ear’ s series of events for the fourth annual Walk for Life Campaign. Mark Snider, renowned Tulsa musician, has organized an outstanding evening of the "Blues" featuring local musicians. The event will be held at the Sunset Grill, 3410 South Peoria on Tuesday, March 12. The admission donation of $5 will include two raffle tickets for items donated by the Blue Rose Cafe, the Doubletree at Warren Place, and the Celebrity Club, to nmne a few. K-MOD Radio and Budweiser will join the Sunset Grill as hosts and Paine Webber and Roche Laboratories are patron sponsors. This event is the first of several plam~ed to raise funds for Tulsa area HIV/AIDS support agencies. Other events include an art show in June and a jazz festival in July, and the 4th Walkfor Life to be at Riverside Park on October 12. Proceeds from the 1995 Walk went to 12 Tulsa community HIV/AIDS related non-profit age~l~ies. �918.583. 1248 P(~. 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher/Editor Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents Of Tom Neat this publication are protected by US copyright 1996 by Tulsa Family Assistant Editor News and mav not be reproduced either in whole or in part withot{t James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writers/contributors photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Phyl Boler-Schmidt Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Barry Hensley noted¯ must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family Pat Morehead News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Eaci~ Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution JD Jamett points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. Using Gays as the scapegoat for the demise of the by Phvl Boler-Schmidt family is; reprehensible nonsense.. Unfortunately,, ,:~ .A t~ureka. Spri_ngs man i.s dead. A 17-year-old in order, to get in good with.Pat Robertson’ s ChrisWho admitted to the "killing has not been charged. tian Coalition, Republican presidential candidates And, the whole event is shrouded in mystery. are all too willing.to go along with the lie that Gay This is what we -know. The "killing o~curr~d at a people are somehow, a.threat.to.thefamilv. ~popular local lake park where the young mau was Wqaoles~le divorce among heterosexuals doe; helping his; ~andmotlXe~- cSaretake th~ i-esort for the the real damage. With a 50% divorce rate. adultery, Winter. It happened at night. The dead man, in his abused women, financial conditions that require forties and -known by his friends to be a closeted gay both parents to leave children home alone, abanman. was shot at point blank range in the face with doned and abused children and so forth, it doesn"t a shotgtm. The young man did not have the gun at take much effort to see that heterosexuals have his immediate disposal, but had to go to another succeeded quite well in crippling the family withroom, locate the gun, find the shells, load the out any he!p:from Gays and Lesbians. weapon, then return to the place where he shot and -~- J.J. Stogsdill, Broken Arrow killed the victim. The young man has said that he awoke with a I recently had the distinct pleasure Of being one start to find the he was being sprayed with ejaculate of the stops along District 6 City Councilor. Art as the older man was masturbating all over him. He Justiss" campaign tour. I felt like I shouldn’t be the says he killed the man in self-defense. There aren’t ordy one who has the advantage of "knowing how many Queers in these parts who are buying that Mr. Justiss feels about Gay rights in Tulsa before I story. The police have been silent. The ~oroner’s cast nay vote in the up-coming elections for City report is not due out of Little Rock for a few weeks. Council. No arrest has been made, no charges filed. It is My partner and I asked Mr. Justiss about the minored that the dead man was found completely status of the Human Rights Depar.~nent (Commitnude though there is no official word on this. tee on Sexual Orientation Discrimination) ProI have decided not to publish any names here so posal to the City of Tulsa. Mr. Justiss said that he as not to interfere with what the police are calling an would never put such a thing on the City Council ongoing investigation. Since there have been no agenda and he felt :quite confident that no other public statements made regarding the case, I am councillor would either. When questioned about giving law enforcement authorities the benefit of why he was too afraid to even consider a proposal the doubt that they will continue to investigate this from one of the city’s own commissxons. Mr. case. and if the facts warrant it, an arrest will be Justiss admitted that he didn’t want to "’take the made. The benefit of the doubt. For now. heat.’" He told us that to put something like the I’ve spoken with a number of Gays mad Lesbians current proposal on the agenda would be political about tiffs issue. No one is taking it lightly. There is suicide. Of course, he added that he wouldn’t some fear that, if the case is swept under the carpet, discriminate on the basis of "’race, color or sexual and the young man is not charged, it will send a preference," but he felt protections for Gays against signal that it is okay to kill Queers because no one discrirmnation had no place in city government. will do anything at~out it. I remain hopeful though Mr. Justiss’ visit to our home was a reminder to skeptical. him that .there are Lesbians alive and living in The facts that we DO "know are alarming. Even if Tulsa, OK and a reminder to us that we can’t vote the young man’s story is true, how could it possibly for a representative who will only entertain ~ssues be grounds for murder’? Semen in these circumand concerns that are popular. - Kharma R. Amos stances is not a deadly weapon, certainly not enough justification for murder. Most assuredly not - if he was free enough to leave, mad chose to go to another room, find a shotgun, load it, and return to the scene. Justhow frightened for his life could the young man have been? see Murder, page 3 . Many of the threats were specific in saying that if he returned to work he would die. Pilant feels his privacy was deliberately compromised by co-workers who posted his unlisted number counter to his request. When Pilant first reported the phone messages and the graffiti on his door, Tulsa police did not even send out an officer. Calls to the Mayor’s Action hotline were also unhelpful. However, after intervention by community-activist Nancy McDonald, li~ing up to her appellation "Saint McDonald", Tulsa police were more responsive and took more thorough reports. Pilant also nbted that Claudette Peterson, director of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights’ (TOHR) HIV Testing Clinic was helpful in getting him assistance as was former TOHR president, Kelly Kirby, through whose contact, KJRH, Ch. 2 became aware of Pilant’ s dilemma and reported on it. Attomey Darlene Shadid said she was told by sources in OSBI and the Tulsa DA’s office that a decision had been made, apparently informally at a seminar in the past couple of years, not to consider persons living with AIDS to be disabled, despite federal law on the matter. Later, Shadid determined that OSBI appeared not to be keeping any statistics on hate crimes based on any disability of any kind. In response to TFN, Tim Hams of the Tulsa District Attorney’s office indicated that their office would enforce the Oklahoma hate crime statute as it applied to disability and noted that new DA LaFortune has participated in the Say No to Hate Coalition for some time. Director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI), Dwade Langley said that they would keep statistics on hate crimes based on disability but that they were entirely dependent on the local law enforcement agencies to report the incidents to them. Meanwhile, JR Pilant hopes that he can return to a quiet life with his children and family sal’e from hate and intimidation. Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine *Barraccuda’s, 2405 E. Admiral *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria *Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 832-1269 582-4340 744-0896 585-5622 749-1563 834-4234 585-3405 660-0856 584-1308 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Derails C..Arnold, Realtor 746-4620 *Assoc. in Medical & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000 ¯ Kent Balch & Associates, Health~& Life Insurance 747-9506 ~ :*Barnes & NobLeBooksellers,-8620 E. 71 . ~ 250-6034 " Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Pec~ria . 743-5272 ¯ Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 592-1521 ¯ Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. i~)5S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 ¯ Tim Daniel, Attorney ~ ~ 352-9504, .800,742-9468 DAnnques, 1508E 15th 592-5356 i *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620 ¯ Don CarltOn Mitsubishi, 4423 S. Memorial 665-6595 ~ *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 i Express Pools & Spas, 6310 S. Peoria 743-9994 ; Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 ¯ Foxlinx, Computer Consultation 690-2974 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Plarming 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill;MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 *International Tours 341-6866 JD Images, Photo~aphy 621-5597 ; Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Lean Ann Macomber, Realtor Associate 671-2010 Massoud’s Je~vlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridm] 663-4884 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31st 663-5934 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 P1 664-2951 David A. Paddock, CPA,-4308 S. Peoria, Ste. 633 747-7672 Puppy Pause II, llth & Mingo 838-7626 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Scott Robison’s Prescriptions, see ad for 3 locations 743-2351 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-.3322 Thomas Chiropractic Clinic, 4138 S. Harvard, Ste. C- 1 742-8868 Kellie J. Watts, attorney 493-1959 Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Agape’ Christian Fellowship, 21st& Sheridan 599-7688 *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 *BiLiG Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa Canterbury Ctr. 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of T{tlsa *Community of Hope (United Methodist), 1703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity!Integrity (Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians) 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 *Free Spirit Lesbian Center call for location & info: 587-4669 Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity (African-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood ." 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 PFLAG , POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174 *Shanti Hotline 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Right~ (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uuiform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa Beaver Dam Store, i/2 mi. N. of Dam on Hwy. 187 501-253-6154 *Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W 800-231-1442 *MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 McClung Realtors 501-253-%82 Rock Cottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 501-253-600i The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-8281 �: mated the proposed rite could add close to ¯ $50,000 to the city’s coffers. ¯ Back in Hawaii, Gov. Ben Cayetano home loans through the state housing ¯ has .suggested that the way for the state to agency itself. The new definition.of a extricate itself from the ongoing controhousehold adopted by the VHDA states versy of same-sex marriages is for the that a "single-family loan can be made to ¯ state to stop giving marriage licenses to more than one person only if all such anyone and just offer domestic partnerpersons ... are related by blood, marriage ships to gay and non-gay couples instead. or adoption or by legal custodial relation- ¯ ’The institution of marriage shouldbe left ship."Albert Eisenberg, one of the VHDA to the church," Cayetano is quoted as commissioners, disagreed loudly with the saying in a report in the Honolulu Adver¯ change. "It is bigoted nonsense elevated tiser. ’q’he government needs to explore to formal state policy," Eisenberg said of its role in marriages. The government the new policy, which he said may lead to : should not be in the role of sanctifying ~xpensive legal court challenges as well marriages. That’s when they nminto probas possible trouble with federal housing lems." agencies that underwrite most of the loans State Senate leaders quickly said they the Virgima agency makes. Most of the didn’t think the legislature was likely to state’s real estate organizations opposed go along with Cayetano’s idea to pull the the new definition, as did gay rights groups plug on marriage. While legal experts say and the ACLU, which said the change .th.ey have no idea if a state could even stop would "inspire lawyers to look for loop~ssuing marriage licenses, they do agree holes." In addition to Gov. Allen’s backthat the most important benefits of legal ing, the rule change was also supported by marriage are derived from the federal the Virginia Family Foundation and Congovernment in the form of income taxes, cemed Women for America, which arSocial Security benefits, and pensionregugued that only "traditional" families should lations - all of which depend on state legal be given economic benefits from the state definitions of a mamage. agency. Gay/Bisexual Indian Men Retreat However in Nebraska, an exception to the "stop-the-wedding" frenzy has come The Tulsa Native American AIDS PreNebraska where state Sen. Ernie Chamvention Project (TNAAPP) is sponsoring bers of Omaha has introduced a measure two free weekend camping retreats (Feb. that would amend Nebraska law to let 23-35 and June 7-9) to enhance cultural gays and lesbians legally marry in the awareness and HIV!AIDS awareness. The Cornhusker State. Chambers acknovCl-retreat will include workshops addressing edges that his proposal, LB1260, probHIV AIDS, self-esteem, safer sex negoably won’t win approval on its first pass tiation skills and cultural and traditional through the state legislature, but he says values - all presented in a safe envlroment. he’s determined and won’t give tip. ’q’his For a CONFIDEN~HAL application, is an issue related to civil rights mad civil call B-rima or Keetoo~v ala. at 918-582-7225. liberties that can’t be dodged by political bodies,"-he says. "It has an impact on so many people." And in San Francisco, its Board of Supervisors created a "civil ceremony to solemnize" same-sex domestic parmerships under the aegis of the county clerk’s office, the city official who also perfolans civil wedding ceremonies for heterosexual couples. The measure, which would extend no benefits beyond its symbolic ceremony, is believed to be the first time any 4045 No. Cincinnati. 425-7882 govenfing body has moved to create a civil rite to acknowledge same-sex umons. A board committee quic "kly approved the 4200 So. Atlanta Pl.. 742-7381 measure mad sent it on to the full board. Five of the board’s 11 members are cosponsors of the ceremony. The county 501 So. Cincinnati. 582-4128 clerk’s office has estimated that adding the ceremony would probably increase The Episcopal Church the number of registered partners by 2 or 3 times. And with a $30 fee for the cerWelcomes You emony itself, the clerk’s office also esti- Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s of their ability to serve in the armed forces, the 1,049 HIV-positiveU.S. service members and immediately cut off all health care benefits to their dependents. Half these service members are married and, on average, they have served in the military for a decade, according to the Pentagon. Nearly 20 percent of them are officers. Clinton legal counsel, Jack Quinn, told reporters in making the announcement that "the President has determined that this provision is .unconstitutional and he has therefore directed the Attorney General not to defend it in court." The Pentagon, Gay & Lesbian civil rights advocates, AIDS activists and a number of members of Congress oppose the provision. But President Clinton signed the appropriations measure because it is vital to the country’s defense needs, in spite of the Dornan provision. A measure has also been introduced by Sens. William Cohen (R-Maine) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) to repeal the Dornan provision. A similar bill to overturn the measure was introduced in the House by Reps. Peter Torkildsen, R-Mass., Jane Harman, D-Calif., Connie Morella, R-Md., and Ron Dellums, D-Calif. Elizabeth Birch, head of the Human Rights Campaign, applauded the \Kqaite House announcement. "We asked him [Clinton] to put the full force of his administration behind overturning it and he has done just that," she said. "This is precisely the kind of leadership we expect from Bill Clinton." Winnie Stachelberg, HRC’s senior health policy advocate, said, "q’hat [the Dornan provision] ~ as one of the meanest. most vindictive measures to come out of the 104th Congress, and we will do everything in our power to ensure,, repeal of that discmninatorv measure, The repeal bill is expected to have broad bipartisan support in both honses, Stachelberg said, noting that Georgia Sen. Sam Numa, ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has called the HIV expulsion measure "pmfitive." Dornan and other GOP extremis ts added the HIV provision to the House version of the defense authorization, but it was not in the Senate bill. When the two versions went to a House-Senate conference committee for reconciliation, House Republicans made sure this discriminatory measure became part of the final bill, Stachelberg said. Currently, service members with the virus that causes AIDS may serve their country as long as they can perform their duties, but they are not deployed overseas. The same policy is applied to service members who have other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease or cancer. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. that the daughter "should be given the opportunity and the option to live in a non-lesbian world." One new witness slated to testify in the appeal will be Michelle Mclr£nes, 25, the daughter of John Ward and the wife he "killed. During a television interview am~onncing that she ~vould testify, McInnes said her father also tried to molest her ~vhen she was 14 3ears old. This reporter does not claim to be a legal scholar, bnt from what I do kaaow, the evidence points toward premeditated mnrder, even if the provocation the young man talked about happened in exactly the way he said it did. I, for one, donbt the story, but I also doubt there is any way to disprove it. What will the offici~s cal[ it’? Murder? Justifiable homicide? A -killing in self-defense? A hate crone? Stay tuned. I’ll keep you posted. Saint John’s Trinity Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesday Services 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm Choir Practice ° Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 5451-E South Mingo Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Wednesday, March 13 s 5ob ....... wi//ia,; s xbeat e x.[sa verfor. i 0 arts ce..t "WiMjoyfaldan~ music and ~xquitite ~.efledfive airs... The exci~ng sound of tradi~onal attd .~ 20th century Ireland." -- The New York Times Tickets: $12 Call 596-7111 ~’ Worship Service, 10:30 am Sheridan Center, Suite H 21st & Sheridan 599-7688 �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Survey: Less Opposition to Homosexuality WAbH., D.C. - According to the annual survey of college freshmen around the country by the University of California, the nation’s students continue to have less objection to same-sex relationships. The survey, conducted under the aegis of the American Council on Education and given to more than 300,000 freshmen entering some 641 colleges and universities in the U.S, fouud that o~fly about 31% of the students this year believed that homosexuality ~s wrong and should be forbidden. That figure is the lowest reported since the survey started in 1987 when 53 % said they disapproved of gay and lesbian relationships. Fed. Court Topples Alabama Anti-Gay Law MONTGOMERY, Ala. - U.S. District Court Judge Myron Thompson has declared a 1992 state law prohibiting state agencies frown using public funds in direct or indirect support of gay and lesbian orgamzations as unconstitutional. The law was quickly passed by. the state legislature and signed into law after officials at Auburn University g~ve recognition to a gay student group on the campus. Lawmakers had argued that because sodtroy is illegal in Alabama, no state funds should be used to support-the "’gay lifestyle." Judge Thompson, however, ruled that the law was simply an attempt to restrict discussion at public schools, an illegal restriction of free speech. ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Hearing Begins SFATTLE - The attorueys representing Navy Lt. Richard Watson, called the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy on gays and lesbians in the armed forces"the height of hy pocri s y ," arguing in federal court that it was an unconstitutional invasion of privacy. Watson, a 34-yearold officer who was training to eventually captain one of the Navy’s nuclear-powered submafines, has said he told his commanding officer he is gay to avoid the possibility of being blackmailed as his naval career advanced. He continues to serve in the Navy wlfile his case, one of several like it, is in the federal courts. Canadian Censorhsip Case: Mixed Ruling VANCOUVER - The British Columbia Supreme Court has handed down a utixed ruling in the case of the Little Sister’s BookStore, a gay and lesbian shop that had charged Canadian Customs officials with unconstitutional censorship. The provincial high court declared that Customs officials had in fact used their power to seize published materials counng into the countU in ways that violated the nation’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Customs officials have seized, and sometimes destroyed, hundreds of gay m~d lesbian books and magazines ordered by Little Sister’s, maiulv from UTS. publishers, claiming the materials violated Canadian pornography laws. The court ruled that the Customs actions "’in large part.., are die arbitrary and improper consequence of a~ inadequate mad flawed admimstration of the legislation.’" It also ruled that the incidents involving Little Sister’s were isolated episodes, but constituted a"~ave systemic problem." The most d~sappointing part of the court ruling, said Janine Fuller of Little Sisters, was the justices’ failure to declare the statute that gives Customs officials the authority to seize materials as unconstitutional. Fuller called the failure of the court to overturn die Customs legislation "disappointing" and said the store would be appealing that part of the ruling, but that she was otherwise pleased with the rest of the high court’s ruling. "Ttfis decision is a complete vindication of thc gay aud lesbian conmmmty and the lives of its people mid for that we celebrate die decision," she said. "It has been a long, hard climb. We haven’t quite reached the smmnit but we’re dimm closc. We are colffident that we will succeed at the Court of Appeal." Cincinnati Bias Costs City $35 Million tional flap last year when he refused to allow a gay rights organization in the country to operate a booth at an interuational book fair in the nation’s capital, calling homosexuals"sodomists mid sexual perverts" who ,are "’worse than dogs and pigs." He followed up later by saying the gays and lesbians have "no rights" in Zimbabwe and threatened to imprison homosexuals. Although the Catholic Church considers homosextmlity a "disorder" that should be dealt with as sucll, the Bishops Coifference letter condemned what it "called "’any attempts toinstitute a witchhunt or hate campaign" against homosexuals. "It is therefore not right for anyone, induding govenunent, to harass, persecute or torture people simply because they are known to have this indination,’" the Bishops’ Co~fference letter said. CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the cit\"s Convention & Visitors Bureau says it has lost some $35 million Anti-Bias Measure for in tourist and convention income CA Students Dies because of an anti-gay measure SACtL~kMENTO, Calif. - AB approved by voters in 1993 to 1001, a proposed measure in the repeal an earlier anti-bias measure that included gays mid les- ¯ Califonfia legislature to bar discrimination because of sexual bians. The visitors bureau report orientation in the state’s public had been requested by the city council and cited 10 ~arger naschools and universities, failed tional organizations, including by an 8-7 vote in the Assembly’s education colurnittee. The meadie A~nerican Library Associasure, introduced by Assemblytion. that specifically mentioued the repealed rights measure as woman Sheila Kuehl (DFa~cino), has languished in the their reason for not holding concommittee since April 1995 ventions in the city. when it failed to pass on a first Catholic Bishops Speak reading there. The vote against Upfor Gays in Zimbabwe sending the bill to the full AsHAt~kRE, Zimbabwe - Gays sembly was along party lines. and lesbians in Zimbabwe have Utah Wants to Stop gotten some limited support from School Gay Group an unexpected source when the SALT LAKE CITY - Accordcountry’s Catholic Bishops’ ing to a report in the Deseret Conference issued a pastoral letNews, the Utah State Board of ter denouncing attacks against Education has told state officials homosexuals. Zimbabwe Presito find "all available ~neans" to dent Robert Mugabe, who is a control the kinds ofnon-curricuCatholic, sparked an interna- lum dubs that are formed at public schools in the state.The move is aimed at preventing a gay and lesbian student club from being formed at East High School in the state’s capital city. C. Grant Hurst, who introduced the directive, told the newspaperit wasn’t specifically about the gay dub at the high school and said he was concerned the current legal situation could allow net-Nazi groups to be formed at public schools in Utah. Hurst admitted, however, that he had gotten"numerous" phone calls opposed to the gay club and none about possible net-Nazi dubs forming.. The board’s resolution speaks only about the"formation of any organizations, in schools, that may create a disruptive or unsafe atmosphere for children or that may attract or entice children to make decisions tllat could have a long-term negative impact on their lives." The Utah attorney general’s office told educators late last year in a letter that federal law and court rulings mandate that scllool clubs have to be treated equally no matter how potentially controversial. The board’s own attorney late in 1995 said the only way the state could keep the gay dub at East High from forming would be for all clubs to be prohinted, stop receiving federal education funds entirely,.or to ask Congress to repeal the Equal Access Act. Rally Against Blocking Gay School Clubs In Utah SALT LAKE CITY - Hundreds of gay rights activists, including the parents of gay mid lesbian teens, rallied outside the state Capitol to protest a move by conservative lawmakers who have said the state should not allow gay and lesbian student groups in public schools, even if BROOKSIDE JEWELRY South Peoria 743-$272 Dan Du Vall / Owner Corner of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Mon. - Fri. P AII’ERSON REALTORS" LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 Open Saturdays thru holidays! David A. Paddock, CPA, MT "Utmost Confidence Assured" logo here Computer Analysis Consultation Rich Fox P.O. Box 52708 4308 S. Peoria, Suite 633 Tulsa, OK 74105 Call for an appc (918) 747-7672 Tulsa, OK 74152-0708 Pager: (918)690-2974 2642 E. 21st Street ¯ Suite !70 ¯ Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ° Fax: 918-747-1795 �News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News colleges from allowing gay and the state has to refuse a $100 lesbian student groups on cammillion education grant from the pus because sodomy is illegal in federal government or even bar Alabama, as it is in Utah. The all student groups. Kelli Alabama measure, however, was Peterson, the East High School recently declared unconstitustudent who asked to organize tional by a federal court. the gay and lesbian campus club, told the cheering crowd she Episcopal Bishop didn’t try to start the group to Faces Heresy Trial advocate homosexuality or to WILMINGTON, Del. -The herrecruit heterosexual classmates esy trial of retired Episcopal into a "homosexual lifestyle." Bishop Alter Righter for ordainIn.stead, she said, "I started this ingan openly gay priest is slated group to end the misery and isoto start before a panel of 9 bishlation of being gay in high ops Feb. 27, only the second school." such heresy proceeding in the Utah legisli~tors held a secret history of the church although meeting earlier in the week with the bishops who brought the the state school superintendent, charges against Righter say it the commissioner of higher eduwon’t be the last. Righter, the cation and members of the Utah retired bishop of Iowa, ordainedAttorney General’s office, reBarry Stopfel as a deacon in portedly to discuss legal meth1990. At the rime Stopfel not ods to prevent gay clubs from only acknowledged that he is being formed at schools in the gay, but also that he had been state. But Senate President Lane living with his male partner Beattie dismissed the protest as throughout his seminary studa tempest in a teapot. "The inferies. The 10 bishops who brought marion given them was in error," the charges against Righter say he said. "It [the secret meeting] bishops in New Jersey, Philadelwasnot an anti-gay, anti-lesbian phia, Detroit and Washington meeting. The meeting was not may also be charged With heresy held to discuss issues they tlfink for similar ordinations if the we discussed.’~ Beatrie said that ecclesiastical court finds Righter lawmakers at the meeting were guilty. not anti-gay bnt were anti-imTX Radical Right Wants morality. "That includes heterosexual immorality as well as No Gays In Library homosexual iunnorality. We m’e SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Antinot going to allow immorality to gay flmdamentalists have tried be taught or encouraged in our so far without success - to keep public education system. Pethe Unity Foundation, an orgariod." But rights activists point nization that’s working on plans out that a measure that has not to open a lesbian and gay comyet been printed for public remunity center in this SouthTexas view - SB 246 - would"prohibit ¯ city, from holding m meetings in schools from supporting illegal the city’s pubhc library. Orgaconduct" and may well mimic nizers of the anri-gay group have an Alabmna state law barring protested outside the library and publicly supported schools from city hall, and say that homosexusupporting any orgmfizarion that als shouldn’t be permitted to use advocates illegal activities. That ~ public facilities because sodomy Alabmna measure was specifi- ¯ is illegal under state law. But so cally aimed at preventing state far the anti-gay protests have been small and failed to draw wide support, while a number of mainstream religious leaders have vocally backed the Unity Foundation’ s rights both to meet at the library and to work on the community center. San Francisco Police: A ’Commanding’ Lesbian SAN FRANCISCO- As part of sweeping changes from top to bottom being instituted by newly elected Mayor Willie Brown in San Francisco, Melinda Pengel has become perhaps the highest ranking openly gay police officer in any major U.S. police e force. Pengel, who was in the first class of women cadets to join the SFPD in 1975 and iu 1994 became one of the department’s highest ranking officers when she was awarded her captain’s bars, has now been made a commander on the force of some 2,000 officers. Colnmander Pengel, 41, was named to her new rank by Brown’s handpicked Police Chief Fred Lau. The rank of commander is below only the chief and deputy chief officials. Among her new duties, Pengel will oversee the department’s pohcing efforts on the city’s trouble-plagued public transportation system. Pengel said of the promotion, "It’s not just for me; it’s for .the other women in the department too. We’re moving into a nmv era, and I get to be a part of that." Virginia ’Diversity’ Billboard Covered Up CHRISTIANBURG, Va. - A billboard erected recently in the downtown area of this small community of some 11,000 people west of Roanoke, proclaiming simply that "Diversity Enriches,’" has been covered over by the owners of the billboard after callers threatened to damage the finn’ s property. The billboard was paid for by an informal group known as Gay & Straight Citizens of Southwest Virginia with the help of the local chapter of PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians And Gays), and went up January 18. Aside from the simple phrase, "’Diversity Enriches," the only other print on the rainbow billboard was the much smaller sponsorship tag for Gay & Straight Citizens of Southwest Virginia, which paid $450 for having its sign up for a month. But after au article with a photo of the billboard appeared in the local new spaper, Frank Amburn, manager of the lo’cal office of Outdoor East, the company that owns the billboard space, says his office was flooded with calls complaining about the sign, including several from people who threatened to destroy other billboards owned by the advertising finn. At that point, Amburn decided to cover up the billboard out of fear for his company’s property. The ad agency’ is refunding the money paid for the billboard space. Forbes’ Gay Views Become a Political Issue DES MOINES, iowa- Dmnonstrating once again - for better or f6r worse - that gay fights can no longer be separated from uational politics, Republicau pres. hopefuls have increasingly tried to derail the unexpectedly surging candidacy of multi-~nillionaire Steve Forbes by portraying him as "’pro-ga.v.’" In Iowa iu Jan., state cmnpaign officials who were supporting Sen. Phil Grannn’s bid, told reporters that Forbes supports allowing gays m~d lesbim~s to serve in the U.S. military under the current "’don’t ask, d’on’t tell’" compromise policy. Recently, Forbes was asked if he was in favor of allowing same-sex marriages. Although clearly uncomfortable with the question, Forbes responded,"Compassion is not approval. There should be special fights for none, equal rights for all." Brits Expected to Keep Anti-Gay Military Policy LONDON" - London ucwspapers have reported that British defense lmnistry officials remmn opposed to ending the ban on gays and lesbians in the nation’ s armed forces. Several newspapers reported that Michael Portillo, the defense ~mnister, will announce sometime in Feb. the findings of a ministry review of the policy excluding homosexuals in the military, but several ministry officials have atready said the review found no reason to change the policy. If the govenunent keeps the current policy there will almost certainly be a legal challenge before ihe European Court of fluman Rights, where 4 discharged gay and lesbian service members have already’ applied for a review of their case. The uational gay rights group Stonewall has also applied for pervm ssign to appeal the policy to the House of Lords, Britain’s highest court of appeal. Gay arit to Play Wilde LONDON - Openly’ gay British comic actor Stephen Fry, perhaps best known to American audiences for his portrayal of the erudite and condescending butler in the BBC,’PBS "Wooster and Jeeves,’" says his next role will be starnng in a film bio-pic of 19th century playwright, wit mad ben vivant , Oscar Wilde. Wilde was finprisoned in 1895 for a sodomy statute violation. KELLY KIRB Y Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 20TH 32]3 E, ]5th St, Tulsa, Ok 74] 04 (9] 8) 749-3620 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 A PERMANENT SOLUTION Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Permanent Hair Removal ~cu~e.~calCatholic Church ., ,ee,;ng ., ¯meeting! at Erie ~arden Cfiajoef ardenC~ape[ :Mass Saturday evenings at 6:oo Carol Anwar, RE, CPE 488-0786 "1Tie :Rev. ~atfier 7Lic£~ "3foffingsworth, Pm:t~rr Pallet" (918) 646-7t16 ".Residence (ghq) 742-7~22 Where God Uplifts All People Lic. By Okla. St. Med. Bd. Near 71st & Lewis Call for info. or an appt. with free consultation. Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sun. 1623 No. Maplewood, 838-1715 �chological and physical effects." Gay Medical Journal Drug Combo Treats Eye Disease WASHINGTON - According to a report. in the Archives of Ophthalmology, a daily injecteddose of 2 drugs - foscarnet and ganciclovir - is a more effective way to combat the blinding AIDS-related eye disease cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis than either of the drugs used alone. Patients in the research who were given one or the other but not both drugs had recurring CMV retinilis infections in a month or two of starting the therapy. But patients in the study who were given both drugs were able to keep it under.control for 4. months or longer. Just Say No School Programs WASHINGTON" - Part of the massive welfare overhaul confessional Republicans have proposed in this year’s ongoing budget battle includes $75 millionin federal funds for state schools to each students the "gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity" outside marnage. The abstinence pro~am proposal would provide money for schools to teach youngsters that complete abstinence is the oulv certmn wav to avoid unwanted pregnancies and sex~ally transmitted diseases such as AIDS. Ignoring gays and lesbians ~vho cannot legally marry in this country, the language of"ihe G~)P proposal states: "A mutually faithful monogmnous relationship in the context of mamage is the expected standard of human sexual activity" mad that sex outside marnage "’is likely to have laarmful p~y- NEW YORK-The Gay & Lesbian Medical Assn. has announced plans to begin publishing what it says will be the first science journal devoted to medical issues faced by homosexuals. The journal, which as yet has not been given a name, will focus on publishing findings in research on AIDS and HIV, mental health issues, breast cancer and other medical issues. FDA OK Sought for AIDS Drug STOCKHOLM - The U.S.-Swedish drug manufacturer Pharmica & Upjohn has released preliminary data on ,still-incomplete clinical trials of its drug Delavirdine (also -known as Rescriptor) because early results hold so much promise, the firm sa vs. Hoping that the early results will help get faster approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for the drug, Pharmica & Upjotm said Delavirdine appears to help some patients infected with HIV stave off developing full-blown AIDS. The firm said that preliminary data from its ongoing tests with the drug indicate that patients receiving Delavirdine had been able to lower the amount of HIV in their blood system by at least 68% for as long as 60 w~eks. Some 3,500 patients have been participating so far. Infants Shed HIV Completely LONDON - According to researchers reporUng in the medical journal Lancet, nine infants who were infected with HIV bv their mothers at birth have fended off tl~e virus. Only a few such reports of HIV relnisston have ever been reported, an~ those have beeu received with some skepticism. But the uew findings - which come from Italy, Belgium m~d Swedeu : may not be so easiix disufissed. Of some 264 Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method By & for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results. Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. babies who were born HIV-positive, the research team found nine who subsequently became free of the virus. In seven cases, both HIV tests used went from positive to negative during the course of the study; in the other two, the virus was detected even though the antibody tests indicated that the baby was not infected. 2 Different AIDS Epidemics NEW DELHI - Max Essex of the Harvard AIDS Institute said at a conference on infectious diseases that increasingly there are 2 different AIDS epidemics globally one in the Western industrial nations, which is slowing, and another in Afr ica and Asia, which is continuing to Wow with no end in sight. Es sex told the conference that the 2 epidemics are spread by different strains of HIV- 1, and that the B and E strains of the virus behave differently. Unpublished research by Essex and his team at the Harvard institute, he said, indicates that subtype E is more efficient at infecting cells in the female reproductive tract, so is more readily transmitted during heterosexual sex. The E subtype is largel y found in Africa and the Indian subcontinent. But, Essex said, the viral subtype that is largely responsible for the AIDS epidemic in Europe and North America - subtype B - targets different body cells and seems more prone to being passed on during anal sex, perhaps explaining its predominance among gay men. Essex noted that in the West, about 2 million people are infected and that that number appears to have leveled off. But, he said, there are an estimated 15 to 20 million cases in Africa and the Indian subcontinent, and that number apparently is continuing to grow unchecked. "RELIEF FROM PAIN" THOMAS CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC DR. REX M. THOMAS DR. SHIRLEY A. THOMAS PROFESSIONAL SERVICE NO NEEDLES ACUPUNTURE NECK & BACK PAIN CHRONIC PAIN 4138 S. HARVARD. SUITE C-1 TULS& OK 74135 FREE CON~(.LTATION ASSURED PRIVACY NUTRITION COUNSELING HEADACHES CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (918) 742-8868 Intimacy for Gay & Bisexual Men A 10 WEEK THERAPEUTIC GROUP EXPERIENCE The focus of the group will be the introduction of a cognitive behavioral group model for examining intimacy and .barriers to intimate relationships among gay and bisexual men. This approach is skill-based, and builds upon the strengths of group members while promoting growth at intrapersonal, interpersonal and community levels. Facilitated by Richard Reeder, M.S. TOHR When: Monday evenings, 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Beginning March 4, 1996 Concluding May 6, 1996 Cost: $25.00 per session or $200.00 advance registration 742-2927 Where: Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1515 South Lewis Tulsa, OK 74104 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights. FOR INTAKE APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 743-4117 THE GROUP WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS. �A QUALITY LIF ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process d~rough which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from flae face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatica1 settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viaticanon, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written penmssion, we gather medical and xnsurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then. a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directl y to you. You pay nothing else on your poli(y, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT ? Today, many compames offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-8,00 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records by mail. and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical. we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a commumtv level, and are responsible directly to our local community. POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Man?,’ factors influence whether vxaticadng 3’our life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and 3our family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to asnst you in plmming the best outcome from 3our umque financial situation. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fe~ver than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Southwest Home Office Dailas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 �AT! E N !iON! ANNOUNCING A RETREAT FOR GAY/BISEXUAL/vkE N! t WHO: Sponsore~ by TNAAPP WHAT: Weekend Retreat for Gay/Bisexual Native American Men WHEN: February 23-25, 1996 WHERE: For More information Caii Today 582-7225, Extension 21~ r IT’S FREE! IT’S FUN! SIC;IV UP TOgA Y! YES! i AM INTERESTED IN COMING TO THE RETREAT NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: Zl P: TELEPHONE: I i I I dUT ON DOTTED LINE & ,MAIL TO: TNAAPP, 915 SOUTH CINCINNATI, TULSA, OK 74ff9-2000 I I I I I I I �"TULSA FAMILY NEWS COMMUNITY CA EN’I R SUNDAYS MONDAYS ¯ Agape’ Christian HIV Testing Fellowship TOHR Clinic Worship Service, 10:30 am : Free & anonymous testing Sheridan Center, Suite H using fingerstick method. 21st & Sheridan, 599-7688 No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Bl~ss the Lord At All Results hours: 7-9 pm Times Christian Center Info: 742-2927 Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am Lambda Bowling League 2627b East 1 lth 583-7815 Sheridan Lanes 8:45 pm Community of Hope 3121 S. Sheridan (United Methodist) PFLAG Family AIDS Worship Service, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Support Group 2nd Monday of month, Family of Faith 6:30 pm Metro. Comm. Church 4154 S. Harvard Adult Sunday School, 9:15 : Info: 749-4901 Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E South Mingo. OTHER GROUPS Info: 622-1441 : Tool Box Technicians, Metro. Comm; Church : Leather org., Info c/o The of Greater Tulsa Too1 Box: 584-1308 Worship Service, 10:45am T.U.L.S.A. Ti~sa Uniform 1623 N. Maplewood ¯ & Leather Seekers Assoc. Info: 838-1715 Info: 838-1222 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay ~ The Banned, OK Gay Band Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa Practice weekly in OKC 6:30 pm at Canterbury Info: 838-2121 5th & Evanston,’ 583-9780 TUESDAYS HIV+ Support Group HIV Resource Consortium 1:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 Shanti-Tulsa, Inc. Bless The Lord At All HIV/AIDS Support Group : Times Christian Center ¯ .& Prayer & Bible Study Friends & Family 7:30 pm 2627-B East 1 lth HIV/AIDS Support Group Call 583-7815 for info. 7 pm, call for location: 749-7898 Family Of Faith MCC Community of Hope Grief Group, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Womens Grief Group sponsored by Community of Hope 6pm, Butler/Stumpff Funeral Home 2103 E. 3rd St. Info: 585-1800 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Community of Hope Movie Night & Discussion: A River Runs Through It 6:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 ." FRIDAY, MARCH 1 ¯ Community of Hope ¯ Movie Night & Discassion: Priest : 6:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd, hffo: 585-1800 OF SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Safe Haven, a free, non-political, nonFamily of Faith MCC Reclaim & religious, non-recovery-oriented social Recovery Workshop: Forgiveness gathering for LGBT voimg adults. 18-30 9-3 pm, 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 : Family of Faith MC~, 8 - rmdnight 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Community of Hope SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Companioning Celebration Rosary at St. Jerome’s Catholic Charch 2 pm, 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 The Garden Chapel, 3841 S. Peoria TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 St. Jerome’s. Catholic Church (ECC) Fat Tuesday Party Ash Wednesday Service Info: page Father Rick at 646-7116 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Alternatives Social Groap - Dinner 7pm, Golden Corral, 71St & Mingo Info: 646-5503 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Shanti Mardi Gr~ Ball, 8-midnight Natl. Guard Armory, Fairgrounds " Info: 749-7898 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Alternatives Leap Year Party 7pm, Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine Info: 646-5503 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Rainbow Business Guild 7 pm, Full Moon Care, Cherry Street Dinner Meeting with speaker. Info: 665-5174 WEDNESDAYS Authority Of The Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Info: page Father Rick at .636-7116 TUESDAY, MARCH 5 Tulsa Oklahomans for Haman Rights Community Meeting, 7 pm Chapman Activity Ctr., Univ. of Tulsa 5th St. west of Harvard, Info: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 Marsha Stevens Concert presented by Agape Christian Fellowship 7 pm, All Soul’s Unitarian, 2952 S. Peoria Info: 599-7688 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 New LGBT Political Groap, I st Meeting 7 pm, Martin East Regional Library 2601 So. Garnett SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Dignityllntegrity Meeting Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians 5 pm, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church 5635 E. 71st, Info: POB 701044, 74170 SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Gaylapalooza, 8 pm Tulsa Performing Arts Center 110 E. Second, Info: 596-7111 Praise & Prayer 6:30 pm Choir Practice 7:30 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. Community of Hope (United Methodist) Service for Peace, 6:30 pm Bible Study, 7 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 TNAAPP Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project Support group for Gay & Bi Native American Men, 6 pm at Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd 582-7225 or 584-4983 THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Co-Dependency Support Group . 7:30, Family of Faith MCC 5451-E S. Mingo, 622-144 1 HIV Testing TOHR Clinic Walk in testing: 7 - 8:30 pm Results hours: 7 - 9 pm Info: 742-2927 Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 4154 S. Harvard, 749-4901 Alternatives Weekly social events for LGBT men & women, 7 pm Info: 646-5503 Substance Abuse Support Group for persons with HIV’AIDS 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. G 3-4:30 pm, Info: 749-4194 SATURDAYS St. Jerome’s Ecumenical Catholic Church Mass, 6 pm Garden Chapel 3841 S. Peoria Info: Father Rick at 742-7122 Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at l 1 pm Confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees 3rd Sat. of each month Info: 748-3111 OTHER GROUPS Gay & Lesbian Sttulent Association TJC Southeast Can~pus, Info: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’s Activity Network Call 832-2121 TOHR Helpline Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to vohlntecr: 743-GAYS �SCOTT ROBISON’S PRESCRIPTIONS ,Serving Tulsan’s Since 1947 Major credit cards In-store charges or Direct insurance billing for your convenience! 3 locations to serve you: Hillcrest Physician’s Building 1145 So. Utica 743-2351 Utica Square Area 1560 East 21st, Ste. 104 743-2351 The Plaza 8146-D South Lewis 299-1790 Reviewed by Barry Hensley Tulsa City-County Library This entertaining anthology combines essays, personal narratives and poetry regarding the multitude of rites and phases of lesbian life. Coming from the position that the lives of lesbians are, in many ways, very unlike the lives of heterosexual women or gay men, Dyke Life ~ves an inside perspective of lesbian marriage, parenting, stereotypes and lesbians in corporate America, among 0{her topics. There are five parts to Dyke Life: 1) Relating to Others, 2) Relating to Each Other, 3) Sex and Gender Identity, 4)The Public World, and 5) The Lesbian Body. Each section includes several entries by both well-known and obscure lesbian writers. Some of the better-known authors include JoAnn Lonlan, Del Martin, Leslea Newman and Rutt~&im Robson, all of whom have other books available in the library. The entry rifled "outing and the Politics of the Closet," by Victoria Brownworth, is an entertaining examination of the social circumstances which make the outing of women a difficult and sensitive proposition. "Creating Lesbian Families," by Heather Conrad and Kate Colwell shows the challenges and controversies surrounding lesbian parenting. One of the more unusual entries is by Hon. Panla J. Hepner, who is a judge on the New York State Family Court. Her entry is titled, "Oy Veh, t’he Judge on the Bench is a Dyke!’" Another valuable entry is by Jeanne Adleman, member of Old Lesbians Organizing for Change (OLOC), who contributes, "We Never Promised You Role Models." One of the best things about this book is the extensive bibliographical information that many entries contain. Often, not only books and magazines are cited, but organizarions as well, complete with address, fax and phone numbers. For aninteresting and enlightening treat, check,out Dyke Life. This and other books on similar topics are available at Tulsa City-County Libraries. Please call your local branch library or the Central Library Readers Services Department at 596-7966, for more information. traveling from around the region to participate in a picnic mad other festivities. Particular thanks went the support FUSO received from METSAS, Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services.. On Feb. 15-19 , FUSO members are joining with members of Brother to Brother, an Oklahoma City organization, to attend the 9th Annual National Black Lesbian & Gay Conference, taking place in Dallas, titled, Black Lesbians and Gqvs : Continuing the Struggle. FUSO meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at Rudisill North Regional Library, 1520 No. Hartford, 5967280. The meetings and membership are open to those 18 and above. Tul~sa’s only Gay-owned Funera~ Home Butfer-Stumpff Funera¢ Home gg Crematory ~103 /3ast Tftird~ 587-7000 presents in concert March 6th, 7prn Complete Services Available. For Example, Only $2820 for Casket with Complete Service. Includes: Quality Steel Sealer Casket in one of four colors, Standard Single Lawn Crypt, Service at your church or in our chapel, Hearse, Family Limousine, Pallbearers Limousine, Thank You Cards, Register Book, Memorial Folders, Visitation, Embalming, Hairdressing, Cosmetic Services, All Professional Services. If you have a prearrangement elsewhere, and paid too much, transfer your policy and you may be eligible for a cash refund. Wasfiin~Iton Memorial~ Gardens 4300 East 91st Street South Special Offer! Burial Space for Just $200, pre-construction. In Her All Souls Unitarian Church Auditorium 2952 South Peoria For more information, call Agape" Christian Fellowship at 599-7688 �by Phyl Boler-Schmidt An excitement has erupted in Eureka Springs, and you’ll find j.’ust about everyone talking about it - gay, straight, businessman, minister, lodging owner, photographer, realtor, even computer geek. Okay, especially computer geek! So, what’s :the fuss? ~ureka now has a whole lot of information available on the Internet and WorldWide Web. Most of it has just popped up, seemingly out of nowhere, in the last month. And, where is it coming from? Who would spend a lot of time promoting Eureka Springs? Positive Idea Marketing Plans (PIMP, for short) is the source of all the hubbub, and not surprisingly, PIMP is a family-owned and operated company. Jan and Kim Ridenour own PIMP, and they. have put their company in literal overdrive on this new project since the year began. You probably remember Jan and Kim. They are the soon-tobe-former owners of The EmeraldRainbow, and Kim frequently writes the astrology column for Tulsa Family News, PIMP (among other things) owns its own Web domain, and the Ridenours have been processing and publishing pages on that domain (PIMPS.corn). Everything imaginable is available with the click of a mouse, mad new pages are being added daily. Just what is available for Eureka on the Web? As of this writing (you never know what else will be there by the time we are published and distributed)~ you can access pages about the town of Eureka, complete with gorgeous photographs, and there is also a page about the Ozark region. When you first see the pictures, some may seem familiar. That’s because many of the pictures are from the collection of Susan Storch, master photographer. Susan is responsible for many of the photos that appear on .postcards for Eureka and the reg~oni And Susan’s shop, The Imagery also has a page on the Web, complete with more samples of her work. There is a page for Weddings and Holy Unions and how to set up the honeymoon of your dreams right here in the Ozarks. A standard wedding page also exists (you know, standard - one boy, ,one girl), complete with more photos. Pond Mountain, a favorite bed and breakfast inn, has a page complete with details on lodging, wedding setups, honeymoons, and breathtaking photos. Two local realtor~ are represented in the Enreka pages: Century 21 Woodland Real Estate, a partly family-owned operation, and McClung Realty, a regular advertiser in these pages. For those of you that were fortunate to stop in and visit The Emerald Rainbow in the past year, you may have met Alice P(ig) Bailey. Alice now has her own page on the information superhighway, and even has an advice column. Stay tuned for pig astrology. There are a number offamilyspecific sites as well. In addition to the weddings and holy unions page, there is a site for g/l/b/t retreats, Our Worm Magazine is published on line, and Guru to Go, Kim’s astrology.page, is there too. So, I guess you could call tiffs Queer Eureka OnLine too. Local weather forecasts are easy to access, and there is a feature site of the week as well. Yahoo, one of the premiere Internet search engines can be acces sed, and you can download the latest in browser software. I know of several more pages that are in the making, and there are listings of pages that are due to be available soon. The Eureka pages continue to grow in number every time I look at the WorldWi’de Web. But, it doesn’t stop with Eureka Springs. The Internet and the Web are national and international communications systems. I+inks tO related sites can be found ~dl over the PIMP pages, and other companies that aren’t specific to Eureka Springs have an opportunity to get on the PIMP bandwagon too. If you have never had the opportunity to browse around the Web, it is a thrill you will not easily forget. Once a person realizes how easy ~t is to access an entire world of information with the click of a mouse, the task of looking things up in a phone book, a dictionary, or an encyclopedia becomes downright mundane. For those of you who are already on line: if you haven’t used that Web browser that came with your signup package, give it a try. You’ll never look at a compute.r screen in quite the same way again. And, if you want a first place to look, use this address: http://www.pimps.com/ For you experienced Web browsers out there, go to the address above, then put it on a bookmark. New pages are being added all the time. Follow all the links on that front page, and you could easily spend a couple of hours just looking at what is available in and near Eureka Springs, and especially what is available that is family-specific If you don’t have a computer, or hive one and have not vet made the leap to cyberspace, n~w is the time. An entire world of information, resources, new friends, business contacts, and just plain fun is to be had. Since I’m your basic computer geek, this has been an especi,’dly exciting time for me. I have watched as numerous people have accessed the Web for the first time, and I gotta tell you, it’s an amazing thing to see thc excitement in the eyes of someone who has just discovered the answer to his or her dreams. If you don’t have access to the Interuet, find a friend who does. Buy the beer and bribe your friend into showing you how to access cyberspace. If you do have access, point your browser to the address given above. You can also reach PIMP by e-mail at emerald@intellinet.com. If you aren’t on line, or if you just want to talk to a real live human, call 501-253-2401. Be brave. Step out. You’ll be glad you did! Georgia Ragsdale, who has filmed a movie, "’Never Met Picasso, soon to be released, with co-star Margot Kidder. Their shows have been sellouts wherever they’ve played. Tickets for this "Doh’t-miss"onc of a -kind show are available at the PAC and Carson Attractions, for S15.50 to $18.50. The show has one performance at 8 pm Saturday, March 16th Mark your calendars now, because this is one show yon won’t want to miss out on, and it’s the first of its kind in Tulsa. That’s progress ! O000000000000000000 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ A Friendly Place to Stay ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ KING’S HI-WAY ¯ INN ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (501) 253-7311 1-800-231-1442 Jerry A. Wilson, owner MCC of the Living Spring ...a community of friends... Rev. Kermie Wohlenhaus Pastor We welcome you to attend! Services held Sunday evenings at 6 PM ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 17"Elk Street (at the Unitarian Church) Eureka Springs, AR 72632 501-253 -9337 ¯ EUREKA SPRINGS ¯ "T ¯ p ~ . 501-253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) Offerings include: Bed & Breakfast Inns, Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Commercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates, & much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG community in Eureka .Springs for over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. We specialize in creative financing. "Jim & Brent have opened the ultimate intimate local eatery. A special, eclectic dining experience..." Stop by our house for a taste of local flavor. Dine outside on the patio & porch or ill our three beautiful dining rooms. Fine food at an affordable price. Green & Yellow Night FAMILY NIGHT Private Dinner Party, lstThurs, of Each Month 6pm - Midnight, Dine, Drink & Relax Among Friends Featuring Jim & Gwendolyn’s Select Dinner Entrees & Brent’s Superb Desserts "With Family In Mind" Gay-owned, Operated & Rainbow Proud 20% of all proceeds will go to the support of family causes �Family Finances OUT- OF-THIS-WORLD PERFORMANCE AT A D OWN-TO-EARTH PRICE ’96 3"000GT ~.MITSUBISHI The New Thinking in Automoo~les ",$27,497 Timothy W. Daniel Attorne3’ at Law by Leanne Gross Happy New Year Everyone!! The only problem with the new year - is now we have to pay the taxes for last year. Here’s some thoughts on how to help you decrease some of your taxable income and help get the new year off to a great start. * For the individual Your 401K plan at work is the best way to.stash retirment dollars and this will lower your taxable income. You can also open an Individual Retirment Account (I.R.A.); however, if you have a retirment plan at work, there will not be much room, if any, to deduct your I.R.A. If you do not hav e a retirment plan at your place of employment, try opening an I.R.A. at your bank or with a financial consultant. * If you are self-employed or a small company employer of 25 or less employees, you may ~ualify for the Simplified Employee Pension plan (SEP) A SEP provides an employer with a simplified way to make contributions to an employee’s Individual Retirement Account or Individual Retirement Annuity. 1. Employer contributions are made directly to SEP-IRAs set up for each employee with a bank, insurance company or other qualified financial institution. 2. Employer contributions are tax deductible. 3. Contributions are not taxed currently to the employee. 4. Earnings accumulate income tax-deferred. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 1. ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION. No annual contribution is required. If a contribution is made, the allocation must be the same percentage for each eligible employee. 2. INDIVIDUAL LIMITS. The allocation of employer contributions to a participant’ s account may not exceed the lesser of 15% of compensation or $22,500. For the selfemployed, these values are reduced to 13.0435% and $19,565. 3. TIME OF CONTRIBUTION. Contributions can be made until the due date (plus extensions) of the employer’s return. 4. VESTING. Vesting must always be 100%. 5. ADDITIONAL IRAs. Additional IRAs are permitted if the combination meets overall ItLa~ limits. 6. WHO MAY PARTICIPATE? Any employee who is at least 21 and has performed "service" in at lehst 3 of the last 5 calendar years must be permitted to participate under the SEP, unless her total compensation is less than $400 for the ye.ar. 7. INVESTMENT OF PLAN ASSETS. Plan assets can be invested in most eqmty products or debt instruments, but may not be invested in life insurance, "hard" assets, or collectibles (except for U.S. gold and silver coins). Participants direct the funds coutributed on their behalf. 8. WITH~DRAWALS. Participants may withdraw or cash-out at anytilne. However, Join 30,000 friends and family on Saturday, June lst! All day at the Magic Kingdom - all night at Pleasure Island Wide variety of packages a~,ailable, & Southwest now flies to Orlando! Fares as low as $408 for two - limited number of seats. Call early to lock in these prices! Call 341.6866 International Tours for more information. Need a gift idea? Gift certificates are available for air travel, cruises & many other travel needs. IGTA member. Know Your Rights! Estale Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1515 South Lewis Are you lookingfor a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiality and comfort that enhances teh therapeutic process. For further information, call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Della Blackburn, CADC Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Richard Fleeder, MS Serving a Diverse Community �withdrawals are subject to immediate taxation. Prior to age 59 1/2, there is an additional 10% excise tax, unless such distributions are made over the life expectancy of the IRA owner or joint life expectancy of the owner and a designated beneficiary or because of death or disability. Once the annuity format is chosen, it cannot be modified until the later of 5 years or age 59 1/2 is reached, without a penalty. I. ADVANTAGES TO EMPLOYER 1. Contributions are tax deductible. 2. Contributions and costs are totally flexible. 3. Reporting is very minimal -- no IRS or Dept. of Labor forms. 4. The plan is easy to understand by the employees. 5. The plan is easy to set up by merely completing IRS Form 5305-SEP*. 6. There is little or no administrative expense. II. ADVANTAGES TO EMPLOYEES 1. Annual contributions are not taxed to the participant. 2. Earnings on the account are not currently taxed. 3. Participants have the right to direct investments. 4. Participants can also have a regular deductible IRA, if the combined accounts meet overall IRA requirements. 5. Funds can be withdrawn at any time; e.g., in the event of an emergency, although there will be penalties if the participant is not yet 59 1/2, unless the participant is deceased or disabled, or a special annui.ty pay out (of substantially equal payments) is chosen. III. DISADVANTAGES TO EMPLOYER 1. Contributions must be made for part-time and seasonal employees. 2. Employees can withdraw the funds as fast as they are put into the account. 3. Employees are always 100% vested -- there are no forfeitures to reduce employer contributions. 4. Employees control investments. 5. Allocation methods which reduce employer costs may not be used. IV. DISADVANTAGES TO EMPLOYEES 1. There is no guarantee as to future benefits 2. Investment risks rest on the participant. 3. There is no assurance as to the frequency and amount of employer contributions. 4. Special lump-sum tax treatment of distributions is not available. 5. No tax-free disability pay out is available. 6. There are no forfeitures to be reallocated 7. Life insurance funding is not’available. 8. Cannot contribute over the 15% limit (compared to a 25% limit permitted tinder Qualified Defined Contribution Plans). 9. Bankruptcy protection from creditors is uot afforded. Pres. Clinton said during his "’S tate of the l’nion’" address, your retirement program is going to be up to us. Talk to your employer. T,*~ke a look at your own plan. Today! ! "" My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there." Charles F. Kettering Making Sense If you missed it the first time, don’t miss it this time. Making Sense: Innovative and challenging: A program that only TOHR could bring you. Making Sense Program begins February 20. Call T©HR for more information and to enroll. Ask for Jason. 743.4297 mmmmmmmmmmmmmnmmmmmm 2405 E. Adrnira ¯ ¯ in Historic "_ Whittier Square "_ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Photos, JD Jamett, 621-5597 582-4340,! People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. Leanne Gross Retirement planning, Life, health & income insurance, & investment placing. 744-0102 Mention this ad to receive free initial consultation. �by Jean-Pierre It’s 2 a.m., the bars have closed, and you’re hungry. Where in Tulsa can you go’? The restaurants revxewed here are open all night and have table service. Clearly, the unquestionable winner in the all-night category has to be the Village Inn chain. While service quality varies a bit from store to store, it is generally reasonably prompt, and, as long as you. d.on’t have any special requests or instructions, reasonably efficient. Breakfast is.Village Inn’s forte. They " are Particularly known for their extremely fluffy omelettes, made so by a quick whirl in the blender before cooking. Other popular breakfasts are the several varieties of "skillets", which feature diced potatoes, a meat, and onions and other vegetables, all sauteed together, and then topped with eggs to order and a sauce or gravy of some sort. Of course, you can also get sandwiches and regular diner food. We particularly like the Cobb salad, of mosdy iceberg lettuce, but topped with aplethora of other tasty items like bleu cheese, fresh bacon, grilled chicken breast, an~ diced avocados. Be sure and ask if the avocados are ripe, since we were served hard and tasteless avocados on several occassions. Those of you not counting fat grams will no doubt be quite favorably impressed by the double cheeseburger, f~aturing two j’ulcv hamburger patties, grilled onions, ba0o~ ~trips, cheese, & thousand island dressing. Our biggest complaint with the Village Im] chain is that the3 close at midnight on Sunday and Monday nights. On those unfortunate nights, the default choice has to be Kettle. We are sorry to report that the corporate Kettle entity was recently purchased by Denny’s. None of the employees in any of the local stores are able to tell us whether ornot there will be any change in the restaurant’s Policies , orif the Kettle stores will become Dermy’s. Kettle’s food is pretty standard and generic fare. They also do a better job on dinner entrees than most of their competitors, but even so, none meet the excruciatingly high Jean-Pierre standards. Denny’s is the traditional American allnight restaurant, andis the standard against which other competitors are measured. Fortunately for those competitors, the local Denny’s don’t meet the old Denny’s standard. Over the last three months, we made two visits each to three of the local Deuny’s stores. In each case, the service was unacceptably slow. Twice we heard patrons at other tables get almost violently loud with their server over delays, wrong orders, and poor food. The most frequent problem we encountered was cold .food. Runner up was overcooked food. To make all of. this worse, Denny’s famous budgetsaver "Grand Slam"brealffast is not served during the midnight to 6 a.m period. Frequent road-trippers will no doubt be familiar with the Waffle House chain. Small and unpretentious, Waffle House can serve a decent and cheap breakfast. Unfortunately we found that food quality vanes greatly from store to store. All Waffle Houses have wmtresses that call their customers "Hon." It’s a tradition. But, what realh scares us at Waffle House is the fa~t tl~at your short-order cook works in full view.’Some thin2s are probably better left unsaid. Waffle House has an All You Can Eat special for $4.59, slightly higher during the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. period, that is worth your money and probably the best way for by James Christjohn you to eat. The signature food is the pecan ¯ If you missed the last two concerts in waffle, which appears hot off the iron the Celtic Music series at the PAC, you golden brown, fragrant, and filled with pieces of pecan throughout the batter. : missed some great entertainment! Celtic music is the great-grandperson of blueWe’ve never yet had a bad pecan waffle at grass and country, yet has a quality all its a Waffle House. Other items are not so ¯ own. Haunting and celebratory, often at lucky. The grits we were served were a the same time, it is great music to discongealed mass of got bathed in some , cover, or if you already have, to explore. type of yellow oi!y substance we took to ¯ Coming up is the third and final (sadly) be melted margarine. ; concert of the Celtic Music Series, the Three ’local" restaurants exist UnforCassidys, 5 musical Irish brothers (hate to tunately, with no nadonal standards to ¯ be in the middle of one of their family ¯ meet, all three have definite short-comings, spats!),atthePAC nMarch 13. They ve and we tend to avoid them. They are ¯ played for two Presidents, and filled RaMama Lou’s, Perry’s, and Kelly’s. dio City Music & Carnegie Halls. This So, as you can see, goodreaders,Tulsa’a ¯ will be their Tulsa debut. For info and ¯ late night dining scene Is not paricularly tickets, call the PAC ticket office at 596condusive to the gourmet experience. We : 7111. And do it soon, because these show s do, however, have to ~ve honorable men- ¯ usually pack the house! tlons to the Whataburger and Tact Ca- ¯ For an amusing evening, don’t miss bana chains. The food at Tact Cabana is ¯ Broken Arrow Community Playhouse’s pretty good, although not as good as what ¯ production of"the Lion in Winter. This is we’ve had at their San Antonio stores. ¯ the last weekend to catch it; Friday & Also, a favorite spot we had to mention is ¯ Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. the Country Ketde/Texaco truck stop way ¯ Catch the kiss in the second act - it’s quite out east of town on 1-44. Technically, it’s a show stopper! (Not to mention the nuin Catoosa city limits, but just across the merous pacemakers planted throughout ¯ highway is sti]l within Tulsa city limits. the audience!) For info, call 258-0077. Our recommendation? Hone vou~ gourWell, I haven’t seen any ghosts lately, met skills at home for your friends. Eat ¯ but I’ve been haunted by a Phantom. Yes, ¯ before ten o’clock. Move to New York. he looms large on the horizon... Oh, never Otherwise, head to a Village Inn, maybe ¯ mind, that’s not him, just my shadow! I eat at Tact Cabana, or try your luck with ¯ really must stick to that diet more stricdy. a gamble at one of the other restaurants. ¯ Where was I? Oh, yeah, Phantom. THE ¯ Phantom, of Opera fame, is arriving the ¯ 22nd, and will haunt the PAC until March 23 - they’ve added a week. According to my info. The Phantom himself, Thomas The Biggest Gay And Lesbian Comedy Event EVE / SATURDAY _~/~ MARCH 16 8:00 PM Gay Stand-U p Comics Perform in g Gay Stand-Up Comedy Nationally Recognized And Acclaimed Gay And Lesbian Headliners As Featured On HBO I¢|VIFI And The Advocate Magazine The Gay Come~y Jam "Fr~,l, m" T~Jr~ From HDO Tickels A vailable At" The Tulsa Performing Arts Center Theatre Box Office And All Carson Attractions Ticket Locations With Spedal Guest: BOB |/~11"1.1 The Rrst Openly C~y Comedian To Appear On The Tonight .Show GEORGIA RAGSD ALE From HBO’s "Women Aloud" For Ticket/Show information. (9 1 8) $ 9 6-7 1 I 1 110 East Second Street Advance Ticket Purchase Recommended �Jmnes O’Leary (Another Celtic influence!), comes straight .... Let me rephrase that. He hails directly from the Broadway production itself! If his name seems familiar, check the liner notes on the origihal cast recording of Miss Saigon. He’s also featured on the soon to be released international symphonic recording of Miss Saigon as well. No skimping on this show. After all, they have rebuilt part of the theatre just for the chandelier. So use lots o’ hair spray, build up the chandelierproof bouffant, and call the PAC at 5967111 for tickets (going fast, I hear). If you want to have a gay old time and scare people enmasse, groups of 20 or more can call 254-1069 for group tickets. Tickets run from $16.50 to $61.50. Interesti0g juxtaposition of numbers, eh? Heaven hdp you if you’re dyslexic & think THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (,) Due to our large volume of calls if you can’t get thru, simp y try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISAiMC.. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 ALOT MORE THAN CURIOUS. Bi HM, military, attractive, 32, some experience, seeks others for fun and friendship. Please leave a message. (Lawton) ~18853 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and looking for the hearing impaired is scheduled for March 17th at 2pm. I am pleased to announce that Gaylapalooza is coming to Tulsa for one night only, March 16, at the PAC. Gaylapalooza is an evening featuring four acclaimed openly Gay comics: Scott Kennedy and Kevin Maye, co-stars of the ’~3ay Comedy Jam, and appearances on HBO’s Comedy Channel; Bob Smith, the first gay comic ever to have his Own HBO special and ~the first and only openly gay comic to appear on the Tonight Show; and see Comtc, page 11 How To Do It Send your ad & First 30 words are $10. Each payment to POB. additional word is 25 cents. 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your You .may bring additional attention to your ad with: name, complete Bold Headline - $1 address, day & Ad in capital letters - $1 eve. numbers Ad in bold capital letters - $2 (for our records Ad in box - $2 only). Ad reversed - $3 Ads will run in Tear sheet mailed - $2 the next issue Blind Post Office Box - $5 after they are Please type or print your ad. received. Count th~ number of words. TFN reserves (A word for our purposes is a the right to edit group of letters or numbers sepa- or refuse any rated by a space.) ad. No refunds. ANYONE HOME?. GWM, big guy, seeks others for fun in the sun Leave a message and we’ll go from there. (Oklahoma City) ~47984 Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. BI YOU A COCKTAIL. Bi WM, professional, seeks discreet, fun and safe action Leave a message soon. (Oklahoma Cityl ~47841 NIGHTS IN BLACK LEATHER. GWM, Secretary of Tulsa Technicians, seeks other men who are hairy, ’stoched, bearded and masculine, to teach me more about Leather and all that it implies. I want to know all there is! (Tulsa) ~34324 YOUNG LOVE. GWM, 19, alot of interests, seeks others, under 25, for relationship possibilities. No one night stands,-please! (Oklahoma City) ~47711 DECENT MEN ONLY. GWM, 6’, 175, good looking and in shape, seeks others with same qualities. Leave a message. (Tulsa) ~4.7744 MAN TO MAN. GWM76’5", 210, hairy chest, taltoos, pierced, seeks others, 21-45, for discreet male to male activities in my home. Call me soon. (Oklahoma City) ~47731 BAR FLIES BE GONEI. GWM, 28, 5’9", 155, good looking, straight acting, into all out door activities, smoker and social drinker, seeks others, 21-30, for fun, friendship and possibly more. Bar flies need no~" respond. (Tulsa) ~e42991 BI AND BI. Bi WM, late 40% seeks other Bi guys in the local area. Leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~47209 ARE WE A MATCH?. GWM, 5’11", 160, brown hair, blue eyes, seeks local guys for friendship and possibly more. Please respond and I will answer as soon as I get your message. (Oklahoma City) ~34851 LOOKING FOR INSTRUCTION. GWM, seeks others for guidance and experience in " this lifestyle. All calls will be answered. (Oklaho~na City) ~39411 TULSA TWO STEP. GWM, 26, 5’7", 145, good looking and in shape, seeks others, 1827, for friendship and fun. Please leave a message. (lulsa) ~17238 GOOD aLE’ BOY. GWM, 135, 5’5", blonde hair, hazel eyes, 35, varied interests, seek GWM’s, 18-40, for friendship and more. Please leave a message. (Manford) e25103 FANTASY ISLAND. GWM, 41,5’11", 180, black hair, brown eyes, seeks others, local and 18-42, into foniasies, for fun and more. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) n34286 NOW AND THEN. GWM, 6’1", 190, brown hair, green eyes, seeks others for occasional encounters. Please leave a message (Muskogee) ~32992 WILLING TO LEARN. GWM, 31,6’, blonde hair, brown eyes, new to this life, seeks others to teach me more. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~33975 Large Corner Let 3 Bdrm. Home in need of Major repairs. Appraised at 20 K+ All offers considcrcd. Call 622-1441. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ SOUTHERN NIGHTS. GWM, 22, 250 Ibs, 5’6", looking for all local studs who are interes~l in friendship, relationship, life and laughter. If this sounds like you, leave me a message for an immediate reply. (Oklahoma City) ~47265 COWBOYS WANTED!. GWM, 5’8", brown hair and eyes, 21, seeks other males, good looking and well built cowboys preferred, for friendship and more. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~23376 NEW TO THIS. GWM, 27, 155, brown hair, hazel eyes, newly divorced and inexperienced, seeks others for experience and friendship. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~17465 ANNE RICE AND NIBBLING. GWM 2, 5 10 , blonde hair, hazel eyes, me&urn build, seeks others for friendship and relationship. (Oklahoma City) e1879~ 81G GUY. GWM, 18, 5’10", 240, seeks others for friendship and more. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) el 8863 COUNTRY STUD PUPS SOUGHT. GWM, 5’10", 1,50, brown hair and blue eyes, good looking, seeks young males for fun and good times. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~ 16604 NO ONE NITERS HERE. GWM, 18, seeks others, 18-21, for fun, friendship and possible relationship. Please leave a message. (Tulsa) ~ 11953 DO YOU WANT TO HAVE FUN?. GWM, 6’1", 165, blonde hair, tanned and hairy, seeks others for one on one or phone fun. Please leave a message. (Tulsa) ~33414 ¯ ¯ Sunday am and Wednes. day pm [] ¯ ¯ ¯ " ¯ Call ~¯ Fanfi.ly of-Faitli M(?~ " ~ ¯ t6 inqtfire. ¯ " 622L1441L’ ¯ ¯ GIRL TALK. Bi Curious WF, 5’11",165, 24, blonde hair, hazel eyes, variety of interests, out doors woman, Seeks Bi WF’s or Curious WF’s, for friendship, exploration 6nd maybe more. Leave a message. (Oklahoma) ~26249 DISCREETLY YOURS. GWM seeks straight actina and masculine GWM’s for friends. Pleas~ leave me a message. Firemen, policemen and military a plus. (Tulsa) ~ 13775 LET’S LEARN TOGETHER¯ Extremely Bi Curious WF, new to this life,. 22, ~’all and full figured; seeks same ~or le~rning experiences. Please leave a message (Oklahoma City) e27073 TEACH ME TONIGHT. Bi Curious WM, 28, brown hair, blue eyes, 6’, 160, very good shape, very inexperiericed, seeks very straight acting and Discreet men for first time pleasures. Please leave a message. (Tulsa) ~r!8134 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. GWF, 31, seeks other females for fun, romance and more. Please leave a message. (Tulsa) ~27256 LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE. Bi Curious Married WM, very a~active, good body, 6’1", 180, blonde hair, blue eyes, seeks other white males for first time experience. Please leave a message. No need to be Discreet. (Tulsa) ~ 16302 [] Keyboardist Needed BUDDY TO BUDDY. GWM, 25, tall and in good shape, good looking, masculine and inexperienced, smoke/drug/disease fre~, into sports, movies and all outdoor activities, seeks buddies, 20’s-30’s, to share my life and interests with. A close friendship is my goal. Please respond. (Tulsa) ~34529 BIG AND FULL OF FUN. GWM, 5’11", red hair, blue eyes, heavy set and fun, new to area., very passive, seeks other men for pleasure and more. Give me a call! (Oklahoma City) e47707 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 what you’re you’re ordering a cheap seat! There are Phantom performances set aside for visual and heanngimpaired folks: An audio-described performance for the " visually impaired is scheduled for March 16that2pm;andasignedperformancefor �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Serving Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Communities - Our Families of the Heart February 15 - March 14, 1996, Volume 3, Issue 3 National News Clinton Slams HIV+ Military Discharges WASHINGTON - The Clinton administration has announced that it believes the HIV discharge provision in the $265 billion Defense Department’s 1996 authorization defense authorzafion bill is unconstitutional and has ordered the Justice Department not to defend the provision. That provision, written by arch-conservalave Rep. Bob Dornan, R-Calif., would discharge within sxx months, regardless see Clinton, page 3 Anti-Marriage Bills ExplodeAround US PIERRE, S.D.- Sparked by the likelihood that state courts in Hawaii will soon declare same-sex mamage legal there, a rapidly growing number of state legislatures throughout the country have started arush to outlaw gay and lesbian marriages from being recognized locally, even if they should be legal elsewhere in the U.S. Legislatures in at least 18 states: AL, AK, CA, CO, GA, HI, ID, IL, IA, MO, N19I; RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, WA, WI - had various versions of"gay miscegenation" proposals before thein at press tame. In Virginia, where same-sex marriages are already forbidden by state law, under pressure from Radical Right Gov. George F. Allen, the Virginia Housing DevelopmentAuthority has reversed a 1994 policy and now effectively prohibits mmaamed or gay and lesbian couples from getting see Marriage, page 3 Gay Morn Appeals Custody DecisiOn PENSACOLA, Fla. - Mary Ward has appealed an August ruling that ordered her 11-year-old daughter be given over to the custody of the child’s father, who was convicted of killing his first wife.The decision last year by state Circuit Court Judge JosephTarbuck stunnedmany when he ruled in favor of John Ward, the girl’s father, who served 9 years in prison for killing his first wife during an argument over custody of their daughter. In deciding against Mary Ward, Tarbuck ruled see Morn, page 3 Tennessee Sodomy Law Thrown Out KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ~ The Tennessee Court of Appeals has ruled unanimously that the state’s anti-gay sodomy statute is unconstitutional. In overturning the state law the court ruled that the right to privacy includes "the fight of the plaintiffs to engage in consensual, private, non-commercial sexual conduct" that were none of the state’s business because they involve "intimate questions of personal and family concern." State officials gave no immediate indication of whether they would appeal the ruling to the state supreme court or not, but most rights advocates expect an appeal. FUSO: Friends in Unity Social Organization Tulsa’s organization forAfrican-American Gay men ~s expanding its efforts to meet both social and health needs of their immediate community, and the larger one. Over the past year they’ve established a RAIN team, which has its first client, and which may be the only all African-Amencan team in Oklahoma. Its leadership also is working on the non-profit’s tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service so that they can actively seek grant funding to provide HIV education and care. Ultimately they would like to provide case management, peer education, information and referra! services, HIV testing and counseling, health and nutrition, and substance abuse counseling and a food bank in North Tulsa. Over this last year, FUSO has donated canned goods to Our House, made a gift to the victims of theOKCbombing They v e helped to represent Tulsa African-A~eri ¯ cans by sending representatives to Hoist ing the Bamwr. the state HIV AIDS con. ference in OKC addressing issnes of people of color and also participated in the statewide HIV/AIDS conference held last summer at the Doubletree Hotel, Warren Place. Its members marched in the "95 Tulsa AIDS Walk and the World AIDS Day March held at University of Tulsa. Derrick Davis, who is one of FUSO’s officers, has been nominated to be cochair of the Multi-Cultttral AIDS Coalition. FUSO also is participating in the planning of the Women and AIDS conference that will be tleld in April. Last Labor Day, FUSO held a successful Labor Day Weekend event with guests see FUSO, page 10 Vicious Pink, In the Red? OKC-owned Store Closes Vicious Pink, a Gay-oriented gift store owned by Anthony Klatt of Oklahoma City has closed after barely 6 months. The store located in Concessions at 3340 So. Peoria opened with ambitious plans and claims of being the largest such establishment in the state. Kirk Glines, one of the owners of Concessions, indicated that he and his partner Terry Kerns will reopen the shop themselves, possibly by March 1st. Klatt also opened a shop, Dusty Roads, in the Silver Star Saloon. Star owner, John Rothrock could not say whether Dusty Roads was still in business, noting that it was closed without explanation for a week recently and had not been dependably open. Tulsa Man Seeks Relief From Threats A 31-year 01d Tulsa man’s been driven from one home, has had to send his children away for their safety, has had other members of his family threatened and may have to flee his new apartment, all because he’s living with AIDS. Roscoe Pilant, who goes by the nickname, JR,just wants to be left alone to hve, and to work when he can. However, despite having swastikas and death threats marked on his door and threats to murder him left on his answering machine, Tulsa Police initially were hardly cooperative. And as a result of his complaint, investigation by legalaid attorneys have discovered that the Oklahoma S tate Bureau of Investigations might have been violating the OK hate crimes statute by not keeping statistics on hate crimes directed toward any disabled persons, including those living with AIDS. Pilant says his troubles began when he had to take a HIV related medical absence from work. After he returned, he feels that his employer, a national finn, fired him becauseof his HIV status. After the finn was contacted by Oklahoma Legal Aid attorney Darlene Shadid andwas informed that discrimination based on HIV’AIDS status is illegal under federal law, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), he returned to work. And then the harassment began. see Threats, page 2 Lesbian & Gay Domestic Violence Two police officers from Tulsa area police departments spoke to the members and guests of Tulsa Oklahomans for Hnman Rights (TOHR) about do~nestic violence issues, both within and out the LesbianGay con~nunities. Both officers who are 10 year plus veterans work pmnanly on domestic violence (hereafter abbreviated as DV). Each gave profoundly sobering statistics on the extent of DV. For example, they noted that 50% of US women ~vi!l be DV violence victims, that wom_en are at a 9 times higher risk of injury in their homes than they are on the street, and that every 15 seconds a women is beaten in her own home. The officers outlined some of the social psycholoNcal dynamics of DV noting the stages of the syndrome and gave details of legal opti’ons and other resources to help victims and to identify abusers. The officers who had dealt with Lesbian/ Gay DV issues bemoaned the lack of research in this area but noted that the causes are similar to those of DV for heterosexuals. They suggested that 30% of Lesbian/Gay relationships have some DV problems but they suspected that these cases tended to be underreported because the criminal justice system rmnains homophobic. They also stated that Lesbian relationships appear to be more physically violent than those of Gay or Bi men. Also, Gay men may not report DV when it happens because the general perception is that DV ouly happens to women and often the agencies that deal with DV are not well equipped to help men. Saks 5th Avenue to Show AIDS Quilt DKNY Fashion Fundraiser-2/29 Tulsa’s Saks Fifth Avenue will display 10 sections of The NAMES PROJECT AIDS Memorial Quilt on February 21 to March 1st. Saks Fifth Avenue is the first corporation to spensor a multi-site display with 45 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 60ff5th’s outlet centers showing memorial panels that are geographically specific to the store’s site. Later this year, the panels displayed in Tulsa will join the nearly 32,000 panels now in the Quilt. The Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 12-13) display on the Capitol Mall in Washington, DC will be the first time in four years that the Quilt has b~en seen in its entirety as it has grown so large. All fifty US states are represented as well as 39 other countries. Panels made by Saks Fifth Avenue associates from across the US will be exhibited in New YorkCity in August before going to Washington. On February 29~ Saks Fifth Avenue, Tulsa will present a DKNY Fashion extravaganza, Give My Regards to Donna, to benefit the Hope Candlelight Tonr. A silent auction and fashion show, featuring local celebrities, will unveil DKNY’s spring collection and be Tulsa’ s exclusive launch of DKNYfor Men. A few models are Debbie Campbell, I.J. Gannam, Aleksandr Lunev, Beth Reng,’d, Kevin Steincross, Mike Jones and Sonya Colberg Nanc3 Renberg, Charles & Francie Faudree. Hope Candlelight Tour benefits St. Joseph Residence and RAIN, the Regional .-kIDS Interfaith Network INSIDE-] EDITORIAL P. 2 DIRECTORY P. 2 NEWS BRIEFS P. 4 HEALTH BRIEFS P. 6 CALENDAR P. 9 EUREKA PAGE P. 11 Music for Life John McCarthy and Beverly Stanley, chairing the Walk for Ltfe committee, have zumounced that a "Blues" Festival will kick off tiff s 3’ear’ s series of events for the fourth annual Walk for Life Campaign. Mark Snider, renowned Tulsa musician, has organized an outstanding evening of the "Blues" featuring local musicians. The event will be held at the Sunset Grill, 3410 South Peoria on Tuesday, March 12. The admission donation of $5 will include two raffle tickets for items donated by the Blue Rose Cafe, the Doubletree at Warren Place, and the Celebrity Club, to nmne a few. K-MOD Radio and Budweiser will join the Sunset Grill as hosts and Paine Webber and Roche Laboratories are patron sponsors. This event is the first of several plam~ed to raise funds for Tulsa area HIV/AIDS support agencies. Other events include an art show in June and ajazz festival in July, and the 4th Walkfor Life to be at Riverside Park on October 12. Proceeds from the 1995 Walk went to 12 Tulsa community HIV/AIDS related non-profit age~l~ies. 918.583. 1248 P(~. 4140 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-0140 TulsaNews@aol.com Publisher/Editor Issued on or before the 15th of each month, the entire contents Of Tom Neat this publication are protected by US copyright 1996 by Tulsa Family Assistant Editor News and mav not be reproduced either in whole or in part withot{t James Christjohn written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or Writers/contributors photo does not indicate that person’s sexual orientation. Phyl Boler-Schmidt Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise Barry Hensley noted¯ must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family Pat Morehead News. All correspondence should be sent to the address above. Eaci~ Staff Photographer reader is entitled to one free copy of each edition at distribution JD Jamett points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. Using Gays as the scapegoat for the demise of the family is; reprehensible nonsense.. Unfortunately,, in order, to get in good with.Pat Robertson’ s Christian Coalition, Republican presidential candidates are all too willing.to go along with the lie that Gay people are somehow, a.threat.to.thefamilv. Wqaoles~le divorce among heterosexuals doe; the real damage. With a 50% divorce rate. adultery, abused women, financial conditions that require both parents to leave children home alone, abandoned and abused children and so forth, it doesn"t take much effort to see that heterosexuals have succeeded quite well in crippling the family without any he!p:from Gays and Lesbians. -~- J.J. Stogsdill, Broken Arrow I recently had the distinct pleasure Of being one of the stops along District 6 City Councilor. Art Justiss" campaign tour. I felt like I shouldn’t be the ordy one who has the advantage of "knowing how Mr. Justiss feels about Gay rights in Tulsa before I cast nay vote in the up-coming elections for City Council. My partner and I asked Mr. Justiss about the status of the Human Rights Depar.~nent (Committee on Sexual Orientation Discrimination) Proposal to the City of Tulsa. Mr. Justiss said that he would never put such a thing on the City Council agenda and he felt :quite confident that no other councillor would either. When questioned about why he was too afraid to even consider a proposal from one of the city’s own commissxons. Mr. Justiss admitted that he didn’t want to "’take the heat.’" He told us that to put something like the current proposal on the agenda would be political suicide. Of course, he added that he wouldn’t discriminate on the basis of "’race, color or sexual preference," but he felt protections for Gays against discrirmnation had no place in city government. Mr. Justiss’ visit to our home was a reminder to him that .there are Lesbians alive and living in Tulsa, OK and a reminder to us that we can’t vote for a representative who will only entertain ~ssues and concerns that are popular. - Kharma R. Amos . Many of the threats were specific in saying that if he returned to work he would die. Pilant feels his privacy was deliberately compromised by co-workers who posted his unlisted number counter to his request. When Pilant first reported the phone messages and the graffiti on his door, Tulsa police did not even send out an officer. Calls to the Mayor’s Action hotline were also unhelpful. However, after intervention by community-activist Nancy McDonald, li~ing up to her appellation "Saint McDonald", Tulsa police were more responsive and took more thorough reports. Pilant also nbted that Claudette Peterson, director of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights’ (TOHR) HIV Testing Clinic was helpful in getting him assistance as was former TOHR president, Kelly Kirby, through whose contact, KJRH, Ch. 2 became aware of Pilant’ s dilemma and reported on by Phvl Boler-Schmidt ,:~ .A t~ureka. Spri_ngs man i.s dead. A 17-year-old Who admitted to the "killing has not been charged. And, the whole event is shrouded in mystery. This is what we -know. The "killing o~curr~d at a ~popular local lake park where the young mau was helping his; ~andmotlXe~- cSaretake th~ i-esort for the Winter. It happened at night. The dead man, in his forties and -knownby his friends to be a closeted gay man. was shot at point blank range in the face with a shotgtm. The young man did not have the gun at his immediate disposal, but had to go to another room, locate the gun, find the shells, load the weapon, then return to the place where he shot and killed the victim. The young man has said that he awoke with a start to find the he was being sprayed with ejaculate as the older man was masturbating all over him. He says he killed the man in self-defense. There aren’t many Queers in these parts who are buying that story. The police have been silent. The ~oroner’s report is not due out of Little Rock for a few weeks. No arrest has been made, no charges filed. It is minored that the dead man was found completely nude though there is no official word on this. I have decided not to publish any names here so as not to interfere with what the police are calling an ongoing investigation. Since there have been no public statements made regarding the case, I am giving law enforcement authorities the benefit of the doubt that they will continue to investigate this case. and if the facts warrant it, an arrest will be made. The benefit of the doubt. For now. I’ve spoken with a number of Gays mad Lesbians about tiffs issue. No one is taking it lightly. There is some fear that, if the case is swept under the carpet, and the young man is not charged, it will send a signal that it is okay to kill Queers because no one will do anything at~out it. I remain hopeful though skeptical. The facts that we DO "know are alarming. Even if the young man’s story is true, how could it possibly be grounds for murder’? Semen in these circumstances is not a deadly weapon, certainly not enough justification for murder. Most assuredly not - if he was free enough to leave, mad chose to go to another room, find a shotgun, load it, and return to the scene. Justhow frightened for his life could the young man have been? see Murder, page 3 it. Attomey Darlene Shadid said she was told by sources in OSBI and the Tulsa DA’s office that a decision had been made, apparently informally at a seminar in the past couple of years, not to consider persons living with AIDS to be disabled, despite federal law on the matter. Later, Shadid determined that OSBI appeared not to be keeping any statistics on hate crimes based on any disability of any kind. In response toTFN, Tim Hams ofthe Tulsa District Attorney’s office indicated that their office would enforce the Oklahoma hate crime statute as it applied to disability and noted thatnew DALaFortune has participated in the Say No to Hate Coalition for some time. Director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI), Dwade Langley said that they would keep statistics on hate crimes based on disability but that they were entirely dependent on the local law enforcement agencies to report the incidents to them. Meanwhile, JR Pilant hopes that he can return to a quiet life with his children and family sal’e from hate and intimidation. Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine 832-1269 *Barraccuda’s, 2405 E. Admiral 582-4340 *Concessions, 3340 S. Peoria 744-0896 *Ground Zero, 311 E. 7th 585-5622 *Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 *Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main 585-3405 *TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial 660-0856 *Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Derails C..Arnold, Realtor 746-4620 *Assoc. in Medical & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000 ¯ Kent Balch & Associates, Health~& Life Insurance ~ :*Barnes & NobLeBooksellers,-8620 E. 71 747-9506 . ~ 250-6034 " Brookside Jewelry, 4649 So. Pec~ria . 743-5272 ¯ Creative Collection, 1521 E. 15 592-1521 ¯ Cherry St. Psychotherapy Assoc. i~)5S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 ¯ Tim Daniel, Attorney ~ ~ 352-9504, .800,742-9468 DAnnques, 1508E 15th 592-5356 i *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620 ¯ Don CarltOn Mitsubishi, 4423 S. Memorial 665-6595 ~ *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 i Express Pools & Spas, 6310 S. Peoria 743-9994 ; Fidelity Home Health Care, Inc. Coweta 486-1174 ¯ Foxlinx, Computer Consultation 690-2974 Leanne M. Gross, Financial Plarming 744-0102 *Sandra J. Hill;MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 *Imaginations, Lincoln Plaza, 15th & Peoria 584-4606 *International Tours 341-6866 JD Images, Photo~aphy 621-5597 ; Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 Kelly Kirby, CPA, POB 14011, 74159 747-5466 Loup-Garou, 2747 E. 15 742-1992 Lean Ann Macomber, Realtor Associate 671-2010 Massoud’s Je~vlery, The Farm, 51st & Sheridm] 663-4884 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3 584-3112 Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31st 663-5934 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 P1 664-2951 David A. Paddock, CPA,-4308 S. Peoria, Ste. 633 747-7672 Puppy Pause II, llth & Mingo 838-7626 *Ross Edward Salon, 1438 S. Boston 584-0337 *Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 Scott Robison’s Prescriptions, see ad for 3 locations 743-2351 Southwest Viatical, 4146 S. Harvard, Ste. F-5 747-.3322 Thomas Chiropractic Clinic, 4138 S. Harvard, Ste. C- 1 742-8868 Kellie J. Watts, attorney 493-1959 Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733 Tulsa Organizations, Churches, & Universities *Agape’ Christian Fellowship, 21st& Sheridan 599-7688 *Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Ctr. 2627B E. 11 628-0594 *BiLiG Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa Canterbury Ctr. 583-9780 *Chapman Student Center, University of T{tlsa *Community of Hope (United Methodist), 1703 E. 2nd 585-1800 Dignity!Integrity (Lesbian/Gay Catholics &Episcopalians) 298-4648 *Family of Faith MCC, 5451-E So. Mingo 622-1441 *Free Spirit Lesbian Center call for location &info: 587-4669 Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity (African-Amer. men), POB 8542, 74101 425-4905 Indian Health Care, Save the Nation 584-4983 Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 *MCC of Greater Tulsa, 1623 N. Maplewood ." 838-1715 *HIV Resource Consortium, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 749-4194 NAMES PROJECT, 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 748-3111 PFLAG , POB 52800 74152 749-4901 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118 74104 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174 *Shanti Hotline 749-7898 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Right~ (TOHR) POB 52729 74152 TOHR Gay HelpLine (Info.) 743-4297 Tool Box Technicians, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uuiform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 *Tulsa City Hall, Cafeteria Vestibule, Ground Floor *University Center at Tulsa Beaver Dam Store, i/2 mi. N. of Dam on Hwy. 187 501-253-6154 *Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 *Emerald Rainbow, 45&1/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 King’s Hi-Way, 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62W 800-231-1442 *MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 McClung Realtors 501-253-%82 Rock Cottage Gardens 501-253-8659 800-624-6646 Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 501-253-600i The Woods, 50 Wall St. 501-253-8281 home loans through the state housing agency itself. The new definition.of a household adopted by the VHDA states that a "single-family loan can be made to more than one person only if all such persons ... are related by blood, marriage or adoption or by legal custodial relationship." Albert Eisenberg, one of theVHDA commissioners, disagreed loudly with the change. "It is bigoted nonsense elevated to formal state policy," Eisenberg said of the new policy, which he said may lead to ~xpensive legal court challenges as well as possible trouble with federal housing agencies that underwrite most of the loans the Virgima agency makes. Most of the state’s real estate organizations opposed thenew definition, as did gay rights groups and the ACLU, which said the change would "inspire lawyers to look for loopholes." In addition to Gov. Allen’s backing, the rule change was also supported by the Virginia Family Foundation and Concemed Women for America, which argued thatonly "traditional" families should be given economic benefits from the state agency. However in Nebraska, an exception to the "stop-the-wedding" frenzy has come Nebraska where state Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha has introduced a measure that would amend Nebraska law to let gays and lesbians legally marry in the Cornhusker State. Chambers acknovCl-- edges that his proposal, LB1260, probably won’t win approval on its first pass through the state legislature, but he says he’s determined and won’t give tip. ’q’his is an issue related to civil rights mad civil liberties that can’t be dodged by political bodies,"-he says. "It has an impact on so many people." And in San Francisco, its Board of Supervisors created a "civil ceremony to solemnize" same-sex domestic parmerships under the aegis of the county clerk’s office, the city official who also perfolans civil wedding ceremonies for heterosexual couples. The measure, which would extend no benefits beyond its symbolic ceremony, is believed to be the first time any govenfing body has moved to create a civil rite to acknowledge same-sex umons. A board committee quic"kly approved the measure mad sent it on to the full board. Five of the board’s 11 members are cosponsors of the ceremony. The county clerk’s office has estimated that adding the ceremony would probably increase the number of registered partners by 2 or 3 times. And with a $30 fee for the ceremony itself, the clerk’s office also esti- : mated the proposed rite could add close to ¯¯ $50,000 to the city’s coffers. Back in Hawaii, Gov. Ben Cayetano ¯ has .suggested that the way for the state to extricate itself from the ongoing controversy of same-sex marriages is for the ¯ state to stop giving marriage licenses to anyone and just offer domestic partnerships to gay and non-gay couples instead. ¯ ’The institution ofmarriage shouldbe left to the church," Cayetano is quoted as saying in a report in the Honolulu Adver- ¯ tiser. ’q’he government needs to explore its role in marriages. The government : should not be in the role of sanctifying marriages. That’s when they nminto problems." State Senate leaders quickly said they didn’t think the legislature was likely to go along with Cayetano’s idea to pull the plug on marriage. While legal experts say .th.ey haveno idea if a state could even stop ~ssuing marriage licenses, they do agree that the most important benefits of legal marriage are derived from the federal government in the form of income taxes, Social Security benefits, and pensionregulations - all ofwhich depend on state legal definitions of a mamage. Gay/Bisexual Indian Men Retreat The Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project (TNAAPP) is sponsoring two free weekend camping retreats (Feb. 23-35 and June 7-9) to enhance cultural awareness and HIV!AIDS awareness. The retreat will include workshops addressing HIV AIDS, self-esteem, safer sex negotiation skills and cultural and traditional values - all presented in a safe envlroment. For a CONFIDEN~HAL application, call B-rima or Keetoo~vala. at 918-582-7225. Open Arms Open Minds Open Hearts Saint Aidan’s 4045 No. Cincinnati. 425-7882 Saint John’s 4200 So. Atlanta Pl.. 742-7381 Trinity 501 So. Cincinnati. 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You Wednesday, March 13 ....... s 5ob wi//ia,; s xbeat e x.[sa verfor. i 0 arts ce..t "WiMjoyfaldan~ music and ~xquitite ~.efledfive airs... The exci~ng sound of tradi~onal attd .~ 20th century Ireland." -- The New York Times ~’ Tickets: $12 Call 596-7111 oftheir ability to serve in the armed forces, the 1,049 HIV-positiveU.S. service members and immediately cut off all health care benefits to their dependents. Half these service members are married and, on average, they have served in the military for a decade, according to the Pentagon. Nearly 20 percent of them are officers. Clinton legal counsel, Jack Quinn, told reporters in making the announcement that "the President has determined that this provision is .unconstitutional and he has therefore directed the Attorney General not to defend it in court." The Pentagon, Gay & Lesbian civil rights advocates, AIDS activists and a number of members of Congress oppose the provision. But President Clinton signed the appropriations measure because it is vital to the country’s defense needs, in spite of the Dornan provision. A measure has also been introduced by Sens. William Cohen (R-Maine) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) to repeal the Dornan provision. A similar bill to overturn the measure was introduced in the Houseby Reps. PeterTorkildsen, R-Mass., Jane Harman, D-Calif., Connie Morella, R-Md., and Ron Dellums, D-Calif. Elizabeth Birch, head of the Human Rights Campaign, applauded the \Kqaite House announcement. "We asked him [Clinton] to put the full force of his administration behind overturning it and he has done just that," she said. "This is precisely the kind ofleadership we expect from Bill Clinton." Winnie Stachelberg, HRC’s senior health policy advocate, said, "q’hat [the Dornan provision] ~ as one of the meanest. most vindictive measures to come out of the 104th Congress, and we will do everything in our power to ensure,, repeal of that discmninatorv measure, The repeal bill is expected to have broad bipartisan support in both honses, Stachelberg said, noting that Georgia Sen. Sam Numa, ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has called the HIV expulsion measure "pmfitive." Dornan and otherGOPextremists added the HIV provision to the House version of the defense authorization, but it was not in the Senate bill. When the two versions went to a House-Senate conference committee for reconciliation, House Republicans made sure this discriminatory measure became part of the final bill, Stachelberg said. Currently, service members with the virus that causes AIDS may serve their country as long as they can perform their duties, but they are not deployed overseas. The same policy is applied to service members who have other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease or cancer. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. that the daughter "should be given the opportunity and the option to live in a non-lesbian world." One new witness slated to testify in the appeal will be Michelle Mclr£nes, 25, the daughter of John Ward and the wife he "killed. During a television interview am~onncing that she ~vould testify, McInnes said her father also tried to molest her ~vhen she was 14 3ears old. This reporter does not claim to be a legal scholar, bnt from what I do kaaow, the evidence points toward premeditated mnrder, even if the provocation the young man talked about happened in exactly the way he said it did. I, for one, donbt the story, but I also doubt there is any way to disprove it. What will the offici~s cal[ it’? Murder? Justifiable homicide? A -killing in self-defense? A hate crone? Stay tuned. I’ll keep you posted. Sunday Services 11:00 am ¯ Wednesday Services 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm Choir Practice ° Thurs. 7:30 pm Codependency Support Group To do justice, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... Micah 6:8 5451-E South Mingo Tulsa, OK 74146 . (918) 622-1441 Worship Service, 10:30 am Sheridan Center, Suite H 21st & Sheridan 599-7688 News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Survey: Less Opposition to Homosexuality WAbH., D.C. - According to the annual survey of college freshmen around the country by the University of California, the nation’s students continue to have less objection to same-sex relationships. The survey, conducted under the aegis of the American Council on Education and given to more than 300,000 freshmen entering some 641 colleges and universities in the U.S, fouud that o~fly about 31% of the students this year believed that homosexuality ~s wrong and should be forbidden. That figure is the lowest reported since the survey started in 1987 when53% said they disapproved of gay and lesbian relationships. Fed. Court Topples Alabama Anti-Gay Law MONTGOMERY, Ala. - U.S. District Court Judge Myron Thompson has declared a 1992 state law prohibiting state agencies frown using public funds in direct or indirect support of gay and lesbian orgamzations as unconstitutional. The law was quickly passed by. the state legislature and signed into law after officials at Auburn University g~ve recognition to a gay student group on the campus. Lawmakers had argued that because sodtroy is illegal in Alabama, no state funds should be used to support-the "’gay lifestyle." Judge Thompson, however, ruled that the law was simply an attempt to restrict discussion at public schools, an illegal restriction of free speech. ’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Hearing Begins SFATTLE - The attorueys representing Navy Lt. Richard Watson, called the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy on gays and lesbians in the armed forces"the height ofhypocrisy," arguing in federal court that it was an unconstitutional invasion of privacy. Watson, a 34-yearold officer who was training to eventually captain one of the Navy’s nuclear-powered submafines, has said he told his commandingofficer he is gay to avoid the possibility of being blackmailed as his naval career advanced. He continues to serve in the Navy wlfile his case, one of several like it, is in the federal courts. Canadian Censorhsip Case: Mixed Ruling VANCOUVER - The British Columbia Supreme Court has handed down a utixed ruling in the case of the Little Sister’s BookStore, a gay and lesbian shop that had charged Canadian Customs officials with unconstitutional censorship. The provincial high court declared that Customs officials had in fact used their power to seize published materials counng into the countU in ways that violated the nation’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Customs officials have seized, and sometimes destroyed, hundreds of gay m~d lesbian books and magazines ordered by Little Sister’s, maiulv from UTS. publishers, claiming the materials violated Canadian pornography laws. The court ruled that the Customs actions "’in large part.., are die arbitrary and improper consequence of a~ inadequate mad flawed admimstration of the legislation.’" It also ruled that the incidents involving Little Sister’s were isolated episodes, but constituted a"~ave systemic problem." The most d~sappointing part of the court ruling, said Janine Fuller of Little Sisters, was the justices’ failure to declare the statute that gives Customs officials the authority to seize materials as unconstitutional. Fuller called the failure of the court to overturn die Customs legislation "disappointing" and said the store would be appealing that part of the ruling, but that she was otherwise pleased with the rest of the high court’s ruling. "Ttfis decision is a complete vindication of thc gay aud lesbian conmmmty and the lives of its people mid for that we celebrate die decision," she said. "It has been a long, hard climb. We haven’t quite reached the smmnit but we’re dimm closc. We are colffident that we will succeed at the Court of Appeal." Cincinnati Bias Costs City $35 Million CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the cit\"s Convention & Visitors Bureau says it has lost some $35 million in tourist and convention income because of an anti-gay measure approved by voters in 1993 to repeal an earlier anti-bias measure that included gays mid lesbians. The visitors bureau report had been requested by the city council and cited 10 ~arger national organizations, including die A~nerican Library Association. that specifically mentioued the repealed rights measure as their reason for not holding conventions in the city. Catholic Bishops Speak Upfor Gays in Zimbabwe HAt~kRE, Zimbabwe - Gays and lesbians in Zimbabwe have gotten some limited support from an unexpected source when the country’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a pastoral letter denouncing attacks against homosexuals. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, who is a Catholic, sparked an international flap last year when he refused to allow a gay rights organization in the country to operate a booth at an interuational book fair in the nation’s capital, calling homosexuals"sodomists mid sexual perverts" who ,are "’worse than dogs and pigs." He followed up later by saying the gays and lesbians have "no rights" in Zimbabwe and threatened to imprison homosexuals. Although the Catholic Church considers homosextmlity a "disorder" that should be dealt with as sucll, the Bishops Coifference letter condemned what it "called "’any attempts toinstitute a witchhunt or hate campaign" against homosexuals. "It is therefore not right for anyone, induding govenunent, to harass, persecute or torture people simply because they are known to have this indination,’" the Bishops’ Co~fference letter said. Anti-Bias Measure for CA Students Dies SACtL~kMENTO, Calif. - AB 1001, a proposed measure in the ¯ Califonfia legislature to bar discrimination because of sexual orientation in the state’s public schools and universities, failed by an 8-7 vote in the Assembly’s education colurnittee. The measure, introduced by Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl (DFa~ cino), has languished in the committee since April 1995 when it failed to pass on a first reading there. The vote against sending the bill to the full Assembly was along party lines. Utah Wants to Stop School Gay Group SALT LAKE CITY - According to a report in the Deseret News, the Utah State Board of Education has told state officials to find "all available ~neans" to control the kinds ofnon-curriculum dubs that are formed at public schools in the state.The move is aimed at preventing a gay and lesbian student club from being formed at East High School in the state’s capital city. C. Grant Hurst, who introduced the directive, told the newspaperit wasn’t specifically about the gay dub at the high school and said he was concerned the current legal situation could allow net-Nazi groups to be formed at public schools in Utah. Hurst admitted, however, that he had gotten"numerous" phone calls opposed to the gay club and none about possible net-Nazi dubs forming.. The board’s resolution speaks only about the"formation of any organizations, in schools, that may create a disruptive or unsafe atmosphere for children or that may attract or entice children tomake decisions tllat could have a long-term negative impact on their lives." The Utah attorney general’s office told educators late last year in a letter that federal law and court rulings mandate that scllool clubs have to be treated equally no matter how potentially controversial. The board’s own attorney late in 1995 said the only way the state could keep the gay dub at East High from forming would be for all clubs to be prohinted, stop receiving federal education funds entirely,.or to ask Congress to repeal the Equal Access Act. Rally Against Blocking Gay School Clubs In Utah SALT LAKE CITY - Hundreds of gay rights activists, including the parents of gay mid lesbian teens, rallied outside the state Capitol to protest a move by conservative lawmakers who have said the state should not allow gay and lesbian student groups in public schools, even if Dan Du Vall / Owner BROOKSIDE JEWELRY South Peoria 743-$272 Corner of 48th & Peoria 9:30 - 5, Mon. - Fri. Open Saturdays thru holidays! P AII’ERSON REALTORS" LEA ANN MACOMBER Realtor Associate Mobile: 671-2010 2642 E. 21st Street ¯ Suite !70 ¯ Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 Off: 918-749-8374 ¯ Res: 918-582-7672 ° Fax: 918-747-1795 David A. Paddock, CPA, MT "Utmost Confidence Assured" 4308 S. Peoria, Suite 633 Tulsa, OK 74105 logo here Call for an appc (918) 747-7672 Computer Analysis Consultation Rich Fox P.O. Box 52708 Tulsa, OK 74152-0708 Pager: (918)690-2974 News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News Briefs News the state has to refuse a $100 million education grant from the federal government or even bar all student groups. Kelli Peterson, the East High School student who asked to organize the gay and lesbian campus club, told the cheering crowd she didn’t try to start the group to advocate homosexuality or to recruit heterosexual classmates into a "homosexual lifestyle." In.stead, she said, "I started this group to end the misery and isolation of being gay in high school." Utah legisli~tors held a secret meeting earlier in the week with the state school superintendent, the commissioner of higher education and members of the Utah Attorney General’s office, reportedly to discuss legal methods to prevent gay clubs from being formed at schools in the state. But Senate President Lane Beattie dismissed the protest as a tempest in a teapot. "The infermarion given them was in error," he said. "It [the secret meeting] wasnot an anti-gay, anti-lesbian meeting. The meeting was not held to discuss issues they tlfink we discussed.’~ Beatrie said that lawmakers at the meeting were not anti-gay bnt were anti-immorality. "That includes heterosexual immorality as well as homosexual iunnorality. We m’e not going to allow immorality to be taught or encouraged in our public education system. Period." But rights activists point out that a measure that has not yet been printed for public review - SB 246 - would"prohibit schools from supporting illegal conduct" and may well mimic an Alabmna state law barring publicly supported schools from supporting any orgmfizarion that advocates illegal activities. That Alabmna measure was specifically aimed at preventing state colleges from allowing gay and lesbian student groups on campus because sodomy is illegal in Alabama, as it is in Utah. The Alabamameasure, however, was recently declared unconstitutional by a federal court. Episcopal Bishop Faces Heresy Trial WILMINGTON, Del. -Theheresy trial of retired Episcopal Bishop Alter Righter for ordainingan openly gay priest is slated to start before a panel of 9 bishops Feb. 27, only the second such heresy proceeding in the history of the church although the bishops who brought the charges against Righter say it won’t be the last. Righter, the retired bishop of Iowa, ordained- Barry Stopfel as a deacon in 1990. At the rime Stopfel not only acknowledged that he is gay, but also that he had been living with his male partner throughout his seminary studies. The 10 bishops who brought the charges against Righter say bishops in New Jersey, Philadelphia, Detroit and Washington may also be charged With heresy for similar ordinations if the ecclesiastical court finds Righter guilty. TX Radical Right Wants No Gays In Library SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Antigay flmdamentalists have tried - so far without success - to keep the Unity Foundation, an organization that’s working on plans to open a lesbian and gay community center in this SouthTexas ¯ city, fromholding mmeetings in the city’s pubhc library. Organizers of the anri-gay group have protested outside the library and city hall, and say that homosexuals shouldn’t be permitted to use ~ public facilities because sodomy ¯ is illegal under state law. But so far the anti-gay protests have been small and failed to draw wide support, while a number of mainstream religious leaders have vocally backed the Unity Foundation’ s rights both to meet at the library and to work on the community center. San Francisco Police: A ’Commanding’ Lesbian SAN FRANCISCO- As part of sweeping changes from top to bottom being instituted by newly elected Mayor Willie Brown in San Francisco, Melinda Pengel has become perhaps the highest ranking openly gay police officer in any major U.S. police e force. Pengel, who was in the first class of women cadets to join the SFPD in 1975 and iu 1994 became one of the department’s highest ranking officers when she was awarded her captain’s bars, has now been made a commander on the force of some 2,000 officers. Colnmander Pengel, 41, was named to hernew rank by Brown’s handpicked Police Chief Fred Lau. The rank of commander is below only the chief and deputy chief officials. Among her new duties, Pengel will oversee the department’s pohcing efforts on the city’s trouble-plagued public transportation system. Pengel said of the promotion, "It’s not just for me; it’s for .the other women in the department too. We’re moving into a nmv era, and I get to be a part of that." Virginia ’Diversity’ Billboard Covered Up CHRISTIANBURG, Va. - A billboard erected recently in the downtown area of this small community of some 11,000 people west of Roanoke, proclaiming simply that "Diversity Enriches,’" has been covered over by the owners of the billboard after callers threatened to damage the finn’ s property. The billboard was paid for by an informal group known as Gay & Straight Citizens of Southwest Virginia with the help of the local chapter of PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians And Gays), and went up January 18. Aside from the simple phrase, "’Diversity Enriches," the only other print on the rainbow billboard was the much smaller sponsorship tag for Gay & Straight Citizens of Southwest Virginia, which paid $450 for having its sign up for a month. But after au article with a photo of the billboard appeared in the local newspaper, Frank Amburn, manager of the lo’cal office of Outdoor East, the company that owns the billboard space, says his office was flooded with calls complaining about the sign, including several from people who threatened to destroy other billboards owned by the advertising finn. At that point, Amburn decided to cover up the billboard out of fear for his company’s property. The ad agency’ is refunding the money paid for the billboard space. Forbes’ Gay Views Become a Political Issue DES MOINES, iowa- Dmnonstrating once again - for better or f6r worse - that gay fights can no longer be separated from uational politics, Republicau pres. hopefuls have increasingly tried to derail the unexpectedly surging candidacy of multi-~nillionaire Steve Forbes by portraying him as "’pro-ga.v.’" In Iowa iu Jan., state cmnpaign officials who were supporting Sen. Phil Grannn’s bid, told reporters that Forbes supports allowing gays m~d lesbim~s to serve in the U.S. military under the current "’don’t ask, d’on’t tell’" compromise policy. Recently, Forbes was asked ifhe was in favor of allowing same-sex marriages. Although clearly uncomfortable with the question, Forbes responded," Compassion is not approval. There should be special fights for none, equal rights for all." Brits Expected to Keep Anti-Gay Military Policy LONDON" - London ucwspapers have reported that British defense lmnistry officials remmn opposed to ending the ban on gays and lesbians in the nation’ s armed forces. Several newspapers reported that Michael Portillo, the defense ~mnister, will announce sometime in Feb. the findings of a ministry review of the policy excluding homosexuals in the military, but several ministry officials have atready said the review found no reason to change the policy. If the govenunent keeps the current policy there will almost certainly be a legal challenge before ihe European Court of fluman Rights, where 4 discharged gay and lesbian service members have already’ applied for a review of their case. The uational gay rights group Stonewall has also applied for pervm ssign to appeal the policy to the House of Lords, Britain’s highest court of appeal. Gay arit to Play Wilde LONDON - Openly’ gay British comic actor Stephen Fry, perhaps best known to American audiences for his portrayal of the erudite and condescending butler in the BBC,’PBS "Wooster and Jeeves,’" says his next role will be starnng in a film bio-pic of 19th century playwright, wit mad ben vivant , Oscar Wilde. Wilde was finprisoned in 1895 for a sodomy statute violation. KELLY KIRB Y Certified Public Accountant Lesbians & Gays face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve our communities with sensitive & timely information. 747-5466, POB 14011, Tulsa 74159 20TH 32]3 E, ]5th St, Tulsa, Ok 74] 04 (9] 8) 749-3620 ~cu~e.~calCatholic Church ¯.m,, ,eeeet,i;nngg! .a,t Erie ~aarrddeennCC~fiaajpoee[f :Mass Saturday evenings at 6:oo "1Tie :Rev. ~atfier 7Lic£~ "3foffingsworth, Pm:t~rr Pallet" (918) 646-7t16 ".Residence (ghq) 742-7~22 A PERMANENT SOLUTION Permanent Hair Removal Carol Anwar, RE, CPE Lic. By Okla. St. Med. Bd. 488-0786 Near 71st & Lewis Call for info. or an appt. with free consultation. Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Tulsa Where God Uplifts All People Sunday Service, 10:45 am Wednesday Service, 6:30 pm Home Cell Groups, 2nd & 4th Sun. 1623 No. Maplewood, 838-1715 Drug Combo Treats Eye Disease WASHINGTON - According to a report. in the Archives ofOphthalmology, a daily injecteddose of 2 drugs - foscarnet and ganciclovir - is a more effective way to combat the blinding AIDS-related eye disease cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis than either of the drugs used alone. Patients in the research who were given one or the other but not both drugs had recurring CMV retinilis infections in a month or two of starting the therapy. But patients in the study who were given both drugs were able to keep it under.control for 4. months or longer. Just Say No School Programs WASHINGTON" - Part of the massive welfare overhaul confessional Republicans have proposed in this year’s ongoing budget battle includes $75 millionin federal funds for state schools to each students the "gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity" outside marnage. The abstinence pro~am proposal would provide money for schools to teach youngsters that complete abstinence is the oulv certmn wav to avoid unwanted pregnancies and sex~ally transmitted diseases such as AIDS. Ignoring gays and lesbians ~vho cannot legally marry in this country, the language of"ihe G~)P proposal states: "A mutually faithful monogmnous relationship in the context of mamage is the expected standard of human sexual activity" mad that sex outside marnage "’is likely to have laarmful p~ychological and physical effects." Gay Medical Journal NEWYORK-The Gay &Lesbian Medical Assn. has announced plans to begin publishing what it says will be the first science journal devoted to medical issues faced byhomosexuals. Thejournal, which as yet has not been given a name, will focus on publishing findings in research on AIDS and HIV, mental health issues, breast cancer and other medical issues. FDA OK Sought for AIDS Drug STOCKHOLM - The U.S.-Swedish drug manufacturer Pharmica & Upjohn has released preliminary data on ,still-incomplete clinical trials of its drug Delavirdine (also -known as Rescriptor) because early results hold so much promise, the firm sa vs. Hoping that the early results will help get faster approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for the drug, Pharmica & Upjotm said Delavirdine appears to help some patients infected with HIV stave off developing full-blown AIDS. The firm said that preliminary data from its ongoing tests with the drug indicate that patients receiving Delavirdine had been able to lower the amount ofHIV in their blood system by at least 68% for as long as 60 w~eks. Some 3,500 patients have been participating so far. Infants Shed HIV Completely LONDON - According to researchers reporUng in the medical journal Lancet, nine infants who were infected with HIV bv their mothers at birth have fended off tl~e virus. Only a few such reports of HIV relnisston have ever been reported, an~ those have beeu received with some skepticism. But the uew findings - which come from Italy, Belgium m~d Swedeu : may not be so easiix disufissed. Of some 264 babies who were born HIV-positive, the research team found nine who subsequently became free of the virus. In seven cases, both HIV tests used went from positive to negative during the course of the study; in the other two, the virus was detected even though the antibody tests indicated that the baby was not infected. 2 Different AIDS Epidemics NEW DELHI - Max Essex of the Harvard AIDS Institute said at a conference on infectious diseases that increasingly there are 2 different AIDS epidemics globally - one in the Western industrial nations, which is slowing, and another in Afr ica and Asia, which is continuing to Wow with noend in sight. Essex told the conference that the 2 epidemics are spread by different strains of HIV- 1, and that the B and E strains of the virus behave differently. Unpublished research by Essex and his team at the Harvard institute, he said, indicates that subtype E is more efficient at infecting cells in the female reproductive tract, so is more readily transmitted during heterosexual sex. The E subtype is largel y found in Africa and the Indian subcontinent. But, Essex said, the viral subtype that is largely responsible for the AIDS epidemic in Europe and North America - subtype B - targets different body cells and seems more prone to being passed on during anal sex, perhaps explaining its predominance among gay men. Essex noted that in the West, about 2 million people are infected and that that number appears to have leveled off. But, he said, there are an estimated 15 to 20 million cases in Africa and the Indian subcontinent, and that number apparently is continuing to grow unchecked. "RELIEF FROM PAIN" THOMAS CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC DR. REX M. THOMAS DR. SHIRLEY A. THOMAS FREE CON~(.LTATION PROFESSIONAL SERVICE NO NEEDLES ACUPUNTURE NECK & BACK PAIN CHRONIC PAIN ASSURED PRIVACY NUTRITION COUNSELING HEADACHES CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME 4138 S. HARVARD. SUITE C-1 TULS& OK 74135 (918) 742-8868 Free & Anonymous Finger Stick Method By & for, but not exclusive to the Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Communities. Monday & Thursday evenings: 7-8:30 pm for testing, 7-9 pm for results. Daytime testing, Mon-Thurs by appointment. TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 742-2927 4158 South Harvard, Suite E-2 2 doors east of the HIV Resource Consortium Look for our banner on testing nights. Intimacy for Gay & Bisexual Men A 10 WEEK THERAPEUTIC GROUP EXPERIENCE The focus of the group will be the introduction of a cognitive behavioral group model for examining intimacy and .barriers to intimate relationships among gay and bisexual men. This approach is skill-based, and builds upon the strengths of group members while promoting growth at intrapersonal, interpersonal and community levels. Facilitated by Richard Reeder, M.S. When: Monday evenings, 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Beginning March 4, 1996 Concluding May 6, 1996 Cost: $25.00 per session or $200.00 advance registration Where: Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1515 South Lewis Tulsa, OK 74104 FOR INTAKE APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 743-4117 THE GROUP WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS. A QUALITY LIF ALTERNATIVE WHAT IS VIATICATION? Viatication is the process d~rough which a person living with an terminal illness can receive a cash payment from flae face value of their insurance policy. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VIATICAL SETTLEMENT? Generally, to be eligible for a viatica1 settlement you must have a documentable terminal illness, and life insurance coverage in either an individual term, whole life, or a group policy. HOW MUCH IS MY POLICY WORTH? The value of your life insurance policy in a viatical settlement is determined by the specifics of your policy and your unique medical situation. Not every policy is suitable for viaticanon, but settlement offers typically range from 60% to 90% of a policy’s face value, depending on the specifics of your policy and medical history. HOW DOES A SETTLEMENT WORK? With your written penmssion, we gather medical and xnsurance records with which to determine your policy’s value. Then. a settlemnt offer is presented to you. You may always decline the offer with no obligation whatsoever. Should you accept the offer, payment is made directl y to you. You pay nothing else on your poli(y, and you owe us nothing. IS VIATICATING MY POLICY THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? Man?,’ factors influence whether vxaticadng 3’our life insurance is the best financial alternative available for you. Southwest Viatical can discuss all of the factors with you and 3our family in person, in detail and can recommend an experienced Certified Financial Planner to asnst you in plmming the best outcome from 3our umque financial situation. HOW IS SOUTHWEST VIATICAL DIFFERENT? Today, many compames offer viatical settlements, doing business only by bulk advertising and 1-8,00 numbers. They transfer your insurance and medical records by mail. and do business from another state. At Southwest Viatical. we believe you should be assured of complete confidentiality and the best possible service by working with us in person, face-to-face. We are involved on a commumtv level, and are responsible directly to our local community. By working with you in person, but at the same time having access to nationwide financial resources, we are able to deliver the best value on your policy available today. And because of our established resources, we can deliver a settlement in less than a third the time other companies take by mail, typically in fe~ver than 30 days. We’ll do what it takes to find the best solution for you. Southwest Home Office Dailas, Texas 800-559-4790 Kelly Kirby Oklahoma Representative POB 14011 Tulsa, OK 74159-1011 918-747-3320 AT! EN !iON! r I i I I ANNOUNCING A RETREAT GAY/BISEXUAL/vkE N! WHO: Sponsore~ by TNAAPP WHAT: Weekend Retreat for Gay/Bisexual Native American Men WHEN: February 23-25, 1996 WHERE: For More information Caii Today 582-7225, Extension 21~ IT’S FREE! IT’S FUN! SIC;IV UP TOgAY! FOR t NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: TELEPHONE: STATE: Zl P: II I I I dUT ON DOTTED LINE & ,MAIL TO: TNAAPP, 915 SOUTH CINCINNATI, TULSA, OK 74ff9-2000 YES! i AM INTERESTED IN COMING TO THE RETREAT II "TULSA FAMILY NEWS COMMUNITY CA EN’I R SUNDAYS MONDAYS Agape’ Christian ¯ HIV Testing Fellowship TOHR Clinic Worship Service, 10:30 am : Free & anonymous testing Sheridan Center, Suite H 21st & Sheridan, 599-7688 Bl~ss the Lord At All Times Christian Center Sunday School, 9:45 am Worship Service, 11 am 2627b East 1 lth 583-7815 Community of Hope (United Methodist) Worship Service, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Family of Faith Metro. Comm. Church Adult Sunday School, 9:15 : Worship Service, 11 am 5451-E South Mingo. Info: 622-1441 Metro. Comm; Church of Greater Tulsa Worship Service, 10:45am 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay Alliance - Univ. of Tulsa 6:30 pm at Canterbury 5th & Evanston,’ 583-9780 using fingerstick method. No appointment required. Walk in testing: 7-8:30 pm Results hours: 7-9 pm Info: 742-2927 Lambda Bowling League Sheridan Lanes 8:45 pm 3121 S. Sheridan PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 2nd Monday of month, 6:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard Info: 749-4901 OTHER GROUPS : Tool Box Technicians, : Leather org., Info c/o The Too1 Box: 584-1308 T.U.L.S.A. Ti~sa Uniform ¯ & Leather Seekers Assoc. Info: 838-1222 ~ The Banned, OK Gay Band Practice weekly in OKC Info: 838-2121 TUESDAYS HIV+ Support Group HIV Resource Consortium 1:30 pm 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. H-1 Info: Wanda @ 749-4194 WEDNESDAYS Authority OfThe Believer Bible Study, 7 pm MCC of Greater Tulsa 1623 N. Maplewood Info: 838-1715 Shanti-Tulsa, Inc. Bless The Lord At All HIV/AIDS Support Group : Times Christian Center .& Friends & Family HIV/AIDS Support Group 7 pm, call for location: 749-7898 Community of Hope Grief Group, 6 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 Womens Grief Group sponsored by Community of Hope 6pm, Butler/Stumpff Funeral Home 2103 E. 3rd St. Info: 585-1800 ¯ Prayer & Bible Study 7:30 pm 2627-B East 1 lth Call 583-7815 for info. Family Of Faith MCC Praise & Prayer 6:30 pm Choir Practice 7:30 pm 5451-E South Mingo. Call 622-1441 for info. Community of Hope (United Methodist) Service for Peace, 6:30 pm Bible Study, 7 pm 1703 E. 2nd, 585-1800 TNAAPP Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project Support group for Gay & Bi Native American Men, 6 pm at Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd 582-7225 or 584-4983 THURSDAYS 16-Step Empowerment Group For Women Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 Co-Dependency Support Group . 7:30, Family of Faith MCC 5451-E S. Mingo, 622-144 1 HIV TestingTOHRClinic Walk in testing: 7 - 8:30 pm Results hours: 7 - 9 pm Info: 742-2927 Tulsa Family Chorale Weekly practice, 9:30 pm Lola’s 2630 E. 15th PFLAG Family AIDS Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays 4154 S. Harvard, 749-4901 Alternatives Weekly social events for LGBT men & women, 7 pm Info: 646-5503 Substance Abuse Support Group for persons with HIV’AIDS 4154 S. Harvard, Ste. G 3-4:30 pm, Info: 749-4194 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Community ofHope Movie Night & Discussion: A River Runs Through It 6:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Family ofFaith MCC Reclaim & Recovery Workshop: Forgiveness 9-3 pm, 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Community ofHope Companioning Celebration 2 pm, 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 St. Jerome’s. Catholic Church (ECC) Fat Tuesday Party Ash Wednesday Service Info: page Father Rick at 646-7116 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Alternatives Social Groap - Dinner 7pm, Golden Corral, 71St & Mingo Info: 646-5503 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Shanti Mardi Gr~ Ball, 8-midnight Natl. Guard Armory, Fairgrounds " Info: 749-7898 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Alternatives Leap Year Party 7pm, Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine Info: 646-5503 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Rainbow Business Guild 7 pm, Full Moon Care, Cherry Street Dinner Meeting with speaker. Info: 665-5174 ." FRIDAY, MARCH 1 ¯ Community ofHope ¯ Movie Night & Discassion: Priest : 6:30 pm, 1703 E. 2nd, hffo: 585-1800 OF Safe Haven, a free, non-political, nonreligious, non-recovery-oriented social gathering for LGBT voimg adults. 18-30 : Family of Faith MC~, 8 - rmdnight 5451-E S. Mingo, Info: 622-1441 SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Rosary at St. Jerome’s Catholic Charch The Garden Chapel, 3841 S. Peoria Info: page Father Rick at .636-7116 TUESDAY, MARCH 5 Tulsa Oklahomansfor Haman Rights Community Meeting, 7 pm Chapman Activity Ctr., Univ. of Tulsa 5th St. west of Harvard, Info: 743-4297 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 Marsha Stevens Concert presented by Agape Christian Fellowship 7 pm, All Soul’s Unitarian, 2952 S. Peoria Info: 599-7688 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 NewLGBTPolitical Groap, I st Meeting 7 pm, Martin East Regional Library 2601 So. Garnett SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Dignityllntegrity Meeting Lesbian/Gay Catholics & Episcopalians 5 pm, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church 5635 E. 71st, Info: POB 701044, 74170 SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Gaylapalooza, 8 pm Tulsa Performing Arts Center 110 E. Second, Info: 596-7111 SATURDAYS St. Jerome’s Ecumenical Catholic Church Mass, 6 pm Garden Chapel 3841 S. Peoria Info: Father Rick at 742-7122 Narcotics Anonymous Meets weekly at l 1 pm Confidential support for recovering addicts. Community of Hope 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800 NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Sewing Bees 3rd Sat. of each month Info: 748-3111 OTHER GROUPS Gay & Lesbian Sttulent Association - TJC Southeast Can~pus, Info: 631-7632 SWAN-Single Women’s Activity Network Call 832-2121 TOHR Helpline Daily 8-10 pm For info. or to vohlntecr: 743-GAYS SCOTT ROBISON’S PRESCRIPTIONS ,Serving Tulsan’s Since 1947 Major credit cards In-store charges or Direct insurance billing for your convenience! 3 locations to serve you: Hillcrest Physician’s Building 1145 So. Utica 743-2351 Utica Square Area 1560 East 21st, Ste. 104 743-2351 The Plaza 8146-D South Lewis 299-1790 Reviewed by Barry Hensley Tulsa City-County Library This entertaining anthology combines essays, personal narratives and poetry regarding the multitude of rites and phases of lesbian life. Coming from the position that the lives of lesbians are, in many ways, very unlike the lives of heterosexual women or gay men, Dyke Life ~ves an inside perspective of lesbian marriage, parenting, stereotypes and lesbians in corporate America, among 0{her topics. There are five parts to Dyke Life: 1) Relating to Others, 2) Relating to Each Other, 3) Sex and Gender Identity, 4)The Public World, and 5) The Lesbian Body. Each section includes several entries by both well-known and obscure lesbian writers. Some of the better-known authors include JoAnn Lonlan, Del Martin, Leslea Newman and Rutt~&im Robson, all of whom have other books available in the library. The entry rifled "outing and the Politics of the Closet," by Victoria Brownworth, is an entertaining examination of the social circumstances which make the outing of women a difficult and sensitive proposition. "Creating Lesbian Families," by Heather Conrad and Kate Colwell shows the challenges and controversies surrounding lesbian parenting. One of the more unusual entries is by Hon. PanlaJ. Hepner, who is a judge on the New York State Family Court. Her entry is titled, "Oy Veh, t’he Judge on the Bench is a Dyke!’" Another valuable entry is by Jeanne Adleman, member of Old Lesbians Organizing for Change (OLOC), who contributes, "We Never Promised You Role Models." One of the best things about this book is the extensive bibliographical information that many entries contain. Often, not only books and magazines are cited, but organizarions as well, complete with address, fax and phone numbers. For aninteresting and enlightening treat, check,out Dyke Life. This and other books on similar topics are available at Tulsa City-County Libraries. Please call your local branch library or the Central Library Readers Services Department at 596-7966, for more information. traveling from around the region to participate in a picnic mad other festivities. Particular thanks went the support FUSO received from METSAS, Metropolitan Tulsa Substance Abuse Services.. On Feb. 15-19 , FUSO members are joining with members of Brother to Brother, an Oklahoma City organization, to attend the 9th Annual National Black Lesbian & Gay Conference, taking place in Dallas, titled, Black Lesbians and Gqvs: Continuing the Struggle. FUSO meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at Rudisill North Regional Library, 1520 No. Hartford, 596- 7280. The meetings and membership are open to those 18 and above. presents in concert March 6th, 7prn In Her All Souls Unitarian Church Auditorium 2952 South Peoria For more information, call Agape" Christian Fellowship at 599-7688 Tul~sa’s only Gay-owned Funera~ Home Butfer-Stumpff Funera¢ Home gg Crematory ~103 /3ast Tftird~ 587-7000 Complete Services Available. For Example, Only $2820 for Casket with Complete Service. Includes: Quality Steel Sealer Casket in one of four colors, Standard Single Lawn Crypt, Service at your church or in our chapel, Hearse, Family Limousine, Pallbearers Limousine, Thank You Cards, Register Book, Memorial Folders, Visitation, Embalming, Hairdressing, Cosmetic Services, All Professional Services. If you have a prearrangement elsewhere, and paid too much, transfer your policy and you may be eligible for a cash refund. Wasfiin~Iton Memorial~ Gardens 4300 East 91st Street South Special Offer! Burial Space for Just $200, pre-construction. by Phyl Boler-Schmidt An excitement has erupted in Eureka Springs, and you’ll find j.’ust about everyone talking about it - gay, straight, businessman, minister, lodging owner, photographer, realtor, even computer geek. Okay, especially computer geek! So, what’s :the fuss? ~ureka now has a whole lot of information available on the Internet and WorldWide Web. Most of it has just popped up, seemingly out of nowhere, in the last month. And, where is it coming from? Who would spend a lot of time promoting Eureka Springs? Positive Idea Marketing Plans (PIMP, for short) is the source of all the hubbub, and not surprisingly, PIMP is a family-owned and operated company. Jan and Kim Ridenour own PIMP, and they. have put their company in literal overdrive on this new project since the year began. You probably remember Jan and Kim. They are the soon-tobe- former owners of The EmeraldRainbow, andKim frequently writes the astrology column for Tulsa Family News, PIMP (among other things) owns its own Web domain, and the Ridenours have been processing and publishing pages on that domain (PIMPS.corn). Everything imaginable is available with the click of a mouse, mad new pages are being added daily. Just what is available for Eureka on the Web? As of this writing (you never know what else will be there by the time we are published and distributed)~ you can access pages about the town of Eureka, complete with gorgeous photographs, and there is also a page about the Ozark region. When you first see the pictures, some may seem familiar. That’s because many of the pictures are from the collection of Susan Storch, master photographer. Susan is responsible for many of the photos that appear on .postcards for Eureka and the reg~oni And Susan’s shop, The Imagery also has a page on the Web, complete with more samples of her work. There is a page for Weddings and Holy Unions and how to set up the honeymoon of your dreams right here in the Ozarks. A standard wedding page also exists (you know, standard - one boy, ,one girl), complete with more photos. Pond Mountain, a favorite bed and breakfast inn, has a page complete with details on lodging, wedding setups, honeymoons, and breathtaking photos. Two local realtor~ are represented in the Enreka pages: Century 21 Woodland Real Estate, a partly family-owned operation, and McClung Realty, a regular advertiser in these pages. For those of you that were fortunate to stop in and visit The Emerald Rainbow in the past year, you may have met Alice P(ig) Bailey. Alice now has her own page on the information superhighway, and even has an advice column. Stay tuned for pig astrology. There are a number offamilyspecific sites as well. In addition to the weddings and holy unions page, there is a site for g/l/b/t retreats, Our Worm Magazine is published on line, and Guru to Go, Kim’s astrology.page, is there too. So, I guess you could call tiffs Queer Eureka OnLine too. Local weather forecasts are easy to access, and there is a feature site of the week as well. Yahoo, one of the premiere Internet search engines can be acces sed, and you can download the latest in browser software. I know of several more pages that are in the making, and there are listings of pages that are due to be available soon. The Eureka pages continue to grow in number every time I look at the WorldWi’de Web. But, it doesn’t stop with Eureka Springs. The Internet and the Web are national and international communications systems. I+inks tO related sites can be found ~dl over the PIMP pages, and other companies that aren’t specific to Eureka Springs have an opportunity to get on the PIMP bandwagon too. If you have never had the opportunity to browse around the Web, it is a thrill you will not easily forget. Once a person realizes how easy ~t is to access an entire world of information with the click of a mouse, the task of looking things up in a phone book, a dictionary, or an encyclopedia becomes downright mundane. For those of you who are already on line: if you haven’t used thatWebbrowser that came with your signup package, give it a try. You’ll never look at a compute.r screenin quite the same way again. And, if you want a first place to look, use this address: http://www.pimps.com/ For you experienced Web browsers out there, go to the address above, then put it on a bookmark. New pages are being added all the time. Follow all the links on that front page, and you could easily spend a couple of hours just looking at what is available in and near Eureka Springs, and especially what is available that isfamily-specific If you don’t have a computer, or hive one and have not vet made the leap to cyberspace, n~w is the time. An entire world of information, resources, new friends, business contacts, and just plain fun is to be had. Since I’m your basic computer geek, this has been an especi,’dly exciting time for me. I have watched as numerous people have accessed the Web for the first time, and I gotta tell you, it’s an amazing thing to see thc excitement in the eyes of someone who has just discovered the answer to his or her dreams. If you don’t have access to the Interuet, find a friend who does. Buy the beer and bribe your friend into showing you how to access cyberspace. If you do have access, point your browser to the address given above. You can also reach PIMP by e-mail at emerald@intellinet.com. If you aren’t on line, or if youjust want to talk to a real live human, call 501-253-2401. Be brave. Step out. You’ll be glad you did! Georgia Ragsdale, who has filmed a movie, "’Never Met Picasso, soon to be released, with co-star Margot Kidder. Their shows have been sellouts wherever they’ve played. Tickets for this "Doh’t-miss"onc of a -kind show are available at the PAC and Carson Attractions, for S15.50 to $18.50. The show has one performance at 8 pm Saturday, March 16th Mark your calendars now, because this is one show yon won’t want to miss out on, and it’s the first of its kind in Tulsa. That’s progress ! O000000000000000000 ¯¯ A Friendly Place to Stay ¯ ¯¯ KING’S HI-WAY ¯¯ INN ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 96 Kings Highway, Hwy. 62 W Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (501) 253-7311 1-800-231-1442 Jerry A. Wilson, owner ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ MCC of the Living Spring ...a community of friends... Rev. Kermie Wohlenhaus Pastor We welcome you to attend! Services held Sunday evenings at 6 PM 17"Elk Street (at the Unitarian Church) Eureka Springs, AR 72632 501-253 -9337 ¯ "T ¯ p ~ . 501-253-9682 (days) OR 501-253-8969 (evenings) Offerings include: Bed & Breakfast Inns, Victorian Homes, Hotels/Motels, Commercial Properties/Businesses, Quiet Country Estates, & much more. McClung Realty, Inc. has catered to the diverse G/L/B/TG community in Eureka .Springsfor over 20 years. Call or write for a listing brochure. Or better yet, stop in, and we’ll show you around. We specialize in creative financing. EUREKA SPRINGS "Jim & Brent have opened the ultimate intimate local eatery. A special, eclectic dining experience..." Stop by our house for a taste of local flavor. Dine outside on the patio & porch or ill our three beautiful dining rooms. Fine food at an affordable price. Green & Yellow Night FAMILY NIGHT Private Dinner Party, lstThurs, ofEach Month 6pm - Midnight, Dine, Drink & Relax Among Friends Featuring Jim & Gwendolyn’s Select Dinner Entrees & Brent’s Superb Desserts "With Family In Mind" Gay-owned, Operated & Rainbow Proud 20% of all proceeds will go to the support of family causes D OUT- OF-THIS-WORLD PERFORMANCE AT A OWN-TO-EARTH PRICE ’96 3"000GT ~.MITSUBISHI The New Thinking in Automoo~les ",$27,497 Family Finances by Leanne Gross Happy New Year Everyone!! The only problem with the new year - is now we have to pay the taxes for last year. Here’s some thoughts on how to help you decrease some of your taxableincome and help get the new year off to a great start. * For the individual Your 401K plan at work is the best way to.stash retirment dollars and this will lower your taxable income. You can also open an Individual Retirment Account (I.R.A.); however, if you have a retirment plan at work, there will not be much room, if any, to deduct your I.R.A. If you do not have a retirment plan at your place of employment, try opening an I.R.A. at your bank or with a financial consultant. * If you are self-employed or a small company employer of25 or less employees, you may ~ualify for the Simplified Employee Pension plan (SEP) A SEP provides an employer with a simplified way to make contributions to an employee’s Individual Retirement Account or Individual Retirement Annuity. 1. Employer contributions are made directly to SEP-IRAs set up for each employee with a bank, insurance company or other qualified financial institution. 2. Employer contributions are tax deductible. 3. Contributions are not taxed currently to the employee. 4. Earnings accumulate income tax-deferred. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 1. ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION. No annual contribution is required. If a contribution is made, the allocation must be the same percentage for each eligible employee. 2.INDIVIDUALLIMITS.The allocation of employer contributions to a participant’ s account may not exceed the lesser of 15% of compensation or $22,500. For the selfemployed, these values are reduced to 13.0435% and $19,565. 3. TIME OF CONTRIBUTION. Contributions can be made until the due date (plus extensions) of the employer’s return. 4. VESTING. Vesting must always be 100%. 5. ADDITIONAL IRAs. Additional IRAs are permitted if the combination meets overall ItLa~ limits. 6. WHO MAY PARTICIPATE? Any employee who is at least 21 and has performed "service" in at lehst 3 of the last 5 calendar years must be permitted to participate under the SEP, unless her total compensation is less than $400 for the ye.ar. 7. INVESTMENT OF PLAN ASSETS. Plan assets can be invested in most eqmty products or debt instruments, but may not be invested in life insurance, "hard" assets, or collectibles (except for U.S. gold and silver coins). Participants direct the funds coutributed on their behalf. 8. WITH~DRAWALS. Participants may withdraw or cash-out at anytilne. However, Timothy W. Daniel Attorne3’ at Law Know Your Rights! Estale Planning, Adoptions, Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy & Workers Compensation 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. Join 30,000 friends and family on Saturday, June lst! All day at the Magic Kingdom - all night at Pleasure Island Wide variety of packages a~,ailable, & Southwest now flies to Orlando! Fares as low as $408 for two - limited number of seats. Call early to lock in these prices! Call 341.6866 International Tours for more information. Need a gift idea? Gift certificates are available for air travel, cruises & many other travel needs. IGTA member. Cherry Street Psychotherapy Associates 1515 South Lewis Are you lookingfor a relaxed, amicable, private atmosphere for therapy? Our office provides a level of confidentiality and comfort that enhances teh therapeutic process. For further information, call 743-4117 Leah Hunt, MSW Judy Seymour-Taylor, CADC Della Blackburn, CADC Richard Fleeder, MS Serving a Diverse Community withdrawals are subject to immediate taxation. Prior to age 59 1/2, there is an additional 10% excise tax, unless such distributions are made over the life expectancy of the IRA owner or joint life expectancy of the owner and a designated beneficiary or because of death or disability. Once the annuity format is chosen, it cannot be modified until the later of 5 years or age 59 1/2 is reached, without a penalty. I. ADVANTAGES TO EMPLOYER 1. Contributions are tax deductible. 2. Contributions and costs are totally flexible. 3. Reporting is very minimal -- no IRS or Dept. of Labor forms. 4. The plan is easy to understand by the employees. 5. The plan is easy to set up by merely completing IRS Form 5305-SEP*. 6. There is little or no administrative expense. II. ADVANTAGES TO EMPLOYEES 1. Annual contributions are not taxed to the participant. 2. Earnings on the account are not currently taxed. 3. Participants have the right to direct investments. 4. Participants can also have a regular deductible IRA, if the combined accounts meet overall IRA requirements. 5. Funds can be withdrawn at any time; e.g., in the event of an emergency, although there will be penalties if the participant is not yet 59 1/2, unless the participant is deceased or disabled, or a special annui.ty pay out (of substantially equal payments) is chosen. III. DISADVANTAGES TO EMPLOYER 1. Contributions must be made for part-time and seasonal employees. 2. Employees can withdraw the funds as fast as they are put into the account. 3. Employees are always 100% vested -- there are no forfeitures to reduce employer contributions. 4. Employees control investments. 5. Allocation methods which reduce employer costs may not be used. IV. DISADVANTAGES TO EMPLOYEES 1. There is no guarantee as to future benefits 2. Investment risks rest on the participant. 3. There is no assurance as to the frequency and amount of employer contributions. 4. Special lump-sum tax treatment of distributions is not available. 5. No tax-free disability pay out is available. 6. There are no forfeitures to be reallocated 7. Life insurance funding is not’available. 8. Cannot contribute over the 15% limit (compared to a 25% limit permitted tinder Qualified Defined Contribution Plans). 9. Bankruptcy protection from creditors is uot afforded. Pres. Clinton said during his "’S tate of the l’nion’" address, your retirement program is going to be up to us. Talk to your employer. T,*~ke a look at your own plan. Today! ! "" My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there." Charles F. Kettering Photos, JD Jamett, 621-5597 mmmmmmmmmmmmmnmmmmmm 2405 E. Adrnira ¯ ¯ in Historic "_ Whittier Square "_ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ 582-4340,! People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. Leanne Gross Retirement planning, Life, health & income insurance, & investment placing. 744-0102 Mention this ad to receive free initial consultation. Making Sense If you missed it the first time, don’t miss it this time. Making Sense: Innovative and challenging: A program that only TOHR could bring you. Making Sense Program begins February 20. Call T©HR for more information and to enroll. Ask for Jason. 743.4297 by Jean-Pierre It’s 2 a.m., the bars have closed, and you’re hungry. Where in Tulsa can you go’? The restaurants revxewed here are open all night and have table service. Clearly, the unquestionable winner in the all-night category has to be the Village Inn chain. While service quality varies a bit from store to store, it is generally reasonably prompt, and, as long as you. d.on’t have any special requests or instructions, reasonably efficient. Breakfast is.Village Inn’s forte. They " are Particularly known for theirextremely fluffy omelettes, made so by a quick whirl in the blender before cooking. Otherpopular breakfasts are the several varieties of "skillets", which feature diced potatoes, a meat, and onions and other vegetables, all sauteed together, and then topped with eggs to order and a sauce or gravy ofsome sort. Of course, you can also get sandwiches and regular diner food. We particularly like the Cobb salad, of mosdy iceberg lettuce, but topped with aplethora ofother tasty items like bleu cheese, fresh bacon, grilled chicken breast, an~ diced avocados. Be sure and ask if the avocados are ripe, since we were served hard and tasteless avocados on several occassions. Those of you not counting fat grams will no doubt be quite favorably impressed by the double cheeseburger, f~aturing two j’ulcv hamburger patties, grilled onions, ba0o~ ~trips, cheese, & thousand island dressing. Our biggest complaint with the Village Im] chain is that the3 close at midnight on Sunday and Monday nights. On those unfortunate nights, the default choice has to be Kettle. We are sorry to report that the corporate Kettle entity was recently purchased by Denny’s. None of the employees in any of the local stores are able to tell us whether ornot there will be any change in the restaurant’s Policies , orif the Kettle stores will become Dermy’s. Kettle’s food is pretty standard and generic fare. They also do a better job on dinner entrees than most of their competitors, but even so, none meet the excruciatingly high Jean-Pierre standards. Denny’s is the traditional American allnightrestaurant, andis the standard against which other competitors are measured. Fortunately for those competitors, the local Denny’s don’t meet the old Denny’s standard. Over the last three months, we made twovisits each to three ofthe local Deuny’s stores. In each case, the service was unacceptably slow. Twice we heard patrons at other tables get almost violently loud with their server over delays, wrong orders, and poor food. The most frequent problem we encountered was cold .food. Runner up was overcooked food. To make all of. this worse, Denny’s famous budgetsaver "Grand Slam"brealffast is not served during the midnight to 6 a.m period. Frequent road-trippers will no doubt be familiar with the Waffle House chain. Small and unpretentious, Waffle House can serve a decent and cheap breakfast. Unfortunately we found that food quality vanes greatly from store to store. All Waffle Houses have wmtresses that call their customers "Hon." It’s a tradition. But, what realh scares us at Waffle House is the fa~t tl~at your short-order cook works in full view.’Some thin2s are probably better left unsaid. Waffle House has an All You Can Eat special for $4.59, slightly higher during the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. period, that is worth yourmoney and probably the best way for you to eat. The signature food is the pecan waffle, which appears hot off the iron golden brown, fragrant, and filled with pieces of pecan throughout the batter. We’ve never yet had a bad pecan waffle at a Waffle House. Other items are not so lucky. The grits we were served were a congealed mass of got bathed in some type of yellow oi!y substance we took to be melted margarine. Three ’local" restaurants exist Unfortunately, with no nadonal standards to meet, all three have definite short-comings, and we tend to avoid them. They are Mama Lou’s, Perry’s, and Kelly’s. So, as you can see, goodreaders,Tulsa’a late night dining scene Is not paricularly condusive to the gourmet experience. We do, however, have to ~ve honorable mentlons to the Whataburger and Tact Cabana chains. The food at Tact Cabana is pretty good, although not as good as what we’ve had at their San Antonio stores. Also, a favorite spot we had to mention is the Country Ketde/Texaco truck stop way out east of town on 1-44. Technically, it’s in Catoosa city limits, but just across the highway is sti]l within Tulsa city limits. Ourrecommendation?Hone vou~ gourmet skills at home for your friends. Eat before ten o’clock. Move to New York. Otherwise, head to a Village Inn, maybe eat at Tact Cabana, or try your luck with a gamble at one of the other restaurants. by James Christjohn ¯ If you missed the last two concerts in the Celtic Music series at the PAC, you : missed some great entertainment! Celtic music is the great-grandperson of bluegrass and country, yet has a quality all its ¯ own. Haunting and celebratory, often at the same time, it is great music to dis- , cover, or if you already have, to explore. ¯ Coming up is the third and final (sadly) ; concert of the Celtic Music Series, the ¯ Cassidys, 5musical Irish brothers (hate to be in the middle of one of their family ¯ spats!),atthePAC nMarch 13. They ve ¯ played for two Presidents, and filled Ra¯ dio City Music & Carnegie Halls. This will be their Tulsa debut. For info and ¯ tickets, call the PAC ticket office at 596- : 7111. And doit soon, because these shows ¯ usually pack the house! ¯ For an amusing evening, don’t miss ¯ Broken Arrow Community Playhouse’s ¯ production of"the Lion in Winter. This is ¯ the last weekend to catch it; Friday & ¯ Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. ¯ Catch the kiss in the second act - it’s quite a show stopper! (Not to mention the numerous pacemakers planted throughout ¯ the audience!) For info, call 258-0077. ¯ Well, I haven’t seen any ghosts lately, ¯ but I’ve been haunted by a Phantom. Yes, he looms large on the horizon... Oh, never ¯ mind, that’s not him, just my shadow! I ¯ really must stick to that diet more stricdy. ¯ Where was I? Oh, yeah, Phantom. THE ¯ Phantom, of Opera fame, is arriving the ¯ 22nd, and will haunt the PAC until March 23 - they’ve added a week. According to my info. The Phantom himself, Thomas The Biggest GayAnd Lesbian Comedy Event EVE / SATURDAY MARCH 16 8:00 PM _~/~ Gay Stand-U p Comics Perform in g I¢|VIFI The Gay Come~y Jam "Fr~,l, m" T~Jr~ From HDO Gay Stand-Up Comedy Nationally Recognized And Acclaimed Gay And Lesbian Headliners As Featured On HBO And The Advocate Magazine With Spedal Guest: BOB |/~11"1.1 GEORGIA RAGSD ALE From HBO’s The Rrst Openly C~y Comedian "Women Aloud" To Appear On The Tonight .Show Tickels A vailable At" The Tulsa Performing Arts Center Theatre Box Office And All Carson Attractions Ticket Locations 110 East Second Street For Ticket/Show information. (9 1 8) $ 9 6-7 1 I 1 Advance Ticket Purchase Recommended Jmnes O’Leary (Another Celtic influ- ordering a cheap seat! ence!), comes straight.... Let me rephrase There are Phantom performances set that. He hails directly from the Broadway aside for visual and heanngimpaired folks: production itself! If his name seems fa- An audio-described performance for the miliar, check the liner notes on the origi- " visually impaired is scheduled for March hal cast recording of Miss Saigon. He’s 16that2pm;andasignedperformancefor also featured on the soon to be released international symphonic recording of Miss Saigon as well. No skimping on this show. After all, they have rebuilt part of the theatre just for the chandelier. So use lots o’ hair spray, build up the chandelierproof bouffant, and call the PAC at 596- 7111 for tickets (going fast, I hear). If you want to have a gay old time and scare people enmasse, groups of 20 or more can call 254-1069 for group tickets. Tickets run from $16.50 to $61.50. Interesti0g juxtaposition ofnumbers, eh? Heaven hdp you if you’re dyslexic & think you’re the hearing impaired is scheduled for March 17th at 2pm. I am pleased to announce that Gaylapalooza is coming to Tulsa for one night only, March 16, at the PAC. Gaylapalooza is an evening featuring four acclaimed openly Gay comics: Scott Kennedy and Kevin Maye, co-stars of the ’~3ay Comedy Jam, and appearances on HBO’s Comedy Channel; Bob Smith, the first gay comic ever to have his Own HBO special and ~the first and only openly gay comic to appear on the Tonight Show; and see Comtc, page 11 How To Do It First 30 words are $10. Each additional word is 25 cents. You .may bring additional attention to your ad with: Bold Headline - $1 Ad in capital letters - $1 Ad in bold capital letters - $2 Ad in box - $2 Ad reversed - $3 Tear sheet mailed - $2 Blind Post Office Box - $5 Please type or print your ad. received. Count th~ number of words. TFN reserves (A word for our purposes is a the right to edit group ofletters or numbers sepa- or refuse any rated by a space.) ad. No refunds. Large Corner Let 3 Bdrm. Home in need of Major repairs. Appraised at 20 K+ All offers considcrcd. Call 622-1441. Send your ad & payment to POB. 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 with your name, complete address, day & eve. numbers (for our records only). Ads will run in the next issue after they are ¯ [] ¯ Keyboardist ¯ ¯ Needed ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Sunday am and [] ¯ Wednes.day pm ¯ ¯ " ¯ Call ~- ¯ Fanfi.ly of-Faitli M(?~ " ~ ¯¯ t6 inqtfire. ¯ " 622L1441L’ ¯ THAT PHONE! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1 ) To respond to these ads & browse others Call: 1-900-786-4865 2) To record your FREE Tulsa Family Personal ad Call: 1-800-546-MENN (We’ll print it here) 3) To pick-up messages from your existing ad Call: the 900 number & Press the star key (,) Due to our large volume of calls if you can’t get thru, simp y try your call later. 900 blocked? Try 1-800-863-9200. VISAiMC.. Questions Call: 1-415-281-3183 ALOT MORE THAN CURIOUS. Bi HM, military, attractive, 32, some experience, seeks others for fun and friendship. Please leave a message. (Lawton) ~18853 Recording your ad: Figure out what you want to say before calling in. Write down what you want to say. Keep it short and simple. Just describe yourself and what you’re looking for Our computerized system will walk you through the rest. Have a pen ready to write down your box number. GOOD aLE’ BOY. GWM, 135, 5’5", blonde hair, hazel eyes, 35, varied interests, seek GWM’s, 18-40, for friendship and more. Please leave a message. (Manford) e25103 NOW AND THEN. GWM, 6’1", 190, brown hair, green eyes, seeks others for occasional encounters. Please leave a message (Muskogee) ~32992 ANYONE HOME?. GWM, big guy, seeks others for fun in the sun Leave a message and we’ll go from there. (Oklahoma City) ~47984 BIG AND FULL OF FUN. GWM, 5’11", red hair, blue eyes, heavy set and fun, new to area., very passive, seeks other men for pleasure and more. Give me a call! (Oklahoma City) e47707 BI YOU A COCKTAIL. Bi WM, professional, seeks discreet, fun and safe action Leave a message soon. (Oklahoma Cityl ~47841 YOUNG LOVE. GWM, 19, alot of interests, seeks others, under 25, for relationship possibilities. No one night stands,-please! (Oklahoma City) ~47711 MAN TO MAN. GWM76’5", 210, hairy chest, taltoos, pierced, seeks others, 21-45, for discreet male to male activities in my home. Call me soon. (Oklahoma City) ~47731 BI AND BI. Bi WM, late 40% seeks other Bi guys in the local area. Leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~47209 ARE WE A MATCH?. GWM, 5’11", 160, brown hair, blue eyes, seeks local guys for friendship and possibly more. Please respond and I will answer as soon as I get your message. (Oklahoma City) ~34851 LOOKING FOR INSTRUCTION. GWM, seeks others for guidance and experience in " this lifestyle. All calls will be answered. (Oklaho~na City) ~39411 TULSA TWO STEP. GWM, 26, 5’7", 145, good looking and in shape, seeks others, 18- 27, for friendship and fun. Please leave a message. (lulsa) ~17238 FANTASY ISLAND. GWM, 41,5’11", 180, black hair, brown eyes, seeks others, local and 18-42, into foniasies, for fun and more. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) n34286 WILLING TO LEARN. GWM, 31,6’, blonde hair, brown eyes, new to this life, seeks others to teach me more. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~33975 SOUTHERN NIGHTS. GWM, 22, 250 Ibs, 5’6", looking for all local studs who are interes~l in friendship, relationship, life and laughter. If this sounds like you, leave me a message for an immediate reply. (Oklahoma City) ~47265 COWBOYS WANTED!. GWM, 5’8", brown hair and eyes, 21, seeks other males, good looking and well built cowboys preferred, for friendship and more. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~23376 NEW TO THIS. GWM, 27, 155, brown hair, hazel eyes, newly divorced and inexperienced, seeks others for experience and friendship. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~17465 ANNE RICE AND NIBBLING. GWM 2, 5 10 , blonde hair, hazel eyes, me&urn build, seeks others for friendship and relationship. (Oklahoma City) e1879~ 81G GUY. GWM, 18, 5’10", 240, seeks others for friendship and more. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) el 8863 COUNTRY STUD PUPS SOUGHT. GWM, 5’10", 1,50, brown hair and blue eyes, good looking, seeks young males for fun and good times. Please leave a message. (Oklahoma City) ~ 16604 BUDDY TO BUDDY. GWM, 25, tall and in good shape, good looking, masculine and inexperienced, smoke/drug/disease fre~, into sports, movies and all outdoor activities, seeks buddies, 20’s-30’s, to share my life and interests with. A close friendship is my goal. Please respond. (Tulsa) ~34529 NIGHTS IN BLACK LEATHER. GWM, Secretary of Tulsa Technicians, seeks other men who are hairy, ’stoched, bearded and masculine, to teach me more about Leather and all that it implies. I want to know all there is! (Tulsa) ~34324 DECENT MEN ONLY. GWM, 6’, 175, good looking and in shape, seeks others with same qualities. Leave a message. (Tulsa) ~4.7744 BAR FLIES BE GONEI. GWM, 28, 5’9", 155, good looking, straight acting, into all out door activities, smoker and social drinker, seeks others, 21-30, for fun, friendship and possibly more. Bar flies need no~" respond. (Tulsa) ~e42991 NO ONE NITERS HERE. GWM, 18, seeks others, 18-21, for fun, friendship and possible relationship. Please leave a message. (Tulsa) ~ 11953 DO YOU WANT TO HAVE FUN?. GWM, 6’1", 165, blonde hair, tanned and hairy, seeks others for one on one or phone fun. Please leave a message. (Tulsa) ~33414 DISCREETLY YOURS. GWM seeks straight actina and masculine GWM’s for friends. Pleas~ leave me a message. Firemen, policemen and military a plus. (Tulsa) ~ 13775 TEACH ME TONIGHT. Bi Curious WM, 28, brown hair, blue eyes, 6’, 160, very good shape, very inexperiericed, seeks very straight acting and Discreet men for first time pleasures. Please leave a message. (Tulsa) ~r!8134 LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE. Bi Curious Married WM, very a~active, good body, 6’1", 180, blonde hair, blue eyes, seeks other white males for first time experience. Please leave a message. No need to be Discreet. (Tulsa) ~ 16302 GIRL TALK. Bi Curious WF, 5’11",165, 24, blonde hair, hazel eyes, variety of interests, out doors woman, Seeks Bi WF’s or Curious WF’s, for friendship, exploration 6nd maybe more. Leave a message. (Oklahoma) ~26249 LET’S LEARN TOGETHER¯ Extremely Bi Curious WF, new to this life,. 22, ~’all and full figured; seeks same ~or le~rning experiences. Please leave a message (Oklahoma City) e27073 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. GWF, 31, seeks other females for fun, romance and more. Please leave a message. (Tulsa) ~27256 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1996] Tulsa Family News, February 15-March 14, 1996; Volume 3, Issue 3 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 15-March 14, 1996 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Phyl Boler-Schmit Barry Hensley Pat Morehead JD Jamett Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/507 Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, January 15-February 14, 1996; Volume 3, Issue 2 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 African Americans AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV discrimination AIDS/HIV drugs AIDS/HIV research arts and entertainment attorneys Barry Hensley Bars Bill Clinton businesses censorship churches custody Darly Jay Dave Fleischer domestic violence Don't Ask Don't Tell estate planning Eureka Springs FUSO gay panic harassment Health Briefs heresy homophobia James Christjohn Jean-Pierre Legrandbouche Leanne Gross marriage Murder Native Americans performing arts Phyl Boler-Schmidt RAIN restaurants schools sex education Shanti sodomy laws Stephen Fry That's Entertainment! threats Tom Neal Tulsa Family News Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahoomans for Human Rights viatication